• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.28 no.8
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• pp.815-821
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• 2009

Information processing in variable and noisy environments is usually accomplished by means of adaptive filters. Among various adaptive algorithms, Least Mean Square (LMS) has become the most popular for its robustness, good tracking capabilities and simplicity, both in terms of computational load and easiness of implementation. In practical application of the LMS algorithm, the most important key parameter is the Step Size. As is well known, if the Step Size is large, the convergence rate of the algorithm will be rapid, but the steady state mean square error (MSE) will increase. On the other hand, if the Step Size is small, the steady state MSE will be small, but the convergence rate will be slow. Many researches have been proposed to alleviate this drawback by using a variable Step Size. In this paper, a new variable Step Size LMS(VSSLMS) called Categorized VSSLMS (CVSSLMS) is proposed. CVSSLMS updates the Step Size by categorizing the current status of the gradient, hence significantly improves the convergence rate. The performance of the proposed algorithm was verified from the view point of convergence rate, Excessive Mean Square Error(EMSE), and complexity through experiments.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.402-412
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• 2022

Objective: To evaluate the image quality and lesion detectability of lower-dose CT (LDCT) of the abdomen and pelvis obtained using a deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm compared with those of standard-dose CT (SDCT) images. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 123 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 63 ± 11 years; male:female, 70:53) who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic LDCT between May and August 2020 and had prior SDCT obtained using the same CT scanner within a year. LDCT images were reconstructed with hybrid iterative reconstruction (h-IR) and DLIR at medium and high strengths (DLIR-M and DLIR-H), while SDCT images were reconstructed with h-IR. For quantitative image quality analysis, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were measured in the liver, muscle, and aorta. Among the three different LDCT reconstruction algorithms, the one showing the smallest difference in quantitative parameters from those of SDCT images was selected for qualitative image quality analysis and lesion detectability evaluation. For qualitative analysis, overall image quality, image noise, image sharpness, image texture, and lesion conspicuity were graded using a 5-point scale by two radiologists. Observer performance in focal liver lesion detection was evaluated by comparing the jackknife free-response receiver operating characteristic figures-of-merit (FOM). Results: LDCT (35.1% dose reduction compared with SDCT) images obtained using DLIR-M showed similar quantitative measures to those of SDCT with h-IR images. All qualitative parameters of LDCT with DLIR-M images but image texture were similar to or significantly better than those of SDCT with h-IR images. The lesion detectability on LDCT with DLIR-M images was not significantly different from that of SDCT with h-IR images (reader-averaged FOM, 0.887 vs. 0.874, respectively; p = 0.581). Conclusion: Overall image quality and detectability of focal liver lesions is preserved in contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic LDCT obtained with DLIR-M relative to those in SDCT with h-IR.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.247-259
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• 2024

Objective: Bis-[4-chlorophenyl]-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), one of the most widely used synthetic pesticides, is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with the potential to interfere with the human reproductive system. The effects of DDT and one of its metabolites, p,p'-DDT, on human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and health outcomes remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether p,p'-DDT induces an imbalance in cell proliferation and apoptosis in human ESCs via oxidative stress. Methods: We assessed apoptosis in ESCs by quantifying the expression of markers associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Additionally, we measured levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activity, and estrogen receptors (ERs). We also examined changes in signaling involving nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. Results: Following treatment with 1,000 pg/mL of p,p'-DDT, we observed an increase in Bax expression, a decrease in Bcl-2 expression, and increases in the expression of caspases 3, 6, and 8. We also noted a rise in the generation of ROS and a reduction in glutathione peroxidase expression after treatment with p,p'-DDT. Additionally, p,p'-DDT treatment led to changes in ER expression and increases in the protein levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phospho-protein kinase B (phospho-AKT), and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (phospho-ERK). Conclusion: p,p'-DDT was found to induce apoptosis in human ESCs through oxidative stress and an ER-mediated pathway. The activation of the PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways could represent potential mechanisms by which p,p'-DDT prompts apoptosis in human ESCs and may be linked to endometrial pathologies.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SD
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• v.43 no.11 s.353
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• pp.37-47
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• 2006

This work proposes a 10b 25MS/s $0.8mm^2$ 4.8mW 0.13um CMOS A/D Converter (ADC) for high-performance wireless communication systems such as DVB, DAB and DMB simultaneously requiring low voltage, low power, and small area. A two-stage pipeline architecture minimizes the overall chip area and power dissipation of the proposed ADC at the target resolution and sampling rate while switched-bias power reduction techniques reduce the power consumption of analog amplifiers. A low-power sample-and-hold amplifier maintains 10b resolution for input frequencies up to 60MHz based on a single-stage amplifier and nominal CMOS sampling switches using low threshold-voltage transistors. A signal insensitive 3-D fully symmetric layout reduces the capacitor and device mismatch of a multiplying D/A converter while low-noise reference currents and voltages are implemented on chip with optional off-chip voltage references. The employed down-sampling clock signal selects the sampling rate of 25MS/s or 10MS/s with a reduced power depending on applications. The prototype ADC in a 0.13um 1P8M CMOS technology demonstrates the measured DNL and INL within 0.42LSB and 0.91LSB and shows a maximum SNDR and SFDR of 56dB and 65dB at all sampling frequencies up to 2SMS/s, respectively. The ADC with an active die area if $0.8mm^2$ consumes 4.8mW at 25MS/s and 2.4mW at 10MS/s at a 1.2V supply.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.3
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• pp.669-679
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• 2022

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of pediatric low-dose facial CT reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) using adequate kernels. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data of children aged < 10 years who underwent facial CT at our emergency department. The patients were divided into two groups: low-dose CT (LDCT; Group A, n = 73) with a fixed 80-kVp tube potential and automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) and standard-dose CT (SDCT; Group B, n = 40) with a fixed 120-kVp tube potential and ATCM. All images were reconstructed with FBP using bone and soft tissue kernels in Group A and only bone kernel in Group B. The groups were compared in terms of image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Two radiologists subjectively scored the overall image quality of bony and soft tissue structures. The CT dose index volume and dose-length product were recorded. Results Image noise was higher in Group A than in Group B in bone kernel images (p < 0.001). Group A using a soft tissue kernel showed the highest SNR and CNR for all soft tissue structures (all p < 0.001). In the qualitative analysis of bony structures, Group A scores were found to be similar to or higher than Group B scores on comparing bone kernel images. In the qualitative analysis of soft tissue structures, there was no significant difference between Group A using a soft tissue kernel and Group B using a bone kernel with a soft tissue window setting (p > 0.05). Group A showed a 76.9% reduction in radiation dose compared to Group B (3.2 ± 0.2 mGy vs. 13.9 ± 1.5 mGy; p < 0.001). Conclusion The addition of a soft tissue kernel image to conventional CT reconstructed with FBP enables the use of pediatric low-dose facial CT protocol while maintaining image quality.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SD
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• v.43 no.11 s.353
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• pp.48-57
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• 2006

This work describes a 12b 200KHz 0.52mA $0.47mm^2$ algorithmic ADC for sensor applications such as motor controls, 3-phase power controls, and CMOS image sensors simultaneously requiring ultra-low power and small size. The proposed ADC is based on the conventional algorithmic architecture with recycling techniques to optimize sampling rate, resolution, chip area, and power consumption. The input SHA with eight input channels for high integration employs a folded-cascode architecture to achieve a required DC gain and a sufficient phase margin. A signal insensitive 3-D fully symmetrical layout with critical signal lines shielded reduces the capacitor and device mismatch of the MDAC. The improved switched bias power-reduction techniques reduce the power consumption of analog amplifiers. Current and voltage references are integrated on the chip with optional off-chip voltage references for low glitch noise. The employed down-sampling clock signal selects the sampling rate of 200KS/s or 10KS/s with a reduced power depending on applications. The prototype ADC in a 0.18um n-well 1P6M CMOS technology demonstrates the measured DNL and INL within 0.76LSB and 2.47LSB. The ADC shows a maximum SNDR and SFDR of 55dB and 70dB at all sampling frequencies up to 200KS/s, respectively. The active die area is $0.47mm^2$ and the chip consumes 0.94mW at 200KS/s and 0.63mW at 10KS/s at a 1.8V supply.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.223-228
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• 2008

The most critical point in the medical use of radiation is to minimize the patient's entrance dose while maintaining the diagnostic function. Low-energy photons (long wave X-ray) among diagnostic X-rays are unnecessary because they are mostly absorbed and contribute the increase of patient's entrance dose. The most effective method to eliminate the low-energy photons is to use the filtering plate. The experiments were performed by observing the image quality. The skin entrance dose was 0.3 mmCu (copper) filter. A total of 80 images were prepared as two sets of 40 cuts. In the first set (of 40 cuts), 20 cuts were prepared for the non-filter set and another 20 cuts for the Cu filter of signal + noise image set. In the second set of 40 cuts, 20 cuts were prepared for the non-filter set and another 20 cuts for the Cu filter of non-signal image (noisy image) with random location of diameter 4 mm and 3 mm thickness of acryl disc for ROC signal at the chest phantom. P(S/s) and P(S/n) were calculated and the ROC curve was described in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Accuracy were evaluated after reading by five radiologists. The number of optically observable lesions was counted through ANSI chest phantom and contrast-detail phantom by recommendation of AAPM when non-filter or Cu filter was used, and the skin entrance dose was also measured for both conditions. As the result of the study, when the Cu filter was applied, favorable outcomes were observed on, the ROC Curve was located on the upper left area, sensitivity, accuracy and the number of CD phantom lesions were reasonable. Furthermore, if skin entrance dose was reduced, the use of additional filtration may be required to be considered in many other cases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.9
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• pp.1314-1320
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• 2009

Histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI) is a new promising candidate as an antineoplastic agent for the treatment of solid and hematologic malignancies. In order to evaluate cell death and to elucidate the related mechanism(s) in NSCLC cells after HDACI, sodium butyrate (SB), a representative HDACI, was used to treat H460 cells for 48 hrs. SB exposure resulted in a significant reduction of cell viability at concentrations below 7.5 mM, and about 50% of cell death occurred at 20 mM. The types of cell death induced by SB were both apoptosis and necrosis, evaluated by Annexin-V staining combined with propidium iodide. SB treatment significantly evoked G2/M cell cycle arrest and subsequently induced cell death with caspase-dependent manner. While ERK protein content was not altered after SB, phosphorylated forms of ERK were markedly reduced. Taken together, SB is significantly able to induce cell death in NSCLC cell line H460, and it is suggested that the reduction of ERK phosphorylation might be closely involved in the cancer cell death mechanism initiated by HDACI.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.96-102
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• 2009

We investigate the characteristics of RJ (random jitter) in an analog fiber-optic link employing a MZM (Mach-Zehnder modulator) and an EDFA (Erbium-doped fiber amplifier). RJ has been measured using two methods, one of which derived from the noise spectrum of a RF spectrum analyzer and the other from the histogram data of a sampling oscilloscope. If the optical power and/or the RF power input to the MZM increase, RJ decreases due to the output signal power increase. For the optical link without EDFA, the minimum RJ is about 1 ps at an RF power of 10 dBm and an optical power of 8 dBm measured using the noise spectrum method. For the optical link with an EDFA, RJ decreases toward a jitter floor as the EDFA gain increases. If the gain increases further, it has been observed that RJ increases from the minimum. If the EDFA gain is fixed, RJ is smaller for the case of larger optical input power. As the EDFA gain increases, RJ reduction rate becomes greater for the case of lower optical input power.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2003

In the current electronic technology atmosphere, MEMS (Microelectromechanical System) technology is regarded as one of promising device manufacturing technologies to realize market-demanding device properties. In the packaging of MEMS devices, the packaged structure must maintain hermeticity to protect the devices from a hostile atmosphere during their operations. For such MEMS device vacuum packaging, we introduce the LTCC (Low temperature Cofired Ceramic) packaging technology, in which embedded passive components such as resistors, capacitors and inductors can be realized inside the package. The technology has also the advantages of the shortened length of inner and surface traces, reduced signal delay time due to the multilayer structure and cost reduction by more simplified packaging processes owing to the realization of embedded passives which in turn enhances the electrical performance and increases the reliability of the packages. In this paper, the leakage rate of the LTCC package having several interfaces was measured and the possibility of LTCC technology application to MEMS devices vacuum packaging was investigated and it was verified that improved hermetic sealing can be achieved for various model structures having different types of interfaces (leak rate: stacked via; $4.1{\pm}1.11{\times}10^{-12}$/ Torrl/sec, LTCC/AgPd/solder/Cu-tube; $3.4{\pm}0.33{\times}10^{-12}$/ Torrl/sec). In real application of the LTCC technology, the technology can be successfully applied to the vacuum packaging of the Infrared Sensor Array and the images of light-up lamp through the sensor way in LTCC package structure was presented.