• Title/Summary/Keyword: Contrast ratio

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Reservoir Trophic State and Empirical Model Analysis, Based on Nutrients, Transparency, and Chlorophyll-${\alpha}$ Along with Their Relations Among the Parameters (영양염류, 투명도 및 엽록소를 이용한 인공호 영양상태, 경험적 모델 분석 및 변수들 간의 상호관계)

  • An, Kwang-Guk;Kim, Jae-Kyeng;Lee, Sang-Jae
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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    • v.26 no.3
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    • pp.252-263
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    • 2008
  • The purpose of this study was to determine trophic state, based on nutrients (TN, TP), transparency (SD), and chlorophyll-${\alpha}$ (Chl) and identify their empirical relations of TN-Chl, TP-Chl and Chl-SD depending on the dataset used along with dynamics of conductivity and suspended solids. Analysis of trophic states showed that more than half of 36 reservoirs were judged as eutrophic-hypertrophic conditions depending on the trophic variables. Seasonal values of TP varied by nearly 500% and showed greater in August than any other months. In contrast, TN varied within less than 90% and all monthly mean values of TN were never fall less than 1.2 mg L$^{-1}$ indicating low seasonal variations and high ambient concentrations (eutrophic-hypertrophic state). Analysis of empirical relations in the trophic variables showed that transparency had greater functional relations with Chl (R$^2$=0.31, p<0.001) than TP (R$^2$=0.15, p<0.001) and TN (R$^2$=0.20, p<0.001). Ratios of TN : TP in the ambient water indicated that most reservoirs showed a potential phosphorous limitation on the algal growth. Thus, algal biomass, based on Chl values, was more regulated by phosphorous than nitrogen. Analysis of linear regression model, based on log-transformed annual mean values, showed that only 30% in the variation of Chl was explained by TP (R$^2$=0.295, p=0.001, n=36) and 15% by TN (R$^2$=0.151, p=0.019, n=36). However, linear regression model, based on individual system, showed that Chl-TP model had strong positive relations (R$^2$=0.62, p=0.002, n=12), whereas the model had no any relations (p=0.892, n=12). Overall, our data suggested that averaging effect in the empirical model developments may influence the significance in the statistical analysis.

Characteristics and Control of Microthrix Parvicella Bulking in Biological Nutrient Removal Plant (생물학적 영양소제거공정에서 Microthrix Parvicella에 의한 Bulking 특성 및 제어)

  • Lee, H.;Ahn, K.
    • Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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    • v.22 no.6
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    • pp.1101-1106
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    • 2006
  • Many BNR (Biological Nutrient Removal) plants have experienced a bulking problem, mainly due to the growth of filamentous organisms, particularly during the winter months. This study investigated the problem of bulking due to the growth of M. parvicella both at a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant and a pilot scale plant located in the C city. The full-scale facility was operated at a flow rate of $51,000m^3/d$, an F/M (Food-to-Microorganism) ratio of 0.12 kgBOD/kgMLVSS/d and an SRT (Solids Retention Time) higher than 25 days, respectively. This plant experienced bulking and foaming problems at low temperatures below $15^{\circ}C$ since it was retrofitted with the BNR system in 2003. The pilot plant employed had an identical process configuration as the full scale one and used the same wastewater source. It was operated at a flow rate of $3.8m^3/d$, temperatures between 10 to $25^{\circ}C$ and SRTs between 10 and 25 days. At full scale, the M. parvicella growth and SVI (Sludge Volume Index) patterns were studied in conjunction with temperature variations. At pilot scale, DO and SRT variations were also explored, in addition to the filamentous bacteria growth and SVI patterns. During the full-scale investigation, over a 3 year period, it was noted that the SVI was maintained within acceptable operational values (i.e. under 160) during the summer months. Moreover settling in the secondary clarifiers was good and was not affected by the presence of M. parvicella. In contrast, at low mean temperatures during winter, the SVI increased to over 300. Overall, as the temperature decreased, the predominance of M. parvicella became apparent. According to this study, M. parvicella growth could be controlled and SVI could drop under 160 by a change in operational conditions which involved an increase in DO concentration between 2 and 4 mg/L and a decrease in SRT to less than 20 days.

Hydrogen Peroxide Modulates Phospholipase $A_2$ Aactivity and Endogenous Oxidative Stress in the Free Radical Induced Acute Lung Injury (과산화수소에 의한 급성폐손상시 염증성 지질분자의 생성기전에 관한 연구)

  • Bae, Chi-Hoon;Kang, Hyung-Seok;Lee, Sub;Jheon, Sang-Hoon;Ahn, Wook-Wu;Kwon, Oh-Choon
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.35 no.5
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    • pp.343-349
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    • 2002
  • background: In an attempt to investigate the role of oxidants in the activation of phospholipase $A_2$(PLA$_2$) and endogenous oxidative stress in the lung. acute inflammatory lung injury was induced by the instillation of hydrogen peroxide into the trachea of Sprague-Dawley rats. Material and Method: To prove the hypothesis thats released oxidants from neutrophils activate the PLA$_2$ retrogradely, activities of PLA$_2$ and lysoplatelet activating factor acetyltransferase(lysoPAF AT) were assayed i hours after instillation of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, to confirm the impairing effects of the activation of PLA$_2$ associated with endogenous oxidative stress, lung weight/body weight ratio(L$\times$10$^{-3}$ B), protein contents(mg/two lungs) in bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) were measured. As neutrophilic respiratory burst has been known to play a pivotal role in the genesis of endogenous oxidative stress associated with acute inflammatory lung injury, BAL neutrophils counts and level of lung myelperoxidase(MPO) were measured after hydorgen peroxide insult. Morphological and histochemical studies were also performed to identify the effect of the endogenous oxidative stress. Result: Five hours after hydrogen peroxide instillation, lungs showed marked infiltration of neutrophils and increased weight. Protein contents in BAL increased significantly compared to those of normal rats. PLA$_2$ activity was enhanced in the hydrogen peroxide instilled group. Interestingly, the accelerated production of platelet activating factor(PAF) was confirmed by the increased activity of lysoPAF AT in the $H_2O$$_2$ employed lung. Morphologically, light microscopic findings of lungs after instillation of hydrogen peroxide showed atelectasis and infiltration of inflammatory cells, which was thought to be caused by lipid mediators produced by PLA$_2$ activation. In cerium chloride cytochemical electron microscopy, dense deposits of cerrous perhydroxide were identified. In contrast, no deposit of cerrous perhydroxide was found in the normal lung.

An Analysis of Eye Movement in Observation According to University Students' Cognitive Style (대학생들의 인지양식에 따른 관찰에서의 안구 운동 분석)

  • Lim, Sung-Man;Choi, Hyun-Dong;Yang, Il-Ho;Jeong, Mi-Yeon
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.33 no.4
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    • pp.778-793
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    • 2013
  • The purpose of this study is to analyze observation characteristics through eye movement according to cognitive styles. To do this, we developed observation tasks that show the differences between wholistic cognitive style group and analytic cognitive style group, measured eye movement of university students with different cognitive styles after being given an observation task. The difference between two cognitive style groups is confirmed by analysing gathered statistics and visualization data. The findings of this study are as follows: First, to compare fixation time and frequency, we compared the average value of total time used in the observation task by the wholistic cognitive style group and analytic cognitive style group. The numbers of Fixation (total) and number of Fixations (30s), is based on the fact that the wholistic cognitive style group has more numbers of fixation (Total) and number of fixations (30s) means the wholistic cognitive style group can observe more points or overall features than the analytic cognitive style group, in contrast, the analytic cognitive style group tend to focus on a particular detail, and observe less numbers of points. Second, to compare observation object and area by cognitive style, the outcome of analysing visualization data shows that wholistic cognitive style group observes the surrounding environment of spider and web on a wider area, on the other hand, the analytic cognitive style group observes by focusing on the spider itself. Through the result of this study, there are differences in observation time, frequency, object, area, and ratio from the two cognitive styles. It also shows the reason why each student has varied outcome, from the difference of information following their cognitive styles, and the result of this study helps to figure out and give direction as to what observation fulfillment is more suitable for each student.

Physicochemical Quality Characteristics of Tomato Sauce Added with Pimpinella brachycarpa (참나물을 첨가한 토마토소스의 이화학적 품질특성)

  • Jang, Sang-Jun
    • Culinary science and hospitality research
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    • v.20 no.4
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    • pp.169-182
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    • 2014
  • This study investigates the physicochemical quality characteristics of tomato sauce added with different kinds of pimpinella brachycarpa. The results are as follows. The pH of tomato sauce added with freeze-dried pimpinella brachycarpa, in contrast to the tomato sauce with raw pimpinella brachycarpa, decreased as the addition quantity of the sample increased. As for sugar content, PBP0 with Pimpinella brachycarpa contained was shown to be the highest with 10.83. For chromaticity, all values (e.g, L, A and B) of tomato sauce added with pimpinella brachycarpa and with freeze-dried pimpinella brachycarpa decreased showing significant differences among the samples as the addition quantity of the samples increased. With increased addition quantity of the sample with freeze-dried Pimpinella brachycarpa, its water content decreased. PBP4, addition group with 4% of freeze-dried Pimpinella brachycarpa, was shown to be the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity as 29.58. When adding Pimpinella brachycarpa to tomato sauce, a total number of micro-organisms decreased. In case of adding raw Pimpinella brachycarpa rather than freeze-dried Pimpinella brachycarpa, it created a further effect on an inhibitive action of growing and developing micro-organisms. In the preference of tomato sauce with Pimpinella brachycarpa, PBF2 with 2% of Pimpinella brachycarpa had the highest score as 5.1 for the color. For taste, 3.7, the lowest taste score, was shown in PBF1with 1% of Pimpinella brachycarpa. The overall preference revealed that PBF2 was the highest scoring 5.8.. PBF3 was scored highest with 5.9 for overall preference. From the comprehensive findings, 2~3% of the addition ratio between raw Pimpinella brachycarpa and freeze-dried Pimpinella brachycarpa in the production of tomato sauce is considered the most preferable.

Effects of Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm, Automatic Exposure Control on Image Quality, and Radiation Dose: Phantom Experiments with Coronary CT Angiography Protocols (반복적 재구성 알고리즘과 관전류 자동 노출 조정 기법의 CT 영상 화질과 선량에 미치는 영향: 관상동맥 CT 조영 영상 프로토콜 기반의 팬텀 실험)

  • Ha, Seongmin;Jung, Sunghee;Chang, Hyuk-Jae;Park, Eun-Ah;Shim, Hackjoon
    • Progress in Medical Physics
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    • v.26 no.1
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    • pp.28-35
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    • 2015
  • In this study, we investigated the effects of an iterative reconstruction algorithm and an automatic exposure control (AEC) technique on image quality and radiation dose through phantom experiments with coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography protocols. We scanned the AAPM CT performance phantom using 320 multi-detector-row CT. At the tube voltages of 80, 100, and 120 kVp, the scanning was repeated with two settings of the AEC technique, i.e., with the target standard deviations (SD) values of 33 (the higher tube current) and 44 (the lower tube current). The scanned projection data were reconstructed also in two ways, with the filtered back projection (FBP) and with the iterative reconstruction technique (AIDR-3D). The image quality was evaluated quantitatively with the noise standard deviation, modulation transfer function, and the contrast to noise ratio (CNR). More specifically, we analyzed the influences of selection of a tube voltage and a reconstruction algorithm on tube current modulation and consequently on radiation dose. Reduction of image noise by the iterative reconstruction algorithm compared with the FBP was revealed eminently, especially with the lower tube current protocols, i.e., it was decreased by 46% and 38%, when the AEC was established with the lower dose (the target SD=44) and the higher dose (the target SD=33), respectively. As a side effect of iterative reconstruction, the spatial resolution was decreased by a degree that could not mar the remarkable gains in terms of noise reduction. Consequently, if coronary CT angiogprahy is scanned and reconstructed using both the automatic exposure control and iterative reconstruction techniques, it is anticipated that, in comparison with a conventional acquisition method, image noise can be reduced significantly with slight decrease in spatial resolution, implying clinical advantages of radiation dose reduction, still being faithful to the ALARA principle.

The Comparison between Single Shot Turbo Spin Echo and B-FFE (Balanced Turbo Field-echo) in the Differentiation of Focal Liver Lesions (국소 간병변 감별에서 단발고속스핀에코 기법과 균형항정상 태세차를 이용한 고속영역 기법간의 비교)

  • Kim, Young-Chul;Kim, Myeong-Jin;Cha, Seung-Whan;Chung, Yong-Eun;Han, Kwang-Hyup;Choi, Jin-Sub
    • Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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    • v.11 no.1
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    • pp.39-48
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    • 2007
  • Purpose : To determine the diagnostic accuracy of four different sequences : moderately T2 weighted, two heavily T2-weighted single shot turbo spin-echo sequence and breath-hold axial-2D balanced turbo field-echo sequence(bFFE) for characterization of focal lesions. Materials and Methods : During the 3-month period between June and August 2005, seventy-six patients were proved to have ninety-three focal hepatic lesions on MR imaging. The patients consisted of 49 men and 27 women (age range, 15-75 years; mean age, 56.23 years). All MR images were acquired on a 1.5-T MR using the following sequences: 1. A breath-hold axial T2-weighted single shot turbo spin-echo sequence, 2. a breath-hold axial-2D balanced turbo field-echo sequence. Two radiologists performed quantitative analysis. Another radiologist measured the lesion-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio at the region-of-interest in the four sequences. Results : There was no significant difference in inter-observer variability between the four sequences. The accuracy for both cyst and malignancy of moderate T2 weighted MRI (echo time: 80 msec) was also highest. There was significant difference for lesion characterization between moderate T2 weighted MRI and balanced steady state procession (p-value: 0.004) in the second reader. For longer echo time, the CNR of cystic lesions were markedly increased in comparison to lesions of other component. Conclusion : The accuracy and inter-observer variability of single shot turbo spin echo T2 weighted sequence was higher than bFFE. Although there was no statically significant difference, moderate T2 weighted MRI (echo time: 80 msec) was more accurate than heavily T2 weighted sequence (echo time: 300 msec). If the results for lesion characterization is equivocal in TE 80, the addition of heavily T2 weighted MRI (echo time: 180 msec) can be helpful.

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Ferucarbotran-Enhanced Hepatic MRI at 3T Unit: Quantitative and Qualitative Comparison of Fast Breath-hold Imaging Sequences (간의 3T 자기공명영상에서 초상자성산화철 조영증강 급속호흡정지영상기법들간의 양적 및 질적 비교평가)

  • Cho, Kyung-Eun;Yu, Jeong-Sik;Chung, Jae-Joon;Kim, Joo-Hee;Kim, Ki-Whang
    • Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.31-40
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    • 2010
  • Purpose : To compare the relative values of various fast breath-hold imaging sequences for superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO)-enhanced hepatic MRI for the assessment of solid focal lesions with a 3T MRI unit. Materials and Methods : 102 consecutive patients with one or more solid malignant hepatic lesions were evaluated by spoiled gradient echo (GRE) sequences with three different echo times (2.4 msec [GRE_2.4], 5.8 msec [GRE_5.8], and 10 msec [GRE_10]) for $T2^*$-weighted imaging in addition to T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence following intravenous SPIO injection. Image qualities of the hepatic contour, vascular landmarks and artifacts were rated by two independent readers using a four-point scale. For quantitative analysis, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was measured in 170 solid focal lesions larger than 1 cm (107 hepatocellular carcinomas, nine cholangiocarcinomas and 54 metastases). Results : GRE_5.8 showed the highest mean points for hepatic contour, vascular anatomy and imaging artifact presence among all of the subjected sequences (p<0.001) and was comparable (p=0.414) with GRE_10 with regard to lesion conspicuity. The mean CNRs were significantly higher (p<0.001) in the following order: GRE_10 ($24.4{\pm}14.5$), GRE_5.8 ($14.8{\pm}9.4$), TSE ($9.7{\pm}6.3$), and GRE_2.4 ($7.9{\pm}6.4$). The mean CNRs of CCCs and metastases were higher than those of HCCs for all imaging sequences (p<0.05). Conclusion : Regarding overall performances, GRE using a moderate echo time of 5.8 msec can provide the most reliable data among the various fast breath-hold SPIO-enhanced hepatic MRI sequences at 3T unit despite the lower CNR of GRE_5.8 compared to that of GRE_10.

Investigation of Correlations of Double Inversion Recovery and MR Spectroscopy on Breast MR Imaging (유방 자기공명영상에의 이중반전회복기법과 자기공명분광영상법의 상관관계 연구)

  • Ryu, Jung Kyu;Rhee, Sun Jung;Jahng, Geon-Ho
    • Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.34-42
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    • 2014
  • Purpose : To evaluate the correlation of lesion-to-normal ratio (LNR) of signal intensity from double inversion recovery MR imaging and total choline-containing compound (tCho) resonance from single voxel MR spectroscopy in breast cancers. Materials and Methods: Between August 2008 and December 2009, 28 patients who were diagnosed as breast cancer and had undergone both double inversion recovery (DIR) MR imaging and MR spectroscopy (MRS) were included in this study. The signal intensities of the lesion (L) and ipsilateral normal breast tissue (N) were measured in region of interest of each breast cancer in DIR and contrast enhance MR image (CE-T1WI) to calculate the LNR value for each technique. MRS was performed using single-voxel MR spectroscopy. The height, width and area of tCho resonance were compared with each LNR of DIR and CE-T1WI. We used Pearson's correlation coefficient(r) for correlation analysis and the significance level was p=0.05. Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between LNR of CE-T1WI and height (r=-0.322, p=0.094), width (r=-0.233, p=0.232) and area (r=-0.309, p=0.109) of MRS tCho. There was no statistically significant correlation between LNR of DIR and height (r=0.067, p=0.735), width (r=-0.287, p=0.139) and area (r=0.012, p=0.953) of MRS tCho, either. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.186 between LNRs of CET1WI and DIR (p=0.344). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant correlation between LNR of DIR and relative amount of tCho resonance of MRS.

Effects of small dam in a stream on benthic macro-invertebrate community (계류의 소형보가 저서성 대형무척추동물의 군집 특성에 미치는 영향)

  • Park, Hyekyung;Lee, Seong Jae;Cheong, SooA;Jeong, Hyeong Rae;Kim, Jae Geun
    • Journal of Wetlands Research
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    • v.19 no.2
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    • pp.252-258
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    • 2017
  • To determine the effects of small dam on benthic macro-invertebrate community, benthic macro-invertebrates were surveyed with both quantitative and qualitative collecting methods from 4 sites at a terraced interval (3.02 small dams per 100 m) and from 5 sites at a non-terraced interval (0.96 small dams per 100 m) in upper reach of Dorim stream, Seoul. The average water flow rate was higher at the non-terraced interval (0.149 m/s) than at the terraced interval (0.043 m/s). Diptera, which prefer slow water flow or lentic habitats, appeared more abundantly in the terraced interval (78.3%) than in the non-terraced interval (32.0%)(p<.05). Ephemeroptera, which prefer fast water flow or lotic habitats, appeared more abundantly in the non-terraced interval (14.1%) than in the terraced interval (4.5%)(p=.203). There was a difference in species distribution of Trichoptera in terraced and non-terraced intervals depending on preferred environment. In the terraced interval, the occupancy ratio of gathering-collector was 1.8 times higher than in the non-terraced interval (p<.05). In contrast, filtering-collector appeared to be about 4.4 times higher rate in the terraced interval (p=.124). The evenness indexes (J′) were found to be 0.41 and 0.77, respectively in terraced area and non-terraced intervals. KSI, evaluating biological water quality, showed an average of 4.0 and 2.4 respectively in terraced and non-terraced intervals. EPT/C index, indicating the balance of the community, showed an average of 0.1 and 0.7 respectively in terraced and non-terraced intervals. It suggests that we should make small dams in order to maintain biodiversity of benthic macro-invertebrates.