• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.252-263
• /
• 2011

In this work, for the first time, the quality of restoration in wide-field microscopy images after deconvolution was analyzed as a function of different Point Spread Functions using one deconvolution method, on a specimen of known size and on a biological specimen. The empirical Point Spread Function determination can significantly depend on the numerical aperture, refractive index of the embedding medium, refractive index of the immersion oil and cover slip thickness. The influence of all of these factors is shown in the same article and using the same microscope. We have found that the best deconvolution results are obtained when the empirical PSF utilized is obtained under the same conditions as the specimen. We also demonstrated that it is very important to quantitatively check the process' outcome using several quality indicators: Full-Width at Half-Maximum, Contrast-to-Noise Ratio, Signal-to-Noise Ratio and a Tenengrad-based function. We detected a significant improvement when using an indicator to measure the focus of the whole stack. Therefore, to qualitatively determinate the best deconvolved image between different conditions, one approach that we are pursuing is to use Tenengrad-based function indicators in images obtained using a wide-field microscope.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.39-46
• /
• 2010

The growth of function in vehicle needs complex display and control system, the In-Vehicle Information System(IVIS). Although current IVISs are widely implemented in commercial vehicles, a new form of IVIS has been recently studied in order to reduce drivers' workloads. The purpose of this study is to suggest an appropriate menu structure of a new type IVIS, to be implemented on the instrument cluster panel, using Taguchi's parameter design. In the research, firstly, functions were selected that are appropriate to control through the instrument cluster among existing functions of current IVISs by quantitative evaluation of ergonomic principles. Then, menu structure alternatives were extracted by investigating priorities to those functions selected. Finally, menu structure alternatives were evaluated through an experiment and suggest the most appropriate one by applying Taguchi's parameter design. Taguchi method was used not only for planning an experiment but also evaluating alternatives. SN ratios were a key value to evaluate the alternatives and to find the most proper one. Through the research, the most appropriate menu structure for the instrument cluster IVIS was finally suggested among the alternatives and it is expected that the results of this research could provide a guideline to the instrument cluster IVIS.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.115-124
• /
• 2010

As the completion of genome sequencing, large collection of expression data and the great efforts in annotating plant genomes, the next challenge is to systematically assign functions to all predicted genes in the genome. Functional genome analysis of plants has entered the high-throughput stage. The generations and collections of mutants at the genome-wide level form technological platform of functional genomics. However, to identify the exact function of unknown genes it is necessary to understand each gene's role in the complex orchestration of all gene activities in the plant cell. Gene function analysis therefore necessitates the analysis of temporal and spatial gene expression patterns. The most conclusive information about changes in gene expression levels can be gained from analysis of the varying qualitative and quantitative changes of messenger RNAs, proteins and metabolites. New technologies have been developed to allow fast and highly parallel measurements of these constituents of the cell that make up gene activity. We have reviewed currently employed technologies to identify unknown functions of predicted genes including map-based cloning, insertional mutagenesis, reverse genetics, chemical mutagenesis, microarray analysis, FOX-hunting system, gene silencing mutagenesis, proteomics and chemical genomics. Recent improvements in technologies for functional genomics enable whole-genome functional analysis, and thus open new avenues for studies of the regulations and functions of unknown genes in plants.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.519-533
• /
• 2016

Objective: This study lays its aims at the definition of relevant operation method and function by researching on the value to be brought when applying smart device that can hand carry soft and flexible materials like jelly. Background: New technology and material play a role in bringing type transformation of interface and change of operation system. Recently, importance has been increased on the study of Organic User Interface (OUI) that conducts research on the value of new method of input and output adopting soft and flexible materials for various instruments. Method: For fulfillment of the study, 27 kinds of gestures have been defined that are usable in handheld device based on existing studies. Quantitative research of survey was conducted of adult male and female of 20s through 30s and an analysis was done on the function that can be linked to gestures with highest level of satisfaction. In order to analyze needs and hurdles of users for the defined gesture, a focus group interview was conducted aiming at the groups of early adopters and ordinary users. Results: As a result, it was found that users have much value regarding usability and fun for elastic device and analysis could be conducted on preferred gesture and its linkable functions. Conclusion: What is most significant with this study is that it sheds new light on the values of a device made of elastic material. Beyond finding and defining the gestures and functions that can be applied to a handheld elastic device, the present study identified the value elements of an elastic device - 'usability and 'fun' -, which users can basically desire from using it. Application: The data that this study brought forth through preference and satisfaction test with the gestures and associated functions will help commercialize an elastic device in future.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.5-11
• /
• 2018

Recent findings indicate that Type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs) are expressed outside the gustatory system, including in the gastrointestinal tracts and the exocrine glands, such as the submandibular (SM), parotid (P), lacrimal (L) glands and pancreas (PC). Specifically, T2Rs are found in some of the gastrointestinal endocrine cells, and these cells secreted peptide hormones in response to stimulation by bitter-tasting compounds. The results show that T2Rs may have significant physiological roles besides bitter taste reception. The functions of the T2Rs in the exocrine glands remain poorly understood. An expression levels analysis of T2Rs will help to determine those functions in the exocrine glands. The expression levels of the T2Rs in the exocrine glands were discovered via the qPCR. C57BL/6J mice of 42~60-day-old were used. Messenger RNAs were extracted from S, P, L and PC. Cloned DNAs were synthesized by reverse transcription. Quantitative PCRs were performed using the SYBR Green method. The expression levels of the T2Rs were calculated as relative expression levels to that of the GAPDH. The statistical significance among the observed exocrine glands was tested using the variance analysis (ANOVA test). Tas2r108, out of murine 35 T2Rs, was the most highly expressed in every observed exocrine gland. This finding was similar to previous results from tongue papillae, but the expression levels were lower than those of the tongue papillae. Tas2r137 of SM, P, L and PC were expressed a little lower than that of tongue papillae. The T2Rs in the exocrine glands may play slightly different roles from those in the tongue. We suggest that physiological studies such as a patch clamp and functional $Ca^{2+}$ imaging of acinar cells are necessary for understanding the Tas2r108 functions.

• Advances in concrete construction
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.155-163
• /
• 2019

The objective of this study was to derive a cementitious material for three-dimensional (3D) concrete printing that fulfills key performance functions, extrudability, buildability and bondability for 3D concrete printing. For this purpose, the rheological properties shown by different compositions of cement paste, the most fundamental component of concrete, were assessed, and the correlation between the rheological properties and key performance functions was analyzed. The results of the experiments indicated that the overall properties of a binder have a greater influence on the yield stress than the plastic viscosity. When the performance of a cementitious material for 3D printing was considered in relation with the properties of a binder, a mixture with FA or SF was thought to be more appropriate; however, a mixture containing GGBS was found to be inappropriate as it failed to meet the required function especially, buildability and extrudability. For a simple quantitative evaluation, the correlation between the rheological parameters of cementitious materials and simplified flow performance test results-time taken to reach T-150 and the number of hits required to reach T-150-in consideration of the flow of cementitious materials was compared. The result of the analysis showed a high reliability for the correlation between the rheological parameters and the time taken to reach T-150, but a low reliability for the number of hits needed for the fluid to reach T-150. In conclusion, among several performance functions, extrudability and buildability were mainly assessed based on the results obtained from various formulations from a rheological perspective, and the suitable formulations of composite materials for 3D printing was derived.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.49-58
• /
• 2021

Rural and agricultural landscapes are important forms of land use in maintaining biodiversity. In addition humans are provided with various public functions from ecosystems and agricultural ecosystems. But the creation of a facility horticultural complex can be a space that can undermine the public interest function of the agricultural ecosystem. Therefore, this study aims to quantify the function of ecosystem services that land use changes affect biodiversity in Korea's rice paddy fields. The area subject to the study was selected as the largest agricultural complex in Korea due to rice paddy fields and land use changes, and field agriculture was also carried out simultaneously. The survey was conducted only in the fields of vegetation, insects, amphibians, and birds, four areas of biodiversity that are believed to have a high impact on changes in land use in agricultural landscapes. The valuation of ecosystem services in four areas of biodiversity derived from this study was evaluated as non-market value. As a result of quantitative evaluation, about 25 species of vegetation were reduced due to changes in land use. The diversity of about 40 species of aquatic insects that inhabit rice paddies among insects has disappeared due to the creation of a horticultural complex. Birds and amphibian reptiles were also found to have decreased diversity and populations. This research is expected to be used in various ways to develop policies to enhance ecosystem service functions.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.32 no.7
• /
• pp.938-948
• /
• 2022

Gastric cancers (GC) are generally malignant tumors, occurring with high incidence and threatening public health around the world. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles in modulating various cancers, including GC. However, the functions of circRNAs and their regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely unknown. This study focuses on both the role of circCOL1A2 in CRC progression as well as its downstream molecular mechanism. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot were adopted for gene expression analysis. Functional experiments were performed to study the biological functions. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and subcellular fraction assays were employed to detect the subcellular distribution. Luciferase reporter, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), RNA pull-down, and immunofluorescence (IF) and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. Our results found circCOL1A2 to be not only upregulated in GC cells, but that it also propels the migration and invasion of GC cells. CircCOL1A2 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sequestering microRNA-1286 (miR-1286) to modulate ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10), which in turn spurs the migration and invasion of GC cells by regulating RFC2. In sum, CircCOL1A2 sponges miR-1286 to promote cell invasion and migration of GC by elevating the expression of USP10 to downregulate the level of RFC2 ubiquitination. Our study offers a potential novel target for the early diagnosis and treatment of GC.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.41-48
• /
• 2023

PURPOSE: Falls are caused by a decline in physical and cognitive function. A quantitative evaluation tool that can comprehensively evaluate motor and cognitive functions for elderly people with an impaired physical function. This study assessed the clinical application potential by confirming the correlation between the physical function tests, cognitive and the stepping trail-making test (S-TMT). METHODS: Fourteen community-dwelling older patients (65-75 years) were recruited. The study conducted cognitive function tests with the trail-making test (TMT-A, B), and physical function tests (6-minute walking test (6MWT), short physical performance battery (SPPB), and timed up and go (TUG)). The results of were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were used for the general characteristics of the study subjects, and the correlations between S-TMT, other functional tests were examined through Pearson's correlation analysis. The statistical significance was set to .05. RESULTS: S-TMT had a significant positive correlation with the TUG (r = .588^*) and trail-making test-B (TMT-B) (r = .689^*, p < .05). Furthermore, S-TMT showed a negative correlation between SPPB (r = -.397) and 6MWT (r = -.422), but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: S-TMT is a cognitive-gait dual-task performance evaluation tool that can be performed safely. A significant correlation was confirmed between the TUG test and the TMT-B. S-TMT is a dual-task screening tool that can evaluate both physical and cognitive functions simultaneously.

• Convergence Security Journal
• /
• v.23 no.5
• /
• pp.143-150
• /
• 2023

Applications on physically unclonable circuits (PUFs) for implementing and utilizing security protocols with hardware is on the rise. PUFs have the capability to perform functions such as authentication, prevention of replication, and secure storage of critical information in integrated circuits and security systems. Through the implementation of physically unclonable circuits, a wide range of security features, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability, can be applied. Therefore, PUFs are promising candidate to build secure integrated circuits and hardware systems. However, in order that PUFs possess security features, PUFs should possess characteristics such as unpredictability, uniqueness, and robustness characteristics. This study provides a detailed explanation and introduction of the methods to characterize the PUF properties. By applying the results, it becomes possible to quantitatively evaluate the characteristics of implemented PUFs and assess their availabilities for security system applications.