Temporal coherent image segmentation and its applications

Song-Hai Zhang,Xian-Ying Li,Tao Chen,Yi-Fei Zhang,Shi-Min Hu,Ralph Martin (사)한국CDE학회 2010 한국CAD/CAM학회 국제학술발표 논문집 Vol.2010 No.8

We propose a trapped-ball method for image segmentation, which is fast, supports non-uniformly colored regions, and allows robust region segmentation even in the presence of imperfectly linked region edges. We also introduce two applications by using the trapped-ball image segmentation, for temporal coherent animations generation and editing. First, we present a system for vectorizing 2D raster format cartoon animations by the segmentation method and background construction. The output animations are visually flicker free, smaller in file size, and easy to edit. And then we present an automatic method for online video stream stylization, producing a temporally coherent output video stream, based on the trapped-ball segmentation and optical flow. Our system transforms video into an abstract style with large regions of constant color and highlighted bold edges.

Soluble expression, purification and the role of C-terminal glycine residues in scorpion toxin BmK AGP-SYPU2

( Rong Zhang ),( Yong Cui ),( Xi Zhang ),( Zhuo Yang ),( Yong Shan Zhao ),( Yong Bo Song ),( Chun Fu Wu ),( Jing Hai Zhang ) 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2010 BMB Reports Vol.43 No.12

The existence of glycine residues in long-chain scorpion toxins has been well documented. However, their role as analgesics has not been evaluated. To address this issue, we investigated the functional role of glycines in the C-terminal end of Chinese-scorpion toxin from Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK AGP-SYPU2) using site-directed mutagenesis and analgesic activity assays. Recombinant BmK AGP-SYPU2 and its mutants were efficiently expressed in E. coli and purified to homogeneity using immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) and cation exchange chromatography. The mouse-twisting test was used to detect the analgesic activity of BmK AGP-SYPU2 and its mutants. As a result, we identified glycines at the C-terminal end that, when altered, significantly affected analgesic activity. Also, Mut6566 was significantly decreased compared to BmK AGP-SYPU2. These data indicate that the glycines at the C-terminal end are important for the analgesic activity of BmK AGP-SYPU2. [BMB reports 2010; 43(12): 801-806]

Melatonin Attenuates Noise Stress-induced Gastrointestinal Motility Disorder and Gastric Stress Ulcer: Role of Gastrointestinal Hormones and Oxidative Stress in Rats

( Lei Zhang ),( Ji T Gong ),( Hu Q Zhang ),( Quan H Song ),( Guang H Xu ),( Lei Cai ),( Xiao D Tang ),( Hai F Zhang ),( Fang E Liu ),( Zhan S Jia ),( Hong W Zhang ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2015 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.21 No.2

Background/Aims There are increasing evidences for gastrointestinal motility disorder (GIMD) and gastric stress ulcer induced by noise stress. The present study was to investigate the reversed effect of melatonin on GIMD and gastric stress ulcer induced by noise stress and potential mechanism. Methods Noise stress was induced on rats, and melatonin (15 mg/kg) was administered to rats by intraperitoneal injection. Differences were assessed in gastric residual rate (GRR), small intestine propulsion rate (SPR), Guth injury score, cortisol, gastrointestinal hormones (calcitonin-gene-related peptide and motilin) and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase and malondialde hyde) in blood plasma as well as gastric mucosa homogenate with or without melatonin. The pathological examination of gastric mucosa was also performed. Results The GRR and SPR were improved by noise stress compared with control (P < 0.05). The pathological examination and Guth injury score revealed gastric stress ulcer. Moreover, the levels of cortisol, motilin and malondialdehyde in blood plasma and malondialdehyde in gastric mucosa homogenate were increased by noise stress (P < 0.05). CGRP and superoxide dismutase activity in both of blood plasma and gastric mucosa homogenate were significantly decreased (P< 0.05). Furthermore, melatonin reversed changes in GRR, SPR, pathological examination, Guth injury score, cortisol, motilin, CGRP, superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde (P < 0.05). Conclusions Melatonin is effective in reversing the GIMD and gastric stress ulcer induced by noise stress. The underlying mechanism may be involved in oxidative stress and gastrointestinal hormones. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015;21:189-199)

Model-Based Prediction of Pulsed Eddy Current Testing Signals from Stratified Conductive Structures

Zhang, Jian-Hai,Song, Sung-Jin,Kim, Woong-Ji,Kim, Hak-Joon,Chung, Jong-Duk The Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing 2011 한국비파괴검사학회지 Vol.31 No.6

Excitation and propagation of electromagnetic field of a cylindrical coil above an arbitrary number of conductive plates for pulsed eddy current testing(PECT) are very complex problems due to their complicated physical properties. In this paper, analytical modeling of PECT is established by Fourier series based on truncated region eigenfunction expansion(TREE) method for a single air-cored coil above stratified conductive structures(SCS) to investigate their integrity. From the presented expression of PECT, the coil impedance due to SCS is calculated based on analytical approach using the generalized reflection coefficient in series form. Then the multilayered structures manufactured by non-ferromagnetic (STS301L) and ferromagnetic materials (SS400) are investigated by the developed PECT model. Good prediction of analytical model of PECT not only contributes to the development of an efficient solver but also can be applied to optimize the conditions of experimental setup in PECT.

Transrectal Real-time Tissue Elastography - An Effective Way to Distinguish Benign and Malignant Prostate Tumors

Zhang, Yan,Tang, Jie,Liang, Hai-Dong,Lv, Fa-Qin,Song, Zhi-Gang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.4

Background: To investigate the relationship between extracellular matrix parameters and texture of prostatic lesions evaluated by transrectal real-time tissue elastography (TRTE). Methods: 120 patients suspicious for prostate cancer underwent TRTE. Targeted biopsies were carried out after 12-core systematic biopsy. Epithelia were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and Victoria blue and Ponceau S were used to stain elastic-collagen fibers, and picric acid-sirius red for visualization of collagen type I (Col1) and III (Col3). Smooth muscles were visualized by immunohistochemistry. All image analyses were performed in a blind manner using Image Pro Plus 6.0, and the area ratios of epithelium, elastic fibers, collagen fibers and Col1/Col3 were determined. Results: 42 patients with typical elastograms were included in the final data analysis. Significant differences were detected between the benign and malignant groups in the area ratios of epithelium (P = 0.01), smooth muscles and Col1/Col3 (P = 0.04, P = 0.02, respectively). There were no significant differences in the area ratios of epithelium, smooth muscle and elastic fibers between the stiff and soft lesion groups. The area ratio of Col1 was ($0.05{\pm}0.03$) in the stiff group, and ($0.02{\pm}0.01$) in the soft group (P= 0.00). However, the area ratio of Col3 was ($0.03{\pm}0.02$) in the stiff group, and ($0.05{\pm}0.04$) in the soft group (P = 0.16). Col1/Col3 in the stiff group ($1.99{\pm}1.59$) was greater than in the soft group ($0.71{\pm}0.64$) (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Tissue hardness of prostatic tumors was mainly dependent on the Col1 content, Col1/Col3 being higher in malignant than in benign lesions, so the prostate tissue texture can be used as a target for distinguishing between the two with TRTE.

Model-Based Prediction of Pulsed Eddy Current Testing Signals from Stratified Conductive Structures

Jian-Hai Zhang,Sung-Jin Song,Woong-Ji Kim,Hak-Joon Kim,Jong-Duk Chung 한국비파괴검사학회 2011 한국비파괴검사학회지 Vol.31 No.6

Excitation and propagation of electromagnetic field of a cylindrical coil above an arbitrary number of conductive plates for pulsed eddy current testing(PECT) are very complex problems due to their complicated physical properties. In this paper, analytical modeling of PECT is established by Fourier series based on truncated region eigenfunction expansion(TREE) method for a single air-cored coil above stratified conductive structures(SCS) to investigate their integrity. From the presented expression of PECT, the coil impedance due to SCS is calculated based on analytical approach using the generalized reflection coefficient in series form. Then the multilayered structures manufactured by non-ferromagnetic (STS301L) and ferromagnetic materials (SS400) are investigated by the developed PECT model. Good prediction of analytical model of PECT not only contributes to the development of an efficient solver but also can be applied to optimize the conditions of experimental setup in PECT.

Structural Characterization and Optical Properties of Sol-gel-derived Polycrystalline Pb(Zr0.35Ti0.65)O3 Thin Films

Fan Zhang,Rong-Jun Zhang,Zi YiWang,Yu-Xiang Zheng,Song-You Wang,Hai-Bin Zhao,Liang-Yao Chen,Xiao Bin Liu,An Quan Jiang 한국물리학회 2013 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.63 No.1

Polycrystalline Pb(Zr0.35Ti0.65)O3 thin films prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate by using solgel technique were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The optical properties of the films were investigated by using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) with a four-phase optical model, air/roughness layer/PZT layer/Pt layer in the spectral range of 300 - 800 nm. The optical band gap of the films calculated following the Tauc’s Law was smaller than that of an amorphous PZT thin film with some microcrystals existing on the surface. The result indicates that the quantum-size effect leads to an increase in band gap when the crystalline dimensions become very small.

A study on the failure mechanism and wear loss of impregnated diamond bits during machining process of armor ceramics

Lei Zheng,Hai-Xiang Huan,Yong Zeng,Shuquan Song,Shili Cheng,Chunwei Zhang 대한기계학회 2018 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.32 No.1

Thin-wall diamond core bits are usually recommended for the machining of relatively high-sized holes in engineering ceramics. However, during the machining process of engineering ceramics, the tools are usually considerably worn. In this work, the failure mechanism and wear loss of thin-wall impregnated diamond bits has been investigated experimentally during the machining process of Al 2 O 3 armor engineering ceramics. In summary, the failure reasons of the bits can be divided into three cases: Bit skidding, twisted fracture of the bit clamp holder and breakup of the sintering body. The overall wear process of the bits can be roughly divided into three stages: The rapid wear, the stable wear and the sharp wear. The machining duration per hole presents an approximately periodic variation with the number of cumulatively machined holes. Under the experimental conditions, both the bit wear rate and the drilling rate present an approximately periodic variation with the cumulative drilling depth, whereas the corresponding periodic characteristics are not the same. During the hole-machining process, the wear loss of the sintering diamond bits is mainly concentrated on the matrix crown of the bits, but the wear of the matrix binder and the diamond grits on the outer cylindrical surface of the sintering body is negligible.

Evidence for the Presence of Long-Lived Plasma Cells in Nasal Polyps

Ya-Na Zhang,Jia Song,Guan-Ting Zhai,Hai Wang,Ren-Zhong Luo,Jing-Xian Li,Bo Liao,Jin Ma,Heng Wang,Xiang Lu,Da-Bo Liu,Zheng Liu 대한천식알레르기학회 2020 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.12 No.2

Purpose: Plasma cells and immunoglobulins (Igs) play a pivotal role in the induction and maintenance of chronic inflammation in nasal polyps. During secondary immune responses, plasma cell survival and Ig production are regulated by the local environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) and specific survival niches for LLPCs in human nasal polyps. Methods: Nasal mucosal samples were cultured with an air-liquid interface system and the Ig levels in culture supernatants were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The characteristics of LLPCs in nasal polyps were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expression of neurotrophins as well as their receptors was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Results: The numbers of CD138+ total plasma cells and BCL2+ plasma cells were increased in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps compared with those in normal tissues. The production of IgG, IgA, and IgE was detected in culture supernatants even after a 32-day culture of nasal polyps. Although the total numbers of plasma cells were decreased in nasal polyps after culture, the numbers of BCL2+ plasma cells remained stable. The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) as well as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, a high-affinity receptor for NGF, was upregulated in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps. In addition, BCL2+ plasma cell numbers were positively correlated with NGF and TrkA mRNA expression in nasal mucosal tissues. Polyp plasma cells had the expression of TrkA. Conclusions: Human nasal polyps harbor a population of LLPCs and NGF may be involved in their prolonged survival. LLPCs may be a novel therapeutic target for suppressing the local Ig production in nasal polyps.

Residual Stresses of α-Al2O3/Ni Nano-Composite Coating Prepared by Automatic Brush Plating Technique

Jia Man,Song Zhang,Xiaona Luan,Yuan Hai,Gaoli Cai 한국정밀공학회 2017 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.4 No.1

Brush plating is one of the remanufacturing technologies which have been widely used in engine remanufacturing. In this paper, α-Al2O3/Ni composite coatings were prepared on the inner hole face of the big end of connecting rod by a self-made automatic plating machine. To investigate the effects of process parameters on residual stresses of α-Al2O3/Ni composite coating, a L16(44) orthogonal experiment was designed and operated in which four process parameters (voltage, concentration of α-Al2O3 particles, speed, and distance between anode and workpiece) were selected as factors. ANOVA (analysis of variance) were employed to determine the effects of process parameters on the residual stresses of composite coatings. It was found that speed was the most significant factor for the residual stresses. The optimal process parameters for the desirable residual stresses were obtained, which was proved to be valid by the verification experiments. In addition, single factor experiments were employed to study the main effects of process parameters on composite coatings.