Superpositional Quantum Network Topologies

We introduce superposition-based quantum networks composed of (i) the classical perceptron model of multilayered, feedforward neural networks and (ii) the algebraic model of evolving reticular quantum structures as described in quantum gravity. The main feature of this model is moving from particular neural topologies to a quantum metastructure which embodies many differing topological patterns. Using quantum parallelism, training is possible on superpositions of different network topologies. As a result, not only classical transition functions, but also topology becomes a subject of training. The main feature of our model is that particular neural networks, with different topologies, are quantum states. We consider high-dimensional dissipative quantum structures as candidates for implementation of the model.Comment: 10 pages, LaTeX2

crisscrossing Science Episode 015: Myosin, How Muscles Move

In this episode, Chris Gaiser (professor of biology at Linfield College) and Mike Crosser (professor of physics at Linfield College) invite David Altman (associate professor of physics at Willamette University) into the studio to discuss his research into different forms of a protein called myosin. In cells, there are chains of molecules called actin that criss-cross throughout the cell. Myosin is able to grab onto the actin and pull, causing different forms of work to happen. For instance, bundles of myosin are the cause for muscles to contract. In other examples, myosin can carry cargo through the cell. Gaiser and Crosser discuss these uses, as well as how Altman is able to study the properties of myosin

Detecting contradictory COVID-19 drug efficacy claims from biomedical literature.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a deluge of questionable and contradictory scientific claims about drug efficacy – an "infodemic" with lasting consequences for science and society. In this work, we argue that NLP models can help domain experts distill and understand the literature in this complex, high-stakes area. Our task is to automatically identify contradictory claims about COVID-19 drug efficacy. We frame this as a natural language inference problem and offer a new NLI dataset created by domain experts. The NLI framing allows us to create curricula combining existing datasets and our own. The resulting models are useful investigative tools. We provide a case study of how these models help a domain expert summarize and assess evidence concerning remdisivir and hydroxychloroquine

Backpropagation training in adaptive quantum networks

We introduce a robust, error-tolerant adaptive training algorithm for generalized learning paradigms in high-dimensional superposed quantum networks, or \emph{adaptive quantum networks}. The formalized procedure applies standard backpropagation training across a coherent ensemble of discrete topological configurations of individual neural networks, each of which is formally merged into appropriate linear superposition within a predefined, decoherence-free subspace. Quantum parallelism facilitates simultaneous training and revision of the system within this coherent state space, resulting in accelerated convergence to a stable network attractor under consequent iteration of the implemented backpropagation algorithm. Parallel evolution of linear superposed networks incorporating backpropagation training provides quantitative, numerical indications for optimization of both single-neuron activation functions and optimal reconfiguration of whole-network quantum structure.Comment: Talk presented at "Quantum Structures - 2008", Gdansk, Polan

Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis in a 66-Year-Old Woman After Fusion of the Second Right Metatarsocuneiform Joint Using Titanium Plate and Screws: A Case Report

Metallic orthopaedic implants are known to instigate cutaneous reactions; however, the mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood. Contact dermatitis after implantation of stainless steel fracture plates was first described in 1966, and similar reactions to various implants have been documented subsequently. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is an inflammatory condition of small dermal blood vessels resulting from neutrophil invasion, degranulation, and cell death caused by a type III hypersensitivity reaction. No studies have reported use of titanium orthopaedic implants resulting in LCV. We describe a 66-year-old woman who developed LCV after the fusion of her second right metatarsocuneiform joint with a titanium plate and screws. At 4 months after removal of the titanium plate and screws, the LCV symptoms had resolved without further intervention. Although this rash might be a rare complication associated with orthopaedic implants, it is an important differential diagnosis for orthopaedic surgeons to consider when assessing and treating postoperative rashes

Atrial fibrillation and risks of cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and death: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To quantify the association between atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and death. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: Medline and Embase. Eligibility criteria: Cohort studies examining the association between atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and death. Two reviewers independently extracted study characteristics and the relative risk of outcomes associated with atrial fibrillation: specifically, all cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, major cardiovascular events, any stroke, ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, ischaemic heart disease, sudden cardiac death, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Estimates were pooled with inverse variance weighted random effects meta-analysis. Results: 104 eligible cohort studies involving 9 686 513 participants (587 867 with atrial fibrillation) were identified. Atrial fibrillation was associated with an increased risk of all cause mortality (relative risk 1.46, 95% confidence interval 1.39 to 1.54), cardiovascular mortality (2.03, 1.79 to 2.30), major cardiovascular events (1.96, 1.53 to 2.51), stroke (2.42, 2.17 to 2.71), ischaemic stroke (2.33, 1.84 to 2.94), ischaemic heart disease (1.61, 1.38 to 1.87), sudden cardiac death (1.88, 1.36 to 2.60), heart failure (4.99, 3.04 to 8.22), chronic kidney disease (1.64, 1.41 to 1.91), and peripheral arterial disease (1.31, 1.19 to 1.45) but not haemorrhagic stroke (2.00, 0.67 to 5.96). Among the outcomes examined, the highest absolute risk increase was for heart failure. Associations between atrial fibrillation and included outcomes were broadly consistent across subgroups and in sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of death and an increased risk of cardiovascular and renal disease. Interventions aimed at reducing outcomes beyond stroke are warranted in patients with atrial fibrillation