Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface Tensions: Dynamics of Stria

John Chowning's Stria is among the most famous works in the field of digital music. Since its premiere in October 1977, it has never ceased to amaze listeners owing to its sheer originality and perfect construction. Stria is a case study for electroacoustic music analysis for at least two reasons. It is a substantial piece, lasting 15 '46" in the version preferred by the composer. Yet another reason is that the technical processes involved, in both the soundsynthesis and algorithmic-composition domains, have been relatively unknown. In this article, I investigate the ethos of Stria by analyzing it using both a perceptual approach and a reconstruction of the piece from the original source code and sketches. The construction and the very nature of Stria seem to revolve around the concept of "surface tension. " I use this term in a specific sense to refer to points where elements in contact share a number of properties but are still differentiated. This contact between differentiated elements provides musical tension and dynamism without negating an underlying cohesion. Stria constantly uses relationships between perceptually differentiated elements, and even the work's title suggests asperities. A musical composition can be envisaged in a number of ways,Stria is no exception. Therefore, I decided to organize this discussion in a particular way, starting with the most basic level the aural and descriptive and then proceeding toward a greater comprehension of the composer's composing mechanisms. This path is similar to the one I followed from the initial confrontation with sound to a deeper understanding (see Dahan 2000 for the initial study) and knowledge of the composer's praxis. The elements and analysis presented in the first sections are based on listening to the approved version of Stria and do not take into account the information I gathered later during the process of reconstruction. We can find several levels in which tensional mechanisms are at play in Stria; the aural (i.e., perceptual) aspect is one of them, the structure of the piece is another, and the "technical" processes that shape it form yet another. Each aspect will be discussed in the following sections, and a synoptic score will be presented to visualize the complexity of the different tension relationships that shape the piece. I then conclude the discussion by questioning the possibility of analyzing such a work in its ontological reality.
Distribution and clinical significance of tumour-associated macrophages in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a retrospective analysis in China.

BACKGROUND We aimed to characterize the localization and prognostic significance of tumour-associated macrophages (tams) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (pdac). METHODS Tumour specimens from 70 patients with pdac and inflammatory specimens from 13 patients with chronic pancreatitis were collected and analyzed for tam and M2 macrophage counts by immunohistochemistry. Correlations between tam distributions and clinicopathologic features were determined. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis showed that tam and M2 macrophage counts were higher in tissues from pdac than from chronic pancreatitis. The tams and M2 macrophages both infiltrated more into peritumour. Both macrophage types were positively associated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.041 for tams in peritumour, p = 0.013 for M2 macrophages in introtumour, p = 0.006 for M2 macrophage in peritumour). In addition, abdominal pain was significantly more frequent in pdac patients with a greater tams count. The survival rate was much lower in patients having high infiltration by M2 macrophages than in those having low infiltration. CONCLUSIONS The tam count might be associated with neural invasion in pdac, and M2 macrophages might play an important role in lymph node metastasis. Higher counts of either macrophage type were associated with increased risk of lymph node metastasis, and the M2 macrophage count could potentially be a marker for evaluating prognosis.
Prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTI) among patients attending Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The prevalence of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) was evaluated in three hundred patients attending Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Results showed 180 (60%) patients were positive. The most common organisms were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus mirabilis. In-vitro antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that the gram negatives bacteria were sensitive to quinolones (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin) and erythromycin, while the gram positive isolates were sensitive to lincomycin, erythromycin and quinolones (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin). Key words: UTI, bacteria, antibiotic susceptibility.
Cost-effectiveness of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for Grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis.

OBJECT Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for spondylolisthesis-associated back and leg pain is associated with improvement in pain, disability, and quality of life. However, given the rising health care costs associated with spinal fusion procedures and varying results of recent cost-utility studies, the cost-effectiveness of TLIF remains unclear. The authors set out to assess the comprehensive costs of TLIF at their institution and to determine its cost-effectiveness in the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis. METHODS Forty-five patients undergoing TLIF for Grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis-associated back and leg pain after 6-12 months of conservative therapy were included. The authors assessed the 2-year back pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, leg pain VAS score, Oswestry Disability Index, and total back-related medical resource utilization, missed work, and health-state values (quality-adjusted life years [QALYs], calculated from EQ-5D with US valuation). Two-year resource use was multiplied by unit costs based on Medicare national allowable payment amounts (direct cost), and patient and caregiver workday losses were multiplied by the self-reported gross-of-tax wage rate (indirect cost). The mean total 2-year cost per QALY gained after TLIF was assessed. RESULTS Compared with preoperative health states reported after at least 6 months of medical management, a significant improvement in back pain VAS score, leg pain VAS score, and Oswestry Disability Index was observed 2 years after TLIF, with a mean 2-year gain of 0.86 QALYs. The mean ± SD total 2-year cost of TLIF was $36,836 ± $11,800 (surgery cost, $21,311 ± $2800; outpatient resource utilization cost, $3940 ± $2720; indirect cost, $11,584 ± $11,363). Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion was associated with a mean 2-year cost per QALY gained of $42,854. CONCLUSIONS Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion improved pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis-associated back and leg pain. The total cost per QALY gained for TLIF was $42,854 when evaluated 2 years after surgery with Medicare fees, suggesting that TLIF is a cost-effective treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.
A review of suicide statistics in Australia

This publication is a detailed report on the statistical processes used to track national suicide rates. Suicide is a matter of considerable public interest and policy significance so reliable statistical information on suicide occurrence is important. This report examines in detail the current methodologies used to track suicide rates, identifying issues with the process of suicide reporting and the extent of, and reason for, any under-enumeration of suicide. Revised estimates are provided and the report provides advice for the future statistical monitoring of suicide and self harm in Australia. This report provides a unique insight into the limitations of current data on suicide rates.
Impact of Mass Media Campaigns on Intentions to Use the Female Condom in Tanzania

CONTEXT: Mass media campaigns have been used in social marketing programs designed to prevent HIV infection by changing sexual behavior. More information is needed about the effectiveness of these campaigns and the mechanisms through which they influence behavior. METHODOLOGY: Data on 2,712 sexually experienced men and women in Tanzania, collected in an exit survey at outlets that sell the female condom, were used to determine if a mass media campaign promoting the female condom had an impact on women’s and men’s intentions to use this method. Respondents were asked about their exposure to the mass media campaign, to peer education and to explanation of the female condom by a medical provider. They were also asked about their intention to use the female condom in the future. Path analysis was used to determine the impact of the three exposure factors on respondents’ intentions to use the female condom. RESULTS: About 6% of respondents had been exposed to peer education and 6% had been given an explanation by a provider on the use of the female condom. In contrast, about 38% of respondents had been exposed to the mass media campaign promoting the female condom. Mass media exposure significantly increased the likelihood that a man or a woman would discuss use of the female condom with a partner. In turn, discussion of the female condom with a partner strongly influenced the intention to use the female condom in the future. Peer educators and providers had limited coverage, but they had a stronger impact than the mass media on an individual’s intention to use the female condom.
Relation of Smoking With Total Mortality and Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background— The prevalence of smoking in diabetic patients remains high, and reliable quantification of the excess mortality and morbidity risks associated with smoking is important for diabetes management. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to evaluate the relation of active smoking with risk of total mortality and cardiovascular events among diabetic patients. Methods and Results— We searched Medline and Embase databases through May 2015, and multivariate-adjusted relative risks were pooled by using random-effects models. A total of 89 cohort studies were included. The pooled adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval) associated with smoking was 1.55 (1.46–1.64) for total mortality (48 studies with 1 132 700 participants and 109 966 deaths), and 1.49 (1.29–1.71) for cardiovascular mortality (13 studies with 37 550 participants and 3163 deaths). The pooled relative risk (95% confidence interval) was 1.44 (1.34–1.54) for total cardiovascular disease (16 studies), 1.51 (1.41–1.62) for coronary heart disease (21 studies), 1.54 (1.41–1.69) for stroke (15 studies), 2.15 (1.62–2.85) for peripheral arterial disease (3 studies), and 1.43 (1.19–1.72) for heart failure (4 studies). In comparison with never smokers, former smokers were at a moderately elevated risk of total mortality (1.19; 1.11–1.28), cardiovascular mortality (1.15; 1.00–1.32), cardiovascular disease (1.09; 1.05–1.13), and coronary heart disease (1.14; 1.00–1.30), but not for stroke (1.04; 0.87–1.23). Conclusions— Active smoking is associated with significantly increased risks of total mortality and cardiovascular events among diabetic patients, whereas smoking cessation is associated with reduced risks in comparison with current smoking. The findings provide strong evidence for the recommendation of quitting smoking among diabetic patients.
A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of 3 Therapeutic Strategies for Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

Background—This study compared the 10-year follow-up of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery surgery (CABG), and medical treatment (MT) in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, stable angina, and preserved ventricular function. Methods and Results—The primary end points were overall mortality, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or refractory angina that required revascularization. All data were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. At a single institution, 611 patients were randomly assigned to CABG (n 203), PCI (n 205), or MT (n 203). The 10-year survival rates were 74.9% with CABG, 75.1% with PCI, and 69% with MT (P 0.089). The 10-year rates of myocardial infarction were 10.3% with CABG, 13.3% with PCI, and 20.7% with MT (P 0.010). The 10-year rates of additional revascularizations were 7.4% with CABG, 41.9% with PCI, and 39.4% with MT (P 0.001). Relative to the composite end point, Cox regression analysis showed a higher incidence of primary events in MT than in CABG (hazard ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval 1.78 to 3.11) and in PCI than in CABG (hazard ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.39 to 2.47). Furthermore, 10-year rates of freedom from angina were 64% with CABG, 59% with PCI, and 43% with MT (P 0.001). Conclusions—Compared with CABG, MT was associated with a significantly higher incidence of subsequent myocardial infarction, a higher rate of additional revascularization, a higher incidence of cardiac death, and consequently a 2.29-fold increased risk of combined events. PCI was associated with an increased need for further revascularization, a higher incidence of myocardial infarction, and a 1.46-fold increased risk of combined events compared with CABG. Additionally, CABG was better than MT at eliminating anginal symptoms. Clinical Trial Registration Information—URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Registration number: ISRCTN66068876. (Circulation. 2010;122:949-957.)
Does the Volunteer Stroke Scheme improve social outcome after stroke? A response to Geddes and Chamberlain

A recent study by Geddes and Chamberlain (Clin Rehabil 1994; 8: 116-26) claimed that the Volunteer Stroke Scheme was particularly effective in bringing about 'social recovery' in patients with communication problems after stroke. This response argues that Geddes and Chamberlain present very little evidence to support this claim. Failings are identified in the group design, the selection of evaluation measures and the analysis of results. It is also argued that, in the current market climate of the National Health Service, such inflated claims from evaluation studies could seriously mislead purchasers. In conclusion, alternative methodologies for this type of evaluation are suggested.
Embolization of varicocles: pretreatment sperm motility predicts later pregnancy in partners of infertile men.

PURPOSE To identify predictors of future pregnancy in partners of infertile men undergoing embolization of varicoceles. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted within local institutional review board guidelines, and written informed consent was obtained. In 223 clinically infertile men (age range, 18-50 years) with varicoceles and associated oligoteratoasthenospermia, endovascular embolization of the spermatic veins was performed with distal coil embolization and sclerotherapy. Additional anti-inflammatory treatment was initiated if required. Baseline clinical examination, semen specimen, and hormone level findings were compared to follow-up data. Posttreatment pregnancy rate of their healthy female partners was assessed with a standardized questionnaire. Unconditioned logistic regression was used to identify factors among all available clinical and laboratory data predicting treatment success (sired pregnancy during follow-up). RESULTS A total of 226 of 228 varicoceles in 223 patients were successfully treated. Resolution of varicoceles at clinical examination and ultrasonography (US) was observed in 206 patients (92.4%). Three-month follow-up semen analysis in these patients showed significant improvement in sperm motility (P < .001) and sperm count (P < .001); however, average values remained in the abnormal range (World Health Organization guidelines). In 173 patients, follow-up data were successfully obtained, with pregnancy reported in 45 (26%). Baseline sperm motility was identified as the only significant pretreatment factor (standardized regression coefficient beta = 3.285, t = 7.560, P = .006) predicting sired pregnancy. Hormone levels, clinical grading of varicoceles, Doppler US findings, and other semen parameters did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION Sperm motility prior to varicocele treatment in infertile men is an important predictor of later pregnancy.
Clinical features and heritability of osteochondrosis of the elbow in labrador retrievers

The occurrence of osteochondrosis in a breeding colony of labrador retrievers during an 11-year period was investigated. Management practices and environmental factors were similar for all dogs. In 1247 progeny, elbow lameness was recorded in 259 dogs (21 per cent) and lesions of osteochondrosis on the coronoid process and, or, medial condyle of the humerus were confirmed in 189 dogs (15 per cent). None of 39 labrador crossbred dogs were affected. The incidence in progeny varied between different sires and dams and was associated with the severity of radiographic evidence of elbow arthritis in sires and dams with dams contributing significantly more than sires, suggesting a ‘maternal’ effect.
Immune Neuroendocrine Interactions during a Fungal Infection in Immunocompetent or Immunosuppressed Hosts

The yeast Candida albicans belongs to the microflora of healthy individuals, although it can infect a variety of tissues ensuing changes in the host’s immune status. To evaluate the effect of neuroendocrine input on the early immune response during the fungal infection, we use a 3-day paradigm of chronic varied stress in Wistar rats infected with C. albicans. We find that stress mediators contribute to the spread of the fungus and downregulate critical functions of phagocytic cells at the infection site. Phenotypic and functional alterations of effector cells account for the decreased resistance to candidiasis and condition the development of the adaptive response. Stressed hosts exhibit a higher fungal burden in kidneys and livers associated with hyphal forms. The hepatic inflammatory reaction is compromised with severe steatosis, increment of functional enzymes, marked lipid peroxidation and hepatocyte apoptosis. Moreover, infection-related sickness symptoms are significantly increased by exposure to stress with anorexia, weight loss, lack of leptin and depletion of glycogen depots. Food deprivation exacerbates the liver injury. Stress mediators perturb the complex immune and metabolic program that operates early during fungal spread and promotes severe tissue damage.
Management of Drug Information Inquiries from Health Care Professionals: An Industry-Wide Survey

Fifty-one pharmaceutical companies were selected for this survey designed to examine the logistics of operation regarding drug information inquiries from health care professionals and to compare operations of large and small companies. The survey was conducted in two phases: first by telephone contact to identify the appropriate person to complete the survey and to answer several initial questions, and second by a follow-up written questionnaire. The total sample (N = 51) was divided into three groups; the upper third (N = 17) and lower third (N = 17) were designated “large” and “small” companies, respectively. While significantly greater for large companies, both large and small companies spent more time on drug information inquiries than four other identified areas. The reporting line of most companies was Medical; staffing (rank order) consisted primarily of physicians, pharmacists, and PhDs. On average, companies handled 8376 inquiries per year. Most companies utilized computer-assisted literature services and in-house computer-based systems.
A Two-hour Urinary Protein-creatinine Ratio for Predicting Significant Proteinuria in Preeclampsia

Objective: To determine an optimal cutoff level of urinary protein-creatinine ratio (PCR) obtaining from 2 hours urine collection from women admitted with suspected preeclampsia for predicting significant proteinuria. Study design: Diagnostic test. Subject: Pregnant women with gestational age > 20 weeks who were admitted at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Medical College and Vajira Hospital for evaluation of preeclampsia were studied prospectively. They were instructed to collect a 24-hour urine in two separate containers: one for the first 2 hours urine and the other for the following 22 hours urine specimens. Each sample was measured for volume, protein, and creatinine values. The first 2-hour urinary PCR and total 24-hour proteinuria were calculated. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of the 2-hour urinary PCR was constructed in order to determine the optimal cutoff level for estimate the degree of proteinuria. Results: A total of 182 out of 187 women completed the study; 137 (75%) had significant proteinuria. This study demonstrated moderate correlation between 2-hour urine protein and 24-hour urine protein(r=0.451). By using a 2-hour urinary PCR, the optimal cutoff level to predict significant proteinuria was ≥ 0.30 which yielded sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and area under the ROC curve of 71.5%, 71.1%, 88.3%, 45.1% and 0.801 respectively. On the other hand, a cutoff level of ≥ 0.05 had a sensitivity of 100%, while the cutoff level of ≥ 2.0 offered 100% specificity. Conclusions: The 2-hour urinary PCR is not a good test to predict significant proteinuria due to its high false negative rate.
The treatment of phenylketonuria. A decade of results.

EXPERIENCE of an interdisciplinary metabolic treatment group at the Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, over a ten-year period has permitted the development of a comprehensive treatment program for phenylketonuria. Details of monitoring methods and dietary treatment have been published. 1,2 The results of the evaluation of 27 patients treated are presented. The Treatment Program The program is characterized by: 1. Precise and frequent monitoring using microtechniques for serum phenylalanine evaluations and urinary phenylalanine metabolite excretion products. Early in treatment, the parents are taught to collect a finger- or heel-prick blood specimen in capillary hematocrit tubes which are mailed to the metabolic group in prepared kits. Filter paper urine specimens are also collected, dried, and mailed to the laboratory. The early establishment of routine blood collection without venipuncture and urine collection without need for a liquid specimen, enhances the families' cooperation in providing the frequent blood and urine specimens needed to safely and