Visual perception based bit allocation for low bitrate video coding

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1996.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 45-47).by Rajesh Suryadevara.M.S

Method for one-to-one polishing of silicon nitride and silicon oxide

The present invention provides a method of removing silicon nitride at about the same removal rate as silicon dioxide by CMP. The method utilizes a polishing slurry that includes colloidal silica abrasive particles dispersed in water and additives that modulate the silicon dioxide and silicon nitride removal rates such that they are about the same. In one embodiment of the invention, the additive is lysine or lysine mono hydrochloride in combination with picolinic acid, which is effective at a pH of about 8. In another embodiment of the invention, the additive is arginine in combination with picolinic acid, which is effective at a pH of about 10

Smart Unit Care for Pre Fall Detection and Prevention

Generally falls may occur from moving or resting postures. This may include slipping from bed and fall from a sitting, or from running or walking. The pre-fall is a non-equilibrium state of human position that may lead to serious injuries, and may negatively impact the quality life condition, particularly for elders. Physical disabilities resulting from the fall incidences may lead to high costs involved with the healing process. In this work, an embedded sensor system using Arduino micro-controller was utilized to coordinate the data received from accelerometer and gyroscope. For a given threshold voltage and fall pattern, the fall decision is made by the microcontroller, citing an incoming fall. The study addresses the number of sensors to be coordinated for enhancing probability of receiving a real fall. Sensors are suggested to be placed on the human body within a belt, and safety devices at human body as well as incorporated in a smart room will be coordinated with the processor commands. Near 150 ms time frame was detected from the simulation results, suggesting a safety device to be triggered and activated for protection within this time frame. This paper discusses the research parameters such as response time for the device activation and interfacing the microcontroller to airbag switch, and means of activating the safety devices within the sharp edges in the smart unit care to minimize the impact of the fall injuries

Colorectal Cancer Profile in a Tertiary Care Centre, Bangalore, India

Introduction: Colorectal cancers are a common disease of oncological practice. A raising incidence is seen in Asian population. It is one of the cancers where screening and early diagnosis are possible. Very few articles are there about the cancer scenario in India. A study of the disease profile helps in screening, early diagnosis and management of the disease in developing countries. Aim: To study the cancer presentation in our population which can help in developing strategies for better control of disease. Material and Methods: Medical records of 171 patients registered at Kidwai Hospital from 2010 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Data including age at presentation, sex, location of the cancer and stage at presentation were analyzed. Results: The male to female ratio was 1.26:1 in rectal cancer. In colon cancer the ratio was 1:1.3. The mean age at presentation was 47 years in males and 51 years in females in colorectal cancers together. Thirty eight percent of the patients were less than 45 years old. Eighty percent of the cases were rectal cancers. In 71% of rectal cancers the growth was located within 5cm from anal verge (AV). Stage III was the commonest stage of presentation. Abdominoperineal resection (APR) was the commonest surgical procedure done. Inoperability was highest with lower rectal cancer. Conclusion: Younger age at presentation, low lying rectal cancers and advanced stage at presentation were observed in our study group which includes predominantly rural population. Rectal cancers are the most common cancers referred among colorectal cancers. Screening for colorectal cancers and early evaluation of symptomatic cases need to be encouraged. Patients should be educated regarding this. Screening strategies, etiopathogenesis and genetic abnormalities in colorectal cancer patients need to be defined in developing countries

Synthesis of diacylated γ-glutamyl-cysteamine prodrugs, and in vitro evaluation of their cytotoxicity and intracellular delivery of cysteamine

To overcome the major disadvantages of cysteamine, the only registered treatment for the rare genetic disease cystinosis, nine prodrugs of γ-glutamyl-cysteamine (4) were synthesized for evaluation. Esterification of the thiol conferred oxidative stability, while sufficient lipophilicity for oral bioavailability was achieved by acylation of the α-carboxyl group of γ-glutamyl-cysteamine (4). Low cytotoxicity was observed in cultured HaCaT keratinocytes using the MTT assay, with EC50 values higher than or similar to that of cysteamine. Successful uptake of the esterified prodrugs and the subsequent release of cysteamine into cultured human proximal tubule epithelial cells were demonstrated using CMQT derivatisation and HPLC with UV detection. These prodrugs show potential as novel delivery vehicles of cysteamine to improve the treatment of the genetic disorder nephropathic cystinosis

Umbilical Metastasis as the Manifestation of an Asymptomatic Gallbladder Carcinoma

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule (SMJN) is an eponym used to describe the metastatic lesion of the umbilicus. Umbilical metastases are rare and its occurrence as a first manifestation of an asymptomatic primary malignancy is very rare. The gallbladder is the source of SMJN in 2%-3% of cases. SMJN can present in any one of the following ways; first manifestation of an occult primary malignancy, an indication of recurrence in a patient with a previous malignancy, or as progression of an underlying symptomatic primary disease. Our study emphasizes the importance of identifying this very useful and easily applicable clinical sign by careful physical examination of the abdomen, and also the need for proper clinical evaluation of any umbilical lesion, and the histological diagnosis. In the present study we report on a case of Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule as the presentation of an asymptomatic gallbladder carcinoma, and review the relevant literature

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β expression is increased in the brain during HIV-1-infection and contributes to regulation of astrocyte tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) associated with infection and activation of mononuclear phagocytes (MP) in the brain, occur late in disease. Infected/activated MP initiate neuroinflammation activating glial cells and ultimately disrupting neuronal function. Astrocytes secrete tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in response to neural injury. Altered TIMP-1 levels are implicated in several CNS diseases. CCAAT enhancer-binding protein ß (C/EBPß), a transcription factor, is expressed in rodent brains in response to neuroinflammation, implicating it in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and HAND. Here, we report that C/EBPß mRNA levels are elevated and its isoforms differentially expressed in total brain tissue lysates of HIV-1-infected and HIV-1 encephalitis patients. In vitro, HAND-relevant stimuli additively induce C/EBPß nuclear expression in human astrocytes through 7 days of treatment. Over-expression of C/EBPß increases TIMP-1 promoter activity, mRNA, and protein levels in human astrocytes activated with interleukin-1ß. Knockdown of C/EBPß with siRNA decreases TIMP-1 mRNA and protein levels. These data suggest that C/EBPß isoforms are involved in complex regulation of astrocyte TIMP-1 production during HIV-1 infection; however, further studies are required to completely understand their role during disease progression

The Socio-Political Implications of the 20ᵗʰ Century Narratives on Indian Dances

From mentions of dance in treatises as old as 2ⁿᵈ century to regional variations around 13ᵗʰ century to the 20ᵗʰ century - dance has travelled, traversed and evolved. When the agenda of Nationalism was in vogue during pre and post-independence periods, there was a necessity to produce something unique to the nation and make a point about its rich heritage. Dance was one effective medium that served as a cultural symbol. This very notion modified the course of dance, its form and structure. The ancient practices were modified and tailor-made to suit agendas of the time and popular choices. This paper attempts to understand this phenomenon of how the socio-political ideologies have affected the Indian classical dances. The focus would be on the political affiliations specific to the Kūcipūḍi form of dance