bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical analysis of acid–base status during recovery from high-intensity exercise in Standardbred racehorses
Authors: Waller Amanda , Lindinger Michael I
Published: August 2005

The present study used the physicochemical approach to characterize the changes in acid–base status that occur in Standardbred racehorses during recovery from high-intensity exercise. Jugular venous blood was sampled from nine Standardbreds in racing condition, at rest and for 2 h following a high-intensity training workout. Plasma [H+] increased from 39.1±1.0 neq l−1at rest to 44.8±2.7 neq l−1at 1 min of recovery. A decreased strong ion difference ([SID]) was the primary contributor to the increased [H+] immediately at the end of exercise, while increased plasma weak ion concentration ([Atot]) was a minor contributor to the acidosis. A decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) at 1 min of recovery had a slight alkalinizing effect. The decreased [SID] at 1 min of recovery was a result of a 15.1±3.1 meq l−1increase in [lactate−], as [Na+] and [K+] were also increased by 6.5±0.7 and 1.14±0.06 meq l−1, respectively, at 1 min of recovery. It is concluded that high-intensity exercise and recovery is associated with significant changes in acid–base balance, and that full recovery of many parameters that determine acid–base status requires 60–120 min.
Dressage scoring patterns at selected British Eventing novice events
Authors: Whitaker TC , Hill J
Published: August 2005

Subjective bias by judges within the dressage phase of eventing competition is problematic if correct evaluation of horse and rider performance is to be undertaken. The present study examines dressage penalty scoring (penalty scores are awarded for completion of a pre-set series of dressage movements) within a population of novice event horses (n = 2471). Between May and June 2003, 22 novice events within the UK were analysed, and at each event up to six competitions or sections (at the same competitive level) were run. The whole population data structure was normal in distribution, Pearson's skewness 0.314 (Kolmogorov–Smirnov Z = 1.855, P>0.05 from zero) and kurtosis at 0.425. The mean score recorded for the whole population was 37.82 penalty points (standard deviation = 5.65 and standard error = 0.11). A number of effects were observed within the population. Between-events effects were observed in three of the 22 events studied (P<0.01). Of those events running three or more sections (n = 16), within-event effects were observed for 10 events as differences (P<0.01) in mean scoring patterns between sections. All events running two sections (n = 4) were observed to exhibit differences (P<0.02) in mean scores. Differences (P>0.01) between the dressage test used at events were determined using post hoc Bonferroni tests. However, these differences were not found to have a confounding effect on the between-event observations. The study indicates that additional methodologies need to be implemented to ensure that accurate and impartial evaluation of event horses is conducted.
Effect of training and recovery on airway inflammation in an animal model of ‘ski asthma’
Authors: Davis MS , McKenzie EC , Royer CM , Williamson KK , Payton M , Nelson SL
Published: August 2005

Repeated strenuous exercise while breathing cold air is believed to induce chronic airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, a condition referred to in humans as ‘ski asthma’. However, the time course of development and resolution of ski asthma is unknown. We have previously shown that multi-day aerobic exercise induces airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in racing sled dogs. In the present study, a similar group of subjects was examined at multiple times during training to test the hypothesis that ski asthma spontaneously resolves during seasonal detraining, but is re-induced during training in the cold weather. At the beginning of training, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from detrained elite sled dogs (n= 16) had higher concentrations of lymphocytes (median 53.63vs. 8.30 cells μl−1) and neutrophils (median 23.03vs. 1.10 cells μl−1) compared with normal laboratory dogs (n= 5). However, there was no significant effect of training on BALF nucleated cell concentrations from exercised sled dogs (n= 11) compared with sedentary sled dogs (n= 8). In contrast to our hypothesis, our data support the contention that cold weather exercise-induced airway inflammation can persist through seasonal detraining, but that routine training does not cause significant worsening of the condition.
PTP-1B is an essential positive regulator of platelet integrin signaling
Authors: Arias-Salgado Elena Garcia , Haj Fawaz , Dubois Christophe , Moran Barry , Kasirer-Friede Ana , Furie Barbara C. , Furie Bruce , Neel Benjamin G. , Shattil Sanford J.
Published: August 2005

Outside-in integrin αIIbβ3 signaling is required for normal platelet thrombus formation and is triggered by c-Src activation through an unknown mechanism. In this study, we demonstrate an essential role for protein–tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)–1B in this process. In resting platelets, c-Src forms a complex with αIIbβ3 and Csk, which phosphorylates c-Src tyrosine 529 to maintain c-Src autoinhibition. Fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 triggers PTP-1B recruitment to the αIIbβ3–c-Src–Csk complex in a manner that is dependent on c-Src and specific tyrosine (tyrosine 152 and 153) and proline (proline 309 and 310) residues in PTP-1B. Studies of PTP-1B–deficient mouse platelets indicate that PTP-1B is required for fibrinogen-dependent Csk dissociation from αIIbβ3, dephosphorylation of c-Src tyrosine 529, and c-Src activation. Furthermore, PTP-1B–deficient platelets are defective in outside-in αIIbβ3 signaling in vitro as manifested by poor spreading on fibrinogen and decreased clot retraction, and they exhibit ineffective Ca2+ signaling and thrombus formation in vivo. Thus, PTP-1B is an essential positive regulator of the initiation of outside-in αIIbβ3 signaling in platelets.
AtRMR1 functions as a cargo receptor for protein trafficking to the protein storage vacuole
Authors: Park Misoon , Lee Daeseok , Lee Gil-Je , Hwang Inhwan
Published: August 2005

Organellar proteins are sorted by cargo receptors on the way to their final destination. However, receptors for proteins that are destined for the protein storage vacuole (PSV) are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the biological role that Arabidopsis thaliana receptor homology region transmembrane domain ring H2 motif protein (AtRMR) 1 plays in protein trafficking to the PSV. AtRMR1 mainly colocalized to the prevacuolar compartment of the PSV, but a minor portion also localized to the Golgi complex. The coexpression of AtRMR1 mutants that were localized to the Golgi complex strongly inhibited the trafficking of phaseolin to the PSV and caused accumulation of phaseolin in the Golgi complex or its secretion. Coimmunoprecipitation and in vitro binding assays revealed that the lumenal domain of AtRMR1 interacts with the COOH-terminal sorting signal of phaseolin at acidic pH. Furthermore, phaseolin colocalized with AtRMR1 on its way to the PSV. Based on these results, we propose that AtRMR1 functions as the sorting receptor of phaseolin for its trafficking to the PSV.
Corrosion protection and mechanical performance of SiO2 films deposited via PECVD on OT59 brass
Authors: Moretti Giuseppe , Guidi Francesca , Canton Roberto , Battagliarin Marino , Rossetto Gilberto
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To evaluate the corrosion performance and nano‐mechanical behaviour of a brass substrate covered by different thick SiO2 layers deposited by means of plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The comparison between laboratory and “industrial” objects revealed a very good corrosion behaviour and good mechanical performance of both of them: in particular it was possible to modulate the surface treatment to solve various problems from the industrial point of view.

Findings

It was possible to reduce the Cu migration into the SiO2 coating during the PECVD deposition at a negligible level and to control it by the deposition; further, the nano‐indentation tests revealed the great utility of the coating annealing in obtaining a significant improvement of the mechanical properties of the coated objects.

Research limitations/implications

Even if some industrial problems were solved (minimization of the presence of the coating defects and transparency of the coatings), some on the layer hardness (anti‐wear behaviour of the industrial objects) has to be better investigated and possibly solved.

Practical implications

The work reports a deposition process that is carried out industrially over a two year period.

Originality/value

This research reports a PECVD process realized on industrial objects: the originality is in the reached corrosion and mechanical performances that made it possible to realize a satisfactory industrial deposition.
Influence of 1‐methyl 2‐mercapto imidazole on corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in 0.5 M H2SO4
Authors: Benali O. , Larabi L. , Tabti B. , Harek Y.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To evaluate the inhibition efficiency of 1‐methyl 2‐mercapto imidazole (MMI) in controlling the corrosion of carbon steel in sulphuric acid and to study its action mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of concentration, immersion time and temperature on the behaviour of this inhibitor has been studied using weight loss, d.c. polarisation and a.c. polarisation techniques.

Findings

The results show that MMI is a mixed type inhibitor. Changes in impedance parameters (charge transfer resistance, Rt; and double layer capacitance, Cdl) were indicative of adsorption of MMI on the metal surface, leading to the formation of a protective film that grew with the increasing exposure time. Adsorption of MMI on the carbon steel is found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The inhibition efficiency of MMI is temperature‐independent and its addition leads to a small increase in activation corrosion energy.

Research limitations/implications

Surface analytical techniques such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger spectroscopy can enlighten more on the mechanism of corrosion inhibition.

Originality/value

A survey of literature has shown that no work using electrochemical techniques has yet been done on MMI as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in sulfuric acid.
Safety design of a petrol pump attendant robot
Authors: Becchi Francesco , Molfino Rezia M. , Razzoli Roberto P.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To set‐up the study of an unmanned system for refuelling of vehicles, with attention to VOCs recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents the architecture of a robotic arm for refuelling. Special attention was allocated to the safety characteristics of the automatic refuelling station assuring the highest protection of people and their safeguard against accidents, preventing any dangerous response of the robotic arm in all the predictable conditions. A concurrent engineering methodology jointly with the life‐cycle approach was adopted for the study and evaluation of the equipment.

Findings

Finds that a six DoF arm with a tubular architecture with relocated actuation equipped with a specifically designed filler satisfying stage II rules is suitable to perform the task of safe refuelling of vehicles.

Research limitations/implications

Provides hints to design refuelling stations, also for fluids of the future (e.g. hydrogen).

Practical implications

This robot is a low cost and efficient solution for replacing humans in petrol pump stations, while preserving environmental health. Refuelling will be comfortable and safe even in adverse climate conditions or for dangerous fuels (e.g. hydrogen).

Originality/value

Introduces a robotic arm made with tubes so that cables, pipes and VOCs run inside it and a filler granting easy mating with the cap and VOCs collection.
Manufacturing performance: evaluation and determinants
Authors: Leachman Chien , Pegels C. Carl , Kyoon Shin Seung
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Many studies examine manufacturing performance along individual benchmarking dimensions. This study aims to develop a performance metric based on quality and output volume among other variables to assess a firm's manufacturing competitiveness in relation to its major rivals.

Design/methodology/approach

The relative manufacturing performance is measured by data envelopment analysis (DEA). Several key manufacturing practices are examined for their impact on performance. They are research and development (R&D) commitment, time compression during production, and degree of outsourcing. The results are based on a sample from the world automobile industry.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that a strong R&D commitment and ability to compress production time explain 37 percent of the manufacturing performance differences among major volume automobile producers. A nonlinear convex relationship is also found between outsourcing rate and manufacturing performance. The results show how the resulting performance ratings can then be utilized to assess the effects of a selected group of practices on manufacturing performance.

Research limitations/implications

Since, there is a common basis for the sources of competitiveness among industries, the findings derived from this study are probably transportable to other industries. Also, the proposed metric and analytic approaches are generic and thus can be broadly applied to other industries. The results also suggest the need for further analysis of where improvements can be made within a given company, according to its firm‐specific characteristics.

Originality/value

Examines manufacturing performance along individual benchmarking dimensions and develops a performance metric based on quality and output volume to assess a firm's manufacturing competitiveness in relation to its major rivals.
Manufacturer‐supplier relationships
Authors: Szwejczewski Marek , Lemke Fred , Goffin Keith
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Effective management of suppliers is one of the ways manufacturing companies can improve their performance. Typically, it has been argued in the literature that close relationships with suppliers should be developed, in contrast to the traditional price‐driven transactional relationships. However, there has been relatively little empirical research on how supplier management is applied.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents research probing how manufacturers manage their suppliers and takes a sample from Germany – which has a large manufacturing sector. In‐depth interviews with purchasing managers were used to understand whether relationships with suppliers were being utilised.

Findings

The analysis of the data indicates that a significant portion of the companies surveyed had experienced a change in their relationship with suppliers in the last few years. In the main, relationships had become closer and the use of partnerships was in evidence.

Practical implications

The research results have implications for German manufacturing companies, as they indicate the potential for improving performance through the greater adoption of best practices in the area of supplier management. The research results indicate the need for German manufacturers to adopt leading‐edge practices in the area of supplier management.

Originality/value

Although exploratory in nature, the investigation demonstrated the need for researchers to better understand the range of relationships in a typical manufacturer's supplier base.
Do green supply chains lead to competitiveness and economic performance?
Authors: Rao Purba , Holt Diane
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Green supply chain management is a concept that is gaining popularity in the South East Asian region. For many organizations in this region it is a way to demonstrate their sincere commitment to sustainability. However, if green supply chain management practices are to be fully adopted by all organizations in South East Asia, a demonstrable link between such measures and improving economic performance and competitiveness is necessary. This paper endeavors to identify potential linkages between green supply chain management, as an initiative for environmental enhancement, economic performance and competitiveness amongst a sample of companies in South East Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose a conceptual model was developed from literature sources and data collected using a structured questionnaire mailed to a sample of leading edge ISO14001 certified companies in South East Asia followed by structural equation modelling.

Findings

The analysis identified that greening the different phases of the supply chain leads to an integrated green supply chain, which ultimately leads to competitiveness and economic performance. Future research should empirically test the relationships suggested in this paper in different countries, to enable comparative studies. A larger sample would also allow detailed cross‐sectoral comparisons which are not possible in the context of this study.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first empirical evaluation of the link between green supply chain management practices and increased competitiveness and improved economic performance amongst a sample of organizations in South East Asia.
An application of a unified capacity planning system
Authors: Ashayeri Jalal , Selen Willem
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to present a unified approach for effective capacity management, with the flexibility to position the organization across differing market‐orientations, anywhere from produce‐to‐stock to purchase‐and‐produce‐to‐order.

Design/methodology/approach

The unified planning system combines capacity management with the external market through the customer order decoupling point (CODP). The approach starts by determining the CODP, using commonality and effect‐cause‐effect analysis. The resulting CODP information is then used to determine the optimal master production schedule (medium‐term), as well as the detailed schedule (short‐term) at the bottleneck resource, using mathematical programming; to support decisions across different planning horizons in an integrated fashion.

Findings

This unified approach was applied to an electronics manufacturing company in the Netherlands. The unified capacity planning system not only reduces the number of capacity problems to be solved by production planners, but also more importantly enhances the organization's capabilities to respond faster and more focused to market changes.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies may test the robustness of this planning approach with additional empirical evidence.

Practical implications

The structured unified approach provides a comprehensive solution to a complex capacity management problem, in competitive environments where organizations have to be able to respond to dynamically changing market conditions, given the process choices within which they are operating.

Originality/value

Provides a unified approach for effective capacity management.
Tricky devil: a humorous training technique for the chat reference environment
Authors: Caufield James
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Many libraries now provide real‐time online reference service via internet relay chat (IRC). This paper proposes a humorous training technique.

Design/methodology/approach

An opinion piece based on current and recent trends in online reference services.

Findings

Many libraries now provide real‐time online reference service via IRC. But chat reference service can be challenging, even for experienced reference librarians. This is because the affordances of the chat reference environment are severely limited: there are no non‐verbal cues, and the verbal exchange is limited to what can be typed. Behaviors that are successful at the reference desk may be counterproductive in this changed environment.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a humorous training technique, one designed to make librarians aware of these limitations and to instill behaviors that are more appropriate for chat reference service.
Information literacy: a case study of the KFUPM library
Authors: Ashoor Mohammed‐Saleh
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview of information literacy (IL) from a global prospective, to highlight problems facing developing countries in initiating IL programs, and state the trends of IL, with a focus on the development of IL programs at KFUPM.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of current development areas.

Findings

IL, which is a resource‐based mode of education, has created a greater need to teach students the skills of accessing and evaluating appropriate information resources and use them effectively.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of IL from a global prospective.
OPAC usability: assessment through verbal protocol
Authors: Guha Tamal Kumar , Saraf Veena
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how participants have interacted during the execution of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) searches, and whether they were satisfied or dissatisfied or confused.

Design/methodology/approach

This is based on a sample of 18 OPAC users of the British Council Library in Kolkata.

Findings

While implementing the verbal protocol method this study has developed a scheme of coding with the help of which the protocol data were analysed and proposed a generic model of online catalogue searching process flow. It is suggested that the method has a great potential in library and information science research.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that the method has a great potential in library and information science research.
State library databases on the internet
Authors: Falk Howard
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To describe the availability of online databases for library patrons in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the present situation.

Findings

Online databases are now very widely available to library patrons in the United States, and many patrons can tap into these databases from their own computers. The larger libraries and library systems can afford to offer their own choice of databases to their patrons through their internet web sites.

Originality/value

Provides information of value to information professionals.
Parameterization based shape optimization: theory and practical implementation aspects
Authors: Kegl Marko
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To present an approach to parameterization based shape optimization of statically loaded structures and to propose its practical implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to establish a convenient shape parameterization, the design element technique is employed. A rational Bézier body is used to serve as the design element. The design element is used to retrieve the nodal geometrical data of finite elements (FEs). Their field geometrical data are obtained using the FE own internal functions. For practical implementation it is proposed to establish the optimization cycle by two separately running processes. The data exchange is established by using self‐descriptive and platform‐independent XML conforming data files.

Findings

The proposed approach offers an unified approach to shape optimization of skeletal, as well as continuous structures. Structural shape may be varied smoothly with a relative small set of design variables. The employment of a gradient‐based optimization algorithm assures computational efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The aspects of FE mesh deterioration are not considered in this work. This would be necessary if for the actual problem at hand major and excessively non‐uniform shape changes of the FE mesh are expected.

Practical implications

A useful source of information for someone who is planning to develop a general or special‐purpose integrated structural analysis and shape optimization software.

Originality/value

The paper offers a rather simple, but quite powerful approach to structural shape optimization together with practical hints for its computational implementation.
Multi‐scale modeling of heterogeneous structures with inelastic constitutive behaviour
Authors: Markovic Damijan , Niekamp Rainer , Ibrahimbegović Adnan , Matthies Hermann G. , Taylor Robert L.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To provide a computational strategy for highly accurate analyses of non‐linear inelastic behaviour for heterogeneous structures in civil and mechanical engineering applications

Design/methodology/approach

Adapts recent developments on mathematical formulations of multi‐scale problems to the recently developed component technology based on C++ generic templates programming.

Findings

Provides the understanding how theoretical hypotheses, concerning essentially the multi‐scale interface conditions, affect the computational precision of the strategy.

Practical implications

The present approach allows a very precise modelling of multi‐scale aspects in structural mechanics problems and can play an essential tool in searching for an optimal structural design.

Originality/value

Provides all the ingredients for constructing an efficient multi‐scale computational framework, from the theoretical formulation to the implementation for parallel computing. It is addressed to researchers and engineers analysing composite structures under extreme loading.
Coupling FEM and BEM for computationally efficient solutions of multi‐physics and multi‐domain problems
Authors: Štok Boris , Mole Nikolaj
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To present numerical approaches to the solution of physically coupled non‐linear problems, which frequently happen to be characterized by their multi‐domain character.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting coupled solution strategies a considerable attention is devoted, in order to obtain a computationally efficient numerical algorithm, to the selection of appropriate space and time discretization, as well as to a proper discrete approximation method used.

Findings

Coupling of two methods, the finite element method and the boundary element method, respectively, has proved to be computationally exceedingly advantageous, particularly in case of moving domains.

Practical implications

As specific case studies computer simulation of an induction heating problem and a mushy‐state forming problem are considered. A thorough discussion on the coupling effects, characterizing the evolutions of respective physical quantities' fields, is given, and their impact on those evolutions is identified.

Originality/value

This paper presents efficient numerical strategies for the solution of a certain class of multi‐physics and multi‐domain problems.
An international comparison of information in adverse events
Authors: Gillies Alan , Howard John
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Aims to describe the growing importance of information and its governance within public services. The paper starts by considering how scandals in three national public health systems have focused public attention on information issues. It describes a theoretical framework for improving information governance, and its practical implementation as a management tool. The paper concludes with a discussion of the benefits of the approach, and the consequences of not improving information governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework brings together a number of existing methodological approaches, principally the maturity model approach to process improvement, first described in the Software Engineering Institute's capability maturity model, and the novice‐to‐expert approach to competency.

Findings

The paper describes how these approaches can be synthesised into an integrated framework to manage organisational change and how that can be used to improve information governance within public sector organisations.

Research implications

The paper compares the framework and its practical implementation with existing solutions, arguing that existing solutions provide only partial solutions.

Originality/value

Considers how plans for future service improvements will be restricted unless information governance issues can be addressed.
Implementing TQM in the health care service
Authors: Lindberg Eva , Rosenqvist Urban
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The present study seeks to present a case study over four years following an implementation process of total quality management (TQM) on an ICU (intensive care unit).

Design/methodology/approach

The aim was to describe consequences shown in the organisational climate, workload and staff wellbeing. A case study design was employed using a longitudinal method of data collection.

Findings

Downsizing due to diminishing resources was a parallel process probably disturbing the TQM implementation. The workload increased by 20 per cent, whereas organisational and individual variables remained stable over time. However, sick leave increased dramatically and was higher than the general level within the Swedish population. The ICU had the capacity to adapt successfully by regulating working hours to workload. It is speculated that another cause behind sickness absence exists other than the general opinion. The literature used for the discussion departs from the relation between people's understanding and acting, sensemaking, and organisational theories describing complex adaptive systems emphasizing attraction patterns. Organisational ambiguity was a main finding in an earlier study that was used for interpretation of the result in the present study. As ambiguity seems to be a major and increasing problem, it has consequences for management as well as for continuous quality development.

Originality/value

The implication of the study is the need to be able to successfully work in an ambiguous situation and use the quality system as a device in day‐to‐day work.
An object‐oriented approach for building a flexible supply chain model
Authors: Kim Jinho , Rogers K.J.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a framework for building a flexible supply chain business model using an object‐oriented approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed modeling framework has used the de facto object‐oriented modeling standard, Unified Modeling Language (UML), for building a supply chain model. To compensate for the potential weakness of the pure object‐oriented model and UML, the framework integrates business rules with its model.

Findings

This paper provides information about several sources, which are the bases of modeling a supply chain. The paper regards a supply chain as five view models with four business domains and each domain consists of functions, resources, processes, interactions and business rules.

Research limitations/implications

A typical manufacturing supply chain is considered as a target system to apply this design methodology. The paper does not handle a real case study as an application example.

Originality/value

This paper newly added the category of “Business Process Reengineering (BPR)‐driven” models to the traditional taxonomy of supply chain models and proposed an object‐oriented business model (OOBM) for a supply chain as one of the BPR‐driven models. It is hoped that this modeling approach is highly usable and adds value to an analyst, practitioner, and designer in the field of supply chain.
A model for evaluation and selection of suppliers in global textile and apparel supply chains
Authors: Gary Teng S. , Jaramillo Hector
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The issue affecting US textile/apparel companies in global business competition is to find suitable suppliers for their operations. The selection and evaluation of their global suppliers to meet the goal of having effective and efficient supply chain operations and strengthening their position in the market become critical for US textile/apparel manufacturers to maintain their competitiveness in today's market. Aims to develop an evaluation model.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of a simple, flexible, and easy to use evaluation model that includes the consideration of five main clusters to reflect the performance of a global supplier in a textile/apparel supply chain.

Findings

A case presented in this paper shows that the model provides textile/apparel companies with an easy way to evaluate their suppliers and make their selection of suppliers more efficient and effective. Most textile/apparel companies using this model can help them establish strategic alliance with global suppliers to reduce costs and increase competitiveness in the market.

Practical implications

Textile/apparel companies can use this model to find capable suppliers as their partners in the supply chain. With minor modifications, this model also can help companies in most industries for enhancing their supply chain operations with capable suppliers.

Originality/value

Provides a simple model that can help companies in many industries enhance their supply chain operations.
Relatively High Expression Ratio of Sex Hormone‐binding Globulin Exon VII Splicing Variant to Wild‐type mRNA in Human Uterine Cervical Cancers
Authors: Misao Ryou , Nakanishi Yoshihito , Fujimoto Jiro , Tamaya Teruhiko
Published: August 2005

We have demonstrated the intracellular expression of sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) exon VII splicing variant mRNA in human uterine cervical cancer using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction‐Southern blot and DNA sequencing analyses. Analysis of the missing base pairs proved they corresponded to the entire exon VII, which is considered to encode a portion of the steroid‐binding site, suggesting that the steroid‐binding affinity of the variant protein might be different from that of the wild‐type SHBG. In uterine cervical cancers, the wild‐type mRNA levels were lower (P<0.1) and the ratio of the SHBG variant to wild‐type mRNA levels was higher (P<0.01) than in the normal cervix. In cervical adenocarcinomas, the wild‐type mRNA levels were higher (P<0.05) and the ratio of the SHBG variant to wild‐type mRNA levels was lower (P<0.05) than in cervical keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas. There was no difference in expression among the clinical stages of cervical cancers. These results suggest that a relative increase of intracellular variant SHBG protein in human uterine cervical cancers might be involved in the disruption of the normal estrogen dependence.
Autologous Tumor‐specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes in a Patient with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Implications of the Shared Antigens Expressed in HLA‐A24 Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Takenoyama Mitsuhiro , Yoshino Ichiro , Fujie Hiroshi , Hanagiri Takeshi , Yoshimatsu Takashi , Imabayashi Satoshi , Eifuku Ryozo , Nomoto Kikuo , Yasumoto Kosei
Published: August 2005

Human lung adenocarcinoma‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were generated by multiple stimulations with autologous tumor cells (named A110L) from regional lymph node lymphocytes and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes expanded by solid‐phase anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and recombinant interleukin‐2. The CTL lysed A110L but failed to kill either autologous B lymphocytes immortalized by the Epstein‐Barr virus or K562. The killing activity of the CTL against autologous A110L was inhibited by anti‐MHC class I mAb (W6/32), but not by anti‐MHC class II mAb. The CTL produced interferon‐γ and GM‐CSF in response to A110L and the production was completely blocked by the addition of anti‐MHC class I mAb. The HLA type of the CTL was HLA‐A2/A24, B52/B54, Cw1/‐. Allele‐specific deletion of HLA‐A2 molecules was observed in A110L by staining with anti‐HLA‐A2 mAb. A partial blocking effect on the cytokine production from the CTL was also obtained with anti‐CD8, and anti‐HLA‐A24 mAbs, but not with anti‐MHC class II, anti‐CD4 and anti‐HLA‐A2 mAbs. To analyze further the mechanism of antigen recognition by the CTL, the cross reactivity of the CTL against several HLA‐A locus‐matched (HLA‐A24+) and mismatched allogeneic tumor cells (HLA‐A24‐) was investigated. The A110L‐specific CTL showed a weak but significant cytotoxicity against some HLA‐A24 positive lung cancer cell lines, such as Sq‐1 (HLA‐A11/A24, squamous cell carcinoma) and PC‐9 (HLA‐A2/A24, adenocarcinoma), but failed to kill HLA‐A locus‐mismatched allogeneic tumors. This cross reactivity of the CTL against Sq‐1 and PC‐9 was blocked by anti‐MHC class I mAb. These results thus demonstrate that shared common tumor antigens might exist among lung cancer cells in the context of HLA‐A24.
Putrescine‐stimulated Intracellular Ca2+ Release for Invasiveness of Rat Ascites Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Ashida Yoshiyuki , Ueno Akemichi , Miwa Yoshihiro , Miyoshi Keiko , Inoue Hideo
Published: August 2005

Our previous study showed that treatment of highly invasive rat ascites hepatoma (LC‐AH) cells with α‐difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, decreased both their intracellular level of putrescine and their in vitro invasion of a monolayer of calf pulmonary arterial endothelial (CPAE) cells, and that both these decreases were completely reversed by exogenous putrescine, but not spermidine or spermine. Here we show that all adhering control (DFMO‐untreated) cells migrated beneath CPAE monolayer with morphological change from round to cauliflower‐shaped cells (migratory cells). DFMO treatment increased the number of cells that remained round without migration (nonmigratory cells). Exogenous putrescine, but not spermidine or spermine, induced transformation of all nonmigratory cells to migratory cells with a concomitant increase in their intracellular Ca2+ level, [Ca2+]i. The putrescine‐induced increase in their [Ca2+]i preceded their transformation and these effects of putrescine were not affected by antagonists of the voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel, but were completely suppressed by ryanodine, which also suppressed the invasiveness of the control cells. The DFMO‐induced decreases in both [Ca2+]i and the invasiveness of the cells were restored by thapsigargin, which elevated [Ca2+]i by inhibiting endoplasmic Ca2+‐ATPase, indicating that thapsigargin mimics the effects of putrescine. These results support the idea that putrescine is a cofactor for Ca2+ release through the Ca2+ channel in the endoplasmic reticulum that is inhibited by ryanodine, this release being initiated by cell adhesion and being a prerequisite for tumor cell invasion.
Exogenous Epidermal Growth Factor Exerts Promoting Action during the Early Phase of Rat Urinary Bladder Carcinogenesis
Authors: Hattori Kazunori , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Tamatani Tetsuya , Rademaker Alfred , Oyasu Ryoichi
Published: August 2005

Using the heterotopically transplanted rat urinary bladder (HTB) model that was developed in our laboratory, we examined the relationship between the duration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment and acquisition of EGF‐independence of urinary bladder tumors that were induced by EGF stimulation. After treatment with N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU) (0.25 mg/0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl once a week for 3 consecutive weeks), animals at week 3 received EGF [250 ng/ 0.5 ml phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS)] into the HTBs once a week for 20, 28, or 36 weeks. For examination of the effect of EGF withdrawal, one half of the rats received the vehicle (PBS) only beginning at week 23 or week 31 for 8 weeks. When animals were examined at week 23, the incidence and the mean number of tumors per bladder were low, irrespective of EGF treatment. In the bladders that had been exposed to EGF during the first 20 weeks after MNU administration, however, both the incidence and the mean number of tumors per bladder had increased significantly at week 31, regardless of whether or not EGF treatment was continued beyond week 23. Between weeks 31 and 39, EGF treatment demonstrated no effect; both the incidence of tumors and the mean number of tumors were the same as those at week 31. These results suggest that EGF exerts its promoting effect only during the early phase of MNU‐initiated bladder carcinogenesis, but that its effect becomes manifest during the subsequent 8 weeks. EGF independence may be due to establishment of an autocrine growth‐stimulatory mechanism in bladder tumors.
The 1.5 GHz Electromagnetic Near‐field Used for Cellular Phones Does Not Promote Rat Liver Carcinogenesis in a Medium‐term Liver Bioassay
Authors: Imaida Katsumi , Taki Masao , Watanabe So‐ichi , Kamimura Yoshitsugu , Ito Takayasu , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Ito Nobuyuki , Shirai Tomoyuki
Published: August 2005

We have recently established that local exposure to a 929.2 MHz electromagnetic near‐field, used for cellular phones, does not promote rat liver carcinogenesis in a medium‐term bioassay system. In the present study, a 1.439 GHz electromagnetic near‐field (EMF), another microwave band employed for cellular phones in Japan, was similarly investigated. Time division multiple access (TDMA) signals for the Personal Digital Cellular (PDC) Japanese cellular telephone standard system were directed to rats through a quarter‐wavelength monopole antenna. Numerical dosimetry showed that the peak SARs within the liver were 1.91–0.937 W/kg, while the whole‐body average specific absorption rates (SARs) were 0.680–0.453 W/kg, when the time‐averaged antenna radiation power was 0.33 W. Exposure was for 90 min a day, 5 days a week, over 6 weeks, to male F344 rats given a single dose of diethylnitrosamine (200 mg/kg, i.p.) 2 weeks previously. At week 3, all rats were subjected to a two‐thirds partial hepatectomy. At week 8, the experiment was terminated and the animals were killed. Carcinogenic potential was scored by comparing the numbers and areas of the induced glutathione S‐transferase placental form (GST‐P)‐positive foci in the livers of exposed (48) and sham‐exposed rats (48). Despite increased serum levels of corticosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and melatonin, the numbers and the areas of GST‐P‐positive foci were not significantly altered by the exposure. These findings clearly indicated that local body exposure to a 1.439 GHz EMF, as in the case of a 929.2 MHz field, has no promoting effect on rat liver carcinogenesis in the present model.
Prevention of N‐Methylnitrosourea‐induced Colon Carcinogenesis in F344 Rats by Lycopene and Tomato Juice Rich in Lycopene
Authors: Narisawa Tomio , Fukaura Yoko , Hasebe Makiko , Nomura Seiko , Oshima Shunji , Sakamoto Hideki , Inakuma Takahiro , Ishiguro Yukio , Takayasu Junko , Nishino Hoyoku
Published: August 2005

Epidemiological studies have suggested a protective effect of lycopene and lycopene‐rich tomatoes against various cancers. Here, the inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by lycopene and tomato juice was investigated. Seven‐week‐old female F344/NSlc rats received an intrarectal dose of 2 mg (experiment I) or 4 mg (experiment II) of N‐methylnitrosourea 3 times a week for 3 weeks, and had free access to one of 4 drinking fluids: plain water (control group), 17 ppm lycopene water solution (Ly group), and diluted tomato juice containing 17 ppm (Tj group) or 3.4 ppm (tj group) lycopene, throughout the experiments. The colon cancer incidence at week 35 was significantly lower in the Tj group, but not in the Ly group, than in the control group: 21% and 33% vs. 54%, in experiment I (24 rats in each group). It was significantly lower in the Tj group than in the tj and control groups, 40% vs. 72% and 84%, in experiment II (25 rats in each group). An appreciable amount of lycopene (0.02 μ/g) was detected in the colon mucosa of rats in the Tj group, but not in the tj group. The results suggest that tomato juice rich in lycopene may have a protective effect against colon carcinogenesis.
Microsatellite Instability and Frameshift Mutations in the Bax Gene in Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Sakao Yukinori , Noro Masahiro , Sekine Shigeki , Nozue Mutsumi , Hirohashi Setsuo , Itoh Tsuyoshi , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: August 2005

We studied microsatellite instability (MI) and bax gene abnormalities in colorectal carcinomas from 36 patients diagnosed as having hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancers (HNPCC) according to the clinical criteria (12 with confirmed HNPCC in group A and 24 at high risk of HNPCC in group B) and from 20 randomly selected patients with other colorectal cancers. MI was examined at 4 dinucleotide microsatellite loci and one mononucleotide locus. Frameshift mutations in the bax gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. MI was detected in 7 of the 12 patients in group A and 12 of the 24 in group B. Three MI patterns were identified: type 1, MI in both mono‐ and dinucleotide repeats; type 2, MI only in mononucleotide repeats and type 3, MI only in dinucleotide repeats. Most MI‐positive patients in group A showed type 1 MI, whereas in group B, 5 showed type 1, 3 showed type 2 and 4 showed type 3. Frameshift mutations in the bax gene correlated strongly with type 1 and type 2 MI. These results indicate that mutations of different DNA mismatch repair genes may cause several types of MI and result in several different clinical phenotypes of HNPCC. The bax gene may be one of the target genes which play a role in the tumorigenesis of HNPCC.
Expression of Cytochrome P450 3A4 in Foveolar Epithelium with Intestinal Metaplasia of the Human Stomach
Authors: Yokose Tomoyuki , Doy Mikio , Kakiki Motoharu , Horie Tohru , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Mukai Kiyoshi
Published: August 2005

The expression of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in the foveolar epithelium of the human stomach with intestinal metaplasia was studied using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). CYP3A4 was immunohistochemically detected in the foveolar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia, but was not detected in foveolar epithelium without intestinal metaplasia, in the pyloric gland or in the fundic gland of the stomach. Western blotting and RT‐PCR demonstrated that CYP3A4 protein and mRNA were expressed in the liver and pyloric gland mucosa with intestinal metaplasia, but not in the fundic gland mucosa without intestinal metaplasia. Possible roles of CYP expression in the gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia in human stomach carcinogenesis are briefly discussed.
In vivo Efficacy and Tumor‐selective Metabolism of Amrubicin to Its Active Metabolite
Authors: Noguchi Toshihiro , Ichii Shinji , Morisada Shinya , Yamaoka Takashi , Yanagi Yoshikazu
Published: August 2005

The tissue distribution of a novel antitumor anthracycline antibiotic, amrubicin, was studied using seven human tumor xenografts implanted into nude mice, in order to identify the principal factors determining its therapeutic efficacy. We found a good correlation between the level of the metabolite amrubicinol in the tumor and the in vivo efficacy. High metabolic activity of amrubicin to amrubicinol was detected in tumor tissue homogenates, especially in cell lines highly sensitive to amrubicin in vivo. In contrast to amrubicin, the administration of amrubicinol showed less tumor‐selective toxicity in these human tumor xenograft models. These data indicate that the tumor‐selective metabolism of amrubicin to amrubicinol resulted in a tumor‐selective disposition of amrubicinol, leading to good efficacy in in vivo experimental therapeutic models.