• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.572-577
• /
• 2009

Large corpus-based concatenating Text-to-Speech (TTS) systems can generate natural synthetic speech without additional signal processing. To prune the redundant speech segments in a large speech segment DB, we can utilize a decision-tree based triphone clustering algorithm widely used in speech recognition area. But, the conventional methods have problems in representing the acoustic transitional characteristics of the phones and in applying context questions with hierarchic priority. In this paper, we propose a new clustering algorithm to downsize the speech DB. Firstly, three 13th order MFCC vectors from first, medial, and final frame of a phone are combined into a 39 dimensional vector to represent the transitional characteristics of a phone. And then the hierarchically grouped three question sets are used to construct the triphone trees. For the performance test, we used DTW algorithm to calculate the acoustic similarity between the target triphone and the triphone from the tree search result. Experimental results show that the proposed method can reduce the size of speech DB by 23% and select better phones with higher acoustic similarity. Therefore the proposed method can be applied to make a small sized TTS.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.9
• /
• pp.666-672
• /
• 2024

Plants recognize pathogens through intracellular receptors that trigger defense signaling. Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins within a cell specifically recognize pathogenic molecules (effectors), leading to signal transduction that ultimately triggers the cell death pathway, thereby inducing effector-triggered immunity in plants. NLR proteins are broadly categorized into two types based on their N-terminal domains: coiled-coil domain NLRs (CNLs) and toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain NLRs (TNLs) are defined by their unique N-terminal domains. The TIR domain, which is responsible for activates nicotinamide adenine dinucleoside hydrolases (NADases), is crucial for the degradation of the NAD+ cofactor. TNL-dependent immune signaling involves lipase-like proteins known as Enhanced Disease Susceptibility 1 (EDS1) and its partners Phytoalexin Deficient 4 (PAD4) and Senescence-Associated Gene 101 (SAG101). This immune system also requires helper NLR subfamilies, such as activated disease resistance 1 (ADR1) and N requirement gene 1 (NRG1). The catalytic activity of TIR domain proteins generates various small molecules reported to activate plant's immune responses. These small molecules bind to specific sites on EDS1-PAD4 and EDS1-SAG101, inducing structural changes in the EP domain, and subsequently enabling interaction with ADR1 or NRG1. Here, we will discuss the characteristics of these small molecules and describe their relationships with protein complexes based on their structural and biochemical characteristics. We will also discuss how these small molecules can activate immune pathways.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.254-261
• /
• 2000

The present study has attempted to look into the mechanism of ras-induced carcinogenesis in a human epithelial cell system. Human epithelial cells immortalized with Ad12-SV40 hybrid virus were used to assess carcinogenic potential of the ras-oncogene. Cells transfected with pSV2-ras showed characteristics of cellular transformation. The transformation parameters such as cell density, soft-agar colony formation, and cell aggregation were significantly increased in the cells expressing ras oncoprotein. In addition, the duration required for the appearance of foci was shortened in the ras-transfected cells. Consistent with other reports, our results demonstrated an evidence that the ras-oncogene induced the cellular transformation of human epithelial cell system. When a high concentration of glucocorticoid was added into the media, transformation process was accelerated. It is speculated that glucocorticoid may provide an advantageous environment for the proliferation of the transformed cells. The induction of the intracellular free calcium concentrations following agonist treatment was significantly lower in the transformed cells than in the control cells. These effects were more manifested in the presence of extracellular cacium, indicating that the transformation process may alter the influx pathway of extracellular calcium. The induction of $IP_3$ following agonist treatment was also lower in the transformed cells than in the control cells. Thus, it is suggested that phospholipase C-coupled pathway was down-regulated in the process of the ras-induced transformation. While the levels of $TGF-{\beta}_1$ and PAI-2 mRNAs were decreased, the level of fibronectin mRNA was increased. The results indicate that mechanism of the ras-induced transformation may be associated with the altered expressions of growth regulatory factors. The present study demonstrates an evidence that the ras-induced cellular transformation may be associated with alteration of signal transduction and growth regulatory factors. The study will contribute to improve the understanding of molecular mechanism of epithelium-derived cancers including oral cancer.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
• /
• v.29 no.5C
• /
• pp.664-672
• /
• 2004

Widespread popularity of wireless data communication devices, coupled with the availability of higher bandwidths, has led to an increased user demand for content-rich media such as images and videos. Since such content often tends to be private, sensitive, or paid for, there exists a requirement for securing such communication. However, solutions that rely only on traditional compute-intensive security mechanisms are unsuitable for resource-constrained wireless and embedded devices. In this paper, we propose a selective partial image encryption scheme for image data hiding , which enables highly efficient secure communication of image data to and from resource constrained wireless devices. The encryption scheme is invoked during the image compression process, with the encryption being performed between the quantizer and the entropy coder stages. Three data selection schemes are proposed： subband selection, data bit selection and random selection. We show that these schemes make secure communication of images feasible for constrained embed-ded devices. In addition we demonstrate how these schemes can be dynamically configured to trade-off the amount of ded devices. In addition we demonstrate how these schemes can be dynamically configured to trade-off the amount of data hiding achieved with the computation requirements imposed on the wireless devices. Experiments conducted on over 500 test images reveal that, by using our techniques, the fraction of data to be encrypted with our scheme varies between 0.0244％ and 0.39％ of the original image size. The peak signal to noise ratios (PSNR) of the encrypted image were observed to vary between about 9.5㏈ to 7.5㏈. In addition, visual test indicate that our schemes are capable of providing a high degree of data hiding with much lower computational costs.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.120-132
• /
• 2014

Purpose : To compare dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for the differentiation of tumor recurrence and delayed radiation therapy (RT)-related changes in patients treated with RT for primary brain tumors. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 24 patients treated with RT for various primary brain tumors, who showed newly appearing enhancing lesions more than one year after completion of RT on follow-up MRI. The enhancing-lesions were confirmed as recurrences (n=14) or RT-changes (n=10). We calculated the mean values of normalized cerebral blood volume (nCBV), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and proportion of dark signal intensity on SWI (proSWI) for the enhancing-lesions. All the values between the two groups were compared using t-test. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the best predictor of differential diagnosis. The cutoff value of the best predictor obtained from receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis. Results: The mean nCBV value was significantly higher in the recurrence group than in the RT-change group (P=.004), and the mean proSWI was significantly lower in the recurrence group (P<.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the mean ADC values between the two groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that proSWI was the only independent variable for the differentiation; the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 78.6% (11 of 14), 100% (10 of 10), and 87.5% (21 of 24), respectively. Conclusion: The proSWI was the most promising parameter for the differentiation of newly developed enhancing-lesions more than one year after RT completion in brain tumor patients.

• Journal of the Institute of Convergence Signal Processing
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.147-153
• /
• 2013

Functional game, which is the combination of play and learning and a futuristic tool, can minimize the dysfunction and maximize the proper functions, and furthermore, has taken root as a new alternative that can change the game industry and game culture. Recently, the focus of game and education markets is shifting to the development of more advanced learning contents, rather than emphasizing the self-control and motivation of users. Along with that, the game market has excluded the socially dysfunctional elements, such as the addiction and learning disabilities, and has witnessed a diversification into the human-friendly entertainment business that emphasizes the mental and physical health and pursues scientific educational effects. In addition, functional games are expanding its reach from the professional sectors - such as medical aide/medical learning, military simulation, health, auxiliary tools, special education and learning tools - to the realm of routine education, mental health, etc., and has seen a steady growth. However, most functional games, which are being currently planned and developed to cope with the special characteristics of the market, have not undergone accurate scientific assessment of their functions and have not proven their effectiveness. An overwhelming proportion of the functional games are being developed based on the intuition and experience of game developers. Moreover, the type of games, which involve the repetition of simple tasks or take the form of simple puzzles, cannot effectively combine the practically interesting factors and the learning effects. Most games incorporate unscientific methods leading to the vague anticipation of improvement in functions, rather than the assessment of human functions. In this paper, a study was conducted to present the measures that could maximize the effects of functional games in relation to the changes in the visual and auditory stimulations in order to maximize the effects of functional games, i,e., the immersion and concentration. To compare the degree of effects arising from the visual stimulation, the functional game contents made in the form of 2D and 3D were utilized. In addition. ultra sound and 3-dimensional functional game contents were utilized to compare the degree of effects resulting from the changes in the auditory stimulation. The brainwave of the users were measured while conducting the experiments related to the response to the changes in visual and auditory stimulations in 3 steps, and the results of the analysis were compared.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.130-137
• /
• 2013

In this study, we investigated the applicability of the photostimulated luminescence (PSL), thermoluminescence (TL), electron spin resonance (ESR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods for 5 seeds which are not allowed to be irradiated in Korea. All 5 seeds including evening primrose seed, safflower seed, rape seed, sunflower seed and flax seed were analyzed. Samples were irradiated at 1~10 kGy using a $^{60}Co$ gamma-ray irradiator. In PSL study, the photon counts of all the unirradiated samples showed negative (lower than 700). The photon counts of irradiated (1, 5, 10 kGy) samples showed positive (higher than 5,000). In TL analysis, results showed that it is possible to apply TL method to all foods containing minerals. In ESR measurements, the ESR signal (single-line) intensity of irradiated foods was higher than non-irradiated foods. The hydrocarbons 1,7-hexadecadiene ($C_{16:2}$) and 8-heptadecene ($C_{17:1}$) from oleic acid were detected only in the irradiated samples before and after the treatment at doses ${\geq}$ 1 kGy, but they were not detected in non-irradiated samples before and after treatment. These two hydrocarbons could be used as markers to identify irradiated safflower seed, rape seed, Sunflower seed and flax seed. And then, the hydrocarbons 1,7,10-hexadecatriene ($C_{16:3}$) and 6,9-heptadecadiene ($C_{17:2}$) from linoleic acid were detected in the evening primrose seed, safflower seed and sunflower seed. According to the results, PSL, TL and GC/MS methods were successfully applied to detect the irradiated foods. It is concluded that PSL, TL and GC/MS methods are suitable for detection of irradiated samples and a combined method is recommendable for enhancing the reliability of detection results.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.34-43
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Glomus tumors are rare benign vascular tumors, usually located in the skin or soft tissue of extremities. Approximately 30-50% of glomus tumors occur in subungal area, but glomus tumors have been described in every location even where glomus bodies are not or rarely present. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical, histologic and MRI characteristics of soft tissue glomus tumor. Materials and Methods: Between 1993 and 2008, eight patients underwent surgery of soft tissue Glomus tumor at our institution. Exclusion criteria were patients with Glomus tumors in digits, stomach, trachea and glomus tympanicum. We analyzed medical records, interviews, physical examinations, MR findings and histolocial types retrospectively. Results: There were four men and four women. The mean age was fourty-seven years. The mean prevalence time was eight-point-nine years. In the classic triad of symptoms, all eight patients had pain and tenderness. Two patients complained of cold sensitivity. Two showed skin color changes. After surgery, two showed symptom improvement (VAS $9^{\circ}{\rightarrow}8$, $8^{\circ}{\rightarrow}5$) and?six showed complete disappearance of symptoms. Slightly symptom improvemented (VAS $9^{\circ}{\rightarrow}8$) one had additional surgery two times after first surgery due to relapse/remaining Glomus tumor. The mean size was 13.9 mm. In histology, six were 'solid glomus tumor', one was a mixture of 'solid glomus tumor' and 'lomangioma' and one was 'malignant glomus tumor'. MR findings showed isointense signal on T1 image, high signal on T2 image and strong enhancement on the Gadolinium enhanced image. Conclusion: Glomus tumor has low recurrence rate and malignant change, rapid diagnosis and surgical excision is critical in treatment to prevent unnecessary pain of patient.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.50 no.2
• /
• pp.64-75
• /
• 2022

The purpose of this study is to illuminate the meaning of the soundscapes of two bells, Daeheung-dong Cathedral and Sungsimdang in Eunghang-dong, which are landmarks and attractions in the historic downtown of Daejeon. The study was conducted through field research and recordings, as well as literature studies of related documents and soundscape theory. Daejeon city was developed along with Daejeon Railway Station during the Japanese colonial period in the early 20th century. As the Chungnam Provincial Office moved to Daejeon, Daeheung-dong and Eunhang-dong in Jung-gu, located near Daejeon Station, developed significantly and formed the city centre. As major administrative agencies moved to Seo-gu in the 1990s, the downtown area of Daejeon was on a path of decline, and the decline accelerated with the development of Sejong city. Meanwhile, Daeheung-dong Cathedral and Sungsimdang, founded by refugees during the Korean War, firmly protected the historic downtown area of Daejeon, where the natives left. Daeheung-dong Cathedral, established during the Japanese colonial period, is a local landmark with a history of 100 years in 2019. Sungsimdang, which was created with the backdrop of the Korean War, is also a historical and cultural asset with a history of 60 years and a local landmark selected as the No. 1 tourist attraction in Daejeon. This research, which started from the sound of the bells of Daeheung-dong Cathedral, heard even in the neighboring residential areas, led to the discovery of the bells of Sungsimdang in Eunhang-dong, located across the street. In this paper, the bells of Daeheung-dong Cathedral and Eunhang-dong Sungsimdang have characteristics of soundmarks according to R. Murray Schafer's soundscape sound category. Furthermore, this paper attempted to analyze the meaning of the two bells according to the relatively recent EU soundscape definition. These two bells are signal sounds at the surface level, but are the sound marks of the historic downtown area of Daejeon at the deep level. Although there are outward differences in size, scale, frequency, and famousness, these two bells share a meaning in terms of locality and good influence with the historicity and spatiality of a special relationship. The implication of this study is that the two places should be preserved as local historical and cultural assets not only as visual landmarks but also as sound marks in the urban regeneration or urban development of Jung-gu, Daejeon.

• KIPS Transactions on Software and Data Engineering
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.41-50
• /
• 2022

In this paper, a method to directly calculate the major elements of skin color such as melanin and hemoglobin from the RGB signal of the camera is proposed. The main elements of skin color typically measure spectral reflectance using specific equipment, and reconfigure the values at some wavelengths of the measured light. The values calculated by this method include such things as melanin index and erythema index, and require special equipment such as a spectral reflectance measuring device or a multi-spectral camera. It is difficult to find a direct calculation method for such component elements from a general digital camera, and a method of indirectly calculating the concentration of melanin and hemoglobin using independent component analysis has been proposed. This method targets a region of a certain RGB image, extracts characteristic vectors of melanin and hemoglobin, and calculates the concentration in a manner similar to that of Principal Component Analysis. The disadvantage of this method is that it is difficult to directly calculate the pixel unit because a group of pixels in a certain area is used as an input, and since the extracted feature vector is implemented by an optimization method, it tends to be calculated with a different value each time it is executed. The final calculation is determined in the form of an image representing the components of melanin and hemoglobin by converting it back to the RGB coordinate system without using the feature vector itself. In order to improve the disadvantages of this method, the proposed method is to calculate the component values of melanin and hemoglobin in a feature space rather than an RGB coordinate system using a feature vector, and calculate the spectral reflectance corresponding to the skin color using a general digital camera. Methods and methods of calculating detailed components constituting skin pigments such as melanin, oxidized hemoglobin, deoxidized hemoglobin, and carotenoid using spectral reflectance. The proposed method does not require special equipment such as a spectral reflectance measuring device or a multi-spectral camera, and unlike the existing method, direct calculation of the pixel unit is possible, and the same characteristics can be obtained even in repeated execution. The standard diviation of density for melanin and hemoglobin of proposed method was 15% compared to conventional and therefore gives 6 times stable.