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Right-to-left shunt may be a cause of paradoxical embolization (and cryptogenic cerebral ischemic events). Patent foramen ovale and pulmonary arterio-venous malformations are the most common cause of paradoxical embolization; however, some rare cardiovascular lesions may cause a right-to-left shunt with consequent paradoxical embolization. We describe a case of a young child with superior sinus venosus atrial septal defect who underwent surgical closure and developed a cryptogenic cerebral ischemic attack due to a rare cause of paradoxical embolization, during a long-term follow-up. This case report cautions us to consider some rare causes of parodixal embolization such as systemic-pulmonary venous connections. The diagnosis should be always suspected in patients with paradoxical embolization without a patent foramen ovale and/or arterio-venous pulmonary malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of executing machine learning algorithms over data while complying with data privacy is highly relevant in many application areas, including medicine in general and Precision Medicine in particular. In this paper, an innovative framework for Federated Learning is proposed that allows performing machine learning and effectively tackling the issue of data privacy while taking a step towards security during communication. Unlike the standard federated approaches where models should travel on the communication networks and would be subject to possible cyberattacks, the models proposed by our framework do not need to travel, thus moving in the direction of security improvement. Another very appealing feature is that it can be used with any machine learning algorithm provided that, during the learning phase, the model updating does not depend on the input data. To show its effectiveness, the learning process is here accomplished by an Evolutionary Algorithm, namely Grammatical Evolution, thus also obtaining explicit knowledge that can be provided to the domain experts to justify the decisions made. As a test case, glucose values prediction for a number of patients with type 1 diabetes is considered and is tackled as a classification problem, the goal being to predict for any future value a possible range. Finally, a comparison of the performance of the proposed framework is performed against that of a non-Federated Learning approach. [Display omitted] Model-Free-Communication Federated Learning framework: the performance communication step. The top pane of the figure sketches the dispatch from the clients to the server of the solution's local performance ( ϕ i (M) represents the performance value of the current solution M computed on the local data present on the i th client), while the bottom one traces the dispatch from the server to the clients of the solution's global performance. • An innovative Model-Free-Communication Federated Learning framework is proposed. • It may improve security in communication because models do not travel on the network. • This framework is applied to Precision Medicine by using Grammatical Evolution. • As a test case, future glucose values prediction is faced for T1DM diabetic subjects. • The global model found allows effectively predicting over twelve diabetes patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bullying is a relationship problem that most often occurs in the presence of peers. Peers who witness bullying play a critical role in intervening. Peer intervention, or defending, is a complex behavior. Defending a victimized peer can occur offline and online, with many similarities between the two contexts. This paper, guided by the Social Ecological Model, systematically reviewed the correlates associated with defending at different levels including: individual, peer, family, and school. Inclusion criteria retrieved a final sample of 130 original, peer-reviewed research articles on offline defending, and 25 articles for online defending. Consistent results across both contexts reveal that individuals who defend tend to be girls, have high empathy and low moral disengagement, are popular and well-liked by their peers, and perceive supportive relationships with their parents, teachers, and schools. More research is needed to understand interactions that may occur between levels of the model, as defending is a complex behavior that cannot be characterized by isolated correlates. Highlights • Both offline and online defending are associated with individual, peer, family, and school correlates. • Empathy was the most researched individual correlate, with all significant findings (75%) positively related to defending. • For offline defending, sociometric status was the most researched correlate, and its association may be bidirectional. • The bystander model was the most studied correlate of online defending, with most research (84%) noting a positive link. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamical reconfiguration of photovoltaic panels is a useful approach for fighting the detrimental effects of mismatching on their power production. The practical implementation of the method has been recently optimized by means of efficient and reliable relays. However, two problems remain still open. The first is to determine the optimal electrical connection among the panels that ensures the maximum power produced at the actual irradiance conditions, while the latter is to constrain the computation time of such optimal configuration to fit the need of real time applications. We present an evolutionary approach to the first problem. It is designed for allowing a straightforward porting to an embedded system and it is aimed at reconfiguring photovoltaic panels, thus not modules like some other approaches do in literature. Simulation results confirm the reliability and convergence capabilities of the proposed method and encourage further work for the adoption of the algorithm in real time applications. The problem of minimizing the computation time is also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of cyberbullying intervention programs that are either in current practice and/or have been well documented. There are negative effects associated with cyberbullying including, poor academic, social, and mental health outcomes. Consequently, there is a need to develop evidence-based interventions. Critical content and evaluation elements of traditional bullying interventions provided a framework, due to the limited evidence on effective features for addressing cyberbullying. The review is based on a set of criteria for traditional bullying by Craig, Pepler, and Shelley (2004), which emphasizes scientific merit and ease of implementation. Results suggest that most studies are lacking in scientific merit, with most studies meeting less than half of the criteria. The average ease of implementation score was higher than that of scientific merit, however only 3 programs provided maintenance after implementation. Recommendations are made for best practices for cyberbullying interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to identify predictors of occlusion intolerance (OI) developing during proximal protected carotid artery stenting (CAS). Background The use of proximal embolic protection devices, such as endovascular occlusion, during CAS has been demonstrated to be particularly safe and effective. However, endovascular occlusion can expose the ipsilateral hemisphere to hypoperfusion and produce transient neurological symptoms (OI). Methods From March 2010 to March 2012, 605 consecutive patients underwent proximal protected CAS at our institution. To identify independent predictors of OI, a multivariate logistic regression model was developed that included all patients’ clinical/angiographic and procedural characteristics. Results OI developed in a total of 184 patients (30.4%). Compared with patients in whom OI did not develop, those who experienced OI had lower occlusion pressure (OP) (42.3 ± 12.7 mm Hg vs. 61.9 ± 15.4 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that OP was the most consistent predictor of OI with a C-statistic of 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82 to 0.88) with best cutoff being ≤40 mm Hg (sensitivity, 68.5%; specificity, 93.3%). By logistic regression analysis, the most powerful independent predictor of OI developing was an OP ≤40 mm Hg (odds ratio: 33.2, 95% CI: 19.1 to 57.7) and the most powerful clinical predictor of such OP was the presence of contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion (odds ratio: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.5 to 6.2). Conclusions OI may occur in as many as one-third of the patients undergoing proximal protected CAS. This event is more common in those patients with an OP ≤40 mm Hg. Patients presenting with concomitant occlusion of the contralateral internal carotid artery more frequently have an OP ≤40 mm Hg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this prospective registry was to evaluate the safety and efficacy at 2-year follow-up of the use of drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) for the treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) in-stent restenosis (ISR). Background: The use of DEBs for the treatment of SFA ISR is associated with a satisfactory primary patency rate at 1 year, but no data are available for longer follow-up. Unfortunately, when DEBs were used to treat SFA de novo lesions, the occurrence of restenosis increased by 50% between the first and the second years of follow-up. Methods: From December 2009 to December 2010, 39 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of SFA ISR at our institution (Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Italy). All patients underwent conventional SFA percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and final post-dilation with paclitaxel-eluting balloons (IN.PACT, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota). Patients were evaluated for up to 24 months. Results: During follow-up, 1 patient died of heart failure and another of sudden death, for a 2-years rate of cardiovascular mortality rate of 5.12 %. The primary patency rate at 2 years was 70.3% (11 of 37 patients experienced restenosis recurrence at 2-year follow-up). The treatment of complex ISR lesions (classes II and III) was associated with an increased rate of recurrent restenosis compared with class I (33.3 % and 36.3 % vs. 12.5%; p = 0.05). Conclusions: The data suggest that adjunctive use of DEBs for the treatment of SFA ISR is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy up to 2 years of follow-up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the safety and performance of the Igaki-Tamai (Igaki Medical Planning Company, Kyoto, Japan) biodegradable stent in patients with occlusive superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. Background: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) biodegradable stents have been shown to be effective in the coronaries, but no data are available regarding their efficacy in the femoral artery. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized study enrolled 30 patients with symptomatic de novo SFA disease undergoing implantation of Igaki-Tamai bioresorbable stents. Clinical examinations and duplex ultrasound were prospectively performed after 1, 6, 9, and 12 months. The main study endpoints were technical success, restenosis rate, rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR), changes in ankle-brachial index (ABI), and quality of life by evaluating the walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ). Safety was assessed by monitoring the occurrence of major adverse clinical events and serious adverse events. Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.7 years, and 77% were male. The mean lesion length was 5.9 cm. Mean diameter stenosis was reduced from 89.9% to 6.2%, after stent implantation. Technical success was 96.7%. Binary restenosis rate for the 6 and 12 months follow-up was 39.3% and 67.9%, respectively. The TLR rate was 25.0% after 6 months and 57.1% after 12 months. All TLR were successful; the secondary patency rate after 1 year was 89.3%. Between baseline and 12 months, ABI increased in 53.6% of patients. Functional endpoints (WIQ), even if affected by a relatively high reintervention rate, showed improvement in most of the patients. Conclusions: The GAIA (Evaluation of the Biodegradable Peripheral Igaki-Tamai Stent in the Treatment of De Novo Lesions in the Superficial Femoral Artery) study shows that when using biodegradable PLLA stents (Igaki-Tamai), the immediate angiographic results are comparable to the results of metal stents, achieving a high secondary patency rate after 1 year. Modifications of stent characteristics and technical modifications are needed with the goal to reduce the restenosis rate during the reabsorption period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives This study aimed to appraise 2-year outcomes after percutaneous treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease with paclitaxel-eluting balloons. Background Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with paclitaxel-eluting balloons for femoropopliteal artery disease has provided favorable 1-year results. Methods Consecutive patients with Rutherford class 2 to 4 disease due to femoropopliteal lesions ≤15 mm long and with 3- to 7-mm reference vessel diameter were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter registry. Endpoints of interest included primary patency, major adverse events (the composite of death, amputation, or target lesion revascularization), changes in Rutherford class, ankle-brachial index, absolute claudication distance, and quality of life after ≥24 months. Results A total of 105 patients (114 lesions) treated with paclitaxel-eluting balloons and provisional stenting were enrolled, and final procedural success was obtained in all. Follow-up after 27 ± 3 months was obtained in 98 (93.3%) patients, showing that primary patency was maintained in 71 (72.4%), and major adverse events had occurred in 17 (17.5%), with persistently significant benefits in Rutherford class, ankle-brachial index, absolute claudication distance, and quality of life (all p < 0.001). Secondary patency rate was achieved in 89 cases (84.7%). Conclusions PEBs are associated with favorable functional and clinical outcomes at 2 years in patients with femoropopliteal artery disease requiring percutaneous revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is considered a promising radio-protector for its antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. We examined the ability of NAC to confer protection against radiation-induced chromosomal DNA damage during cardiac catheterization procedures. Methods: Sixty-five patients (52 males, age 64.4±11.9years) undergoing invasive cardiovascular procedures (peripheral transluminal angioplasty, n =45; cardiac resynchronization therapy, n =15 and ablation therapy n =5) were enrolled: 35 patients (26 males, age 63.4±11.1years) received the standard hydration protocol consisting of intravenous isotonic saline for 12h after catheterization (Group I), and 30 patients (26 males, age 65.5±12.9years) received a clinically driven double intravenous dose of NAC (6mg/kg/h diluted in 250mL of NaCl 0.9%) for 1h before and a standard dose (6mg/kg/h diluted in 500mL of NaCl 0.9%) for 12h following catheterization (Group II). Micronucleus assay (MN) was performed as biomarker of chromosomal DNA damage before, 2 and 24h after the radiation exposure. Dose-area product (DAP; Gy cm2) was assessed as physical measure of radiation load. Results: DAP was higher in NAC-treated patients (I=54.7±23.6 vs II=126.2±79.2Gy cm2, p =0.0001). MN frequency was 13.7±4.7‰ at baseline and showed a significant rise at 2h (18.0±6.8 p =0.01) and 24h (17.6±5.9, p =0.03) in the Group I. There was no significant increase of MN in the Group II (13.7±7.0, 15.5±6.0 and 14.9±6.3 for baseline, 2h and 24h respectively, p =0.4). Conclusion: NAC treatment given to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy may also reduce DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Quantification of potential effects of ambient atmospheric pollution on magnetic and chemical properties of soils and plants requires precise experimental studies. A controlled growth experiment assessing magnetic and chemical parameters was conducted within (controls) and outside (exposed) a greenhouse setting. Magnetic susceptibility (MS) measurements showed that while initial MS values were similar for the sample sets, the overall MS value of exposed soil was significantly greater than in controls, suggesting an additional input of Fe-containing particles. Scanning electron microscope images of the exposed soils revealed numerous angular magnetic particles and magnetic spherules typical of vehicular exhaust and combustion processes, respectively. Similarly, chemical analysis of plant roots showed that plants grown in the exposed soil had higher concentrations of Fe and heavy (toxic) metals than controls. This evidence suggests that atmospheric deposition contributed to the MS increase in exposed soils and increased metal uptake by plants grown in this soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The use of Directional Atherectomy (DA) for the treatment of calcified femoro-popliteal lesions seems to improve the acute procedural success, however without reducing the long term restenosis rate. Drug coated balloons (DCB) reduced restenosis rate in non heavy calcified lesions. Aim of this study was to demonstrate safety and efficacy of a combined endovascular approach using DA and DCB for the treatment of heavy calcified lesions of the femoro-popliteal tract. Methods: From January 2010 to November 2010, 240 patients underwent PTA of the femoro-popliteal tract in our institution. Within this cohort a total of 30 patients had Life Limiting Claudication (LLC) (n=18) and 12 a Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) with baseline Rutherford class 4.2±1.2 underwent PTA of heavy calcified lesions with intravascular ultrasound guided DA and DCB. All procedures have been performed using a distal protection device. Stent implantation was allowed only in case of flow limiting dissections or suboptimal result (residual stenosis>50%) by visual estimation. After the intervention patients were followed up to 12months. Results: Procedural and clinical success, was achieved in all cases. Bail-out stenting was necessary in only two (6.5%). At twelve month follow up median Rutherford class was 2.2±1.2, ABI was 0.8±0.1 and Limb salvage rate was 100%. Two minor, foot finger or forefoot amputations, were performed to reach complete wound healing and/or preserve deambulation. Duplex control was performed in all the cases (n=30). In three cases duplex scan showed a significant target lesion restenosis requiring a reintervention (TLR=10%) leading a total one-year secondary patency rate of 100%. All the three restenosed patients were insulin dependent diabetics and none of them were stented during the procedure. Conclusion: The data suggest that combined use of DA and DCB may represent a potential alternative strategy for the treatment of femoro-popliteal severely calcified lesions. These very promising data and the considered hypothesis have to be confirmed in a multicentre randomised trial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: This study evaluated the use of a paclitaxel-eluting balloon (PEB) for treatment of femoropopliteal arterial disease. Background: Conventional balloon angioplasty and stenting in this setting is associated with high restenosis rates within 12 months. Recent data suggest that PEB use may reduce restenosis. Twelve-month outcomes following PEB use with provisional stenting are described. Methods: This prospective registry enrolled patients (Rutherford class 2 to 4) with reference vessel diameter of 3 to 7 mm and lesion/occlusion length ≤15 cm. Endpoints included primary patency rate, target lesion revascularization, and changes in Rutherford class and ankle-brachial index. Walking capacity, absolute claudication distance, and quality of life were also assessed. Results: The registry enrolled 105 patients. Baseline ankle-brachial index was 0.56 ± 0.15. Baseline Rutherford classification was class 2 or 3 for most patients (91.5%). Most lesions were located in the superficial femoral artery (77.1%). Mean lesion length was 76.3 ± 38.3 mm; 29.8% of lesions were total occlusions. The device was successfully used in all patients and only 12.3% of lesions required stenting. At 12-month follow-up, 92 of 105 patients (87.6%) were evaluable; the primary patency rate was 83.7%; the target lesion revascularization rate was 7.6%; 85.6% of patients were Rutherford class 0 or 1; and mean ankle-brachial index was 0.86 ± 0.15. Quality of life and absolute claudication distance showed significant improvement from baseline to 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: PEB treatment of femoropopliteal arterial disease resulted in consistent clinical improvement across multiple endpoints with a low rate of stenting and target lesion revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Young children are at increased risk for influenza infections and related complications. The protection offered to children by conventional trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (TIV) is suboptimal, due to poor immunogenicity and a higher exposure to infection and complications in this age group, particularly from influenza B strains. In this dose-ranging, factorial design trial, we report the safety and immunogenicity of different combinations of adjuvanted (ATIV) and non-adjuvanted trivalent (TIV) and quadrivalent (QIV) influenza vaccines in 480 healthy children 6 to <36 months of age. The results show that the second B strain added to TIV was immunogenic and did not affect immunogenicity of the other strains. The addition of the MF59® adjuvant promoted robust immune responses with notable elevations in antibodies observed even after one dose. A dose–response relationship was observed between the antibody response and MF59 adjuvant. No patterns in safety and tolerability emerged with different adjuvant and antigen doses nor with the addition of a second B strain. MF59-adjuvanted QIV offers potential advantages to young children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim: This retrospective multi-institutional study addresses the role of surgical cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM). MCPM is an uncommon tumour with uncertain malignant potential and no current standard therapy. Additionally, poorly defined pathological and biological features of this disease were investigated. Methods: Twelve patients with MCPM underwent 14 procedures of cytoreduction and HIPEC in two Italian referral centres. Nine patients had recurrent disease after previous debulking (one operation in six patients, two in two, four in one). Biological markers related to mesothelioma origin and clinical features were assessed by immunohistochemical studies. Results: Median follow-up was 64 months (range 5–148). Optimal cytoreduction (residual tumour nodules ≤2.5 mm) was performed in all the procedures. One grade IV postoperative complication (NCI/CTCAE v.3.0) and no operative death occurred. All the patients are presently alive with no evidence of disease, including two patients who underwent the procedure twice, due to locoregional disease recurrence. Five- and ten-year progression-free survival was 90% and 72%, accounting for a. statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001) with progression-free survival following previous debulking surgery (median 11 months; range 2–31). All cases showed low proliferative activity assessed by mitotic rate and Ki-67 expression. Conclusions: MCPM is a borderline tumour with a high propensity to local–regional recurrence. Definitive tumour eradication by means of cytoreduction and HIPEC seems more effective than debulking surgery in preventing disease relapse. Low mitotic rate and poor Ki-67 expression might be related to the peculiar behaviour of MCMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We reviewed the safety of MF59-adjuvanted versus non-adjuvanted influenza vaccines in children and adolescents (aged 6 months–18 years) in an integrated analysis of all pediatric trials evaluating MF59-containing influenza vaccines completed to date (5 trials). In the MF59-adjuvanted group (n =1181) versus the non-adjuvanted group (n =545) there was no increase in the incidence of unsolicited adverse events and serious adverse events. As expected, solicited local or systemic reactions occurred more frequently in MF59-adjuvanted subjects; however, a majority of reactions were mild and transient. These data support the safety of MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccines in the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Pulsed-wave ultraviolet excimer laser light at 308 nm can vaporise thrombus, suppress platelet aggregation, and, unlike other thrombectomy devices, ablates the underlying plaque. Aim: To evaluate both safety and efficacy of laser ablation in patients presenting with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) complicated by persistent thrombotic occlusion. Methods: From May 2003 to October 2006, we enrolled 66 AMI patients (age 59±11 years; 57 men) presenting complete thrombotic occlusion of the infarct related vessel. All patients were treated with laser. Primary acute angiographic end-points was corrected TIMI frame count. Secondary echocardiographic end-point was left ventricular remodeling defined as an increase in end-diastolic volume ≥20% 6 months after infarction. Tertiary clinical endpoint was event-free survival at 6 months follow-up. Results: There were no intra-procedural death or coronary perforation. One primary angiographic failure was observed during lasing. Major dissection occurred in 1 (1.5%) and distal embolization in 4 patients (6%). Corrected TIMI frame count was 100 at baseline, 29±0.6 after lasing and 22±3 after stenting. At 6-months follow-up, left ventricular remodeling occurred in 8% patients. Event-free survival was 95% at 6-months follow-up. Conclusion: Laser angioplasty is feasible, safe and effective for the challenging treatment of patients with AMI and thrombus-laden lesions. The acute effects on coronary epicardial and myocardial reperfusion are excellent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a learning system that uses genetic programming as a tool for automatically inferring the set of classification rules to be used during a preclassification stage by a hierarchical handwritten character recognition system. Starting from a structural description of the character shape, the aim of the learning system is that of producing a set of classification rules able to capture the similarities among those shapes, independently of whether they represent characters belonging to the same class or to different ones. In particular, the paper illustrates the structure of the classification rules, the grammar used to generate them and the genetic operators devised to manipulate the set of rules, as well as the fitness function used to drive the inference process. The experimental results obtained by using a set of 10,000 digits extracted from the NIST database show that the proposed preclassification is efficient and accurate, because it provides at most 6 classes for more than 87% of the samples, and the error rate almost equals the intrinsic confusion found in the data set. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Paleomagnetic analysis demonstrates that the mean inclination, and therefore the age of the magnetization, in the organic-rich shales of the “Nordegg Member” of the Jurassic Fernie Formation correlates with thermal maturity indices. In the immature wells, the magnetization is probably Early to Middle Jurassic (I=60°±5°), in the mature wells, Late Jurassic (I=70°±3°) and in the overmature wells, Late Cretaceous (I=77°+7/-5°). The change in inclination with time, which reflects varying ages of magnetization, also allows the possibility that the inclination can be used as a proxy for the maturity level in the “Nordegg Member” and thereby aid in petroleum exploration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The laboratory unblocking temperature of a magnetic component (TUB) is dependent on the time duration and temperature of its acquisition and thus is similar in concept to the conodont color alteration index (CAI). The CAI provides an independent determination of the past thermal history that can be related to the observed TUB. We present simple CAI versus TUB plots that can be used to determine the possibility of a thermal remagnetization in specific magnetic minerals, given the measured TUB, or alternatively, to estimate the minimum TUB necessary for a magnetization component to have been unaffected, given a specific CAI value. Failure to correctly correlate CAI values in the Cordillera on the western side of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin may have led to secondary uplift remagnetizations being interpreted as primary remanent magnetizations in earlier paleomagnetic studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper we propose a method for evaluating the performance of an evolutionary learning system aimed at producing the optimal set of prototypes to be used by a handwriting recognition system. The trade-off between generalization and specialization embedded into any learning process is managed by iteratively estimating both consistency and completeness of the prototypes, and by using such an estimate for tuning the learning parameters in order to achieve the best performance with the smallest set of prototypes. Such estimation is based on a characterization of the behavior of the learning system, and is accomplished by means of three performance indices. Both the characterization and the indices do not depend on either the system implementation or the application, and therefore allow for a truly black–box approach to the performance evaluation of any evolutionary learning system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The physical and chemical changes associated with the thermal maturation of organic-rich shale have affected the paleomagnetic and rock magnetic characteristics of the Devonian Duvernay Formation in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. This formation has several lithofacies that correspond to deposition in platform, slope and deeper water settings under varied redox conditions. Shale, laminated mudstone and some massive mudstone facies show evidence of magnetic changes associated with maturation but wackestone, packstone and some massive mudstone facies appear to be unaffected by the process. Rock magnetic evidence suggests that thermal maturation induces a change in the magnetization carrier from magnetite and hematite to solely magnetite.The packstone and wackestone facies commonly show a reversed characteristic magnetization with a paleopole at 194°E, 70°N (A95=13.2) of Late Cretaceous-age. Shale and laminated mudstone facies in immature areas of the basin have inclination-only characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) means that range from 55 to 67 °C, requiring a pre-Cretaceous magnetization age. Shale and laminated mudstone facies in mature areas of the basin have a much steeper ChRM in direction ranging from 77 to 83 °C. Their very steep nature suggests that step demagnetization has not completely removed a drilling-induced remanence in some wells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]