Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Examination of Quantum Foundations

Quantum foundations is a field of diverse goals and methods. In this thesis, I will present three different approaches to quantum foundations, each emphasizing a different goal or perspective. The causaloid framework has the goal is to use insight from quantum foundations to study quantum gravity. Ontic models are a tool used to study realist theories of quantum mechanics from an operational quantum information perspective. Nelson’s mechanics is a derivation of the Schrodinger equation using the machinery of stochastic mechanics. As each of these approaches has different set of goals, they are suited to different purposes and have different limitations. From the causaloid, I construct the concept of causally unbiased entropy and at the same time, find an emergent idea of causality in the form of a measure of causal connectedness, termed the Q factor. In the ontic models framework, I reproduce the generalization of the concept of contextuality. For Nelson’s mechanics, I examine its relationship to Bohmian mechanics a realist formulation of quantum mechanics. I will then examine the relationship of these different approaches to one another. From this examination I will introduce the concept of physical contextuality in order to ask whether contextuality could be more than just a mathematical artifact. I also include a discussion of the property of deficiency in ontic models and its relation to contextuality given certain constraints.
Latent Ganglionic Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2: Viral Reactivation in vivo after Neurectomy

Inoculation of the cornea, lip, or footpad of mice with herpes simplex virus type 1 resulted in a latent infection of the local sensory ganglia. Inoculation of the vagina and cervix with herpes simplex virus type 2, as well as type 1, also induced a latent ganglionic infection. With the use of sciatic nerve section as a stimulus, a reproducible model of viral reactivation in vivo was established.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Peripheral Vascular Disease in a Selected South Indian Population

1295 Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially affecting the elderly population (1–3). The prevalence of PVD is multifold higher in patients with diabetes compared with ageand sex-matched nondiabetic subjects (4), and this may be because of hyperglycemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, platelet factors, and other factors that are increased in diabetic subjects. Recent estimates by the World Health Organization show that India already has the largest number of diabetic patients in any given country, and this trend will continue in the future (5). Several studies have shown that the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is very high among Asian Indians (6–9). Unfortunately, there is very little epidemiological data on PVD in either migrant Indians or individuals from the Indian subcontinent. Earlier clinic-based reports suggested that PVD is less common among Indian diabetic patients in the U.K. (10), South Africa (11), and Southern India (12). Because clinic-based reports are subject to referral bias, epidemiological data are needed to assess the burden posed by PVD. In this study, we report on the prevalence of PVD in a population-based study in urban Southern India.
T-type and L-type Calcium Channel Blockers for the Treatment of Cardiac Iron Overload: An Update

Abstract: In patients with thalassemia, iron overload cardiomyopathy is a major cause of cardiac dysfunction and mortality. Despite many advances in the development of new iron chelating agents, heart failure still occurs in some patients and can lead to an increase in mortality rate. Recently, potential novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of these patients have focused on L-type and T-type calcium channel blockers. These 2 channels have been reported as being the main routes for cardiac iron uptake under conditions of iron overload. In this review, the effects of these calcium channel blockers on both cardiac iron uptake and cardiac function under conditions of iron overload are discussed, and both consistent and inconsistent findings published in various studies are summarized and reviewed. Through this we hope to provide a greater insight into how future studies can most effectively use these drugs at the clinical trial stage.
Preventing Olfactory Deterioration: Olfactory Training May Be of Help in Older People

Although it is plausible that ChEIs may result in peripheral cholinergic adverse events, this large population-based study found no significant association between ChEI use and upper GI bleeding in elderly adults. Lack of a significant association between ChEIs and upper GI bleeding may be because adverse GI events resulting from ChEIs are typically transient and decrease with continued use of the drugs. This study has potential limitations. First, use of administrative databases precludes the ability to capture clinically important information such as disease severity and GI pathology. Second, given the small proportion of the subjects who received rivastigmine or galantamine, the effect of individual ChEIs on upper GI bleeding could not be meaningfully compared with that of the nonuser cohort. Future research is needed to estimate the incidence of upper GI bleeding in chronic users of ChEIs and in high-risk individuals, such as those living in long-term care residences or with a history of upper GI hemorrhage.
The extracellular proteome of Bacillus licheniformis grown in different media and under different nutrient starvation conditions

The now finished genome sequence of Bacillus licheniformis DSM 13 allows the prediction of the genes involved in protein secretion into the extracellular environment as well as the prediction of the proteins which are translocated. From the sequence 296 proteins were predicted to contain an N‐terminal signal peptide directing most of them to the Sec system, the main transport system in Gram‐positive bacteria. Using 2‐DE the extracellular proteome of B. licheniformis grown in different media was studied. From the approximately 200 spots visible on the gels, 89 were identified that either contain an N‐terminal signal sequence or are known to be secreted by other mechanisms than the Sec pathway. The extracellular proteome of B. licheniformis includes proteins from different functional classes, like enzymes for the degradation of various macromolecules, proteins involved in cell wall turnover, flagellum‐ and phage‐related proteins and some proteins of yet unknown function. Protein secretion is highest during stationary growth phase. Furthermore, cells grown in complex medium secrete considerably higher protein amounts than cells grown in minimal medium. Limitation of phosphate, carbon and nitrogen sources results in the secretion of specific proteins that may be involved in counteracting the starvation.
Eight novel mutations of the FBN1 gene found in Japanese patients with Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS), an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder, is caused by mutations in the gene encoding fibrillin 1 (FBN1). The clinical spectrum and severity of MFS disorder varies greatly both between and within families. Since there have been only a few reports on the relationship between FBN1 genotypes and clinical phenotypes in Japanese patients, the FBN1 gene was analyzed in 27 Japanese patients diagnosed with MFS. The nucleotide sequence of the 65 exons of the FBN1 gene was analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing. We have identified six polymorphisms and nine mutations including: four missense mutations (C1652Y, Q2054P, D2127Y, C2221R) in six patients, three nonsense mutations (R215X, S813X, R2220X) in three patients, and two frameshift mutations (2567insT, 7790insT) in three patients. Six of these nine mutations were in the calcium‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like domains all causative mutations detected except for C2221R were novel. It has been reported that the severe phenotypes of infantile MFS correlate with mutations in the mid region of FBN1, however, mutations were not detected in this region in the population analyzed in this study. Our results suggest that the location of the mutation is not the sole determinant of phenotypic severity; rather there is some difference in the genetic basis of MFS between Japanese and Caucasian populations. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adult age differences in semantic and episodic memory.

In 2 experiments, performance was compared on memory tests taken by older and younger adults for information that had been rated as more memorable for older adults or more memorable for each age group by adults in that age group. In Experiment 1, semantic knowledge was tested by having the participants recognize or recall information from memory (e.g., name as many states as you can). The older adults performed significantly better; thus, hypotheses of superior knowledge and ease of retrieval of that knowledge for that age group were supported. In Experiment 2, lists of presidents and states were presented to the participants, followed by recognition and recall tests of episodic memory. The younger adults performed significantly better. The older adults studied familiar items on the lists for less time and made many more errors. Thus, the hypothesis of an encoding deficit influenced by item familiarity for older adults was supported.
Role of Sirolimus in Advanced Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is an infiltrative vascular tumor that classically presents in infancy. Management typically focuses on treating Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP), a disorder of severe and at times life‐threatening platelet trapping. However, the morbidity of KHE extends beyond KMP. The infiltrative nature of the tumor can lead to long‐term disability and often makes complete surgical resection impossible. We report the case of a 10‐year‐old boy with a KHE of his right distal thigh who was unable to walk without assistance due to fibrotic change and right knee contracture. He had no laboratory evidence of KMP at the time of representation. Rapamycin was started in hopes of reducing the tumor burden. Within 2 months of therapy, fibrotic areas softened, his contracture nearly resolved, and there was marked improvement in his mobility. Rapamycin has been previously reported to be effective in managing cases of KHE complicated by KMP. Our report emphasizes the role for rapamycin in the treatment of KHE in the absence of KMP through the inhibition of vasculogenesis and fibrotic pathways.
Infection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia spp. in Opossums and Dogs in Campeche, Mexico: The Role of Tick Infestation

In recent years, some tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis became widespread worldwide, threatening the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife. The aims of this study were to determine the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in 102 opossums (Didelphis spp.) and 44 owned free-ranging dogs in southeastern Mexico using a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in opossums and dogs with a prevalence of 3 and 27 %, respectively. E. canis was only present in 7 % of dogs, while we didn’t detect E. chaffeensis in any host. We report the first evidence of infections of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Didelphis virginiana and D. marsupialis in Mexico. The infection rates and patterns we found of A. phagocytophilum suggest that dogs are more directly involved in the ecology of this pathogen than opossums. Despite the small prevalence found, our results are of public health concern because of the zoonotic capabilities of A. phagocytophilum, the high tick infestation rates found and because both opossums and free-ranging dogs can achieve high population densities in the region.
Factors Associated With Work Stress and Professional Satisfaction in Oncology Staff

Cancer care professionals work in a stressful environment, but it is not clear what factors contribute to this stress. We surveyed 60 oncology personnel on an inpatient unit and a palliative care unit regarding levels of perceived work stress and its potential contributors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of staff stress. A total of 63% of staff reported experiencing ``a great deal'' of stress at work, which was predicted by greater perceived workload (odds ratio = 32.2; P < .0001), insufficient time to grieve patients' death (odds ratio = 9.75; P = .0007), lack of institutional support (odds ratio = 0.16; P = .009), perceived lack of resources (odds ratio = 0.06; P = .007), and lack of control over the choice of workplace (odds ratio = 0.10; P = .03). Measures to address work-related stress should be included in the planning of cancer programs.
Complete Genome Sequences of Arcobacter butzleri ED-1 and Arcobacter sp. Strain L, Both Isolated from a Microbial Fuel Cell

ABSTRACT Arcobacter butzleri strain ED-1 is an exoelectrogenic epsilonproteobacterium isolated from the anode biofilm of a microbial fuel cell. Arcobacter sp. strain L dominates the liquid phase of the same fuel cell. Here we report the finished and annotated genome sequences of these organisms.
Osteosarcoma of limb bones: a clinical, radiological and histopathological diagnostic agreement at Black Lion Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES To measure the strength of agreement in clinical, radiological and histopathological diagnosis of osteosarcoma in a 5 year study period. SETTING Addis Ababa University, Black-Lion ('Tikur Anbessa') Hospital-BLH, is the country's highest tertiary level referral and teaching hospital. The departments involved in this study (Radiology, Pathology and Orthopedics) receive referred patients from all over the country. METHODS All bone tumor patients, presenting to the three departments at BLH between the study period, December, 2003 - March, 2008 were recruited for the study. 51 patients with radiological diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the extremities were identified and their clinical and histopathological diagnoses reviewed in detail. All patients had a clinical examination, plain radiographs and biopsies of the affected part of the extremity. Radiographs of selected difficult cases were discussed at joint orthopedic & radiologic sessions every week. The radiological and histopathological diagnoses made were categorized separately using WHO classification of bone tumors. Strength of agreement between radiological and histopathological diagnoses was measured using Cohen's Kappa test. RESULTS Of the total of 216 bone tumor patients presented and biopsied in the five year period, fifty one (51) had osteosarcoma of extremity bones. Commonest age affected by osteosarcoma was 16 (7-55 years) and sex ratio was 1:1. Osteosarcoma was also the single most common clinical, radiological and histological diagnosis made. Considering all bone tumors presented together, the study indicated that radiological diagnosis was confirmed by similar histological diagnosis in 172 out 205 cases (84%) and the corresponding Cohen's Kappa value (0.82) showed excellent level of agreement between radiological and histological diagnoses of all bone tumors. The agreement between radiological and histopathological diagnoses of osteosarcoma of the limbs was 84.5%. CONCLUSION There is an excellent agreement between clinical, radiological and histopathological diagnoses of bone tumors in general and osteosarcoma in particular. In setups where there is limited or no histopathological service, joint clinical and radiological decision could lead to a higher degree of accuracy in diagnosis of bone tumors, especially osteosarcoma. Radiological diagnosis of bone tumors at Black Lion Hospital, Addis Ababa is excellent.
F-Fluoro-deoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Assessment of Myeloma- Related Bone Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of whole body X-ray (WBXR) and Ffluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) in staging and response assessment of multiple myeloma. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of studies comparing FDG PET with WBXR and/or magnetic resonance imaging in terms of sensitivity for myeloma-related bone disease at staging and during follow-up. RESULTS: Eighteen studies involving 798 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) score, expressed as a percentage of the maximum score, was 61%. In 7 studies (n 1⁄4 242 patients), concordance assessment between WBXR and FDG PET scan was possible, showing a higher sensitivity of the FDG PET in the detection of myeloma bone lesions in 6 studies. The only study reporting on the prognostic value of FDG PET at staging found that the number of FDG-avid focal lesions was an independent prognostic parameter. In addition, the limited studies on response monitoring showed that normalization of FDG PET during treatment correlated with a superior clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In general, FDG PET has a superior sensitivity for myeloma bone lesions compared with WBXR. Future studies have to validate the additive value of myelomarelated bone disease detected on FDG PET–computed tomography (CT) in predicting outcome. Response monitoring with the use of FDG PET-CT during treatment is promising, allowing more precise prediction of prognosis compared with the standard response monitoring. In view of the expanding treatment options for multiple myeloma, this may provide important information for treatment decisions in the future. Cancer 2012;118:1971-81. VC 2011 American Cancer Society.
Primary plasma cell leukemia with unusual morphology and complex karyotype.

Correspondence: Eduardo Rocha, M.D., Department of Hematology, University Clinic, Avda. Pio XII s/n, Pamplona 31008, Spain. Phone: international +34-948-296397 • Fax: international +34-948296500 • E-mail: erocha@cun.es istics seem to be related to a worse prognosis than the usual well-differentiated myeloma and give rise to a differential diagnosis of myeloid or monocytic leukemia, lymphoma or nonhematologic malignancy.2,5,6 Although the expression of CD13 and CD33 antigens on normal plasma cells has been reported, the presence of the myeloid antigen CD13 on myeloma cells is an uncommon finding. Since CD13 antigen is expressed by cells of the granulocytic and monocytic lineages, its presence on plasma cells supports the hypothesis of an early stem cell disorder in the development of PCL.7 Morphological features of the atypical cells in this patient initially suggested undifferentiated blast cells rather than plasmablast A58-year-old woman was hospitalized because of weakness, edema of the extremities and ascites. Physical examination revealed pallor and liver enlargement. Biological findings were as follows: hemoglobin 9.3 g/dL, leukocyte count 72.83109/L, with 85% atypical cells, platelet count 1313109/L, increased lactic dehydrogenase (780 U/L) and b2-microglobulin (16.9 mg/L). Serum protein electrophoresis revealed severe hypogammaglobulinemia, and monoclonal kappa light chain (800 mg/dL) was found in the urine. No liver or kidney dysfunction was detected by serum biochemical determinations and no abnormalities were seen on the X-ray study. Bone marrow aspirate smears revealed almost complete replacement of the bone marrow by a diffuse infiltration of cells showing similar features to those observed in the peripheral blood smears. Many of these cells were large, with abundant, moderately basophilic cytoplasm, and contained two to three distinct nuclear lobes. Other cells had cleaved nuclei, giving them a monocytoid appearance. The nuclei with lobulation were often of different size and occasionally had prominent nucleoli (Figure 1). Neoplastic cells were peroxidase, PAS and Sudan negative, and acid phosphatase positive, with the reactivity distributed in granules in the cytoplasm. A massive infiltration of cells with cleaved nuclei was also noted in the sinusoids of a liver biopsy that was performed to exclude hepatic disease as being the origin of the ascites (Figure 2). Flow cytometry of bone marrow cells showed an intense reactivity with CD38 and CD13 antibodies and the presence of cytoplasmatic k light chains. The stem cell antigen CD34, and the myelomonocytic antigens CD33, CD14 and CD15 were negative. Plasma cell leukemia has been defined as a clonal proliferation in which the number of plasma cells in the blood is greater than 20 percent of the total leukocytes or the absolute plasma cell count exceeds 23109/L.1 The neoplastic cells in most cases closely resemble normal plasma cells, although sometimes plasma cell leukemia with aberrant morphologic features (cleaved, monocytoid or multilobated nuclei) has been reported.2-4 These morphologic character-
Current Issues and Future Directions in Simulation-Based Training

A number of emerging challenges including globalization, economic pressures, and the changing nature of work have combined to create a business environment that demands innovative, flexible training solutions. Simulations are a promising tool for creating more realistic, experiential learning environments to meet these challenges. Unfortunately, the current literature on simulation-based training paints a mixed picture as to the effectiveness of simulations as training tools, with most of the previous research focusing on the specific technologies used in simulation design and little theorybased research focusing on the instructional capabilities or learning processes underlying these technologies. This article examines the promise and perils of simulation-based training, reviews research that has examined the effectiveness of simulations as training tools, identifies pressing research needs, and presents an agenda for future theory-driven research aimed at addressing those needs.
In vitro drug-induced cytotoxicity predicts clinical response to high-dose chlorambucil in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

6. Stewart GW, Corrall RJ, Fyffe JA, Stockdill G, Strong JA. Familial pseudohyperkalaemia. A new syndrome. Lancet 1979; 28:175-7. 7. Carella M, Stewart G, Ajetunmobi JF, et al. A mapping of dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (hereditary xerocytosis) locus to chromosome 16 (16q23qter) by genome wide search. Am J Human Genet 1998; 63:810-6. 8. Iolascon A, Stewart G, Ajentoumbi JF, et al. Hereditary xerocytosis and pseudohyperkaliemia map to the same locus. Blood 1999; 93:3120-3. 9. Coles S, Ho M, Chetty M, Nicolaou A, Stewart G. A variant of Hereditary stomatocytosis with marked pseudohyperkalaemia. Br J Haematol 1999 (in press). 10. Iolascon A, Miraglia del Giudice E, Perrotta S, Alloisio N, Morle L, Delaunay J. Hereditary spherocytosis: from clinical to molecular defects. Haematologica 1998; 83:240-57.
Heparanase: One Molecule with Multiple Functions in Cancer Progression

Mammalian heparanase, an endoglycosidase-degrading heparan sulfate, is synthesized as a latent 65 kDa precursor that undergoes proteolytic processing, primarily by cathepsin-L, yielding 8 kDa and 50 kDa subunits that heterodimerize to form a highly active enzyme. Enhanced heparanase expression in human tumors correlates with metastatic potential, tumor vascularity, and reduced postoperative survival of cancer patients, attributed to enzymatic and nonenzymatic activities of the heparanase protein. Urinary and plasma levels of heparanase are elevated in cancer patients and suppressed in response to effective anticancer treatments. These observations and the anticancerous effect of heparanase gene silencing and of heparanase-inhibiting molecules suggest that the enzyme is a promising target for anticancer drug development.