Task-based assessment of resolution properties of CT images with a new index using deep convolutional neural network.

In this study, we propose a method for obtaining a new index to evaluate the resolution properties of computed tomography (CT) images in a task-based manner. This method applies a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) machine learning system trained on CT images with known modulation transfer function (MTF) values to output an index representing the resolution properties of the input CT image [i.e.

First case of bacteremia caused by Cetobacterium somerae following necrotizing cholecystitis.

Cetobacterium somerae, a gram-negative anaerobic rod, first identified in the feces of children with autism, also colonize freshwater fish intestinal tract. However there have been no reports of human C. somerae infection.

A simple and rapid method for quantifying aconitines and their metabolites in whole blood by modified QuEChERS and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).

Aconitum contains highly toxic alkaloids such as aconitine, hypaconitine, jesaconitine, and mesaconitine. Since Aconitum ingestion causes fatal intoxication, it is important to analyze aconitines and their metabolites in the blood. In forensic toxicology, postmortem drug redistribution is known as one factor that would hamper accurate evaluation of concentrations.

Development of a Screening Test for the Early Identification of Japanese Children with Difficulties Learning English: A Preliminary Study.

Objectives: In Japan, there is no established method to assess the ability to read and write in English. To address this problem, we sought to develop a screening test for the early detection of students who show difficulties in reading and writing in English.

Methods: The participants were 425 fifth- and sixth-grade elementary school students and 526 first- through third-grade junior high school students.

Demonstration of Human Fetal Bone Morphology with MR Imaging: A Preliminary Study.

Purpose: CT is a useful modality for the evaluation of fetal skeletal dysplasia but radiation exposure is unavoidable. The purpose of this study is to compare the usefulness of MRI and CT for evaluating the fetal skeletal shape.

Methods: This study was approved by our Institutional Review Board.

Highly efficient coupling of nanolight emitters to a ultra-wide tunable nanofibre cavity.

Solid-state microcavities combining ultra-small mode volume, wide-range resonance frequency tuning, as well as lossless coupling to a single mode fibre are integral tools for nanophotonics and quantum networks. We developed an integrated system providing all of these three indispensable properties. It consists of a nanofibre Bragg cavity (NFBC) with the mode volume of under 1 μm(3) and repeatable tuning capability over more than 20 nm at visible wavelengths.

Crystal Structures and Structure-Activity Relationships of Imidazothiazole Derivatives as IDO1 Inhibitors.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is considered as a promising target for the treatment of several diseases, including neurological disorders and cancer. We report here the crystal structures of two IDO1/IDO1 inhibitor complexes, one of which shows that Amg-1 is directly bound to the heme iron of IDO1 with a clear induced fit. We also describe the identification and preliminary optimization of imidazothiazole derivatives as novel IDO1 inhibitors.

Synthesis of chiral polyazamacrocycles of variable ring size.

Synthesis and structure elucidation of optically active tri-, tetra-, and penta-azamacrocycles having 4-methoxyphenyl pendants are described. Regioselective ring opening of a nosylaziridine with secondary benzyl amines was repeatedly performed to afford the cyclization precursors. Intramolecular N-alkylation of N-(omega-haloalkyl) nosylamide provided tri-, tetra-, and penta-azamacrocycles.

Synthetic autocatalysts show organocatalysis of other reactions.

A molecule capable of both autocatalysis and organocatalysis was synthesized. The autocatalytic activity results from the self-complementary recognition sites provided by hydrogen bonding between heterocyclic subunits and the organocatalysis resides in an embedded thiourea function. The behavior of the molecule suggests both replication and metabolism can be engineered into synthetic compounds.

Autocatalysis and organocatalysis with synthetic structures.

The discovery of ribozymes led to the proposal of an RNA world, where a single type of molecule was supposedly capable of self-replication and chemical catalysis. We show here that both autocatalysis and organocatalysis can be engineered into a synthetic structure. The compound is shown to selectively accelerate its own formation and catalyze either hydrogenation or nucleophilic addition to alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes.

Chiral tetraazamacrocycles having four pendant-arms.

A chiral tetraazamacrocycle 9 having four pendant-arms was synthesized by repeating ring opening of an Ns-aziridine with secondary amines, followed by macrocyclization. The structure of 9 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and NMR studies. Sugar-hybrid molecules 12a-12f were synthesized based on the scaffold 9.

Combinatorial synthesis of RGD model cyclic peptides utilizing a palladium-catalyzed carbonylative macrolactamization on a polymer support.

A combinatorial synthesis of 24-member RGD models was accomplished on polymer-support. Ortho-, meta-, and para-iodobenzylamines loaded on an aldehyde linker by reductive amination were coupled with RGD sequences and various omega-amino acids by a split-and-pool method. Palladium-catalyzed carbonylative macrolactamization of the polymer-supported cyclization precursors, followed by acid cleavage, provided conformationally restricted RGD model cyclic peptides.

A synthesis of RGD model cyclic peptide by palladium-catalyzed carbonylative macrolactamization.

Cyclic peptidic RGD models were efficiently synthesized by Pd(P(t-Bu)3)2-catalyzed carbonylative macrolactamization in the presence of 4 A molecular sieves under 10 atm of carbon monoxide.

An integrated modeling approach to predict flooding on urban basin.

Correct prediction of flood extents in urban catchments has become a challenging issue. The traditional urban drainage models that consider only the sewerage-network are able to simulate the drainage system correctly until there is no overflow from the network inlet or manhole. When such overflows exist due to insufficient drainage capacity of downstream pipes or channels, it becomes difficult to reproduce the actual flood extents using these traditional one-phase simulation techniques.

Effect of vitamin B12-deficiency on testicular tissue in rats fed by pair-feeding.

The effect of vitamin B12 (B12)-deficiency on testicular tissue was investigated through morphological observations of the rats which had been fed on a B12-deficient soybean protein diet by pair-feeding for 100 days. Testicular B12 content was depressed distinctly by the deficiency. Testes weight and their relative weight (weight per 100 g body weight) as well, decreased significantly as compared with those of pair-feeding control rats.

Utilization of dietary protein in the vitamin B12-deficient rats.

Utilization of dietary protein in vitamin B12 (B12)-deficient rats was evaluated by determinating the content of plasma protein, urinary excretion of nitrogen compounds, and nitrogen-balance after the rats were fed on a B12-deficient soy bean protein diet by pair-feeding for 100 days. The severe B12-deficiency was confirmed in rats by a remarkable increase in urinary methylmalonic acid excretion and a remarkable decrease in the hepatic B12 level. Growth of B12-deficient rats was significantly retarded as compared both with ad libitum-feeding control rats and pair-feeding control rats.