Classification between normal and abnormal respiratory sounds based on maximum likelihood approach

In this paper, we have proposed a novel classification procedure for distinguishing between normal respiratory and abnormal respiratory sounds based on a maximum likelihood approach using hidden Markov models. We have assumed that each inspiratory/expiratory period consists of a time sequence of characteristic acoustic segments. The classification procedure detects the segment sequence with the highest likelihood and yields the classification result. We have proposed two elaborate acoustic modeling methods: one method is individual modeling for adventitious sound periods and for breath sound periods for the detection of abnormal respiratory sounds, and the other is a microphone-dependent modeling method for the detection of normal respiratory sounds. Classification experiments conducted using the former method revealed that this method demonstrated an increase of 19.1% in its recall rate of abnormal respiratory sounds as compared with the recall rate of a baseline method. It has also been revealed that the latter modeling method demonstrates an increase in its recall rate for the detection of not only normal respiratory sounds but also for abnormal respiratory sounds. These experimental results have confirmed the validity of our proposed classification procedure.ICASSP 2009 - 2009 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing : Taipei, Taiwan, 2009.04.19-2009.04.2

In Situ Probing of Photoinduced Hydrophilicity on Titania Surface Using Dye Molecules

The titania film surface exhibits superhydrophilicity after UV irradiation due to its photocatalytic function. This is caused by a change in the density of the surface hydroxyl groups, which affects the surface charge density. Titania films were prepared to observe the change in the surface charge during UV irradiation. The amounts of some xanthene dyes adsorbed and deposited on the titania films after UV irradiation were evaluated as a function of the irradiation time. The increase in the adsorption and deposition amounts of the more negative dye versus the UV irradiation time was greater. These results indicated that the titania surface charge became more positive by the UV irradiation. It was reported that basic hydroxyl groups formed on the titania particle surface during the UV irradiation. The surface dissociates hydroxyl ions into the water phase and has a positive charge, which was supported by the present study

光刺激に対する瞳孔の反応について

1. 対光反応に関係した瞳孔の神経支配についての概観 / 2. 光による網膜の刺滋部位と瞳孔反応（実験1) / 3. 色光に対する瞳孔反応（実験2) / 4. 神経症者, 分裂病者, 正常者の対光臨孔反応（実験3) / 結び / あとが

Comparison of baseline characteristics and clinical course in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes among whom different types of oral hypoglycemic agents were chosen by diabetes specialists as initial monotherapy (JDDM 42)

Little is known about the relationships between patient factors and the antihyperglycemic agents that have been prescribed as initial therapy by diabetes specialists for patients with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, there has been little clarification of the subsequent usage patterns and related factors that influenced the continuation or discontinuation of the drug or the addition of another drug. To provide information on these issues, we evaluated the clinical characteristics of Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes for whom different types of oral hypoglycemic agents (i.e., either sulfonylureas, biguanides, or DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4Is)) were chosen as initial monotherapy by diabetes specialists and evaluated subsequent usage patterns. Prescription data on 3 different antidiabetic agents from December 2009 to March 2015 from diabetes specialists' patient registries were used to identify variables at baseline related to initial prescriptions; also, the addition of another hypoglycemic drug or discontinuation of the initial therapy was evaluated 1 year after the initial prescription. Analyzed were data on 2666 patients who received initial monotherapy with either a sulfonylurea (305 patients), biguanide (951 patients), or DPP-4I (1410 patients). Patients administered sulfonylureas were older, had a lower body mass index (BMI), longer duration of diabetes, and worse glycemic control than recipients of biguanides. Use of biguanides was related to younger age, short duration of diabetes, and obesity but was negatively associated with poor glycemic control. Older age but neither obesity nor poor glycemic control was associated with DPP- 4Is. In all 3 groups a high HbA1c value was related to adding another hypoglycemic agent to the initial therapy. Moreover, adding another drug to a DPP-4I was related to a younger age and higher BMI. Patients' age, duration of diabetes, obesity, and glycemic control at baseline influenced the choice of hypoglycemic agents. Selection of a biguanide differs greatly from that of a sulfonylurea or DPP-4I with regard to age and obesity