Two algorithms are presented for the detection of gradual transitions in video sequences. The first is a dissolve detection algorithm utilizing certain properties of a dissolve's trajectory in image-space. The second is an algorithm to detect a wide variety of wipes based on image histogram characteristics during such transitions. Both algorithms operate in the compressed domain, requiring only partial decoding of the compressed video stream. Experiments show the algorithms perform well in detecting a wide variety of gradual transitions, and at a significant reduction in computation time when compared with full-frame methods.

Our objectives were to measure and compare plasminogen activator inhibitor levels (PAI-1) in primary adult thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and in secondary TTP associated with bone marrow transplantation (BMT)-TTP. PAI-1 antigen levels were measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay on platelet poor plasma samples obtained from patients at the time of diagnosis of the TTP disorder and from a group of normal volunteers. The samples were frozen at -70 degrees C. Patients with TTP secondary to bone marrow transplantation had their grade determined by percentage fragmented cells and lactate dehydrogenase levels. The primary TTP samples were contributed by investigators in the multi-institutional North American TTP Group, and the bone marrow transplant samples were obtained from an adult bone marrow transplant program. Nineteen patients with adult TTP, and 47 patients with bone marrow transplant-TTP were evaluated. Of the latter, 14 had Grade 2, 13 had Grade 3, and 20 had Grade 4 BMT-TTP. PAI-1 levels were elevated compared to control volunteers in both primary adult TTP and BMT-TTP, P < 0.001. Levels did not differ from normal in Grade 2 BMT-TTP (median = 16 ng/ml; quartiles = 9-20). PAI-1 levels were similar in primary TTP (median = 32 ng/ml; quartiles = 25-51) and Grade 3 BMT-TTP (median = 35 ng/ml; quartiles = 19-48 ng/ml), P = 0.7. However, PAI-1 levels were significantly higher in Grade 4 BMT-TTP (median = 83 ng/ml; quartiles = 60-143) than Grade 3 BMT-TTP, and primary TTP, P < 0.001. PAI-1 levels are high in primary TTP and secondary bone marrow transplant-TTP (Grades 3-4). In contrast, normal levels are seen in Grade 2 BMT-TTP, which is a self-limited disorder. Therefore, high PAI-1 levels may contribute to hypofibrinolysis in the pathogenesis of primary TTP and of moderate to severe TTP (Grades 3-4) following bone marrow transplantation.

Functional analyses were performed on neutrophils isolated from 6 patients from two institutions who displayed features of chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). These neutrophils demonstrated a consistent deficiency (44 ± 8% of control values) in superoxide anion (O^-₂) production in response to the phorbol ester, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). O^-₂ production in response to chemotactic peptides was near normal (82.3 ± 10.7% of control values). Bacterial killing was normal in the two patients studied, and chemotaxis was diminished in response to zymosan-activated plasma and to high concentrations of chemotactic peptides in the patients studied. Cytosolic C kinase activity was decreased in one of the two patients studied. These results suggest that a deficient O^-₂ release in response to PMA is a hallmark of neutrophils in CNL and may provide a diagnostic indicator of this condition.

Plasma adriamycin and adriamycinol levels were measured in 45 patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia 3 h after the drug was administered. A wide range of levels as found. Plasma levels increased after the administration of each of the three daily doses of the drug. High plasma levels were associated with both death during remission induction therapy and, for patients who entered remission, long remissions.

Background: Cognitive difficulties experienced by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) impact their quality of life and daily functioning, from childcare and work, to social and self-care activities. Despite the high prevalence of cognitive difficulties seen in MS, there is a lack of developed programmes that target cognition, while also supporting patients by helping them to function well in everyday life. The Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with MS (COB-MS) was developed as a holistic, individualised cognitive rehabilitation intervention. It addresses the wide-ranging symptoms and functional difficulties that present in MS, including the ability to maintain employment, social activities, home management and self-care. The aim of the current research is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of COB-MS for people with MS. The focus is on feasibility outcomes as well as functioning associated with cognitive difficulty and secondary outcomes related to cognition, fatigue and quality of life. Methods: One hundred and twenty people with MS will be assigned to participate in either the COB-MS programme or a treatment as usual, wait-list control group as part of this single-blind, cluster-randomised controlled feasibility and preliminary efficacy trial of the COB-MS programme. The COB-MS group will participate in an eight-session occupational-based cognitive rehabilitation programme over 9 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the goal attainment scaling at 12 weeks. Participants will be assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention and at 12 weeks post-intervention and 6 months post-intervention. Qualitative evaluations of participants' perspectives will also be examined as part of the feasibility study. Discussion: Results will provide recommendations for a future definitive trial of COB-MS, with respect to both feasibility and preliminary, clinical efficacy. In the event that results indicate efficacy, study findings will suggest that COB-MS requires consideration as a means of enhancing cognitive and daily functioning in people living with MS.