bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and serological characterisation of the O-specific polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide from proposed new serotype 029 of Serratia marcescens
Authors: Holst O. , Aucken H.M. , Seltmann G.
Published: January 2008

The structure of the repeating unit of the O-antigenic polysaccharide from the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Serratia marcescens strain 111 was determined by compositional and methylation analyses and NMR spectroscopy as →6)-α-D-Glc p-(1→2)-α-L-Rha p-(1→2)-α-L-Rha p-(1→2)-α-L-Rha p-(1→ (Rha, rhamnose) which represents a new O-antigenic structure in LPS of S. marcescens but is similar to the structure of the repeating unit of the O-antigen of S. marcescens 018 →6)-α-D-Glc pNAc-(1→2)-α-L-Rha p-(1→2)-α-L-Rha p-(1→2)-α-L-Rha p-(1→ (Oxley D., Wilkinson S.G. Structure of a neutral polymer isolated from the lipopolysaccharide of the reference strain for S. marcescens serogroup 018. Carbohydr Res 1989; 195: 111-115). Serological investigations using S. marcescens O- and K-specific ELISA tests and immunoblotting showed that S111 reacted with anti-O18 and anti-K4 sera, and that the anti-S111 serum reacted with serotype strain 018. The K4 reaction was confirmed as capsular by the Quellung reaction. After absorption with the heterologous strain, S. marcescens 018 and strain 111 were shown to be immunologically distinct, probably because of the presence of the GlcNAc residue in 018. We propose to add S111 to the O-serotype strains of S. marcescens as 029.
Second international standard for endotoxin: calibration in an international collaborative study
Authors: Poole S. , Dawson P. , Gaines Das R.E.
Published: January 2008

On behalf of the World Health Organization, 26 scientists in 13 countries calibrated a candidate international standard for endotoxin and compared it with the Pharmacopoeial standards of the US, Europe and Japan. The study showed that the candidate standard is suitable to serve as the second international standard for endotoxin for all applications, with an assigned unitage of 10,000 international units (IU)/vial, with 1 IU = 1 EU (FDA/USP endotoxin unit). This value maintains continuity of unitage with EC5 (the primary calibrant for the first international standard), EC6 (the current FDA/USP standard), the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Standard and commercial preparations of Limulus lysate. This value is also consistent with calibration of the candidate standard in terms of the European Pharmacopoeia Standard, BRP-2. The establishment of this international standard for endotoxin will permit the global harmonisation of unitage for standards of endotoxin.
Lipopolysaccharide suppresses thrombin- and histamine-stimulated rises in intracellular calcium concentration in human endothelial cells
Authors: Watanabe K. , Jaffe E.A.
Published: January 2008

We examined the effect of LPS on thrombin- and histamine-stimulated rises in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC were incubated with LPS for up to 24 h. After harvesting and labeling with Quin-2/AM, HUVEC were stimulated with thrombin or histamine, and rises in [Ca2+] i were monitored. LPS (0.01-10 μg/ml) significantly suppressed the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by 2 U/ml thrombin or 10 μM histamine. The degree of suppression was dependent on the concentration of LPS, although LPS did not change unstimulated, basal intracellular calcium levels. After HUVEC were incubated with 10 μg/ml of LPS for 24 h, the rise in [Ca2+]i was measured in response to various concentrations of thrombin (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 U/ml). The rises in [Ca 2+]i were proportional to the concentration of thrombin, and the rises in [Ca2+]i in LPS-treated HUVEC were significantly lower than those in control HUVEC at any concentration of thrombin tested. The suppressive effect of LPS on rises in [Ca2+] i appeared after 1 h incubation of HUVEC with 10 μg/ml LPS, and reached a maximal level after 16 h. Our results raise the possibility that LPS might alter various calcium-mediated biological responses in endothelial cells in vivo.
Treatment of sepsis by plasma endotoxin removal: hemoperfusion using a polymyxin-B immobilized column
Authors: Kodama M. , Tani T. , Hanasawa K. , Hirata K. , Hirasawa H. , Oda S. , Otsuka T. , Yamamoto Y. , Kanesaka S. , Takahashi Y. , Maekawa K. , Wakabayashi Y. , Tamakuma S. , Sugimoto T. ,   The PMX Clinical Study Group
Published: January 2008

A Phase I clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of endotoxin elimination by direct hemoperfusion using a cartridge containing chemically immobilized polymyxin B fibers (PMX-F). Thirty-seven endotoxemic patients with multiple organ failure (MOF) were treated. Direct hemoperfusion for 2 h using a PMX-F column was performed (PMX). PMX could remove circulating endotoxin from severely endotoxemic patients. Plasma endotoxin level was significantly decreased between its inlet and outlet level of PMX-F column ( P < 0.01). The mean plasma endotoxin concentration of all PMX ( n = 51) was 83.7 ± 26.7 pg/ml before PMX, and significantly decreased to 56.4 ± 27.9 after ( P < 0.01). Plasma endotoxin was significantly decreased in survivors, but that of non-survivors did not change with PMX ( P < 0.05). Body temperature, blood pressure, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance and the oxygen consumption index improved significantly after PMX. Inotropic and vasopressive drugs were discontinued or reduced with PMX. PMX treatment showed a correlation between reduction of plasma endotoxin level and the improvement of septic syndrome, especially cardiovascular impairments. Also, this new therapy seemed to influence the outcome of severe sepsis or septic MOF patients with endotoxemia.
Tremendous high plasma lipopolysaccharide concentrations in a patient with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia
Authors: Laczika K. , Knapp S. , Locker G.J. , Thalhammer F. , Stoiser B. , Frass M. , Burgmann H.
Published: January 2008

We describe a patient suffering from nosocomial Legionella pneumophila pneumonia with extremely high lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations (peak concentration = 725 EU/ml). This unexpectedly high LPS load led to an exaggerated response of the cytokine network. Although immediate treatment with macrolides was instituted, the patient developed an adult respiratory distress syndrome. Despite application of nitric oxide and porcine natural surfactant factor, the patient died 5 days after admission to the ICU. Because of this dramatic case, we emphasize physicians to be aware of L. pneumophila and to include this organism into the diagnosis and antibiotic therapy in patients with nosocomial pneumonia.
Endotoxin concentration by Limulus assay correlates with biological activity in mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Yokota T. , Tani T. , Yoshioka T. , Kodama M.
Published: January 2008

Endotoxin is thought to play a major role in septic shock and multiple systemic organ failure (MOF). However, endotoxin is not always detected in the plasma during Gram-negative sepsis by current Limulus lysate assays. Additionally, it is unknown to what extent the biological activity of endotoxin is truly reflected in endotoxemia. This paper assesses quantitatively a comparison of three types of Limulus assays for the detection of the biological activity of endotoxin in plasma. Mouse lethal activity and TNF production were used for assessment of the biological activity of endotoxin both before and after potential modification of LPS activity by plasma constituents. We have concluded that the dilution and heating method coupled with a toxinometer provides the most accurate correlation with other biological activities of endotoxin in plasma. The fact that the biological activity of endotoxin decreased to 17% of initial dose after incubation at 37ºC for 90 min in normal plasma suggests further a temporal dependence of time in plasma upon the manifestation of biological activities normally attributable to this biologically active microbial constituent found in the plasma of septic patients.
Induction of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β in subcutaneously implanted chamber by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Shapira L. , Soskolne A. , Halabi A. , Barak V. , Stabholz A.
Published: January 2008

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major component of the outermost membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and is considered to be one of the major virulence factors of these bacteria. While the effect of systemic injection of LPS is well characterized, the characterization of cytokine secretion in response to local injection of LPS is lacking. The present study was designed to determine the local production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) over a 4 day period following injection of LPS into subcutaneous implanted chambers in mice. Mice were challenged by a single or repeated injection of Salmonella typhosa LPS into the chambers. Chamber fluids were aspirated at different time intervals and were used for assessment of leukocyte and cytokine levels. A single injection of LPS was found to induce cell influx into the chamber which peaked after 4 h. TNFα and IL-1β levels increased rapidly, reaching their maximum levels within 4 h. After 24 h, TNFα levels declined markedly and were undetectable at 48 and 96 h. TNFα mRNA levels in the sedimented cells followed a similar pattern. In contrast, IL-1β showed a more gradual decrease with levels significantly different from baseline still being present 96 h post-LPS challenge. Four consecutive daily injections of LPS into the chambers resulted in undetectable levels of TNFα in the chamber fluid, while significant levels of IL-1β were detected. These levels were significantly higher than the levels of IL-1β in the chamber fluid 96 h after a single injection and approximately 60% of the levels measured 24 h after a single intra-chamber injection of LPS. The results emphasize the difference between single and repeated exposure to LPS in vivo, and suggest a role for TNFα in the initial phase of the local inflammatory response and for IL-1β in the later phase.
Human thoracic duct lymph inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced release of cytokines
Authors: Lemaire L.C.J.M. , van der Poll T. , van Lanschot J.J.B. , Levels H.M. , van der Ende B. , van Deventer S.J.H. , Gouma D.J.
Published: January 2008

Oral starvation causes gut atrophy and breakdown of barrier function, which can lead to transport of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) across the intestinal mucosa. Since triglyceride-rich lipoproteins can inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine release, it can be hypothesized that enteral feeding protects the body against translocated LPS at the level of the thoracic duct by increasing the levels of triglycerides in thoracic duct lymph. We sought to determine the LPS-neutralizing capacity of human chyle by measuring LPS-induced cytokine production in vitro in the presence or absence of thoracic duct lymph. Moreover, we assessed whether enteral administration of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins changed the ability of lymph to influence LPS activity. Indeed, the presence of 10% and 100% triglyceride-poor and triglyceride-rich lymph induced a significant reduction in the TNF and IL-6 production elicited by LPS. However, there was no difference in the extent of inhibition of cytokine-release by triglyceride-poor and triglyceride-rich lymph. This study shows that lymph can inhibit LPS activity. This is not affected by prior enteral administration of triglycerides.
Effect of inflammatory and antiinflammatory stimuli on acyloxyacyl hydrolase gene expression and enzymatic activity in murine macrophages
Authors: Cody M.J. , Salkowski C.A. , Henricson B.E. , Detore G.R. , Munford R.S. , Vogel S.N.
Published: January 2008

Acyloxyacyl hydrolase (AOAH) is an enzyme found in macrophages and neutrophils that specifically cleaves the acyloxyacyl moieties of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), thus rendering it non-toxic for human cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that LPS augments AOAH mRNA expression (10-20-fold) in murine macrophages. Following LPS treatment (100 ng/m]), AOAH mRNA was induced by 2 h, peaked at 6 h, and was sustained over 72 h. Optimal induction of AOAH mRNA was observed with as little as 0.1 ng/ml LPS. LPS also induced a concomitant increase in AOAH enzymatic activity in cytosolic extracts from murine macrophages and the ability of macrophages to deacylate LPS was not diminished in endotoxin-tolerized macrophages. LPS-stimulated AOAH mRNA expression was cycloheximide sensitive, indicating that de novo protein synthesis is required for AOAH mRNA production. Moreover, AOAH mRNA expression was also induced by IFN-γ. LPS-stimulated mRNA expression was not suppressed by either dexamethasone or IL-10. Finally, intraperitoneal challenge of mice with 25 μg of LPS resulted in increases in AOAH mRNA in both the lung (∼3-fold) and in the liver (∼6-fold). A possible role for LPS-inducible AOAH in the elimination of LPS is discussed.
Serum antibody response against Helicobacter pylori NCTC 11637 smooth- and rough-lipopolysaccharide phenotypes in patients with H. pylori-related gastropathy
Authors: Pece S. , Messa C. , Caccavo D. , Giuliani G. , Greco B. , Fumarola D. , Berloco P. , Di Leo A. , Jirillo E. , Moran A.P.
Published: January 2008

The antigenicity of the Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecule during the course of natural H. pylori infection in humans was investigated. The IgG and IgA responses against smooth (S)- and rough (R)-form LPS were evaluated in H. pylori positive patients with chronic gastritis (CG, n = 30) and duodenal ulcer disease (DU, n = 16), and in 15 H. pylori-negative dyspeptic subjects. The results demonstrated that anti H. pylori LPS IgG and IgA antibody levels were significantly enhanced in both groups of H. pylori-positive patients compared with H. pylori-negative subjects, thus confirming that H. pylori LPS is part of the immunogenic antigen profile of the bacterium. In addition, a marked response against R-LPS, which significantly correlated with that observed against S-LPS, was found for both IgG and IgA, thus indicating that core oligosaccharide plays a powerful immunogenic role. Since the O-side chain of LPS from H. pylori NCTC 11637 contains epitopes which mimic Lewis x (Lex) antigens, the presence of antibodies to monomeric, trimeric, and polymeric Lex was also investigated. Antibodies against polymeric Lex were detected in two patients suffering from chronic atrophic gastritis and active chronic gastritis, respectively.
Yeast recombinant Factor C from horseshoe crab binds endotoxin and causes bacteriostasis
Authors: Pui A.W.M. , Ho B. , Ding J.L.
Published: January 2008

Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda Factor C cDNA has been cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris to produce a recombinant full-length Factor C (rFC) which is both immunoreactive and functional. The presence of a functional endotoxin-binding domain on rFC was ascertained by LPS-binding assays. One involved the relative binding affinity of rFC to electroblotted lipid A moiety of LPS. The second assay showed that rFC competed against native Factor C contained in C. rotundicauda amebocyte lysate (CAL) to bind LPS. Purification of rFC enhanced its binding affinity to LPS. By agglutination, rFC caused bacteriostasis of Gram-negative bacteria within 2 h. In an in vivo system, rFC also decreased the mortality of actinomycin D-sensitized/LPS-challenged mice. The rFCEE, bearing the 5' terminal LPS binding domain displayed a lowered affinity for LPS. This is in contrast to the rFCSN subclone that is devoid of the 5' end of Factor C, and which does not bind LPS. The presence of a fully-functional endotoxin binding domain in rFC probably requires a full-length protein for co-operative interaction of its downstream sequences. Thus, rFC has potential in the detection and removal of contaminating LPS from biological specimens and fluids for injection, since it is capable of binding both free and bound lipid A.
Reduction of asialo pathway gangliosides in Escherichia coli-activated peritoneal macrophages from endotoxin hyporesponsive mice
Authors: Yohe Herbert C. , Griffin Mary E.
Published: January 2008

Sialidase-sensitive gangliosides are reduced in endotoxin-activated macrophages from C3H/HeJ mice. Ganglioside variation in mice has been linked to the H-2 complex. The H-2 gene locus is the major histocompatibility complex of the mouse which encodes for major cell surface antigens as well as immune response genes (the Ir genes). To determine whether the ganglioside alteration is a direct pleotropic influence of the Lps defect or whether there is an indirect influence due to the H-2 haplotype, we examined some members of the BXH/Ty set of recombinant inbred mice. The BXH/Ty set was derived by a cross of the normal C75BU6J and the C3H/HeJ strain. The BxH-4/Ty strain was chosen as a hyporesponsive strain and the BxH-14/Ty strain for the normal counterpart. The normal parental strain, C57BI/6J, and the normal BxH-14/Ty strain show patterns consistent with the normal C3H/HeN strain. The reduction of sialidase-sensitive gangliosides (primarily GM1b (cisGM1)) occurs in the endotoxin-hyporesponsive strains, C3H/HeJ and BxH-4/Ty. The hyporesponsive C3H/HeJ parent strain and the normal BXH-14/Ty recombinant strain are H-2 k haplotype whereas the normal C57BI/6J parent strain and the hyporesponsive BXH-4/Ty recombinant strain are H-2 b haplotype. The ganglioside shifts are consistent with a major pleotropic effect of the Lps defect, not H-2 haplotype.
Volume kinetics of Ringer solution during endotoxinemia in conscious rabbits
Authors: Svensén Christer , Hjelmqvist Hans , Hahn Robert G.
Published: January 2008

The volume effect of Ringer solution was studied in normal and endotoxinemic rabbits to find out whether endotoxin alters the body's handling of crystalloid fluid. Ten rabbits (mean body weight 4.4 kg) were given 25 ml/kg of Ringer solution over 30 min with and without receiving 20 μg/kg of endotoxin 1 h before the infusion. The hemodilution, as measured every 10 min during 2 h, was used to calculate the size of the fluid space expanded by the fluid (V) and the elimination rate constant (kr). Apart from fever and leukopenia, the injection of endotoxin reduced V from 473 (37) ml to 327 (54) ml (mean (SEM); P < 0.04) and kr increased from 2.9 (0.5) ml/min to 5.9 (2.8) ml/min (not significant). Computer-based simulations using the derived kinetic data indicated that endotoxin increases the volume effect of infused fluid when it is infused very fast but reduces it when the fluid is infused more slowly.
Bacterial cell envelopes (ghosts) and LPS but not bacterial S-layers induce synthesis of immune-mediators in mouse macrophages involving CD14
Authors: Haslberger A.G. , Mader H.J. , Schmalnauer M. , Kohl G. , Szostak M.P. , Messner P. , Sleytr U.B. , Wanner G. , Fürst-Ladani S. , Lubitz W.
Published: January 2008

The synthesis of inflammatory mediators in human macrophages/monocytes seen after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) involves the binding of CD14 to LPS complexed to lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP). The binding mechanisms of different LPS domains to LBP and CD14, as well as the interaction of the entire bacterial cell wall and its components with CD14 and LBP, are poorly understood. We, therefore, studied the effects of anti-mouse CD14 antibodies on the synthesis of TNFα and PGE2 in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages stimulated by bacterial cell envelopes (ghosts) of Escherichia coli 026:B6 and Salmonella typhimurium C5, LPS, lipid A, and crystalline bacterial cell surface layer (S-layer) preparations. Ghosts and S-layers, with distinct activities on the immune-system, are presently under investigation for their use as vaccines. Whereas LPS and E. coli ghosts exhibited a strong endotoxic activity in the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay, the endotoxic activity of S-layer preparations was several orders of magnitude lower. LPS, ghosts, and bacterial S-layers all induced TNFα and PGE2 synthesis as well as the accumulation of TNFα mRNA. Pre-incubation with anti-mouse CD14 antibodies resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of TNFα and PGE 2 synthesis after stimulation by LPS, lipid A (30-50%) and ghosts (40-70%). The bacterial S-layer-induced mediator synthesis remained unchanged following the addition of anti-mouse CD14 antibodies. Reproducible differences could be observed for the inhibition of TNFα induced by LPS of different species by anti-CD14. Adding fetal calf serum (FCS) strongly enhanced the release of cell mediators stimulated by low doses of LPS and bacterial ghosts. These effects of the FCS may be due to the presence of LBP in the FCS. The results show that CD14 is highly relevant for the activation of mouse macrophages by bacterial cells, LPS, and lipid A. Specially defined bacterial cell wall constituents such as bacterial S-layers might act through other activation pathways.
Muslim History: Reflections on Periodisation and Categorisation
Authors: Al-Azmeh Aziz
Published: January 2008

This article seeks to review the common assumption of a clear, largely endogenous, continuous and singular medieval period in Muslim history. The assumption implicates a romantic vision of history as one of continuity, and the possibility of writing the history of large-scale masses as one of singularity, and that the historical masses can quite satisfactorily be identified by transhistorical nominatives such as Islam, Hellenism, or the West. Correlatively, the histories of such masses are encoded according to the literary topos of rise and decline, à la Herder, Hegel, Renan, Becker, Toynbee and others. The author proposes that the conceptualisation of historical objects as Muslim or otherwise, and the consequent periodisation is possible only when shorn of romantic historism, and if the titles under which historical material is organised were to be subverted to preserve a definite distance between self-representation and subsequent construal on the one hand, and the actual workings of History on the other. It thus suggests that 'Late Antiquity' be taken to encompass the conditions that gave rise to Islam, which would present the Arab empires as points of arrival and the crystallisation of cultural, economic, demographic, religious, statist and other universalist trends that constitute Late Antiquity.
Representing the Last Judgement: Social Hierarchy, Gender and Sin
Authors: Grötecke Iris
Published: January 2008

This article analyses painted representations of the Last Judgement in medieval Italian art. These large frescoes provided religious education to viewers and furnished a set of rules and norms governing social conduct. Verdicts imposed on recognisable groups of persons are examined to uncover ways in which political, social and gender hierarchies were prescribed and reaffirmed. In contrast to earlier representations, the depiction of Hell in this art focuses on the consequences of the verdict. Female sexuality in general and certain forms of male sexual offences such as the transgression of the vows of asceticism by monks, or sodomy are central to punishments. The spoken and unspoken norms of late medieval urban life were legitimised as divine verdicts in these representations, now endowed with a powerful normative significance.
A Life of Many Parts: Kasi Viranna—A Seventeenth Century South Indian Merchant Magnate
Authors: Sharm Yogesh
Published: January 2008

In the second-half of the seventeenth century, Madras emerged as an autonomous commercial town, under the control of the English East India Company, in the Coromandel region of south India. Its prime concern was to obtain Indian textiles for the European markets, through Indian merchants, some of whom came to exercise a powerful role in the commercial and civic life at Madras. One such personage was Kasi Viranna, who, as Chief Merchant, commanded a multi-faceted influence at Madras from 1662 till 1680. Coming from a humble background, he rose to become a merchant tycoon, having close ties with several English officials. He was also a community elder amongst the Indians, with influence which equalled that of the English governor at Madras.
Poets in Their Place: Reflectons on Poetic salons in Early Medieval Japan
Authors: Smits Ivo
Published: January 2008

This article takes as its starting point the notion that around A.D. 1100 Japanese poetic practice witnessed the first major turning point in a process of 'medievalisation' which would eventually lead to the establishment of poetry as an independent art. The literary salons of twelfth-century Japan form an important beginning of this process. While the salons were the breeding grounds for poetry as art, they were not completely autonomous literary zones. The social setting of the act of composition to a large extent determined the poets' possibilities for innovation. The organisation of such settings and their ceremony are considered here. Attention is also given to the ways in which the poetic practice might differ for poets of Chinese verse and practitioners of poetry in Japanese. Finally, the salons' publications are discussed as a method of raising the status of their poetic production.
Significance of Cross-cultural Trust in Streamlining Supply-chains for Global Enterprises
Authors: Gehani R. Ray
Published: January 2008

In high-velocity global markets, streamlining enterprise supply-chains and increasing trust can reduce high transaction costs. In this article, we integrate previous research studies on the evolution of supply-chains for global enterprises and the role of trust in inter-organizational transactions. We propose that the streamlining of supply-chains with low intermediation is most likely to be associated with the selection of tristworthy agents, deployment of trust-building interactions, and the institutionalization of trust in the participating enterprise. Future implications for researchers and practitioners include the study of resistance to change for implementing streamlined supply-chains.
Strategy, Perverted Competition and Social Relations
Authors: Weiskopf Richard , Mark-Ungericht Bernhard
Published: January 2008

In this paper, we argue that competition has to be seen as a cultural phenomenon. In advanced capitalist societies the phenomenon of competition has takeit a specific form, which we call perverted competition. We both problematize this concept and discuss some of the consequences associated with it. We argue that the concept of perverted competition distorts the social relations both within and between organizations in a pervasive way. The challenge of critical thinking in management and organization theory is both to explore the destructive consequences of perverted competition and to engage in a counter discourse which explores the possibilities of constructive relations.
Public Policy and the Role of Multinationals and Local Enterprises in the Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Industry
Authors: Ray Pradeep Kanta , Ur-Rahman Shams
Published: January 2008

This paper examines the behavioural differences between multinational and local enterprises in their role as agents of development and transformation in the Indian pharmaceuticals industry. A case study of two large enterprises in the pharmaceuticals industry shows how a model of development spurred by national enterprises based on reverse engineering promotes industrial deepening in India. The comparison also illuminates the multinational enterprise (MNE) affiliate's position within the dynamics of its parental affiliation and its local institutional context, and how such a position may contrast and complement the position that local enterprises (LEs) occupy. The case study is followed by a matched pairs test of 169 enterprises in the Indian chemicals industry to distinguish how nationality might influence a firm's strategic role. Important differences between the ownership groups arise along four major strategic dimensions of technological activities, degree of vertical integration, trade orientation and product-environment compatibility. Local enterprises satisfy a majority of developmental goals while MNE affiliates comply with some transformational goals, and complement the efforts of LEs.
Economic Value Added (EVA): Performance Metric to Sustain Competitiveness
Authors: Chakrabarti Ahindra
Published: January 2008

The concept of Economic Value Added (EVA) has got wide acceptance as the key indicator of performance ever since industry started shifting from the product-centric world of the past to the value-centric world of the future. Economic Value Added estimates a particular type of economic profit, which states that in order to earn genuine profits, it is not only necessary for a company to earn sufficient profit to cover the firm's operating costs, but also to cover the cost of capital. A positive EVA indicates that value has been created for shareholders by the company, and a negative EVA signifies that value has been destroyed by the firm during the period of operation. The article also suggests that capital charge is not the only deciding factor of EVA, better management of operating costs will also help the companies to contribute to positive EVA.
Telecom Policy Reforms in India
Authors: Kathuria Rajat
Published: January 2008

The telecom sector has witnessed rapid changes in the last five years. There have been far-reaching developments in Information Technology (IT), consumer electronics and media industries across the globe. Convergence of both markets and technologies is a reality that is forcing realignment of the industry. At one level, telephone and broadcasting industries are entering each other's markets, while at another level, technology is blurring the difference between different conduit systems such as wireline and wireless. In the New Telecom Policy of 1999, the government recognized that provision of world class telecommunications infrastructure and information is the key to rapid economic and social development of the country. This will not only help in the development of the IT industry, but also provide for widespread spillover benefits to other sectors of the economy.

A significant development in the telecom sector that will influence both market structure and technology is convergence. Convergence implies a need not only to consider the appropriate method of licensing and charging licence fee, but also forces the policy maker to review a number of other aspects, including whether to regulate and the nature and extent of regulation. The attempt of all the policy initiatives should be to promote the flexibility of technology choice and service provision. Thus, neutrality of policies towards technology/platform is seen as a desirable attribute, not only because this enhances opportunities but also because the policy maker is not in a position to anticipate the likely developments and fine-tune policy.

Telecom policy reform was initiated in India in 1994. Although the reform process has been underway for more than five years with little to show by way of introduction of competition in the sector, there is awareness of the crucial issues that need to be addressed. Given the acknowledged importance of telecommunications to overall national interests, governments tend to get involved in the management of the sector's progress. Unfortunately in terms of development, the interests of the government and the private sector do not always reconcile easily—which has resulted in telecom stagnation in many countries, including India. Evidence shows that governments which most 'competently' foster private sector advancement of their telecommunications industries are best placed to gain world class telecommunications services and the attendant benefits. Arguably, early liberalization could give any country a first mover advantage in attaining high telecommunications performance. However, hasty adoption by developing economies of liberal franteworks adopted by developed economies could easily fail and in the process discredit the idea of liberalization. Enthusiasm for liberalization and its possibilities needs to be juxtaposed with a realistic transformation programme that takes into account the country's economic and political dynamics.
E-commerce: Cyberlaws and Protection of lPRs
Authors: Kaushik P.D.
Published: January 2008

Legal framework is an integral part of e-environment. Is the antiquated Indian legal system geared to deal with issues emerging from e-commerce ? Can the Information Technology Act provide the necessary safeguards for e-commerce? This article attempts to address such questions focusing on the needs of the electronic medium and users. Besides, it provides reasons for introducing an efficient, flexible, technologydriven and globally conducive legal regime for e-commerce. It highlights the gaps and shortcomings of the IT Bill 1999 and also the missing links in the existing legal system to deal with e-commerce in India. It also attempts to address the issues related to protection of intellectual property rights on the electronic medium. Other legal issues covered in this article are the rights of the e-worker, e-employer and e-enterprise. The IT Bill 1999 is just a beginning, the Indian legal system is in for some drastic changes in the near future if India plans to be a visible location on the e-highway.
Ideological Contradictions in an Era of Coalitions: Economic Policy Confusion in the Vajpayee Government
Authors: Thakurta Paranjoy Guha
Published: January 2008

It is claimed that there is consensus among contending political parties in India on the broad direction of economic policies followed since 1991. This claim cannot, however, be substantiated. There is confusion in the BJP-led NDA goverment on the thrust and tenor of economic policy issues as a result of deep-rooted ideological differences and also because of the compulsions of coalition politics. The ideological pulls on economic policy issues are taking place within political parties and their ideological fraternities rather than merely among them. Thus, instead of a genuine consensus what is often witnessed is an illusion of consensus.
A New Development Paradigm: Employment, Entitlement and Empowerment
Authors: Virmani Arvind
Published: January 2008

The old paradigm of development is that of a Mai-Baap Sarkar, based on the assumption that the active involvement of the state is essential for economic development and poverty removal. This spread of the Leviathan has been accompanied by a gradual but pervasive deterioration of governance. There is therefore the need for a new paradigm that recognizes that 'government failure' is a much more important problem than 'market failure', based on a recognition of the strengths and the weakness of the state and the people. A democratic society has enormous potential for entrepreneurship, innovation and creative development. The people, their diverse forms of activity and association such as companies, cooperatives, societies, trusts and other NGOs must be allowed and encouraged to play their due role. The state must focus on what it alone can do best and shed all activities that the people can do as well or better. The heavy hand of the government in the form of incentives, distorting laws, rules, regulations, procedures and red tape, have also corrupted industry, business and other organized interest groups. These must be removed so as to release the energy of the people. The state should confine itself to managing the economy so as to accelerate employment and income growth in a self-sustaining manner, ensure that all citizens receive their entitlements of basic public goods and services, and empower the poor so that they have equal rights (and responsibilities) with other citizens.
The Emerging Tasks Ahead
Authors: Mitra Amit , Raghavan Pyaralal
Published: January 2008

Origins of the liberalization programmes can be traced back to ascendance of new political groups to power in the states. Consequently, competing political compulsions at both the state and national levels soon gave rise fiscal profligacy, which slowly reached unsustainable levels and caused a balance of payments crisis.

The phasing of reforms, the response these drew from various strands of the civil society, their gradual acceptance by major political formations, and the percolation of the reform agenda to the states provide valuable insights to the economic and political undercurrents steering the liberalization process.
Liberalization of Electric Power in India
Authors: Ahluwalia Sanjeev S.
Published: January 2008

This paper discusses the economics and politics of liberalization of electric power in India. It concludes that the liberalization of the power sector is premature. Even under ideal conditions, technology and the public benefits associated with power supply in developing countries necessitates at the very least intrusive regulation if not public ownership, as was earlier believed to be required. The time period for reform has been generally underestimated at around five to seven years. Based on the experience during the nineties, it is argued that a 15 year time frame is needed to move from government controls, intrusive regulation, financial instability, public sector domination and monopoly in supply, to financial balance, commercialization, privatization, limited competition and consumer choice and market-based regulation.
Designing Innovative Organizations in Malaysia: Do Structure and Culture Matter?
Authors: Jantan Muhamad , Aizzat Mohd Nasurdin  , Nur Fitriah Ahmed Fadzil
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this article is to determine the influence of organizational structure (formalization and centralization and culture (participative decision-making, support and collaboration, learning and development) on innovation (technological and process, administrative, product and overall) among firms operating in Malaysia. Regression analyses of 123 responses revealed that only cultural variables have positive effects on two forms of innovation (technological and process, and administrative). Specifically, both participation in decision-making, and support and collaboration had significant positive effects on technological and process innovation. On the other hand, both support and collaboration, and learning and development were found to have significant positive effects on administrative innovation. Structural variables (both formalization and centralization) had no effect on all forms of innovation investigated. Implications for managerial practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Have the Monetary and Fiscal Policies been Effective in India?
Authors: Kulkarni Kishore G. , Saxena Sweta C.
Published: January 2008

This paper analyzes the impact of fiscal and monetary policies on output in India.The econometric evidence suggests that less than 5 per cent of the variation in output is explained by fiscal and monetary policies before the crisis in 1991. However, post-crisis data reveals the growing importance of both the macro-economic policies in explaining output variation. The paper discusses theoretical arguments, surveys prior studies and attempts to explain the reasons for the empirical results.
Employing Quality of Manpower to Leverage Emergent Strategy: The Case of Indian Software Firms
Authors: Banerjee Parthasarathi
Published: January 2008

Small Indian software firms employ widely varying profiles of manpower. Manpower is the most important resource of such firms. Variatioiis in resources cannot be suitably defined by a resource perspective on strategy. This paper argues that software firms follow emergent strategies. Resource strategy and business strategy of a firm in the software industry are influenced by a process perspective. Firms employ quality of manpower to leverage emergent market disequilibria.
Paradigm Shift and Dimensions of Work Culture: Implications for Organizations
Authors: Srivastava Bhupen K. , Panda Mamta
Published: January 2008

Work culture in Indian organizations has assumed a far greater significance in the context of the emerging business scenario. In order to gain and retain competitive advantage, it is imperative for organizations to develop a responsive work culture based on the new paradigm. An attempt has been made here to discern the direction of change, specify cultural imperatives, identify dimensions of responsive work culture and highlight their implications for organizations. Shifts in paradigm and corresponding changes in various dimensions of work culture have been suggested. In order to develop and reinforce responsive work culture in organizations, design and process imperatives have been outlined in brief.
Values in the Principles Course: Are We Socially Responsible to Our Students?
Authors: Pamental G.L.
Published: January 2008

Values issues-ethics and social responsibility-have been shown to be appropriate subject matter for functional courses in business programs. However, examining intro ductory marketing texts reveals these subjects receiving scant treatment. Further, macro issues associated with social responsibility receive significantly more coverage than micro, or individual, issues-those more likely to be encountered by recent graduates.
Increasing Student Involvement in the Learning Process Through Debate on Controversial Topics
Authors: Berdine Rudy
Published: January 2008

Student debates on controversial marketing topics can be used to increase student involvement in the learning process. The debate process can have a significant effect on students' attitudes, and students benefit in a number of ways from such debates.
Industry Views on Content of the International Marketing Course
Authors: McDaniel Stephen W. , Smith L. Murphy
Published: January 2008

Recent studies point out the importance of, as well as the need for, improving the course in international marketing. The present study provides input from 225 of the largest U.S. corporations regarding their views on appropriate content in the international marketing course. Results indicate a preference for subject matter having the most direct impact on marketing activities.
Choice Criteria in Foreign Language Training for International Business
Authors: McCullough James M. , Tansuhaj Patriya S. , Ronarithivichai Acharanand
Published: January 2008

This article discusses the problem of choice of foreign language by students preparing for careers in international business. Although the importance of language choice in the context of international business programs is well recognized and students are concerned about language training and invest a great deal of time in language study, the choice of language is commonly made on the basis of less than objective criteria. A preliminary, more objective approach to language selection is suggested.
Confronting Marketing Management Reality: A Design and Instructional Strategy for an Intermediate Course
Authors: Conant Jeffrey S. , Mokwa Michael P.
Published: January 2008

A design and instructional strategy for an "intermediate" marketing management course are described in this article. Students adopt the role of product managers and experientially study marketing theory and practice in existing product markets. However, instructors do not manage relationships with the marketing organizations. The marketing audit is used to ground and guide students' work. Communication experiences abound. Marketing knowledge objectives and the development of students' personal capabilities are carefully balanced. The course culture and work are managed in terms of a four stage instructional model. The course design and instructional strategy can be generalized for other experiential marketing courses.
Deanonstrating the Managerial Benefits of Conjoint Analysis: An In-Class Exercise for Marketing Students
Authors: Burton Scot , Zinkhan George M.
Published: January 2008

An exercise is described which helps students understand the benefits of conjoint analysis. The exercise may be used with undergraduate students who have little or no statistical background or may be adapted for students with a basic understanding of ANOVA and/or regression techniques. The exercise has proven effective in communi cating the variety of benefits available from the results of a conjoint study and the principal ideas underlying the calculation of conjoint results.
Marketing Researchers as Consumers: An Analysis of the Use of the Journal o f Marketing
Authors: Muehling Darrel D. , Cote Joseph A. , Umesh U.N. , Weeks William A.
Published: January 2008

Citations of and references in the Journal of Marketing are examined to determine the contribution of JM to marketing and the social sciences. The results indicate that while JM may make a contribution to the marketing literature, its contribution to the social sciences is limited. In addition, it was found that the authors of JM articles tend to rely on more proven works, rather than citing very recent literature that has not passed the test of time. Lastly, both the Advances in Consumer Research and the AMA Educators' Proceedings were found to make significant contributions to the Journal of Marketing.
Cover Letter Appeals and Sponsorship Effects on Mail Survey Response Rates
Authors: Bachmann Duane P.
Published: January 2008

This article presents results from a study of the effectiveness of different types of sponsorships and appeals in cover letters which accompany mail surveys. It also compares the results of the study with previous research studies utilizing different sponsorships and appeals.
Cognitive and Affective Dimensions of Educational Objectives: Scale Development and Measurement
Authors: Sandler Dennis , Kamins Michael A.
Published: January 2008

This article presents the development of a scale to measure both the cognitive and effective dimensions of educational objectives and describes an application of the scale regarding the quantification of the impact of differing term assignments upon the achievement of these objectives. As hypothesized, cognitive objectives were affected by these differing assignments, whereas no significant effect was observed upon affective educational objectives. As educational objectives may differ as a function of the target audience (e.g., foreign students, nonbusiness students, senior- and middle-level managers), this study both enables the educator to measure the attainment of such objectives as well as suggests strategies which may effectively do so.
Lives in Retailing: A Bibliography of American Retail Merchants in Books
Authors: Becker Boris W. , Larson Carl
Published: January 2008

This article presents a bibliography of biographies of American retail merchants. The bibliography may be useful to scholars of marketing and retailing history, as well as to teachers of marketing principles, retailing, channels of distribution or related courses. The bibliography will be revised as changes are justified; updated versions will be available from the senior author.
Women Marketing Educators: Interests, Productivity and Satisfactions
Authors: Carsky Mary L. , Kennedy Ellen J. , Waller-Zuckerman Mary Ellen
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to describe female marketing educators and to measure their satisfaction with the profession. Survey results show the work styles of women educators differ depending on educational preparation: women with doctoral degrees were more research-oriented and women with master's degrees were more teaching-oriented. Both groups were generally satisfied with the profession.
Evaluation of Marketing Professors: A Comparison of Student, Peer, and Self-Evaluations
Authors: Webster Cynthia
Published: January 2008

This study sought to determine whether any differences existed between student, peer, and self-evaluations of marketing professors. Significant differences were found for a variety of important characteristics of teacher effectiveness. Most of these differences remained even after perception of course difficulty and class size effects were removed.
Microcomputer Usage in Marketing Departments of Fortune 500 Firms: What Should Marketing Students Study?
Authors: Rogers John C. , Williams Terrell G. , McLeod Raymond
Published: January 2008

As microcomputer applications expand in marketing firms, providing relevant computer education for university marketing students is increasingly impor tant. This article reports the levels and kinds ofcomputer use in the nation's largest companies. These findings are used to recommend the content and direction of microcomputer education. Specific course content and software packages are considered.