Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining Consumer Adoption of Mobile Banking in Jordan

This study aims to propose and test a model for understanding the Jordanian customers’ intention and adoption toward mobile banking. A conceptual model was developed by integrating the following factors: performance expectancy (PE), hedonic motivation (HM), facilitating conditions (FC), perceived risk (PR) and trust (TR). Required data was collected using a selfadministrative questionnaire from 344 (68.8% response rate) Jordanian banking customers. By using AMOS (version 21), structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted to test and validate the proposed model. Empirical findings indicate that trust is a crucial factor influencing behavioural intention (BI) directly or indirectly by the mediating influence of PE, HM, and PR. PR also was found as a significant negative determinant of BI. Additionally, PE, HM, and FC positively predict BI which, in turn, positively influenced the adoption of mobile banking. Practical and theoretical implications for both Jordanian banks and researchers in the mobile banking context are also discussed in the concluding section.
Peri‐implant bone density around implants of different lengths: A 3‐year follow‐up of a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES Short dental implants are frequently placed, however, little is known about the effect of the loading force regarding an enhanced crown-to-implant ratio. The aim of this study was therefore to assess bone density changes after a 3-year period, on radiographs acquired from a randomized, controlled two-centre clinical study comparing implants of 6 and 10 mm of length. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three predefined areas were chosen on standardized X-rays in order to assess grey-scale values of the peri-implant bone: One at the tip of the apex and two at half-length on the mesial and distal sides of the implant. Radiographs at all follow-up appointments had previously been calibrated using control fields in areas of constant density. RESULTS Around short implants, peri-implant bone displayed significantly higher differences in grey-scale values (p = .031) after 3 years, indicating a higher degree of mineralization. This phenomenon was not observed around long implants. CONCLUSIONS A higher degree of mineralization around short implants was recorded. Whether this finding goes along with hampered bone adaptability, and accordingly, higher failure rates of short implants must be studied further in long-term clinical trials.
Hypertonic saline dextran prime reduces increased intracranial pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass in pigs.

Children and adults who develop neurologic deficits after cardiac surgery may experience cerebral ischemia during cardiopulmonary bypass. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) may contribute to cerebral ischemia during bypass. Hypertonic saline dextran (HSD), a hyperosmotic, hyperoncotic resuscitation solution, decreases ICP in trauma resuscitation. We hypothesized that HSD would decrease ICP, reduce brain water, and reduce intravascular fluid requirements during bypass. Twelve swine were divided into two bypass groups: Group 1 (ISO = isotonic) received as prime 1 L of lactated Ringer's solution and 500 mL of 6% hydroxyethyl starch. Group 2 (HSD = hypertonic saline/dextran) received as prime 1 L of lactated Ringer's solution, 500 mL of 6% hydroxyethyl starch, and 1 mL/kg of 24% hypertonic saline/25% dextran. Normothermic bypass was instituted at 100 mL.kg-1.min-1. ICP increased significantly during bypass with ISO prime but not with HSD. Brain water in the cerebrum did not differ between groups but was reduced in the cerebellum to 75.9% +/- 1.4%. We conclude that HSD prevented any significant increase in ICP during normothermic bypass, and substantially improved fluid balance during bypass. In cardiac surgery patients in whom maintaining decreased ICP and reducing isotonic fluid administration is important, HSD may be a useful addition to the bypass prime solution.
Reduction of painful vaso-occlusive crisis of sickle cell anaemia by tinzaparin in a double-blind randomized trial

Summary A randomized double-blind clinical trial was performed to test the safety and efficacy of a low-molecular-weight heparin, tinzaparin (Innohep®), for the management of acute painful vasoocclusive crisis characteristic of sickle cell anemia (SCA). We studied 253 patients with acute painful crisis but with no other complications of SCA, randomized to treatment or control groups. In the treatment group, 127 patients received tinzaparin at 175 IU/kg, subcutaneous once daily, along with supportive care including morphine analgesia; in the control group, 126 patients received placebo and the same supportive care.The maxi- mal experimental treatment period was seven days. Analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in number of days with the severest pain score, overall duration of painful crisis, and duration of hospitalization (p <0.05 for each comparison of tinzaparin vs. placebo). The decline in pain intensity was sharper for tinzaparin-treated patients, and complications consisted of two minor bleeding events that were reported and treated by cessation of tinzaparin.This investigation demonstrated that tinzaparin, administered at its approved treatment regimen, reduced the severity and duration of acute crisis of SCA.
Special Issue: Organizational Design: Power to the Principals: Decentralization in Three Large School Districts

School districts have made several attempts at decentralizing. However, decentralization in school districts can mean so many different things that the term has nearly lost its meaning. This paper reports a study of three large urban school districts that, over almost 30 years, adopted nearly identical approaches to decentralizing, granting control to principals and expanding freedom of choice for families. In all three cases, the goal of improving student achievement was achieved, although with a very small sample. These three districts are compared to the three largest public districts in North America. The comparisons reveal that the three decentralized districts attained a high level of principal control over school budgets, staffing, schedule, and teaching methods.
HIV Infection, AIDS and Maternal Deaths

Many agencies are emphasizing the importance of human resource development at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of eye care. This is particularly true for subSaharan Africa, where on average there is only one ophthalmologist per million population. As well as training in the technical aspects of ophthalmology, there is a need for training in management skills and a community approach to eye care. Providing suitable remuneration, adequate facilities and the opportunity to share experiences and problems with one's peers, is a need which must be addressed if trained specialists are to continue working in Africa.
Human sulfotransferase SULT1C1: cDNA cloning, tissue-specific expression, and chromosomal localization.

We have isolated and sequenced a cDNA that encodes an apparent human orthologue of a rat sulfotransferase (ST) cDNA that has been referred to as "ST1C1"-although it was recently recommended that sulfotransferase proteins and cDNAs be abbreviated "SULT. " The new human cDNA was cloned from a fetal liver-spleen cDNA library and had an 888-bp open reading frame. The amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by the cDNA was 62% identical with that encoded by the rat ST1C1 cDNA and included signature sequences that are conserved in all cytosolic SULT enzymes. Dot blot analysis of mRNA from 50 human tissues indicated that the cDNA was expressed in adult human stomach, kidney, and thyroid, as well as fetal kidney and liver. Northern blot analyses demonstrated that the major SULT1C1 mRNA in those same tissues was 1.4 kb in length. We next determined the partial human SULT1C1 gene sequence for a portion of the 5'-terminus of one intron. That sequence was used to design SULT1C1 gene-specific primers that were used to perform the PCR with DNA from human/rodent somatic cell hybrids to demonstrate that the gene was located on chromosome 2. PCR amplifications performed with human chromosome 2/rodent hybrid cell DNA as template sublocalized SULT1C1 to a region between bands 2q11.1 and 2q11.2.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension in Saudi Arabia: Patients' clinical and physiological characteristics and hemodynamic parameters. A single center experience

AIMS: The main objective of this study is to describe patients' clinical characteristics and physiological and hemodynamic parameters at the time of diagnosis in a pulmonary hypertension center in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study reports the results from a single pulmonary hypertension specialized center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, namely Prince Sultan Medical Military City/Cardiac Center (PSMMC & CC). Both newly diagnosed (incidence) and referred (prevalence) cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension are included. All characteristics, including clinical, physiological, and hemodynamic parameters at the time of diagnosis are described. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were identified as having pulmonary arterial hypertension as diagnosed by right heart catheterization. The mean age at diagnosis was 36 (± 9) years, and there was a female preponderance of 62.6%. The mean duration between symptom onset and diagnosis was 27.8 (± 9.0) months. At the time of enrollment, 56.1% of patients were in functional class III and 16.8% were in functional class IV. Fifty five patients (51.4%) were diagnosed as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, 29 patients (27.1%) as congenital heart disease associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, 16 patients (15.0%) as connective tissue diseases associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension, 4 patients (3.7%) as heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension, and 3 patients (2.8%) as portopulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSION: This data highlights the current situation of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Saudi Arabia. Our patients are much younger than patients described in other international registries but still detected as late in the course of the disease. A majority of patients displays severe functional and hemodynamic compromise.
Model experiments of otoconia stability after canalith repositioning procedure of BPPV

Abstract Conclusion: Postural restrictions are probably not necessary after the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP). Objectives: Epley reported the effect of CRP for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). After CRP, patients are often requested to restrict postural change. However, some studies suggested that CRP may work without postural restrictions. The present study aimed to determine the necessity of post-maneuver postural restriction using the frog labyrinth model. Methods: The otoconial mass from the sacculus was placed on the utricular macular otoconia, mimicking a condition after CRP. The stability of the otoconial mass was observed by tilting the preparation, immediately, 3 min, and 5 min after it was placed on the macular otoconia. The utricular macula was maintained in the vertical plane for 10 s, during which period the behavior of the otoconial mass was observed. In experiment 1 the utricular macula was intact, in experiment 2 otoconia were partially removed, and in experiment 3 they were totally removed from the macula. Results: In experiments 1 and 2, in all preparations the otoconial mass became stabilized after 3 min. Even in experiment 3, in most preparations the otoconial mass became stabilized after 5 min.
ABILITY OF EIGHT COMMON WEEDS IN POTATO FIELDS OF BULGARIA TO HOST THE ROOT LESION NEMATODES

Eight weed species commonly found in commercial potato fields in Bulgaria were assessed as hosts of the root lesion nematodes Pratylenchus penetrans and P. neglectus, under greenhouse conditions. Based on comparison of the reproductive factor (final population/initial population, or Pf/Pi) weeds were classified as non-hosts, poor hosts or good hosts. Apepa spicaventi (L) P.B. , Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. , Chenopodium album L. , Solanum nigrum L. and Echinochloa crus-galli L were good hosts of P. penetrans with multiplication rates of 1.2 to 2.4. Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. was non-hosts as no specimen of the target nematode was found in the roots. Amaranthus retroflexus L. is considered a poor host with low population densities in the root. Solanum nigrum and Elytrigia repens were good hosts of P. neglectus (multiplication rates of 1.4 to 2.2). Sorghum halepense, A. spica-venti, E. repens and Ch. album were poor host with low population densities in the root. In fallow pots after 14 weeks, only 8.2 and 6.8% of the population of P. penetrans and P. neglectus, respectively, was still alive.
The intermediate host immune response in cystic echinococcosis

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic, complex and neglected zoonotic infection. In most cases, CE cysts and the intermediate host co‐habit for a long time in the absence of symptoms and elicit very little inflammation. However, the immune interplay between the parasite and the host is complex, encompassing effective parasite‐killing immune mechanisms implemented by the host, which in turn are modulated by the parasite. The immune response to the parasite has been exploited for the diagnosis of the disease and for the development of an effective vaccine to use in the natural intermediate host, but the mechanisms of parasite killing and immunomodulation are still unknown. Here, we reviewed the immune effector mechanisms and the strategies of immune evasion in the intermediate host.
Long-Term Quality-of-Life Assessment following One-Stage Immediate Breast Reconstruction Using Biodimensional Expander Implants: The Patient's Perspective

Background: Biodimensional devices may provide a superior breast form when an implant is considered for immediate breast reconstruction for breast cancer. The authors prospectively report patient perception of outcome using a permanent anatomical expander implant following a planned one-stage procedure. Methods: The Quality of Life Questionnaire BR-23 was modified to measure body image perception, physical effects, cancer worry, and surgical choice. Responses were classified into four categories. A subset of patients completed the questionnaire 1 and 6 years after surgery. Data were compared using nonparametric analyses. Results: One hundred ten patients were studied, with a mean follow-up of 63 months (range, 25 to 108 months); 46 patients had submuscular implant reconstruction and 64 had an implant-assisted latissimus dorsi flap. The mean patient age was 46 years (range, 20 to 76 years). There was no difference in patient perception of outcome between the two groups, although the latissimus dorsi group found it easier to fit into bras (p = 0.03, Mann-Whitney test). For patient perception of body image, the median score was within the most favorable category in four of six fields. Restricted arm movement and pain in the treated breast had resolved completely by 5 years after surgery. More than 80 percent of patients would choose the same surgical option if the cancer scenario presented itself again. Conclusions: A biodimensional permanent expander implant, when used appropriately, can achieve high levels of patient satisfaction. The authors' data provide long-term outcome measures with which to counsel patients about one-stage implant-assisted immediate breast reconstruction using an anatomical device.
Is There a "July Effect" for Inpatient Glycemic Control?

OBJECTIVE The period of resident turnover in teaching hospitals has been believed by some to lead to worsening of health outcomes or the so-called "July Effect". We sought to study glycemic control in patients admitted to medical floors looking for any adverse outcomes related to a"July effect". METHODS This is a single-center retrospective cohort study comparing inpatient glycemic control at the start and end of a single academic year (July 2009 to June 2010). A total of 100 inpatients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were included in the first group (Group 1: July to September 2009) and 118 in the second group (Group 2: April to June 2010). Four capillary blood glucose measurements per day from Day 2 to Day 6 of hospitalization, as well as clinical data pertinent to glycemic management were collected. RESULTS Data analysis showed no significant difference in the overall inpatient glycemic control between the two groups. Mean glucose for Group 1 was 168.67 mg/dL and 168.59 mg/dl for Group 2. 67% of patients in Group 1 and 72.9% in Group 2 were within blood glucose range of 70 - 179 mg/dl, 32% of patients in Group 1 and 52% of patients in Group 2 were within the range of 140 - 179 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia occurred in 17% and 18.6% of patients for Group 1 and 2 respectively. No difference in diabetes treatment ordering practices of residents was detected. CONCLUSION This study did not show any evidence to support the "July Effect" on overall inpatient glycemic control.
Phylogeography of the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus reveals substantially reduced population differentiation at northern latitudes

Previous studies of the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus revealed one of the highest levels of mitochondrial DNA differentiation ever reported among conspecific populations. The present study extends the geographical sampling northward, adding populations from northern California to south‐east Alaska. The mitochondrial phylogeny for the entire species range, based on cytochrome oxidase I sequences for a total of 49 individuals from 27 populations, again shows extreme differentiation among populations (up to 23%). However, populations from Oregon northwards appear to be derived and have interpopulation divergences five times lower than those between southern populations. Furthermore, although few individuals were sequenced from each locality, populations from Puget Sound northward had significantly reduced levels of within‐population variation. These patterns are hypothesized to result from the contraction and expansion of populations driven by recent ice ages.
Interactive comment on “Temperature response to external forcing in simulations and reconstructions of the last millennium” by L. Fernández-Donado et al

This manuscript presents a characterization and comparison between large-scale temperature reconstructions and pre-PMIP3 last millennium (LM) simulations. In addition to a very thorough and detailed review of the reconstructions and the simulations, the authors perform several analyses to test the agreement between the model responses, the forcing estimates and the temperature reconstructions and to estimate climate sensitivity.
Establishing Lagrangian connections between observations within air masses crossing the Atlantic during the International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation experiment

The ITCT-Lagrangian-2K4 (Intercontinental Transport and Chemical Transformation) experiment was conceived with an aim to quantify the effects of photochemistry and mixing on the transformation of air masses in the free troposphere away from emissions. To this end, attempts were made to intercept and sample air masses several times during their journey across the North Atlantic using four aircraft based in New Hampshire (USA), Faial (Azores) and Creil (France). This article begins by describing forecasts from two Lagrangian models that were used to direct the aircraft into target air masses. A novel technique then identifies Lagrangian matches between flight segments. Two independent searches are conducted: for Lagrangian model matches and for pairs of whole air samples with matching hydrocarbon fingerprints. The information is filtered further by searching for matching hydrocarbon samples that are linked by matching trajectories. The quality of these "coincident matches'' is assessed using temperature, humidity and tracer observations. The technique pulls out five clear Lagrangian cases covering a variety of situations and these are examined in detail. The matching trajectories and hydrocarbon fingerprints are shown, and the downwind minus upwind differences in tracers are discussed.
Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models for duloxetine in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

Duloxetine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). The current analyses aimed to identify and evaluate the effect of any significant covariates on DPNP treatment response, via the development of a continuous descriptive Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) model for pain score reduction and a proportional odds PK/PD model describing the proportion of patients achieving pain relief.
Hypomelanosis of Ito: Diagnostic Criteria and Report of 41 Cases

Abstract: We conducted a 20‐year prospective review of 41 pediatric patients with a diagnosis of hypomelanosis of Ito. No evidence pointed to hereditary transmission of the disease. Associated extracutaneous pathology was mainly of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Three of 19 patients had chromosomal anomalies. Hypomelanosis of Ito is a clinically well‐characterized syndrome in which chromosomal instability may be a component. Criteria for its presumptive and definitive diagnosis are proposed.
Paranasal sinus fungus ball: diagnosis and management

Paranasal sinus fungus ball is an extramucosal mycosis, usually occurring in immunocompetent people as a monolateral lesion. To review the literature data and to report the Policlinico S. Matteo, University of Pavia experience, 81 patients presenting paranasal fungus ball have been treated (January 1994 to May 2005). Twenty‐seven men and 54 women (19–91 years old; mean 49.4 years) were considered. Seventy‐three patients had a single sinus affected, but eight presented multiple localisations. Maxillary was the most involved sinus followed by sphenoidal and ethmoidal. Moulds have been isolated in 28/81 cases. Histology showed fungal colonisation but not invasion in all cases. Tomography showed bone erosion in 33.3% of patients. All have been treated only by functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Seventy‐seven of 81 patients have been cured. Four of 81 patients needed another surgical treatment. Follow up was between 6 and 132 months (average: 63 months). Fungus ball is a sinusal pathology caused by mycetes like Aspergillus spp. Histology confirms the fungal aethiology excluding tissue invasion. Mycological culture consented to identify the pathogenic mould in 34.5% of cases. Actually functional endoscopic sinus surgery is the gold standard for treatment of this pathology, and antifungal therapy is unnecessary.
Anticipated regret, expected feedback and behavioral decision-making

This paper addresses the effects of the anticipation of regret on decision making under uncertainty. Regret is a negative, cognitively based emotion that we experience when realizing or imagining that our present situation would have been better, had we decided differently. The experience of post-decisional regret is for a large part conditional on the knowledge of the outcomes of the rejected alternatives. A series of studies is reviewed in which it is shown that whether or not decision makers expect post-decisional feedback on rejected alternatives has a profound influence on the decisions they make. These studies, focusing on choice between gambles, consumer decision making and interpersonal decision making, also show that anticipated regret can promote risk-averse as well as risk-seeking choices. This review of empirical studies is followed by a discussion of the conditions under which we can expect the anticipation of regret to take place. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.