WORK TOGETHER… WHEN APART CHALLENGES AND WHAT IS NEED FOR EFFECTIVE VIRTUAL TEAMS

Increasingly competitive global markets and accelerating technological changes have increased the need for people to contact via electronic medium to have daily updates, the people those who could not able to meet face to face every day. Those who contact via electronic medium i.e. Virtual Team, are having number of benefit but to achieve these potential benefits, however, leaders need to overcome liabilities inherent in the lack of direct contact among team members and managers. Team members may not naturally know how to interact effectively across space and time. By this paper author try to throw some lights on the challenges that virtual team faces and try to elaborate what is needed for Virtual Team

Paving the way in neuroeconomics

__Abstract__ Why the Erasmus Centre for Neuroeconomics is making a name for itself in research that applies brain-scanning technology to economics and marketing issues

A Systematic Review

Background and Purpose Hypercoagulability increases the risk of arterial thrombosis; however, this effect may differ between various manifestations of arterial disease. Methods In this study, we compared the effect of coagulation factors as measures of hypercoagulability on the risk of ischaemic stroke (IS) and myocardial infarction (MI) by performing a systematic review of the literature. The effect of a risk factor on IS (relative risk for IS, RRIS) was compared with the effect on MI (RRMI) by calculating their ratio (RRR = RRIS/RRMI). A relevant differential effect was considered when RRR was >1+ its own standard error (SE) or <1−SE. Results We identified 70 publications, describing results from 31 study populations, accounting for 351 markers of hypercoagulability. The majority (203/351, 58%) had an RRR greater than 1. A larger effect on IS risk than MI risk (RRE>1+1SE) was found in 49/343 (14%) markers. Of these, 18/49 (37%) had an RRR greater than 1+2SE. On the opposite side, a larger effect on MI risk (RRR<1-1SE) was found in only 17/343 (5%) markers. Conclusions These results suggest that hypercoagulability has a more pronounced effect on the risk of IS than that of MI

Targeting the CXCR4 pathway using a novel anti-CXCR4 IgG1 antibody (PF-06747143) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

BackgroundThe CXCR4-CXCL12 axis plays an important role in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)-microenvironment interaction. Overexpression of CXCR4 has been reported in different hematological malignancies including CLL. Binding of the pro-survival chemokine CXCL12 with its cognate receptor CXCR4 induces cell migration. CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis promotes cell survival and proliferation and may contribute to the tropism of leukemia cells towards lymphoid tissues and bone marrow. Therefore, we hypothesized that targeting CXCR4 with an IgG1 antibody, PF-06747143, may constitute an effective therapeutic approach for CLL.MethodsPatient-derived primary CLL-B cells were assessed for cytotoxicity in an in vitro model of CLL microenvironment. PF-06747143 was analyzed for cell death induction and for its potential to interfere with the chemokine CXCL12-induced mechanisms, including migration and F-actin polymerization. PF-06747143 in vivo efficacy was determined in a CLL murine xenograft tumor model.ResultsPF-06747143, a novel-humanized IgG1 CXCR4 antagonist antibody, induced cell death of patient-derived primary CLL-B cells, in presence or absence of stromal cells. Moreover, cell death induction by the antibody was independent of CLL high-risk prognostic markers. The cell death mechanism was dependent on CXCR4 expression, required antibody bivalency, involved reactive oxygen species production, and did not require caspase activation, all characteristics reminiscent of programmed cell death (PCD). PF-06747143 also induced potent B-CLL cytotoxicity via Fc-driven antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity activity (CDC). PF-06747143 had significant combinatorial effect with standard of care (SOC) agents in B-CLL treatment, including rituximab, fludarabine (F-ara-A), ibrutinib, and bendamustine. In a CLL xenograft model, PF-06747143 decreased tumor burden and improved survival as a monotherapy, and in combination with bendamustine.ConclusionsWe show evidence that PF-06747143 has biological activity in CLL primary cells, supporting a rationale for evaluation of PF-06747143 for the treatment of CLL patients

Ulocuplumab (BMS-936564 / MDX1338): a fully human anti-CXCR4 antibody induces cell death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia mediated through a reactive oxygen species-dependent pathway.

The CXCR4 receptor (Chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 4) is highly expressed in different hematological malignancies including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The CXCR4 ligand (CXCL12) stimulates CXCR4 promoting cell survival and proliferation, and may contribute to the tropism of leukemia cells towards lymphoid tissues. Therefore, strategies targeting CXCR4 may constitute an effective therapeutic approach for CLL. To address that question, we studied the effect of Ulocuplumab (BMS-936564), a fully human IgG4 anti-CXCR4 antibody, using a stroma--CLL cells co-culture model. We found that Ulocuplumab (BMS-936564) inhibited CXCL12 mediated CXCR4 activation-migration of CLL cells at nanomolar concentrations. This effect was comparable to AMD3100 (Plerixafor--Mozobil), a small molecule CXCR4 inhibitor. However, Ulocuplumab (BMS-936564) but not AMD3100 induced apoptosis in CLL at nanomolar concentrations in the presence or absence of stromal cell support. This pro-apoptotic effect was independent of CLL high-risk prognostic markers, was associated with production of reactive oxygen species and did not require caspase activation. Overall, these findings are evidence that Ulocuplumab (BMS-936564) has biological activity in CLL, highlight the relevance of the CXCR4-CXCL12 pathway as a therapeutic target in CLL, and provide biological rationale for ongoing clinical trials in CLL and other hematological malignancies

Postcolonial town planning in Commonwealth nations: A case study of the Solomon Islands - an agenda for change

This is the author's PDF version of an article published in The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs© 2007. The definitive version is available at www.informaworld.comThe principal argument advanced in this paper is that spatial planning in the Solomon Islands has failed to deliver any substantive benefits and is therefore in urgent need of reform. The present model of planning, derived from a combination of colonial practice and legislation originating in the UK, does not add much, if any, value to the development process. The poor quality of planning in the Solomons cannot be seen in isolation. There are similar systems in use throughout much of the Commonwealth and anecdotal evidence suggests that the failings are widely duplicated. The Solomon Islands only appear exceptional in the extent to which other government systems have demonstrably broken down, following the 'Ethnic Tension' of 2000 - 03. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) provides a unique opportunity for a review of the way in which planning operates. A number of issues are identified which any reformed system must address

Ruthenacycles and Iridacycles as Catalysts for Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation and Racemisation

Ruthenacycles, which are easily prepared in a single step by reaction between enantiopure aromatic amines and [Ru(arene)Cl2]2 in the presence of NaOH and KPF6, are very good asymmetric transfer hydrogenation catalysts. A range of aromatic ketones were reduced using isopropanol in good yields with ee’s up to 98%. Iridacycles, which are prepared in similar fashion from [IrCp*Cl2]2 are excellent catalysts for the racemisation of secondary alcohols and chlorohydrins at room temperature. This allowed the development of a new dynamic kinetic resolution of chlorohydrins to the enantiopure epoxides in up to 90% yield and 98% enantiomeric excess (ee) using a mutant of the enzyme Haloalcohol dehalogenase C and an iridacycle as racemisation catalyst.

Hybotinae (Diptera, Hybotidae) of the National Park of Jaú, Amazonas, Brazil, with description of five new species of Syneches Walker

The composition of Hybotinae of the National Park of Jaú was studied. Sixteen species of Hybotinae are recorded and five new species of Syneches Walker are described and illustrated: Syneches hispidus sp. nov., S. jauensis sp. nov., S. longiflagellatus sp. nov., S. rafaeli sp. nov. and S. vidali sp. nov.A composição de Hybotinae do Parque Nacional do Jaú foi estudada. Dezesseis espécies de Hybotinae são registradas e cinco espécies novas de Syneches Walker são descritas e ilustradasSyneches hispidus sp. nov., S. jauensis sp. nov., S. longiflagellatus sp. nov., S. rafaeli sp. nov. e S. vidali sp. nov

Assessment of collateral status by dynamic ct angiography in acute mca stroke: Timing of acquisition and relationship with final infarct volume

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dynamic CTA is a promising technique for visualization of collateral filling in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Our aim was to describe collateral filling with dynamic CTA and assess the relationship with infarct volume at follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected patients with acute ischemic stroke due to proximal MCA occlusion. Patients underwent NCCT, single-phase CTA, and whole-brain CT perfusion/dynamic CTA within 9 hours after stroke onset. For each patient, a detailed assessment of the extent and velocity of arterial filling was obtained. Poor radiologic outcome was defined as an infarct volume of\70 mL. The association between collateral score and follow-up infarct volume was analyzed with Poisson regression. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with a mean age of 67 years were included. For all patients combined, the interval that contained the peak of arterial filling in both hemispheres was between 11 and 21 seconds after ICA contrast entry. Poor collateral status as assessed with dynamic CTA was more strongly associated with infarct volume of 70 mL (risk ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.9) than with single-phase CTA (risk ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.8-2.5). Four subgroups (good-versus-poor and fast-versus-sl

HEALTH COMMUNICATION ANALYSIS OF DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP AND PATIENTS’ HEALTH BEHAVIOUR IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

Communication in doctor-patient relationship has undergone a transition over time from doctor-dominance to patient-centred approach. Unfortunately, the patient-centred approach adopted today has not positively influenced the health behaviour of patients. For this, health communication scholars wonder if there is any difference between patient-centred and the doctor-dominance approach. The study adopted the descriptive survey research method, using two sets of questionnaires for data collection from patients and doctors. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and chi-square technique. Communication in doctor-patient relationship had significant influence on patients’ follow-up appointments (χ2 = 112.867) and compliance to prescribed drugs (χ2 = 48.333).&nbsp;&nbsp; Communication in doctor-patient&nbsp;&nbsp; relationship had significant influence on patients’ choice of the hospital (χ2= 44.083) and&nbsp; consumption of balanced or specific diet (χ2 = 61.350). Communication in doctor-patient relationship had significant influence on patients’ exercising regularly (χ2 =18.80).The study concluded that doctor-patient relationship in health communication influences patients’ health behaviour in South West Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that doctors should apply an integrated/ synergetic approach in communicating with their patients and that audience-specific social media platforms should be utilized to complement the doctor-patient communication for more effective result. &nbsp