Optimization method for 3D bracing correction of scoliosis using a finite element model.

Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine and rib cage frequently treated by brace. Although bracing produces significant correction in the frontal plane, it generally reduces the normal sagittal plane curvatures and has limited effect in the transverse plane. The goal of this study is to develop a new optimization approach using a finite element model of the spine and rib cage in order to find optimal correction patterns.

Variability of strap tension in brace treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Study Design: A mechanical evaluation of brace strap tensions to document their variability in different patient positions and to assess their biomechanical effectiveness.

Objectives: To measure the strap tensions at which adolescents with scoliosis are wearing their braces and to determine the variations in strap tension in different patient positions.

Summary Of Background Data: The biomechanical action of thoracolumbosacral orthoses in still not well understood, and there is no standardized strap tension at which the brace should be fastened to obtain optimal results.

[A biomechanical study of new orthotic treatment approaches for the 3D correction of scoliosis].

Scoliosis is a complex deformity of the spine and rib cage often treated by the Boston brace. The goal of this research is to study the simulation of two new treatment approaches and to compare their results to the Boston brace. A personalized biomechanical model has been used to simulate the treatment on 20 scoliotic teenagers with double curvature.

Design and testing of a two-monochromator reference spectrofluorimeter for high-accuracy total radiance factor measurements.

A two-monochromator reference spectrofluorimeter has been developed at the National Research Council of Canada in accordance with International Commission on Illumination and American Society for Testing and Materials colorimetry standards to permit high-accuracy total spectral radiance factor measurements of fluorescent materials. This fully automated instrument employs a xenon-arc light source, all-reflective optics, two grating monochromators with order-sorting filters, a cooled photomultiplier tube analyzing detector, and a calibrated silicon photodiode monitor detector. The instrument operating range is 250-1050 nm with a selectable bandpass (optimized for a 5-nm resolution), and the measurement geometry is 45 degrees annular illumination and 0 degrees viewing (45/0).

Jordanian and Canadian nursing students' knowledge about AIDS.

With the current HIV/AIDS epidemic unchecked and as yet no known cure or vaccine, it is critical that students be prepared to care for AIDS patients. Thus nursing schools must teach them full data on the disease, prevention and universal precautions.