Entropy of Quantum States.

Given the algebra of observables of a quantum system subject to selection rules, a state can be represented by different density matrices. As a result, different von Neumann entropies can be associated with the same state. Motivated by a minimality property of the von Neumann entropy of a density matrix with respect to its possible decompositions into pure states, we give a purely algebraic definition of entropy for states of an algebra of observables, thus solving the above ambiguity.

Lung infiltrates in cancer patients: differentiating metastases from bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a rare condition that affects oncological patients, often during or after chemotherapy, and can easily be mistaken for lung metastases. BOOP should be taken into consideration in cases when patchy nodular infiltrates with uncertain behavior appear in the lung; these infiltrates are often unresponsive to treatment with antibiotics. We report a case in which a patient treated for transitional cell bladder carcinoma with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy developed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules one month after the end of treatment.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: current classification and therapy.

A type of non-acute pulmonary aspergilloses, defined as 'semi-invasive' and 'chronic necrotizing aspergillosis', respectively, was described by Geffer, and later by Binder in the 1980s. Subsequently, a terminological uncertainty prevailed, favored by a preference in choosing the predisposing diseases. The simple term 'chronic pulmonary aspergillosis', as well as a classification based on the pulmonary anatomy, is proposed in this review.