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Logic programming has long being advocated for legal reasoning, and several approaches have been put forward relying upon explicit representation of the law in logic programming terms. In this position paper we focus on the PROLEG logic-programming-based framework for formalizing and reasoning with Japanese presupposed ultimate fact theory. Specifically, we examine challenges and opportunities in leveraging deep learning techniques for improving legal reasoning using PROLEG, identifying four distinct options ranging from enhancing fact extraction using deep learning to end-to-end solutions for reasoning with textual legal descriptions. We assess advantages and limitations of each option, considering their technical feasibility, interpretability, and alignment with the needs of legal practitioners and decision-makers. We believe that our analysis can serve as a guideline for developers aiming to build effective decision-support systems for the legal domain, while fostering a deeper understanding of challenges and potential advancements by neuro-symbolic approaches in legal applications.

The band structure and magnetic properties of organic charge-transfer salt $λ$-(BEDSe-TTF)$_2$GaCl$_4$ (BEDSe-TTF: bis(ethylenediseleno)tetrathiafulvalene; abbreviated as $λ$-BEDSe) are investigated. The reported crystal structure is confirmed using X-ray diffraction measurements, and the transfer integrals are calculated. The degree of electron correlation $U/W$ ($U$: on-site Coulomb repulsion, $W$: bandwidth) of $λ$-BEDSe is larger than one and comparable to that of the isostructural Mott insulator $λ$-(ET)$_2$GaCl$_4$ (ET: bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene, abbreviated as $λ$-ET), whereas the $U/W$ of the superconducting salt $λ$-(BETS)$_2$GaCl$_4$ (BETS: bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselenafulvalene) is smaller than one. $^{13}$C-NMR and $μ$SR measurements revealed that $λ$-BEDSe undergoes an antiferromagnetic (AF) ordering below $T_{\rm N} = 22$~K. In the AF state, discrete $^{13}$C-NMR spectra with a remaining central peak are observed, indicating the commensurate AF spin structure also observed in $λ$-ET. The similarity between the structural and magnetic properties of $λ$-BEDSe and $λ$-ET suggests that both salts are in the same electronic phase, i.e., the physical properties of $λ$-BEDSe can be understood by the universal phase diagram of bandwidth-controlled $λ$-type organic conductors obtained by donor molecule substitution., 12 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. B

The spin-liquid candidate $��$-(ET)$_2$Cu$_2$(CN)$_3$ [ET: bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene] does not exhibit magnetic ordering down to a very low temperature, but shows a mysterious anomaly at 6 K. The origin of the so-called 6 K anomaly is still under debate. We carried out nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurements on the copper sites of the insulating layers, which are sensitive to the charge dynamics unlike the conventional spin-1/2 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The main finding of this study is that the observation of a sharp peak behavior in the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate $T_1^{-1}$ of $^{63}$Cu NQR at 6 K while $T_1^{-1}$ of both $^{13}$C and $^{1}$H NMR show no clear anomaly. This behavior can be understood as a second-order phase transition related to charge disproportionation in the ET layers., 6 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Res. rapid communication

The architecture of craniocervical lymphatic vessels in rodents has been examined previously. In the present study, we evaluated the distribution of collecting lymphatic vessels in the palate of Suncus, which is known to retain the prototype of placental mammals and is more similar to humans in terms of jaw bone morphology when compared with rodents. Three-dimensional reconstructed images of the Suncus palatum revealed that the collecting lymphatic vessels were connected to each other via smaller branches, and ran in an antero-posterior direction in the periosteum. The vessels entered the pair of posterior palatine foramina located near the fourth premolar or the first molar bilaterally, coursed through the posterior palatine canals, and reached the pterygopalatine fossa positioned posteriorly in the palate. The collecting lymphatic vessels changed directions from medial to superior to lateral while wrapping around arteries during their course, perhaps to enable the smooth transition from the palate to the deep cervical node. Inefficient lymphatic flow in humans is attributed to the superior location of the pterygopalatine fossa in the palate when compared with its location in the Suncus.

Munenori Itagaki1, Kenichi Satoh1, Katsushi Amano1, Satoshi Sutoh1, Hiroshi Abe1, Yoshio Aizawa1, Ashida Hirokazu2, Kenichi Narita2, Shinsuke Takenaga2, Keitarou Enoki2 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Internal Medicine, Jikei University 2Department of Radiology, Jikei University; Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Successful Treatment of Budd-Chiari Syndrome with Balloon Dilatation Angioplasty JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2016;6(1):17-20

Case-based reasoning (CBR) is extensively used in AI in support of several applications, to assess a new situation (or case) by recollecting past situations (or cases) and employing the ones most similar to the new situation to give the assessment. In this paper we study properties of a recently proposed method for CBR, based on instantiated Abstract Argumentation and referred to as AA-CBR, for problems where cases are represented by abstract factors and (positive or negative) outcomes, and an outcome for a new case, represented by abstract factors, needs to be established. In addition, we study properties of explanations in AA-CBR and define a new notion of lean explanations that utilize solely relevant cases. Both forms of explanations can be seen as dialogical processes between a proponent and an opponent, with the burden of proof falling on the proponent.

The magnetically ordered states of the A-site ordered perovskite manganites LaBaMn2O6 and YBaMn2O6 have been investigated by muon spin relaxation in zero external magnetic field. Our data reveal striking differences in the nature of the magnetically ordered state of these materials. For LaBaMn2O6, the muSR time-spectra in the ferromagnetic state below ~ 330 K reveal a strongly inhomogeneous phase, reminiscent of a Griffiths phase. Within this magnetically inhomogeneous phase, an antiferromagnetic state develops below 150 K, which displays well defined static internal magnetic fields, but reaches only 30% of the volume fraction at low temperatures. A broad distribution of muSR relaxation rates is inferred down to the lowest temperatures. This behavior is similar to the A-site disordered La0.5Ba0.5MnO3. On the other hand, for YBaMn2O6, the muSR time spectra for both (i) the charge and orbital ordered and (ii) the paramagnetic phases reveal rather homogeneous states, namely, an exponential relaxation in the paramagnetic state and well defined muon spin oscillation in the antiferromagnetic state.

A weakening of superconductivity upon substitution of Cu by Zn (0.5~1 %) is observed in a high-T_c cuprate, Ca_{2-x}Na_xCuO2Cl2, near the hole concentration of 1/8 per Cu. The superconducting transition temperature and its volume fraction, estimated by magnetic susceptibility, exhibit a sizable anomaly for x=0.12~0.14, where the slowing down of Cu spin fluctuations below 5 K is demonstrated by muon spin relaxation experiments. These observations are in close resemblance to other typical cuprates including YBa2Cu3O_{7-d}, and Bi2Sr2Ca_{1-x}Y_xCu2O_{8+d}, providing further evidence that Zn-induced "stripe" correlation is a universal feature of high-T_c cuprate superconductors common to that of La_{2-x}A_{x}CuO4 (A=Ba, Sr)., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures

The presence of spin-orbit (SO) interaction in a noncentrosymmetric superconductor, La2C3 (T_c~11 K) is demonstrated by muon spin rotation (muSR) in its normal state, where muSR spectra exhibit field-induced weak depolarization due to van Vleck-like local susceptibility. In the mixed state, muon spin relaxation due to inhomogeneity of internal field (sigma_v) exhibits a field dependence that is characterized by a kink, where sigma_v (and hence the superfluid density) is more strongly reduced at lower fields. This is perfectly in line with the presence of a secondary energy gap previously inferred from the temperature dependence of sigma_v, and also consistent with the possible influence of asymmetric deformation of the Fermi surface due to the SO interaction., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures

Although many single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) studies have reported an association of atopy, allergic diseases and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, almost all of these studies sought risk factors for the onset of these allergic diseases. Furthermore, many studies have analyzed a single gene and hardly any have analyzed environmental factors. In these analyses, the results could be masked and the effects of other genes and environmental factors may be decreased. Here, we described the correlation between four genes [interleukin (IL)-4 (C-590T), IL-4 receptor (A1652G), FCER1B (G6842A) and STAT6 (G2964A)] in connection with IgE production; the role of IL-10 (C-627A) as a regulatory cytokine of allergy; and the severity of food allergy (FA) and atopic eczema (AE) in 220 Japanese allergic children. In addition to these SNPs, environmental factors, i.e., patient's attitude, indoor environment, and so on, were also investigated in this study. Our study was retrospective, and the correlation was analyzed by our defined clinical scores divided into three terms: worst symptoms, recent symptoms and general amelioration at the most recent examination during the disease course. Our results indicated that IL-10 AA, the genotype with lower IL-10 production, is associated with higher IgE levels in the serum (p < 0.0001, estimate; 0.912). Marginal liver abnormalities were observed in the subject group with both FA and AE (p < 0.1191, estimate; 0.1490). Our defined clinical scores enabled evaluation of various aspects of disease severity. Based on the scores, while no single SNP selected in this study determined severity, the combination of the SNP with laboratory data and environmental factors appeared to determine severity.

Sodium ascorbate induced cytotoxicity against human glioblastoma T98G cells in RPMI1640 medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum or human serum samples was studied. Several human serum samples significantly reduced the cytotoxic activity of sodium ascorbate, regardless of sex, age or the disease of the serum donor with or without heat-inactivation of the serum. ESR spectroscopy revealed that this serum effect was not simply due to the alteration of the ascorbyl radical intensity, produced from sodium ascorbate. The present study suggests that the apoptosis-inducing activity of sodium ascorbate might be significantly affected by human serum.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of the transient increase of serum prolactin levels on the gonadotropin secretion system in patients with occult hyperprolactinemia (OHP). 216 cases of normoprolactinemic hypothalamic anovulatious were selected by LH-RH and TRH loading tests, and 5mg/day of bromocriptine was administered for more than 8 weeks. The effectiveness of the bromocriptine administration was estimated by the ultrasonic examination of the follicular development. The endocrinological backgrounds were compared between bromocriptine effective (154 cases, group A) and non-effective (62 cases, group B) patients. Serum prolactin levels 30min. after LH-RH and TRH loading (PRL30 in group A were significantly higher than those of group B (74.1 +/- 36.5 vs. 38.0 +/- 18.2ng/ml, p0.01). From this result, it was thought that many of the OHP patients were selected in group A. Serum LH levels 30min. after loading test (LH30) in group A also increased compared to those of group B (65.0 +/- 66.5 vs. 43.1 +/- 34.3mIU/ml, p0.02). The LH/FSH ratio before loading was also higher in group A (1.3 +/- 0.6) than that of group B (1.0 +/- 0.5, p0.02). This fact showed that group A also contained patients with hyper-LH hypothalamic anovulation, which is known as the endocrinological PCOD. There were also significant inverse correlations between serum levels of prolactin and FSH in group A (before loading values: r = 0.272, 30min. after loading: r = 0.224, p0.01). By the administration of bromocriptine, serum prolactin levels decreased both in group A and B, and the elevated serum LH/FSH ratio (1.0 +/- 0.4, p= 0.02), LH30 (46.1 +/- 37.0mIU/ml, p0.005) also decreased significantly. Serum levels of FSH in group A increased significantly with treatment (before loading: 5.4 +/- 2.6--6.2 +/- 2.0, 30min. after loading: 10.6 +/- 6.0--14.6 +/- 9.9mIU/ml, p0.005). From these facts, it was concluded that FSH secretion was suppressed even by a slight increase of serum prolactin levels which was usually seen in the OHP, and bromocriptine administration was effective not only for the suppression of serum prolactin and LH levels, but also for the improvement of FSH secretion in the OHP patients.

The effect of YM-12617 on the lower urinary tract function was studied by combined recording of cystometry and external sphincter electromyogram (EMG) in 11 female decerebrate dogs. Reflex micturitions were induced by bladder filling before and after YM-12617 administration. Statistical analysis was carried out on the urodynamic parameters. YM-12617 in a dose of 10 micrograms/kg significantly decreased micturition threshold pressure during the collecting phase. In the urodynamic parameters of the emptying phase there was a significant decrease in contraction pressure at 10 and 30 micrograms/kg.

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are documents developed in a systematic way that aim to improve the quality of health care, reduce variations in medical practice, and reduce health care costs. However, when concurrently apply them, this can lead to adverse drug-drug interactions that can impair the patient’s condition. Several efforts have been made in order to provide systems capable of identifying these conflicts. However, the current approaches for this purpose have some limitations. This paper presents a solution that represents CPGs as Computer-Interpretable Guidelines (CIGs) and allows for the automatic drug conflict identification and resolution. Also, we provide the identification of improvements to include in a future model. Moreover, this system provides clinical recommendations in an agenda, being capable of identifying drug interactions when drugs are prescribed simultaneously and provide conflict-free alternatives., This work has been supported by COMPETE: POCI-01-0145-FEDER-0070 43 and FCT Fundac¸ao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia within the Project Scope UID/CEC/00319/2013. The work of Tiago Oliveira was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP18K18115.

The current progresses at the intersection of computer science and health care have the potential of greatly improving the living conditions of people with disabilities by removing obstacles that impair the normal unfolding of their everyday lives. Assistive technologies, as an application of scientific knowledge, aim to help users with their diminished capacities and, usually, imply a small adaptation from individuals so that they can use the devices that convey assistive functionalities. One of the most commonly diminished capabilities is that of spatial orientation. This is mirrored by several research works whose goal is to help human beings to travel between locations. Once set up, most of the systems featured in these research works requires changes in the configurations to be made manually in order to achieve a better adjustment to the user. In order to overcome this drawback, the work presented herein features a framework of Speculative Computation to set up the computation of the next step of a user using default values. The consequence of the application of the framework is a faster reaction to user stimuli, which may result in issuing warnings when he is likely to choose the wrong direction., This work is part-funded by ERDF - European Regional Development Fund through the COMPETE Programme (operational programme for competitiveness) and by National Funds through the FCT Fundac¸ao para a Ci ˜ encia e a Tecnologia (Portuguese Foundation for Science and ˆ Technology) within project FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-028980 (PTDC/EEI-SII/1386/2012). The work of Joao Ramos is supported by a doctoral grant by FCT - Fundac¸ ˜ ao para a Ci ˜ encia e a ˆ Tecnologia (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) SFRH/BD/89530/2012. The work of Tiago Oliveira is also supported by the FCT grant with the reference SFRH/BD/85291/- 2012., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Declarative programming allows the expression of properties of the desired solution(s), while the computational task is delegated to a general-purpose algorithm. The freedom from explicit controlis counter-balanced by the difficulty in working out what properties are missing or are incorrectly expressed, when the solutions do not meet expectations. This can be particularly problematic in thecase of answer set semantics, because the absence of a key constraint/rule could make the difference between none or thousands of answer sets, rather than the intended one (or handful). The debuggingtask then comprises adding or deleting conditions on the right hand sides of existing rules or, more far-reaching, adding or deleting whole rules. The contribution of this paper is to show how inductivelogic programming (ILP) along with examples of (un)desirable properties of answer sets can be used to revise the original program semi-automatically so that it satisfies the stated properties, in effectproviding debugging-by-example for programs under answer set semantics.

The cardiovascular changes after intubation and at the time of incision under nitrous oxide-oxygen anesthesia with epidural buprenorphine (Bn) were examined. The subjects were 56 patients who underwent abdominal surgery. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of the epidural drugs used, i.e., group I (Bn 0.2 mg + saline 9 ml, n = 31) and group II (Bn 0.2 mg + 1% lidocaine 10 ml, n = 25). The systolic pressure increased significantly (P less than 0.05) to 169 +/- 29 mmHg (mean +/- SD) after intubation and to 162 +/- 28 mmHg after incision in group I, with no decrease in blood pressure during the non-stimulation period. In group II, although there was a significant decrease in blood pressure to 114 +/- 24 mmHg just before incision (P less than 0.05), no elevation of blood pressure was noted after intubation or incision. There was no significant difference between groups I and II with regard to the heart rate and respiratory rate. We were unable to block the cardiovascular reaction after intubation and incision under nitrous oxide-oxygen anesthesia with epidural Bn, requiring local anesthetics or volatile anesthetics. This method, however, is useful for patients in whom a fall of blood pressure should be avoided, e.g., for those with hypovolemia.

application/pdf, Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I （RIG-I） is a cytoplasmic protein regarded as putative RNA helicase.Immunohistochemical studies revealed high levels of RIG-I expression in epidermic cells in psoriasis, in macrophagesin atherosclerotic lesions and in glomeruli of lupus nephritis. RIG-I expression was also demonstrated in macrophagesand vascular endothelial cells in experimental animals with Listeria or Hanta virus infection. In vitro studies using cellcultures revealed the expression of RIG-I, in various cells including endothelial cells, macrophages and astroglial cells, inresponse to the stimulation with cytokines, lipopolysaccharide, double-stranded RNA, Listeria monocytogenes, etc. Thestudies employing the overexpression or RNA interference suggested that RIG-I is involved in the regulation of cytokineexpression including CXCL10/IP-10 and CCL5/RANTES. These results suggest that RIG-I constitutes a part of theintracellular pathway for the regulation of infl ammatory and immune responses., 弘前医学. 59(Suppl.), 2007, p.S137-S142