Error-resilience improvement for block-transform video coders

An algorithm is presented to enhance the resilience of block-based video-coding algorithms against channel errors. The error-resilience algorithm described suggests the use of fixed length coding to alleviate the effect of Huffman coding on the synchronisation of the decode under erroneous conditions. The proposed mechanism modifies the order of transmission of the fixed-length video parameters to increase the chance of their arrival. Synchronisation words are sent at fixed-length intervals within the bit stream to reduce the possibility of the decoder falling on similar bit patterns within the bit stream. To limit the effect of error accumulation, the motion prediction process is halted and the differential coding of motion vectors is not applied. FEC techniques are applied on some error-sensitive segments of the reordered video bitstream. The effectiveness of the proposed error-resilience algorithm is evidenced by both subjective and objective results     

Four-channel polarization-insensitive optically transparent wavelength converter

Multichannel wavelength converters may be important components in the cross-connects in future wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) transport networks. We demonstrate a multichannel, polarization-insensitive, optically transparent wavelength converter, based on four-wave mixing in two semiconductor optical amplifiers in a polarization-diversity arrangement. Bit-error-rate (BER) measurements with four input 2.5-Gb/s WDM channels, spaced by 2 nm, show penalties for wavelength conversion less than 2.6 dB at 10/sup -9/ BER. Changes in the state of polarization of the input signals cause the output power to change by less than 1.2 dB, and the corresponding power penalties change by less than 0.9 dB.     

Wavelength selection for low-saturation pulse oximetry

Conventional pulse oximeters are accurate at high oxygen saturation under a variety of physiological conditions but show worsening accuracy at lower saturation (below 70%). Numerical modeling suggests that sensors fabricated with 735 and 890 nm emitters should read more accurately at low saturation under a variety of conditions than sensors made with conventionally used 660 and 900 nm band emitters. Recent animal testing confirms this expectation. It is postulated that the most repeatable and stable accuracy of the pulse oximeter occurs when the fractional change in photon path lengths due to perturbations in the tissue (relative to the conditions present during system calibration) is equivalent at the two wavelengths. Additionally, the penetration depth (and/or breadth) of the probing light needs to be well matched at the two wavelengths in order to minimize the effects of tissue heterogeneity. At high saturation these conditions are optimally met with 660 and 900 nm band emitters, while at low saturation 735 and 890 nm provide better performance     

Thick-layer glycerin-containing bichromated gelatin for recording volume holograms

A thick-layer light-sensitive material consisting of glycerin-containing bichromated gelatin has been prepared and used to record real-time volume holograms with 0.44 μm helium-cadmium laser radiation. The thickness of the layers is 400–600 μm. The holographic sensitivity of the material is 1 J/cm². The highest diffraction efficiency of holograms recorded using a symmetric system with parallel beams is 32%. Pis’ma Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 23, 62–65 (April 12, 1997)     

Consequences of the 1979 Three Mile Island accident continued: further comment

The development of multimedia image review stations offers the cardiologist the ability to review multiple image sets in a single setting rather than moving from one review station to another. To accomplish this goal there are three essential barriers: 1) memory requirements for digital images; 2) standardization of data format; and 3) practical user interfaces. Image compression algorithms can be used to overcome the digital barrier; however, these must be used cautiously so as to not adversely affect image quality. The lack of standardization is being addressed by the implementation of the Digital Communication in Medicine (DICOM) standard, and practical user interfaces are being developed every day with the widespread implementation of World Wide Web technology. These solutions will allow the clinician to review all of a patient's image data in one location, such as in the office, on the nursing unit, or at home.     

Snowboard traumatology: an epidemiological study

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of perioperative morbidities in patients who underwent anesthesia and a surgical procedure with no preoperative laboratory testing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted an electronic database search of medical records of 56,119 patients who underwent surgical or diagnostic procedures and anesthesia at Mayo Clinic Rochester in 1994 and found 5,120 who had no laboratory tests done within 90 days before the procedure. From this group, we randomly selected 1,044 patients (87 from each month) to document the absence of preoperative tests, the presence of preexisting disease (by organ system), the type of anesthetic agent, and the outcomes and tests intraoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: The 1,044 patients ranged in age from 0 to 95 years (median age, 21). No deaths or major perioperative morbidities occurred (0.0%; exact 95% confidence interval, 0.00 to 0.35%). Although 10 patients underwent blood typing and screening for antibodies immediately preoperatively, no blood transfusions were necessary. Intraoperatively, 17 laboratory tests and 1 electrocardiogram were obtained, and 3 results were abnormal. Postoperatively, 42 blood tests and 2 electrocardiographic procedures were performed. Five of the 42 blood tests showed abnormal results (hemoglobin levels in 3, serum sodium in 1, and arterial blood gases in 1). One electrocardiogram showed normal findings, and the other revealed normal results except for premature ventricular contractions. No laboratory test done intraoperatively or postoperatively was found to change surgical or medical management substantially. One patient who had unanticipated blood loss during an outpatient procedure was admitted to the hospital for observation. CONCLUSION: All 1,044 patients, 97% of whom were relatively healthy, with no recent laboratory testing safely underwent anesthesia and an operation. We conclude that patients who have been assessed by history and physical examination and determined to have no preoperative indication for laboratory tests can safely undergo anesthesia and operation with tests obtained only as indicated intraoperatively and post-operatively. Current anesthetic and medical practices rapidly identify perioperative indications for laboratory evaluation as they arise.     

Electronic transport in a type-II GaInAsSb/p-InAs heterojunction with different doping levels of the solid solution

Galvanomagnetic phenomena and photoconductivity in broken-gap type-II GaInAsSb/p-InAs heterojunctions with different levels of doping of the solid solution with donor (Te) or acceptor (Zn) impurities have been investigated. It has been determined that in such structures an electronic channel, which determines the galvanomagnetic effects in a wide range of doping levels, is present at the heterojunction. A sharp decrease of the Hall mobility was observed in the experimental heterostructures with a high level of doping of the epitaxial layer with an acceptor impurity. The observed effect is due to exhaustion of the electronic channel as a result of carrier localization in potential wells at the heterojunction. Fiz. Tekh. Poluprovodn. 31, 897–901 (August 1997)     

No involvement of APC gene mutations in ulcerative colitis-associated rat colon carcinogenesis induced by 1-hydroxyanthraquinone and methylazoxymethanol acetate

In 1992, 1531 women aging 25-45 years from 5 urban and rural regions were interviewed about infertility and subfecundity within the German part of a study by the European community. 1248 of them had a positive reproductive history with 3018 pregnancies. 400 (= 13.25%) occurred during contraception. This affected 296 women (= 19.6% of all women). Smoking seems to have a promotion effect. The risk of ectopic pregnancies seems to be higher in contraceptive users. The highest fetal loss was found in women using an IUD. There were no differences in the course and outcome of pregnancy between users and nonusers of contraceptives. About 40% of the women in the corresponding group reported an irregular application of the contraceptive technique.