Solving Equations of Multibody Dynamics

Darts++ is a computer program for solving the equations of motion of a multibody system or of a multibody model of a dynamic system. It is intended especially for use in dynamical simulations performed in designing and analyzing, and developing software for the control of, complex mechanical systems. Darts++ is based on the Spatial-Operator- Algebra formulation for multibody dynamics. This software reads a description of a multibody system from a model data file, then constructs and implements an efficient algorithm that solves the dynamical equations of the system. The efficiency and, hence, the computational speed is sufficient to make Darts++ suitable for use in realtime closed-loop simulations. Darts++ features an object-oriented software architecture that enables reconfiguration of system topology at run time; in contrast, in related prior software, system topology is fixed during initialization. Darts++ provides an interface to scripting languages, including Tcl and Python, that enable the user to configure and interact with simulation objects at run time

Crafted with Care:Reflections from co‐designing wearable technologies with care home residents

With increasing longevity and changes in population demographics; designers, engineers and architects are faced with the challenge of providing older adults with enabling technologies and home environments that facilitate physical activity and wellbeing. To promote acceptance and adoption, making these technologies more desirable and less stigmatizing is crucial. In this paper, we outline a craft-based co-design methodology that we developed working with groups of care home residents designing wearables for research. The research asks care home residents to wear activity-monitoring devices to provide insight into the ways they currently utilise their spaces and where improvements could be made. We propose that a craft-based approach allows designers to understand and uncover people’s capabilities and needs in a non-intrusive and empathic way. Our findings show that using this approach enabled creativity, confidence and connectedness amongst participants. We discuss our reflections and insights that have implications on the approach and future work

Current trends in glioblastoma multiforme treatment: radiation therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer. Even with aggressive combination therapy, the median life expectancy for patients with GBM remains approximately 14 months. In order to improve the outcomes of patients with GBM, the development of newer treatments is critical. The concept of using the immune system as a therapeutic option has been suggested for several decades; by harnessing the body's adaptive immune mechanisms, immunotherapy could provide a durable and targeted treatment against cancer. However, many cancers, including GBM, have developed mechanisms that protect tumor cells from being recognized and eliminated by the immune system. For new immunotherapeutic regimens to be successful, overcoming immunosuppression via immune checkpoint signaling should be taken into consideration

So near and yet so far: Harmonic radar reveals reduced homing ability of nosema infected honeybees

Pathogens may gain a fitness advantage through manipulation of the behaviour of their hosts. Likewise, host behavioural changes can be a defence mechanism, counteracting the impact of pathogens on host fitness. We apply harmonic radar technology to characterize the impact of an emerging pathogen - Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia) - on honeybee (Apis mellifera) flight and orientation performance in the field. Honeybees are the most important commercial pollinators. Emerging diseases have been proposed to play a prominent role in colony decline, partly through sub-lethal behavioural manipulation of their hosts. We found that homing success was significantly reduced in diseased (65.8%) versus healthy foragers (92.5%). Although lost bees had significantly reduced continuous flight times and prolonged resting times, other flight characteristics and navigational abilities showed no significant difference between infected and non-infected bees. Our results suggest that infected bees express normal flight characteristics but are constrained in their homing ability, potentially compromising the colony by reducing its resource inputs, but also counteracting the intra-colony spread of infection. We provide the first high-resolution analysis of sub-lethal effects of an emerging disease on insect flight behaviour. The potential causes and the implications for both host and parasite are discussed

A rare case of streptococcus gordonii peritonitis in a patient on peritoneal dialysis

Peritonitis is a known complication among end stage renal disease patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Gram positive species such as staphylococcus are commonly grown. However, cultures may yield rare organisms such as streptococcus gordonii; a subgroup of viridians streptococcous. Most causes of PD peritonitis come from touch contamination but streptococcus gordonii causing PD peritonitis is postulated to originate from the oral cavity. We report a rare case of streptococcus gordonii PD peritonitis in our tertiary renal hospital, in a patient with poor dental hygiene. This is the third reported case of streptococcus gordonii PD peritonitis in the literature. We have demonstrated that early identification of the organism and source can lead to successful treatment

Acute hydrothorax from peritoneal dialysis successfully treated with new dialysis regime

Hydrothorax is a rare and often unrecognized complication associated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). This is usually due to the presence of pleuroperitoneal fistula. Most nephrologist will choose to cease the peritoneal dialysis and rest the peritoneum. More than often surgical interventions include pleurodesis or thoracotomy will be required. In this report, we reported a patient who developed pleural effusion after starting continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. She was successfully managed by the use of low volume exchange during daytime with avoidance of conversion to haemodialysis or any surgical intervention