Improving Time-Scale Modification of Music Signals Using Harmonic-Percussive Separation

A major problem in time-scale modification (TSM) of music signals is that percussive transients are often perceptually degraded. To prevent this degradation, some TSM approaches try to explicitly identify transients in the input signal and to handle them in a special way. However, such approaches are problematic for two reasons. First, errors in the transient detection have an immediate influence on the final TSM result and, second, a perceptual transparent preservation of transients is by far not a trivial task. In this paper we present a TSM approach that handles transients implicitly by first separating the signal into a harmonic component as well as a percussive component which typically contains the transients. While the harmonic component is modified with a phase vocoder approach using a large frame size, the noise-like percussive component is modified with a simple time-domain overlap-add technique using a short frame size, which preserves the transients to a hig h degree without any explicit transient detection

Notentext-Informierte Quellentrennung für Musiksignale

codedemo: http://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de/resources/2013-ACMMM-AudioDecomp/codedemo: http://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de/resources/2013-ACMMM-AudioDecomp/codedemo: http://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de/resources/2013-ACMMM-AudioDecomp/codedemo: http://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de/resources/2013-ACMMM-AudioDecomp

Score-Informed Audio Decomposition and Applications

codedemo: http://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de/resources/2013-ACMMM-AudioDecomp/codedemo: http://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de/resources/2013-ACMMM-AudioDecomp/codedemo: http://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de/resources/2013-ACMMM-AudioDecomp/codedemo: http://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de/resources/2013-ACMMM-AudioDecomp

Quantification of bioactive compound content in advanced fenugreek lines selected in Alberta: levels of galactomannan

Non-Peer ReviewedFenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) was initially introduced to Alberta as a spice and forage crop. Numerous animal and clinical studies have associated the medicinal properties of the plant with galactomannan, diosgenin and 4-hydroxyisoleucine, the three major bioactive compounds found in fenugreek seed. These bioactive molecules have been demonstrated to regulate plasma cholesterol levels, reduce plasma triglyceride concentrations and stimulate insulin secretion for blood glucose metabolism. Fourteen advanced lines grown satisfactorily in southern Alberta were selected for quantification of these compounds over two harvest seasons. These lines were grown at three locations (Brooks, Bow Island and Lethbridge) in southern Alberta under two growing conditions (rain-fed or irrigated). In this study we report on five different seed lines which possessed a high galactomannan yield during the study; i.e., seed lines F75, L3312, CDC Quatro, F80 and L3308. Seed line F75 was the only line that performed well across all locations and growing conditions. It was observed that seed yield had a greater influence on galactomannan yield compared to seed galactomannan content. This suggests that cultivation of fenugreek plants for neutraceutical purposes should emphasize lines with high seed yield, as galactomannan content does not vary significantly among lines. An understanding of the interaction of bioactive compound content with respective ecotypes will assist in the selection of lines for their economic potential in the functional food and natural health product industry

Familial Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis

Background. Whether or not the familial form of papillary thyroid carcinoma is more aggressive than the sporadic form of the disease remains controversial. Methods. To explore this question and whether or not increased aggressiveness is more apparent in families with multiple affected members, we performed a chi square by trend analysis on our patients clinical and pathologic data comparing: first degree families with three or more affected members versus first degree families with two affected members versus sporadic cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Results. No statistically significant trends were seen for any presenting surgical pathology parameter, age at presentation, length of follow-up or gender distribution. The familial groups exhibited significant trends for higher rates of reoperation (P = 0.05) and/or requiring additional radioactive iodine therapy (P = 0.03), distant metastases (P = 0.003) and deaths (P = 0.01). These aggressive features were most apparent in certain families with three or more affected members. Conclusions. Using the chi square by trend analysis, a significant trend was seen for the familial form of papillary thyroid cancer to possess more aggressive features than the sporadic disease. Prompt recognition of the familial nature of the disease may provide earlier diagnosis and treatment in similarly affected family members

Recombinant Human Thyroid Stimulating Hormone versus Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal for Radioactive Iodine Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer with Nodal Metastatic Disease

Introduction. Recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) is approved for preparation of thyroid remnant ablation with radioactive iodine (RAI) in low risk patients with well differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We studied the safety and efficacy of rhTSH preparation for RAI treatment of thyroid cancer patients with nodal metastatic disease. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 108 patients with histopathologically confirmed nodal metastatic DTC, treated with initial RAI between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007. Within this selected group, 31 and 42 patients were prepared for initial and all subsequent RAI treatments by either thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) or rhTSH protocols and were followed up for at least 3 years. Results. The response to initial treatment, classified as excellent, acceptable, or incomplete, was not different between the rhTSH group (57%, 21%, and 21%, resp.) and the THW group (39%, 13%, and 48%, resp.; P=0.052). There was no significant difference in the final clinical outcome between the groups. The rhTSH group received significantly fewer additional doses of RAI than the THW group (P=0.03). Conclusion. In patients with nodal-positive DTC, preparation for RAI with rhTSH is a safe and efficacious alternative to THW protocol

Mapping as a knowledge translation tool for Ontario Early Years Centres: views from data analysts and managers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Local Ontario Early Years Centres (OEYCs) collect timely and relevant local data, but knowledge translation is needed for the data to be useful. Maps represent an ideal tool to interpret local data. While geographic information system (GIS) technology is available, it is less clear what users require from this technology for evidence-informed program planning. We highlight initial challenges and opportunities encountered in implementing a mapping innovation (software and managerial decision-support) as a knowledge translation strategy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using focus groups, individual interviews and interactive software development events, we taped and transcribed verbatim our interactions with nine OEYCs in Ontario, Canada. Research participants were composed of data analysts and their managers. Deductive analysis of the data was based on the Ottawa Model of Research Use, focusing on the innovation (the mapping tool and maps), the potential adopters, and the environment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Challenges associated with the innovation included preconceived perceptions of a steep learning curve with GIS software. Challenges related to the potential adopters included conflicting ideas about tool integration into the organization and difficulty with map interpretation. Lack of funds, lack of availability of accurate data, and unrealistic reporting requirements represent environmental challenges.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Despite the clear need for mapping software and maps, there remain several challenges to their effective implementation. Some can be modified, while other challenges might require attention at the systemic level. Future research is needed to identify barriers and facilitators related to using mapping software and maps for decision-making by other users, and to subsequently develop mapping best practices guidelines to assist community-based agencies in circumventing some challenges, and support information equity across a region.</p

Successful stabilisation of nephropathy in a patient with POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-band, skin changes) syndrome on treatment with mycophenolate and steroids: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Renal involvement in POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-band, skin changes) syndrome is considered to be an under-diagnosed phenomenon with no clear treatment path. The limited literature suggests steroids to be the drug of choice, although improvements are limited and usually reverse on withdrawal of the drug.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 52-year-old Caucasian woman presenting with features consistent with POEMS syndrome developed progressive renal impairment with proteinuria. Renal biopsy revealed a membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. She was treated with relatively low dose oral mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone which stabilised her nephropathy and neuropathy.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We describe an alternative therapeutic option in patients with this serious but poorly understood condition.</p