Abstract: There is provided a framework including systems and methods for analyzing skin parameters from images or videos showing skin. Using a series of Hierarchical Differential Image Filters (HDIF), it becomes possible to detect different skin features such as wrinkles, spots, and roughness. The hierarchical differential image filter computes two enhancements to an image showing skin at two different levels of enhancement, determines a differential image using the two enhancements and computes the skin analysis rating using the differential image. These skin ratings are comparably accurate to actual ratings by dermatologists.

Abstract: A woven article and a method for detecting a stress distribution of the woven article under stress are provided. The woven article includes a woven body and a plurality of metallic yarns connected to the woven body and spaced apart from each other. The woven body defines more than one direction thereon. The metallic yarns each extend in the direction. A resistance sensor is connected with each of the metallic yarns. A stress is exerted on the woven body, and the resistance sensor detects a resistance value generated by the metallic yarns on the woven body. According to the resistance value detected by the resistance sensor, a stress distribution of the woven body under stress can be obtained.

Abstract: There is provided a framework including systems and methods for analyzing skin parameters from images or videos showing skin. Using a series of Hierarchical Differential Image Filters (HDIF), it becomes possible to detect different skin features such as wrinkles, spots, and roughness. The hierarchical differential image filter computes two enhancements to an image showing skin at two different levels of enhancement, determines a differential image using the two enhancements and computes the skin analysis rating using the differential image. These skin ratings are comparably accurate to actual ratings by dermatologists.

Abstract: A method for performing system backup in a memory device, the associated memory device and the controller thereof, and the associated electronic device are provided. The memory device includes a non-volatile (NV) memory including at least one NV memory element. The method may include: writing system information of the memory device at a plurality of locations within the NV memory to make the system information be stored at a first location and a second location within the plurality of locations, respectively, wherein the system information is internal control information of the memory device, and the system information stored at the second location is equivalent to that stored at the first location; and when the system information stored at the first location is not available, reading the system information stored at the second location to control the memory device to operate according to the system information read from the second location.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions useful in preventing or treating a disease related to muscle wasting by using acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF).

Abstract: A topical pharmaceutical composition containing diacerein and/or its analogs is provided. Also provided is a method for treating various diseases using this topical pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A catalyst for a catalytic ink includes a support particle and a metallic material supported on the support particle. The metallic material is diamminesilver hydroxide, a silver salt, a palladium salt, a gold salt, chloroauric acid, or combinations thereof. A catalytic ink obtained from the catalyst and use of the same to fabricate a conductive circuit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a heat sinking substrate, an electrically insulating layer partially formed on the heat sinking substrate, a circuit pattern layer formed on the electrically insulating layer, a light emitting diode (LED) chip, and an electrically insulating and thermally conductive interlayer. The LED chip is indirectly and non-electrically mounted to the heat sinking substrate. The electrically insulating and thermally conductive interlayer is interposed between the bottom portion of the LED chip and a portion of the heat sinking substrate exposed from the electrically insulating layer. A bottom portion of the LED chip bridges the electrically insulating and thermally conductive interlayer and the circuit pattern layer.

Abstract: A system of mapping a cardiac image of single heart chamber and a method thereof are disclosed. In the system and method thereof, one heart chamber (such as a left atrium, a left ventricular, a right atrium, right ventricular or aortic structure) can be selected in a 3D-based cardiac image (such as a CT or MRI image), and slices of the selected heart chamber are reconstructed and unwrapped by a 2D mapping visual display manner. The visual display and required angle alignment planes for subsequent analysis will be adjusted and achieved by operator manually, with specific global and regional architectural analysis performed by automatic algorithm.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting expression of ASC, expression of NLRP3, and/or formation of NLRP3 inflammasome complex by using diacerein or its analogs are provided. Also provided are methods and compositions for the treatment and/or prevention of a disorder mediated by ASC and/or NLRP3, and/or by formation of NLRP3 inflammasome complex by using diacerein or its analogs.

Abstract: A topical pharmaceutical composition containing diacerein and/or its analogs is provided. Also provided is a method for treating various diseases using this topical pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A catalyst for a catalytic ink includes a support particle and a metallic material supported on the support particle. The metallic material is diamminesilver hydroxide, a silver salt, a palladium salt, a gold salt, chloroauric acid, or combinations thereof. A catalytic ink obtained from the catalyst and use of the same to fabricate a conductive circuit are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns in general treatment of diseases and pathological conditions with anti-VEGF antibodies. More specifically, the invention concerns the treatment of human patients susceptible to or diagnosed with cancer using an anti-VEGF antibody, preferably in combination with one or more additional anti-tumor therapeutic agents for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: A method of forming a patterned metal unit on an article. The method includes the steps of: providing an article that has an insulating surface; transferring a catalyst layer onto the insulating surface of the article, the catalyst layer including a catalytic material; removing a part of the catalyst layer to form a patterned catalyst layer; and forming a patterned metal layer on the patterned catalyst layer by an electroless plating technique to obtain a patterned metal unit that is constituted by the patterned catalyst layer and the patterned metal layer.

Abstract: A portable device and a method for entering a power-saving mode are provided. Audio stream is generated by an audio player, and an audio signal is generated according to the audio stream and then transmitted to an earphone via a cable by a digital-analog converter. At least one electrical characteristic on the cable is sensed to generate at least one sensing signal. The at least one sensing signal is sampled to generate at least one data signal. Whether the earphone is inserted into an ear canal is determined according to the at least one data signal. For determining whether the earphone is inserted into the ear canal, an impedance frequency response related to the earphone is obtained according to the at least one data signal, and whether the earphone is inserted into the ear canal is determined according to a characteristic of peaks of the impedance frequency response.

Abstract: A self-sealing dripper apparatus for controlling liquid flow from a main irrigation pipe is provided. The dripper apparatus comprises a dripper base having an attachment end and an open end with the attachment end capable of being releasably connected to the liquid carrying pipe and the attachment end fluidly connected to the open end. A hollow piston casing is provided having a first open end and a second open end with the first open end positionable over the open end of the dripper base. A piston is slidably movable within the piston casing with the piston having a first end and a second end. Upon fluid flowing from the main irrigation pipe, the fluid forces the second end of the piston against the second open end of the piston casing thereby sealing the second open end of the piston casing.

Abstract: A lighting system for indoor farming for delivering high intensity light while reducing or eliminating heat loads in a growing environment is provided. The lighting system comprises a lighting housing having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side opposite the third side. A first LED board is mounted to the first side and a second LED board is mounted to the second side. A first shroud covers the first LED board and a second shroud covers the second LED board. A coolant passage is formed completely through the lighting housing. A coolant liquid is receivable through the coolant passage. The coolant liquid provides active cooling of the lighting housing from heat created by the first and second LED boards.

Abstract: A portable device and a method for entering a power-saving mode are provided. An audio signal is transmitted to an earphone via a cable. At least one electrical characteristic on the cable is sensed to generate at least one sensing signal. The at least one sensing signal is sampled to generate at least one data signal. Whether the earphone is in listening position is determined according to the at least one data signal. When it is determined that the earphone is not in listening position, the portable device enters a power-saving mode.

Abstract: A method of forming a patterned metal unit on an article. The method includes the steps of: providing an article that has an insulating surface; transferring a catalyst layer onto the insulating surface of the article, the catalyst layer including a catalytic material; removing a part of the catalyst layer to form a patterned catalyst layer; and forming a patterned metal layer on the patterned catalyst layer by an electroless plating technique to obtain a patterned metal unit that is constituted by the patterned catalyst layer and the patterned metal layer.

Abstract: A method of correcting a layout pattern is provided in the present invention. The method includes the following steps. A layout pattern including at least two adjacent rectangular sub patterns is provided. The layout pattern is then input into a computer system. An optical proximity correction including a bevel correction is then performed. The bevel correction includes forming a bevel at a corner of at least one of the two adjacent rectangular sub patterns, wherein the bevel is formed by chopping the corner, and moving the bevel toward an interaction of two neighboring segments of the bevel if a distance between the bevel and the other rectangular sub pattern is larger than a minimum value. The angle between a surface of the bevel and a surface of the rectangular sub pattern is not rectangular. The layout pattern is output to a mask after the optical proximity correction.