Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Predominant Instrument Recognition in Polyphonic Music

Identifying musical instruments in polyphonic music recordings is a challenging but important problem in the field of music information retrieval. It enables music search by instrument, helps recognize musical genres, or can make music transcription easier and more accurate. In this paper, we present a convolutional neural network framework for predominant instrument recognition in real-world polyphonic music. We train our network from fixed-length music excerpts with a single-labeled predominant instrument and estimate an arbitrary number of predominant instruments from an audio signal with a variable length. To obtain the audio-excerpt-wise result, we aggregate multiple outputs from sliding windows over the test audio. In doing so, we investigated two different aggregation methods: one takes the class-wise average followed by normalization, and the other perform temporally local class-wise max-pooling on the output probability prior to averaging and normalization steps to minimize the effect of averaging process suppresses the activation of sporadically appearing instruments. In addition, we conducted extensive experiments on several important factors that affect the performance, including analysis window size, identification threshold, and activation functions for neural networks to find the optimal set of parameters. Our analysis on the instrument-wise performance found that the onset type is a critical factor for recall and precision of each instrument. Using a dataset of 10k audio excerpts from 11 instruments for evaluation, we found that convolutional neural networks are more robust than conventional methods that exploit spectral features and source separation with support vector machines. Experimental results showed that the proposed convolutional network architecture obtained an F1 measure of 0.619 for micro and 0.513 for macro, respectively, achieving 23.1% and 18.8% in performance improvement compared with the state-of-the-art algorithm.
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) Axis in Birds and Its Role in Bird Development and Reproduction

This article reviews thyroid function and its hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis control in birds with emphasis on the similarities and differences in thyroid function compared to mammals and other vertebrate classes. Thyroid hormones are important in metabolism and the thermogenesis required for homeothermy in birds, as in mammals, the other homeothermic class of vertebrates. Thyroid hormones play important roles in development and growth in birds, as is the case for all vertebrate classes. The developmental effects of thyroid hormones in birds are presented in the context of differences in precocial and altricial patterns of development and growth with emphasis on oviparous development. The sections on thyroid hormone actions include discussion of effects on the development of a number of tissue types as well as on seasonal organismal processes and interactions of the thyroid axis with reproduction. The current picture of how environmental chemicals may disrupt avian thyroid function is relatively limited and is presented in the context of the assessment endpoints that have been used to date. These endpoints are categorized as thyroid and HPT axis endpoints versus target organ endpoints. The final section discusses two recommended assay protocols, the avian two-generation toxicity assay and the avian one-generation assay, and whether these protocols can evaluate thyroid disruption in birds.
The King-Devick test as a determinant of head trauma and concussion in boxers and MMA fighters

Objective: Sports-related concussion has received increasing attention as a cause of short- and long-term neurologic symptoms among athletes. The King-Devick (K-D) test is based on measurement of the speed of rapid number naming (reading aloud single-digit numbers from 3 test cards), and captures impairment of eye movements, attention, language, and other correlates of suboptimal brain function. We investigated the K-D test as a potential rapid sideline screening for concussion in a cohort of boxers and mixed martial arts fighters. Methods: The K-D test was administered prefight and postfight. The Military Acute Concussion Evaluation (MACE) was administered as a more comprehensive but longer test for concussion. Differences in postfight K-D scores and changes in scores from prefight to postfight were compared for athletes with head trauma during the fight vs those without. Results: Postfight K-D scores (n = 39 participants) were significantly higher (worse) for those with head trauma during the match (59.1 ± 7.4 vs 41.0 ± 6.7 seconds, p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank sum test). Those with loss of consciousness showed the greatest worsening from prefight to postfight. Worse postfight K-D scores (rs = −0.79, p = 0.0001) and greater worsening of scores (rs = 0.90, p < 0.0001) correlated well with postfight MACE scores. Worsening of K-D scores by ≥5 seconds was a distinguishing characteristic noted only among participants with head trauma. High levels of test-retest reliability were observed (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.97 [95% confidence interval 0.90–1.0]). Conclusions: The K-D test is an accurate and reliable method for identifying athletes with head trauma, and is a strong candidate rapid sideline screening test for concussion.
Gastrointestinal symptoms secondary to implanted spinal cord stimulators.

IMPLICATIONS We report severe gastrointestinal symptoms in two patients who had implanted spinal cord stimulators. These side effects were severe enough to require cessation of the stimulation, even though the patients reported significantly improved analgesia. It is important for clinicians caring for patients with these devices to be aware of these potentially severe side effects.
Predicting Time to Readmission in Patients With Recent Histories of Recurrent Psychiatric Hospitalization: A Matched-Control Survival Analysis

The most robust predictor of future psychiatric hospitalization is the number of previous admissions. About half of psychiatric inpatients with histories of repeated hospitalizations are readmitted within 12 months. This study sought to determine which patient characteristics predicted time-to-readmission within 12 months after controlling for the number of previous hospitalizations in 75 adults with recent histories of recurrent admissions and 75 matched controls. Results revealed multiple clinical and demographic between-group differences at index hospitalization. However, the only predictors of shorter time-to-readmission in multivariate Cox proportional hazards were unemployment (hazards ratio = 9.26) and residential living status (hazards ratio = 2.05) after controlling for prior hospitalizations (hazard ratio = 1.24). Unemployment and residential living status were not proxies of psychosis or moderated by illness severity or comorbid substance use. Results suggest that early psychiatric readmission may be more influenced by residential and employment status than by severe mental illness.
A Systematic Process for Recruiting Physician-Patient Dyads in Practice-based Research Networks (PBRNs)

Background: Recruiting physicians and patients for primary care research is difficult, and low participation can greatly affect the validity of research. While practice-based research networks (PBRNs) offer advantages of scale for recruitment, the barriers are perennial. We designed a systematic process for recruiting physician–patient dyads in PBRNs and tested it in EXACKTE2, a large, cross-sectional, dyadic study. Methods: Based on known barriers, we designed a systematic process for recruiting dyads of family physicians and their patients and implemented it in 2 primary care practice-based research networks in Canada: one in Ontario (11 practices) and one in Quebec (6 practices). Dyads (one physician with one patient) were recruited simultaneously to explore their mutual influence during consultations. A key element of the process was a research assistant assigned to each practice. This person closely accompanied the recruitment process, liaising with staff and taking charge of interviews, questionnaires, and follow-up. Results: In total, 276 physicians and patients were recruited in 17 primary care practices in 2 primary care networks in Ontario and Quebec, representing a participation rate of more than 72% of eligible physicians and more than 64% of eligible patients. Conclusion: We established a systematic process to conduct successful dyadic recruitment of physicians and patients in PBRNs.
Effect of Low Feed Rate FSP on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Cast 2285 Aluminum Alloy

Friction stir processing (FSP), a variation of FSW (friction stir welding) is an emerging surface engineering technology that can locally eliminate casting defects and refine microstructures, thereby improving the mechanical properties of material. FSP can also produce fine grained microstructures through the thickness to impart superplasticity. The technology involves plunging a rapidly rotating, non consumable tool, comprising a profiled pin and larger diameter shoulder, into the surface and then traversing the tool across the surface. The pin and the shoulder friction heat the surface which alters the grain structure in the processed area thereby improving the mechanical properties. This paper presents the eects of FSP on microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded cast 2285 aluminum alloy at three dierent feed rates viz. 10, 12 and 15 mm/min. With the increase in the feed speed the material was observed to have increased impact strength. FSP also increased the tensile and yield strengths with increases in hardness and ductility values also. The observation has been listed in detail and pictorially represented.
Sepsis and Meningitis due to Listeria Monocytogenes

Purpose This study focused on the effect of immuno-compromising conditions on the clinical presentation of severe listerial infection. Patients and Methods Nine human listeriosis cases seen from 1991-2002 were reviewed. All adult patients, from whose blood, peritoneal fluid or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) the L. monocytogenes was isolated, were included in this retrospective study. Results Listeriosis presented as primary sepsis with positive blood cultures in 5 cases and meningitis with positive CSF cultures in 4 cases. All of these patients had at least one underlying disease, most commonly, hematologic malignancy, diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis and hepatic cirrhosis; 55.6% had received immunosuppressive or corticosteroid therapy within a week before the onset of listeriosis. The patients were adults with a mean age of 60 years. Fever, night sweats, chills and lethargy were the most common symptoms; high temperature (> 38℃), tachycardia, meningeal signs and poor conditions in general were the most common findings on admission. The mortality rate was 33.3% and was strictly associated with the severity of the underlying disease. Mortality differences were significant between sepsis (20%) and meningitis (50%) patients. Conclusion Listeriosis as an uncommon infection in our region and that immuno-suppressive therapy is an important pre-disposing factor of listeriosis. Sepsis and meningitis were more common in this group of patients and had the highest case-fatality rate for food-borne illnesses.
The administration of 5‐fluorouracil by mouth

When 5‐fluorouracil was administered by mouth, concentrations of the drug in blood and urine were comparable to and more sustained than those achieved after parenteral treatment in four of seven subjects. This finding serves as evidence that the same precautions against drug side effects are indicated with oral as with parenteral treatment. Patients with metastases to the bowel or congestive heart failure had poorer absorption of 5‐fluorouracil. The findings are evidence that intravenous and oral administration of the drug can result in different levels of 5‐fluorouracil in blood. It may be worthwhile evaluating the relationship among blood levels, different patterns of absorption, and therapeutic response as a means of determining the optimal mode of therapy. One patient who failed to respond to intravenous 5‐fluorouracil responded to oral 5‐fluorouracil. Objective regression of hepatic and other metastases were observed in four patients treated with 5‐fluorouracil by mouth.
Analysis of dyslexia candidate genes in the Raine cohort representing the general Australian population

Several genes have been suggested as dyslexia candidates. Some of these candidate genes have been recently shown to be associated with literacy measures in sample cohorts derived from the general population. Here, we have conducted an association study in a novel sample derived from the Australian population (the Raine cohort) to further investigate the role of dyslexia candidate genes. We analysed markers, previously reported to be associated with dyslexia, located within the MRPL19/C2ORF3, KIAA0319, DCDC2 and DYX1C1 genes in a sample of 520 individuals and tested them for association with reading and spelling measures. Association signals were detected for several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within DYX1C1 with both the reading and spelling tests. The high linkage disequilibrium (LD) we observed across the DYX1C1 gene suggests that the association signal might not be refined by further genetic mapping.
COPD screening efforts in primary care: what is the yield?

INTRODUCTION Underdiagnosis of COPD appears to be common, although the degree of underdiagnosis is rarely measured. To document the extent of underdiagnosis in a high risk group of ambulatory patients, we performed spirometry in smokers aged 40 years and over drawn from general practices in two countries. METHODS Subjects were recruited from primary care practices in Aberdeen, Scotland, and Denver, Colorado, via random mailing. Current and former smokers aged 40 or older with no prior diagnosis of chronic obstructive respiratory disease (and no respiratory medications within the past year) were enrolled. Participants underwent pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry. A study diagnosis of COPD was defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70. RESULTS Spirometric examination was complete in 818 patients, of whom 155 (18.9%) had a study diagnosis of COPD. Using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) severity criteria, the COPD was mild in 57.4%, moderate in 36.8%, and severe in 5.8%. No patients had very severe disease according to GOLD criteria. DISCUSSION Screening of smokers over 40 in general practice may yield 10 - 20% undiagnosed COPD cases, with a substantial proportion of these having moderate to severe disease. Earlier diagnosis through targeted case-finding will allow early, aggressive smoking cessation efforts and may lead to a reduction in the burden of COPD symptoms and a reduced impact of the disease on health-related quality of life in these patients.
Proteome and Metabolome of Subretinal Fluid in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy and Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Pilot Case Study

Purpose To investigate the molecular composition of subretinal fluid (SRF) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) using proteomics and metabolomics. Methods SRF was obtained from one patient with severe nonresolving bullous CSCR requiring surgical subretinal fibrin removal, and two patients with long-standing RRD. Proteins were trypsin-digested, labeled with Tandem-Mass-Tag and fractionated according to their isoelectric point for identification and quantification by tandem mass spectrometry. Independently, metabolites were extracted on cold methanol/ethanol, and identified by untargeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted. Results In total, 291 proteins and 651 metabolites were identified in SRF samples. Compared with RRD, 128 proteins (77 downregulated; 51 upregulated) and 76 metabolites (43 downregulated; 33 upregulated) differed in the SRF from CSCR. Protein and metabolites notably deregulated in CSCR were related to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, inflammation (including serum amyloid P component, versican), alternative complement pathway (complement factor H and complement factor H–related protein), cellular adhesion, biliary acid metabolism (farnesoid X receptor/retinoid X receptor), and gluco- and mineralocorticoid systems (aldosterone, angiotensin, and corticosteroid-binding globulin). Conclusions Proteomics and metabolomics can be performed on SRF. A unique SRF sample from CSCR exhibited a distinct molecular profile compared with RRD. Translational Relevance This first comparative multiomics analysis of SRF improved the understanding of CSCR and RRD pathophysiology. It identified pathways potentially involved in the better photoreceptor preservation in CSCR, suggesting neuroprotective targets that will require additional confirmation.
A comparison of 40 Hz auditory steady-state response (ASSR) and cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) thresholds in awake adult subjects

Evoked potential thresholds using the 40 Hz auditory steady-state response (ASSR) and cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) were recorded at 500 Hz and 4000 Hz test frequencies in 36 subjects with normal acuity, and 30 subjects with sensorineural hearing loss. ASSR threshold sensation levels (SLs) were lower in ears with greater degrees of hearing loss, and for the 500 Hz stimulus. Mean SLs (maximum duration of a single recording: 89 seconds) were as follows at 500 Hz and 4000 Hz respectively: normal hearing group, 16.9±10.3 dB and 42.4±14.4 dB; mild-moderate group, 10.6±8.8 dB and 23.8±8.1 dB; severe-profound group, 10.0±13.2 dB and 21.5±18.9 dB. CAEP SLs showed no change with hearing level and CAEP/behavioural differences were similar at each test frequency. Mean SLs for CAEP threshold (single recording duration: 84 seconds) at 500 Hz and 4000 Hz respectively were: normal hearing group, 10.3±6.4 dB and 11.5±3.8 dB; mild-moderate group, 8.4±7.4 dB and 13.2±12.4 dB; severe-profound group, 11.0±6.6 dB and 15.9±16.4 dB. The results of this study suggest that while both 40 Hz ASSR and CAEP can reflect the behavioural audiogram, CAEPs may provide a more reliable estimate of hearing in awake adults.
The effect of season-of-response to ISAAC questions about asthma, rhinitis and eczema in children.

BACKGROUND To examine whether responses to questions about the lifetime prevalence and 12-month period prevalence of symptoms of asthma and allergies are affected by the season in which the questions are asked. METHODS The international Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase One was undertaken in six New Zealand centres; in three centres the effect of season was studied. Over three school terms at least 3000 children were studied in each of two age groups per centre (6-7 years; 13-14 years), one-third in each term respectively. The ISAAC standardized written questionnaires were used to identify asthma, rhinitis and eczema symptoms. The written questionnaire in the younger age group was completed by the parent/guardian. The older age group self-completed the written questionnaire and also a video questionnaire about asthma symptoms. RESULTS The total number of respondents was 21,437, approximately half in each age group. The season of responding had no effect on the level of response to eczema questions. For the written asthma questionnaire no season-of-response effect was present for 6-7 year olds; for 13-14 year olds there was a trend to a higher rate of positive responses by those responding in winter, but in only one question did this reach statistical significance. With the video questionnaire there was a similar trend for a higher rate of positive responses when questions were asked in winter, but this did not reach statistical significance. For rhinitis symptoms there was a statistically significant season-of-response effect in both age groups with two questions; the fewest positive responses by the winter responders. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant effect of season-of-response to questions on eczema symptoms, and most questions on asthma symptoms. There was a season-of-response effect on responses to questions on rhinitis symptoms suggesting a recall bias relating to recency of symptoms.
Association of circulating miR-223 and miR-16 with disease activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis

Background Identification of parameters for early diagnosis and treatment response would be beneficial for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) to prevent ongoing joint damage. miRNAs have features of potential biomarkers, and an altered expression of miRNAs was shown in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective To analyse RA associated miRNAs in the sera of patients with ERA to find markers of early disease, clinical activity or predictors of disease outcome. Methods Total RNA was isolated from whole sera in ERA patients (prior to and after 3 and 12 months of therapy with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs), in patients with established RA and in healthy controls (HC) using phenol–chloroform extraction. Expression of miR-146a, miR-155, miR-223, miR-16, miR-203, miR-132 and miR-124a was analysed by TaqMan Real Time PCR. Results From all analysed miRNAs, levels of miR-146a, miR-155 and miR-16 were decreased in the sera of ERA patients in comparison with established RA. A change in circulating miR-16 in the first 3 months of therapy was associated with a decrease in DAS28 in long term follow-up in ERA (p=0.002). Levels of circulating miR-223 in treatment naïve ERA correlated with C reactive protein (p=0.008), DAS28 (p=0.031) and change in DAS28 after 3 months (p=0.003) and 12 months (p=0.011) of follow-up. However, neither miR-16 nor miR-223 could distinguish ERA from HC. Conclusions Differential expression of circulating miR-146a, miR-155 and miR-16 in the sera of ERA patients may characterise an early stage of the disease. We suggest miR-223 as a marker of disease activity and miR-16 and miR-223 as possible predictors for disease outcome in ERA.
Prediction of Rowing Ergometer Performance from Functional Anaerobic Power, Strength and Anthropometric Components

Abstract The aim of this research was to develop different regression models to predict 2000 m rowing ergometer performance with the use of anthropometric, anaerobic and strength variables and to determine how precisely the prediction models constituted by different variables predict performance, when conducted together in the same equation or individually. 38 male collegiate rowers (20.17 ± 1.22 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric, strength, 2000 m maximal rowing ergometer and rowing anaerobic power tests were applied. Multiple linear regression procedures were employed in SPSS 16 to constitute five different regression formulas using a different group of variables. The reliability of the regression models was expressed by R2 and the standard error of estimate (SEE). Relationships of all parameters with performance were investigated through Pearson correlation coefficients. The prediction model using a combination of anaerobic, strength and anthropometric variables was found to be the most reliable equation to predict 2000 m rowing ergometer performance (R2 = 0.92, SEE= 3.11 s). Besides, the equation that used rowing anaerobic and strength test results also provided a reliable prediction (R2 = 0.85, SEE= 4.27 s). As a conclusion, it seems clear that physiological determinants which are affected by anaerobic energy pathways should also get involved in the processes and models used for performance prediction and talent identification in rowing.