New decoding scheme for LDPC codes based on simple product code structure

In this paper, a new decoding scheme for low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes using the concept of simple product code structure is proposed based on combining two independently received soft-decision data for the same codeword. LDPC codes act as horizontal codes of the product codes and simple algebraic codes are used as vertical codes to help decoding of the LDPC codes. The decoding capability of the proposed decoding scheme is defined and analyzed using the paritycheck matrices of vertical codes and especially the combined-decodability is derived for the case of single parity-check (SPC) and Hamming codes being used as vertical codes. It is also shown that the proposed decoding scheme achieves much better error-correcting capability in high signal to noise ratio (SNR) region with low additional decoding complexity, compared with a conventional decoding scheme.Comment: This work has been submitted to the IEEE for possible publication. Copyright may be transferred without notice, after which this version may no longer be accessibl

DNA microarrays on nanoscale-controlled surface

We have developed new surface to ensure a proper spacing between immobilized biomolecules. While DNA microarray on this surface provided each probe DNA with ample space for hybridization with incoming target DNAs, the microarray showed enhanced discrimination efficiency for various types of single nucleotide polymorphism. The high discrimination efficiency holds for all tested cases (100:<1 for internal mismatched cases; 100:<28 for terminal mismatched ones). In addition, by investigating influence of hybridization temperature and washing condition on the fluorescence intensity and the discrimination efficiency with and without controlled mesospacing, it was observed that the nanoscale-controlled surface showed good discrimination efficiency in a wide range of temperature (37–50°C), and hybridization behavior on the surface was in agreement with the solution one. Intriguingly, it was found that washing process after the hybridization was critical for the high discrimination efficiency. For the particular case, washing process was so efficient that only 30 s washing was sufficient to reach the optimal discrimination ratio

The Effect of Herbal Diet on Skeletal Muscle Mass After Resistance Training in Rats

Resistance training has been well established as an effective strategy for muscle hypertrophy, increase in skeletal muscle mass and strength. Herbal diet has been introduced as an alternative treatment to alleviate muscle atrophy and therapeutic intervention. However, there is little evidence on the effect of herbal diet on skeletal muscle mass. To investigate whether herbal diet affects skeletal muscle mass after resistance training in rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) Control (CON, N=8), 2) Resistance training (RT, N=8), 3) RT+Herb (RTH, N=8). Resistance training was performed every other day for 8 weeks using ladder climbing. The ladder climbing exercise consisted of 3 sets of 5 repetitions with a 1 min rest interval between the repetitions and a 2 min rest between the sets. Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranceus) was given via oral gavage once a day for 8 weeks (1 ml mixed with water based on concentration of 368 mg/kg). All rats received sham treatment, same as treatment groups. All data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA. After 8 weeks of interventions, muscle mass of Gastrocnemius, Plantaris, and Flexor hallucis longus showed significant increases in RT and RTH groups compared to CON (

Bucillamine prevents cisplatin-induced ototoxicity through induction of glutathione and antioxidant genes.

Bucillamine is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This study investigated the protective effects of bucillamine against cisplatin-induced damage in auditory cells, the organ of Corti from postnatal rats (P2) and adult Balb/C mice. Cisplatin increases the catalytic activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8 proteases and the production of free radicals, which were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with bucillamine. Bucillamine induces the intranuclear translocation of Nrf2 and thereby increases the expression of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) and glutathione synthetase (GSS), which further induces intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). However, knockdown studies of HO-1 and SOD2 suggest that the protective effect of bucillamine against cisplatin is independent of the enzymatic activity of HO-1 and SOD. Furthermore, pretreatment with bucillamine protects sensory hair cells on organ of Corti explants from cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity concomitantly with inhibition of caspase-3 activation. The auditory-brainstem-evoked response of cisplatin-injected mice shows marked increases in hearing threshold shifts, which was markedly suppressed by pretreatment with bucillamine in vivo. Taken together, bucillamine protects sensory hair cells from cisplatin through a scavenging effect on itself, as well as the induction of intracellular GSH

Development of a Chaff Dispense Program for Target Tracking Radar Deception

This study aims to develop an appropriate chaff dispensing program to deceive the target tracking radar (TTR) effectively. Chaff is a countermeasure commonly used by fighter aircraft to deceive TTR. However, there has been a lack of methodology for calculating chaff dispense programs that take into account the specific characteristics of the fighter, chaff, and TTR. This study proposes a methodology that considers these variables to calculate chaff dispense programs and addresses this gap. The proposed method is demonstrated through TESS engagement, which shows its effectiveness in various engagement situations

A Score-Based Evaluation Model for Rehabilitation of Existing Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant Construction

As the proportion of new and renewable energy increases, power control demands are becoming more frequent due to variability in power generation. As a complementary means against this, the pumped storage hydropower plants (PSHP) are attracting attention as energy storage systems (ESS), but it has high construction costs. Therefore, this study aims to improve the economic feasibility by developing the evaluation model of the existing infrastructure into an upper/lower dam suitable for PSHP. The concept of upper dam capacity is newly defined, and the evaluation index is constructed using normalization. A new evaluation system is presented for five factors: environment, stability, energy, capacity, and economy. Finally, it is tested in the pilot area in Korea. Several candidates, including the PSHP in operation, are found to have been distributed with higher scores. These results will help to satisfy the selection of candidates during the preliminary feasibility study phase, and programming them will enable more accurate and rapid assessment

In vitro embryo rescue for the production of hypotetraploids after cross between hypotetraploid and tetraploid grape cultivars

Consumer demand for seedless grape with high quality and large berry has been increasing. Breeding of hypotetraploid grape was suggested as one of promising methods to satisfy it, but low frequency of hypotetraploid occurrence and low seed germination by abortive embryo were indicated as the major problem to hamper the development of hypotetraploid grape. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate the basic efficiency of in ovulo embryo culture after the cross between hypotetraploid (‘Hanareum’) and tetraploid (‘Honey Black’ and ‘Kyoho’) grape cultivars on the establishment of hypotetraploid grapes. Embryos and plantlets were hardly obtained in ovules cultured at six after the cross pollination (WAP), but ovules inoculated at 10 WAP produced more embryos as well as plantlets regardless of cross combination. Furthermore, we found that embryo formation was not affected by the basal media in ovules cultured at six WAP, but utilization of specific medium can be more beneficial for embryo formation when ovules were cultured at 10 WAP. A total of 17 plants were obtained from ovules cultured at 10 WAP, and above 50% of plants were identified as hypotetraploid grapes. These results indicate that in vitro embryo rescue after cross pollination between hypotetraploid and tetraploid grape can enhance the efficiency for the breeding of hypotetraploid grapes