Statistical modeling of bowing control applied to violin sound synthesis

Excitation-continuous music instrument control patterns are often not explicitly represented in current sound synthesis techniques when applied to automatic performance. Both physical model-based and sample-based synthesis paradigmswould benefit from a flexible and accurate instrument control model, enabling the improvement of naturalness and realism. Wepresent a framework for modeling bowing control parameters inviolin performance. Nearly non-intrusive sensing techniques allow for accurate acquisition of relevant timbre-related bowing control parameter signals.We model the temporal contour of bow velocity, bow pressing force, and bow-bridge distance as sequences of short Bézier cubic curve segments. Considering different articulations, dynamics, and performance contexts, a number of note classes are defined. Contours of bowing parameters in a performance database are analyzed at note-level by following a predefined grammar that dictates characteristics of curve segment sequences for each of the classes in consideration. As a result, contour analysis of bowing parameters of each note yields an optimal representation vector that is sufficient for reconstructing original contours with significant fidelity. From the resulting representation vectors, we construct a statistical model based on Gaussian mixtures suitable for both the analysis and synthesis of bowing parameter contours. By using the estimated models, synthetic contours can be generated through a bow planning algorithm able to reproduce possible constraints caused by the finite length of the bow. Rendered contours are successfully used in two preliminary synthesis frameworks: digital waveguide-based bowed stringphysical modeling and sample-based spectral-domain synthesis.

Parametric Approach to Blind Deconvolution of Nonlinear Channels

A parametric procedure for the blind inversion of nonlinear channels is proposed, based on a recent method of blind source separation in nonlinear mixtures. Experiments show that the proposed algorithms perform efficiently, even in the presence of hard distortion. The method, based on the minimization of the output mutual information, needs the knowledge of log-derivative of input distribution (the so-called score function). Each algorithm consists of three adaptive blocks: one devoted to adaptive estimation of the score function, and two other blocks estimating the inverses of the linear and nonlinear parts of the channel, (quasi-)optimally adapted using the estimated score functions. This paper is mainly concerned by the nonlinear part, for which we propose two parametric models, the first based on a polynomial model and the second on a neural network, while [14, 15] proposed non-parametric approaches.

Quasi-Nonparametric Blind Inversion of Wiener Systems

An e cient procedure for the blind inversion of a nonlinear Wiener system is proposed. We proved that the problem can be expressed as a problem of blind source separation in nonlinear mixtures, for which a solution has been recently proposed. Based on a quasi-nonparametric relative gradient descent, the proposed algorithm can perform e ciently even in the presence of hard distortions.

A Fast Gradient Approximation for Nonlinear Blind Signal Processing

When dealing with nonlinear blind processing algorithms (deconvolution or post-nonlinear source separation), complex mathematical estimations must be done giving as a result very slow algorithms. This is the case, for example, in speech processing, spike signals deconvolution or microarray data analysis. In this paper, we propose a simple method to reduce computational time for the inversion of Wiener systems or the separation of post-nonlinear mixtures, by using a linear approximation in a minimum mutual information algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that linear spline interpolation is fast and accurate, obtaining very good results (similar to those obtained without approximation) while computational time is dramatically decreased. On the other hand, cubic spline interpolation also obtains similar good results, but due to its intrinsic complexity, the global algorithm is much more slow and hence not useful for our purpose.

Initialisation of Nonlinearities for PNL and Wiener systems Inversion

This paper proposes a very fast method for blindly initial- izing a nonlinear mapping which transforms a sum of random variables. The method provides a surprisingly good approximation even when the basic assumption is not fully satis¯ed. The method can been used success- fully for initializing nonlinearity in post-nonlinear mixtures or in Wiener system inversion, for improving algorithm speed and convergence.

Blind Inversion of Wiener Systems

A system in which a linear dynamic part is followed by a non linear memoryless distortion a Wiener system is blindly inverted This kind of systems can be modelised as a postnonlinear mixture and using some results about these mixtures an e cient algorithm is proposed Results in a hard situation are presented and illustrate the e ciency of this algorithm

Statistical modeling of violin bowing parameter contours

We present a framework for modeling right-hand gestures in bowed-string instrument playing, applied to violin. Nearly non-intrusive sensing techniques allow for accurate acquisition of relevant timbre-related bowing gesture parameter cues. We model the temporal contour of bow transversal velocity, bow pressing force, and bow-bridge distance as sequences of short segments, in particular B´ezier cubic curve segments. Considering different articulations, dynamics, andcontexts, a number of note classes is defined. Gesture parameter contours of a performance database are analyzed at note-level by following a predefined grammar that dictatescharacteristics of curve segment sequences for each of the classes into consideration. Based on dynamic programming, gesture parameter contour analysis provides an optimal curve parameter vector for each note. The informationpresent in such parameter vector is enough for reconstructing original gesture parameter contours with significant fidelity. From the resulting representation vectors, weconstruct a statistical model based on Gaussian mixtures, suitable for both analysis and synthesis of bowing gesture parameter contours. We show the potential of the modelby synthesizing bowing gesture parameter contours from an annotated input score. Finally, we point out promising applicationsand developments.

Biosynthesis of panaxynol and panaxydol in Panax ginseng

The natural formation of the bioactive C17-polyacetylenes (−)-(R)-panaxynol and panaxydol was analyzed by 13C-labeling experiments. For this purpose, plants of Panax ginseng were supplied with 13CO2 under field conditions or, alternatively, sterile root cultures of P. ginseng were supplemented with [U-13C6]glucose. The polyynes were isolated from the labeled roots or hairy root cultures, respectively, and analyzed by quantitative NMR spectroscopy. The same mixtures of eight doubly 13C-labeled isotopologues and one single labeled isotopologue were observed in the C17-polyacetylenes obtained from the two experiments. The polyketide-type labeling pattern is in line with the biosynthetic origin of the compounds via decarboxylation of fatty acids, probably of crepenynic acid. The 13C-study now provides experimental evidence for the biosynthesis of panaxynol and related polyacetylenes in P. ginseng under in planta conditions as well as in root cultures. The data also show that 13CO2 experiments under field conditions are useful to elucidate the biosynthetic pathways of metabolites, including those from roots.

Análisis de sistemas bucoadhesivos

[spa]Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es el diseño de un parche bucoadhesivo para la administración transbucal de clorhidrato de doxepina utilizando diferentes polímeros así como la caracterización de dichos sistemas en cuanto al análisis calorimétrico y la capacidad de hinchamiento.Materiales y métodos: Se ha utilizado clorhidrato de doxepina y diferentes polímeros, carboximetilcelulosa sódica, hidroxipropilmetilcelulosa y chitosan. La calorimetría diferencial de barrido (DSC) se ha realizado en un dispositivo Mettler FP 80 equipado con un horno FP 85 y la capacidad de hinchamiento utilizando placas de agar.Resultados: Se obtienen termogramas de los parches y las mezclas físicas donde se observan transiciones endotérmicas entre 30 y 120º C y el pico endotérmico del principio activo en las mezclas físicas binarias. La entalpía de deshidratación es similar en los polímeros de carboximetilcelulosa sódica y chitosan (281 J/g) siendo menor en la película de hidroxipropilmetilcelulosa (251 J/g), al igual que el porcentaje de hidratación donde se demuestra que los parches elaborados con hidroxipropilmetilcelulosa presenta menor tendencia a captar agua (55,91 %) frente al 67,04 % y 67,30 % de la carboximetilcelulosa sódica y chitosan, respectivamente.Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos muestran que existe compatibilidad entre los componentes de la formulación y los datos de entalpía se correlacionan con los datos obtenidos en el ensayo de hinchamiento.[eng]The aim of this study is to design a bucoadhesive patch for the transbuccal administration of doxepin hydrochloride using different polymers as well as the characterization of these systems for calorimetric analysis and the swelling capacity. Materials and methods: Doxepin hydrochloride was used as well as various polymers; carboxymethylcellulose sodium, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and chitosan. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was carried out using a Mettler FP 80 device equipped with a FP 85 oven and the swelling capacity using agar plates. Results: Thermograms obtained patches and physical mixtures where there are endothermic transitions between 30 and 120º C and the endothermic peak of the active principle in binary physical mixtures. Dehydration enthalpy is similar in polymers of carboxymethylcellulose sodium and chitosan (281 J/g), the film having less hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (251 J/g), the percentage of moisture shows that the patches prepared with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose have less tendency to collect water (55.91 %) compared to 67.04 % and 67.30 % with sodium carboxymethylcellulose and chitosan, respectively. Conclusion: The results show that there is compatibility between the components of the formulation and the enthalpy data correlate

Differential pharmacologic properties of the two C75 enantiomers: (+)-C75 is a strong anorectic drug. (-)-C75 has antitumour activity

C75 is a synthetic compound described as having antitumoral properties. It produces hypophagia and weight loss in rodents, limiting its use in cancer therapy but identify- ing it as a potential anti-obesity drug. C75 is a fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitor and, through its coenzyme A (CoA) derivative, it acts as a carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1 inhibitor. Racemic mixtures of C75 have been used in all the previous studies; however, the potential dif- ferent biological activities of C75 enantiomers have not been examined yet. To address this question we synthesized the two C75 enantiomers separately. Our results showed that ( )- C75 inhibits FAS activity in vitro and has a cytotoxic effect on tumor cell lines, without affecting food consumption. (+)-C75 inhibits CPT1 and its administration produces anorexia, suggesting that central inhibition of CPT1 is essential for the anorectic effect of C75. The differential activity of C75 enantiomers may lead to the development of potential new specific drugs for cancer and obesity.

Minimal requirements for parameters to be used for the development of predictive models for microbial source tracking. The example of the pair somatic coliphages and phages infecting Bacteroides

Several methods and approaches for measuring parameters to determine fecal sources of pollution in water have been developed in recent years. No single microbial or chemical parameter has proved sufficient to determine the source of fecal pollution. Combinations of parameters involving at least one discriminating indicator and one universal fecal indicator offer the most promising solutions for qualitative and quantitative analyses. The universal (nondiscriminating) fecal indicator provides quantitative information regarding the fecal load. The discriminating indicator contributes to the identification of a specific source. The relative values of the parameters derived from both kinds of indicators could provide information regarding the contribution to the total fecal load from each origin. It is also essential that both parameters characteristically persist in the environment for similar periods. Numerical analysis, such as inductive learning methods, could be used to select the most suitable and the lowest number of parameters to develop predictive models. These combinations of parameters provide information on factors affecting the models, such as dilution, specific types of animal source, persistence of microbial tracers, and complex mixtures from different sources. The combined use of the enumeration of somatic coliphages and the enumeration of Bacteroides-phages using different host specific strains (one from humans and another from pigs), both selected using the suggested approach, provides a feasible model for quantitative and qualitative analyses of fecal source identification.

Differential pharmacologic properties of the two C75 enantiomers: (+)-C75 is a strong anorectic drug. (-)-C75 has antitumour activity

C75 is a synthetic compound described as having antitumoral properties. It produces hypophagia and weight loss in rodents, limiting its use in cancer therapy but identify- ing it as a potential anti-obesity drug. C75 is a fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitor and, through its coenzyme A (CoA) derivative, it acts as a carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1 inhibitor. Racemic mixtures of C75 have been used in all the previous studies; however, the potential dif- ferent biological activities of C75 enantiomers have not been examined yet. To address this question we synthesized the two C75 enantiomers separately. Our results showed that ( )- C75 inhibits FAS activity in vitro and has a cytotoxic effect on tumor cell lines, without affecting food consumption. (+)-C75 inhibits CPT1 and its administration produces anorexia, suggesting that central inhibition of CPT1 is essential for the anorectic effect of C75. The differential activity of C75 enantiomers may lead to the development of potential new specific drugs for cancer and obesity.

Preparation of (S)-1-halo-2-octanols using ionic liquids and biocatalysts

Preparation of (S)-1-chloro-2-octanol and (S)-1-bromo-2-octanol was carried out by the enzymatic hydrolysis of halohydrin palmitates using biocatalysts. Halohydrin palmitates were prepared by various methods from palmitic acid and 1,2-octanediol. A tandem hydrolysis was carried out using lipases from Candida antarctica (Novozym® 435), Rhizomucor miehei (Lipozyme IM), and “resting cells” from a Rhizopus oryzae strain that was not mycotoxigenic. The influence of the enzyme and the reaction medium on the selective hydrolysis of isomeric mixtures of halohydrin esters is described. Novozym® 435 allowed preparation of (S)-1-chloro-2-octanol and (S)-1-bromo-2-octanol after 1–3 h ofreaction at 40 °C in [BMIM][PF6].

Reduction of conjugated dienoic carboxylic acids and esters with sodium dithionite

Reduction of 2,4-alkadienoic acids and esters with sodium dithionite was carried out in aqueous solution or under PTC conditions to give, almost exclusively, Z:E isomeric mixtures of the corresponding 3-alkenoic acids and esters, respectively, in good yields.

Acción de algunos acaricidas sobre los fítoseídos y la araña roja Panonychus ulmi (Koch) en manzano

Se han realizado 5 ensayos en manzanos para evaluar la acción de algunos acarici­das sobre la araña roja Panonychus ulmi (Koch) y sus depredadores los fitoseidos. En 4 ensayos la especie era Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) y en la otra A. californicus (McGregor). En total se han ensayado 14 materias activas. Se observa una mayor toxicidad de los productos sobre A. californicus que sobre A. andersoni, y en esta última especie la toxicidad suele ser mayor cuando el nivel de P. ulmi es más elevado. Las materias activas que son mas tóxicas para los fitoseidos son: amitraz, bifentrin y fenpropatrin. En el caso del amitraz se observa incluso una proliferación de P. ulmi. Los productos que son menos tóxicos para los fitoseidos y que dan una mayor relación depredador/presa, a pesar de su baja eficacia sobre P. ulmi, son: benzoximato, dioctil-sulfosuccinato-sodico y fenbutestan. Los acaricidas: cihexaestan, dinobuton, hexitiazox y propargita son medianamente tóxicos para los fitoseidos, pero su poca eficacia sobre P. ulmi provoca como resultado una relación depredador/ presa más baja que el testigo. Los que dan una mayor eficacia sobre P. ulmi, pero son más tóxicos para los fi­toseidos que los productos anteriores, por lo que dan como resultado unas relaciones de­ predador/presa más irregulares son: fenazaquin, fenpiroximato, piridaben y tebufenpirad. Deben realizarse más estudios sobre las dosis, mezclas y momentos de aplicación de todos estos productos para su utilización en el control integrado de la araña roja.