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Construction logistics services can, if implemented with high quality, positively impact both efficiency and sustainability of construction projects. However, present quality management frameworks have not been developed for temporary multi-actor contexts, such as construction, which is largely lacking industrialised processes. Still, construction logistics service providers provide service offerings to temporary settings and could thus benefit from a service quality perspective. Applying this perspective, this study supports the quality improvement of construction logistics services by using a service modularity approach to identify the services to prioritise for improvement. Building on interviews, concept mapping, and a service blueprint of a construction logistics setup, a priority matrix for improvements is developed. The first step in using this matrix is to operationalise the construction logistics setup in modules based on blueprinting. Second, the matrix evaluates the modules against nine empirically derived improvement enablers such as practices and forums for learning, and data measurements enabling the comparison and followup of construction logistics services. In conclusion, the priority matrix helps focus the improvements on modules with high likelihood of successful improvements. Improvements that can become sustained over time through the reuse of standardised modules in upcoming projects.

PurposeThis paper explores the operationalization of production network coordination – the production transfer (PT) – and the relationships between transfer risk sources, preventive actions, supply chain disruptions, corrective actions and losses to better understand how to mitigate the risk and achieve an effective transfer process.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal field study of a PT process from Norway to Spain was studied in depth for 25 months.FindingsThe paper presents the implications of three areas of importance for PT success: (1) how the transfer influences the plant roles, (2) the cross-locational management of the transfer project at the sender and receiver and (3) whether adapting the transferred production to the receiver's environment is an enabler or an inhibitor of transfer success.Practical implicationsThe findings about how to mitigate the transfer risk and the frameworks of risk sources, supply chain disruptions, losses and preventive and corrective actions, along with the examples from the in-depth study, can aid the practitioners in managing PTs and achieving the relocation goals.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies of PT, which is from the perspective of both transfer parties, and addresses both preventive and corrective actions and all the transfer phases. Moreover, this study addresses the operational aspects of production network coordination, which received limited attention in earlier research.

Public actors are increasingly enforcing the use of specifically designed construction logistics setups (CLS) to cope with logistical challenges and minimising disturbances on third parties in large construction projects. The organising of these CLS is contingent on the interaction among several types of actors. The purpose of the paper is to advance the understanding of the design and use of CLS and the distribution of various outcomes of such arrangements on the actors involved. The paper analyses the role of public actors in the initiating of CLS and how this affects the relational interfaces in the CLS triad of developers, contractors and logistics service providers, and the outcomes of their interactions. First, the main reason for a public actor to initiate a CLS is not cost, productivity or innovativity gains, but to decrease disturbances on third parties. Second, developers and contractors are forced to use the CLS initiated by the public actor. This makes them take on a forced customer role, explaining why these actors are often resistant to adopt to a certain CLS. Third, ripple effects, such as unintended costs and productivity impacts, occur in the construction supply chain because of the use of CLS. MIMIC

PurposeThe noise and dust particles caused by the construction transport are by most stakeholders experienced as disturbing. The purpose of this study is to explore how sonification can support visualization in construction planning to decrease construction transport disturbances.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents an interdisciplinary research project, combining research on construction logistics, internet of things and sonification. First, a data recording device, including sound, particle, temperature and humidity sensors, was implemented and deployed in a development project. Second, the collected data were used in a sonification design, which was, third, evaluated with potential users.FindingsThe results showed that the low-cost sensors used could capture “good enough” data, and that the use of sonification for representing these data is interesting and a possible useful tool in urban and construction transport planning.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to further evolve the sonification design and better communicate the aim of the sounds used to potential users. Further testing is also needed.Practical implicationsThis study introduces new ideas of how to support visualization with sonification planning the construction work and its impact on the vicinity of the site. Currently, urban planning and construction planning focus on visualizing the final result, with little focus on how to handle disturbances during the construction process.Originality/valueShowing the potentials of using low-cost sensor data in sonification, and using sonification together with visualization, is the result of a novel interdisciplinary research area combination.

Purpose Although a construction logistics solution is necessary for dealing with the demands in many large urban development projects, there is a lack of research on governance mechanisms for construction logistics solutions. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the initiation and utilisation of a construction logistics centre (CLC) from different stakeholders’ perspectives to suggest governance mechanisms for strategic, tactical and operational levels and to develop guidelines for implementing these governance mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach A single case research design was used. Data were collected through interviews, site visits, observations and documentation from four stakeholder groups. Findings There is potential for utilising CLCs in development projects, with positive effects such as consolidation effects and enhanced planning. What is evident, however, is that the design and implementation of the CLCs must be based on a comprehensive stakeholder analysis, as there are conflicting goals between stakeholders. Governance mechanisms, including flexibility in the main contractors’ working construction process, as well as clearly stated roles, responsibilities and communication must be developed to enhance this potential. Research limitations/implications The conflicting goals of CLCs are identified and discussed, and the results show the need for further multi-stakeholder analysis of construction logistics solutions. Practical implications The experiences from the studied case are developed into practical guidelines to be used in the design of construction logistics solutions in development projects. Originality/value This study contributes by taking a multi-stakeholder perspective on CLCs and providing guidelines to be used in the design of construction logistics solutions in development projects.

This paper examines how knowledge properties of a transferred manufacturing activity between units in an international manufacturing network impact performance during the transfer phase and the phase after steady state is reached. Survey data from 178 companies, we use hierarchical regression to test the relationships. We find knowledge properties as a group significantly affect both performance measures when controlling for the effects of sender unit experience, sender unit size and receiver unit experience. Thus, the activities transferred impact the success of the transfer. Sender unit experience and receiver unit experience have relatively strongest performance effects after steady state is reached. Testing the performance effects of single knowledge property dimensions, we identify independency to have the strongest relative performance effect, validates and advances previous research. This as it is one of the first survey studies to link activity independency and manufacturing transfer performance. We also identify several strands of further research.

Construction transport, in general, is not carried out efficiently, resulting in unnecessary costs and CO2 emissions. Although it has been found that there is a great potential to improve construction transport, little research has been conducted within this field. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the construction transport time efficiency by identifying non-value-adding activities and their causes from a freight forwarder perspective. A single case study was conducted and two flows, a goods delivery flow and a waste material flow, were mapped and analyzed with the help of value stream mapping (VSM). We ran two workshops to discuss the findings of the VSM. The results from this study show that there is large potential for improving construction transport time efficiency as over 40% of the time was used for non-value-adding activities. Although transport suffers from similar non-value-adding activities undertaken in other industries, this study identifies the transport activities with respect to construction transport. The findings further highlight areas of potential improvements, such as improved information sharing, planning, and coordination among all stakeholders. This knowledge can be used by the freight forwarder and the main contractor to improve construction transport time efficiency. The limitation of this study is that it is based on a single case of a freight forwarder. It does not provide a full picture of construction transport efficiency but rather a starting point for future studies. Funding Agencies|Trafikverket (Swedish Transport Administration) [2019.2.2.5]

Preprint of paper On the usefulness of map-based dashboards for decision making.Submitted to IEEE Transactions on visualizations and computer graphics, July 2020

There are several supply chain-related problems facing the construction industry, such as poor construction site logistics, lack of communication and trust. These problems can jeopardize constructi...

Multiple deliveries and long turnaround times on construction sites harm the environmentand disturb on-site productivity and safety. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the transportpatterns of construction material deliveries, including turnaround times. In order to investigatethe number of transports and turnaround times, transport data for 13 Swedish construction sites,which were collected with the help of booking systems, were used. By comparing data from the cases,several patterns were observed: (i) very few projects receive deliveries at weekends, (ii) almost allprojects receive 50% of their daily deliveries before 09:00, (iii) long goods, standard euro pallets andlightweight goods (less than 500 kg) are the most common deliveries, (iv) trucks and delivery vansare the most common vehicles used and (v) goods to be handled by crane and lightweight goodsgenerate the longest turnaround time/delivery. This is one of the rare studies revealing currentpractice and issues associated with material deliveries, which is a necessary first step to increaseefficiency of construction logistics. This study shows that it is possible to influence these issues,as some projects performed better than others regarding turnaround times and transport. Funding: VinnovaVinnova [2018-04114] Visualiserad byggtrafikplanering för störningsfri stadsutveckling (Störningsfri stad)

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore tactical planning potential within hospital departments. The study had two objectives: first, to develop a framework for tactical capacity planning in healthcare departments by identifying and structuring essential components for healthcare capacity management; and, second, to identify context-specific requirements and functionality demands on tactical planning processes within healthcare. Design/methodology/approach A framework for tactical capacity planning was developed through a literature review. Additionally, an exploratory multiple-case study was performed, with cases from three Swedish hospital departments, which provide the opportunity to study framework applicability in its natural context. Findings Findings illustrate how an active tactical planning process can facilitate adjustments to capacity. However, the multiple-case study shows that there are contextual differences between departments, depending on available treatments and resources that affect capacity adjustments, and how the planning process activities should be structured. Originality/value This project develops a framework for a tactical capacity-planning process adapted to healthcare provider contexts. By developing the framework, based on the literature and tactical level planning processes within three Swedish hospital case studies, the authors bridge gaps between theory and application regarding healthcare capacity planning.

Among the construction related transports, the transport of soil and rock materials stand for a major part. The purpose of this study is to develop an approach enabling scenario analysis of the relation between storage location and soil and rock material transport planning. The study follows a sequential exploratory mixed methods design. First a literature review and a qualitative case study identifies the problem. Second a quantitative optimization method is used to evaluate possible scenarios showing the interdependence between storage location costs and transport impact. The study has two main contributions, the mixed methods approach to evaluate economic and environmental considerations in an infrastructure project and the scenario analysis of different options for inventory control and transport. The presented study adds knowledge to transport efficiency of rock and soil materials. Funding Agencies|JPI Urban Europe; Swedish Traffic Administration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how capability gaps can be identified and how they can be dealt with in aircraft technology transfers in future offset deals. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on lessons learned as identified from three case studies of technology transfers from Saab, a Swedish aircraft manufacturing company to South Africa, the Czech Republic, and India. Findings – The capability gap between sender and receiver has to be dealt with on two levels: on an organizational level; and on an individual level. It is proposed that the disseminative capacity constitutes the ability to assess the capability gap between the sender and receiver, and to convert this assessment to adaptations of the product and production process to include in an industrialization process. On the individual level, the capability-raising activities were connected to employees’ knowledge, personal development plans for the transfer of explicit knowledge, as well as on-the-job training to facilitate the exchange of tacit knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The research is based on case studies from one company. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm the proposed propositions through new case studies in other contexts as well as through survey-based research. Originality/value – The paper focusses on the context of offset and reports on actual experiences from a capability perspective of technology transfers within the aircraft manufacturing area. It proposes a structured way of identifying and bridging the capability gap within such transfers.

Purpose– Strategic consensus between operators and managers is an important means to accomplish a successful manufacturing strategy (MS) process. Previous studies largely left out individual operators from this concept. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the level of strategic consensus on the MS within the operations function, that is, the operators’ and managers’ perceptions of MS.Design/methodology/approach– Interviews were conducted with both operators and managers at three small- and medium-sized enterprises in Sweden. The MS dimensions were selected based on previous research; the data were analysed by using thematic coding.Findings– The study shows that the levels of strategic consensus on the MS vary among companies. Even when strategic consensus exists between operators and managers, their underlying reasons often differ. Furthermore, the levels of strategic consensus vary among MS dimensions. The companies’ usage of information-sharing channels, along with their size and position in the supply chain, can be important for the level of strategic consensus.Originality/value– This paper contributes to the body of knowledge in three ways. First, it expands the scope of the MS dimensions under study, thus offering a stronger, resource-based perspective on MS and strategic consensus than what earlier studies showed. Second, it goes beyond the management level by including both managers and operators as the unit of analysis. Third, compared to previous research, it focuses on a new context and is based on in-depth case studies.

Earlier studies related to GHG emissions from the construction industry are focusing mainly on impact from the phases of building use and on-site production while neglecting the footprint due to transportation during the production phase. In this paper the aim is to investigate transport footprint owing to material and waste transports to and from construction sites in Sweden, based on secondary data analysis of construction projects. The choice between efficient logistics considering the time pressure in construction projects and logistics with reduced GHG emissions is a difficult one, however previous studies report that with better logistics solutions and planning, both goals can be achieved. This study contributes by delivering a better understanding of the transport patterns of construction projects as well as the GHG emissions from construction transport. Among the studied projects, 2450 transports/project and 31 transports/flat are noted. Transport footprint from the new flat production at 2017 in Sweden is estimated around 422800 tonsCO2. Increasing the understanding of the transport patterns will lead to better policies to control traffic and better use of construction logistics setups for different phases of projects. Since the main limitation here is data quality and lack of data, further research aims to improve data collection, investigating possible data sources and their quality.

In order to facilitate discussion on construction logistic solutions in both homogenous and heterogeneous groups, the MIMIC CLS game has been developed, that allows players to negotiate transport routes and common logistics solutions surrounding an abstract construction area. Through game mechanics specially chosen to create appropriate friction between the players, discussion on the topics of the game is stimulated. The design process included significant amounts of testing and provided two key insights: the manner in which specific game design patterns influenced the game’s purpose, and the difficulties involved in creating, playing and presenting games for a target group with little or no experience of games. It was also evident that a designated game facilitator made it possible to further reinforce the impact of the game, and likely necessary to be able to use it in an appropriate timeframe. Future venues of work include the integration of the game and subsequent discussions into an overall workshop format.

How to feed the world is a vital question and likewise the importance of food logistics. This paper presents a literature review of the food aspects in logistics research. A total of 159 published papers were identified from 9 logistics and supply chain management journals, whereof 104 focused on food logistics. The papers were categorised into the type of logistics activities studied from the perspective of different food supply chain actors and actor constellations. The papers were also grouped according to which food product characteristics they had highlighted as impacting logistics activities. It was noticed that food products have unique characteristics and that food supply chain actors work in a specific context. Thus, this paper puts forward a comprehensive definition of food logistics: Food logistics analyses logistics activities within a food supply chain context by problematising food product characteristics and by examining the constellation of food supply chain actors.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how the manufacturing and supply chain flexibility impact on the ability to transfer production between the units, i.e. production network coordination. To take advantage of available opportunities for different actors and locations, companies need to effectively transfer production. Design/methodology/approach – The case studied was a transfer of production between The Netherlands and Sweden. The case was selected based on the opportunity it provided to perform a longitudinal study of an ongoing production transfer. Findings – Different flexibility dimensions have different importance depending on the receiver or sender. A production transfer can be divided into four parts: knowledge, physical, administrative and supply chain transfer. The manufacturing flexibility have a high impact on the physical and knowledge transfer, the new product development dimension also have a major impact on the administrative transfer in combination with the supply chain flexibility dimension IT. The supply chain transfer was impacted by the supply chain flexibility dimensions except IT. Practical implications – The paper presents a first step towards a tool for analysing the strength and weaknesses within units in relation to receiving/sending production. Furthermore, that the production transfer should be viewed as four parts with interdependencies help to identify the order of the transfer process. Originality/value – This paper widens the flexibility concept to a network level. Furthermore, it describes the link between the strategic decision of coordination in the network and the operational ability of the network to accomplish this change.

Purpose – The materials planning (MP) environment sets the prerequisites for the MP process. Before and during production transfer and start-up (PTS) supply chain uncertainty of the MP environment increases, as the company goes from a known to an unknown situation. The purpose of this paper is to describe the impact of the MP environment on the MP process before and during PTS. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework describing the MP environment before and during PTS is developed and applied to one case of outsourcing from Sweden to China. The framework is based on a literature review and further evaluated by both researchers and managers. Findings – A conceptual framework describing the dynamic MP environment before and during PTS has been developed compared to previously static MP environments descriptions. In addition, this framework proved to be useful in analysing the importance of various characteristics of the MP environment before and during PTS. Practical implications – The study highlights the importance of a proactive approach to materials availability when transferring production. The conceptual framework developed here can be used as a checklist to identify the characteristics of the MP environment that are most important to ensuring materials availability. Originality/value – The paper highlights the PTS when outsourcing, a substantial time frame with a large impact on success. This is an important contribution, given the focus of previous outsourcing research on strategic issues. Further, the paper demonstrates the differences between static and dynamic MP environments.

Outsourcing of manufacturing leaves two options for the structuring of the supply network: either complete outsourcing of an item or process, or combining external sourcing and in-house manufacturing. The objective of this paper is to explain the effect on performance of various strategies of combining in-house manufacturing and outsourced manufacturing. The analysis is based on a case study of a European manufacturer (EM) that has outsourced part of its casting processes to Chinese suppliers. The strategies were tested by means of a simulation study and compared in terms of their effects on inventory performance. The study showed at significance level p

In this paper, a general outsourcing process was derived from the literature; important areas of logistics to be considered during an outsourcing process were then categorised and related to this process. The process was applied to empirical data from three companies. All three companies included all phases of the general outsourcing process in their outsourcing projects. The derived process thereby mirrors how these companies work with outsourcing projects. This makes it possible for other companies to use the process. The companies included logistics considerations in their processes but lacked a conscious focus on logistics. Using the general process including logistics would reduce the possibility of overlooking important considerations during outsourcing projects and decrease the problems discovered after implementation. An improved and more systemised outsourcing process would also probably decrease the time necessary for outsourcing projects. Further research should include studies of ongoing outsourcing projects, using the general outsourcing process including logistics.

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to develop a framework for low‐cost sourcing assessment and to explore the consequences of low‐cost sourcing in China for a European manufacturer.Design/methodology/approachThe low‐cost sourcing framework generated from literature and the consequence analysis is based on a case study of a European company that has outsourced part of its casting processes to Chinese suppliers.FindingsCharacteristics of low‐cost sourcing are based on a literature review divided into three categories: country characteristics, supply network structure, and supply network relationships and the case study shows that these three categories of characteristics jointly create negative effects. A two‐directional cause and effect relationship is proposed between the characteristics and the operational supply chain performances. The presented low‐cost sourcing assessment framework should be a good starting point for low‐cost sourcing assessment, including mapping a firm's total characteristics, and for analysing their performance impact.Research limitations/implicationsThe conducted single case study is not enough for identifying, formulating, and validating all existing relationships between the low‐cost sourcing characteristics. The present study has identified the existence of the relationships but has not evaluated their levels of impact.Practical implicationsManagers should be aware of how suppliers in low‐cost countries may affect the structures, relations, and operational supply chain performances of the supply network. This paper presents a sourcing assessment framework enabling describing what dimensions of the sourcing characteristics would be affected by sourcing to a specific area of the world and what consequences and performance effects this would have.Originality/valueFew prior studies have focused on companies with already established relationships with low‐cost‐country suppliers and how these companies should make the best out of these supply chains. This study takes a holistic perspective on low‐cost sourcing and identifies several streams for further research.

We have previously shown that a redox-active selenocysteine-containing tetrapeptide-Sel-tag (Gly-Cys-Sec-Gly)-can be used as a C-terminal fusion motif for recombinant proteins produced in Escherichia coli. This Sel-tag allows selenolate-targeted one-step purification, as well as fluorescent labeling or radiolabeling either with gamma emitters (75Se) or with positron-emitting radionuclides (11C). Here we have analyzed four different redox-active C-terminal motifs, carrying either dithiol (Gly-Cys-Cys-Gly or Ser-Cys-Cys-Ser) or selenolthiol (Gly-Cys-Sec-Gly or Ser-Cys-Sec-Ser) motifs. Utilizing these different functional motifs with the same recombinant protein (Fel d 1), we were able to assess their relative reactivities and potential usefulness for biotechnological applications. We found that all four redox-active tags could be utilized for efficient one-step purification to provide pure protein from a crude bacterial lysate through reversible binding to phenylarsine oxide sepharose, with yields and purities comparable to those obtained for a His-tagged protein purified by the more common approach with use of a Ni2+ column. For labeling with electrophilic fluorescent or radioactive compounds, however, the selenolthiol motifs were considerably more efficient than their dithiol counterparts. The results thus show that both the selenolthiol- and the dithiol-containing tags can serve as efficient alternatives to His-tags for protein purification, while the selenolthiol motifs offer additional and unique potential for Sec-targeted labeling. It should therefore be possible to utilize these multifunctional tetrapeptide motifs to develop a wide range of novel biotechnological applications based on Sec targeting with electrophilic compounds.

Selenium is essential to human life and occurs in selenoproteins as selenocysteine (Sec), the 21st amino acid. The selenium atom endows selenocysteine with unique biochemical properties, including a low pK(a) and a high reactivity with many electrophilic agents. Here we describe the introduction of selenocysteine into recombinant non-selenoproteins produced in Escherichia coli, as part of a small tetrapeptide motif at the C terminus. This selenocysteine-containing motif could subsequently be used as a protein tag for purification of the recombinant protein, selenolate-targeted labeling with fluorescent compounds or radiolabeling with either gamma-emitting (75)Se or short-lived positron emitters such as (11)C. The results presented here thus show how a wide range of biotechnological applications can be developed starting from the insertion of selenocysteine into proteins.

The synthesis of 2-([4-18F]fluorophenyl)benzimidazole, which has potential to be used as a building block for many endogenous and pharmaceutical compounds, is reported. A range of solvents and catalysts as well as conventional and microwave heating have been investigated to optimise the reaction conditions. The cyclocondensation of 1,2-diaminobenzene with radiolabelled [4-18F]fluorobenzoic acid in neat methanesulphonic and polyphosphoric acids under microwave heating led rapidly to the cyclised phenylbenzimidazole. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PET provides the potential to quantify the distribution of radiolabelled drugs in the human body. In cases when radiolabelled compounds undergo metabolic transformation after administration in vivo, it is necessary to examine the kinetics and distribution of both the labeled mother compound and labeled metabolites. The objective of this study was to assess the extent by which 11C-labeled ethanol, the product arising from the de-esterification of the neuroprotective drug vinpocetine (ethyl-apovincaminate), might contribute to the regional cerebral radioactivity measured by PET after the administration of [ethyl-11C]vinpocetine. In three cynomolgous monkeys PET measurements were made after intravenous bolus injection of both [11C]vinpocetine and 1-[11C]ethanol. There was a marked difference between the regional time-activity curves of [11C]ethanol and [11C]vinpocetine. The distribution pattern obtained with [11C]ethanol was similar to that observed with blood flow tracers such as [15O]water and [15O]butanol. The study shows that although [11C]ethanol may moderately contribute to the brain radioactivity distribution pattern of [11C]vinpocetine, the rapid degradation of [11C]ethanol makes it unlikely that the contribution of this metabolite is of importance. The distinct distribution patterns and kinetics of [11C]vinpocetine and [11C]ethanol also support the view, obtained from our previous observations, that vinpocetine may bind to specific sites in the monkey and human brain, especially in the thalamus.

The recently observed beneficial effects exerted by C-peptide in insulin-dependent diabetes patients (IDDM) have instigated research into the mechanisms of C-peptide action as well as the location for it. Here we report in vivo biodistribution studies performed in monkeys using positron emission tomography (PET) and C-peptide labeled in the N-terminal with fluorine-18. Following iv injection of the radiotracer, dynamic decay data were collected over the chest and/or abdomens of the monkeys. The radioactivity distributed mainly to the kidneys, less to the heart and to some extent to the liver. Excretion of radioactivity into the urinary bladder was observed. Brain uptake was not detected in a static emission scan of the head performed at late times. Accumulation of radioactivity in the skeleton as a result of in vivo defluorination was not observed. Pharmacokinetic modeling of the regional concentrations of radioactivity over time resulted, for most organs, in two-compartment models. The organs with the highest radioactivity concentrations have been identified, enabling dose estimations for studies in humans with low or no C-peptide.

Summary A new microwave-enhanced method for rapid demethylation of methyl phenyl ethers using neat methanesulfonic acid (CH3SO3H) is presented. Using a monomodal microwave cavity, cleavage of anisole (1), used as model compound, to phenol (2) was achieved with high conversions (ca 80%) in very short reaction times (10–20 s). The feasibility of cleaving one or both of two methoxy groups was illustrated with 4-(3-bromoanilino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline (PD153035, 3). High conversions (582%) of 3 were attained with four different conditions (i.e. combination of input effect (35–125 W) and time (15 s–2 min)). 4-(3-Bromoanilino)-7-hydroxy-6-methoxyquinazoline (4), 4-(3-bromoanilino)-6-hydroxy-7-methoxyquinazoline (5) and 4-(3-bromoanilino)-6,7-dihydroxyquinazoline (6), the possible mono- or di-demethylated compounds, were obtained. Methods for rapid demethylations are of interest in radiochemistry for post-labeling deprotections of hydroxyl containing aromatic rings and also provide a more direct route for synthesizing precursor compounds for labeling by alkylation. Copyright # 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

We have labeled proinsulin connecting peptide (C-peptide) with fluorine-18 (t(1/2) = 109.7min) in order to perform in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies with position emission tomography (PET). This study reports the optimization of the conjugation labeling in the N-terminal with N-succinimidyl-4-[F-18]fluorobenzoate ([F-18]SFB). In preparative runs N-4-[F-18]fluorobenzoyl-C-peptide ([F-18]FB-C-peptide) was produced in 8-12% decay-corrected yields, counted from resolubilized [F-18]F-, in less than 5h. The specific radioactivity of [F-18]FB-C-peptide, determined using ELISA for one of the preparations, was around 70 GBq/mu mol at end of synthesis.

The biodistribution of 11C-labeled 4-(3-bromoanilino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline, an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase, has been evaluated in vivo in rats using positron emission tomography (PET). Time-activity data obtained after i.v. administration in one rat revealed that the radiotracer rapidly cleared from plasma with subsequent uptake in major organs of the body (brain, heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract and bladder). Uptake in proliferating tissue in rats with human neuroblastoma xenografts indicate that [O-11C-methyl]PD153035 shows promise as a new agent for in vivo imaging of tumors with PET.

[Methoxy- 11 C]PD153035, a potent and specific inhibitor of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase, was prepared by O-alkylation of O-desmethyl PD153035 with [ 11 C]methyl iodide in DMF. The radiochemical incorporation of [ 11 C]CH 3 I was on the order of 45%. The mean specific activity obtained at end-of-synthesis (EOS) was 26 GBq/μmol (n=3; range 20-36 GBq/μmol) and total synthesis time was 45-50 minutes including formulation.

The purpose is to study the differences between outsourcing and related offset. The identified differences should serve as a starting point to develop a more general related offset framework. The paper is based on an indepth case study of a related offset business at Saab, a Swedish military aircraft producer. The analysis compared the studied case with an existing outsourcing process identified in literature. The paper identifies five main differences between outsourcing and related offset, which are translated into activities to be included in a suggested related offset framework. This paper is based on a single case study, and the suggested differences should be verified through further case studies. This paper reveals differences between related offset and outsourcing and highlights the need to develop a framework for related offset from negotiation to fulfilment. This paper contributes to offset research by providing an overview of the activities taking place during a related offset process.

Since the late 1980s, microwave dielectric heating has been used to speed up chemical transformations, also in radiolabeling tracers for positron emission tomography. In addition to shorter reaction times, higher yields, cleaner product mixtures and improved reproducibility have also been obtained for reactions involving polar components that require heating at elevated temperatures. The conditions used in microwave chemistry can differ considerably from those in conventional heating. Understanding the factors that influence the interaction of the electromagnetic field with the sample is critical for the successful implementation of microwave heating. These parameters are discussed here and exemplified with radiolabelings with fluorine-18.

Introduction The epidermal growth factor receptor is highly expressed in several types of cancers. Molecules with high affinity to its intracellular tyrosine kinase domain are being developed as in vivo imaging probes. The 4-anilinoquinazoline PD153035 has promising in vitro and in vivo properties for development as a reversible radioligand. Labeling it with carbon-11 in either of its two methoxy positions can potentially give rise to different radiometabolites and, consequently, different imaging capabilities. An evaluation of the radiotracers' metabolism was needed to determine the potential significance of the labeling position. Methods PD153035 was labeled in the 6- and 7- O -methoxy positions by reacting the corresponding O -desmethyl precursors with [ 11 C]methyl iodide. The two radiolabeled compounds were each incubated for 1 h with human and rat liver microsomes. At five time points, the radiolabeled metabolites were examined using radio-liquid chromatography. One metabolite was isolated and subjected to mass spectroscopic analysis. Results A major polar metabolite was obtained in all incubations. Its molecular weight was consistent with an addition of oxygen, and its fragmentation was consistent with an N -oxidation rather than an aromatic hydroxylation. Regioselective 7- O -dealkylation was also observed, albeit in substantial amounts only in the assay using human microsomes. Conclusions Radiolabeling in the 7- O -methoxy position is advocated, since the labeled metabolites produced in the 7- O -demethylation are polar and probably rapidly cleared. The differences observed in the incubations with rat and human microsomes suggest that in vivo positron emission tomography studies with 11 C-labeled PD153035 in rodents may not be directly predictive for studies in humans.