Improving performance of medical image alignment through super-resolution

Liwei Deng,Yuanzhi Zhang,Jing Wang,Sijuan Huang,Xin Yang 대한의용생체공학회 2023 Biomedical Engineering Letters (BMEL) Vol.13 No.3

Medical image alignment is an important tool for tracking patient conditions, but the quality of alignment is influenced bythe effectiveness of low-dose Cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging and patient characteristics. To address these two issues, wepropose an unsupervised alignment method that incorporates a preprocessing super-resolution process. We constructed themodel based on a private clinical dataset and validated the enhancement of the super-resolution on alignment using clinicaland public data. Through all three experiments, we demonstrate that higher resolution data yields better results in the alignmentprocess. To fully constrain similarity and structure, a new loss function is proposed; Pearson correlation coefficientcombined with regional mutual information. In all test samples, the newly proposed loss function obtains higher resultsthan the common loss function and improve alignment accuracy. Subsequent experiments verified that, combined with thenewly proposed loss function, the super-resolution processed data boosts alignment, can reaching up to 9.58%. Moreover,this boost is not limited to a single model, but is effective in different alignment models. These experiments demonstratethat the unsupervised alignment method with super-resolution preprocessing proposed in this study effectively improvedalignment and plays an important role in tracking different patient conditions over time.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of PAN Molecular Weight Increase in Precipitation Polymerization as a Function of H<SUB>2</SUB>O/DMSO Ratio

Jing Zhang,Fengjing Bu,Yongqiang Dai,Liwei Xue,Zhixian Xu,Seung-Kon Ryu,Riguang Jin 한국탄소학회 2010 Carbon Letters Vol.11 No.1

The precipitation polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) was carried out in a mixture solution of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water at 50~65℃ using α,α'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The increased molecular weight polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was prepared with increasing the H2O/DMSO ratio from 10/90 to 80/20. The viscosity average molecular weight of H2O/DMSO solvent was 4.4 times larger than that of H2O/DMF solvent, and precipitation polymerization was accelerlated due to the far decreased chain transfer effect of DMSO. Based on the experimental results, the increased PAN molecular weight was regarded as the summation of two mechanisms: i) particle-particle aggregation and ii) particle-radical attachment. The theoretical equation derived from the mechanisms was well coincided with the experimental results showing the linear relationship between the viscosity average molecular weight and the H2O/DMSO ratio.

In Vitro Evaluation and Monitoring of the Expression Level and Localization of Aldose Reductase Using Functionalized Quantum Dots and EGFP

Xiaomin Liu,Chengbin Yang,Jing Liu,Jianwei Liu,Rui Hu,Hongwei Lian,Guimiao Lin,Liwei Liu,Ken-Tye Yong,Ling Ye 한국생물공학회 2015 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.20 No.4

The optimization of aldose reductase (AR) expression levels and tracking of the AR expression sites within the cell is an essential step in developing a platform for the effective production of aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs). In this study, we have demonstrated the use of both immunocytochemistry and quantum dots-based immunofluorescence techniques for observing and detecting the expression level and localization of AR in the cytoplasm and cell membrane of a eukaryotic cell model with high levels of AR protein expression. Our results show that high expression levels of human AR can be achieved using the eukaryotic cell model that we have developed. The overexpressed AR can be used for translational studies of hAR and the screening of ARIs. More importantly, the use of the established quantum dots-based immunofluorescence technique in the intracellular labeling of AR allows the determination of the expression and distribution of the AR gene. Overall, the use of the interdisciplinary approach of both genetic engineering and quantum dot-based immunofluorescence allows not only the effective production of a desired protein, but also the determination of the cellular localization of such an expressed protein.

Effects of the Charge Ions Strength on the Swelling of Organic–Inorganic Nanogels

Qin Yu,Xiangguo Lu,Jing Wang,Qi Guo,Liwei Niu 대한화학회 2016 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.37 No.7

The swelling behavior and swelling mechanism of hydrogels can be greatly affected by the charge strength of ions in them. To investigate such effects, we prepared two gels: a carboxylic acid gel (CAG) and a poly(2-acrylamide–methyl propane sulfonic acid) gel (SAG) based on starchy polyacrylamide (PAM) nanocomposite gels, both with montmorillonite, which underwent in situ intercalation, and used them as probes in swelling experiments. The equilibrium swelling rates (ESRs) of the hydrogels in both salt water and acidic water strongly depended on the charge strength of the ions in the chains. SAG had a higher ESR than CAG at the same mole ratio of polymer/water, which is attributed to the greater electrostatic repulsion between the strong electrolyte ions of SAG. Both water salinity and hydrogen ion contact of the hydrogels weakened ESR with the enhancement of charge ionic strength. The downward trend of ESR with increasing concentration of salt or hydrogen ions became weaker in SAG compared to CAG, which is attributed to the shielding and deprotonation effects of the strong electrolyte ions. Regarding the swelling mechanism, the chain relaxation occurred in neutral and acidic solutions for SAG and in neutral and weak acidic solutions for CAG, but water diffusion dominated in strong acidic solutions for CAG, leading to different swelling behaviors.

Fluorinated/Non-Fluorinated Sulfonated Polynaphthalimides as Proton Exchange Membranes

Yang Song,Chang Liu,Dianfu Ren,Liwei Jing,Zhenhua Jiang,Baijun Liu 한국고분자학회 2013 Macromolecular Research Vol.21 No.5

Two -SO3H containing diamine monomers, 2,5-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)benzenesulfonic acid and 2,5-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzenesulfonic acid were successfully synthesized through a typical aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction followed by a reduction reaction, respectively. Derived from the diamine monomers,two series of sulfonated naphthalic polyimides (polynaphthalimides) containing ether and ketone linkages were synthesized through a “one pot” polymerization reaction. Some properties including thermal stability, mechanical properties, water uptake, swelling dimensional ratio, methanol permeability, and proton conductivity were thoroughly investigated. Some exhibited attractive properties as proton exchange membranes. It was found that the fluorinated series (CF3-SPI-X) exhibited higher dimensional stability and lower methanol permeability in comparison with non-fluorinated ones (SPI-X) at the same -SO3H group content.

Major ginsenosides from Panax ginseng promote aerobic cellular respiration and SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial biosynthesis in cardiomyocytes and neurons

Huang, Qingxia,Lou, Tingting,Lu, Jing,Wang, Manying,Chen, Xuenan,Xue, Linyuan,Tang, Xiaolei,Qi, Wenxiu,Zhang, Zepeng,Su, Hang,Jin, Wenqi,Jing, Chenxu,Zhao, Daqing,Sun, Liwei,Li, Xiangyan The Korean Society of Ginseng 2022 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.46 No.6

Background: Aerobic cellular respiration provides chemical energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), to maintain multiple cellular functions. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) can deacetylate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) to promote mitochondrial biosynthesis. Targeting energy metabolism is a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as cardiac and neurological disorders. Ginsenosides, one of the major bioactive constituents of Panax ginseng, have been extensively used due to their diverse beneficial effects on healthy subjects and patients with different diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of total ginsenosides (GS) on energy metabolism remain unclear. Methods: In this study, oxygen consumption rate, ATP production, mitochondrial biosynthesis, glucose metabolism, and SIRT1-PGC-1α pathways in untreated and GS-treated different cells, fly, and mouse models were investigated. Results: GS pretreatment enhanced mitochondrial respiration capacity and ATP production in aerobic respiration-dominated cardiomyocytes and neurons, and promoted tricarboxylic acid metabolism in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, GS clearly enhanced NAD⁺-dependent SIRT1 activation to increase mitochondrial biosynthesis in cardiomyocytes and neurons, which was completely abrogated by nicotinamide. Importantly, ginsenoside monomers, such as Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rc, Rh1, Rb2, and Rb3, were found to activate SIRT1 and promote energy metabolism. Conclusion: This study may provide new insights into the extensive application of ginseng for cardiac and neurological protection in healthy subjects and patients.

Phenolic acids in Panax ginseng inhibit melanin production through bidirectional regulation of melanin synthase transcription via different signaling pathways

Jianzeng Liu,Xiaohao Xu,Jingyuan Zhou,Guang Sun,Zhenzhuo Li,Lu Zhai,Jing Wang,Rui Ma,Daqing Zhao,Rui Jiang,Liwei Sun 고려인삼학회 2023 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.47 No.6

Background: Our previous investigation indicated that the preparation of Panax ginseng Meyer(P. ginseng) inhibited melanogenesis. It comprised salicylic acid (SA), protocatechuic acid (PA), p-coumaricacid (p-CA), vanillic acid (VA), and caffeic acid (CA). In this investigation, the regulatory effects ofP. ginseng phenolic acid monomers on melanin production were assessed. Methods: In vitro and in vivo impact of phenolic acid monomers were assessed. Results: SA, PA, p-CA and VA inhibited tyrosinase (TYR) to reduce melanin production, whereas CA hadthe opposite effects. SA, PA, p-CA and VA significantly downregulated the melanocortin 1 receptor(MC1R), cycle AMP (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), cycle AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB),microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) pathway, reducing mRNA and protein levels ofTYR, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1), and TYRP2. Moreover, CA treatment enhanced the cAMP, PKA,and CREB pathways to promote MITF mRNA level and phosphorylation. It also alleviated MITF proteinlevel in a-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells, comparable to untreated B16F10, increasing the expression ofphosphorylation glycogen synthase kinase 3b (p-GSK3b), b-catenin, p-ERK/ERK, and p-p38/p38. Furthermore, the GSK3b inhibitor promoted p-GSK3b and p-MITF expression, as observed in CA-treatedcells. Moreover, p38 and ERK inhibitors inhibited CA-stimulated p-p38/p38, p-ERK/ERK, and p-MITFincrease, which had negative binding energies with MC1R, as depicted by molecular docking. Conclusion: P. ginseng roots' phenolic acid monomers can safely inhibit melanin production by bidirectionallyregulating melanin synthase transcription. Furthermore, they reduced MITF expression viaMC1R/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and enhanced MITF post-translational modification via Wnt/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

Synthesis of Sulfonated Fluorenyl-Containing Poly(ether ether ketone ketone)s and Their Blends with an Amino-Functionalized Poly(ether ether ketone) for Fuel Cell Applications

Long Li,Baijun Liu,Siyuan Liu,Zhuang Liu,Yunwu Yu,Liwei Jing,Zhenhua Jiang 한국고분자학회 2013 Macromolecular Research Vol.21 No.7

A new family of sulfonated fluorenyl-containing poly(ether ether ketone ketone)s (SFPEEKKs) were successfully synthesized through a mild postsulfonation in concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature. Further, a series of “molecule-enhanced” blend membranes were prepared based on SFPEEKKs and an amino-functionalized poly(ether ether ketone) by the solution casting method. These blend membranes generally showed higher thermal stability, lower swelling ratio and methanol permeability and superior mechanical properties in comparison with pristine SFPEEKK membranes. The results showed that some blend membranes may be promising proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications.

Novel arylhydrazone derivatives bearing a rhodanine moiety: synthesis and evaluation of their antibacterial activities

Li, Wei,Zheng, Chang-Ji,Sun, Liang-Peng,Song, Ming-Xia,Wu, Yan,Li, Yin-Jing,Liu, Yi,Piao, Hu-Ri 대한약학회 2014 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.37 No.7

A series of arylhydrazone derivatives bearing a rhodanine moiety have been synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as antibacterial agents. Some of these compounds showed potent antibacterial activities against several different strains of Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Of the compounds tested, IIk and IIIk were identified as the most effective, with minimum inhibitory concentration values of $2-4{\mu}g/mL$ against multidrug-resistant Gram-positive organisms, including methicillin-resistant and quinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. None of the compounds exhibited any activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli 1356 at $64{\mu}g/mL$.

A class of differential inverse quasi-variational inequalities in finite dimensional spaces

Li, Wei,Xiao , Yi-Bin,Huang , Nan-Jing,Cho , Yeol Je International Scientific Research Publications MY 2017 The journal of nonlinear science and applications Vol.10 No.8

<P>In this paper, we introduce and study a class of differential inverse quasi-variational inequalities in finite dimensional Euclidean spaces, which are closely related to the differential variational inequalities. By using two important theorems on differential inclusions, we first prove some existence theorems for Caratheodory weak solutions of the differential inverse quasi-variational inequality considered. Then, with the Euler computation method, we construct an Euler time-dependent scheme for solving the differential inverse quasi-variational inequality and prove a convergence result on the Euler time-dependent scheme constructed. (C) 2017 All rights reserved.</P>