Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Cardiovascular Effects and Histamine‐releasing Properties of 51W89 in Patients Receiving Nitrous Oxide/Opioid/Barbiturate Anesthesia

Background Atracurium consists of a mixture of ten stereoisomers. One of these isomers, 51W89, is a potent intermediate‐acting nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent. Its ED95 is 0.05 mg *symbol* kg1 in patients receiving nitrous oxide/opioid anesthesia. In preclinical trials, 51W89 did not show evidence of histamine release in cats at doses up to 80 times the human ED95. This study was undertaken to determine the cardiovascular effects and histamine‐ releasing properties of 51W89 in patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. Methods Sixty patients, ASA physical status 1 or 2, anesthetized with nitrous oxide/fentanyl/thiopental were studied. Patients received either 2 times the ED95 of atracurium or 51W89 or 4 or 8 times the ED95 of 51W89 as a rapid intravenous bolus under stable anesthesia, before surgical stimulation. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured by oscillometry and the electrocardiogram in patients receiving 2 times the ED95 of 51W89 or atracurium and by an intraarterial catheter and a tachograph triggered by the arterial pulse waveform in patients receiving 4 or 8 times the ED95 of 51W89. Maximal blood pressure and heart rate changes during the 5 min after administration of the muscle relaxant were recorded. Venous blood samples were obtained before the administration of relaxant and at 2 and 5 min after the administration of relaxant for determination of plasma histamine concentrations by radioenzymatic assay. Results Maximal blood pressure and heart rate changes in all groups of patients receiving 51W89 were small and similar to those observed in patients receiving 2 times the ED95 of atracurium. The mean maximum percent changes (plus/minus SE) in heart rate and mean arterial pressure were ‐0.6 plus/minus 1.5 and 0.4 plus/minus 2.5, respectively, in the group receiving 2 times the ED95 atracurium; ‐ 1.3 plus/minus 3.3 and 2.3 plus/minus 4.4, respectively, in the group receiving 2 times the ED95 51W89; ‐2.6 plus/minus 1.0 and 2.6 plus/minus 1.5, respectively, in the group receiving 4 times the ED95 51W89; and 2.4 plus/minus 1.5 and 1.0 plus/minus 1.3, respectively, in the group receiving 8 times the ED95 51W89. No patient developed a decrease in blood pressure greater or equal to 20% or an increase in heart rate greater or equal to 20% that was attributable to muscle relaxant administration. There was no dose‐related change in plasma histamine concentration associated with the administration of 51W89. One patient in the study developed transient facial flushing after the administration of atracurium. Conclusions 51W89 is a benzylisoquinolinium‐type, nondepolarizing muscle relaxant that does not affect plasma histamine concentrations. No cutaneous flushing or clinically important cardiovascular effects were noted after rapid injection of doses up to and including 8 times its ED sub 95 (0.4 mg *symbol* kg1) in healthy patients undergoing elective surgical procedures.
What is Wrong with Small Stocks?

This paper uncovers several new empirical regularities in the historical returns of small stocks. First, within the sample of firms that have low market capitalizations, stocks with low past profitability (laggers) bring returns significantly higher than those of stocks with high past profitability (leaders). Second, the well-documented size premium (i.e., the risk-adjusted returns to small stocks) is generated largely by small laggers. Moreover, both patterns are particularly pronounced at earnings-announcement dates, suggesting that unexpected earnings growth can explain a portion of the abnormal returns to small stocks. There is little institutional ownership of small stocks, pointing to individual investors as the culprits of suboptimal trading. Institutional avoidance of small stocks therefore can explain the persistence of the mispricing. The analysis indicates that the documented effects are driven consistently by those small stocks that have had a prior decrease in institutional ownership ratio.
The hand arthropathy of hereditary hemochromatosis is strongly associated with iron overload.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical characteristics and genetic background associated with the presence of hand arthropathy, as determined by radiological findings, in Italian patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC). METHODS In 88 consecutive unselected patients with phenotypically expressed HHC, joint involvement was systematically evaluated in plain radiographs of hands, wrists, lumbar spine, pelvis, and knees. Risk factors considered were age, sex, body mass index, alcohol abuse, organ involvement at other sites, and indices of iron overload, including ferritin, transferrin saturation, and iron removed to reach depletion. HFE genotype was also considered. The independent role of risk factors was tested by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Thirty-two subjects (36%) showed signs of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) arthropathy. Intercarpal, radiocarpal, and chondrocalcinosis were less frequent and occurred in association with MCP arthropathy. At multivariate analysis MCP arthropathy was independently associated with older age [odds ratio (OR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.33/yr; p = 0.0001], higher ferritin levels at diagnosis (OR 4.17, 95% CI 1.60-13.9 for values > 1000 ng/ml; p = 0.008), the presence of the C282Y +/+ and C282Y/H63D HFE genotypes (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.09-7.87; p = 0.04), and higher percentage transferrin saturation (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1-1.1; p = 0.05). The severity of arthropathy was independently associated with older age (p = 0.03) and higher ferritin values (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION MCP arthropathy together with a typical pattern of joint involvement is observed in one-third of unselected patients with HHC, and is influenced by the duration and degree of the iron overload.
Differentiable PAC–Bayes Objectives with Partially Aggregated Neural Networks

We make two related contributions motivated by the challenge of training stochastic neural networks, particularly in a PAC–Bayesian setting: (1) we show how averaging over an ensemble of stochastic neural networks enables a new class of partially-aggregated estimators, proving that these lead to unbiased lower-variance output and gradient estimators; (2) we reformulate a PAC–Bayesian bound for signed-output networks to derive in combination with the above a directly optimisable, differentiable objective and a generalisation guarantee, without using a surrogate loss or loosening the bound. We show empirically that this leads to competitive generalisation guarantees and compares favourably to other methods for training such networks. Finally, we note that the above leads to a simpler PAC–Bayesian training scheme for sign-activation networks than previous work.
Exploiting Contextual Information with Deep Neural Networks

Context matters! Nevertheless, there has not been much research in exploiting contextual information in deep neural networks. For most part, the entire usage of contextual information has been limited to recurrent neural networks. Attention models and capsule networks are two recent ways of introducing contextual information in non-recurrent models, however both of these algorithms have been developed after this work has started. In this thesis, we show that contextual information can be exploited in 2 fundamentally different ways: implicitly and explicitly. In the DeepScore project, where the usage of context is very important for the recognition of many tiny objects, we show that by carefully crafting convolutional architectures, we can achieve state-of-the-art results, while also being able to implicitly correctly distinguish between objects which are virtually identical, but have different meanings based on their surrounding. In parallel, we show that by explicitly designing algorithms (motivated from graph theory and game theory) that take into considerations the entire structure of the dataset, we can achieve state-of-the-art results in different topics like semi-supervised learning and similarity learning. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to integrate graph-theoretical modules, carefully crafted for the problem of similarity learning and that are designed to consider contextual information, not only outperforming the other models, but also gaining a speed improvement while using a smaller number of parameters.
GAIT RECOGNITION BASED ON CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS

Abstract. In this work we investigate the problem of people recognition by their gait. For this task, we implement deep learning approach using the optical flow as the main source of motion information and combine neural feature extraction with the additional embedding of descriptors for representation improvement. In order to find the best heuristics, we compare several deep neural network architectures, learning and classification strategies. The experiments were made on two popular datasets for gait recognition, so we investigate their advantages and disadvantages and the transferability of considered methods.
Comparative Study of Oxytocin and Prostaglandin E 2 Gel in Induction of Labour in High Risk Pregnant Women from Tamil Nadu

A few studies concluded that EASI with oxytocin is a better method of induction than prostaglandin E2 gel whereas a few others observed that EASI efficiency similar to that of prostaglandin compounds. We planned a comparative study of oxytocin and prostaglandin E2 gel in induction of labour in high risk pregnant women from Tamil Nadu from a tertiary care health centre. This study was a prospective study carried out for high risk pregnant women admitted for a medically indicated induction of labor at Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University. A total of 100 cases were randomly distributed in two groups50 cases on cerviprime gel (study group) and 50 cases on oxytocin (control group). Changes in the Bishop scores, labor progress, various labor end points and outcomes of labor were assessed. In Cerviprime (Study group), improved Bishops Score was observed in 2 (4%) study subjects in whom initial Bishops Score was 0 whereas in Oxytocin (Control group), improved Bishops Score was observed in 1 (2%) study subject in whom initial Bishops Score was 0. Cesarean delivery was the outcome of intervention in 8 (16%) study subjects in Cerviprime (Study group) and 20 (40%) participants in Oxytocin (Control group). In both the groups i.e. Cerviprime (Study group) and Oxytocin (Control group), Hyper stimulation and Uterine Inertia were commonly noted Intra-partum complication whereas PPH was most common post-partum complication. Cerviprime can be used as a good tool for induction of labour and as a cervical ripening agent because of its safety to the mother and the foetus. Maternal outcome variables, i.e., induction-labour interval and induction-delivery interval are less in cerviprime as compared to Oxytocin.
The anatomy of hallux valgus.

1. The anatomy of the forefoot in hallux valgus is compared with the normal, with a review of the literature and descriptions of anatomical preparations, observations at operation and radiographs. 2. The early and essential lesions are stretching of the ligaments on the medial side of the metatarso-phalangeal joint that attach the medial sesamoid and basal phalanx to the metatarsal, and erosion of the ridge that separates the grooves for the sesamoids on the metatarsal head. 3. In established hallux valgus a sagittal groove, formed where the cartilage is free from pressure by either the phalanx or the ligaments, cuts off a medial eminence, which articulates with the stretched ligaments, from a restricted area for the phalanx. 4. Apart from osteophytic lipping which squares off the outline of the eminence as it is seen in radiographs and a small amount of lipping of the ridge on the metatarsal there is no evidence of new bone growth. In chronic cases the eminence may degenerate or disappear. 5. The articular surfaces at the cuneo-metatarsal joint become adapted to the changed positions of the metatarsal without gross pathological change. 6. The four deep transverse ligaments that bind together the five plantar pads of the metatarso-phalangeal joints are not unduly stretched, so that as the metatarsals spread it is the ligaments that bind the pads to the heads of the metatarsals that give way. 7. The plantar metatarsal artery to the first space pursues a tortuous course between the two heads of the flexor hallucis brevis. In hallux valgus the course becomes still more tortuous and part of the pain experienced may be due to ischaemic effects.
Reasons for Non-Engagement in Online Shopping: Evidence from the Philippines

This study aimed to determine the reasons why Filipinos were not engaged in online shopping. Toward this aim, 400 respondents answered a 23-item questionnaire. It was revealed that most of the respondents were male, single, and at least college graduates. They were employees, belonged to diverse economic backgrounds, had computer and Internet access at home, and owned ATM cards. The majority did not have a credit card. Exploratory factor analysis using varimax rotation revealed that there were four reasons why respondents were not engaged in online shopping. These reasons were availability of mall services M, quality issues Q, price concerns P, and interest I. Confirmatory factor analysis reduced the number of items of MQPI from 23 to 17 items. It was disclosed that the constructs were of good fit. Discriminant validity showed that all reasons were distinct from one another. Convergent validity of the constructs was also achieved. MQPI was able to capture 72% of the reasons why Filipinos were not engaged in online shopping. Implications and directions for future research that could be derived from this study were also presented.
Crossflow filtration of yeast broth cultivated in molasses

A broth of yeast cells cultivated in molasses was crossfiltered with a thin‐channel module. The permeation flux gradually decreased at a constant cell concentration. The flux was much lower than that obtained for yeast broth cultivated in yeast extract, polypeptone, and dextrose (YPD) medium during the filtration. The flux did not depend on the membrane pore size (0.45 to 5 μm). The steady‐state flux was one‐twentieth that calculated for a cake filtration mode from the amount of cake per unit filtration area and the specific resistance of the cake measured in a dead‐end filtration apparatus. The lower flux was due to small particles (most of which were less than 1 μm in diameter) in the molasses. The mehanism of crossflow filtration of broths of yeast cells cultivated in molasses was clarified by analysis of the change in flux with time and observations with scanning electron microscopy. At the initial stage of crossflow filtration the yeast cells and particles from the molasses were deposited on the membrane to form the molasses were deposited on the membrane to form a cake in a similar way to dead‐end filtration. After the deposition of cells onto the membrane ceased, the fine particles from molasses formed a thin layer, which had higher resistance than the cake formed next to the membrane. The backwashing method was effective to increase the flux. The flux increased low when the pore size was 0.45 to 0.08 μm, but using larger pores of 3 to 5 μm it returned almost to the bases line. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Region-specific proliferative response of neural progenitors to exogenous stimulation by growth factors following ischemia

The most effective way to augment neural progenitor proliferation after ischemia is still unknown. We administered various agents into the rat cerebral ventricle after transient global ischemia and compared the neural progenitor response in the anterior subventricular zone (aSVZ), dentate gyrus subgranular zone, posterior periventricle, and hypothalamus. We demonstrated that cocktail administration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) remarkably increased the numbers of neural progenitors in all four regions examined. The addition of Notch ligand DLL4 to the cocktail elicited the largest progenitor response in the aSVZ and hypothalamus. Our results suggest that EGF and FGF-2, combined with DLL4, represent the universally applicable regimen for the expansion of the neural progenitor pool following ischemia.
Delay-dependent robust stability of linear systems with non-commensurate time varying delays

In this article we investigate the robust stability of uncertain systems with non-commensurate time varying delays. Two types of perturbations are considered. First, we consider time varying and unknown but norm bounded uncertainties. Next systems with polytopic-type uncertainties are studied. Based on Finsler's lemma we propose a new method for achieving less restrictive sufficient conditions for delay-dependent robust stability. The results are presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Three examples are given for illustration and comparison with previous results.
Sample-Efficient Reinforcement Learning of Undercomplete POMDPs

Partial observability is a common challenge in many reinforcement learning applications, which requires an agent to maintain memory, infer latent states, and integrate this past information into exploration. This challenge leads to a number of computational and statistical hardness results for learning general Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs). This work shows that these hardness barriers do not preclude efficient reinforcement learning for rich and interesting subclasses of POMDPs. In particular, we present a sample-efficient algorithm, OOM-UCB, for episodic finite undercomplete POMDPs, where the number of observations is larger than the number of latent states and where exploration is essential for learning, thus distinguishing our results from prior works. OOM-UCB achieves an optimal sample complexity of $O(1/\epsilon^2)$ for finding an $\epsilon$-optimal policy, along with being polynomial in all other relevant quantities. As an interesting special case, we also provide a computationally and statistically efficient algorithm for POMDPs with deterministic state transitions.
A Design Method for Cage Induction Motors With Non-Skewed Rotor Bars

To overcome the influence of the skewed rotor bars on the operating performance of the cage induction motors, this paper presents a design method for non-skewed small and medium cage induction motor based on the time-stepping finite element method, in which the approaches of asymmetrical rotor slots, closed slots, reasonable slot combination, and air-gap length are adopted and studied systematically. With this method, the cage induction motors with non-skewed rotor bars can be realized. Simultaneously, the slot harmonic, which is caused by slot opening, can be eliminated effectively and the starting performance can also be improved. The design example on a 5.5 kW cage induction motor is presented and the experimental validation is also performed.
On arithmetic sums of fractal sets in ${\Bbb R}^d$

A compact set $E\subset {\Bbb R}^d$ is said to be arithmetically thick if there exists a positive integer $n$ so that the $n$-fold arithmetic sum of $E$ has non-empty interior. We prove the arithmetic thickness of $E$, if $E$ is uniformly non-flat, in the sense that there exists $\epsilon_0>0$ such that for $x\in E$ and $0<r\leq {\rm diam}(E)$, $E\cap B(x,r)$ never stays $\epsilon_0r$-close to a hyperplane in ${\Bbb R}^d$. Moreover, we prove the arithmetic thickness for several classes of fractal sets, including self-similar sets, self-conformal sets in ${\Bbb R}^d$ (with $d\geq 2$) and self-affine sets in ${\Bbb R}^2$ that do not lie in a hyperplane, and certain self-affine sets in ${\Bbb R}^d$ (with $d\geq 3$) under specific assumptions.
Can Fundamental Analysis Support Shareholder Value in a Transitional Market? Perspectives from Egypt

This study examines the informativeness of fundamental financial information to three levels of shareholder value. In general, the results show that the fundamental financial information is quite informative to shareholders using the MB ratio as a measure of shareholder value. According to the sensitivity analysis, (1) the balance sheet items are not quite informative, (2) the income statement items are consistently informative to shareholders at the three classes, and (3) the financial ratios, as a form of co-integrated financial information, are quite informative to the high and low shareholder value classes. The results regarding the fundamental analysis indicate that (a) in the three levels of MB firms, investors are concerned with the short-term horizon, (b) in the low MB firms, the investors are concerned with the long-term horizon, (c) in the high and low MB firms, the operating and total expenses are regarded as a capital investment, (d) in the high MB firms, the trend is to finance operations using equity rather than debt financing, (e) profitability affects low MB firms only rather than high and medium firms, (f) in the high and medium MB firms, investors do not regard the elements related to firm’s operations, (g) in the low MB firms, investors are concerned with the effects of capital structure on firm’s value although the results show that dividends have a reverse effect on firm’s market value.
IDF++: Analyzing and Improving Integer Discrete Flows for Lossless Compression

In this paper we analyse and improve integer discrete flows for lossless compression. Integer discrete flows are a recently proposed class of models that learn invertible transformations for integer-valued random variables. Due to its discrete nature, they can be combined in a straightforward manner with entropy coding schemes for lossless compression without the need for bits-back coding. We discuss the potential difference in flexibility between invertible flows for discrete random variables and flows for continuous random variables and show that (integer) discrete flows are more flexible than previously claimed. We furthermore investigate the influence of quantization operators on optimization and gradient bias in integer discrete flows. Finally, we introduce modifications to the architecture to improve the performance of this model class for lossless compression.
‘Smooth’ inference for survival functions with arbitrarily censored data

We propose a procedure for estimating the survival function of a time‐to‐event random variable under arbitrary patterns of censoring. The method is predicated on the mild assumption that the distribution of the random variable, and hence the survival function, has a density that lies in a class of ‘smooth’ densities whose elements can be represented by an infinite Hermite series. Truncation of the series yields a ‘parametric’ expression that can well approximate any plausible survival density, and hence survival function, provided the degree of truncation is suitably chosen. The representation admits a convenient expression for the likelihood for the ‘parameters’ in the approximation under arbitrary censoring/truncation that is straightforward to compute and maximize. A test statistic for comparing two survival functions, which is based on an integrated weighted difference of estimates of each under this representation, is proposed. Via simulation studies and application to a number of data sets, we demonstrate that the approach yields reliable inferences and can result in gains in efficiency over traditional nonparametric methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.