Proportional Convolution Filters - An Alternative Technique For Non-distorted Image Enhancement

This paper introduces a new class of spatial filters, here coined the proportional convolution filters. These filters are constructed in such way that the values assigned to each kernel cell are weighted as a function of the trigonometric distance of the cells to the kernel centre. A set of high-pass and low-pass proportional filters were designed using a specially tailored algorithm and a Delphi-based code that allows producing multi-dimensional filters. These filters underwent a twofold test. Firstly, the filters were tested against an instructive digital image of a candle flame. This image was employed as it shows large and detailed variations in color tones (low frequencies) and an assortment of possible boundaries between tones (high frequencies). Secondly, the filters were applied to a Landsat-5 TM image containing a variety of landforms. Results showed the efficiency of the filters and the adequacy of an array of kernel sizes to enhance both tonal and edge variations in a digital image, demonstrating that the proportional filters can benefit numerous applications in several fields of Geosciences. © 2012 Sociedade Brasileira de Geofísica.3013139Blom, R.G., Daily, M., Radar Image-Processing for Rock-Type Discrimination (1982) IEEE Transactions On Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 20 (3), pp. 343-351Branco, F.C., (1998) Filtros De Convolução Passa Baixas No Realce Tonal De Imagens, p. 78. , M.Sc. Dissertation. Instituto de Geociências - USP. São Paulo, SP, BrazilCurran, P.J., (1985) Principles of Remote Sensing, p. 282. , Longman Group Limited, London, UKDrury, S.A., (2001) Image Interpretation In Geology, p. 296. , Blackwell Science, UK, 3rd editionHoldermann, F., Bohner, M., Bargel, B., Kazmierczak, H., Review of Automatic Image Processing (1978) Photogrammetria, 34, pp. 225-258Mather, P.M., (1999) Computer Processing of Remotely-Sensed Images: An Introduction, p. 292. , John Wiley & Sons Inc., UKSouza, F.C.R., Drury, S.A., Denniss, A.M., Carlton, R.W.T., Rothery, D.A., Restoration of Corrupted Optical Fuyo-1 (JERS-1) Data Using Frequency Domain Techniques (1996) Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, 62 (9), pp. 1037-1047Tao, L., Asari, V., An Integrated Neighborhood Dependent Approach for Nonlinear Enhancement of Color Images (2004) International Conference On Information Technology, Proceedings, 2, pp. 138-13

Soy milk versus simvastatin for preventing atherosclerosis and left ventricle remodeling in LDL receptor knockout mice

Functional food intake has been highlighted as a strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases by reducing risk factors. In this study, we compared the effects of oral treatment with soy milk and simvastatin on dyslipidemia, left ventricle remodeling and atherosclerotic lesion of LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-) fed a hyperlipidic diet. Forty 3-month old male LDLr-/- mice were distributed into four groups: control group (C), in which animals received standard diet; HL group, in which animals were fed a hyperlipidic diet; HL+SM or HL+S groups, in which animals were submitted to a hyperlipidic diet plus soy milk or simvastatin, respectively. After 60 days, both soy milk and simvastatin treatment prevented dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic lesion progression and left ventricle hypertrophy in LDLr-/- mice. These beneficial effects of soy milk and simvastatin were associated with reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory state in the heart and aorta caused by the hyperlipidic diet. Treatment with soy milk was more effective in preventing HDLc reduction and triacylglycerol and VLDLc increase. On the other hand, simvastatin was more effective in preventing an increase in total cholesterol, LDLc and superoxide production in aorta, as well as CD40L both in aorta and left ventricle of LDLr-/-. In conclusion, our results suggest a cardioprotective effect of soy milk in LDLr-/- mice comparable to the well-known effects of simvastatin