Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
song 2 vec : Determining Song Similarity using Deep Unsupervised Learning

Humans are good at figuring out what similar music sounds like. In doing so, we develop a taste for music that we like. Computers, on the other hand, are less able to understand musical similarity. For example, music recommender systems like Spotify’s Discover Weekly algorithm measure similarity by computing how often songs appear on playlists together rather than using the music itself. For this project, our goal is to use an unsupervised deep learning technique called Adversarially Learned Inference [3] to learn a metric embedding on songs and compare that embedding to several baseline metric embeddings that do not rely on deep learning, such as PCA. In other words, we want to learn a function that generates a lower-dimensional representation of an input song without making use of any labels for those songs. These lower-dimensional representations of songs make determining song similarity trivial and thus have applications to a wide variety of music analysis and recommendation problems.
THE INFLUENCE OF OIL PRICES ON INDONESIA’S EXCHANGE RATE

This study tests for a long-run relation between oil prices and the rupiah–US dollarexchange rate. We discover, first, that the long-run cointegration relation between oilprices and the real exchange rate (RER) is sensitive to different exchange rate regimesin Indonesia. Second, we find a long-run cointegrating relation between oil prices andthe RER over the float exchange rate regime. However, in the managed float period,there is no evidence of a long-run relation between oil prices and the RER. In the longrun, higher oil prices lead to an appreciation of the rupiah against the US dollar in thefloat period (post-August 1997 period). We demonstrate that these results are robust todifferent data frequencies.
MnTBAP Inhibits Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Regulating VEGF and Wnt Signaling

Cellular oxidative stress is implicated not only in lung injury but also in contributing to the development of pulmonary fibrosis. We demonstrate that a cell‐permeable superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic and peroxynitrite scavenger, manganese (III) tetrakis (4‐benzoic acid) porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP) significantly inhibited bleomycin‐induced fibrogenic effects both in vitro and in vivo. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms revealed that MnTBAP targets canonical Wnt and non‐canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathways, both of which were upregulated by bleomycin treatment. The effect of MnTBAP on canonical Wnt signaling was significant in vivo but inconclusive in vitro and the non‐canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway was observed to be the predominant pathway regulated by MnTBAP in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, we show that the inhibitory effects of MnTBAP involve regulation of VEGF which is upstream of the Wnt signaling pathway. Overall, the data show that the superoxide scavenger MnTBAP attenuates bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis by targeting VEGF and Wnt signaling pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 506–516, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved PCR-Based Detection of Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections Using a Next-Generation Sequencing Approach to Assay Design

Background The soil transmitted helminths are a group of parasitic worms responsible for extensive morbidity in many of the world’s most economically depressed locations. With growing emphasis on disease mapping and eradication, the availability of accurate and cost-effective diagnostic measures is of paramount importance to global control and elimination efforts. While real-time PCR-based molecular detection assays have shown great promise, to date, these assays have utilized sub-optimal targets. By performing next-generation sequencing-based repeat analyses, we have identified high copy-number, non-coding DNA sequences from a series of soil transmitted pathogens. We have used these repetitive DNA elements as targets in the development of novel, multi-parallel, PCR-based diagnostic assays. Methodology/Principal Findings Utilizing next-generation sequencing and the Galaxy-based RepeatExplorer web server, we performed repeat DNA analysis on five species of soil transmitted helminths (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis). Employing high copy-number, non-coding repeat DNA sequences as targets, novel real-time PCR assays were designed, and assays were tested against established molecular detection methods. Each assay provided consistent detection of genomic DNA at quantities of 2 fg or less, demonstrated species-specificity, and showed an improved limit of detection over the existing, proven PCR-based assay. Conclusions/Significance The utilization of next-generation sequencing-based repeat DNA analysis methodologies for the identification of molecular diagnostic targets has the ability to improve assay species-specificity and limits of detection. By exploiting such high copy-number repeat sequences, the assays described here will facilitate soil transmitted helminth diagnostic efforts. We recommend similar analyses when designing PCR-based diagnostic tests for the detection of other eukaryotic pathogens.
Acupuncture as a treatment modality for the management of cancer pain: the state of the science.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore the current state of the science regarding acupuncture as a treatment modality for cancer pain. DATA SOURCES PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched, as were Web sites from the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Health's Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program, and the American Cancer Society. DATA SYNTHESIS This article synthesizes nine years of published research on the use of acupuncture as an adjunct treatment for the management of cancer pain. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest a lack of level I evidence regarding the use of acupuncture as a cancer pain treatment modality. The majority of evidence is level III or higher; therefore, causality cannot be inferred. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Future research should focus on level I and level II evidence, controlling for variables to strengthen validity, and addressing sample size to enhance the generalizability of results. Nurses should be knowledgeable about the state of the science evidence available to assist patients in making educated decisions.
Synthesis of the radiation pattern of retrodirective antenna arrays using the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm

This paper presents a study of radiation pattern synthesis for retrodirective arrays for mobile communication services in a scenario using high altitude platforms (HAPs). For this purpose, a dual-band and dual-polarization microstrip antenna array has been designed, whereby the array should receive the signal in one band and resend it in the other operating band. The radiation pattern in the receiving mode has been synthesized with the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, which allowed steering the main beam and controlling the side lobe level. In order to assess the performance for practical implementation, a study on the impact of the magnitude discretization due to the use of digitally controlled variable-gain amplifiers on the radiation properties of the array in receiving mode was carried out. The results show that the performance is slightly affected by limitations on the RF circuitry for practical implementation.
Regulation of Rat Basophilic Leukemia-2H3 Mast Cell Secretion by a Constitutive Lyn Kinase Interaction with the High Affinity IgE Receptor (FcεRI)1

Signaling through the high affinity IgE receptor is initiated by noncovalently associated Lyn kinase, resulting in the secretion of inflammatory mediators from mast cells. A fraction of the total cellular Lyn is associated via its N-terminal unique domain with the cytoplasmic domain of the FcεRI β subunit before receptor aggregation. In the current study, we stably transfected the unique domain of Lyn into rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 mast cells and examined the consequences on FcεRI-induced signal transduction and mediator secretion to further define the role of the unique domain of Lyn in mast cell secretion. Tyrosine phosphorylation of FcεRI β and γ subunits was partially inhibited in the Lyn unique domain transfectants after Ag stimulation. Ag stimulation of Lyn unique domain transfectants was accompanied by enhanced phosphorylation of MEK and ERK-2, which are required for leukotriene C4 (LTC4) release, and production of LTC4 was increased 3- to 5-fold, compared with cells transfected with vector alone. Conversely, tyrosine phosphorylation of the adaptor protein Gab2, which is essential for mast cell degranulation, was inhibited after Ag stimulation of Lyn unique domain transfectants, and Ag-induced release of histamine was inhibited up to 48%. In rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells, Lyn thus plays a dual role by positively regulating FcεRI phosphorylation and degranulation while negatively regulating LTC4 production. This study provides further evidence that the constitutive interaction between the unique domain of Lyn and the FcεRI β subunit is a crucial step in the initiation of FcεRI signaling and that Lyn is limiting for FcεRI-induced secretion of inflammatory mediators.
Expression of hck‐tr, a truncated form of the src‐related tyrosine kinase hck, in bovine spermatozoa and testis

In bull testicular haploid germ cells, an mRNA encoding for hck was detected in addition to another one encoding for hck‐tr, a truncated form of the tyrosine kinase hck. As the transcripts were expressed in spermatids, we tried to determine whether hck‐tr is present in mature bovine spermatozoa. Two polyclonal antibodies were produced against peptides specific to the N‐ and C‐terminal portions of the truncated protein. Western blot analyses confirmed the presence of hck‐tr in total protein extracts of ejaculated bull spermatozoa, and sub‐cellular fractionation experiments suggest its presence in both head and flagellum. The truncated protein appears tightly associated with cytoskeletal elements as it could be extracted only with SDS under reducing conditions. When assessed by indirect immunofluorescence, hck‐tr was mostly localized at the acrosomal area of the sperm cell and a similar localization was observed on demembranated spermatozoa. Immunohistochemical studies on testis sections revealed protein expression in spermatocytes as well as in round and elongating spermatids. The results presented in this study clearly show the presence of mRNAs encoding for hck and hck‐tr in testicular germ cells; hck‐tr being translated during spermatogenesis and expressed on mature ejaculated bull spermatozoa. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 828–837, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Frontal Lobe Score: part I: construction of a mental status of frontal systems

Objective: To develop a bedside mental status examination to assess the behavioural effects of damage to the frontal lobes. Design: A prospective clinical comparison of patients with cerebral lesions of different locations. Subjects: A total of 118 subjects were examined: 27 patients with cerebral lesions confined to the frontal lobes, 25 patients with cerebral lesions without involvement of the frontal lobes, 18 patients with mixed frontal/nonfrontal lesions, and 48 normal control subjects. Measures: Twenty-three mental status tests, clinical examinations and rating scales that had been reported as indicative of frontal lobe function were brought together. By statistical analysis, 12 tests and a neurobehavioural rating scale were selected. These constitute the Frontal Lobe Score (FLS). Results: The FLS detected pure frontal lesions with a sensitivity of 77.7%. It discriminated patients with frontal lesions from normal control subjects with a specificity of 100%. Differentiation from patients with nonfrontal lesions was obtained with a specificity of 84%. Conclusion: The Frontal Lobe Score is a useful screening instrument for the clinical detection of effects of frontal lobe damage.
Functional Characterization of Preadipocytes Derived from Human Periaortic Adipose Tissue

Adipose tissue can affect the metabolic control of the cardiovascular system, and its anatomic location can affect the vascular function differently. In this study, biochemical and phenotypical characteristics of adipose tissue from periaortic fat were evaluated. Periaortic and subcutaneous adipose tissues were obtained from areas surrounding the ascending aorta and sternotomy incision, respectively. Adipose tissues were collected from patients undergoing myocardial revascularization or mitral valve replacement surgery. Morphological studies with hematoxylin/eosin and immunohistochemical assay were performed in situ to quantify adipokine expression. To analyze adipogenic capacity, adipokine expression, and the levels of thermogenic proteins, adipocyte precursor cells were isolated from periaortic and subcutaneous adipose tissues and induced to differentiation. The precursors of adipocytes from the periaortic tissue accumulated less triglycerides than those from the subcutaneous tissue after differentiation and were smaller than those from subcutaneous adipose tissue. The levels of proteins involved in thermogenesis and energy expenditure increased significantly in periaortic adipose tissue. Additionally, the expression levels of adipokines that affect carbohydrate metabolism, such as FGF21, increased significantly in mature adipocytes induced from periaortic adipose tissue. These results demonstrate that precursors of periaortic adipose tissue in humans may affect cardiovascular events and might serve as a target for preventing vascular diseases.
Ongoing Initiatives to Improve the Quality and Efficiency of Medicine Use within the Public Healthcare System in South Africa; A Preliminary Study

Introduction: South Africa has an appreciable burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as high maternal, neonatal, and child morbidity. In recent years there have been significant strides with improving the public health system, and addressing current inequalities, with the right to health a constitutional provision in South Africa. Initiatives include the introduction of National Health Insurance, programmes to enhance access to medicines for patients with chronic diseases, as well as activities to improve care in hospitals, including improving pharmacovigilance. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to review ongoing initiatives within the public healthcare sector in South Africa and their influence to provide future direction. Method: Principally a structured review of current and planned activities. Results: There have been a number of major activities and initiatives surrounding the availability and access to medicines in the public system in recent years in South Africa. This includes a National Surveillance Centre and an innovative early warning system for the supply of medicines as well as the development of a National Health Care Pricing Authority and initiatives to improve contracting. There have also been developments to improve the supply chain including instigating Medicine Procurement Units in the provinces and enhancing forecasting capabilities. Access to medicines is improving though the instigation of stable chronic disease management initiatives to increase the number of external pick-up points for medicines. There are also ongoing programmes to enhance adherence to medicines as well as enhance adherence to the Standard Treatment Guidelines and the Essential Medicines List with their increasing availability. In addition, there is a movement to enhance the role of health technology assessment in future decision making. Hospital initiatives include increased focus on reducing antimicrobial resistance through instigating stewardship programmes as well as improving adverse drug reaction reporting and associated activities. Conclusion: Overall, there are an appreciable number of ongoing activities within the public healthcare system in South Africa attempting to ensure and sustain universal healthcare. It is too early to assess their impact, which will be the subject of future research.
Action planning and congruency effect between articulation and grasping

Some theories concerning speech mechanisms assume that overlapping representations are involved in programming certain articulatory gestures and hand actions. In previous studies we have shown a compatibility effect between pronouncing or hearing meaningless syllables like [ kɑ ] and [ti] and simultaneously performing a power or a precision grip, respectively. The present study investigated whether action selection was necessary for the effect to manifest. The participants were visually presented with a cue for the upcoming manual response. After that, a written syllable "ka" or "ti" was presented at which point the cued grip was performed and the syllable pronounced. There was also a condition, where the grip was cued but only the vocal response was performed. Manual and vocal reaction times were relatively faster when the grip and syllable were compatible (e.g. power & [ kɑ ]) rather than incompatible (e.g. precision & [ kɑ ]). When no grip was performed (only cued), the effect was still apparent in vocal reaction times. These results suggest that preparation of a manual action is sufficient to influence vocalizations, and also that action selection is not, however, mandatory for this kind of syllable-grip correspondence.
Investigation of a matrix sentence test in noise: Reproducibility and discrimination function in cochlear implant patients

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to describe common properties (reproducibility, discrimination function, and its steepness) of matrix tests used for cochlear implant (CI) users and to obtain data for the German-language version matrix test, the Oldenburg sentence test (OLSA), presented in noise. Design: The speech reception thresholds (SRT) in noise were measured by means of an adaptive test procedure, and by measurement at various signal-to-noise ratios to determine the course of the entire discrimination function per subject. Study sample: The measurements were performed on 38 CI users fitted with a Cochlear™ Freedom® or a Cochlear™ Nucleus® 5 CI system. Results: The test–retest reproducibility showed a significant dependence on the SRT in noise. For the better performers, the test-retest difference was found to be smaller, while for the poorer performers the difference increased. For the better performers, the slope of the discrimination function at SRT (s50) was comparable to that for individuals with normal hearing, while for the poorer performers the s50 tended to be significantly reduced. Conclusions: As the CI users differed significantly in their SRT and their s50, a unified discrimination function for CI users must not be used. Further tailoring of the procedure may be required, especially for poorer CI performers.
Adherence to Topical Glaucoma Medication During Hospitalization

PurposeTo describe the patterns and predictors of adherence to topical glaucoma medication during hospitalization for medical disease. DesignRetrospective, nonrandomized, and comparative case-series. MethodsMedical records of all the patients hospitalized with a secondary diagnosis of glaucoma between January 2006 and March 2009 were reviewed. Baseline characteristics of all patients were recorded including sex, ethnicity, age, primary medical diagnosis, and the length of stay. The outpatient topical glaucoma medications known on admission and prescribed at the time of admission were recorded, and the numbers of outpatient and inpatient systemic medications were tracked. Adherence was defined as receiving more than 75% of the expected doses. The patient discharge instructions were also reviewed. ResultsOf the 184 patients included, 98 (53%) were female, 102 (55%) were African-American, and the mean age was 78.3 (±11.7) years old. The most common reason for hospitalization was cardiovascular disease and the median length of stay was 9.5 days. Adherence was achieved in 51.6% of patients. Knowing (P<0.01) and prescribing (P<0.01) the complete outpatient regimen upon admission was associated with adherence. Neither class of topical glaucoma medication nor the number of medications was associated with adherence. Doses were most commonly omitted owing to the failure to prescribe (72.3%). Discharge instructions correctly listed the outpatient regimen 54.3% of the time. ConclusionAdherence to the topical glaucoma medications was suboptimal during hospitalization; this is likely related to the poor reporting of outpatient regimen upon admission. The effect of hospitalization may be a factor to consider in future studies of adherence and when evaluating glaucoma patients after hospitalization.
Exploring young patients’ perspectives on rehabilitation care: methods and challenges of organizing focus groups for children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND In research on quality of care, the experiences of children and (pre)adolescents are usually assessed by asking their parents. However, these young patients may have preferences of their own, and their experiences do not necessarily concur with those of their parents. Therefore, our research aimed to give young patients an opportunity to speak up for themselves. METHODS Focus group meetings and online focus groups were organized for two age groups (8–11 and 12–15 years) of young patients from two Dutch rehabilitation centres, with the use of a tailored interview technique. The feasibility and applicability of both types of focus groups were assessed. RESULTS For both types of focus groups, recruitment proved a major problem. The focus group meetings with (pre)adolescents proved both feasible and applicable in obtaining information regarding the preferences and experiences towards rehabilitation care. Regarding children's meetings, there were mixed results. The setting suited most of them, but some were more anxious. In general, online focus groups were less successful than expected for both age groups. CONCLUSIONS Possibilities for enhancing the recruitment rate should be considered, as the low participation rates limited generalizability of focus group results. The tailored design proved useful for obtaining relevant input from (pre)adolescents through meetings, but, especially for children, repeated meetings or other locations (e.g. at home) could be considered. This may make participants more at ease. For both age groups, the online focus groups proved far less useful, in terms of participation.
Intracellular chloride and calcium transients evoked by gamma-aminobutyric acid and glycine in neurons of the rat inferior colliculus.

Microfluorometric recordings showed that the inhibitory neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine activated transient increases in the intracellular Cl- concentration in neurons of the inferior colliculus (IC) from acutely isolated slices of the rat auditory midbrain. Current recordings in gramicidin-perforated patch mode disclosed that GABA and glycine mainly evoked inward or biphasic currents. These currents were dependent on HCO3- and characterized by a continuous shift of their reversal potential (E(GABA/gly)) in the positive direction. In HCO3- -buffered saline, GABA and glycine could also evoke an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Ca2+ transients occurred only with large depolarizations and were blocked by Cd2+, suggesting an activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. However, in the absence of HCO3-, only a small rise, if any, in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration could be evoked by GABA or glycine. We suggest that the activation of GABAA or glycine receptors results in an acute accumulation of Cl- that is enhanced by the depolarization owing to HCO3- efflux, thus shifting E(GABA/gly) to more positive values. A subsequent activation of these receptors would result in a strenghtened depolarization and an enlarged Ca2+ influx that might play a role in the stabilization of inhibitory synapses in the auditory pathway.