《肤色》:撕裂的照片,对立的世界

第91届奥斯卡最佳真人短片《肤色》海报极似一张撕裂后拼合而成的黑白写真,将照片一分为二的裂纹对应短片中对立的白黑世界,裂纹纵向朝下的走向暗示种族暴力将向下一代传递。文章以短片剧情简介、海报与剧情结构对应性分析为切入点,横向比较短片中并立的白黑世界(影片横轴),纵向梳理白人如何自食"种族暴力"之果,以及种族暴力如何代际传递(影片纵轴),并揭示影片的警示意义。

Real-Time Face Tracking and Recognition in Video Sequence

A framework of real time face tracking and recognition is presented, which integrates skin color based tracking and PCA/BPNN (principle component analysis/back propagation neural network) hybrid recognition techniques. The algorithm is able to track the human face against a complex background and also works well when temporary occlusion occurs. We also obtain a very high recognition rate by averaging a number of samples over a long image sequence. The proposed approach has been successfully tested by many experiments, and can operate at 20 frames/s on an 800 MHz PC.

Multi-face detection based on downsampling and modified subtractive clustering for color images

This paper presents a multi-face detection method for color images. The method is based on the assumption that faces are well separated from the background by skin color detection. These faces can be located by the proposed method which modifies the subtractive clustering. The modified clustering algorithm proposes a new definition of distance for multi-face detection, and its key parameters can be predetermined adaptively by statistical information of face objects in the image. Downsampling is employed to reduce the computation of clustering and speed up the process of the proposed method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by three experiments.

Distribution and ultrastructure of pigment cells in the skins of normal and albino adult turbot, Scophthalmus Maximus

The distribution and ultrastructure of pigment cells in skins of normal and albino adult turbots were examined with transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. Three types of pigment cells of melanophore, iridophore and xanthophore have been recognized in adult turbot skins. The skin color depends mainly on the amount and distribution of melanophore and iridophore, as xanthophore is quite rare. No pigment cells can be found in the epidermis of the skins. In the pigmented ocular skin of the turbot, melanophore and iridophore are usually co-localized in the dermis. This is quite different from the distribution in larvae skin. In albino and white blind skins of adult turbots, however, only iridophore monolayer still exists, while the melanophore monolayer disappears. This cytological evidence explains why the albino adult turbot, unlike its larvae, could never resume its body color no matter what enviroumental and nutritional conditions were provided. Endocytosis is quite active in the cellular membrane of the iridophore. This might be related to the formation of reflective platelet and stability of the iridophore.

Features of human skin in HSV color space and new recognition parameter

Features of human skin in HSV color space are widely applied in the area of image retrieval based on content. H is selected as the basic recognition parameter because its value has a narrow range for the skin color and can keep stable while the illumination intensity or the curvature of skin surface is changing. Rules of parameters with the change of illumination in HSV color space are studied. It is firstly found that the mean of saturation and value (S+V)/2 can keep stable when the illumination intensity is changed or the skin surface is inflected, and (S+V)/2 changes with skin color, but the tendency of change is contrary to that of H. Therefore, (S+V)/H can be used as a new recognition parameter which can enhance HSV ability to recognize human skin.

Tracking of human head with particle filter

To cope with the problem of tracking a human head in a complicated scene,we propose a method that adopts human skin color and hair color integrated with a kind of particle filter named condensation algorithm.Firstly,a novel method is presented to set up human head color model using skin color and hair color separately based on region growing.Compared with traditional human face model,this method is more precise and works well when human turns around and the face disappears in the image.Then a novel method is presented to use color model in condensation algorithm more effectively.In this method,a combination of edge detection result,color segmentation result and color edge detection result in an Omega window is used to measure the scale and position of human head in condensation.Experiments show that this approach can track human head in complicated scene even when human turns around or the distance of tracking a human head changes quickly.

Metastatic melanoma of the gallbladder: An unusual clinical presentation of acute cholecystitis

Metastatic disease from cutaneous melanoma can af-fect all organs of the body, and varies in its biological behavior and clinical presentation. We present the case of a 58-year-old man who arrived at our clinic with acute abdominal pain, which, after investigation, was diagnosed as acute cholecystitis. The patient under-went laparotomy and cholecystectomy. Two years ago, he underwent surgical removal of a primary cutaneous melanoma on his right upper back. Pathological exami-nation revealed the presence of malignant melanoma with a metastatic lesion of the gallbladder.

Carney complex: Two case reports and review of literature

Lian Duan, Lin Lu, Carney complex （CNC） is an extremely rare genetic syndrome of pigmented skin lesions, endocrine hyper-function and myxoma. Given its diverse clinical mani-festations, CNC is often misdiagnosed. Recognition of some special clinical manifestations and imaging features may help with the diagnosis. Early diagnosis of CNC would alert ongoing surveillance of tumors and complications; the prognosis of CNC may thus be improved by early treatment. Herein, we report two cases of CNC with bone lesions.

Efficient Approach for Face Detection in Video Surveillance

Security access control systems and automatic video surveillance systems are becoming increasingly important recently,and detecting human faces is one of the indispensable processes.In this paper,an approach is presented to detect faces in video surveillance.Firstly,both the skin-color and motion components are applied to extract skin-like regions.The skin-color segmentation algorithm is based on the BPNN (back-error-propagation neural network) and the motion component is obtained with frame difference algorithm.Secondly,the image is clustered into separated face candidates by using the region growing technique.Finally,the face candidates are further verified by the rule-based algorithm.Experiment results demonstrate that both the accuracy and processing speed are very promising and the approach can be applied for the practical use.

A closed-loop algorithm to detect human face using color and reinforcement learning

A closed-loop algorithm to detect human face using color information and reinforcement learning is presented in this paper. By using a skin-color selector, the regions with color "like" that of human skin are selected as candidates for human face. In the next stage, the candidates are matched with a face model and given an evaluation of the match degree by the matching module. And if the evaluation of the match result is too low, a reinforcement learning stage will start to search the best parameters of the skin-color selector. It has been tested using many photos of various ethnic groups under various lighting conditions, such as different light source, high light and shadow. And the experiment result proved that this algorithm is robust to the vary-ing lighting conditions and personal conditions.

Skin Detection Using Simple Arithmetic Operations

Skin detection is the primary step in a large number of computer vision applications. Speed and simplicity are vital components in many of these applications. Various methods have been implemented. However they lack either speed or simplicity or both. In previous studies, simple color component subtraction and threshold in RGB color space were used. However, in this research study, the threshold is found empirically using a known images database. In addition, all the RGB color components were used in the calculation. Optimistic results were obtained. The obtained results illustrate that this method is a promising approach used in skin detection applications.

Sporadic somatic mutation of c-kit gene in a family with gastrointestinal stromal tumors without cutaneous hyperpigmentation

We described two members in a family with gastrointestinal stromal tumors （GISTs） without cutaneous hyperpigmentation. The patients were father and son who did not have cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Histological examination showed that these tumors were GISTs expressing CD34 and CD117. Tumor DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens revealed somatic mutation with a deletion mutation at different codons in exon 11 of c-kit gene after direct sequencing analysis. No germline mutation was detected in DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes obtained from the father and son. We propose that GISTs could be caused by sporadic somatic mutation in a family without germline mutation and hyperpigmentation.

Cyclic patterns of incidence rate for skin malignant melanoma:association with heliogeophysical activity

Background： Our previous studies revealed cyclicity in the incidence rate of skin malignant melanoma （SMM; ICD9, Dx： 172） in the Czech Republic （period T=7.50～7.63 years）, UK （T= 11.00 years） and Bulgaria （T= 12.20 years）. Incidences com- pared with the sunspot index Rz （lag-period dT=＋2, ＋4, ＋6, ＋ 10 or ＋ 12 years） have indicated that maximal rates are most likely to appear on descending slopes of the ;ll-year solar cycle, i.e., out of phase. We summarized and explored more deeply these cyclic variations and discussed their possible associations with heliogeophysical activity （HGA） components exhibiting similar cyclicity. Methods： Annual incidences of SMM from 5 countries （Czech Republic, UK, Bulgaria, USA and Canada） over various time spans during the years 1964-1992 were analyzed and their correlations with cyclic Rz （sunspot number） and aa （planetary geomagnetic activity） indices were summarized. Periodogram regression analysis with trigonometric approximation and phase-correlation analysis were applied. Results： Previous findings on SMM for the Czech Republic, UK and Bulgaria have been validated, and cyclic patterns have been revealed for USA （T=8.63 years, P〈0.05） and Canada （Ontario, T=9.91 years, P〈0.10）. Also, various ＇hypercycles＇ were established （T=45.5, 42.0, 48.25, 34.5 and 26.5 years, respectively） describing long-term cyclic incidence patterns. The association of SMM for USA and Canada with Rz （dT=＋6 and ＋7 years, respectively） and aa （dT=-10 and ＋9 years, respectively） was described. Possible interactions of cyclic non-photic influences （UV irradiation, Schumann resonance signal, low-frequency geomagnetic fluctuations） with brain waves absorbance, neuronal calcium dynamics, neuro-endocrine axis modulation, melatonin/serotonin disbalance and skin neuro-immunity impairment as likely causal pathways in melanoma appearance, were also discussed. Conclusion： The above findings on cyclicity and temporal association of SMM with cyclic environmental factors could not only allow for better forecasting models but also lead to a better understanding of melanoma aetiology.

Colorfulness Enhancement Using Image Classifier Based on Chroma-histogram

The paper Proposes a colorfulness enhancement of pictorial images using image classifier based on chroma histogram. This approach firstly estimates strength of colorfulness of images and their types. With such determined infomation, the algorithm automatical- ly adjusts image colorfulness for a better natural image look. With the help of an additional detection of skin colors and a pixel chroma adaptive local processing, the algodtlan produces more natural image look. The algorithm perfomance had been tested with an image quality judgment experiment of 20 persons. The experimental result indicates a better image preference.

Characterization of a New Methodology Based on the Intensity of Skin Staining of Ornamental Fish with Applications in Nutrition

The colors presented in ornamental fish determine their acceptability in the market, which is one of the main factors which determine their price. Selecting the fish by only looking at them makes the result analysis based in statistics difficult. Thus, it has become necessary to develop a method of quantification for practical use, which will apply minimal stress to the fish while being economically feasible. The proposed method uses a technique which converts the colors of interest to numerical indexes usable in statistical methods of higher precision. The results increase the abilities of fish nutrition researchers aiming to intensify the color characteristics of fish through selective breeding and genetic engineering with the intent of reliably achieving the desired visual characteristics for commercialization.

Joint detection method of pornographic images with skin-like color background

A novel approach is proposed to automatically detect pomographic images with skin-like color background on the Intemet using the locations of human faces and bodies. It has two separate skin-color detection steps： the first one is to quickly detect the potential human skin-color regions; and the second one is to use an off-the-shelf face detector to locate a human face and then apply hypothesis testing based on series of assumptions which take into account the face-height ratio, body orientation and modem photograph composition common sense, etc. After that, a template matching method is used to further discriminate normal images or pornographic ones. Experimental results show that the proposed method has high precision and real time speed.

Cystic adenoid trichoepithelioma occurring in mother and daughter: Case report

Multiple familial trichoepithelioma is a rare autosomal predominantly on the face. They are benign skin tumours trichoepithelioma occurring in two members of the same family dominant skin disease that presents as many small tumours of hair follicle differentiation. We report multiple familial

An unhappy triad:Hemochromatosis, porphyria cutanea tarda and hepatocellular carcinoma-A case report

Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are predisposing factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. Hemosiderosis has also been described to trigger carcinogenesis. A significant iron overload, as found in hereditary hemochromatosis （HHC）, is a risk factor for HCC and may also promote the symptoms of porphyria cutanea tarda （PCT）. A 68-year old male patient presented to our clinic with a suspected HCC, elevated alpha-fetoprotein but normal liver function tests. He reported a 25 year-old history of vitiligo upon exposure to sunlight. The patient underwent an extended left hemihepatectomy, and the recovery was uneventful, with the exception of a persistent hyperbilirubinemia. Perfusion problems and extrahepatic cholestasis were ruled out by CT-scan with angiography and MR-cholangiopancreatography. However, MR1 showed an iron overload. Histology confirmed the HCC （pT3, pN0, G3, R0） and revealed a portal fibrosis and hemosiderosis. Based on the skin lesions we suspected a PCT that was confirmed by laboratory tests showing elevated porphyrin, uroporphyrin, coproporphyrin and porphobilinogen. Concurrently, molecular diagnostics revealed homozygosity for the C282Y mutation within the hemochromatosis HFE gene. After phlebotomy and normalization of liver function tests the patient was discharged. This is the first case ever showing the unusual combination of HCC in a fibrotic liver with HHC and PCT. This diagnosis not only warrants oncological follow-up but also symptomatic therapy to normalize iron metabolism and thereby improve liver function and alleviate the symptoms of HHC and PCT. Thus progression of fibrosis may be prevented and liver regeneration supported.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of vitamin D receptor(VDR) expression in cutaneous melanoma tissues and four VDR gene polymorphisms

Objective:Vitamin D receptor(VDR)mediates vitamin D activity.We examined whether VDR expression in excised melanoma tissues is associated with VDR gene(VDR)polymorphisms.Methods:We evaluated VDR protein expression(by monoclonal antibody immunostaining),melanoma characteristics,and carriage of VDR-Fok I-rs2228570(C>T),VDR-Bsm I-rs1544410(G>A),VDR-ApaI-rs7975232(T>G),and VDR-TaqI-rs731236(T>C)polymorphisms(by restriction fragment length polymorphism).Absence or presence of restriction site was denoted by a capital or lower letter,respectively:"F"and"f"for Fok I,"B"and"b"for Bsm I,"A"and"a"for ApaI,and "T"and"t"for TaqI endonuclease.Seventy-four Italian cutaneous primary melanomas(52.1±12.7 years old)were studied;51.4% were stage Ⅰ,21.6% stage Ⅱ ,13.5% stage Ⅲ,and 13.5% stage Ⅳ melanomas.VDR expression was categorized as follows:100% positive vs.<100%;over the median 20%(high VDR expression)vs.≤20%(low VDR expression);absence vs.presence of VDR-expressing cells.Results:Stage I melanomas,Breslow thickness of<1.00 mm,level II Clark invasion,Aa heterozygous genotype,and AaTT combined genotype were more frequent in melanomas with high vs.low VDR expression.Combined genotypes BbAA,bbAa,AATt,BbAATt,and bbAaTT were more frequent in 100%vs.<100%VDR-expressing cells.Combined genotype AATT was more frequent in melanomas lacking VDR expression(odds ratio=14.5;P=0.025).VDR expression was not associated with metastasis,ulceration,mitosis>1,regression,tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes,tumoral infiltration of vascular tissues,additional skin and non-skin cancers,and melanoma familiarity.Conclusions:We highlighted that VDR polymorphisms can affect VDR expression in excised melanoma cells.Low VDR expression in AATT carriers is a new finding that merits further study.VDR expression possibly poses implications for vitamin D supplementation against melanoma.VDR expression and VDR genotype may become precise medicinal tools for melanoma in the future.

Efficacy of Tri-active Brightening and Anti-aging Complex in Treatment of Facial Skin Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by long-term UV （ultraviolet） exposure, hormonal imbalances, skin ageing processes, as well as skin inflammation, skin injuries and accumulation ofhemosiderin. A brightening complex consisting of niacin, Rumex spp. and biomimetic peptide is supposed to be an efficient alternative for commonly used brightening agents. In-vivo research of night cream （1474） was conducted in order to confirm the safety and efficiency of tri-active brightening cream in treatment of facial skin hyperpigmentation. The research was conducted on a group of 30 female patients, and the night cream was applied once a day for six weeks. The research was done by the use of VISIA system, multifunctional MPA and PRIMOS projection system, which was applied with VISIOSCAN camera. Besides, the research also included a questionnaire. A decrease in melanin by 16% and 25% at 93% and 96% of patients, respectively, was observed after three and six weeks of regular application of the cream. Furthermore, we also noticed reduction oferythema which was accompanied by an increase in the skin moisture. Brightening of changes on hyperpigmented facial skin proved to be efficient after an application of tri-active complex which was a component of the night cream.