Development of an individual display optimization system based on deep convolutional neural network transition learning for somatostatin receptor scintigraphy.

Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) is an essential examination for the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This study developed a method to individually optimize the display of whole-body SRS images using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) reconstructed by transfer learning of a DCNN constructed using Gallium-67 (Ga) images. The initial DCNN was constructed using U-Net to optimize the display of Ga images (493 cases/986 images), and a DCNN with transposed weight coefficients was reconstructed for the optimization of whole-body SRS images (133 cases/266 images).

Enantioselective Synthesis of Bromodifluoromethyl-containing Oxazolines by Concerted Lewis/Brønsted Base Catalysis with Chiral Bisphosphine Oxide.

We describe regio- and enantioselective bromocyclization of difluoroalkenes catalyzed by chiral bisphosphine oxides. Owing to the simultaneous activation of both the brominating reagent and amide substrate, the desired cyclization reaction proceeds smoothly even at low temperature to provide bromodifluoromethyl-containing oxazolines with a chiral quaternary center in a highly enantioselective fashion (up to 99% ee). This protocol features the use of commercially available brominating reagents and readily accessible chiral catalysts.

[Improvement of Standardized Uptake Value Accuracy in the Tc Body SPECT and SPECT/CT: Optimization of the Phantom for Calculating Becquerel Calibration Factor and Correction Method].

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the best phantom for calculating the becquerel calibration factor (BCF) and correction method to obtain the improvement of standardized uptake value (SUV) accuracy in both single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and SPECT/CT.

Method: A SPECT/CT scanner was used in this study. BCFs were calculated using four phantoms with different cross sections including National Electrical Manufacturers Association International Electrotechnical Commission body phantom (NEMA IEC body phantom) filled with TcO, and five correction methods were used for reconstruction.

Quantitative Understanding of the Decision-Making Process for Farm Biosecurity Among Japanese Livestock Farmers Using the KAP-Capacity Framework.

In a globalized world, the frequency of transboundary livestock infectious diseases is increasing, and strengthening of farm biosecurity is vital to stabilize food production. The aim of this study was to understand the decision-making process for farm biosecurity among Japanese livestock farmers. Postal surveys using structured questionnaires were conducted on beef, dairy, pig, and layer farms in Hokkaido and Saitama Prefectures, which represent the principal production area and peri-urban Tokyo, respectively, as well as randomly selected broiler farms across Japan.