On dictionary adaptation for recurrent pattern image coding.

In this paper, we exploit a recently introduced coding algorithm called multidimensional multiscale parser (MMP) as an alternative to the traditional transform quantization-based methods. MMP uses approximate pattern matching with adaptive multiscale dictionaries that contain concatenations of scaled versions of previously encoded image blocks. We propose the use of predictive coding schemes that modify the source's probability distribution, in order to favour the efficiency of MMP's dictionary adaptation. Statistical conditioning is also used, allowing for an increased coding efficiency of the dictionaries' symbols. New dictionary design methods, that allow for an effective compromise between the introduction of new dictionary elements and the reduction of codebook redundancy, are also proposed. Experimental results validate the proposed techniques by showing consistent improvements in PSNR performance over the original MMP algorithm. When compared with state-of-the-art methods, like JPEG2000 and H.264/AVC, the proposed algorithm achieves relevant gains (up to 6 dB) for nonsmooth images and very competitive results for smooth images. These results strongly suggest that the new paradigm posed by MMP can be regarded as an alternative to the one traditionally used in image coding, for a wide range of image types.

Prognostic value of opioid binding protein/cell adhesion molecule-like promoter methylation in bladder carcinoma.

The OPCML gene (opioid binding protein/cell adhesion molecule-like), a putative tumour suppressor gene, is frequently inactivated in carcinomas, namely through aberrant promoter methylation. Herein, we aimed to determine whether OPCML altered expression mediated by epigenetic mechanisms was implicated in bladder carcinogenesis and to assess its potential as a bladder cancer epi-marker. OPCML promoter methylation levels from 91 samples of bladder urothelial carcinoma, 25 normal bladder tissues and bladder cancer cell lines were assessed by quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, and correlated with OPCML mRNA expression, determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. To prove the epigenetic regulation of OPCML, five bladder cancer cell lines were exposed to 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), a specific DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor. In bladder tumours, the overall frequency of methylation was 60% and methylation levels were significantly higher when compared with normal mucosa (P=0.0001). No correlation was found between methylation levels and clinicopathological parameters. Interestingly, OPCML promoter methylation was associated with worse disease-specific survival (P=0.022) in univariate analysis. Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation between OPCML promoter methylation and mRNA expression levels was found, although a significant re-expression was only achieved when 5-aza-dC and TSA were used simultaneously. The high frequency of OPCML promoter methylation in urothelial carcinomas suggests an important role for this epigenetic alteration in bladder carcinogenesis, highlighting its potential as an epigenetic biomarker for bladder urothelial carcinoma with prognostic significance.

Scanned compound document encoding using multiscale recurrent patterns.

In this paper, we propose a new encoder for scanned compound documents, based upon a recently introduced coding paradigm called multidimensional multiscale parser (MMP). MMP uses approximate pattern matching, with adaptive multiscale dictionaries that contain concatenations of scaled versions of previously encoded image blocks. These features give MMP the ability to adjust to the input image's characteristics, resulting in high coding efficiencies for a wide range of image types. This versatility makes MMP a good candidate for compound digital document encoding. The proposed algorithm first classifies the image blocks as smooth (texture) and nonsmooth (text and graphics). Smooth and nonsmooth blocks are then compressed using different MMP-based encoders, adapted for encoding either type of blocks. The adaptive use of these two types of encoders resulted in performance gains over the original MMP algorithm, further increasing the performance advantage over the current state-of-the-art image encoders for scanned compound images, without compromising the performance for other image types.

On ECG signal compression with 1-D multiscale recurrent patterns allied to preprocessing techniques.

This paper presents the results of a multiscale pattern-matching-based ECG encoder, which employs simple preprocessing techniques for adapting the input signal. Experiments carried out with records from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Beth Israel Hospital database show that the proposed scheme is effective, outperforming some state-of-the-art schemes described in the literature.

ECG signal compression based on Dc equalization and complexity sorting.

In this brief, we present new preprocessing techniques for electrocardiogram signals, namely, dc equalization and complexity sorting, which when applied can improve current 2-D compression algorithms. The experimental results with signals from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Beth Israel Hospital (MIT-BIH) database outperform the ones from many state-of-the-art schemes described in the literature.