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Environmental shocks can occur when emerging country governments open their markets to outside influences. We extend research conducted primarily in mature economies on how managers react to environmental shocks by evaluating how environmental shock type, a firm's strategic orientation, and its slack resources affected strategic alliance formation intentions during and immediately following the Asian Financial Crisis. Results from two Indonesian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) samples show that these factors influenced alliance intentions, although not always in ways that were consistent with previous research findings in more mature markets. Overall, our results provide critical insights into emerging market firms' strategic actions, particularly related to key managerial motivations for SME alliance formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Endothelial lipase (EL) is expressed in macrophages in human atherosclerotic lesions. However, its specific metabolic role in human macrophages has not been fully explored. Methods: The present study used lentivirus containing either shRNA or cDNA for EL to decrease or increase EL expression, respectively in THP-1 macrophages to investigate the consequence on LDL binding and cell association. Results: EL suppression significantly decreased the binding and cell association of native LDL (52% and 33%) and mildly oxLDL (43% and 36%) as well as extensively oxLDL binding (36%) in THP-1 macrophages. EL overexpression markedly increased the binding and cell association of native LDL (3.1- and 2.2-fold), mildly oxLDL (1.9- and 1.4-fold), and extensively oxLDL (1.5- and 1.5-fold). An inactive mutant EL compromised EL-mediated cell association of native and mildly oxLDL but not extensively oxLDL. Heparinase treatment almost completely eliminated EL-mediated native and oxLDL binding and cell association in THP-1 macrophages. LDL receptor blocking by antibodies decreased EL-mediated native LDL binding and cell association by 24% and 54%, respectively. Neither receptor associated protein or CD36 antibody treatment led to changes in EL-mediated lipoprotein binding and cell association. Furthermore, wild-type and the catalytically inactive mutant EL increased lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages. Conclusions: EL expression promotes the binding and uptake of native and oxidized LDL in THP-1 macrophages in a heparan sulfate proteoglycan-dependent manner, and the LDL receptor was partly responsible for the EL-enhanced uptake of native LDL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

China has become a driving force in the world economy, yet East-West cultural differences remain a problem area for many managers. This paper examines the importance of Confucianism in shaping societal values in China and how these values have affected the Chinese style of management. Confucian principles are extracted from the extant literature and used to explain the cultural underpinnings of Chinese leadership patterns, interpersonal behaviors and individual values. The longevity of Confucian influences throughout Chinese culture is a major factor in China's resistance to Western management practices. There is also evidence that mainstream Confucian principles emphasizing teamwork, relationships and strong corporate cultures are gaining traction in the West. Future Western researchers should pay increased attention to East Asian philosophies and Asian-based religions in their attempts to understand non-Christian lifestyles and management methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human hepatic lipase (HL) is known to bind to the cell surface of hepatocytes and the sinusoidal endothelium of the liver. In each case, it appears that the enzyme remains associated with the cell surface through an ionic interaction with heparan sulfate proteoglycans. However, it remains unclear as to which residues are responsible for this critical function of the enzyme. In the present study, we have used a systematic approach to map the heparin-binding regions of human HL by utilizing peptide arrays spanning the complete sequence of the mature protein. Following probing with biotin–heparin, six peptides spanning residues 301–320 and 465–476 were identified as regions binding to heparin. Probing of an additional array containing these six parent peptides and a comprehensive series of mutant peptides identified two putative HL heparin-binding domains. The first was composed of residues R310, K312, K314, and R315 at the distal N-terminal domain and the second was composed of residues R473, K474, and R476 at the C-terminal end of the protein. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 2005 Manchester United was taken over by US businessman Malcolm Glazer, in part because of the club's brand name prominence in the global sport of soccer. This paper examines how Manchester United rose to a pre-eminent position in world football through its on-field performances and its off-the-field management strategies. It shows how the club took its storied history into world markets to take full advantage of globalisation, the opportunities extended through the English Premier League's reputation and developments in global media technologies. Astute management of club resources is identified as the major factor in global brand management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and total homocysteine (tHcy) have been associated with the increased likelihood of cardiovascular events, the relative or combined utility of these biomarkers in predicting atherosclerosis and death in an angiography cohort is unknown. Methods: A cohort of 1117 consecutive patients (797 men and 320 women), referred to 2 Vancouver teaching hospitals for selective coronary angiography, was recruited between 1993 and 1995. Angiography results were obtained for 1019 patients. In 2004 we determined that of 1050 patients who could be traced, 231 had died, 95 of CAD-related causes. We compared the relative utility of baseline measurements of CRP, IL-6, SAA and tHcy as well as of lipids for predicting angiographic CAD and all-cause and CAD-related death. Results: The risk of death increased across quartiles for CRP, IL-6, SAA and tHcy. When comparing the highest and lowest quartiles, the greatest hazard ratios were associated with IL-6 (2.57, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 1.62-4.09) and tHcy (2.36, 95% CI 1.53-3.65). A Cox regression model containing all plasma biomarkers and traditional risk factors indicated that age, angiographic CAD and baseline plasma levels of IL-6 and tHcy remained independent predictors of CAD-related death, whereas age, sex, smoking, diabetes and apolipoprotein B levels were independent predictors of angiographic CAD. Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated a utility in combining measures of CRP, SAA, IL-6 and tHcy for predicting risk of all-cause and CAD-related death. Interpretation: A comparison of elevated levels of CRP, IL-6, SAA and tHcy with traditional CAD risk factors indicated that IL-6 and tHcy were the strongest independent biomarkers for CAD-related death. Elevated levels of multiple biomarkers were associated with an increasing rate of all-cause and CAD-related death. INSET: Editor's take. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CR) are standard treatment for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), yet a large variation in risk factor and lipoprotein changes exists. We investigated the role of three common genetic polymorphisms (CETP Taq1B, LIPC −514 and apo E) associated with alterations of lipoprotein metabolism, in patients before and after standardized CR. Three-hundred and seven patients were recruited for this study. DNA samples were collected and all three genotypes were determined for every patient. While the hepatic lipase LIPC promoter polymorphism and apo E genotype showed little or no correlation with response to CR, CETP Taq1B showed significant association with changes in plasma lipid and lipoproteins. The B1 homozygotes for CETP Taq1B genotype showed significant reduction in TC (−0.25±0.07, p <0.01), LDL-C (−0.15±0.06, p <0.050) and TG (−0.20±0.08, p <0.05). B2 carriers showed no significant change in these parameters. HDL-C, exercise capacity and BMI improved independent of genotype. Individuals with the B1B1 genotype appear to respond well to CR, whereas B2 carriers exhibit marginal gains in lipoprotein risk factors. Although the B2 carriers had similar benefits in exercise capacity and weight reduction, long-term consequences of little or no change in lipoprotein risk factors require further investigation to establish appropriate management strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Global business behaviors have always been difficult to classify because of behavioral differences both between markets and within markets. In this paper, a modern-traditional developmental framework is used to explain institutional and attitudinal differences between the United States, a developed nation, and developing countries. A new concept-the flexible stereotype-is used to explain withinmarket behavioral variations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Discusses a study which examined the factors that influences global strategic marketing planning formality. Review of related literature; Data and methods used; Findings and its implications.

Examines Franco-American economic relations between Lend-Lease and the Marshall Plan, which suggests that the ambitious reconstruction strategies of American and French officials foundered upon the resistance offered by an American Congress intent upon reasserting its own authority against the executive branch. The quest for stability, 1944-47; French reconstruction planning, 1944-46; More.

Presents information on a study that examined executive perceptions on product and promotion transfers and adaptation strategies and linkages made to subsidiary structural, environmental and strategic characteristics in multinational corporations. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study; Conclusions.

Presents information on a study which examined the product mixes used by United States multinational corporations in venturing to foreign markets. Methodology; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Foreign postings for executives are costly undertakings for multinational corporations, especially when they fail. Yet little research has been done on the causes of expatriate turnover. This 115-expatriate survey assesses individual, organizational/work and environmental influences on both internal and external turnover tendencies. It was found that job autonomy and material life satisfaction were key predictors for both internal and external turnover tendencies. Only for organizational turnover did job autonomy supersede material life satisfaction as the lead predictor of turnover tendencies. American expatriates attach much importance to maintaining living standards in postings to foreign locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the economic performance of Latin America for the period 1970s through to the 1990s. How Latin America has benefited from the signing of the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA); Amount of investments made in Latin America for 1998; Identification of companies that have invested in Latin America. INSET: Coping with Latin American inflation.

Explores the extent to which consumer goods multinational corporations globalize their product lines. International marketing; Product and promotion transfer between country-markets; Influence of headquarters and subsidiaries in diagnosing market needs and initiating product transfer; Promotional materials.

Investigates how subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNC) manage multinational sales force decision-making in the U.S. Obstacles to transferring American sales practices overseas; Influence of industry on sales strategies and policies; Importance of personal selling; Conditions wherein MNC should not interfere with subsidiary sales administration and personal selling practices.

Presents a meta-market analysis of multinational product planning. Usefulness of the meta-market concept; Effects of regional market cultures on products transferred into them; Differences in product strategies among meta-markets.