On denoising and compression of DNA microarray images

We address the problems of noise and huge data sizes in microarray images. First, we propose a mixture model for describing the statistical and structural properties of microarray images. Then, based on the microarray image model, we present methods for denoising and for compressing microarray images. The denoising method is based on a variant of the translation-invariant wavelet transform. The compression method introduces the notion of approximate contexts (rather than traditional exact contexts) in modeling the symbol probabilities in a microarray image. This inexact context modeling approach is important in dealing with the noisy nature of microarray images. Using the proposed denoising and compression methods, we describe a near-lossless compression scheme suitable for microarray images. Results on both denoising and compression are included, which show the performance of the proposed methods. Further experiments using the results of the proposed near-lossless compression scheme in gene clustering using cell-cycle microarray data for S. cerevisiae showed a general improvement in the clustering performance, when compared with using the original data. This provides an indirect validation of the effectiveness of the proposed denoising method.     

Layout-Specific Circuit Evaluation in 3-D Integrated Circuits

In this paper, we describe a comprehensive layout methodology for bonded three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs). In bonded 3D integration technology, parts of a circuit are fabricated on different wafers, and then, the wafers are bonded with a glue layer of Cu or polymer based adhesive. Using our layout methodology, designers can layout such 3D circuits with necessary information on inter-wafer via/contact and orientation of each wafer embedded in the layout. We have implemented the layout methodology in 3DMagic. Availability of 3DMagic has led to interesting research with a wide range of layout-specific circuit evaluation, from performance comparison of 2D and 3D circuits to layout-specific reliability analyses in 3D circuits. Using 3DMagic, researchers have designed and simulated an 8-bit encryption processor mapped into 2D and 3D FPGA layouts. Moreover, the layout methodology is an essential element of our ongoing research for the framework of a novel Reliability Computer Aided Design tool, ERNI-3D.     

现代通信系统电源设计

通信设备使用的电源器件有很多种，从前端的功率因数校正(PFC)AC／DC电源到后端的高效DC／DC模块和负载点(POL)转换器，不一而足。从需要很高效率的中间总线转换器(IBC)，到那些日趋细小轻巧的VoIP数字电话，以及要求多路紧密调节电压(7～13路输出)的数字用户线(xDSL)电源等，DC／DC电源在现代通信中获得了广泛应用。     

Cell cycle. The NIMA kinase joins forces with Cdc2

The NIMA and Cdc2 protein kinases cooperate to regulate mitosis in Aspergillus nidulans. NIMA-related pathways have now begun to emerge in higher eukaryotes.     

Measuring hospital performance: are we asking the right questions?

The aim of this randomized cross-over trial was to evaluate the dose effect and systemic absorption of epinephrine nebulized at 2 and 5 mg in comparison with salbutamol (5 mg). Thirteen asthmatic patients (29 +/- 15 years, 4 men and 9 women) were randomly assigned to receive one nebulization of each of the three treatment regimens at 24 h interval. The evaluation concerned forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), heart rate, respiratory rate and arterial pressure. All measurements were done at baseline, every 15 minutes during the first hour, and hourly thereafter until return to baseline FEV1. Serum potassium was measured at baseline (T0) and sixty minutes after (T60). Plasma levels of epinephrine were measured at T0, T20, T60. Fifteen minutes after the beginning of nebulization FEV1 improved significantly over baseline in the three groups. These changes were similar in the three groups until T45, while FEV1 improvement was significantly greater in A5 and S groups than A2 group (+640 +/- 470 ml, +721 +/- 349 ml, +406 +/- 306 ml in A5, S and A2 groups respectively, p < 0.01). Bronchodilation lasted significantly longer with salbutamol than with epinephrine (p < 0.05). No side effects were recorded in spite of substantial and dose-dependent systemic absorption of epinephrine. CONCLUSION: Increasing epinephrine doses produces greater bronchodilation without additional side effects. However this bronchodilation lasts shorter than with salbutamol.     

Haemolytic activity of Aeromonas species isolated in Libya

Twenty seven Aeromonas strains (5A. hydrophila, 8A. sobria and 14A. caviae) isolated from children with diarrhoea and 34 Aeromonas strains (9A. hydrophila, 7A. sobria an 18A. caviae) isolated from children without diarrhoea were tested from haemolysin production. The results obtained showed that haemolysin production using human, horse or sheep erythrocytes was significantly associated with A.hydrophila and A sobria but not with A.caviae, regardless of whether these strains were isolated from children with or without diarrhoea. Human or horse rather than sheep erythrocytes are recommended for use in the haemolysin assay.