Understanding Adversarial Training: Improve Image Recognition Accuracy of Convolution Neural Network

Traditional methods of computer vision and machine learning cannot match human performance on tasks such as the recognition of handwritten digits. Recently many researchers work on Convolution Neural Network for image recognition, and get results as good as human being. Additionally, Image recognition task is getting more popular and high demand to apply to other fields, but also there are still many problems to utilize in everyday life. One of these problems is that several machine learning models, including neural networks, consistently misclassify adversarial examples—inputs formed by applying small but intentionally worst-case perturbations to examples from the dataset, such that the perturbed input results in the model outputting an incorrect answer with high confidence. The main purpose of this thesis is to use Convolution Neural Network (CNN) as a tool to recognize and classify images in 4 types of data sets; MNIST (hand-writing digits), CIFAR10 (animal, food, vehicle pictures), MNIST and CIFAR10 adversarial example. The optimal performance on MNIST and CIFAR10 was achieved by using two essential steps. First, we created a basic convolutional neural network; single layer, defined hyper-parameters in Keras, then train and test by the datasets and computed accuracy and loss of recognition. Second, I modify the network to adjust a network structure and hyper–parameters one by one, then compare to the basic network. Next, I found out the optimal performance network on MNIST and CIFAR10 adversarial examples by these two steps. First, I attached the MNIST and CIFAR10 by making them slightly different, and put these datasets to the networks which were adjusted already. I got result and compare to best accuracy. Second, I change a training and predicting process to adapt the adversarial example. The idea is to train the same CNN for several times (odd numbers of time), obtaining different weights in different times. And putting test data into these CNNs, then the final result is determined by voting. Using this approach to provide examples for adversarial training, I reduced the test set error of the network on the MNIST and CIFAR10 dataset

The University of Tokyo forests and forest science education in Japan

In-forest teaching is a vital element of forest science education at university level, and university forests play a critical role in this. In Japan, the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) owns the oldest university forest, which was established in 1894. This paper outlines how the University of Tokyo Forests (UTF) provide in-forest education for forest science. The UTF consist of seven branch stations with a total area of over 32,000 ha. Third- and fourth-year undergraduate students majoring in forest science attend field courses in these forests. Same undergraduate and graduate students are affiliated with the UTF, where they conduct field studies for their graduate theses. Since 2005, the UTF have expanded their educational activities by offering university-wide hands-on experience seminars with field experience for first- and second-year undergraduate students, although these courses are open to all students studying at UTokyo

Combination of high-resolution cone beam computed tomography and metal artefact reduction software: a new image fusion technique for evaluating intracranial stent apposition after aneurysm treatment.

We introduce a new imaging technique to improve visualisation of stent apposition after endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms employing high-resolution cone beam CT and three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography. After performing a stent-assisted coil embolisation of brain aneurysm, the image datasets were processed with a metal artefact reduction software followed by the automated image fusion programmes. Two patients who underwent aneurysm coiling using a Neuroform stent were evaluated. The reconstructed 3D images showed a detailed structure of the stent struts and identified malappositions of the deployed stents. Case 1 showed good apposition on the outer curvature side of the carotid siphon, while the inner curvature side showed prominent malapposition. Case 2, with multiple aneurysms, showed good apposition on both outer and inner curvature sides, although inward prolapse of the struts was observed. This new imaging technique may help evaluate stent apposition after the endovascular aneurysm treatment

Hemodynamic Effects of Intravenous Calcium Administration on Septic Shock Patients:A Retrospective Study

We evaluated the hemodynamics and outcomes of septic shock (SS) patients who did not respond to fluid resuscitation, after treatment with or without intravenous calcium. We retrospectively collected information on 154 eligible SS patients who were admitted to Fukuyama City Hospital Emergency Medical Center and did not respond to fluid resuscitation. To compare their degree of hemodynamic impairment, we compared the changes in the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) in the calcium-treated group (n＝112) and the noncalcium-treated group (n＝42). We compared the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital, in-hospital deaths, 28-day deaths, and changes in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score within 72h of ICU admission between the 2 groups. Changes in the VIS at 1h after the baseline time were significantly greater in the calcium-treated group than in the noncalcium-treated group (1.41 vs. －1.25, respectively;p＜0.001). However, the changes in the VIS at 3, 6, 24, 48, and 72h did not differ between the 2 groups. The secondary outcomes also did not differ between the groups. Our findings indicate that calcium administered to SS patients might reduce their hemodynamic stabilization, but only for a short time after its administration

Anti-proliferative effect of Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) leaf extract on human colon cancer HCT116 cell line

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro anti-proliferative effect and mechanism of action of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract on human colon carcinoma HCT116 cell line.Methods: M. oleifera leaves were extracted with methanol. It was fractionated by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Several fractions were identified by thin layer chromatography (TLC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). The growth inhibitory activity and mechanism of action of the extracts in HCT116 colon cancer cells were investigated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Western blotting.Results: Successive fractions from M. oleifera leaf crude extracts by column  chromatography were combined into four pooled batches (MOL1 - MOL4) according to their absorbance at 260 nm and TLC pattern. MOL2 and MOL3 contain astragalin and isoquercetin, respectively. The results from MTT assay indicated that cell proliferation was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion, especially by MOL2, MOL3 and MOL4. MOL2 and MOL3 exhibited a stronger cell growth  inhibition than their major ingredients. The anti-proliferative activity of MOL2 - MOL4 in HCT116 colon cancer cells was  mediated by downregulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation.Conclusion: M. oleifera leaf extract has a strong anti-proliferative activity which is exerted by decreasing ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Thus, the extract has a potential for use in cancer chemoprevention.Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Anti-proliferation, Colon cancer, AKT, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, Chemopreventio

Five major outcomes of digitalization: relevance of a survival personality type during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic required people to adapt rapidly to the digital transformation of society for social survival, which highlighted the divide between those who can and cannot digitalize. Previous studies investigated factors promoting adaptation to digitalization; however, outcomes from adaptation to a digitalized society have not been sorted into a parsimonious model, even though there should be several multifaceted outcomes (e.g., usefulness, economic profit, and social outcome), each of which is promoted by different factors. If the effects of individual background factors can be revealed, including the technical-environment and survival-relevant personality in relation to each outcome, it would help in the creation of a society where more people play an active role by adapting to digitalization. This study aimed to construct such a model by identifying major outcomes gained in a digitalized society and investigating individual factors that contribute to the degree of gain of each of these outcomes. Five dimensions were identified by online surveys and factor analysis: Socialization (outcomes derived from new social connections created online), Space–time (freedom from time and space constraints), Economics (monetary outcome by using digital services), and Information (ease and amount of acquisition of information) were the positive outcomes, whereas Loneliness (feelings of not being able to keep up with digitization) was identified as a negative outcome. We determined that technical-environmental factors (e.g., familiarity with digital techniques and the amount of money that can be used for digitalization) facilitated gain in four positive outcomes. Notably, leadership and conscientiousness facilitated the Socialization gain while etiquette suppressed it. These factors’ effects would reflect the importance of a personality trait prioritizing construction and maintenance of social relationships. This study implies that material outcomes (i.e., Space–time, Economics, and Information) are promoted by technical-environmental support, whereas social outcomes may additionally require motivation and a positive attitude for purposeful social engagement

Risk factors and management of intraprocedural rupture during coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: role of balloon guiding catheter

IntroductionIntraprocedural rupture (IPR) is a serious complication of endovascular coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Although outcomes after IPR are poor, methods to prevent subsequent neurological deterioration have not yet been investigated. We evaluated the risk factors and management strategies for IPR, particularly the role of balloon guiding catheters (BGCs) in rapid hemostasis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all UIA cases treated with coil embolization at three institutions between 2003 and 2021, focusing on preoperative radiological data, operative details, and outcomes.ResultsIn total, 2,172 aneurysms were treated in 2026 patients. Of these, 19 aneurysms in 19 patients (0.8%) ruptured during the procedure. Multivariate analysis revealed that aneurysms with a bleb (OR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.21 to 7.57, p = 0.017), small neck size (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.85, p = 0.007), and aneurysms in the posterior communicating artery (PcomA) (OR: 4.92, 95% CI: 1.19 to 20.18, p = 0.027) and anterior communicating artery (AcomA) (OR: 12.08, 95% CI: 2.99 to 48.79, p < 0.001) compared with the internal carotid artery without PcomA were significantly associated with IPR. The incidence of IPR was similar between the non-BGC and BGC groups (0.9% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.822); however, leveraging BGC was significantly associated with lower morbidity and mortality rates after IPR (0% vs. 44%, p = 0.033).DiscussionThe incidence of IPR was relatively low. A bleb, small aneurysm neck, and location on PcomA and AcomA are independent risk factors for IPR. The use of BGC may prevent fatal clinical deterioration and achieve better clinical outcomes in patients with IPR

Skin Perfusion Pressure Is a Prognostic Factor in Hemodialysis Patients

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is common in hemodialysis patients and predicts a poor prognosis. We conducted a prospective cohort study to identify risk factors for PAD including skin perfusion pressure (SPP) in hemodialysis patients. The cohort included 373 hemodialysis patients among 548 patients who received hemodialysis at Oyokyo Kidney Research Institute, Hirosaki, Japan from August 2008 to December 2010. The endpoints were lower limb survival (peripheral angioplasty or amputation events) and overall survival of 2 years. Our results showed that <70 mmHg SPP was a poor prognosis for the lower limb survival and overall survival. We also identified age, history of cardiovascular disease, presence of diabetes mellitus, smoking history, and SPP < 70 mmHg as independent risk factors for lower limb survival and overall survival. Then, we constructed risk criteria using the significantly independent risk factors. We can clearly stratify lower limb survival and overall survival of the hemodialysis patients into 3 groups. Although the observation period is short, we conclude that SPP value has the potential to be a risk factor that predicts both lower limb survival and the prognosis of hemodialysis patients