Supply chain finance : a conceptual framework to advance research Supply Chain Finance A conceptual framework to advance research Supply Chain Finance A conceptual framework to advance research Supply Chain Finance A conceptual framework to advance resear

Abstract Supply Chain Finance (SCF) arrangements aim to add value by taking a cooperative approach to financing in the supply chain. SCF has recently enjoyed considerable attention from industry, and providers of capital and technology are investing in platforms to facilitate new applications. A limited number of theoretical and empirical studies on the topic have been published. Current trends suggest, however, that the landscape of SCF is becoming increasingly complex and diverse. We describe some key developments and their implications for firms that (may) implement an SCF arrangement. In particular, we show that strategic and tactical considerations may impact the value of these arrangements. Failure to recognize alternatives and associated trade-offs may entail missed opportunities for firms. We present a framework that positions SCF concepts and shows the need for further research. We conclude with observations on managerial relevance

Extracellular ATP is a danger signal activating P2X7 Receptor in a LPS mediated inflammation (ARDS/ALI)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threating lung condition resulting from a direct and indirect injury to the lungs [1, 2]. Pathophysiologically it is characterized by an acute alveolar damage, an increased permeability of the microvascular-barrier, leading to protein-rich pulmonary edema and subsequent impairment of arterial oxygenation and respiratory failure [1].This study examined the role of extracellular ATP in recruiting inflammatory cells to the lung after induction of acute lung injury with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the precise mechanism is poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate the functional role of the P2X7 receptor in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS/ acute lung injury (ALI)) in vitro and in vivo. We show that intratracheally applied LPS causes an acute accumulation of ATP in the BALF (bronchoalveolar lavage) and lungs of mice. Prophylactic and therapeutic inhibition of P2X7R signalling by a specific antagonist and knock-out experiments was able to ameliorate the inflammatory response demonstrated by reduced ATP-levels, number of neutrophils and concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the BALF. Experiments with chimeric mice showed that P2X7R expression on immune cells was responsible for the observed effect. Consistently, the inflammatory response is diminished only by a cell-type specific knockdown of P2X7 receptor on non-stationary immune cells. Since the results of BALF from patients with acute ARDS or pneumonia simulated the in vivo data after LPS exposure, the P2X7 receptor may be a new therapeutic target for treatment in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS/ALI)