Modular Construction of Complete Coalgebraic Logics

We present a modular approach to defining logics for a wide variety of state-based systems. The systems are modelled by coalgebras, and we use modal logics to specify their observable properties. We show that the syntax, semantics and proof systems associated to such logics can all be derived in a modular fashion. Moreover, we show that the logics thus obtained inherit soundness, completeness and expressiveness properties from their building blocks. We apply these techniques to derive sound, complete and expressive logics for a wide variety of probabilistic systems, for which no complete axiomatisation has been obtained so far

Generic Encodings of Constructor Rewriting Systems

Rewriting is a formalism widely used in computer science and mathematical logic. The classical formalism has been extended, in the context of functional languages, with an order over the rules and, in the context of rewrite based languages, with the negation over patterns. We propose in this paper a concise and clear algorithm computing the difference over patterns which can be used to define generic encodings of constructor term rewriting systems with negation and order into classical term rewriting systems. As a direct consequence, established methods used for term rewriting systems can be applied to analyze properties of the extended systems. The approach can also be seen as a generic compiler which targets any language providing basic pattern matching primitives. The formalism provides also a new method for deciding if a set of patterns subsumes a given pattern and thus, for checking the presence of useless patterns or the completeness of a set of patterns.Comment: Added appendix with proofs and extended example

Exptime tableaux for the coalgebraic μ-calculus

The coalgebraic approach to modal logic provides a uniform framework that captures the semantics of a large class of structurally different modal logics, including e.g. graded and probabilistic modal logics and coalition logic. In this paper, we introduc

A Portable Implementation on Industrial Devices of a Predictive Controller Using Graphical Programming

This paper presents an approach for developing an Extended Prediction Self-Adaptive Controller employing graphical programming of industrial standard devices, for controlling fast processes. For comparison purposes, the algorithm has been implemented on three different FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) chips. The paper presents research aspects regarding graphical programming controller design, showing that a single advanced control application can run on different targets without requiring significant program modifications. Based on the time needed for processing the control signal and on the application, one can efficiently and easily select the most appropriate device. To exemplify the procedure, a conclusive case study is presented

Cervical arthroplasty versus anterior cervical decompression and fusion

Background: Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) is a common procedure in neurosurgical practice to manage the cervical cord/nerve roots compression by intervertebral disk herniation / osteophytic formation. However, cervical total disk replacement (TDR) progressively became a feasible alternative to ACDF in surgical practice. This procedure is thought to have many advantages compared to classical ACDF. The aim of the present study is to investigate if TDR is superior as outcome measures than ACDF, by reviewing the published data available to date.Methods: We searched several electronic databases up to December 2010. Outcomes sought includes pain relief, functional capacity, quality of life, adjacent disk disease, secondary surgeries, kinematics/range of motion, return to work, adverse events, potential candidacy rate for surgery. We selected mainly randomized controlled trials.Results: Compared to ACDF, TDR has superior or equal clinical outcomes, a lower incidence of adjacent disc disease (radiological +/- clinical), lower rate of secondary revision surgeries, supplemental fixation or adjacent segment reoperation, superior spine kinematics, which is maintained over time, earlier return to work. On the other hand, the presented studies have shown that TDR exposes the patients to more frequent postoperative events and have an inferior candidacy rate compared to ACDF. We did not have access to straight –forward economic data, but TDR seems to be more costly than ACDF.Conclusions: TDR already represents a well-established technique in the armamentarium to manage the cervical disc herniation, a method required to be handled by any surgeon involved in spinal care

Intramedullary tumors: Clinical, radiological and histological correlations

Intramedullary spinal cord (SC) tumors are relatively rare tumors, accounting for only 2% to 4% ofcentral nervous systemtumors.These tumorsaregenerallyslow-growing tumorsthatcouldbenefitfromsurgical removal. A pre-surgery identification of the tumor histology might improve the surgical management of the tumor and also properly predict the functional outcome after surgery. The neuroimaging techniques, provide crucial information about tumors anatomy. By adding the medical history of the present illness and detailed clinical examination, the imaging data might however be extremely helpful in the prediction of tumor histology. This will allow anappropriate surgical managementofthese lesions and provide pertinent predictors of the functional outcome post-surgery. Therefore, the surgeon can set the patient’s expectations at a realistic level.The present studyis a prospective study,aiming to use combined clinical and imaging data to predictthe intramedullary SC tumor histology. The primary objectiveis to identify the pathognomonic clinical and imaging pattern for eachtumor type.The study was conducted in the Neurosurgery Clinic Emergency Clinic Hospital Bagdasar-Arseni between 2006 and 2009. A total of 36 patients (19 females/17 males) participated. All patients were evaluated for motor, sensory, sphincter, walking and balance functions. MRI assessment was used to determine the presence of an intramedullary SC tumor as well as its characteristics.All histological types have a long history of symptoms, which depends of locations in longitudinal plane. All intramedullary tumors presented spinal cord dilatation on MRI. We confined the clinico-radiological characteristics of each histological type, strongly correlated with histopathological analysis, extensively presented in the paper. By combining a careful medical history, clinical examination and MRI data, we could predict with a reasonable accuracy in preoperative stage the histological type of an intramedullary tumor.&nbsp

Generic Encodings of Constructor Rewriting Systems

International audienceRewriting is a formalism widely used in computer science and mathematical logic. The classical formalism has been extended, in the context of functional languages, with an order over the rules and, in the context of rewrite based languages, with the negation over patterns. We propose in this paper a concise and clear algorithm computing the difference over patterns which can be used to define generic encodings of constructor term rewriting systems with negation and order into classical term rewriting systems. As a direct consequence, established methods used for term rewriting systems can be applied to analyze properties of the extended systems. The approach can also be seen as a generic compiler which targets any language providing basic pattern matching primitives. The formalism provides also a new method for deciding if a set of patterns subsumes a given pattern and thus, for checking the presence of useless patterns or the completeness of a set of patterns

The play's the thing

For very understandable reasons phenomenological approaches predominate in the field of sensory urbanism. This paper does not seek to add to that particular discourse. Rather it takes Rorty’s postmodernized Pragmatism as its starting point and develops a position on the role of multi-modal design representation in the design process as a means of admitting many voices and managing multidisciplinary collaboration. This paper will interrogate some of the concepts underpinning the Sensory Urbanism project to help define the scope of interest in multi-modal representations. It will then explore a range of techniques and approaches developed by artists and designers during the past fifty years or so and comment on how they might inform the question of multi-modal representation. In conclusion I will argue that we should develop a heterogeneous tool kit that adopts, adapts and re-invents existing methods because this will better serve our purposes during the exploratory phase(s) of any design project that deals with complexity

A Novel Role for CCL3 (MIP-1α) in Myeloma-induced Bone Disease via Osteocalcin Downregulation and Inhibition of Osteoblast Function

Upregulation of cytokines and chemokines is a frequent finding in multiple myeloma (MM). CCL3 (also known as MIP-1α) is a pro-inflammatory chemokine whose levels in the MM microenvironment correlate with osteolytic lesions and tumor burden. CCL3 and its receptors, CCR1 and CCR5, contribute to the development of bone disease in MM by supporting tumor growth and regulating osteoclast (OC) differentiation. Here, we identify inhibition of osteoblast (OB) function as an additional pathogenic mechanism in CCL3-induced bone disease. MM-derived and exogenous CCL3 represses mineralization and osteocalcin production by primary human bone marrow stromal cells and HS27A cells. Our results suggest that CCL3 effects on OBs are mediated by ERK activation and subsequent downregulation of the osteogenic transcription factor osterix. CCR1 inhibition reduced ERK phosphorylation and restored both osterix and osteocalcin expression in the presence of CCL3. Finally, treating SCID-hu mice with a small molecule CCR1 inhibitor suggests an upregulation of osteocalcin expression along with OC downregulation. Our results show that CCL3, in addition to its known catabolic activity, reduces bone formation by inhibiting OB function and therefore contributes to OB/OC uncoupling in MM