Relative commutants of strongly self-absorbing C*-algebras

The relative commutant $A'\cap A^{\mathcal{U}}$ of a strongly self-absorbing algebra $A$ is indistinguishable from its ultrapower $A^{\mathcal{U}}$. This applies both to the case when $A$ is the hyperfinite II$_1$ factor and to the case when it is a strongly self-absorbing C*-algebra. In the latter case we prove analogous results for $\ell_\infty(A)/c_0(A)$ and reduced powers corresponding to other filters on $\bf N$. Examples of algebras with approximately inner flip and approximately inner half-flip are provided, showing the optimality of our results. We also prove that strongly self-absorbing algebras are smoothly classifiable, unlike the algebras with approximately inner half-flip.Comment: Some minor correction

Utilizing semantic networks to database and retrieve generalized stochastic colored Petri nets

Previous work has introduced the Planning Coordinator (PCOORD), a coordinator functioning within the hierarchy of the Intelligent Machine Mode. Within the structure of the Planning Coordinator resides the Primitive Structure Database (PSDB) functioning to provide the primitive structures utilized by the Planning Coordinator in the establishing of error recovery or on-line path plans. This report further explores the Primitive Structure Database and establishes the potential of utilizing semantic networks as a means of efficiently storing and retrieving the Generalized Stochastic Colored Petri Nets from which the error recovery plans are derived

A macroprolactinoma becoming resistant to cabergoline and developing atypical pathology

Pituitary adenomas are a common intracranial neoplasm, usually demonstrating a benign phenotype. They can be classified according to pathological, radiological or clinical behaviour as typical, atypical or carcinomas, invasive or noninvasive, and aggressive or nonaggressive. Prolactinomas account for 40-60% of all pituitary adenomas, with dopamine agonists representing the first-line treatment and surgery/radiotherapy reserved for drug intolerance/resistance or in neuro-ophthalmological emergencies. We present the case of a 62-year-old man with an apparently indolent prolactin-secreting macroadenoma managed with partial resection and initially showing a biochemical response to cabergoline. Five years later, the tumour became resistant to cabergoline, despite a substantial increase in dosage, showing rapid growth and causing worsening of vision. The patient then underwent two further transsphenoidal operations and continued on high-dose cabergoline; despite these interventions, the tumour continued enlarging and prolactin increased to 107 269 U/L. Histology of the third surgical specimen demonstrated features of aggressive behaviour (atypical adenoma with a high cell proliferation index) not present in the tumour removed at the first operation. Subsequently, he was referred for radiotherapy aiming to control tumour growth

Isolates of Candida albicans that differ in virulence for mice elicit strain-specific antibody-mediated protective responses

Three distinct isolates of Candida albicans were used to establish systemic and oral infections in inbred mice that are genetically resistant or susceptible to tissue damage. Patterns of infection differed significantly between both yeasts and mouse strains. Systemic infection conferred significant protection against re-challenge with the homologous, but not the heterologous yeast; however, the protective effect was more evident in the tissue-susceptible CBA/CaH mice than in the resistant BALB/c strain. In contrast, oral infection induced protection against both homologous and heterologous oral challenge, although this was significant only in the CBA/CaH mice. CBA/CaH mice produced antibodies of both IgG1 and IgG2a subclasses, whereas BALB/c mice produced predominantly IgG1. Western blotting demonstrated considerable differences between epitopes recognised by serum antibodies from mice of both strains after immunisation with each of the three yeasts. Thus, different strains of yeast show considerable specificity in antibody responses elicited by either systemic or oral infection. (c) 2005 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved

Textilome abdominal, à propos d’un cas

Le textilome, également appelé gossybipomas, est une complication postopératoire très rare. Il peut s'agir d'un corps étranger composé de compresse(s) ou champ(s) chirurgicaux oubliés au niveau d'un foyer opératoire. Ils sont plus souvent asymptomatiques, et difficile à diagnostiquer. En particulier, les cas chroniques ne présentent pas de signes cliniques et radiologiques spécifiques pour le diagnostic différentiel. L'anamnèse est donc indispensable pour le diagnostic vu que les signes cliniques ne sont pas concluants. Le cliché d'abdomen sans préparation est peu contributif, l'échographie est fiable. La tomodensitométrie permet un diagnostic topographique précis, mais ce n'est pas toujours le cas. Certaines équipes proposent des explorations par IRM. Nous rapportons un cas de textilome intra abdominal, chez une patiente de 31 ans opérée il y a 8 ans pour grossesse extra- utérine, chez qui la TDM abdomino-pelvienne a évoqué un kyste hydatique péritonéale sans localisation du foie. Traitée par extrait d'un petit champ de 25x15cm et adhérant au sigmoïde. Le but de ce travail est de mettre en évidence le problème de diagnostic de cette pathologie et l'importance de la laparotomie exploratrice

Hubungan Paparan Debu Kayu dengan Kejadian Dermatitis Kontak Iritan pada Pekerja Mebel PT X Jepara

Wood dust is an irritant substance and if it directly contact with the skin for a long time, it can cause workers exposed to the risk of irritant contact dermatitis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between irritant substances exposure with irritant contact dermatitis to sanding workers in PT X Jepara. The type and design of this study was an observational study using cross sectional approach. The instruments of this research are clinical examination by medical personnel, Personal Dust Sampler, questionnaires and observation.The population which used in this study were 139 with a sample of 60 sanding workers. The sampling technique that was use is proportionate stratified random sampling, and the data were analyzed using Chi Square test. The measurement results of respirable wood dust level showed the wood dust level exceed the Threshold Limit Value (TLV), which is 5 mg/m3. The result of this study indicates there are 21,7% of workers who had irritant contact dermatitis. Based on correlation test, researcher concluded that age is not associated with iritant contact dermatitis (p-value = 0,368), there is no correlation between years of service with the occurrence of irritant contact dermatitis (p-value = 0,182), there is no correlation between personal hygiene with the occurrence of irritant contact dermatitis (p-value = 0,689), and wood dust exposure is associated with iritant contact dermatitis (p-value = 0,005). Researcher suggested that workers need to wash their hands before and after working with hand soap, and the company need to educate workers the effect of wood dust exposure related to the occurrence of irritant contact dermatitis

An attempt to optimize the outcome of penetrating keratoplasty in congenital aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK)

Purpose To propose an optimized microsurgical and medical approach to reduce the risk of complications after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in patients with aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). Methods Retrospective observational case series of 25 PKP performed in 16 patients with AAK. Preoperative indications were endothelial decompensation and vascularized scars (68%) or graft failure (32%) due to limbal stem cell deficiency. The optimized approach included a combination of a small corneal graft size (around 7.0 mm), interrupted 10–0nylon sutures, simultaneous AMT as a patch, large bandage contact lens, temporary lateral tarsorrhaphy, postoperative autologous serum eye drops, and systemic immunosuppression. Main outcome measures included: visual acuity, transplant survival, and complications encountered during follow-up of 107 weeks on average. Results A complete modified keratoplasty scheme was used in 10 of 25 PKP (group 1), while at least one of the modifications was missing in the other 15 PKP (group 2). After 8 weeks of follow-up, the epithelium was closed in 23 eyes. Visual acuity improved in 19 eyes at 6 months of follow-up, and remained stable in six eyes. None of the eyes showed a decrease in visual acuity. At the last post-operative follow-up, this visual improvement persisted in 14 eyes and graft survival rate after 156 weeks (3 years) was 69% in group 1 versus 44% in group 2 (p = 0.39, log-rank test). Secondary corneal neovascularization (8%), scarring (4%), ulcer (4%), or graft rejection (8%) happened mostly in the second group which was missing at least one of the suggested modifications. Conclusions PKP in congenital aniridia must be considered as a high-risk keratoplasty. An optimized therapeutic approach seems to be promising in order to reduce the postoperative complication rate in these most difficult eyes