Linear Routes Research Articles

Lexical Expressions of Motion in Physical Environments a Cognitive Linguistics Perspective

This study aims to delve into the interaction between motion verbs, manners, and paths in the Vietnamese language to look at the lexicalization of motion occurrences. Utilizing Talmy's lexicalization patterns for cognitive linguistics, the study seeks to understand how Vietnamese encodes and conceptualizes motion events in a variety of physical contexts, such as the air, water, and land. A mixed-methods approach is used in this work, integrating qualitative analysis of annotated textual data with quantitative frequency analysis. Vietnamese has a rich system of motion verbs that may be paired with manner and path expressions to produce complex and subtle descriptions of movement, according to the research. The language displays intricate differences when describing the direction, velocity, and kind of vehicle of motion, in addition to various linear, curved, vertical, circular, and multidirectional routes. The complex interplay between language, cognition, and the embodied experience of motion is highlighted by this linguistic variety, which is a reflection of Vietnamese speakers' astute observation and interpretation of the physical world. The work adds to our knowledge of how language organizes and expresses the basic idea of motion and provides insights into the cognitive and cultural bases of language expression.

Unveiling transportation disparities: investigating accessibility gaps in metropolitan cities using GIS—a case study of Alexandria, Egypt

IntroductionPublic transportation is essential to reduce pollution and traffic congestion in urban areas. However, in densely populated regions like Alexandria, characterized by high population density and limited road infrastructure, accessibility to diverse transportation options is crucial.MethodsThis study investigates the accessibility of public transportation modes, including railways and buses, and their interaction with informal transit. Questioning if public transportation alone will be sufficient for pedestrians or if the presence of informal transit is crucial, and whether all residents of Alexandria have their rightful accessibility for different transport modes, the goal was to establish an efficient and interconnected transportation network. A survey was conducted in cooperation with Transport for Cairo to investigate all transport routes throughout Alexandria, further using ArcGIS Pro to identify gaps in public transportation coverage.ResultsFindings revealed that public transportation alone is insufficient due to limited bus and railway coverage because of their fixed linear routes. Informal transit, like microbuses, plays a vital role in filling these gaps.DiscussionThe study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and sustainable transportation network that considers both formal and informal transit. These insights can guide policymakers and urban planners in improving public transportation in Alexandria and similar cities worldwide.

Recommendations for the establishment of a trans-island canopy bridge network to support primate movement across Langkawi Island, Malaysia

AbstractThe expansion of transportation and service corridors has numerous, well-documented adverse effects on wildlife. However, little research on this topic has been translated into mitigating the effects of habitat fragmentation caused by road development on primates. The establishment of canopy bridges has proven to be an effective conservation intervention. Of the completed primate canopy bridge projects reported in the literature, to our knowledge, all attempt to mitigate the impacts caused by singular, linear infrastructure routes. Here we provide recommendations for the establishment of a network of natural and artificial canopy bridges over roads throughout Langkawi Island, Malaysia, to reduce rates of roadkill and support the movement of primates and other arboreal animals across the island by identifying suitable sites and appropriate tree species to be planted (including Ficus racemosa and Ficus fistulosa), bridge materials and post-installation monitoring. The establishment of this pioneering trans-island canopy bridge network could function as a model to enhance connectivity for arboreal animals in other important wildlife habitat sites in Malaysia and beyond that are affected by fragmentation from linear infrastructure. We have begun discussions with relevant authorities, partners and other pertinent parties, focusing on the initiation of construction of the canopy bridge network in 2024.

Population pharmacokinetics of mirvetuximab soravtansine in patients with folate receptor-α positive ovarian cancer: The antibody-drug conjugate, payload and metabolite.

Mirvetuximab soravtansine is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate recently approved for the treatment of folate receptor-α positive ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic model to describe the concentration-time profiles of mirvetuximab soravtansine, the payload (DM4) and a metabolite (S-methyl-DM4). Mirvetuximab soravtansine was administered intravenously from 0.15 to 7mg/kg to 543 patients with predominantly platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in 3 clinical studies, and the plasma drug concentrations were analysed using a nonlinear mixed-effects modelling approach. Stepwise covariate modelling was performed to identify covariates. We developed a semi-mechanistic population pharmacokinetic model that included linear and nonlinear routes for the elimination of mirvetuximab soravtansine and a target compartment for the formation and disposition of the payload and metabolite in tumour cells. The clearance and volume of the central compartment were 0.0153 L/h and 2.63 L for mirvetuximab soravtansine, 8.83 L/h and 3.67 L for DM4, and 2.04 L/h and 6.3L for S-methyl-DM4, respectively. Body weight, serum albumin and age were identified as statistically significant covariates. Exposures in patients with renal or hepatic impairment and who used concomitant cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitors were estimated. There is no need for dose adjustment due to covariate effects for mirvetuximab soravtansine administered at the recommended dose of 6mg/kg based on adjusted ideal body weight. Dose adjustment is not required for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment, mild hepatic impairment, or when concomitant weak and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors are used.

A Bayesian method for concurrently designing molecules and synthetic reaction networks

In the last few years, de novo molecular design using machine learning has made great technical progress but there are still challenges to be overcome in their practical applications. This is mostly owing to the cost and technical difficulty of synthesizing such computationally designed molecules. To overcome such barriers, various methods for synthetic route design using deep neural networks have been studied intensively in recent years. However, little progress has been made in designing molecules and their synthetic routes simultaneously. Here, we formulate the problem of simultaneously designing molecules with the desired set of properties and their synthetic routes within the framework of Bayesian inference. The design variables consist of a set of reactants in a reaction network and its network topology. The design space is extremely large because it consists of all combinations of purchasable reactants, often in the order of millions or more. In addition, the designed reaction networks can adopt any topology beyond simple multistep linear reaction routes. To solve this hard combinatorial problem, we present a powerful sequential Monte Carlo algorithm that recursively designs a synthetic reaction network by sequentially building up single-step reactions. In a case study of designing drug-like molecules based on commercially available compounds, compared with heuristic combinatorial search methods, the proposed method showed overwhelming performance in terms of computational efficiency, coverage, and novelty with respect to existing compounds. We also provide the Python library “Seq-Stack-Reaction” with its illustrative example of designing highly viscous lubricant molecules.

Development of a kinetic model and figures of merit for formaldehyde carboligations catalyzed by formolase enzymes.

There is an increasing interest in the upgrading of inexpensive and abundant C1 feedstocks to higher carbon products. Linear carbon ligation routes are of particular interest due to their simplicity and potential for high carbon efficiencies. The formolase (FLS) enzyme was computationally designed to catalyze the formose reaction, where formaldehyde molecules are coupled to produce a mixture of C2 (glycolaldehyde) and C3 (dihydroxyacetone) molecules. Recent protein engineering efforts have resulted in the introduction of several FLS variants with altered catalytic properties. As is often the case with enzymes catalyzing reactions with complex and/or nonnatural trajectories, there are no mechanistic kinetic models that fully describe the activity of the FLS enzyme. FLS variants are typically evaluated by fitting rate data to empirical rate laws, with some variation of the kcat /KM ratio used to report and rank performances. The apparent parameters estimated in this manner are unlikely to capture the full catalytic performance of these enzymes. In this study, we derive a mechanistic rate law describing FLS activity as well as theory-based figures of merit to rank FLS performance under relevant conditions. We proceed to fit the rate equation to initial rate data obtained from several FLS mutants, and use the figures of merit to compare the mutations. This study provides a theoretical framework for comparing FLS enzymes which will be essential as novel carbon ligation pathways are devised and implemented.

Особенности осенне-зимнего питания фазана обыкновенного (Phasianus colchicus) в Центральном Предкавказье

Pheasants are game birds that feed on many insect pest species. The study of the pheasant food spectrum, especially in the autumn and winter period, is relevant and can be used to assess the food supply of birds in natural habitats and form the diet when they are bred in captivity.
 The authorities of the Stavropol Region try to preserve pheasant diversity and rationalize its use. In this respect, pheasants’ autumn-winter diet in natural environment is an important research subject that can help poultry farmers.
 The research featured the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) inhabiting various biotopes of the Stavropol Territory. The visual food spectrum analysis was based on the stomachs of birds killed by hunters in October–January 2011–2021.
 The morning and evening visual observation included eight observation points located on linear routes and stationary sites of the Stavropol Territory. The analysis featured 94 stomachs obtained from the Stepnoye area and 28 stomachs from other areas of the Stavropol Region. Matured seeds and grains represented more than 50% of the stomach content and included wheat, corn, narrow-leaved oleaster, etc. Some samples contained a large number of ants with a minimal content of other foods.
 In the Central Ciscaucasia, pheasants inhabit communal gardens, river valleys, agricultural fields, and forest belts. Nowadays, they can be found in urban areas, where they prefer quasi-natural habitats, e.g. green backyards overgrown with such thorny bushes as oleaster, sea buckthorn, blackberry, blackthorn, wild rose, etc. Pheasants are omnivorous; their autumn and winter diet includes cultivated and wild fruits and seeds, as well as insect larvae.

Connectivity Benefits of Small Zero-Emission Autonomous Ferries in Urban Mobility—Case of the Coastal City of Gdańsk (Poland)

An increase in energy-efficient transportation is one way that cities try to mitigate climate change. In coastal cities, public water transit is also undergoing transitions. A small zero-emission autonomous ferry seems to be a cutting-edge technology in this field. This study aims to decrease the knowledge gap in research on the impacts of autonomous passenger ferry development on urban mobility. In particular, the central theme regards the extent to which the new transport solution can help improve sustainable mobility patterns. This study explores the local spatial context of ferry development, land-use patterns, and transport network structure, and moderates the shift in urban mobility practices. Regarding land use patterns, the case of the coastal city of Gdańsk has been documented in secondary qualitative and quantitative data, including in a large body of policy documents, accompanying expert opinions, and scholarly literature. This study strongly emphasises that a typical short river crossing, due to autonomous vessels, can regain a competitive position, which was partially lost due to linear routes along the river. The research identified crucial benefits of autonomous ferry shipping on urban mobility by increasing public transport network connectivity, reducing travel distance, and creating modal shifts towards foot travel and bike riding. It appears as an exciting scalable solution for cities where limited or dispersed demand prevents achievement of economies of scale, therefore diminishing the necessary expenditures.

So far and so close: Opportunities for marine spatial planning in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean

The Rio de la Plata and the adjacent Atlantic Ocean are covered by the most significant amount of environmental cooperation in the Southwest Atlantic. There are joint agreements between Uruguay and Argentina and their institutions, and there is a long history of bi-national fisheries management and maritime traffic organizations. However, these agreements do not cover many other activity sectors that come under different jurisdictions and regulatory instruments. Documentary sources spanning 30 years have been used to describe the spatial extent and evolution of more than 30 activities (grouped into main clusters), as well overlaps and conflicts between them. The higher number and diversity of activities were found in the coastal zone, while fisheries and spatially-defined management measures were dominant in common waters and on the continental shelf. Transport/navigation and communication cables were the most common clusters along surface and sub-bottom linear routes, respectively. The different and overlapping use of the water column and across multiple jurisdictions were the cause of sectoral conflicts, such as between fisheries-transport or fisheries-submarine cables. Under a sector-by-sector analysis, and in the absence of a comprehensive planning environment, many of these conflicts are resolved, at best, by legal proceedings. There have been significant advances in the governance and spatial organisation of fisheries and transport, while progress in conservation and infrastructure has not occurred at the same speed or by considering a broader vision of the system. Addressing the existing and increasing interferences or unresolved conflicts emphasises the need to consolidate multilevel governance frameworks and opportunities in order to advance in marine spatial planning in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean.

Наземные позвоночные животные в долинах рек Данилиха и Егошиха города Перми

The article deals with the issues of biodiversity of terrestrial vertebrate fauna in the valleys of the Danilikha and Yegoshikha rivers of the city of Perm. The recording was carried out during educational excursions and practices in zoology, biogeography and biogeocenology, with the usage of the scientific material on the previously rec-orded representatives of the fauna in the city of Perm. The recording of avifauna was carried out by the method of linear routes, the recording of small mammals was carried out using the installation of crushers and traps, other representatives of the fauna were recorded during visual examinations of the area. Based on the surveys carried out, the faunistic de-scription of the Danilikha and Yegoshikha river valleys and the ecological-faunistic groups of the avifauna of the river valleys were compiled. In the valley of the Danilikha River 4 species of amphibians, 1 species of reptiles, 17 species of mammals and 59 species of birds were recorded. In the Yegoshikha valley 4 species of amphibians, 5 species of rep-tiles, 25 species of mammals and 65 species of birds were recorded. The presence of species included in the Red List of the Perm region in the indicated territory was revealed. It has been established that the recorded rare species included in the Red List of the Perm region stay in river valleys during the period of annual migrations. The biodiversity of the studied territories is at a sufficiently high level, as a result of which it is recommended that the valleys of the Danilikha and Yegoshikha rivers be given the status of protected areas in order to preserve their biodiversity.

Analysis of solid waste landfills vegetation cover of Kharkiv region

Background. Determination of plant species diversity in the areas of solid waste landfills (hereinafter “landfills”) was carried out in order to identify patterns of vegetation cover and give an ecological assessment of the technocenosis. Plant species diversity was definedon the territories of Derhachiv and Rohan landfills in the city of Kharkiv. Materials and Methods. The method of linear routes and trial areas was used to determine the number of species. The degree of coverage was measured by the Drude method. The degree of similarity was determined by calculating the Jacquard coefficient. Plants were systematized by species, life forms, life expectancy, types of cenomorphs. Results and Discussion. 117 species have been recorded at Kharkiv landfills in total. At Rohan landfill and in the adjacent territories the vegetation cover is represented by 92 species, at Derhachiv landfill – by 93 species. Because of the uneven distribution of vegetation in the territories, areas of landfills were identified according to the specifics of vegetation cover (4 for Derhachiv and 3 for Rohan landfills). The most pronounced species diversity of plants at Derhachiv landfill is in the zone of natural landscape (44.0 %), at Rohan landfill – in the zone of ruderal landscape (38.4 %). The obtained data were classified by plant species composition and the conditions of their existence. Herbaceous plants of Derhachiv and Rohan llandfills are dominant in terms of life forms – 83.8% and 85.8%, respectively. Perennial plants predominate in terms of life expectancy – 53.8 % and 52.2 %, respectively. By their practical use, landfill plants include medicinal (18.6 %), food (11.1 %), and honey (10.8 %) ones; phytomeliorant plants constitute the smallest part – 2.2 %. The Drude method was used to determine the degree of coverage. The dominant families at both landfills are Asteraceae (24.6 %) and Poaceae (13 %). Jacquard similarity coefficients ranged from 0.18 in the least similar zones to 0.75 in similar zones. Cj calculated for two landfills equals 0.11. The plants were systematized by cenomorphic affiliation. The leading type of cenomorph for the flora of landfills is ruderal species (Ru); a significant share is occupied by forest plants (Sil), meadow (Pr) and steppe (St) plant species. Conclusions. Solid waste landfill sites are characterized by a high degree of transformation, which is clearly manifested in the vegetation formation patterns. The significant difference between the vegetation cover of landfill areas (Сj = 0.11) indicates a low degree of similarity of species diversity due to the specifics of technogenesis of the studied ecosystems, historical landscape and preconditions for the formation of vegetation. Natural grass cover on the landfills is replaced by ruderal and shrub cover, which indicates harsh living conditions for cultivated plants and succession processes. There are three main patterns of the formarion of vegetation cover in the landfills: as a result of severe disturbances, indigenous plants are replaced by ruderants in the process of succession, while uncharacteristic species are introduced by biotic and abiotic factors. Keywords: vegetation cover, Derhachiv landfill, Rohan landfill, transformed landscapes, cenomorphic affiliation

The lichens and allied fungi of forest rocky communities of the Vysokaya (Volda) Mountain (Windy Belt Ridge, Arkhangelsk Region, NW Russia)


 
 
 The paper presents the results of continuing research of lichen diversity in rocky communities of Windy Belt Ridge (Arkhangelsk Region, NW Russia). Using the method of sample plots and linear routes, the communities of the mountain Vysokaya (Volda) were examined, and 270 species and 2 subspecies of lichens and allied fungi were recorded there. A total of 18 lichens are new for the mainland area of Arkhangelsk Region, 35 species are new to the Vodlozersky National Park (Arkhangelsk part) and 9 species are in the Red Data Book of Arkhangelsk Region (2020). Within sample plots (altogether 0.2 ha), 230 species were found, with 41–50% of total species number being presented within one sample plot (0.04 ha). Along the linear route (2 km), 190 taxa were recorded: 43 species were found only on the route (outside the sample plots), which is 16% of the total lichen species number in studied communities. Comparative analysis of the lichen diversity between currently studied mountains (Olovgora, Muroigora, Vysokaya) of the Windy Belt Ridge showed that the high degree of community conservation, rocky type of communities with significant rocky outcrops, as well as landscape heterogeneity determine conditions for a high species diversity of lichens. In total, 343 species of lichens and allied fungi have been found for the studied mountains of the Windy Belt Ridge.
 
 

Chemical Synthesis of the Trisaccharide Epitope of Phenolic Glycolipid-1 Surface Antigen from Mycobacterium leprae.

PGL-1 epitope 1 bearing a p-aminoethylphenol group was efficiently synthesized by using linear synthetic routes. A method for efficient synthesis of oligosaccharides containing rhamnose rings was developed. The chemistry is flexible and could be used for the synthesis of other PGLs antigens. A biotinylated PGL-1 antigen 23 was synthesized and could be used as a probe for early detection of leprosy.

Developing nationwide avalanche terrain maps for Norway

Snow avalanches are a significant natural hazard in Norway. One method to manage the backcountry avalanche hazard is through detailed mapping of avalanche terrain. Avalanche terrain can be mapped using a variety of methods, including using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES); however, manual classification of terrain using ATES is time consuming. This study has developed and compared a fully automated algorithm to provide ATES mapping for all of Norway. Our new algorithm is based on the technical model for ATES mapping. This model has specific terrain-based thresholds that can be applied for automated terrain-based modeling. Our algorithm expands on prior work by including the potential release area (PRA) model to identify and calculate the likelihood of an avalanche releasing from a start zone. We also use the raster-based TauDEM-model to determine the avalanche runout length. The final product is a 10-m resolution ATES map. We compared this nationwide ATES map with areas that have been manually mapped by avalanche experts, and find that the automated approach yields similar and reliable results. In addition to comparing mapped areas, we also examine manually mapped linear routes and compare these with the automated mapped ATES areas. Our results suggest that for open terrain, the vast majority of the manually classified tracks are predominantly in the same ATES class as our algorithm. For forested areas, we get mixed results, which can be attributed to a lack of suitable vegetation data at an appropriate scale. Despite this limitation, the current ATES algorithm and resulting spatial data are already valuable as a large portion (~ 70%) of the Norwegian backcountry terrain is above tree line. The automated algorithm is also useful to ensure consistent manual classification across different regions in Norway, or globally, and will permit greater reproducibility and easier updating of mapping for the future.

Nonlinear Dynamics, Switching Kinetics and Physical Realization of the Family of Chua Corsage Memristors

This article reviews the nonlinear dynamical attributes, switching kinetics, bifurcation analysis, and physical realization of a family of generic memristors, namely, Chua corsage memristors (CCM). CCM family contains three 1-st order generic memristor dubbed as 2-lobe, 4-lobe, and 6-lobe Chua corsage memristors and can be distinguished in accordance with their asymptotic stable states. The 2-lobe CCM has two asymptotically stable equilibrium states and regarded as a binary memory device. In contrast, the versatile 4-lobe CCM and 6-lobe CCM are regarded as a multi-bit-per-cell memory device as they exhibit three and four asymptotic stable states, respectively, on their complex and diversified dynamic routes. Due to the diversified dynamic routes, the CC memristors exhibit a highly nonlinear DC V-I curve. Unlike most published highly-nonlinear DC V-I curves with several disconnected branches, the DC V-I curves of CCMs are contiguous along with a locally active negative slope region. Moreover, the DC V-I curves and parametric representations of the CCMs are explicitly analytical. Switching kinetics of the CCM family can be demonstrated with universal formulas of exponential state trajectories xn(t), time period tfn, and applied minimum pulse amplitude VA and width Δw. These formulas are regarded universal as they can be applied to any piecewise linear dynamic routes for any DC or pulse input and with any number of segments. When local activity, and bifurcation and chaos theorems are employed, CMMs exhibit unique stable limit cycles spawn from a supercritical Hopf bifurcation along with static attractors. In addition, the nonlinear circuit and system theoretic approach is applied to explain the asymptotic stability behavior of CCMs and to design real memristor emulators using off-the-shelf circuit components.

ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING OF LOW-IMPACT LANDSCAPED PATHS FOR LINEAR INFRASTRUCTURE IN "LAS BATUECAS-SIERRA DE FRANCIA" AND "QUILAMAS" NATURE PARKS (CENTRAL SYSTEM, SALAMANCA, SPAIN)

The great degree of human development in recent centuries has generated an environmental problem: the spread of human activities through the landscape without sustainable planning. Currently, most natural areas of the planet that are protected for their natural resources have not been impacted by linear infrastructure. The landscape is one of the natural resources that is adversely affected by linear infrastructure. In this short essay, a methodological procedure is described that is easy to use and cost effective and allows for early stage environmental planning. The method uses environmental assessment maps in which weighted pixel values for landscape quality and visual fragility are predetermined. GIS techniques, such as accumulated costs and driving direction scripts, are used to calculate linear infrastructure routes that have the lowest environmental impact. The optimal path is generated by quantitatively calculating the impact of each map pixel along the route such that alternative routes can be selected prior to construction. This method is a powerful tool for environmental modelling focused on the avoidance of environmental impacts during the assessment phase of a project.

Three-Component [1 + 1 + 1] Cyclopropanation with Ruthenium(II)

We report a one-step, Ru(II)-catalyzed cyclopropanation reaction that is conceptually different from the previously reported protocols that include Corey–Chaykovsky, Simmons–Smith, and metal-catalyzed carbene attack on olefins. Under the current protocol, various alcohols and esters are transformed into sulfone substituted cyclopropanes with excellent isolated yields and diastereoselectivities. This new reaction forms highly congested cyclopropane products with three new C–C bonds, three or two new chiral centers and one new quaternary carbon center. Twenty-two examples of isolated substrates are given. Previously reported synthetic routes for similar substrates are all multistep, linear routes that proceed with overall low yields and poor control of stereochemistry. Commercially available Ru(II) dehydrogenation catalysts, that were recently developed for the dehydrogenative synthesis of esters and amides from alcohol and amine substrates, were used in the reaction, with the best catalyst showing excellen...

FdC1 and Leaf-Type Ferredoxins Channel Electrons From Photosystem I to Different Downstream Electron Acceptors.

Plant-type ferredoxins in Arabidopsis transfer electrons from the photosystem I to multiple redox-driven enzymes involved in the assimilation of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Leaf-type ferredoxins also modulate the switch between the linear and cyclic electron routes of the photosystems. Recently, two novel ferredoxin homologs with extra C-termini were identified in the Arabidopsis genome (AtFdC1, AT4G14890; AtFdC2, AT1G32550). FdC1 was considered as an alternative electron acceptor of PSI under extreme ferredoxin-deficient conditions. Here, we showed that FdC1 could interact with some, but not all, electron acceptors of leaf-type Fds, including the ferredoxin-thioredoxin reductase (FTR), sulfite reductase (SiR), and nitrite reductase (NiR). Photoreduction assay on cytochrome c and enzyme assays confirmed its capability to receive electrons from PSI and donate electrons to the Fd-dependent SiR and NiR but not to the ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase (FNR). Hence, FdC1 and leaf-type Fds may play differential roles by channeling electrons from photosystem I to different downstream electron acceptors in photosynthetic tissues. In addition, the median redox potential of FdC1 may allow it to receive electrons from FNR in non-photosynthetic plastids.

Cutting Edge: A New Player in the Alternative Complement Pathway, MASP-1 Is Essential for LPS-Induced, but Not for Zymosan-Induced, Alternative Pathway Activation.

The complement system is a sophisticated network of proteases. In this article, we describe an unexpected link between two linear activation routes of the complement system: the lectin pathway (LP) and the alternative pathway (AP). Mannose-lectin binding-associated serine protease (MASP)-1 is known to be the initiator protease of the LP. Using a specific and potent inhibitor of MASP-1, SGMI-1, as well as other MASP-1 inhibitors with different mechanisms of action, we demonstrated that, in addition to its functions in the LP, MASP-1 is essential for bacterial LPS-induced AP activation, whereas it has little effect on zymosan-induced AP activation. We have shown that MASP-1 inhibition prevents AP activation, as well as attenuates the already initiated AP activity on the LPS surface. This newly recognized function of MASP-1 can be important for the defense against certain bacterial infections. Our results also emphasize that the mechanism of AP activation depends on the activator surface.

Unconsciously interactive Films in a cinema environment—a demonstrative case study

ABSTRACT‘Many worlds’ is a short narrative live-action film written and directed so as to provide multiple linear routes through the plot to one of four endings, and designed for showing in a cinema environment. At two points during the film, decisions are made based on audience bio-signals as to which plot route to take. The use of bio-signals is to allow the audience to remain immersed in the film, rather than explicitly selecting plot direction. Four audience members have a bio-signal measured sensor for each person: ECG (heart rate), EMG (muscle tension), EEG (‘brain waves’) and Galvanic Skin Response (perspiration). The four are interpreted as a single average of emotional arousal. ‘Many worlds’ was the first live-action linear plotted film to be screened in a cinema to the general public utilizing multiple biosensor types. The film has been shown publically a number of times, and lessons learned from the technical and cinematic production are detailed in this paper.