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The segregation of brain fiber tractography data into distinct and anatomically meaningful clusters can help to comprehend the complex brain structure and early investigation and management of various neural disorders. We propose a novel stacked bidirectional long short-term memory(LSTM) based segmentation network, (BrainSegNet) for human brain fiber tractography data classification. We perform a two-level hierarchical classification a) White vs Grey matter (Macro) and b) White matter clusters (Micro). BrainSegNet is trained over three brain tractography data having over 250,000 fibers each. Our experimental evaluation shows that our model achieves state-of-the-art results. We have performed inter as well as intra class testing over three patient's brain tractography data and achieved a high classification accuracy for both macro and micro levels both under intra as well as inter brain testing scenario., Comment: Deep Learning in Irregular Domains - British Machine Vision Conference (DLID-BMVC)

The purpose of this study is to develop a method to qualitatively and quantitatively measure and assess the field testing of a diagnostic tool by identifying the parameters that are relevant to assess a field test. The study is conducted at Scania CV AB, Södertälje, Sweden, a world leading manufacturer of trucks, buses and industrial and marine engines, where a method to assess the field test of their diagnostic currently does not exist. The study follows a deductive approach while taking a positivistic and hermeneutic perspective. The relevant theories and literature such as quality development and software testing are described to give a better understanding of the study. The study is conducted in four main steps- description of present situation, situation analysis, development of the assessment approach or framework and evaluation of the framework. The empirical information gathered from numerous interviews and meetings is presented in the description of present situation along with the various data sources available. The collected data from different databases is analysed where hypotheses are formulated based on the different influencing parameters for field testing. The correlations between the parameters are then calculated and analysed to verify the hypothesis as True or False. The ECU updates are also analysed to show that the ECU updates performed during field testing is a good representation of the actual usage after release. The framework to assess the field test is then developed using the available data and analysis made. A holistic view is taken to include the processes before and after the field test in the framework. The framework is in the form of an Excel workbook where data is either copied from databases or manually entered and relevant graphs describing the field test are generated automatically. The time period to be displayed on the graphs can be selected manually. This gives a good base to take decisions about how a field test has gone and w

Polyomaviruses have contributed tremendously towards our understanding of molecular biology of the cell and especially in discovering cellular factors and pathways involved in cancer formation and progression. Polyomavirus encoded oncoproteins manipulate specific cellular molecular pathways to create cellular environment conducive for viral replication and persistence. In a non-productive infection, the alteration of such cellular pathways by polyomaviral oncoproteins leads to activation of certain "cancer hallmarks" and results into cell transformation. In one part of this study, I used polyomaviral oncoproteins as a molecular tool to understand and decode cellular pathways involved in cell transformation. In one part of this study, I used a well characterized oncoprotein of polyomavirus Simian Virus 40 (SV40), called the large tumor antigen (TAg), as a molecular and genetic tool to understand the role of RB/E2F pathway in oncogene mediated cell transformation. According to the current paradigm, activator E2Fs are considered essential for cell proliferation and oncogenic transformation. My results, contrary to the current paradigm, suggest that TAg activates an alternative molecular pathway to induce proliferation and transformation in the absence of activator E2Fs. In another project, I have studied oncoproteins encoded by a less studied polyomavirus, Lymphotropic Papovavirus (LPV). I have discovered previously unknown splice forms of LPV early region, and their comparative analysis with SV40 oncoproteins suggest distinct roles for the homologous proteins in cellular immortalization and transformation. Importantly, my research shows an essential role of LPV small tumor antigen (sT) in immortalization and transformation of primary murine embryonic fibroblasts.

The purpose of this study is to develop a method to qualitatively and quantitatively measure and assess the field testing of a diagnostic tool by identifying the parameters that are relevant to assess a field test. The study is conducted at Scania CV AB, Södertälje, Sweden, a world leading manufacturer of trucks, buses and industrial and marine engines, where a method to assess the field test of their diagnostic currently does not exist. The study follows a deductive approach while taking a positivistic and hermeneutic perspective. The relevant theories and literature such as quality development and software testing are described to give a better understanding of the study. The study is conducted in four main steps- description of present situation, situation analysis, development of the assessment approach or framework and evaluation of the framework. The empirical information gathered from numerous interviews and meetings is presented in the description of present situation along with the various data sources available. The collected data from different databases is analysed where hypotheses are formulated based on the different influencing parameters for field testing. The correlations between the parameters are then calculated and analysed to verify the hypothesis as True or False. The ECU updates are also analysed to show that the ECU updates performed during field testing is a good representation of the actual usage after release. The framework to assess the field test is then developed using the available data and analysis made. A holistic view is taken to include the processes before and after the field test in the framework. The framework is in the form of an Excel workbook where data is either copied from databases or manually entered and relevant graphs describing the field test are generated automatically. The time period to be displayed on the graphs can be selected manually. This gives a good base to take decisions about how a field test has gone and w

Polyomaviruses have contributed tremendously towards our understanding of molecular biology of the cell and especially in discovering cellular factors and pathways involved in cancer formation and progression. Polyomavirus encoded oncoproteins manipulate specific cellular molecular pathways to create cellular environment conducive for viral replication and persistence. In a non-productive infection, the alteration of such cellular pathways by polyomaviral oncoproteins leads to activation of certain "cancer hallmarks" and results into cell transformation. In one part of this study, I used polyomaviral oncoproteins as a molecular tool to understand and decode cellular pathways involved in cell transformation. In one part of this study, I used a well characterized oncoprotein of polyomavirus Simian Virus 40 (SV40), called the large tumor antigen (TAg), as a molecular and genetic tool to understand the role of RB/E2F pathway in oncogene mediated cell transformation. According to the current paradigm, activator E2Fs are considered essential for cell proliferation and oncogenic transformation. My results, contrary to the current paradigm, suggest that TAg activates an alternative molecular pathway to induce proliferation and transformation in the absence of activator E2Fs. In another project, I have studied oncoproteins encoded by a less studied polyomavirus, Lymphotropic Papovavirus (LPV). I have discovered previously unknown splice forms of LPV early region, and their comparative analysis with SV40 oncoproteins suggest distinct roles for the homologous proteins in cellular immortalization and transformation. Importantly, my research shows an essential role of LPV small tumor antigen (sT) in immortalization and transformation of primary murine embryonic fibroblasts.

OpenMI is a widely used standard allowing exchange of data between integrated models, which has mostly been applied to dynamic, deterministic models. Within the FP7 UncertWeb project we are developing mechanisms and tools to support the management of uncertainty in environmental models. In this paper we explore the integration of the UncertWeb framework with OpenMI, to assess the issues that arise when propagating uncertainty in OpenMI model compositions, and the degree of integration possible with UncertWeb tools. In particular we develop an uncertainty-enabled model for a simple Lotka-Volterra system with an interface conforming to the OpenMI standard, exploring uncertainty in the initial predator and prey levels, and the parameters of the model equations. We use the Elicitator tool developed within UncertWeb to identify the initial condition uncertainties, and show how these can be integrated, using UncertML, with simple Monte Carlo propagation mechanisms. The mediators we develop for OpenMI models are generic and produce standard Web services that expose the OpenMI models to a Web based framework. We discuss what further work is needed to allow a more complete system to be developed and show how this might be used practically.

OpenMI is a widely used standard allowing exchange of data between integrated models, which has mostly been applied to dynamic, deterministic models. Within the FP7 UncertWeb project we are developing mechanisms and tools to support the management of uncertainty in environmental models. In this paper we explore the integration of the UncertWeb framework with OpenMI, to assess the issues that arise when propagating uncertainty in OpenMI model compositions, and the degree of integration possible with UncertWeb tools. In particular we develop an uncertainty-enabled model for a simple Lotka-Volterra system with an interface conforming to the OpenMI standard, exploring uncertainty in the initial predator and prey levels, and the parameters of the model equations. We use the Elicitator tool developed within UncertWeb to identify the initial condition uncertainties, and show how these can be integrated, using UncertML, with simple Monte Carlo propagation mechanisms. The mediators we develop for OpenMI models are generic and produce standard Web services that expose the OpenMI models to a Web based framework. We discuss what further work is needed to allow a more complete system to be developed and show how this might be used practically.

Innovative technical advances are now enabling operators to consider development of fields previously identified as uneconomic or marginal. However such projects can still fail to progress since development using a traditional engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) approach does not always meet the required targets for economics, risk and timescale necessary for approval to proceed. This paper will detail how the use of fit-for-purpose production facilities mobilized on a leased, operated and maintained basis now offers an alternative approach to the provision of a field production solution. This approach enables operators to limit their initial set up and infrastructure cost at the front end of a project, to gather additional information on the performance and productivity of their wells and to make a more informed decision on the future of the fields. As a result, operators can keep both their project and capital risk exposure to a minimum. By achieving this production on a fast track basis, revenue from the sale of produced well fluids is generated early. Combined with the low initial cost and lower capital risk of this approach, the economic viability of progressing an asset to full scale production is further enhanced. Based on this sequential investment model, a real option analysis of the overall field development plan can therefore make a project viable, even if the overall net present value (NPV) appears marginal using more traditional methods. In conclusion the research will present technical solutions for the various fields evaluation and production stages of a full field development utilizing the leased facility approach, associated commercial models and case studies for recently completed projects

New polyomaviruses are continually being identified, and it is likely that links between this virus family and disease will continue to emerge. Unfortunately, a specific treatment for polyomavirus-associated disease is lacking. Because polyomaviruses express large Tumor Antigen, TAg, we hypothesized that small molecule inhibitors of the essential ATPase activity of TAg would inhibit viral replication. Using a new screening platform, we identified inhibitors of TAg's ATPase activity. Lead compounds were moved into a secondary assay, and ultimately two FDA approved compounds, bithionol and hexachlorophene, were identified as the most potent TAg inhibitors known to date. Both compounds inhibited Simian Virus 40 replication as assessed by plaque assay and quantitative PCR. Moreover, these compounds inhibited BK virus, which causes BKV Associated Nephropathy. In neither case was host cell viability compromised at these concentrations. Our data indicate that directed screening for TAg inhibitors is a viable method to identify polyomavirus inhibitors, and that bithionol and hexachlorophene represent lead compounds that may be further modified and/or ultimately used to combat diseases associated with polyomavirus infection.

OpenMI is a widely used standard allowing exchange of data between integrated models, which has mostly been applied to dynamic, deterministic models. Within the FP7 UncertWeb project we are developing mechanisms and tools to support the management of uncertainty in environmental models. In this paper we explore the integration of the UncertWeb framework with OpenMI, to assess the issues that arise when propagating uncertainty in OpenMI model compositions, and the degree of integration possible with UncertWeb tools. In particular we develop an uncertainty-enabled model for a simple Lotka-Volterra system with an interface conforming to the OpenMI standard, exploring uncertainty in the initial predator and prey levels, and the parameters of the model equations. We use the Elicitator tool developed within UncertWeb to identify the initial condition uncertainties, and show how these can be integrated, using UncertML, with simple Monte Carlo propagation mechanisms. The mediators we develop for OpenMI models are generic and produce standard Web services that expose the OpenMI models to a Web based framework. We discuss what further work is needed to allow a more complete system to be developed and show how this might be used practically.

OpenMI is a widely used standard allowing exchange of data between integrated models, which has mostly been applied to dynamic, deterministic models. Within the FP7 UncertWeb project we are developing mechanisms and tools to support the management of uncertainty in environmental models. In this paper we explore the integration of the UncertWeb framework with OpenMI, to assess the issues that arise when propagating uncertainty in OpenMI model compositions, and the degree of integration possible with UncertWeb tools. In particular we develop an uncertainty-enabled model for a simple Lotka-Volterra system with an interface conforming to the OpenMI standard, exploring uncertainty in the initial predator and prey levels, and the parameters of the model equations. We use the Elicitator tool developed within UncertWeb to identify the initial condition uncertainties, and show how these can be integrated, using UncertML, with simple Monte Carlo propagation mechanisms. The mediators we develop for OpenMI models are generic and produce standard Web services that expose the OpenMI models to a Web based framework. We discuss what further work is needed to allow a more complete system to be developed and show how this might be used practically.