• Journal of Information Technology Services
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.97-105
• /
• 2021

Recently, with the development of IT technology, unmanned systems are being introduced in many industrial fields, and one of the most important factors for introducing unmanned systems in the automobile field is vehicle licence plate recognition(VLPR). The existing VLPR algorithms are configured to use image processing for a specific type of license plate to divide individual areas of a character within the plate to recognize each character. However, as the number of Korean vehicle license plates increases, the law is amended, there are old-fashioned license plates, new license plates, and different types of plates are used for each type of vehicle. Therefore, it is necessary to update the VLPR system every time, which incurs costs. In this paper, we use an object detection algorithm to detect character regardless of the format of the vehicle license plate, and apply a handwritten Hangul recognition(HHR) algorithm to enhance the recognition accuracy of a single Hangul character, which is called a Hangul unit. Since Hangul unit is recognized by combining initial consonant, medial vowel and final consonant, so it is possible to use other Hangul units in addition to the 40 Hangul units used for the Korean vehicle license plate.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.473-475
• /
• 2024

Transverse basilar cleft (TBC) is an extremely rare variation of the clivus or the basilar part of the occipital bone. In this report, a unilateral transverse basilar fissure was found at the clivus in a head computed tomography of an 18-yearold female patient diagnosed with hemifacial microsomia (HFM). Image analysis of this patient showed shortening of the ramus of the right mandible along with medial displacement of the right temporomandibular joint and hypoplastic right maxilla. In addition, observation of the clivus showed a cleft between the basioticum and basioccipital bones at the level of the pharyngeal tubercle on the right side. This cleft was identified as TBC. Clival variations, TBC included, attributed to HFM have never been reported. This report draws attention to the complex relationship between abnormal development of clivus and HFM syndrome, and sheds light on a possible genetic and molecular association between these two conditions.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.415-423
• /
• 2010

Pore network models are useful tools to investigate soil pore geometry. These models provide quantitative information of pore geometry from 3D images. This study presents a pore network model to quantify pore structure and hydraulic characteristics. The objectives of this work were to apply the pore network model to characterize pore structure from large images to quantify pore structure, calculate water retention and hydraulic conductivity properties from a three dimensional soil image, and to combine measured hydraulic properties from experiments with calculated hydraulic properties from image. Soil samples were taken from a site located at the Baltimore science center, which is located inside of the city. Undisturbed columns were taken from the site and scanned with a computer tomographer at resolutions of 22 ${\mu}m$. Pore networks were extracted by medial-axis transformation and were used to measure pore geometry from one of the scanned samples. Water retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity values were calculated from the soil image. Properties of soil bulk density, water retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity were measured from three replicates of scanned soil samples. 3D image analysis provided accurate detailed pore properties such as individual pore volumes, pore length, and tortuosity of all pores. These data made possible to calculate accurate estimations of water retention and hydraulic conductivity. Combination of the calculated and measured hydraulic properties gave more accurate information on pore sizes over wider range than measured or calculated data alone. We could conclude that the hydraulic property computed from soil images and laboratory measurements can describe a full structure of intra- and inter-aggregate pores in soil.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.56-68
• /
• 2001

Objective : Functional brain mapping study on acupuncture stimulation using the [14C]2-deoxyglucose([14C]2-DG) autoradiography provides quantitative data and visualized pathway in central nervous system(CNS). We aimed to investigate the neural pathway and spatial distribution of metabolic activity elicited in CNS on electroacupuncture stimulation using [14C]2-DG autoradiography. Methods : The study were divided into three groups by stimulation times. 45-mins stimulation group according to Sokoloffs method, 5-mins stimulation group according to Duncun's method, and 15-mins stimulation group. ;A venous catheter was equipped into right jugular vein. The rats (Sprague-Dawley rats, 230-260g) were kept fastened loosely on a holding platform without anesthesia. Electroacupuncture stimulation (5 ms, 2 Hz, 1~3 mA) were applied on the left Zusanli (ST36) acupoint and [14C]2-DG ($25{\mu}Ci/rat$) injection was performed through the catheter. After sacrifice, the brain and the spinal cord were made to sections for film image. The film images were digitalized as the isotope concentration based upon comparison of optical densities with that of the standards and normalized by the optical density of corpus callosum. Results : 1. 15-mins stimulation group was most effective among 3 experiments. 2. On 15-mins stimulation group, medial geniculate nucleus, intetpeduncular nucleus intermedius, ventral periolivary nucleus, caudal periolivary nucleus, medial superior olive, lateral paragigantocellular nucleus, including hypothalamic arcuate nucleus were increased by more than 25% (at least, p<0.05) by electroacupuncture stimulation. 3. Especially, the metabolism in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus was increased by 90% (p<0.05). 4. The fact that arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus might play a role of interconnection area between ascending and descending pathway of acupuncture stimulation was demonstrated visually. Conclusions : Advanced study on electroacupuncture stimulation elicited significant increase of metabolic activity in various nuclei of hypothalamus will provide the important experimental basis in research of the relationship between electroacupuncture stimulation and internal visceral functions.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.77-79
• /
• 2004

To investigate whether BF-7, extracted from Bombyx mori, improved learning and memory of ordinary people, K-WAIS (Korean version of Wechsler adult intelligence scale) was performed in 4 normal students. Treatment with 400 mg of BF-7 increased mean IQ from 103 to 114. To know how BF-7 plays such a positive role, we measured the blood flow to brain, especially for the area concerned with learning and memory, with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography(SPECT). Our result showed that the blood flow to parahippocampal gyrus and medial temporal area was increased. Also, our results showed the image representing the increase of blood supply in this area. So, our results suggest that BF-7 effectively help to use brain concerning with learning and memory.

• Journal of the Korea Computer Graphics Society
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.29-38
• /
• 2018

In this paper, we propose an automatic segmentation method of meniscus in knee MR images by automatic meniscus localization, multi-atlas-based locally-weighted voting, and patch-based edge feature classification. First, after segmenting the bone and knee articular cartilage, the volume of interest of the meniscus is automatically localized. Second, the meniscus is segmented by multi-atlas-based locally-weighted voting taking into account the weights of shape and intensity distribution in the volume of interest of the meniscus. Finally, to remove leakage to the collateral ligaments with similar intensity, meniscus is refined using patch-based edge feature classification considering shape and distance weights. Dice similarity coefficient between proposed method and manual segmentation were 80.13% of medial meniscus and 80.81 % for lateral meniscus, and showed better results of 7.25% for medial meniscus and 1.31% for lateral meniscus compared to the multi-atlas-based locally-weighted voting.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.29-35
• /
• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the radiologic and clinical results of syndesmotic screw fixation and posterior malleolar fixation for syndesmotic injury in Lauge-Hansen classification pronation-external rotation (PER) stage IV ankle fractures with posterior malleolus fracture. Materials and Methods: We designed a retrospective study that included patients with Lauge-Hansen classification PER stage IV ankle fracture with posterior malleolus fracture. Of 723 patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery from March 2005 to November 2012, 29 were included in this study. In this study, syndesmotic injury was treated with syndesmotic screw fixation or posterior malleolus fixation. There were 15 cases of syndesmotic screw fixation and 14 cases of posterior malleolar fixation. We compared the radiologic and clinical results at one year postoperatively. Posterior malleolus fragment size on a pre-operative computed tomographic image, and tibiofibular overlap, medial clear space, articular step-off, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and Takakura classification on a postoperative one year followup radiograph were used for comparison of the radiologic results. The clinical results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, visual analogue scale score, and patient subjective satisfaction score. Results: Posterior malleolar fragment size was $12.62%{\pm}3.01%$ of the joint space in the syndesmotic screw fixation group and $27.04%{\pm}4.34%$ in the posterior malleolar fixation group. A statistical difference was observed between the two groups. However, other results, including tibiofibular overlap, medial clear space, articular step-off, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, Takakura classification, and clinical scores showed no statistical difference. Conclusion: In the Lauge-Hansen classification PER stage IV ankle fracture with posterior malleolus fracture, if the posterior malleolus fracture can be reduced anatomically and fixated rigidly, syndesmotic screw fixation, which can cause several complications, is usually not required for achievement of a satisfactory syndesmotic stability; this would be a recommendable option for treatment of syndesmotic injury.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.22-31
• /
• 2019

Objectives Previous studies have revealed inconsistent results on amygdala volume in adult bipolar disorder (BD) patients compared to healthy controls (HC). Since the amygdala encompasses multiple subregions, the subtle volume changes in each amygdala nucleus might have not been fully reflected in the measure of the total amygdala volume, causing discrepant results. Thus, we aimed to investigate volume changes in each amygdala subregion and their association with subtypes of BD, lithium use and clinical status of BD. Methods Fifty-five BD patients and 55 HC underwent T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed volumes of the whole amygdala and each amygdala subregion, including the anterior amygdaloid area, cortico-amygdaloid transition area, basal, lateral, accessory basal, central, cortical, medial and paralaminar nuclei using the atlas in the FreeSurfer. The volume difference was analyzed using a one-way analysis of covariance with individual volumes as dependent variables, and age, sex, and total intracranial volume as covariates. Results The volumes of whole right amygdala and subregions including basal nucleus, accessory basal nucleus, anterior amygdaloid area, and cortico-amygdaloid transition area in the right amygdala of BD patients were significantly smaller for the HC group. No significant volume difference between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder was found after the Bonferroni correction. The trend of larger volume in medial nucleus with lithium treatment was not significant after the Bonferroni correction. No significant correlation between illness duration and amygdala volume, and insignificant negative correlation were found between right central nucleus volume and depression severity. Conclusions Significant volume decrements of the whole amygdala, basal nucleus, accessory basal nucleus, anterior amygdaloid area, and cortico-amygdaloid transition area were found in the right hemisphere in adult BD patients, compared to HC group. We postulate that such volume changes are associated with altered functional activity and connectivity of amygdala nuclei in BD.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.10-16
• /
• 2013

Purpose: To know if magnetic resonance image (MRI) re-examination is needed before surgery, we compared the pre-operative MRI recorded at different time points and the corresponding arthroscopic findings. Materials and Methods: Depending on the timing of evaluation, the MRI was classified into three groups: group A, MRI was taken 1 month before the surgery (44 cases, average 16 days); group B, 1-6 months before the surgery (41 cases, average 91 days); and group C, 6-12 months before the surgery (25 cases, average 230 days). The anterior to posterior tear size (length) and medial retraction size (width) of rotator cuff tear were measured for each group and they were compared with the actual arthroscopic findings. Results: Results of this study showed that arthroscopic rotator cuff tear length and width were larger than those of MRI. The difference of the rotator cuff tear size was 3.6(${\pm}1.2$) mm of length and 0.6(${\pm}0.4$) mm of width in group A, 4.2(${\pm}1.7$) mm and 2.4(${\pm}1.1$) mm in group B, and 4.5(${\pm}2.1$) mm and 3.0(${\pm}1.5$) mm in group C. There was a tendency of the larger size difference for longer pre-operative period, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The rotator cuff tear size did not show remarkable differences between pre-operative MRI taken within 1 year before surgery and the actual arthroscopy. It is concluded that additional MRI evaluation is not required within 1 year.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.66-72
• /
• 1999

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of Dual Echo in Steady State(DESS) image in the diagnosis of chondromalacia of the knee compared with turbo spin-echo MR images Materials and Methods : We included 26 patients with chondromalacia of the knee. MR imaging was obtained with a 1.5T imager. Sagittal and coronal double echo T2 weighted images(TR/TE 3000-4200/16-96msec, FOV $140-160{\times}140-160mm$, matrix size $180{\times}256$, slice thickness 4.0mm, interslice gap 0.5mm), and sagittal DESS image(TR/TE 25.4/9.0msec, flip angle $35-45^{\circ}$, FOV $150-160{\times}150-160mm,{\;}matrix{\;}size{\;}192{\times}256$, effective slice thickness 1.5mm) were obtained. Cartilage lesions were staged according to a modified scheme proposed by Outerbirdge: grade 0, normal; grade 1, softening or/and swelling; grade 2, mild surface fibrillation or/and less than 50% of cartilage thickness; grade 3, severe surface fibrillation or/and loss of more than 50% of cartilage thickness but without exposure of subchondral bone; and grade 4, complete loss of cartilage with subchondral bone exposure. Gradings were determined by two readers with consensus, and patellofemoral, medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments were evaluated. Results : Arthroscopic findings revealed grade 1 in seven cases, grade 2 in 21 cases, grade 3 in six cases, and grade 4 in 18 cases. Sensitivity of turbo spin-echo MR image was as follows; 0%, 14%, 0%, 61% in each grade, and sensitivity of DESS image was as follows; 0%, 33%, 50%, 67%, in each grade(p=0.001). In the detection of chondromalacic lesions regardless of gradings, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of conventional MR image were 59.6% 88.6% 78.8%, and of DESS image, 73.1% 88.4%, 82.2%(p=0.007). Conclusion : For chondromalacia of knee joints, DESS images showed higher sensitivity than turbo spin-echo MR images. Therefore, DESS images will be helpful for diagnosis of chondromalacia of knee joints.