Design of a Modular and Low-Latency Virtual-Environment Platform for Applications in Motor Adaptation Research, Neurological Disorders, and Neurorehabilitation

We have developed a modular virtual environment platform for movement research and rehabilitation. The system uses several networked computers running Linux to share computation. An electromagnetic tracker is the primary position tracker and both a head-mounted display and stereo goggles are used for visual display. System software is written in a combination of C++, JAVA, and Python and makes considerable use of the open-source toolkits VR Juggler and OpenSceneGraph. These are integrated with additional toolkits and custom modules written specifically for the study of motor control and rehabilitation. The system performs well with low latency, accurate calibration, and a consistently high graphics update rate. Preliminary applications have confirmed that the system is a powerful tool for sensory-motor investigation and has considerable potential as a tool for neurorehabilitation. Its primary advantage over other systems is its ability to utilize different display and input devices, and run a range of experiments simply by changing XML configuration files. Additionally, the use of powerful open-source libraries provides a feature-rich foundation for advanced features and low-cost duplication. Further work and experiments are needed to extend, further validate, and fully utilize this platform.     

Tandem mirror reactor with thermal barriers

A new invention — the thermal barrier — promises to improve the tandem mirror fusion reactor. The thermal barrier consists of a region of reduced magnetic field strength, plasma density, and plasma potential between each end plug and the central cell of a tandem mirror. The depressed plasma potential serves to thermally insulate the plug electrons from the central cell electrons. With barriers and auxiliary electron heating in the plugs, the central cell confining potential can be generated with a lower plug plasma density, magnetic field strength, and beam injection energy than for the case without barriers. This paper summarizes the status of the rapidly evolving physics knowledge concerning tandem mirrors with thermal barriers, describes end plug components typical for tandem mirror reactors — yin-yang magnets, neutral beams, and ECRH heating systems, and discusses central cell design.     

英国著名玩具代理商生意经：选择品牌和分销商很重要

2009年是英国著名玩具代理商DKL创立20周年。英国玩具杂志《Toys‘n’Playthins》对其进行了一次访问，了解这家公司的经营理念以及如何经营和选择玩具礼品品牌。     

Conservative management of recurrent keratocysts in Basal-cell naevus syndrome

The aim of the present study was to develop a short bioresorbable ureteric stent and to characterize the chosen polymers with respect to surface modification, biocompatibility, and loading of a biologically active compound. As materials for the stent, poly(D,L-lactide) and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) were chosen. Degradation experiments were carried out and analytical data were obtained by contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated reflection mode (FTIR-ATR). Gas loading technology was used to incorporate biologically active compounds, and biocompatibility of the polymers was assessed by in vitro cellular assays, applying measures such as cell morphology, proliferative activity, and membrane integrity. Our results indicate that surface modification of bioresorbable polymers is a suitable and efficient approach to improve the surface properties. Incorporation of biologically active compounds was possible without loss of activity, and in vitro assessment of cellular responses demonstrated the biocompatibility of the chosen polymers and modifications.