Photon counting range-intensity image strategy in low-light level environments.

We present a photon counting range-intensity image strategy based on a single-photon detector in low-light level environments. In this Letter, a composite modulation method over the pulse sequence was used for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, which combined pulse-position modulation and pulse-intensity modulation. This composite modulation method could obtain range and intensity of the detected target at the same time. Besides, angle-angle information could be provided from the scanner or detector array. Thus, a range-intensity image of the target became feasible. For demonstrating this photon counting range-intensity image strategy, a proof-of-principle laboratory system was established. In low-light level environments, a range-intensity image of multiple similar targets was obtained successfully with the range accuracy of centimeter level and intensity error of 1%. Compared with the range image, a range-intensity image could better reorganize and identify similar targets.

Computational model for salient object detection with anisotropy.

An innovative computational model for salient objects detection is proposed. The model is based on the exploitation of the anisotropy property of images by means of pixelwise directional entropy. The generalized Rényi entropy and the discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients are selected for this purpose. An entropy map of an input image can be obtained by calculating the Rényi entropy via local patch-based DCT. Analyzing the statistical property of the power spectrum of the entropy map on log-log scale, we find the power law is also appropriate for entropy maps. Accordingly, a saliency map can be derived from the entropy residual computation. Salient objects are detected using a seeded region growing algorithm. Both qualitative and quantitative experiments are conducted. The corresponding results demonstrate the outstanding performance of the proposed model.

Salient target detection based on pseudo-Wigner-Ville distribution and Rényi entropy.

We present what we believe to be a novel method based on pseudo-Wigner-Ville distribution (PWVD) and Rényi entropy for salient targets detection. In the foundation of studying the statistical property of Rényi entropy via PWVD, the residual entropy-based saliency map of an input image can be obtained. From the saliency map, target detection is completed by the simple and convenient threshold segmentation. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed method can detect targets effectively in complex ground scenes.

Effect and mechanism of ethanol extracts of muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae) on gastric ulcers in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ethanol extracts of Muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae) (RA) on gastric ulcers in rats and explore the potential mechanisms. METHODS: A model was established by ethanol (0.75 mL/kg). According to body weight, rats were pretreated with RA extracts (2.5 or 5 g/kg). The rats were administered 95% ethanol orally after 1 h. The effects of ethanol were evaluated by measuring the gastric secretion volume, pH, pepsin activity, and ulcer area. Histological analysis and immunohistochemistry were also conducted. Furthermore, the effect of the ethanol extract of RA on transiting activity of the gastrointestinal tract was observed in mice. RESULTS: Intragastric administration of RA extracts protected the gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, while reducing submucosal edema and preventing hemorrhagic damage. Moreover, the extracts increased the production of gastric mucus, upregulated Bcl-2, and downregulated Bax expression. Importantly, pretreated rats exhibited no significant change in the gastric secretion volume, gastric juice acidity, or pepsin. Furthermore, pretreatment prominently (P < 0.05) enhanced propulsive movement of the gastrointestinal tract in normal mice and mice with gastrointestinal motility disorders. CONCLUSION: Ethanol extracts of RA ameliorated gastric lesions in the gastric ulcer rat model. The mechanisms of action were related to improvement of gastrointestinal dynamics, maintenance of mucus integrity, and inhibition of apoptosis by downregulating proapoptotic Bax protein and upregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein.