In this paper we consider a viscoelastic string whose deformation is controlled at one end. We study the relations and the controllability of the couples traction/velocity and traction/deformation and we show that the first couple behaves very like as in the purely elastic case, while new phenomena appears when studying the couple of the traction and the deformation. Namely, while traction and ...

Background: Atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation is considered to be the “gold standard” for treating atlantoaxial instabilities. This challenging surgical procedure requires high skills and appropriate surgical armamentarium. Such conditions are rarely met in sub-Saharan Africa. After a thorough review of medical literature, we did not find a single report on atlantoaxial transarticular ...

Live-cell imaging of glioblastoma U373 and U87 cells transfected with actin cytoskeleton markers has been used to study there-arrangements that are associated with migration in two- and three-dimensional matrices and in brain tissue. In collagen gels and in brain slices, both cell types developed neuronal-like processes with ruffling membranes and filopodia. Blebbing cells were also observed, b...

DIAGNOSTIC STANDARDS There is insufficient evidence to support diagnostic standards. GUIDELINES There is insufficient evidence to support diagnostic guidelines. OPTIONS A lateral cervical x-ray is recommended for the diagnosis of atlanto-occipital dislocation. If a radiological method for measurement is used, the basion-axial interval-basion-dental interval method is recommended. The pre...

PURPOSE To assess the effectiveness of Brooks' posterior stabilisation and fusion for the unstable atlantoaxial joint due to congenital dysplastic dens and trauma. METHODS We retrospectively studied records of 54 patients (36 males and 18 females; age range, 3-58 years) who underwent Brooks' posterior stabilisation procedure between March 1975 and December 1999, at the Catholic University of ...

Little is known about the history of spinal deformities in ancient Greece. The present study summarizes what we know today for diagnosis and management of spinal deformities in ancient Greece, mainly from the medical treatises of Hippocrates and Galen. Hippocrates, through accurate observation and logical reasoning was led to accurate conclusions firstly for the structure of the spine and secon...

Axial traction is widely recommended for stabilization of cervical spine fractures. This procedure may be inappropriate and even dangerous in patients with long-standing ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We present the case of an 80-year-old woman with AS who fell at home and suffered an unstable large C5-C6 fracture/dislocation associated with left-sided weakness and decreased sensation. Medical tr...

Extrusion of disc material within the spinal canal complicates up to 28.6% of lumbar disc herniations. Due to the anatomical "corridors" created by the anterior midline septum and lateral membranes, relocation occurs with an anterior and anterolateral axial topography. Posterior migration is an extremely rare condition and anterior-to-posterior circumferential migration is an even rarer conditi...

Electric motors used for traction purposes in electric vehicles (EVs) must meet several requirements, including high efficiency, high power density and faulttolerance. Among them, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) highlight. Especially, five-phase axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) synchronous motors are particularly suitable for in-wheel applications with enhanced fault-tolerant capa...

Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2012; 94: 359–372 Many lower extremity, pelvic and acetabular fractures require traction as first aid management prior to definitive fixation. While skin traction and Thomas splints are generally available, weights to provide countertraction are often missing or in parts of the hospital remote to the emergency department. A sharps bin (Sharpsguard® orange 11.5; Daniels, Oxf...