Study on energy conservation in experimental facilities by changing users’ behavior

In 2021, Japan announced its aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in FY2030 than in FY2013, and universities were expected to contribute to the conservation of energy. The current study focused on ventilation systems in laboratories, which are among the most energy-intensive areas in universities, with the aim of reducing overall electricity consumption. The amount of electricity consumed by the draft chamber in a laboratory was determined based on the chamber opening. Result confirmed that the amount of electricity consumed by the 12 draft chambers to be 63,263 kWh/year. Using the relationship between chamber opening degree and power consumption by air conditioners and exhaust fans, we implemented a method to induce users of the draft chamber to take action toward controlling the chamber opening degree, using real-time information on chamber opening degree. A screen was set up to provide information to draft-chamber users in the laboratory using real-time monitors, and the induction of behavior was investigated over a 5-week period. Results confirmed that information displayed on the tablet device indeed reduced the chamber opening, the reduction rate being 21–48% compared to that before the information was displayed

Same-day correction of baselines for demand response using long short-term memory

In incentive-based the Demand Response, the amount of electricity demand reduction is calculated by subtracting actual electricity demand from the baseline (BL). The BL is the estimated electricity demand of households when no electricity demand suppression is performed. In Japan, the high 4 of 5 method is used to forecast the BL by averaging the actual demand of the day. In this study, we refer to the high 4 of 5 method as BL1. BL2 is the BL to which the value of the same-day adjustment is added based on the actual demand of the day. BL3 is BL1 plus the value of the same-day adjustment predicted using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). The average MAE values for BL2 and BL3, calculated using actual electricity demand data from October 15, 2021, to December 24, 2021, were 11.2 kW and 8.1 kW, respectively, with BL3 being 3.1 kW smaller than BL2. To estimate the confidence intervals for BL2 and BL3, we calculated the error by subtracting each BL from the actual value and calculated the ±3σ equivalent for the distribution of the error. The confidence interval calculated for BL3 was found to be ±9.2 kW lower than that for BL2. The F-test for the distribution of the errors for BL2 and BL3 yielded a P-value of 4.05 × 10-50, indicating that the variances of the two distributions were not equally distributed

Risk and prognostic factors of post-catheterization pseudoaneurysm

Purpose: To evaluate the risk and prognostic factors of post-catheterization pseudoaneurysm (PPA). Material and methods: To identify the risk factors for PPA occurrence, clinical findings were compared between 22 consecutive patients with radiologically confirmed PPAs (PPA group) and 300 randomly extracted patients without PPA, who underwent transarterial angiography or intervention (sample group) between 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2020. The PPA group was further divided into those treated successfully with mechanical compression (group A) and those requiring ultrasound-guided thrombin injection after compression failed (group B). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare patient demographics, preoperative laboratory findings, procedure details, PPA diameter, and time interval between the procedure and compression between groups A and B to evaluate the prognostic factors of PPA. Results: The PPA group demonstrated significantly elevated prothrombin time international normalized ratios (PT/INR) (odds ratio [OR]: 6.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.020-19.5; p = 0.00151) and more frequent popliteal access (OR: 14.2, 95% CI: 1.040-195.0; p = 0.0467) compared to the sample group, and radial access decreased the risk of PPA (OR: 0.382, 95% CI: 0.0148-0.987; p = 0.0468). One of the 22 PPAs resolved spontaneously, and 11 others (52.4%) were successfully treated by mechanical compression. An interval exceeding 24 hours between the procedure and compression was the only significant prognostic factor (p = 0.0281) between groups A and B. Conclusions: Elevated PT/INR and popliteal access may predispose patients to PPA; close consideration of the site of access may lower the risk of refractory PPA

マウス糞便を用いた大黄甘草湯中のセンノシドA腸内代謝とHPLC定量分析(発表論文抄録(2011))

Daiokanzoto (DKT, combination of rhubarb and glycyrrhiza), a Kampo medicine, is clinically effective for constipation. Sennoside A is well known to induce diarrhea. Sennoside A is a prodrug that is transformed into an active metabolite, rheinanthrone, by intestinal bacteria. In this study, we investigated the effects of glycyrrhiza on the activity of sennoside A metabolism in intestinal bacteria using mouse feces. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of sennoside A in incubation mixture of DKT with mouse feces was established. The retention time of sennoside A was 9.26±0.02 min with a TSKgel ODS-80TsQA column by linear gradient elution using a mobile phase containing aqueous phosphoric acid and acetonitrile and detection at 265 nm. We found that the activity of sennoside A metabolism in intestinal bacteria was significantly accelerated when glycyrrhiza, liquiritin or liquiritin apioside coexisted with sennoside A, whereas that of glycyrrhizin was not altered. This method is applicable for determination of the activity of sennoside A metabolism by anaerobic incubation of DKT with mouse feces.Daiokanzoto (DKT, combination of rhubarb and glycyrrhiza), a Kampo medicine, is clinically effective for constipation. Sennoside A is well known to induce diarrhea. Sennoside A is a prodrug that is transformed into an active metabolite, rheinanthrone, by intestinal bacteria. In this study, we investigated the effects of glycyrrhiza on the activity of sennoside A metabolism in intestinal bacteria using mouse feces. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of sennoside A in incubation mixture of DKT with mouse feces was established. The retention time of sennoside A was 9.26±0.02 min with a TSKgel ODS-80TsQA column by linear gradient elution using a mobile phase containing aqueous phosphoric acid and acetonitrile and detection at 265 nm. We found that the activity of sennoside A metabolism in intestinal bacteria was significantly accelerated when glycyrrhiza, liquiritin or liquiritin apioside coexisted with sennoside A, whereas that of glycyrrhizin was not altered. This method is applicable for determination of the activity of sennoside A metabolism by anaerobic incubation of DKT with mouse feces

Avian adeno-associated virus vector efficiently transduces neurons in the embryonic and post-embryonic chicken brain.

The domestic chicken is an attractive model system to explore the development and function of brain circuits. Electroporation-mediated and retrovirus (including lentivirus) vector-mediated gene transfer techniques have been widely used to introduce genetic material into chicken cells. However, it is still challenging to efficiently transduce chicken postmitotic neurons without harming the cells. To overcome this problem, we searched for a virus vector suitable for gene transfer into chicken neurons, and report here a novel recombinant virus vector derived from avian adeno-associated virus (A3V). A3V vector efficiently transduces neuronal cells, but not non-neuronal cells in the brain. A single A3V injection into a postembryonic chick brain allows gene expression selectively in neuronal cells within 24 hrs. Such rapid and neuron-specific gene transduction raises the possibility that A3V vector can be utilized for studies of memory formation in filial imprinting, which occurs during the early postnatal days. A3V injection into the neural tube near the ear vesicle at early embryonic stage resulted in persistent and robust gene expression until E20.5 in the auditory brainstem. We further devised an A3V-mediated tetracycline (Tet) dependent gene expression system as a tool for studying the auditory circuit, consisting of the nucleus magnocellularis (NM) and nucleus laminaris (NL), that primarily computes interaural time differences (ITDs). Using this Tet system, we can transduce NM neurons without affecting NL neurons. Thus, the A3V technology complements current gene transfer techniques in chicken studies and will contribute to better understanding of the functional organization of neural circuits

Future projection of radiocesium flux to the ocean from the largest river impacted by Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Following the initial fall out from Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP), a significant amount of radiocesium has been discharged from Abukuma River into the Pacific Ocean. This study attempted to numerically simulate the flux of radiocesium into Abukuma River by developing the multiple compartment model which incorporate the transport process of the radionuclide from the ground surface of the catchment area into the river, a process called wash off. The results from the model show that the sub-basins with a high percentage of forest area release the radionuclides at lower rate compared to the other sub-basins. In addition the results show that the model could predict the seasonal pattern of the observed data. Despite the overestimation observed between the modeled data and the observed data, the values of R(2) obtained from (137)Cs and (134)Cs of 0.98 and 0.97 respectively demonstrate the accuracy of the model. Prediction of the discharge from the basin area for 100 years after the accident shows that, the flux of radiocesium into the Pacific Ocean is still relatively high with an order of magnitude of 10(9) bq.month(-1) while the total accumulation of the discharge is 111 TBq for (137)Cs and 44 TBq for (134)Cs

CHANGES THE STRUCTURE AND CAFFEINE ADSORPTION PROPERTY OF CALCINED MONTMORILLONITE

ABSTRACT: Montmorillonite is widely used as a natural adsorbent. It is generally considered that the adsorption properties of montmorillonite are largely due to its characteristic layer structure. The structure of montmorillonite changes under different temperature conditions. In this study, changes in the structure of montmorillonite with temperature are analyzed using Synchrotron X-Ray Powder Diffraction (SR-XRD). Observations are made on how montmorillonite with a modified structure is affected by the adsorption of nonionic organic compounds in a water system. The object of this study is to elucidate the mechanism by which montmorillonite adsorbs nonionic organic compounds. It is confirmed that, without calcination treatment, adsorption of caffeine on montmorillonite changes its layer structure. Calcination treatment at above 573 K causes irreversible dehydration in the structure of montmorillonite. Samples of montmorillonite calcined at 673 K and 873 K show a reduction in the amount of caffeine adsorbed. In addition, calcination treatment of montmorillonite at 673 K and 873 K causes less intercalation into the layers. These results show that adsorption of caffeine on montmorillonite without calcination treatment occurs with the intercalation of caffeine between layers of montmorillonite. On the other hand, montmorillonite calcined at 873 K is confirmed to adsorb approximately 20 % of caffeine compared to untreated montmorillonite. It suggested the possibility of the adsorption of caffeine even on the surfaces and end faces of layers of montmorillonite

Same-day correction of baselines for demand response using long short-term memory

In incentive-based the Demand Response, the amount of electricity demand reduction is calculated by subtracting actual electricity demand from the baseline (BL). The BL is the estimated electricity demand of households when no electricity demand suppression is performed. In Japan, the high 4 of 5 method is used to forecast the BL by averaging the actual demand of the day. In this study, we refer to the high 4 of 5 method as BL1. BL2 is the BL to which the value of the same-day adjustment is added based on the actual demand of the day. BL3 is BL1 plus the value of the same-day adjustment predicted using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). The average MAE values for BL2 and BL3, calculated using actual electricity demand data from October 15, 2021, to December 24, 2021, were 11.2 kW and 8.1 kW, respectively, with BL3 being 3.1 kW smaller than BL2. To estimate the confidence intervals for BL2 and BL3, we calculated the error by subtracting each BL from the actual value and calculated the ±3σ equivalent for the distribution of the error. The confidence interval calculated for BL3 was found to be ±9.2 kW lower than that for BL2. The F-test for the distribution of the errors for BL2 and BL3 yielded a P-value of 4.05 × 10-50, indicating that the variances of the two distributions were not equally distributed

Study on energy conservation in experimental facilities by changing users’ behavior

In 2021, Japan announced its aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in FY2030 than in FY2013, and universities were expected to contribute to the conservation of energy. The current study focused on ventilation systems in laboratories, which are among the most energy-intensive areas in universities, with the aim of reducing overall electricity consumption. The amount of electricity consumed by the draft chamber in a laboratory was determined based on the chamber opening. Result confirmed that the amount of electricity consumed by the 12 draft chambers to be 63,263 kWh/year. Using the relationship between chamber opening degree and power consumption by air conditioners and exhaust fans, we implemented a method to induce users of the draft chamber to take action toward controlling the chamber opening degree, using real-time information on chamber opening degree. A screen was set up to provide information to draft-chamber users in the laboratory using real-time monitors, and the induction of behavior was investigated over a 5-week period. Results confirmed that information displayed on the tablet device indeed reduced the chamber opening, the reduction rate being 21–48% compared to that before the information was displayed