Efficient Mode Decision Algorithm Based on Spatial, Temporal, and Inter-layer Rate-Distortion Correlation Coefficients for Scalable Video Coding

Po-Chun Wang,Gwo-Long Li,Shu-Fen Huang,Mei-Juan Chen,Shih-Chien Lin 한국전자통신연구원 2010 ETRI Journal Vol.32 No.4

The layered coding structure of scalable video coding (SVC) with adaptive inter-layer prediction causes noticeable computational complexity increments when compared to existing video coding standards. To lighten the computational complexity of SVC, we present a fast algorithm to speed up the inter-mode decision process. The proposed algorithm terminates inter-mode decision early in the enhancement layers by estimating the rate-distortion (RD) cost from the macroblocks of the base layer and the enhancement layer in temporal, spatial, and inter-layer directions. Moreover, a search range decision algorithm is also proposed in this paper to further increase the motion estimation speed by using the motion vector information from temporal, spatial, or inter-layer domains. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can determine the best mode and provide more efficient total coding time saving with very slight RD performance degradation for spatial and quality scalabilities.

Hypodermic-Needle-Like Hollow Polymer Microneedle Array: Fabrication and Characterization

Po-Chun Wang,Seung-Joon Paik,Seong-Hyok Kim,Allen, Mark G. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 2014 Journal of microelectromechanical systems Vol. No.

<P>A hollow polymer microneedle array with tips and lumens that mimic conventional hypodermic needles, fabricated using UV lithography, and a single-step micromolding technique, is presented for drug delivery into skin. This 6 × 6 needle array consists of 1-mm tall high-aspect ratio hollow microneedles with sharp beveled tips and 150-μm diameter side-opened lumens. A 2-D lithographic mask pattern and the topography of the micromold are utilized simultaneously to define the geometry of the beveled tip and the position of the lumen. Mechanical insertion and fluidic injection characterization of these hypodermic-needle-like (HNL) microneedles (MNs) were performed using excised porcine skin as a substrate. The required insertion force of an HNL MN is 0.275 N, which is comparable with that of a 26-gauge hypodermic needle, 0.284 N. These results are an order of magnitude reduction in insertion force over pyramidal-tip MNs of comparable diameter previously reported by us. This insertion force reduction confirms that the tip geometry is an important factor in utilization of MNs in these applications. No needle fracture was observed under an optical microscope following the pressing of an HNL MN against excised porcine skin with application force of 50 N. Preliminary manual injection of dye through an HNL MN from a syringe into excised porcine skin verified the injection functionality of HNL MNs. [2013-0219].</P>

ALDH2 Gene: Its Effects on the Neuropsychological Functions in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Po-Wei Lee,Tzu-Yun Wang,Yun-Hsuan Chang,Sheng-Yu Lee,Shiou-Lan Chen,Ze-Cheng Wang,Po See Chen,Chun-Hsien Chu,San-Yuan Huang,Nian-Sheng Tzeng,I Hui Lee,Kao Chin Chen,Yen Kuang Yang,Jau-Shyong Hong,Ru-B 대한정신약물학회 2020 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.18 No.1

Objective: Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have impaired attention, inhibition control, and memory function. The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2 ) gene has been associated with OUD and ALDH2 gene polymorphisms may affect aldehyde metabolism and cognitive function in other substance use disorder. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether ALDH2 genotypes have significant effects on neuropsychological functions in OUD patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Methods: OUD patients undergoing MMT were investigated and followed-up for 12 weeks. ALDH2 gene polymorphisms were genotyped. Connors’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) were administered at baseline and after 12 weeks of MMT. Multivariate linear regressions and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to examine the correlation between the ALDH2 genotypes and performance on the CPTs and WMS-R. Results: We enrolled 86 patients at baseline; 61 patients completed the end-of-study assessments. The GEE analysis showed that, after the 12 weeks of MMT, OUD patients with the ALDH2 *1/*2+*2/*2 (ALDH2 inactive) genotypes had significantly higher commission error T-scores (p = 0.03), significantly lower hit reaction time T-scores (p = 0.04), and significantly lower WMS-R visual memory index scores (p = 0.03) than did patients with the ALDH2 1 */*1 (ALDH2 active) genotype. Conclusion: OUD patients with the ALDH2 inactive genotypes performed worse in cognitive domains of attention, impulse control, and memory than did those with the ALDH2 active genotype. We conclude that the ALDH2 gene is important in OUD and is associated with neuropsychological performance after MMT.

Simple but Organized Neurology Residency Training Improves the Quality of Acute Stroke Care: From the Outset to Long-Term Effect

Yu-Ming Chang,Chun-Min Wang,Po-Yu Lin,Pi-Shan Sung,Sheng-Hsiang Lin,Chih-Hung Chen 대한뇌졸중학회 2021 Journal of stroke Vol.23 No.2

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Promoted Growth of Maize by the Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Isolated from North-east China

Wu, Hai-Yan,Wang, Li-Chun,Gao, Xing-Ai,Jin, Rong-De,Fan, Zuo-Wei,Kim, Kil-Yong,Zhao, Lan-Po Korean Society of Soil Science and Fertilizer 2011 한국토양비료학회지 Vol.44 No.1

A strain of phosphate solubilizing bacterium was isolated from rhizosphere and identified as Burkholderia sp. by 16S-rRNA gene sequence analyses. The bacterium was found to release gluconic acid and the solubilization of hydroxyapatite in the liquid medium by a significant drop in pH to 3.7 from an initial pH 7.0. The soluble-P concentration continuously increased during the incubation periods and the total amount of soluble P released in culture filtrate was detected at 990 mg $L^{-1}$ after 10 days of inoculation. Most promoted maize growth was found in the standard NPK (240-120-120 kg $ha^{-1}$) soil inoculation with Burkholderia sp. (Twenty milliliters/plant, 106 CFU) and also in the absence of Burkholderia sp. inoculation, the soil amended with only 2/3 levels of P gave significant higher plant yield compared to 1/3 levels of P or without P supplementation.

Promoted Growth of Maize by the Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Isolated from North-east China

Hai-Yan Wu,Li-Chun Wang,Xing-Ai Gao,Rong-De Jin,Zuo-Wei Fan,Kil-Yong Kim,Lan-Po Zhao 한국토양비료학회 2011 한국토양비료학회지 Vol.44 No.1

A strain of phosphate solubilizing bacterium was isolated from rhizosphere and identified as Burkholderia sp. by 16S-rRNA gene sequence analyses. The bacterium was found to release gluconic acid and the solubilization of hydroxyapatite in the liquid medium by a significant drop in pH to 3.7 from an initial pH 7.0. The soluble-P concentration continuously increased during the incubation periods and the total amount of soluble P released in culture filtrate was detected at 990 mg L<SUP>-1</SUP> after 10 days of inoculation. Most promoted maize growth was found in the standard NPK (240-120-120 kg ha<SUP>-1</SUP>) soil inoculation with Burkholderia sp. (Twenty milliliters/ plant, 106 CFU) and also in the absence of Burkholderia sp. inoculation, the soil amended with only 2/3 levels of P gave significant higher plant yield compared to 1/3 levels of P or without P supplementation.

Valsartan regulates TGF-b/Smads and TGF-b/p38 pathways through lncRNA CHRF to improve doxorubicin-induced heart failure

Lei Chen,Kui-Po Yan,Xin-Can Liu,Wei Wang,Chao Li,Ming Li,Chun-Guang Qiu 대한약학회 2018 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.41 No.1

This study investigated the interaction amongvalsartan (VAL), TGF-b pathways, and long non-codingRNA (lncRNA) cardiac hypertrophy-related factor (CHRF)in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced heart failure (HF), andexplored their roles in DOX-induced HF progression. HFmice models in vivo were constructed by DOX induction. The expression of CHRF and TGF-b1 in hearts wasdetected, along with cardiac function, caspase-3 activity,and cell apoptosis. Primary myocardial cells were pretreatedwith VAL, followed by DOX induction in vitro forfunctional studies, including the detection of cell apoptosiswith terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-endlabeling and the expression of proteins associated withTGF-b1 pathways. HF models were established in vivo andin vitro. Expression of CHRF and TGF-b1 was up-regulated,and cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity wereincreased in the hearts and cells of the HF models. VALsupplementation alleviated the cardiac dysfunction andinjury in the HF process. Moreover, overexpressed CHRFup-regulated TGF-b1, promoted myocardial cell apoptosis,and reversed VAL’s cardiac protective effect, while interferenceof CHRF (si-CHRF) did the opposite. Down-regulationof CHRF reversed the increased expression of TGFb1and the downstream proteins induced by pcDNA-TGFb1in HL-1 cells, while overexpression of CHRF reversedthe VAL’s cardiac protective effect in vivo. In conclusion,VAL regulates TGF-b pathways through lncRNA CHRF toimprove DOX-induced HF.

Characterization of exopolysaccharide-producing lactic acid bacteria from Taiwanese ropy fermented milk and their application in low-fat fermented milk

Ng Ker-Sin,Chang Yu-Chun,Chen Yen-Po,Lo Ya-Hsuan,Wang Sheng-Yao,Chen Ming-Ju 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.2

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the exopolysaccharides (EPS)-producing lactic acid bacteria from Taiwanese ropy fermented milk (TRFM) for developing a clean label low-fat fermented milk. Methods: Potential isolates from TRFM were selected based on the Gram staining test and observation of turbid suspension in the culture broth. Random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and API CHL 50 test were used for strain identification. After evaluation of EPS concentration, target strains were introduced to low-fat milk fermentation for 24 h. Fermentation characters were checked: pH value, acidity, viable count, syneresis, and viscosity. Sensory evaluation of fermented products was carried out by 30 volunteers, while the storage test was performed for 21 days at 4°C. Results: Two EPS-producing strains (APL15 and APL16) were isolated from TRFM and identified as Lactococcus (Lc.) lactis subsp. cremoris. Their EPS concentrations in glucose and lactose media were higher than other published strains of Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris. Low-fat fermented milk separately prepared with APL15 and APL16 reached pH 4.3 and acidity 0.8% with a viable count of 9 log colony-forming units/mL. The physical properties of both products were superior to the control yogurt, showing significant improvements in syneresis and viscosity (p<0.05). Our low-fat products had appropriate sensory scores in appearance and texture according to sensory evaluation. Although decreasing viable cells of strains during the 21-day storage test, low-fat fermented milk made by APL15 exhibited stable physicochemical properties, including pH value, acidity, syneresis and sufficient viable cells throughout the storage period. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris APL15 isolated from TRFM had good fermentation abilities to produce low-fat fermented milk. These data indicate that EPS-producing lactic acid bacteria have great potential to act as natural food stabilizers for low-fat fermented milk. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the exopolysaccharides (EPS)-producing lactic acid bacteria from Taiwanese ropy fermented milk (TRFM) for developing a clean label low-fat fermented milk.Methods: Potential isolates from TRFM were selected based on the Gram staining test and observation of turbid suspension in the culture broth. Random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and API CHL 50 test were used for strain identification. After evaluation of EPS concentration, target strains were introduced to low-fat milk fermentation for 24 h. Fermentation characters were checked: pH value, acidity, viable count, syneresis, and viscosity. Sensory evaluation of fermented products was carried out by 30 volunteers, while the storage test was performed for 21 days at 4°C.Results: Two EPS-producing strains (APL15 and APL16) were isolated from TRFM and identified as Lactococcus (Lc.) lactis subsp. cremoris. Their EPS concentrations in glucose and lactose media were higher than other published strains of Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris. Low-fat fermented milk separately prepared with APL15 and APL16 reached pH 4.3 and acidity 0.8% with a viable count of 9 log colony-forming units/mL. The physical properties of both products were superior to the control yogurt, showing significant improvements in syneresis and viscosity (p<0.05). Our low-fat products had appropriate sensory scores in appearance and texture according to sensory evaluation. Although decreasing viable cells of strains during the 21-day storage test, low-fat fermented milk made by APL15 exhibited stable physicochemical properties, including pH value, acidity, syneresis and sufficient viable cells throughout the storage period.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris APL15 isolated from TRFM had good fermentation abilities to produce low-fat fermented milk. These data indicate that EPS-producing lactic acid bacteria have great potential to act as natural food stabilizers for low-fat fermented milk.

Genotype­specific methylation of HPV in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Yaw-Wen Hsu,Rui-Lan Huang,Po-Hsuan Su,Yu-Chih Chen,Hui-Chen Wang,Chi-Chun Liao,Hung-Cheng Lai 대한부인종양학회 2017 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.28 No.4

Objective: Hypermethylation of human papillomavirus (HPV) and host genes has beenreported in cervical cancer. However, the degree of methylation of different HPV typesrelative to the severity of the cervical lesions remains controversial. Studies of the degree ofmethylation associated with the host gene and the HPV genome to the severity of cervicallesions are rare. We examined the association of methylation status between host genes andlate gene 1 (L1) regions of HPV16, 18, 52, and 58 in cervical brushings. Methods: Cervical brushings from 147 HPV-infected patients were obtained. The samplescomprised normal (n=28), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 (n=45), CIN2 (n=13), andCIN3/carcinoma in situ (n=61). The methylation status of HPV and host genes was measuredusing bisulfite pyrosequencing and quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chainreaction (PCR). Results: The degree of methylation of L1 in HPV16, 18, and 52 was associated with theseverity of the cervical lesion. In HPV52, C-phosphate-G (CpG) sites 6368m, 6405m, and6443m showed significantly higher methylation in lesions ≥CIN3 (p=0.005, 0.003, and0.026, respectively). Methylation of most HPV types except HPV52 (r<−0.1) was positivelycorrelated with the degree of methylation of host genes including PAX1 and SOX1 (0.4≤r≤0.7). Combining HPV methylation with PAX1 methylation improved the clustering for ≥CIN2. Conclusion: Our study showed that the degree of L1 methylation of HPV16, 18, and 52but not 58 is associated with the severity of cervical lesions. The association betweenHPV methylation and host gene methylation suggests different responses of host cellularepigenetic machinery to different HPV genotypes.

ANALYZING ISUAL SPECTROPHOTOMETER DATA USING A TWO-COLOR DIAGRAM METHOD

CHEN ALFRED BING-CHIH,CHIANG PO-SHIH,HUANG TIAN-HSIANG,KUO CHENG-LING,WANG SHI-CHUN,SU HAN-TZONG,HSU RUE-RoN,CHANG MING-HUI,CHANG YEOU-SHIN,LIU TIE-YUE,MENDE STEPHEN B.,FREY HARALD U.,FUKUNISHI HIROSH The Korean Astronomical Society 2005 Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society Vol.38 No.2

Transient luminous events (TLEs; sprites, elves, jets and etc.) are lightning-related optical flashes occurring above thunderstorms. Since the first discovery of sprites in 1989, scientists have learned a great deal about the morphological, spectroscopic and electromagnetic characteristics of TLEs through ground and spacecraft campaigns. However, most of the TLE studies were based on events recorded over US High Plains. To elucidate the possible biasing effects, space-borne observations are needed and have their merits. Imager of sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightning (ISUAL) on the FORMOSAT-2 satellite is the first instrument to carry out a true global measurement of TLEs from a low- earth orbit. In this short paper, we apply a common astronomical data analysis technique, two-color diagram, on the ISUAL spectrophotometer (SP) data. By choosing appropriated bandpasses and converting the measured flux of TLEs into the unit of magnitude, two-color diagrams of TLEs can be constructed. We demonstrate that two-color diagrams, which were constructed from the narrow-band spectrophotometer data, can be used to classify different types of TLEs and trace their temporal evolution. The amount of reddening due to Earth's atmosphere can also be estimated from two-color diagrams assembled from the broad-band spectrophotometer data.