Using automated acoustic analysis to explore the link between planning and articulation in second language speech production.

Speakers learning a second language show systematic differences from native speakers in the retrieval, planning, and articulation of speech. A key challenge in examining the interrelationship between these differences at various stages of production is the need for manual annotation of fine-grained properties of speech. We introduce a new method for automatically analyzing voice onset time (VOT), a key phonetic feature indexing differences in sound systems cross-linguistically.

A fast cardiac gamma camera with dynamic SPECT capabilities: design, system validation and future potential.

Purpose: The goal of this study is to present the Discovery NM 530c (DNM), a cardiac SPECT camera, interfacing multi-pinhole collimators with solid-state modules, aiming at slashing acquisition time without jeopardizing quality. DNM resembles PET since it enables 3-D SPECT without detector motion. We further envision how these novel capabilities may help with current and future challenges of cardiac imaging.

Tc-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine clearance: comparison of camera-assisted methods.

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of three camera-assisted methods for the measurement of Tc-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) clearance.

Materials And Methods: MAG3 renal scintigraphy was performed in 21 adults with different degrees of renal function. Posterior views were obtained that included the heart and the kidneys in the camera field of view.

Gamma camera-mounted anatomical X-ray tomography: technology, system characteristics and first images.

Scintigraphic diagnosis, based on functional image interpretation, becomes more accurate and meaningful when supported by corresponding anatomical data. In order to produce anatomical images that are inherently registered with images of emission computerised tomography acquired with a gamma camera, an X-ray transmission system was mounted on the slip-ring gantry of a GEMS Millennium VG gamma camera. The X-ray imaging system is composed of an X-ray tube and a set of detectors located on opposite sides of the gantry rotor that moves around the patient along with the nuclear detectors.

Renal depth estimates to improve the accuracy of glomerular filtration rate.

Unlabelled: This study was performed to validate a computer implementation of the Gates' method for radionuclide glomerular filtration rate (RGFR) calculation. The accuracy of the original method was improved by replacing the Tonnesen formula that estimated renal depth with direct measurement from lateral views to calculate tissue attenuation correction.

Methods: Both the creatinine clearance test (CCT) and dynamic 99mTc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) renal scintigraphy (DRS) were performed on 38 patients on the same day.