Using parametric set constraints for locating errors in CLP programs

This paper introduces a framework of parametric descriptive directional types for constraint logic programming (CLP). It proposes a method for locating type errors in CLP programs and presents a prototype debugging tool. The main technique used is checking correctness of programs w.r.t. type specifications. The approach is based on a generalization of known methods for proving correctness of logic programs to the case of parametric specifications. Set-constraint techniques are used for formulating and checking verification conditions for (parametric) polymorphic type specifications. The specifications are expressed in a parametric extension of the formalism of term grammars. The soundness of the method is proved and the prototype debugging tool supporting the proposed approach is illustrated on examples. The paper is a substantial extension of the previous work by the same authors concerning monomorphic directional types.Comment: 64 pages, To appear in Theory and Practice of Logic Programmin

The Complex Paragenetic History of Basal Negaunee Iron Formation Iron Ores, Tilden Mine, Marquette District, Upper Michigan

Variable mineral chemistry and textures of basal Negaunee iron ores mined in the Main Tilden Pit have led to metallurgical difficulties. Core-logging and detailed petrography supported by microprobe investigations, identify three upward fining lithofacies within the Main Pit Carbonate and overlying Martite ore domains: 1) Basal Clastics; 2) Medial BIF; and 3) Granular Iron Formation. Growth fault related subsidence controlled deposition of the Basal Clastics, comprised of detrital quartz dispersed in a matrix of chlorite, cemented by ferri-hydrite, chert and Mg-siderite. Subsequent starvation of any clastic input led to cyclic iron-silica precipitation throughout the deposition of Medial BIF. Increasing wave action accompanied marine transgression caused deposition of granular rip-up clasts to form the Upper Granular Iron Formation. These domains are cross-cut by numerous chloritized feeder dykes and are capped by a greenstone Pillar, indicating overlapping mafic magmatism. Low grade regional metamorphism attending the 1850 Ma Penokean arc-continent collision led to magnetite growth, carbonate grain coarsening and chlorite crystallization. Metamorphic fluids facilitated martite replacement of magnetite and deformation led to developing local platy specularite schists. A late retrograde hydrothermal overprint post-dates peak thermal conditions that accompanied the development of the 1750 Ma Republic Metamorphic Node. This is expressed by high-Fe chlorite, Fe-dolomite/ankerite, zoned Mn-rich siderite with associated trace Cu-Fe sulphide and REE bearing fluro-apatite and monazite, diagnostic of an “IOCG” type signature. This complex paragenetic history accounts for the unpredictable geometallurgical response of the basal Negaunee iron ores. Treatment difficulties relate to: 1) variable silica-iron separation occurs due to liberation from detrital quartz versus massive mosaic and granular textured chert; 2) the bulk iron content is expressed not only in iron oxide but in iron carbonate and iron chlorite; and 3) the intense late IOCG overprint proximal to the Signal Hill Fault

EOS image data processing system definition study

The Image Processing System (IPS) requirements and configuration are defined for NASA-sponsored advanced technology Earth Observatory System (EOS). The scope included investigation and definition of IPS operational, functional, and product requirements considering overall system constraints and interfaces (sensor, etc.) The scope also included investigation of the technical feasibility and definition of a point design reflecting system requirements. The design phase required a survey of present and projected technology related to general and special-purpose processors, high-density digital tape recorders, and image recorders

Cognitive impairment and decline in cognitively normal older adults with high amyloid-β: A meta-analysis

AbstractIntroductionThis meta-analysis aimed to characterize the nature and magnitude of amyloid (Aβ)-related cognitive impairment and decline in cognitively normal (CN) older individuals.MethodMEDLINE Ovid was searched from 2012 to June 2016 for studies reporting relationships between cerebrospinal fluid or positron emission tomography (PET) Aβ levels and cognitive impairment (cross-sectional) and decline (longitudinal) in CN older adults. Neuropsychological data were classified into domains of episodic memory, executive function, working memory, processing speed, visuospatial function, semantic memory, and global cognition. Type of Aβ measure, how Aβ burden was analyzed, inclusion of control variables, and clinical criteria used to exclude participants, were considered as moderators. Random-effects models were used for analyses with effect sizes expressed as Cohen's d.ResultsA total of 38 studies met inclusion criteria contributing 30 cross-sectional (N = 5005) and 14 longitudinal (N = 2584) samples. Aβ-related cognitive impairment was observed for global cognition (d = 0.32), visuospatial function (d = 0.25), processing speed (d = 0.18), episodic memory, and executive function (both d's = 0.15), with decline observed for global cognition (d = 0.30), semantic memory (d = 0.28), visuospatial function (d = 0.25), and episodic memory (d = 0.24). Aβ-related impairment was moderated by age, amyloid measure, type of analysis, and inclusion of control variables and decline moderated by amyloid measure, type of analysis, inclusion of control variables, and exclusion criteria used.DiscussionCN older adults with high Aβ show a small general cognitive impairment and small to moderate decline in episodic memory, visuospatial function, semantic memory, and global cognition

How well does B-type natriuretic peptide predict death and cardiac events in patients with heart failure: systematic review

Objective To assess how well B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) predicts prognosis in patients with heart failure. Design Systematic review of studies assessing BNP for prognosis m patients with heart failure or asymptomatic patients. Data sources Electronic searches of Medline and Embase from January 1994 to March 2004 and reference lists of included studies. Study selection and data extraction We included all studies that estimated the relation between BNP measurement and the risk of death, cardiac death, sudden death, or cardiovascular event in patients with heart failure or asymptomatic patients, including initial values and changes in values in response to treatment. Multivariable models that included both BNP and left ventricular ejection fraction as predictors were used to compare the prognostic value of each variable. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. Data synthesis 19 studies used BNP to estimate the relative risk of death or cardiovascular events in heart failure patients and five studies in asymptomatic patients. In heart failure patients, each 100 pg/ml increase was associated with a 35% increase in the relative risk of death. BNP was used in 35 multivariable models of prognosis. In nine of the models, it was the only variable to reach significance-that is, other variables contained no prognostic information beyond that of BNP. Even allowing for the scale of the variables, it seems to be a strong indicator of risk. Conclusion Although systematic reviews of prognostic studies have inherent difficulties, including die possibility of publication bias, the results of the studies in this review show that BNP is a strong prognostic indicator for both asymptomatic patients mid for patients with heart failure at all stages of disease