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This paper proposes a real-time traffic surveillance system for the detection, recognition, and tracking of multiple vehicles in roadway images. Moving vehicles can be automatically separated from the image sequences by a moving object segmentation method. Since CCD surveillance cameras are typically mounted at some distance from roadways, occlusion is a common and vexing problem for traffic surveillance systems. The segmentation and recognition method uses the length, width, and roof size to classify vehicles as vans, utility vehicles, sedans, mini trucks, or large vehicles, even when occlusive vehicles are continuously merging from one frame to the next. The segmented objects can be recognized and counted in accordance with their varying features, via the proposed recognition and tracking methods. The system has undergone roadside tests in Hsinchu and Taipei, Taiwan. Experiments using complex road scenes under various weather conditions are discussed and demonstrate the robustness, accuracy, and responsiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeromonads possess an array of virulence factors and are causative agents of a number of human infections. Among them, genes of one cytotoxic (Act) and two cytotonic (Alt, Ast) enterotoxins are implicated in a human diarrheal disease. A rapid, specific, simultaneous detection of these enterotoxin genes in suspected food poisoning samples is not yet reported. Hence, a multiplex PCR assay was designed to amplify the cytotoxic (act), heat-labile cytotonic (alt), and heat-stable cytotonic (ast) enterotoxin genes of aeromonads. The PCR assay was tested with 133 Aeromonas spp. isolated from suspect food poisoning samples and retail samples of poultry and fish from wet markets in and around Taipei, Northern Taiwan. The Aeromonas spp. isolates were divided into six genotypes based on absence or presence of one or more enterotoxin genes. Of these 133 isolates, Aeromonas caviae (52.5%) and Aeromonas hydrophila (43.4%) were the most frequently isolated species from food poisoning samples and retail samples, respectively. Among the species, A. hydrophila had a significantly higher proportion for harboring three enterotoxin genes than had the others, whereas Aeromonas encheleia, considered a nonpathogen, was found harboring three enterotoxin genes. The multiplex PCR assays are rapid and specific, and provide a useful tool for the detection and genotyping of enterotoxin genes of aeromonads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to realize the incidence, clinical and endoscopic characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of early colorectal cancer in Taiwan. A retrospective study was conducted to review the data from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 2005 at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Patients’ clinical information, demographic data, endoscopic pictures, treatment regimens, pathologic, and outcome details for these cases were reviewed, recorded, and analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test and log-rank test were used for the statistical analysis. A total of 61 patients from this 15-year period were included (39 males; mean age of disease onset, 63.5 years). The follow-up period ranged from 0.05 to 15 (mean, 6.8) years. Five-year survival rate in our early colorectal cancer patients was 98.4 percent. The size of the early colorectal cancer ranged from 0.3 to 5 cm with the mean of 1.4 cm. The most common site of early colorectal cancer was the sigmoid colon (56.1 percent). Protruded (Type I) lesions accounted for the majority (73.6 percent) of the cases. Endoscopic polypectomy/mucosectomy was the most common type of treatment (72.3 percent). There was no statistical difference in the survival status between the endoscopic treatment group and the operation group (log-rank test, P = 0.368). Most of the early colorectal cancer lesions could be removed successfully by endoscopic method without mortality and major morbidity. However, regular follow-up after treatment is recommended even after five years to reduce early colorectal cancer mortality and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]