The distribution of continuous data can often be closely approximated by the normal distribution (1). For example, the distribution of Cobb angles for scoliotic females may be represented by a normal distribution with a notional mean (μ) = 15 degrees and a notional standard deviation (σ) = 5 degrees, and is shown in figure 1. By assuming that these Cobb angles follow a normal distribution, we a...

Selective fusion of the thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curve is an effective method for the treatment of Lenke type 5C curves. Several studies have demonstrated that spontaneous correction of the thoracic curve does indeed occur. However, how this correction occurs after isolated posterior segmental instrumentation of the structural lumbar curve has not been well described. The aim of this study w...

This paper tries to estimate the capital investment required for the fixed-telephony network switching equipment as demanded by the fourth national development plan. As a first step, the Cobb-Douglas model is used as a successful demand forecasting model to estimate the demand over the target years. Then, an architectural plan is developed for the fixed-telephony switching network that takes in...

Cobb angle, which is a measure of spinal curvature, is the standard method for quantifying the magnitude of Scoliosis, related to spinal deformity in orthopedics. Determining the Cobb angle through manual process is subject to human errors. In this work, we propose a methodology to measure the magnitude of Cobb angle, which appreciably reduces the variability related to its measurement, compare...

AIM The aim of the study was to develop new equipment for the assessment of the flexibility of the spine with different forces. This new system should provide a different perspective to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) for the selection of fusion levels and surgical success. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighteen patients suffering from AIS who were scheduled to undergo posterior instrumented spi...

BACKGROUND Despite the frequency of adult scoliosis, very few publications concern the conservative orthopaedic treatments. The indications have not been defined to date. The experience of a department specialized in rigid bracing allows us to consolidate and clarify diagnosis and indications as well. METHODS Individual observational prospective cohort study from a database started in 1998, w...

Lipoic acid is an essential metabolic cofactor added as a posttranslational modification on several multimeric enzyme complexes. These protein complexes, evolutionarily conserved from bacteria to humans, are core regulators of cellular metabolism. While the multistep enzymatic process of adding lipoyl modifications has been well characterized in Escherichia coli, the enzyme required for the rem...