Personalized face-pose estimation network using incrementally updated face shape parameters

In this paper, a deep learning method is proposed for human image processing that incorporates a mechanism to update target-specific parameters. The aim is to improve system performance in situations where the target can be continuously observed. Network-based algorithms typically rely on offline training processes that use large datasets, while trained networks typically operate in a one-shot fashion. That is, each input image is processed one by one in the static network. On the other hand, many practical applications can be expected to use continuous observation rather than observation of a single image. The proposed method employs dynamic use of multiple observations to improve system performance. In this paper, the effectiveness of the proposed method adopting an iterative update process is clarified through its implementation in the task of face-pose estimation. The method consists of two separate processes: 1) sequential estimation and updating of face-shape parameters (target-specific parameters) and 2) face-pose estimation for every single image using the updated parameters. Experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

     

Muscle activity during gait-like motion provided by MRI compatible lower-extremity motion simulator

This paper describes an evaluation of muscle activity of volunteers while they undergo gait-like motion in their dorsal position supported by our lower-extremity motion simulator (LoMS) that is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible. Our LoMS is designed to provide gait-like motion for a wearer in his/her dorsal position while a functional MRI measures his/her brain activity. A purpose of providing gait-like motion by LoMS is to enable a wearer in the dorsal posture to move his/her lower extremities like gait. LoMS is controlled with torque control based on predictive control method to convert the gravity effect of the dorsal posture into the caudal posture. The performance providing gait-like motion is evaluated from two viewpoints of muscle activities: bioelectrical potential (BEP) transition and inhibition of musculus soleus during the motion. There were correlation of BEP transition at iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, musculus tibialis anterior, and musculus soleus. The inhibition during the gait-like motion provided by LoMS was similar to the inhibition during treadmill gait. The inhibition is modulated by a level of cerebellum, brainstem and spinal. Therefore, it is considered that LoMS induces the motor sensation in the level of cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal by providing the gait-like motion.     

Cardioprotective Effects of a Nonsteroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blocker,Esaxerenone, in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive Rats

We investigated the effects of esaxerenone, a novel, nonsteroidal, and selective mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, on cardiac function in Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rats. We provided 6-week-old DSS rats a high-salt diet (HSD, 8% NaCl). Following six weeks of HSD feeding (establishment of cardiac hypertrophy), we divided the animals into the following two groups: HSD or HSD + esaxerenone (0.001%, w/w). In survival study, all HSD-fed animals died by 24 weeks of age, whereas the esaxerenone-treated HSD-fed animals showed significantly improved survival. We used the same protocol with a separate set of animals to evaluate the cardiac function by echocardiography after four weeks of treatment. The results showed that HSD-fed animals developed cardiac dysfunction as evidenced by reduced stroke volume, ejection fraction, and cardiac output. Importantly, esaxerenone treatment decreased the worsening of cardiac dysfunction concomitant with a significantly reduced level of systolic blood pressure. In addition, treatment with esaxerenone in HSD-fed DSS rats caused a reduced level of cardiac remodeling as well as fibrosis. Furthermore, inflammation and oxidative stress were significantly reduced. These data indicate that esaxerenone has the potential to mitigate cardiac dysfunction in salt-induced myocardial injury in rats.     

Temperature distribution in nano-devices under a strong magnetic field

The thermoelectric and thermomagnetic phenomena of two-dimensional electron gases at low temperatures are numerically examined using the finite-difference method. The temperature and the voltage are calculated from transport equations describing thermoelectric and thermomagnetic effects. The results demonstrate that a magnetic field distorts equipotential lines and generates an uneven distribution of the temperature, which can cause inhomogeneous heating of experimental systems. In particular, a part of the system is found to be colder than the temperature of the heat baths.     

Examination of Eddy Current between Steel Sheets without Insulation and a Criterion for Determining the Necessity of Insulation

In the laminated core of transformers, motors, and so on, each electrical steel sheet is usually insulated in order to reduce the eddy current loss. It has been reported that insulation is not necessary in such a laminated core under some conditions. However, few studies have been performed in the form of a quantitative and systematic examination of the relationship between the insulation and eddy current. In this study, the eddy current losses of a core made of SPCC (cold rolled steel sheets) of different widths with and without insulation under various conditions are analyzed using the finite element method (FEM) and with the contact resistance taken into consideration. The equivalent circuit of a laminated core without insulation is presented, and can be used for determining the necessity of insulation. It is shown that the increase in the eddy current is affected by the ratio of the resistance of the steel to the contact resistance. An experimental investigation is also carried out.     

Production and detection of fission-induced neutrons following fast neutron direct interrogation to various dry materials containing 235U

For better nuclear material accountancy, we had developed a non-destructive assay system dedicated to uranium waste drums (JAWAS-N: JAEA Waste Assay System at Ningyo-toge). The system is based on a fast neutron direct interrogation (FNDI) method. To clarify the characteristics of the FNDI method and the performance of JAWAS-N, experimental and computational mock-up tests were carried out using various dry materials that contained known amounts of natural uranium. As a result, linearity between the die-away time (τ₂) and the counts of fast neutrons attributed to ²³⁵U fission was confirmed. Moreover, the MCNP simulation was performed to discuss the radial and axial dependences of ²³⁵U fission probability, neutron detection efficiency, and sensitivity on uranium distributions in the drum. The simulation results agreed with the empirical results reported in a previous paper, providing valuable information on the practice of FNDI-based uranium determination. Furthermore, the nominal detection limits of natural uranium in JAWAS-N were estimated to be 15, 4, and 2 g for τ₂ = 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 msec, respectively. The findings obtained here will contribute to the implementation of the FNDI method to assess the quantities of ²³⁵U in actual uranium waste drums.     

Cutting characteristics of PVD-coated tools deposited by filtered arc deposition (FAD) method

The cutting characteristics of novel physical vapor deposition (PVD)-coated tools deposited using filtered arc deposition (FAD) method are investigated. The TiCN-coated films are extremely smooth without any droplets. They exhibit superior hardness and adherence and a favorable cutting performance for the high-speed milling of a prehardened stainless steel. The availability of a newly proposed VN film is also examined. Owing to the good lubrication and tribological properties of the VN coating film, the lower cutting force, flank wear with, and cutting temperature than those of the TiN-coated tool are obtained in milling of the prehardened steel.     

The 24-h unsteady analysis of air flow and temperature in a real city by high-speed radiation calculation method

Heat island phenomenon is an important issue in environmental studies. Many studies involving observations and simulations have been performed. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis including the effects of solar radiation and longwave radiation heating/cooling are limited in the extreme conditions at midday, when solar radiation intensity are at maximum; and the 24-h unsteady analyses are not done due to the difficulties of the boundary conditions. Authors developed Computer Graphics (CG) method for calculating solar radiation and longwave radiation with high speed, and developed the 24-h unsteady analytical method from the data calculated by Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF). The integrated CFD was applied to the real city. The results showed that the integrated CFD was the useful tool to analyze the heat island phenomena.     

Growth and characterization of strontium metaborate scintillators

The undoped and 0.5% Ce³⁺-doped strontium metaborate SrB₂O₄ single crystals has been grown successfully by micro-pulling down method with radio frequency (RF) heating system, and scintillation characteristics including optical properties and radiation response were studied for these crystals. The Ce³⁺-doped SrB₂O₄ crystal showed absorption band around 240–320 nm, which is corresponding to the 4f-5d transition of Ce³⁺. Intense emission band at 375 nm due to the Ce³⁺ 5d–4f transition was observed under ²⁴¹Am 5.5 MeV α-ray excitation. The scintillation decay time showed fast (50 ns) and slow (1430 ns) components ascribed to the Ce³⁺ 5d–4f transition and lattice defect in the crystal, respectively. The scintillation light yield of Ce³⁺-doped SrB₂O₄ was calculated to be about 1000 ph/n under ²⁵²Cf irradiation.