Multi-scale Local Difference Directional Number Pattern for Group-housed Pigs Recognition

( Weijia Huang ),( Weixing Zhu ),( Zhengyan Zhang ),( Yizheng Guo ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2021 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.15 No.9

In this paper, a multi-scale local difference directional number (MLDDN) pattern is proposed for pig identification. Firstly, the color images of individual pig are converted into grey images by the most significant bits (MSB) quantization, which makes the grey values have better discrimination. Then, Gabor amplitude and phase responses on different scales are obtained by convoluting the grey images with Gabor masks. Next, by calculating the main difference of local edge directions instead of traditionally edge information, the directional numbers of Gabor amplitude and phase responses are encoded. Finally, the block histograms of the encoded images are concatenated on each scale, and the maximum pooling is adopted on different scales to avoid the high feature dimension. Experimental results on two pigsties show that MLDDN impressively outperforms the other widely used local descriptors.

ON THE CONSTITUTIVE MODELS FOR ULTRA-HIGH STRAIN RATE DEFORMATION OF METALS

Hossein Sedaghat,Weixing Xu,Liangchi Zhang,Weidong Liu 한국자동차공학회 2019 International journal of automotive technology Vol.20 No.Supp

Ultra-high strain rate deformation (> 104 s1) is common in high speed manufacturing and impact engineering. However, a general constitutive model suitable for describing the material deformation at ultra-high strain rates is still unavailable. The purpose of this study is of two-folds. The first is to systematically evaluate the performances of four typical constitutive models, Johnson-Cook (J-C), Khan-Huang-Liang (KHL), Zerilli-Armstrong (Z-A), and Gao-Zhang (G-Z), in predicting the dynamic behaviors of materials. The second is to obtain an improved constitutive model to better describe the deformation of materials under ultra-high strain rates. To this end, high strain rate tests were carried out on different crystalline structures, i.e., BCC, FCC, and HCP over a wide range of strain rate from 102 s1 to 1.5 × 104 s1. It was found that before the critical strain rate, around 104 s1, all of the previous models can predict the flow stresses. When the strain rate passes a critical point, however, these models fail to predict the sudden upsurge of the flow stresses. The improved model developed in this paper, by considering the dislocation drag mechanism, can successfully characterize the dynamic behaviours of materials over the whole range of strain rates.

Pretreatment of sweet sorghum bagasse by alkaline hydrogen peroxide for enhancing ethanol production

Xudong Li,Weixing Cao,Chen Sun,Jiangping Qiu,Ronghou Liu,Le Zhang 한국화학공학회 2016 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.33 No.3

Effects of severe and mild alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) pretreatment on ethanol production from sweet sorghum bagasse via pre-simultaneous saccharification fermentation, and the chemical structure changes of the substrates were investigated. The results showed that the bagasse pretreated by severe AHP could produce more ethanol than that of mild AHP. The maximum ethanol concentration of the bagasses from mild and severe AHP pretreatment with 8% bagasse loading was 7.642±0.140 g/L and 19.330±0.085 g/L, respectively. Moreover, the FTIR and NMR analysis illustrated that the molecule and surface structures of the pretreated bagasse were significantly changed compared with the control. The potential biomass energy production of the effluent from the pretreatment was also briefly discussed for future utilization of waste solution.The heat energy potentials of waste solution with severe and mild AHP pretreatment were 367.2 kJ/Leffluent and 327.6 kJ/Leffluent, respectively.

Change Detection Algorithm on Wavelet and Markov Random Field

Song Hongxun,Wang Weixing,Zhang Tingting,Yu Tianchao,Song Junfang 보안공학연구지원센터 2015 International Journal of Signal Processing, Image Vol.8 No.4

In this study, the algorithm that applies Wavelet and multi-scale analysis to remote sensing images is proposed for region variation detection on Markov random field. First of all, the Wavelet transform is adopted to decompose an original image into several sub-images, then the Mahalanobis distance decision function is used to detect the changes in different scale images, and finally the Markov random field is applied to fuse the change detection results at different scales. Since the Markov random field fusion method takes full account of the correlation between the adjacent pixels and the links of the change detection results at different scales, the fusion results are accurate and practical. The testing results prove that the studied algorithm is effective and robust.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy-Guided Bladder-Sparing Treatment for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Results of a Pilot Phase II Study

Hongzhe Shi,Wen Zhang,Xingang Bi,Dong Wang,Zejun Xiao,Youyan Guan,Kaopeng Guan,Jun Tian,Hongsong Bai,Linjun Hu,Chuanzhen Cao,Weixing Jiang,Zhilong Hu,Jin Zhang,Yan Chen,Shan Zheng,Xiaoli Feng,Changlin 대한암학회 2021 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.53 No.4

Purpose Reduced quality of life after cystectomy has made bladder preservation a popular research topic for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Previous research has indicated significant tumor downstaging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). However, maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) was performed before NAC to define the pathology, impacting the real evaluation of NAC. This research aimed to assess real NAC efficacy without interference from TURBT and apply combined modality therapies guided by NAC efficacy. Materials and Methods Patients with cT2-4aN0M0 MIBC were confirmed by cystoscopic biopsy and imaging. NAC efficacy was assessed by imaging, urine cytology, and cystoscopy with multidisciplinary team discussion. Definite responders (≤ T1) underwent TURBT plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Incomplete responders underwent radical cystectomy or partial cystectomy if feasible. The primary endpoint was the bladder preservation rate. Results Fifty-nine patients were enrolled, and the median age was 63 years. Patients with cT3-4 accounted for 75%. The median number of NAC cycles was three. Definite responders were 52.5%. The complete response (CR) was 10.2%, and 59.3% of patients received bladder-sparing treatments. With a median follow-up of 44.6 months, the 3-year overall survival (OS) was 72.8%. Three-year OS and relapse-free survival were 88.4% and 60.0% in the bladder-sparing group but only 74.3% and 37.5% in the cystectomy group. The evaluations of preserved bladder function were satisfactory. Conclusion After stratifying MIBC patients by NAC efficacy, definite responders achieved a satisfactory bladder-sparing rate, prognosis, and bladder function. The CR rate reflected the real NAC efficacy for MIBC. This therapy is worth verifying through multicenter research.

Semi-active eddy current pendulum tuned mass damper with variable frequency and damping

Ying Zhou,Liangkun Wang,Weixing Shi,Quanwu Zhang 국제구조공학회 2020 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.25 No.1

In order to protect a structure over its full life cycle, a novel tuned mass damper (TMD), the so-called semi-active eddy current pendulum tuned mass damper (SAEC-PTMD), which can retune its frequency and damping ratio in real-time, is proposed in this study. The structural instantaneous frequency is identified through a Hilbert-Huang transformation (HHT), and the SAECPTMD pendulum is adjusted through an HHT-based control algorithm. The eddy current damping parameters are discussed, and the relationship between effective damping coefficients and air gaps is fitted through a polynomial function. The semi-active eddy current damping can be adjusted in real-time by adjusting the air gap based on the linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG)-based control algorithm. To verify the vibration control effect of the SAEC-PTMD, an idealized linear primary structure equipped with an SAECPTMD excited by harmonic excitations and near-fault pulse-like earthquake excitations is proposed as one of the two case studies. Under strong earthquakes, structures may go into the nonlinear state, while the Bouc-Wen model has a wild application in simulating the hysteretic characteristic. Therefore, in the other case study, a nonlinear primary structure based on the Bouc-Wen model is proposed. An optimal passive TMD is used for comparison and the detuning effect, which results from the cumulative damage to primary structures, is considered. The maximum and root-mean-square (RMS) values of structural acceleration and displacement time history response, structural acceleration, and displacement response spectra are used as evaluation indices. Power analyses for one earthquake excitation are presented as an example to further study the energy dissipation effect of an SAECPTMD. The results indicate that an SAEC-PTMD performs better than an optimized passive TMD, both before and after damage occurs to the primary structure.

Cerebrovascular Drug-Eluting Stent versus Bare-Metal Stent in the Treatment of Vertebral Artery Stenosis: A Non-Inferiority Randomized Clinical Trial

Yingkun He,Tianxiao Li,Weixing Bai,Liangfu Zhu,Meiyun Wang,You Zhang 대한뇌졸중학회 2019 Journal of stroke Vol.21 No.1

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Molecular cloning and characterization under different stress conditions of insulin-like peptide 2 gene (AccILP-2) from Apis cerana cerana

Xuepeng Chi,Wei Wei,Weixing Zhang,HongfangWang,Zhenguo Liu,Baohua Xu 한국응용곤충학회 2018 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.21 No.2

Insulin-like peptide 2 is an important gene in the insulin/insulin-like signaling pathway. The insulin-like peptide 2 gene (ILP-2) appears to play a key role in metabolism, growth, reproduction, stress resistance and aging. In this study, we isolated and characterized an ILP-2 gene from Apis cerana cerana known as AccILP-2. The full-length AccILP-2 cDNA is 494 bp and contains a 222-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 73 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 8.706 kDa and an isoelectric point of 9.02. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that AccILP-2 shares high identity with ILP genes from Apis mellifera, Apis florea, Bombus terrestris, Eufriesea mexicana and Dufourea novaeangliae and contains a typical IlGF-insulin-bombyxin-like domain. Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the greatest expression of AccILP-2 was observed in the muscles of adult workers. Expression analysis results also indicated that AccILP-2 expression was greatest during the dark-eye developmental period. Furthermore, expression of the AccILP-2 transcript was induced by environmental stressors, including exposure to 4 °C, ultraviolet light, H2O2, heavy metals (HgCl2 and CdCl2) and pesticides (dichlorvos, paraquat and cyhalothrin). However, AccILP-2 expression was downregulated at 44 °C. In conclusion, these results suggested that AccILP-2 might play an important role in the response to abiotic stress. We expect that our study will promote future research on the function of the insulin/insulin-like signaling pathway.

Rheinic acid ameliorates radiation‑induced acute enteritis in rats through PPAR‑γ/NF‑κB

Haixia Sha,Yu Gu,Weixing Shen,Li Zhang,Fei Qian,Yudong Zhao,Haixiao Li,Ting Zhang,Weimin Lu 한국유전학회 2019 Genes & Genomics Vol.41 No.8

Background Acute radiation enteritis (ARE), a common complication of intestinal caused by abdominal and pelvic radiation therapy. Rheinic acid is a major active ingredient derived from Rhubarb. Rhubarb could suppress inflammation, tumor, fibrosis oxidative damage. However, RA as the main active component and extract monomer of Rhubarb, the pharmacological activity and the underlying molecular mechanism on various diseases has not yet been revealed. Objective To determine the potential role of rheinic acid (RA) in ameliorating inflammation of rats with acute radiation enteritis (ARE), and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods ARE rat model was established by irradiated with single-dose 10 Gy X-rays at a rate of 0.62 Gy/min to the abdomen. The rats were executed after orally administered with Rheinic acid 7 days and used in the subsequent experiments. Body weight, fecal characteristics and bloody of rats were used to assess the disease activity index. Histological analysis of the jejunum and colon were evaluated using H&E staining. The pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were measured by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were also determined. The mRNA and protein expression were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot, respectively. Results Rheinic acid promoted intestinal functional recovery, and ameliorated intestinal damage and bloody stool in ARE rats. Rheinic acid strongly decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, NO, and MDA, whereas increased levels of anti-oxidants, SOD and GSH. Moreover, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), were decreased with RA treatment. Further study indicated that PPAR-γ was activated and thereby NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathway were suppressed after rheinic acid treatment. Conclusion Rheinic acid could ameliorate acute radiation enteritis and the underlying molecular mechanism is, at least partially, through PPAR-γ/NF-κB and p38 MAPK/JNK pathways.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan-poly (vinyl alcohol)/polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fiber composite membranes for pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol

Jing Wang,Wenying Zhang,Weixing Li,Weihong Xing 한국화학공학회 2015 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.32 No.7

A new hollow fiber composite membrane of chitosan-poly (vinyl alcohol)/polyvinylidene fluoride (CSPVA/ PVDF) was prepared by casting the solution of CS and PVA on PVDF hollow fiber support for pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol. The composite membranes were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) and sulfuric acid. The microstructure and physicochemical properties of the membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG) and contact angle measurements. Results from SEM images showed that dense separation layers were successfully coated onto the supports, and the ATR-FTIR results showed that GA had crosslinked the composite membranes. Results of TG and contact angle showed the thermostability of membranes increased and the hydrophilicity decreased after blending CS and PVA. The swelling degree of composite membranes increased with increasing CS content and water content. Effects of the content of CS and GA in solution on membrane separation performance were investigated. The pervaporation experiments for dehydration of isopropanol showed that the membrane with 60 wt% CS and 0.1 wt% GA had a good separation performance. The permeate flux was 306 g/(m2·h) and the separation factor was 2140 for the feed solution containing 90% isopropanol at 60 oC. When the water content increased from 3 wt% to 15 wt%, the permeate flux increased from 207 g/(m2·h) to 346 g/(m2·h) while the separation factor decreased from 2406 to 1876. The separation factor and permeation flux increased with feed temperature.