Conditions for Quantum Interference in Cognitive Sciences

We present a general classification of the conditions under which cognitive science, concerned, e.g. with decision making, requires the use of quantum theoretical notions. The analysis is done in the frame of the mathematical approach based on the theory of quantum measurements. We stress that quantum effects in cognition can arise only when decisions are made under uncertainty. Conditions for the appearance of quantum interference in cognitive sciences and the conditions when interference cannot arise are formulated.     

Malaria PCR Detection in Cambodian Low-Transmission Settings: Dried Blood Spots versus Venous Blood Samples

In the context of malaria elimination, novel strategies for detecting very low malaria parasite densities in asymptomatic individuals are needed. One of the major limitations of the malaria parasite detection methods is the volume of blood samples being analyzed. The objective of the study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of a malaria polymerase chain reaction assay, from dried blood spots (DBS, 5 μL) and different volumes of venous blood (50 μL, 200 μL, and 1 mL). The limit of detection of the polymerase chain reaction assay, using calibrated Plasmodium falciparum blood dilutions, showed that venous blood samples (50 μL, 200 μL, 1 mL) combined with Qiagen extraction methods gave a similar threshold of 100 parasites/mL, ∼100-fold lower than 5 μL DBS/Instagene method. On a set of 521 field samples, collected in two different transmission areas in northern Cambodia, no significant difference in the proportion of parasite carriers, regardless of the methods used was found. The 5 μL DBS method missed 27% of the samples detected by the 1 mL venous blood method, but most of the missed parasites carriers were infected by Plasmodium vivax (84%). The remaining missed P. falciparum parasite carriers (N = 3) were only detected in high-transmission areas.     

Musculoskeletal pitfalls and pseudotumours in the pelvis: a pictorial review for body imagers

Many musculoskeletal abnormalities in the pelvis are first seen by body imagers while reviewing pelvic cross-sectional studies, and some of these abnormalities may mimic malignancy or another aggressive process. This article describes nine musculoskeletal pseudotumours and interpretative pitfalls that may be seen on CT, MRI and ultrasound imaging of the pelvis. Awareness of these pitfalls and pseudotumours may help avoid misdiagnosis and prevent inappropriate intervention or management.Musculoskeletal abnormalities in the pelvis are often first seen by body imagers. Some of these abnormalities may mimic malignancy or aggressive processes, leading to inappropriate referral and/or intervention. Awareness of these pitfalls may help body imagers avoid misinterpretation and facilitate better patient care. This pictorial essay describes the radiological findings in nine potentially confusing pelvic musculoskeletal processes that body imagers may encounter.     

Dengue Virus Type 3, South Pacific Islands, 2013

After an 18-year absence, dengue virus serotype 3 reemerged in the South Pacific Islands in 2013. Outbreaks in western (Solomon Islands) and eastern (French Polynesia) regions were caused by different genotypes. This finding suggested that immunity against dengue virus serotype, rather than virus genotype, was the principal determinant of reemergence.     

An integrative view of Luria’s perspective on arithmetic problem solving: The two sides of environmental dependency

Introduction: A. R. Luria was the first author to hypothesize that executive dysfunction can lead to specific deficits in arithmetic problem solving, showing that patients’ performance depends on the structure of the tasks. Cummings (1995. Anatomic and behavioral aspects of frontal-subcortical circuits. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 15, 1–13) proposed the term “environmental dependency” to define such behavioral disorders triggered by the characteristics of the test and pointed out also the role of executive impairments. Few studies compare executive functioning and problem solving in brain-damaged patients, and none have examined the question from this point of view. Thus, the main aim of the present paper was to study the relationship between environmental dependency and executive functions. Method: Fifty neurological patients with frontal, subcortical, and posterior brain lesions were compared to 45 matched healthy controls and were divided into two groups (dysexecutive/nondysexecutive) according to their performances on executive tasks. Then, we confronted the results of the two groups on an experimental protocol designed in accordance with Luria’s proposals. We made also comparisons between groups on the basis of lesion location. Results: Our findings indicate a high association between executive functions and environmental dependency, showing that dysexecutive patients’ performances were dependent on task demands. In addition, a specific frontal behavior not associated with executive functions and characterized by the solving of insoluble problems was highlighted. Conclusion: The discussion focused on the interest to take into account the methodological and clinical contributions of environmental dependency. Based on our findings and theoretical arguments, we highlight the need to fractionate this concept.