bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Dimensional Heat and Mass Transport in Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Shiomi Junichiro , Lin Yuan , Carlborg Carl Fredrik , Amberg Gustav , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: November 2010

This report covers various issues related to heat and mass transport in carbon nanotubes. Heat and mass transport under quasi-one-dimensional confinement has been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. It is shown that the quasi-ballistic heat conduction manifests in the length and diameter dependences of carbon nanotube thermal conductance. Such quasi-ballistic nature of carbon nanotube heat conduction also influences the thermal boundary conductance between carbon nanotubes and the surrounding materials. The quasi-one-dimensional structure also influences the mass transport of water through carbon nanotubes. The confinement gives rise to strongly directional dynamic properties of water. Here, it is demonstrated that the confined water can be efficiently transported by using the temperature gradient. Furthermore, the simulations reveal the diameter-dependent anisotropic dielectric properties, which could be used to identify intrusion of water into carbon nanotubes.
Nanoshell Assisted Cancer Therapy: Numerical Simulations
Authors: Bayazitoglu Yildiz
Published: November 2010

Since the near infrared spectrum (wavelength range of 750–1100 nm) is the region of highest physiological transmisivity, it is the optical communication gateway for the laser energy to propagate into the human body. This optical window also leads to nanoparticle-based approach where embedded nanoparticles absorb the laser light designed to address the specific diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of cancer therapy is exploited extensively in so called plasmonic photo thermal therapy (PPTT). A new tool that is under development for cancer/tumor treatment, in which embedded nanoparticles are manipulated to absorb the Near Infrared (NIR) laser light intensely, aiming at addressing the “nonselectivity” problem that exists in the conventional photo thermal therapy (PPT). The purpose is to seek therapy with a faster and accurate procedure with a comprehensive treatment plan aided with fast and accurate numerical simulations as well. Among all the nanostructures, the noble metal nanoparticles (such as nanoshells) could be tuned to have peak absorption cross section in the NIR spectrum which provide very intense local heating to burn the deeply embedded cancerous tissues and tumors rather than the healthy tissue. Experimental and numerical studies have shown that designed gold nanoshells can be used to remotely and optically induce hyperthermia by embedding certain amount of absorbing dominated gold nanoshells in tumors and then irradiated using NIR laser light. Advancing our capabilities such as modeling, characterization and design of complex nanostructures and their host media for various nanophotonic applications will also increase our effectiveness of induced hyperthermia for its future applications. The computational tools should bridge across the scales from nano to macro, and rapidly compare the predicted behavior of a large number of nanoparticles embedded in tissue so that experimental groups could concentrate laboratory efforts on those resulted configurations most likely to provide optimum results.
Heat Transfer of Falling Film Flowing Around a Horizontal Tube With Nanofluids
Authors: Ruan Binglu , Jacobi Anthony M. , Li Liansheng
Published: November 2010

Due to its high heat transfer coefficient and low working fluid inventory, the horizontal-tube, falling-film heat exchanger finds wide application as an absorber, condenser and evaporator. Recent advances in nanotechnology suggest the use of nanofluids in heat exchangers. Some researchers find an enhanced heat transfer with nanofluids, while others report no enhancement or a deleterious effect on heat transfer when applying nanoparticles in the working fluids. In the current work, the thermal conductivity and kinematic viscosity of aqueous alumina nanofluids are measured at concentrations of 0 vol%, 0.05 vol%, 0.5 vol%, 1 vol% (with and without sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, SDBS), and 2 vol%. For these nanofluids, the impact of nanoparticles on thermal conductivity and viscosity is small (less than 5% for thermal conductivity and 13% for viscosity). The heat transfer characteristics of these nanofluids are measured and compared to predictions from the literature for conventional fluids. The falling-film heat transfer for these nanofluids is in good agreement with predictions, and no unusual heat transfer enhancement is observed in the present studies. Although the findings with water-alumina nanofluids are not encouraging with respect to heat transfer, the results extend nanofluid data to a new type of flow and may help improve our understanding of nanofluid behavior. Moreover, this work provides a basis for further work on falling-film nanofluids.
Economic Feasibility of a Plasma Arc Gasification Plant, City of Marion, Iowa
Authors: Clark Bruce J. , Rogoff Marc J.
Published: November 2010

The City of Marion (“City”) and wastenotIowa, Inc. (WNI), along with other interested parties, has been considering the use of a plasma are gasification plant (“Plant”) as a technology that could reduce their future dependency on landfill disposal. As currently envisioned, the Plant would serve Linn County, including the City and the University of Iowa (“UI”) Oakdale research campus, located in Johnson County. In the next step of their evaluations, the City along with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has commissioned SCS Engineers (SCS) to perform a formal economic feasibility study of the Plant. The feasibility study included: •Assessing potential for other waste material other than municipal solid waste in the region as supplemental plant feedstock. •Assessing potential markets for the plasma plant byproducts. •Determining the feasibility, requirements and costs related to an interconnect with the power utility grid. •Assessing the option that the UI could potentially be the exclusive power customer for the Plant. •Developing a pro-forma model so that various options can be evaluated for the Plant capacity and material and energy output configurations over an assumed initial 20-year contract operating phase, including; –Production of syngas for conversion to electrical power –Production of syngas for direct use and conversion to fuel products –Production of insulation from slag to enhance project revenues. •Determining the potential economic impact of the Plant on the region.
Plant Upgrade: Recovery of Non-Ferrous Metals From a Municipal RDF Facility
Authors: Egosi Nathiel G. , Raabe Mark E. , Weidner Robert , Freel Gary A.
Published: November 2010

The City of Ames, IA (City) processes 220 tons per day of municipal solid waste (MSW) at their Arnold O. Chantland Resource Recovery System (RRS). This facility is depicted in Figure 1. The objectives of this facility have both an economic and an environmental component: to reduce the amount of MSW that is otherwise disposed in their local landfill, thereby increasing the life of the landfill; and produce refuse-derived fuel (RDF) to reduce the amount of coal consumed at the City’s municipal electrical generating station. [Note: Approximately 70% of the MSW is converted into RDF, comprising 10 to 20% of the feedstock to the generating station.]
Status of Existing Biomass Gasification and Pyrolysis Facilities in North America
Authors: Pytlar Theodore S.
Published: November 2010

A search of websites for firms in the United States and Canada identifying themselves as gasification or pyrolysis system suppliers indicates that there are a number of existing facilities where their technologies are installed. According to the websites, the companies’ existing installations focus on processing biomass and industrial residuals, rather than mixed refuse. The biomass processed, according to the websites includes yard waste, wood, and wastewater treatment sludge. The existence of these facilities provides a potential opportunity for communities in areas with a high density of development, who experience difficulties in siting “traditional” facilities for processing these biomass wastes. Such traditional facilities include yard waste and sludge composting, wood mulching, sludge drying, chemical treatment or pelletization, and combustion-based waste-to-energy. As a result of these facility siting difficulties, these communities often resort to long-haul trucking of the biomass wastes to processing facilities or landfills. Certain potential advantages associated with gasification and pyrolysis technologies could ease the siting difficulties associated with the traditional technologies, due to smaller facility footprints, reduced odors, and the potential for energy production through combustion of syngas/synfuel to power internal combustion engines or produce steam using boilers. Lower stack emissions may result as compared to direct combustion of biomass wastes. Locally sited biomass gasification facilities could reduce the environmental impacts associated with long-haul trucking and generate an energy product to meet nearby demand. Research has been conducted by the Author on behalf of client communities to identify gasification and pyrolysis facilities in the United States and Canada that are in actual operation in order to assess their potential for processing biomass wastes and for providing the advantages listed above. Website reviews, interviews with company representatives, and facility visits were conducted in order to assess their potential for development to meet the biomass management objectives of the communities. The information sought regarding design and operating parameters included the following: • Year of start-up. • Availability. • Process description. • Design throughput. • Actual throughput. • Energy product. • Energy generation capability and technology. • Residuals production and characteristics. • Emissions. • Construction and operating costs. In addition, the system suppliers’ business status was addressed in terms of their readiness and capabilities to participate in the development of new facilities. Confidentiality requirements imposed by the system suppliers may prevent the identification of the company name or facility location and certain details regarding the system designs.
Fishing for Energy Partnership Cleans up Marine Debris Pollution and Promotes Benefits of Recycling and Energy-From-Waste
Authors: McCoy Christine
Published: November 2010

Fishing for Energy (FfE) is a partnership of Covanta Energy Corporation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. The purpose of the FfE partnership is to provide fishermen with a no-cost disposal option for old or derelict fishing gear and to convert it into clean, renewable energy, using state-of-the-art Energy-from-Waste technology. To date, nearly 270 tons of gear has been collected, metals are recovered for recycling, and the rest has generated approximately 330 MWh of electricity.
Experimental Research on Microwave Induced Thermal Decomposition of Printed Circuit Board Wastes
Authors: Zhang Zhixiao , Zhao Xintian , Kwon Eilhann , Castaldi Marco J.
Published: November 2010

As a result of electronic industry development in China, significant amount of Printed Circuit Board (PCBs) wastes are generated. The thermal decomposition via combustion or pyrolysis/gasification is considered to be a feasible disposal way for PCBs. To understand the consequences of pyrolysis, gasification or combustion in WTE facilities, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) has been carried to characterize the thermal decomposition mechanisms and extract the kinetic parameters in various atmospheres (N2, CO2 and air) to simulate different regions in WTE applications. TGA tests in N2 atmosphere showed there was only one significant reaction in the low temperature range of 270∼350°C, which was the decomposition of epoxy resin in PCBs. The behavior in CO2 atmosphere was similar with that in N2. However, the PCBs oxidation process in air atmosphere showed two thermal decomposition steps. One was the thermal decomposition similar to the volatilization in N2 atmosphere and the second step showed oxidation behavior. Some pre-processing was investigated to explore possible benefits in WTE combustion. PCBs waste was pyrolyzed using a microwave tubular furnace. The liquid product were collected and then identified by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Most of the Br contained in PCBs was released into non-condensable gas in the form of HBr. The liquid product contained a large amount of phenolic compounds, bisphenol A and other aromatic compounds that can be used to produce related chemical products or used in WTE facilities. The experimental results including the thermal kinetic parameters and microwave induced pyrolysis indicate the complex mechanisms that take place during the pyrolysis of PCBs wastes.
Concepts and Experiences for Higher Plant Efficiency With Modern Advanced Boiler and Incineration Technology
Authors: Main Armin , Maghon Thomas
Published: November 2010

The efforts for reducing CO2 Emissions into atmosphere and increasing costs for fossil fuels concepts are the drivers for Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities with higher plant efficiency. In the past steam parameters for EfW were requested mainly at 40 bars and 400 °C (580 psi and 752 F). In case of coal fired power plants at the same location as the EfW facilities higher steam parameters at 90 bar, 520 °C (1305 psi, 968 F) have been used for the design of stoker and boiler. This long-term experience with higher steam parameters is the platform for the todays and future demand in higher plant efficiency. Increase in EfW plant efficiency is achievable by increasing temperature and pressure of live steam going along with optimized combustion conditions when using well proven grate technology for waste incineration. On the other hand higher steam parameters result in higher corrosion rates on the boiler tubes and the optimization of the combustion conditions are limited by the burn out quality requirements of slag and flue gas. Advantages and disadvantages have therefore to be balanced carefully. This paper will present different measures for optimized boiler and combustion conditions compared to an EfW plant with live steam at 40 bars and 400 °C (580 psi and 752 F) and 60% excess of combustion air. Plants operated at these conditions have very low maintenance costs created by corrosion of boiler tubes and show performance with very high availability. The following parameters and experiences will be evaluated: - reduction of excess air; - flue gas temperature at boiler outlet; - higher steam parameters (pressure and temperature); - heating surfaces for steam superheating in the radiation boiler section; - steam reheating; - external superheaters using auxiliary fuels. The comparison of the different methods for increasing the efficiency together with resulting technology challenges incorporates the experiences from modern EfW reference facilities built in Naples/Italy, Ruedersdorf (Berlin)/Germany and Heringen/Germany.
Conditioning Rotor–Recycle Process With Particle Conditioning: A Simple and Effective Process for the Gas Cleaning Downstream Waste Incinerators
Authors: Margraf Ruediger
Published: November 2010

Following to the tightening of emission limit values in Europe between 1980 and 1990, complex, multi-stage plants have been installed for the gas cleaning systems downstream of waste incinerators. As a result of the extremely high investment and operating costs, a waste incineration was no longer economical. Due to the consistent advancement of semi-dry procedures, high-efficient cleaning systems could be developed, with reliable observance of the requested emission limit values at considerably lower investment and operating costs. The Conditioning Rotor–Recycle Process with particle conditioning offers such a procedure. It mainly comprises the component parts for additive powder injection (CaO / Ca(OH)2, AC), reaction chamber with conditioning rotor, fabric filter and multiple particle re-circulation with wetting of recycled particulate prior to reinjection into reactor. This system allows the simultaneous separation of particles, heavy metals, incl. mercury and mercury compounds, acid crude gas components such as HF, HCl, SOx as well as dioxins / furans. The approx. 50fold particle re-circulation combined with the wetting of the recycled particulate grants the high effectiveness of this system with regard to the separation capacity and the additive powder consumption. The efficiency is described on the basis of several application examples from the field of waste incinerators. The presentation includes among other things the degrees of separation and the emission limit values in comparison with definitely more complex scrubbing systems. The process is also provided with an up-to-date control device for the additive powder injection. Based on crude gas measurements of the acid crude gas components, HCl and SOx, as well as on measurements of the volume flow, the additive powder is injected in dosed quantities in accordance with a given stoichiometric factor. The control concept is explained by means of a practical example. Furthermore, results will be presented, showing the advantages of the Conditioning Rotor – Recycle Process with particle conditioning relating to the expenses for consumable supplies, compared to a conventional spray sorption for the separation of acid crude gas components, as used for many plants in the USA. A comparison of the emission limit values for waste incinerators in the USA and Europe shows, that the presented process is also suited for the American market and offers cost advantages for the operators of waste incinerators.
Transforming Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Into Fuel via the Gasification/Pyrolysis Process
Authors: Kwon Eilhann , Westby Kelly J. , Castaldi Marco J.
Published: November 2010

Municipal solid waste (MSW) gasification/pyrolysis enhancement using CO2 as gasification medium has been studied to understand the performance under various reaction conditions. MSW gasification/pyrolysis has been characterized thermo-gravimetrically under various atmospheres covering the gasification/pyrolysis process, which has been used as a basis for scale-up experimental work using a flow-through reactor (FTR) and drop tube reactor (DTR) (0.5 g/min of sample, 4–5 sec residence time, 500°C-1000°C). For example, FTR has been used to carry out the fast pyrolysis process having a nominal heating rate of 800°C/min. Oils produced from the FTR have been condensed and analyzed with GC/MS. Among identified chemical species in the pyrolysis sample, the 10 most abundant compounds (benzene, toluene, styrene, limonene, 2,3-dimethyl-1-heptene, benzoic acid, ethylbenzene, indole, xylene, and d-allose) in the pyrolysis oil sample were determined and quantified. These 10 abundant chemical species are substantially reduced in the presence of CO2. This leads to a substantial increase of C1–5 hydrocarbons in gaseous (non-condensable) products and a reduction of pyrolysis oil (∼20%) as well. In addition, MSW samples have been tested in the DTR at a temperature range from 500°C and 1000°C under various atmospheres with CO2 concentrations of 0% and 30%. The release of all chemical species from the DTR was determined using μ-GC. For example, CO (∼30%), H2 (∼25%), and CH4 (∼10%) under the presence of CO2 were generated and introducing CO2 into the gasification process substantially enhanced syngas production. Finally, steam gasification using different ratios of biomass to polyethylene has been explored to better understand the enhanced steam gasification of MSW that is mostly composed of biomass and polymer. Overall thermal degradation trend is the similar, but steam gasification of MSW needs a relatively long residence time and high temperature as compared to biomass.
Ultrafine Particles From WTE and Other Combustion Sources
Authors: Yinon Lital , Themelis Nickolas J. , McNeill V. Faye
Published: November 2010

The size of combustion generated particles ranges from a few nanometers up to 1 micron, whereas the size of naturally occurring PM such as pollens, plant fragments, and sea salt is generally larger than 1 micron. Particles generated by photochemical processes in the atmosphere are generally smaller than 1 micron. Ultrafine particles (UFP), also called “nanoparticles”, are <0.1 micron and in recent yearshave attracted attention due to potential adverse health effects associated with them. The contribution of UFP to the total PM mass is very small. However, they dominate the total number of particles in urban aerosols. Their sources are both mobile and stationary combustion sources and also gas-to-particle conversions. In coal and waste combustion systems, UFP are hypothesized to be generated mainly by nucleation of metal vapors. Coal naturally contains a vast range of inorganic elements among which are heavy metals. Sources of heavy metals in MSW include batteries, electronic devices, light bulbs, house dust and paint chips, food containers, used motor oils, plastics, yard wastes and some papers. The input of these metals into WTE facilities can be controlled by better source-separation of metal-containing materials. In 2007 almost 50% of the approximately 4.16 billion MWh generated in the United States was produced by coal power plants whereas only 0.3% was generated by the WTE industry. A preliminary study has shown that in terms of contribution to UHF in the atmosphere, MSW combustion has a minor effect in comparison to coal-fired power plants in the U.S. This paper will report on the results of this investigation.
Characterization of Nintendo Wii Remote for 3D Tracking in Virtual Reality
Authors: Kryger Graham , Gurocak Hakan
Published: November 2010

In virtual environments real-time measurement of position and orientation of the user’s hand or head is mostly done using expensive tracking devices, such as the Flock of Birds by Ascension, Inc. Recently, the Nintendo Wii Remote appeared as an inexpensive alternative for tracking in 3D. In this research, performance of the Wii Remote was characterized through experiments with one and two remotes and by using a high precision Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM). It was found that the two-parallel-remotes arrangement yielded the best measurement accuracy in about 50 cm depth from the remotes. The remotes could measure position with an average 9 mm horizontal and 6 mm vertical error. The roll angle was measured with ±3.4° average error. The worst errors were in the yaw and pitch angle measurements, ±7.4° and ±10°, respectively, due to the LED inclination angles. The long term goal of our research is to develop a lightweight haptic glove where the Wii Remote can potentially be used in tracking the user’s hand.
Developing Virtual Testbeds for Tasks in Research and Engineering
Authors: Rossmann Juergen , Jung Thomas Josef , Rast Malte
Published: November 2010

Simulation in the context of robotic engineering often focuses on very special details of global systems. For example robot designers usually begin with the analysis of new actuators and joint designs. This corresponds to a “bottom-up”-strategy in the development of complex simulation models. This is probably a good choice for classical fields of robotic applications, e.g. in production plants with well defined system states and environments, because it allows very detailed insights into the analyzed subsystems. On the other hand, unpredictable effects of the interaction of multiple subsystems may easily be overseen. To overcome this problem, this paper presents the idea and some practical aspects of the implementation of a virtual test environment (Virtual Testbed). In a Virtual Testbed, the entire system is simulated as a whole in virtual reality — not only small subsystems of a global system. According to requirements simulation of special subsystems is refined by specific simulation methods and integrated into the overall simulation framework. In contrast to the classical “bottom-up”-strategy this can be seen as a “top-down”-approach in the development of complex simulation models. Therefore a platform for the development of versatile simulation and testing environments is presented. Using the example of the evaluation and testing of an extraterrestrial walking exploration robot design in its Virtual Testbed, the idea is further deepened. As a special field of attention the integration of a method of soil simulation for the refinement of foot-ground-interaction as a particular requirement of this kind of simulation is described.
Integrating Digital Human Modeling Into Virtual Environment for Ergonomic Oriented Design
Authors: Ma Liang , Chablat Damien , Bennis Fouad , Hu Bo , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2010

Virtual human simulation integrated into virtual reality applications is mainly used for virtual representation of the user in virtual environment or for interactions between the user and the virtual avatar for cognitive tasks. In this paper, in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, the integration of virtual human simulation and VR application is presented to facilitate physical ergonomic evaluation, especially for physical fatigue evaluation of a given population. Immersive working environments are created to avoid expensive physical mock-up in conventional evaluation methods. Peripheral motion capture systems are used to capture natural movements and then to simulate the physical operations in virtual human simulation. Physical aspects of human’s movement are then analyzed to determine the effort level of each key joint using inverse kinematics. The physical fatigue level of each joint is further analyzed by integrating a fatigue and recovery model on the basis of physical task parameters. All the process has been realized based on VRHIT platform and a case study is presented to demonstrate the function of the physical fatigue for a given population and its usefulness for worker selection.
Industrial Application of CFD Simulation and VR Visualization
Authors: Wu Bin , Chen Guoheng , Moreland John , Huang Dui , Zheng Dezhi , Zhou Chenn Q.
Published: November 2010

The petroleum refining industry involves many capital and energy intensive processes. Due to complex phenomena and the difficulties in taking measurements, the knowledge needed for process optimization can be most readily obtained through the development of high fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations. CFD has become a powerful simulation technology used in industrial process design and optimization for productivity enhancement, energy efficiency optimization, environmental management, and quality assurance. With increasingly complex CFD capable of simulating and analyzing ever-larger amounts of data, interpolating and presenting the numerical data in a meaningful fashion is a key for effective communication between CFD experts and plant engineers. Traditionally, CFD experts frequently develop two-dimensional pictures and animate their results to help make the information easily digestible. Recently, virtual reality (VR) technology made it possible for people to analyze huge amounts of CFD data in a virtual environment. VR creates a computer-generated world in which people who are not analysis experts can see the results in a context that they can easily understand. Even people who are familiar with interpreting analysis results can gain insights that make it possible to understand the root causes of observed problems and plan design changes in much less time. The integration of CFD with VR is a growing and emerging research field which can provide virtual engineering (VE) systems. In the present study, several VE applications in the petroleum refining industry have been discussed. The VE environment has greatly enhanced the value of CFD simulations and allows engineers to gain much needed process insights in order to make sound engineering decisions.
3D Sound Cueing for the Simulation of Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors: Corenthy Loi¨c , Ortega Gonza´lez Erik Vladimir , Garbaya Samir , Espadero Guillermo Jose´ Miguel
Published: November 2010

Arthroscopic surgery offers many advantages compared to traditional surgery. Nevertheless, the required skills to practice this kind of surgery need specific training. Surgery simulators are used to train surgeon apprentices to practice specific gestures. In this paper, we present a study showing the contribution of 3D sound in assisting the triangulation gesture in arthroscopic surgery simulation. This ability refers to the capacity of the subject to manipulate the instruments while having a modified and limited view provided by the video camera of the simulator. Our approach, based on the use of 3D sound metaphors, provides interaction cues to the subjects about the real position of the instrument. The paper reports a performance evaluation study based on the perception of 3D sound integrated in the process of training of surgical task. Despite the fact that 3D sound cueing was not shown useful to all subjects in terms of execution time, the results of the study revealed that the majority of subjects who participated to the experiment confirmed the added value of 3D sound in terms of ease of use.
A Theoretical Framework for Generating Copious Multi-Sensory Feedback From Virtual Buttons
Authors: Faeth Adam J. , Harding Chris
Published: November 2010

This research describes a theoretical framework for designing multimodal feedback for 3D buttons in a virtual environment. Virtual button implementations often suffer from inadequate feedback compared to their mechanical, real-world, counterparts. This lack of feedback can lead to accidental button actuations and reduce the user’s ability to discover how to interact with the virtual button. We propose a framework for more expressive virtual button feedback that communicates visual, audio, and haptic feedback to the user. We apply the theoretical framework by implementing a software library prototype to support multimodal feedback from virtual buttons in a 3D virtual reality workspace.
‘Patient trade’ in Germany: an ethical issue at the practitioner–clinician interface in 1909 and 2009
Authors: Maehle Andreas-Holger
Published: November 2010

In 2009 the German media featured the so-called ‘patient trade’ scandal. Offending against the rules of the professional code for German doctors, some medical practitioners had accepted bonus payments from specific hospitals for referring patients to them. This article discusses a historical precedent for this scandal, the patient trade affair of 1909, in which several medical professors of the Berlin university clinics were accused of having paid agents for bringing them lucrative private patients. Although the historical contexts were different, then, as in 2009, a commercial attitude towards medical practice clashed with the ethical ideal of the economically disinterested doctor.
Endocrine problems in pregnancy
Authors: Amin Anjali , Robinson Stephen , Teoh Tiong Ghee
Published: November 2010

abstract

This paper aims to describe the pathophysiology and management of the main endocrine complications of pregnancy. For each endocrine dysfunction, the issues with the fetus, the mother, obstetric complications, and the long term prognosis for the disease itself need to be considered. Key management issues are highlighted with each condition. Thyroid dysfunction and goitre are common while management is relatively straightforward. Adrenal, pituitary, and parathyroid diseases present less commonly in pregnancy. Early recognition of endocrine disease in pregnancy and appropriate management has the potential to improve outcome for the mother and fetus in the short and long term.
Actual causes of death in Chaoyang District of Beijing, China, 2007
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Lan , Huang Jianshi , Fu Wenjiang J , Li Xingming , Meng Haiying
Published: November 2010

Objectives

To identify and quantify major external (non-genetic) factors that contribute to death in Chaoyang District of Beijing, China in 2007.

Methods

The death registration data reported to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention of Chaoyang District of Beijing, China, during the year 2007, were obtained. The analysis was conducted in 2009 using the health risk factors identified by the World Health Report 2002 and the population attributable fractions of mortality from Global burden of disease and risk factors. The estimates of actual causes of death attributable to each risk factor were calculated by multiplying the population attributable fractions of mortality by the corresponding number of deaths of the subgroup or total population.

Results

The five leading actual causes of death in Chaoyang District of Beijing, China in 2007 were high blood pressure (2159 deaths, 18%), smoking (990, 8%), low fruit and vegetable consumption (968, 8%), high cholesterol (891, 7%), and physical inactivity (629, 5%). The pattern and ordering of these leading causes vary with sex and age specific subgroups.

Conclusions

More than half of the total number of deaths in Chaoyang District in 2007 could be attributed to a few major preventable risk factors. Although the study focused on only one district of Beijing in one single year, and is by no means comprehensive, its findings suggest that public health policies and programmes in China should address these public health concerns by focusing on these largely preventable risk factors for primary prevention.
VISUAL PRIMITIVES: LOCAL, CONDENSED, SEMANTICALLY RICH VISUAL DESCRIPTORS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN ROBOTICS
Authors: PUGEAULT NICOLAS , WÖRGÖTTER FLORENTIN , KRÜGER NORBERT
Published: November 2010

We present a novel representation of visual information, based on local symbolic descriptors, that we call visual primitives. These primitives: (1) combine different visual modalities, (2) associate semantic to local scene information, and (3) reduce the bandwidth while increasing the predictability of the information exchanged across the system. This representation leads to the concept of early cognitive vision that we define as an intermediate level between dense, signal-based early vision and high-level cognitive vision. The framework's potential is demonstrated in several applications, in particular in the area of robotics and humanoid robotics, which are briefly outlined.
Restoration of skeletal muscle leptin response does not precede the exercise-induced recovery of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in high-fat-fed rats
Authors: Ritchie Ian R. W. , Gulli Roberto A. , Stefanyk Leslie E. , Harasim Ewa , Chabowski Adrian , Dyck David J.
Published: November 2010

Leptin administration increases fatty acid (FA) oxidation rates and decreases lipid storage in oxidative skeletal muscle, thereby improving insulin response. We have previously shown high-fat (HF) diets to rapidly induce skeletal muscle leptin resistance, prior to the disruption of normal muscle FA metabolism (increase in FA transport; accumulation of triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, ceramide) that occurs in advance of impaired insulin signaling and glucose transport. All of this occurs within a 4-wk period. Conversely, exercise can rapidly improve insulin response, in as little as one exercise bout. Thus, if the early development of leptin resistance is a contributor to HF diet-induced insulin resistance (IR) in skeletal muscle, then it is logical to predict that the rapid restoration of insulin response by exercise training would be preceded by the recovery of leptin response. In the current study, we sought to determine 1) whether 1, 2, or 4 wk of exercise training was sufficient to restore leptin response in isolated soleus muscle of rats already consuming a HF diet (60% kcal), and 2) whether this preceded the training-induced corrections in FA metabolism and improved insulin-stimulated glucose transport. In the low-fat (LF)-fed control group, insulin increased glucose transport by 153% and leptin increased AMPK and ACC phosphorylation and the rate of palmitate oxidation (+73%). These responses to insulin and leptin were either severely blunted or absent following 4 wk of HF feeding. Exercise intervention decreased muscle ceramide content (−28%) and restored insulin-stimulated glucose transport to control levels within 1 wk; muscle leptin response (AMPK and ACC phosphorylation, FA oxidation) was also restored, but not until the 2-wk time point. In conclusion, endurance exercise training is able to restore leptin response, but this does not appear to be a necessary precursor for the restoration of insulin response.
Visual Suppression in the Superior Colliculus Around the Time of Microsaccades
Authors: Rolfs Martin , Ohl Sven
Published: November 2010

Miniature eye movements jitter the retinal image unceasingly, raising the question of how perceptual continuity is achieved during visual fixation. Recent work discovered suppression of visual bursts in the superior colliculus around the time of microsaccades, tiny jerks of the eyes that support visual perception while gaze is fixed. This finding suggests that corollary discharge, supporting visual stability when rapid eye movements drastically shift the retinal image, may also exist for the smallest saccades.
Bevacizumab plus Low-Dose Metronomic Oral Cyclophosphamide in Heavily Pretreated Patients with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Sánchez-Muñoz Alfonso , Mendiola César , Pérez-Ruiz Elisabeth , Rodríguez-Sánchez César A. , Jurado José Miguel , Alonso-Carrión Lorenzo , Ghanem Ismael , de Velasco Guillermo , Quero-Blanco Cristina , Alba Emilio
Published: November 2010

Aim: To retrospectively assess the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab plus low-dose metronomic oral cyclophosphamide in heavily pretreated patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Patients and Methods: Patients with recurrent ovarian cancer and prior treatment with platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy were included. Treatment consisted of bevacizumab 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks plus oral cyclophosphamide 50 mg daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Response rates (RR) were determined according to RECIST criteria and by monitoring the CA 125 serum tumor marker according to Rustin’s criteria. The endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), RR, overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: Thirty-eight patients were treated; 79% were platinum resistant and 21% were platinum sensitive. The median number of previous treatments was 4 (range 1–8). Seventy-nine percent of patients had received more than 2 previous lines of treatment. Eighty-one percent of patients had received gemcitabine, 76% liposomal doxorubicin, and 50% topotecan. A median of 8 (range 1–70) cycles of bevacizumab were administered. The overall RR was a complete response (CR) in 3 patients (8.1%), a partial response (PR) in 12 (32.4%), and stable disease (SD) ≧6 months in 3 (8.1%). The median PFS and OS were 4.5 and 10.7 months, respectively. Thirty-nine percent of patients were progression free for at least 6 months. In an exploratory analysis there was a significant relation of prior platinum response and performance status with the risk of progression. Grade 3–4 toxicities included anemia (1), hypertension (2), hematuria (1), arterial thrombosis in the leg (1), dyspnea (1), and intestinal fistulae (1). There were no cases of gastrointestinal perforation (GIP) or treatment-related deaths. Conclusion: The combination of bevacizumab and metronomic cyclophosphamide was active and well-tolerated in heavily pretreated patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Are Bacterial Growth and/or Chemotaxis Increased by Filler Injections? Implications for the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Filler-Related Granulomas
Authors: Alijotas-Reig Jaume , Miró-Mur Francesc , Planells-Romeu Irene , Garcia-Aranda Natalia , Garcia-Gimenez Victor , Vilardell-Tarrés Miquel
Published: November 2010

Background: As microbial agents have been associated with late adverse effects related to fillers antibiotic treatment has been envisaged. Objective: To determine whether biomaterials favor bacterial growth and/or attract bacteria. Methods: Hyaluronic acid, semi-permanent fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite, and permanent fillers, such as polyalkylimide/polyacrylamide, were used. Experiments were performed with Escherichia coli, strain HVH-U47. Bacteria were transferred to Sven-Gard agar to test mobility. Striae of this bacterial strain with a MacFarland 1 turbulence pattern were seeded from a spot of inoculated biomaterial using Müller-Hinton medium. The chemoattractive properties of the biomaterials were analyzed 10 days after inoculation. Bacterial growth over the biomaterial and in-depth growth were assessed as well. Results: Semi-permanent fillers did not stimulate bacterial growth but they allowed bacterial colonization over the filler. Permanent acrylic compounds neither presented chemoattractant properties nor showed bacterial growth over the biomaterial. Similar results were obtained when performing in-depth cultures. Conclusions: Permanent and semi-permanent fillers did not facilitate bacterial growth when flagellated E. coli HVH-U47 was used. Our results do not argue in favor of antibiotics as the mainstay of therapy in late granulomas related to permanent fillers. In the case of resorbable/semi-permanent fillers, more studies are needed before recommending antibiotic therapy.
Reduced Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Is Associated with Stroke Outcome after Intravenous rt-PA: The Stroke Acute Management with Urgent Risk-Factor Assessment and Improvement (SAMURAI) rt-PA Registry
Authors: Naganuma Masaki , Koga Masatoshi , Shiokawa Yoshiaki , Nakagawara Jyoji , Furui Eisuke , Kimura Kazumi , Yamagami Hiroshi , Okada Yasushi , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Kario Kazuomi , Okuda Satoshi , Nishiyama Kazutoshi , Minematsu Kazuo , Toyoda Kazunori
Published: November 2010

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether renal dysfunction affects the outcome of stroke patients treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Methods: A retrospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted to identify the effects of underlying risk factors on intravenous rt-PA therapy using 0.6 mg/kg alteplase in 10 stroke centers in Japan. Consecutive stroke patients with a premorbid modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤3 who received rt-PA were studied. Renal dysfunction was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 on admission. The outcome measures were any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and symptomatic ICH within the initial 36 h; favorable (mRS 0–1) outcome, poor outcome (mRS 4–6) and mortality at 3 months. Results: Of a total of 578 patients (372 men; 64.4%, 71.4 ± 11.7 years old), renal dysfunction was present in 186 patients (32.2%). These patients were older and more commonly had hypertension, atrial fibrillation, prior ischemic heart disease and prior use of antithrombotic agents than patients without renal dysfunction. ICH (27.4 vs. 16.6%) and symptomatic ICH (8.1 vs. 2.6%) was more common in patients with renal dysfunction than in those without. At 3 months, patients with renal dysfunction had higher median mRS scores than those without (3 vs. 2). After multivariate adjustment for established outcome predictors, renal dysfunction was related to any ICH (odds ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.16–2.84), symptomatic ICH (2.64, 1.10–6.56), poor outcome (1.55, 1.01–2.38), and mortality (2.94, 1.38–6.42). Conclusions: Reduced eGFR was associated with early ICH and 3-month unfavorable outcome in stroke patients receiving intravenous rt-PA.
Developmental Factors of Fibrous Opacification in the Atopic Cataract Lens Capsule
Authors: Suzuki Shigenari , Sagara Hironori , Senoo Tadashi
Published: November 2010

Aim: We investigated the developmental factors of fibrous opacification in the atopic cataract lens capsule. Method: We examined the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signals (phosphorylated Smad2/3 and Smad7) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 in atopic cataract lenses by immunohistochemistry. The PAI-1 concentration in aqueous humor was also measured. Results: Lens epithelial cells of the atopic cataract lens capsule showed positive immunohistochemical staining for phosphorylated Smad2/3 and Smad7. Lens epithelial cells of the age-related cataract lens capsule were positive for phosphorylated Smad2/3, but negative for Smad7 by immunohistochemistry. All cells were negative for PAI-1. However, high concentrations of PAI-1 were detected in the aqueous humor of atopic cataract patients. Conclusion: We suggest that TGF-β and PAI-1 contribute to fibrous opacification in the atopic cataract lens capsule.
Improved Visual Hallucination by Donepezil and Occipital Glucose Metabolism in Dementia with Lewy Bodies: The Osaki-Tajiri Project
Authors: Satoh Masayuki , Ishikawa Hiroyasu , Meguro Kenichi , Kasuya Masashi , Ishii Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Satoshi
Published: November 2010

Deficits in the cholinergic system are pronounced in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and are more severe in patients with visual hallucinations (VHs). The aim is to identify the occipital glucose metabolism patterns by positron emission tomography (PET) and the changes following donepezil treatment. 13 DLB patients with VHs were enrolled in the study. After the first FDG-PET study, 5 mg/day donepezil was administered orally, and a second PET study was performed 3 months later. After donepezil administration, VHs disappeared completely in 6 patients, and the PET studies revealed significantly decreased glucose metabolism in the medial occipital cortex. These results suggest that VHs in DLB were associated with impaired glucose metabolism in the medial occipital cortex. Donepezil treatment may modify regional glucose metabolism.
No Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage after Cardiac Surgery: A 14-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Korn-Lubetzki Isabelle , Oren Avraham , Tauber Rachel , Bitran Dani , Steiner-Birmanns Bettina
Published: November 2010

Background: In the presence of new neurological findings occurring after cardiac surgery, the clinical question is whether to exclude symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), particularly in the context of routine postoperative anticoagulation treatment. Methods: This is a retrospective 14-year study including 5,275 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery. The control cohort included all patients with acute cerebrovascular accidents hospitalized in 2 general hospitals in Jerusalem during a 2-month period in 2007 (part of a national survey). Results: After cardiac surgery, 78 patients developed ischemic strokes, mostly of large-vessel etiology. These ischemic strokes occurred more often in patients who underwent combined operations (22/647 = 3.4% vs. 45/3,489 = 1.3%; p = 0.0004). ICH was found in 6% of all acute cerebrovascular accidents in the general survey, but was absent after cardiac surgery (5 vs. 0; p = 0.02). Conclusions:Despite hypertension as a main risk factor and the administration of postoperative anticoagulation, we found that symptomatic ICH did not occur after cardiac surgery.
Next Up Downtown: A New Generation of Ensemble Performance
Authors: McGinley Paige
Published: November 2010

The work of seven up-and-coming performance companies—Hotel Savant, Temporary Distortion, New Paradise Laboratories, Knife, Inc., Ex.Pgirl, Witness Relocation, and Banana Bag & Bodice—explores intermediality transnationalism, and political affect. All emphasize the continued dominance of networked, spatialized storytelling.
Liberté, Fraternité, Corbusier!: An Interview with Alex Timbers
Authors: Savran David
Published: November 2010

Under the artistic direction of Alex Timbers, Les Freres Corbusier has carved out a niche for itself as a purveyor of an anarchic, hyper-literate variety of what Timbers calls post-ironic theatre, an “aggressively visceral theatre combining historical revisionism, multimedia excess, found texts, sophomoric humor, and rigorous academic research.”
What Did They Do to My Country!: An Interview with Rachel Chavkin
Authors: Martin Carol
Published: November 2010

Carol Martin and Rachel Chavkin discuss the intellectual formation and working methods of the young American theatre company, the TEAM—Theatre of the Emerging American Moment.