The Orphan G Protein-coupled Receptors GPR41 and GPR43 Are Activated by Propionate and Other Short Chain Carboxylic Acids

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Consumers' experiences and values in conventional and alternative medicine paradigms: a problem detection study (PDS)

Background: This study explored consumer perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and relationships with CAM and conventional medicine practitioners. A problem detection study (PDS) was used. The qualitative component to develop the questionnaire used a CAM consumer focus group to explore conventional and CAM paradigms in healthcare. 32 key issues, seven main themes, informed the questionnaire (the quantitative PDS component - 36 statements explored using five-point Likert scales.

A communal catalogue reveals Earth's multiscale microbial diversity

Our growing awareness of the microbial world's importance and diversity contrasts starkly with our limited understanding of its fundamental structure. Despite recent advances in DNA sequencing, a lack of standardized protocols and common analytical frameworks impedes comparisons among studies, hindering the development of global inferences about microbial life on Earth. Here we present a meta-analysis of microbial community samples collected by hundreds of researchers for the Earth Microbiome Project. Coordinated protocols and new analytical methods, particularly the use of exact sequences instead of clustered operational taxonomic units, enable bacterial and archaeal ribosomal RNA gene sequences to be followed across multiple studies and allow us to explore patterns of diversity at an unprecedented scale. The result is both a reference database giving global context to DNA sequence data and a framework for incorporating data from future studies, fostering increasingly complete characterization of Earth's microbial diversity.Peer reviewe

A communal catalogue reveals Earth’s multiscale microbial diversity

Our growing awareness of the microbial world’s importance and diversity contrasts starkly with our limited understanding of its fundamental structure. Despite recent advances in DNA sequencing, a lack of standardized protocols and common analytical frameworks impedes comparisons among studies, hindering the development of global inferences about microbial life on Earth. Here we present a meta-analysis of microbial community samples collected by hundreds of researchers for the Earth Microbiome Project. Coordinated protocols and new analytical methods, particularly the use of exact sequences instead of clustered operational taxonomic units, enable bacterial and archaeal ribosomal RNA gene sequences to be followed across multiple studies and allow us to explore patterns of diversity at an unprecedented scale. The result is both a reference database giving global context to DNA sequence data and a framework for incorporating data from future studies, fostering increasingly complete characterization of Earth’s microbial diversity

Synergy of Virtual Visual and Auditory Displays for UAV Ground Control Stations

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators must remotely manipulate payload sensors, while maintaining situational awareness from a displaced ground control station (GCS). Potential use of helmet-mounted displays (HMD) in piloting UAVs and controlling payload sensors has been previously investigated (de Vries & Padmos, 1997; Draper, Ruff, & LaFleur, 2001; Morphew, Shively, & Casey, 2004). Stated benefits of HMD use for targeting tasks included immersion in the search environment and possible reduction of tactical footprint. In the current study, it was hypothesized that the pairing of 3-D audio alerts with the HMD would result in more robust performance differences between HMD and CRT conditions. For this experiment, eight subjects conducted routine area searches, periodically responding to audio threat alerts. Audio alerts were given in mono, stereo, and 3-D spatialized presentation. Targeting performance differences were assessed in a baseline CRT and joystick configuration versus HMD for all audio conditions. Findings revealed more precise target acquisition performance when payload operators used the CRT/joystick configuration than the HMD. Furthermore, time on target was reduced when visual searches were aided with stereo and 3-D directional audio cues. Lastly, participants missed the fewest targets and reported lowest workload levels, when receiving 3-D audio cues. Present findings replicated reported sickness associated with HMD use. A synergistic effect of 3-D audio and HMD showed a mitigation of operator workload previously reported with the HMD. Further consideration of 3-D audio alerting for UAV operators should be investigated for benefits in target acquisition, reduced operator workload, and increased situation awareness