bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OQT Labs: In Search of a Right Fit
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Bhatnagar Jyotsna 
Published: August 2011

This case illustrates the issues faced by an organization in attracting and retaining talent. OQT Labs is operating in a specialty diagnostic industry in Indian market. It is intending to grow the top line and has plans to invest majorly in expansion of the laboratories. The dilemma faced by the MD of the organization is how to achieve the targets in view of the acute talent crunch and high manpower attrition rates. OQT Labs is facing key talent shortage, which could hamper the growth of the organization, because employees with the right skills and behaviour are not easily available externally. The supply of internal talent is equally uncertain because of retention problems. This is a discussion-based case where the MD, the CEO and the HR head are brainstorming to find a solution to the problem of hiring the right talent and to retain the talent for a viable period of time.
Development of Cross-Cultural Management Training Products
Authors: Kirpalani V. H. Manek , Luostarinen Reijo K. 
Published: August 2011

Globalization increasingly demands understanding of cultural differences worldwide. Yet many teachers and management researchers lack a deep understanding of cross-cultural and inter-cultural issues that facilitate attitude change. Further, they need to know details of how things are really done in the foreign environment. Therefore despite the presence of much literature and many suggestions, there is no generally accepted model of the most effective way to teach in such a milieu. The paper projects difficulties faced in cross-cultural teaching owing to difference in management organisations' cultural set-up. It suggests a model comprising participant involving techniques, problem oriented approach and involvement of both faculty and participants in writing cases and company oriented projects by cross-cultural teams.
Boardroom in the 21st Century: Issues & Challenges
Authors: Singh Rajendra 
Published: August 2011

Quantum advances in science and technology (telecommunication, information technology, biotechnology) have radically altered the methods of doing things and have opened limitless possibilities. Among the economic-business models, free-market capitalism has decimated all other models. Capitalism is value neutral. However, the way business is to be run does have value-implications, relative to the environment of the business. ‘Corporate wars’ cannot be allowed the ‘all is fair’ philosphy. The need for ‘regulation’ in general governance and politics has been extended to the corporate world too in order to curb adventurism and to promote transparency and accountability The Cadbury Code, the Greenbury Code, the Hampel Committee have gone into the details of Corporate Governance in the UK. The Nolan Committee (later the Neill Committee) dealt with ‘Standards in Public Life’ and the basic principles laid down by the Committee ought to form the basis of Corporate Governance too. In India also, CII's Committee, Rahul Bajaj Committee and Vittal Committee have addressed the issue of Corporate Governance. The unique Indian context for business (both public and private) should be kept in mind while dealing with the issue of Corporate Governance. Corporate Governance requires a change of mindset and culture. These fundamentals are of enduring relevance and will be relevant for the 21st Century Boards. Twenty-first century will witness dramatic changes in the locational, communicational, decisional, financial aspects of running an enterprise in the changed global-regional-national scenarios. ‘Vision-led’ Corporates and Visionary Boards will be more effective. Culture-balance and culture-sensitivity will be important areas for the Boards operating in global/multicultural context. Corporate ethos and governance will gain increasing ascendancy in an integrated business world. The Boards' performance will be under evaluation by investors and adherence to the principles of governance will be among the evaluation parameters. Entrepreneurial enthusiasm and sustainable systems/values will have to be balanced. Good governance will achieve this blend. The Indian ethos contains the essence of Corporate Governance and this remains our most potent tool.
Relevance of Nishkama Karma Yoga in Today's Business World
Authors: Singh B. D. 
Published: August 2011

Today's business world is dominated by stiff competition and survival is becoming increasingly difficult. This has also resulted in negative competitive behaviour and degeneration in value-based business practices where end has become more important than means. The Karma theory provides an operational basis for constructive achievement and is perhaps more relevant today than in the Mahabharata times. The doctrine of Karma Yoga emphasizes detachment and equanimous attitude towards success and failure and inculcating virtues like sacrifice, dedication, belief and greater good of the people as the motive for action. The tenets of Nishkama Karma Yoga should serve as guidelines and codes for the managers of the business, if they are striving towards achieving long-lasting success and happiness.
Implementing Development Initiatives
Authors: Khan Jamal 
Published: August 2011

Implementation is at the core of all development initiatives and strategies and experience has shown that there exists a gap between formulation and implementation. This paper focuses on the attempts for implementing initiatives for promoting decentralised management and increased participation in developing countries arid identifies the obstacles in the process. It is generally seen that problems of implementation cannot be entirely anticipated and planned for in advance. Also decentralisation is attempted without assessing the capacity of local management skills of local personnel/leadership. An effective approach to implementation should include wide-reaching survey, strategic analysis and intervention and incremental sequential action, engaged planning, and lucid management procedures. This approach emphasizes a detailed survey of the environment and identification of factors crucial for successful implementation. Development initiatives cannot be implemented successfully by existing management through routine operations. Special modalities need to be set up and institutionalised.
Effects of Delayed Laboratory Processing on Platelet Serotonin Levels
Authors: Sanner Jennifer E. , Frazier Lorraine , Udtha Malini 
Published: August 2011

Background: Despite the availability of established guidelines for measuring platelet serotonin, these guidelines may be difficult to follow in a hospital setting where time to processing may vary from sample to sample. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the time to processing of human blood samples on the stability of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of platelet serotonin levels in human plasma. Method: Human blood samples collected from a convenience sample of eight healthy volunteers were analyzed to determine platelet serotonin levels from plasma collected in ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) tubes and stored at 4°C for 3 hr, 5 hr, 8 hr, and 12 hr. Results: Refrigeration storage at 4°C for 3 hr, 5 hr, 8 hr, and 12 hr altered the platelet serotonin measurement when compared to immediate processing. The bias for the samples stored at 4°C for 3 hr was 102.3 (±217.39 ng/109 platelets), for 5 hr was 200.1 (±132.76 ng/109 platelets), for 8 hr was 146.9 (±221.41 ng/109 platelets), and for 12 hr was −67.6 (±349.60 ng/109 platelets). Discussion: Results from this study show that accurate measurement of platelet serotonin levels is dependent on time to processing. Researchers should therefore follow a standardized laboratory guideline for obtaining immediate platelet serotonin levels after blood sample collection.
Simplifying fibromyalgia assessment: the VASFIQ Brief Symptom Scale
Authors: Boomershine Chad S. , Emir Birol , Zlateva Gergana , Wang Yi 
Published: August 2011

Objectives: We tested the ability of the VASFIQ, a seven-item scale composed of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) visual analog scales (VASs), to quantify fibromyalgia global disease severity and identify fibromyalgia patients with significant symptoms of fatigue, poor sleep, depression or anxiety. Methods: Spearman rank correlations were used to compare global VASFIQ, FIQ and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scores and individual FIQ VAS scores with full-length, validated questionnaire scores for fatigue (Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue–Global Fatigue Index [MAF-GFI]), poor sleep (Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Problems Index [SPI]) and depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]). Patient scores used in the analyses were derived from 2229 patients enrolled in three pregabalin fibromyalgia trials. Receiver operating characteristic analyses determined VASFIQ cutoff scores identifying patients with clinically significant symptom levels using full-length, validated symptom questionnaires to define cases. Results: Global VASFIQ and FIQ scores correlated highly at baseline and study endpoints (ρ = 0.94 and 0.97, respectively; both p < 0.0001). Change in global VASFIQ and FIQ scores correlated similarly to PGIC scores at study endpoints (ρ = 0.58 and 0.61, respectively; both p < 0.0001). Individual FIQ VAS scores correlated with corresponding full-length symptom questionnaire scores at baseline and study endpoints (VASfatigue with MAF-GFI, ρ = 0.64 and 0.76; VASsleep with SPI, ρ = 0.50 and 0.67; VASdepression with HADS-D, ρ = 0.43 and 0.62; VASanxiety with HADS-A, ρ = 0.47 and 0.67, respectively; p < 0.0001 for all). Patients with significant symptoms of fatigue were identified by VASfatigue >7.5, poor sleep by VASsleep >7.9, depression by VASdepression >5.8 and anxiety by VASanxiety >6.0. VASFIQ global scores ≥31.4 and ≥45.0 identified patients with moderate and severe global fibromyalgia symptoms, respectively. Conclusions: The VASFIQ scale accurately quantifies global fibromyalgia severity and identifies patients with significant symptoms of fatigue, poor sleep, depression or anxiety with brevity, enabling rapid patient assessment and informing treatment decisions in busy clinics.
Autoreactive CD1b-restricted T cells: a new innate-like T-cell population that contributes to immunity against infection
Authors: Li Sha , Choi Hak-Jong , Felio Kyrie , Wang Chyung-Ru 
Published: August 2011

AbstractGroup 1 CD1 (CD1a, -b, and -c) presents self and foreign lipid antigens to multiple T-cell subsets in humans. However, in the absence of a suitable animal model, the specific functions and developmental requirements of these T cells remain unknown. To study group 1 CD1-restricted T cells in vivo, we generated double transgenic mice (HJ1Tg/hCD1Tg) that express group 1 CD1 molecules in a similar pattern to that observed in humans (hCD1Tg) as well as a TCR derived from a CD1b-autoreactive T-cell line (HJ1Tg). Using this model, we found that similar to CD1d-restricted NKT cells, HJ1 T cells exhibit an activated phenotype (CD44hiCD69+CD122+) and a subset of HJ1 T cells expresses NK1.1 and is selected by CD1b-expressing hematopoietic cells. HJ1 T cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines in response to stimulation with CD1b-expressing dendritic cells derived from humans as well as hCD1Tg mice, suggesting that they recognize species conserved self-lipid antigen(s). Importantly, this basal autoreactivity is enhanced by TLR-mediated signaling and HJ1 T cells can be activated and confer protection against Listeria infection. Taken together, our data indicate that CD1b-autoreactive T cells, unlike mycobacterial lipid antigen-specific T cells, are innate-like T cells that may contribute to early anti-microbial host defense.
Impact of gene expression profiling-based risk stratification in patients with myeloma receiving initial therapy with lenalidomide and dexamethasone
Authors: Kumar Shaji K. , Uno Hajime , Jacobus Susanna J. , Wier Scott A. Van , Ahmann Greg J. , Henderson Kimberly J. , Callander Natalie S. , Haug Jessica L. , Siegel David S. , Greipp Philip R. , Fonseca Rafael , Rajkumar S. Vincent 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Detection of specific chromosomal abnormalities by FISH and metaphase cytogenetics allows risk stratification in multiple myeloma; however, gene expression profiling (GEP) based signatures may enable more specific risk categorization. We examined the utility of 2 GEP-based risk stratification systems among patients undergoing initial therapy with lenalidomide in the context of a phase 3 trial. Among 45 patients studied at baseline, 7 (16%) and 10 (22%), respectively, were high-risk using the GEP70 and GEP15 signatures. The median overall survival for the GEP70 high-risk group was 19 months versus not reached for the rest (hazard ratio = 14.1). Although the medians were not reached, the GEP15 also predicted a poor outcome among the high-risk patients. The C-statistic for the GEP70, GEP15, and FISH based risk stratification systems was 0.74, 0.7, and 0.7, respectively. Here we demonstrate the prognostic value for GEP risk stratification in a group of patients primarily treated with novel agents. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00098475.
Targeting DC-SIGN via its neck region leads to prolonged antigen residence in early endosomes, delayed lysosomal degradation, and cross-presentation
Authors: Tacken Paul J. , Ginter Wiebke , Berod Luciana , Cruz Luis J. , Joosten Ben , Sparwasser Tim , Figdor Carl G. , Cambi Alessandra 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Targeting antigens to dendritic cell (DC)–specific receptors, such as DC-SIGN, induces potent T cell-mediated immune responses. DC-SIGN is a transmembrane C-type lectin receptor with a long extracellular neck region and a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). Thus far, only antibodies binding the CRD have been used to target antigens to DC-SIGN. We evaluated the endocytic pathway triggered by antineck antibodies as well as their intracellular routing and ability to induce CD8+ T-cell activation. In contrast to anti-CRD antibodies, antineck antibodies induced a clathrin-independent mode of DC-SIGN internalization, as demonstrated by the lack of colocalization with clathrin and the observation that silencing clathrin did not affect antibody internalization in human DCs. Interestingly, we observed that anti-neck and anti-CRD antibodies were differentially routed within DCs. Whereas anti-CRD antibodies were mainly routed to late endosomal compartments, anti-neck antibodies remained associated with early endosomal compartments positive for EEA-1 and MHC class I for up to 2 hours after internalization. Finally, cross-presentation of protein antigen conjugated to antineck antibodies was approximately 1000-fold more effective than nonconjugated antigen. Our studies demonstrate that anti-neck antibodies trigger a distinct mode of DC-SIGN internalization that shows potential for targeted vaccination strategies.
TNFα facilitates clonal expansion of JAK2V617F positive cells in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Fleischman Angela G. , Aichberger Karl J. , Luty Samuel B. , Bumm Thomas G. , Petersen Curtis L. , Doratotaj Shirin , Vasudevan Kavin B. , LaTocha Dorian H. , Yang Fei , Press Richard D. , Loriaux Marc M. , Pahl Heike L. , Silver Richard T. , Agarwal Anupriya , O'Hare Thomas , Druker Brian J. , Bagby Grover C. , Deininger Michael W. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractProinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα are elevated in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), but their contribution to disease pathogenesis is unknown. Here we reveal a central role for TNFα in promoting clonal dominance of JAK2V617F expressing cells in MPN. We show that JAK2V617F kinase regulates TNFα expression in cell lines and primary MPN cells and TNFα expression is correlated with JAK2V617F allele burden. In clonogenic assays, normal controls show reduced colony formation in the presence of TNFα while colony formation by JAK2V617F-positive progenitor cells is resistant or stimulated by exposure to TNFα. Ectopic JAK2V617F expression confers TNFα resistance to normal murine progenitor cells and overcomes inherent TNFα hypersensitivity of Fanconi anemia complementation group C deficient progenitors. Lastly, absence of TNFα limits clonal expansion and attenuates disease in a murine model of JAK2V617F-positive MPN. Altogether our data are consistent with a model where JAK2V617F promotes clonal selection by conferring TNFα resistance to a preneoplastic TNFα sensitive cell, while simultaneously generating a TNFα-rich environment. Mutations that confer resistance to environmental stem cell stressors are a recognized mechanism of clonal selection and leukemogenesis in bone marrow failure syndromes and our data suggest that this mechanism is also critical to clonal selection in MPN.
IL-36R ligands are potent regulators of dendritic and T cells
Authors: Vigne Solenne , Palmer Gaby , Lamacchia Céline , Martin Praxedis , Talabot-Ayer Dominique , Rodriguez Emiliana , Ronchi Francesca , Sallusto Federica , Dinh Huyen , Sims John E. , Gabay Cem 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
IL-36α (IL-1F6), IL-36β (IL-1F8), and IL-36γ (IL-1F9) are members of the IL-1 family of cytokines. These cytokines bind to IL-36R (IL-1Rrp2) and IL-1RAcP, activating similar intracellular signals as IL-1, whereas IL-36Ra (IL-1F5) acts as an IL-36R antagonist (IL-36Ra). In this study, we show that both murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and CD4+ T lymphocytes constitutively express IL-36R and respond to IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ. IL-36 induced the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-12, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-23 by BMDCs with a more potent stimulatory effect than that of other IL-1 cytokines. In addition, IL-36β enhanced the expression of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II by BMDCs. IL-36 also induced the production of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 by CD4+ T cells and cultured splenocytes. These stimulatory effects were antagonized by IL-36Ra when used in 100- to 1000-fold molar excess. The immunization of mice with IL-36β significantly and specifically promoted Th1 responses. Our data thus indicate a critical role of IL-36R ligands in the interface between innate and adaptive immunity, leading to the stimulation of T helper responses.
Serological identification of HSP105 as a novel non-Hodgkin lymphoma therapeutic target
Authors: Zappasodi Roberta , Bongarzone Italia , Ghedini Gaia C. , Castagnoli Lorenzo , Cabras Antonello D. , Messina Antonella , Tortoreto Monica , Tripodo Claudio , Magni Michele , Carlo-Stella Carmelo , Gianni Alessandro M. , Pupa Serenella M. , Di Nicola Massimo 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe reported that the clinical efficacy of dendritic cell–based vaccination is strongly associated with immunologic responses in relapsed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) patients. We have now investigated whether postvaccination antibodies from responders recognize novel shared NHL-restricted antigens. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry showed that they cross-react with allogeneic B-NHLs at significantly higher levels than their matched prevaccination samples or nonresponders' antibodies. Western blot analysis of DOHH-2 lymphoma proteome revealed a sharp band migrating at approximately 100 to 110 kDa only with postvaccine repertoires from responders. Mass spectrometry identified heat shock protein-105 (HSP105) in that molecular weight interval. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry disclosed HSP105 on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm of B-NHL cell lines and 97 diagnostic specimens. A direct correlation between HSP105 expression and lymphoma aggressiveness was also apparent. Treatment of aggressive human B-NHL cell lines with an anti-HSP105 antibody had no direct effects on cell cycle or apoptosis but significantly reduced the tumor burden in xenotransplanted immunodeficient mice. In vivo antilymphoma activity of HSP105 engagement was associated with a significant local increase of Granzyme B+ killer cells that very likely contributed to the tumor-restricted necrosis. Our study adds HSP105 to the list of nononcogenes that can be exploited as antilymphoma targets.
Carcinoma mucins trigger reciprocal activation of platelets and neutrophils in a murine model of Trousseau syndrome
Authors: Shao Bojing , Wahrenbrock Mark G. , Yao Longbiao , David Tovo , Coughlin Shaun R. , Xia Lijun , Varki Ajit , McEver Rodger P. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Trousseau syndrome is classically defined as migratory, heparin-sensitive but warfarin-resistant microthrombi in patients with occult, mucinous adenocarcinomas. Injecting carcinoma mucins into mice generates platelet-rich microthrombi dependent on P- and L-selectin but not thrombin. Heparin prevents mucin binding to P- and L-selectin and mucin-induced microthrombi. This model of Trousseau syndrome explains resistance to warfarin, which inhibits fluid-phase coagulation but not selectins. Here we found that carcinoma mucins do not generate microthrombi in mice lacking P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), the leukocyte ligand for P- and L-selectin. Furthermore, mucins did not activate platelets in blood from PSGL-1–deficient mice. Mucins induced microthrombi in radiation chimeras lacking endothelial P-selectin but not in chimeras lacking platelet P-selectin. Mucins caused leukocytes to release cathepsin G, but only if platelets were present. Mucins failed to generate microthrombi in cathepsin G-deficient mice. Mucins did not activate platelets in blood from mice lacking cathepsin G or protease-activated receptor-4 (PAR4), indicating that cathepsin G activates platelets through PAR4. Using knockout mice and blocking antibodies, we found that mucin-triggered cathepsin G release requires L-selectin and PSGL-1 on neutrophils, P-selectin on platelets, and Src family kinases in both cell types. Thus, carcinoma mucins promote thrombosis through adhesion-dependent, bidirectional signaling in neutrophils and platelets.
BMP-2 gene-fibronectin-apatite composite layer enhances bone formation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Tsurushima Hideo , Oyane Ayako , Yazaki Yushin , Sogo Yu , Ito Atsuo , Matsumura Akira 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundSafe and efficient gene transfer systems are needed for tissue engineering. We have developed an apatite composite layer including the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) gene and fibronectin (FB), and we evaluated its ability to induce bone formation.MethodsAn apatite composite layer was evaluated to determine the efficiency of gene transfer to cells cultured on it. Cells were cultured on a composite layer including theBMP-2gene and FB, andBMP-2gene expression,BMP-2protein concentrations, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteocalcin (OC) concentrations were measured. A bone defect on the cranium of rats was treated with hydroxyapatite (HAP)-coated ceramic buttons with the apatite composite layer including theBMP-2gene and FB (HAP-BMP-FB). The tissue concentration of BMP-2, bone formation, and the expression levels of theBMP-2, ALP, andOCgenes were all quantified.ResultsThe apatite composite layer provided more efficient gene transfer for the cultured cells than an apatite composite layer without FB. The BMP-2 concentration was approximately 100~600 pg/mL in the cell-culture medium. Culturing the cells on the apatite composite layer for 27 days increased ALP activity and OC concentrations. In animal experiments, the tissue concentrations of BMP-2 were over 100 pg/mg in the HAP-BMP-FB group and approximately 50 pg/mg in the control groups. Eight weeks later, bone formation was more enhanced in the HAP-BMP-FB group than in the control groups. In the tissues surrounding the HAP button, the gene expression levels of ALP and OC increased.ConclusionTheBMP-2gene-FB-apatite composite layer might be useful for bone engineering.