The capability of a custom microarray to discriminate between closely related DNA samples is demonstrated using a set of Bacillus anthracis strains. The microarray was developed as a universal fingerprint device consisting of 390 genome-independent 9mer probes. The genomes of B. anthracis strains are monomorphic and therefore, typically difficult to distinguish using conventional molecular biology tools or microarray data clustering techniques. Using support vector machines (SVMs) as a supervised learning technique, we show that a low-density fingerprint microarray contains enough information to discriminate between B. anthracis strains with 90% sensitivity using a reference library constructed from six replicate arrays and three replicates for new isolates.

UNLABELLED: The Automated Microarray Image Analysis (AMIA) Toolbox for MATLAB is a flexible, open-source, microarray image analysis tool that allows the user to customize analyses of microarray image sets. This tool provides several methods to identify and quantify spot statistics, as well as extensive diagnostic statistics and images to evaluate data quality and array processing. The open, modular nature of AMIA provides access to implementation details and encourages modification and extension of AMIA's capabilities. AVAILABILITY: The AMIA Toolbox is freely available at http://www.pnl.gov/statistics/amia. The AMIA Toolbox requires MATLAB 6.5 (R13) (MathWorks, Inc. Natick, MA), as well as the Statistics Toolbox 4.1 and Image Processing Toolbox 4.1 for MATLAB or more recent versions. CONTACT: [email protected]

This paper describes a new concept for the provision of ATM services to mobile users through the use of direct sequence spread spectrum CDMA cellular mobile radio. It is shown how the ATM transport mechanism can be matched to the radio format by establishing a tight relationship between ATM cells and the radio burst transmitted over the air. The modulation format and the means for providing variable bit rates through variable spreading are described. A novel means of exploiting the ATM connection technique for achieving efficient uplink macro diversity is presented. It is shown how the need for costly measures for achieving base station synchronisation can been removed and how this can been turned to advantage. A strategy for power control providing low delay service is described. Finally a brief statement on the performance of the system is given.