Fractal Image Compression Using Modified Operator (IFS)

Image data Compression based on fractal theory is fundamentally dierent from conventional compression methods, its idea is to generate a contraction operator whose fixed point approximates the original image in a complete metric space of images. The specication of such operator can be stored as the fractal code for the original image. The contraction mapping principle implies that the iteration of the stored operator starting from arbitrary initial image will recover its xed point which is an approximation for the original image. This Contraction mapping is usually constructed using the partitioned IFS(PIFS) technique which relies on the assertion that parts of the image resemble other parts of the same image. It then, nds the fractal code for each part by searching for another larger similar part. This high costly search makes fractal image compression dicult to be implemented in practice, even it has the advantages of a high compression ratio, a low loss ratio, and the resolution independence of the compression rate. In this paper, we investigate fractal image compression(FIC) using Iterated Function Systems(IFS). After reviewing the standard scheme, we state a mathematical formulation for the practical aspect. We then propose a modied IFS that relies on the fact  that, there are very smooth parts in certain images. From the view point of mathematics, we present the modied operator, proving its properties that make it not only a fractal operator but also more eective than the standard one. The experimental results are presented and the performance of the proposed algorithm is discussed

SERUM LIPID LEVELS IN PERIODONTITIS PATIENTS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Objective: We aimed to evaluate serum lipid levels in periodontitis patients and compared with healthy subjects.Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 30 participants in the age group of 35-60 y, including 15 subjects in case group with community periodontal index (CPI) score of ≥2 and 15 subjects in the control group with a CPI score of ≤ 1 based on their periodontal status. Fasting blood samples were taken for measurement of lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) using an enzymatic method. Odds ratio and independent t-test at *p=0.05 significance level were calculated.Results: Periodontitis patients were 4.1 times at risk to have high triglyceride, 1.3 times at risk to have high total cholesterol and 0.3times at risk to have higher HDL. Independent t-test showed higher total cholesterol/HDL ratio (*p=0.033) and lowered HDL levels (*p=0.027) in periodontitis patients.Conclusion: Periodontitis group has significantly higher total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio and lower high-density lipoprotein levels when compared to the healthy group

Hematoma Enlargement Among Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: Analysis of a Prospective Multicenter Clinical Trial

Observational studies suggest that hematomas continue to enlarge during hospitalization in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). There is limited data regarding factors associated with hematoma enlargement and on whether hematoma enlargement contributes directly to death and disability in patients with TBI. We analyzed data collected as part of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Hypertonic Saline and TBI Study. Hematoma enlargement was ascertained and collected as a predefined safety endpoint. We evaluated the effect of hematoma enlargement on the risk of death and disability at 6 months based on the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) (dichotomized as \u3e4 or ≤4) using stepwise logistic regression analysis. We adjusted for age (continuous variable), admission GCS score (dichotomized at \u3e5 and ≤5), and computed tomography (CT) scan classification (Marshall grades entered as a categorical variable). Of the 1200 patients with severe TBI analyzed, 238 (19.8%) patients were reported to have hematoma enlargement as an adverse event. The proportion of patients who reached favorable outcome at 6 months was significantly lower (defined by GOSE of \u3e4) among patients with hematoma enlargement (29.0% vs. 40.1%, p\u3c.0001). The proportion of patients who died within 6 months was significantly higher among patients with hematoma enlargement (31.9% vs. 20.7%, p\u3c.0001). After adjusting for age, admission GCS score, and initial injury score, the odds of favorable outcome was lower in patients with hematoma enlargement (odds ratio 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.5–0.97). Our results suggest that hematoma enlargement may be a direct contributor to death and disability in patients with TBI at 6 months. Future clinical trials must continue to evaluate new therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing hematoma enlargement with a favorable risk benefit ratio in patients with TBI

Electrochemical comparison of SAN/PANI/FLG and ZnO/GO coated cast iron subject to corrosive environments

ZnO/GO (Graphene Oxide) and SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile)/PANI (polyaniline)/FLG (Few Layers Graphene) nanocomposite coatings were produced by solution casting and sol-gel methods, respectively, to enhance corrosion resistance of ferrous based materials. Corrosive seawater and ‘produced crude oil water’ environments were selected as electrolytes for this study. Impedance and coating capacitance values obtained from Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) (AC technique) showed enhanced corrosion resistance of nanocomposites coatings in the corrosive environments. Tafel scan (DC technique) was used to find the corrosion rate of nanocomposite coating. SAN/PANI/FLG coating reduced the corrosion of bare metal up to 90% in seawater whereas ZnO/GO suppressed the corrosion up to 75% having the impedance value of 100 ohms. In produced water of crude oil, SAN/PANI FLG reduced the corrosion up to 95% while ZnO/GO suppressed the corrosion up to 10%. Hybrid composites of SAN/PANI/FLG coatings have demonstrated better performances compared to ZnO/GO in the corrosive environments under investigation. This study provides fabrication of state-of-the-art novel anti corrosive nanocomposite coatings for a wide range of industrial applications. Reduced corrosion will result in increased service lifetime, durability and reliability of components and system and will in turn lead to significant cost savings

Treatment of Forty Adult Patients with Hodgkin Disease; Baghdad Teaching Hospital Experience

Background: Hodgkin disease was the first cancer in which the curative potential of combination chemotherapy was demonstrated. The affected patients are often young and there is a great potential for adding years of productive life by giving curative therapy even when the disease is advanced. Objective: to describe the experience of the hematology unit,Baghdad Teaching Hospital, in the management of 40 adult patients with Hodgkin disease. Patients and Methods: a retrospective cohort study of forty adult Iraqi patients with Hodgkin disease between 2005 and 2013 in the hematology unit. Patients were treated initially with 6-8 cycles of ABVD chemotherapy protocol (doxorubicine+ bleomycin+ vinblastin+ dacarbazine) , nine patients received additional involved field radiotherapy for residual masses or bulky disease. Overall survival and progression free survivals were estimated using Kaplan Meier survival plot. Results: The mean age was 28.6±12.88 years with females forming 61.5% of patients, mean duration of follow up was 27.9± 20.6 months. Staging showed that 55% and 27.5% had stage II and III respectively. B symptoms were found in 72.5% patients , bulky disease in 42.5% patients. Complete Response+ Complete Response undetermined was seen in 85% of cases. First Relapse occurred in 14%, and death in 7.5% of the patients. The 8 year overall survival and progression free survival were 82% and 50% respectively while the mean overall survival and progression free survival times were 84.7 and 59.9 months respectively. Conclusion: The results of the treatment of adult patients with Hodgkin disease in our unit is rather comparable to the results from other studies

Towards the prevention of acute lung injury: a population based cohort study protocol

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Acute lung injury (ALI) is an example of a critical care syndrome with limited treatment options once the condition is fully established. Despite improved understanding of pathophysiology of ALI, the clinical impact has been limited to improvements in supportive treatment. On the other hand, little has been done on the prevention of ALI. Olmsted County, MN, geographically isolated from other urban areas offers the opportunity to study clinical pathogenesis of ALI in a search for potential prevention targets.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>In this population-based observational cohort study, the investigators identify patients at high risk of ALI using the prediction model applied within the first six hours of hospital admission. Using a validated system-wide electronic surveillance, Olmsted County patients at risk are followed until ALI, death or hospital discharge. Detailed in-hospital (second hit) exposures and meaningful short and long term outcomes (quality-adjusted survival) are compared between ALI cases and high risk controls matched by age, gender and probability of developing ALI. Time sensitive biospecimens are collected for collaborative research studies. Nested case control comparison of 500 patients who developed ALI with 500 matched controls will provide an adequate power to determine significant differences in common hospital exposures and outcomes between the two groups.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This population-based observational cohort study will identify patients at high risk early in the course of disease, the burden of ALI in the community, and the potential targets for future prevention trials.</p