Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Envelope Protein Regulates Cell Stress Response and Apoptosis

Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV) that lacks the envelope (E) gene (rSARS-CoV-ΔE) is attenuated in vivo. To identify factors that contribute to rSARS-CoV-ΔE attenuation, gene expression in cells infected by SARS-CoV with or without E gene was compared. Twenty-five stress response genes were preferentially upregulated during infection in the absence of the E gene. In addition, genes involved in signal transduction, transcription, cell metabolism, immunoregulation, inflammation, apoptosis and cell cycle and differentiation were differentially regulated in cells infected with rSARS-CoV with or without the E gene. Administration of E protein in trans reduced the stress response in cells infected with rSARS-CoV-ΔE or with respiratory syncytial virus, or treated with drugs, such as tunicamycin and thapsigargin that elicit cell stress by different mechanisms. In addition, SARS-CoV E protein down-regulated the signaling pathway inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE-1) of the unfolded protein response, but not the PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) or activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6) pathways, and reduced cell apoptosis. Overall, the activation of the IRE-1 pathway was not able to restore cell homeostasis, and apoptosis was induced probably as a measure to protect the host by limiting virus production and dissemination. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines was reduced in rSARS-CoV-ΔE-infected cells compared to rSARS-CoV-infected cells, suggesting that the increase in stress responses and the reduction of inflammation in the absence of the E gene contributed to the attenuation of rSARS-CoV-ΔE

Business Costs and Business Policy for Export Controls

The objectives of this study are to assess the costs to American companies of U.S. export controls, and to suggest business policies to minimize their adverse effects. The 1982 Soviet gas pipeline case is used as a concrete example. Original field research among business people and government officials in Europe and the U.S. is the main data source. The main findings of the study are that the costs of export controls to American business that can be measured are very high, and much above government estimates. The optimum strategy for business to follow is to influence the executive branch of government rather than to press for compensation schemes or legislative changes.© 1987 JIBS. Journal of International Business Studies (1987) 18, 1–18

Culture and Congruence: The Fit Between Management Practices and national Culture

The financial performance of European and Asian work units of one multinational company is examined as a function of the congruence between management practices and national culture. Using Hofstede's five national culture dimensions and analogous management practices, we find that work unit financial performance is higher when management practices in the work unit are congruent with the national culture.© 1996 JIBS. Journal of International Business Studies (1996) 27, 753–779