Abstract: A method of partitioning video data for video coding is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a video block which includes sample values for a component of video data, partitioning the video block according to a partitioning line which is defined according to an angle and an distance, and signaling the partitioning line based on allowed values for the angle and the distance. The allowed values are based on one or more of properties of video data or video coding parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptive denoising of source video in a video conference application is provided. Source video frames received from a video capture device are divided into a plurality of 16×16 blocks. For each source block, a moving object detection process and a noise estimation process are performed. Then temporal denoising is adaptively applied to the blocks of the source frame based on the noise estimation and moving object detection. The adaptively filtered blocks are provided to an output frame and forwarded to a coding module for encoding.

Abstract: Absolute blood volume in dialysis patients is a useful patient attribute to know for dialysis treatment, diagnosis, adjustments, etc. In some cases, it is difficult or impossible to directly determine absolute blood volume. Estimating absolute blood volume may be used to overcome the inability to directly determine the absolute blood volume. Estimating absolute blood volume may include obtaining a series of measurements of hemoconcentration of a patient over a time period, and estimating parameters for a physiological model based on the series of measurements. The absolute blood volume of the patient may be determined using the physiological model.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an input video stream and scaling the input video stream into two or more spatial layers. For each spatial layer, the method also includes generating a temporal layer prediction pattern by: obtaining a temporal base layer for a corresponding spatial layer; identifying, based on the temporal base layer, a plurality of temporal layers and a plurality of temporal time slots during a temporal period; and aligning the temporal base layer for the corresponding spatial layer with one of the temporal time slots during the temporal period. Each temporal time slot is associated with one of the temporal base layer or one of the plurality of temporal layers for the corresponding spatial layer. The temporal base layer for each corresponding spatial layer is aligned with a different temporal time slot than each other temporal base layer for each other corresponding spatial layer.

Abstract: Hemodialysis is used to remove fluid from a patient suffering from end-stage renal kidney disease. An optimization-based approach including a design of an individualized ultrafiltration rate profile may be used to prevent hematocrit levels from exceeding a threshold, thereby preventing adverse effects in the patient. The individualized ultrafiltration rate profile may be based on previously obtained clinical data for the patient, a volume of fluid to be removed from the patient, a specified period of time for removal of the fluid, or a patient-specific fluid volume model. The ultrafiltration rate profile may be time-variant over the specified period of time.

Abstract: A method includes receiving transform coefficients corresponding to a scaled video input signal, the scaled video input signal including a plurality of spatial layers that include a base layer. The method also includes determining a spatial rate factor based on a sample of frames from the scaled video input signal. The spatial rate factor defines a factor for bit rate allocation at each spatial layer of an encoded bit stream formed from the scaled video input signal. The spatial rate factor is represented by a difference between a rate of bits per transform coefficient of the base layer and an average rate of bits per transform coefficient. The method also includes reducing a distortion for the plurality of spatial layers by allocating a bit rate to each spatial layer based on the spatial rate factor and the sample of frames.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptive denoising of source video in a video conference application is provided. Source video frames received from a video capture device are divided into a plurality of 16×16 blocks. For each source block, a moving object detection process and a noise estimation process are performed. Then temporal denoising is adaptively applied to the blocks of the source frame based on the noise estimation and moving object detection. The adaptively filtered blocks are provided to an output frame and forwarded to a coding module for encoding.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods for full thickness tissue resection of an organ (e.g., intestine). In some embodiments, a device includes a conduit, and a plurality of arms rotatably coupled to the conduit. Each of the plurality of arms is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein the plurality of arms extends radially outward from the conduit in the expanded position. The device may further include an electrocautery wire coupled to each of the plurality of arms, the electrocautery wire positioned directly adjacent an exterior tissue wall when the plurality of arms is in the expanded position. The device may be advanced back in towards a lumen of the organ until a targeted section of tissue is cut by the electrocautery wire and removed.

Abstract: According to one aspect, methods and systems are provided for selectively employing storage engines in a distributed database environment. The methods and systems can include a processor configured to execute a plurality of system components, wherein the system components comprise an operation prediction component configured to determine an expected set of operations to be performed on a portion of the database; a data format selection component configured to select, based on at least one characteristic of the expected set of operations, a data format for the portion of the database; and at least one storage engine for writing the portion of the database in the selected data format.

Abstract: A secure dispute settlement system is described. The secure dispute settlement system may receive first injury data associated with first injuries of an injured party. The secure dispute settlement system may identify, based on the first injury data, historical settlement data associated with a historical settlement. The historical settlement data may indicate second injury data associated with second injuries that are similar to the first injuries, and a value that the second injuries were settled for. The secure dispute settlement system may generate, based on the historical settlement, a settlement report that indicates an estimated fair value for the first injuries.

Abstract: Described is picture segmentation through columns and slices in video encoding and decoding. A video picture is divided into a plurality of columns, each column covering only a part of the video picture in a horizontal dimension. All coded tree blocks (“CTBs”) belonging to a slice may belong to one or more columns. The columns may be used to break the same or different prediction or in-loop filtering mechanisms of the video coding, and the CTB scan order used for encoding and/or decoding may be local to a column. Column widths may be indicated in a parameter set and/or may be adjusted at the slice level. At the decoder, column width may be parsed from the bitstream, and slice decoding may occur in one or more columns.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward optics and imaging. As may be implemented with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes one or more phase masks that operate with an objective lens and a microlens array to alter a phase characteristic of light travelling in a path from a specimen, through the objective lens and microlens array and to a photosensor array. Using this approach, the specimen can be imaged with spatial resolution characteristics provided via the altered phase characteristic, which can facilitate construction of an image with enhanced resolution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for picture segmentation through columns and slices in video encoding and decoding. A video picture is divided into a plurality of columns, each column covering only a part of the video picture in a horizontal dimension. All coded tree blocks (“CTBs”) belonging to a slice may belong to one or more columns. The columns may be used to break the same or different prediction or in-loop filtering mechanisms of the video coding, and the CTB scan order used for encoding and/or decoding may be local to a column. Column widths may be indicated in a parameter set and/or may be adjusted at the slice level. At the decoder, column width may be parsed from the bitstream, and slice decoding may occur in one or more columns.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating shared access-right evaluation using linked communication channels are provided. A first communication can be received over a first communication link from a first user device, and a second communication can be received over a second communication link from a second user device. The first and second communications can include requests for the assignment of access rights. Map data can be generated and transmitted to each of the first and second user devices. Each user device can display a visual representation of access-right data. Further, a communication session can be facilitated between the first user device and the second user device. The communication session can be presented on the visual representation for each user device so that the first user and the second user can collaboratively evaluate access rights.

Abstract: Systems and methods for picture segmentation through columns and slices in video encoding and decoding. A video picture is divided into a plurality of columns, each column covering only a part of the video picture in a horizontal dimension. All coded tree blocks (“CTBs”) belonging to a slice may belong to one or more columns. The columns may be used to break the same or different prediction or in-loop filtering mechanisms of the video coding, and the CTB scan order used for encoding and/or decoding may be local to a column. Column widths may be indicated in a parameter set and/or may be adjusted at the slice level. At the decoder, column width may be parsed from the bitstream, and slice decoding may occur in one or more columns.

Abstract: Described are techniques in video coding and/or decoding that allow for selectively breaking prediction and/or in loop filtering across segment boundaries between different segments of a video picture. A high layer syntax element, such as a parameter set or a slice header, may contain one or more indications signalling to an encoder and/or decoder whether an associated prediction or loop filtering tool may be applied across the segment boundary. In response to such one or more indications, the encoder and/or decoder may then control the prediction or loop filtering tool accordingly.

Abstract: Techniques herein attempt to provide actors with more flexible and satisfactory experiences regarding obtaining tickets for an event. A learning model may identify attributes indicative of whether a particular actor (e.g., attempting to purchase tickets to an event) possesses a desirable characteristic (e.g., is likely to attend the event). Each actor can then be evaluated to estimate whether she is a good actor (possesses the characteristic). If so, favored opportunities may be made available, such as the opportunity to buy high-demand tickets. An actor may further have the opportunity to hold or reserve tickets for a period time, during which other actors cannot purchase them. A fee for holding or reserving tickets (and/or maintaining the hold or reserve) can be dynamically set based on market factors. Opportunities to modify seat assignments to allow a group of friends to sit together may also be provided.

Abstract: Described are techniques in video coding and/or decoding that allow for selectively breaking prediction and/or in loop filtering across segment boundaries between different segments of a video picture. A high layer syntax element, such as a parameter set or a slice header, may contain one or more indications signalling to an encoder and/or decoder whether an associated prediction or loop filtering tool may be applied across the segment boundary. In response to such one or more indications, the encoder and/or decoder may then control the prediction or loop filtering tool accordingly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating shared access-right evaluation using linked communication channels are provided. A first communication can be received over a first communication link from a first user device, and a second communication can be received over a second communication link from a second user device. The first and second communications can include requests for the assignment of access rights. Map data can be generated and transmitted to each of the first and second user devices. Each user device can display a visual representation of access-right data. Further, a communication session can be facilitated between the first user device and the second user device. The communication session can be presented on the visual representation for each user device so that the first user and the second user can collaboratively evaluate access rights.

Abstract: Embodiments concern constructs comprising surrogate light chain sequences. In particular, embodiments concern constructs that can bind to DR4 and/or DR5 and aspects relating to such constructs and their use.