bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of giant thoracic neoplasms: Correlations between imaging, pathology and surgical management
Authors: Feng Zhen , Li Meng , Liu Fang , Peng Yue , Ren Wangang , Xie Hounai , Peng Zhongmin
Published: June 2017

Background

A giant thoracic neoplasm is extremely rare and poorly understood. Our systemic study introduced computed tomography angiography (CTA) with three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction imaging and evaluated correlations between imaging, pathology, and surgical management.

Methods

Data from 45 patients undergoing surgery for giant thoracic neoplasm in our institution between May 2007 and November 2015 were collected. The clinical characteristics, imaging manifestations, preoperative biopsy, surgical management, postoperative pathology, and prognosis and their correlation were analyzed.

Results

The clinical characteristics, imaging manifestations, and pathological types were complicated. Four patients underwent CTA with 3D reconstruction imaging and feeding vessels were found in three cases. Twenty‐four selected patients accepted preoperative biopsy, eight of which were inconsistent with postoperative pathology. Complete resection was performed in 39 cases, 20 of which underwent extended excision. The median survival duration of all patients was 58 months (range 3.0–118.0). The one, three, and five‐year survival rates were 86.0%, 64.4%, and 47.0%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed tumor size and resection status were prognostic factors for survival (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

A giant thoracic neoplasm should preferably be treated in experienced centers for precise diagnosis and optimal therapy schemes with comprehensive consideration of clinical characters, imaging manifestations, pathology, surgical management, and prognosis. Innovative CTA with 3D reconstruction imaging together with preoperative biopsy are feasible and effective in therapeutic decision‐making and surgical planning. Complete surgical resection remains the mainstay of curative therapy for all resectable tumors.
Diets of the African Civet Civettictis civetta (Schreber, 1778) in selected coffee forest habitat, south‐western Ethiopia
Authors: Habtamu Tadesse , Bekele Afework , Ahmed Raya , Gadisa Tsegaye , Birlie Belay , Tolemariam Taye , Belay Berhanu
Published: June 2017

Feeding ecology of the African civet, Civettictis civetta (Schreber, 1778), was studied in selected coffee forest habitat for two seasons between December 2012 and October 2013. The study was conducted in Limu Seka district, south‐west Ethiopia. Faecal analysis was employed to assess the diet spectrum, seasonal abundance and relative importance of food items. Over 55 different food items were identified from the analysis of 387 scat samples collected during the dry and wet seasons. In the coffee forest habitat, African civets showed omnivorous feeding habit with plant‐to‐animal diet biomass ratio of 1 : 1.36. A slight diet specialization was observed during the wet season (BA = 0.46) favouring animal prey. However, during the dry season, they showed generalist feeding habit (BA = 0.87) with more plant biomass in their diet. With over 64% occurrence and 14.4% biomass, coffee berries significantly contributed to the civets dry season plant diets. The excreted coffee beans, after civets ingested ripe coffee berries, are the tastiest product used by farmers for consumption and market. Seasonal collection of civet coffee from coffee forest floor economically supports the farmers while increasing the importance of civets in the habitat and hence contributing for its conservation.
Self‐care management of type 1 diabetes has improved in Swedish schools according to children and adolescents
Authors: Bixo Ottosson Anna , Åkesson Karin , Ilvered Rosita , Forsander Gun , Särnblad Stefan
Published: June 2017

Aim

Age‐appropriate support for diabetes self‐care is essential during school time, and we investigated the perceived quality of support children and adolescents received in 2015 and 2008.

Methods

This national study was based on questionnaires answered by children and adolescents aged 6–15 years of age with type 1 diabetes attending schools or preschools in 2008 (n = 317) and 2015 (n = 570) and separate parental questionnaires. The subjects were recruited by Swedish paediatric diabetes units, with 41/44 taking part in 2008 and 41/42 in 2015.

Results

Fewer participants said they were treated differently in school because of their diabetes in 2015 than 2008. The opportunity to perform insulin boluses and glucose monitoring in privacy increased (80% versus 88%; p < 0.05). Most (83%) adolescents aged 13–15 years were satisfied with the support they received, but levels were lower in girls (p < 0.05). More subjects had hypoglycaemia during school hours (84% versus 70%, p < 0.001), but hypoglycaemia support did not increase and was lower for adolescents than younger children (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Children and adolescents received more support for type 1 diabetes in Swedish schools in 2015 than 2008, but more support is needed by girls and during hypoglycaemia.
Heteromers of μ opioid and dopamine D1 receptors modulate opioid‐induced locomotor sensitization in a dopamine‐independent manner
Authors: Tao Yi‐Min , Yu Chuan , Wang Wei‐Sheng , Hou Yuan‐Yuan , Xu Xue‐Jun , Chi Zhi‐Qiang , Ding Yu‐Qiang , Wang Yu‐Jun , Liu Jing‐Gen
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose

Exposure to opiates induces locomotor sensitization in rodents, which has been proposed to correspond to the compulsive drug‐seeking behaviour. Numerous studies have demonstrated that locomotor sensitization can occur in a dopamine transmission‐independent manner; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

Experimental Approach

Co‐immunoprecipitation, BRET and cross‐antagonism assays were used to demonstrate the existence of receptor heterodimers. Function of heterodimers was evaluated by behavioural studies of locomotor sensitization.

Key Results

The dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 antagonized the signalling initiated by stimulation of μ opioid receptors with agonists in transfected cells expressing two receptors and in striatal tissues from wild‐type but not D1 receptor knockout (KO) mice, suggesting that SCH23390 modified μ receptor function via receptor heteromers, as the ability of an antagonist of one of the receptors to inhibit signals originated by stimulation of the partner receptor was a characteristic of receptor heteromers. The existence of μ receptor‐D1 receptor heterodimers was further supported by biochemical and biophysical assays. In vivo, when dopamine release was absent (by destruction of the dopaminergic projection from the ventral tegmental area to the striatum), SCH23390 still significantly inhibited μ receptor agonist‐induced behavioural responses in rats. Additionally, we demonstrated that D1 or μ receptor KO mice and thus unable to form μ receptor‐D1 receptor heterodimers, failed to show locomotor sensitization to morphine.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results suggest that μ receptor‐D1 receptor heterodimers may be involved in the dopamine‐independent expression of locomotor sensitization to opiates.
Increased prevalence of allergic asthma from 1996 to 2006 and further to 2016—results from three population surveys
Authors: Backman Helena , Räisänen Petri , Hedman Linnea , Stridsman Caroline , Andersson Martin , Lindberg Anne , Lundbäck Bo , Rönmark Eva
Published: June 2017

Background

During the latter half of the 20th century, the prevalence of asthma and many other allergic diseases has increased. Information on asthma prevalence trends among adults after 2010, especially regarding studies separating allergic asthma from non‐allergic asthma, is lacking.

Objective

The aim was to estimate prevalence trends of current asthma among adults, both allergic and non‐allergic, from 1996 to 2016.

Methods

Three cross‐sectional samples from the same area of Sweden, 20‐69 years, participated in surveys with the same questionnaire in 1996 (n=7104 participants, 85% response rate), 2006 (n=6165, 77%) and 2016 (n=5466, 53%), respectively. Allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis (ARC) was used as a marker for allergic sensitization to define allergic asthma.

Results

The prevalence of current asthma increased from 8.4% (95% CI: 7.8‐9.0) in 1996 to 9.9% (95% CI: 9.2‐10.6) in 2006 and 10.9% (95% CI: 10.1‐11.7) in 2016 (P<.001). Allergic asthma increased from 5.0% (95% CI: 4.5‐5.5) in 1996 to 6.0% (95% CI: 5.4‐6.6) in 2006 and further to 7.3% (95% CI: 6.6‐8.0) in 2016 (P<.001), while the prevalence of non‐allergic asthma remained stable around 3.4%‐3.8%. The increase in current asthma was most pronounced among women and among the middle‐aged. Physician‐diagnosed asthma, asthma medication use and ARC also increased significantly, while the prevalence of symptoms common in asthma such as wheeze and attacks of shortness of breath decreased slightly or was stable. The prevalence of current smoking decreased from 27.4% in 1996 to 12.3% in 2016.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The prevalence of allergic asthma increased from 1996 to 2006 and further to 2016, while the prevalence of non‐allergic asthma remained on a stable prevalence level. The prevalence of symptoms common in asthma decreased slightly or was stable despite a substantial decrease in the prevalence of current smoking. Clinicians should be aware that the previously observed increase in prevalence of allergic asthma is still ongoing.
Biophysical regulation of osteotomy healing: An animal study
Authors: Wang Liao , Aghvami Maziar , Brunski John , Helms Jill
Published: June 2017

Background

Osteotomies have been performed for centuries yet there remains a remarkable lack of consensus on optimal methods for cutting bone. There is universal agreement, however, that preserving cell viability is critical.

Purpose

To identify mechanobiological parameters influencing bone formation after osteotomy site preparation.

Materials and methods

A murine maxillary osteotomy model was used to evaluate healing. Computational modeling characterized stress and strain distributions in the osteotomy, as well as the magnitude and distribution of heat generated by drilling. The impact of osteocyte death and bone composition were assessed using molecular and cellular assays.

Results

The phases of osteotomy healing in mice align closely with results in large animals; in addition, molecular analyses extended our understanding of osteoprogenitor cell proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Computational analyses provided insights into temperature changes caused by drilling and the mechanobiological state in the healing osteotomies, while concomitant cellular assays correlate drill speed with osteocyte apoptosis and bone resorption. Even when drilling was controlled, trabeculated, spongy (Type III) bone healed faster than densely lamellar (Type I) bone because of the abundance of Wnt responsive osteoprogenitor cells in the former.

Conclusions

These data provide a mechanobiological framework for evaluating tools and technologies designed to improve osteotomy site preparation.
Book Reviews
Authors: Whybark D. Clay
Published: June 2017

BUSINESS LOGISTICS—APPRAISAL AND PROSPECT Edited By J. L. HESKETT (Stanford, California: Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, 1965. 146 pages. $5.75)
Book Reviews
Authors: Heubach William J.
Published: June 2017

GUIDELIST FOR MARKETING RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC FORECASTING BY ROBERT N. CARPENTER (New York: American Management Association, AMA Research Study 73, 1966. 112 pages. $4.00 members; $6.00 nonmembers)
Book Reviews
Authors: Pooler Victor H.
Published: June 2017

INVENTORY AND PROFIT BY JOHN P. D'ANNA (New York: American Management Association, 1966. 123 pages. $4.00 members; $6.00 nonmembers)
Book Reviews
Authors: Affleck Gordon Burt
Published: June 2017

NEW TECHNIQUES FOR CREATIVE PURCHASING BY ALTON E. SMITH (Chicago: Dartnell Corporation, 1966. 159 pages. $4.95)
Book Reviews
Authors: Reuter Vincent G.
Published: June 2017

MANUFACTURING MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL By DEAN S. AMMER (New York: Appleton‐Century‐Crofts, 1968. 218 pages. $2.75)
Book Reviews
Authors: Cox Kenneth
Published: June 2017

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE PURCHASING MANAGER Manfredo Manente (New York: American Management Association, Inc., AMA Management Bulletin 132, 1969. 30 pages. $2 to members, $3 to nonmembers)
Book Reviews
Authors: Fearon Harold
Published: June 2017

BASICS FOR BUYERS By SOMERBY H. DOWST (Boston, Mass.: Cahners Books, 1971. 215 pages. $10.95)
Book Reviews
Authors: Monczka Robert M.
Published: June 2017

VALUE ENGINEERING FOR MANAGEMENT By ROBERT H. CLAWSON (New York, New York: Auerbach Publishers, Inc., 1970. 144 pages. $7.95)
Book Reviews
Authors: Fearon Harold
Published: June 2017

CREATIVE BUSINESS NEGOTIATING: SKILLS AND SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES, By GERARD I. NIERENBERG, (New York: Hawthorn Books, Inc., 1971. 182 pages. $7.95)
Book Reviews
Authors: Henderson Robert D.
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING AGENT'S DESK MANUAL, (Waterford, Connecticut: National Foremen's Institute. Approximately 250 pages, looseleaf. $29.50)
Book Reviews
Authors: Cox Kenneth
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING MANAGEMENT IN THE SMALLER COMPANY, By FLOYD D. HEDRICK, (New York: American Management Association, Inc., 1971. 190 pages. $7.50)
Book Reviews
Authors: England Wilbur B.
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING MANAGEMENT: SELECTED READINGS, Edited by Victor P. Gravereau and Leonard J. Konopa, (Columbus, Ohio: Grid, Inc., 1973. 369 pages. $8.50)
Book Reviews
Authors: Fearon Harold
Published: June 2017

TRY US. 74 (NATIONAL MINORITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY) (Minneapolis, Minnesota: National Minority Business Campaign, 1016 Plymouth Avenue, North, 1974. 190 pages. $8.50)
Book Reviews
Authors: Kindig P. E.
Published: June 2017

ACCOUNTING HANDBOOK FOR NON‐ACCOUNTANTS. C. B. Nickerson. Cahners Publishing Co.
Book Reviews
Authors: Fearon Harold
Published: June 2017

COST CONTROL HANDBOOK. R. M. S. Wilson. Halsted Press (John Wiley & Sons).
Book Reviews
Authors: Cox Kenneth
Published: June 2017

MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND INVENTORY SYSTEMS. Richard J. Tersine. American Elsevier Publishing Company, Inc. 1976. 420 pages. $19.50
Purchasing and the Antitrust Laws
Authors: Brokaw Alan J. , Barstow William E.
Published: June 2017

While it is important for professional buyers to have a basic understanding of the antitrust laws, the following is not meant to be a complete antitrust guide, but rather a quick review of how the antitrust laws could affect the purchasing manager.
Book Review
Authors: Cox Kenneth
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING MANAGEMENT AND INVENTORY CONTROL FOR SMALL BUSINESS, William E. Dollar, Small Business Management Series No. 41, U.S. Small Business Administration, Washington, D.C.
Book Review
Authors: Burt David N.
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING AND THE MANAGEMENT OF MATERIALS, Gary Zenz, Wiley and Sons Inc., New York.
Book Review
Authors: Long Brian G.
Published: June 2017

SYSTEM SELLING TO INDUSTRIAL MARKETS, William J. Hannaford, Distribution Research and Education Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Book Review
Authors: Bragg Daniel J.
Published: June 2017

HOW TO BUY THE RIGHT SMALL BUSINESS COMPUTER SYSTEM, C. Roger Smolin, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1981.
Book Review
Authors: Henderson Robert D.
Published: June 2017

SELECTED ASTM STANDARDS FOR THE PURCHASING COMMUNITY, First Edition, American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1983.
Book Review
Authors: Page Harry Robert
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: TEXT AND CASES, Fourth edition, by Donald W. Dobler, Lamar Lee, Jr., and David N. Burt, McGraw‐Hill Book Company, 1984, 796 pages.
Book Review
Authors: Mooney Richard L.
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING: SELECTION AND PROCUREMENT FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, Second Edition. By John Stefanelli, John Wiley & Sons, 1985.
Price Adjustment Clauses Based On Cost Indices
Authors: Caltrider James M.
Published: June 2017

Economic price adjustment (EPA) clauses can be used effectively as tools for mitigating price‐escalation risks in long‐term contracting. This approach provides for the negotiation of a mechanism that can automatically adjust contract recoveries in response to fluctuations in price levels in specific sectors of the economy. EPA clauses result not only in risk reduction for the supplier but also, if used wisely, in lower prices for the buyer.
Purchasing Decisions Considering Future Price Increases: An Empirical Approach
Authors: Jordan Paul C.
Published: June 2017

Buyers, informed of a pending price increase, have had to employ complex strategies and equations to determine whether or not to purchase a special order quantity before the price increase becomes effective. This article provides the buyer who is pressed for time with a relatively simple three‐step procedure for determining the most economical decision. The model is modified to make it more consistent with the business environment. Computer graphics are employed to show the relationships between variables in the equations.
Book Review
Authors: Yeoman Brian K.
Published: June 2017

STORES SELF‐ASSESSMENT GUIDE, by Richard L. Mooney, National Association of Educational Buyers, Woodbury, New York, 1986.
Cost‐Based Supplier Performance Evaluation
Authors: Monczka Robert M. , Trecha Steven J.
Published: June 2017

Cost‐based management of the supplier base becomes increasingly important as the array of business factors that affect a firm's ability to compete expands. The purchasing function, through its integral interface with the supplier base, can institute a performance measurement system that both quantifies suppliers' performance in terms of cost and enhances the buy‐sell relationships.

A cost‐based supplier performance evaluation system provides a justifiable and rational method for evaluating key supplier performance factors. The system is predicated on the recognition that material price is only a fraction of the cost of the purchased material. It identifies supplier non‐performance costs and accurately reflects the actual cost of doing business with suppliers.

In this article the authors discuss the development of a cost‐based supplier performance evaluation system, based on their work with an electronics firm. The relevance of the system to purchasing and the buy‐sell relationship is presented, and the system logic is detailed. Additionally, the implementation approach is overviewed and application conclusions are drawn.
Using Vendor Capacity Planning In Supplier Evaluation
Authors: Ho Chrwan‐Jyh , Carter Phillip L.
Published: June 2017

In recent years, manufacturing firms increasingly have adopted some type of computer‐based material requirements planning system for purposes of scheduling production and managing inventories. Such systems can have a significant influence on the modification of a firm's purchasing philosophy—and subsequently on the development of its purchasing strategies.

In the context of this changing environment, this article discusses the vendor capacity planning concept and its potential use in the evaluation of supplier performance. The authors propose the development of several system refinements that facilitate its use in supplier evaluation, providing additional dimensions of performance that can be used to monitor supplier activity over time. The proposed application takes advantage of significant information that can be developed in a vendor capacity planning system to enhance long‐range purchasing effectiveness.
Book Review
Authors: Henderson Robert D.
Published: June 2017

REVIVING INDUSTRY IN AMERICA, by Harris J. Shapiro and Teresa Cosenza, Ballinger Publishing Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1987.
Single Source Qualification
Authors: Newman Richard G.
Published: June 2017

The decision to use a single source in lieu of multiple sources is one of the most important actions in which a buyer can participate. It must be based on a careful and sometimes painstaking analysis of potential suppliers and their capability to produce the product to specifications. The decision involves an assessment of the risks of single sourcing as compared with multiple sourcing by not only the buyer, but by a team of supplier qualifiers who individually and collectively evaluate the potential supplier. The article explores eight areas to be considered in evaluating a potential single source, along with those attributes to seek in the single source.
Organizational Relationships in Purchasing
Authors: Fearon Harold E.
Published: June 2017

This article reports the results of a major purchasing organization research study conducted in 1987 under the auspices of the Center For Advanced Purchasing Studies. The research involved the purchasing departments of 297 large U.S. organizations, primarily from the manufacturing sector.

The article focuses on results produced by the study in nine key areas: (1) departmental size and composition, (2) the degrees of centralization and decentralization employed, (3) hierarchical reporting relationships, (4) the specific operating units that report to Purchasing, (5) the most recent additions to Purchasing's organizational structure, (6) the most recent additions to Purchasing's operating responsibilities, (7) the extent to which the materials management concept is utilized, (8) functions typically included in the materials management organization, and (9) the title of the chief purchasing officer.

The findings are compared with those of several earlier studies. And the author discusses the implications of the results for management of the purchasing function during the next decade. Generally speaking, the study indicates that the purchasing function has become broader in scope and responsibility, and concludes that the chief purchasing officer needs to have a more varied background with a wider range of experience to cope with the evolving increased job requirements.
Purchasing Management Practices of Small Manufacturers
Authors: Presutti William D.
Published: June 2017

Smaller businesses account for the bulk of employment and new job generation in the U.S. economy. However, most small firms either fail to grow, or fail completely. A major reason for these failures is poor management. Purchasing management is especially important to the small business because these firms typically cannot afford to waste their financial capital on poor purchasing practices. This article reports on a survey of purchasing practices of small manufacturers. Although the respondents appear to recognize the profit‐generating potential of purchasing, the survey uncovers areas of weakness with important implications for purchasing training and development.
Book Review
Authors: Mooney Richard L.
Published: June 2017

REVERSE MARKETING—THE NEW BUYER‐SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP, by Michiel R. Leenders and David L. Blenkhorn, The Free Press, A Division of Macmillan, Inc., New York, 1988.
Competitive Bidding: Department of Defense and Private Sector Practices
Authors: Williams Robert F. , Bakhshi V. Sagar
Published: June 2017

Government is ever vigilant to promote competition in the federal acquisition process (especially in the Department of Defense [DOD]), hoping to reduce the prices it pays for supplies and services, to enhance the industrial base, to provide opportunities for every responsible offeror to compete, and to some extent to align its buying procedures with the private sector. In its quest for fairness, equity, and competition, the government has created a myriad of rules, regulations, and procedures. The underlying assumption seems to be that private industry is more competitive and efficient, and that government can duplicate this behavior by legislative process. However, a comparison of DOD and commercial competitive buying reveals a significant difference in their behavior due to different goals, philosophies, accountability, and procedural guidance.
Hospital Materials Management: Systems and Performance
Authors: Young Scott T.
Published: June 2017

This study was designed to examine the relationship between hospital materials management performance and the use of a computerized inventory control system. Twenty‐two general hospitals in the state of Georgia were analyzed. Research findings indicate that those hospitals using computer‐based systems exhibited a better fill‐rate performance, but also experienced significantly higher inventory and labor costs per average daily census. Implementation and maintenance problems appear to be probable causes for the poor performance.
Purchasing Strategies For Natural Gas In A Deregulating Market
Authors: Pirog Robert L. , Taylor Kent
Published: June 2017

The market for natural gas is in the continuing process of deregulation. As this process progresses, it changes the cost effectiveness of various purchasing strategies for large‐scale users. This article outlines the direction of the deregulation movement and suggests an approach that buyers can use to adapt to the changing market environment.
A Technique for Order Placement and Sizing
Authors: Coleman B. Jay , McKnew Mark A.
Published: June 2017

This article presents a unique heuristic model for purchased item lot‐sizing. The model subsequently is tested using 20 historically popular sample problems. The development of heuristic lot‐sizing models was initiated as a result of difficulties identified during evaluation of the multi‐level lot‐sizing problem encountered in using material requirements planning systems. The “technique for order placement and sizing” (TOPS) is based on the logic of the “incremental part‐period algorithm,” and incorporates four distinct phases. It compares incremental costs and benefits of revising an initial order release schedule by inserting new orders or shifting existing ones. Results of an experimental process exhibited single‐line optimal solutions for all test cases. Additionally, execution times were similar to much simpler but less accurate techniques than those of the optimizing Wagner‐Whitin routine.
Motivating and Monitoring JIT Supplier Performance
Authors: Giunipero Larry C.
Published: June 2017

Measuring purchasing performance in an organization that utilizes a JIT system requires a broader view of quality than is the case in a non‐JIT operation. This article reports the results of a study which showed that experienced JIT managers track quality costs and their impact on scrap and rework, plant efficiency, and customer return costs, as well as on traditional incoming inspection costs. Forty‐six percent of the firms studied use some type of formal supplier evaluation system, and purchasing departments typically are evaluated on supply base management techniques involving lead‐time, delivery, quality, and inventory improvements.
Effect of Pay Differential on Job Satisfaction: A Study of the Gender Gap
Authors: Lumpkin James R. , Tudor R. Keith
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the differences in salary between male and female purchasing managers and the effect on their respective perceptions of job‐related factors. A sample of 395 purchasing managers who were members of the National Association of Purchasing Management and who were from firms of all sizes participated in the study. The study found that female purchasing managers, as a group, had more negative perceptions of the job‐related factors than did male purchasing managers. Specific differences are identified, and implications for management are developed.
Book Reviews
Authors: Browning John M.
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT; Text and Cases, 5th edition, by Donald W. Dobler, David N. Burt, and Lamar Lee, Jr., McGraw‐Hill Publishing Company, New York, 1990. 843 pages.
Book Reviews
Authors: Pinkerton Richard L.
Published: June 2017

ZERO BASE PRICING™: Achieving World Class Competitiveness Through Reduced All‐in Costs, by David N. Burt, Warren E. Norquist, and Jimmy Anklesaria, Probus Publishing Co., Chicago, Ill, 1990, 445 pages.
Book Reviews
Authors: Farmer David
Published: June 2017

IT'S A DEAL, by Steele, Murphy, and Russill, Mc‐Graw‐Hill Book Company, Maidenhead, U.K., 1989, 135 pages.
Book Reviews
Authors: Page Harry Robert
Published: June 2017

PURCHASING: PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS, 8th ed., by Stuart Heinritz, Paul V. Farrell, Larry Giunipero, and Michael Kolchin, Prentice‐Hall, 1991. 580 pages.
Value of Supplier Information in the Decision Proces
Authors: Monczka Robert M. , Nichols Ernest L. , Callahan Thomas J.
Published: June 2017

A critical factor in making purchasing decisions is a firm's ability to obtain supplier information of value to key sourcing decisions. This article presents the results of a research project which extends the earlier research conducted by Monczka, Giunipero, and Reck. The objective was to identify the types of information purchasing professionals utilize in making sourcing decisions, to determine the value they attach to different types of information categories, and to identify significant differences in perceived information value attributable to the type of purchase, size of the buying firm, and position level.

The results of this study indicate that there are differences in the perceived value of different types of information across purchase categories. Additionally, based on a comparison with the earlier research, the relative value purchasers place on different types of supplier information has changed significantly over time. These results and their managerial implications are discussed in the article.
Offshore Sourcing: Its Nature and Scope
Authors: Frear Carl R. , Metcalf Lynn E. , Alguire Mary S.
Published: June 2017

Operating in an increasingly interconnected world, leading companies perceive competition as global and are moving to implement an integrated strategy worldwide. Global competitors are learning to develop and manufacture products that can be introduced and marketed simultaneously in many countries. In doing so, they are sourcing technology, materials, and components from sites and suppliers located throughout the world.

Evidence that the thinking of many key managers has shifted from local to worldwide concerning the sourcing of requirements is not difficult to come by. Many feel that if a company expects to compete on a global scale, international sourcing must be part of its strategy. Although some companies have established numerous relationships with foreign suppliers and spend truly significant amounts overseas, the sights of many U.S. firms remain closer to home. Relatively modest foreign purchases are currently more typical.

The principal motivation underlying this study was to ascertain the extent to which offshore procurement is being practiced by a cross‐section of U.S. firms. The research reported is based on a survey of 135 international purchasing managers and presents new information about the nature and scope of foreign buying.

The results of the study provide evidence that a cross‐section of U.S. industry, comprising large and small firms alike, considers international sourcing to be an important element of competitive strategy. Likewise, purchasing from foreign suppliers to achieve lower costs is an effective competitive action.

In view of the evidence of continued growth in offshore sourcing and its importance to the competitive strategies of a broad spectrum of U.S. firms, buyers with offshore purchasing responsibilities must incorporate a global perspective in the execution of their purchasing tasks.
Book Reviews
Authors: Sherman Stanley N.
Published: June 2017

PROCUREMENT AND PUBLIC MANAGEMENT: THE FEAR OF DISCRETION AND THE QUALITY OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE, by Steven Kelman, The AEI Press, Washington, D.C., 1990.
Effects of ammonia concentration on the formation of CdS fabricated via microwave‐assisted chemical bath deposition
Authors: Liu Heng‐Yu , Som Sudipta , Sung Jen‐Cheng , Ou Chang‐Ying , Yang Che‐Yuan , Lu Chung‐Hsin
Published: June 2017

The microwave‐assisted chemical bath deposition (MACBD) process was successfully developed in this study for the preparation of cadmium sulfide (CdS) films as the buffer layers in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells. The MACBD process reduces the reaction time to just 8 min. During the MACBD process, increasing the concentration of NH4OH in the solution effectively reduced the thickness of the films as well as the particle sizes of in CdS films. At high NH4OH concentrations, the heterogeneous nucleation of CdS dominated, and the formation of films was controlled via the ion‐by‐ion growth mechanism. Increasing the concentration of NH4OH from 1 to 2.5 M significantly increased the conversion efficiency of the fabricated CIGS solar cells from 7.15% to 9.12%. The increase in the efficiency was attributed to an increase in the absorption of incident light and the enhancement of the carrier collection due to a reduction in the thickness of the prepared CdS films. According to diode analysis, the improvement in the diode ideality factor and leakage current was owing to the uniform coverage of CdS films and a reduction in series resistance associated with a decrease in the thickness of CdS films. When the concentration of ammonia was further increased to 3 M, incomplete coverage of CdS films on CIGS layers resulted in the formation of shunt paths and degraded the cell performance. This study demonstrated that CdS films prepared using the MACBD process with the optimum concentration of ammonia effectively improved the photovoltaic performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells.
Sintering behavior of calcium lanthanum sulfide ceramics in field‐assisted consolidation
Authors: Li Yiyu , Wu Yiquan
Published: June 2017

In this study, calcium lanthanum sulfide (CaLa2S4, CLS) ceramics with the cubic thorium phosphate structure were sintered at different temperatures by field‐assisted sintering technique (FAST). Densification behavior and grain growth kinetics were studied through densification curves and microstructural characterizations. It was determined that the densification in the 850°C‐950°C temperature range was controlled by a mixture of lattice or grain‐boundary diffusion, and grain‐boundary sliding. It was revealed that grain‐boundary diffusion was the main mechanism controlling the grain growth between 950°C and 1100°C. The infrared (IR) transmittance of the FAST‐sintered CLS ceramics was measured and observed to reach a maximum of 48.1% at 9.2 μm in ceramic sintered at 1000°C. In addition, it was observed that the hardness of the CLS ceramics first increased with increasing temperature due to densification, and then decreased due to a decrease in dislocations associated with grain growth.
Increased expression of the interleukin‐36 cytokines in lesions of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Thomi R. , Kakeda M. , Yawalkar N. , Schlapbach C. , Hunger R.E.
Published: June 2017

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a recalcitrant chronic skin disease with poorly understood immunopathogenic mechanisms. Previous studies reported that the interleukin‐36 (IL‐36) cytokines [IL‐36α, IL‐36β, IL‐36γ and IL‐36 receptor antagonists (IL‐36RA)] are important players in the pathogenesis of psoriasis (PS).

Objective

We aim to determine whether the IL‐36 cytokines are upregulated in patients with HS. For this purpose, we analysed local expression and systemic levels of the IL‐36 cytokines in patients with HS and compared the results to healthy donors and patients with PS.

Methods

Skin biopsies from healthy donors and HS and PS patients were analysed for expression of the IL‐36 cytokines by immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative real‐time PCR. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure systemic levels of the IL‐36 cytokines in the serum of the three donor groups.

Results

The agonists IL‐36α, IL‐36β and IL‐36γ were found to be upregulated in HS both systemically and lesionally, while the IL‐36RA was not differently regulated in comparison to healthy donors.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the agonistic IL‐36 isoforms are upregulated in HS. The relevance of the enhanced production of IL‐36 cytokines in HS pathogenesis remains to be determined.
Compression therapy for venous leg ulcers: risk factors for adverse events and complications, contraindications – a review of present guidelines
Authors: Andriessen A. , Apelqvist J. , Mosti G. , Partsch H. , Gonska C. , Abel M.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The adequate use of compression in venous leg ulcer treatment is equally important to patients as well as clinicians. Currently, there is a lack of clarity on contraindications, risk factors, adverse events and complications, when applying compression therapy for venous leg ulcer patients.

Methods

The project aimed to optimize prevention, treatment and maintenance approaches by recognizing contraindications, risk factors, adverse events and complications, when applying compression therapy for venous leg ulcer patients. A literature review was conducted of current guidelines on venous leg ulcer prevention, management and maintenance.

Results

Searches took place from 29th February 2016 to 30th April 2016 and were prospectively limited to publications in the English and German languages and publication dates were between January 2009 and April 2016. Twenty Guidelines, clinical pathways and consensus papers on compression therapy for venous leg ulcer treatment and for venous disease, were included. Guidelines agreed on the following absolute contraindications: Arterial occlusive disease, heart failure and ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) <0.5, but gave conflicting recommendations on relative contraindications, risks and adverse events. Moreover definitions were unclear and not consistent.

Conclusions

Evidence‐based guidance is needed to inform clinicians on risk factor, adverse effects, complications and contraindications. ABPI values need to be specified and details should be given on the type of compression that is safe to use. Ongoing research challenges the present recommendations, shifting some contraindications into a list of potential indications. Complications of compression can be prevented when adequate assessment is performed and clinicians are skilled in applying compression.
Reproductive strategy, spawning induction, spawning temperatures and early life history of captive sicklefin chub Macrhybopsis meeki
Authors: Albers J. L. , Wildhaber M. L.
Published: June 2017

Macrhybopsis reproduction and propagule traits were studied in the laboratory using two temperature regimes and three hormone treatments to determine which methods produced the most spawns. Only sicklefin chub Macrhybopsis meeki spawned successfully although sturgeon chub Macrhybopsis gelida released unfertilized eggs. All temperature and hormone treatments produced M. meeki spawns, but two treatments had similar success rates at 44 and 43%, consisting of a constant daily temperature with no hormone added, or daily temperature fluctuations with hormone added to the water. Spawns consisted of multiple successful demersal circular swimming spawning embraces interspersed with circular swims without embraces. The most spawns observed for one female was four and on average, 327 eggs were collected after each spawn. The water‐hardened eggs were semi‐buoyant and non‐adhesive, the first confirmation of this type of reproductive guild in the Missouri River Macrhybopsis sp. From spawn, larvae swam vertically until 123 accumulated degree days (° D) and 167° D for consumption of first food. Using average water speed and laboratory development time, the predicted drift distance for eggs and larvae could be 468–592 km in the lower Missouri River. Results from this study determined the reproductive biology and early life history of Macrhybopsis spp. and provided insight into their population dynamics in the Missouri River.
Endocannabinoid system in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Basavarajappa Balapal S. , Shivakumar Madhu , Joshi Vikram , Subbanna Shivakumar
Published: June 2017

Most neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are characterized by cognitive impairment and other neurological defects. The definite cause of and pathways underlying the progression of these NDDs are not well‐defined. Several mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the development of NDDs. These mechanisms may proceed concurrently or successively, and they differ among cell types at different developmental stages in distinct brain regions. The endocannabinoid system, which involves cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R), endogenous cannabinoids and the enzymes that catabolize these compounds, has been shown to contribute to the development of NDDs in several animal models and human studies. In this review, we discuss the functions of the endocannabinoid system in NDDs and converse the therapeutic efficacy of targeting the endocannabinoid system to rescue NDDs.

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Effect of different levels of copper nanoparticles and copper sulphate on performance, metabolism and blood biochemical profiles in broiler chicken
Authors: Scott A. , Vadalasetty K. P. , Łukasiewicz M. , Jaworski S. , Wierzbicki M. , Chwalibog A. , Sawosz E.
Published: June 2017

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of copper administration in ovo to chicken embryos and/or supplied in drinking water to growing chickens in the form copper nanoparticles (Cu‐NP) or copper sulphate (CuSO4). The fertilised eggs were assigned to three groups (n = 50 per group): control (not injected), injected with 50 mg/kg Cu‐NP or with 50 mg/kg CuSO4 at day 1 of incubation. Thereafter, 126 one‐day‐old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to seven post‐hatched groups: control not injected and not provided with Cu in the drinking water, injected with 50 mg/kg Cu‐NP + 20 mg/kg in water, not injected + 20 mg/kg Cu‐NP in water, injected with 50 mg/kg CuSO4 + 20 mg/kg in water, not injected + 20 mg/kg CuSO4 in water, injected with 50 mg/kg Cu‐NP and injected with 50 mg/kg CuSO4. The experiment was carried out from day 1 to 35 post‐hatching. The in ovo injection of Cu improved the final body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in relation to the control group. Conversely, the provision of Cu in the drinking water had less of an effect on growth performance in comparison with the injected groups. A significant improvement was shown in energy and nitrogen utilisation, being better for Cu‐NP than CuSO4. The cholesterol, urea and glucose levels in the blood were reduced by Cu‐NP treatment in relation to the other groups. The relative weight of the liver was decreased, while bursa of Fabricius was increased in Cu groups in relation to the control group. Cu excretion was only reduced in chickens injected with 50 mg/kg Cu‐NP + 20 mg/kg in water. The immune‐related genes were not affected by the treatments. The in ovo injection of Cu‐NP might improve broiler performance more efficiently than the injection of CuSO4 or the provision of Cu‐NP and/or CuSO4 in drinking water.
Feeding value of whole raw soya beans as a protein supplement for beef cattle consuming low‐quality forages
Authors: Arelovich H. M. , Lagrange S. , Torre R. , Martinez M. F. , Laborde H. E.
Published: June 2017

Experiments (Exp) I and II were conducted to compare raw whole soya beans (WSB), roasted (rWSB) or other protein sources as supplements of low‐quality forages fed ad libitum to beef cattle, upon DM intake (DMI), ruminal and blood parameters, and animal performance. Exp I: treatments for wheat straw fed to four ruminally cannulated steers were (i) Control‐WS: no supplement; (ii) WSB‐WS: whole soya beans; (iii) rWSB‐WS: roasted WSB; and (iv) SBM‐WS: soybean meal–wheat midds mixture; all fed at 1.4 kg DM/day. Exp II: 12 steers grazed deferred grain sorghum (DS) receiving these treatments: (i) Control‐DS: no supplement; (ii) WSB‐DS: 1.26 kg DM/day whole soya beans; and (iii) SFM‐DS: 1.35 kg DM/day of sunflower meal. In Exp I, WS DMI resulted 47, 52 and 41% greater for WSB‐WS, rWSB‐WS and SBM‐WS, respectively, than Control‐WS (p < .05). In Exp II, the DMI of DS was unaffected by supplementation; a substitution of DS by supplement was found for WSB‐DS (p < .05); however, total diet and digestible DMI increased with supplementation (p < .05). Rumen pH in Exp I remained unaffected by supplementation, but N‐NH3 as well as blood urea‐N in Exp II increased (p < .05). In Exp II, average daily weight gains improved similarly with both supplements compared with Control‐DS. Additionally, feed‐to‐gain ratio decreased (p < .05), being lower for WSB‐DS (8.3) vs. SFM‐DS (9.9). Roasting effects of WSB as a supplement for low‐quality forages were not detected, and all protein sources increased total diet DMI and forage utilization. Only moderate cattle weight gains could be expected for unsupplemented DS.
Transcriptomic and histopathological analysis of cholangiolocellular differentiation trait in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Rhee Hyungjin , Ko Jung Eun , Chung Taek , Jee Byul A , Kwon So Mee , Nahm Ji Hae , Seok Jae Yeon , Yoo Jeong Eun , Choi Jin‐Sub , Thorgeirsson Snorri S. , Andersen Jesper B. , Lee Hye Sun , Woo Hyun Goo , Park Young Nyun
Published: June 2017

Background & Aims

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a heterogeneous entity with diverse aetiologies, morphologies and clinical outcomes. Recently, histopathological distinction of cholangiolocellular differentiation (CD) of iCCA has been suggested. However, its genome‐wide molecular features and clinical significance remain unclear.

Methods

Based on CD status, we stratified iCCAs into iCCA with CD (n=20) and iCCA without CD (n=102), and performed an integrative analysis using transcriptomic and clinicopathological profiles.

Results

iCCA with CD revealed less aggressive histopathological features compared to iCCA without CD, and iCCA with CD showed favourable clinical outcomes of overall survival and time to recurrence than iCCA without CD (P<.05 for all). Transcriptomic profiling revealed that iCCA with CD resembled an inflammation‐related subtype, while iCCA without CD resembled a proliferation subtype. In addition, we identified a CD signature that can predict prognostic outcomes of iCCA (CD_UP, n=486 and CD_DOWN, n=308). iCCAs were subgrouped into G1 (positivity for CRP and CDH2, 7%), G3 (positivity for S100P and TFF1, 32%) and G2 (the others, 61%). Prognostic outcomes for overall survival (P=.001) and time to recurrence (P=.017) were the most favourable in G1‐iCCAs, intermediate in G2‐iCCAs and the worst in G3‐iCCAs. Similar result was confirmed in the iCCA set from GSE26566 (n=68).

Conclusions

CD signature was identified to predict the prognosis of iCCA. The combined evaluation of histology of CD and protein expression status of CRP, CDH2, TFF1 and S100P might help subtyping and predicting clinical outcomes of iCCA.
Carex sinosupina sp. nov. (sect. Lamprochlaenae, Cyperaceae) from Gansu, north central China
Authors: Lu Yi‐Fei , Jin Xiao‐Feng
Published: June 2017

Carex sinosupina, a new species from Gansu, China is described and illustrated. This species is similar to C. aridula and C. ivanoviae, but differs by having broader leaves, 2.0–3.5 mm wide, perigynia 3–5‐veined abaxially and achenes concave at the middle of one lateral surface. Based on a field survey and SEM (scanning electron microscope) observation of the micromorphology of perigynia and achenes, the morphology and micromorphology of the new species, C. aridula and C. ivanoviae is compared.