A Kalman filter approach to direct depth estimation incorporating surface structure

The problem of depth-from-motion using a monocular image sequence is considered. A pixel-based model is developed for direct depth estimation within a Kaiman filtering framework. A method is proposed for incorporating local surface structure into the Kaiman filter. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the effect of structural information on depth estimation. ©1999 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

Modulation of mitochondrial calcium as a pharmacological target for Alzheimer's disease

Perturbed neuronal calcium homeostasis is a prominent feature in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mitochondria accumulate calcium ions (Ca2+) for cellular bioenergetic metabolism and suppression of mitochondrial motility within the cell. Excessive Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria often leads to mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and induction of apoptosis. Ca2+ is an interesting second messenger which can initiate both cellular life and death pathways in mitochondria. This review critically discusses the potential of manipulating mitochondrial Ca2+ concentrations as a novel therapeutic opportunity for treating AD. This review also highlights the neuroprotective role of a number of currently available agents that modulate different mitochondrial Ca2+ transport pathways. It is reasoned that these mitochondrial Ca2+ modulators are most effective in combination with agents that increase the Ca2+ buffering capacity of mitochondria. Modulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ handling is a potential pharmacological target for future development of AD treatments. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.postprin

From small to big molecules: how do we prevent and delay the progression of age-related neurodegeneration?

Age-related neurodegeneration in the brain and retina is complicated. It comprises a series of events encompassing different modes of degeneration in neurons, as well as inflammation mediated by glial cells. Systemic inflammation and risk factors can contribute to disease progression. Age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affect patients for 5 to 20 years and are highly associated with risk factors such as hyperhomocysteinaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, and symptoms of mood disorder. The long duration of the degeneration and the wide array of systemic factors provide the opportunity for nutraceutical intervention to prevent or delay disease progression. Small molecules such as phenolic compounds are candidates for neuroprotection because they have anti-oxidant activities and can modulate intracellular signaling pathways. Bigger entities such as oligosaccharides and polysaccharides have often been neglected because of their complex structure. However, certain big molecules can provide neuroprotective effects. They may also have a wide spectrum of action against risk factors. In this review we use an integrative approach to the potential uses of nutraceutical products to prevent age-related neurodegeneration. These include direct effects of phenolic compounds and polysaccharides on neurons to antagonize various neurodegenerative mechanisms in AD, PD and AMD, and indirect effects of these compounds on peripheral disease-related risk factors.postprin

Oral feeding of minocycline attenuates glial activation and reductions of tau and drebrin in response to systemically injected cytokines

published_or_final_versio

Application of ASK modulation for DC/DC converters control in DC distribution power system

Author name used in this publication: K. W. E. ChengAuthor name used in this publication: D. SutantoRefereed conference paper2004-2005 > Academic research: refereed > Refereed conference paperVersion of RecordPublishe

The Vietnamese medicinal and food plant Abelmoschus sagittifolius (Kurz.) Merr., an underestimated resource

In Vietnam, “Sam Bo Chinh” [Abelmoschus sagittifolius (Kurz.) Merr., Malvaceae] market has rapidly expanded following the COVID-19 pandemic due to its health benefits. Since the 19th century, its root has been utilized in Traditional Vietnamese Medicine with properties similar to fresh Ginseng, particularly for treating fatigue, neurasthenia, sore throat, and stomach ache. Similar applications of its root are documented in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but leaf and fruit are also employed for detoxification, phlegm expulsion, liver softening, and kidney nourishment. However, further evidence is required to assess its medicinal value and explore additional avenues for development. Articles were searched on PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and VISTA using the four commonly used synonyms as keywords. Duplications and articles on other species were then screened out. Related books, articles, and websites were also discussed. The species has unique characteristics that are distinctive from other Malvaceae species. Traditional Vietnamese and Chinese medicine practitioners describe similar properties of A. sagittifolius root as qi and yin tonifying material. Various traditional Vietnamese formulas and Chinese patents illustrate the values of the root, leaf, or fruit to treat digestive, respiratory, neuropsychological, and genitourinary disorders. Pharmacological research and phytochemical profiles also highlight the ability of A. sagittifolius root to be an adjuvant treatment for post-COVID-19 symptoms with gastric protection, stamina enhancement, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities, and simultaneously, they suggest more potential such as neuroprotection, immunomodulatory and anti-hypertention. Moreover, cultivating and processing techniques are simple. So, A. sagittifolius production can be industrialized and developed into medicines or functional foods. However, the plant is not used in other countries and is not well-studied, so a more rigorous assessment of its phytochemical and pharmacological properties is needed. Its leaf and fruit also have different uses and can be developed and more medicinal potential