Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A universal approach for automatic organ segmentations on 3D CT images based on organ localization and 3D GrabCut

This paper describes a universal approach to automatic segmentation of different internal organ and tissue regions in three-dimensional (3D) computerized tomography (CT) scans. The proposed approach combines object localization, a probabilistic atlas, and 3D GrabCut techniques to achieve automatic and quick segmentation. The proposed method first detects a tight 3D bounding box that contains the target organ region in CT images and then estimates the prior of each pixel inside the bounding box belonging to the organ region or background based on a dynamically generated probabilistic atlas. Finally, the target organ region is separated from the background by using an improved 3D GrabCut algorithm. A machine-learning method is used to train a detector to localize the 3D bounding box of the target organ using template matching on a selected feature space. A content-based image retrieval method is used for online generation of a patient-specific probabilistic atlas for the target organ based on a database. A 3D GrabCut algorithm is used for final organ segmentation by iteratively estimating the CT number distributions of the target organ and backgrounds using a graph-cuts algorithm. We applied this approach to localize and segment twelve major organ and tissue regions independently based on a database that includes 1300 torso CT scans. In our experiments, we randomly selected numerous CT scans and manually input nine principal types of inner organ regions for performance evaluation. Preliminary results showed the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed approach for addressing automatic organ segmentation issues on CT images.
Modeling without a gold standard: stratification with stratum-dependent parameters

• Bayesian latent-class models have been widely applied for assessing the performance of diagnostic tests in the absence of a gold standard. We provide a short discussion on identifiability issues appearing under the absence of a gold standard, and construct an extension of the well-known Hui–Walter stratification model which allows for stratumdependent parameters. We illustrate our approach using a Chagas disease case study on blood donors from Brazil.
Social networks and mental health among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Johannesburg, South Africa

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in developing countries can live longer due to improved treatment access, and a deeper understanding of determinants of their quality of life is critical. This study assessed the link between social capital, operationally defined in terms of social networks (group-based and personal social networks) and access to network resources (access to material and non-material resources and social support) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among 554 (55% female) adults on HIV treatment through South Africa's public health system. Female study participants were involved with more group-based social networks but had fewer personal social networks in comparison to males. Access to network resources was higher among females and those from larger households but lower among older study participants. Experience of social support significantly increased with household economic status and duration at current residence. Social capital indicators were unrelated to HIV disease status indicators, including duration since diagnosis, CD4 count and viral load. Only a minority (13%) of study participants took part in groups formed by and for predominantly PLHIV (HIV support groups), and participation in such groups was unrelated to their mental or physical health. Personal rather than group-linked social networks and access to network resources were significantly associated with mental but not physical health, after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. The findings of limited participation in HIV support groups and that the participation in such groups was not significantly associated with physical or mental health may suggest efforts among PLHIV in South Africa to normalise HIV as a chronic illness through broad-based rather than HIV-status bounded social participation, as a strategy for deflecting stigma. Further research is required to examine the effects of HIV treatment on social networking and participation among PLHIV within both rural and other urban settings of South Africa.
α1‐Antitrypsin in serum determined by capillary isoelectric focusing

A capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) method using bare fused‐silica capillaries filled with polyethylene oxide (PEO) and carrier ampholyte solutions in the pH 3.5—5.0 range has been developed for the identification of alpha1‐antitrypsin (α1AT) phenotypes in human serum. This novel procedure was routinely applied to the study of serum samples of five controls whose α1AT phenotype was previously identified and of twelve subjects whose α1AT phenotype was unknown. The results obtained allowed us to confirm or identify the α1AT phenotype in all sera tested. This procedure seems particularly suitable for identification of α1AT variants associated with diseases of clinical relevance.
Persistent effects of disturbance on larval patterns in the plankton after an eruption on the East Pacific Rise

To predict how benthic communities will respond to disturbance, it is necessary to understand how disturbance affects the planktonic larval supply available to recolonize the area. Deep-sea hydrothermal vent fauna along the East Pacific Rise (EPR) experience frequent local extinctions due to tectonic and magmatic events, but the effects on regional larval abundance and diversity are unknown. We had been monitoring larvae at 9°50' N on the EPR prior to the 2006 eruption and were able to resume collections shortly afterward. We found that many species that were common before the eruption became significantly less so afterward, whereas a few other species experienced a transient spike in abundance. Surprisingly, overall species richness in the plankton was high 9 mo after the eruption, but then decreased sharply after 1 yr and had not returned to pre-eruption levels after 2 yr. These results suggest that recovery from disturbance may continue to be affected by limited larval supply even several years after a disturbance event. This delay in recovery means that larvae of pioneer species may dominate potential colonists, even after benthic habitats have transitioned to conditions that favor later-successional species. Moreover, the combined effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbance (e.g. mining) would be likely to cause more profound and long-lasting changes than either event alone. Our results indicate that we do not have sufficient data to predict the timing of recovery after disturbance in the deep sea, even in a well-studied vent system.
WHAT MOTIVATES END-USERS TO TRANSFER GAINED KNOWLEDGE FROM ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS TRAINING ? Research-in-Progress

Organisational motivations for adopting Enterprise Systems (ES) include the achievement of a competitive advantage in production and provision of better control on operations. In spite of its contributions to business successes, an estimated 5075% of ES projects failed to justify the enormous financial investment into the projects. Research has attributed ES failure to training-related factors. Suggesting the criticalness of training and education in Enterprise System success; nonetheless enterprise systems researchers have constantly ignored training potential on post adoption behaviours. Regardless of the importance of ES training, it is noted that users resist and hesitate to apply gained skills on the systems. The disproportionate use of learned skills results in low utilisation of the systems and partly ES failures. Post training behaviours are critical in the ES success; however knowledge on the determinants of transfer of skills and knowledge gained from enterprise systems training environment is scarce. This study proposes a model of motivational mechanism of effective use of skills and knowledge in Enterprise Systems.
Spectrophotometric determination of acyclovir after its reaction with ninhydrin and ascorbic acid

Acyclovir is a purine-based nucleoside antiviral agent used in the management of Herpes simplex and other viral infections. The present study was aimed at developing and validating a simple and rapid spectrophotometric method for its determination. The mechanism of the proposed method is based on the condensation/coupling reaction between Acyclovir and Ninhydrin-Ascorbic acid at pH 5. A purple colored product with maximum absorption at 540 nm was assayed to quantitatively evaluate its content in the formulation. The calibration curve was found to be linear up to 30 µg/ml. Analyte recovery tests carried out by the proposed method gave recovery of between 96.9 – 102.0%. Molar absorptivity and Sandells’ sensitivity were determined to be 41,071.43 L mol-1 cm-1 and 1.84 µg cm-2 respectively. The precision was assessed by determining the inter-day and intra-day variation which ranged between 1.45 – 1.63 % and 0.81 – 1.12 % respectively for the method. The results show that the reaction produced a stable product and the proposed method is cost-effective and possesses adequate accuracy, precision and sensitivity. It can therefore be conveniently applied for the determination of acyclovir in dosage forms.
How is a search system used in work task completion?

Typically studies of information retrieval and interactive information retrieval concentrate on the identification of relevant items. In this study, rather than stop at finding relevant items, we considered how people use a search system in the completion of a broader work task. To conduct the study, we created 12 tasks that required multiple queries and document views in order to find enough information to complete the task. A total of 381 people completed three tasks each in a laboratory setting using the wikiSearch system that was embedded into WiIRE. Results found that two-thirds of time spent on the task was spent after finding a relevant set of documents sufficient for task completion, and that time was mainly spent reviewing documents that had already been retrieved. Findings suggest that an open-source information retrieval system, such as Lucene, was adequate for this task. However, the ultimate challenge will be in building useful systems that aid the user in extracting, interpreting and analysing information to achieve work task completion.
Thesis Proposal Using Argument Analysis to Define a Structure for User Generated Content

Conversation is how people compare ideas, solve problems and identify disagreements as part of daily life. The internet contains several good information sources which can provide facts and general information, but it is less obvious where to find meaningful discussions and arguments that are grounded with evidence. User generated content can be found in social networking sites, add comments sections of news articles, blogs or micro blogs and information collation sites such as Wikipedia. Any evaluations that occur in these discussions must be conducted by humans because any argument structure is not presented explicitly and therefore cannot be automatically analysed. If a user wishes to hear all sides of an argument it can be difficult to find all the right information. This work aims to automatically identify and extract the structure of arguments from user generated content. Thereby, allowing the users of this content to see the structured arguments contained within, with the claims, counter claims, and grounds. Presenting this structure can allow users to more easily navigate the content thereby enabling the user to become part of the conversation in a way that is arguably more useful to them. The steps in the process, and therefore the problems that this work aims to tackle, are the identification of discussions on different topics, the identification of spans of text that illustrate the discussion, classification of text into an argument structure so as to define the relationships between spans of text and to present this information to users.
Student food insecurity: The skeleton in the university closet

Aim: Food security is an important nutrition issue among vulnerable population groups such as the young and socioeconomically disadvantaged. The present study sought to identify and describe the prevalence, distribution and severity of food insecurity, and related behavioural adaptations, among a sample of Australian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design involving a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 39 food security-related and 15 demographic questions administered among a sample of university students. Results: A sample of 399 students completed questionnaires representing a response rate of 71.5% of students invited to participate. Sample demography was representative of the total student population except for being overrepresented by full-time and international students. Food insecurity was evident in the student sample ranging from 12.7% to 46.5% (based on method of analysis). Student food insecurity was significantly associated with those renting, boarding or sharing accommodation, with low incomes or receiving government assistance. Coping strategies developed by students focused on income generation and austerity measures, included living with parents, working more than 10 hours per week outside of university and borrowing money and food. Students who reported food insecurity were more likely to rate their overall health status lower than those who were food secure. Conclusion: The present study suggests university students are at significant risk of food insecurity in part attributed to inadequate income support. Further research is required to assess the broader determinants of food insecurity and appropriate strategy responses, including social support policies, in this population group.
Identification of One BOCR Mutation and Five NF1 Mutations in Male Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia

Neurofibromatosis type1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the NF1gene. Although congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) has frequently been associated with NF1, the underlying molecular mechanism of CPT in these NF1 patients is yet ill-understood. The aim of the present study was to detect NF1 mutations from genomic DNA and to harbor variants associated with CPT in NF1 patients. Whole-exome sequencing was first carried out with samples from two patients with CPT in one NF1 family, and a novel mutation c.2324A>G (p.E775G) in NF1 gene was identified. Additionally, a missense variant c.455C>T (p.P152L) in BCOR gene completely co-segregated with the CPT phenotype within this family. Subsequently, NF1 and NF2 genes in four other unrelated patients with both NF1 and CPT were screened using targeted sequencing. Four mutations in NF1 gene, including two known mutations (c.2288T>C/p.L763P, c.574 C>T/p.R192*) and two novel mutations (c.768delT/p.F256Lfs*25, c.2229_2230delTG/ p.V744Qfs*23) were detected. Further study confirmed that CPT was present in NF1 families, and NF1 mutations were closely associated with these complex phenotypes. Moreover, the data from the current study indicated that male gender might be a susceptibility factor for CPT in NF1. Therefore, we speculated that BCOR variants might be related to CPT phenotype among male NF1 patients.
HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN INDUCTION PROTECTS HUMAN RESPIRATORY EPITHELIUM AGAINST NITRIC OXIDE‐MEDIATED CYTOTOXICITY

Induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) confers protection against a variety of cytotoxic agents. We hypothesized that induction of HSPs would protect cultured human respiratory epithelium against nitric oxide (NO)-mediated injury. Incubation of a human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B cells) at 43°C for 1.5 h induced expression of several HSPs. Prior induction of HSPs was associated with protection against the NO-donors S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine and 3-morpholinsydnonimine. Protection was evident as improved short term survival and improved ability of cells to recover and proliferate after exposure to NO. Prior induction of HSPs also attenuated NO-mediated decreases in cellular ATP levels, but did not decrease nitrotyrosine formation. Specific overexpression of HSP-70 by plasmid-directed gene transfer protected murine respiratory epithelial cells against S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine. We conclude that in cultured human respiratory epithelium induction of HSPs confers protection against NO-mediated cytotoxicity, possibly by preservation of cellular energetics. We also suggest that HSP-70 may play a specific role in protection.
Performance analysis of triaxial accelerometer for activity recognition

Human Activity Recognition (HAR) based on accelerometer has become an important mobile application. Activity recognition however depends on X, Y, Z the Cartesian coordinate parameters. There are several approaches for activity recognition. Popular methods of activity recognition using accelerometer reading includes machine learning approach, rule based data mining approach, fuzzy inference approach etc. This paper compares activity recognition based on temporal pattern mining and ANFIS method for wearable sensor accelerometer and mobile accelerometer readings. Though the existing activity recognition using body worn accelerometer gives better accuracy it is found to be costly and consume more power. Hence this paper proposes an ANFIS based activity recognition with the available accelerometer in mobile phone.
Architectural Framework for Web Services Authorization

This paper proposes an authorization architecture for Web services. It describes the architectural framework, the administration and runtime aspects of our architecture and its components for secure authorization of Web services as well as the support for the management of authorization information. The paper also describes authorization algorithms required to authorize a Web service client. The architecture is currently being implemented within the . NET
The impact of knowing the impedance of the lines used in the TRL calibration on the load-pull characterization of power transistors

In this paper, the impact of knowing the impedance of the lines used in the TRL calibration (Z) on the load-pull (LP) characterization of power transistors is assessed. Relevant parameters, such as input impedance (Zin), load impedance (Zld) and large-signal gain are considered. By using the ABCD-parameters matrix formalism in the calibration of the LP measurement setup, closed form expressions for evaluating the impact of knowing Z on the calculation of these parameters are presented. It is demonstrated that knowing Z is of paramount importance in the calculation of Zin and Zld. Regarding the gain, it is demonstrated that while the voltage and current gains do not depend on the knowledge of Z, the gain expressed as the ratio of the transmitted to incident waves does.
The role of NADPH oxidase, neuronal nitric oxide synthase and poly(ADP ribose) polymerase in oxidative neuronal death induced in cortical cultures by brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin‐4/5

Certain neurotrophins promote or induce oxidative neuronal death in cortical cultures. However, the effector mechanisms mediating this phenomenon have not been delineated. In this study, we investigated the possibility that NADPH oxidase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) function as such effectors. Western blot analysis showed that treatment with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin (NT)‐4/5 increased the levels of NADPH oxidase subunits. Moreover, neurotrophin treatment resulted in membrane translocation of p67phox, a characteristic feature of NADPH oxidase activation. Administration of the specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor, 4‐(2‐aminoethyl)benzenesulfonylfluoride (AEBSF), attenuated increases in oxygen free radicals thereby suggesting that NADPH oxidase contributes to the oxidative stress induced by neurotrophins. Furthermore, neuronal death induced by BDNF or NT‐4/5 was significantly attenuated by AEBSF. Treatment with BDNF has previously been shown to induce neuronal NOS (nNOS). Our data indicated that inhibitors of nNOS attenuated neuronal death induced by BDNF or NT‐4/5, consistent with an active role of nNOS in the mediation of neurotrophin neurotoxicity. As in other models of oxidative cell death, BDNF‐induced neuronal death was accompanied by poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation. AEBSF or N‐nitro‐l‐arginine (NNA) reduced BDNF‐mediated PARP activation. PARP and poly(ADP ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) are actively involved in mediating neurotrophin neurotoxicity since inhibitors of PARP and PARG significantly reduced levels of cell death. These results suggest that NADPH oxidase and nNOS contribute to increased oxidative stress, subsequent activation of PARP/PARG, and neuronal death induced by prolonged neurotrophin exposure.
Septic arthritis: monitoring with USPIO-enhanced macrophage MR imaging.

PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate in vivo noninvasive monitoring of antibiotic therapy in experimental infectious arthritis by imaging macrophages by using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging enhanced with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles. MATERIALS AND METHODS The institutional review committee on animal care approved the experimental protocol. Unilateral knee infection was induced by intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus in 12 rabbits. Each rabbit underwent MR imaging before and after injection of USPIO particles, as well as before and after injection of gadoterate meglumine. All 12 of the animals were imaged during the acute phase of infection. Half were then sacrificed to obtain histopathologic samples, and the other half were imaged a second time after antibiotic treatment. MR imaging data were analyzed and compared with bacteriologic and histopathologic findings. RESULTS In acute infections, intense synovitis with marked signal intensity increase of the synovium on gadoterate dimeglumine-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images was observed in all animals and was associated with areas of signal intensity loss within the infected synovium on USPIO-enhanced T2*-weighted gradient-echo images, reflecting an intense infiltration of USPIO-loaded macrophages. After antibiotic treatment and histologic evidence of healing infection, less synovial signal intensity loss was seen (P = .03). In contradistinction, the signal intensity increase on gadoterate dimeglumine-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images remained unchanged. CONCLUSION In contrast to conventional MR imaging performed by using extracellular contrast agents, USPIO-enhanced macrophage MR imaging can demonstrate resolution of experimental bacterial joint infection.
Catching moving objects using a Navigation Guidance technique in a robotic Visual Servoing system

In this paper, a combination of Navigation Guidance algorithm with an Augmented Imaged Based Visual Servoing (AIBVS) strategy is proposed to perform a moving object catching with fast manoeuvrability. An eye-in-hand vision system is utilized with a 6DOF robotic manipulator. Navigation guidance algorithms are usually exploited in moving object interceptions specially for military purposes such as following and colliding with missile and aircraft. In this paper, we have modified and applied these methods to a robotic system to catch a moving object with different motions. An imaged based catching controller is proposed using a modified navigation guidance algorithm in a robotic visual servoing system. The simulation results are presented for catching a moving object with three different motions of constant velocity, sinusoidal and a thrown object.