Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Iontophoretic Lidocaine to EMLA Cream for Pain Reduction Prior to Intravenous Cannulation in Adults

Abstract : The insertion of intravenous (IV) catheters, required for most operative anesthesia, can be a source of pain and anxiety. Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, is frequently injected intradermally to decrease pain associated with IV cannulation in adults. Topically administered EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics) cream is frequently used, but it takes one hour for it to effectively anesthetize venipuncture sites, which limits its usefulness. A method gaining acceptance in healthcare is the iontophoresis (transdermal administration of ionizable drugs utilizing an electric current) of a polarized local anesthetic. Using iontophoresis, a local anesthetic such as lidocaine, a positively charged molecule, can be used to effectively anesthetize the skin to depths of up to 8mm without the use of needles, in as few as ten minutes. The purpose of this study was to compare the iontophoresis of lidocaine with epinephrine to EMLA cream for producing local anesthesia prior to intravenous cannulation. A descriptive study utilizing the experimental method with a cross over design was used. The procedures for the study consisted of the random application of EMLA cream (for 60 minutes) or the iontophoresis of 4% lidocaine HCl (40 mg/ml) with 1:50,000 epinephrine (20 mcg/ml) (40 milliamp minutes) to either the dorsal surface of the right or left hand. Results were that the iontophoresis of 4% Lidocaine HCl with Epinephrine 1:50,000 (20 micrograms/millimeter (mcg/ml) reduced pain more effectively than EMLA cream associated with intravenous cannulation in adults (14 mm vs. 3 mm for the EMLA cream and Iontophoresis respectively). The majority of subjects preferred iontophoresis.
Murine Cytomegalovirus Interference with Antigen Presentation Contributes to the Inability of CD8 T Cells To Control Virus in the Salivary Gland

ABSTRACT Compared to other organs, murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) replication in the salivary gland is uniquely resistant to CD8 T-cell control. The contribution of viral genes that interfere with antigen presentation (VIPRs) to this resistance was assessed using a mutant lacking MCMV's known VIPRs. Salivary gland titers of the VIPR-deficient virus were at least 10-fold lower than those of the wild type during the persistent phase of infection; the defect was reversed by depleting CD8 T cells. Thus, VIPRs contribute to CD8 T cells' inability to control virus in the salivary gland.
The Approximate Capacity Region of the Phase-Fading , Very Strong , KUser Gaussian Interference Channel

Consider the K-user Gaussian interference channel with static channel coefficients. Recent efforts have characterized the capacity region to within a constant gap for several important special cases, including two-user, very weak, many-to-one, and one-to-many interference channels. The general case remains open, primarily due to the challenge of characterizing the achievable rate for interference alignment strategies outside of the very high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) limit. This paper argues that some of these difficulties can be overcome if the phases of the channel coefficients are time-varying. The main result is a constant-gap approximation of the capacity region of phase-fading, Gaussian K-user interference channels where all receivers are in the very strong interference regime.
First-class models : on a noncausal language for higher-order and structurally dynamic modelling and simulation

The field of physical modelling and simulation plays a vital role in advancing numerous scientific and engineering disciplines. To cope with the increasing size and complexity of physical models, a number of modelling and simulation languages have been developed. These languages can be divided into two broad categories: causal and noncausal. Causal languages express a system model in terms of directed equations. In contrast, a noncausal model is formulated in terms of undirected equations. The fact that the causality can be left implicit makes noncausal languages more declarative and noncausal models more reusable. These are considered to be crucial advantages in many physical domains. Current, mainstream noncausal languages do not treat equational models as first-class values; that is, a model cannot be parametrised on other models or generated at simulation runtime. This results in very limited higher-order and structurally dynamic modelling capabilities, and limits the expressiveness and applicability of noncausal languages. This thesis is about a novel approach to the design and implementation of noncausal languages with first-class models supporting higher-order and structurally dynamic modelling. In particular, the thesis presents a language that enables: (1) higher-order modelling capabilities by embedding noncausal models as first-class entities into a functional programming language and (2) efficient simulation of noncausal models that are generated at simulation runtime by runtime symbolic processing and just-in-time compilation. These language design and implementation approaches can be applied to other noncausal languages. This thesis provides a self-contained reference for such an undertaking by defining the language semantics formally and providing an in-depth description of the implementation. The language provides noncausal modelling and simulation capabilities that go beyond the state of the art, as backed up by a range of examples presented in the thesis, and represents a significant progress in the field of physical modelling and simulation.
Fabrication and characterization of surface micromachined CMUT with a bossed membrane

This paper describes the fabrication and characterization of surface-micromachined capacitive ultrasonic transducers with a bossed membrane. The boss was formed using 3mum-thick deposited tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) oxide on top of a suspended polysilicon membrane. This same oxide layer was also used to seal the release holes along the peripheral of the polysilicon membrane. No extra mask or processing step in addition to that used for fabricating planar-membrane capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) is needed for the addition of a boss on the polysilicon membrane. It was found from device characterization that a bossed device shifted the center frequency to a higher value, improved the fractional bandwidth in transmission mode, increased the receiver sensitivity, and augmented the electromechanical coupling efficiency compared to their planar-membrane counterpart with the same membrane diameter.
Multi-dimensional Queries in DHT-Based Peer-to-Peer Systems

Supporting relational query processing in P2P data management systems needs multi-dimensional exact match queries processing and multi-dimensional range queries processing. The paper proposes a method for using a DHT-based P2P system to support multi-dimensional data while allowing range queries. The proposed system used a two-layered architecture, one for resource sharing and another for resource finding, so as to facilitate multi-dimensional query processing. The approach depends on using an order-preserving hash function and a relatively small number of P2P nodes to store data. Data is assigned to nodes by reducing its dimensionality to just one dimension, and is then mapped onto the P2P nodes, which are spread along the range of values of the one-dimensional data. After that, a multi-dimensional query algorithm (including to exact match query and range query) based on this strategy are proposed. At last, the paper offered experimental evidence to support the approach.
Brazil - Enhancing performance in Brazil's health sector : lessons from innovations in the state of Sao Paulo and the city of Curitiba

The inadequacy of public services in Brazil today constrains the country's economic growth and social development. The volume of government expenditure is not the principal bottleneck: at over 40 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Brazil's total public spending is already much higher than that of comparable middle-income countries. The vital question is how to get greater value for public money. As a federal country, improving service delivery in Brazil calls for strengthening the incentives and institutional capacities at the sub-national level, precisely where the country faces its greatest institutional development challenges. A new report examines how particular managerial innovations have been applied in two locations in Brazil to deliver improved public healthcare services. The health sector in Brazil absorbs approximately 4 percent of GDP, and spending levels are likely to rise further given the country's demographic and epidemiological profiles. Improving the efficiency of public health spending is vital to ensuring the country's public finances and macroeconomic stability in the long run.
[Evaluation of oral midazolam conscious sedation in different age groups in pediatric dentistry].

OBJECTIVE To summarize the effect of oral midazolam sedation in a group of uncooperative patients in pediatric dentistry and analyze the influence of age on treatment results and safety. METHODS Oral midazolam conscious sedation (dosages range: 0.50 - 0.75 mg/kg) was applied to 109 uncooperative pediatric patients in outpatient department. The patients were divided into two age groups: group A (under 3 years) and group B (over 3 years). Treatment results and safety were statistically analyzed. RESULTS The mean success rate was 71% (77/109), which was higher in group B [78% (54/69)] than in group A [58% (23/40)]. The incidence of adverse reactions was 17% (19/109), which was higher in group A [28% (11/40)] than in group B [12% (8/69)]. CONCLUSIONS Oral midazolam conscious sedation at a dosage range of 0.50 - 0.75 mg/kg is more effective and safe in pediatric dental patients over 3 years of age.
Islamic Banking and Finance As an Ethical Alternative: A Systematic Literature Review

Despite huge global growth rates and a rapidly increasing importance of Islamic banking and finance, research in this area still needs to be classified as nascent. Recent economic events have led to an increasingly critical attitude towards the conventional banking and finance system, whereas Islamic banking is considered to be an ethical alternative not only in Muslim economies but also progressively in the “western” world. As their business models have their origins in religious and ethical ideals, Islamic banks struggle to observe the foundational Shariah principles while simultaneously meeting applicable guidelines such as Basel III and flexibly adapt to the ever changing customer demands. Due to the increasing importance of Islamic banking and finance, this article aims to analyse and summarise various aspects of current research and sets out to identify both, congruence and inconsistencies between the implied promise of an “ethical” alternative and the actual market.
Change Point Tests in Functional Factor Models with Application to Yield Curves

Motivated by the problem of the detection of a change point in the mean structure of yield curves, we introduce several methods to test the null hypothesis that the mean structure of a time series of curves does not change. The mean structure does not refer merely to the level of the curves, but also to their range and other aspects of their shape, most prominently concavity. The performance of the tests depends on whether possible break points in the error structure, which refers to the random variability in the aspects of the curves listed above, are taken into account or not. If they are not taken into account, an existing change point in the mean structure may fail to be detected with a large probability. The paper contains a complete asymptotic theory, a simulation study and illustrative data examples, as well as details of the numerical implementation of the testing procedures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Digital pathology: exploring its applications in diagnostic surgical pathology practice

&NA; There has been a recent upsurge in worldwide attention on digital pathology, which has transformed from static snapshots from camera‐equipped microscopes to its modern form that encompasses scanning of whole glass slides with evaluation of histological images on a computer screen, along with management of its accompanying information. Although it has been widely accepted in education and research, its implementation in diagnostic surgical pathology practice is not without challenges in workflow integration, technological infrastructure, pathologist acclimatisation, global standardisation for clinical practice, and cost issues, among others. Nonetheless, early adopters have harnessed its benefits in specific niches, like frozen section services and remote second opinion consultations. Its tremendous potential is worthy of further validation to compare with conventional glass slide evaluation, even while it is already paving the way for advancement into virtual three‐dimensional imaging technology, with a glimpse into a possible future digital diagnostic pathology practice.
Incongruity between Prion Conversion and Incubation Period following Coinfection

ABSTRACT When multiple prion strains are inoculated into the same host, they can interfere with each other. Strains with long incubation periods can suppress conversion of strains with short incubation periods; however, nothing is known about the conversion of the long-incubation-period strain during strain interference. To investigate this, we inoculated hamsters in the sciatic nerve with long-incubation-period strain 139H prior to superinfection with the short-incubation-period hyper (HY) strain of transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME). First, we found that 139H is transported along the same neuroanatomical tracks as HY TME, adding to the growing body of evidence indicating that PrPSc favors retrograde transneuronal transport. In contrast to a previous report, we found that 139H interferes with HY TME infection, which is likely due to both strains targeting the same population of neurons following sciatic nerve inoculation. Under conditions where 139H blocked HY TME from causing disease, the strain-specific properties of PrPSc corresponded with the strain that caused disease, consistent with our previous findings. In the groups of animals where incubation periods were not altered, we found that the animals contained a mixture of 139H and HY TME PrPSc. This finding expands the definition of strain interference to include conditions where PrPSc formation is altered yet disease outcome is unaltered. Overall, these results contradict the premise that prion strains are static entities and instead suggest that strain mixtures are dynamic regardless of incubation period or clinical outcome of disease. IMPORTANCE Prions can exist as a mixture of strains in naturally infected animals, where they are able to interfere with the conversion of each other and to extend incubation periods. Little is known, however, about the dynamics of strain conversion under conditions where incubation periods are not affected. We found that inoculation of the same animal with two strains can result in the alteration of conversion of both strains under conditions where the resulting disease was consistent with infection with only a single strain. These data challenge the idea that prion strains are static and suggests that strain mixtures are more dynamic than previously appreciated. This observation has significant implications for prion adaptation.
Grafting Effects on Vegetable Quality

Vegetable grafting began in the 1920s using resistant rootstock to control soilborne diseases. This process is now common in Asia, parts of Europe, and the Middle East. In Japan and Korea, most of the cucurbits and tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown are grafted. This practice is rare in the United States, and there have been few experiments to determine optimal grafting production practices for different geographical and climatic regions in America. This is beginning to change as a result of the phase out of methyl bromide. The U.S. cucurbit and tomato industries are evaluating grafting as a viable option for disease control. Because reports indicate that type of rootstock alters yield and quality attributes of the scion fruit, some seed companies are investigating grafting as a means to improve quality. It has been reported that pH, flavor, sugar, color, carotenoid content, and texture can be affected by grafting and the type of rootstock used. Reports vary on whether grafting effects are advantageous or deleterious, but it is usually agreed that the rootstock/scion combination must be carefully chosen for optimal fruit quality. Additionally, it is important to study rootstock/scion combinations under multiple climatic and geographic conditions because many rootstocks have optimal temperature and moisture ranges. This report gives an overview of the effect of grafting on vegetable quality.
Does contract size matter for price discovery and risk management in stock index futures

In an effort to increase the liquidity and accessibility to the investors, National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) had reduced contract size of its Nifty index futures two times from 200 to 100 and, subsequently, to 50 units. How does this change in contract size of index futures impact the informed and hedge based trading, thereby contributing to the twin objectives of price discovery and risk management, respectively? VAR model is applied to daily return volatility, volume and open interest to study the impact. Significant feedback relationship between volume and volatility following the reduction in contract size establishes the informational trading and price discovery. However, no causality from volatility to open interest implies contract size is not a determinant of hedging. But significant causality from open interest to volatility is establishing the non-informational and liquidity trading. So stock exchanges should consider the appropriate lot size before going for introducing new futures contract.
Prostate cancer chemoprevention by silibinin: Bench to bedside

Prostate cancer (PCA) is the most invasive malignancy and second leading cause of cancer deaths in American males. One approach to reduce PCA incidence, growth and metastasis is prevention and intervention targeted towards mitogenic and survival signaling and cell‐cycle regulation. This approach is based on the rationale that overexpression of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and/or non‐receptor tyrosine kinases leads to persistent autocrine stimulation of malignant cells for deregulated cell‐cycle progression and uncontrolled growth. PCA progression has also been associated with transition from a paracrine to an autocrine relationship between receptors and growth ligands as this malignancy progresses to an advanced androgen‐independent aggressive stage. Together, these studies suggest that targeting RTK‐mediated signaling pathways along with cell‐cycle regulators could be a practical and translational approach for PCA prevention and intervention. Here, we provide evidence that a naturally occurring nontoxic flavanoid, silibinin, targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) and NF‐κB (nuclear factor‐kappa B) pathways in PCA. Furthermore, it modulates cell‐cycle regulators, including cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs), Cip/Kip and cyclins for its anticancer efficacy against PCA. Silibinin inhibits growth of PCA cells from human, mouse, and rat origins, and also suppresses human prostate tumor xenograft growth in nude mice. Silibinin also inhibits PCA growth in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mouse model. Now, silibinin has been entered into phase I/II clinical trials in human PCA patients where preliminary observations were suggestive of its further study in a larger base of the patient population. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Svårigheterna med försäljning av kläder på Internet

This thesis has enlightened how consumer behavior is when buying clothes via the Internet and the problems and difficulties that could face the companies. This study was conducted through interviews with people that have bought clothes through the Internet, traditional catalogues and real stores. The conclusions showed that the Internet is as suitable as traditional catalogues for buying clothes. Another dimension were put to the aspect of availability to a virtual mall in the design of the catalogues. Finally, it is in the best of the e-business companies interest to study how e-catalogues should be structured and designed for the consumers.
High-dose versus conventional-dose irradiation in cisplatin-based definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer: a systematic review and pooled analysis

We investigate whether high-dose (HD, ≥60 Gy) radiotherapy in definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) based on cisplatin could yield benefits compared to conventional-dose (CD) CCRT. PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar were searched and data were pooled and analyzed for response rate, survival, failure patterns and toxicity. Results showed advantages in response rate, 5-year overall survival rate, local regional recurrence and distant failure rate compared to the CD arm with no difference in Grade ≥3 acute and late esophagitis, other toxicities were rare with moderate tolerance, subgroup analysis of squamous cell carcinoma also showed advantages for HD arm. We concluded that ≥60 Gy CCRT improved clinical outcomes compared to the CD arm, especially for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Our findings may provide a basis for future trials.
Attrattività e sostenibilità: una lettura congiunta per lo sviluppo turistico locale

Il presente contributo si prefigge di indagare i concetti di attrattività e sostenibilità turistica attraverso una chiave di le ttura fortemente interconnessa. Un’analisi concettuale congiunta di questo tipo si inserisce i n una più recente esigenza dei territori di mantenere alti i livelli di competitività. La proge ttazione dell’attrattività è dunque indispensabile al fine di garantire uno sviluppo co mpatibile, duraturo e vitale in un’ottica di miglioramento della competitività. La conoscenza de ll’esistente getta le basi per una pianificazione continua rivolta alla formazione di un rapporto equilibrato e coerente tra domanda e offerta turistica. Parole chiave: attrattività, sostenibilità, competitività turist ica, conoscenza, pianificazione Abstract: This paper explains the strong relationship between attractiveness and This paper explains the strong relationship between attractiveness and sustainability into tourism development process. No wadays territory need to keep high their competitive level and a joined scientific analysis of concept is required. A planning of the territory’s attractiveness is necessary to guarante e a compatible, lasting and a life cycle development and to improve competitiveness. The Kno wledge of existing is an important ground of continuous planning in order to create a balanced relationship between tourist supply and demand.
A Digital and its role in an organization

Dynamically developing modern technologies allow organizations to streamline all of their undertaken actions. Technical and technological development constitutes an attribute of the 21st century. Analog activities adopted by an organization render the human capital work more difficult because of long pending periods, e.g. related to a decision, and they may generate unnecessary cost for the organization. Application of new technologies based on the Digital allows optimization of various processes taking place within an organization. The article presents the role and significance of the Digital in an organization.