A Proposal for Primitive Decomposition of Spatial Orientation Relationships

This short paper continues work on primitive decomposition systems for meaning representation which combine image schemas and conceptual dependency primitive systems. An important thread of this research seeks small abstract sets of conceptual primitives so that decompositions of imagery evoked by language give rise to rich sets of mappings between language and the language-free representations, reflecting the linguistic variation of human language behavior. In this brief paper, we present a proposal for novel primitive decompositions of positions, spatial relationships, and orientations of objects in space in a conceptual representation framework. As an abstract first approximation, we introduce a spatial primitive which represents that one object is positioned in between two other objects, and combine it with part-whole representations to decompose commonly referenced concepts and language expressions of the positions and orientations of objects in relation to their surroundings

Using Congregate Care: What the Evidence Tells Us

This report focuses on kids entering group settings for their first child welfare placement. It explores how likely this placement is, how long and stable it is, and how often it results in achieving permanency or a return to out-of-home care.To complete this study, researchers analyzed demographic data for each child — their age, gender, race and ethnicity and urbanicity — to determine how or if these factors played a role in their group care experience. They found a significant relationship between age, race and ethnicity, and the utilization of group placements. They also noted that such connections are best understood within the context of the local child welfare system and its local service offerings

Weight loss achieved using an energy restriction diet with normal or higher dietary protein decreased the number of CD14++CD16+ proinflammatory monocytes and plasma lipids and lipoproteins in middle-aged, overweight, and obese adults

Monocytes are involved in immune responses, and specific monocyte subpopulations (MS) that express intermediate to high levels of CD16 are associated with obesity and cardiovascular events. Consuming high protein (HP) when dieting improves body composition and cardiometabolic health outcomes, but whether HP affects MS during weight loss remains unknown. We assessed the effect of HP on energy restriction (ER)–induced changes in MS in overweight and obese adults. The relations between MS and plasma lipids and lipoproteins were also examined. We hypothesized that, independent of protein intake, ER-induced weight loss would decrease the numbers of MS and that MS and plasma lipids and lipoproteins would be related. Thirty-two adults (age 52 ± 1 years, body mass index 31.3 ± 0.5 kg/m2, means ± S.E.) consumed either a normal protein (n=18) or HP (n=14) (0.8 vs 1.5 g•kg−1•d−1 protein) ER diet (750-kcal/d [3138-kJ/d] deficit) for 16 weeks. The HP diet included 0.7 g•kg−1•d−1 of milk protein isolate. Fasting plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and the numbers of MS were analyzed. Over time, independent of protein intake, CD14++CD16+ cell number decreased, whereas CD14dimCD16++, CD14+CD16+, and CD14+CD16− cell numbers remained unchanged. CD14dimCD16++ cell number was negatively associated with total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride, while CD14++CD16+ cell number was positively associated with TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), TC to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) ratio, and LDL to HDL ratio. Weight loss achieved while consuming an ER diet with either normal or high protein may improve immunity by partially decreasing proinflammatory monocytes. Associations between MS and plasma lipids and lipoproteins are confirmed in overweight and obese adults

Predictive genetic testing experience for myocilin primary open-angle glaucoma using the Australian and New Zealand Registry of Advanced Glaucoma

Author version made available in accordance with publisher copyright policy.Purpose: Predictive genetic testing of relatives of known myocilin (MYOC) gene mutation carriers is an appropriate strategy to identify individuals at risk for glaucoma. It is likely to prevent irreversible blindness in this high-risk group because this treatable condition might otherwise be diagnosed late. The Australian and New Zealand Registry of Advanced Glaucoma has established genetic testing protocols for known glaucoma genes, including MYOC. Methods: Through the Australian and New Zealand Registry of Advanced Glaucoma, we investigated the experience of 40 unaffected individuals who had undergone predictive genetic testing for MYOC mutations through questionnaires. Results: The main motivations for being tested were (i) to make appropriate interventions and (ii) to reduce uncertainty. All our respondents perceived strong benefits, either medical or emotional, in being tested. However, different concerns were raised by the respondents that need to be addressed during counseling. Greater family awareness was reported by the majority of the respondents, and the ability to provide information to children was a strong motivation for being tested. Conclusion: This study provides valuable information on the personal and familial impacts of having predictive genetic testing for glaucoma, which will help health professionals to better address the issues faced by patients and provide them adequate support

Chemically Related 4,5-Linked Aminoglycoside Antibiotics Drive Subunit Rotation in Opposite Directions

Dynamic remodelling of intersubunit bridge B2, a conserved RNA domain of the bacterial ribosome connecting helices 44 (h44) and 69 (H69) of the small and large subunit, respectively, impacts translation by controlling intersubunit rotation. Here we show that aminoglycosides chemically related to neomycin-paromomycin, ribostamycin and neamine-each bind to sites within h44 and H69 to perturb bridge B2 and affect subunit rotation. Neomycin and paromomycin, which only differ by their ring-I 6\u27-polar group, drive subunit rotation in opposite directions. This suggests that their distinct actions hinge on the 6\u27-substituent and the drug\u27s net positive charge. By solving the crystal structure of the paromomycin-ribosome complex, we observe specific contacts between the apical tip of H69 and the 6\u27-hydroxyl on paromomycin from within the drug\u27s canonical h44-binding site. These results indicate that aminoglycoside actions must be framed in the context of bridge B2 and their regulation of subunit rotation

Interleaving a Symbolic Story Generator with a Neural Network-Based Large Language Model

Research in deep learning has recently produced models of natural language that are capable of generating natural language output which, at a glance, has strong similarities to that written by intelligent humans. However, the texts produced by deep learning-based large language models (LLMs), upon deeper examination, reveal the challenges that they have in producing outputs that maintain logical coherence. One specific application area of interest for LLMs is in fictional narrative generation, a mode of operation in which stories are generated by the model in response to a prompt text that indicates the start of a story or the desired style of writing to be produced. In this paper we present an initial study into a method for combining an LLM with a symbolic system to perform story generation. The method generates stories by repeatedly prompting the LLM by interleaving the output of a state-of-the-art LLM with the output of a classic story generation system, while attempting to control and shape the output of the LLM. We present a number of stories generated with a prototype interleaving system, and discuss the qualities of the stories and challenges for future development of the method

Unlocking the Economy Wide Benefits of Heat Pumps - The Role of Electricity and Gas Prices

This briefing considers the economic gains that could be realised through the deployment of heat pumps for the decarbonisation of residential heat. Heat pumps are more efficient that gas heating systems and can ultimately lead to important energy demand reduction across the residential sector. However, under prevailing market conditions where the retail price of electricity is high relative to gas, the bills savings and wider economy benefits usually associated with substantial energy efficiency increases are not evident. In this paper we focus on how, and to what extent, the electricity-gas price differential determines whether the energy efficiency properties of heat pumps will lead to energy bill saving for UK households. This issue becomes increasingly important when we consider how the changes in household energy bills and real spending power can drive a wide range of economy wide impacts

Who will use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and why?: Understanding PrEP awareness and acceptability amongst men who have sex with men in the UK – a mixed methods study

Background: Recent clinical trials suggest that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may reduce HIV transmission by up to 86% for men who have sex with men (MSM), whilst relatively high levels of PrEP acceptability have been reported to date. This study examines PrEP awareness amongst sub-groups of MSM communities and acceptability amongst MSM in a low prevalence region (Scotland, UK), using a mixed methods design. Methods: Quantitative surveys of n = 690 MSM recruited online via social and sociosexual media were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. In addition, n = 10 in-depth qualitative interviews with MSM were analysed thematically. Results: Under one third (29.7%) of MSM had heard of PrEP, with awareness related to living in large cities, degree level education, commercial gay scene use and reporting an HIV test in the last year. Just under half of participants (47.8%) were likely to use PrEP if it were available but there was no relationship between PrEP acceptability and previous PrEP awareness. Younger men (18–25 years) and those who report higher risk UAI were significantly more likely to say they would use PrEP. Qualitative data described specific PrEP scenarios, illustrating how risk, patterns of sexual practice and social relationships could affect motivation for and nature of PrEP use. Conclusion: These findings suggest substantial interest PrEP amongst MSM reporting HIV risk behaviours in Scotland. Given the Proud results, there is a strong case to investigate PrEP implementation within the UK. However, it appears that disparities in awareness have already emerged along traditional indicators of inequality. Our research identifies the need for comprehensive support when PrEP is introduced, including a key online component, to ensure equity of awareness across diverse MSM communities (e.g. by geography, education, gay scene use and HIV proximity), as well as to responding to the diverse informational and sexual health needs of all MSM communities