Search

Background To tailor physical activity treatment programs for patients with osteoarthritis, clinicians need valid and feasible measurement tools to evaluate habitual physical activity. The widely used International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) is not previously validated in patients with osteoarthritis. Purpose To assess the concurrent criterion validity of the IPAQ-SF in patients with osteoarthritis, using an accelerometer as a criterion-method. Method Patients with osteoarthritis (n = 115) were recruited at The Division of Rheumatology and Research at Diakonhjemmet Hospital (Oslo, Norway). Physical activity was measured by patients wearing an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) for seven consecutive days, followed by reporting their physical activity for the past 7 days using the IPAQ-SF. Comparison of proportions that fulfilled physical activity recommendations as measured by the two methods were tested by Pearson Chi-Square analysis. Differences in physical activity levels between the IPAQ-SF and the accelerometer were analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Spearman rank correlation test. Bland-Altman plots were used to visualize the concurrent criterion validity for total- and intensity-specific physical activity levels. Results In total, 93 patients provided complete physical activity data, mean (SD) age was 65 (8.7) years, 87% were women. According to the IPAQ-SF, 57% of the patients fulfilled the minimum physical activity recommendations compared to 31% according to the accelerometer (p = 0.043). When comparing the IPAQ-SF to the accelerometer we found significant under-reporting of total physical activity MET-minutes (p = p Conclusion Physical activity is a core treatment of osteoarthritis. Our finding that patients tend to over-report activity of higher intensity and under-report low-intensity activity and sitting-time is of clinical importance. We conclude that the concurrent criterion validity of the IPAQ-SF was weak in patients with osteoarthritis.

International audience; Fast and efficient identification of bacterial pathogens in water and biological fluids is an important issue in medical, food safety, and public health concerns that requires low-cost and efficient sensing strategies. Impedimetric sensors are promising tools for monitoring bacteria detection because of their reliability and ease-of-use. We herein report a study on new biointerface-based amphiphilic poly(3-hexylthiophene)-b-poly(3-triethylene-glycol-thiophene), P3HT-b-P3TEGT, for label-free impedimetric detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli). This biointerface is fabricated by the self-assembly of P3HT-b-P3TEGT into core–shell nanoparticles, which was further decorated with mannose, leading to an easy-to-use solution-processable nanoparticle material for biosensing. The hydrophilic block P3TEGT promotes antifouling and prevents nonspecific interactions, while improving the ionic and electronic transport properties, thus enhancing the electrochemical-sensing capability in aqueous solution. Self-assembly and micelle formation of P3HT-b-P3TEGT were analyzed by 2D-NMR, Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, contact angle, and microscopy characterizations. Detection of E. coli was characterized and evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The sensing layer based on the mannose-functionalized P3HT-b-P3TEGT nanoparticles demonstrates targeting ability toward E. coli pili protein with a detection range from 103 to 107 cfu/mL, and its selectivity was studied with Gram(+) bacteria. Application to real samples was performed by detection of bacteria in tap and the Nile water. The approach developed here shows that water/alcohol-processable-functionalized conjugated polymer nanoparticles are suitable for use as electrode materials, which have potential application in fabrication of a low-cost, label-free impedimetric biosensor for the detection of bacteria in water.

Management of the umbilicus is a common dilemma at the time of abdominoplasty and abdominal wall reconstruction. It is not uncommon for underlying pathologies, such as hernias and surgical scars, to result in a disfigured or obliterated native umbilicus or make the blood supply to the umbilical stalk unreliable. In these scenarios, the umbilicus is often sacrificed. Staged neoumbilical reconstruction may be offered and typically utilizes a small skin flap and full-thickness skin graft (Ann Plast Surg 2009;63:358-360). Our technique, in contrast, permits reconstruction of the neoumbilicus in the immediate setting utilizing normally discarded skin with a robust blood supply from a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator. In this series of 13 consecutive neoumbilicoplasties, the pedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator island flap provided reliable results and favorable aesthetic outcomes.

T. solium cysticercosis is a tropical neglected disease with a high impact on public health and agriculture. To better understand the socio-economical drivers of this disease, this study was carried out with the goal to analyze knowledge, attitudes and practices of populations of the Boucle du Mouhoun region in connection with the life cycle of T. solium. We carried out a knowledge-attitudes-practices (KAP) survey with 320 people in four villages. More than half of the interviewees (60.3%) have already seen pig’s carcasses with the parasite cysts. Only two people know that the infestation is associated with the consumption of human faeces. In addition, 32.2% think that they can get sick by ingesting infested meat. Wells water is consumed by 62.8% of people and 75.1% of wells do not carry curbs. Moreover, 84.1% of concessions had latrines but 52.2% of the people practice open defecation. Pig meat is consumed by 80.6% of people and 30.9% have already consumed meat with cysts. This study shows that the transmission routes of porcine cysticercosis are not known and that the populations adopt attitudes and practices which allow the perpetuation of teniasis/cysticercosis in these villages.

This article presents Kinova's modular robotic systems, including the robots JACO2 and MICO2, actuators and grippers. Kinova designs and manufactures robotics platforms and components that are simple, sexy and safe under two business units: Assistive Robotics empowers people living with disabilities to push beyond their current boundaries and limitations while Service Robotics empowers people in industry to interact with their environment more efficiently and safely. Kinova is based in Boisbriand, Québec, Canada. Its technologies are exploited in over 25 countries and are used in many applications, including as service robotics, physical assistance, medical applications, mobile manipulation, rehabilitation, teleoperation and in research in different areas such as computer vision, artificial intelligence, grasping, planning and control interfaces. The article describes Kinova's hardware platforms, their different control modes (position, velocity and torque), control features and possible control interfaces. Integration to other systems and application examples are also presented.

Background:Long-term physical activity (PA) and exercise is recommended as a cornerstone in the treatment of people with osteoarthritis (OA) (1), yet adherence to exercise is challenging (2). The treatment needs for this large group of patients cannot be fully managed within the health-care system, thus developing innovative and effective follow-up strategies is urgently needed.Objectives:To explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a web-based, peer-supported exercise program for people with hip or knee OA.Methods:This study was a single-group, pre-post feasibility study. Patients aged 40-80 years with hip or knee OA who were not candidates for surgery were eligible. The 12-week intervention was delivered through a patient-organizations (The Norwegian Association for Rheumatic Diseases) web-based platforms, and included weekly exercise programs, weekly motivational messages, an OA and exercise website and assigned peer-supporters. Feasibility was evaluated by calculating the proportion of eligible patients who were enrolled and retained at follow-up, as well as time resources used on delivery of the intervention. Acceptability was evaluated by calculating proportion of patients who had valid baseline accelerometer data and completed the maximal cardiorespiratory exercise test according to protocol. Primary efficacy measures were change in PA assessed by accelerometers and change in exercise capacity (VO2peak) assessed by indirect maximal cardiorespiratory exercise test. Secondary efficacy measures were change in patient reported outcomes assessed by HOOS and KOOS (www.koos.nu) (a 10-point change in normalized scores was considered a minimally important change). Data was analysed using paired sample t-test, given as mean change (95% confidence interval) and p-values.Results:We identified 49 eligible patients of which 35 (71%) consented and were enrolled. Among those who consented, 22 (63%) were retained. Time resources used on delivery of the exercise programs and motivational messages were mean (SD) 7.3±1.1 min per week/patient. Compliance with wearing the accelerometer was mean (SD) 6.1±1.0 valid days (mean (SD) 13.8±1.3 hours/day). Twenty (67%) out of 30 patients who attended baseline testing performed the maximal cardiorespiratory exercise test, of which 18 completed according to protocol. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, follow-up testing of primary efficacy measures included only eight patients. For these patients there was a significant increase from baseline to follow-up on moderate-to-vigorous PA (mean change 16.4 minutes/day; 95% CI 6.9, 25.9, p=0.005) and VO2peak (mean change 1.83 ml/kg/min; 95% CI 0.29, 3.36, p=0.026). Across all secondary efficacy measures 30-52% of the patients (n=21) improved from baseline to follow-up (Figure 1).Figure 1.Proportion (%) of patients with Minimally Important Change (from baseline to follow-up) in normalized scores in subdomains of Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) / Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).Conclusion:Overall, the examined study processes were considered to be feasible and acceptable. Some minor amendments should be applied to improve the recruitment and retention rate before it can be carried out in a larger trial. The efficacy results should be interpreted with caution due the small sample size. However, if the positive results in this study are confirmed in a power-calculated randomised controlled trial, our novel follow-up strategy may be implemented and recommended for long-term management of hip and knee OA.References:[1]Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, Oatis C, Guyatt G, Block J, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72(2):220-33.[2]Williamson W, Kluzek S, Roberts N, Richards J, Arden N, Leeson P, et al. Behavioural physical activity interventions in participants with lower-limb osteoarthritis: a systematic review with meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2015;5(8):e007642.Acknowledgements:The authors wish to acknowledge all patients for participating, the patient representative who gave invaluable input on interventional components and the peer-supporters for volunteering to provide interventional support.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a rare cervical inflammatory lymphadenitis that is most commonly seen in young Asian women. It is mainly characterized by lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, fever, nocturnal sweats, myalgia, weight loss, and arthralgia, and commonly follows a self-limited course. The differential diagnosis is challenging as many other conditions such as malignant lymphoma, metastatic disease, tuberculosis and infectious lymphadenopathies can present in a similar way. We present an unusual case of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease masquerading as metastatic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. A 30-year-old young female presented, 2 months post-partum, with complaints of neck pain and fever. A computed tomography scan showed enlarged right-sided lymph nodes and a thyroid nodule. Subsequent biopsy of a thyroid nodule revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma and reactive inflammation in one of the lymph nodes. She underwent an elective total thyroidectomy, central node dissection and a right modified lymph node dissection for enlarged lymph nodes. Her recovery was uneventful and the pathology report was consistent with a papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with one lymph node positive for metastatic disease and several other lymph nodes showing histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. This coexistence of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease with localized metastatic papillary thyroid cancer is unusual and presents an interesting, challenging, and complex management dilemma.

It is critical to probe in situ the dynamics and wettability of oil, water, and gas trapped in the complex microstructure of oil-shale rocks. However, usual techniques cannot separate these fluids in shale rocks. Here, we use multifrequency and multidimensional nuclear magnetic relaxation (NMR) techniques for probing these dynamics. The frequency dispersion behaviors of the longitudinal relaxation rates 1/T1 for oil and water confined in shales are interpreted through a relaxation model showing one-dimensional (oil) and two-dimensional (2D) (water) diffusing phases confined within the organic kerogen and mineral layers, respectively. We probe the average hopping and residence times of these fluids at pore surfaces and assign signals to water and oil at both organic and mineral pore surfaces for characterizing their local wettability. This allows interpreting our 2D T1–T2 correlation spectra that could be made down-hole, thus giving an invaluable tool for investigating oil and gas recovery on these importa...

To assess molecular and histologic differences between the proximal (intra-articular) and distal (extra-articular) portions of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon in 3 different disease states (biceps instability, tendinosis, and degenerative joint disease [DJD]) compared with a healthy tendon (fresh frozen).We used 32 LHB tendons of patients undergoing tenodesis (mean age, 54.7 ± 10.1 years) and 9 harvested tissue donors. Tendons were divided according to 4 diagnostic groups: (1) biceps instability, (2) tendinosis, (3) DJD, and (4) normal control. After sectioning, tendons were fixed in formalin and stained with HE and alcian blue for histologic analysis. Measurements of collagen organization by use of polarized light microscopy was then performed, and protein expression for type I and type III collagen, tenascin C, and decorin was determined.There were no statistical differences found for protein expression of type I or type III collagen, tenascin C, or decorin. The proximal and distal regions of the tendons had statistically significant differences in alcian blue staining, with the proximal portion containing a higher amount of proteoglycan (instability, P = .001; tendinosis, P = .005; DJD, P = .008; control, P = .011). When compared with the nonpathologic control tendons, a significant increase in alcian blue staining for the proximal region was seen in all 3 groups. Total polarized light analysis showed that the distal tendon had a significantly higher intensity (organization) compared with the proximal tendon (P.001); this was also seen in all of the diagnostic groups (instability, P = .010; tendinosis, P = .013; DJD, P = .07; control, P = .028).This study showed a greater degree of degeneration of the proximal (intra-articular) regions of the LHB tendon when compared with the distal regions in all pathologic groups. However, no major differences at the cellular level were found among groups.The pathomechanisms of the various forms of known LHB diagnoses are not yet fully understood and basic science studies may help in understanding their etiology and therefore optimizing treatment options.

Introduction Although heart failure (HF) management is available at primary and secondary care facilities in Malaysia, the optimisation of drug therapy is still suboptimal. Although pharmacists can help bridge the gap in optimising HF therapy, pharmacists in Malaysia currently do not manage and titrate HF pharmacotherapy. The aim of this study was to develop treatment algorithms and monitoring protocols for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers and spironolactone based on extensive literature review for validation and utilization by pharmacists involved in HF management. Methods A Delphi survey involving 32 panellists, from private and government hospitals that provide cardiac services in Malaysia, was conducted to obtain a consensus opinion on the treatment protocols. The panellists completed two rounds of self-administered questionnaires to determine their level of agreement with all the components in the protocols. Results Consensus agreement was achieved for most of the sections of the protocols for the four classes of drugs. Panellists' opinions were taken into consideration when amending the components of the protocols that did not achieve consensus opinion. Full consensus agreement was achieved with the second survey conducted, enabling the finalisation of the drug titration protocols. Conclusion The resulting validated HF titration protocols can be used as a guide for pharmacists when recommending the initiation and titration of HF drug therapy in daily clinical practice. Recommendations should be made in collaboration with the patient's treating physician, with concomitant monitoring of patient's response to the drugs.

This paper describes a scalable extension of the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard that supports different color gamuts in an enhancement and base layer. Here, the emphasis is on scenarios with BT.2020 color gamut in an enhancement layer and BT.709 color gamut in the base layer. This is motivated by a need to provide content for both high definition and ultra-high definition devices in the near future. The paper describes a method for predicting the enhancement layer samples from a decoded base layer using a series of multiplies and adds to account for both color gamut and bit-depth changes. Results show an improvement in coding efficiency between 65% and 84% for luma (57% and 85% for chroma) compared to simulcast in quality (SNR) scalable coding.

Des autopsies helminthologiques ont été effectuées au Togo sur des petits ruminants (59 ovins, 60 caprins), de race Djallonké, révélant la présence de huit espèces de nématodes gastro-intestinaux qui sont par ordre de prévalence Trichostrongylus sp. (T. axei et T. colubriformis) (99 %), Haemonchus contortus (82 %), Strongyloides papillosus (67 %), Cooperia curticei (43 %), Oesophagostomum columbianum (40 %), Gaigeria pachyscelis (36 %) et Trichuris ovis (4 %). L'intensité de la communauté parasitaire est de 1 367 + 146 chez les ovins et de 1 133 + 102 chez les caprins avec une communauté adulte qui culmine en ao·t-septembre (moutons : 2 135 + 494, chèvres : 2 066 + 270). En saison sèche, H. contortus et O. columbianum entrent en hypobiose larvaire (L4). Le nombre d'oeufs par gramme de matière fécale est en général élevé (> 3 000) et ni l'espèce ni l'âge de l'hôte (6 mois à 3 ans) n'a d'effet significatif sur la charge parasitaire.

Integrating residential-level photovoltaic (PV) power generation and energy storage systems into the smart grid will provide a better way of utilizing renewable power. This has become a particularly interesting problem with the availability of dynamic energy pricing models in which electricity consumers can use their PV-based generation and controllable storage devices for peak shaving on their power demand profile from the grid, and thereby, minimize their electric bill cost. The residential-level storage controller should possess the ability of forecasting future PV-based power generation and load power consumption profiles for better performance. In this paper we present novel PV power generation and load power consumption prediction algorithms, which are specifically designed for a residential storage controller. Furthermore, to perform effective storage control based on these predictions, we separate the proposed storage control algorithm into two tiers, one which is performed at decision epochs of a billing period (e.g., a month) to globally "plan" the future discharging/charging schemes of the storage system, and another one performed locally and more frequently as system operates to compensate prediction errors. The first tier of algorithm is formulated and solved as a convex optimization problem at each decision epoch of the billing period, while the second tier has O(1) complexity.

With the widespread use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the role of pre- and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and / or endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) has become very important. Indications for ERCP with possible ES before LC include clinical suspicion of a common bile duct (CBD) stone alone, evidence of jaundice, recent cholangitis or pancreatitis that is probably due to a duct stone or dilated CBD. Local endoscopic and surgical expertise are important factors in deciding the approach to the pre-LC patients. The success rate of ductal clearance of stones by ES approaches 90 to 95% in expert hands. ERCP is very effective in the management of post-LC patients with symptoms, as well as in diagnosing and treating complications such as retained stones, ductal leaks and strictures.

To compare radiographically guided percutaneous drainage (PD) to surgical drainage (SD), 33 consecutive cases of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses were reviewed. PD used in 16 patients had a suc

The overall image quality benefits substantially from good reproduction of black tones. Modern displays feature relatively low black level, making them capable rendering good dark tones. However, it is not clear if the black level of those displays is sufficient to produce a "absolute black" color, which appears no brighter than an arbitrary dark surface. To find the luminance necessary to invoke the perception of the absolutely black color, we conduct an experiment in which we measure the highest luminance that cannot be discriminated from the lowest luminance achievable in our laboratory conditions (0.003 cd/m2). We measure these thresholds under varying luminance of surround (up to 900 cd/m2), which simulates a range ambient illumination conditions. We also analyze our results in the context of actual display devices. We conclude that the black level of the LCD display with no backlight dimming is not only insufficient for producing absolute black color, but it may also appear grayish under low ambient light levels.

The paper describes a new electro‐optical board technology, based on the discrete wiring principle. Isolated copper wires are embedded in the circuit board to realise the electrical interconnections. Glass optical fibres are embedded to obtain optical interconnections. The technology allows for crossovers and for electrical and optical interconnections on one layer of interconnection. As the technology can be applied on the level of package or multichip module, circuit board and backpanel, it has the ability to offer a complete solution for chip to chip electrical and optical interconnections. The paper will describe the basic manufacturing technology of the boards. The benefits of the technology from a system designer's viewpoint will be addressed. The problem of coupling light in and out of the embedded optical fibres will be discussed and the realisation of a first on‐board optical link via embedded optical fibres will be described.

We propose a tone mapping operator that can minimize visible contrast distortions for a range of output devices, ranging from e-paper to HDR displays. The operator weights contrast distortions according to their visibility predicted by the model of the human visual system. The distortions are minimized given a display model that enforces constraints on the solution. We show that the problem can be solved very efficiently by employing higher order image statistics and quadratic programming. Our tone mapping technique can adjust image or video content for optimum contrast visibility taking into account ambient illumination and display characteristics. We discuss the differences between our method and previous approaches to the tone mapping problem.

Intraoperative frozen sections fails to diagnose thyroid carcinoma accurately in 16% of cases. In such instances, we recommend that completion thyroidectomy be performed in the patient who has invasive carcinoma, is less than 70 years old, and has a reasonable life expectancy. The procedure should be carried out immediately if the error in diagnosis is discovered within a week; otherwise the procedure should be delayed until 3 to 4 months later. At that time, the recurrent laryngeal nerves and at least two parathyroid glands should be dissected and preserved. A paratracheal lymph node dissection should also be performed and the lower jugular lymph nodes should be sampled. If these jugular lymph nodes are found to be positive, a modified radical neck dissection should be added. The morbidity associated with the completion thyroidectomy is minimal. Postoperatively, a 131I scan of the neck should be carried out and ablative doses of radioactive iodine can be given if the uptake in the thyroid bed is greater than 1.5%. Subsequently, all patients are given thyroid suppressive therapy and are monitored closely. This approach will reduce the local recurrence rate and improve the long-term survival.

We present two new schemes for server-side management of playout delays due to receiver buffering, extending existing techniques such as stream acceleration and adaptive media playout. The first scheme combines stream acceleration with video bit rate adaptation. The second scheme achieves adaptive media playout by server-side frame interpolation combined with bit rate adaptation. The proposed schemes reduce playout delay without decreasing playout robustness. We have performed simulations with wireless IEEE 802.11 channels with varying bandwidth, where the end-to-end delay is dynamically grown from 100 to 500 ms using the proposed schemes. Both our schemes achieve a PSNR performance that is close to that of a scheme with constant end-to-end delay of 500 ms, while retaining the small playout delay of a scheme with constant end-to-end delay of 100 ms. Compared to a scheme with constant end-to-end delay of 100 ms, a PSNR gain up to about 3.4 dB is achieved without increasing the playout delay.

Visually Optimal Rendering is a subpixel-based method of rendering imagery on a colour matrix display that jointly maximises displayed resolution and minimises attendant colour aliasing. This paper first outlines the Constrained Optimisation framework we have developed for the design of Optimal Rendering Filters. This framework takes into account the subpixel geometry and colour primaries of the panel, and the luminance and chrominance Contrast Sensitivity Functions of the visual system. The resulting Optimal Rendering Filter Matrix can be designed for any regular 2D lattice of subpixels, including multi-primary lattices. The mathematical machinery of Visually Optimal Rendering is then applied to the problem of visually masking defective subpixels on the display. The rendering filters that result are able to reduce black subpixel defects for any primary colour to the point of near invisibility at normal viewing distances. These filters have the interesting property of being shift-varying. This property allows the Optimal Filter Array to intelligently modify the values surrounding a defect in a way that takes advantage of the visual system's differing sensitivities to luminance and chrominance detail in order to best mask a defect.

Luminance resolution of colour matrix displays can be enhanced when subpixel resampling is used to render images, but at the cost of colour aliasing if appropriate filtering is not done. The problem has been effectively solved for the case of one-dimensional RGB striped matrix displays by using a high-pass chrominance filter, based on a human perceptual model, following resampling. In this paper we motivate the case of 2D subpixel geometries and suggest an extension to the ID solution.

A real time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) has been designed for the 50-MeV RF linac (linear accelerator) of the free electron laser. It displays in real time the beam distribution in 2 dimensions: energy and time with a resolution of 0.3% and 64 sampled times, respectively, during the macropulse. The RTSA is based on an optical transition radiation converter and linear diode array. It allows measurement of the beam energy distribution along the macropulse with and without laser oscillation. RTSA includes in the same frame a 32-channel transient recorder and a digital oscilloscope with 8-b amplitude resolution. It offers multiple presentation: 1 to 128 curves can be displayed simultaneously in three dimensions. Preliminary tests on a 20-MeV linac facility are reported. The results show the unique abilities of the device to identify and correct the various inst ilities that may appear in the operation of an RF linac. >

This paper presents a novel framework of motion compensated prediction (MCP) techniques in the wavelet domain for high performance video coding. Our analysis reveals fundamental limitations with previous ad-hoc wavelet-based video coders from the motion accuracy point of view. We demonstrate that the phase associated with any wavelet transform carries critical information of the motion accuracy and we propose to restore the motion accuracy by considering the wavelet coefficients of the previous frame with all different phases. Our all-phase MCP approach can be viewed as predicting the wavelet coefficients from an over-complete expansion of the previous frame. Experimental results have shown that restoration of motion accuracy in the wavelet domain can dramatically improve the efficiency of MCP. The video coder (MCP-WT) built upon the MCP of wavelet coefficients has achieved 2 to 3 dB gain over existing the MPEG-2 coder at the bit rate of 1 to 9 Mbps. Moreover, MCP techniques in the wavelet domain offer a promising new ground for developing efficient scalable video coders.

How to develop a multi-resolution representation of video signals for both efficient and scalable coding? What are fundamental advantages and limitations of a resolution scalable video coder? How to make use of the scalability features of a video codec to compromise other requirements (e.g. delay)? These are the central issues we address in this paper. We first demonstrate the importance of resolving the phase uncertainty on the efficiency of motion-compensated prediction (MCP) in the wavelet domain. Improved understanding of the relationship between phase associated with any wavelet transform (WT) and motion accuracy of MCP motivates us to develop a novel multi-resolution representation for video signals. The salient feature of our new representation is that MCP can be performed both effectively and independently at different resolutions. We apply previous theoretical results on fractional-pel MCP to analyze the sacrifice of coding efficiency due to the resolution scalability constraint. We also investigate the issue of delay in video coding and propose a framework of trading delay with spatial resolution. A video decoder can display a low-resolution frame with low delay first and then gracefully enhance the frame resolution as the delay increases. The low-delay resolution-scalable MCP-WT coder built upon our new wavelet-based multi-resolution representation of video signals has achieved significant Rate-Distortion improvements over previously-reported scalable coders in the literature and even outperforms non-scalable MPEG-2 coder by 1-2dB at the bit rate of 2-9Mbps.

Stress-induced mucosal ulcerations are associated with a decreased synthesis of mucosal prostaglandin (PG) E2. This phenomenon is poorly understood. To investigate whether it is due to a decreased availability of the necessary substrates to the mucosa, four groups of 10 Holtzman rats were studied: group 1 received normal saline by intraperitoneal (ip) injection; group 2 also received ip normal saline, then were submitted to stress, by the cold restraint method; group 3 received a solution of arachidonic acid (AA) ip; and group 4 also received ip AA, then were submitted to stress. After sacrifice, the number of gastric ulcerations were counted and specimens of nonulcerated mucosa were assayed for PGE2 by high-performance liquid chromatography; the mean numbers of ulcers were 0, 5.8, 0.8, and 3 and the mean levels of PGE2 were 55, 41, 125, and 62 pg/mg of wet tissue for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. It is concluded that parenteral administration of AA reduces but does not completely eliminate stress-induced gastric ulcerations and that the stressed animals synthesized half as much PGE2 as the nonstressed ones after ip administration of equal amounts of AA, suggesting that stress reduces the availability of AA to the gastric mucosa, possibly by vascular spasm.

— Nowadays, low-contrast viewing of LC displays (LCDs) occurs very often, which includes the viewing of mobile LCDs at high ambient illumination and the viewing of LCDs at low-power mode. These cases result in low-content visibility and low contrast, leading to an unpleasant viewing experience. In this paper, a technique to improve the perceived contrast and visibility of images at low-contrast viewing conditions is proposed. The proposed approach enhances image brightness with content and ambient adaptive image brightening and highlights visual parts and boundaries with non-photorealistic rendering. The proposed technique enables longer battery life for mobile LC devices and makes mobile LC devices viewable at high ambient illumination. It also enables TVs with extreme low-power consumption and smart-grid responsive TVs.

We discuss an algorithm that works with the concept of a reserved highlight region. It primarily addresses the problem of displaying legacy images calibrated for StandardDynamic Range displays onto displays having higher dynamic range, such as Megacontrast displays having standard brightness and bitdepth, as well as HighDynamic Range displays having increased brightness and bitdepth. The technique reserves headroom of the display range past maximum diffuse white for specular highlights and selfluminous objects. The paper discusses how to detect the specular highlights and light sources, how to construct a tonescale with reserved headroom, and different experiments conducted to learn how much of the dynamic range should be allocated for this upper luminance.

In this paper, we extend the work on increasing energy efficiency of a TV to algorithms enabling extreme power reduction. Tools to maintain display performance at limited power are described. These tools can be intelligently managed to enable Demand Response functionality with a Smart Grid connected TV.

To determine the causes of failures of cervical exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism, we reviewed 892 patients operated on by one surgeon from 1953 to 1990. Twenty-seven patients (3%) remained hypercalcemic or developed hypercalcemia within 6 months of surgery. Of these, five patients had one adenoma removed initially; at reoperation, three patients had a second adenoma that was successfully removed, whereas the other two patients had hyperplasia and required subtotal parathyroidectomies. No enlarged parathyroid glands were identified in 22 patients. Eventually, six patients became normocalcemic spontaneously, seven patients underwent re-exploration with a successful outcome in all but one case, two patients had ectopic hyperparathyroidism associated with carcinoma elsewhere, and seven patients refused reoperation and remain hypercalcemic. The failure rate of surgical exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism can be reduced by systematically exploring all four parathyroid glands. All abnormal parathyroids should be removed with histologic verification. When no abnormal glands are found, localization studies should be performed before re-exploration.

Prostaglandin E2 is one of the factors in the maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity and verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, has been shown to reduce gastric mucosal ulcerations during stress. To investigate whether this protective effect of verapamil is mediated via PGE2, four groups of 20 Holtzman rats were given either 1 ml of normal saline (NS) intraperitoneally (ip): 1 mg/kg of indomethacin (I) ip; 2 mg/kg of verapamil (V) ip or I followed by V. Then 10 animals from each group were submitted to stress by the cold-restraint method. After sacrifice, gastric mucosal ulcerations were counted and specimens of nonulcerated mucosa were assayed for PGE2 by HPLC. Stress-induced mucosal ulcerations were associated with a significant decrease in the gastric mucosal levels of PGE2 (from 64.2 to 32.7 pg; P less than 0.05). This effect was magnified by the administration of indomethacin (down to 21.0 pg). Verapamil significantly increased PGE2 levels both in the stressed (48.0 pg) and unstressed (99.9 pg) animals and significantly reduced ulcerogenesis when compared to either NS- or I-treated groups. This effect of verapamil was completely blocked by the administration of indomethacin. In conclusion, verapamil stimulates PGE2 synthesis and its protective effect against stress-induced mucosal damage seems to be mediated by PGE2.

Backlight dimming is the predominant method for power reduction in LDC displays and image processing can compensate for such dimming. We propose a low complexity approach which replaces hard clipping with smooth roll-off. A high quality approach preserves highlight detail. Image quality is improved and power savings can be increases by more aggressive BL dimming capable with these methods.

— Backlight dimming is a dominant method for power reduction in LCDs. Image processing with a simple boost and clip can compensate for such dimming-restoring image brightness. We propose a low complexity approach which replaces hard clipping with smooth roll-off to reduce clipping artifacts. An additional high-quality approach uses a two-channel spatial-frequency decomposition to preserve highlight detail attenuated by the roll-off. Image quality is improved and power savings can be increased by more-aggressive backlight dimming.

The resolution of colour matrix displays can be increased by rendering images using subpixel rendering, but at the cost of colour aliasing if appropriate filtering is not done. The problem has been effectively solved for the case of one-dimensional RGB striped matrix displays by using chrominance post-filters based on a human perceptual model. In this paper we extend this result and present a general framework for rendering on 2D subpixel geometries.

To determine the optimal timing of surgery, 204 consecutive patients operated on for acute cholecystitis were reviewed retrospectively. Surgery was performed within 72 h (group 1), within 15 days (gro

n/a

To evaluate the nutritional benefits of a jejunal pouch vs. esophagojejunostomy following total gastrectomy, we reviewed 24 consecutive cases of total gastrectomy: 14 males and 10 females, 39 to 85 years of age (mean 66.6 y.) undergoing 9 jejunal pouches (JP) and 15 Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (EJ). Indications for surgery included 15 adenocarcinomas, 3 lymphomas, 1 leiomyoma, and 5 hemorrhagic gastritis. The operative mortality was 12.5%. One JP patient was lost to follow-up. The mean survival for EJ was 13.3 months and for JP 36 months. Total gastrectomy resulted in persistent weight loss and hypoalbuminemia, and the creation of a jejunal pouch did not seem to improve significantly the nutritional status following total gastrectomy.

We reviewed 757 cases of thyroid carcinoma treated between 1963 and 1986 to investigate the morbidity associated with completion thyroidectomy when a nodule initially reported to be benign by frozen section is subsequently found to be malignant; 66 patients underwent completion thyroidectomy as a second procedure for initially misdiagnosed thyroid carcinoma. Fifty-one patients had papillary carcinoma, 12 follicular carcinoma, and 3 Hurthle cell carcinoma. Final pathology revealed 28 cases of multicentricity of which 19 were bilateral. Complications included transient hypocalcemia (12.1%), recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (1.5%), and wound hematomas or infections (9.1%). No cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism or vocal cord paralysis were encountered. Reoperation for initially misdiagnosed thyroid carcinoma appears to be warranted in light of the low morbidity and high incidence of bilateral and multicentric disease reported in this series.

An image-dependent, display-dependent, and ambient illumination-dependent tone-mapping operator is developed that is driven by a human vision system model. It aims to maximize visible contrast information for the full range of display devices, from e-paper to HDR displays. The operator weights contrast distortions according to their visibility predicted by the model of the human visual system. The distortions are minimized given a display model that incorporates ambient information to enforce constraints on the solution. A scene cut algorithm is used for video content to allow rapid tonescale changes across scenes while a temporal LPF is used to avoid visible temporal fluctuations within scenes. We discuss the differences between our method and previous approaches to the tone-mapping problem, as well as newer tone mapping approaches that do not seek to preserve image information. This paper will especially highlight the issues important for current display technology for mobile devices.