Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discriminative and reconstructive basis training for audio source separation with semi-supervised nonnegative matrix factorization

This paper addresses an audio source separation problem and proposes a new basis training method for semi-supervised nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF). In a conventional semi-supervised NMF, pretrained spectral bases for a target source can represent other undesired interfering sources, which degrade the separation performance. To solve this problem, we propose the training of two types of supervised bases, discriminative and reconstructive, bases for the target source. In the training stage, the discriminative bases are trained to have unique spectral components of the target source to maximize the discrimination ability from the other sources, whereas the reconstructive bases are trained to represent the complete spectra of the target source. The efficacy of the proposed method is confirmed by performing a semi-supervised music source separation.
Reduction of the Ito functional integral associated with two-dimensional non-constant diffusion process with drift to the Wiener type path integral

In the present paper we propose a method of reduction the functional integral with respect to the Ito measure for two-dimensional drift-diffusion process with variable coefficients to the functional integral over the Wiener measure. The Ito measure functional integral represents the fundamental solution of the backward Kolmogorov equation corresponding to the above drift-diffusion process. Such reduction allows finally to deal only with Wiener functional integrals for which there is a unique relationship with path integrals which can be either computed or effectively analyzed. The proposed constructions for two-dimensional drift-diffusion processes in general form are applied to the known models of stochastic volatility options and give in this case a number of new results.
Characterization of Rickettsial Infection in Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract Several species of the spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR), with considerable variation in vertebrate host pathogenicity, are present in ticks in the United States. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to characterize the growth and the distribution of Rickettsia amblyommii in selected tissues (salivary glands, gut, and ovaries) of naturally infected Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae), during bloodmeal acquisition and throughout vertical transmission to eggs and postembryonic life cycle stages (larvae and nymphs). R. amblyommii was identified in the samples at ratios of ≤1 rickettsiae per tick cell. Significant variability in the ratio of rickettsial to tick gene copy numbers between the tissues was identified; however, no single tissue was consistently observed to have the greatest rickettsial burden throughout the feeding event. Furthermore, the ratio of rickettsial to tick gene copy numbers did not significantly differ between eggs, immature ticks, and feeding events. This is the first study to use qPCR to enumerate rickettsial growth and distribution in the tick host during bloodmeal acquisition. Deciphering SFGR tissue distribution and transmission mechanisms is necessary for the development of novel approaches to control tick-borne rickettsial diseases.
National pathfinder survey of dental caries prevalence and treatment needs in The Gambia.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess dental caries status and treatment needs in The Gambia for the purpose of national planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS 1,235 subjects were obtained with a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. Clinical examinations were carried out using the criteria suggested in WHO Basic Methods (WHO 1987). The WHO J2 software programme was used for data analysis. RESULTS More than half of the subjects had caries. Mean DMFT increased from 1.7 in the 7-year-old group to 8.8 in 65-99-year-olds. Mean DT peaked at 5.1 in the 30-34-year-old group before declining to 3.2 among the 65-99-year-olds. Mean filled teeth (FT) was zero in all ages. Missing teeth (MT) increased from 0.1 in 13-year-olds to 5.6 among the 65-99-year group. Mean DMFT was 2.3, 2.8, and 6.6 in 12-year-olds, 15-year-olds and 35-44-year-olds respectively. Unmet treatment need (DT/DMFT) was 90-100% in subjects below 25 years. Need for dental extraction increased from 15% to 63% in 65-99-year-olds. Between 0.3 and 2.8 teeth required extraction, and 46-79% of subjects needed conservative treatment. Dental auxiliaries should be trained to carry out extractions and fillings using the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART).
Molecular Stiffness of Individual Hyperbranched Macromolecules at Solid Surfaces

The elastic properties of dendritic (hyperbranched) molecules with dimensions below 3 nm have been probed with atomic force microscopy (AFM), which allows for the micromapping of the surface stiffness with nanoscale resolution. To anchor dendritic molecules with hydroxyl terminal groups and reduce tip−molecule interactions, a modification of the silicon surface with an amine-terminated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and AFM tips with methyl-terminated SAMs was used. The nanomechanical response was analyzed in the terms of sequential deformation of dendritic molecules and alkyl-silane monolayers. We observed higher elastic modulus of individual dendritic molecules of the fourth generation in comparison with the corresponding third generation (350 vs 190 MPa). This difference is caused by more shape persistent properties of dendritic molecules with denser shells. Higher stiffness was also revealed for molecules within long-chain aggregates as compared to individual molecules and small aggregates. We specula.
Semantic relations in a medical digital library

Describes the Vesalius/sup TM/ project, a multi-modal collection of anatomical resources under development at Columbia University. Our focus is on the need for navigational tools to effectively access the wealth of electronic information on anatomy, including life-like 3D images of anatomical entities that can be interactively viewed and browsed. We describe a key component which must be in place in order to develop a flexible and reusable digital library system, namely an anatomical knowledge base containing a 'nucleus' of anatomical information specifically designed to make it possible to develop a wide spectrum of curriculum applications that use and extend the information in the knowledge base. The unique contribution of our research lies in the dual focus on user needs and on effective use of knowledge representation theory in order to develop a system that makes it possible to take advantage of interactive 3D models and the wealth of other anatomical data that is now available.
'Pseudopalisading' Necrosis in Glioblastoma: A Familiar Morphologic Feature That Links Vascular Pathology, Hypoxia, and Angiogenesis

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant, rapidly progressive astrocytoma that is distinguished pathologically from lower grade tumors by necrosis and microvascular hyperplasia. Necrotic foci are typically surrounded by "pseudopalisading" cells-a configuration that is relatively unique to malignant gliomas and has long been recognized as an ominous prognostic feature. Precise mechanisms that relate morphology to biologic behavior have not been described. Recent investigations have demonstrated that pseudopalisades are severely hypoxic, overexpress hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1), and secrete proangiogenic factors such as VEGF and IL-8. Thus, the microvascular hyperplasia in GBM that provides a new vasculature and promotes peripheral tumor expansion is tightly linked with the emergence of pseudopalisades. Both pathologic observations and experimental evidence have indicated that the development of hypoxia and necrosis within astrocytomas could arise secondary to vaso-occlusion and intravascular thrombosis. This emerging model suggests that pseudopalisades represent a wave of tumor cells actively migrating away from central hypoxia that arises after a vascular insult. Experimental glioma models have shown that endothelial apoptosis, perhaps resulting from angiopoetin-2, initiates vascular pathology, whereas observations in human tumors have clearly demonstrated that intravascular thrombosis develops with high frequency in the transition to GBM. Tissue factor, the main cellular initiator of thrombosis, is dramatically upregulated in response to PTEN loss and hypoxia in human GBM and could promote a prothrombotic environment that precipitates these events. A prothrombotic environment also activates the family of protease activated receptors (PARs) on tumor cells, which are G-protein-coupled and enhance invasive and proangiogenic properties. Vaso-occlusive and prothrombotic mechanisms in GBM could readily explain the presence of pseudopalisading necrosis in tissue sections, the rapid peripheral expansion on neuroimaging, and the dramatic shift to an accelerated rate of clinical progression resulting from hypoxia-induced angiogenesis.
Report on two failed posterior lumbar interbody fusions

Despite X-ray and computed tomography signs of osseous stability after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedures, the examination of two patients after 28 and 24 months respectively, revealed that the cages were wandering and consolidation had not taken place. Revision surgery was required in both cases. Introduction Fusion surgery in the region of the lumbar spine has become standard procedure during the last two decades. One of the most important indications is monosegmental degeneration with instability and stenosis problems [1, 2, 3]. The so-called SICOT Online Report E034 Accepted May 6th, 2003 2 Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) has become the preferred procedure when the dorsal osseous structures of the lumbar spine are weakened by specific decompression. Advantages are the exclusive access from the dorsal direction and the possibility of reaching and stiffening the ventral spine and avoiding the preparatory risks of ventral access [1, 2, 3, 4]. As a rule, two cages are provided for the ventral fusion. Fusion is achieved by axial load. The hollow spaces of the cages are filled with spongy bone, as is the area ventral to and between the cages. In addition, a dorso-lateral fusion is carried out. Two types of material have become accepted, i.e. the titanium implant on the one hand, and the so-called PEEK (polyetheretherketone) implants on the other hand [11,15].
Experimental infection of rhesus monkeys with Colorado tick fever virus.

Since the original isolation of Colorado tick fever (CTF) virus by inoculation of hamsters with human blood,1 several other experimental hosts have been found. The utilization of suckling white mice has provided a useful means for virus isolations,2 and the response of the mouse to infection, clinically and pathologically, has been investigated thoroughly.8 Susceptibility of KB cells from human epidermoid carcinoma, grown in artificial culture, appears comparable to that of suckling mice.4 Some strains of virus have been adapted to adult mice5 and to chick embryos.6 Natural CTF infection occurs in various rodents which are host to immature stages of the tick Dermacentor andersoni, the only known vector of the virus. Infection has been demonstrated7'8 by isolation of virus from blood or by detection of neutralizing antibody. One rodent, the porcupine (Erethizon dorsatus), can also be infected experimentally, either by intraperitoneal inoculation of virus or by bites of infected adult D. andersoni.9 In man, CTF infection results in a characteristic diphasic febrile illness, accompanied by marked leukopenia.810 Viremia persists for at least i6 days after the onset of illness. Although death directly attributable to CTF has occurred,8 it is very rare. The results of experimental infection of rhesus monkeys are reported here. Attention has been given especially to febrile, hematologic, and serologic responses, duration and intensity of viremia, pathologic lesions, and sites of virus proliferation.
Contributions à la modélisation mathématique et numérique de problèmes issus de la biologie - Applications aux Prions et à la maladie d'Alzheimer

L’objectif de cette these est d’etudier, sous divers aspects, le processus de formation d’amyloide a partir de la polymerisation de proteines. Ces phenomenes, aussi bien in vitro que in vivo, posent des questions de modelisation mathematique. Il s’agit ensuite de conduire une analyse des modeles obtenus. Dans la premiere partie nous presentons des travaux effectues en collaboration avec une equipe de biologistes. Deux modeles sont introduits, bases sur la theorie en vigueur du phenomene Prions, que nous ajustons aux conditions experimentales. Ces modeles nous permettent d’analyser les donnees obtenues a partir d’experiences conduites en laboratoire. Cependant celles-ci soulevent certains phenomenes encore inexpliques par la theorie actuelle. Nous proposons donc un autre modele qui corrobore les donnees et donne une nouvelle approche de la formation d’amyloide dans le cas du Prion. Nous terminons cette partie par l’analyse mathematique de ce systeme compose d’une infinite d’equations differentielles. Ce dernier consiste en un couplage entre un systeme de type Becker-Doring et un systeme de polymerisation-fragmentation discrete. La seconde partie s’attache a l’analyse d’un nouveau modele pour la polymerisation de proteines dont la fragmentation est sujette aux variations du fluide environnant. L’idee est de decrire au plus pres les conditions experimentales mais aussi d’introduire de nouvelles quantites macroscopiques mesurables pour l’etude de la polymerisation. Le premier chapitre de cette partie presente une description stochastique du probleme. On y etablit les equations du mouvement des polymeres et des monomeres (de type Langevin) ainsi que le formalisme pour l’etude du probleme limite en grand nombre. Le deuxieme chapitre pose le cadre fonctionnel et l’existence de solutions pour l equation de Fokker-Planck- Smoluchowski decrivant la densite de configuration des polymeres, elle-meme couplee a une equation de diffusion pour les monomeres. Le dernier chapitre propose une methode numerique pour traiter ce probleme. On s’interesse dans la derniere partie a la modelisation de la maladie d’Alzheimer. On construit un modele qui decrit d’une part la formation de plaque amyloide in vivo, et d’autre part les interactions entre les oligomeres d’Aβet la proteine prion qui induiraient la perte de memoire. On mene l’analyse mathematique de ce modele dans un cas particulier puis dans un cas plus general ou le taux de polymerisation est une loi de puissance
The Effect of Internal Mammary Artery Grafts on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes After Coronary Bypass Surgery

Carrie, D; Clayton, TC; Danchin, N; Flather, M; Hamm, CW; Hueb, WA; Kahler, J; Lopes, N; Pocock, SJ; Rodriguez, A; Serruys, P; Sigwart, U; Stables, RH (2011) The effect of internal thoracic artery grafts on long-term clinical outcomes after coronary bypass surgery. The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, 142 (4). pp. 829835. ISSN 0022-5223 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs. 2010.09. 063
Effects of exposure to pesticides during pregnancy on placental maturity and weight of newborns: A cross-sectional pilot study in women from the Chihuahua State, Mexico

It is known that pesticides cross the placental barrier and can cause alterations in the development of placental structures resulting in adverse effects in reproduction. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure during pregnancy on placental maturity and to evaluate the relationship between placental maturity, gestational age and birth weight. We collected the placentas from singleton pregnancies from women exposed (n = 9) and non-exposed (n = 45 full-term and n = 31 preterm) to pesticides as evaluated geographically, by questionnaire and by acetylcholinesterase levels. Placental morphometry from the central and peripheral regions was examined by microscopy and staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The placental maturity index (PMI) was estimated by dividing the number of epithelial plates in terminal villi to their thickness in 1 mm2 of the placental parenchyma. Gestational age, birth weight and the following characteristics of the mother were also recorded: pre-pregnancy body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy and hemoglobin concentrations. Birth weight and the gestational age were correlated with PMI (r = .54 and r = .44, respectively; p < .01). Pesticide exposure was associated with a higher PMI (beta = 7.38, p = .01) after adjusting by variables related to placental maturity. In conclusion, the results suggest a relationship between prenatal exposure to pesticides and placental maturity and may potentially affect the nutrient transport from the mother to the fetus.
Magnetic and optoelectronic properties of gold nanocluster-thiophene assembly.

Nanohybrids consisting of Au nanocluster and polythiophene nanowire assemblies exhibit unique thermal-responsive optical behaviors and charge-transfer controlled magnetic and optoelectronic properties. The ultrasmall Au nanocluster enhanced photoabsorption and conductivity effectively improves the photocurrent of nanohybrid based photovoltaics, leading to an increase of power conversion efficiency by 14 % under AM 1.5 illumination. In addition, nanohybrids exhibit electric field controlled spin resonance and magnetic field sensing behaviors, which open up the potential of charge-transfer complex system where the magnetism and optoelectronics interact.
A research of pavement potholes detection based on three-dimensional projection transformation

In order to detect the three-dimensional cross-section of pavement pothole more effectively, this paper proposes a method which employs optical imaging principle of three-dimensional projection transformation to obtain pictorial information of pothole's cross-section in pothole detection. Multiple digital image processing technologies, including: image preprocessing, binarization, thinning, three-dimensional reconstruction, error analysis and compensation are conducted in the series of image analysis and processing. Experimental results indicate that the method is markedly superior to traditional methods in many aspects. For its simple detection principle, low cost and high efficiency, the method suggests great practical and promoting value.
Recherches de motifs et de similarités en bioinformatique : modélisations, solutions logicielles et matérielles

Ce tutoriel expose certains problemes fondamentaux en algorithmique du texte pour la bioinformatique, leurs solutions actuelles ainsi que quelques perspectives de recherche. Apres une introduction expliquant pourquoi la bioinformatique s'interesse aux sequences de caracteres et d'ou provient le probleme de recherche de motifs, nous presentons de facon progressive differentes modelisations des motifs (partie 2). Un motif peut etre un simple mot ou un ensemble de mots que l'on recherche de maniere exacte ou approchee, par similarites. Plus generalement, on definit un motif comme un langage pouvant se situer a differents niveaux de la hierarchie de Chomsky et formalisable par des structures telles que des grammaires ou des automates. Le tutoriel se poursuit par la presentation des methodes logicielles ou materielles qui resolvent les recherches de motifs selon la modelisation choisie (partie 3). Ces algorithmes s'effectuent avec ou sans pre-traitements du motif ou de la banque de sequences. Quand les motifs deviennent complexes, la recherche par balayage devient la seule solution possible, que cela soit par heuristique ou de maniere exacte. Nous evoquerons aussi les architectures specialisees destinees a traiter de grandes quantites de donnees : ces machines doivent equilibrer puissance de calcul et acces aux donnees.
Argininosuccinate synthase conditions the response to acute and chronic ethanol‐induced liver injury in mice

Argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) is the rate‐limiting enzyme in both the urea and the L‐citrulline/nitric oxide (NO·) cycles regulating protein catabolism, ammonia levels, and NO· generation. Because a proteomics analysis identified ASS and nitric oxide synthase‐2 (NOS2) as coinduced in rat hepatocytes by chronic ethanol consumption, which also occurred in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and in cirrhosis patients, we hypothesized that ASS could play a role in ethanol binge and chronic ethanol‐induced liver damage. To investigate the contribution of ASS to the pathophysiology of ALD, wildtype (WT) and Ass+/− mice (Ass−/− are lethal due to hyperammonemia) were exposed to an ethanol binge or to chronic ethanol drinking. Compared with WT, Ass+/− mice given an ethanol binge exhibited decreased steatosis, lower NOS2 induction, and less 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) protein residues, indicating that reducing nitrosative stress by way of the L‐citrulline/NO· pathway plays a significant role in preventing liver damage. However, chronic ethanol‐treated Ass+/− mice displayed enhanced liver injury compared with WT mice. This was due to hyperammonemia, lower phosphorylated AMP‐activated protein kinase alpha (pAMPKα) to total AMPKα ratio, decreased sirtuin‐1 (Sirt‐1) and peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptor coactivator‐1α (Pgc1α) messenger RNAs (mRNAs), lower fatty acid β‐oxidation due to down‐regulation of carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐II (CPT‐II), decreased antioxidant defense, and elevated lipid peroxidation end‐products in spite of comparable nitrosative stress but likely reduced NOS3. Conclusion: Partial Ass ablation protects only in acute ethanol‐induced liver injury by decreasing nitrosative stress but not in a more chronic scenario where oxidative stress and impaired fatty acid β‐oxidation are key events. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)