A generalization of AND/OR graphs is introduced as a problem solving model, in which subproblem interdependence in problem reduction can be explicitly accounted for. An ordered-search algorithm is given to find a solution. The algorithm is proven to be admissible and optimal. Examples are given which show the application of the formalism to problems which cannot be modelled by AND/OR graphs. Generalized AND/OR graphs are finally shown to be equivalent to type O grammars.

This text is a description of a computer-based system designed to assist physicians with clinical decision-making. This system, termed MYCIN, utilizes computer techniques derived principally from the subfield of computer science known as artificial intelligence (AI). MYCIN's task is to assist with the decisions involved in the selection of appropriate therapy for patients with infections.

MYCIN contains considerable medical expertise and is also a novel application of computing technology. Thus, this text is addressed both to members of the medical community, who may have limited computer science backgrounds, and to computer scientists with limited knowledge of medical computing and clinical medicine. Some sections of the text may be of greater interest to one community than to the other. A guide to the text follows so that you may select those portions most pertinent to your particular interests and background.

The complete book in a single file.

Book form of Shortliffe's Ph.D. dissertation in medical informatics. New York: American Elsevier.

In L. Steels (Ed.), Advances in natural language processing. Antwerp, Belgium: University of Antwerp.

As a field, artificial intelligence has always been on the border of respectability, and therefore on the border of crackpottery. Many critics (Dreyfus, 1972), (Lighthill, 1973) have urged that we are over the border. We have been very defensive toward this charge, drawing ourselves up with dignity when it is made and folding the cloak of Science about us. On the other hand, in private, we have been justifiably proud of our willingness to explore weird ideas, because pursuing them is the only way to make progress.

Anyone interested in acting as editor for a special issue of the Newsletter devoted to a particular topic in A! is invited to contact the Editor. Letters to the Editor will be considered as submitted for publication unless they contain a request to the contrary. Technical papers appearing in this issue are unrefereed working papers, and opinions expressed in contributions are to be construed as those of the individual author rather than the official position of SIGART,the ACM, or any organization with which the writer may be affiliated. You are invited to join and participate actively. SIGART membership is open to ACM members upon payment of dues of $3.00 per year and to non-ACM members upon payment of dues of $5.00 per year. To indicate a change of address or to become a member of SIGART, complete the form on the last page of this issue.

A YOUNG MAN, WHO HAS OLIGURIA. IT HAS BEEN DENIED THAT HE HAS RECENT SCARLET FEVER. HE HAS NOT-RECEIVED RADIOGRAPHIC CONTRAST MATERIAL. HE HAS NOT-RECEIVED NEPHROTOXIC DRUGS. HE HAS MODERATELY-ELEVATED URINE SODIUM.

See also: (pdf) J. Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, 97, 270-277

New York: North- Holland.

TINLAP-1, 38-41.