Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complexity analysis and semantics for quantum computation

This thesis focuses on two different aspects of quantum computation: quantum complexity and quantum semantics. In the first part, I study the quantum complexity mainly within the quantum query model. Together with my colleagues, I introduce a new framework for quantum query complexity, phrased in terms of the minimal oracle and analyse limits and strengths of this new model in comparison to their classical and quantum counterparts. Working within the query model I study quantum one-way functions. I show that in the quantum setting, the problem of the existence of a quantum one-way permutation can be reduced to the problem of constructing polynomial size networks for performing the specific task of the reflection about a sequence of states. Furthermore, I extend these results to the domain of the state and operator complexity. I show that if a quantum one-way function exists, then we can construct a sequence of so called “hard” states with the property that the reflection operators about those states are efficiently implementable. In the second part, I study the extension of domain theory to the quantum setting and develop the semantics of quantum computation. By defining a quantum domain I introduce a rigourous definition of quantum computability for quantum states and operators. Furthermore I show that the denotational semantics of quantum computation has the same semantical structure as the denotational semantics of classical probabilistic computation introduced by Kozen. This could be considered as a foundation for designing functional programming languages for quantum computation. Finally, I continue with an abstract mathematical approach to study a general formalism for describing entanglement manipulation and introduce a new approach to derive a unique measure of entanglement for bipartite quantum pure states.
Clinical application of deferasirox: Practical patient management

Deferasirox (Exjade®, ICL670) is a once‐daily, oral iron chelation agent that is now widely available for the treatment of transfusional hemosiderosis in adult and pediatric patients aged ≥2 years of age. Clinical evaluation has established the efficacy and safety of this novel agent in patients with a variety of chronic anemias. Deferasirox represents a significant advance in the treatment of iron overload, as the availability of an effective oral therapy has the potential to relieve many patients from the burden of frequent parenteral therapy with the previous reference standard iron chelator, deferoxamine. The most common drug‐related adverse events seen in the core registration trials were gastrointestinal disturbances, rash, mild and nonprogressive increases in serum creatinine levels, and elevations in liver enzyme levels. Most events were transient, mild‐to‐moderate in severity, and easily managed without discontinuation of treatment. As with any new agent, it is important that treating physicians are familiar with the adverse event profile of deferasirox and how the associated effects can be readily managed to ensure optimal use of this important treatment. Am. J. Hematol. , 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered miRNA expression in the cervix during pregnancy associated with lead and mercury exposure.

AIM Toxic metals including lead and mercury are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to assess the association between miRNA expression in the cervix during pregnancy with lead and mercury levels. MATERIALS & METHODS We obtained cervical swabs from pregnant women (n = 60) and quantified cervical miRNA expression. Women's blood lead, bone lead and toenail mercury levels were analyzed. We performed linear regression to examine the association between metal levels and expression of 74 miRNAs adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Seventeen miRNAs were negatively associated with toenail mercury levels, and tibial bone lead levels were associated with decreased expression of miR-575 and miR-4286. CONCLUSION The findings highlight miRNAs in the human cervix as novel responders to maternal chemical exposure during pregnancy.
Acute Otitis Media and Acute Bacterial Sinusitis

Abstract Acute otitis media and acute bacterial sinusitis are 2 of the most common indications for antimicrobial agents in children. Together, they are responsible for billions of dollars of health care expenditures. The pathogenesis of the 2 conditions is identical. In the majority of children with each condition, a preceding viral upper respiratory tract infection predisposes to the development of the acute bacterial complication. It has been shown that viral upper respiratory tract infection predisposes to the development of acute otitis media in 37% of cases. Currently, precise microbiologic diagnosis of acute otitis media and acute bacterial sinusitis requires performance of tympanocentesis in the former and sinus aspiration in the latter. The identification of a virus from the nasopharynx in either case does not obviate the need for antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs are not useful in predicting the results of culture of the middle ear or paranasal sinus. However, it is possible that a combination of information regarding nasopharyngeal colonization with bacteria and infection with specific viruses may inform treatment decisions in the future.
Investigaciones internacionales terminadas. Estado nutricional de vitaminas antioxidantes en un grupo de embarazadas y recién nacidos durante un año de estudio

El recien nacido, y particularmente el prematuro, es vulnerable a la deficiencia de vitamina E. Junto a la vitamina E, el acido ascorbico es un antioxidante de primera linea, siendo ademas un importante factor en la regeneracion del tocoferol.
Mosquitoes of Western Uganda

ABSTRACT The mosquito fauna in many areas of western Uganda has never been studied and is currently unknown. One area, Bwamba County, has been previously studied and documented but the species lists have not been updated for >40 yr. This paucity of data makes it difficult to determine which arthropod-borne viruses pose a risk to human or animal populations. Using CO2 baited-light traps, from 2008 through 2010, 67,731 mosquitoes were captured at five locations in western Uganda including Mweya, Sempaya, Maramagambo, Bwindi (BINP), and Kibale (KNP). Overall, 88 mosquito species, 7 subspecies, and 7 species groups in 10 genera were collected. The largest number of species was collected at Sempaya (65 species), followed by Maramagambo (45), Mweya (34), BINP (33), and KNP (22). However, species diversity was highest in BINP (Simpson's Diversity Index 1-D = 0.85), followed by KNP (0.80), Maramagambo (0.79), Sempaya (0.67), and Mweya (0.56). Only six species Aedes (Aedimorphus) cumminsii (Theobald), Aedes (Neomelaniconion) circumluteolus (Theobald), Culex (Culex) antennatus (Becker), Culex (Culex) decens group, Culex (Lutzia) tigripes De Grandpre and De Charmoy, and Culex (Oculeomyia) annulions (Theobald), were collected from all five sites suggesting large differences in species composition among sites. Four species (Aedes (Stegomyia) metallicus (Edwards), Anopheles (Cellia) rivulorum Leeson, Uranotaenia (Uranotaenia) chorleyi (Edwards), and Uranotaenia (Uranotaenia) pallidocephala (Theobald) and one subspecies (Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti formosus (Walker)) were collected in Bwamba County for the first time. This study represents the first description of the mosquito species composition of Mweya, Maramagambo, BINP, and KNP. A number of morphological variations were noted regarding the postspiracular scales, hind tibia, and sternites that make Culex (Culex) neavei (Theobald) challenging to identify. At least 50 species collected in this study have previously been implicated in the transmission of arboviruses of public health importance suggesting a high potential for maintenance and transmission of a wide variety of arboviruses in western Uganda.
Sleep EEG stages and plasma growth hormone concentration in states of endogenous and exogenous hypercortisolemia or ACTH elevation.

ABSTRACT Nocturnal sleep EEG stages and concomitant plasma growth hormone (GH) and cortisol concentrations were examined in subjects with endogenous or exogenous elevation of plasma corticosteroid or ACTH concentrations, and in patients with hypothalamic tumors. These studies were designed to determine whether central nervous system (CNS) function was uniquely altered in Cushing's disease, independent of the effects of hypercortisolemia per se. Marked reductions of sleep EEG stages III-IV and of the nocturnal GH rise were present in 4 treated (remission 5 months to 2 yr) and 6 untreated patients with Cushing's disease (clinically active 2 months to 10 yr duration) as well as in 4 “eu-corticoid” patients with hypothalamic tumors. In contrast, similar EEG and hormonal changes, present in a patient with Cushing's syndrome secondary to an adrenal adenoma, returned to normal 16 months following removal of the adenoma. These findings suggest that altered CNS function may be involved in the pathophysiology of Cu.
Serum and Urinary Interferon‐Gamma‐Inducible Protein 10 in Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis is a serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The objective of this study was to identify the sensitivity, specificity, and cut‐off values of IP‐10 in the serum and urine of patients with lupus nephritis compared to renal biopsy, albumin/creatinine ratio, and serum anti‐dsDNA.
Phenolic Content of Blends of Tempranillo with Graciano or Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Produced in Spain

Summary The effect of Graciano (GRA, Spanish valuable variety of limited production in Mediterranean countries) vs. Cabernet Sauvignon (CS, world-wide known French variety) on the phenolic content [total polyphenols (TP), total anthocyanins (TA), catechins (CAT) and proanthocyanidins (PRO)] of Tempranillo wines (TEM-BASE, a largely cultivated Spanish variety) was studied in blends prepared with 25 and 10 % of each variety after 4, 6, 9, 16.5 and 23 months of bottle ageing. Significant differences among wines (blends and base wine) according to the »blend« factor were observed for CAT and TA. Besides, although the evolution trend during wine ageing of different families of phenolic compounds studied was similar in the blends and base wine, different blends presented a faster anthocyanin disappearance kinetics than the base wine, probably due to their higher CAT content, which may favour the progress of certain anthocyanin condensation reactions during ageing in the bottle. This effect was slightly more pronounced in the TEM-GRA blends than in the TEM-CS ones. A further study of the phenolic composition of the monovarietal wines used for blending, as well as of the grapes (skins and seeds) from which these wines were elaborated, revealed that the blending effect on CAT could be associated with higher concentration of these compounds in Graciano and Cabernet Sauvignon grape seeds in comparison with Tempranillo. Finally, the findings of this work scientifically confirm that, in terms of the phenolic content, Graciano wines possess properties similar to Cabernet Sauvignon for blending with Tempranillo.
Mantle wedge infiltrated with saline fluids from dehydration and decarbonation of subducting slab

Slab-derived fluids play an important role in heat and material transfer in subduction zones. Dehydration and decarbonation reactions of minerals in the subducting slab have been investigated using phase equilibria and modeling of fluid flow. Nevertheless, direct observations of the fluid chemistry and pressure–temperature conditions of fluids are few. This report describes CO2-bearing saline fluid inclusions in spinel-harzburgite xenoliths collected from the 1991 Pinatubo pumice deposits. The fluid inclusions are filled with saline solutions with 5.1 ± 1.0% (wt) NaCl-equivalent magnesite crystals, CO2-bearing vapor bubbles, and a talc and/or chrysotile layer on the walls. The xenoliths contain tremolite amphibole, which is stable in temperatures lower than 830 °C at the uppermost mantle. The Pinatubo volcano is located at the volcanic front of the Luzon arc associated with subduction of warm oceanic plate. The present observation suggests hydration of forearc mantle and the uppermost mantle by slab-derived CO2-bearing saline fluids. Dehydration and decarbonation take place, and seawater-like saline fluids migrate from the subducting slab to the mantle wedge. The presence of saline fluids is important because they can dissolve more metals than pure H2O and affect the chemical evolution of the mantle wedge.
Release of Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Response to Muscarinic Receptor Stimulation in Human Forearm

Summary We have recently shown that mental stress increases local net release of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) across the forearm vascular bed. However, the mechanisms responsible for the t-PA release in man during stress are undefined. To study the effects of endothelial cell receptor stimulation and fluid shear stress we used the perfused forearm model to characterize the in vivo tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) response in man to methacholine (Mch) and sodium nitroprus-side (SNP), at doses calculated to cause similar degrees of vasodilation. The study was performed in 7 healthy young men (age 22-24 yrs) without hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or hypercholesterolemia. Each subject received double-blind step-wise i. a. infusions of Mch (0.1-0.8-4.0 μg/min) and SNP (0.5-2.5-10 μg/min) in randomized order. Each dose step was infused for 5 min. Forearm blood flow was assessed by plethysmography. Net release/uptake was expressed as the product of arterio-venous concentration gradient and forearm plasma flow. At pre-infusion baseline, there was a significant net release of t-PA antigen of approximately 0.9 ng × min−1 × 100 ml−1 and t-PA activity of 3.5 fmol × min−1 × 100 ml−1 across the forearm. I. a. infusion of Mch and SNP increased forearm blood flow from 1.9 to 14.9 and from 1.8 to 12.1 ml × min−1 × 100 mb1, respectively (Mch vs SBP N. S.). Net release of t-PA antigen increased more than 10-fold from 0.9 to 10.7 ng × min−1 × 100 ml−1 after Mch, but fell after SNP (2-way . ANOVA, Mch vs SNP p = 0.05). t-PA activity net release increased from 4.0 to 100 fmol × min−1 × 100 ml−1 after Mch, but switched to a net uptake after SNP (Mch vs SNP p = 0.02). No consistent changes of PAI−1 antigen were observed during either infusion. It is concluded, that endothelial muscarinic receptor stimulation causes a marked increase in net release of t-PA antigen and activity, in conjunction with endothelium-dependent vasodilation. By contrast, increased fluid shear stress per se by receptor-independent vasodilation has little effect on t-PA release.
Chin cup effects using two different force magnitudes in the management of Class III malocclusions.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the dental and skeletal effects of chin cup using two different force magnitudes in the management of Class III malocclusion cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty growing patients (26 males and 24 females) with skeletal Class III and mandibular prognathism were selected. The patients were divided into three groups. Patients in group 1 (n = 20) were treated with a chin cup and occlusal bite plane using 600 g of force per side. Patients in group 2 (n = 20) were subjected to the same treatment as in group 1 but using 300 g of force per side. In group 3 (n = 10) no treatment was performed. For all patients, lateral cephalograms were taken before treatment and after 1 year. Cephalograms were traced and analyzed. The collected data were analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test. RESULTS In the treatment groups, the SNB angle and ramus height decreased significantly. The ANB angle, Wits appraisal, anterior facial height, mandibular plane angle, and retroclination of the mandibular incisors were significantly increased in comparison to the control group. Utilization of either force showed no significant differences, except that the reduction in the ramus height was significantly greater with the use of higher force. CONCLUSIONS The use of a chin cup improved the maxillomandibular base relationship in growing patients with Class III malocclusion but with little skeletal effect. The utilization of either force had the same effects, except that the higher force had a more pronounced effect in reduction of ramus height.
Long-Term and Sustained Therapeutic Results of a Specific Promonocyte Cell Formulation in Refractory Angina: ReACT® (Refractory Angina Cell Therapy) Clinical Update and Cost-Effective Analysis

Mononuclear stem cells have been studied for their potential in myocardial ischemia. In our previous published article, ReACT® phase I/II clinical trial, our results suggest that a certain cell population, promonocytes, directly correlated with the perceived angiogenesis in refractory angina patients. This study is ReACT's clinical update, assessing long-term sustained efficacy. The ReACT phase IIA/B noncontrolled, open-label, clinical trial enrolled 14 patients with refractory angina and viable ischemic myocardium, without ventricular dysfunction, who were not suitable for myocardial revascularization. The procedure consisted of direct myocardial injection of a specific mononuclear cell formulation, with a certain percentage of promonocytes, in a single series of multiple injections (24—90; 0.2 ml each) into specific areas of the left ventricle. Primary endpoints were Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Classification (CCSAC) improvement at the 12-month follow-up and ischemic area reduction (scintigraphic analysis) at the 12-month follow-up, in correlation with ReACT's formulation. A recovery index (for patients with more than 1 year follow-up) was created to evaluate CCSAC over time, until April 2011. Almost all patients presented progressive improvement in CCSAC beginning 3 months (p = 0.002) postprocedure, which was sustained at the 12-month follow-up (p = 0.002), as well as objective myocardium ischemic area reduction at 6 months (decrease of 15%, p < 0.024) and 12 months (decrease of 100%, p < 0.004) The recovery index (n = 10) showed that the patients were graded less than CCSAC 4 for 73.9 ± 24.2% over a median follow-up time of 46.8 months. After characterization, ReACT's promonocyte concentration suggested a positive correlation with CCSAC improvement (r = −0.575, p = 0.082). Quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) improved significantly in almost all domains. Cost-effectiveness analysis showed decrease in angina-related direct costs. Refractory angina patients presented a sustained long-term improvement in CCSAC and myocardium ischemic areas after the procedure. The long-term follow-up and strong improvement in quality of life reinforce effectiveness. Promonocytes may play a key role in myocardial neoangiogenesis. ReACT dramatically decreased direct costs.
Self‐Assembly of Single‐Layer CoAl‐Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets on 3D Graphene Network Used as Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

A non-noble metal based 3D porous electrocatalyst is prepared by self-assembly of the liquid-exfoliated single-layer CoAl-layered double hydroxide nanosheets (CoAl-NSs) onto 3D graphene network, which exhibits higher catalytic activity and better stability for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction compared to the commercial IrO2 nanoparticle-based 3D porous electrocatalyst.
Exploratory and confirmatory tests of the big five and Tellegen's three- and four-dimensional models.

Using about 600 college students and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, three models of personality structure were tested: the Big Five, as measured by the NEO Personality Inventory (P.T. Costa & R. R. McCrae, 1985), and A. Tellegen's (1985) three- and four-dimensional models, as measured by the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (A. Tellegen, 1982). Both factor methods indicated considerable support for, but also some divergences from, the models. We concluded that parsimonious personality models are unlikely to meet conventional goodness-of-fit criteria in confirmatory factor analysis, because of the limited simple structure of personality measures and the personality domain itself. Poor fits of a priori models highlighted not only the limited specificity of personality structure theory, but also the limitations of confirmatory factor analysis for testing personality structure models.
Akathisia and Suicidal Ideation in First-Episode Schizophrenia

Abstract Patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) are known to be notably sensitive for developing extrapyramidal adverse effects, but the relation of akathisia and suicidal ideation has rarely been studied. The current report is an ongoing analysis of an 8-week double-blind randomized controlled multicenter trial in 289 FES, comparing risperidone and haloperidol. Assessments were conducted weekly and included the Hillside Akathisia Scale and 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ratings. Suicidal ideation was significantly associated with clinician observed akathisia, depressed mood, younger age, and use of propranolol. The allocated treatment, anxiety, and nervousness had no influence. The present findings suggest a promoting effect of akathisia on suicidal ideation can not be ruled out in patients with FES.
Magnetization transfer ratio in gray matter: a potential surrogate marker for progression in early primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND Magnetization transfer imaging has the potential to provide a surrogate marker for progression in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). OBJECTIVES To investigate whether brain magnetization transfer imaging, T2 lesion load, and atrophy changes over 3 years reflect concurrent clinical changes, and which baseline imaging measure best predicts progression over 3 years in early PPMS. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Institute of Neurology, London, England. PATIENTS Forty-seven patients with PPMS (of whom 43 completed the study) and 18 control subjects. INTERVENTIONS Brain magnetization transfer imaging (including T2-weighted images) and volume sequences every 6 months for 3 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and associations with rate of change in imaging variables. RESULTS More rapid decline in gray matter mean and peak location magnetization transfer ratio and T2 lesion load increase were associated with greater rates of progression on the EDSS. Baseline gray matter peak height magnetization transfer ratio best predicted progression over 3 years. CONCLUSION Gray matter magnetization transfer ratio meets many of the criteria for a surrogate marker of progression in early PPMS.
Knowledge and attitudes of folate, and use of dietary supplements among women of reproductive age in Norway 1998

Background. Authorities in many countries, including Norway from March 1998, recommend that women consume supplemental folate before and early in pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. The aim of this survey was to establish Norwegian baseline data on knowledge, use and attitudes of folate and dietary supplements before implementing national campaigns on folate and pregnancy.