Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Comparing Information Engineering Methods

This article proposes a comprehensive framework for comparing the current methodologies and tools for information engineering and using these methods for applying information technology to construct the overall information systems architecture for the organization. The proposed framework consists of two dimensions: (1) an expanded sequence of the traditional system life cycle; and (2) the conceptual depth of the methods.The article shows that information engineering is the key to effective information management. Using the proposed framework, 26 widely cited methods for information engineering are compared. Evolution to more effective methods of information engineering are needed to align future information systems requirements to strategic goals and objectives of an organization and to exploit the current information systems technologies for competitive advantage.
A systematic review of interventions to improve recall of medical advice in healthcare consultations

Background In order for patients to adhere to healthcare advice, it is essential that they are able to recall this following a consultation. Although psychological research exists which highlights techniques and factors postulated to influence recall, only a limited body of work has been conducted to evaluate their effectiveness in a clinical context. Aim To carry out a systematic review of intervention trials designed to enhance recall of medical information. Methods We searched Medline (1950-April 2007); Embase (1980-April 2007); Cinahl (1982-April 2007); PsychINFO (1969-2007); and the Cochrane Library Collection. Secondary searches were made through reference to relevant journals and reference lists from relevant papers/review papers. Results From 69 papers provisionally identified, 34 papers met the inclusion criteria. Nine recall interventions had been evaluated (audio recordings, written materials, adjunct questions, prompt sheets, visual aids, cognitive strategies, rehearsal, communication styles and personalized teaching). Despite the experimental and theoretical evidence which could have informed cognitive interventions to enhance recall of healthcare advice, most studies primarily focused on the use of written and/or audio-recorded medical instructions. Although the majority of studies supported these approaches insofar as they enhanced recall, the findings were equivocal. Conclusion While written and tape-recorded instructions appear to improve recall in most situations, a dearth of interventions incorporating psychological theory was readily apparent. Further research is required in clinical settings to determine if cognitive interventions based on a more over-arching psychological model of recall are effective.
Investigation of E-Beam Evaporated Silicon Film Properties for MEMS Applications

This paper investigates the crystallinity, microstructure, surface morphology, stress characteristics, and Young's Modulus of ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) electron-beam (E-beam) evaporated silicon films with a low thermal budget. The films are evaporated at various substrate temperatures ranging from 200 °C-625 °C, deposition rates ranging from 50 to 400 nm/min, and annealed at 600 °C for various durations. Some of the preliminary results were reported by Michael and Kwok. The results indicate that the film characteristics of the evaporated silicon films are significantly different from and better suited for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications than low pressure chemical vapor deposition silicon films, commonly used for MEMS devices. The very attractive properties of UHV E-beam deposited silicon films are remarkably low residual stress (both average and gradient), very smooth surface morphology, and thick layers at a low thermal budget with reasonably large deposition rates. Two different mechanisms have been identified as responsible for initiating the formation of crystal grains in these films: 1) kinetic energy of evaporated silicon atoms; and 2) thermal energy from the substrate heating. The first mechanism leads to fine columnar grains responsible for the smooth surface morphology and easily controllable low stress characteristics. The second mechanism results in coarse grain formation with a relatively higher proportion of (111) oriented grains. Cantilever beams of 30-μm thickness have been fabricated from such films with rms roughness of c5 nm, residual stress of 20 MPa, and stress gradient of c1.1 MPa/μm with Young's Modulus of 169 GPa.
Magnetic resonance image reconstruction via the augmented TV-regularized problem

In order to perfectly recover MR image using compressed sensing (CS) with TV-regularization term, one has to minimize ill-conditioned optimization functions on large datasets, which are usually not tractable. To address this problem, we propose a novel algorithm for solving an augmented total variation (TV) regularized model with linear constraints, which can obtain accurate solutions. The classical alternating direction method of multiplies (ADMM) framework is utilized to reformulate this model. A linearization strategy is designed to simplify operation. In addition, we combine weighted solution procedure as well as backtracking strategy for improving the reconstruction quality. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves better reconstruction performance than traditional CS-based methods.
An evaluation of moving object detection under varying illumination

Moving object detection under varying illumination is a prominent area of research in the field of computer vision. The detected object results from moving object framework, suffers from factors like noise, change in object scene, shadow, changes in illumination etc. So there is a growing interest to develop a robust moving object detection framework under varying illumination scenario. A significant amount of methods have been proposed over recent years on moving object detection under varying illumination condition. In this paper some of the recent effective methods based on accuracy have been reviewed. In this paper, methods reviewed include illumination sensitive feature and illumination invariant feature approaches for moving object detection under illumination varying background conditions. Methods reviewed in this paper include qualitative and quantitative comparison to guide the reader a clear insight to the computer vision community, those who are especially working in moving object detection under different illumination conditions.
Automatic 3D shape reconstruction of bones using active nets based segmentation

In this work a new methodology for automatic three dimensional shape reconstruction of bones from tomographic cross-sections is presented, based in the topological active net model. The methodology presented is fundamentaly composed by two steps. In the first one, with the purpose of differentiate the internal and the external contours of bony structures, the existent bones in the first image of the sequence are extracted. For this purpose, a topological analysis of the mesh is done. In the second step the 3D bones' reconstruction is obtained by tracking the active net in the rest of slices using the information obtained in previous stages of the tracking process and introducing new energy terms based in directional filters.
Experimental study on the expression of Id 2 and E-cadherin in colorectal cancer tissues and its clinical significance

Recent studies have shown that there is close relationship of the occurrence and development of tumor with differentiation factors and other related factors, however, the exact mechanisms remain elusive. Here we demonstrated that the positive expression rate of Id2 in the colorectal cancer tissues was higher than that of the normal tissue adjacent to colorectal cancer, while the positive expression rate of E-cadherin in the colorectal cancer tissue was lower than that of the normal tissue adjacent to colorectal cancer. Moreover, correlation test showed that there was negative correlation between expression levels of Id2 and E-cadherin. The expression levels of Id2 and E-cadherin in colorectal cancer were correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis, but uncorrelated with the age and sex. These findings suggest that there is close relationship between the expression levels of Id2 and E-cadherin in colorectal cancer and the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. Thus this study is valuable in assessment and monitoring of clinical metastasis and prognosis of colorectal cancer.
FPGA implementation of non-iterative ICA for detecting motion in image sequences

ICA (Independent Component Analysis) technique can be used to detect difference in sequence of images. However, the algorithm is usually highly computation intensive. In this paper, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) implementation to speed up the computation of a non-iterative algebraic ICA is described. System level approach to the design of FPGA prototype is explained. Although FPGA does not offer an optimized hardware implementation when compared to ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), it allows short development time and enables verification of algorithms in hardware at a low cost.
[Retrospective analysis of infections in patients after kidney transplantation].

INTRODUCTION Transplantation is the best way of treatment in end-stage renal disease. Kidney transplantation is the most common among all transplantations of vascularised organs. The development of transplantational immunology, as well as the improvement of schemes of immunosuppressive treatment decrease the number of episodes of acute rejection. They also allow perennial functioning of the transplanted organ. However, the necessity to dampen the immune system, through the delivery of immunosuppressive drugs (to prevent rejection), contributes to a deterioration in the ability of the body to fight infections. Patients after kidney transplantation are in the group at special risk of bacterial, viral and fungal infections, which poses an essential therapeutic problem. The aims of this work were: the retrospective analysis of infections in patients after kidney transplantation, analysis of etiologic factors and the form of clinical infections, and the establishment of the risk factors of infections in the recipients of kidney transplant. MATERIAL AND METHODS 147 patients hospitalized from 1.01. 2007 to 31.12. 2008 at the Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation in the Independent Public Provincial Hospital in Szczecin were considered in the study. The data were obtained from medical records, i.e. operative reports on kidney transplant, patient's history, and the results of microbiological and serological examinations. CONCLUSIONS 1. High risk of infection occurred in the case of: low compatibility in the human leukocyte antigen system, long cold ischemia time, and in recipients who required higher doses of corticosteroids. 2. Prompt diagnosis of the infection and the early implementation of suitable therapy seems to be fundamental for the effectiveness of treatment and the prevention of further infectious complications in patients after kidney transplantation.
The segmentation of meristematic Allium cell images and extraction of nuclei features for the purpose of mitotic index evaluation

This paper presents the segmentation method of Allium cell images preceding the extraction of nuclei features that are capable to distinguish interphase and mitotic events. The segmentation consists in the isolation of cell regions and then local edge-based thresholding of nuclei parts including the corrections of observed artefacts. The ability of the separation of mitotic phases groups was tested for the nuclei textural and shape features using information gain ratio and Bayesian classification error.
The mast cells distribution and morphology

Although it has been reported (Seyle, 1965) that the mast cell* was recognized by von Recklinghausen and other notable figures of his time, the credit for first characterizing the mast cell is due to the discovery by Ehrlich (1877) of the cell's ability to stain metachromatically with basic aniline dyes. Indeed, much of our present knowledge of the histology of the mast cell has been derived from numerous studies done by the end of the first quarter of this century. More recent work has taught us about the biochemical nature of the specific granules of mast cells including their ability to store and possibly synthesize heparin, histamine, and in some species, (but excluding man), 5-hydroxytryptamine (for review of chemistry, see Smith, 1963b). Electron microscopy has provided important information about the fine structure of mast cells in health and disease and has helped to clarify species differences in mast cell morphology. Furthermore, it has given insight into sequential cytological changes occurring during the process of histamine release.
Sex‐specific and left‐right asymmetric expression pattern of Bmp7 in the gonad of normal and sex‐reversed chicken embryos

A genetic switch determines whether the indifferent gonad develops into an ovary or a testis. In adult females of many avian species, the left ovary is functional while the right one regresses. In the embryo, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) mediate biological effects in many organ developments but their roles in avian sex determination and gonadal differentiation remains largely unknown. Here, we report the sex‐specific and left‐right (L‐R) asymmetric expression pattern of Bmp7 in the chicken gonadogenesis. Bmp7 was L‐R asymmetrically expressed at the beginning of genital ridge formation. After sexual differentiation occurred, sex‐specific expression pattern of Bmp7 was observed in the ovary mesenchyme. In addition, ovary‐specific Bmp7 expression was reduced in experimentally induced female‐to‐male reversal using the aromatase inhibitor (AI). These dynamic changes of expression pattern of Bmp7 in the gonad with or without AI treatment suggest that BMP may play roles in determination of L‐R asymmetric development and sex‐dependent differentiation in the avian gonadogenesis.
Coaggregation between probiotic bacteria and caries-associated strains: An in vitro study

Objective. To evaluate the in vitro abilities of probiotic bacteria derived from consumer products to coaggregate with caries-associated mutans streptococci. Material andMethods. Six lactobacillus strains (L. acidophilus (CCUG 5917), L. plantarum 299v, L. rhamnosus GG and LB21, L. paracasei F19, L. reuteri PTA5289) were cultivated under anaerobic conditions at 37°C in Man Rogosa Sharpe (MSB) broth for 24 h. Four strains of human streptococci (S. mutans Ingbritt, S. mutans (ATCC 25175), S. mutans GS-5, S. sobrinus (ATCC 33478) were similarly grown in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth. A gastrointestinal pathogen (Escherichia coli) was aerobically cultivated on BHI broth as a positive control. After incubation, the bacteria were aerobically harvested, washed, and suspended in 10 mmol/l phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2). The probiotic strains were characterized with the API 50 CH system to confirm their identity. Coaggregation was determined by spectrophotometry in mixtures and bacterial suspensions alone after 1, 2, 4, and 24 h and expressed as the aggregation ratio (%). Results. All probiotic strains showed coaggregation abilities with the oral pathogens and the results were strain specific and dependent on time. S. mutans GS-5 exhibited a significantly higher ability to coaggregate with all the probiotic strains than the other mutans streptococci and E. coli. The differences among the probiotic strains were modest with L. acidophilus being the most prone and L. rhamnosus LB21 the least prone to coaggregate with the oral streptococci. Conclusions. The results demonstrated different abilities of lactobacilli-derived probiotic bacteria to coaggregate with selected oral streptococci. Aggregation assays may be a useful complement for screening of probiotic candidates with possible anti-caries properties.
Summarization of Changes in Dynamic Text Collections using Latent Dirichlet Allocation Model

In this digital world, it is very difficult to retrieve information from where the documents are updated or modified usually. Let us take example of World Wide Web where the information changes both usually and importantly over time. Previous projects of abstraction of web documents simply reflects the latest version of each document discarding the dynamic nature of the web. This paper proposes a project with new challenge of the automatic abstraction of changes in dynamic text collections. Along with standard text summarization, this retrieval techniques displays a summary to the user by capturing the major points expressed in the most recent version of an entire document in a compressed form. A system based on Latent Dirichlet Allocation model (LDA) which is used to find the invisible topic formation of changes. The purpose of using the LDA model is to recognize different topics where the changes are made.
Probiotics for Management of Periodontal Disease: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy?

–Probiotics are live microrganisms administered in adequate amounts with beneficial health effects on the host. The use of probiotics is widespread in the management of systemic infections and disease. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of probiotics in the field of Dentistry, particularly Periodontics. This article reviews the role of probiotics for management of periodontal diseases and explores its potential as a novel treatment strategy. Keywords––probiotics, periodontal disease, lactobacillus, bifidobacterium
Extensor Mechanism Failure Associated With Total Knee Arthroplasty: Prevention and Management

Abstract Extensor mechanism complications are the most commonly reported reasons for revision surgery after total knee arthroplasty and are a frequent source of postoperative morbidity. Patellofemoral instability is the most commonly reported extensor mechanism complication and has multiple etiologies, including prosthetic malalignment and soft‐tissue imbabalce. Patellar fracture or rupture of either the quadriceps or patellar tendon can cause catastrophic disruption of the extensor mechanism. Although some stable fractures can be successfully managed nonsurgically, displaced fractures or tendon rupture often lead to poor results. Other complications include patellar clunk and soft‐tissue adhesions, prosthetic wear or loosening, and osteonecrosis. Increased understanding of implant alignment, rotation, and soft‐tissue balance, as well as improved design of the trochlear groove of femoral implants and patellar components, has resulted in a decline in extensor mechanism complications. Appropriate prosthetic selection and meticulous surgical technique remain the keys to avoiding unsatisfactory results and revision surgery.
Expression of recombinant Ara h 6 in Pichia pastoris but not in Escherichia coli preserves allergic effector function and allows assessment of specific mutations.

SCOPE Ara h 6 has recently been recognized as an important peanut allergen. Recombinant allergens have been used for analysis of IgE binding, but have not been used to analyze the allergic effector activity that is more relevant to allergic reactions. METHODS AND RESULTS Ara h 6 was expressed as a recombinant protein in both Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris (rAra h 6-E. coli and rAra h 6-Pichia, respectively). Effector activity was assayed by measuring degranulation of RBL SX-38 cells sensitized with IgE from patients with severe peanut allergy. Compared to native Ara h 6 (nAra h 6), rAra h 6-Pichia had intact effector function whereas rAra h 6-E. coli had significantly reduced function. The lower effector activity in rAra h 6-E. coli compared to nAra h 6 and rAra h 6-Pichia did not appear to be due to differences in posttranslational modifications (analyzed by mass spectrometry and staining for carbohydrates) and may be due to subtle alteration(s) of folding seen on CD analysis and on nonreduced gels. Finally, we introduced point mutations in four important IgE-binding linear epitopes of Ara h 6 and found dramatically reduced allergic effector activity. CONCLUSION Our studies demonstrate the utility of fully functional rAra h 6-Pichia as a starting point for analysis of specific mutations that adversely affect allergic effector function.
Primary malignant melanomatosis of the meninges. Clinical course and computed tomographic findings in a young child.

Neurocutaneous melanosis is an uncommon disorder that is classified among the phakomatoses. Fully expressed, it consists of multiple cutaneous nevi and a proliferation of melanocytes in the leptomeninges. 1 A forme fruste is isolated benign melanosis of the meninges, which may undergo malignant transformation, most often during adult life. 2 We report the unusual clinical course and computed tomographic (CT) findings in a case of presumed primary malignant melanomatosis of the meninges without skin nevi in a child. REPORT OF A CASE A 41/2-year-old girl had recurrent headaches in July 1979, and a tentative diagnosis of migraine was made. Recurrence of symptoms in September led to complete examination that included a CT scan, which was normal. Soon afterward, she was admitted to a hospital following a seizure. Lumbar puncture (LP) revealed a pressure of 300 mm H 2 O, 30 WBCs, 20 RBCs, a glucose level of 30 mg/dL
Effect of emergency department fast track on emergency department length of stay: a case–control study

Objective: To examine the effect of fast track on emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS). Design and setting: Pair-matched case–control design in a public teaching hospital in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Participants: Patients treated by the ED fast track (cases) between 1 January and 31 March 2007 were compared with patients treated by the usual ED processes (controls) from 1 July to 15 November 2006 (n = 822 matched pairs). Intervention: ED fast track was established in November 2006 and focused on the management of patients with non-urgent complaints. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was ED LOS for fast-track patients. Secondary outcomes were waiting times and ED LOS for other ED patients. Results: Median ED LOS for non-admitted patients was 132 minutes (interquartile range (IQR) 83–205.25) for controls and 116 minutes (IQR 75.5–159.0) for cases (p<0.01). Fast-track patients had a significantly higher incidence of discharge within 2 h (53% vs 44%, p<0.01) and 4 h (92% vs 84%, p<0.01). Conclusions: ED fast track decreased ED LOS for non-admitted patients without compromising waiting times and ED LOS for other ED patients.
Insights into the evolution of the nucleolus by an analysis of its protein domain repertoire.

Recently, the first investigation of nucleoli using mass spectrometry led to the identification of 271 proteins. This represents a rich resource for a comprehensive investigation of nucleolus evolution. We applied a protocol for the identification of known and novel conserved protein domains of the nucleolus, resulting in the identification of 115 known and 91 novel domain profiles. The phyletic distribution of nucleolar protein domains in a collection of complete proteomes of selected organisms from all domains of life confirms the archaebacterial origin of the core machinery for ribosome maturation and assembly, but also reveals substantial eubacterial and eukaryotic contributions to nucleolus evolution. We predict that, in different phases of nucleolus evolution, protein domains with different biochemical functions were recruited to the nucleolus. We suggest a model for the late and continuous evolution of the nucleolus in early eukaryotes and argue against an endosymbiotic origin of the nucleolus and the nucleus. Supplementary material for this article can be found on the BioEssays website at http://www.interscience. wiley.com/jpages/0265-9247/suppmat/index.html.