392 research outputs found
Coordinating Multiple Autonomies to Improve Mission Performance
No full textResearch in marine autonomy has traditionally involved development around a single autonomy architecture. Even when an architecture is open and modular, modules are typically all integrated into a single architecture. In this paper, an approach is considered that couples two distinct and mature architectures into a single combined autonomy system that leverages the strengths of both singular architectures to produce a more complete and capable system. In this work, the two autonomy architectures, SeeByte's Neptune, and MIT's MOOSIvP, are combined via a shared interface to leverage SeeByte's mission path-planning and exclusion zone capabilities along with the reactive path execution with obstacle and collision avoidance behaviors of MOOS-IvP. Results are reported from simulation and on-water tests held on the Charles River in Cambridge MA during July 2021. The Neptune/IvP combined system was deployed on MIT's autonomous Boston Whaler and used to perform a safe crossing in a busy and dynamic environment
Diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer using a combined protein biomarker panel
No full textBackgroundAn early detection tool for EOC was constructed from analysis of biomarker expression data from serum collected during the UKCTOCS.MethodsThis study included 49 EOC cases (19 Type I and 30 Type II) and 31 controls, representing 482 serial samples spanning seven years pre-diagnosis. A logit model was trained by analysis of dysregulation of expression data of four putative biomarkers, (CA125, phosphatidylcholine-sterol acyltransferase, vitamin K-dependent protein Z and C-reactive protein); by scoring the specificity associated with dysregulation from the baseline expression for each individual.ResultsThe model is discriminatory, passes k-fold and leave-one-out cross-validations and was further validated in a Type I EOC set. Samples were analysed as a simulated annual screening programme, the algorithm diagnosed cases with >30% PPV 1–2 years pre-diagnosis. For Type II cases (~80% were HGS) the algorithm classified 64% at 1 year and 28% at 2 years tDx as severe.ConclusionsThe panel has the potential to diagnose EOC one-two years earlier than current diagnosis. This analysis provides a tangible worked example demonstrating the potential for development as a screening tool and scrutiny of its properties. Limits on interpretation imposed by the number of samples available are discussed
A combined biomarker panel shows improved sensitivity for the early detection of ovarian cancer allowing the identification of the most aggressive Type II tumours.
No full textBackground There is an urgent need for biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess whether changes in serum levels of LCAT, SHBG, GRP78, calprotectin and IGFBP2 are observed prior to clinical presentation and to assess the performance of these markers alone and in combination with CA125 for early detection. Methods This nested case control study used samples from the UKCTOCS trial. The sample set consisted of 482 serum samples from 49 OC subjects and 31 controls, with serial samples spanning up to seven years pre-diagnosis. The set was divided into: (I) a discovery set which included all women with only two samples from each woman, the first at < 14 months and the second at > 32 months to diagnosis; and (ii) a corroboration set which included all the serial samples from the same women spanning the 7 year period. LCAT, SHBG, GRP78, calprotectin and IGFBP2 were measured using ELISA. The performance of the markers to detect cancers pre-diagnosis was assessed. Results A combined threshold model IGFBP2 >78.5 ng/mL: LCAT <8.831 μg/mL: CA125 >35 U/mL outperformed CA125 alone for the earlier detection of ovarian cancer. The threshold model was able to identify the most aggressive Type II cancers. In addition, it increased the lead time by 5-6 months and identified 26% of Type I subjects and 13% of Type II subjects that were not identified by CA125 alone. Conclusion Combined biomarker panels (IGFBP2, LCAT and CA125) outperformed CA125 up to 3 years prediagnosis, identifying cancers missed by CA125, providing increased diagnostic lead times for Type I and Type II OC. The model identified more aggressive Type II cancers, with women crossing the threshold dying earlier; indicating that these markers can improve on the sensitivity of CA125 alone for the early detection of ovarian cancer
Two Studies on Twitter Networks and Tweet Content in Relation to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Conversation, Information, and 'Diary of a Daily Life'.
No full textTo date, there is no research examining how adults with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and severe communication disability use Twitter, nor the use of Twitter in relation to ALS/MND beyond its use for fundraising and raising awareness. In this paper we (a) outline a rationale for the use of Twitter as a method of communication and information exchange for adults with ALS/MND, (b) detail multiple qualitative and quantitative methods used to analyse Twitter networks and tweet content in the our studies, and (c) present the results of two studies designed to provide insights on the use of Twitter by an adult with ALS/MND and by #ALS and #MND hashtag communities in Twitter. We will also discuss findings across the studies, implications for health service providers in Twitter, and directions for future Twitter research in relation to ALS/MND
Hello Harlie: Enabling speech monitoring through chat-bot conversations
No full textPeople with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and dementia are known to have difficulties in language and communication. This paper presents initial testing of an artificial conversational agent, called Harlie. Harlie runs on a smartphone and is able to converse with the user on a variety of topics. A description of the application and a sample dialog are provided to illustrate the various roles chat-bots can play in the management of neurological conditions. Harlie can be used for measuring voice and communication outcomes during the daily life of the user, and for gaining information about challenges encountered. Moreover, it is anticipated that she may also have an educational and support role
Hazard identification based on plant functional modelling
No full textA major objective of the present work is to provide means for representing a process plant as a socio-tcchnical system, so as to allow hazard identification at a high level. The method includes technical, human and organisational aspects and is intended to be used for plant-level hazard identification so as to identify critical areas and the need for further analysis using existing methods. The first part of the method is the preparation of a plant functional model where a set of plant functions link together hardware, software, operations, work organisation and other safety related aspects of the plant. The basic principle of the functional modelling is that any aspect of the plant can be represented by an object (in the sense that this term is used in computer science) based upon an Intent (or goal); associated with each Intent are Methods, by which the Intent is realized, and Constraints, which limit the Intent. The Methods and Constraints can themselves be treated as objects and decomposed into lower-level Intents (hence the procedure is known as functional decomposition) so giving rise to a hierarchical, object-oriented structure. The plant level hazard identification is carried out on the plant functional model using the Concept Hazard Analysis method. In this, users will be supported by checklists and keywords and the analysis is structured by pre-defined worksheets. The preparation of the plant functional model and the performance of the hazard identification can be carried out manually or with computer support
Suppression of apoptosis by v-ABL protein tyrosine kinase is associated with nuclear translocation and activation of protein kinase C in an interleukin-3-dependent haemopoietic cell line
No full textWe previously demonstrated that activation of v-ABL protein tyrosine kinase resulted in suppression of apoptosis following interleukin-3 removal using an interleukin-3-dependent haemopoietic cell line transfected with a temperature-sensitive mutant of the v-abl oncoprotein (IC.DP). Cellular signalling events associated with the activation of v-ABL included increased levels of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol, an activator of protein kinase C. Calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, restored apoptosis to interleukin-3-deprived IC.DP cells expressing active v-ABL. However, chronic exposure to the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate to downregulate protein kinase C did not attenuate the survival of IC.DP cells expressing active v-ABL. Translocation of a classical protein kinase C isozyme(s) to the nuclear fraction was observed 6 hours after activation of v-ABL, when nuclear protein kinase C activity was increased approximately 2-fold. The protein kinase C isozyme responsible, which was only partially downregulated by 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate, was identified as protein kinase C beta II. This translocation of protein kinase C beta II to the nucleus was inhibited by calphostin C. Taken together, these results suggest that nuclear translocation and activation of PKC beta II may play a role in v-ABL-mediated suppression of apoptosis
Climate change in Australia
No full textCSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology have released climate change projections for Australia that provide updated national and regional information on how the climate may change to the end of the 21st century.
The projections are the most comprehensive ever released for Australia and have been prepared with an emphasis on informing impact assessment and planning in the natural resource management sector. Material has been drawn from observations and from simulations based on up to 40 global climate models and four scenarios of greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions during the 21st century.
The 2015 projections provide greater levels of detail and confidence compared to previous projections. Findings are consistent with previous projections research and analysis for Australia, and incorporate an increased knowledge base.
The new climate change projections for Australia are funded by the Department of the Environment through the NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund with co-funding from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Technical Report is intended to provide detailed information for researchers and decision makers. It is a comprehensive report outlining the key climate change projection messages for Australia across a range of variables. The report underpins all information found in other products, including this website. It contains an extensive set of figures and descriptions on recent Australian climate trends, global climate change science, climate model evaluation processes, modelling methodologies and downscaling approaches. The report includes a chapter describing how to use climate change data in impact assessment and adaptation planning.
Key findings
Overarching findings
Australia’s climate has already changed.
It has become hotter since 1910, with warming across Australia of 0.9°C
Rainfall has increased in northern Australia since the 1970s and decreased in south-east and south-west Australia
More of Australia’s rain has come from heavy falls and there has been more extreme fire weather in southern and eastern Australia since the 1970s.
Sea levels have risen by approximately 20cm since 1900.
Projections for Australia’s future climate vary regionally and depend on which of the four greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions scenarios is considered. Overarching findings include:
Australia’s average temperature will increase and we will experience more heat extremes and fewer cold extremes.
Extreme rainfall events that lead to flooding are likely to become more intense.
The number of tropical cyclones is projected to decrease but they may be more intense and reach further south.
Southern and eastern Australia is projected to experience harsher fire weather.
Sea levels will continue to rise throughout the 21st century and beyond.
Oceans around Australia will warm and become more acidic.
Additional findings
Temperature
Australian average temperature has increased by 0.9° C since 1910.
We have seen more hot days and less cold days.
Temperatures will continue to increase over the 21st century.
The extent of those increases will depend on global emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols.
By late in the century (2090), Australian average temperature is projected to increase by 0.6 to 1.7°C for a low emission scenario, or 2.8 to 5.1°C under a high emission scenario.
Hot days are projected to occur more frequently while there will be fewer frost days.
Rainfall
Winter and spring rainfall in southern Australia is projected to decline while changes in other areas are uncertain.
For the rest of Australia, natural climate variability will predominate over rainfall trends caused by increasing greenhouse gases until 2030. By 2090, a winter rainfall decrease is expected in eastern Australia.
Overall, extreme rain events are projected to become more intense.
This finding is consistent across Australia even in areas where average rainfall is projected to decrease or the average direction of change is uncertain. This is largely due to the ability of a warmer atmosphere to hold more water.
However, the projected reduction in average rainfall in south-west Western Australia may be so strong as to weaken this extreme rainfall tendency.
Drought
The time in drought will increase over southern Australia, with a greater frequency of severe droughts.
The time in drought and the frequency of extreme droughts may increase elsewhere in Australia.
A projected increase in evaporation rates will contribute to a reduction in soil moisture across Australia.
Tropical cyclones
Tropical cyclones may occur less often; however they will likely be more intense.
Snow
There will be a decrease in snowfall, an increase in snowmelt and thus reduced snow cover.
Fire Weather
Southern and eastern Australia are projected to experience harsher fire weather, including an increase in the number of days with a ‘severe’ fire danger rating.
Projections for fire weather in northern Australia and inland areas are less certain.
Sea level rise
Sea levels will continue to rise throughout the 21st century and beyond.
Projections of sea level rise for the Australian coastline by late in the century (2090) are comparable to, or slightly larger than, the projected global mean sea level rise of up to 82 cm under a high emission scenario.
A collapse in the marine based sectors of the Antarctic ice sheet could make sea level rise projections several tenths of a metre higher by late in the century
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