Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of action of Xinmailong, a proprietary Chinese medicine for the treatment of chronic heart failure

s in conference The mechanism of action of Xinmailong, A proprietary Chinese Medicine Used in the Treatment of Heart Failure AC Cheung, KH Cheung, GPH Leung 18 th Research Postgraduate Symposium Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong December 11 th -12 th , 2013, Hong Kong SAR, China Study on the mechanism of action of a proprietary Chinese medicine, Xinmailong, in the treatment of chronic heart failure AC Cheung, KH Cheung, GPH Leung 8 th International Symposium on Healthy Aging Research Center of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong March 8 th -9 th , 2014, Hong Kong SAR, China Investigation on Xinmailong, a proprietary Chinese Medicine used in the treatment of heart failure AC Cheung, KH Cheung, GPH Leung Physiology Symposium 2014 & Joint Scientific Conference of The Hong Kong Society of Neurosciences & The Biophysical Society of Hong Kong Department of Physiology Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong June 12 th -14 th 2014, Hong Kong SAR, China Mechanisms of action of Xinmailong, a Chinese medicine derived from Periplaneta americana, in treating heart failure AC Cheung, KH Cheung, GPH Leung The 17 th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology IUPHAR and South African Society for Basic and Clinical Pharmacology July 13 th -18 th , 2014, Cape Town, South Africa
THE ROLE OF KINASE ACTIVITY OF IRAK4 IN TLR/IL-1R-MEDIATED SIGNALING

By TAE WHAN KIM IRAK4 is a member of the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) associated kinase family and has been shown to play an essential role in Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated signaling. We recently generated IRAK4 kinase-inactive knock-in mice to examine the role of the kinase activity of IRAK4 in TLR-mediated signaling pathways. The IRAK4 kinaseinactive knock-in mice were completely resistant to LPSand CpG-induced shock, due to impaired TLR-mediated induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Two parallel IL-1-mediated signaling pathways have been uncovered for TLR/IL-1R-mediated NFκB activation: TAK1-dependent and MEKK3-dependent, respectively. The TAK1dependent pathway leads to IKKα/β phosphorylation and IKKβ activation, resulting in classical NFκB activation through IκBα phosphorylation and degradation. The TAK1independent MEKK3-dependent pathway involves IKKγ phosphorylation and IKKα activation, resulting in NFκB activation through dissociation of phosphorylated IκBα from NFκB without IκBα degradation. The IRAK4 kinase-inactive mutant failed to mediate the IL-1R-TLR-induced TAK1-dependent NFκB activation pathway, but mediated IL-1-induced TAK1-independent NFκB activation. While inactivation of the IRAK4 kinase activity did not affect the levels of TLR/IL-1R-mediated NFκB activation, a reduction of LPS-, R848and IL-1-mediated mRNA stability contributed to the reduced
A Two-Stage Dispatch Mechanism for Virtual Power Plant Utilizing the CVaR Theory in the Electricity Spot Market

The electricity spot market is now being implemented in China. Demand response, as a kind of flexible resource, is also being studied and explored for the constructed power market. Among the many demand response applications, the virtual power plant (VPP) as an aggregator of distributed energy resources (DERs), receives ever-increasing attention. However, the participation manner and related impacts of the VPP to the electricity spot market are still unknown within the current power market rules. Under this background, obeying the present trading rules of China’s electricity spot market, a two-stage dispatching model with optimized bidding and operating strategy in the day-ahead (DA) and real-time (RT) market for the VPP is proposed. In the designed model, the conditional risk value (CVaR) is adopted to address the risk encountered by the uncertainty of the electricity spot market price. The impact of the user-side over-deviated revenue mechanism (UORM) of the China spot market on the income of the VPP in the DA and RT market is also analyzed. For a full evaluation, different coefficients for the influence of DA and RT risk, UORM, and energy storage system (ESS) are tested to investigate their respective impacts on the revenue of the VPP. The simulation cases prove that the proposed method is helpful for the VPP to optimize DERs’ output in the electricity spot market according to its own risk preference.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TRANSDERMAL PATCHES OF METOPROLOL TARTRATE USING PERMEATION ENHANCERS OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC ORIGIN

Objective: Oral metoprolol tartrate has a short elimination half-life (2-3h) and low bioavailability undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism and frequent dosing. The aim of the present investigation was to formulate, develop and evaluate metoprolol tartrate transdermal patches using various synthetic and natural penetration enhancers. Methods: Enhancers used were eugenol, limonene, basil oil, urea and SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate). Polymer used was chitosan and PEG 400 used as a plasticizer. Transdermal Films were prepared by using solvent casting method. FTIR and DSC were studied to assess any interaction between the drug and polymers. Films were evaluated for Physico-chemical Characteristics like thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, moisture loss, moisture absorption and drug content. In vitro skin permeation studies were performed using Keshary chien cell For 24 h across rat skin. Results: Chitosan was found to be a suitable polymer for matrix formation. 3.5% w/w was used to optimize to formulate transdermal patches. 1.5% of total solution v/v lactic acid was used for dissolution of chitosan. 2.5%v/v of total solution PEG 400 was used to provide plasticity and smoothness to the patches. From the evaluation of patches formulation, F10 containing Basil oil as penetration enhancer in the concentration of 1.5% v/v was found to be best among all batches because of its consistent release rate For 24 h and extent of drug release was 85.20%. It can be concluded that naturally occurring volatile oils i.e., terpenes appear acceptable permeation enhancer and shows the best permeation across skin as indicated by high percutaneous enhancement ability. Conclusion: The developed transdermal patches are stable, non-irritating, and had increased efficacy of metoprolol and therefore had a good potential for hypertension treatment.
Über die Detektierbarkeit von Objekten in Bildern mittels quantisierter neuronaler Netze

Zusammenfassung Infolge von sinkenden Hardwarepreisen und der zunehmenden Automatisierung in Produktionsprozessen wird maschinelles Lernen für industrielle Sichtprüfungsaufgaben immer interessanter. In diesem Beitrag wird die Detektierbarkeit von Objekten in Bildern mit verschiedenen Auflösungen mittels eines neuronalen Netzes untersucht. Die verwendeten Datensätze beinhalten die Erkennung von Defekten in Leiterplatten, Ziffern von Hausnummern und Verkehrsschildern. Es wird gezeigt, dass die Information über das Vorhandensein eines Objekts bis zu einer bestimmten Schwelle beim Heruntertasten nicht verschwindet. Dadurch kann die Auflösung des Eingabebildes des Detektors reduziert werden, ohne hohe Verluste bei der Detektion hinnehmen zu müssen, was den Ressourcenbedarf der Inferenz reduziert. Dies erleichtert die Implementierung des Detektors auf kleineren Geräten wie bspw. einem FPGA erheblich. Für die untersuchten Datensätze ist so eine Reduktion der Seitenlängen der Eingangsbilder um bis zu 50 %50\hspace{0.1667em}\% möglich und wird nur durch Bilder, die relativ kleine Objekte enthalten, begrenzt.
Uso do biochar para fins agrícolas: Principais vantagens

Resumo: O biochar (fino de carvão) é “qualquer” produto rico em carbono, obtido da pirólise de biomassa e destinado especificamente à aplicação ao solo. O número de pesquisas relacionadas ao tema cresce a cada ano. A maioria delas relata resultados positivos da aplicação e interação do produto com o solo e clima. Porém, também existem autores que encontraram resultados contrários, afirmando que a aplicação do biochar promoveu perda de produtividade vegetal, por exemplo. Nessa revisão de literatura são descritos resultados de pesquisas que podem auxiliar na explicação dos possíveis fenômenos que podem ter causado a obtenção desses divergentes resultados. São elencados desde propriedades físicas e químicas do biochar, até os efeitos do mesmo em diferentes condições edafoclimáticas. O crescente número de pesquisas existentes atualmente com o biochar permitiu o melhor entendimento dos mecanismos envolvidos na eficácia ou não do mesmo quando aplicado a diferentes tipos de solo e produzido a partir de biomassas de natureza diversa. Concluiu-se que a incorporação do biochar ao solo, principalmente em regiões de clima seco, pode trazer excelentes benefícios ligados à melhoria das propriedades químicas, físicas e biológicas do solo. Além disso, o biochar é capaz de auxiliar no combate ao efeito estufa e seu uso pode possibilitar a implantação de cultivos em áreas salinas ou poluídas com metais pesados. No entanto, antes de adotar a técnica devem ser considerados diversos fatores, entre eles a real necessidade da aplicação e a existência de benefícios que compensem os altos custos de implantação, o que varia de caso para caso.
Evaluating the Joint Influence of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation and the Stratospheric Polar Vortex on Weather Patterns in the Northern Hemisphere

Subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) forecasts of Northern Hemisphere (NH) extratropical winter weather patterns continue to be a challenging venture. Past studies have considered the individual influence of two modes of climate variability—the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) and the state of the stratospheric polar vortex (SPV)—on the NH polar jet stream and associated weather regimes. This study takes a different approach and quantifies the joint influence of the SPV and the MJO on NH S2S winter weather patterns. Using ERA‐Interim, we illustrate that variability associated with the MJO primarily influences tropospheric patterns across the North Pacific and western North America 10 to 14 days later, while SPV variability has a stronger influence on tropospheric patterns over the North Atlantic and Europe for the same lags. Over the rest of North America and into the Arctic, however, constructive and destructive interference between the MJO and the SPV teleconnections yields unique jet stream and temperature patterns that differ from the single‐mode composites. As such, S2S forecasts of temperature and jet stream patterns across much of North America may improve in accuracy by considering both modes. The study also shows that MJO Phases 2 and 3 events influence the resulting tropospheric circulation via primarily a tropospheric pathway. By contrast, MJO Phases 7 and 8 events modify both the tropospheric and stratospheric circulation with potential feedbacks on the tropospheric circulation at longer lags. Hence, the study suggests another benchmark by which to test S2S dynamical prediction systems, including the importance for modeling stratosphere‐troposphere coupling dynamics correctly.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AMOXICILLIN-TRIHYDRATE, METRONIDAZOLE AND FAMOTIDINE LOADED-MUCOADHESIVE GASTRO-RETENTIVE FILMS

Objective: To developed mucoadhesive gastro-retentive films of amoxicillin trihydrate, metronidazole and famotidine by using polymers and plasticizer for eradication of H. pylori infection. Methods: The mucoadhesive gastro-retentive films of amoxicillin trihydrate, metronidazole and famotidine were prepared using solvent casting method. The optimized gastro-retentive films were characterized by using various parameters such as DSC, drug content uniformity, in vitro drug release, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM and ex-vivo drug permeation studies across the mucous membrane. The prepared mucoadhesive gastro-retentive films were evaluated with in vitro growth inhibition study and in vivo bacterial clearance study. Results: The FTIR spectra indicated that there was no any interaction between the drugs and polymer. Drugs content was found to be in the range and there was no significant change in the surface morphology of the films after under storage. The bioadhesive property of prepared films exhibited highly bioadhesive property when increased the amount of chitosan and PAA (Polyacrylic Acid) used. We found that CH-PAA IPC (Chitosan-Polyacrylic Acid Inter-polymer Complex) films exhibited greater bioadhesion. The percent of growth inhibition by using each drug such as amoxicillin, metronidazole and famotidine was found to be 51.61%, 46.59% and 34.76%, respectively whereas the combination of drugs were exhibited highest % growth inhibition. The % inhibition was found to be 81.00%. The optimized formulation CH-PAA IPC (C1P2G2) and CH film (C1G2) showed highest growth inhibition of H. pylori bacteria. The growth inhibition was found to be 96.77% and 92.26%, respectively. In vivo Bacterial Clearance Studies showed that the drugs loaded CH-PAA IPC film (C1P2G2) formulation exhibited better clearance from infection than CH film (C1G2) formulation and plain drugs solution at same doses. Drugs loaded CH-PAA IPC film formulation was found to be effective in the treatment of H. pylori infections effectively. Conclusion: The developed gastro-retentive films of amoxicillin trihydrate, metronidazole and famotidine combination could be used for batter management of mucosal ulcer disease and eradication of H. pylori bacteria.
A Highly Linear Multi-Level SC DAC in a Power-Efficient Gm-C Continuous-Time Delta-Sigma Modulator

A highly linear multi-level switched-capacitor (SC) digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is proposed for continuous-time delta-sigma modulators (CTDSMs). A Gm-C CTDSM with a passive frontend low-pass filter (LPF) is further proposed to mitigate the problems of increased settling requirements and worsened anti-aliasing capability (consequences of an SC DAC) so as to realize an extremely power-efficient CTDSM. A 100-kHz bandwidth <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$40\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> oversampling 3rd-order CTDSM prototype employing the proposed DAC and modulator topology is fabricated in a low-leakage 65-nm CMOS technology. Experimental results show that the modulator achieves a spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), dynamic range (DR) and signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) of 86.6 dB, 85.1 dB and 78.8 dB, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first silicon-proven CTDSM with a more-than-3-level DAC that leads to an excellent SFDR while not requiring dynamic element matching, component calibration, precise reference voltages, or an operating frequency higher than the modulator’s sampling frequency <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${{f}}_{{{s}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The prototype consumes 22.8 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> from a 1.2-V supply, amounting to a Walden’s and Schreier’s figure of merit (FoM) of 16 fJ/conv. -step and 181.5 dB, respectively, which is the best among state-of-the-art CTDSMs. It further achieves high alias rejections of 52 dB and 58 dB at <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${{f}}_{{{s}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2{{f}}_{{{s}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, respectively, and can tolerate a clock period jitter of 3 ns.
Extensions of fuzzy connectives on ACDL

The main goal of this paper is to construct fuzzy connectives on algebraic completely distributive lattice(ACDL) by means of extending fuzzy connectives on the set of completely join-prime elements or on the set of completely meet-prime elements, and discuss some properties of the new fuzzy connectives. Firstly, we present the methods to construct t-norms, t-conorms, fuzzy negations valued on ACDL and discuss whether De Morgan triple will be kept. Then we put forward two ways to extend fuzzy implications and also make a study on the behaviors of R -implication and reciprocal implication. Finally, we construct two classes of inﬁnitely (cid:87) -distributive uninorms and inﬁnitely (cid:86) -distributive uninorms.
Performance-Aware Scheduling of Parallel Applications on Non-Dedicated Clusters

This work presents a HPC framework that provides new strategies for resource management and job scheduling, based on executing different applications in shared compute nodes, maximizing platform utilization. The framework includes a scalable monitoring tool that is able to analyze the platform’s compute node utilization. We also introduce an extension of CLARISSE, a middleware for data-staging coordination and control on large-scale HPC platforms that uses the information provided by the monitor in combination with application-level analysis to detect performance degradation in the running applications. This degradation, caused by the fact that the applications share the compute nodes and may compete for their resources, is avoided by means of dynamic application migration. A description of the architecture, as well as a practical evaluation of the proposal, shows significant performance improvements up to 20% in the makespan and 10% in energy consumption compared to a non-optimized execution.
New-generation NASA Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) volcanic SO 2 dataset: algorithm description, initial results, and continuation with the Suomi-NPP Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS)

Abstract. Since the fall of 2004, the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) has been providing global monitoring of volcanic SO2 emissions, helping to understand their climate impacts and to mitigate aviation hazards. Here we introduce a new-generation OMI volcanic SO2 dataset based on a principal component analysis (PCA) retrieval technique. To reduce retrieval noise and artifacts as seen in the current operational linear fit (LF) algorithm, the new algorithm, OMSO2VOLCANO, uses characteristic features extracted directly from OMI radiances in the spectral fitting, thereby helping to minimize interferences from various geophysical processes (e.g., O3 absorption) and measurement details (e.g., wavelength shift). To solve the problem of low bias for large SO2 total columns in the LF product, the OMSO2VOLCANO algorithm employs a table lookup approach to estimate SO2 Jacobians (i.e., the instrument sensitivity to a perturbation in the SO2 column amount) and iteratively adjusts the spectral fitting window to exclude shorter wavelengths where the SO2 absorption signals are saturated. To first order, the effects of clouds and aerosols are accounted for using a simple Lambertian equivalent reflectivity approach. As with the LF algorithm, OMSO2VOLCANO provides total column retrievals based on a set of predefined SO2 profiles from the lower troposphere to the lower stratosphere, including a new profile peaked at 13 km for plumes in the upper troposphere. Examples given in this study indicate that the new dataset shows significant improvement over the LF product, with at least 50 % reduction in retrieval noise over the remote Pacific. For large eruptions such as Kasatochi in 2008 (∼ 1700 kt total SO2) and Sierra Negra in 2005 (> 1100 DU maximum SO2), OMSO2VOLCANO generally agrees well with other algorithms that also utilize the full spectral content of satellite measurements, while the LF algorithm tends to underestimate SO2. We also demonstrate that, despite the coarser spatial and spectral resolution of the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi-NPP) Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) instrument, application of the new PCA algorithm to OMPS data produces highly consistent retrievals between OMI and OMPS. The new PCA algorithm is therefore capable of continuing the volcanic SO2 data record well into the future using current and future hyperspectral UV satellite instruments.
Model-Based Grasping of Unknown Objects from a Random Pile

Grasping an unknown object in a pile is no easy task for a robot—it is often difficult to distinguish different objects; objects occlude one another; object proximity limits the number of feasible grasps available; and so forth. In this paper, we propose a simple approach to grasping unknown objects one by one from a random pile. The proposed method is divided into three main actions—over-segmentation of the images, a decision algorithm and ranking according to a grasp robustness index. Thus, the robot is able to distinguish the objects from the pile, choose the best candidate for grasping among these objects, and pick the most robust grasp for this candidate. With this approach, we can clear out a random pile of unknown objects, as shown in the experiments reported herein.
Confined Catalysis: Progress and Prospects in Energy Conversion

Space confined catalysis has emerged as viable strategy for achieving potent and efficient catalysts in various important reactions. It offers a means of creating unique nanoscale chemical environments partitioned from the surrounding bulk space. This gives rise to the phenomena of nanoconfinement, where the energetics and kinetics of catalytic reactions can be modulated upon confining the catalysts in a particular site. Various scaffolds have been reported so far for confinement. Among these, void spaces under the cover of 2D materials, van der Waals (vdW) gaps of layered 2D materials, nanotubes, and porous surfaces have recently won copious attention. In this review, the concept of space confinement with respect to its effect on the electronic and structural properties of a catalyst is discussed. Emphasis is devoted to the catalysis of water splitting and CO2 reduction reactions. The progress in the design and applications of space confined catalysts is then traced. Finally, a discussion of emerging issues yet to be explored for this strategy to achieve a high efficiency, and future directions with the potential to become a new hotspots are presented.
SUMMITT'S FUNDAMENTALS OF OPERATIVE DENTISTRY A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH

Over the past two decades, the Fundamentals of Operative Dentistry has become one of the most trusted textbooks on clinical restorative dentistry. By integrating time-tested methods with recent scientific innovation, the authors promote sound concepts for predictable conservative techniques. Now in its fourth edition, this classic text has been completely updated with full-color illustrations throughout and substantial revisions in every chapter to incorporate the latest scientific developments and current research findings. In addition, new chapters on color study and shade matching address new areas of focus in the preclinical curriculum. A valuable resource for understanding the scientific basis for current treatment options in dentistry.
Sparsity-based MIMO interference suppression technique in the presence of imperfect channel state information

In this study, sparsity-based precoding schemes have been suggested to suppress the interference and improve the energy efficiency of a massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system when imperfect channel state information is available. To this goal, the sparsity and joint sparsity properties have been imposed on the precoding matrix for the purpose of boosting the energy efficiency or antenna selection. Moreover, the authors have assumed that only a few of the user's channel vectors have been erroneously estimated in the transmitter side. Hence, the channel estimation error matrix has been modelled as a joint sparse matrix. Adding the maximum transmission power constraint, the authors estimate the precoding matrix through solving a convex optimisation problem. Various simulation scenarios have been conducted, which confirm that the proposed precoding schemes improve the energy efficiency in the massive MIMO system.