In this paper, we propose a snake-based approach that lets a user specify only the distant end points of the curve he wishes to delineate without having to supply an almost complete polygonal approximation. We achieve much better convergence properties than those of traditional snakes by using the image information around these end points to provide boundary conditions and by introducing an optimization schedule that allows the snake to take image information into account first only near its extremities and then, progressively, towards its center.These snakes could be used to alleviate the often repetitive task practitioners have to face when segmenting images by abolishing the need to sketch a feature of interest in its entirety, that is, to perform a painstaking, almost complete, manual segmentation.
Fatigue is a highly prevalent symptom in cancer patients. However in the daily practice this issue doesn't get adequate attention, because of limited therapeutic tools. A number of research issues in this field has been started during the last few years. Some of these new findings will soon modify and improve treatment options. In the meantime it is worthwhile to identify etiologic factors. Some of them might be treated with a reasonable cost/benefit ratio, aiming to improve function and therefore the health related quality of life.
Single-locus disorders in domesticated animals were among the first Mendelian traits to be documented, and to be included in early linkage maps. The use of linkage maps and comparative genomics has been essential to the identification of the causative genes for disorders. A DNA marker for selection of resistance to F18+ E. coli in the pig is available since several years. The use of this marker decreases mortality due to post-weaning diarrhoea and/or oedema disease. For more than 100 disorders the molecular lesion has been identified and hence for which a DNA test is available. However, for most diseases such as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases (PCVAD), resistance is a complex and polygenic trait. Novel technologies such as gene microarrays and advanced bioinformatics are being used to analyse health data. Lagging behind, however, is availability of large DNA data sets from pedigreed populations with accurately measured health phenotypes that are needed to identify associations between markers and health traits. As the pig genome is sequenced to a great extent and ten thousands of markers can be analysed at a reasonable price, genomic selection for health traits is possible.
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