Relationship Between the Activities of Gloss-Selective Neurons in the Macaque Inferior Temporal Cortex and the Gloss Discrimination Behavior of the Monkey.

In the macaque monkey, neurons that selectively respond to specific gloss are present in a restricted region of the central part of the inferior temporal (IT) cortex. Although the population activity of these neurons is known to represent the perceptual gloss space, the involvement of their activity in gloss perception has not been directly tested. In the present study, we examined the causal relationship between the activities of gloss-selective neurons and gloss perception by applying electrical microstimulation or injection of small amounts of muscimol (GABA agonist) to manipulate neural activities while monkeys performed a gloss discrimination task.

Structure and function of neural circuit related to gloss perception in the macaque inferior temporal cortex: a case report.

The inferior temporal (IT) cortex of the macaque monkey plays a pivotal role in the visual recognition of objects. In the IT cortex, a feature-selective network formed by connecting subregions specialized for common visual features seems to be a basic strategy for processing biologically important visual features. Gloss perception plays an important role in the judgment of materials and conditions of objects and is a biologically significant visual function.

Computational Model for Human 3D Shape Perception From a Single Specular Image.

In natural conditions the human visual system can estimate the 3D shape of specular objects even from a single image. Although previous studies suggested that the orientation field plays a key role for 3D shape perception from specular reflections, its computational plausibility, and possible mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study, to complement the orientation field information, we first add prior knowledge that objects are illuminated from above and utilize the vertical polarity of the intensity gradient.

Perceptual gloss parameters are encoded by population responses in the monkey inferior temporal cortex.

There are neurons localized in the lower bank of the superior temporal sulcus (STS) in the inferior temporal (IT) cortex of the monkey that selectively respond to specific ranges of gloss characterized by combinations of three physical reflectance parameters: specular reflectance (ρs), diffuse reflectance (ρd), and spread of specular reflection (α; Nishio et al., 2012). In the present study, we examined how the activities of these gloss-selective IT neurons are related to perceived gloss.

Repair of orbital fracture: the antral balloon with implantable reservoir technique.

The antral balloon technique is a useful procedure for the treatment of orbital fracture. Its advantages include being able to apply it without any donor-site morbidity. However, the saline injection catheter, which is inserted nasally from the natural ostium, sometimes causes discomfort.

Intraoperative acquired pressure ulcer on lower lip: a complication of rhinoplasty.

Device-related pressure ulcers are not rare. However, few studies have reported pressure ulcers of the lower lip. We encountered 2 patients with an intraoperative pressure ulcer on the lower lip caused by an endotracheal tube during rhinoplasty.

Neural selectivity and representation of gloss in the monkey inferior temporal cortex.

When we view an object, its appearance depends in large part on specific surface reflectance properties; among these is surface gloss, which provides important information about the material composition of the object and the fine structure of its surface. To study how gloss is represented in the visual cortical areas related to object recognition, we examined the responses of neurons in the inferior temporal (IT) cortex of the macaque monkey to a set of object images exhibiting various combinations of specular reflection, diffuse reflection, and roughness, which are important physical parameters of surface gloss. We found that there are neurons in the lower bank of the superior temporal sulcus that selectively respond to specific gloss.

Aggressive remodelling with pedicled skin flaps of the volar surface for the release of contractures of the fingers.

We treated contractures of fingers with one or several pedicled skin flaps on one or both sides of the scar, depending on the site and spread of the scar. The length of the flap was equivalent to half the circumference of the unaffected finger, or the distance between bilateral midlateral lines. The width of the flap was the same as the distance between the scar and the midlateral line.

Early prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer using MRI.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the favored treatment of choice among locally advanced breast cancer patients because it significantly increases the possibility of breast-conserving surgery. However, for non-responders, an early prediction of response to NAC is essential. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an early prediction of response to NAC is possible using MRI.

Predictive value for malignancy of suspicious breast masses of BI-RADS categories 4 and 5 using ultrasound elastography and MR diffusion-weighted imaging.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of ultrasound elastography and MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to predict malignancy of breast masses, with subsequent recommendation for biopsy.

Materials And Methods: For 115 breast masses classified as BI-RADS category 4 or 5, which were assessed according to combined findings of mammography, B-mode sonography, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, two radiologists retrospectively evaluated the elasticity scores using ultrasound elastography and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values using MR DWI. The diagnostic abilities of these two techniques were analyzed by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Uptake of 18F-FDG in acute aortic dissection: a determinant of unfavorable outcome.

Unlabelled: Imaging with (18)F-FDG PET/CT is able to reveal vascular inflammation, and several studies have shown that increased (18)F-FDG uptake in carotid artery plaques can qualify the degree of atherosclerotic inflammation. However, clinical assessment of acute aortic dissection (AAD) by PET/CT remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the use of (18)F-FDG PET/CT to predict short- and midterm outcomes in medically controlled AAD patients.

Neuroendocrine tumor in the breast.

A 34-year-old woman with a past history of a carcinoid tumor in the right ovary presented with a right breast mass found on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the chest. She was asymptomatic, and her blood tests were normal. The mass measured about 2 cm.