Peer-to-peer (P2P) technology has triggered a wide range of distributed systems beyond simple file-sharing. Distributed XML databases, distributed computing, server-less web publishing and networked resource/service sharing are only a few to name. Despite of the diversity in applications, these systems share a common problem regarding searching and discovery of information. This commonality stems from the transitory nodes population and volatile information content in the participating nodes. In such dynamic environment, users are not expected to have the exact information about the available objects in the system. Rather queries are based on partial information, which requires the search mechanism to be flexible. On the other hand, to scale with network size the search mechanism is required to be bandwidth efficient. Since the advent of P2P technology experts from industry and academia have proposed a number of search techniques - none of which is able to provide satisfactory solution to the conflicting requirements of search efficiency and flexibility. Structured search techniques, mostly Distributed Hash Table (DHT)-based, are bandwidth efficient while semi(un)-structured techniques are flexible. But, neither achieves both ends. This thesis defines the Distributed Pattern Matching (DPM) problem. The DPM problem is to discover a pattern (\ie bit-vector) using any subset of its 1-bits, under the assumption that the patterns are distributed across a large population of networked nodes. Search problem in many distributed systems can be reduced to the DPM problem. This thesis also presents two distinct search mechanisms, named Distributed Pattern Matching System (DPMS) and Plexus, for solving the DPM problem. DPMS is a semi-structured, hierarchical architecture aiming to discover a predefined number of matches by visiting a small number of nodes. Plexus, on the other hand, is a structured search mechanism based on the theory of Error Correcting Code (ECC). The design goal behind Plexus is to discover all the matches by visiting a reasonable number of nodes.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) technology has triggered a wide range of distributed systems beyond simple file-sharing. Distributed XML databases, distributed computing, server-less web publishing and networked resource/service sharing are only a few to name. Despite of the diversity in applications, these systems share a common problem regarding searching and discovery of information. This commonality stems from the transitory nodes population and volatile information content in the participating nodes. In such dynamic environment, users are not expected to have the exact information about the available objects in the system. Rather queries are based on partial information, which requires the search mechanism to be flexible. On the other hand, to scale with network size the search mechanism is required to be bandwidth efficient. Since the advent of P2P technology experts from industry and academia have proposed a number of search techniques - none of which is able to provide satisfactory solution to the conflicting requirements of search efficiency and flexibility. Structured search techniques, mostly Distributed Hash Table (DHT)-based, are bandwidth efficient while semi(un)-structured techniques are flexible. But, neither achieves both ends. This thesis defines the Distributed Pattern Matching (DPM) problem. The DPM problem is to discover a pattern (\ie bit-vector) using any subset of its 1-bits, under the assumption that the patterns are distributed across a large population of networked nodes. Search problem in many distributed systems can be reduced to the DPM problem. This thesis also presents two distinct search mechanisms, named Distributed Pattern Matching System (DPMS) and Plexus, for solving the DPM problem. DPMS is a semi-structured, hierarchical architecture aiming to discover a predefined number of matches by visiting a small number of nodes. Plexus, on the other hand, is a structured search mechanism based on the theory of Error Correcting Code (ECC). The design goal behind Plexus is to discover all the matches by visiting a reasonable number of nodes.

Zugl.: Giessen, University, Diss., 2009.

Thèse de doctorat : Médecine : Nancy 1 : 2000. / 2000NAN11310. Titre provenant de l'écran-titre.

Obstetric brachial plexus palsy, a traumatic birth palsy, results in the paralysis of the upper limb/s. The birth injury is treated at the Brachial Plexus Clinic at King Edward VIII th Hospital, where the Candidate forms part of the Rehabilitation Team. In keeping with worldwide trends, the focus of treatment was on rehabilitation of the upper limb/s. During the course of treatment of these patients, it was observed that the performance of these children varied from excellent to poor. This observation, has not been recorded previously, hence a Research study was initiated to invesitigate this aspect of performance. The study comprised thirty children, between the ages of four and seventeen, whose paralysis was assessed in the conventional pattern. In addition, the visual perceptual abilities of these children were assessed in a variety of batteries, catering for the wide age range. These were: Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration (1989), Motor Free Perception Test (1972), Developmental Test of Visual Perception (2nd edition), Test of Visual Perceptual Skills - Upper and Lower levels ( Gardner), Jordan's Left-Right Reversal Test (1974), Clinical (Ayres) and General Observations. Although traditionally viewed as a physical disorder, the results of the study indicate that children with obstetric brachial plexus injury present with a significant incidence of below average performance, against the normal population, on most of the assessment batteries. No significant relationship could be established between the severity of the lesion and visual perceptual abilities, owing to the disproportionate numbers of children amongst the different lesions. Further research is required to support and consolidate the findings of this study. It is also recommended that Occupational therapists screen for visual perceptual deficits in such injuries, thus facilitating holistic patient management. / Thesis (M.O.T.)-Unversity of Durban-Westville, 1998.

In view of the lifelong impact of Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsies (OBPP), prevention of OBPP would be of great significance. Despite contemporary advances in antenatal planning and assessment, OBPP remains an unfortunate consequence after difficult childbirth. Permanent brachial plexus palsy is a leading cause of litigation related to birth trauma. Objectives: To determine the incidence of Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy (OBPP), Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD) and macrosomia in KwaZulu-Natal. As well as to investigate the relationship between OBPP and CPD, and the relationship between OBPP and macrosomia. The study also aimed to determine whether antenatal risk factors could identify those prone to OBPP. Study design: This was a case control study that included all deliveries from 1997 to 2000 from four provincial hospitals (Addington, King Edward VIII, Prince Mshiyeni Memorial and RK Khan hospital). The outcome variable was OBPP. Results were analyzed using Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: A total of 60 infants of 76 352 deliveries sustained OBPP. The incidence of OBPP was found to be 0.72 per 1000 deliveries. The incidence of CPD was found to be 33.5 per 1000 deliveries and the incidence of macrosomia was found to be 16.7 per 1000 deliveries. Race, Maternal height> 150 cm, gravida >3, parity >4, history of a previous big baby, normal vaginal delivery, delivery by a midwife, difficult labour, inadequate or doubtful pelvic capacity, birth weight of >3700 g and gestation period> 34 weeks were significant risk factors. Logistic regression analysis showed that race, parity> 4, normal vaginal delivery and gestation period> 35 weeks were the variables most associated with OBPP. Using linear regression model was obtained for the calculation of predictive risk scores. Conclusion: Using standard statistical formulae the probability of OBPP can be calculated in women with significant risk factors from the logistic regression formula. This would need to be validated and could provide a useful tool for screening for OBPP thus contributing to preventing this devastating complication of birth trauma. The risk assessment profile would contribute greatly to the prediction of OBPP and the subsequent prevention of this debilitating birth injury. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2002.

Während die Chemoarchitektur des Plexus myentericus im Dünn- und Dickdarm verschiedener Tierspezies gut erforscht ist, fehlen für das Pferd aufgrund präparatorischer Probleme solche Daten bisher weitgehend. Als wesentliche Grundlage für die immunhistochemische Analyse erfolgte die Mikrosektion von Häutchenpräparaten des Plexus myentericus aus unterschiedlichen Dünndarmlokalisationen und der Beckenflexur von 15 Pferden. Ein Teil der Proben wurde vor der Fixation mit Kolchizin behandelt, um auch zelluläre Neuropeptidmarkierungen durchführen zu können. Die nachfolgende immunhistochemische Aufarbeitung erfolgte an frei beweglichen Häutchenpräparaten, so dass die chemische Neuroanatomie des Plexus myentericus in dessen natürlicher und flächiger Ausdehnung untersucht werden konnte. Neben der Quantifizierung der myenterischen Neurone sollten cholinerge, nitrerge und calretinin-exprimierende Subpopulationen evaluiert werden. Ferner wurde die Verteilung verschiedener Neuropeptide untersucht. Die Visualisierung der Primärantikörper erfolgte durch indirekte Immunfluoreszenz. Angefertigte Präparate wurden vorrangig mit konfokaler Laser-Scanning-Mikroskopie (Zeiss LSM 510 Meta) ausgewertet. Der eingesetzte pan-neuronale Marker HuC/D führte zu einer reproduzierbaren, offenbar vollständigen Markierung der myenterischen Neurone. In keinem Fall konnte eine durch weitere Antikörper markierte Nervenzelle ohne HuC/D-Immunreaktivität angesprochen werden, was die hervorragende Eignung von HuC/D als pan-neuronaler Marker auch im enterischen Nervensystem des Pferdes verdeutlicht. Die Ganglien im Plexus myentericus zeichneten sich durch eine große Formenvielfalt und durch die Orientierung ihrer Längsachse an der Zirkulärmuskulatur aus. In den untersuchten Dünndarmlokalisationen traten vermehrt kleinere Ganglien auf, während in der Beckenflexur große, fusionierte Ganglien dominierten. Ferner wurde die Neuronendichte bestimmt, die als Neuronenanzahl/ cm² ganglionärer Fläche definiert war. Die Neuronen-dichte zeigte eine konstante Verteilung von 52.000 bis 58.000 Neuronen/ cm² ganglionärer Fläche in den untersuchten Dünndarmabschnitten und 57.000 Neuronen/ cm² ganglionärer Fläche in der Beckenflexur. Die enterische Glia wurde durch Immunmarkierung des sauren Gliafaserproteins GFAP dargestellt. In den ganglionären Bereichen erfolgte neben der Detektion von Gliafasern auch die Visualisierung von Gliazellkörpern, die den Nervenzellen kappenförmig aufsaßen. Eine deutliche Assoziation von Gliafasern mit Gefäßen, die durch Kartoffellektin markiert waren, konnte dagegen nicht beobachtet werden. Die cholinerge Subpopulation im Plexus myentericus, die durch Immunmarkierung der Cholinazetyltransferase (ChAT) erfasst wurde, war in den untersuchten Dünndarm-lokalisationen mit 35 bis 36 % größer als in der Beckenflexur (24 %). Im Gegensatz dazu umfasste die durch Stickoxidsynthase (NOS)-Immunreaktivität detektierte nitrerge Subpopulation in der Beckenflexur 33 %, wobei in den untersuchten Dünndarm-lokalisationen nur zwischen 20 bis 22 % NOS exprimierten. Weiterhin konnte in einigen Neuronen eine Koexpression von ChAT und NOS beobachtet werden. In den untersuchten Dünn- und Dickdarmlokalisationen exprimierten 6 bis 7 % der myenterischen Neurone Calretinin (CR), wobei sie im Allgemeinen mit ChAT kolokalisiert waren. Die CR-markierten Zellen zeigten hauptsächlich eine Dogiel Typ-I-Morphologie und in wenigen Fällen eine Dogiel Typ-II-Morphologie. Während Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) markierte Neurone und Nervenfasern detektiert werden konnten, blieb die Methionin-Enkephalin-Immunreaktivität auf Nervenfasern in den untersuchten Dünndarmlokalisationen beschränkt. Neurone, die das vasoaktive intestinale Polypeptid (VIP) exprimierten, zeigten überwiegend auch NOS-Immunreaktivität. Dagegen wurde eine Koexpression von ChAT und VIP oder Neuropeptid Y (NPY) nur vereinzelt dokumentiert, während die Koexpression von NPY und NOS nicht beobachtet wurde. Die vorliegende Arbeit liefert zahlreiche Daten zur Chemoarchitektur des Plexus myentericus des Pferdes unter physiologischen Bedingungen. Diese Befunde können dem Verständnis neuropathologischer Veränderungen dienen sowie deren Diagnose und Behandlung erleichtern.

The rat model of cervical dorsal root injury mimics the avulsion of dorsal roots in humans following brachial plexus injury, a condition that leads to debilitating sensory disturbances and intractable neuropathic pain that is not amenable to repair. This injury disrupts sensory inputs from the dorsal roots to the spinal cord and the damaged axons do not regenerate across the PNS-CNS interface, the dorsal root entry zone. This thesis investigated the role of OECs for repairing DRI-associated neuropathic pain, which has never been previously explored. Chapter 2 of this thesis characterised two DRI models, a partial (2-root) or complete (4-root) deafferentation of the rat forepaw. The 2-root animals developed persistent allodynia and hyperalgesia, whereas in the 4-root DRI, in contrast, reduced sensation (desensitisation) was found within the affected forepaw. The degree of deficits on performing complex, skilled forepaw movements was proportional to the severity of DRI. Sensory control of forepaw movements was permanently abolishes in animals with 4-root DRI. With the goal of repairing DRI-associated neuropathic pain, the efficacy of genetically modified OECs that carry a novel GDNF construct was examined. These modified GDNF-OECs were able to produce GDNF in vitro, however, died rapidly and failed to yield long term GDNF expression after both acute and delayed transplantation into the DRI spinal cord. Unmodified plain OECs were then used. The results show that delayed transplantation of OECs attenuated the development of DRI-associated allodynia and hyperalgesia. Central reorganisations occurred within the dorsal horn following DRI, including reduction in the area of deep dorsal horn, permanent depletion of IB4-labeled axons and restoration of CGRP-labelled afferents in the denervated superficial laminae. The development of neuropathic pain is suggested to be mediated by the aberrant expansion of large myelinated VGLUT1-positive afferents into the superficial laminae, which normally receive nociceptive inputs. The effect of OECs on modulating nociception seems to be mediated by factors other than inhibition of afferent sprouting. In conclusion, the results in this thesis demonstrated the potential effect of OECs for modulating DRI-associated neuropathic pain. This finding could have clinical applicability for resistant pain sequelae resulting from neurotrauma.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2002. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Zugl.: Giessen, Univ., Diss., 2009