We describe a new image coding approach in which a 4-ary arithmetic coder is used to represent signi cant coe cient values and the lengths of zero runs between coe cients. This algorithm works by raster scanning within subbands, and therefore involves much lower addressing complexity than other algorithms such as zerotree coding that require the creation and maintenance of lists of dependencies across di erent decomposition levels. Despite its simplicity, and the fact that these dependencies are not explicitly utilized, the algorithm presented here is competitive with the best enhancements of zerotree coding. In addition, it performs comparably with adaptive subband splitting approaches that involve much higher implementation complexity. Finally, although this technique is described here in the context of a wavelet coding system, it can also be applied in a block DCT framework.
Aims and scopeMultimedia Tools and Applications publishes original research articles on multimedia development and system support tools, and case studies of multimedia applications. Experimental and survey articles are appropriate for the journal. The journal is intended for academics, practitioners, scientists and engineers who are involved in multimedia system research, design and applications. All papers are peer reviewed.
BackgroundThe Taiwan Health Insurance Bureau has conducted a bundled payment system for hemodialysis reimbursement since 1995. The maximum dose of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents allowed by insurance is capped at 20 000 U of epoetin or 100 μg of darbepoetin alfa per month. Nephrologists have avoided the use of high dosages of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents to achieve a hemoglobin level of 10 to 11 g/dL by iron supplementation. The clinical impact of these policies on patients’ outcomes is unknown. The authors aimed to assess the AIM‐HD (Association of Anemia, Iron parameters, and Mortality among the prevalent Hemodialysis patients) Study in Taiwan.Methods and ResultsThe AIM‐HD study was conducted based on the Taiwan Renal Registry Data System. From 2001 to 2008, the authors enrolled 42 230 patients undergoing hemodialysis who were older than 20 years and had received hemodialysis for more than 12 months. Patient follow‐ups occurred until death or December 31, 2008. During a study period of 8 years, 12 653 (30.0%) patients died. After multivariate adjustment, the authors found that a hemoglobin level <10 g/dL was significantly associated with higher risk for all‐cause and cardiovascular deaths. Moreover, a serum ferritin level between 300 and 800 ng/mL and transferrin saturation value between 30% and 50% were associated with the lowest all‐cause mortality.ConclusionsThe authors recommend avoiding a low hemoglobin level and maintaining serum ferritin between 300 and 800 ng/mL and transferrin saturation between 30% and 50%, which were associated with lower risks of all‐cause mortality among patients undergoing hemodialysis receiving the restricted erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent doses but prompt intravenous iron supplementation in Taiwan.
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