CTprintNet: An Accurate and Stable Deep Unfolding Approach for Few-View CT Reconstruction

In this paper, we propose a new deep learning approach based on unfolded neural networks for the reconstruction of X-ray computed tomography images from few views. We start from a model-based approach in a compressed sensing framework, described by the minimization of a least squares function plus an edge-preserving prior on the solution. In particular, the proposed network automatically estimates the internal parameters of a proximal interior point method for the solution of the optimization problem. The numerical tests performed on both a synthetic and a real dataset show the effectiveness of the framework in terms of accuracy and robustness with respect to noise on the input sinogram when compared to other different data-driven approaches

Centrifuge testing of a bridge pier on a rocking isolated foundation supported on unconnected piles

Volume conduction models can help in acquiring knowledge about the distribution of the electric field induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation. One aspect of a detailed model is an accurate description of the cortical surface geometry. Since its estimation is difficult, it is important to know how accurate the geometry has to be represented. Previous studies only looked at the differences caused by neglecting the complete boundary between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and grey matter (Thielscher et al 2011 NeuroImage 54 234-43, Bijsterbosch et al 2012 Med. Biol. Eng. Comput. 50 671-81), or by resizing the whole brain (Wagner et al 2008 Exp. Brain Res. 186 539-50). However, due to the high conductive properties of the CSF, it can be expected that alterations in sulcus width can already have a significant effect on the distribution of the electric field. To answer this question, the sulcus width of a highly realistic head model, based on T1-, T2- and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images, was altered systematically. This study shows that alterations in the sulcus width do not cause large differences in the majority of the electric field values. However, considerable overestimation of sulcus width produces an overestimation of the calculated field strength, also at locations distant from the target location

Morphology-properties relationship on nanocomposite films based on poly(styrene-block-diene-block-styrene) copolymers and silver nanoparticles

A comparative study on the self-assembled nanostructured morphology and the rheological and mechanical prop- erties of four different triblock copolymers, based on poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) and poly(styrene-block- isoprene-block-styrene) matrices, and of their respective nanocomposites with 1 wt% silver nanoparticles, is reported in this work. In order to obtain well-dispersed nanoparticles in the block copolymer matrix, dodecanethiol was used as surfac- tant, showing good affinity with both nanoparticles and the polystyrene phase of the matrices as predicted by the solubility parameters calculated based on Hoftyzer and Van Krevelen theory. The block copolymer with the highest PS content shows the highest tensile modulus and tensile strength, but also the smallest elongation at break. When silver nanoparticles treated with surfactant were added to the block copolymer matrices, each system studied shows higher mechanical properties due to the good dispersion and the good interface of Ag nanoparticles in the matrices. Furthermore, it has been shown that semi- empirical models such as Guth and Gold equation and Halpin-Tsai model can be used to predict the tensile modulus of the analyzed nanocomposites

Growth hormone-releasing hormone resistance in pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia: New evidence for imprinting of the Gsα gene

Heterozygous inactivating mutations in the Gs\u3b1 gene cause Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy. Consistent with the observation that only maternally inherited mutations lead to resistance to hormone action [pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP Ia)], recent studies provided evidence for a predominant maternal origin of Gs\u3b1 transcripts in endocrine organs, such as thyroid, gonad, and pituitary. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of pituitary resistance to hypothalamic hormones acting via Gs\u3b1-coupled receptors in patients with PHP Ia. Six of nine patients showed an impaired GH responsiveness to GHRH plus arginine, consistent with a complete GH deficiency (GH peak from 2.6-8.6 \u3bcg/liter, normal > 16.5), and partial (GH peak 13.9 and 13.6 \u3bcg/liter) and normal responses were found in two and one patient, respectively. Accordingly, IGF-I levels were below and in the low-normal range in seven and two patients. All patients had a normal cortisol response to 1 \u3bcg ACTH test, suggesting a normal corticotroph function that was confirmed by a normal ACTH and cortisol response to CRH test in three patients. In conclusion, we report that in addition to PTH and TSH resistance, patients with PHP Ia display variable degrees of GHRH resistance, consistent with Gs\u3b1 imprinting in human pituitary

Influência da aplicação parcelada do Ca(OH)2 e do fósforo na produção de matéria seca do sorgo (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) e nas principais formas de fósforo do solo

A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using soil taken from a Red-Yellow Podzolic and sorghum as the test plant. The main objective of the experiment was to verify the following hypothesis: split application of phosphate fertilizer results in higher efficiency in the uptake of this nutrient by the plant.. The experiment was run from September 1983 till February 1984, a period in which high temperature prevails. The variables considered in this study were: date of liming, rates and forms of phosphate application1. Various levels of these factors were combined making up a total of 15 treatments for the second sorghum crop. The data collected were as follows, dry matter weight, contents of calcium,iron and aluminum phosphates of soil samples taken from each treatment. These data were statistically analysed at the CENA Computer Center. The following conclusions were drawn based on the experimental conditions and on the results obtained a. split application of phosphate led to a better use of phosphate fertilizer by the second sorghum crop. b. liming contributes to a better development of the plant which is enhanced by the application of phosphate fertilizer. c. limimg does not affect the availability of iron phosphoris d. there is an increase in the concentration of calcium phosphate due to lining and that increases with the rate of phosphorus application. e. the concentration of calcium linked to phosphates relates inversely to aluminum phosphate and to the yield of dry matter in the second sorghum crop.Empregando-se o sorgo (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), c.v. Brandes como planta teste e um solo Podzólico Vermelho-Amarelo da zona de Capão Bonito, ordem Oxissol, São Paulo, foi conduzido o presente trabalho experimental em vasos com capacidade para três quilos de TFSA instalados na casa de vegetação do Departamento de Solos, Geologia e Fertilizantes da Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", USP, de setembro de 1983 até fevereiro de 1984, período em que predominaram altas temperaturas. Calagem feita parceladamente e aplicação parcelada do fertilizante fosfatado em doses diferentes foram testados, na segunda cultura do sorgo, após a qual, a matéria seca foi colhida e analisada. Amostras de solo foram retiradas para as determinações do fósforo ligado ao cálcio, ferro e ao alumínio. De acordo com as condições nas quais executou-se o experimento e com os resultados obtidos, chegou-se às seguintes conclusões: a. Há um melhor aproveitamento do fertilizante fosfatado, pela segunda cultura do sorgo, quando este foi aplicado parceladamente. b. A calagem permite um melhor desenvolvimento da planta, mas este desenvolvimento é bem melhor quando o fertilizante fosfatado ê fornecido. c. Não existe uma liberação do fósforo ligado ao ferro com a aplicação da calagem. d. Ofosfato de cálcio sofre um acréscimo na sua concentração devido à calagem, o que é acentuado com as doses de fósforo. e. A concentração do fósforo ligado ao cálcio e ao alumínio encontra-se inversamente relacionado com o fósforo ligado ao ferro e com a produção de matéria seca na segunda cultura do sorgo

Gastric Mucosa Mucous Layer Thickness in Liver Cirrhosis with Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy Compare to Functional Dyspepsia

Background: This study aimed to investigate gastric mucosa mucous layer thickness in portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) compare to normal mucosa in functional dyspepsia and its correlation with several variables such as child class, severity of esophageal varices and gastropathy. Methods: Biopsy specimens were taken from the antrum and corpus from both group of patients with PHG and functional dyspepsia. The specimen was given cryometric for frozen section. Tissue were sliced by sagital section 11 µm, placed in object glass, fixed and stained to evaluate mucous thickness and giemsa stained to observe Helicobacter pylori. Measurement of mucous thickness was done upward muscularis mucosa started from upper epithelial layer from foveale tip until outer mucous layer on 15 points which were marked randomly and calculate the mean value by micrometer (µm). Results: Mean value of antral mucous thickness in PHG was 13.30 ± 6.5 µm, while in the functional dyspepsia it was 25.59 ± 5.66 µm. Statistical analysis for both kinds of mucous thickness was p<0.001. Mean corpus mucous thickness in PHG was 10.6 ± 6.81 µm, while mucous thickness in dyspepsia was 32.54 ± 6.51 µm. Statistical analysis revealed p<0.001. This result showed significant difference of mucous thickness of antrum and corpus statistically between PHG and dyspepsia as control group. Conclusion: The study had proven the presence of decreased gastric mucosa mucous layer thickness in corpus and antrum in PHG. Thus, therapeutic approach to increase mucous thickness must be considered in patients with PHG