Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Tonal Feature and Statistical User Modeling for Query-by-Humming

This paper describes a query-by-humming (QbH) music information retrieval (MIR) system based on a novel tonal feature and statistical modeling. Most QbH-MIR systems use a pitch extraction method in order to obtain tonal features of an input humming. In these systems, pitch extraction errors inevitably occur and degrade the performance of the system. In the proposed system, a cross-correlation function between two logarithmic frequency spectra is calculated as a tonal feature instead of a difference of two successive pitch frequencies, and probabilistic models are prepared for all tone intervals existing in the database. The similarity scores between an input humming and musical pieces in a database are calculated using the probabilistic models. The advantages of this system are that it can obtain more appropriate tonal features than the pitch-based method, and it is also robust against inaccurate humming by the user thanks to its statistical approach. From experimental results, the top-1 retrieval accuracy given by the proposed method was 86.8%, which was more than 10 points higher than the conventional single pitch method. Moreover, several integration methods were applied to the proposed method with several conditions. The majority decision method showed the highest accuracy, and 5% reduction of retrieval error was obtained.
Pulsed carbon dioxide laser, trichloroacetic acid, Baker-Gordon phenol, and dermabrasion: a comparative clinical and histologic study of cutaneous resurfacing in a porcine model.

Recent advancements in carbon dioxide laser technology have allowed the development of microsecond-domain pulses with a high pulse energy (up to 500 mJ), enabling precise and complete tissue vaporization while minimizing residual thermal damage and its potential adverse effects on wound healing. 1 For appropriate clinical application, one should know the depth of vaporization and residual thermal damage after successive laser passes over the same area, the depth of vaporization and residual thermal damage caused by different pulse energies, and how these in turn compare with the depth of tissue removal afforded by currently used resurfacing modalities: dermabrasion, 35% trichloroacetic acid peel, and Baker-Gordon (50%) phenol peel. To evaluate these immediate tissue effects and postoperative wound healing for all of these modalities, a clinical and histologic animal study was performed. Materials and Methods. A grid that delineated 16 treatment sites measuring 3×3 cm was tattooed onto the paravertebral area of
Excreted metabolites of gonadal steroid hormones and corticosterone in greylag geese (Anser anser) from hatching to fledging.

Steroid hormones play major roles in the organization of the phenotype and in the activation of behavior. From hatching to fledging, they are involved in growth, development, and learning. We investigated the relationship between the ontogenetic patterns of steroid hormones and the sexual and social development of greylag goslings (Anser anser). Two groups of individually marked goslings (n = 10/5) were hand-raised under near-field conditions. 17beta-OH-androgen (AM), estrogen (EM), and corticosterone (BM) immunoreactive metabolites were measured noninvasively by enzyme immunoassay of individual fecal samples. Feces were regularly sampled from hatching to fledging. All excreted steroids were found to peak at hatching and to decrease thereafter. Gonadal steroids fluctuated more than BM, which remained at low levels throughout ontogeny after a slow decrease during the first 20 days. The pattern of BM is discussed in relation to learning processes (i.e., filial imprinting) and social stress. It is suggested that high initial BM may constrain energy allocation to growth. AM increased around the age of 20 days, when the feathers start growing, and later, together with EM, at the age of 40 days. These elevated values of gonadal steroids are discussed in relation to the sensitive phase of sexual imprinting. Females show higher EM levels than males throughout ontogeny. Furthermore, the ratio of excreted estrogen to androgen (EM/AM) of females before fledging correlates with the number of hatched and fledged goslings in their first years of reproduction. In conclusion, our data suggest a role for steroid hormones in the modulation of behavioral and morphological development in the precocial greylag geese, in agreement with the organizational-activational hypothesis.
FoxO family members in cancer

The PI3K-Akt-FoxO signaling pathway plays a central role in diverse physiological processes including cellular energy storage, growth, and survival, among others. As an important effector of this pathway, FoxO is involved in versatile activities that protect organisms from stress and aging. Recent studies on mammalian FoxO have established a direct role for this transcription factor family in cellular proliferation, oxidative stress response, and tumorigenesis. The review will focus on the recent developments pertaining to the function of FoxO as well as discuss the various contexts in which FoxO exerts distinct biological activity such as drug resistance and autophagy in cancer pathogenesis and therapy.
A low-cost robot manipulator for education

Over the past few years, the teaching of industrial robotics associated with hands on practice has become an indispensable methodology for the subject. However, a majority of the robots applicable for the undergraduate or graduate levels are very expensive or have a closed hardware and software architecture. This restricts content exploration by the students in order to understand the matters related to robotics. In this article, an educational experience related to robotic education is described. It involves the design and development of an robot manipulator with four degrees of freedom. In addition, the activities in which the students participated during the execution of this work are presented. The robot developed could be an ideal platform for the research and teaching of robotics.
The state of the world's pharmacy: a portrait of the pharmacy profession

Pharmacy is the health profession that has the responsibility for ensuring the safe, effective and rational use of medicines. As such it plays a vital part in the delivery of health care world-wide. However, there remain wide variations in the practice of pharmacy, not only between countries but also within countries. Nevertheless, in recent years there has been significant convergence, driven by a number of key factors. These include World Health Organization declarations concerning the role of pharmacists, changes in the political climate of many countries, and the pursuit by pharmacists themselves of the goals of medicines management and pharmaceutical care. This paper considers the main activities undertaken by pharmacists, describes their education and regulation, and explores the current state of pharmacy around the world.
Horizontal Fixation of the L3 Vertebra With a Tilt of Less Than 5° Can Prevent the Long-Term Curve Progression of Unfused Adult Scoliosis: Ten-Year Follow-up Study of Concave PLIF at the Wedged Disc Below the Caudal End Vertebra

Study Design. Prospective consecutive series. Objective. The objective of this 10-year follow-up study was to assess the efficacy of concave PLIF for lumbosacral hemicurve in treating patients with adult scoliosis. Summary of Background Data. Long-term results and clinical significance of PLIF for allowing L3 vertebra to become horizontal in adult scoliosis have not yet been reported. Methods. Fourteen patients (53–72 yr) were operatively treated and prospectively studied. The surgical procedure was, after decompression of the affected nerve root, to correct the wedged disc below the caudal end vertebra, L3 or L4, which allowed for the end vertebra to become horizontal by way of concave PLIF. The follow-up period was 10 years. Results. Mean visual analogue scale (100 mm) score was 78 before surgery, 20 at 2 years after surgery, and 17 at the final follow-up in leg pain, 67, 25, and 28, respectively, in low back pain, and 13, 7, and 7, respectively, in the disability score (Rolland-Morris). The mean Cobb angles were 24°, 16°, and 17°, respectively, in scoliosis, 17°, 9°, and 10°, respectively, in L3 vertebral tilt, and 21°, 28°, and 26°, respectively, in lumbar lordosis. In 7 patients with postoperative L3 vertebral tilt of less than 5°, the Cobb angle of the unfused main curve improved over time. Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that horizontal fixation of the L3 vertebra can prevent the long-term development of unfused adult scoliosis. Level of Evidence: 4
Analog eigenmode transmission for 2×2 short-range MIMO

This paper proposes an analog eigenmode transmission technique for 2×2 short-range MIMO using only 180-degree hybrid couplers. When a whole short-range MIMO array is configured in line-of-sight and symmetrically with respect to specific reference planes, the channel matrix in the system also becomes symmetrical. Then, the channel matrix is diagonalized by connecting 180-degree hybrid couplers to both Tx and Rx arrays, that is, eigenmode transmission is realized by analog beam-forming. Experimental results show that this proposed method can orthogonalize channels regardless of the array configuration, such as type of antennas, antenna spacing and Tx-Rx distance as long as the symmetry of system configuration is assured.
BsrG/SR4 from Bacillus subtilis– the first temperature‐dependent type I toxin–antitoxin system

Here, we describe bsrG/SR4, a novel type I toxin–antitoxin system from the SPβ prophage region of the Bacillus subtilis chromosome. The 294‐nucleotide bsrG RNA encodes a 38‐amino‐acid toxin, whereas SR4 is a 180‐nucleotide antisense RNA that acts as the antitoxin. Both genes overlap by 123 nucleotides. BsrG expression increases at the onset of stationary phase. The sr4 promoter is 6‐ to 10‐fold stronger than the bsrG promoter. Deletion of sr4 stabilizes bsrG mRNA and causes cell lysis on agar plates, which is due to the BsrG peptide and not the bsrG mRNA. SR4 overexpression could compensate cell lysis caused by overexpression of bsrG. SR4 interacts with the 3′ UTR of bsrG RNA, thereby promoting its degradation. RNase III cleaves the bsrG RNA/SR4 duplex at position 185 of bsrG RNA, but is not essential for the function of the toxin–antitoxin system. Endoribonuclease Y and 3′‐5′ exoribonuclease R participate in the degradation of both bsrG RNA and SR4, whereas PnpA processes three SR4 precursors to the mature RNA. A heat shock at 48°C results in faster degradation and, therefore, significantly decreased amounts of bsrG RNA.
binding of the regulatory domains of the Na + /Ca 2 + exchanger

Intracellular Ca 2 + regulates the activity of the NCX (Na + /Ca 2 + exchanger) through binding to the cytosolic CBD (Ca 2 + -binding domain) 1 and CBD2. In vitro studies of the structure and dynamics of CBD1 and CBD2, as well as studies of their kinetics and thermodynamics of Ca 2 + binding, greatly enhanced our understanding of NCX regulation. We describe the fold of the CBDs in relation to other known structures and review Ca 2 + binding of the different CBD variants from a structural perspective. We also report on new findings concerning Mg 2 + binding to the CBDs and finally we discuss recent results on CBD1–CBD2 interdomain interactions.
Is a long-term high-intensity exercise program effective and safe in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Results of a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE There are insufficient data on the effects of long-term intensive exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We undertook this randomized, controlled, multicenter trial to compare the effectiveness and safety of a 2-year intensive exercise program (Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients In Training [RAPIT]) with those of physical therapy (termed usual care [UC]). METHODS Three hundred nine RA patients were assigned to either the RAPIT program or UC. The primary end points were functional ability (assessed by the McMaster Toronto Arthritis [MACTAR] Patient Preference Disability Questionnaire and the Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]) and the effects on radiographic progression in large joints. Secondary end points concerned emotional status and disease activity. RESULTS After 2 years, participants in the RAPIT program showed greater improvement in functional ability than participants in UC. The mean difference in change of the MACTAR Questionnaire score was 2.6 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.1, 5.2) over the first year and 3.1 (95% CI 0.7, 5.5) over the second year. After 2 years, the mean difference in change of the HAQ score was -0.09 (95% CI -0.18, -0.01). The median radiographic damage of the large joints did not increase in either group. In both groups, participants with considerable baseline damage showed slightly more progression in damage, and this was more obvious in the RAPIT group. The RAPIT program proved to be effective in improving emotional status. No detrimental effects on disease activity were found. CONCLUSION A long-term high-intensity exercise program is more effective than UC in improving functional ability of RA patients. Intensive exercise does not increase radiographic damage of the large joints, except possibly in patients with considerable baseline damage of the large joints.
Enhancement of cardioplegic protection with the free-radical scavenger peroxidase.

This study assesses the ability of the free-radical scavenger peroxidase to enhance cardioplegic protection when given during or before myocardial ischemia. Forty-four isolated isovolumetric buffer-perfused rat hearts were studied. In a first series of experiments that consisted of three groups, hearts were subjected to 90 min of normothermic global ischemia followed by 45 min of reperfusion. One group received a crystalloid cardioplegic solution given as a single dose at the onset of arrest. A second group received cardioplegic solution supplemented with superoxide dismutase (200,000 U/liter), and a third group received cardioplegic solution supplemented with peroxidase (6000 U/liter). Based on comparisons of postreperfusion coronary flow, left ventricular developed pressure, maximum dP/dt, and diastolic pressure, we found that the best protection was provided by peroxidase-enriched cardioplegia. A second series of experiments was then undertaken to assess the effects of the latter enzyme given as a pretreatment. Hearts were subjected to 3 hr of global ischemia, during which myocardial protection was provided by hypothermia (15 degrees C) along with multidose cardioplegia. The treatment group was given peroxidase (10,000 U/liter) added to the perfusate fluid for 15 min before the onset of cardioplegic arrest without further enzyme supplementation during ischemia or reperfusion. Hearts perfused with standard buffer for an equal period of time served as controls. While the two groups demonstrated the same degree of postischemic increase in myocardial stiffness, peroxidase-pretreated hearts had a significantly better recovery of contractile indexes at 30 and 45 min of reflow. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Molecular abnormalities in lung cancer.

PURPOSE To review several recently described molecular abnormalities in lung cancer and discuss their potential diagnostic and therapeutic relevance. DESIGN Articles were identified through a Medline search (1966 to 1997) and studies, including reviews, were cited in the references. RESULTS Molecular mechanisms altered in lung cancer include induced expression of oncogenes, such as RAS, MYC, c-erbB-2, and BCL-2, and loss of tumor-suppressor genes, such as RB, p53, and p16INK4A. RAS is a 21-kd G protein and up to 30% of adenocarcinomas show mutations in K-RAS oncogene. MYC encodes a transcriptional activator and amplification may adversely affect survival in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The growth factor receptor c-erbB-2 is overexpressed in up to 25% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. BCL-2, a negative regulator of apoptosis, is expressed differently in some NSCLCs. Abnormalities of RB, a key regulator of cell cycle, are detected in greater than 90% of SCLCs. There is an inverse relationship in lung cancer cells between expression of RB and p16INK4A, an upstream regulator of RB. Mutations of p53, with frequencies up to 50% in NSCLC and 80% in SCLC, can lead to loss of tumor-suppressor function, cellular proliferation, and inhibition of apoptosis. The identified molecular abnormalities in lung cancer are currently used to develop diagnostics for detecting early disease, as well as to identify targets for gene therapy. CONCLUSION Genetic abnormalities involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer are rapidly being delineated. Understanding molecular abnormalities in lung cancer could potentially lead to earlier diagnosis and the development of novel investigational approaches to the treatment of lung cancer.
Quantum lens for atomic waves.

We consider the focusing and deflection of a nonresonant atomic beam propagating through a spatially inhomogeneous quantized electromagnetic field. Different Fock states of the field deflect the atoms in different angles and focus them at different points. We find a regime in which individual foci corresponding to neighboring Fock states can be reoslved even for large average number of photons. In this sense this quantum lens for atomic waves leaves intact the discreteness of the photons even in the classical limit.
Expression of the high-affinity purine nucleobase transporter in mutant mouse S49 cells does not require a functional wild-type nucleoside-nucleobase transporter

A novel type of somatic mutation that causes the expression of a high-affinity purine base permease (B. Aronow, D. Toll, J. Patrick, P. Hollingsworth, K. McCartan, and B. Ullmann, Mol. Cell Biol. 6:2957-2962, 1986) has been inserted into nucleoside transport-deficient S49 cells. Two classes of mutants expressing this nucleobase permease were generated. The first, as exemplified by the AE1HADPAB2 cell line, possessed an augmented capacity to transport low concentrations of the three purine bases, hypoxanthine, guanine, and adenine. The second class of mutants, as typified by the AE1HADPAB5 clone, possessed an augmented capability to translocate low levels of hypoxanthine and guanine, but not adenine. Neither the AE1HADPAB2 nor the AE1HADPAB5 cells could transport nucleosides, suggesting that the expression of the high-affinity base transporter did not reverse the mutation in the nucleoside transport system. The transport of purine bases by both AE1HADPAB2 and AE1HADPAB5 cells was much less sensitive than that by wild-type cells to inhibition by dipyridamole, 4-nitrobenzylthionosine, and N-ethylmaleimide, potent inhibitors of nucleoside and nucleobase transport in wild-type S49 cells. Fusion of the AE1HADPAB2 and AE1HADPAB5 cell lines with wild-type cells indicated that the expression of the high-affinity base transporter behaved in a dominant fashion, while the nucleoside transport deficiency was a recessive trait. These data suggest that the high-affinity purine base transporter of mutant cells and the nucleoside transport function of wild-type cells are products of different genes and that expression of the former probably requires the unmasking or alteration of a specific genetic locus that is silent or different in wild-type cells.
Oestrogen influence on myogenic satellite cells following downhill running in male rats: a preliminary study.

AIM This study examined the effect of oestrogen supplementation in rats on myogenic satellite cell quantities in type I and II muscles following eccentric exercise. METHODS Gonad intact adult male rats divided into four groups, oestrogen supplemented (25 mg oestrogen pellet) control (EC), oestrogen supplemented, exercised (EE), sham (no oestrogen) control (SC) and sham, exercised (SE). After 1 week of oestrogen exposure the EE and SE animals performed 90 min of intermittent downhill running (5 min running/2 min rest @-13.5 degrees incline and 17 m min(-1) speed). Seventy-two hours later exercised (EE and SE) and control (EC and SC) animals were killed and blood samples taken and soleus and white (superficial) vastus muscles surgically removed. Histochemical sections of soleus and white vastus muscles were examined for myogenic satellite cell content by use of Pax7 antibody and for neutrophil content by use of haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining procedures. RESULTS Downhill running resulted in significant elevations in satellite cells and neutrophils detected in both soleus and white vastus muscle samples (P < 0.01). Interestingly, oestrogen supplementation resulted in significantly greater (P < 0.01) post-exercise elevations in satellite cells detected in both soleus and white vastus muscle samples compared with sham (no oestrogen) rats. Increases in neutrophils were significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated in oestrogen supplemented rats relative to sham in soleus but not in white vastus muscles. CONCLUSIONS Oestrogen supplementation in male rats may have accentuated the 72 h post-downhill running increase in Pax7 detected myogenic satellite cell number in both soleus and white vastus muscles relative to unsupplemented rats. The mechanisms and physiological consequences of this effect are yet to be determined.
Practical Intelligent Support for Rule Discovery in Fault Management Systems

Global telecommunication systems have built-in redundancy to ensure robustness. Unfortunately, this means that each fault that occurs can trigger a cascade of alarm events as individual parts of the system discover and report failure. It is then difficult to locate the origin of the fault. One contribution to effective fault management is through practical intelligent assistance. The general goal is to find a rich set of strategies and rules to help locate faults from alarm event data. This paper presents a three-tier rule discovery framework that combines computer-assisted human discovery with human-assisted computer discovery techniques. The approach is illustrated with a small experimental case study performed on a test high-speed network at Nortel Networks.
Histologic and Ultrastructural Alterations in Lungs of Rats Exposed to Sub-lethal Concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide

Fischer-344 rats were killed 1, 18, and 42 hr after a single 4-hr exposure to an atmosphere of 0, 116, or 615 mg m-3 of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Lungs, fixed by the intratracheal route, were examined by light and electron microscopy. Histologic changes were transient and mainly present in rats exposed to 615 mg m-3 H2S. Lesions included severe but transitory pulmonary edema and fibrinocellular alveolitis which was restricted to the proximal alveolar region of the lung. Electron microscopically, ciliated bronchiolar cells were the only cells that developed necrosis; they were rapidly replaced by mitosis. Alveolar endothelium had cytoplasmic blebs, but alveolar epithelium had minor changes. No mast cell degranulation was detected in lungs with edema. A 4-hr exposure to 615 mg m-3 is markedly edematogenic for the lung but only moderately cytotoxic for pulmonary cells.
An Update of Cancer Incidence in the Agricultural Health Study

Objective: Our objective is to reevaluate cancer incidence among Agricultural Health Study participants. Methods: Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and relative standardized ratios were calculated. Results: A significant excess of prostate cancer was seen for private and commercial applicators (SIR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.14, 1.25 and SIR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.61, respectively). Excesses were observed for lip cancer (SIR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.02, 3.44) and multiple myeloma (SIR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.95) among private applicators from North Carolina and for marginal zone lymphoma among Iowa spouses (SIR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.21, 4.09). Conclusions: Although lower rates of smoking and increased physical activity probably contribute to the lower overall cancer incidence, agricultural exposures including pesticides, viruses, bacteria, sunlight, and other chemicals may increase risks for specific cancer sites.