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In pyramidal wavelet representation, an image is decomposed into multiresolution and multifrequency subbands with sets of tree-structured coefficients, i.e. a spatial orientation tree which consists of coefficients at different resolutions and different orientations but associated with the same spatial location. The magnitudes of the coefficients in these trees measure the signal activity level of the corresponding spatial areas. A novel coefficient partitioning algorithm is introduced for splitting the coefficients into two sets using a spatial orientation tree data structure. By splitting the coefficients, the overall theoretical entropy is reduced due to the different probability distributions for the two coefficient sets. In the spatial domain, it is equivalent to identifying smooth regions of the image. A lossless coder based on this spatial coefficient partitioning has a better coding performance than other wavelet-based lossless image coders such as S+P and JPEG-2000.

An optimised feature map finite-state vector quantisation (referred to as optimised FMFSVQ) is presented for image coding. Based on the block-based gradient descent search algorithm used for motion estimation in video coding, the optimised FMFSVQ system finds a neighbourhood-based optimal codevector for each input vector by extending the associated state codebook stage by stage, thus rendering each state quantiser a variable rate vector quantisation. The optimised FMFSVQ system can be interpreted as a cascade of a finite-state vector quantiser and classified vector quantisers. Furthermore, an adaptive optimised FMFSVQ is obtained. Experiments demonstrate the superior rate-distortion performance of the adaptive optimised FMFSVQ compared with the original adaptive FMFSVQ and the memoryless vector quantisation.

Objective Our study assessed the efficacy, safety, and biocompatibility of icodextrin (I) solution compared to glucose (G) solution as the daytime dwell in continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD).Design In a randomized, open, prospective, parallel group study of two years’ duration, either I or G was used for the long daytime dwell in CCPD patients.Method The study was carried out in a university hospital and teaching hospital. Established CCPD patients and patients new to the modality were both included. Clinic visits were made at three-month intervals. In all patients, clinical data were gathered; ultrafiltration (UF) was recorded; and serum, urine, and dialysate samples and effluents were collected. Peritoneal defense characteristics and mesothelial markers were determined. Every six months, peritoneal kinetics studies were performed, and serum samples for icodextrin metabolites were taken.Results Thirty-eight patients (19 G, 19 I) started the study. The median follow-up was 16 months and 17 months respectively (range: 0.5 – 26 months and 3 – 26 months, respectively). Daytime UF volumes increased significantly (p < 0.001), and 24-hour UF tended to increase from baseline in the I group. Dialysate creatinine clearance increased non significantly in both groups over time. In I patients, serum disaccharides (maltose) concentration increased from 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/mL [mean ± standard error of mean (SEM)] at baseline, to an average concentration in the follow-up visits of 1.15 ± 0.04 mg/mL (p < 0.001). At the same time, serum sodium levels decreased from 138.1 ± 0.7 mmol/L to an average concentration in the follow-up visits of 135.9 ± 0.8 mmol/L (p < 0.05). At 12 months, the serum sodium concentration increased to a non significant difference from baseline. Serum osmolality increased, but did not differ significantly from G users at any visit. During peritonitis (P), daytime dwell UF decreased significantly compared to non peritonitis (NP) episodes in G patients (p < 0.001), but remained stable in I patients. Total 24-hour UF also decreased in G patients (p < 0.001), but not in I patients. In these I patients, serum disaccharides increased from 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/mL to 1.26 ± 0.2 mg/mL during follow-up. During peritonitis, serum disaccharides concentration did not increase further (1.47 ± 0.2 mg/mL, p = 0.56). Thirty P episodes occurred during follow-up: 16 in G patients and 14 in I patients (1 per 17.6 months and 1 per 21.9 months, respectively). After one year, absolute number and percentage of effluent peritoneal macrophages (PMΦs) were significantly higher in I patients than in G patients. The difference in percentage persisted after two years. The phagocytic capacity of PMΦs decreased over time, resulting in a borderline significant difference for coagulase-negative staphylococci phagocytosis (p = 0.05) and a significant difference for E. coliphagocytosis (p < 0.05) in favor of I patients. PMΦ oxidative metabolism, PMΦ cytokine production, and effluent opsonic capacity remained stable over time with no difference between the groups. Mass transfer area coefficients (MTACs) and clearances were stable and appeared unaffected by G or I treatment. Effluent cancer antigen 125 (CA125) was stable in G users and tended to decrease in I users. Effluent interleukin-8 (IL-8), carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP), and amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) did not change over time and did not differ between the groups.Conclusions The use of I for the long daytime dwell in CCPD led to an increase in total UF of at least 261 mL per day, which was maintained over at least 24 months. During I treatment, serum I metabolites increased significantly and serum sodium concentrations decreased initially. As a result, serum osmolality increased slightly. Clinical adverse effects did not accompany these findings. The UF gain in the I patients was even higher during P, without a further increase in serum I metabolites. CCPD patients using I did equally well as G-treated patients with regard to clinical infections and most peritoneal defense characteristics. However, in a few peritoneal defense tests, I-treated patients did better. Peritoneal transport variables did not change over time. Peritoneal membrane markers did not change throughout the study and did not differ between the groups.

Objective To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and biocompatibility of icodextrin (Ico), continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) patients were treated for 2 years with either Ico- or glucose (Glu)-containing dialysis fluid for their daytime dwell (14 – 15 hours). Prior to entry into the study, all patients used standard Glu solutions (Dianeal, Baxter BV, Utrecht, The Netherlands).Design Open, randomized, prospective two-center study.Setting University hospital and teaching hospital.Patients Both established patients and patients new to CCPD were included. A life expectancy of more than 2 years, a stable clinical condition, and written informed consent were necessary before entry. Patients aged under 18 years or with peritonitis in the previous month, and women of childbearing potential unless taking adequate contraceptive precautions, were excluded. Thirty-eight patients entered the study (19 Glu, 19 Ico).Main Outcome Measures Daytime dwell peritoneal effluents were collected every 3 months in combination with other study variables (clinical data, laboratory measurements, dialysis-related data, and urine collection). Peritoneal transport studies were carried out every 6 months.Results In Glu- and Ico-treated patients, peritoneal transport of low molecular weight solutes and protein clearances neither changed during follow-up nor differed between the two groups. Peritoneal membrane markers (CA125, interleukin-8, carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen, and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen) measured in effluents did not differ between the groups and did not change over time. All these markers showed a dialysate/plasma ratio of more than 1, suggesting local production. Residual renal function remained stable during follow-up and adverse clinical effects were not observed.Conclusions Peritoneal membrane transport kinetics and markers remained stable in both groups over a 2-year follow-up period. Membrane markers were higher in effluents than in serum, suggesting local production. No clinical side effects were demonstrated. Icodextrin was a well-tolerated effective treatment.

Objective To investigate peritoneal defense during icodextrin use in continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD).Design In an open, prospective, 2-year follow-up study, CCPD patients were randomized to either glucose (Glu) or icodextrin (Ico) for their long daytime dwell.Setting University hospital and teaching hospital.Patients Both established and patients new to CCPD were included. A life expectancy of more than 2 years, a stable clinical condition, and written informed consent were necessary before entry. Patients aged under 18 years, those who had peritonitis in the previous month, and women of childbearing potential, unless taking adequate contraceptive precautions, were excluded. Thirty-eight patients (19 Glu, 19 Ico) started the study. The median follow-up was 16 and 17 months for Glu and Ico respectively (range 0.5 – 25 months and 5 – 25 months, respectively).Outcome Measures Peritoneal defense characteristics and peritoneal dialysis-related infections were recorded every 3 months.Results Total peritoneal white cell count tended to decrease over time in both groups. After 1 year, absolute numbers and percentages of effluent peritoneal macrophages (PMΦs) were significantly higher in Ico than in Glu patients; this difference in the percentage persisted after 2 years. Percentage of mesothelial cells increased over time in Ico patients. The phagocytic capacity of PMΦs decreased over time, resulting in a borderline significant difference for coagulase-negative staphylococci (p= 0.05) and a significant difference for Escherichia coli(p< 0.05) phagocytosis in favor of Ico patients. PMΦ oxidative metabolism remained stable over time without a difference between the groups. PMΦ cytokine production and effluent opsonic capacity also remained stable over time. Finally, 16 peritonitis episodes in Glu and 14 in Ico patients occurred. Glucose patients had 37 and Ico patients 32 exit-site infections during the study.Conclusion CCPD patients using Ico did equally as well as Glu-treated patients with respect to clinical infections and most peritoneal defense characteristics. However, in a few peritoneal defense tests, Ico-treated patients did better.

This paper illustrates how an understanding of the concepts and issues associated with organizational and individual habitual domains can significantly improve the analysis of acquisition alternatives. Specifically, we stress the importance of a more comprehensive analysis of acquisitions, one that goes beyond an examination of just financial and economic issues and recognizes the importance of the human side of acquisitions. Consideration of the human aspect is important not only in pre-acquisition analysis but also in how the acquisition is to be eventually implemented. This paper emphasizes issues related to the habitual domains of the two organizations, the fit therein, and the potential costs associated with their assimilation. Based on the same, we develop a framework which can be used for a more comprehensive and effective analysis of acquisition opportunities.

Objective: To determine the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses with asymmetric growth retardation in the second and early third trimesters of pregnancy.

Objective To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and biocompatibility of icodextrin and glucose-containing dialysis fluid during continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD), patients were treated for 2 years with either icodextrin or glucose-containing dialysis fluid for their daytime dwell (14 -15 hours). Prior to entry into the study, all patients used a standard glucose solution (Dianeal 1.36%,2.27%, or 3.86%, Baxter, Utrecht, The Netherlands).Design Open, randomized, prospective, two-center study.Setting University hospital and teaching hospital.Patients Both established and patients new to CCPD were included. A life expectancy of more than 2 years, a stable clinical condition, and written informed consent were necessary before entry. Patients aged under 18, those with peritonitis in the previous month, and women of childbearing potential, unless taking adequate contraceptive precautions, were excluded. Thirty-eight patients entered the study, and 25 (13 glucose, 12 icodextrin) had a follow-up period of 12 months or longer in December 1996.Main Outcome Measures Serum icodextrin metabolites: one to five glucose units (G1–G5), a high molecular weight fraction (G > 10), and total carbohydrate level, as well as a biochemical profile were determined every 3 months in combination with all other study variables.Results In icodextrin-treated patients, serum disaccharide (maltose) concentrations increased from 0.05 ± 0.01 (mean±SEM) at baseline, to an average concentration in the follow-up visits of 1.14 ± 0.13 mg/mL (p < 0.001). All icodextrin metabolites increased significantly from baseline, as illustrated by the serum total carbohydrate minus glucose levels: from 0.42 ± 0.05 mg/mL to an average concentration in the follow-up visits of 5.04 ± 0.49 mg/mL (p < 0.001). At the same time, serum sodium levels decreased from 138.1 ± 0.7 mmol/L to an average concentration in the follow-up visits of 135.4 ± 0.8 mmol/L (p < 0.05). However, after 12 months the serum sodium concentration increased nonsignificantly (NS) from base line to 136.6 ± 0.9 mmol/L, after an initial decrease. Serum osmolality increased significantly from baseline in icodextrin users at 9 and 12 months, but did not differ significantly from glucose users in any visit. In icodextrintreated patients, the calculated serum osmolal gap increased significantly from 4.1 ± 1.4 mOsm/kg to an average of 11.8 ± 1.7 mOsm/kg (p < 0.01). The sum of the serum icodextrin metabolites in millimoles/liter equaled the increase in osmolal gap. Body weight increased in icodextrin users (71.9 ± 2.7 kg to 77.8 ± 3.0 kg; NS). Clinical adverse effects did not accompany these findings. Residual renal function remained stable during follow-up.Conclusions The serum icodextrin metabolite levels in the present study increased markedly and were the same as those found previously in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients treated with icodextrin, despite thelonger dwell time for CCPDpatients (14 -16 hr versus 8 -12 hr). The initial decrease in serum sodium concentration was followed by an increase to a concentration not different from baseline at 12 months. The pathophysiology of this finding is speculated. Calculated osmolal gap in icodextrin patients increased significantly (p < 0.01) at every follow-up visit, and could be explained by the serum icodextrin metabolite increase. We encountered no clinical side effects of the observed levels of icodextrin metabolites.

An efficient distortion measure based on a novel subspace is proposed for 4 × 4 image mean residual vector quantisers (MRVQ). The dimensionality of the coder distortion measure is reduced from 16 to 4, maintaining the visual image quality. The computation complexity and memory requirements of the quantiser are significantly reduced.

An efficient delayed multipath recursive filter structure is proposed. Compared with conventional multiprocessor approaches, the new structure can achieve much higher throughput rate owing to its low computational complexity. Experimental results are taken using a system with four digital signal processors (DSPs).

To display a decompressed colour image of the conventional DCT-based compression algorithms on a palette-based display system, the decoded image must be colour quantised. To avoid the computing-intensive colour quantisation process and provide a fast decoding process, a new block address predictive colour quantisation image compression scheme is proposed in the Letter. A closest-pairs colour palette ordering technique is also proposed for effectively exploiting the redundancy of the palettised image.