Mode decision for the H.264/AVC video coding standard

H.264/AVC video coding standard gives us a very promising future for the field of video broadcasting and communication because of its high coding efficiency compared with other older video coding standards. However, high coding efficiency also carries high computational complexity. Fast motion estimation and fast mode decision are two very useful techniques which can significantly reduce computational complexity. This thesis focuses on the field of fast mode decision. The goal of this thesis is that for very similar RD performance compared with H.264/AVC video coding standard, we aim to find new fast mode decision techniques which can afford significant time savings. [Continues.

The Relationship between T1 Sagittal Angle and Sagittal Balance: A Retrospective Study of 119 Healthy Volunteers

<div><p>T1 sagittal angle has been reported to be used as a parameter for assessing sagittal balance and cervical lordosis. However, no study has been performed to explore the relationship between T1 sagittal angle and sagittal balance, and whether T1 sagittal angle could be used for osteotomy guidelines remains unknown. The aim of our study is to explore the relationship between T1 sagittal angle and sagittal balance, determine the predictors for T1 sagittal angle, and determine whether T1 sagittal angle could be used for osteotomy guidelines to restore sagittal balance. Medical records of healthy volunteers in our outpatient clinic from January 2014 to August 2015 were reviewed, and their standing full-spine lateral radiographs were evaluated. Demographic and radiological parameters were collected and analyzed, including age, gender, T1 sagittal angle, maxTK, maxLL, SS, PT, and PI. Correlation coefficients between T1 sagittal angle and other spinopelvic parameters were determined. In addition, multiple regression analysis was performed to establish predictive radiographic parameters for T1 sagittal angle as the primary contributors. A total of 119 healthy volunteers were recruited in our study with a mean age of 34.7 years. It was found that T1 sagittal angle was correlated with maxTK with very good significance (r = 0.697, <i>P</i><0.001), maxLL with weak significance (r = 0.206, <i>P</i> = 0.024), SS with weak significance (r = 0.237, <i>P</i> = 0.009), PI with very weak significance (r = 0.189, <i>P</i> = 0.039), SVA with moderate significance (r = 0.445, <i>P</i><0.001), TPA with weak significance (r = 0.207, <i>P</i> = 0.023), and T1SPI with weak significance (r = 0.309, <i>P</i> = 0.001). The result of multiple regression analysis showed that T1 sagittal angle could be predicted by using the following regression equation: T1 sagittal angle = 0.6 * maxTK—0.2 * maxLL + 8. In the healthy population, T1 sagittal angle could be considered as a useful parameter for sagittal balance; however, it could not be thoroughly replaced for SVA. maxTK was the primary contributor to T1 sagittal angle. According to this equation, we could restore sagittal balance by surgically changing thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, which could serve as a guideline for osteotomy.</p></div

Correlation between T1 sagittal angle and other variables.

<p>Correlation between T1 sagittal angle and other variables.</p

Correlation between T1 sagittal angle and maxTK for the healthy volunteers.

<p>Correlation between T1 sagittal angle and maxTK for the healthy volunteers.</p

General characteristics in different genders.

<p>General characteristics in different genders.</p

Variations of clinical coagulate indicators between groups.

<p>There were no difference between groups in PLT count(A), PT(B), APTT(C), TT(D); The Fibrigen level in group B was significant lower than other 3 groups(E).</p

Student-Newman-Keuls test: Blood loss.

<p>The means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed.</p>a.<p>Uses harmonic mean sample size  = 40.195.</p>b.<p>The group sizes are unequal. The harmonic mean of the group sizes is used. Type I error levels are not guaranteed.</p><p><a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0112499#pone-0112499-t004" target="_blank">Table 4</a> shows the Blood loss was significant higher in group A.</p><p>Student-Newman-Keuls test: Blood loss.</p

Clinical characteristics of the patients.

<p>Clinical characteristics of the patients.</p

Student-Newman-Keuls test: Fibrinogen.

<p><a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0112499#pone-0112499-t002" target="_blank">Table 2</a> shows the Fibrinogen level was NBLsignificant lower in group B.</p><p>Student-Newman-Keuls test: Fibrinogen.</p

Average NBL between different groups and scatter diagram of NBL in group A.

<p>NBL between groups (A) show NBL was significantly higher in group A than the other 3 groups, There was no difference between other 3 groups. Scatter diagram of NBL (B) in group A show the NBL has a tendency to increase during the last days of the menstrual cycle and achieve a peak during 1–2 days before Menstruation.</p