A fast-search algorithm for the predictive split VQ of LPCparameters

A fast-search method is introduced to reduce the searching range of a codebook using the ordering property of LSF parameters. We apply the proposed fast-search method to the G.723.1 coder with the predictive split VQ structure. Simulation results indicate that using this fast-search method, the average searching range of the codebook can be reduced by 20.1% without degradation of the spectral distortion (SD) and additional increases of memories. The reduction of 20.1% in the average searching range results in the decrease of 19.1%, 20.1%, 19.4%, and 12.2% in the number of additions, subtractions, multiplies, and comparisons, respectively     

Conjoint analysis of enhanced English Medium Instruction for college students

The importance of English Medium Instruction (EMI) has greatly increased in non-English speaking countries, including Korea, due to the trend of globalization. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of EMI has been questioned in most of the universities in Korea where EMI has been rapidly adopted. This paper explores the optimal design of EMI in order to maximize students’ achievement. Additionally, regression analysis and choice simulation based on scenario analysis are used to suggest more effective EMI programs.     

T-cell specific immunosuppression by prodigiosin isolated from Serratia marcescens

One of the characteristics of obesity-associated diabetes is an elevated fasting plasma insulin concentration with a weak insulin secretory response to subsequent glucose stimulation. Evidence suggests that hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia may contribute to the initiation and progression of this disordered islet glucose sensing. It has been proposed that reducing hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia per se may improve islet glucose sensing. Here we studied glucose-dependent insulin release in islets isolated from ob/ob mice treated with dopamine agonists (bromocriptine and SKF38393, BC/SKF) which significantly reduced circulating glucose and lipid levels of ob/ob mice. Islets from BC/SKF-treated mice showed a marked decrease of the elevated basal insulin release to levels similar to lean mice. Such treatment also induced a higher secretory response to glucose stimulation compared with that in ob/ob mice with sustained hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Similarly, when islets from untreated ob/ob mice were cultured for 7 days in 11 mM glucose in the absence of free fatty acid, the basal insulin release was significantly decreased and high glucose stimulated insulin release increased compared with that from islets cultured in medium containing 30 mM glucose and 2 mM oleate. The BC/SKF-induced reduction of elevated basal insulin release was associated with decreased hexokinase activity and basal cyclic AMP content in islet tissue. Our results demonstrate that dopamine agonist treatment improves basal insulin release in ob/ob mice and this effect may be mediated, in part, by a reduction of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.     

不同细度聚酯纤维对靛蓝染料的吸附性能

研究在醋酸、蚁酸和柠檬酸的条件下利用染料的酸性隐色体的形式来染色的技术。同时研究了尿素的加入对提高染料上染的作用。除此之外,对靛蓝染料染色后的样品进行反复多次清洗,并与分散染料的染色样品相比较,以此测试牢度性能。     

Physical properties of low-<Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis> films based on the co-condensation of methyltrimethoxysilane with a bridged silsesquioxane

Though spin-on organosilicates are considered as the promising candidates of low dielectric constant materials, it is necessary for a successful integration to improve mechanical strength such as modulus and fracture toughness. In this study, five sets of MTMS–BTMSE copolymers were synthesized and characterized while the monomer content of BTMSE (bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane) was varied from 9.1 to 47.3 mol% vs. MTMS (methyltrimethoxysilane). In parallel with the measurement of dielectric constant, four different tests were carried out to evaluate mechanical properties of the MTMS–BTMSE copolymers. Modulus was measured by the nanoindentation technique and the modified edge lift-off test (MELT) was employed to extract adhesive fracture toughness quantitatively. In addition, residual stress was calculated by sensing the change in radius of curvature of the substrate. The chemical structure of the copolymers was also analyzed with FTIR and NMR. Network formation was enhanced as the amount of BTMSE increased, which led to improvement of modulus and the increase in refractive index and dielectric constant. However, an increasing rate of fracture toughness by the MELT was not proportional to the increase in the amount of BTMSE, which implied that it was necessary to optimize the composition of the copolymers since adhesion strength was conjectured the most critical factor for a successful integration.     

Effects of ultraviolet intensity and wavelength on the photolysis of triclosan.

The effects of ultraviolet (UV) intensity and wavelength on triclosan (TCS) photodegradation kinetic, efficiency, mechanisms and pathway were studied. The TCS photodegradation followed the pseudo-first order kinetic model at all UV intensities examined at the wavelengths of 254 and 365 nm and the photodegradation rate increased with increasing UV intensity. TCS photodegradation efficiencies of 90 to 98% and 79 to 90% were obtained at the wavelengths of 254 and 365 nm, respectively. TCS was degraded mainly by photon induced hydroxyl radicals while the direct photon reaction with TCS played a subordinate role. Chlorophenol, dichlorophenol and phenol were the intermediates detected in all experiments conducted. Dibenzodichloro-p-dioxin and dibenzo-p-dioxin were observed as the intermediates only at lower UV intensities investigated at the wavelength of 365 nm. Based on these intermediates, a complete TCS photolysis pathway was proposed for the first time.     

Suspension of straddling tricuspid valve chordae into the appropriate ventricle

In 2 children with an inlet ventricular septal defect and straddling chordae tendineae of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve to the posteromedial papillary muscle of the mitral valve and to an accessory papillary muscle in the left ventricle, the straddling chordae were excised with a wedge of posteromedial papillary muscle and with the top segment of the accessory papillary muscle, respectively. After patch closure of the ventricular septal defect, the papillary muscle segment with its group of chordae was anchored to the right ventricular septum with resulting competence of the tricuspid valve. In contrast to the traditional repair technique, the reported modification is applicable when the straddling chordae insert into a papillary muscle of the mitral valve. In addition, various disadvantages related to the construction of a complex baffle in the inappropriate ventricle are avoided.