This thesis presents a virtual disk cluster called END, the Expandable Network Disk. END aggregates storage on a cluster of servers into a single virtual disk. END'S main goals are to offer good performance during normal operation, and efficiently handle changes in the cluster membership. END achieves these goals using a two-layer design, in which storage "bricks," servers that consist of CPU, ...

BACKGROUND Iliac artery atherosclerotic disease may cause intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia. It can lead to serious complications such as infection, amputation and even death. Revascularization relieves symptoms and prevents these complications. Historically, open surgical repair, in the form of endarterectomy or bypass, was used. Over the last decade, endovascular repair has...

Results: The review of the literature yielded 15 studies on the effect of treatment options for osteoporosis on lumbar fusion rates. One study demonstrated an association between low bone mass as measured by Hounsfield Units and lower fusion rates. Six studies evaluated perioperative medical treatment of osteoporosis and showed higher fusion rates in patients treated with alendronate and teripa...

Fig.2 An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cannula was used to puncture the mesh wall of the covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS). A guidewire was then passed through the mesh wall and the opposite wall of the metal stent. Fig.1 A covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) used for endoscopic ultrasoundguided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) had nearly migrated into the p...

Burst fractures most frequently affect the thoracolumbar spine due to the fulcrum of increased motion occurring at the T12-L1 junction. However, isolated burst fractures of the fifth lumbar (L5) vertebra can occur but are very rare. We present a woman with a fracture-dislocation of the fifth lumbar vertebra complicated by neurological damage. She was treated by posterior surgery with transpedic...

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Both bone graft and metallic implants have been used in combination with the necessary anterior rod or plate instrumentation to fill the voids left by vertebral body removal, with the ultimate goal of restoring stability. One type of device that has recently been introduced is an expandable titanium telescoping cage that is designed to be used as a strut implant to fill corpe...