A flexible floating-point format for optimizing data-paths and operators in FPGA based DSPs

Video signal processing requires complex algorithms performing many basic operations on a video stream. To perform these calculations in real-time in a FPGA, we must use innovative structures to meet speed requirements while managing complexity. As part of a project aiming at the development of a video noise reducer, we developed an optimized processing stream that required some floating-point calculations. This paper presents the rationale for developing a floating-point unit, justifies the data representation used, its implementation in a Xilinx VirtexE FPGA and reports the performance we obtained. A divider using this representation is also presented, with its implementation and performances in the same FPGA

Molecular isolation and characterization of the kisspeptin system, KISS and GPR54 genes in roach Rutilus rutilus.

European program Interreg III and IV

Principles of sound ecotoxicology

We have become progressively more concerned about the quality of some published ecotoxicology research. Others have also expressed concern. It is not uncommon for basic, but extremely important, factors to apparently be ignored. For example, exposure concentrations in laboratory experiments are sometimes not measured, and hence there is no evidence that the test organisms were actually exposed to the test substance, let alone at the stated concentrations. To try to improve the quality of ecotoxicology research, we suggest twelve basic principles that should be considered, not when presenting findings to the regulators, but at the stage of experimental design. These principles range from accurately defining the exposure through to carefully considering essential aspects of experimental design as well as unbiased analysis and reporting of the results. Although not all principles will apply to all studies, we offer these principles in the hope that they will improve the quality of the science that is presented to regulators. Science is an evidence-based discipline, and it is important that we and the regulators can trust the evidence presented to us. Significant resources often have to be devoted to refuting the results of poor research when those resources could be utilised more effectively

Roach (Rutilus rutilus) reproductive cycle: a study of biochemical and histological parameters in a low contaminated site

Fish reproduction is subjected to worrying trends in many aquatic environments. In this study, we report the absence of histological and biochemical alterations in fish sampled in a low contaminated site (characterised by the absence of detectable oestrogenic activity and mutagenicity in sediment extracts). A total of 474 roach (Rutilus rutilus) were monthly sampled during 18 months, and no intersex fish were recorded after careful histological examination, thus indicating that the incidence of this phenomenon may be very low under natural conditions. Furthermore, mean male plasma vitellogenin concentration was 24 ng ml(-1) and was only slightly elevated during the spawning period (up to 120 ng ml(-1)) indicating that these low values may be characteristic of a low contaminated site. Of the male roach, 45.3% were sampled, a sex-ratio that did not significantly deviated from the expected 1:1 ratio between male and female. Results also showed that natural conditions can greatly affect the reproductive cycle of roach. Gametogenesis showed a biphasic pattern with first gonad maturation between September and December and a final maturation occurring at the end of winter/early spring. Under decreasing temperatures, particularly below 6A degrees C, gametogenesis was stopped or even regressed with secondary oocytes becoming rare under histological observation. Conversely, elevated temperatures during the winter lead to an earlier gonad maturation