Improving generalization performance of electrocardiogram classification models.

Recently, many electrocardiogram (ECG) classification algorithms using deep learning have been proposed. Because the ECG characteristics vary across datasets owing to variations in factors such as recorded hospitals and the race of participants, the model needs to have a consistently high generalization performance across datasets. In this study, as part of the PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge (PhysioNet Challenge) 2021, we present a model to classify cardiac abnormalities from the 12- and the reduced-lead ECGs.

Evaluating the Image Quality of Neck Structures Scanned on Chest CT with Low-Concentration-Iodine Contrast Media.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the image quality of low-concentration-iodine (240 mgI/mL) contrast media (CM) and high-concentration-iodine (320 mgI/mL) CM according to the radiation dose.

Methods: A total of 366 CT examinations were examined. Based on an assessment of quantitative and qualitative parameters by two radiologists, the quality was compared between Group A (low-concentration-iodine CM) and Group B (high-concentration-iodine CM) images of thyroid gland, sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), internal jugular vein (IJV), and common carotid artery (CCA).

Protein transfer learning improves identification of heat shock protein families.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a pivotal role as molecular chaperones against unfavorable conditions. Although HSPs are of great importance, their computational identification remains a significant challenge. Previous studies have two major limitations.

Kaleidoscopic fluorescent arrays for machine-learning-based point-of-care chemical sensing.

Multiplexed analysis allows simultaneous measurements of multiple targets, improving the detection sensitivity and accuracy. However, highly multiplexed analysis has been challenging for point-of-care (POC) sensing, which requires a simple, portable, robust, and affordable detection system. In this work, we developed paper-based POC sensing arrays consisting of kaleidoscopic fluorescent compounds.

Full Color Tunable Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogen for Bioimaging Based on an Indolizine Molecular Framework.

By taking advantage of a unique mechanism of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomena, AIE luminogens (AIEgens) have been provided as a solution to overcome the limitations of conventional fluorophores bearing the feature of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) phenomena. Especially, AIEgens paved the way to develop fluorogenic probes ideal for fluorescent imaging in live cell conditions. Despite the high demand for discovery of new AIEgens, it is still challenging to find a versatile molecular platform to generate diverse AIEgens.

The comparative study of resonance disorders for Vietnamese and Korean cleft palate speakers using nasometer.

Background: Nasalance is used to evaluate the velopharyngeal incompetence in clinical diagnoses using a nasometer. The aim of this study is to find the nasalance differences between Vietnamese cleft palate children and Korean cleft palate children by measuring the nasalance of five oral vowels.

Methods: Ten Vietnamese cleft palate children after surgery, three Vietnamese children for the control group, and ten Korean cleft palate children after surgery with the same age participated in this experimentation.

Voice onset time variations of korean stop consonants in aphasic speakers.

Objective: To compare the voice onset time (VOT) differences of Korean stops in the initial and intervocalic positions between the aphasic patients with peculiarities of aspiration and a control group.

Method: We examined 15 aphasic patients (nine males, six females) who had suffered a stroke (average age 49.7 years) and 15 healthy controls (average age 47.

Highly sensitive electrochemical detection of proteins using aptamer-coated gold nanoparticles and surface enzyme reactions.

A novel electrochemical detection methodology is described for the femtomolar detection of proteins which utilizes both DNA aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles and a surface enzymatic reaction. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) was used as a model protein biomarker, which possesses two distinct epitopes for antibody (anti-IgE) and DNA aptamer binding. A surface sandwich assay format was utilized involving the specific adsorption of IgE onto a gold electrode surface that was pre-modified with a monolayer of aptamer-nanoparticle conjugates followed by the specific interaction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) conjugated anti-IgE.

Solitary extrahepatic intraabdominal metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation.

A liver transplantation is a treatment option in selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the adequate selection of candidates, recurrences of HCC may still develop. Solitary extrahepatic metastasis from HCC after a liver transplantation is rare.

Unipolar and continuous cortical stimulation to enhance motor and language deficit in patients with chronic stroke: report of 2 cases.

Background: Stroke often leads to permanent neurological deficit despite extensive therapeutic and rehabilitative efforts; and in chronic stages, it is difficult to restore neurological function. Recently, bipolar and intermittent cortical stimulation combined with rehabilitation has been reported to be effective in chronic hemiparetic stroke. However, optimal parameters of cortical stimulation for chronic stroke have not been determined to restore neurological function in chronic stages of stroke.

Acoustic effects of carbamazepine in benign rolandic epilepsy.

Subtle specific interference with language function has been suspected in benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE) because of the location of the seizure focus. The aim of this study was to investigate the language and speech problems in BRE and the changes after medication with carbamazepine. Benign rolandic epilepsy patients (n=11) who met ILAE criteria were assessed for standardized full articulation.

Reorganization of cortical language areas in patients with aphasia: a functional MRI study.

The purpose of this study is to delineate the pattern of reorganization of cortical language areas using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) after rehabilitation therapy in patients with aphasia. Six right-handed aphasic patients were investigated. Causes of aphasia were intracerebral hemorrhages of the left basal ganglia in 3 patients, cerebral infarction of the left MCA in 2, and surgical resection of the frontotemporal lobes to control intractable epilepsy in 1.