bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Tanzanian civil society
Authors: Banjac Marinko
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The development of Tanzanian civil society is widely understood to be one of the key processes in the democratization of the country, and this vision is also shared by the World Bank. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the intention and impact of World Bank policies aimed at supporting Tanzanian civil society organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the Lacanian psychoanalytic approach combined with Foucault's notion of governmentality as a conceptual tool. Within this theoretical framework, a specific World Bank programme in Tanzania, the Social Development Civil Society Fund, is analyzed.

Findings

Developed democratic states produce, through the World Bank, the desires of not‐yet‐fully democratic countries to embrace the benefits that (democratic) development can bring. The World Bank programme aimed at the development of Tanzanian civil society is formulated in a way that posits Tanzania as a not‐yet‐fully democratic country. This is achieved through the World Bank's advice and recommendations, which trigger the desires of Tanzanians to participate in development and thus to achieve (always elusive) prosperity and democracy. Moreover, the World Bank programme can be seen as an ensemble of governmental practices advancing the idea of self‐empowerment through which Tanzanians are made governable.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the understanding of democratic transition, from the perspective of Lacanian psychoanalysis, as a social fantasy that plays a crucial role in the constitution of global hierarchical relationships and in the construction of the identities of so‐called democratic states and not‐yet‐fully democratic countries. Within this scheme, the World Bank's policies are governmental technologies that trigger desires of not‐yet‐fully democratic countries.
On identity reformation and local transition: a case from Poland
Authors: Joanna Bourne Dorota
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand the process of successful introduction of total quality management (TQM) in Poland and the way in which it impacted on identity of Polish managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a combination of ethnographic research and repertory grid interviews.

Findings

The process of TQM introduction and implementation is examined through the application of translation as a model incorporating cultural and socio‐economical dimensions in addition to individual and organizational levels that shaped the development of TQM in Poland. It then draws on the idea of fantasy as theorized in Lacanian psychoanalysis in order to incorporate the unconscious element of translation process which is missing from Latour's theorization and which forms an important aspect of adoption of new technology and the emergence of a new post‐transition generation of managers in Poland. The paper argues that a complex combination of contextual factors, amongst them the notion of fantasy shaped the process of translation of TQM to Poland, the identity formation of Polish managers and to the emergence of a new post‐transition generation of managers in Poland.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on the post‐command transition by illustrating this process through the fantasy of total quality management explored in a specific socio‐cultural and geographical context and by combining the idea of Latour's translation with Lacanian fantasy.
An empirical examination of the contribution of capabilities to the competitiveness of logistics service providers
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Grant David B. , McKinnon Alan C. , Feng Yuanhua
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to report on an investigation of logistics service provider (LSP) capabilities and how these capabilities contribute to LSP competitiveness in the context of China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on work from economics and strategy on firm‐level competitiveness, particularly the resource‐based view, to develop and empirically examined 13 firm‐specific capability constructs based on a survey of Chinese LSPs.

Findings

Exploratory factor analysis and factor analysis regression indicated all 13 constructs are critical to a Chinese LSP's competitiveness and are interlinked in contributing to it. The findings also revealed the most critical capability is service quality; this capability was further assessed and two sub‐constructs of operations and relationship management emerged.

Practical implications

The results of the empirical study provide a useful way for LSP managers to identify and appraise their firm's capabilities and competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study contributes by addressing a gap of empirical research concerning LSP competitiveness and capabilities.
Improving export performance of contractors from China
Authors: Ling Florence , Huay Lim Siew
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Construction firms in the People's Republic of China (PRC) have been exporting their services to foreign countries. The aim of this research is to study how PRC contractors can improve their export performance. The specific objectives are to: ascertain the performance outcomes of projects undertaken by PRC contractors; identify strategies that PRC firms adopt to enable them to export effectively; and recommend areas in which PRC firms can improve their export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is a multi‐pronged approach, comprising industry‐wide postal/e‐mail survey using a structured questionnaire, in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with PRC firms operating in Singapore and Singaporean firms that had worked with PRC firms in Singapore. Open‐ended questions were administered for the interviews.

Findings

The results show that PRC firms adopt cost leadership, diversification and networking strategies effectively. They generally have strong financial capacity and receive strong government support in their export activity. They offer low bids through low profit margins, low labour cost and satisfactory quality. They are not operating at the optimum level and there is room for improvement, if they wish to improve their export performance.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the present findings is that PRC firms' export activities are investigated from the Singapore context, which may not be generalizable. Only nine PRC firms were interviewed, but this nevertheless represents 69 per cent of registered PRC contractors in Singapore. The qualitative data from the interviews precluded statistical analysis, but provided rich and comparable insights.

Practical implications

The study presents recommendations on how PRC firms may improve their export performance. Non‐PRC firms would be informed of the strategies and actions that PRC firms take or will take, and will be better prepared to compete with them internationally.

Originality/value

The study is of value because it identifies the strengths of PRC firms as exporters of construction services. Recommendations on how PRC firms can improve their export performance are also offered. PRC firms may leverage on their strengths, and take in some of the recommendations, so that they can further improve their export performance.
A dynamic model of the systemic causes for patient treatment delays in emergency departments
Authors: Cooke David , Rohleder Thomas , Rogers Paul
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a qualitative systems model developed to understand why average emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) was rapidly increasing while the number of ED visits was relatively constant. The paper's focus was to identify systemic causes for poor patient flow so that the model could then be used to evaluate improvement options using a more complete view of the causal structure for the ED delays.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, a disciplined system dynamics approach was used that included development of a dynamic hypothesis, causal loop and stock and flow diagramming, interviews with system experts, and data collection and analysis.

Findings

Results support the dynamic hypothesis that an aging population and shortages of resources to treat chronically ill patients (among other dynamics) were causing longer average LOS. Older and sicker patients were consuming more ED resources and causing less acute patients to leave without being seen or to avoid visiting the ED in the first place. In essence, the ED was acting as a safety valve for the wider health care system as many parts of this wider system became overloaded.

Practical implications

Owing to the systemic causes for the patient treatment delay problem in the ED, simple local solutions are unlikely to be effective. The system model can be used as a basis to understand the underlying dynamics of the systemic causes for poor patient flow and identify robust and long‐term solutions.

Originality/value

The paper presents a process for developing a dynamic model to engage the various participants in a health care system in understanding the causes for delays and poor patient flow. The modeling approach can be used as a means for health care managers/administrators to identify improvement options that address the systemic problems.
Megamarketing an event using integrated marketing communications: the success story of TMH
Authors: Vel K. Prakash , Sharma Ricky
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The choice of a well‐planned integrated marketing communication (IMC) strategy is crucial for the successful launch of an event. This paper is a case‐study based description of how a brand management consultancy house, TMC, used IMC to launch a world music festival event in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2009, registering a visitorship of five‐times their target, 89 per cent satisfaction and a staggering 99 per cent of the visitors planning to visit the festival again in 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on event marketing, megamarketing and integrated marketing communications is conducted to illustrate the challenges involved in launching communication campaigns in the marketing of events. Primary research was conducted by way of in‐depth interviews with TMH and the case study is developed based on the information furnished.

Findings

Event marketing requires the support of a well‐crafted IMC plan to realise the objectives set for the event. This paper brings out the role of public relations, direct marketing, social media networking, advertising and media planning in the IMC campaign launched by a brand management consultancy house and how it successfully achieved the objectives for the event.

Practical implications

Traditional communication media may not be sufficient to succeed in the current media clutter and over‐communicated market place. In this context, social networking media are emerging as a new media type and are an important addition to the current media. Understanding the target audience and preparing a customised media mix involving traditional and modern media may have a synergistic effect on end results.

Originality/value

The paper provides the marketers with an IMC perspective to analyse traditional and emerging media types and integrate them with a communications plan to optimise end results. In particular, the paper brings out the need for total customisation of media mix for different market conditions.
Does your pricing hide your company's true value to customers?
Authors: Myrna John
Published: November 2010

Purpose

This article illustrates how companies can render themselves vulnerable to inappropriate price comparisons if their pricing structure hides the true value of their services from customers, and offers strategies for overcoming pricing problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The examples cited all stem from the author's extensive experience helping companies become more effective at strategic planning and implementation in many areas, including pricing.

Findings

Companies can avoid getting “McKinseyed” by unbundling their services and making a strategic decision to charge for everything.

Practical implications

Companies must make sure their value proposition correlates with their customers' reality, and make that value clear to customers by refusing to allow it to be obscured by the mechanics of billing. The executive team must also understand the company's customers and what elements of the service they value.

Originality/value

The value of this article to corporate executives lies in its reality‐based perspective on the pitfalls associated with pricing services and its practical recommendations for avoiding or overcoming pricing problems.
Organizational and accounting change within the context of the environmental agenda
Authors: da Silva Monteiro Sónia Maria , Aibar‐Guzmán Beatriz
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of organizational change undergone by a large Portuguese business group within the context of the environmental agenda and the role of accounting as a mechanism for change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the results of a case study conducted between 2006 and 2009. Information was obtained from semi‐structured interviews and secondary sources. Organizational changes were analyzed using Laughlin's model in order to identify which category reflected most of the changes introduced to address environmental matters.

Findings

This paper offers evidence that change is not a homogeneous phenomenon. Additionally, it confirms previous studies' findings which found that accounting did not play a significant role in the process of organizational change within the context of the environmental agenda.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to complement the research in this area by integrating observations from a case study into an existing model of levels of organizational change according to how a Portuguese business group incorporated environmental issues into its processes, policies and corporate culture.
Towards a better understanding of capital investment decisions
Authors: Emmanuel Clive , Harris Elaine , Komakech Samuel
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the capital investment process, guided by concepts from cognitive and social psychology. The intention is to gauge the extent to which managerial judgement can be detected by applying a psychological lens to the process. Initial fieldwork is subsequently reported on the extent to which managerial judgement is managed. Discovery of variations suggest an alternative perspective on understanding capital investment decisions (CIDs) that may be potentially worthwhile in understanding the long‐term success and survival of modern commercial enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a systematic review, employing the psychological concepts of heuristics, framing and concensus to prior case and fieldwork studies, the CID process in three companies engaged in new market/site development projects is reported. The participants initially responded to a survey and subsequently agreed to be interviewed about their processes and involvement.

Findings

The psychological concepts provided a satisfactory gauge of managerial judgement. The fieldwork revealed variety in the management of the CID process and the influence of managerial judgement.

Research limitations/implications

There is an increasing call to examine the CID by case or fieldwork but, to date, the role managerial judgement plays has not been directly addressed. Applying psychological concepts to the CID process offers an opportunity to focus enquiries and improve understanding of corporate practices.

Practical implications

The relative reliance companies place on heuristics, framing and consensus within their specific organizational contexts ultimately may provide insights to the long‐term survival of companies.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on the cognitive and social psychology in the capital investment process.
HAPPINESS AND HEALTH: TWO PARADOXES
Authors: Borghesi Simone , Vercelli Alessandro
Published: November 2010

Abstract This paper aims to establish systematic relationships between the two rapidly growing research streams on the socio‐economic determinants of happiness and health. Although they have been pursued quite independently by different communities of researchers, empirical evidence points to very similar underlying causal mechanisms. In particular, in both cases per capita income seems to play a major role only up to a very low threshold, beyond which relative income and other relational factors become crucial for happiness and health.

On the basis of these structural analogies, we argue that a process of cross‐fertilisation between these two research streams would contribute to their development by clarifying the relationship between happiness, health and their determinants. Finally, we observe that the two literatures have converging policy implications: measures meant to reduce poverty and inequality and invest in social and environmental capital may improve both health and happiness of the individuals.
Relative and Absolute Quantitative Real-Time PCR-Based Quantifications of
hcnC
and
phlD
Gene Transcripts in Natural Soil Spiked with
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain LBUM300
Authors: DeCoste Nadine J. , Gadkar Vijay J. , Filion Martin
Published: November 2010

Transcriptional analysis of microbial gene expression using relative quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) has been hampered by various technical problems. One such problem is the unavailability of an exogenous standard robust enough for use in a complex matrix like soil. To circumvent this technical issue, we made use of a recently developed artificial RNA (myIC) as an exogenous “spike-in” control. Nonsterile field soil was inoculated with various concentrations of the test bacterium
Pseudomonas
sp. strain LBUM300, ranging from 4.3- to 8.3-log bacterial cells per gram of soil. Total soil RNA was extracted at days 0, 7, and 14 postinoculation, and using two-step TaqMan assays,
phlD
(encoding the production of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol) and
hcnC
(encoding the production of hydrogen cyanide) gene expression was monitored. For relative quantification, a defined quantity of
in vitro
-synthesized myIC RNA was spiked during the RNA extraction procedure. Absolute qRT-PCR was also performed in parallel. Both the absolute and relative quantifications showed similar transcriptional trends. Overall, the transcriptional activity of
phlD
and
hcnC
changed over time and with respect to the bacterial concentrations used. Transcripts of the
phlD
and
hcnC
genes were detected for all five bacterial concentrations, but the
phlD
transcript copy numbers detected were lower than those detected for
hcnC
, regardless of the initial bacterial concentration or sampling date. For quantifying a low number of transcripts, the relative method was more reliable than the absolute method. This study demonstrates for the first time the use of a relative quantification approach to quantifying microbial gene transcripts from field soil using an exogenous spike-in control.
The N-Terminal Domain of the Flo1 Flocculation Protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae Binds Specifically to Mannose Carbohydrates
Authors: Goossens Katty V. Y. , Stassen Catherine , Stals Ingeborg , Donohue Dagmara S. , Devreese Bart , De Greve Henri , Willaert Ronnie G.
Published: November 2010

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
cells possess a remarkable capacity to adhere to other yeast cells, which is called flocculation. Flocculation is defined as the phenomenon wherein yeast cells adhere in clumps and sediment rapidly from the medium in which they are suspended. These cell-cell interactions are mediated by a class of specific cell wall proteins, called flocculins, that stick out of the cell walls of flocculent cells. The N-terminal part of the three-domain protein is responsible for carbohydrate binding. We studied the N-terminal domain of the Flo1 protein (N-Flo1p), which is the most important flocculin responsible for flocculation of yeast cells. It was shown that this domain is both O and N glycosylated and is structurally composed mainly of β-sheets. The binding of N-Flo1p to
d
-mannose, α-methyl-
d
-mannoside, various dimannoses, and mannan confirmed that the N-terminal domain of Flo1p is indeed responsible for the sugar-binding activity of the protein. Moreover, fluorescence spectroscopy data suggest that N-Flo1p contains two mannose carbohydrate binding sites with different affinities. The carbohydrate dissociation constants show that the affinity of N-Flo1p for mono- and dimannoses is in the millimolar range for the binding site with low affinity and in the micromolar range for the binding site with high affinity. The high-affinity binding site has a higher affinity for low-molecular-weight (low-MW) mannose carbohydrates and no affinity for mannan. However, mannan as well as low-MW mannose carbohydrates can bind to the low-affinity binding site. These results extend the cellular flocculation model on the molecular level.
The C-Module-Binding Factor Supports Amplification of TRE5-A Retrotransposons in the Dictyostelium discoideum Genome
Authors: Bilzer Annika , Dölz Heike , Reinhardt Alexander , Schmith Anika , Siol Oliver , Winckler Thomas
Published: November 2010

Retrotransposable elements are molecular parasites that have invaded the genomes of virtually all organisms. Although retrotransposons encode essential proteins to mediate their amplification, they also require assistance by host cell-encoded machineries that perform functions such as DNA transcription and repair. The retrotransposon TRE5-A of the social amoeba
Dictyostelium discoideum
generates a notable amount of both sense and antisense RNAs, which are generated from element-internal promoters, located in the A module and the C module, respectively. We observed that TRE5-A retrotransposons depend on the C-module-binding factor (CbfA) to maintain high steady-state levels of TRE5-A transcripts and that CbfA supports the retrotransposition activity of TRE5-A elements. The carboxy-terminal domain of CbfA was found to be required and sufficient to mediate the accumulation of TRE5-A transcripts, but it did not support productive retrotransposition of TRE5-A. This result suggests different roles for CbfA protein domains in the regulation of TRE5-A retrotransposition frequency in
D. discoideum
cells. Although CbfA binds to the C module
in vitro
, the factor regulates neither C-module nor A-module promoter activity
in vivo
. We speculate that CbfA supports the amplification of TRE5-A retrotransposons by suppressing the expression of an as yet unidentified component of the cellular posttranscriptional gene silencing machinery.
Deconvolution of Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-Microarray (ChIP-chip) Analysis of MBF Occupancies Reveals the Temporal Recruitment of Rep2 at the MBF Target Genes
Authors: Eshaghi Majid , Zhu Lei , Chu Zhaoqing , Li Juntao , Chan Chee Seng , Shahab Atif , Karuturi R. Krishna M. , Liu Jianhua
Published: November 2010

MBF (or DSC1) is known to regulate transcription of a set of G
1
/S-phase genes encoding proteins involved in regulation of DNA replication. Previous studies have shown that MBF binds not only the promoter of G
1
/S-phase genes, but also the constitutive genes; however, it was unclear if the MBF bindings at the G
1
/S-phase and constitutive genes were mechanistically distinguishable. Here, we report a chromatin immunoprecipitation-microarray (ChIP-chip) analysis of MBF binding in the
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
genome using high-resolution genome tiling microarrays. ChIP-chip analysis indicates that the majority of the MBF occupancies are located at the intragenic regions. Deconvolution analysis using Rpb1 ChIP-chip results distinguishes the Cdc10 bindings at the Rpb1-poor loci (promoters) from those at the Rpb1-rich loci (intragenic sequences). Importantly, Res1 binding at the Rpb1-poor loci, but not at the Rpb1-rich loci, is dependent on the Cdc10 function, suggesting a distinct binding mechanism. Most Cdc10 promoter bindings at the Rpb1-poor loci are associated with the G
1
/S-phase genes. While Res1 or Res2 is found at both the Cdc10 promoter and intragenic binding sites, Rep2 appears to be absent at the Cdc10 promoter binding sites but present at the intragenic sites. Time course ChIP-chip analysis demonstrates that Rep2 is temporally accumulated at the coding region of the MBF target genes, resembling the RNAP-II occupancies. Taken together, our results show that deconvolution analysis of Cdc10 occupancies refines the functional subset of genomic binding sites. We propose that the MBF activator Rep2 plays a role in mediating the cell cycle-specific transcription through the recruitment of RNAP-II to the MBF-bound G
1
/S-phase genes.
Examining smoking behaviours among parents from the UK Millennium Cohort Study after the smoke-free legislation in Scotland
Authors: Hawkins Summer Sherburne , Cole Tim J , Law Catherine
Published: November 2010

Objectives

To investigate parental smoking behaviours between England and Scotland after the smoke-free legislation in Scotland came into effect in 2006 and examine inequalities in maternal smoking behaviours between countries.

Methods

5954 white mothers and 3757 fathers resident in England and 1522 white mothers and 904 fathers resident in Scotland who participated in the Millennium Cohort Study (a prospective nationally representative cohort study) when the cohort child was age 9 months (before legislation) and 5 years (after legislation in Scotland but not in England). The main outcome measures were smoking at 9 months and 5 years, quitting smoking by 5 years, starting smoking by 5 years.

Results

In England and Scotland approximately 30% of parents reported smoking at 9 months with only a slight decrease in smoking at 5 years. There were no differences between countries in parental smoking after the smoke-free legislation in Scotland came into effect, taking into account prior smoking levels. Light smokers (1–9 cigarettes/day) from Scotland were less likely to quit by 5 years than those from England, but there were no differences between countries among heavy smokers (10+ cigarettes/day). Non-smoking mothers from Scotland (6.2%) were less likely to start smoking by 5 years than mothers from England (7.3%). Mothers from more disadvantaged circumstances in both countries were more likely to report that they smoked or started smoking. In England quitting was also socially patterned, but in Scotland, after the legislation was introduced, the gradients in quitting smoking were flatter across social groups.

Conclusions

Smoking behaviours among parents with young children remained relatively stable, highlighting the need for additional tobacco control efforts to support smoking cessation. However, the smoke-free legislation does not appear to widen health inequalities and may even help reduce them by encouraging quitting across socioeconomic groups.
Dorsal root tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels do not contribute to the augmented exercise pressor reflex in rats with chronic femoral artery occlusion
Authors: Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , McCord Jennifer L. , Leal Anna K. , Kaufman Marc P.
Published: November 2010

We investigated the contribution of tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant sodium channels to the augmented exercise pressor reflex observed in decerebrated rats with femoral artery ligation. The pressor responses to static contraction, to tendon stretch, and to electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve were compared before and after blocking TTX-sensitive sodium channels on the L3-L6 dorsal roots of rats whose hindlimbs were freely perfused and rats whose femoral arteries were ligated 72 h before the start of the experiment. In the freely perfused group ( n = 9), pressor (Δ22 ± 4 mmHg) and cardioaccelerator (Δ32 ± 6 beats/min) responses to contraction were attenuated by 1 μM TTX (Δ4 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.05 and Δ17 ± 4 beats/min, P < 0.05, respectively). In the 72 h ligated group ( n = 9), the augmented pressor response to contraction (32 ± 4 mmHg) was also attenuated by 1 μM TTX (Δ8 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.05). The cardioaccelerator response to contraction was not significantly attenuated in these rats. In addition, TTX suppressed the pressor response to tendon stretch in both groups of rats. Electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve evoked similar pressor responses between the two groups (freely perfused: Δ74 ± 9 mmHg and 72 h ligated: Δ78 ± 5 mmHg). TTX attenuated the pressor response to the tibial nerve stimulation by about one-half in both groups. Application of the TTX-resistant sodium channel blocker A-803467 (1 μM) with TTX (1 μM) did not block the pressor response to tibial nerve stimulation to any greater extent than did application of TTX (1 μM) alone. Although the contribution of TTX-resistant sodium channels to the augmented exercise pressor reflex may be slightly increased in rats with chronic femoral artery ligation, TTX-resistant sodium channels on dorsal roots do not play a major role in the augmented exercise pressor reflex.
Error Estimates from Noise Samples for Iterative Algorithm in Shift‐Invariant Signal Spaces
Authors: Xian Jun
Published: November 2010

We consider error estimates of iterative algorithm in
shift‐invariant signal spaces. For the classical sampling and reconstruction algorithm,
error estimate from its samples corrupted by white noises are widely studied,
but the error analysis of noise with time jitter and iterative noise has not been
given as much attention. In this paper, three types of error estimates are studied.
In detail, we obtain the error estimate for reconstructing a signal from its noise
samples, noise samples with time jitter, and iterative noise.
Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost Effectiveness of Metabolic Surgery in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Villamizar Nestor , Pryor Aurora D.
Published: November 2010

Remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus with metabolic surgery is a field of active investigation and development. The extraordinary results obtained in diabetic patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2have led investigators to query if similar results could be achieved in patients with BMI < 35 kg/m2. A few studies have been recently conducted to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery in diabetic patients with BMI BMI < 35 kg/m2. However, stronger evidence would be required before insurance coverage is extended for bariatric surgery to all type 2 diabetic patients, in addition to those with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2for whom eligibility is already established. In addition, the hormonal and metabolic mechanisms of diabetes remission after gastrointestinal surgery are yet to be determined. This paper will review the evidence about safety, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes mellitus remission and the potential socioeconomic impact of offering bariatric surgery to diabetic patients with BMI BMI < 35 kg/m2.
From Closed to Open: Chinese Foundations’ ‘Ways’ of Distributing Funds
Authors: Yushan () Xu
Published: November 2010

This article focuses on how Chinese foundations distribute funds, i.e. the ways in which they spend their money and how these ways are changing. By reviewing the practices of numerous domestic foundations, this paper identifies two methods of distribution. These methods, referred to as the “closed way” and the “open way,” are differentiated by the fields in which funding recipient institutions work and by the ways in which foundations select funding recipients. The “closed way” tends to be monopolized, mandated top-down, bureaucratic, low-cost, and tends to involve small disbursements. While its simplicity and speed help reduce administrative costs, thereby better leveraging resources, the “closed way” may also corrode foundations’ independence and blur the boundary between governments and foundations. The “open way” tends to be open, transparent, competitive, and selective. This method of distribution facilitates the entry of donations into the civil society sector, and puts resources to work in society. A party to civil organizations’ broad progress over the last 30 years, foundations in China are shifting their methods of distribution from “closed” to “open,” a change we see expressed both in the growth of foundations’ operating partners and in the increasing use of competitive mechanisms. Taking the “open way” will increase foundations’ role in supporting the third sector and help foundations become engines of civil society in China.
Between Solids/Monologues in Brown: A Mystory Performance
Authors: Chawla Devika
Published: November 2010

This essay is a performance space in which I access the dramatic monologue form to juxtapose the experiences of a postcolonial body enmeshed in colonial discourses of color with the experiences of a racialized body in America. In scenes and scenarios, I excavate moments from two social archaeologies—an “old color narrative” arising from the Indian subcontinent, one that is steeped in gender, colonial longings, and filial goodness, and a “new color narrative” that has been imposed on me in the West, one that is more political and thus exclusionary. I frame these monologues as a mystory performance and analyze the ways in which it fuses with and deviates from the goals of a mystory. Finally, I offer a discussion of performative resistance by addressing how “performativity” functions in these scenes as both citationality and an “intervention upon citationality.” (Bhabha, 1994; Butler, 1990). Ultimately, I hope to arrive, alongside the reader, in an “elsewhere location” to understand the performative process of becoming “raced.”
Paradoxical embolism following thromboaspiration of an arteriovenous fistula thrombosis: a case report
Authors: Bentaarit Bouteina , Duval Anne Marie , Maraval Anne , Dahmane Djamal , Dahan Karine , Amara Brahim , Lang Philippe , Sahali Djillali
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Paradoxical embolism is an increasingly reported cause of arterial embolism. Several embolic sources have been described, but thrombosis of an arteriovenous fistula as a paradoxical emboligenic source has not, to the best of our knowledge, been reported.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old Caucasian woman received a renal graft for primary hyperoxaluria. After transplantation, she was maintained on daily hemodialysis. Thrombosis of her arteriovenous fistula occurred two weeks post-transplantation and was treated by thromboaspiration, which was partially successful. During a hemodialysis session immediately following thromboaspiration, she developed a coma with tetraplegia requiring intensive cardiorespiratory resuscitation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed various hyperdense areas in the vertebrobasilar territory resulting from bilateral occlusion of posterior cerebral arteries. Transesophageal echocardiographic examination showed a patent foramen ovale, while pulse echography of the arteriovenous fistula revealed the persistence of extensive clots that were probably the embolic source. A paradoxical embolus through a patent foramen ovale was suggested because of the proximity of the neurological event to the thrombectomy procedure.

Conclusions

The risk of paradoxical embolism in a hemodialyzed patient with a patent foramen ovale deserves consideration and requires careful evaluation in situations of arteriovenous fistula thrombosis.
Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer techniques on rotary ATP synthases
Authors: Börsch Michael
Published: November 2010

Conformational changes of proteins can be monitored in real time by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Two different fluorophores have to be attached to those protein domains which move during function. Distance fluctuations between the fluorophores are measured by relative fluorescence intensity changes or fluorescence lifetime changes. The rotary mechanics of the two motors of FoF1-ATP synthase have been studied in vitro by single-molecule FRET. The results are summarized and perspectives for other transport ATPases are discussed.
Foraging Response to Risks of Predation and Competition in Artificial Pools
Authors: Stav Gil , Kotler Burt P. , Blaustein Leon
Published: November 2010

Although ecologists have learned much about the influence of competitors and perceived risk of predation on foraging in terrestrial systems by measuring giving-up density (GUD, the amount of food left behind in a resource patch following exploitation), GUDs have rarely been used in aquatic environments. Here we use foraging activity (proportion foraging) and GUDs to assess the effects that two periphyton consumers and potential competitors, green toad (Bufo viridis) tadpoles and mosquito (Culiseta longiareolata) larvae, have on each other. We also examine the effects of perceived risk of predation imposed by a dragonfly nymph (Anax imperator). To do so, we conducted an artificial pool experiment and developed a food patch appropriate for measuring GUDs for periphyton grazers. MoreCulisetaindividuals foraged in rich food patches than in poor patches.Bufoshowed a similar tendency. FewerBufoforaged in both patch types in the presence of cagedAnax. Culisetashowed a similar tendency. However, in the rich patches, onlyBuforeduced foraging activity when the caged predator was present. BothBufoandCulisetadepleted food patches through exploitation, resulting in lower GUDs. Both competitors together resulted in lower GUDs than did food depletion of each species alone. However, the presence of cagedAnaxhad little or no effects on GUDs. Overall, bothBufoandCulisetarespond to food and safety. They are able to direct foraging effort to richer patches and devote more time to those patches, and they respond to predation risk by choosing whether or not to exploit resource patches.
Avaliação do risco cardiovascular por meio do índice LAP em pacientes não obesas com síndrome dos ovários policísticos
Authors: Costa Eduardo Caldas , Sá Joceline Cássia Ferezini de , Soares Elvira Maria Mafaldo , Lemos Telma Maria Araújo Moura , Maranhão Técia Maria de Oliveira , Azevedo George Dantas
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar o risco cardiovascular de mulheres não obesas com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) por meio do índice LAP (lipid accumulation product). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: 283 pacientes (18-34 anos) alocadas do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal-RN, foram divididas em quatro grupos: 1) SOP magras (n = 35); 2) saudáveis magras (n = 162); 3) SOP com sobrepeso (n = 28); 4) saudáveis com sobrepeso (n = 58). RESULTADOS: Pacientes com SOP apresentaram valores superiores do índice LAP em comparação às saudáveis: magras (22,26 vs. 15,87 cm.mmol/L; p = 0,007); sobrepeso (40,83 vs. 26,32 cm.mmol/L; p = 0,001). O percentual de mulheres acima do percentil 75 do índice LAP também foi superior nos subgrupos com SOP: magras (17,1 vs. 6,8%; p = 0,04); sobrepeso (37,5 vs. 13,8%; p = 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Na amostra estudada, as pacientes com SOP apresentaram maior risco cardiovascular avaliado pelo índice LAP, quando comparadas a mulheres saudáveis, mesmo na ausência de obesidade.
Diretrizes e modelo conceitual de custos para o setor público a partir da experiência no governo federal do Brasil
Authors: Machado Nelson , Holanda Victor Branco de
Published: November 2010

Este artigo apresenta o Sistema de Informação de Custos do Governo Federal, descrevendo o modelo e suas principais características, desde o conceito até a finalidade e os grupos de usuários, explorando a correspondência entre os conceitos de contabilidade governamental e de custos. O artigo demonstra o relacionamento entre as políticas públicas, recursos, atividades e objetos de custo. Para tanto, remete aos conceitos de sistema de acumulação e método de custeio de custos no setor público, correlacionando-os aos sistemas de informação governamentais. O artigo também apresenta o modelo téorico-conceitual, as diretrizes que sustentaram a sua concepção e a descrição do seu processo de implantação que ainda está em curso. O artigo finalmente olha para o futuro, depois de vencida a etapa de implantação do sistema, e exorta os leitores a se inserirem no debate sobre mensuração de custos. A importância do SIC é enfatizada como elemento de melhoria da qualidade do gasto no setor público
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among prison inmates in state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Stief Alcione Cavalheiro Faro , Martins Regina Maria Bringel , Andrade Sônia Maria Oliveira de , Pompilio Mauricio Antonio , Fernandes Sonia Maria , Murat Paula Guerra , Mousquer Gina Jonasson , Teles Sheila Araújo , Camolez Graciele Rodrigues , Francisco Roberta Barbosa Lopes , Motta-Castro Ana Rita Coimbra
Published: November 2010

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection and associated factors among prison inmates in Campo Grande, MS. METHODS: A total of 408 individuals were interviewed regarding sociodemographic characteristics, associated factors and HBV vaccination using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from all participants and serological markers for HBV were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) positive samples were tested for HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 17.9% (95%CI: 14.4-22.0). The HBsAg carrier rate was 0.5%; 56 (13.7%) individuals had been infected and developed natural immunity and 15 (3.7%) were positive for anti-HBc only. Ninety eight (24%) prisoners had only anti-HBs, suggesting that they had low vaccine coverage. An occult HBV infection rate of 0% was verified among anti-HBc-positive individuals. Multivariate analysis of associated factors showed that age > 35 years-old, low schooling level and illicit drug use are significantly associated with HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the data showed HBV infection prevalence similar or slightly lower than that reported in other of Brazilian prisons. Independent predictors of HBV infection in this population include older age, low schooling level and illicit drug use.
High molecular mass fraction in clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Fredrich Andréa Longoni , Nagashima Luciene Airy , Pavanelli Wander Rogério , Marquez Audrey de Souza , Kaminami Mari Sumigawa , Carlos Nilson de Jesus , Sano Ayako , Ono Mario Augusto , Itano Eiko Nakagawa
Published: November 2010

INTRODUCTION: Different serum levels of the IgG/IgE for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis high mass molecular (hMM) fraction (~366kDa) in the acute and chronic forms of the disease have been reported. Considering the nonexistence of hMM fraction investigation involving clinical isolates of P. brasiliensis, the present study aimed to investigate the presence of the hMM fraction (~366kDa) in cell free antigens (CFA) from P. brasiliensis clinical isolates. METHODS: CFA from 10 clinical isolates and a reference strain (Pb18) were submitted to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by gel image capturing and densitometer analysis. Additionally, CFA from 20 isolates and Pb18 were analyzed by capture ELISA (cELISA) using polyclonal (polAb) or monoclonal (mAb) antibodies to the hMM fraction. RESULTS: The presence of the hMM component was observed in CFA of all samples analyzed by SDS-PAGE/densitometry and by cELISA. In addition, Pearson's correlation test demonstrated stronger coefficients between hMM fraction levels using pAb and mAb (R = 0.853) in cELISA. CONCLUSIONS: The soluble hMM fraction was present in all the P. brasiliensis clinical isolates analyzed and the reference strain Pb18, which could be used as a source of this antigen. The work also introduces for first time, the cELISA method for P. brasiliensis hMM fraction detection. Analysis also suggests that detection is viable using polAb or mAb and this methodology may be useful for future investigation of the soluble hMM fraction (~366kDa) in sera from PCM patients.
Identificação por PCR e sensibilidade a antifúngicos de isolados clínicos vaginais de Candida sp
Authors: Alves Izabel Almeida , Camargo Fernanda Pês de , Goulart Letícia Silveira
Published: November 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: A candidíase vaginal é uma condição que afeta um grande número de mulheres em idade fértil. Candida albicans é a espécie mais frequentemente isolada de secreção vaginal, entretanto, outras espécies mais resistentes às drogas antifúngicas podem ser isoladas de amostras clínicas vaginais. MÉTODOS: Foram identificadas as espécies de 30 isolados vaginais de Candida sp por PCR utilizando o primer universal ITS4 e primers espécie-específicos para C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis e C. krusei. A sensibilidade destes isolados frente à anfotericina B, fluconazol e voriconazol foi determinada pelo método de macrodiluição M27-A2 do CLSI. RESULTADOS: Através dos ensaios de PCR, 28 isolados foram caracterizados como C. albicans e 2 isolados apresentaram amplificação para os primers específicos de C. albicans e C. glabrata. A concentração inibitória mínima para anfotericina B variou de 0,03µg/mL a 0,25µg/mL, para o fluconazol de 0,125µg/mL a 16µg/mL e para o voriconazol de 0,03µg/mL a 0,25µg/mL. CONCLUSÕES: A identificação de Candida ao nível de espécie através de ensaios de PCR deve ser relevante para o gerenciamento clínico destas infecções.
Sepse, sepse grave e choque séptico: aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e prognóstico em pacientes de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um Hospital Universitário
Authors: Carvalho Renan Henrique de , Vieira Janaína Fernandes , Gontijo Filho Paulo Pinto , Ribas Rosineide Marques
Published: November 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: Sepse é considerada doença grave com alta mortalidade. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a incidência e evolução da sepse em pacientes críticos. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada vigilância prospectiva de sepse na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de Adultos, de abril-dezembro de 2007. RESULTADOS: A frequência de pacientes/dia foi 442. Setenta e cinco (18,6%) pacientes tinham sepse; destes, 72% hospitalar. As taxas de sepse grave e choque séptico por paciente/dia foram 5,0 e 3,1, respectivamente. A mortalidade total foi 34,6%. Sessenta e um por cento dos casos tinham diagnóstico microbiológico. CONCLUSÕES: A sepse apresentou-se numa frequência maior, do que a usualmente descrita na literatura.
Avaliação de variáveis que influenciam a hidrólise enzimática da caseína do leite de cabra Moxotó
Authors: Lira Tatiana Barros Ferreira , Bezerra Vilma Sobral , Silva Flávio de Oliveira , Dias Giselle Maria Pereira , Lima Filho José Luiz de , Porto Tatiana Souza , Porto Ana Lúcia Figueiredo
Published: November 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da temperatura, pH, relação enzima:substrato (E:S) e tempo de reação sobre a hidrólise enzimática da caseína do leite de cabra Moxotó, com uso de diferentes enzimas proteolíticas. A hidrólise enzimática da caseína caprina foi realizada com uso de tripsina, pepsina e papaína. Para cada enzima, foram utilizados dois níveis de cada variável, na avaliação de seus efeitos sobre a hidrólise da caseína, em um fatorial completo 2(4). Os produtos da hidrólise foram visualizados em eletroforese SDS-PAGE. O melhor valor do grau de hidrólise com a enzima papaína foi obtido em pH 6,5, E:S de 1:150 e 5 horas de hidrólise a 50ºC (28,17%); com a tripsina, em pH 8,5, E:S de 1:150 e 5 horas a 40ºC (29,55%); e com a pepsina, em pH 3,0, E:S de 1:100 e 5 horas a 40ºC (38,27%). A hidrólise da caseína caprina é influenciada positivamente pelo pH e tempo de hidrólise, com o uso da pepsina. Foram observadas interações significativas antagônicas entre pH e relação E:S, com o uso da tripsina; e entre pH, temperatura e tempo de hidrólise, com o uso da papaína. A pepsina apresenta elevada eficiência na hidrólise de αs1, β e κ-caseína, evidenciada por hidrolisados com massa molar abaixo de 14,4 kDa.