bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Mobile Technology on Low‐Income Communities in Lebanon
Authors: Hamade Samir 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article attempts to study the impact of mobile technology, as represented by mobile phones, on low income communities, as represented by farmers in the Bekaa Valley, the largest farmland of Lebanon. It aims to identify areas where the mobile phone has a positive impact on farmers' lives, family, friends, work, finance, and health; and areas where the mobile phone has a negative impact on farmers' lives, in addition to identifying some important associations among the variables.The results show that more than 38 percent of farmers own a mobile phone. The benefits of having a mobile phone are improved work, better income, improved family and social ties, more freedom and independence, better health, and better finance. High cost and accessibility were the two major drawbacks. Owning a mobile phone is associated with education, better work, better income, better health, and better finance. It is independent of gender and income. The study recommends that telecommunication companies in the area should expand their services to low‐income communities, improve coverage, and reduce cost.
Israel and Post‐Mubarak Egypt: Perils of Historical Analogy
Authors: Yossef Amr 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has perceived the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 as a replica of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Drawing on the apparent similarities between the two revolutions—both made against dictators who reigned over secular, Western‐oriented regimes advocating coexistence with Israel, and both having Islamists as the best‐organized opposition force—Netanyahu appears to have concluded that the outcome for Israel would be the same: the advent of an aggressive Islamist regime in Cairo that would initiate a larger conflict. Based on this historical analogy, the Netanyahu government has adopted policies that are meant to help Israel defend against the potential deterioration in relations with Egypt. However, looking at Iran 1979 to draw on lessons about Egypt 2011 is misleading and does not take into account the significant differences that would rather lead Egypt to preserve the peace. This article analyzes Netanyahu's employment of this historical analogy and examines other appropriate lessons that Israel could draw from Iran's Islamic revolution, and proposes that Israel should instead engage the Egyptian revolution and reach a peace deal with the Palestinians so that it avoids misperception and maintains the Egyptian–Israeli peace.
Negotiating Difference in a Muslim Society: A Longitudinal Study of Islamic and Secular Discourses in Turkey
Authors: Kanra Bora , Ercan Selen Ayirtman 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article explores the changes in attitudes among Islamic and secular groups in Turkey through an analysis of their discourses regarding Islam, democracy, secularism, and dialogue. We present the findings of a longitudinal study (Q study) conducted in Turkey in 2002 and 2007. The time period under investigation marks the first uninterrupted five‐year‐long term of an Islamic‐leaning government, Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi (AKP, Justice and Development Party), in office since the inception of the Turkish Republic in 1923. We suggest that the continuous electoral success of the AKP has played an important role in shaping Islamic and secular discourses in the Turkish public sphere. In contrast with its predecessor, the AKP has employed a rights‐based paradigm when defining the place of Islam in a secular society. This, we suggest, has softened the divide between Islamic and secular discourses in Turkey. In this article, after defining the core characteristics of both discourses that remained the same in both 2002 and 2007, we focus on the major shifts in discourses that have occurred during these five years. Our research reveals that during this time, both Islamic and secular discourses underwent important shifts with respect to Islam's place in a democratic society. We interpret the AKP's discursive shift toward a rights‐based paradigm and the increasing emphasis on dialogue in both Islamist and secular discourses as promising signs for expanding the scope for democratic polity in Turkey.
Oil and the House of Saud: Analysis of Saudi Arabian Oil Policy
Authors: Pierce Jonathan J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article analyzes the process of how the Government of Saudi Arabia determines oil policy. It focuses on oil production because it accepts that the Saudis are “price takers” rather than “price setters.” It applies economic and political explanations as determinants of how much oil is produced. Two periods of Saudi oil policy are compared—1987–1991 and 1997–2001—using open‐source data from various newspapers and newsletters. The article concludes that oil production in Saudi Arabia is, in large measure, a function of Saudi Arabian estimates of how its oil reserves may provide long‐term revenue and political stability at the risk of short‐term economic gains.
Paradoxes of Iranian Messianic Politics
Authors: Shahi Afshin 
Published: May 2012

AbstractShi‘ite Messianism has been accommodated constitutionally and has been portrayed as an indispensable aspect of political culture under the Islamic Republic. If the state is using the concept as a form of legitimacy, the concept is standardized in accordance with the prevailing perspectives of the political system. Thus, if there are other emerging grassroots messianic narratives incompatible with the political ideology, they could undermine the legitimacy of the state. This article examines the emerging paradoxes in a climate in which the state uses messianism as a legitimacy tool but, at the same time, is unable to monopolize the concept primarily for its own use. This article will assess a situation in which the state and the grassroots are struggling in order to maintain dominance over ideas that advocate millenarianism. There will be a critical discussion on how the politics of the Shi‘ite Messianism have proved to be contradictory, and the dilemmas over the politicization of Mahdism will be identified.
Molecular approaches for viable bacterial population and transcriptional analyses in a rodent model of dental caries
Authors: Klein M.I. , Scott‐Anne K.M. , Gregoire S. , Rosalen P.L. , Koo H. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryCulturing methods are the primary approach for microbiological analysis of plaque biofilms in rodent models of dental caries. In this study, we developed strategies for the isolation of DNA and RNA from plaque biofilms formed in vivo to analyse the viable bacterial population and gene expression. Plaque biofilm samples from rats were treated with propidium monoazide to isolate DNA from viable cells, and the purified DNA was used to quantify total bacteria and the Streptococcus mutans population via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and specific primers; the same samples were also analysed by counting colony‐forming units (CFU). In parallel, RNA was isolated from plaque‐biofilm samples (from the same animals) and used for transcriptional analyses via reverse transcription‐qPCR. The viable populations of both S. mutans and total bacteria assessed by qPCR were positively correlated with the CFU data (P < 0.001; r > 0.8). However, the qPCR data showed higher bacterial cell counts, particularly for total bacteria (vs. CFU). Moreover, S. mutans proportion in the plaque biofilm determined by qPCR analysis showed strong correlation with incidence of smooth‐surface caries (P = 0.0022, r = 0.71). The purified RNAs presented high RNA integrity numbers (>7), which allowed measurement of the expression of genes that are critical for S. mutans virulence (e.g. gtfB and gtfC). Our data show that the viable microbial population and the gene expression can be analysed simultaneously, providing a global assessment of the infectious aspect of dental caries. Our approach could enhance the value of the current rodent model in further understanding the pathophysiology of this disease and facilitating the exploration of novel anti‐caries therapies.
Impact of a debate on pharmacy students' views of online pharmacy practice
Authors: Bussières Jean-François , Delicourt Anais , Belaid Nedjma , Quirion Marie-Pierre , Desroches Julien , Bégin Josiane , Fragasso-Marquis Anne-Marie , Lamarre Diane 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the impact of a debate on pharmacy students' perceptions, using online pharmacy practice as the debate topic.

Methods
This is a quasi-experimental interrupted time-series study. A 60 min debate was organized as a lunchtime meeting. A four-category Likert scale questionnaire (fully agree, partially agree, partially disagree, fully disagree) measured the debate participants' level of agreement with 25 statements (main issues associated with online pharmacy) in the pre-phase (before the debate), post-phase 1 (after the debate) and post-phase 2 (6 months after the debate). One hundred and seventy-seven students were recruited (response rate of 100% in the pre-phase and post-phase 1, 31% in post-phase 2). Four questions measured the perceptions of the students on this pedagogical technique.

Key findings
The overall proportion of respondents in favour of online pharmacy practice showed little variation among the three phases. However, on average (mean ± SD) 43 ± 8% of the respondents changed their opinion, 21 ± 7% reversed their opinion, 22 ± 4% nuanced their opinion and 1 ± 1% radically changed their opinion. Respectively 98% (post-phase 1) and 96% (post-phase 2) of the respondents were of the opinion that debate was a very useful teaching formula in their pharmacist training and 79 and 66% thought debate significantly changed their opinion of the issue.

Conclusions
Few data have been collected on the use of debates as part of healthcare professional training. The impact of a debate on how pharmacy students feel about online pharmacy practice is described.
Public knowledge and awareness of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors: a cross-sectional study of 1000 Jordanians
Authors: Mukattash Tareq L , Shara Mohd , Jarab Anan S , Al-Azzam Sayer I , Almaaytah Ammar , Al Hamarneh Yazid N 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Objective
To assess the level of the current knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Jordan's general public, their behaviour towards CVD and the factors associated with different CVD knowledge levels.

Methods
The data in the present study were collected using an interview-administered questionnaire. One thousand members of the general public were interviewed face to face. CVD knowledge was computed as a continuous variable.

Key findings
The present study reports limited public knowledge and awareness of CVD. Participants were more likely to have better CVD knowledge scores if they were non-smokers, always or often paid attention to their diet, reported having an ‘about right’ weight, occupied a very high socioeconomic level, held a university degree and had positive family history of CVD. Participants indicated that the community pharmacists had to play a role in helping patients manage their prescribed medicines; however, they did not recognise the community pharmacists' role in other areas of CVD prevention and management.

Conclusion
The present study reports that the general public in Jordan has limited knowledge and awareness of CVD. In planning to positively impact CVD prevention and management, community pharmacists must develop and promote effective and accessible services.
Modulation of Symbiont Lipid A Signaling by Host Alkaline Phosphatases in the Squid-Vibrio Symbiosis
Authors: Rader Bethany A. , Kremer Natacha , Apicella Michael A. , Goldman William E. , McFall-Ngai Margaret J. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThe synergistic activity ofVibrio fischerilipid A and the peptidoglycan monomer (tracheal cytotoxin [TCT]) induces apoptosis in the superficial cells of the juvenileEuprymna scolopeslight organ during the onset of the squid-vibrio symbiosis. Once the association is established in the epithelium-lined crypts of the light organ, the host degrades the symbiont’s constitutively produced TCT by the amidase activity of a peptidoglycan recognition protein (E. scolopespeptidoglycan recognition protein 2 [EsPGRP2]). In the present study, we explored the role of alkaline phosphatases in transforming the lipid A of the symbiont into a form that changes its signaling properties to host tissues. We obtained full-length open reading frames for twoE. scolopesalkaline phosphatase (EsAP) mRNAs (esap1andesap2); transcript levels suggested that the dominant light organ isoform is EsAP1. Levels of total EsAP activity increased with symbiosis, but only after the lipid A-dependent morphogenetic induction at 12 h, and were regulated over the day-night cycle. Inhibition of total EsAP activity impaired normal colonization and persistence by the symbiont. EsAP activity localized to the internal regions of the symbiotic juvenile light organ, including the lumina of the crypt spaces where the symbiont resides. These data provide evidence that EsAPs work in concert with EsPGRPs to change the signaling properties of bacterial products and thereby promote persistent colonization by the mutualistic symbiont.IMPORTANCEThe potential for microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) to compromise host-tissue health is reflected in the often-used nomenclature for these molecules: lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is also called “endotoxin” and the peptidoglycan monomer is also called “tracheal cytotoxin” (TCT). With constant presentation of MAMPs by the normal microbiota, mechanisms to tolerate their effects have developed. The results of this contribution provide evidence that host alkaline phosphatases (APs) dephosphorylate and inactivate the symbiont MAMP lipid A. As such, APs work in synergy with a peptidoglycan recognition protein, which inactivates symbiont-exported TCT, to alter the symbiont MAMPs and promote persistence of the partnership. Not only may these activities serve to “tame” the MAMPs, but also the resulting products may themselves be important signals in persistent mutualisms. The finding of lipid A modification by APs in an invertebrate mutualism provides evidence that this specific strategy for dealing with symbiotic partners is conserved across the animal kingdom.
Rapid rise in incidence of Irish paediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hope B , Shahdadpuri R , Dunne C , Broderick A M , Grant T , Hamzawi M , O'Driscoll K , Quinn S , Hussey S , Bourke B 
Published: May 2012

AimsTo describe the change in incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) observed at the National Centre for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and to determine whether the presenting disease phenotype and disease outcomes have changed during the past decade.MethodsThe annual incidence of IBD in Irish children aged <16 years was calculated for the years 2000–2010. Two subsets of patients, group A (diagnosed between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2001), and group B (diagnosed between 1 January and 31 December 2008) were phenotyped according to the Paris Classification. Phenotype at diagnosis and 2-year follow-up were then compared.Results406 new cases of IBD were identified. The incidence was 2.5/100 000/year in 2001, 7.3 in 2008 and 5.6 in 2010, representing a significant increase in the number of new cases of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). There were 238 cases of CD; 129 of UC; and 39 of IBD unclassified. Comparing groups A and B, no differences were found in disease location at diagnosis or, for CD, in its behaviour.ConclusionsThere has been a substantial and sustained increase in the incidence of childhood UC and CD in Ireland over a relatively short period of time. However, disease phenotype at diagnosis has not changed. At 2 years follow-up, CD appears to progress less frequently than in some neighbouring countries. These variations remain unexplained. Prospective longitudinal studies will help to elucidate further the epidemiology of childhood IBD.
Faculty prefer continuity with medical students in the emergency department
Authors: Bernard Aaron William , Kman Nicholas E , Betz Bret , Khandelwal Sorabh , Caterino Jeffrey M 
Published: May 2012

IntroductionThe aim of this investigation was to better understand emergency medicine (EM) faculty opinions as they relate to continuity with students.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of faculty supervising students completing an EM clerkship. Student schedules were aligned to maximise continuity with faculty. Faculty completed surveys prior to the start of the study and again at the end of the study period.ResultsFaculty generally indicated a favourable opinion regarding continuity with students. Significant change was noted in two survey questions from pre- to post-intervention: faculty reported higher motivation to teach and felt the students' learning experience was better with improved continuity.ConclusionEM faculty express theoretical optimism regarding the value of improved continuity between teacher and learner. This positive sentiment persisted after actual experience with students on a shift allocation model that aligns faculty and student schedules.
Scope to improve: a multi-centre audit of 16 064 colonoscopies looking at caecal intubation rates, over a 2-year period
Authors: Verma Ajay Mark , McGrath Nadine , Bennett Paula , de Caestecker John , Dixon Andrew , Eaden Jayne , Wurm Peter , Chilton Andrew 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveColonoscopy is the ‘gold standard’ assessment for large bowel mucosal pathology, but a complete examination is essential. The first national colonoscopy audit carried out in 1999 demonstrated caecal intubation rates (CIRs) of 56.9%. As a result, the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on gastrointestinal endoscopy launched a programme of continuous quality improvement. JAG recommends that practitioners undertake 100+ procedures per annum with a target CIR of 90%. This current audit provides an assessment of performance against this quality standard.DesignData were collected from all procedures undertaken in 2008–2009 from six hospitals across three English regions.Results16064 colonoscopies performed: CIR = 90.57% (95% CI 90.11% to 91.01%). Operators doing 100+ procedures per annum, CIR=91.76% (91.24% to 92.25%). Operators doing <100 procedures per annum, CIR=87.77% (86.82% to 88.67%). Gastroenterologists, CIR=91.01% (90.32% to 91.70%). Surgeons, CIR=91.03% (90.27% to 91.79%). Other practitioners, CIR=81.51% (78.79% to 84.22%). Bowel cancer screening programme (BCSP) colonoscopies, CIR=97.71% (97.07% to 98.34%). Non-screening colonoscopies, CIR=88.31% (95% CI 87.68% to 88.94%).ConclusionThis audit of 16064 colonoscopies across three regions demonstrates aggregated achievement of the CIR quality standard. However, there is a significant performance gap when comparing BCSP colonoscopists with non-screening colonoscopists and the overall CIR of >90% is supported by the volume of BCSP colonoscopy.Endoscopists performing low volume colonoscopy (<100 per annum), have CIR of <90%. Endoscopists with low volume practice who do not meet the quality standards should engage in skills augmentation plus further training and increase volume of colonoscopy with local mentorship, or stop performing colonoscopy.
Survey of travel‐related problems in dogs
Authors: Mariti C. , Ricci E. , Mengoli M. , Zilocchi M. , Sighieri C. , Gazzano A. 
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the kind of transport dogs undergo, the behaviours displayed during transport, the prevalence of travel‐related problems in dogs and owners' interventions to solve these problems. A convenience sample of 907 dog owners completed a questionnaire containing 16 multiple‐choice questions. All dogs had been transported by car at least once, but 4.7 per cent were no longer transported. 76.2 per cent of animals always responded positively to car transport, the rest showing or having shown problems (6.7 per cent always reacted negatively). Dogs were found to be more excited than inhibited during car transport. The vast majority (86.0 per cent) had become used to travelling by car as puppies; this made them less likely to develop problems (6.3 per cent v 24.1 per cent; χ2  = 19.886, P = 0.000). If dogs were transported only to veterinary clinics, they were more prone to respond negatively to car transport (46.4 per cent v 22.7 per cent; χ2  = 7.245, P = 0.007). For dogs reported as problematic (23.8 per cent of the sample), 96.3 per cent of the owners did not administer any treatments or other substances, 48.7 per cent did not seek any advice, and 40.4 per cent of them made attempts to solve the problem by themselves.
External coaptation of rostral mandibular fractures in calves
Authors: Taguchi K. , Hyakutake K. 
Published: May 2012

Six cases of rostral mandibular fracture with considerable displacement were treated successfully by external coaptation. Four cases were simple and two were compound fractures. After xylazine sedation and manual reduction of the fractures, the casting tape was laminated to make a rigid splint below the mandibles and then the splint was secured using the casting tape passing the nasal bridge and cranial and/or caudal to the ears as it encircled the head. During application of the tape, a PVC pipe 25 mm in diameter was held in its jaws to keep the mouth open so that the calf could suckle. Simple rostral mandibular fractures were cured after two weeks of cast immobilisation and compound fractures after about three weeks. This method is easy and non‐stressful and provided a good prognosis in the present cases.
Exercise-induced vasodilation is associated with menopause stage in healthy middle-aged women
Authors: Moore David J. , Gonzales Joaquin U. , Tucker Steven H. , Elavsky Steriani , Proctor David N. 
Published: May 2012

Leg exercise hemodynamics during single-leg knee extensions were compared among healthy groups of early perimenopausal (n = 15), late perimenopausal (n = 12), and early postmenopausal (n = 11) women. Femoral blood flow (FBF) and vascular conductance (FVC) at rest and during very light work rates (0 and 5 W) were similar among all three menopause stage groups. Vascular responses at 10 W (FBF) and 20 W (FBF and FVC) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in early perimenopausal compared with late perimenopausal women. At 15 and 25 W, FBF and FVC were similar between late perimenopausal and early postmenopausal groups but higher (P < 0.05) in early perimenopausal women as compared with the other two menopausal groups. In the combined sample of all three menopause stage groups, follicle-stimulating hormone was significantly correlated with vascular conductance during submaximal (15 W) exercise (R = –0.56, P < 0.001), even after adjustment for age, fitness, LDL cholesterol, and abdominal fat (R = –0.46, P = 0.005). Collectively, these findings suggest that in middle-aged women, there is an association between menopause stage and leg vascular responsiveness during exercise.