Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is Extreme Learning Machine Feasible? A Theoretical Assessment (Part II)

An extreme learning machine (ELM) can be regarded as a two-stage feed-forward neural network (FNN) learning system that randomly assigns the connections with and within hidden neurons in the first stage and tunes the connections with output neurons in the second stage. Therefore, ELM training is essentially a linear learning problem, which significantly reduces the computational burden. Numerous applications show that such a computation burden reduction does not degrade the generalization capability. It has, however, been open that whether this is true in theory. The aim of this paper is to study the theoretical feasibility of ELM by analyzing the pros and cons of ELM. In the previous part of this topic, we pointed out that via appropriately selected activation functions, ELM does not degrade the generalization capability in the sense of expectation. In this paper, we launch the study in a different direction and show that the randomness of ELM also leads to certain negative consequences. On one hand, we find that the randomness causes an additional uncertainty problem of ELM, both in approximation and learning. On the other hand, we theoretically justify that there also exist activation functions such that the corresponding ELM degrades the generalization capability. In particular, we prove that the generalization capability of ELM with Gaussian kernel is essentially worse than that of FNN with Gaussian kernel. To facilitate the use of ELM, we also provide a remedy to such a degradation. We find that the well-developed coefficient regularization technique can essentially improve the generalization capability. The obtained results reveal the essential characteristic of ELM in a certain sense and give theoretical guidance concerning how to use ELM.
Gentamicin Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics during Short-Daily Hemodialysis

Background/Aims: Gentamicin pharmacokinetics have not been described in patients undergoing short-daily hemodialysis (SDHD). The aim of this study is to describe gentamicin pharmacokinetics and dialytic clearance (Cldial) in SDHD patients and simulate gentamicin exposure after six dosing regimens to help guide future dosing. Methods: Six anuric patients undergoing SDHD were enrolled. Patients received intravenous infusion of 2 mg/kg gentamicin on day 1 after the first HD session followed by HD sessions on days 2, 3, and 4. Blood samples for determination of gentamicin concentrations were serially collected. Gentamicin pharmacokinetic parameters and Cldial and interindividual variability terms (IIV) were estimated using NONMEM VII. Influence of patient weight on systemic clearance (Cls) and central volume of distribution (Vc) and influence of urea removal estimates on Cldial were assessed. The model was used to simulate gentamicin concentrations after six dosing regimens including pre- and postdialysis as well as daily and every-other-day dosing. Results: A two-compartment model with first-order elimination from central compartment described gentamicin pharmacokinetics. Population estimates for Cls and Cldial were 7.6 and 134 ml/min, respectively. Patient weight was statistically significantly associated with Cls and Vc. Predialysis every-other-day regimens were as effective (Cmax ≥8 mg/l and AUC48 h ≥140 mg·h/l) and less toxic (Cmin <2 mg/l and AUC48 h <240 mg·h/l) than postdialysis regimens. Conclusions: Estimated gentamicin Cldial is higher than previous estimates with thrice-weekly regimens. Predialysis every-other-day dosing may be recommended during SDHD.
Age of menarche in girls with cystic fibrosis.

UNLABELLED Malnutrition, delayed growth and puberty are commonly observed in children suffering from cystic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess the age of menarche in girls with CF using status quo analysis. The relationship between types of CFTR mutations and onset of the first menstruation was also evaluated. Material was based on somatic data gathered from medical history records of 47 girls with cystic fibrosis, aged 11-18 years. All girls were patients of the Mother and Child Institute in Warsaw (Poland). RESULTS The age of menarche in the girls in the study group was 14.65+/-1.21 years. In comparison with the healthy child population, girls with cystic fibrosis experienced menarche with 2 years' delay. Menstruating girls were found to be statistically older and taller than their non-menstruating consorts. Regarding body mass and BMI, a marked tendency towards higher parameter values was noted in the menstruating group, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. A significant relationship between onset of menarche and type of CFTR mutation was found. Girls with cystic fibrosis enter puberty later than their peers, in spite of intensive medical care. The issue of growth and puberty in children with CF requires further detailed investigation under clinical and auxological aspects.
Propagation Models for GSM 900 and 1800 MHz for Port Harcourt and Enugu, Nigeria

For the cellular networks to effectively cover a terrain or environment, accurate prediction of the coverage of the radio frequency signal is highly needed. Wave propagation models are essential and very important tools for determining the wave propagation characteristics for a particular environment. Path loss predictions are therefore required for the coverage planning, determination of multipath effects as well as interference and cell calculations. These calculations lead to high level network planning. Drive test measurements were taken along certain routes in Port Harcourt and Enugu, cities in Nigeria. These measurements were compared with calculated values from Okumura- Hata and COST231 Hata models. The average path loss values for the routes ranged from 135.01 db to 138.48 dB at 900 MHz, 142.26 db to 147.30 db at 1800 MHz. The standard deviations varied from 2.71 db to 15.94 db for the Okumura Hata model at 900 MHz whereas for the COST231 Hata model it was from 1.91 db to 15.04 db. Similarly, the mean square errors (µe) ranged from 0.8 db to 5.04 db for Okumura Hata at 900 MHz. For COST 231 Hata at this frequency, it was from 0.6 db to 4.76 db. This agrees with the acceptable International range. The acceptable range lies between 1? µ ? 15 db (Wu & Yuan 1998). The mean square error at 1800 MHz varied from 0.11 db to 5.40 db.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for obstructive hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE To determine the success rate of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for treating obstructive hydrocephalus. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY The Neurosurgery Department of PGMI, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from May 2010 to November 2011. METHODOLOGY Patients with obstructive hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis, tectal and non-tectal tumour and already shunted patients for obstructive hydrocephalus presented with blocked shunt were included in the study. Patients with congenital hydrocephalus and secondary to meningitis were excluded. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed. Success, complications and mortality was noted. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS software version 17. RESULTS There were 155 patients including 72 males and 83 females with ratio of 1: 1.33. Success rate was 71%. Indication of surgery was obstructive hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis, posterior fossa tumour, brain stem and CP angle tumour. Complications were seen in 18 patients including mortality in 3 patients. CONCLUSION ETV is effective, safe and successful procedure in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. It may be used as replacement procedure of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt as initial line of management in selected patients.
Risk Factors for Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in 6810 Young Women Attending Family Planning Clinics

Screening programmes are important for the control of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection, a disease spread mainly by asymptomatic carriers. Risk factors for Ct infection were assessed in 6810 consecutive asymptomatic young women seeking contraceptive advice. All women filled in a questionnaire and were offered Ct testing. Of the 5785 who consented to testing, 425 (7.3%) were Ct culture positive. Four variables were significantly related to increased risk of being infected: age 18–23 years, duration of present relationship < 1 year, non-use of condoms, and a history of not having had a previous genital infection. It is not possible to devise screening criteria that would effectively identify women at high risk. Therefore a screening programme should be targeted at all sexually active young people. However, if after some years the programme succeeds in lowering general Ct prevalence, these factors may be important when selecting patients for Ct testing.
The effect of prolonged intermittent high-intensity exercise on the performance of soccer-specific skills

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of accumulated fatigue, developed from the performance of prolonged intermittent high-intensity exercise, on the performance of soccer shooting and dribbling skill. Nine semi-professional soccer players volunteered to participate in the study. Their mean (± SD) age, body mass and height were 20.7 ± 1.4 years, 177.7 ± 6.1 cm and 73.5. 1 ± 7.6 kg respectively. Participants completed a slalom dribble test and a Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (LSST) prior to and directly following the performance of a 45 minute modified version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). The LIST was designed to simulate the minimum physical demands experienced by soccer players during competitive math-play. Performance of the soccer dribbling and shooting skill deteriorated by 4.2 ± 3.6 % (P < 0.05) and 31.61 ± 25.21% (P < 0.05) respectively, following the performance of the LIST. Mean heart rates (155 ± 11 bpm, 155 ± 13 bpm and 156 ± 12 bpm) and mean 15m sprint performance times (2.54 ± 0.15 s, 2.56 ± 0.14 s and 2.58 ± 0.14 s) remained unchanged across the performance of the three LIST activity bouts (P > 0.05). The results of the study demonstrate that soccer skill performance deteriorates after the completion of a prolonged intermittent highintensity soccer-specific exercise, replicating the physiological demands of one half of soccer match-play. The findings demonstrate a need for trainers and coaches to include soccer-specific fatiguing exercises with skills training to aid players in coping with the demands of soccer match-play.
Managing social and ethical issues in organizations

Preface, Dirk D. Steiner, Daniel P. Skarlicki, and Stephen W. Gilliland. Flexible Working Arrangements: Societal Forces and Implementation, Simcha Ronen, Shlomit Friedman, and Halo (Hilla) Ben-Asher Work versus the Family: Keeping the Balance, Barbara A. Gutek and Cindi Gilliland Aging at Work: Managing Perceived and Real Changes in Aging Workers, Fredda Blanchard-Fields and Jennifer Tehan Stanley Cinderella and Salieri in the Workplace: The Envied and the Envier, Robert P. Vecchio Work Engagement: An Emerging Psychological Concept and Its Implications for Organizations, Wilmar Schaufeli and Marisa Salanova Ethical Work Climate: A Weather Report and Forecast, Anke Arnaud and Marshall Schminke Formal and Informal Discrimination Against Women at Work: The Role of Gender Stereotypes, Brian Welle and Madeline E. Heilman Understanding and Managing Organizational Deviance: A Causal Reasoning Perspective, Mark J. Martinko, Scott C. Douglas, Paul Harvey, and Michael J. Gundlach Stopping Organizational Wrongdoing: What Price Do Whistle-Blowers Pay? , Marcia P. Miceli and Janet P. Near Current Perspectives on Privacy in Organizations, Eugene F. Stone-Romero and Dianna L. Stone About the Contributors.
Automated model-based tissue classification of MR images of the brain

Describes a fully automated method for model-based tissue classification of magnetic resonance (MR) images of the brain. The method interleaves classification with estimation of the model parameters, improving the classification at each iteration. The algorithm is able to segment single- and multi-spectral MR images, corrects for MR signal inhomogeneities, and incorporates contextual information by means of Markov random Fields (MRF's). A digital brain atlas containing prior expectations about the spatial location of tissue classes is used to initialize the algorithm. This makes the method fully automated and therefore it provides objective and reproducible segmentations. The authors have validated the technique on simulated as well as on real MR images of the brain.
Neonatal measles immunity in rural Kenya: the influence of HIV and placental malaria infections on placental transfer of antibodies and levels of antibody in maternal and cord serum samples.

INTRODUCTION Young infants are protected from measles infection by maternal measles antibodies. The level of these antibodies at birth depends on the level of antibodies in the mother and the extent of placental transfer. We investigated predictors of levels of measles antibodies in newborns in rural Kenya. METHODS A total of 747 paired maternal-cord serum samples (91 from human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-infected and 656 from HIV-uninfected mothers) were tested for measles immunoglobulin G antibodies. Placental malaria infection was determined by biopsy. Data on pregnancy history, gestational age, and anthropometric and socioeconomic status were collected. RESULTS Infants born to HIV-infected mothers were more likely (odds ratio, 4.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.2-9.7]) to be seronegative and had 35.1% (95% CI, 9.8%-53.2%) lower levels of measles antibodies than did those born to HIV-uninfected mothers. Preterm delivery, early maternal age, and ethnic group were also associated with reduced levels of measles antibodies. There was little evidence that placental malaria infection was associated with levels of measles antibodies in newborns. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that maternal HIV infection may reduce levels of measles antibodies in newborns. Low levels of measles antibodies at birth render children susceptible to measles infection at an early age. This is of concern in sub-Saharan African countries, where not only is the prevalence of HIV high, but measles is the cause of much morbidity and mortality.
RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION OF BLACKS, HISPANICS, AND ASIANS BY SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND GENERATION

This paper considers the effect of socioeconomic status on the segregation of blacks Hispanics and Asians in 60 US metropolitan areas. The index of dissimilarity is computed to determine the level of segregation of each group from non-Hispanic whites within categories of education income and occupation. The index is also computed separately for immigrants and natives among Hispanics and Asians. Results show that blacks are highly segregated from non-Hispanic whites at all socioeconomic levels. Hispanic and Asian segregation is not only lower at all levels of socioeconomic status but declines markedly from low to high socioeconomic status. For Asians and Hispanics segregation falls from the immigrant to the native generation. Results indicate that barriers to integration persist for blacks in American society but that processes of integration and assimilation continue for Hispanics and Asians. (authors)
Cell membrane stretch modulates the high-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel in bovine trabecular meshwork cells.

PURPOSE Anterior chamber structures are subjected to changes in intraocular pressure (IOP). Several studies have pointed out that trabecular meshwork (TM) cells are sensitive to mechanical stretch and that cell-signaling mechanisms are activated in response to elevated pressure. Because membrane stretch has been shown to be a modulator of several ionic conductances, this study was conducted to determine its effects on the high-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels present in TM cells. METHODS Primary cultures of TM cells from bovine eyes were used. Patch-clamp recordings were performed in the cell-attached, inside-out, and whole-cell configurations. To stretch the cell membrane, both suction to the rear end of the patch pipette and hypotonic shock were used. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was measured in TM cells loaded with fura-2, using an epifluorescence microscope coupled to a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. RESULTS Electrophysiological characterization of BK(Ca) channels was in agreement with previous studies. In cell-attached patches, the open probability of the BK(Ca) channel (i.e., the amount of time the channel is open) increased consistently when 14- to 45-mm Hg suctions were applied at a constant depolarized voltage. At a constant pressure (25 or 45 mm Hg), channel openings increased when depolarizing pulses were applied to the patch. Stretch activation of the BK(Ca) channel was not mediated by increases in [Ca(2+)](i), because it was present in inside-out patches maintained at a constant Ca(2+) concentration. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that at low suction levels, a minimum Ca(2+) concentration is necessary for channel activation. Whole-cell currents carried by BK(Ca) channels increased when the isotonic solution in the bath was exchanged with a hypotonic solution and were selectively blocked by iberiotoxin. In our conditions, the hypotonic shock did not modify [Ca(2+)](i). CONCLUSIONS The data show that in TM cells, open probability of the BK(Ca) channel is enhanced by membrane stretching as well as by membrane depolarization and [Ca(2+)](i). Changes in membrane tension induced by cell volume increase also activated whole-cell BK(Ca) currents. Homeostatic mechanisms in TM cells may involve BK(Ca) channel activation in response either to changes in cell volume or changes in IOP.
Tooth Loss Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Hypertension in Postmenopausal Women

Tooth loss has been associated with an increased risk of vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Little is known whether hypertension is an important factor linking 2 phenomena in postmenopausal women. We compared an incidence of hypertension and traditional risk factors for vascular diseases between 2 age-matched groups: 67 postmenopausal women with missing teeth and 31 without missing teeth. In addition to blood pressure, serum concentration of total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, plasma angiotensin II concentration, plasma renin activity, and resting heart rate were measured as traditional risk factors for vascular diseases. Subjects without missing teeth had significantly lower diastolic blood pressure than did subjects with missing teeth (P = 0.021). The former tended to have lower systolic blood pressure than did the latter (P = 0.058). There were no significant differences in other variables between subjects with and without missing teeth. The odds ratio of having hypertension in subjects with missing teeth was 3.59 (95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 11.7) after adjustment of obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Our results suggest that hypertension may be an important factor linking tooth loss and an increased risk of vascular diseases in postmenopausal women.
Information Richness. A New Approach to Managerial Behavior and Organization Design

Abstract : This paper introduces the concept of information richness, and proposes three models of information processing. The models describe (1) manager information behavior, (2) organizational mechanisms for coping with equivocality from the environment, and (3) organizational mechanisms for internal coordination. Concepts developed by Weick (1979) and Galbraith (1973) are integrated into two information tasks: equivocality reduction and the processing of a sufficient amount of information. The premise of this paper is that the accomplishment of these information tasks and the ultimate success of the organization are related to the balance of information richness used in the organization.
Randomized trial of BCG vaccination at birth to low-birth-weight children: beneficial nonspecific effects in the neonatal period?

BACKGROUND Observational studies have suggested that BCG may have nonspecific beneficial effects on survival. Low-birth-weight (LBW) children are not given BCG at birth in Guinea-Bissau; we conducted a randomized trial of BCG at birth (early BCG) vs delayed BCG. METHODS In the period 2004-2008 we recruited 2320 LBW children in Bissau. The children were visited at home at 2, 6, and 12 months of age. With a pretrial infant mortality of 250 per 1000, we hypothesized a 25% reduction in infant mortality for LBW children. RESULTS Infant mortality was only 101 per 1000 during the trial. In the primary analysis, infant mortality was reduced insignificantly by 17% (mortality rate ratio [MRR] = .83 [.63-1.08]). In secondary analyses, early BCG vaccine was safe with an MRR of . 49 (.21-1.15) after 3 days and . 55 (.34-.89) after 4 weeks. The reduction in neonatal mortality was mainly due to fewer cases of neonatal sepsis, respiratory infection, and fever. The impact of early BCG on infant mortality was marked for children weighing <1.5 kg (MRR = .43 [.21-.85]) who had lower coverage for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccinations. CONCLUSIONS Though early BCG did not reduce infant mortality significantly, it may have a beneficial effect in the neonatal period. This could be important for public health because BCG is often delayed in low-income countries.
Chromospheric magnetic reconnection: two-fluid simulations of coalescing current loops

Aims. We investigate magnetic reconnection rates during the coalescence of two current loops in the solar chromosphere, by altering the neutral-hydrogen to proton density ratio, ionisation/recombination coefficients, collision frequency, and relative helicity of the loops. Methods. We used a newly developed two-fluid (ion-neutral) numerical code to perform 2.5D simulations of coalescing chromospheric current loops. Developed from the Artificial Wind scheme, the numerical code includes the effects of ion-neutral collisions, ionisation/recombination, thermal/resistive diffusivity, and collisional/resistive heating. Results. It was found that the rates of magnetic reconnection strongly depend on the neutral-hydrogen to proton density ratio: increasing the density ratio a thousandfold decreased the rate of magnetic reconnection twentyfold. This result implies that magnetic reconnection proceeds significantly faster in the upper chromosphere, where the density of ions (protons) and neutral-hydrogen is comparable, than in the lower chromosphere, where the density of neutral-hydrogen is over a thousand times the ion density. This result also implies that jets associated with fast magnetic reconnection tends to occur in the upper chromosphere / lower corona. The inclusion of ionisation/recombination, an important physical effect in the chromosphere, increases the total reconnected magnetic flux, but does not alter the rate of magnetic reconnection. Reductions in the ion-neutral collision frequency result in small increases to the rates of magnetic reconnection. The relative helicity of the two current loops was not observed to have any significant effect on the rates of magnetic reconnection. Comparisons of two-fluid and MHD (Magnetohydrodynamic) simulations show significant differences in the measured rates of magnetic reconnection, particularly for the higher neutral density cases which represent the lower chromosphere. This demonstrates that MHD is not an appropriate model for simulating magnetic reconnection in the solar chromosphere. Conclusions. The magnetic reconnection rates of coalescing current loops are strongly affected by the inclusion of neutral-hydrogen particles. It is therefore essential that ion-neutral collisions are included in future analytical/numerical models of chromospheric magnetic reconnection.