Findings contribute to the body of research on adequate function allocation by providing an overall picture through quantitatively combining data from a variety of studies across varying domains.

Function allocation between human and automation can be represented in terms of the stages & levels taxonomy proposed by Parasuraman, Sheridan & Wickens (2000). Higher degrees of automation (DOA) are achieved both by later stages (e.g., automation decision aiding rather than diagnostic aiding) and higher levels within stages (e.g. executing a choice unless vetoed, versus offering the human several choices). A meta analysis based on data of 14 experiments examines the mediating effects of DOA on routine system performance, performance when the automation fails, workload and situation awareness. The effects of DOA on these four measures are summarized by level of statistical significance. We found: (1) an inverse relationship between routine performance and workload as automation is introduced and DOA increases. (2) a weak positive relationship between routine performance and failure performance, as mediated by DOA. (3) A strong mediating role of situation awareness in improving both routine and failure performance.

For the first time, a new near-IR "turn-on" fluorescent chemosensor with high selectivity for Hg(2+) ions was designed according to the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) mechanism. The selective fluorescence enhancement effect can be optimized by modulating the solvent systems. And this naphthalenedimide-based sensor with long wavelength absorption and emission can be used to image intracellular Hg(2+) ions in living Hela cells.

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Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during photodynamic therapy (PDT) can trigger autophagy. However, little research is focused on whether there is a synergistic anticancer effect with PDT if extra autophagy promoter or inhibitor is added. Here, it is found that autophagy promotion significantly enhances the PDT activity to cancer cells. Based on this preliminary result, a ROS-sensitive self-assembled dendrimer nanoparticle is exploited as a carrier to codeliver an autophagy promoter (rapamycin, Rapa) and photosensitizer (phthalocyanine, Pc) to the tumor. After entrapped by cancer cells and irradiated by light, the ROS generated in PDT process of Pc can trigger nanoparticle destruction to release Rapa, thus initiating the autophagy process and remarkably enhancing the efficacy of PDT, leading to efficient tumor suppression.

BackgroundIncarceration of the gravid uterus is a rare obstetric disorder that contributes to pregnancy-related complications. To understand its clinical characteristics and managements, we have reviewed the etiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics and current treatments of an incarcerated gravid uterus based on 162 cases reported in the English language literature, including our patient.Case presentationA 25-year-old primigravida, with a history of lymphatic tuberculosis, infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes and received in vitro fertilization. The patient presented with urine retention and lower abdominal pain in the early second trimester. Uterine incarceration was diagnosed based on pelvic examination and abdominal ultrasound. A Foley catheter was placed and manual reposition was successful. No episode of retention was experienced after the further enlargement of the uterus and its ascent. A healthy infant was delivered vaginally on 38th week of pregnancy.ConclusionsUterine incarceration due to pelvic adhesions is rare and, because of it non-specific clinical presentations, is often misdiagnosed. Abdominal ultrasound is instrumental for the diagnosis because it can directly image the disturbed uterine and pelvic anatomy. There are limited treatment options for uterine incarceration, but definitive diagnosis allows procedures to treat and to reduce severe complications of uterine incarceration.

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