bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts Occluded with Ameroid Constrictors in Nine Dogs and One Cat
Authors: BRIGHT STEVEN R. , WILLIAMS JOHN M. , NILES JACQUI D.
Published: April 2006

Objective—To report outcome after ameroid constrictor (AC) use for single intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IPSS).

Study Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—Nine dogs and 1 cat.

Methods—Medical records (1999–2003) of dogs and cats with surgically confirmed IPSS were reviewed. Recorded data was: breed, sex, weight, age at surgery, clinical signs, serum biochemical and hematologic data, shunt anatomy, AC size, hospitalization, complications, and owner perception of their animal's response to surgery. Owners were contacted twice postoperatively (between 20 and 75 months) and asked to complete a simple questionnaire.

Results—With this technique, complication rate was low and postligation neurologic dysfunction was not observed. In the cat and 7 dogs, clinical signs attributed to IPPS resolved and animals were fed a non‐prescription diet without medication. One dog died suddenly 18 months after surgery from causes unrelated to hepatic disease. One dog was euthanatized 23 months after surgery because of repeated, increasingly refractory episodes of hepatic encephalopathy.

Conclusion—AC provides a safe and effective method for occlusion of some IPPS.

Clinical Relevance—AC should be considered for occlusion of some IPPS in dogs and cats.
Heart Rate Turbulence Slope Reduction in Imminent Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia and its Implications
Authors: WATANABE MARI A.
Published: April 2006

Introduction: The aim of this study was to see whether heart rate turbulence (HRT) parameters change preceding imminent ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT/VF).

Methods and Results: The Spontaneous Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia Database (Medtronic Version 1.0) consisting of 83 paired (control and pre‐VT/VF) sets of 1,000 RR intervals recorded by the Medtronic Jewel Plus ICD was used. Sixty‐one control records and 69 pre‐VT/VF records had two or more ectopic beats, allowing calculation of six HRT indices: means and standard deviations (SD) of turbulence slope (TS), turbulence onset (TO), and turbulence timing (TT). The only index found to be different between control and pre‐VT/VF records was SD of TS (4.2 ± 3.0 control vs 3.1 ± 1.9 pre‐VT/VF, P < 0.05). Thirty‐one datasets classified as having normal HRT in control demonstrated a decrease of both TS mean (P < 0.01) and SD (P < 0.01), and loss of correlation between TS mean and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) preceding VT/VF (P < 0.0001 control, P = 0.8 pre‐VT/VF).

Conclusion: Both mean and SD of TS are reduced before VT/VF, but only in patients who have normal baseline HRT, and are capable of manifesting reduction. This may be why previous studies could not agree on pre‐arrhythmia characteristics.
Marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of minor salivary gland representing tumor‐forming amyloidosis of the oral cavity. A case report
Authors: Kojima Masaru , Sugihara Shiro , Iijima Misa , Ono Takayuki , Yoshizumi Takashi , Masawa Nobuhide
Published: April 2006

We report here a case of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)‐type lymphoma arising from the minor salivary gland of the oral cavity exhibiting tumor‐forming amyloidosis. The patient was a 64‐year‐old Japanese woman who presented with 4‐year history of a left soft palate mass. Despite multiple and multifocal recurrences including the lip, soft palate, tongue, oral base and vocal code and soft palate, the tumor remained localized in the upper aerodigestive tract, and the patient did not develop multiple myeloma during the course of disease. Histologically, the majority of the lesion was occupied by amyloid deposition. Only the periphery of the lesion contained numerous plasmacytoid cells, along with occasional centrocyte‐like cells. In addition, lymphoepithelial lesion and follicular colonization were noted. The present case indicates that primary minor salivary gland MALT‐type lymphoma appears to be the cause of tumor‐forming amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract including the larynx.
The immunohistology of CD40 in human oral epithelium in health and disease
Authors: Dorrego Mariana Villarroel , Speight Paul M. , William Barrett A.
Published: April 2006

Background:  CD40 has a role in the regulation of immune responses, cell proliferation and migration, and apoptosis. Little is known of its distribution in oral mucosal pathology.

Methods:  Oral keratinocyte lines were tested for CD40 protein by Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was used to stain paraffin sections of oral mucosa in health and in inflammatory, reactive, dysplastic and malignant disease.

Results:  Western blotting confirmed the presence of CD40 in oral keratinocytes. CD40 was generally expressed by keratinocytes in the basal layer, with variable parabasal expression. Langerhans cells also stained positively. Expression was lost in nine of 33 (27%) epithelial dysplasias, seven of which were severe. Eighty‐one percent of well, 69% of moderately and 50% of poorly differentiated oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) expressed CD40. Overall, 45 of 65 (69%) OSCC were positive. The pattern of expression was unrelated to tumour differentiation.

Conclusion:  CD40 expression by basal and parabasal oral keratinocytes is physiological. Expression is lost in approximately one‐third of oral epithelial dysplasias and OSCC. The significance of such loss remains unknown, but may be related to immunological or other abnormalities of keratinocyte homeostasis.
Mishaps and serious complications in endodontic obturation
Authors: GLUSKIN ALAN H.
Published: April 2006

There are numerous examples reported in the literature that cite and document many disabling complications to the alveolar bone, neurovascular anatomy and maxillary sinus following overextension of root canal filling materials. Neural complications as a consequences of endodontic obturation as well as other server outcomes to overfill are a serious problem. These injuries require a thoughful strategy for prevention during endodontic procedures as well as a responsible systematic approach to management, should the outcome of endodontic therapy produce an injury.

This monogrph will focus on measures that can prevent obturation mishaps which occur under the most vulnerable of circumstances during the course of endodontic therapy. This paper will also critically review the toxicity of materials used in endodontic obturation and seek to identify those principal factors which affect prognosis after injury.
Dissecting the role of protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions in MS2 bacteriophage stability
Authors: Lima Sheila M. B. , Vaz Ana Carolina Q , Souza Theo L. F. , Peabody David S. , Silva Jerson L. , Oliveira Andréa C.
Published: April 2006

To investigate the role of protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions in virus assembly, we compared the stabilities of native bacteriophage MS2, virus‐like particles (VLPs) containing nonviral RNAs, and an assembly‐defective coat protein mutant (dlFG) and its single‐chain variant (sc‐dlFG). Physical (high pressure) and chemical (urea and guanidine hydrochloride) agents were used to promote virus disassembly and protein denaturation, and the changes in virus and protein structure were monitored by measuring tryptophan intrinsic fluorescence, bis‐ANS probe fluorescence, and light scattering. We found that VLPs dissociate into capsid proteins that remain folded and more stable than the proteins dissociated from authentic particles. The proposed model is that the capsid disassembles but the protein remains bound to the heterologous RNA encased by VLPs. The dlFG dimerizes correctly, but fails to assemble into capsids, because it lacks the 15‐amino acid FG loop involved in inter‐dimer interactions at the viral fivefold and quasi‐sixfold axes. This protein was very unstable and, when compared with the dissociation/denaturation of the VLPs and the wild‐type virus, it was much more susceptible to chemical and physical perturbation. Genetic fusion of the two subunits of the dimer in the single‐chain dimer sc‐dlFG stabilized the protein, as did the presence of 34‐bp poly(GC) DNA. These studies reveal mechanisms by which interactions in the capsid lattice can be sufficiently stable and specific to ensure assembly, and they shed light on the processes that lead to the formation of infectious viral particles.
Integral membrane proteins in the mitochondrial outer membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Burri Lena , Vascotto Katherine , Gentle Ian E. , Chan Nickie C. , Beilharz Traude , Stapleton David I. , Ramage Lynn , Lithgow Trevor
Published: April 2006

Mitochondria evolved from a bacterial endosymbiont ancestor in which the integral outer membrane proteins would have been β‐barrel structured within the plane of the membrane. Initial proteomics on the outer membrane from yeast mitochondria suggest that while most of the protein components are integral in the membrane, most of these mitochondrial proteins behave as if they have α‐helical transmembrane domains, rather than β‐barrels. These proteins are usually predicted to have a single α‐helical transmembrane segment at either the N‐ or C‐terminus, however, more complex topologies are also seen. We purified the novel outer membrane protein Om14 and show it is encoded in the gene YBR230c. Protein sequencing revealed an intron is spliced from the transcript, and both transcription from the YBR230c gene and steady‐state level of the Om14 protein is dramatically less in cells grown on glucose than in cells grown on nonfermentable carbon sources. Hydropathy predictions together with data from limited protease digestion show three α‐helical transmembrane segments in Om14. The α‐helical outer membrane proteins provide functions derived after the endosymbiotic event, and require the translocase in the outer mitochondrial membrane complex for insertion into the outer membrane.
Transient silencing of Plasmodium falciparum bifunctional glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase− 6‐phosphogluconolactonase
Authors: Crooke Almudena , Diez Amalia , Mason Philip J , Bautista José M.
Published: April 2006

The bifunctional enzyme glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase‐6‐phosphogluconolactonase (G6PD‐6PGL) found in Plasmodium falciparum has unique structural and functional characteristics restricted to this genus. This study was designed to examine the effects of RNA‐mediated PfG6PD‐6PGL gene silencing in cultures of P. falciparum on the expression of parasite antioxidant defense genes at the transcription level. The highest degree of G6PD‐6PGL silencing achieved was 86% at the mRNA level, with a recovery to almost normal levels within 24 h, indicating only transient diminished expression of the PfG6PD‐6PGL gene. PfG6PD‐6PGL silencing caused arrest of the trophozoite stage and enhanced gametocyte formation. In addition, an immediate transcriptional response was shown by thioredoxin reductase suggesting that P. falciparum G6PD‐6PGL plays a physiological role in the specific response of the parasite to intracellullar oxidative stress. P. falciparum transfection with an empty DNA vector also promoted intracellular stress, as determined by mRNA up‐regulation of antioxidant genes. Collectively, our findings point to an important role for this enzyme in the parasite's infection cycle. The different characteristics of G6PD‐6PGL with respect to its homologue in the host make it an ideal target for therapeutic strategies.
A second independent resistance mechanism to Bacillus sphaericus binary toxin targets its α‐glucosidase receptor in Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Romão Tatiany Patrícia , de Melo Chalegre Karlos Diogo , Key Shana , Junqueira Ayres Constância Flávia , Fontes de Oliveira Cláudia Maria , de‐Melo‐Neto Osvaldo Pompílio , Lobo Silva‐Filha Maria Helena Neves
Published: April 2006

The entomopathogen Bacillus sphaericus is an important tool for the vector control of Culex sp., and its effectiveness has been validated in field trials. The appearance of resistance to this bacterium, however, remains a threat to its use, and attempts have been made to understand the resistance mechanisms. Previous work showed that the resistance to B. sphaericus in a Culex quinquefasciatus colony is associated with the absence of the ≈ 60‐kDa binary toxin receptor in larvae midgut microvilli. Here, the gene encoding the C. quinquefasciatus toxin receptor, Cqm1, was cloned and sequenced from a susceptible colony. The deduced amino‐acid sequence confirmed its identity as an α‐glucosidase, and analysis of the corresponding gene sequence from resistant larvae implicated a 19‐nucleotide deletion as the basis for resistance. This deletion changes the ORF and originates a premature stop codon, which prevents the synthesis of the full‐length Cqm1. Expression of the truncated protein, however, was not detected when whole larvae extracts were probed with antibodies raised against an N‐terminal 45‐kDa recombinant fragment of Cqm1. It seems that the premature stop codon directs the mutated cqm1 to the nonsense‐mediated decay pathway of mRNA degradation. In‐gel assays confirmed that a single α‐glucosidase protein is missing from the resistant colony. Further in vitro affinity assays showed that the recombinant fragment binds to the toxin, and mapped the binding site to the N‐terminus of the receptor.
Protein‐misfolding diseases and chaperone‐based therapeutic approaches
Authors: Chaudhuri Tapan K. , Paul Subhankar
Published: April 2006

A large number of neurodegenerative diseases in humans result from protein misfolding and aggregation. Protein misfolding is believed to be the primary cause of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, cystic fibrosis, Gaucher's disease and many other degenerative and neurodegenerative disorders. Cellular molecular chaperones, which are ubiquitous, stress‐induced proteins, and newly found chemical and pharmacological chaperones have been found to be effective in preventing misfolding of different disease‐causing proteins, essentially reducing the severity of several neurodegenerative disorders and many other protein‐misfolding diseases. In this review, we discuss the probable mechanisms of several protein‐misfolding diseases in humans, as well as therapeutic approaches for countering them. The role of molecular, chemical and pharmacological chaperones in suppressing the effect of protein misfolding‐induced consequences in humans is explained in detail. Functional aspects of the different types of chaperones suggest their uses as potential therapeutic agents against different types of degenerative diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders.
Enhanced stereoselective hydrolysis of toxic organophosphates by directly evolved variants of mammalian serum paraoxonase
Authors: Amitai Gabriel , Gaidukov Leonid , Adani Rellie , Yishay Shelly , Yacov Guy , Kushnir Moshe , Teitlboim Shai , Lindenbaum Michal , Bel Peter , Khersonsky Olga , Tawfik Dan S. , Meshulam Haim
Published: April 2006

We addressed the ability of various organophosphorus (OP) hydrolases to catalytically scavenge toxic OP nerve agents. Mammalian paraoxonase (PON1) was found to be more active than Pseudomonas diminuta OP hydrolase (OPH) and squid O,O‐di‐isopropyl fluorophosphatase (DFPase) in detoxifying cyclosarin (O‐cyclohexyl methylphosphonofluoridate) and soman (O‐pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate). Subsequently, nine directly evolved PON1 variants, selected for increased hydrolytic rates with a fluorogenic diethylphosphate ester, were tested for detoxification of cyclosarin, soman, O‐isopropyl‐O‐(p‐nitrophenyl) methyl phosphonate (IMP‐pNP), DFP, and chlorpyrifos‐oxon (ChPo). Detoxification rates were determined by temporal acetylcholinesterase inhibition by residual nonhydrolyzed OP. As stereoisomers of cyclosarin and soman differ significantly in their acetylcholinesterase‐inhibiting potency, we actually measured the hydrolysis of the more toxic stereoisomers. Cyclosarin detoxification was ∼ 10‐fold faster with PON1 mutants V346A and L69V. V346A also exhibited fourfold and sevenfold faster hydrolysis of DFP and ChPo, respectively, compared with wild‐type, and ninefold higher activity towards soman. L69V exhibited 100‐fold faster hydrolysis of DFP than the wild‐type. The active‐site mutant H115W exhibited 270–380‐fold enhancement toward hydrolysis of the P–S bond in parathiol, a phosphorothiolate analog of parathion. This study identifies three key positions in PON1 that affect OP hydrolysis, Leu69, Val346 and His115, and several amino‐acid replacements that significantly enhance the hydrolysis of toxic OPs. GC/pulsed flame photometer detector analysis, compared with assay of residual acetylcholinesterase inhibition, displayed stereoselective hydrolysis of cyclosarin, soman, and IMP‐pNP, indicating that PON1 is less active toward the more toxic optical isomers.
The narrow substrate specificity of human tyrosine aminotransferase – the enzyme deficient in tyrosinemia type II
Authors: Sivaraman Sharada , Kirsch Jack F.
Published: April 2006

Human tyrosine aminotransferase (hTATase) is the pyridoxal phosphate‐dependent enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transamination of tyrosine to p‐hydrophenylpyruvate, an important step in tyrosine metabolism. hTATase deficiency is implicated in the rare metabolic disorder, tyrosinemia type II. This enzyme is a member of the poorly characterized Iγ subfamily of the family I aminotransferases. The full length and truncated forms of recombinant hTATase were expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified to homogeneity. The pH‐dependent titration of wild‐type reveals a spectrum characteristic of family I aminotransferases with an aldimine pKa of 7.22. I249A mutant hTATase exhibits an unusual spectrum with a similar aldimine pKa (6.85). hTATase has very narrow substrate specificity with the highest enzymatic activity for the Tyr/α‐ketoglutarate substrate pair, which gives a steady state kcat value of 83 s−1. In contrast there is no detectable transamination of aspartate or other cosubstrates. The present findings show that hTATase is the only known aminotransferase that discriminates significantly between Tyr and Phe: the kcat/Km value for Tyr is about four orders of magnitude greater than that for Phe. A comparison of substrate specificities of representative Iα and Iγ aminotransferases is described along with the physiological significance of the discrimination between Tyr and Phe by hTATase as applied to the understanding of the molecular basis of phenylketonuria.
Metallothioneins are multipurpose neuroprotectants during brain pathology
Authors: Penkowa Milena
Published: April 2006

Metallothioneins (MTs) constitute a family of cysteine‐rich metalloproteins involved in cytoprotection during pathology. In mammals there are four isoforms (MT‐I − IV), of which MT‐I and ‐II (MT‐I + II) are the best characterized MT proteins in the brain. Accumulating studies have demonstrated MT‐I + II as multipurpose factors important for host defense responses, immunoregulation, cell survival and brain repair. This review will focus on expression and roles of MT‐I + II in the disordered brain. Initially, studies of genetically modified mice with MT‐I + II deficiency or endogenous MT‐I overexpression demonstrated the importance of MT‐I + II for coping with brain pathology. In addition, exogenous MT‐I or MT‐II injected intraperitoneally is able to promote similar effects as those of endogenous MT‐I + II, which indicates that MT‐I + II have both extra‐ and intracellular actions. In injured brain, MT‐I + II inhibit macrophages, T lymphocytes and their formation of interleukins, tumor necrosis factor‐α, matrix metalloproteinases, and reactive oxygen species. In addition, MT‐I + II enhance cell cycle progression, mitosis and cell survival, while neuronal apoptosis is inhibited. The precise mechanisms downstream of MT‐I + II have not been fully established, but convincing data show that MT‐I + II are essential for coping with neuropathology and for brain recovery. As MT‐I and/or MT‐II compounds are well tolerated, they may provide a potential therapy for a range of brain disorders.
A unique binding epitope for salvinorin A, a non‐nitrogenous kappa opioid receptor agonist
Authors: Kane Brian E. , Nieto Marcelo J. , McCurdy Christopher R. , Ferguson David M.
Published: April 2006

Salvinorin A is a potent kappa opioid receptor (KOP) agonist with unique structural and pharmacological properties. This non‐nitrogenous ligand lacks nearly all the structural features commonly associated with opioid ligand binding and selectivity. This study explores the structural basis to salvinorin A binding and selectivity using a combination of chimeric and single‐point mutant opioid receptors. The experiments were designed based on previous models of salvinorin A that locate the ligand within a pocket formed by transmembrane (TM) II, VI, and VII. More traditional sites of opioid recognition were also explored, including the highly conserved aspartate in TM III (D138) and the KOP selectivity site E297, to determine the role, if any, that these residues play in binding and selectivity. The results indicate that salvinorin A recognizes a cluster of residues in TM II and VII, including Q115, Y119, Y312, Y313, and Y320. Based on the position of these residues within the receptor, and prior study on salvinorin A, a model is proposed that aligns the ligand vertically, between TM II and VII. In this orientation, the ligand spans residues that are spaced one to two turns down the face of the helices within the receptor cavity. The ligand is also in close proximity to EL‐2 which, based on chimeric data, is proposed to play an indirect role in salvinorin A binding and selectivity.
Determining and understanding the control of glycolysis in fast‐growth tumor cells
Authors: Marín‐Hernández Alvaro , Rodríguez‐Enríquez Sara , Vital‐González Paola A. , Flores‐Rodríguez Fanny L. , Macías‐Silva Marina , Sosa‐Garrocho Marcela , Moreno‐Sánchez Rafael
Published: April 2006

Control analysis of the glycolytic flux was carried out in two fast‐growth tumor cell types of human and rodent origin (HeLa and AS‐30D, respectively). Determination of the maximal velocity (Vmax) of the 10 glycolytic enzymes from hexokinase to lactate dehydrogenase revealed that hexokinase (153–306 times) and phosphfructokinase‐1 (PFK‐1) (22–56 times) had higher over‐expression in rat AS‐30D hepatoma cells than in normal freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Moreover, the steady‐state concentrations of the glycolytic metabolites, particularly those of the products of hexokinase and PFK‐1, were increased compared with hepatocytes. In HeLa cells, Vmax values and metabolite concentrations for the 10 glycolytic enzyme were also significantly increased, but to a much lesser extent (6–9 times for both hexokinase and PFK‐1). Elasticity‐based analysis of the glycolytic flux in AS‐30D cells showed that the block of enzymes producing Fru(1,6)P2 (i.e. glucose transporter, hexokinase, hexosephosphate isomerase, PFK‐1, and the Glc6P branches) exerted most of the flux control (70–75%), whereas the consuming block (from aldolase to lactate dehydrogenase) exhibited the remaining control. The Glc6P‐producing block (glucose transporter and hexokinase) also showed high flux control (70%), which indicated low flux control by PFK‐1. Kinetic analysis of PFK‐1 showed low sensitivity towards its allosteric inhibitors citrate and ATP, at physiological concentrations of the activator Fru(2,6)P2. On the other hand, hexokinase activity was strongly inhibited by high, but physiological, concentrations of Glc6P. Therefore, the enhanced glycolytic flux in fast‐growth tumor cells was still controlled by an over‐produced, but Glc6P‐inhibited hexokinase.
Biochemical characterization of human 3‐methylglutaconyl‐CoA hydratase and its role in leucine metabolism
Authors: Mack Matthias , Schniegler‐Mattox Ute , Peters Verena , Hoffmann Georg F. , Liesert Michael , Buckel Wolfgang , Zschocke Johannes
Published: April 2006

The metabolic disease 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria type I (MGA1) is characterized by an abnormal organic acid profile in which there is excessive urinary excretion of 3‐methylglutaconic acid, 3‐methylglutaric acid and 3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid. Affected individuals display variable clinical manifestations ranging from mildly delayed speech development to severe psychomotor retardation with neurological handicap. MGA1 is caused by reduced or absent 3‐methylglutaconyl‐coenzyme A (3‐MG‐CoA) hydratase activity within the leucine degradation pathway. The human AUH gene has been reported to encode for a bifunctional enzyme with both RNA‐binding and enoyl‐CoA‐hydratase activity. In addition, it was shown that mutations in the AUH gene are linked to MGA1. Here we present kinetic data of the purified gene product of AUH using different CoA‐substrates. The best substrates were (E)‐3‐MG‐CoA (Vmax = 3.9 U·mg−1, Km = 8.3 µm, kcat = 5.1 s−1) and (E)‐glutaconyl‐CoA (Vmax = 1.1 U·mg−1, Km = 2.4 µm, kcat = 1.4 s−1) giving strong evidence that the AUH gene encodes for the major human 3‐MG‐CoA hydratase in leucine degradation. Based on these results, a new assay for AUH activity in fibroblast homogenates was developed. The only missense mutation found in MGA1 phenotypes, c.719C>T, leading to the amino acid exchange A240V, produces an enzyme with only 9% of the wild‐type 3‐MG‐CoA hydratase activity.
Wound‐healing trajectories as outcome measures of venous stasis ulcer treatment*
Authors: Steed David L , Hill Donald P , Woodske Matthew E , Payne Wyatt G , Robson Martin C
Published: April 2006

Outcome measures of venous ulcer healing are not uniformly accepted. Stringent criteria of 100% closure fail to provide information of healing over the entire span of repair. Wound‐healing trajectories (plot of percentage of wound closure versus time of wound treatment) were constructed for 232 patients treated in eight clinical trials at two independent wound care/research centres. Trajectories were constructed for ulcers that totally healed (100% closure) and those that did not (<100% closure) over a 20‐week period. Kaplan–Meier survival plots determined the percentage of patients achieving total healing versus time of treatment. The wound‐healing trajectories were almost identical for patients achieving complete ulcer healing, as were the trajectories for patients with less than 100% closure. The trajectories for the ulcers healing completely were significantly different from those with <100% closure. Only 60% of all patients achieved 100% closure by 20 weeks. Using linear regression, it was predicted that it would take 31 weeks for all patients to achieve total healing. Total healing is an inadequate outcome measure for healing of venous stasis ulcers. Clinical trials using this measure would require excessive time periods. As wound‐healing trajectories for patients treated at two centres mimic one another, shifting the wound‐healing trajectory from one of impaired healing to one of a more ideal healing course may be considered a better outcome measure for determining healing of venous stasis ulcers.
High-significance Sunyaev–Zel'dovich measurement: Abell 1914 seen with the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager
Authors:   AMI Collaboration, Barker Robert , Biddulph Phillip , Bly Dennis , Boysen Roger , Brown Anthony , Clementson Christopher , Crofts Michael , Culverhouse Thomas , Czeres Jaroslaw , Dace Roger , D'Alessandro Robert , Doherty Peter , Duffett-Smith Peter , Duggan Kenneth , Ely John , Felvus Mike , Flynn William , Geisbüsch Jörn , Grainge Keith , Grainger William , Hammet David , Hills Richard , Hobson Michael , Holler Christian , Jilley Roy , Jones Michael E. , Kaneko Takeshi , Kneissl Rüdiger , Lancaster Katy , Lasenby Anthony , Marshall Phil , Newton Francis , Norris Oliver , Northrop Ian , Pooley Guy , Quy Vic , Saunders Richard D. E. , Scaife Anna , Schofield Jack , Scott Paul , Shaw Clive , Taylor Angela C. , Titterington David , Velić Marko , Waldram Elizabeth , West Simon , Wood Brian , Yassin Ghassan , Zwart Jonathan
Published: April 2006

We report the first detection of a Sunyaev–Zel'dovich (S–Z) decrement using the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager (AMI). We have made commissioning observations towards the cluster of galaxies A1914 and detected the S–Z effect with a significance of 17σ in a uv-tapered map at a mean frequency of 15.75 GHz. The integrated S–Z flux density of −8.6 ± 0.5 mJy is consistent with a simple X-ray derived model for the intracluster gas. We find that the spectrum of the decrement, measured in the six channels between 13.5–18 GHz, fits well to that expected for the S–Z effect. The sensitivity of the telescope is consistent with the figures used in our simulations of cluster surveys with AMI.
EFFECT OF 1‐METHYLCYCLOPROPENE ON AROMA COMPOUNDS IN “BIG TOP” NECTARINES AFTER SHELF LIFE
Authors: RIZZOLO ANNA , ZERBINI PAOLA ECCHER , GRASSI MAURIZIO , CAMBIAGHI PAOLA , BIANCHI GIULIA
Published: April 2006

“Big Top” nectarines picked at two dates (Pick 1 and Pick 2) and treated at harvest with 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 µL/L 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) when fruit ripening had already started were kept at 20 C until control fruit softened. Ethylene production was lowered by 0.25 and 1.0 µL/L doses in Pick 1 fruits and by all the doses in Pick 2 fruits. Fruit softening was delayed, but at the end of shelf life, treated fruits were as soft as the controls. Total volatile production was lowered by 0.25 and 1.0 µL/L doses in Pick 2 fruits. 1‐MCP influenced the aroma composition at the end of shelf life, yet it was not always dose dependent. Consequently, 1‐MCP changed fruit odor pattern by influencing the distribution of lactone odor units, the major odor contributors, reducing the “overmature” note and enhancing the “fresh” note.
Concurrent Engineering with Early Supplier Involvement: A CrossFunctional Challenge
Authors: O'Neal Charles
Published: April 2006

This research explores the view that the traditional sequential, or pipeline, approach to technology and product development is no longer adequate. The rapid escalation of global competition is demanding dramatic reductions in the time‐to‐market cycle, along with higher quality levels and lower costs. Anecdotal evidence points to concurrent engineering, complemented by early purchasing and supplier involvement, as an approach with tremendous potential in addressing the three key issues of time, quality, and cost. The two most significant features of concurrent engineering are (1) customer focus centering on doing the right things, and (2) cycle time reduction focusing on doing them right the first time.
Supplier Development Programs: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Watts Charles A. , Hahn Chan K.
Published: April 2006

To compete effectively in the global marketplace, a company must have a network of competent suppliers. A supplier development program is designed to create and maintain such a network—and to improve various supplier capabilities that are necessary for the buying organization to meet its increasing competitive challenges.

This article discusses the results of a survey dealing with supplier development activity. The survey was undertaken to determine the current level of involvement in supplier development programs and to assess the success of the current programs. The results indicate that supplier development programs are more prevalent than expected and that large companies are more likely to be involved. The results also show the importance of formal supplier evaluation to the supplier development process.
The European Community “EC 92”: Implications for Purchasing Managers
Authors: Pinkerton Richard L.
Published: April 2006

There has been considerable discussion among purchasing and materials professionals concerning the effects the European Community's extensive trade unification program may have on their operations following its implementation at the close of 1992 (EC 92). This article presents the findings of related research conducted in Europe during 1991. After a brief overview of the European Community history, organization, and basic trade issues, the author discusses twelve possible implications for purchasing/materials management operations within both the United States and the EC. Particular attention is given to requirements/standards determination and EC sourcing.
Applying Group Technology Principles to Warehousing Operations
Authors: Shafer Scott M. , Ernst Ricardo
Published: April 2006

This article suggests a number of ways that group technology (GT) principles can be applied in warehousing operations. To evaluate the suggested GT approaches, their use in a distribution organization was studied. This study produced a great deal of useful information about the applicability of GT principles to service operations. These results and related managerial insights are presented and discussed.
Using “Just‐In‐Time” in Developing Countries: A Case Study in Tanzania
Authors: Msimangira K.A.B.
Published: April 2006

This article reports the results of a study that focuses on the use of the just‐in‐time (JIT) technique in developing countries, with particular reference to textile manufacturing firms in Tanzania. Although the use of JIT can improve a firm's manufacturing performance, there are fundamental problems that must be solved before it can be used successfully in Tanzania. This study identifies the following problems: (1) financial constraints; (2) inadequate supply of inputs required for the mills to operate near capacity; (3) international delivery delays; (4) an inadequate transportation infrastructure, and (5) unreliable product demand forecasts. These problems are explored, and the author offers a series of recommendations for improvement.
The Role of the Purchasing Function: Toward Team Participation
Authors: Ellram Lisa M. , Pearson John N.
Published: April 2006

Members of the National Association of Purchasing Management were surveyed to study the current level of responsibility, and level of responsibility expected in 1995, for 18 key decision issues in which the purchasing function participates. The issues investigated were:

 Material requirements review

 Specifications development

 Make‐or‐buy analysis

 Materials standardization

 Determination of inventory levels

 Quality requirements determination

 Negotiation of price and terms

 Supplier selection

 Joint problem solving with suppliers

 Supplier monitoring and analysis

 Communication of specification changes

 Productivity/cost improvements

 Development of sourcing strategy

 Market analysis

 Price forecasting

 Long‐range purchasing planning

 Determination of purchasing policy

 Value analysis

The results of the study suggest a transition from individual purchasing responsibility to a team approach on all issues. Thus, the study confirms prior research and practice of a trend toward greater use of teams for management in the future.
Total Cost of Ownership: Elements and Implementation
Authors: Ellram Lisa
Published: April 2006

While total cost of ownership concepts are widely discussed, in practice most firms do not utilize the total cost concept in purchasing. This article uses findings from studies of nine firms that use total cost of ownership to define the total cost of ownership concept and benefits. A framework for classifying cost elements is developed. The article concludes with a discussion of key total cost of ownership implementation issues, and explores two approaches to implementation of total cost of ownership concepts in purchasing.
Supplier Partnerships: Influencing Factors and Strategic Benefits
Authors: Stuart F. Ian
Published: April 2006

While numerous articles have been written concerning various aspects of developing supplier partnerships, the empirical evidence of the causes for forming a partnership and the ensuing benefits from such relationships has been scant and primarily limited to the automotive industry. This article describes a model for supplier partnerships and reports on an empirical test of the model using a questionnaire distributed to a broad‐based sample of industries. The results indicate that the extent to which a supplier partnership is developed is dependent on top management commitment and on the philosophical view of purchasing. Further, as the degree of the partnership increases, the buying firm typically enjoys significantly increased short‐term productivity improvements and long‐term strategic advantages.
Hospital Inventory Management for Emergency Demand
Authors: Duclos Leslie K.
Published: April 2006

Inventory management is receiving increased emphasis in a variety of organizations. One important area is inventory that is subject to emergency demand situations. A hospital materials manager, for example, must establish efficient inventory system policies for normal operating conditions that also ensure the hospital's ability to meet emergency demand conditions.

A simulation model of a hospital inventory system was developed to determine the relative significance of several common inventory system variations on a hospital's ability to operate successfully under normal and emergency demand conditions. Results of the simulation reveal that review frequency plays a major role in the success of operations under shock demand conditions. The simulation also suggests that generalizing from the results of an inventory system under normal conditions to expected results under shock conditions is inappropriate. Several common assumptions flowing from these generalizations were challenged by the results of the study.
Small Suppliers and JIT Purchasing
Authors: St. John Caron H. , Heriot Kirk C.
Published: April 2006

The just‐in‐time manufacturing philosophy has come into widespread use in the United States since it was introduced to American manufacturers in the late 1970s. In this article, the authors propose a model for describing the environment of JIT manufacturers and also the threats and opportunities created for their small suppliers. They explore approaches JIT buyers can use to create a relationship with small suppliers that is beneficial to both groups. The model serves as a basis for discussion and a framework for future studies.
Purchasing Characteristics and Supplier Performance in Maquiladora Operations
Authors: Fawcett Stanley E.
Published: April 2006

In their efforts to meet intense competition from low‐cost global manufacturers, many U.S. firms have sought to reduce their manufacturing costs by rationalizing their production activities. Rationalization consists essentially of the shifting of the firm's productive activities and resources to the regions of the world where greatest competitive advantage can be gained. Thus, rationalization allows firms to better use comparative advantage to build a competitive advantage. Many opportunities for the rationalization of production activities exist; however, the shifting of labor intensive activities to Mexico's maquiladora industry has become increasingly popular. Today, more than 75 percent of the 500 largest U.S. firms operate maquiladoras. Many leading firms in the Pacific Basin and Europe have also established maquiladoras. Because maquiladoras are established to add as much value to the firm's product as possible, understanding how the various value‐adding activities such as purchasing impact the success of these operations is essential. This article explores the characteristics and performance of purchasing activities in the maquiladora production sharing setting.
Moving Toward Value‐Based Purchasing
Authors: Dumond Ellen J.
Published: April 2006

As the marketplace becomes more competitive, the concept of “value” is receiving increased attention. Firms are attempting to increase the value of their products and services and reduce the nonvalue‐added activities, both in terms of number and cost. One function that has a tremendous impact on these efforts is purchasing. Purchasing, being a boundary spanning function, has the opportunity to increase value through two major linkages: internal interactions and external involvement.

Value‐based purchasing focuses the decisions of purchasing professionals on the creation of value rather than on the traditional objectives of cost savings and efficiency. To develop and maintain this focus, the function's internal operating environment must support and enhance these efforts. Organizational variables like the performance measurement system, the extent of functional interaction, and access to external information affect value‐based purchasing. This article, through empirical data from 21 firms in diverse industries, examines the readiness of the current organizational environment, in terms of these three critical variables, for successful implementation of value‐based purchasing. Based on the findings, recommendations for managers are provided.
Strategic Purchasing: A History and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ellram Lisa M. , Carr Amelia
Published: April 2006

This article provides a systematic review of the purchasing strategy literature over the past 30 years. It identifies gaps in the body of research and makes recommendations for future research. The basic managerial problem is that the purchasing function has the ability to influence corporate profitability only when it is operating at a strategic level in the firm. The evolution of the function has been slow; therefore, the contribution the purchasing function can make has yet to achieve its maximum level in many firms.

The study reveals that much of the research completed in this area is either conceptual in nature or is based on a small number of case studies. While some studies do base their findings on data gathered from a large number of firms, most do not report the use of statistical analysis to support the findings of the research.
The Relative Importance of Supplier Selection Criteria: A Review and Update
Authors: Wilson Elizabeth J.
Published: April 2006

Purchasing professionals and researchers alike acknowledge the fact that the changing atmosphere in buyer‐supplier relationships is due largely to the globalization of the marketplace. Partnering strategies, which necessitate closer ties between buyers and suppliers, are becoming increasingly common for U.S. firms. Such strategies, in turn, allow buyers and suppliers in the United States to compete more effectively with international firms abroad. How has this changing business climate affected buyers’ choice decisions in supplier selection? That question is the focus of this study.

The relative importance of supplier selection criteria is examined longitudinally by reviewing the findings of studies published during the past two decades. Those results are then compared with the findings of this study to gain insight about the relative importances of decision criteria used by purchasing professionals in selecting suppliers.
Ethics Policies and Gratuity Acceptance by Purchasers
Authors: Turner Gregory B. , Taylor G. Stephen , Hartley Mark F.
Published: April 2006

Most purchasing professionals generally agree that the acceptance of significant gratuities is inappropriate and should be discouraged. Managers need effective methods of monitoring and controlling such activities. This study examined the impact of certain individual and organizationally controlled variables on the acceptance of gratuities. Consequently, the study was able to identify some approaches that can be used by management for control purposes.

The results indicate that formal, written policies do have a significant impact on reducing the acceptance of gratuities. However, if these policies are not also applied to sales personnel in the same organization, their impact may be diminished significantly, if not lost altogether. The engagement of upper level management in questionable activities was found to be positively related to the acceptance of gratuities by buyers and purchasing supervisors. Ironically, while it seems logical that input from purchasing personnel in the development of purchasing ethics policies should reduce the propensity to accept gratuities by department personnel, the study produced no evidence that supported this conclusion.
Electronic Data Interchange: Does Its Adoption Change Purchasing Policies and Procedures?
Authors: Sriram Ven , Banerjee Snehamay
Published: April 2006

Anecdotal evidence suggests that electronic data interchange (EDI) is being used increasingly by companies, particularly to facilitate purchasing transactions. As this trend continues, one of the issues facing managers is understanding what effect adoption of the new technology will have on the organization as a whole, and on the purchasing department in particular. The results of this study, based on a survey of 122 purchasing managers, indicate that the impact of EDI is moderated by the volume of transactions using EDI. Its adoption requires somewhat different skills and training for buyers, and it also changes some aspects of a firm's relationship with its suppliers. The implications of these findings for purchasing executives are discussed.
Values Driving Decisions In Questionable Purchasing Situations
Authors: Plank Richard E. , Landeros Robert , Plank Linda Fernandes
Published: April 2006

Dieser Artikel ermittelt die Wertvorstellungen mit Hintergrund einiger moralischer Überlegungen bei Entscheidungen des Lieferantenmanagement. Sieben Wertvorstellungen wurden an fünf Vorgängen untersucht, in denen Teilnehmer an der Studie Entscheidungen fällten und ihre Grande beschrieben. Die Studie ergab, daβ die Teilnehmer, überwiegend angestellte Einkäufer bei Herstellern im mittleren Westen, ihre Entscheidungen haupt‐sächlich mit Wertvorstellungen wie z.B. professioneller Verant‐wortung, Uneigennützigkeit, Gerechtigkeit und Wahrheit begründeten—seltener jedoch mit Werten wie Unabhängigkeit, Vertraulichkeit oder Schadensverhütung.Die Untersuchung zeigte auch, dafβ ein unterschiedliches Anwendungsmuster für die Wertvorstellungen verantwortlich war, die von der Art der problematischen Einkaufssituation abhing, mit der der Einkäufer konfrontiert war. Auβerdem legen die Unter‐suchungsergebnisse nahe, daβ die Befragten moralischer handelten als in früheren Studien berichtet wurde. Und letztlich zeigen die von den Befragten gewählten Wertvorstellungen, daβ Einkäufer gut in kooperativen Käufer‐Lieferanten Beziehungen arbeiten können, bei Bedarf ein Gesamtkostenkonzept anwen‐den und sich dem Einfluβ ihrer Aktionen auf die Wettbewerbs‐stellung ihrer Firma bewuβt sind.
Linking Purchasing to Corporate Competitive Strategy
Authors: Watts Charles A. , Kim Kee Young , Hahn Chan K.
Published: April 2006

To compete effectively in the global marketplace, a firm must have a competent and strategically integrated purchasing organization. It is important that all functional area strategies and capabilities, including purchasing, be consistent with corporate competitive strategy. It is also critical that a company's suppliers have the capability to meet its strategic priorities. This article develops a conceptual framework to aid in linking purchasing to corporate competitive strategy and to other functional area strategies as well. The proposed model can be used to begin to integrate purchasing into overall corporate strategy.
Sourcing Implications of the North American Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Nichols Ernest L. , Taylor John C.
Published: April 2006

This research examines the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) from the perspective of a hypothetical firm operating in the household appliance industry. The location of the lowest cost source of components and the effects on the total systems cost to manufacture and distribute finished products are examined under different levels of economic integration. The research utilizes a network simulation to model optimum supplier sources, purchased item flows, and associated costs to meet total North American demand. The study's results, while highly dependent on the data utilized, indicate that the NAFTA could result in significant changes in supply location and total systems cost for firms with integrated North American operations.