Bulletin of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (BCSEE)
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A Study of Vocal Technique Through the Development of Four Advanced Études for Jazz and Contemporary Vocalists
No full textThe étude, or study as it is sometimes called, is a short work intended to focus on one or more technical or musical facets of performance. In some cases, these compositions also demonstrate the aesthetic of the composer. Though present in many instrumental and vocal teaching studios, the étude was particularly popular with pianists, voice teachers, and composers in the 18th and 19th centuries. It has since been largely underutilized by jazz and contemporary applied voice teachers. Private instructors in jazz and contemporary styles often favor exercises to develop technique and repertoire to cultivate improvisation and style. When employed alongside technical exercises and repertoire assignments, études can present a number of unique educational advantages. Advantages of the étude include varied opportunities for practical application of skills, distinctive and engaging technical challenges, creative artistic expression, and clear progressive organization based on technical concept or level of musicality. The purpose of this study is to explore these potential benefits and endeavor to enhance current jazz and contemporary vocal pedagogy with the addition of new études specific to these styles. The original études generated by this study represent the beginning of a long-term project.This document includes four original advanced vocal études that serve as both technical studies and examples of the author’s songwriting style. These new études have been composed with the intention of providing opportunity for performance and technical growth. Each étude’s technical content and form have been developed via three primary components. First, a survey of the history of études has been completed, with a focus on classical, jazz, and contemporary études popular among voice teachers. Second, in order to better define the technical aspects of singing and categorize each étude, commonly used vocal pedagogical resources have been referenced. Third, a survey of select collegiate voice teachers has been conducted to guide the scope and hierarchy of technical and musical concerns included in this study.</p
Information-Based Subsampling
No full textAs massive quantities of data are produced in all fields, subsampling has caught many researchers’ attention because its application could ensure people obtain useful information and knowledge more efficiently and effectively. Subsampling saves the computational resources without losing important information and is also quite essential for extraordinary large datasets due to computational limitations. Various methods are developed in this area, including supervised and unsupervised techniques. Supervised methods integrate information by sampling data from regions most crucial for modeling the desired input-output relationship, while the unsupervised methods make the best use of the design matrix. This work focuses on the unsupervised subsampling techniques to tackle the more general case where the response variable is not available. We developed a novel information-based subsampling method that uses the D-optimality criteria for information-based subsampling. This method can minimize the estimation error and prediction error in the linear regression setting, and D-optimality criteria have various applications in the design of experiments. Starting with information-based sub-data selection (IBOSS), it is superior to subsampling-based methods, sometimes by orders of magnitude (Wang et al., 2018). We first propose the principal component IBOSS to improve the IBOSS method by handling the correlation structures in real data applications. Then, we focus on the D-optimality maximization problem and find multiple ways to achieve it. First, observe that the D-optimality subsampling problem can be cast into a determinant maximization problem which can be solved using the Lagrange multiplier and interior-point methods. Second, we find the upper bound of the information and propose several different algorithms to achieve D-optimality. Further, we show the benefit of prescreening procedure before subsampling when data contain noise. </p
Atmospheric Blocking: Sensitivity in Analysis, Relationship with the North Atlantic Oscillation, and Bias in CESM
No full textThe quasi-stationary, large-scale, persistent weather phenomena known as atmospheric blocking is the focus of this work. Blocks represent a meridional reversal of midlatitude flow with a high-pressure system shifted north and the jet stream split around it. This shift of the storm track, accompanied with blocking size and persistence, often lead to prolonged weather extremes. With the impacts of human and natural systems at large, not only is the need to better understand blocking mechanisms important, but also the need to better predict them. However, climate models are notorious for poor representation of atmospheric blocking even with recent generations and improvements (Davini and D’Andrea, 2020).Here, blocking representation in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) is dissected by leveraging an in-depth evaluation on the sensitivity and usefulness of blocking analysis tools and the relationship of blocking to a leading mode of variability, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Two blocking detection methods were applied, compared, and contrasted on how useful they are in blocking analysis. From this, a comprehensive 40-year Northern Hemisphere climatology of blocking frequency across all seasons was developed using ERA5 reanalysis. One of the detection methods, the PV-θ index, has a complimentary direction of breaking (DB) index (Masato et al., 2012, 2011) allowing for blocking events to be classified as the type of Rossby wave breaking driving their formation. Consideration of classification as cyclonic and anticyclonic, season, and additionally, breakdown of analysis into North Atlantic subregion allowed for a better representation of blocking impacts to highly populated areas such as Europe. It also led to insight on jet stream dynamics influencing blocking formation over various locations. Overall, it was largely found that different indices will lead to varying results of the same blocking analysis.</p
Health Reference Intervals for Common Bottlenose Dolphins
No full textThis study involved the comprehensive analysis of clinical pathology data for hematology, serum, and plasma biochemistry reference intervals for healthy common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting open water systems to expand the available hematological serum and biochemical reference values. Data included blood samples previously collected on fasted animals via dorsal or ventral venipuncture using a voluntary fluke present behavior and tested at Cornell University. The retrospective data analysis resulted in reference ranges for healthy adult bottlenose dolphin populations housed in open ocean water systems and may be used to provide baselines for comparison among managed care and wild populations. Blood values were also compared by sex, season, and the interaction between sex and season to determine any effect on various clinicopathologic variables. Sex, season, and the interaction between sex and season were important determinants of many blood variables. A total of 16 parameters were chosen for the study population, including: Hematocrit, Red Blood Cell Count, White Blood Cell Count, Total Protein, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Glucose, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Gamma-glutamyltransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Total Bilirubin, and Fibrinogen. A total of 518 blood samples were obtained, across 16 years, from 12 resident dolphins of differing ages and sex. Significant sex differences were observed for Total Bilirubin, Glucose, Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium. Mean White Blood Cell Count was significantly lower in summer, compared to winter and fall. Mean Total Bilirubin values were significantly higher in fall, whereas mean Sodium and Chloride were significantly lower. The winter season was associated with a significant increase in Alkaline Phosphatase and Phosphorus values. The interaction between sex and season were significant for Aspartate Aminotransferase, Gamma- glutamyltransferase and Total Protein. These findings provide important baseline information for future health monitoring efforts in both wild and managed care populations
Importance of IGF-I levels in IVF: potential relevance for growth hormone (GH) supplementation
No full textPurpose Growth hormone (GH) supplementation in association with in vitro fertilization (IVF) is worldwide again increasing, even though study outcomes have been discrepant. Since GH acts via insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), its utilization in IVF would only seem to make sense with low IGF-1. We, therefore, determined whether IGF-I levels affect IVF outcomes.
Methods Retrospectively, 302 consecutive first fresh, non-donor IVF cycles were studied, excluding patients on GH supplementation. Patients were divided into 3 subgroups: IGF-1 in lower 25th percentile (group A, 202 ng/mL, n = 74). IGF-1 was tested immunochemiluminometric with normal range at 78-270 ng/mL. Because of the study patients' adverse selection and low pregnancy chances, the main outcome measure for the study was cycle cancellation. Secondary outcomes were oocyte numbers, embryos transferred, pregnancies, and live births.
Results Group A was significantly older than B and C (P = 0.019). IGF-1 decreased with increasing age per year by 2.2 +/- 0.65 ng/mL (P = 0.0007). FSH was best in group B and worst in A (trend, P = 0.085); AMH was best in B and worst in A (N.S.). Cycle cancellations were lowest in C (11.6%) and highest in A (25.0%; P = 0.042). This significance further improved with age adjustment (P = 0.021). Oocytes, embryo numbers, pregnancies, and live birth rates did not differ, though oocyte numbers trended highest in B.
Conclusions Here presented results support the hypothesis that IGF-1 levels affect IVF outcomes. GH treatments, therefore, may be effective only with low IGF-1
Chapter 3 - Diagnosis and treatment of metastatic prostate cancer: the role of imaging, liquid biopsies, and biomarkers for deciphering tumor heterogeneity
No full textDetermining the optimal treatment strategy for individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) can be challenging given tumor heterogeneity and a diverse, prolonged natural history. Although PCa is the most common noncutaneous cancer in American men, there is no universally agreed-upon strategy for its diagnosis and management. Physicians must be cautious of overtreatment of men with low-risk disease, but avoid undertreatment in those with high-risk disease. The majority of PCa deaths is due to metastatic disease. Eventually, all patients with metastatic disease develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), which has a very high mortality rate. Several new drugs have been developed to treat mCRPC, but this has also further complicated clinical decision-making. Research efforts are now focused on the timing, sequencing, and combinations of these novel agents. In this chapter, we review the various PCa treatments and discuss technologies that can help guide treatment decisions tailored to the individual needs of PCa patients. Risk stratification methods that incorporate genomic information, improved imaging and biopsy technology, and next-generation sequencing tools are facilitating precision-guided, personalized care
Uncommon Benign Neoplasms and Pseudotumors of the Liver
No full textContext.—
The most common benign hepatic mass-forming lesions often display fairly specific imaging characteristics, whereas less familiar, rarer benign neoplasms and pseudotumors may pose a diagnostic challenge in clinical, radiology, and pathology practice because of either their rarity or their unusual features.
Objective.—
To review a selection of pseudotumors and unusual benign hepatic neoplasms encountered in consultation practices with a focus on nonepithelial tumors.
Data Sources.—
Sources include English-language literature and personal experiences.
Conclusions.—
Several benign conditions (namely, segmental atrophy, infections, immunoglobulin G4 [IgG4]–related sclerosing disease, angiomyolipoma, mesenchymal hamartoma, and various vascular lesions) can lead to formation of hepatic masses. Because of their rarity and underrecognition, such lesions are often diagnostically challenging. Awareness of hepatic pseudotumors and various rare hepatic neoplasms and their potential mimics can forestall misdiagnosis and inappropriate management
Pan-cancer association between increased iron utilization and poor prognosis highlights potential of transferrin receptor-targeting therapies in multiple tumor types
No full text3120 Background: The cell-surface transferrin receptor TFR1 imports iron-bound transferrin into cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Tumors require constitutive iron import to drive proliferation, and several studies establish TFR1 as a target able to facilitate intracellular delivery of cytotoxic therapeutic molecules. Our own work previously revealed association between high expression of TFRC, the gene encoding TFR1, and high risk for poor outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We showed therapetuic targeting of TFR1 in DLBCL results in significant anti-tumor benefit. Systematic analysis of TFRC expression as a prognostic marker across tumor types, however, has not been investigated. Methods: Tissue samples underwent comprehensive molecular profiling at Caris Life Sciences. Analyses included next generation sequencing of DNA (592 Gene Panel, NextSeq, or whole exome sequencing, NovaSeq), RNA (NovaSeq, whole transcriptome sequencing, WTS) and immunohistochemistry. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from date of tissue collection to last contact from insurance claims data and employed Kaplan-Meier analysis by Wilcoxon statistics, with p < 0.05 defined as significant. Results: Amongst 47 cancer types included, colorectal cancer (CRC) displayed the highest level of TFRC mRNA, followed by gastric cancer. In an all-tumor cohort (n = 93248), patients with higher TFRC expression (cutoff = median) had significantly worse OS (HR = 1.348, 95% CI [1.317-1.38], p < 0.00001). This was statistically significant in 23 individual tumor types. Drilling down further, TFRC adverse prognostic value was mainly driven by cohorts with larger number of samples in the database, including non-small cell lung cancer (n = 17309), CRC (n = 12860), breast cancer (n = 8632), ovarian carcinoma (n = 7998), uterine neoplasms (n = 6097), prostate adenocarcinoma (n = 3411), glioblastoma (n = 2821), gastric cancer (n = 1579), and others. Surprisingly, TFRC overexpression correlated with improved outcome in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC, n = 297). TFRC was found to be most prognostic in prostate adenocarcinoma with median OS 1139 days in pts with high vs 3230 days in pts with low TFRC (HR = 2.556, 95% CI [2.213-2.951], p < 0.00001). Conclusions: Our study is the first to combine modern molecular profiling with a large cohort of clinical tissue samples to reveal a prognostic role for TFRC expression in a variety of solid tumor types. We found TFRC overexpression to be prognostic in a large proportion of histologies, though surprisingly association with improved OS in VSCC. Highest expression occured in CRC and gastric cancer, diseases with needs for new therapies. A number of TFR1-targeting therapeutics are currently at various stages of development, and warrant further investigation in disease cohorts identified from our study
From Empowerment to Community Power in Participatory Budgeting
No full textThis paper examines the issue of empowerment in participatory budgeting (PB). We position empowerment as part of the generally agreed theory of change in PB yet acknowledge the limits of an individual construction of empowerment that neglect sufficient attention to dynamic relations of power in participatory spaces and surrounding social contexts. Using the three forms of power theorized by Lukes (1974) and Gaventa (1980), we examine the ways in which these forms of power constrain individual and collective agency and transformative outcomes in participatory projects. We shift the gaze from empowerment to the concept of community power to suggest that getting beyond small adjustments to local services and resource allocations to substantive changes in relations of power may depend on ordinary citizens coming together in sites of radical possibility to define themselves, deliberate, and then act