Welcome to XMAS

What is XMAS?

XMAS is:

• Visual: Visualization aids considerably with the comprehension of numeric data. XMAS employs various complementary visualizations to display different quantities and arrangements of data.
• Interactive: XMAS is built on the design philosophy of experiential computing which necessitates "sit forward" analysis - intuitive, powerful and contextually sensitive interactions are central to fulfilling this requirement.
• User driven analysis: Through intuitive interactions, the user is able to filter, process, analyze and examine through the application of interoperable operators. A highly customizable and informed, concentrated analysis is the result.
• Enhanced by domain knowledge: XMAS supports the user driven analysis process of a microarray data set through the incorporation of domain knowledge such as pathway memberships. Integrated data is accessible through intuitive, context sensitive interactions within XMAS. Presented alongside each integrated data item are a series of interestingness evaluators which aid the user in assing the most statistically significant biological memberships.

Paper Abstract

Taken from our inaugral publication on XMAS: "XMAS: An Experiential Approach for Visualization, Analysis, and Exploration of Time Series Microarray Data", Ben Dalziel, Hui Yang, Rahul Singh, Matthew Gormley and Susan J. Fisher Bioinformatics Research and Development (BIRD) 2008 (Accepted).

"Time series microarray analysis provides an invaluable insight into the genetic progression of biological processes, such as pregnancy and disease. Many algorithms and systems exist to meet the challenge of extracting knowledge from the resultant data sets, but traditional methods limit user interaction, and depend heavily on statistical, black box techniques. In this paper we present a new design philosophy based on increased human computer synergy to overcome these limitations, and facilitate an improved analysis experience. We present an implementation of this philosophy, XMAS (eXperiential Microarray Analysis System) which supports a new kind of “sit forward” analysis through visual interaction and interoperable operators. Domain knowledge, (such as pathway information) is integrated directly into the system to aid users in their analysis. In contrast to the “sit back”, algorithmic approach of traditional systems, XMAS emphasizes interaction and the power, and knowledge transfer potential of facilitating an analysis in which the user directly experiences the data. Evaluation demonstrates the significance and necessity of such a philosophy and approach, proving the efficacy of XMAS not only as tool for validation and sense making, but also as an unparalleled source of serendipitous results."

Latest News