Wavelet based distributed video coding with spatial scalability

In this paper, an improved spatial scalable wavelet domain distributed video coding (DVC) scheme is proposed. In this scheme, we adaptively apply differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) Wyner-Ziv (WZ) coding and discrete cosine transform (DCT) based intra block coding to reduced-resolution layer. Due to the low energy nature of high-pass subbands, WZ coding can be directly used. At decoder, in full-resolution layer WZ frame decoding, an efficient side information (SI) generation technique for low-pass subband is proposed, in which motion compensated interpolation (MCI) is performed on full-resolution signal. On the other hand, a refined technique is also employed to generate the SI for high-pass subbands by taking advantage of inter-band correlation. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme provides an efficient wavelet domain DVC coding paradigm. ?2008 IEEE.EI

Structural basis for DNMT3A-mediated de novo DNA methylation.

DNA methylation by de novo DNA methyltransferases 3A (DNMT3A) and 3B (DNMT3B) at cytosines is essential for genome regulation and development. Dysregulation of this process is implicated in various diseases, notably cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying DNMT3 substrate recognition and enzymatic specificity remain elusive. Here we report a 2.65-ångström crystal structure of the DNMT3A-DNMT3L-DNA complex in which two DNMT3A monomers simultaneously attack two cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides, with the target sites separated by 14 base pairs within the same DNA duplex. The DNMT3A-DNA interaction involves a target recognition domain, a catalytic loop, and DNMT3A homodimeric interface. Arg836 of the target recognition domain makes crucial contacts with CpG, ensuring DNMT3A enzymatic preference towards CpG sites in cells. Haematological cancer-associated somatic mutations of the substrate-binding residues decrease DNMT3A activity, induce CpG hypomethylation, and promote transformation of haematopoietic cells. Together, our study reveals the mechanistic basis for DNMT3A-mediated DNA methylation and establishes its aetiological link to human disease

Indolic Uremic Solutes Enhance Procoagulant Activity of Red Blood Cells through Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microparticle Release

Increased accumulation of indolic uremic solutes in the blood of uremic patients contributes to the risk of thrombotic events. Red blood cells (RBCs), the most abundant blood cells in circulation, may be a privileged target of these solutes. However, the effect of uremic solutes indoxyl sulfate (IS) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on procoagulant activity (PCA) of erythrocyte is unclear. Here, RBCs from healthy adults were treated with IS and IAA (mean and maximal concentrations reported in uremic patients). Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure of RBCs and their microparticles (MPs) release were labeled with Alexa Fluor 488-lactadherin and detected by flow cytometer. Cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]) with Fluo 3/AM was analyzed by flow cytometer. PCA was assessed by clotting time and purified coagulation complex assays. We found that PS exposure, MPs generation, and consequent PCA of RBCs at mean concentrations of IS and IAA enhanced and peaked in maximal uremic concentrations. Moreover, 128 nM lactadherin, a PS inhibitor, inhibited over 90% PCA of RBCs and RMPs. Eryptosis or damage, by indolic uremic solutes was due to, at least partially, the increase of cytosolic [Ca2+]. Our results suggest that RBC eryptosis in uremic solutes IS and IAA plays an important role in thrombus formation through releasing RMPs and exposing PS. Lactadherin acts as an efficient anticoagulant in this process

Research on the Measurement Error of MWIR Average Atmospheric Transmittance

The atmospheric transmittance in mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) band reflects the characteristics of atmospheric particles, which is typically used in MWIR imaging system correction and data extraction. MWIR imager is wide spectral band instrument and its measuring output is usually affected by broadband atmospheric transmittance which is usually considered as average influence, therefore it is exactly of great importance to study the measurement of MWIR average atmospheric transmittance, which is valuable for MWIR images correction and application. A measurement error model of MWIR atmospheric transmittance was proposed according to the measuring method of the broadband average atmospheric transmittance. Because the transmittance measurement principle mentioned in this paper is indirect measurement, some direct input data are needed to be acquired through infrared imager, blackbody, etc. Finally, combining the measurement error theory with data of the experiments, the MWIR atmospheric transmittance and its measurement error are extracted. The results show that the MWIR atmospheric transmittance measured value is reasonable according to the empirical value in sunny day. And the measurement error objectively reflects most aspects of the test, exactly proving the validity of the measurement experiment

Zambia Signal Functions study 2016 dataset

This dataset contains information related to health facilities’ infrastructure, staffing, equipment, supplies, and capacity to perform various clinical functions related to reproductive and maternal health service provision. The study was conducted in Central Province, Zambia and its primary aim was to assess facilities’ capacity to provide termination of pregnancy services. EMBARGOED UNTIL 31st DEC 201

Facile Enzymatic Synthesis of Base J-Containing Oligodeoxyribonucleotides and an Analysis of the Impact of Base J on DNA Replication in Cells

<div><p>We reported here the use of T4 bacteriophage β-glucosyltransferase (T4 β-GT) for the facile synthesis of base J-containing oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs). We found that the enzyme could catalyze the glucosylation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-deoxyuridine (5hmU) in both single- and double-stranded ODNs, though the latter reaction occurred only when 5hmU was mispaired with a guanine. In addition, base J blocked moderately DNA replication, but it did not induce mutations during replication in human cells.</p></div