Osaka University

About: Osaka University is a education organization based out in Osaka, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Laser & Catalysis. The organization has 83778 authors who have published 185669 publications receiving 5158122 citations. The organization is also known as: Ōsaka daigaku.

3D Multi-scale line filter for segmentation and visualization of curvilinear structures in medical images

Abstract: This paper describes a method for the enhancement of curvilinear structures like vessels and bronchi in 3D medical images. We develop a line-enhancement filter based on the eigenvalues of Hessian matrix aiming at both the discrimination of line structures from other structures and the recovery of original line structures from corrupted ones. The multi-scale responses of the line filters are integrated based on the equalization of noise level at each scale. The resulted multi-scale line filtered images provide significantly improved segmentation of curvilinear structures. The line-filtered images are also useful for the direct visualization of curvilinear structures by combining with a volume rendering technique even from conventional MR images. We show the usefulness of the method through the segmentation and visualization of vessels from MRA and MR images, and bronchi from CT images.

Cross-Couplings Using Aryl Ethers via C-O Bond Activation Enabled by Nickel Catalysts.

Abstract: ConspectusArene synthesis has been revolutionized by the invention of catalytic cross-coupling reactions, wherein aryl halides can be coupled with organometallic and organic nucleophiles. Although the replacement of aryl halides with phenol derivatives would lead to more economical and ecological methods, success has been primarily limited to activated phenol derivatives such as triflates. Aryl ethers arguably represent one of the most ideal substrates in terms of availability, cost, safety, and atom efficiency. However, the robust nature of the C(aryl)–O bonds of aryl ethers renders it extremely difficult to use them in catalytic reactions among the phenol derivatives.In 1979, Wenkert reported a seminal work on the nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl ethers with Grignard reagents. However, it was not until 2004 that the unique ability of a low-valent nickel species to activate otherwise unreactive C(aryl)–O bonds was appreciated with Dankwardt’s identification of the Ni(0)/PCy3 system, which signific...

Immunotherapy response assessment in neuro-oncology: a report of the RANO working group.

Abstract: Immunotherapy is a promising area of therapy in patients with neuro-oncological malignancies. However, early-phase studies show unique challenges associated with the assessment of radiological changes in response to immunotherapy reflecting delayed responses or therapy-induced inflammation. Clinical benefit, including long-term survival and tumour regression, can still occur after initial disease progression or after the appearance of new lesions. Refinement of the response assessment criteria for patients with neuro-oncological malignancies undergoing immunotherapy is therefore warranted. Herein, a multinational and multidisciplinary panel of neuro-oncology immunotherapy experts describe immunotherapy Response Assessment for Neuro-Oncology (iRANO) criteria based on guidance for the determination of tumour progression outlined by the immune-related response criteria and the RANO working group. Among patients who demonstrate imaging findings meeting RANO criteria for progressive disease within 6 months of initiating immunotherapy, including the development of new lesions, confirmation of radiographic progression on follow-up imaging is recommended provided that the patient is not significantly worse clinically. The proposed criteria also include guidelines for the use of corticosteroids. We review the role of advanced imaging techniques and the role of measurement of clinical benefit endpoints including neurological and immunological functions. The iRANO guidelines put forth in this Review will evolve successively to improve their usefulness as further experience from immunotherapy trials in neuro-oncology accumulate.