• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.103-107
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• 2010

Purpose : This study was performed to examine the effects of image filter on observer performance by counting the number of holes at each wedge step on a radiographic image. Materials and Methods : An aluminum step wedge with 11 steps ranged in thickness from 1.5 mm to 16.5 mm in 1.5 mm increments was fabricated for this study. Each step had 10 notched holes with 1.0 mm diameter on the bottom of the step wedge which were ranged in depths from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm in 0.1 mm increments. Digital radiographic raw images of the aluminum step wedge were acquired by using CCD intraoral sensor. The images were processed using several types of noise reduction filters and kernel sizes. Three observers counted the number of holes which could be discriminated on each step. The data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results : The number of holes at each step was decreased as the thickness of step was increased. The number of holes at each step on the raw images was significantly higher than that on the processed images. The number of holes was different according to the types and kernel sizes of the image filters. Conclusions : The types and kernel sizes of image filters on observer performance were important, therefore, they should be standardized for commercial digital imaging systems.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.67-74
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• 2006

We have developed a control electronics system for an infrared detector array of KASINICS (KASI Near Infrared Camera System), which is a new ground-based instrument of the Korea Astronomy and Space science Institute (KASI). Equipped with a $512{\times}512$ InSb array (ALADDIN III Quadrant, manufactured by Raytheon) sensitive from 1 to $5{\mu}m$, KASINICS will be used at J, H, Ks, and L-bands. The controller consists of DSP(Digital Signal Processor), Bias, Clock, and Video boards which are installed on a single VME-bus backplane. TMS320C6713DSP, FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array), and 384-MB SDRAM(Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) are included in the DSP board. DSP board manages entire electronics system, generates digital clock patterns and communicates with a PC using USB 2.0 interface. The clock patterns are downloaded from a PC and stored on the FPGA. UART is used for the communication with peripherals. Video board has 4 channel ADC which converts video signal into 16-bit digital numbers. Two video boards are installed on the controller for ALADDIN array. The Bias board provides 16 dc bias voltages and the Clock board has 15 clock channels. We have also coded a DSP firmware and a test version of control software in C-language. The controller is flexible enough to operate a wide range of IR array and CCD. Operational tests of the controller have been successfully finished using a test ROIC (Read-Out Integrated Circuit).

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.559-563
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• 2015

Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI) is a Japanese X-ray all-sky surveyer mounted on the International Space Station (ISS). It has been scanning the whole sky since 2009 during every 92-minute ISS rotation. X-ray transients are quickly found by the real-time nova-search program. As a result, MAXI has issued 133 Astronomer's Telegrams and 44 Gamma-ray burst Coordinated Networks so far. MAXI has discovered six new black holes (BH) in 4.5 years. Long-term behaviors of the MAXI BHs can be classified into two types by their outbursts; a fast-rise exponential-decay type and a fast-rise flat-top one. The slit camera is suitable for accumulating data over a long time. MAXI issued a 37-month catalog containing 500 sources above a ~0.6 mCrab detection limit at 4-10 keV in the region ${\mid}{b}{\mid}$ > $10^{\circ}$. The SSC instrument utilizing an X-ray CCD has detected diffuse soft X-rays extending over a large solid angle, such as the Cygnus super bubble. MAXI/SSC has also detcted a Ne emission line from the rapid soft X-ray nova MAXI J0158-744. The overall shapes of outbursts in Be X-ray binaries (BeXRB) are precisely observed with MAXI/GSC. BeXRB have two kinds of outbursts, a normal outburst and a giant one. The peak dates of the subsequent giant outbursts of A0535+26 repeated with a different period than the orbital one. The Be stellar disk is considered to either have a precession motion or a distorted shape. The long-term behaviors of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXB) containing weakly magnetized neutron stars are investigated. Transient LMXBs (Aql X-1 and 4U 1608-52) repeated outbursts every 200-1000 days, which is understood by the limit-cycle of hydrogen ionization states in the outer accretion disk. A third state (very dim state) in Aql X-1 and 4U 1608-52 was interpreted as the propeller effect in the unified picture of LMXB. Cir X-1 is a peculiar source in the sense that its long-term behavior is not like typical LMXBs. The luminosity sometimes decreases suddenly at periastron. It might be explained by the stripping of the outer accretion disk by a clumpy stellar wind. MAXI observed 64 large flares from 22 active stars (RS CVns, dMe stars, Argol types, young stellar objects) over 4 years. The total energies are $10^{34}-10^{36}$ erg $s^{-1}$. Since MAXI can measure the spectrum (temperature and emission measure), we can estimate the size of the plasma and the magnetic fields. The size sometimes exceeds the size of the star. The magnetic field is in the range of 10-100 gauss, which is a typical value for solar flares.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.335-340
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• 1997

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques allow the enumeration of chromosome abnormalities and from a great potential for many clinical applications. In order to produce quantitative and reproducible results, expensive tools such as a cooled CCD camera and a computer software are required. We have developed a Chromosome Image Processing System (Chips) using FISH that allows the detection and mapping of the genetic aberrations. The aim of our study, therefore, is to evaluate the capabilities of our original system using a black-and-white video camera. As a model system, three repetitive DNA probes (D18Z1, DXZ1, and DYZ3) were hybridized to variety different clinical samples such as human metaphase spreads and interphase nuclei obtained from uncultured peripheral blood lymphocytes, uncultured amniocytes, and germ cells. The visualization of the FISH signals was performed using our system for image acquisition and pseudocoloring. FISH images were obtained by combining images from each of probes and DAPI counterstain captured separately. Using our original system, the aberrations of single or multiple chromosomes in a single hybridization experiment using chromosomes and interphase nuclei from a variety of cell types, including lymphocytes, amniocytes, sperm, and biopsied blastomeres, were enabled to evaluate. There were no differences in the image quality in accordance with FISH method, fluorochrome types, or different clinical samples. Always bright signals were detected using our system. Our system also yielded constant results. Our Chips would permit a level of performance of FISH analysis on metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei with unparalleled capabilities. Thus, it would be useful for clinical purposes.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.41-52
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• 2001

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of n-6(corn oil) & n-3(fish oil) fatty acids on infarction size and the cerebral activities of antioxidant enzyme in rat focal brain ischemia model. Weaning Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with either corn oil supplemented diet(COD, 14% corn oil) or fish oil supplemented diet(FOD, 14% menhaden oil) for 6 weeks. The right middle cerebral artery was occluded for 2 hours with a silicon rubber coated nylon surgical thread. After 24 hours of recirculation, the rats were sacrificed and brain sections were photographed using CCD camera after staining with 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride for 60 minutes in room temperature. The infarcted area was measured and the volume of infarction was calculated. Catalase(CAT), superoxide dismutase(SOD) activities, and fatty acid composition in the brain were also measured. The total and corrected infarction volumes were not significantly different between FOD and COD group. The docosagexaenoic acid(DHA) and DHA content/arachidonic acid(AA) ratio of the cerebral cortex, an index of defense against lipid oxidation, were significantly increased in FOD group compared to those of COD group(p<0.05). In the left cortex(non-infarction side) as well as the right cortex(infarction side) of FOD group, CAT and Cu/Zn SOD activities were higher than those of the COD group(p<0.05). However, CAT and Cu/Zn SOD activities were not significantly different between the left cortex(non-infarction side) and the right cortex(infarction side) of both FOD and COD group. GPx activities were also not significantly different between two groups. Our results demonstrate that the brain infarction size in FOD and COD were not significantly different. However, cerebral lipid composition and antioxidant enzyme activities in FOD and COD group were different. Fish oil, a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA) and corn oil, that of n-6(PUFA) may have a protective effect against oxidative stress induced via different mechanisms.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.229-239
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to effectively produce the biosugar from cell wall of lipid extracted microalgae (LEA) by using microwave-assisted pretreatment without enzymatic hydrolysis process. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimization of microwave-assisted pretreatment conditions for the production of biosugar based on enzyme-free process from LEA. Microwave power (198~702 W), extraction time (39~241 sec), and sulfuric acid (0~1.0 mol) were used as independent variables for central composite design (CCD) in order to predict optimum pretreatment conditions. It was noted that the pretreatment variables that affect the production of glucose (C6) and xylose (C5) significantly have been identified as the microwave power and extraction time. Additionally, the increase in microwave power and time had led to an increase in biosugar production. The superimposed contour plot for maximizing dependent variables showed the maximum C6 (hexose) and C5 (pentose) yields of 92.7 and 74.5% were estimated by the predicted model under pretreatment condition of 700 w, 185.7 sec, and 0.48 mol, and the yields of C6 and C5 were confirmed as 94.2 and 71.8% by experimental validation, respectively. This study showed that microwave-assisted pretreatment under low temperature below $100^{\circ}C$ with short pretreatment time was verified to be an effective enzyme free pretreatment process for the production of biosugar from LEA compared to conventional pretreatment methods.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.327-334
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• 2005

This study investigated the effect of anticurvature filing method on preparation of the curved root canal using ProFile. Thirty six resin blocks were divided equally into three groups by instrumentation motions: anticurvature filing motion. circumferential filing motion and straight up-and-down motion. Each resin block was sectioned at 8mm level from the apex and at the greatest curvature of the canal and reassembled in metal mold by a modified Bramante technique. All groups were instrumented with the ProFile system. At each levels. image of sectioned surface were taken using CCD camera under a stereomicroscope at $\times40$ magnification and stored. Distances of transportation at the inner and outer area of curvature and the centering ratio were determined and compared by statistical analysis. along with the assessment of the increase of root canal cross-sectional area. The results were as follows; 1. In all groups. there was no statistical difference in the mean increase of root canal cross-sectional area. the centering ratio. and the mean distances of transportation at the inner area of curvature at each level. 2. At 8mm level from the apex. the mean distances of transportation at the outer area of curvature decreases in following order anticurvature filing motion. circumferential filing motion. straight up-and­down motion but. no significant difference at the greatest curvature of the canal among three groups. Effect of anticurvature filing motion using ProFile does not seem to be different from other instrumentation motions at the inner area of curvature in curved root canal.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2005

The objectives of this study were to develop an image processing algorithm for finding the sick or the dead layers(SDL) rearing in the multi-tier layer battery, which is a core technology of remote monitoring systems for layers, and to test the performance of algorithm developed in the experimental poultry housing. Based on the literature study and experiment, the standing up of layer was set as a criterion for judging layers whether sick or dead. Then, by the criterion set, an algorithm was developed. The image processing algorithm developed was tested how well it could and SDL at the experimental poultry housing. Test results showed that its monitoring correctness of layers standing up in the cages having all healthy layers was $92\%$, and $96\%$ in the cages having SDL. Therefore, it would be concluded that the image processing algorithm developed in this study was well suited to the purpose of development.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.217-223
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• 2008

Elastin is an important component of elastic fibers in the skin. Recently, many studies have reported that elastin is also involved In inhibiting or repairing wrinkle formation, although collagen is a major factor in the skin wrinkle formation. Elastase is a metalloproteinase which acts on degradation of elastin. It is known that elastase activity is increased by ultraviolet (UV) B radiation. Thus, Increased elastase activity could be the major reason for skin elasticity reduction and winkle formation. Tannic acid is a polyphenol found in various fruits and nuts. This molecule has a potent ability to eliminate reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. In the present study, we investigated whether tannic acid has effects on elastase activity and tropoelastin synthesis. Our results showed that tannic acid reduced elastase activity significantly in a dose-dependent manner. However, the expression of tropoelastin protein and mRNA was not significantly affected by tannic acid. From these results, we suggest that tannic acid may contribute to block tortuosity of elastic fibers by inhibiting elastase. Thus, tannic acid might be developed for a possible agent to Inhibit skin aging.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.327-333
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• 2008

In general, a lens with large NA makes image quality better. There are many kinds of cheap concave mirrors with large aperture and NA. This paper presents a method that uses a large aperture projection imaging system to enhance the image used for 3D shape measurement. This method makes it possible to enhance reflection uniformity on the object surface and increases SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio). Using a large aperture lens, it is possible to obtain a brighter image, reducing the shading nature in the image boundary, and enhancing the reflection uniformity even on woven surfaces. Because of the exorbitant cost of a large aperture projection lens larger than 150 mm in diameter, a refractive lens was exchanged with a concave mirror resulting in the same optical effect. In experiment, changing NA $0.15{\sim}0.8$, image contrast was enhanced from 46 to 1.33. Incidentally, the effect of the concave mirror was tested successfully through the experiment.