A Novel Integer Linear Programming Formulation for Job-Shop Scheduling Problems

ob-shop scheduling is an important but difficult problem arising in low-volume high-variety manufacturing. It is usually solved at the beginning of each shift with strict computational time requirements. For fast resolution of the problem, a promising direction is to formulate it in an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) form so as to take advantages of widely available ILP methods such as Branch-and-Cut (B&C). Nevertheless, computational requirements on ILP methods for existing ILP formulations are high. In this paper, a novel ILP formulation is presented. In the formulation, a set of binary indicator variables indicating whether an operation begins at a time slot on a machine group or not is selected as decision variables, and all constraints are innovatively formulated based on this set of variables. For fast resolution of large problems, our recent decomposition-and-coordination method “Surrogate Absolute-Value Lagrangian Relaxation” (SAVLR) is enhanced by using a 3-segment piecewise linear penalty function, which more accurately approximates a quadratic penalty function as compared to an absolute-value function. Testing results demonstrate that our new formulation drastically reduces the computational requirements of B&C as compared to our previous formulation. For large problems where B&C has difficulties, near-optimal solutions are efficiently obtained by using the enhanced SAVLR under the new formulation.<br><a></a>

A Novel Integer Linear Programming Formulation for Job-Shop Scheduling Problems

ob-shop scheduling is an important but difficult problem arising in low-volume high-variety manufacturing. It is usually solved at the beginning of each shift with strict computational time requirements. For fast resolution of the problem, a promising direction is to formulate it in an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) form so as to take advantages of widely available ILP methods such as Branch-and-Cut (B&C). Nevertheless, computational requirements on ILP methods for existing ILP formulations are high. In this paper, a novel ILP formulation is presented. In the formulation, a set of binary indicator variables indicating whether an operation begins at a time slot on a machine group or not is selected as decision variables, and all constraints are innovatively formulated based on this set of variables. For fast resolution of large problems, our recent decomposition-and-coordination method “Surrogate Absolute-Value Lagrangian Relaxation” (SAVLR) is enhanced by using a 3-segment piecewise linear penalty function, which more accurately approximates a quadratic penalty function as compared to an absolute-value function. Testing results demonstrate that our new formulation drastically reduces the computational requirements of B&C as compared to our previous formulation. For large problems where B&C has difficulties, near-optimal solutions are efficiently obtained by using the enhanced SAVLR under the new formulation.<br><a></a>

Possible affective cognitive cerebellar syndrome in a young patient with COVID-19 CNS vasculopathy and stroke

Early case series suggest that about one-third of patients with COVID-19 present with neurological manifestations, including cerebrovascular disease, reported in 2%–6% of hospitalised patients. These are generally older patients with severe infection and comorbidities. Here we discuss the case of a previously fit and well 39-year-old man who presented with fever and respiratory symptoms, evolving in pneumonia with hypoxia but only requiring continuous positive airway pressure. After resolution of the respiratory disease, the patient developed focal neurology and was found to have bilateral occipital, thalamic and cerebellar infarcts. A diagnosis of COVID-19 central nervous system vasculopathy was made. He developed a florid neuropsychiatric syndrome, including paranoia, irritability, aggression and disinhibition, requiring treatment with antipsychotics and transfer to neurorehabilitation. Neuropsychometry revealed a wide range of cognitive deficits. The rapid evolution of the illness was matched by fast resolution of the neuropsychiatric picture with mild residual cognitive impairment.

HIV-1 Transcription Inhibitor 1E7-03 Restores LPS-Induced Alteration of Lung Leukocytes’ Infiltration Dynamics and Resolves Inflammation in HIV Transgenic Mice

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals treated with anti-retroviral therapy often develop chronic non-infectious lung disease. To determine the mechanism of HIV-1-associated lung disease we evaluated the dynamics of lung leukocytes in HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) mice with integrated HIV-1 provirus. In HIV-Tg mice, lipopolysacharide (LPS) induced significantly higher levels of neutrophil infiltration in the lungs compared to wild-type (WT) mice. In WT mice, the initial neutrophil infiltration was followed by macrophage infiltration and fast resolution of leukocytes infiltration. In HIV-Tg mice, resolution of lung infiltration by both neutrophils and macrophages was significantly delayed, with macrophages accumulating in the lumen of lung capillaries resulting in a 45% higher rate of mortality. Trans-endothelial migration of HIV-Tg macrophages was significantly reduced in vitro and this reduction correlated with lower HIV-1 gene expression. HIV-1 transcription inhibitor, 1E7-03, enhanced trans-endothelial migration of HIV-Tg macrophages in vitro, decreased lung neutrophil infiltration in vivo, and increased lung macrophage levels in HIV-Tg mice. Moreover, 1E7-03 reduced levels of inflammatory IL-6 cytokine, improved bleeding score and decreased lung injury. Together this indicates that inhibitors of HIV-1 transcription can correct abnormal dynamics of leukocyte infiltration in HIV-Tg, pointing to the utility of transcription inhibition in the treatment of HIV-1 associated chronic lung disease.

Nucleic acid peptide nanogels for the treatment of bacterial keratitis

DNA nanogels were developed with rapid in situ loading of L12 peptides during thermal hybridization. This facile strategy retained peptide efficacy to achieve fast resolution of bacterial keratitis.

Massive Traumatic Subcutaneous Emphysema

74 year-old-man, former smoker, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease GOLD grade 4, group D, with emphysema component, treated in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, on oxygen therapy and nocturnal bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation. During the night he had a traumatic rib fracture (5–11th right ribs) but still he used BiPAP ventilation during the sleep. In the morning after he presented with a diffuse and massive emphysema in the face, thorax and abdominal regions. On physical examination, the patient presented with massive swelling and crepitus on palpation. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a diffuse subcutaneous emphysema and revealed a mediastinal emphysema and bilateral small pneumothorax. A fast resolution of the emphysema was of paramount importance as the patient was severely agitated due to his inability to open both eyes, and the need to reintroduce BiPAP ventilation as soon as possible. It was placed a fenestrated subcutaneous catheter on left hemithorax and a subcutaneous ostomy on right hemithorax for comparative purpose. It was also performed a confluent centripetal massage towards drainage orifices, with immediate and substantial improvement of emphysema, especially in left hemithorax, and progressive ocular opening. Further emphysema absorption occurred during hospitalization.

BET 1: Does inhaled tranexamic acid reduce morbidity in adults with haemoptysis?

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether inhaled tranexamic acid is more effective than placebo at controlling bleeding in patients with haemoptysis. Thirty-four papers were found using the reported searches, of which one presented the best available evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of this paper is tabulated. It is concluded that in patients with non-massive haemoptysis, management with nebulised TXA leads to fast resolution.

Anatomy of the Brachycephalic Canine Hard Palate and Treatment of Acquired Palatitis Using CO2 Laser

The goal of this article is to review the anatomy of the brachycephalic canine hard palate and provide a step-by-step guide on diagnosis and treatment of acquired palatitis using the CO2 surgical laser. Brachycephalic breed-related defects are not only limited to the upper airways, some dogs may develop secondary systemic or localized problems. An abnormality that is over-represented in some breeds such as boxers and bulldogs is prominent palatal rugae. The greater depth of the palatal rugae allows for the entrapment of plaque, food debris and hair. Thus, acquired palatitis or granulomatous lesions may develop. This oral pathology and its consequences are commonly neglected by the owners and frequently missed by the veterinarians. Scientific evidence-based diagnosis and treatment for this breed-related oral pathology are absent in the veterinary literature. This article is the first in providing the elements needed for an adequate morphological characterization of the canine hard palate, allowing veterinarians to appropriately identify anomalous areas of the soft tissue component of the hard palate. This article illustrates the use of a noninvasive surgical technique to prevent and cure the sequelae associated with anomalous palatal rugae. The CO2 surgical laser provides a suitable method by offering the fast resolution of the lesions and permanent results.