Dynamic contrast-based quantization for lossy wavelet image compression.

This paper presents a contrast-based quantization strategy for use in lossy wavelet image compression that attempts to preserve visual quality at any bit rate. Based on the results of recent psychophysical experiments using near-threshold and suprathreshold wavelet subband quantization distortions presented against natural-image backgrounds, subbands are quantized such that the distortions in the reconstructed image exhibit root-mean-squared contrasts selected based on image, subband, and display characteristics and on a measure of total visual distortion so as to preserve the visual system's ability to integrate edge structure across scale space. Within a single, unified framework, the proposed contrast-based strategy yields images which are competitive in visual quality with results from current visually lossless approaches at high bit rates and which demonstrate improved visual quality over current visually lossy approaches at low bit rates. This strategy operates in the context of both nonembedded and embedded quantization, the latter of which yields a highly scalable codestream which attempts to maintain visual quality at all bit rates; a specific application of the proposed algorithm to JPEG-2000 is presented.     

Narrative approaches to supervision and case formulation.

Reviews the literature on the use of narrative in personality theory and its application in the clinical practice literature. A constructionist approach to supervision is proposed that integrates narrative approaches with the supervisory process. Clinical supervision and case formulation are discussed as the result of a dialog between the supervisor and supervisee about the client's story, the supervisee's story about the client, and the professional story offered by the supervisor, resulting in a new case formulation and treatment plan. The new narrative allows a collaborative, empathic approach to both the supervisee and client. Case examples of a single male in his early 20s with complaints of feeling overwhelmed, nervous, and experiencing sleep and appetite disturbances, and of a single mother in her early 30s presenting with concerns about raising her 4-yr-old son illustrate the narrative approach. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment of Added Protein/Starch on the Functional Properties of Surimi Gels Manufactured from Atlantic Whiting

ABSTRACT: The functional properties (hardness, cohesiveness, color, and whiteness) of 5 food ingredients (2 whey protein concentrates [WPC 45 and WPC 76], whey protein isolate [WPI], egg white [EW], and potato starch [PS]) added to surimi gels were evaluated using 2 different thermal regimes. Hardness and cohesiveness of whiting surimi gels prepared using a rapid cook treatment (90°C for 15 min) did not significantly change on the addition of test ingredients. Hardness and cohesiveness of whiting surimi with added ingredients prepared using a suwari set treatment (0° to 4 °C for 12 h followed by 90°C for 15 min) were increased ( P < 0.05) on addition of additives with the exception of WPC 76, which decreased ( P < 0.05) surimi hardness and cohesiveness. Results showed that starch was more effective in improving the functional properties of surimi when compared with all other protein additives assessed.     

Correction to Kampa-Kokesch and Anderson (2001).

Reports an error in "Executive coaching: A comprehensive review of the literature" by Sheila Kampa-Kokesch and Mary Z. Anderson (Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 2001[Fal], Vol 53[4], 205-228). The author would like to indicate that unfortunately, Peterson’s (1993) dissertation on executive coaching outcomes was excluded from the original literature review conducted by Kampa-Kokesch and Anderson (2001). Later, Kampa and White (2002) stated that Peterson’s (1993) dissertation was excluded due to the programmatic nature of the coaching conducted in the study. Specifically, it was written, “this research did not investigate executive coaching as practiced by consultants in the field,” (p. 145). However, all of the coaches in Peterson’s study were field-based PDI consultants and the individuals being coached did receive individual coaching from those consultants. In the future, Peterson’s research, which was a well-designed long-term outcome study of 370 coaching participants, should be reviewed when considering executive coaching outcomes. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2002-00097-001.) Executive coaching as a consultation intervention has received increased attention in the literature within the past decade. Executive coaching has been proposed as an intervention aimed toward helping executives improve their performance and consequently the performance of the overall organization (R. R. Kilburg, 1996c). Whether or not it does what it proposes, however, remains largely unknown because of the lack of empirical studies. Some also question whether executive coaching is just another fad in the long list of fads that have occurred in consultation and business. To explore these issues and the place of executive coaching in consulting practice, this article critically examines the literature on executive coaching. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Fast algorithms for designing nearly optimal lookup tables for complexity control of the H.264 encoder

The H.264/AVC standard significantly improves video compression performance over earlier standards at the cost of increased complexity. In this paper, we present two offline algorithms for generating a lookup table of parameter settings that can be used by a complexity control algorithm for controlling the speed of the H.264 encoder. Our algorithms to design the lookup table of parameter settings take fewer than 2% of the number of encodings required by an exhaustive search of all possible parameter settings and find parameter settings that offer high peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) with low encoding time at a given bitrate. Our parameter settings are fairly robust over different videos and bitrates. We focus on low-resolution videos at bitrates less than 300 kb/s. We compare the performance of our algorithms to both exhaustive search and a multiobjective optimization algorithm. Our parameter settings improve the average encoding speed over the default parameter setting of the x264 encoder on both PC and cell phone platforms by up to 37.4 and 94.1%, respectively, with PSNR difference of up to 0.3 dB.     

Comparative Analysis of Mafriwal (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) and Kedah Kelantan (Bos indicus) Sperm Proteome Identifies Sperm Proteins Potentially Responsible for Higher Fertility in a Tropical Climate

The fertility of zebu cattle (Bos indicus) is higher than that of the European purebred (Bos taurus) and crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) cattle in tropical areas. To identify proteins related to the higher thermo-tolerance and fertility of Zebu cattle, this study was undertaken to identify differences in sperm proteome between the high fertile Malaysian indigenous zebu cattle (Kedah Kelantan) and the sub-fertile crossbred cattle (Mafriwal). Frozen semen from three high performance bulls from each breed were processed to obtain live and pure sperm. Sperm proteins were then extracted, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis performed to compare proteome profiles. Gel image analysis identified protein spots of interest which were then identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry quadrupole time-of-flight (LC MS/MS Q-TOF). STRING network analysis predicted interactions between at least 20 of the identified proteins. Among the identified proteins, a number of motility and energy related proteins were present in greater abundance in Kedah Kelantan. Sperm motility evaluation by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) confirmed significantly higher motility in Kedah Kelantan. While results from this study do identify proteins that may be responsible for the higher fertility of Kedah Kelantan, functional characterization of these proteins is warranted to reinforce our understanding of their roles in sperm fertility.     

Parenteral Lipid Emulsions in Guinea Pigs Differentially Influence Plasma and Tissue Levels of Fatty Acids,Squalene, Cholesterol,and Phytosterols

Lipid emulsions are made by mixing vegetable and/or fish oils with egg yolk and contain different types and amounts of fatty acids and sterols. This study assessed the effects of oral diet, soybean oil (SO)-, fish oil (FO)-, a mixture of olive and soybean oil (OOSO)-, and a mixture of fish, olive, coconut, and soybean oil (FOCS)-based emulsions on plasma triacylglycerols and plasma and tissue fatty acid and sterol content following acute and chronic intravenous administration in the guinea pig. Upon acute administration, peak triacylglycerols were highest with SO and lowest with OOSO. Upon chronic administration, the plasma triglyceride levels did not increase in any group over that of the controls. Fatty acid levels varied greatly between organs of animals on the control diets and organs of animals following acute or chronic lipid administration. Squalene levels increased in plasma following acute administration of OOSO, but plasma squalene levels were similar to control in all emulsion groups following chronic administration. Total plasma phytosterol levels were increased in the SO, OOSO, and FOCS groups following both acute and chronic infusions, whereas phytosterols were not increased following FO infusion. Total phytosterol levels were higher in liver, lung, kidney and adipose tissue following SO and OOSO. Levels were not increased in tissues after FO and FOCS infusion. These results indicate that fatty acid and sterol contents vary greatly among organs and that no one tissue reflects the fatty acid or sterol composition of other tissues, suggesting that different organs regulate these compounds differently.     

In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of PLLA-316L Stainless Steel Electromechanical Devices for Bone Tissue Engineering—A Preliminary Study

Bone injuries represent a major social and financial impairment, commonly requiring surgical intervention due to a limited healing capacity of the tissue, particularly regarding critical-sized defects and non-union fractures. Regenerative medicine with the application of bone implants has been developing in the past decades towards the manufacturing of appropriate devices. This work intended to evaluate medical 316L stainless steel (SS)-based devices covered by a polymer poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) coating for bone lesion mechanical and functional support. SS316L devices were subjected to a previously described silanization process, following a three-layer PLLA film coating. Devices were further characterized and evaluated towards their cytocompatibility and osteogenic potential using human dental pulp stem cells, and biocompatibility via subcutaneous implantation in a rat animal model. Results demonstrated PLLA-SS316L devices to present superior in vitro and in vivo outcomes and suggested the PLLA coating to provide osteo-inductive properties to the device. Overall, this work represents a preliminary study on PLLA-SS316L devices’ potential towards bone tissue regenerative techniques, showing promising outcomes for bone lesion support.