A real-time PCR for quantification of parasite burden and its correlations with clinical characteristics and anti-rKRP42 IgG level in cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka

In visceral and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, humoral immune response can reflect disease severity and parasite burden. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka is caused by a usually visceralizing parasite, Leishmania donovani. We assessed the parasite burden (relative quantity-RQ) in 190 CL patients using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR-with primers designed for this study) and smear microscopy, then correlated it with clinical parameters and IgG response. RQ of parasite DNA was determined with human-specific glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the internal control. The qPCR sensitivity was tested with serially diluted DNA from cultured L. donovani parasites. Smears were assigned a score based on number of parasites per high power field. Data from previous studies were used for comparison and correlation; nested Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) PCR as reference standard (RS) and IgG antibody titers to the Leishmania rKRp42 antigen as the immune response. The qPCR amplified and quantified 86.8% of the samples while demonstrating a fair and significant agreement with ITS1-PCR and microscopy. Parasite burden by qPCR and microscopy were highly correlated (r = 0.76; p = 0.01) but showed no correlation with the IgG response (r = 0.056; p = 0.48). Corresponding mean RQs of IgG titers grouped by percentiles, showed no significant difference (p = 0.93). Mean RQ was higher in early lesions (p = 0.04), decreased with lesion size (p = 0.12) and slightly higher among papules, nodules and wet ulcers (p = 0.72). Our study established qPCR's efficacy in quantifying parasite burden in Sri Lankan CL lesions but no significant correlation was observed between the parasite burden and host IgG response to the Leishmania rKRP42 antigen.

Task difficulty, risk feeling, and safety margin in the determination of driver behavior to prepare for traffic conflicts

Unpredictable pedestrian and cyclist behavior associated with their appearance on the road in blind spots contributes to traffic near-misses or crashes. When experienced drivers are confronted with uncertainty, they take defensive measures called hazard-anticipatory driving, such as decreasing the vehicle velocity and/or increasing the lateral distance. Our research sought to understand the motivational determinants and perceptual processes that determine driver behavior in preparation for traffic conflicts with covert hazards. This study aimed to investigate the influence of driving experience on drivers' perceptions and behaviors to prepare for traffic conflicts. Two experiments were designed with 8 experienced and 13 inexperienced participants. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to provide their subjective impressions of task difficulty, feeling of risk, and statistical risk pertaining to assess their perceptions of the separation between task demand and capability after viewing animation clips of road scenes with blind intersections under different forced speeds. In Experiment 2, participants drove using a driving simulator in scenes with blind intersections, similar to those in Experiment 1. We sought to explore the motivational determinants of behavior regarding the relationship between subjective feelings and objective safety margins. The results showed that the driver's perception of task difficulty correlated with their driving speed, and inexperienced participants tended to underestimate task difficulty compared to experienced participants. The task difficulty and the feeling of risk were strongly correlated regardless of experience, and estimation of statistical risk differed depending on experience. The subjective task difficulty (and/or risk feeling) and objective safety margin were strongly correlated for experienced participants. Experienced participants who perceived a higher degree of difficulty in the forced-paced driving task tended to have greater safety margins in the self-paced driving task. These findings suggest that experienced participants with individually tolerable safety margins adjust their driving velocity and/or lateral distance in the control of task difficulty (and/or risk feeling) to prepare for traffic conflicts. Therefore, the underestimation of task difficulty should be considered when designing effective measures, such as driver assistance systems, to guide inexperienced drivers toward normative behaviors.

Effects of brand and brand trust on initial trust in fully automated driving system

Before Automated Driving Systems (ADS) with full driving automation (SAE Level 5) are placed into practical use, the issue of calibrating drivers' initial trust in Level 5 ADS to an appropriate degree to avoid inappropriate disuse or improper use should be resolved. This study aimed to identify the factors that affected drivers' initial trust in Level 5 ADS. We conducted two online surveys. Of these, one explored the effects of automobile brands and drivers' trust in automobile brands on drivers' initial trust in Level 5 ADS using a Structural Equation Model (SEM). The other identified drivers' cognitive structures regarding automobile brands using the Free Word Association Test (FWAT) and summarized the characteristics that resulted in higher initial trust among drivers in Level 5 ADS. The results showed that drivers' trust in automobile brands positively impacted their initial trust in Level 5 ADS, which showed invariance across gender and age. In addition, the degree of drivers' initial trust in Level 5 ADS was significantly different across different automobile brands. Furthermore, for automobile brands with higher trust in automobile brands and Level 5 ADS, drivers' cognitive structures were richer and varied, which included particular characteristics. These findings suggest the necessity of considering the influence of automobile brands on calibrating drivers' initial trust in driving automation.

Design and evaluation of cooperative human-machine interface for changing lanes in conditional driving automation

This study analyzes the impact of cooperative human-machine interface designs on drivers' trust in and interaction with automated driving systems (ADSs) during lane changes on highways. While drivers' inappropriate trust in ADSs can affect their behavior toward the system, capability to detect inadequate system performance, and perception of surrounding traffic disturbances, their engagement in the automated process can improve their comprehension of the system and traffic conditions, which is necessary for the safe practice of automated driving. Forty drivers practiced conditional driving automation in a driving simulator and encountered traffic congestion on the main lane of a two-lane highway. Four ADS designs were proposed to bypass the congestion. ADS-1 detects the congestion and synchronizes the speed accordingly. ADS-2 requests the driver to resume manual control and overtake the congestion. ADS-3 requests the driver to push a button to let the system overtakes the congestion automatically. ADS-4 overtakes the congestion automatically after informing the driver, while the driver can cancel it by pushing a button within 6 s. In all these conditions, driver intervention was optional. Although the drivers preferred and trusted ADS-1 and ADS-2 more than ADS-3 and ADS-4, the results indicate significant improvements in the driving performance and system usage under ADS-3 and ADS-4. Driving with ADS-3 improved drivers' engagement and reduced the requirement for control transfer compared with other systems. However, the time headway between the subject and adjacent vehicles indicated that lane changes were more critical under ADS-3 and ADS-4 than ADS-1 and ADS-2. Such deficiency of alignment between driver perception and safe behaviors has implications for the design of future studies and systems that need to balance satisfaction and safety. These observations are likely to improve driver interaction with automated vehicles.

Development of a Highly Sensitive Nested PCR and Its Application for the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka

The recent surge in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka has rendered clinical diagnosis difficult; thus, laboratory confirmation is indispensable. A modified (two novel inner primers to detect CL caused by Leishmania donovani) nested Internal Transcribed Spacer-1 (ITS1) PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method was developed and tested. The sensitivity of the modified nested PCR was tested using serial dilutions (103 to 10−2) of the DNA extract of a cultured L. donovani DD8 strain. Patients (n = 194) from Southern Sri Lanka were examined clinically, microscopically (Slit Skin Smear-SSS) and using the modified nested PCR. The modified nested PCR detected 2.55 fg of parasite DNA compared to ITS1 PCR (25 fg) and detected more cases than SSS (94.3% vs. 77.3%; p < 0.01). The RFLP pattern was L. donovani in all cases. The modified nested PCR performed well in clinically doubtful lesions (95% by PCR vs. 60% by SSS; p < 0.01), ulcerated nodules (91% vs. 71.8%; p < 0.01) and plaques (100% vs. 66.7%; p < 0.01). SSS demonstrated sensitivity (80.9%), specificity (81.8%), PPV (98.7%) and NPV (20.5%) against modified PCR. Low parasite loads and atypical lesions can be diagnosed by the proposed method with higher accuracy.

Does automation trust evolve from a leap of faith? An analysis using a reprogrammed pasteurizer simulation task

Trust is a critical factor that drives successful human-automation interaction in a myriad of modern professional environments. One seminal work on human-automation trust is Muir and Moray (1996) showing that human-machine trust evolves from faith, then dependability, and finally predictability in a simulated supervisory control task. However, our recent work failed to replicate the finding of the original study, calling for further replication efforts. Experiment 1 aimed to fully replicate Muir and Moray (1996) where participants performed a simulated pasteurizer task. Experiment 2 attempted to replicate Experiment 1 using participants who major in Engineering as used in the original study. Both experiments showed that dependability was the best initial predictor of trust, building later to predictability and faith. Two experiments consistently failed to support both the hypothesis proposed by Muir and Moray (1996), that trust develops from predictability to dependability to faith, and their original findings that trust develops initially from faith. The results of the current experiments challenge this widely cited view of how human-machine trust develops. Modern automation designers should be aware that dependability might control initial trust development for general users and incorporate dependability information into their designs.

Long-Term Evaluation of Drivers' Behavioral Adaptation to an Adaptive Collision Avoidance System

OBJECTIVE

Taking human factors approach in which the human is involved as a part of the system design and evaluation process, this paper aims to improve driving performance and safety impact of driver support systems in the long view of human-automation interaction.

BACKGROUND

Adaptive automation in which the system implements the level of automation based on the situation, user capacity, and risk has proven effective in dynamic environments with wide variations of human workload over time. However, research has indicated that drivers may not efficiently deal with dynamically changing system configurations. Little effort has been made to support drivers' understanding of and behavioral adaptation to adaptive automation.

METHOD

Using a within-subjects design, 42 participants completed a four-stage driving simulation experiment during which they had to gradually interact with an adaptive collision avoidance system while exposed to hazardous lane-change scenarios over 1 month.

RESULTS

Compared to unsupported driving (stage i), although collisions have been significantly reduced when first experienced driving with the system (stage ii), improvements in drivers' trust in and understanding of the system and driving behavior have been achieved with more driver-system interaction and driver training during stages iii and iv.

CONCLUSION

While designing systems that take into account human skills and abilities can go some way to improving their effectiveness, this alone is not sufficient. To maximize safety and system usability, it is also essential to ensure appropriate users' understanding and acceptance of the system.

APPLICATION

These findings have important implications for the development of active safety systems and automated driving.

Effects of gender, age, experience, and practice on driver reaction and acceptance of traffic jam chauffeur systems

This study conducted a driving simulation experiment to compare four automated driving systems (ADS) designs during lane change demanding traffic situations on highways while accounting for the drivers’ gender, age, experience, and practice. A lane-change maneuver was required when the automated vehicle approaches traffic congestion on the left-hand lane. ADS-1 can only reduce the speed to synchronize with the congestion. ADS-2 reduces the speed and issues an optional request to intervene, advising the driver to change lanes manually. ADS-3 offers to overtake the congestion autonomously if the driver approves it. ADS-4 overtakes the congestion autonomously without the driver’s approval. Results of drivers’ reaction, acceptance, and trust indicated that differences between ADS designs increase when considering the combined effect of drivers’ demographic factors more than the individual effect of each factor. However, the more ADS seems to have driver-like capacities, the more impact of demographic factors is expected. While preliminary, these findings may help us understand how ADS users’ behavior can differ based on the interaction between human demographic factors and system design.

Revisiting human-machine trust: a replication study of Muir and Moray (1996) using a simulated pasteurizer plant task

This study aimed to replicate Muir and Moray that demonstrated operators' trust in automated machines developing from faith, then dependability, and lastly predictability. Following the procedure of Muir and Moray, we asked undergraduate participants to complete a training program in a simulated pasteuriser plant and an experimental program including various errors in the pasteuriser. Results showed that the best predictor of overall trust was not faith but dependability, and that dependability consistently governed trust throughout the interaction with the pasteuriser. Thus, the obtained data patterns were inconsistent with those reported in Muir and Moray. We observed that operators in the current study used automatic control more frequently than manual control to successfully produce performance scores contrary to the operators in Muir and Moray. The results imply that dependability is a critical predictor of human-machine trust, which automation designer may focus on. More extensive future research using more modern automated technologies is necessary for understanding what factors control human-autonomy trust in modern ages. Practitioner Summary: The results suggest that dependability is a key factor that shapes human-machine trust across the time course of the trust development. This replication study suggests a new perspective for designing effective human-machine systems for untrained users who do not go through extensive training programs on automated systems.

Detection of Urinary Antibodies and Its Application in Epidemiological Studies for Parasitic Diseases

For epidemiological studies of infectious diseases, pathogen-specific antibody levels in an area give us essential and appropriate information. The antibodies against pathogens are usually detected in blood, the drawing of which inconveniences people. Collection of blood increases the risk of accidental infections through blood, and it is difficult to obtain the participation of the target populations, especially the younger generation. On the other hand, urine samples, which contain a high enough level of antibodies for ELISA, can be harmlessly and easily collected and therefore have been used for epidemiological studies for diseases. The antibody examination of urine has been used for the epidemiology of parasitic diseases with a high sensitivity and specificity of serum samples. In this paper, we reviewed antibody assays with urine for seven parasitic diseases that urine diagnostic methods have reported in the past, and these are important infections included in NTDs, caused, for example, by Leishmania donovani, Wuchereria bancrofti, Schistosoma japonicum, Paragonimus westermani, Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Opisthorchis viverrini. The easy and safe urine surveillance system might be an admirable tool for future epidemiological studies for infectious diseases.

Characteristics of Mandibular Canal Branches Related to Nociceptive Marker

It is difficult to correlate the direction of mandibular canal branches (MCBs) with altered sensation in dental treatments. In contrast, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is related to vasodilation, bone formation, and the interaction with the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, we investigated the detailed morphological characteristics of MCBs using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and observation of the CGRP distribution around the MCB. The MCB measurements were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) to identify morphological correlations. A total of 168 sides of mandibles from 84 cadavers were analyzed in this study. Most of the MCBs were primarily in the direction of the clock model from X to XI in sagittal sections and XII to I in coronal sections of the mandible. The structure of the MCB was divided into the fine canal branch (60.4%, 223/369), partial branch (24.4%, 90/369), and no canal branch (15.2%, 56/369). PCA indicated that the measurement element with the MCB and its structures were correlated in contrast to tooth factors. Positive CGRP reactions were clearly observed in the no-canal branch group compared to other groups. These data provide useful suggestions for MCB dynamics and information for clinical dental treatment.

Human-Automation Trust to Technologies for Naïve Users Amidst and Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND

Trust is a critical factor that influences the success or failure of human-automation interaction in a variety of professional domains such as transportation, military, and healthcare. The unprecedented COVID-19 crisis will likely accelerate the implementation of automation and create unique problems involving human-automation trust for naïve users of automated technologies in the future.

METHOD

We briefly review factors that can influence the development of human-automation trust amidst and following the COVID-19 pandemic. We focus on two theories on human-automation trust and how naïve users develop and maintain their trust in unfamiliar technologies.

RESULTS

The current review identifies user workload and perceived risk as critical factors that will impact human-automation trust during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both theories predict that it is important for naïve users to accumulate and analyze behavioral evidence of automated technologies to maintain appropriate trust levels as the pandemic progresses.

CONCLUSION AND APPLICATION

Theories of human-automation trust inform trajectories of trust development toward unfamiliar technologies for naïve users. In application, manufacturers and distributers should focus on communicating system information effectively to retain users who may be "forced" to use unfamiliar technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Navigator-triggered and breath-hold 3D MRCP using compressed sensing: image quality and method selection factor assessment

PURPOSE

To examine whether MRCP using a combination of compressed sensing and sensitivity encoding with navigator-triggered and breath-hold techniques (NT C-SENSE and BH C-SENSE, respectively) have comparable image quality to that of navigator-triggered MRCP using only sensitivity encoding (NT SENSE) at 1.5-T.

METHODS

Fifty-one participants were enrolled in this prospective study between July and October 2018 and underwent the three 3D MRCP sequences each. The acquisition time and relative duct-to-periductal contrast ratios (RC values) of each bile duct segment were obtained. Visualization of the bile and main pancreatic ducts, background suppression, artifacts, and overall image quality were scored on 5-point scales. Mean and median differences in RC values and qualitative scores of NT C-SENSE and BH C-SENSE relative to NT SENSE were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Acquisition time of NT SENSE, NT C-SENSE, and BH C-SENSE were 348, 143 (mean for both), and 18 s (for all participants), respectively. The RC value of each bile duct segment was inferior, but the lower limits of the 95% CIs of the mean differences were ≥ - 0.10, for both NT C-SENSE and BH C-SENSE. The visualization score of the intrahepatic duct in BH C-SENSE was inferior to that in NT SENSE (lower 95% CI limit, - 1.5). In both NT C-SENSE and BH C-SENSE, the 95% CIs of the median differences in the other qualitative scores were from - 1.0 to 0.0.

CONCLUSION

NT C-SENSE and BH C-SENSE have comparable image quality to NT SENSE at 1.5-T.

Effects of Demographic Characteristics on Trust in Driving Automation

With the successful introduction of advanced driver assistance systems, vehicles with driving automation technologies have begun to be released onto the market. Because the role of human drivers during automated driving may be different from the role of drivers with assistance systems, it is important to determine how general users consider such new technologies. The current study has attempted to consider driver trust, which plays a critical role in forming users’ technology acceptance. In a driving simulator experiment, the demographic information of 56 drivers (50% female, 64% student, and 53% daily driver) was analyzed with respect to Lee and Moray’s three dimensions of trust: purpose, process, and performance. The statistical results revealed that female drivers were more likely to rate higher levels of trust than males, and non-student drivers exhibited higher levels of trust than student drivers. However, no driving frequency-related difference was observed. The driver ratings of each trust dimension were neutral to moderate, but purpose-related trust was lower than process- and performance-related trust. Additionally, student drivers exhibited a tendency to distrust automation compared to non-student drivers. The findings present a potential perspective of driver acceptability of current automated vehicles.

Safety Compensation for Improving Driver Takeover Performance in Conditionally Automated Driving

The topic of transition from automated driving to manual maneuver in conditionally automated driving (SAE level-3) has acquired increasing interest. In such conditionally automated driving, drivers are expected to take over the vehicle control if the situation goes beyond the system’s functional limit of operation. However, it is challenging for drivers to resume control timely and perform well after being engaged in non-driving related tasks. Facing this challenge, this paper investigated a safety compensation in which the system conducts automatic deceleration to prolong the time budget for drivers to response. The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the effect of safety compensation on takeover performance in different takeover scenarios such as fog, route choosing, and lane closing. In the experiment, 16 participants were recruited. Results showed no significant effect of safety compensation on the takeover time, but a significant effect on the longitudinal driving performance (viz. driver brake input and the time to event). Moreover, it indicated a significant effect of safety compensation on the lateral acceleration in the lane closing scenario. This finding is useful for the automotive manufacturers to supply users a safer transition scheme from automated driving to manual maneuver.

Effects of driver compensatory behaviour on risks of critical pedestrian collisions under simulated visual field defects

Compensatory behaviour is regarded as a helpful strategy to mediate drivers’ deteriorated hazard perception ability due to visual field defects. However, helpfulness of compensatory behaviour for drivers with advanced visual field defects has largely unexplored. This study aims to clarify the effectiveness and limitation of compensatory head movements in critical situations where included pedestrians stepping off a sidewalk under the simulation of advanced visual defects. 18 healthy-sighted drivers participated the data collection that was conducted in a driving simulator under three driving conditions: (1) without visual impairment, (2) with visual impairment and not performing active compensation, and (3) with visual impairment but performing active compensation. The result showed that active compensation led quick accelerator and brake response times, reducing the risk and number of pedestrian collisions. The active compensation led a decrease in the number of non-responses to hazardous pedestrians compared to while driving not performing compensation. However, the compensation could not reduce the number of pedestrian collisions to those of healthy-sighted drivers. Compensatory viewing behaviour contributed to improved driving performance as well as has limits to lead driving performance like healthy-sighted drivers. Developing driver assistance systems and practical compensatory strategies concerning the degrees of impairment and traffic conditions may provide opportunities to improve driving safety deteriorated hazard perception for visually impaired drivers.

Analysis of the Beaufort Gyre Freshwater Content in 2003-2018

Hydrographic data collected from research cruises, bottom-anchored moorings, drifting Ice-Tethered Profilers, and satellite altimetry in the Beaufort Gyre region of the Arctic Ocean document an increase of more than 6,400 km3 of liquid freshwater content from 2003 to 2018: a 40% growth relative to the climatology of the 1970s. This fresh water accumulation is shown to result from persistent anticyclonic atmospheric wind forcing (1997-2018) accompanied by sea ice melt, a wind-forced redirection of Mackenzie River discharge from predominantly eastward to westward flow, and a contribution of low salinity waters of Pacific Ocean origin via Bering Strait. Despite significant uncertainties in the different observations, this study has demonstrated the synergistic value of having multiple diverse datasets to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of Beaufort Gyre freshwater content variability. For example, Beaufort Gyre Observational System (BGOS) surveys clearly show the interannual increase in freshwater content, but without satellite or Ice-Tethered Profiler measurements, it is not possible to resolve the seasonal cycle of freshwater content, which in fact is larger than the year-to-year variability, or the more subtle interannual variations.

Accuracy of Urine and Serum Assays for the Diagnosis of Strongyloidiasis by Three Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Protocols

To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of urine assay for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, three different immunoassays were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of anti-Strongyloides immunoglobulin G (IgG) in urine and compared with those in serum samples. Analyses by InBios enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (recombinant NIE antigen), SciMedx ELISA kit (Strongyloides stercoralis antigen), and our in-house ELISA (Strongyloides ratti antigen) yielded comparable diagnostic performances between urine and serum assays. Levels of Strongyloides-specific IgG in urine significantly correlated with those in serum. Tests for diagnostic agreement between urine and serum IgG assays showed substantial to fair agreement (κ = 0.207-0.615). The observed quantitative and qualitative concordance between urine and serum assays in strongyloidiasis suggests that urine has similar diagnostic value to that for serum. Because of the ease and noninvasiveness of clinical sample collection, urine assay has a high potential for the initial diagnosis and mass screening of strongyloidiasis.

Surveillance of Wuchereria bancrofti infection by anti-filarial IgG4 in urine among schoolchildren and molecular xenomonitoring in Sri Lanka: a post mass drug administration study

Background

Surveillance of hidden foci or resurgence of the bancroftian filariasis has high priority to maintain the elimination status in Sri Lanka. For the surveillance, two methods were applied in Matotagama, Matara, Sri Lanka; (i) molecular xenomonitoring (MX) by PCR to detect parasite DNA in the vector, Culex (Cx) quinquefasciatus and (ii) survey of anti-filarial IgG4 in urine samples from schoolchildren.

Results

Mosquitoes were collected monthly from index houses for 17 months (2013 to 2014) to confirm the existence of bancroftian parasite. Index houses in Matotagama had recorded microfilaria-positive cases in the recent past. Five schools were selected considering Matotagama as the catchment area and all students who presented on the day were tested for urine anti-filarial IgG4 in 2015. Wuchereria bancrofti DNA in Cx. quinquefasciatus pools were found in 14 of 17 months studied and ranged between 0 and 1.4%. The MX rate was greatly increased at least two times in the year following the driest months (March, August). A total of 735 schoolchildren were tested for urine anti-filarial IgG4. Three schools located closer to the MX area had higher positive rates, 3.4%, 3.6%, and 6.6%. Both highest positive rates of MX and urine were located in a nearer vicinity.

Conclusion

Monthly collections to study lymphatic filariasis (LF) transmission by MX was conducted for the first time in Sri Lanka. We observed that the filarial DNA-positive rate had an association with seasonal cycle of precipitation. More than 1% filarial DNA and > 5% anti-filarial antibody rates confirmed ongoing transmission in Matotagama. The combination of two non-invasive surveys, the urine anti-filarial IgG4 levels of schoolchildren and MX of vector mosquitoes, would be a convenient package to monitor the ongoing transmission (hotspots) of LF in the surveillance.

A Driving Simulation Study on Visual Cue Presented in the Peripheral Visual Field for Prompting Driver’s Attention

This paper proposes a method for prompting drivers’ spatial attention by presenting visual cue in their peripheral visual field. Computer-generated images of forward-facing driving scenes were projected on a screen 6 m wide and 1.8 m high, with a 140° viewing angle. The gaze movement of subjects was measured when hazardous events were presented, such as cardboard boxes collapsing onto the road or a child running out into the road. The task defined for the subjects was to detect visual cue presented in their central visual field while observing the driving scene in front of them. A preceding visual cue was presented in the right and left visual fields, at a visual angle of 10° to 40°, for 1–5 s in advance of the visual cue presented in the center of the visual field. The detection time for the visual cue in the central visual field was then measured. The results of the experiments conducted with six subjects revealed two types of gaze movement patterns with respect to a hazardous event. In one type, the subjects broadly captured the overall scene without shifting their gaze markedly; in the other type, the subjects sequentially scanned the scene and fixed their gaze on the hazardous event when it occurred. The former type tended to be seen in subjects with long driving experience. It was also found that presenting visual cue in the peripheral visual field quickened recognition of the visual cue in the central visual field. By varying the viewing angle at which the preceding cue was presented in the peripheral visual field and the time interval between the presentation of the preceding cue and the detection cue in the central visual field, conditions were found for assisting prompt detection of the latter visual cue.

Receptor-destroying enzyme (RDE) from Vibrio cholerae modulates IgE activity and reduces the initiation of anaphylaxis

IgE plays a key role in allergies by binding to allergens and then sensitizing mast cells through the Fc receptor, resulting in the secretion of proinflammatory mediators. Therefore, IgE is a major target for managing allergies. Previous studies have reported that oligomannose on IgE can be a potential target to inhibit allergic responses. However, enzymes that can modulate IgE activity are not yet known. Here, we found that the commercial receptor-destroying enzyme (RDE) (II) from Vibrio cholerae culture fluid specifically modulates IgE, but not IgG, and prevents the initiation of anaphylaxis. RDE (II)-treated IgE cannot access its binding site on bone marrow-derived mast cells, resulting in reduced release of histamine and cytokines. We also noted that RDE (II)-treated IgE could not induce passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mouse ears. Taken together, we concluded that RDE (II) modulates the IgE structure and renders it unable to mediate allergic responses. To reveal the mechanism by which RDE (II) interferes with IgE activity, we performed lectin microarray analysis to unravel the relationship between IgE modulation and glycosylation. We observed that RDE (II) treatment significantly reduced the binding of IgE to Lycopersicon esculentum lectin, which recognizes poly-N-acetylglucosamine and poly-N-acetyllactosamine. These results suggest that RDE (II) specifically modulates branched glycans on IgE, thereby interfering with its ability to induce allergic responses. Our findings may provide a basis for the development of drugs to inhibit IgE activity in allergies.

Effective multiple sideband generation using an electro-optic modulator for a multiple isotope magneto-optical trap

Herein, we report an effective method for the generation of radio-frequency (RF) sidebands in an electro-optic modulator for the simultaneous magneto-optical trapping of two isotopes. This is achieved by switching the RF signals alternately, which suppresses the generation of unwanted frequency signals and improves the laser power per sideband. The generated sidebands are successfully applied to a dual-rubidium-isotope magneto-optical trap (MOT), which results in an increased number of trapped atoms. This simple, flexible, and robust technique can be implemented in experiments that require a large number of atoms in multiple-isotope MOTs and for various applications.

A surveillance system for lymphatic filariasis after its elimination in Sri Lanka

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) has been declared eliminated in Sri Lanka in September 2016. To maintain elimination status, a surveillance system to detect hidden endemic foci or LF resurgence is of highest priority. In this paper, we have reported an investigation of LF transmission in Trincomalee district where a surveillance program was not carried out due to 30 years of civil unrest. Proposed surveillance system included, measurement of anti-filarial IgG4 in urine of schoolchildren in areas where LF transmission could exist and assessment of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) and microfilaria (mf) in all urine antibody positive schoolchildren, their family members and 10-15 neighbours of each urine antibody positive household. Spatial distribution of the anti-filarial antibody titers in urine in a high antibody suspected area was analyzed using GPS logger data. Among 2301 school children from 11 schools studied, 41 (1.8%) urine antibody positives were found. The antibody positive rates of the schools ranged between 0 and 4.0%. Nine of the 630 (1.4%) examined became positive for CFA but were negative for mf. Although there were no mf positives, positive CFA and antibody results indicated the existence of Wuchereria bancrofti in Trincomalee. Highest antibody titres in an area correlated with the prevalences of urine antibodies and CFA. Spatial analysis showed LF transmission foci. Therefore, a combination of the non-invasive methods, urine ELISA and GPS mapping, will be a new effective surveillance system to identify hidden LF transmission foci.

Revisiting Trust in Machines: Examining Human–Machine Trust Using a Reprogrammed Pasteurizer Task

Automated technologies have brought a number of benefits to professional domains, expanding the area in which humans can perform optimally in complex work environments. Human–automation trust has become an important aspect when designing acceptable automated systems considering general users who have no comprehensive knowledge of the systems. Muir and Moray (1996) proposed a model of human–machine trust incorporating predictability, dependability, and faith as predictors of overall trust in machines. Though Muir and Moray (1996) predicted that trust in machines grows from predictability, then dependability, and finally faith, their results suggested the opposite. This study will reexamine their theoretical framework and test which of the three dimensions governs initial trust in automation. Participants will be trained to operate a simulated pasteurization plant, as in Muir and Moray (1996), and they will be asked to maximize system performance in the pasteurizing task. We hypothesized that faith governs overall trust early in the interaction with the automated system, then dependability, and finally predictability as lay automation users become more familiar with the system. We attempt to replicate the results of Muir and Moray (1996) and argue that their model should be revised for trust development for general automation users.

Diagnostic performance of urinary IgG antibody detection: A novel approach for population screening of strongyloidiasis

The diagnosis of strongyloidiasis by coprological methods has a low sensitivity, underestimating the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis in endemic areas. Serodiagnostic tests for strongyloidiasis have shown robust diagnostic properties. However, these methods require a blood draw, an invasive and labor-intensive sample collection method, especially in the resource-limited settings where S. stercoralis is endemic. Our study examines a urine-based assay for strongyloidiasis and compares its diagnostic accuracy with coprological and serological methods. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses determined the diagnostic sensitivity (D-Sn) and specificity (D-Sp) of the urine ELISA, as well as estimates its positive predictive value and diagnostic risk. The likelihood ratios of obtaining a positive test result (LR+) or a negative test result (LR-) were calculated for each diagnostic positivity threshold. The urine ELISA assay correlated significantly with the serological ELISA assay for strongyloidiasis, with a D-Sn of 92.7% and a D-Sp of 40.7%, when compared to coprological methods. Moreover, the urine ELISA IgG test had a detection rate of 69%, which far exceeds the coprological method (28%). The likelihood of a positive diagnosis of strongyloidiasis by the urine ELISA IgG test increased significantly with increasing units of IgG detected in urine. The urine ELISA IgG assay for strongyloidiasis assay has a diagnostic accuracy comparable to serological assay, both of which are more sensitive than coprological methods. Since the collection of urine is easy and non-invasive, the urine ELISA IgG assay for strongyloidiasis could be used to screen populations at risk for strongyloidiasis in S. stercoralis endemic areas.

Glycyrrhizin inhibits human parainfluenza virus type 2 replication by the inhibition of genome RNA, mRNA and protein syntheses

The effect of glycyrrhizin on the replication of human parainfluenza virus type 2 (hPIV-2) was examined. Cell fusion induced by hPIV-2 was inhibited by glycyrrhizin, and glycyrrhizin reduced the number of viruses released from the cells. Glycyrrhizin did not change cell morphology at 1 day of culture, but caused some damage at 4 days, as determined by the effect on actin microfilaments. However, it affected the cell viability at 1 day: about 20% of the cells were not alive by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay at 1 day of culture. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR showed that virus genome synthesis was largely inhibited. mRNA synthesis was also inhibited by glycyrrhizin. Viral protein synthesis was largely inhibited as observed by an indirect immunofluorescence study. Multinucleated giant cell formation was studied using a recombinant green fluorescence protein (GFP)-expressing hPIV-2 without matrix protein (rhPIV-2ΔMGFP). A few single cells with fluorescence were observed, but the formation of giant cells was completely blocked. Taken together, it was shown that viral genome, mRNA and protein syntheses, including F and HN proteins, were inhibited by glycyrrhizin, and consequently multinucleated giant cell formation was not observed and the infectious virus was not detected in the culture medium.

Human Factor Issues Associated with Lane Change Collision Avoidance Systems: Effects of Authority, Control, and Ability on Drivers’ Performance and Situation Awareness

In order to improve road traffic safety, increasingly sophisticated and robust collision avoidance systems are being developed. When employed in safety-critical situations, however, the interaction between the human factors and these systems may increase the complexity of the task of driving. Due to these human factors, the ability of the driver to respond to various traffic dangers is considered to be a function of the level of automation, balance of control authority, and the innate ability of the driver. For the purpose of this study, a driving experiment was designed using two types of lane change collision avoidance systems. One was a haptic warning system that provides a steering force feedback to avoid hazardous lane change, and the other, a semi-autonomous system that provides an automatic action to prevent hazardous lane change. While drivers had the final authority over the haptic system, they were unable to override the automatic action. Both systems were examined in three conditions: i) hazard that can be detected only by the system, ii) hazard that can be detected only by the driver, and iii) combined hazards. The different support systems were applied to the different hazards resulting in significant differences in drivers’ reaction time and steering behavior. The drivers’ subjective post-hazard assessments were significantly affected by the type of encountered hazard.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Mortality and Ventilator-Free Days in Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation With Sepsis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Dexmedetomidine provides sedation for patients undergoing ventilation; however, its effects on mortality and ventilator-free days have not been well studied among patients with sepsis.

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether a sedation strategy with dexmedetomidine can improve clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis undergoing ventilation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Open-label, multicenter randomized clinical trial conducted at 8 intensive care units in Japan from February 2013 until January 2016 among 201 consecutive adult patients with sepsis requiring mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to receive either sedation with dexmedetomidine (n = 100) or sedation without dexmedetomidine (control group; n = 101). Other agents used in both groups were fentanyl, propofol, and midazolam.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The co-primary outcomes were mortality and ventilator-free days (over a 28-day duration). Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8), sedation control, occurrence of delirium and coma, intensive care unit stay duration, renal function, inflammation, and nutrition state were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 203 screened patients, 201 were randomized. The mean age was 69 years (SD, 14 years); 63% were male. Mortality at 28 days was not significantly different in the dexmedetomidine group vs the control group (19 patients [22.8%] vs 28 patients [30.8%]; hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.38-1.22; P = .20). Ventilator-free days over 28 days were not significantly different between groups (dexmedetomidine group: median, 20 [interquartile range, 5-24] days; control group: median, 18 [interquartile range, 0.5-23] days; P = .20). The dexmedetomidine group had a significantly higher rate of well-controlled sedation during mechanical ventilation (range, 17%-58% vs 20%-39%; P = .01); other outcomes were not significantly different between groups. Adverse events occurred in 8 (8%) and 3 (3%) patients in the dexmedetomidine and control groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients requiring mechanical ventilation, the use of dexmedetomidine compared with no dexmedetomidine did not result in statistically significant improvement in mortality or ventilator-free days. However, the study may have been underpowered for mortality, and additional research may be needed to evaluate this further.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01760967.

Time-Reversal Measurement of the p-Wave Cross Sections of the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He Reaction for the Cosmological Li Problem

The cross sections of the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He reaction for p-wave neutrons were experimentally determined at E_{c.m.}=0.20-0.81  MeV slightly above the big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) energy window for the first time on the basis of the detailed balance principle by measuring the time-reverse reaction. The obtained cross sections are much larger than the cross sections for s-wave neutrons inferred from the recent measurement at the n_TOF facility in CERN, but significantly smaller than the theoretical estimation widely used in the BBN calculations. The present results suggest the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He reaction rate is not large enough to solve the cosmological lithium problem, and this conclusion agrees with the recent result from the direct measurement of the s-wave cross sections using a low-energy neutron beam and the evaluated nuclear data library ENDF/B-VII.1.

Overall Activity of All Masticatory Muscles during Lateral Excursion

Quantification of the overall activity of every masticatory muscle is requisite for the analysis of stomatognathic function, which has not been accomplished by conventional electromyography. We used positron emission tomography and 18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose to quantify the overall activity of every masticatory muscle during lateral excursion, and to evaluate the relative contribution of each masticatory muscle to lateral excursion. The present study suggested that lateral and medial pterygoid muscles are more responsible for lateral excursion than are masseter and temporal muscles. In particular, the contralateral lateral pterygoid muscle plays a major role, followed by the contralateral medial pterygoid muscle.