Jet Spaces in Modern Hamiltonian Biomechanics

In this paper we propose the time-dependent Hamiltonian form of human biomechanics, as a sequel to our previous work in time-dependent Lagrangian biomechanics [1]. Starting with the Covariant Force Law, we first develop autonomous Hamiltonian biomechanics. Then we extend it using a powerful geometrical machinery consisting of fibre bundles and jet manifolds associated to the biomechanical configuration manifold. We derive time-dependent, dissipative, Hamiltonian equations and the fitness evolution equation for the general time-dependent human biomechanical system. Keywords: Human biomechanics, covariant force law, configuration manifold, jet manifolds, time-dependent Hamiltonian dynamicsComment: 16 pages, 3 figure

New Mechanics of Spinal Injury

The prediction and prevention of spinal injury is an important aspect of preventive health science. The spine, or vertebral column, represents a chain of 26 movable vertebral bodies, joint together by transversal viscoelastic intervertebral discs and longitudinal elastic tendons. This paper proposes a new locally-coupled loading-rate hypothesis}, which states that the main cause of both soft- and hard-tissue spinal injury is a localized Euclidean jolt, or SE(3)-jolt, an impulsive loading that strikes a localized spine in several coupled degrees-of-freedom simultaneously. To show this, based on the previously defined covariant force law, we formulate the coupled Newton-Euler dynamics of the local spinal motions and derive from it the corresponding coupled SE(3)-jolt dynamics. The SE(3)-jolt is the main cause of two basic forms of spinal injury: (i) hard-tissue injury of local translational dislocations; and (ii) soft-tissue injury of local rotational disclinations. Both the spinal dislocations and disclinations, as caused by the SE(3)-jolt, are described using the Cosserat multipolar viscoelastic continuum model. Keywords: localized spinal injury, coupled loading-rate hypothesis, coupled Newton-Euler dynamics, Euclidean jolt dynamics, spinal dislocations and disclinationsComment: 14 pages, 1 figure, Late

New Mechanics of Traumatic Brain Injury

The prediction and prevention of traumatic brain injury is a very important aspect of preventive medical science. This paper proposes a new coupled loading-rate hypothesis for the traumatic brain injury (TBI), which states that the main cause of the TBI is an external Euclidean jolt, or SE(3)-jolt, an impulsive loading that strikes the head in several coupled degrees-of-freedom simultaneously. To show this, based on the previously defined covariant force law, we formulate the coupled Newton-Euler dynamics of brain's micro-motions within the cerebrospinal fluid and derive from it the coupled SE(3)-jolt dynamics. The SE(3)-jolt is a cause of the TBI in two forms of brain's rapid discontinuous deformations: translational dislocations and rotational disclinations. Brain's dislocations and disclinations, caused by the SE(3)-jolt, are described using the Cosserat multipolar viscoelastic continuum brain model. Keywords: Traumatic brain injuries, coupled loading-rate hypothesis, Euclidean jolt, coupled Newton-Euler dynamics, brain's dislocations and disclinationsComment: 18 pages, 1 figure, Late

Extending Feynman's Formalisms for Modelling Human Joint Action Coordination

The recently developed Life-Space-Foam approach to goal-directed human action deals with individual actor dynamics. This paper applies the model to characterize the dynamics of co-action by two or more actors. This dynamics is modelled by: (i) a two-term joint action (including cognitive/motivatonal potential and kinetic energy), and (ii) its associated adaptive path integral, representing an infinite--dimensional neural network. Its feedback adaptation loop has been derived from Bernstein's concepts of sensory corrections loop in human motor control and Brooks' subsumption architectures in robotics. Potential applications of the proposed model in human--robot interaction research are discussed. Keywords: Psycho--physics, human joint action, path integralsComment: 6 pages, Late

Financial rogue waves

The financial rogue waves are reported analytically in the nonlinear option pricing model due to Ivancevic, which is nonlinear wave alternative of the Black-Scholes model. These solutions may be used to describe the possible physical mechanisms for rogue wave phenomenon in financial markets and related fields.Comment: 4 papges, 2 figures, Final version accepted in Commun. Theor. Phys., 201

Metastatic myocardial abscess on the posterior wall of the left ventricle: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Myocardial abscess is a rare and potentially fatal condition. Metastatic myocardial abscess in the setting of infective endocarditis has been infrequently reported in the medical literature. To the best of the authors' knowledge no case of myocardial abscess affecting the free wall of the left ventricle secondary to infective endocarditis of a right-sided heart valve has been reported previously.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a case of tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>and resulting in a myocardial abscess on the posterior wall of the left ventricle, far from the active valvular infection. We also briefly discuss the role of different investigation modalities including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing myocardial abscess.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Myocardial abscess is a life-threatening illness. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to make a prompt diagnosis. Final diagnosis may need multi-modality imaging. An early diagnosis, aggressive medical therapy, multidisciplinary care and timely surgical intervention may save life in this otherwise fatal condition.</p

Interventional Treatment of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome during Severe Acute Pancreatitis: Current Status and Historical Perspective

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a marker of severe disease. It occurs as combination of inflammation of retroperitoneum, visceral edema, ascites, acute peripancreatic fluid collections, paralytic ileus, and aggressive fluid resuscitation. The frequency of ACS in SAP may be rising due to more aggressive fluid resuscitation, a trend towards conservative treatment, and attempts to use a minimally invasive approach. There remains uncertainty about the most appropriate surgical technique for the treatment of ACS in SAP. Some unresolved questions remain including medical treatment, indications, timing, and interventional techniques. This review will focus on interventional treatment of this serious condition. First line therapy is conservative treatment aiming to decrease IAP and to restore organ dysfunction. If nonoperative measures are not effective, early abdominal decompression is mandatory. Midline laparostomy seems to be method of choice. Since it carries significant morbidity we need randomized studies to establish firm advantages over other described techniques. After ACS resolves efforts should be made to achieve early primary fascia closure. Additional data are necessary to resolve uncertainties regarding ideal timing and indication for operative treatment

Guidelines for the labelling of leucocytes with 111In-oxine

We describe here a protocol for labelling autologous white blood cells with 111In-oxine based on previously published consensus papers and guidelines. This protocol includes quality control and safety procedures and is in accordance with current European Union regulations and International Atomic Energy Agency recommendations