• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.22 no.6
• /
• pp.983-993
• /
• 2021

Objective: To investigate the image quality of ultralow-dose CT (ULDCT) of the chest reconstructed using a cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (CycleGAN)-based deep learning method in the evaluation of pulmonary tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: Between June 2019 and November 2019, 103 patients (mean age, 40.8 ± 13.6 years; 61 men and 42 women) with pulmonary tuberculosis were prospectively enrolled to undergo standard-dose CT (120 kVp with automated exposure control), followed immediately by ULDCT (80 kVp and 10 mAs). The images of the two successive scans were used to train the CycleGAN framework for image-to-image translation. The denoising efficacy of the CycleGAN algorithm was compared with that of hybrid and model-based iterative reconstruction. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were performed to compare the objective measurements and the subjective image quality scores, respectively. Results: With the optimized CycleGAN denoising model, using the ULDCT images as input, the peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index improved by 2.0 dB and 0.21, respectively. The CycleGAN-generated denoised ULDCT images typically provided satisfactory image quality for optimal visibility of anatomic structures and pathological findings, with a lower level of image noise (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 19.5 ± 3.0 Hounsfield unit [HU]) than that of the hybrid (66.3 ± 10.5 HU, p < 0.001) and a similar noise level to model-based iterative reconstruction (19.6 ± 2.6 HU, p > 0.908). The CycleGAN-generated images showed the highest contrast-to-noise ratios for the pulmonary lesions, followed by the model-based and hybrid iterative reconstruction. The mean effective radiation dose of ULDCT was 0.12 mSv with a mean 93.9% reduction compared to standard-dose CT. Conclusion: The optimized CycleGAN technique may allow the synthesis of diagnostically acceptable images from ULDCT of the chest for the evaluation of pulmonary tuberculosis.

• Journal of the Korea Society for Simulation
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.1-17
• /
• 2024

Forest management is known to beneficially influence stand structure and wood production, yet quantitative understanding as well as an illustrative depiction of the effects of different management approaches on tree growth and stand dynamics are still scarce. Long-term management of beech forests must balance public interests with ecological aspects. Efficient forest management requires the reliable prediction of tree growth change. We aimed to develop a novel hybrid simulation approach, which realistically simulates short- as well as long-term effects of different forest management regimes commonly applied, but not limited, to German low mountain ranges, including near-natural forest management based on single-tree selection harvesting. The model basically consists of three modules for (a) natural seedling regeneration, (b) mortality adjustment, and (c) tree growth simulation. In our approach, an existing validated growth model was used to calculate single year tree growth, and expanded on by including in a newly developed simulation process using calibrated modules based on practical experience in forest management and advice from the local forest. We included the following different beech forest-management scenarios that are representative for German low mountain ranges to our simulation tool: (1) plantation, (2) continuous cover forestry, and (3) reserved forest. The simulation results show a robust consistency with expert knowledge as well as a great comparability with mid-term monitoring data, indicating a strong model performance. We successfully developed a hybrid simulation that realistically reflects different management strategies and tree growth in low mountain range. This study represents a basis for a new model calibration method, which has translational potential for further studies to develop reliable tailor-made models adjusted to local situations in beech forest management.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.65-70
• /
• 2017

Purpose: To optimize the saturation time and maximizing the pH-weighted difference between the normal and ischemic brain regions, on 3-tesla amide proton transfer (APT) imaging using an in vivo rat model. Materials and Methods: Three male Wistar rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion, and were examined in a 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. APT imaging acquisition was performed with 3-dimensional turbo spin-echo imaging, using a 32-channel head coil and 2-channel parallel radiofrequency transmission. An off-resonance radiofrequency pulse was applied with a Sinc-Gauss pulse at a $B_{1,rms}$ amplitude of $1.2{\mu}T$ using a 2-channel parallel transmission. Saturation times of 3, 4, or 5 s were tested. The APT effect was quantified using the magnetization-transfer-ratio asymmetry at 3.5 ppm with respect to the water resonance (APT-weighted signal), and compared with the normal and ischemic regions. The result was then applied to an acute stroke patient to evaluate feasibility. Results: Visual detection of ischemic regions was achieved with the 3-, 4-, and 5-s protocols. Among the different saturation times at $1.2{\mu}T$ power, 4 s showed the maximum difference between the ischemic and normal regions (-0.95%, P = 0.029). The APTw signal difference for 3 and 5 s was -0.9% and -0.7%, respectively. The 4-s saturation time protocol also successfully depicted the pH-weighted differences in an acute stroke patient. Conclusion: For 3-tesla turbo spin-echo APT imaging, the maximal pH-weighted difference achieved when using the $1.2{\mu}T$ power, was with the 4 s saturation time. This protocol will be helpful to depict pH-weighted difference in stroke patients in clinical settings.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.202-208
• /
• 1999

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the frame ratio and greenhouse length on the transmissivities of direct and diffuse solar radiation in glasshouse using a computer simulation model developed by Kim and Lee(1997). Transmissivity of diffuse solar radiation slightly decreased as the frame ratio increased. There was no effect of number of spans on the transmissivity of diffuse solar radiation at the same frame ratio. In single or multispan glasshouse, transmissivity of direct solar radiation was 1.5-3.0% higher at the frame ratio of 11.3% than those at the frame ratio of 14.9%. Also the transmissivity of direct solar radiation was 1.5-3.0% lower at the frame ratio of 18.3% than those at the frame ratio of 14.9%. Effect of the increased or decreased frame ratio on the transmissivity of direct solar radiation was similar in I-W or S-N glasshouse. Since the high transmissivity of direct solar radiation exerted a beneficial influence upon the plant growth during winter season, the light and endurable structural members were needed to maximize the transmission of solar radiation in glasshouse. Transmissivity of direct solar radiation in I-W or S-N glasshouse did not vary with the length of 24.5m long or more.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
• /
• v.48 no.9
• /
• pp.711-717
• /
• 2015

This paper attempts to measure the economic benefits of advanced water treatment in five cities (Goyang, Paju, Gumi, Gimcheon, Chilgok), which are supplied water from Goyang and Gumi filtration plant. We used the dichotomous choice contingent valuation method to estimate WTP. Parametric interval-data model are used to obtaining the mean WTP estimates. The results show that the mean of additional WTP for advanced water treatment services were estimated to be KRW 231.3 and KRW 231.2 per $m^3$ using model with covariates and without covariates, respectively. Given the water supplies of Goyang and Gumi filtration plants ($59.675m^3/y$ and $93.734m^3/y$), the economic benefits of those advanced water treatments can be expected to be KRW 13.8 billion and KRE 21.68 billion. And the calculated B/C ratios are 3.7 and 2.1 when a lifespan of facility is 10 years. Advanced water treatment should be introduced in terms of the economic benefits and costs. Thus, this results can be useful in water policy decision-making.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.241-249
• /
• 2012

This paper presents the lateral displacement of a particle passing over a planar interdigitated electrode array at an angle as a function of particle size. The lateral displacement was also measured as a function of the angle between the electrode and the direction of flow. A simplified line charge model was used for numerical estimation of the lateral displacement of fluorescent polystyrene (PS) beads with three different diameters. Using the lateral displacement as a function of particle size, we developed a lateral dielectrophoretic (DEP) microseparator, which enables the continuous discrimination of particles by size. The experiment using an admixture of 3-, 5-, and $10-{\mu}m$ PS beads showed that the lateral DEP microseparator could continuously separate out 99.86% of the $3-{\mu}m$ beads, 98.82% of the $5-{\mu}m$ beads, and 99.69% of the $10-{\mu}m$ beads. The lateral DEP microseparator is thus a practical device for the simultaneous separation of particles according to size from a heterogeneous admixture.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.22 no.5
• /
• pp.595-599
• /
• 2012

Allergic response is associated with mast cells, through the release of arachidonic acid, proinflammatory cytokines, and histamine. We investigated the effect of Platycodon grandiflorum including platycodin D (PG-Platycodin D) on allergic responses in an animal model and on mast cell degranulation. PG-Platycodin D suppressed the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase, a type of marker associated with degranulation. PG-Platycodin D efficiently inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in ICR mice. In addition, molecular analysis demonstrated that PG-Platycodin D inhibited mRNA expression of both IL-3. These results suggest that PG-Platycodin D can inhibit mast cell degranulation through the inhibition of IL-3 mRNA expression, and that PG-Platycodin D may potentially serve as an anti-allergic agent.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.119-135
• /
• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the Asthma-suppressive and Immune-regulatory effect of AF-HA(Aristolochiae Fructus Herbal-acupuncture) at Joksamni(St36) in OVA(ovalbumin) induced asthma mouse model. Methods : C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA(ovalbumin) for 12 weeks(once a week). The mice in the OVA-AF-HA group were treated with AF-HA at St36 for the later 8weeks(3times/week). The mice in the OVA-Needle-prick group were treated with single prick with an injection needle at St36 for the later 8 weeks(3times/week). Results : 1. The lung weight and the total cells in lung of the mice treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. 2. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the mice group treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased remarkably compared with those of the OVA-control group. 3. The collagen accumulation in lung of OVA-AF-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group, 4. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IgE in BALF, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in serum of the mice group treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. 5. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+\;and\;CD11b^+$ cells in lung of the mice group treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. 6. The numbers of $CCR3^+,\;CD4^+,\;CD8^+\;and \;CD3e^+/CD69^+$ cells in lung of the mice group treated with AF-HA at 5136 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. 7. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-4, IL-5, IL13 in lung of the mice group treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. Conclusion : These results suggest that Aristolochiae Fructus Herbal-acupuncture at Joksamni(St36) may be an effictive therapeutic method to treat asthma.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.25-32
• /
• 2020

An analysis of emotional English utterances with 7 emotions (calm, happy, sad, angry, fearful, disgust, surprised) was conducted using the measurement of prosodic distance between 672 emotional and 48 neutral utterances. Applying the technique proposed in the automatic evaluation model of English pronunciation to the present study on emotional utterances, Euclidean distance measurement of 3 prosodic elements such as F0, intensity and duration extracted from emotional and neutral utterances was utilized. This paper, furthermore, extended the analytical methods to include Euclidean distance normalization, z-score and z-score normalization resulting in 4 groups of measurement schemes (sqrF0, sqrINT, sqrDUR; norsqrF0, norsqrINT, norsqrDUR; sqrzF0, sqrzINT, sqrzDUR; norsqrzF0, norsqrzINT, norsqrzDUR). All of the results from perceptual analysis and acoustical analysis of emotional utteances consistently indicated the greater effectiveness of norsqrF0, norsqrINT and norsqrDUR, among 4 groups of measurement schemes, which normalized the Euclidean measurement. The greatest acoustical change of prosodic information influenced by emotion was shown in the values of F0 followed by duration and intensity in descending order according to the effect size based on the estimation of distance between emotional utterances and neutral counterparts. Tukey Post Hoc test revealed 4 homogeneous subsets (calm

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.445-455
• /
• 2014

The pear sucker (Cacopsylla pyricola) is the most important insect pest in Korea. The hatching rates of overwintered adults laid eggs were observed at 10, 13, 18, and $22^{\circ}C$. The liner model was draw as Y=0.00277X+0.00146(Y=developmental rate, X=temperature) about temperature and developmental rate to eggs. The developmental threshold temperature to eggs was assumed about $-0.83^{\circ}C$. The egg hatching timing over 50% as the accumulated temperature by day maximum temperature $6^{\circ}C$ over from 1st February in 2008, 2009 and 2011 was 429.7, 417.6, and 424.3 degree $^{\circ}C$, respectively, was 3 to 7days before full blooming in pear orchard. On the other hand, the abamectin 1.8EC, lime sulfer, machine oil and 13 kinds of eco-friendly materials were not shown the control effect to the eggs. To mixed stage of pear sucker, the eco-friendly materials over 90% control value were 4 kinds such as a mixture of Azadiractin A+B, Nimbin, Salanin, Meliantriol and Vepol after twice application as 21st May and 5th June in pear growing season, in 2012.