Semi-automated Data Research Articles

Semi-automatic data acquisition for quantitative neuroanatomy. MicroTrace — computer programme for recording of the spatial distribution of neuronal populations

We present a computer programme, MicroTrace, designed for user-guided digitisation of objects in biological sections. The programme is optimised for recording the spatial distribution of neuronal structures, such as large populations of tracer-labelled cell bodies or axonal plexuses, regional borders, and surfaces. System requirements are a PC running Microsoft Windows, a microscope equipped with stepping motors, and a drawing tube. A computer generated drawing area, surrounded by menus and icons, is projected into the microscope field of view via the drawing tube. Different ‘object’ icons are assigned to individual object categories (cell types, surfaces, etc.). Digitisation is performed by pointing the cursor at objects in the section. Computer graphical symbols are superimposed on the digitised objects. All object categories are digitised, before moving the stage to other fields of view by manipulating the joystick or scroll bars. Movement of the microscope stage is accompanied by a translation of the graphical image, so that continous feedback on the progress of the digitisation is provided. MicroTrace can readily be adapted to the specific needs of the user. We show its use in different experimental neuroanatomical techniques. Two-dimensional images and three-dimensional reconstructions of neuronal distribution and surfaces are demonstrated.

Telmi: a reusable information retrieval system and its applications

The use of an information retrieval (IR) system would be easier if natural language processing were applied. There are essentially two different ways to use NLP techniques: as a user interface coupled with a factual database, or as an integrated part of a system which deals with a textual database. In this paper, two approaches are presented, that of MGS, a commercialized system in use in France Télécom, and that of Telmi, a France Télécom research system. Telmi is an information retrieval system designed for use with medium sized databases of short text. The characteristics of the system include fine‐grained NLP, an open domain and large scale knowledge base, automated indexing based on conceptual representation of texts, and reusability of the NLP tools. The knowledge base is (semi) automatically extracted from a monolingual machine‐readable dictionary (MRD). Telmi is integrated into a production‐scale prototype which implements a Minitel Information Service (IS) for the use of the general public. France Télécom Minitel(i) and its problems are described, along with the solutions Telmi offers. The paper then goes on to describe how France Télécom intends to reuse, in a continuation of the present project, the Telmi tools in a multilingual system, particularly in (semi)automatic data acquisition from multilingual MRDs.

Development of Computer‐Aided Motion Analyzing (CAMA) System for Radiopaque Implanted Tilting Disk Heart Valves

The newly developed semiautomatic data acquisition and processing system allows progress in quantitative evaluation of functions of implanted tilting disk valves. In the new system, data acquisition could be carried out semiautomatically by utilizing image processing methods, and the data analysis time was shortened. The system consists of a computer-controlled cinefilm loading device, a CCD camera, a frame memory, a superimposer, and CRT displays. Since series of the open- and shut-mode frames are commonly observed by turns in normal subjects, data acquisition was carried out manually at the first frame of each mode and semiautomatically from the second frame to the last. By processing the image data with the binarization method, the valve contours were detected, and an open angle and other motion properties can be obtained. Analyzing 90 frames of the cinefilm, this system analyzes data in a time period 20 min shorter than the manual procedure. With the implanted Medtronic Hall valve, a 60 to 65 degrees open angle was calculated.

Computer-aided interviewing of parents in a child psychiatric clinic

The development of automated or semi-automated data from patients has increased because of the growing availability of computers to clinicians. Slack and his colleagues [1] demonstrated the value of this technique. The computer used could elicit medical histories which at times were fuller than those obtained during a clinical interview, and it was found that such computer interviews were well tolerated by patients. These findings have subsequently been confirmed in psychiatric practice [2–7]. The use of automated interviews in psychiatry has been reviewed by Mizutani [8], who draws attention to the potential saving of clinician's time if computer interviews are used for screening purposes, as originally noted by Coddington and King [3], and by Carr and Ghosh [6]. The widespread availability and increasing power of the microcomputer will encourage further exploration of this method. The clinical interview in child and adolescent psychiatric practice has been in a state of change. There is increasing use of family-centred interviewing techniques, which often have, as a central objective, the promotion of change at a relatively early stage in assessment. In comparison with orthodox techniques which depend on full assessment prior to the introduction of therapy, these techniques may make it more difficult at the outset to clearly and thoroughly establish which features of the child are causing concern, and their significance. A possible solution to this problem is to precede the initial interview with a data gathering phase which does not involve the clinician. This would be possible if a computer was used to elicit appropriate information before the initial interview with the family. If this method were acceptable to the family, it is possible that the more ‘neutral’ seeming aspect of an automated questionnaire would augment the clinician's first contact with them in a useful manner.

A semi-automated data processing system for root growth analysis: application to a growing oak seedling.

A data acquisition and processing system for analyzing root structure and growth is presented. Two-dimensional drawings are made of root systems growing against the inclined, transparent wall of a rhizotron. For analysis, a root is treated as a number of straight segments between points determined by the position of root apices at successive times of observation and the insertion points of lateral roots. The coordinates of the points are digitized by means of a graphics tablet and the description of the root system completed with information about root branching pattern and root order. From the recorded data, various root characteristics and growth parameters can be computed with a program available from the authors. Use of the data processing system in studies of root architecture is discussed and its application in the analysis of root growth of a pedunculate oak seedling (Quercus robur L.) reported.

A simple computerized neuroanatomical data collection system.

A semiautomated data collection system, flexible enough to apply to any microscopic tissue where the data can be accepted as point positions, is described. The design is simple and can be easily implemented on a mini-or microcomputer with minimal additional hardware. The results of a typical neuroanatomical experiment are shown together with an error and time constraint analysis.

Distortions induced in neuronal quantification by camera lucida analysis: Comparisons using a semi-automated data acquisition system

Quantitative analysis of dendritec structure is widely used in assessing neural relationships in Golgi-stained tissue. Quantitative techniques are tedious and time-consuming. A computer-microscope system is described which speeds data acquisition and analysis. Three neuronal samples are analyzed both by this computerized system and by camera lucida techniques. We demonstrate that the computerized techniques result in far fewer errors in data transcription and analysis than the camera lucida procedure. In addition, we show that the amount of distortion in camera lucida drawings caused by collapsing 3 dimensions into 2 varies both with cell class and cell dendrite type. This prevents the use of any simple statistical procedures for deriving 3-dimensional information from 2-dimensional data.

A Technique for Measuring Fading Microwave Signals from the ATS-5 Spacecraft

A description of a technique for measuring fading microwave signals from the NASA ATS-5 spacecraft is presented. A ground station was used to transmit to and receive from the ATS-5 via its L-band transponder. The experiment included an L-band transmitter, three independent L-band receiving systems, and a semiautomatic data acquisition and analysis system. Sample data are presented.

Practical calibration considerations for commissioning an 8MV linear accelerator.

SUMMARY A semi-automatic data acquisition system has been described and practical detail of its application in calibrating an 8MV linear accelerator have been given. Techniques have been described for minimising the quantity of raw data which must be collected, and the precision of this data discussed. The methods described above have also been applied to the calibration of a 4MV Vickers Orthotron, a Picker C9 Cobalt unit and a Toshiba Cobalt unit. ABSTRACT The calibration of an isocentric linear accelerator presents difficulties in both the quantity of data which must be collected and in the difficulty of obtaining accurate measurements. The hardware required for collection of field data is described and its performance under operational conditions analysed. A calculator based data acquisition system is described, and details of its application to machine calibration given. The principles of calculator data acquisition and analysis are revealed in the light of experience gained in calibrating an 8MV linear accelerator.

Semi-automatic data processing in clinical chemistry

A semi-automatic system for data processing in the Clinical Chemistry Department of the School of Pathology, Johannesburg, is outlined. Careful planning of workflow in the laboratory can provide a better interface of laboratory results with a manual cumulative reporting system in which technologists and clerks co-ordinate their activities. The system used provides a less tedious and less error-prone process via automatic printing facilities. This system achieves improved patient care in terms of quality control (data checks) and cumulative reporting of results. Facility for accounts and administration purpose are also incorporated. In our experience, semi-automatic data processing can provide a solution to the clerical problems generated by the introduction of automatic testing equipment. Hardware costs are minimal in comparison to fully automated systems, which utilize on-line or off-line computers.

Semi-Automatic Data Recording

Semi-automatic data recording. Syst. Zool. 24:199–208.—A coordinate digitizer was used to record morphometric data from a set of operationally-homologous points defined on various regions of a set of illustrations. Similarities obtained from the data were compared with sets of similarities obtained by an intuitive approach, by conventional numerical taxonomy with definition of characters and manual recording of data, and by pseudo-optical scanning. All sets were highly correlated with each other, suggesting that data capture by the technique described could serve to expedite the handling of material for biological classification.

An environmental chamber system for prolonged metabolic studies on small animals.

Measurement of metabolic adaptation to marginally stressful environments requires both precise regulation of a variety of atmospheric factors for extended periods of time and the capacity to employ sensitive parameters in an undisturbed subject. This paper describes a metabolic chamber system which can simultaneously maintain groups of small animals in two completely separate closed environments having different pressures, temperatures and gas compositions for an indefinite period. Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, food and water consumption and animal activity cycles can be continuously monitored and quantified 24 h per day while the animals are in an unrestrained state. Each chamber can be serviced and the animals handled, injected and sacrificed without subjecting them to barometric stress. Several unique electrical and mechanical components allow semi-automated data collection on a continuous basis for indefinite periods of time.

Quantitative Motion Analysis from Rotating Mirror Framing Camera Records

Detailed motion analyses represent a powerful tool for studying the characteristics of energetic dynamic events such as hypervelocity impacts and explosions. Techniques for evaluating and correcting systematic errors in rotating mirror framing camera records and for improving data analysis methods have been applied to a Beckman & Whitley Model 300 framing camera. Magnification and distortion errors were determined by photographing a precision grid. Precise inter-frame time variations were determined by measuring the angle of rotation of the framing mirror to within 30″ of arc by a reflected laser technique. The use of fiducial markers, specialized film measurement techniques, and semiautomatic data reduction techniques, have made motion analyses with rotating mirror cameras feasible for a wide range of dynamic event studies.

SNAP 10A Data Reduction

On April 3, 1965 the world's first nuclear reactor space power system, SNAP I0A, was launched and operated successfully for forty-three days in orbit. To reduce and analyze the flight test data, data handling procedures and data analysis computer programs representing the end results of three years of effort and improvement of similar data systems for SNAP 10A ground tests were used. This paper describes the evolution of data handling and reduction from the manual methods used for the first non-nuclear system test to later ground tests where data loggers of increasing degrees of sophistication were used to generate punched paper tape which was then computer processed, reduced, and analyzed, and finally to the completely electronic and computerized reduction of flight test telemetry data. The equipment used, handling procedures developed, and computer programs are briefly described. Improvements in each generation of data system resulting from experience and improved equipment are emphasized. As a result of the experience in semi-automatic data collection, reduction, and analysis gained in the SNAP 10A program recommendations for creation and improvement of similar data systems are given, and some of the more important pitfalls encountered are discussed. Finally, the more significant differences between flight and ground acquisition and reduction are noted.

THE SAGE SYSTEM TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE AIR DEFENSE COMMAND.

This article describes the development and implementation of a program to train a large-scale, semi-automatic data processing system known as SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment). Particular attention is given to describing the the air defense system, the methodology used to satisfy the training requirements, the conduct of the training program in operational settings, and results of various studies of training effectiveness. Of significance was the emergence of a unique conceptual formulation of system training principles and of associated simulation techniques.

The study of social interaction between small animals

Summary An enclosure and automatic long-period monitoring techniques are described for the study of social interactions between small mammals. The durations and time and amount of eating, drinking, food hoarding, wheel running, ambulatory and exploratory movements, crossing of a passage, entering and leaving a nest, and sleeping, are recorded together with semiautomatic data reduction of correlations. To illustrate the utility of the techniques, exploratory studies were carried out with two mature Peromyscus maniculatus females, first living alone and then living together. The animals were identified automatically by means of ferromagnetic proximity sensing of small metal collars. When living alone, each animal displayed a distinctive behaviour pattern. When placed in consort, the activities of both changed markedly, particularly during the first few days. Both animals eventually settled into a regular routine in which each tended to draw nearer to the behaviour pattern of the other. Thus, animal No. 13, very active when alone, became less active, while No. 8, relatively inactive when living alone, became more active. A tendency of the animals to remain in each other's company also was evidenced. Changes in behaviour was demonstrably dependent upon social interactions, for when the animals were returned to a solitary existence, each returned to essentially its previous pattern of activity.