Prediction System of Cloud Distribution Image Using Fully Convolutional Networks

In this paper, we propose a cloud distribution prediction model in which fully convolutional networks are used to improve the prediction accuracy for photovoltaic power generation systems. The model learns the cloud distribution from meteorological satellite images and predicts the cloud image 60 min later. We examined the applicability of Day Microphysics RGB as input to the cloud image prediction model. Day Microphysics RGB is a type of RGB composite image based on the observation image of Himawari-8. It is used for daytime cloud analysis and can perform detailed cloud analysis, for example, the discrimination of cloud areas such as upper and lower clouds. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on the basis of the root mean square error of the prediction and ground truth images

Dynamic pathology in various disease-model mice using multiphoton laser scanning microscopy

Live imaging of experimental animals is now possible thanks to recent technological advances that overcome the limitations of conventional histological analysis. In contrast to conventional histological microscopy techniques, this intravital approach can reveal previously unknown morphogenetic and functional processes in live tissues. In addition, this approach can capture real-time information on these processes, compared with conventional histological microscopy and other techniques that only provide snapshots in time. We used multi-photon laser-scanning microscopy (MPLSM) for in vivo real-time imaging of intra-abdominal organs, and investigated the intravital microscopic changes in various disease-model mice, referred to as ‘dynamic pathology’. For example, we used this technology to examine bacterial translocation in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, thrombus formation in laser-induced endothelial injury, neutrophil extracellular traps, the dynamics of circulating free DNA in a model of DSS-induced colitis, and to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the development and blood flow dynamics of the small intestinal microcirculation in a mouse model of necrotizing enterocolitis. This mini review summarizes the in vivo observation methods that we have developed to observe the dynamic pathology in various disease-model mice using MPLSM

Extraction of a metallic susceptor after accidental ingestion of the heated tobaccostick TEREA™: a case report

Abstract Background Tobacco ingestion is widely known to cause nicotine toxicity, which may result in severe symptoms. Two heated tobacco sticks, called TEREA™ and SENTIA™, were launched in 2021 by Philip Morris International (New York, NY, USA), and their ingestion is associated with a risk of bowel injury because they contain a partially pointed metallic susceptor. However, this risk is not well known to the general public or healthcare providers. To increase awareness of this risk, we herein report a case involving extraction of a metallic susceptor after ingestion of the heated tobacco stick TEREA™. Case presentation A 7-month-old girl presented to the emergency department of a nearby hospital because she was suspected to have accidentally swallowed heated tobacco. Although she presented with no symptoms related to nicotine poisoning, abdominal X-ray examination revealed a metal object in her stomach. According to a statement released by the Japan Poison Information Center, the TEREA™ heated tobacco stick contains a metallic susceptor with a rectangular shape and sharp corners. The patient was transferred to our department because of the risk of bowel injury, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed. No cigarettes were found by endoscopic observation; however, a metallic susceptor was located in the second part of the duodenum. We grasped it with biopsy forceps and carefully removed it using an endoscope with a cap attached to the tip. The post-endoscopic course was uneventful. Conclusions Some patients who ingest heated tobacco sticks might be exposed not only to the effects of nicotine but also to physical damage caused by a metallic susceptor. Infants and toddlers especially could swallow these sticks, therefore tobacco companies need to make the problem more public. Clinicians also should alert the problem, and pay attention to this risk in the clinical setting

Fusobacterium nucleatum infection correlates with two types of microsatellite alterations in colorectal cancer and triggers DNA damage

Abstract Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is frequently found in colorectal cancers (CRCs). High loads of Fn DNA are detected in CRC tissues with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), or with the CpG island hypermethylation phenotype (CIMP). Fn infection is also associated with the inflammatory tumor microenvironment of CRC. A subtype of CRC exhibits inflammation-associated microsatellite alterations (IAMA), which are characterized by microsatellite instability-low (MSI-L) and/or an elevated level of microsatellite alterations at selected tetra-nucleotide repeats (EMAST). Here we describe two independent CRC cohorts in which heavy or moderate loads of Fn DNA are associated with MSI-H and L/E CRC respectively. We also show evidence that Fn produces factors that induce γ-H2AX, a hallmark of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), in the infected cells.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/173691/1/13099_2020_Article_384.pd

The neuromodulatory role of dopamine in improved reaction time by acute cardiovascular exercise

Acute cardiovascular physical exercise improves cognitive performance, as evidenced by a reduction in reaction time (RT). However, the mechanistic understanding of how this occurs is elusive and has not been rigorously investigated in humans. Here, using positron emission tomography (PET) with [ C]raclopride, in a multi-experiment study we investigated whether acute exercise releases endogenous dopamine (DA) in the brain. We hypothesized that acute exercise augments the brain DA system, and that RT improvement is correlated with this endogenous DA release. The PET study (Experiment 1: n = 16) demonstrated that acute physical exercise released endogenous DA, and that endogenous DA release was correlated with improvements in RT of the Go/No-Go task. Thereafter, using two electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) studies (Experiments 2 and 3: n = 18 and 22 respectively), we investigated what triggers RT improvement. The EMS studies indicated that EMS with moderate arm cranking improved RT, but RT was not improved following EMS alone or EMS combined with no load arm cranking. The novel mechanistic findings from these experiments are: (1) endogenous DA appears to be an important neuromodulator for RT improvement and (2) RT is only altered when exercise is associated with central signals from higher brain centres. Our findings explain how humans rapidly alter their behaviour using neuromodulatory systems and have significant implications for promotion of cognitive health. KEY POINTS: Acute cardiovascular exercise improves cognitive performance, as evidenced by a reduction in reaction time (RT). However, the mechanistic understanding of how this occurs is elusive and has not been rigorously investigated in humans. Using the neurochemical specificity of [ C]raclopride positron emission tomography, we demonstrated that acute supine cycling released endogenous dopamine (DA), and that this release was correlated with improved RT. Additional electrical muscle stimulation studies demonstrated that peripherally driven muscle contractions (i.e. exercise) were insufficient to improve RT. The current study suggests that endogenous DA is an important neuromodulator for RT improvement, and that RT is only altered when exercise is associated with central signals from higher brain centres

Water circulation in Ryugu asteroid affected the distribution of nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies in returned sample.

Studies of material returned from Cb asteroid Ryugu have revealed considerable mineralogical and chemical heterogeneity, stemming primarily from brecciation and aqueous alteration. Isotopic anomalies could have also been affected by delivery of exogenous clasts and aqueous mobilization of soluble elements. Here, we show that isotopic anomalies for mildly soluble Cr are highly variable in Ryugu and CI chondrites, whereas those of Ti are relatively uniform. This variation in Cr isotope ratios is most likely due to physicochemical fractionation between 54Cr-rich presolar nanoparticles and Cr-bearing secondary minerals at the millimeter-scale in the bulk samples, likely due to extensive aqueous alteration in their parent bodies that occurred [Formula: see text] after Solar System birth. In contrast, Ti isotopes were marginally affected by this process. Our results show that isotopic heterogeneities in asteroids are not all nebular or accretionary in nature but can also reflect element redistribution by water

Pervasive aqueous alteration in the early Solar System revealed by potassium isotopic variations in Ryugu samples and carbonaceous chondrites

International audienceC-type asteroids are the presumed home to carbonaceous chondrites, some of which contain abundant life-forming volatiles and organics. For the first time, samples from a C-type asteroid (162173 Ryugu) were successfully returned to Earth by JAXA's Hayabusa2 mission. These pristine samples, uncontaminated by the terrestrial environment, allow a direct comparison with carbonaceous chondrites. This study reports the stable K isotopic compositions (expressed as δ41K) of Ryugu samples and seven carbonaceous chondrites to constrain the origin of K isotopic variations in the early Solar System. Three aliquots of Ryugu particles collected at two touchdown sites have identical δ41K values, averaged at -0.194 ± 0.038‰ (2SD). The K isotopic composition of Ryugu falls within the range of δ41K values measured on representative CI chondrites, and together, they define an average δ41K value of -0.185 ± 0.078‰ (2SE), which provides the current best estimate of the K isotopic composition of the bulk Solar System. Samples of CI chondrites with δ41K values that deviate from this range likely reflect terrestrial contaminations or compositional heterogeneities at sampled sizes. In addition to CI chondrites, substantial K isotopic variability is observed in other carbonaceous chondrites and within individual chondritic groups, with δ41K values inversely correlated with K abundances in many cases. These observations indicate widespread fluid activity occurred in chondrite parent bodies, which significantly altered the original K abundances and isotopic compositions of chondrules and matrices established at their accretion