This paper presents the techniques that we have been developing recently to solve the problem of path clearance. In the path clearance problem the robot needs to reach its goal as quickly as possible without being detected by enemies. The problem is complicated by the fact that the robot does not know the precise locations of enemies, but has a list of their possible locations. Either the robot...

OBJECTIVES To investigate the efficacy of IA CS (IAC) therapy in single and multiple joints in children with JIA and to seek for predictors of synovitis flare. METHODS The clinical charts of patients who received their first IAC injection between January 2002 and December 2008 were reviewed. The CS used was triamcinolone hexacetonide for large joints and methylprednisolone acetate for small o...

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and laboratory features associated with osteonecrosis of multiple (>/= 3) joints in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: We included all patients with SLE and osteonecrosis evaluated at our institution between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2006. The patients were divided into three groups based on osteonecrosis of 1 joint...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe inflammation of the synovial tissue. Here, we assess feasibility liposome-loaded microbubbles as theranostic agents in a murine model. First, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was used to quantify neovascularization this model since CEUS well-established for RA diagnosis humans. Next, potential and (US) selectively enh...

Introduction Intra-articular corticosteroid injections (iacis) are widely used in the management of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Although this therapeutic intervention is generally considered for the treatment of children with arthritis in a small number of joints, the strategy of injecting simultaneously multiple joints has been advocated in children with polyarthritis. H...

In the presence of sodium, uric acid from purine metabolism precipitates as monosodium urate (MSU) needles and forms renal calculi or causes gouty arthritis in kidneys and joints, respectively. The latter is characterized by red, hot, and swollen arthritic joints. Here we report the in vitro effect of MSU crystals on blood granulocytes and analyze their contribution to granuloma formation and n...

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition commonly encountered by hand surgeons, although it is rare in the Asian population. Various surgical procedures for Dupuytren's contracture have been reported, and the outcomes vary according to the treatment modalities. We report the treatment results of segmental fasciectomies with multiple transverse incisions for patients with Dupuytren's contracture. ...

Bamboo is a natural material widely used in buildings and bridges that has good mechanical properties. However, the longitudinal connection of bamboo culms major problem for industry. In this study, sleeve-nailed specimens were produced, which contained three pieces. Two pieces with similar diameters longitudinally joined by inserting short culm smaller diameter, fixed nails. The flexural perfo...