Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectrogram segmentation by means of statistical features for non-stationary signal interpretation

Time-frequency representations (TFRs) are suitable tools for nonstationary signal analysis, but their reading is not straightforward for a signal interpretation task. This paper investigates the use of TFR statistical properties for classification or recognition purposes, focusing on a particular TFR: the spectrogram. From the properties of a stationary process periodogram, we derive the properties of a nonstationary process spectrogram. It leads to transform the TFR to a local statistical features space from which we propose a method of segmentation. We illustrate our matter with first- and second-order statistics and identify the information they, respectively, provide. The segmentation is operated by a region growing algorithm, which does not require any prior knowledge on the nonstationary signal. The result is an automatic extraction of informative subsets from the TFR, which is relevant for the signal understanding. Examples are presented concerning synthetic and real signals.
The Relationship Between the Effect of Lactate Infusion on Anxiety States, and their Amelioration by Carbon Dioxide Inhalation

Anxiety is perhaps one of the commonest and most disabling symptoms in medicine, yet its satisfactory alleviation has been elusive. Work by Kluver and Bucy (1939) suggested that the amygdala generated anxiety, the function of the hippocampus being to decrease it. The hypothalamus appears to organize the level of arousal through the amygdala.
Sex differences in survival and mitochondrial bioenergetics during aging in Drosophila

The goal of this study is to test the role of mitochondria and of mitochondrial metabolism in determining the processes that influence aging of female and male Drosophila. We observe that Drosophila simulans females tended to have shorter lifespan, higher levels of hydrogen peroxide production and significantly lower levels of catalase but not superoxide dismutase compared to males. In contrast, mammalian females tend to be longer lived, have lower rates of reactive oxygen species production and higher antioxidant activity. In both Drosophila and mammals, mitochondria extracted from females consume a higher quantity of oxygen when provided with adenosine diphosphate and have a greater mtDNA copy number than males. Combined, these data illustrate important similarities between the parameters that influence aging and mitochondrial metabolism in Drosophila and in mammals but also show surprising differences.
Does adjuvant external-beam radiotherapy improve outcomes for nonbenign meningiomas? A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-based analysis.

OBJECT The aim of this study was to examine the effect of postoperative external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) on disease-specific survival in patients with nonbenign meningiomas. METHODS The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 1988 to 2007 was queried for cases of resected Grades II (atypical) and III (malignant) meningioma. Disease-specific survival outcomes were determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the likelihood of receiving EBRT for Grade II versus Grade III. Because atypical and malignant meningiomas underwent WHO reclassification in 2000, the authors carried out an additional analysis of outcomes of these tumors from 2000 to 2008. RESULTS There were 657 patients included in the analysis; of these, 244 received adjuvant radiation. Compared with patients with Grade II meningioma, patients with Grade III disease were 41.9% more likely to receive EBRT after gross-total resection and 36.7% more likely to receive it after subtotal resection (95% CI 0.58-3.26). Controlling for grade, extent of resection, size and anatomical location of the tumor, year of diagnosis, race, age, and sex, adjuvant EBRT did not impart a survival benefit (HR 1.492; 95% CI 0.827-2.692). There was also no survival advantage to EBRT in an analysis of cases diagnosed after the WHO 2000 reclassification of meningiomas (HR 0.828; 95% CI 0.350-1.961). CONCLUSIONS The results of this population-based retrospective analysis demonstrate that the role of radiation remains unclear. They underscore the need for randomized prospective clinical trials to assess the usefulness of adjuvant EBRT in Grades II and III meningioma so as to define more precisely the subset of patients who may benefit from the addition of adjuvant radiation.
Physiological changes in cultured sorghum cells in response to induced water stress : I. Free proline.

Ten varieties of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench were grown as callus cultures under conditions of water stress, which was induced by addition of polyethylene glycol (molecular weight 8000) in the medium. Growth and free proline were estimated in the control and water-stressed cultures. In all varieties, proline levels were low in the absence of water stress and the levels increased in response to water stress. However, the magnitude of these increases were not correlated with stress tolerance of the individual varieties in culture. Thus increase in proline seems to be an incidental consequence of stress in vitro and not an adaptive response to combat water stress in sorghum.
An unusual case of diarrhea in schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia.

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is an osteochondrodysplasia that results in short stature and abnormal body proportions. Prominent features of this rare multi-system disorder (Table 1) include progressive nephropathy leading to renal failure, defective cellular immunity with lymphopenia, facial dysmorphism, and cerebral ischemic episodes. Additional features include hypothyroidism, bone marrow hypoplasia, hyperpigmented skin macules, and ocular abnormalities (1). There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with the condition; of the 39 patients reported by Boerkoel et al.(1), 18 had died by age 15. It was recently determined that mutations in SMARCAL1 (SWI/SNF2-related matrixassociated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a-like1), a gene involved in chromatin remodeling, are responsible for this disorder (2). There is only one previous report on gastrointestinal manifestations in SIOD, in a four-year-old with prolonged diarrhea diagnosed with autoimmune enteropathy (3). We now report a case of prolonged diarrhea in a nine-year-old girl with SIOD proven to be due to atypical mycobacterial infection. We suggest that opportunistic infections are one of the potential causes of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with Schimke immunoosseous dysplasia.
Influence of Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocytes on Liver Regeneration after Sex-Mismatched Liver Transplantation in Humans

ABSTRACT Background: Presence of hematopoietic stem-cell-derived hepatocytes after clinical liver transplantation was demonstrated repeatedly. The relevance of this controversial mechanism of regeneration was discussed. Regarding frequency, the demonstrated results were divergent. In the present study, we propose to investigate the influence of growth and regeneration on the frequency of hematopoietic stem-cell-derived hepatocytes in transplanted organs. Material and Method: Paraffin-embedded liver specimens, obtained as clinically indicated, from female grafts transplanted into male recipients were investigated. The presence of Y-chromosome in hepatocytes, detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), was the indicator for recipient origin. Slides were evaluated by assessing the relative number of Y-chromosome containing hepatocytes within 50 images representing an average of 775 hepatocytes. Results: In only 9 out of 81 specimens, single Y-chromosome positive hepatocytes were detected, resulting in a maximal frequency of 0.64%. Six positive specimens were obtained from full-size liver grafts and one from a partial liver graft. In the pediatric group, two positive samples were found. By staining additional sections from the nine positive specimens, no additional positive hepatocytes were detected suggesting an even lower frequency within the whole sample. We did not find any accumulation of Y-chromosome positive cells in any of the individually analyzed patient groups. Conclusion: Transdifferentiation of hematopoietic stem cells is an extremely rare event in liver growth and regeneration after transplantation. Due to the low number of positive events, the biological relevance seems questionable.
A socio-interpersonal perspective on PTSD: the case for environments and interpersonal processes.

UNLABELLED Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common reaction to traumatic experiences. We propose a socio-interpersonal model of PTSD that complements existing models of post-traumatic memory processes or neurobiological changes. The model adds an interpersonal perspective to explain responses to traumatic stress. The framework draws from lifespan psychology, cultural psychology and research into close relationships and groups. Additionally, clinical knowledge about PTSD is incorporated. This involves knowledge about shame, guilt, estrangement feelings and protective factors, such as social support and forgiveness. Three levels are proposed at which relevant interpersonal processes can be situated and should be adequately researched. First, the individual level comprises social affective states, such as shame, guilt, anger and feelings of revenge. Second, at the close relationship level, social support, negative exchange (ostracism and blaming the victim), disclosure and empathy are proposed as dyadic processes relevant to PTSD research and treatment. Third, the distant social level represents culture and society, in which the collectivistic nature of trauma, perceived injustice, and social acknowledgement are concepts that predict the response trajectories to traumatic stress. Research by the current authors and others is cited in an effort to promote future investigation based on the current model. Methodological implications, such as multi-level data analyses, and clinical implications, such as the need for couple, community or larger-level societal interventions, are both outlined. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE The socio-interpersonal model proposes an interpersonal view of the processes that occur in the aftermath of a traumatic experience. At the individual level, the model integrates the social affective phenomena that clinical research identifies in PTSD patients, including shame, guilt, anger, revenge and the urges or reluctance to disclose. At the level of close relationships, there is an emphasis on the role of the individuals' partner, family or social support in the development or maintenance of PTSD and its recovery. At the distant social level, societal and cultural factors, e.g., individualistic versus collectivistic or other human value orientations, are acknowledged as contributing to the severity and course of PTSD. Increasing attention should be given to new approaches of PTSD treatment that refer to an interpersonal view of PTSD, e.g., communication training, PTSD-specific couples' therapy or community programs.
Comparison of Cultures from Rectoanal-Junction Mucosal Swabs and Feces for Detection of Escherichia coli O157 in Dairy Heifers

ABSTRACT Fecal culture for Escherichia coli O157:H7 was compared to rectoanal mucosal swab (RAMS) culture in dairy heifers over a 1-year period. RAMS enrichment culture was as sensitive as fecal culture using immunomagnetic separation (IMS) (P = 0.98, as determined by a chi-square test). RAMS culture is less costly than fecal IMS culture and can yield quantitative data.
The Phonetic Feature of Vowel Length in Dutch

A basic assumption of the research reported upon here is that measurable vowel duration is at least partly controlled by an independent phonetic feature of vowel length. We have studied manifestations of this feature by measuring articulatory segment durations of a number of Dutch short vowels, long vowels and diphthongs, in nonsense words of the form /pVpVpVp/ of which the second syllable was stressed. /V/ was the same vowel in each syllable. The /p/ durations and the total word durations were also measured. The durations were defined by the moments of lip opening and closure measured with a lip contact. The results can be explained by assuming that on a programming level of speech production there are only two possible specification values of the feature of vowel length for Dutch vowels, one for the short vowels /α, , œ, I, ε, u, y, i/ and one for the long vowels /a:, o:, ø:, e:/, plus the diphthongs /αu, Λy, εi/. The programming level of speech production is taken to correspond to the linguistic level of phonetic representation. Durational variations within each of the two phonetic categories of vowel length can be explained by peripheral properties of the speech production system. Variations due to stress and position are accounted for by assuming that prosodic patterns may affect the amount of deviation of the actual duration from the specified ideal duration.
Cutaneous disease and drug reactions in HIV infection.

BACKGROUND Skin diseases, including adverse reactions to drugs, are thought to be more common among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) than among other persons. These skin conditions can be disabling or disfiguring and may require discontinuation of essential drugs. METHODS We identified 684 HIV-infected members of a 265,000-member health maintenance organization and reviewed their medical records to determine the frequency of dermatologic diagnoses from April 1, 1988, through January 15, 1991. We compared the rates of visits per year for skin conditions by HIV-infected men, 20 to 49 years of age, with those by non-HIV-infected men. We used an automated prescription data base to quantify exposures to drugs. RESULTS Of the 684 HIV-infected patients, 540 (79 percent) were given one or more dermatologic diagnoses, for a total of 2281 diagnoses, including 188 cutaneous reactions to drugs. There were 43 hospitalizations for cellulitis (n = 15), cutaneous drug reactions (n = 13), or other skin problems. As compared with non-HIV-infected men, the men with AIDS had visit rates that were at least 5 times higher for 18 of the 20 most common infectious and inflammatory skin conditions and at least 15 times higher for 9 conditions. Drugs with the highest rate of cutaneous reactions (per 1000 courses) included trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (149), sulfadiazine (200), trimethoprim-dapsone (156), and aminopenicillins (93). The number of diagnoses of skin conditions increased according to the stage of disease: it was lowest in patients immediately before the documentation of HIV infection and highest in patients with a diagnosis of AIDS. CONCLUSIONS Cutaneous diseases, including drug reactions, are extremely common in patients with HIV infection, and their incidence increases as immune function deteriorates.
Treatment of chronic radial epicondylitis with botulinum toxin A. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multicenter study.

BACKGROUND Radial epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is the most frequent type of myotendinosis. Patients can experience substantial loss of function, especially when this condition becomes chronic. A successful therapy has not yet been established. A preliminary study of injections of botulinum toxin A in patients with chronic epicondylitis has shown promising results. METHODS In the present prospective, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial, 130 patients were examined at sixteen study centers. A single injection of botulinum toxin A into the painful origin of the forearm extensor muscles was performed. Follow-up examinations were performed at two, six, twelve, and eighteen weeks. Clinical findings were documented with use of a new clinical pain score and with a visual analogue scale. A global assessment of the result of treatment was also provided by the patient and the attending doctor. Strength of extension of the third finger and the wrist was evaluated with use of the Brunner method, and grip strength (fist closure strength) was measured with a vigorimeter. RESULTS The group treated with botulinum toxin A was found to have a significant improvement in the clinical findings, compared with those in the placebo group, as early as the second week after injection (p = 0.003). Subjective general assessment also showed improvement in that group, compared with the placebo group, at six weeks (p = 0.001) and at the time of the final examination (at eighteen weeks) (p = 0.001). There was a consistent increase in fist closure strength in both the group treated with botulinum toxin A and the control group, but there was no significant difference between groups. As was expected as a side effect, extension of the third finger was observed to be significantly weakened at two weeks but this complication had completely resolved at eighteen weeks. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that local injection of botulinum toxin A is a beneficial treatment for radial epicondylitis (tennis elbow). The treatment can be performed in an outpatient setting and does not impair the patient's ability to work.
Offre agricole Européenne et changement climatique : une exploration régionale des enjeux liés aux changements d’échelle par la modélisation intégrée

Les systemes agricoles sont intimement lies au changement climatique : ils sont d'une part affectes par la derive de son etat moyen et de sa variabilite, et sont d'autre part des contributeurs nets a l'evolution du climat par l'extension de leur surface et l'intensite de leur gestion. L'evolution du systeme climat-agriculture repose sur nombreux mecanismes qui s'etendent sur une large gamme d'echelles temporelles et spatiales, et sont interdependants. Pour reduire l'incertitude associee a l'evolution de ce systeme et guider les choix collectifs pertinents, il est necessaire d'integrer ces processus sur cette gamme d'echelle temporelle et spatiale. Dans cette these, je me suis interesse aux echelles spatiales allant de la plus petite unite decisionnelle des systemes de production agricole (l'exploitation) a celle de la decision publique concernant ces interactions entre climat et agriculture (echelle nationale a supranationale). Je me suis d'autre part interesse au court terme (quelques annees) et a l'Europe. J'ai poursuivi le developpement d'un outil de modelisation reposant sur le couplage du modele d'offre agricole Europeenne (AROPAj) et du modele generique de culture (STICS), qui permet de prendre en compte les mecanismes adequats a l'echelle du systeme de production, et leurs facteurs d'heterogeneite a l'echelle de l'Europe. Cet outil m'a permis de mettre en valeur le role important a l'echelle Europeenne des mecanismes de court-terme dans la reponse de l'offre agricole au changement climatique. En particulier, la prise en compte des adaptations de court terme des systemes de production agricole modifie la vision habituellement retenue des impacts du changement climatique en Europe. J'ai de plus developpe des methodes alliant agronomie et statistique pour explorer l'heterogeneite du comportement des principales cultures Europeenne sous changement climatique entre regions, especes et scenarios de changement climatique. Enfin, j'ai pu mettre en valeur la faible interaction en premiere analyse entre adaptation au changement climatique et reponse a la mise en place d'une politique reduction des emissions de gaz a effet de serre au niveau des systemes de production agricole.
The Neuropathology of CAG Repeat Diseases: Review and Update of Genetic and Molecular Features

Classification of inherited neurodegenerative diseases is increasingly based on their genetic features, which supplement, clarify, and sometimes replace the older clinical and pathologic schemata. This change has been particularly rapid and impressive for the CAG repeat disorders. In Huntington's disease, X‐linked spinobulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy, and a series of autosomal dominant cerebellar atrophies, genetic advances have resolved many nosologic issues, and opened new avenues for exploration of pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize classic and current concepts in neuropathology of these CAG repeat diseases.
Omni-supervised Facial Expression Recognition via Distilled Data

Facial expression plays an important role in understanding human emotions. Most recently, deep learning based methods have shown promising for facial expression recognition. However, the performance of the current state-of-the-art facial expression recognition (FER) approaches is directly related to the labeled data for training. To solve this issue, prior works employ the pretrain-and-finetune strategy, i.e., utilize a large amount of unlabeled data to pretrain the network and then finetune it by the labeled data. As the labeled data is in a small amount, the final network performance is still restricted. From a different perspective, we propose to perform omni-supervised learning to directly exploit reliable samples in a large amount of unlabeled data for network training. Particularly, a new dataset is firstly constructed using a primitive model trained on a small number of labeled samples to select samples with high confidence scores from a face dataset, i.e., MS-Celeb-1M, based on feature-wise similarity. We experimentally verify that the new dataset created in such an omni-supervised manner can significantly improve the generalization ability of the learned FER model. However, as the number of training samples grows, computational cost and training time increase dramatically. To tackle this, we propose to apply a dataset distillation strategy to compress the created dataset into several informative class-wise images, significantly improving the training efficiency. We have conducted extensive experiments on widely used benchmarks, where consistent performance gains can be achieved under various settings using the proposed framework. More importantly, the distilled dataset has shown its capabilities of boosting the performance of FER with negligible additional computational costs.
Are Adrenal Injuries Predictive of Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients Sustaining Blunt Trauma?

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is an uncommon life-threatening development in trauma patients. The aim of this study was to determine if adrenal injury sustained during blunt trauma is associated with an increased risk of AI. A single-institution retrospective cohort review was performed over a 3-year period on all patients with blunt trauma requiring intensive care admission and mechanical ventilation for longer than 24 hours. Adrenal injuries were identified on admission CT scan. All patients with AI were identified as noted by practice management guidelines. Patients were stratified by Injury Severity Score (ISS) as less than 16, 16 to 25, and greater than 25 and relative risks were calculated. Multiple logistic regression was performed using age, race, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale, ISS, length of hospitalization, and adrenal injury as covariates with AI as the outcome of interest. A secondary analysis was then performed with adrenal injury classified as bilateral versus unilateral or no adrenal injury and relative risks were calculated for ISS strata. A total of 2072 patients were identified with 71 developing AI. Adrenal injuries were noted in 113 patients with eight subsequently developing AI. Multiple logistic regression model (P < 0.01) showed that age (P < 0.01) and increasing ISS (P = 0.02) were predictive of AI. Adrenal injury was not an independent predictor of AI (P = 0.12). After controlling for age and ISS, adrenal injury was not an independent predictor of the development of AI. Adrenal insufficiency should be considered with increasing injury severity and age in the intensive care setting after blunt trauma.