For the last years, automation is widely used to relieve humans from repetitive tasks, primarily and firstly within manufacturing. However, for products with less ideal (or hard to model) properties, and when forces depends on human interaction, automated testing has not been explored until now. This work presents the analysis of the (human-dependent) motions/forces based on a fully implemented te

Objectives To evaluate in a prospective, randomized clinical trial (RCT), symptom response among obese knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients following a feasible. intensive weight-loss program for 16 weeks Methods Eligible patients were obese [body mass index (BMI)> 30 kg/m(2)], >50 years old, with primary knee OA Participants were randomized to either a very-low-energy diet (VLED) or a low-energy die

Severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by leukocyte infiltration and tissue injury. Herein, we wanted to examine the potential effects of thrombin-derived host defense peptides (TDPs) in severe AP. Pancreatitis was provoked by infusion of taurocholate into the pancreatic duct or by intraperitoneal administration of L-arginine in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were treated with the TDPs GKY20 and G

After a brief review of how quantum mechanical weak measurements plus post-selection give rise to the weak value concept, I criticize an interpretation of a weak value as any sort of straightforward, bona fide property of the system under investigation.

Range shifts can rapidly create new areas of geographic overlap between formerly allopatric taxa and evidence is accumulating that this can affect species persistence. We review the emerging literature on the short- and long-term consequences of these geographic range shifts. Specifically, we focus on the evolutionary consequences of novel species interactions in newly created sympatric areas by d

Entrained flow gasification is a promising technique where biomass is converted to a synthesis gas (syngas) under fuel-rich conditions. In contrast to combustion, where the fuel is converted to heat, CO2, and H2O, the syngas from gasification is rich in energetic gases such as CO and H-2. These compounds (CO and H-2) represent the building blocks for further catalytic synthesis to chemicals or bio

We have investigated individual bulk-like wires of wurtzite InP using photoluminescence, photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Using two different methods we find that the top of the valence band is split, as expected theoretically. This splitting of the valence band is peculiar to wurtzite InP and does not occur in zinc blende InP. We find the energy diff

We show that the centrosome- and microtubule-regulating protein γ-tubulin interacts with E2 promoter binding factors (E2Fs) to modulate E2F transcriptional activity and thereby control cell cycle progression. γ-Tubulin contains a C-terminal signal that results in its translocation to the nucleus during late G(1) to early S phase. γ-Tubulin mutants showed that the C terminus interacts with the tran

Accumulating evidence suggest that platelets play an important role in regulating neutrophil recruitment in septic lung injury. Herein, we hypothesized that platelet-derived CCL5 might facilitate sepsis-induced neutrophil accumulation in the lung. Abdominal sepsis was induced by CLP in C57BL/6 mice. CLP increased plasma levels of CCL5. Platelet depletion and treatment with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23

Many filamentous organisms, such as fungi, grow by tip-extension and by forming new branches behind the tips. A similar growth mode occurs in filamentous bacteria, including the genus Streptomyces, although here our mechanistic understanding has been very limited. The Streptomyces protein DivIVA is a critical determinant of hyphal growth and localizes in foci at hyphal tips and sites of future bra

The cave-living and monobasic fungus gnat genus Speolepta Edwards is reviewed with a description of the first Nearctic species, Speolepta vockerothi sp. nov., from Canada (caves in Ontario and British Columbia) and the United States (Alaska). Its morphology, life history, and biology are documented and compared with the single European species Speolepta leptogaster (Winnertz). A further new specie

Chiral surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) can be generated by linearly polarized light incident at the end of a nanowire, exciting a coherent superposition of three specific nanowire waveguide modes. Images of chiral SPPs on individual nanowires obtained from quantum dot fluorescence excited by the SPP evanescent field reveal the chirality predicted in our theoretical model. The handedness and spat

The cetrarioid core group has been the focus of numerous taxonomic and phylogenetic studies in recent years, yet the phylogenetic resolution and support among these clades remains unclear. Here we use four commonly employed loci to estimate if their use increases phylogenetic resolution and support. The present study largely confirms the topologies of previous studies, but with increased support.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine what we can learn from an autoethnographical approach about public administration. In this context it presents and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of autoethnography. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a case study of E-rail, a European national rail service subject to extensive negative press coverage. The autoethnograp

In studies of haemosporidian systematics and taxonomy, a combination of microscopic examination and molecular identification has been recommended. The yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava) is a frequently used species in studies of host-parasite interactions; blood parasites of this bird have been well studied using microscopic examination of blood films, but data on molecular characterization of the p

The thermal stress of the internally finned bayonet tube used for high temperature heat exchangers is numerically investigated by ANSYS software. Three kinds of lateral fin profiles, namely Z-shape, S-shape and V-shape are studied and compared. The significant temperature gradient and largest Von Mises stress are acquired. The largest stress is still generated in the joint of inner fin and outer t

Waterborne chemical cues are an important source of information for many aquatic organisms, in particular when assessing the current risk of predation. The ability to use chemical cues to detect and respond to potential predators before an actual encounter can improve prey chances of survival. We investigated predator recognition and the impact of chemical cues on predator avoidance in the freshwa

A freedom-of-choice reform within mental health day center services was evaluated. The reform aimed to (1) facilitate users' change between units and (2) increase the availability of service providers. Seventy-eight users responded to questionnaires about the reform, empowerment, social network, engagement and satisfaction and were followed-up after 15 months. Fifty-four percent knew about the ref