Minimum variation log-aesthetic surfaces and their applications for smoothing free-form shapes

Sho Suzuki,R.U. Gobithaasan,Péter Salvi,Shin Usuki,Kenjiro T. Miura 한국CDE학회 2018 Journal of computational design and engineering Vol.5 No.2

The log-aesthetic curve, which includes the logarithmic (equiangular) spiral, clothoid, and involute of a circle, achieves a control over curvature distribution by defining its shape as an integral form of its curvature and they are expected to be utilized for the field of design. However, it is very difficult to extend it to surfaces and the existing formulations have some problems that they cannot use arbitrary boundary curves. In this paper, we propose ‘‘minimum variation log-aesthetic surface” as a new formulation for the log-aesthetic surface. Based on variational principle our method can generate surfaces by minimizing the objective function newly proposed in this paper for given arbitrary boundary curves.

Effect of Ubiquinol Intake on Defecation Frequency and Stool Form: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Control Study

Sho Suzuki,Takuji Gotoda,Chika Kusano,Hisatomo Ikehara,Yo Miyakoshi,Kenji Fujii 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.1

Bowel habits affect the quality of life (QOL) of patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. This study evaluated the effects of reduced form coenzyme Q 10 (ubiquinol) intake on defecation frequency and stool form in patients with daily abdominal symptoms. This was a single-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized control study. Forty-one patients who had the daily symptom of constipation or diarrhea were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive either ubiquinol (150 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Patients completed a daily diary to collect information regarding their numbers of defecations and stool forms according to the Bristol Stool Form (BSF) Scale for 7 days at baseline and 12 weeks. QOL was assessed using the 36-item short-form (SF-36) at baseline and 12 weeks. Twenty-one patients were assigned to the ubiquinol group, and 20 were assigned to the placebo group. At 12 weeks, the mean defecation frequency, compared to baseline, significantly decreased in the ubiquinol group (−0.1 times/day, P = .034) and increased in the placebo group (+0.3 times/day, P = .004). There was no significant change in the 12-week BSF Scale score of the ubiquinol group (+0.2, P = .123), whereas that of the placebo group was increased (+0.5, P < .001). The 12-week general health perception SF-36 score was significantly increased in the ubiquinol group (+3.5, P = .045), whereas there was no significant difference in that score in the placebo group (+1.2, P = .178). In conclusion, taking ubiquinol for 12 weeks decreased defecation frequencies and increased the QOL score, suggesting that ubiquinol may change the bowel habits and improve QOL in patients with abdominal distress.

Minimum variation log-aesthetic surfaces and their applications for smoothing free-form shapes

Suzuki, Sho,Gobithaasan, R.U.,Salvi, Peter,Usuki, Shin,Miura, Kenjiro T. Society for Computational Design and Engineering 2018 Journal of computational design and engineering Vol.5 No.2

The log-aesthetic curve, which includes the logarithmic (equiangular) spiral, clothoid, and involute of a circle, achieves a control over curvature distribution by defining its shape as an integral form of its curvature and they are expected to be utilized for the field of design. However, it is very difficult to extend it to surfaces and the existing formulations have some problems that they cannot use arbitrary boundary curves. In this paper, we propose ''minimum variation log-aesthetic surface" as a new formulation for the log-aesthetic surface. Based on variational principle our method can generate surfaces by minimizing the objective function newly proposed in this paper for given arbitrary boundary curves.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes after Microscopic Bilateral Decompression via a Unilateral Approach for Degenerative Lumbar Disease: Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

Sho Dohzono,Hiromitsu Toyoda,Akira Matsumura,Hidetomi Terai,Akinobu Suzuki,Hiroaki Nakamura 대한척추외과학회 2017 Asian Spine Journal Vol.11 No.2

Study Design: A retrospective study. Purpose: To assess postoperative bone regrowth at surgical sites after lumbar decompression with >5 years of follow-up. Postoperative preservation of facet joints and segmental spinal instability following surgery were also evaluated. Overview of Literature: Previous reports have documented bone regrowth after conventional laminectomy or laminotomy and several factors associated with new bone formation. Methods: Forty-nine patients who underwent microscopic bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach at L4–5 were reviewed. Primary outcomes included correlations among postoperative bone regrowth, preservation of facet joints, radiographic parameters, and clinical outcomes. Secondary outcomes included comparative analyses of radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes among preoperative diagnoses (lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and degenerative lumbar scoliosis). Results: The average value of bone regrowth at the latest follow-up was significantly higher on the dorsal side of the facet joint (3.4 mm) than on the ventral side (1.3 mm). Percent facet joint preservation was significantly smaller on the approach side (79.2%) than on the contralateral side (95.2%). Bone regrowth showed a significant inverse correlation with age, but no significant correlation was observed with facet joint preservation, gender, postoperative segmental spinal motion, or clinical outcomes. Subanalysis of these data revealed that bone regrowth at the latest follow-up was significantly greater in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis than in those with lumbar spinal stenosis. Postoperative segmental spinal motion at L4–L5 did not progress significantly in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis or degenerative lumbar scoliosis compared with those with lumbar spinal stenosis. Conclusions: Microscopic bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach prevents postoperative spinal instability because of satisfactory preservation of facet joints, which may be the primary reason for inadequate bone regrowth. Postoperative bone regrowth was not related to clinical outcomes and postoperative segmental spinal instability.

Detecting colorectal lesions with image-enhanced endoscopy: an updated review from clinical trials

Mizuki Nagai,Sho Suzuki,Yohei Minato,Fumiaki Ishibashi,Kentaro Mochida,Ken Ohata,Tetsuo Morishita 대한소화기내시경학회 2023 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.56 No.5

Colonoscopy plays an important role in reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer by detecting adenomas and otherprecancerous lesions. Image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) increases lesion visibility by enhancing the microstructure, blood vessels, andmucosal surface color, resulting in the detection of colorectal lesions. In recent years, various IEE techniques have been used in clinicalpractice, each with its unique characteristics. Numerous studies have reported the effectiveness of IEE in the detection of colorectal lesions. IEEs can be divided into two broad categories according to the nature of the image: images constructed using narrow-bandwavelength light, such as narrow-band imaging and blue laser imaging/blue light imaging, or color images based on white light, such aslinked color imaging, texture and color enhancement imaging, and i-scan. Conversely, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, such as computer-aided diagnosis systems, have recently been developed to assist endoscopists in detecting colorectal lesions during colonoscopy. To gain a better understanding of the features of each IEE, this review presents the effectiveness of each type of IEE and their combinationwith AI for colorectal lesion detection by referencing the latest research data.

Optimizing Helicobacter pylori Treatment: An Updated Review of Empirical and Susceptibility Test-Based Treatments

Ishibashi Fumiaki,Suzuki Sho,Nagai Mizuki,Mochida Kentaro,Morishita Tetsuo 거트앤리버 소화기연관학회협의회 2023 Gut and Liver Vol.17 No.5

As the rate of discovery of drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori cases increases worldwide, the relevant societies have updated their guidelines for primary eradication regimens. A promising strategy against drug-resistant H. pylori is tailored therapy based on the results of an antibiotic susceptibility test; however, it is difficult to apply this strategy to all cases. Although culture-based antibiotic susceptibility tests can assess resistance to any antimicrobial agent, their greatest disadvantage is the time required to draw a conclusion. In contrast, molecular-based methods, such as polymerase chain reaction, can rapidly determine the presence of resistance, although a single test can only test for one type of antimicrobial agent. Additionally, the limited availability of facilities for molecular-based methods has hindered their widespread use. Therefore, low-cost, minimally invasive, simple, and effective primary regimens are needed. Several studies have compared the efficacy of the latest primary eradication regimens against that of tailored therapies, and their results have shaped guidelines. This article reviews the latest research on empirical and tailored treatments for H. pylori infections. Evidence for the superiority of tailored therapy over empirical therapy is still limited and varies by region and treatment regimen. A network meta-analysis comparing different empirical treatment regimens showed that vonoprazan triple therapy provides a superior eradication effect. Recently, favorable results towards vonoprazan dual therapy have been reported, as it reached eradication levels similar to those of vonoprazan triple therapy. Both vonoprazan dual therapy and tailored therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility tests could contribute to future treatment strategies.

Diagnostic Ability of High-definition Imaging Using Ultraslim Endoscopes in Early Gastric Cancer

Sugita, Tomomi,Suzuki, Sho,Ichijima, Ryoji,Ogura, Kanako,Kusano, Chika,Ikehara, Hisatomo,Gotoda, Takuji,Moriyama, Mitsuhiko The Korean Gastric Cancer Association 2021 Journal of gastric cancer Vol.21 No.3

Purpose: It is unclear whether high-definition (HD) imaging improves visibility and diagnostic ability in early gastric cancer (EGC) compared with standard-definition (SD) imaging. We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance and visibility scores of HD and SD ultraslim endoscopes in EGC. Materials and Methods: We used HD and SD ultraslim endoscopes to obtain 60 images with similar compositions of gastric environments. Of the 60 images, 30 showed EGC (15 images for each modality) and 30 showed no EGC (15 images for each modality). Seventeen endoscopists evaluated the presence and location of the lesions in each image. Diagnostic ability was compared between modalities. The color difference between a lesion and the surrounding mucosa (ΔE) was measured and compared between the modalities. Results: The ability of HD to detect EGC was significantly higher than that of SD (accuracy: 80.8% vs. 71.6%, P=0.017; sensitivity: 94.9% vs. 76.5%, P<0.001; positive predictive value, 76.2% vs. 55.3%, P<0.001; and negative predictive value (NPV), 94.1% vs. 73.5%, P<0.001). The ability of HD to determine the horizontal extent of EGC was significantly higher than that of SD (accuracy: 71.0% vs. 57.8%, P=0.004; sensitivity: 75.3% vs. 49.0%, P<0.001; NPV, 72.9% vs. 55.9%, P<0.001; and area under the curve: 0.891 vs. 0.631, P=0.038). The mean ΔE was significantly higher for HD than for SD (10.3 vs. 5.9, P=0.011). Conclusions: The HD ultraslim endoscope showed a higher diagnostic performance in EGC than the SD endoscope because it provided good color contrast.

τ-curve: introduction of cusps to aesthetic curves

Kenjiro T. Miura,Sho Suzuki,Shin Usuki,R.U. Gobithaasan 한국CDE학회 2020 Journal of computational design and engineering Vol.7 No.2

Yan, Schiller, Wilensky, Carr, and Schaefer pointed out that one of the demerits of clothoid interpolation is a jumping behavior during the deformation of the curve. This phenomenon occurs because the clothoid curve cannot have a cusp, where the curve is kinked or the direction of the curve is abruptly changed. We discuss how to introduce cusps for the log-aesthetic curve including the clothoid curve and propose to use for the representation of a curve the direction angle instead of curvature and define a new curve named τ-curve, which is defined by the direction angle of the curve.

Fabrication of Textured Nano-composite by Slip Casting in a High Magnetic Field and Reaction Sintering

Sakka Yoshio,Saito Sho,Honda Atsushi,Suzuki Tohru S.,Moriyoshi Yusuke 한국분말야금학회 2006 한국분말야금학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2006 No.1

We have demonstrated that textured nanocomposites can be fabricated by slip casting followed by partial oxidation. reaction sintering of mixed suspensions of and SiC powders in a high magnetic field. The sintered density was changed by the degree of oxidation at 1200C and 1300C. The degree of orientation of alumina in the nanocomposite was examined on the basis of the X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron micrographs. It is confirmed that aluminaoriented nanocomposites were fabricated. The three-point bending strength at room temperature was observed for the nanocomposites.

Prevalence of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in Patients with Spinal Disorders

Hiromitsu Toyoda,Hidetomi Terai,Kentaro Yamada,Akinobu Suzuki,Sho Dohzono,Tomiya Matsumoto,Hiroaki Nakamura 대한척추외과학회 2017 Asian Spine Journal Vol.11 No.1

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in patients with spinal diseases determined by roentgen images of the whole spine. Overview of Literature: Although several studies have investigated the prevalence of DISH in healthy subjects, no detailed data have been reported on the prevalence of DISH in patients with degenerative spinal disorders. Methods: Standing whole-spine roentgen images of 345 consecutive patients who underwent surgery in our hospital were obtained. Patients aged <18 years or with congenital spinal disease, metastatic spinal tumors, or inflammatory spinal disease were excluded. In total, 281 patients were eligible for inclusion. The presence of DISH was assessed according to Resnick’s criteria and Mata’s scoring system. The prevalence, location, and numbers of fused vertebral bodies of DISH were recorded. Results: DISH was present in 25.6% of patients (72/281). The prevalence of DISH in the 41–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80 year age groups was 8.3% (2/24), 9.8% (5/51), 16.0% (12/75), 49.5% (48/97), and 33.3% (4/12), respectively; the prevalence increased with age. The average number of fused vertebral bodies was 7.5. More than 80% of DISH was located from T7 to T11, and more than 95% of DISH was located at T9/10. Patients with DISH were significantly older (71.1 years vs. 60.9 years, p <0.05), and men were more likely to have DISH than women (p <0.05). Conclusions: In patients with degenerative spinal diseases with DISH, fused vertebrae were found most frequently in the lower thoracic spine, and their prevalence increased with age. DISH may be an age-related skeletal disorder with a higher overall prevalence in patients with spinal disorders than that in healthy subjects.