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Nucleic Acids Research Mar 2022Serine integrases are emerging as one of the most powerful biological tools for synthetic biology. They have been widely used across genome engineering and genetic...
Serine integrases are emerging as one of the most powerful biological tools for synthetic biology. They have been widely used across genome engineering and genetic circuit design. However, developing serine integrase-based tools for directly/precisely manipulating synthetic biobricks is still missing. Here, we report SYMBIOSIS, a versatile method that can robustly manipulate DNA parts in vivo and in vitro. First, we proposeĀ a 'keys match locks' model to demonstrate that three orthogonal serine integrases are able to irreversibly and stably switch on seven synthetic biobricks with high accuracy in vivo. Then, we demonstrate that purified integrases can facilitate the assembly of 'donor' and 'acceptor' plasmids in vitro to construct composite plasmids. Finally, we use SYMBIOSIS to assemble different chromoprotein genes and create novel colored Escherichia coli. We anticipate that our SYMBIOSIS strategy will accelerate synthetic biobrick manipulation, genetic circuit design and multiple plasmid assembly for synthetic biology with broad potential applications.
Topics: Escherichia coli; Integrases; Plasmids; Serine; Synthetic Biology
PubMed: 35191490
DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac124 -
Medicine Dec 2019Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) is one of the common orthopedic diseases which causes low back pain in patients, which seriously affects people's daily life...
BACKGROUND
Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) is one of the common orthopedic diseases which causes low back pain in patients, which seriously affects people's daily life and work. As a method of conservative treatment of this disease, manipulation is widely used in clinical practice. We will summarize the current published evidence of manipulation in the treatment of DLS, and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of manipulation through systematic review and meta-analysis, so as to provide more reliable evidence for future clinical practice.
METHODS
We will conduct a comprehensive search of the following 9 databases until January 2019: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database, Wan Fang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Database. The 2 researchers will independently search, screen, extract data, and evaluate the quality of the literatures. The primary outcomes include clinical effectiveness, Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, and the secondary outcomes include visual analog scale scores, symptom scores, and adverse events. Bias risk tools provided by Cochrane Collaboration will be used for literature quality assessment, and RevMan 5.3 software will be used for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The results of this study will systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of manipulation intervention for people with DLS, especially in improving lumbar function scores and pain scores.
CONCLUSION
The systematic review of this study will summarize the current published evidence of manipulation for the treatment of DLS, which can further guide the promotion and application of it.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This study does not require ethical approval and the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42019139933.
Topics: Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Manipulation, Spinal; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Research Design; Spondylolisthesis; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Systematic Review as Topic
PubMed: 31804324
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000018135 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2022Service robotics is a fast-developing sector, requiring embedded intelligence into robotic platforms to interact with the humans and the surrounding environment. One of...
Service robotics is a fast-developing sector, requiring embedded intelligence into robotic platforms to interact with the humans and the surrounding environment. One of the main challenges in the field is robust and versatile manipulation in everyday life activities. An appealing opportunity is to exploit compliant end-effectors to address the manipulation of deformable objects. However, the intrinsic compliance of such grippers results in increased difficulties in grasping control. Within the described context, this work addresses the problem of optimizing the grasping of deformable objects making use of a compliant, under-actuated, sensorless robotic hand. The main aim of the paper is, therefore, finding the best position and joint configuration for the mentioned robotic hand to grasp an unforeseen deformable object based on collected RGB image and partial point cloud. Due to the complex grasping dynamics, learning-from-simulations approaches (e.g., Reinforcement Learning) are not effective in the faced context. Thus, trial-and-error-based methodologies have to be exploited. In order to save resources, a samples-efficient approach has to be employed. Indeed, a Bayesian approach to address the optimization of the grasping strategy is proposed, enhancing it with transfer learning capabilities to exploit the acquired knowledge to grasp (partially) new objects. A PAL Robotics TIAGo (a mobile manipulator with a 7-degrees-of-freedom arm and an anthropomorphic underactuated compliant hand) has been used as a test platform, executing a pouring task while manipulating plastic (i.e., deformable) bottles. The sampling efficiency of the data-driven learning is shown, compared to an evenly spaced grid sampling of the input space. In addition, the generalization capability of the optimized model is tested (exploiting transfer learning) on a set of plastic bottles and other liquid containers, achieving a success rate of the 88%.
Topics: Bayes Theorem; Hand; Hand Strength; Humans; Plastics; Robotics
PubMed: 35296691
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08276-z -
BMC Ecology Sep 2018Ecological research often involves sampling and manipulating non-model organisms that reside in heterogeneous environments. As such, ecologists often adapt techniques...
BACKGROUND
Ecological research often involves sampling and manipulating non-model organisms that reside in heterogeneous environments. As such, ecologists often adapt techniques and ideas from industry and other scientific fields to design and build equipment, tools, and experimental contraptions custom-made for the ecological systems under study. Three-dimensional (3D) printing provides a way to rapidly produce identical and novel objects that could be used in ecological studies, yet ecologists have been slow to adopt this new technology. Here, we provide ecologists with an introduction to 3D printing.
RESULTS
First, we give an overview of the ecological research areas in which 3D printing is predicted to be the most impactful and review current studies that have already used 3D printed objects. We then outline a methodological workflow for integrating 3D printing into an ecological research program and give a detailed example of a successful implementation of our 3D printing workflow for 3D printed models of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, for a field predation study. After testing two print media in the field, we show that the models printed from the less expensive and more sustainable material (blend of 70% plastic and 30% recycled wood fiber) were just as durable and had equal predator attack rates as the more expensive material (100% virgin plastic).
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, 3D printing can provide time and cost savings to ecologists, and with recent advances in less toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable print materials, ecologists can choose to minimize social and environmental impacts associated with 3D printing. The main hurdles for implementing 3D printing-availability of resources like printers, scanners, and software, as well as reaching proficiency in using 3D image software-may be easier to overcome at institutions with digital imaging centers run by knowledgeable staff. As with any new technology, the benefits of 3D printing are specific to a particular project, and ecologists must consider the investments of developing usable 3D materials for research versus other methods of generating those materials.
Topics: Animals; Body Size; Ecology; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Lizards; Predatory Behavior; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Research Design; Software
PubMed: 30200934
DOI: 10.1186/s12898-018-0190-z -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Sep 2021Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy presents the standard treatment for early cervical cancer. Recently, studies have shown a superior oncological outcome... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Protective operative techniques in radical hysterectomy in early cervical carcinoma and their influence on disease-free and overall survival: a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk groups.
PURPOSE
Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy presents the standard treatment for early cervical cancer. Recently, studies have shown a superior oncological outcome for open versus minimal invasive surgery, however, the reasons remain to be speculated. This meta-analysis evaluates the outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy compared to open hysterectomy. Risk groups including the use of uterine manipulators or colpotomy were created.
METHODS
Ovid-Medline and Embase databases were systematically searched in June 2020. No limitation in date of publication or country was made. Subgroup analyses were performed regarding the surgical approach and the endpoints OS and DFS.
RESULTS
30 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Five prospective, randomized-control trials were included. Patients were analyzed concerning the surgical approach [open surgery (AH), laparoscopic surgery (LH), robotic surgery (RH)]. Additionally, three subgroups were created from the LH group: the LH high-risk group (manipulator), intermediate-risk group (no manipulator, intracorporal colpotomy) and LH low-risk group (no manipulator, vaginal colpotomy). Regarding OS, the meta-analysis showed inferiority of LH in total over AH (0.97 [0.96; 0.98]). The OS was significantly higher in LH low risk (0.96 [0.94; 0.98) compared to LH intermediate risk (0.93 [0.91; 0.94]). OS rates were comparable in AH and LH Low-risk group. DFS was higher in the AH group compared to the LH group in general (0.92 [95%-CI 0.88; 0.95] vs. 0.87 [0.82; 0.91]), whereas the application of protective measures (no uterine manipulator in combination with vaginal colpotomy) was associated with increased DFS in laparoscopy (0.91 [0.91; 0.95]).
CONCLUSION
DFS and OS in laparoscopy appear to be depending on surgical technique. Protective operating techniques in laparoscopy result in improved minimal invasive survival.
Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Colpotomy; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Pregnancy; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 34021804
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06082-y -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022Assistive robotic manipulators (ARMs) provide a potential solution to mitigating the difficulties and lost independence associated with manipulation deficits in...
Assistive robotic manipulators (ARMs) provide a potential solution to mitigating the difficulties and lost independence associated with manipulation deficits in individuals with upper-limb impairments. However, achieving efficient control of an ARM can be a challenge due to the multiple degrees of freedom (DoFs) of an ARM that need to be controlled. This study describes the development of a vision-guided shared-control (VGS) system and how it is applied to a multi-step drinking task. The VGS control allows the user to control the gross motion of the ARM via teleoperation and commands the ARM to autonomously perform fine manipulation. A bench-top test of the autonomous actions showed that success rates for different subtasks ranged from 80% to 100%. An evaluation with three test pilots showed that the overall task performance, in terms of success rate, task completion time, and joystick mode-switch frequency, was better with VGS than with teleoperation. Similar trends were observed with a case participant with a spinal cord injury. While his performance was better and he perceived a smaller workload with VGS, his perceived usability for VGS and teleoperation was similar. More work is needed to further improve and test VGS on participants with disabilities.
Topics: Disabled Persons; Humans; Male; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Robotics; Self-Help Devices; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 35746131
DOI: 10.3390/s22124351 -
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Oct 2021To demonstrate the need for the military human performance research community to anticipate and evolve with the emergence of new and disruptive battlefield technologies...
OBJECTIVES
To demonstrate the need for the military human performance research community to anticipate and evolve with the emergence of new and disruptive battlefield technologies that are changing the fundamental role of the human combatant.
METHODS
An international team of military performance researchers drew on relevant literature and their individual national perspectives and experiences to provide an integrated forecast of research priorities and needs based on current trends.
RESULTS
Rapid advances and convergence in fields such as robotics, information technology and artificial intelligence will continue to have a revolutionary impact on the battlefield of the future. The disruption associated with these technologies will most acutely be experienced by the human combatant at the tactical level, with increasing cognitive demands associated with the employment and use of new capabilities. New research priorities may include augmented performance of humans-machine teams, enhanced cognitive and immunological resilience based on exercise neurobiology findings, and psychophysiological stress tolerance developed in realistic but safe synthetic training environments. Solving these challenges will require interdisciplinary research teams that have the capacity to work across the physical, digital and biological boundaries whilst collaborating seamlessly with end-users, human combatants. New research methodologies taking full advantage of sensing technologies will be needed to provide rigorous, evidence-based data in real and near-real world environments. Longer term research goals involving biological manipulation will be shaped by moral, legal and ethical considerations and evolving concepts of what it means to be human.
CONCLUSION
This paper outlines key recommendations to assist military human performance researchers to adapt their practice in order to match the increasing pace of military modernisation. By anticipating technological change and forecasting possible emerging technologies the military human performance research community can manoeuvre to prioritise research activities today in line with future needs and requirements.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Humans; Information Technology; Military Medicine; Military Personnel; Research Design; Robotics
PubMed: 33172765
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.10.007 -
Journal of Experimental Social... Sep 2016Identifying causal mechanisms has become a cornerstone of experimental social psychology, and editors in top social psychology journals champion the use of mediation...
Identifying causal mechanisms has become a cornerstone of experimental social psychology, and editors in top social psychology journals champion the use of mediation methods, particularly innovative ones when possible (e.g. Halberstadt, 2010, Smith, 2012). Commonly, studies in experimental social psychology randomly assign participants to levels of the independent variable and measure the mediating and dependent variables, and the mediator is assumed to causally affect the dependent variable. However, participants are not randomly assigned to levels of the mediating variable(s), i.e., the relationship between the mediating and dependent variables is correlational. Although researchers likely know that correlational studies pose a risk of confounding, this problem seems forgotten when thinking about experimental designs randomly assigning participants to levels of the independent variable and measuring the mediator (i.e., "measurement-of-mediation" designs). Experimentally manipulating the mediator provides an approach to solving these problems, yet these methods contain their own set of challenges (e.g., Bullock, Green, & Ha, 2010). We describe types of experimental manipulations targeting the mediator (manipulations demonstrating a causal effect of the mediator on the dependent variable and manipulations targeting the strength of the causal effect of the mediator) and types of experimental designs (double randomization, concurrent double randomization, and parallel), provide published examples of the designs, and discuss the strengths and challenges of each design. Therefore, the goals of this paper include providing a practical guide to manipulation-of-mediator designs in light of their challenges and encouraging researchers to use more rigorous approaches to mediation because manipulation-of-mediator designs strengthen the ability to infer causality of the mediating variable on the dependent variable.
PubMed: 27570259
DOI: 10.1016/j.jesp.2015.09.012 -
NeuroImage Apr 2021The cognitive control network (CCN) that comprises regions of the frontoparietal network, the cingulo-opercular network, and other sub-cortical regions as core...
The cognitive control network (CCN) that comprises regions of the frontoparietal network, the cingulo-opercular network, and other sub-cortical regions as core structures is commonly activated by events with an increase in information uncertainty. However, it is not clear whether this CCN activation is associated with both information entropy that represents the information conveyed by the context formed by a sequence of events and the surprise that quantifies the information conveyed by a specific type of event in the context. We manipulated entropy and surprise in this functional magnetic resonance imaging study by varying the probability of occurrence of two types of events in both the visual and auditory modalities and measured brain response as a function of entropy and surprise. We found that activation in regions of the CCN increased as a function of entropy and surprise in both the visual and auditory tasks. The frontoparietal network and additional structures in the CCN mediated the relationship between these information measures and behavioral response. These results suggest that the CCN is a high-level modality-general neural entity for the control of the processing of information conveyed by both context and event.
Topics: Acoustic Stimulation; Adult; Brain; Cognition; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Nerve Net; Photic Stimulation; Random Allocation; Uncertainty
PubMed: 33385564
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117703 -
Journal of Thermal Biology Feb 2023When exposed to ambient temperatures that cause thermal discomfort, a human's behavioral responses are more effective than autonomic ones at compensating for thermal... (Review)
Review
When exposed to ambient temperatures that cause thermal discomfort, a human's behavioral responses are more effective than autonomic ones at compensating for thermal imbalance. These behavioral thermal responses are typically directed by an individual's perception of the thermal environment. Perception of the environment is a holistic amalgamation of human senses, and in some circumstances, humans prioritize visual information. Existing research has considered this in the specific case of thermal perception, and this review investigates the state of the literature examining this effect. We identify the frameworks, research rationales, and potential mechanisms that underpin the evidence base in this area. Our review identified 31 experiments, comprising 1392 participants that met the inclusion criteria. Methodological heterogeneity was observed in the assessment of thermal perception, and a variety of methods were employed to manipulate the visual environment. However, the majority of the included experiments (80%) reported a difference in thermal perception after the visual environment was manipulated. There was limited research exploring any effects on physiological variables (e.g. skin and core temperature). This review has wide-ranging implications for the broad discipline of (thermo)physiology, psychology, psychophysiology, neuroscience, ergonomics, and behavior.
Topics: Humans; Body Temperature Regulation; Perception; Skin; Thermosensing; Autonomic Nervous System
PubMed: 36796929
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103488