An Efficient Explorative Sampling Considering the Generative Boundaries of Deep Generative Neural Networks

Deep generative neural networks (DGNNs) have achieved realistic and high-quality data generation. In particular, the adversarial training scheme has been applied to many DGNNs and has exhibited powerful performance. Despite of recent advances in generative networks, identifying the image generation mechanism still remains challenging. In this paper, we present an explorative sampling algorithm to analyze generation mechanism of DGNNs. Our method efficiently obtains samples with identical attributes from a query image in a perspective of the trained model. We define generative boundaries which determine the activation of nodes in the internal layer and probe inside the model with this information. To handle a large number of boundaries, we obtain the essential set of boundaries using optimization. By gathering samples within the region surrounded by generative boundaries, we can empirically reveal the characteristics of the internal layers of DGNNs. We also demonstrate that our algorithm can find more homogeneous, the model specific samples compared to the variations of {\epsilon}-based sampling method.Comment: AAAI 202

Development of Microchip-Based CE-SSCP Analysis System for Food-Borne Pathogens and SNP Markers

2

Ecofriendly and Electrically Conductive Cementitious Composites Using Melamine-Functionalized Biochar from Waste Coffee Beans

Owing to the increasing generation of waste coffee powder and the biochar from this waste being considered as alternative conductive carbon fillers, we developed eco-friendly and electrically conductive cementitious composites using biochar from waste coffee beans, which were directly pyrolyzed into eco-friendly and electrically conductive biochar. Via carbonization and graphitization, cyclic organic carbon precursors were transformed into sp2-bonded carbon structures and then functionalized with melamine. The non-covalent functionalization process driven by the electromagnetic process accelerated the mass production and enhanced the monodispersive properties of the cementitious composites. Thus, the melamine-functionalized biochar cementitious composites exhibited an electrical conductivity of 3.64 × 10−5 ± 1.02 × 10−6 S/cm (n = 6), which corresponded to an improvement of over seven orders of that of pure concrete. Furthermore, the percolation threshold of biochar was between 0.02 and 0.05 wt.%; thus, an effective conductive network could be formed using low additions of functionalized biochar. As a result, in this study, electrically conductive cementitious composites were developed using waste coffee powder converted into carbon nanomaterials through a newly introduced process of non-covalent functionalization with melamine

Ecofriendly and Electrically Conductive Cementitious Composites Using Melamine-Functionalized Biochar from Waste Coffee Beans

Owing to the increasing generation of waste coffee powder and the biochar from this waste being considered as alternative conductive carbon fillers, we developed eco-friendly and electrically conductive cementitious composites using biochar from waste coffee beans, which were directly pyrolyzed into eco-friendly and electrically conductive biochar. Via carbonization and graphitization, cyclic organic carbon precursors were transformed into sp2-bonded carbon structures and then functionalized with melamine. The non-covalent functionalization process driven by the electromagnetic process accelerated the mass production and enhanced the monodispersive properties of the cementitious composites. Thus, the melamine-functionalized biochar cementitious composites exhibited an electrical conductivity of 3.64 × 10−5 ± 1.02 × 10−6 S/cm (n = 6), which corresponded to an improvement of over seven orders of that of pure concrete. Furthermore, the percolation threshold of biochar was between 0.02 and 0.05 wt.%; thus, an effective conductive network could be formed using low additions of functionalized biochar. As a result, in this study, electrically conductive cementitious composites were developed using waste coffee powder converted into carbon nanomaterials through a newly introduced process of non-covalent functionalization with melamine

Multiplex Detection of Multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Using Ligation-Based Amplification Coupled with High Resolution CE-SSCP

2

Size-Dependent Liquid Crystal Behavior of Graphene Oxides for Preparation of Highly Ordered Graphene-Based Films

Featured Application Graphene films with both excellent mechanical and electrical properties is considered as promising materials for multi-functional electronic devices: flexible sensors, wearable heaters, energy storage and conversion electrodes. We report the preparation of a highly-oriented graphene-based film prepared from liquid crystal dispersion of graphene oxides (GOs). We observed that the liquid crystal behavior of GOs is highly affected by the lateral size of GO flakes: the critical concentration for liquid crystal formation decreased with the increase of the lateral size of GO flakes, which is in a good agreement with Onsager's theory. As a result, we were able to obtain highly-ordered graphene assemblies with large-sized GO flakes (150 +/- 29 mu m) at relatively low concentrations. By applying the shear force, we were able to obtain highly-oriented films from liquid crystal GO flakes. After hydrogen iodide (HI) reduction, GO films showed excellent mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, which were 278% and 283% higher, respectively, than those of films made from smaller sized GO flakes (28 +/- 24 mu m)

Fabrication of Eco-Friendly Graphene Nanoplatelet Electrode for Electropolishing and Its Properties

Electropolishing is one of the most widely applied metal polishing techniques for passivating and deburring metal parts. Copper is often used as cathode electrode for electropolishing due to its low electrical resistance and low flow values. However, during the electropolishing process, elution of the cathode electrode caused by the electrolyte and remaining oxygen gas also causes critical water pollution and inhibits electropolishing efficiency. Therefore, to achieve an efficient and eco-friendly electropolishing process, development of a highly corrosion resistive and conductive electrode is necessary. We developed a highly oriented graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) electrode that minimizes water pollution in the electropolishing process. We functionalized GNP by a one-step mass-productive ball-milling process and non-covalent melamine functionalization. Melamine is an effective amphiphilic molecule that enhances dispersibility and nematic liquid crystal phase transformation of GNP. The functionalization mechanism and the material interaction were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy after high-speed shear printing. After the electropolishing process by melamine-functionalized GNP electrodes, 304 stainless steel samples were noticeably polished as copper electrodes and elution of carbon was over 50 times less than was the case when using copper electrodes. This electropolishing performance of a highly oriented GNP electrode indicates that melamine-functionalized GNP has great potential for eco-friendly electropolishing applications

Anti-Aging and Lightening Effects of Au-Decorated Zeolite-Based Biocompatible Nanocomposites in Epidermal Delivery Systems

The main challenges in developing zeolites as cosmetic drug delivery systems are their cytotoxicities and the formation of drug-loading pore structures. In this study, Au-decorated zeolite nanocomposites were synthesized as an epidermal delivery system. Thus, 50 nm-sized Au nanoparticles were successfully deposited on zeolite 13X (super cage (α) and sodalite (β) cage structures) using the Turkevich method. Various cosmetic drugs, such as niacinamide, sulforaphane, and adenosine, were loaded under in vitro and in vivo observations. The Au-decorated zeolite nanocomposites exhibited effective cosmetic drug-loading efficiencies of 3.5 to 22.5 wt% under various conditions. For in vitro cytotoxic observations, B16F10 cells were treated with various cosmetic drugs. Niacinamide, sulforaphane, and adenosine-loaded Au-decorated zeolite nanocomposites exhibited clear cell viability of over 80%. Wrinkle improvement and a reduction in melanin content on the skin surface were observed in vivo. The adenosine delivery system exhibited an enhanced wrinkle improvement of 203% compared to 0.04 wt% of the pure adenosine system. The niacinamide- and sulforaphane-loaded Au-decorated zeolite nanocomposites decreased the skin surface melanin content by 123% and 222%, respectively, compared to 2 and 0.01 wt% of pure niacinamide and sulforaphane systems, respectively. As a result, Au-decorated zeolite nanocomposites show great potential as cosmetic drug epidermal delivery systems for both anti-aging and lightening effects

A prospective pilotstudy comparing the anesthetic effects of an alpha-2 agonist during holmium laser resection of the prostate and transurethral resection for prostate surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients using selective alpha-1 blockers

Abstract Background To examine the response to an α2receptor agonist used as a sedative for patients using long-term selective α1 blockers. Methods Sixty-nine consecutive patients undergoing transurethral prostate resection or holmium laser resection of the prostateunder spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups; group N (n = 37), which did not receive α1 blockers, and group T (n = 32), which was administered tamsulosin for at least 1 month before the study. Bispectral index scores, Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale scores, heart rate, and mean blood pressure were obtained under sedation using dexmedetomidine for 30 min during surgery. Results The only significant difference found between the groups were mean bloodpressure 15 min after the first loading dose injection of dexmedetomidine. Differencesbetween both groupswere noted at 15 min(group T: 100.2 ± 12.9 mmHg; group N: 90.0 ± 17.5 mmHg; P = 0.08), 20 min (group T: 99.8 ± 12.3 mmHg; group N: 87.4 ± 15.0 mmHg; P < 0.00), 25 min (group T: 99.3 ± 13.4 mmHg; group N: 85.4 ± 13.8 mmHg; P < 0.00), and 30 min (group T: 98.8 ± 13.1 mmHg; group N: 84.5 ± 13.5 mmHg; P < 0.00). Conclusions The use of α2 agonists is appropriate during surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients using tamsulosin, and there is no need to alter the dose. Alertness with anesthesia involving α2 agents was maintained for patients using long-term tamsulosin and patients who did not use tamsulosin. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered with the Clinical Research Informational Service (KCT0002967, July 2, 2018)

An autopsy case of aggressive CD30+ extra-nodal NK/T-cell lymphoma initially manifested with granulomatous myositis

This study reports an autopsy case of a 53 year-old male with rapidly progressive extra-nodal NK/T-cell lymphoma accompanied with unusual clinical and pathologic features. He was initially presented with localized swelling and tenderness in the right lower extremity and the biopsy from the calf muscle was interpreted as granulomatous myositis masquerizing lymphoma. The biopsy from erythematous skin lesion of trunk showed infiltration of medium sized atypical lymphoid cells with relatively plump cytoplasm and immunophenotype of CD30+, CD56+/- and surface CD3-, which lead to the diagnosis of CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma. About 2 months later, nasal obstruction was developed and the nasal biopsy was done. After confirmation of EBV infection, he was finally diagnosed as extra-nodal NK/T-cell lymphoma with peculiar immunophenotype of CD3 dim+ and CD30+. Despite the chemotherapy, he was going rapidly downhill and died of respiratory and multi-organ failure 8 months after the onset of soft tissue lesion. At autopsy, disseminated angiocentric lymphoma was found all over the internal organs including the brain. This case emphasizes that extra-nodal NK/T-cell lymphoma should be considered as a cause of granulomatous myositis and can express CD30 positivity and CD3 weak positivity, which are unusual but rarely predominant feature of NK/T-cell lymphoma