Alexander Turner

ABSTRACT Artificial Signalling Networks (ASNs) are computational models inspired by cellular signalling processes that interpret environmental information. This paper introduces an ASN-based approach to controlling chaotic dynamics in discrete dynamical systems, which are representative of complex behaviours which occur in the real world. Considering the main biological interpretations of signalling pathways, two ASN models are developed. They highlight how pathways' complex behavioural dynamics can be captured and represented within evolutionary algorithms. In addition, the regulatory capacity of the major regulatory functions within living organisms is also explored. The results highlight the importance of the representation to model signalling pathway behaviours and reveal that the inclusion of crosstalk positively affects the performance of the model.

ABSTRACT Artificial gene regulatory networks are computational models which draw inspiration from real world networks of biological gene regulation. Since their inception they have been used to infer knowledge about gene regulation and as methods of computation. These computational models have been shown to possess properties typically found in the biological world such as robustness and self organisation. Recently, it has become apparent that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in gene regulation. This paper introduces a new model, the Artificial Epigenetic Regulatory Network (AERN) which builds upon existing models by adding an epigenetic control layer. The results demonstrate that the AERNs are more adept at controlling multiple opposing trajectories within Chirikov's standard map, suggesting that AERNs are an interesting area for further investigation.

Objective: To evaluate how accurately a new non-invasive device can monitor dyskinesia in people with Parkinson's. Background: Dyskinesia is a common and troublesome adverse e of drugs used to treat Parkinson's and is associated with reduced quality of life. It may be reduced by altering the drug regimen times and dosages. However the presence and severity of dyskinesia varies throughout the day, making it difficiult to monitor via outpatient clinics. It is costly and impractical to admit people for inpatient monitoring. A method of objectively monitoring dyskinesia over several hours in the patient's own home would inform drug regimen changes and improve management of dyskinesia. Methods: Ten people with Parkinson's dyskinesia were assessed for six hours on the neurology ward whilst wearing small movement sensors (Figures 1 & 2). Dyskinesia severity was graded clinically every hour according to the Unied Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS). The movement data from the s...

This study investigated the effects of a fully protected marine reserve on commercially valuable scallops and benthic habitats in Lamlash Bay, Isle of Arran, United Kingdom. Dive surveys found the abundance of juvenile scallops to be greater within the marine reserve than outside. A novel multivariate approach, based upon neural networks and generalised linear models, revealed the greater abundance of juveniles to be related to the greater presence of macroalgae and maerl within the reserve boundaries. This complex habitat appeared to have positively encouraged spat settlement. In contrast, the density of adult scallops did not differ between the two treatments, possibly due to the short duration of protection. However, the age, size and biomass of adult scallops were significantly greater within the reserve. Overall, this study suggests that the newly created marine reserve is already providing benefits which are flowing back to species targeted by fisheries, emphasising the importance of marine reserves in ecosystem-based management of fisheries.