Abstract: The invention also relates to processes for producing abuse deterrent pharmaceutical compositions comprising highly pure amphetamine and amphetamine-class compounds resulting from the synthesis of chiral and racemic amphetamine derivatives by stereospecific, regioselective cuprate addition reaction with aziridine phosphoramidate compounds, and to methods of manufacturing, delivering, and using the amphetamine compounds resulting from the synthesis of chiral and racemic amphetamine derivatives by stereospecific, regioselective cuprate addition reaction with aziridine phosphoramidate compounds.

Abstract: A method of performing a chelating reaction comprising contacting a divalent metal with a compound of Formula (I): or a salt thereof wherein: each of R1-R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of CH2COORa and CH2C(?O)NHRa; each of R5-R12 is independently selected from the group consisting of H and -L-X; each Ra is independently selected from the group consisting of H and -L-X; each L is independently selected from the group consisting of absent and a linking group; and each X is a biological agent; and wherein the contacting occurs at a temperature below about 40° C. to form a chelated composition.

Abstract: A synthetic peptide sp4 has an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. As the sole effective ingredient in the antitumor efficacy test, it has a significant inhibitory effect on both the tumor volume and tumor weight of human osteosarcoma MG-63 in nude mice and has a significant dose-effect and time-effect relationship. There is no difference between the relative tumor growth rate T/C (%) of sp4 and that of the positive control group of Paclitaxel. The safety of sp4 is that its maximal tolerated dose for intravenous administration is 700 mg/kgBW. Sp4 has clear targets of pharmacological effects, while having efficacy in vivo, it also has an inhibitory effect on tumor telomerase, has an arrest on G1 phase of the tumor cell cycle, and inhibits the high expressions of tumor PD-L1 and CD47. The present disclosure relates to multiple uses of sp4, especially in the preparation of a class of antitumor drugs.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides having non-canonical amino acids. These peptides are useful, for example, as protein binding agents. Libraries of such peptides can be used, for example to screen and select protein binding agents. The broader chemical space of the disclosed peptides can provide peptide with different, improved, more specific, and/or pharmaceutically compatible peptides and protein binding agents. In some forms, the peptides can have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein R, R1, L1, L2, G, M, Y1 Y2 and SEQ are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such peptides, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such peptides, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates of aminoglycosides and terpenoids, in particular sesquiterpenoids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to nano-assemblies formed by the inventive conjugates and to a method for producing the conjugates and/or the nano-assemblies. The present invention also relates to the inventive conjugates and nano-assemblies for use in therapy, in particular for use in the treatment of infectious diseases. Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to farnesylated aminoglycosides and nano-assemblies thereof, in which farnesol and its derivatives do not only function as carrier for the aminoglycosides but do themselves have pharmaceutical activity upon cleavage of the conjugate, in particular quorum sensing inhibitory activity.

Abstract: Provided herein are radiopharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof. The radiopharmaceutical compositions can comprise one or more stabilizing agents, an aqueous vehicle, and a conjugate that comprises a targeting ligand and a radionuclide bound to a metal chelator. The targeting ligand can be a small molecule compound or a peptide such as a monocyclic peptide. The targeting ligand can be configured to bind with a tumor target. The stabilizing agent can comprise a radiolysis stabilizer, a free metal chelator, and/or a pH stabilizer. Further provided herein are methods of preparing the radiopharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating cancer by administering the described radiopharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses monodisperse protein-dendron conjugates that self-assemble to generation-dependent supramolecular protein assemblies of different size and surface charges. The invention further provides a process for synthesis of protein-dendron conjugates containing hydrophobic dendron of different generations.

Abstract: Described herein is a peptide, a multimodal peptide ligand imaging agent and methods for use in tumor targeting, tumor visualization, drug delivery and as an imaging ligand. The invention further provides for a theranostic peptide agent and methods for use in the treatment of cancer and/or inflammation in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for providing a peptide receptor radiotherapy treatment recommendation for a subject having a neuroendocrine tumor by determining the expression level of each of at least 9 biomarkers comprising ARAF1, BRAF, KRAS, RAF-1, ATP6V1H, OAZ2, PANK2, PLD3, and ALG9. In some embodiments, the methods can further include determining the expression level of each of NAP1L1, NOL3, and TECPR2.

Abstract: Aqueous formulations and kits of radiopharmaceutical compounds of general Formula (II) protected from radiolysis with stabilisers, such as L-methionine and gentisic acid, are disclosed, wherein the compounds are based on sarcophagine ligands coordinated to a radioisotope, such as 64-copper, and linked to a tetrazine group for reaction with tumour targeting antibodies having functional reactive groups such as trans-cyclooctene, processes of preparing said radioligand formulations, and uses thereof for radioimaging, diagnosing and treating cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing the radiolabeled aryl compound (I) Ar—X, or a salt thereof, wherein X is 211At, 210At, 123I, 124I, 125I, or 131I. The method involves reacting the aryl boronic acid compound (II) Ar—Y, or a salt thereof, wherein Y is a borono group (—B(OH)2) or an ester group thereof, with a radionuclide selected from 211At, 210At, 123I, 124I, 125I and 131I, in the presence of an oxidizing agent selected from an alkali metal iodide, an alkali metal bromide, N-bromosuccinimide, N-chlorosuccinimide and hydrogen peroxide, in water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of 18F-fluoride (18F) for use in radiofluorination reactions. The method of the invention finds use especially in the preparation of 18F-labelled positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. The method of the invention is particularly advantageous where bulk solutions are prepared and stored in prefilled vials rather than being freshly prepared on the day of synthesis. Also provided by the present invention is a radiofluorination reaction which comprises the method of the invention, as well as a cassette for use in carrying out the method of the invention and/or the radiofluorination method of the invention on an automated radiosynthesis apparatus.

Abstract: Inhibition of the VIP signaling pathway with VIP antagonist is contemplated. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of enhancing the immune response to a cell therapy comprising administering a VIP antagonist to a subject in combination with a cell. In certain embodiments, the subject is diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma. In certain embodiments, the cell is a blood cell, bone marrow cell, leukocyte, T-cell, natural killer cell, a hematopoietic stem cell, a G-CSF mobilized or non-mobilized blood mononuclear cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation having excellent solubility and/or stability of a macromolecular drug, and more specifically, a pharmaceutical composition containing a macromolecular drug, a dissolution-enhancing and/or stabilizing agent, and an aqueous solvent, wherein the dissolution-enhancing and/or stabilizing agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of (1) proteins, (2) synthetic polymers, (3) sugars or sugar alcohols, (4) inorganic salts, (5) amino acids, (6) phospholipids, (7) aliphatic alcohols, (8) medium-chain fatty acids, and (9) mucopolysaccharides.

Abstract: Disclosed are knottin peptides containing non-natural amino acids so that they can be formed by chemical conjugation into two or more knottin monomers. The knottin monomers comprise a non-natural amino acid such as an aminooxy residue within the polypeptide sequence. The exemplified dimers were produced by oxime formation between two aldehyde groups present on a polyether linker and an aminooxy functional group that was site-specifically incorporated the knottin. Knottins variants based on EETI (Ecballium elaterium trypsin inhibitor) and AgRP (Agouti-related protein) were engineered to contain integrin-binding loops. These dimers were shown to have increased binding strength to integrins on U87MG tumor cells, achieving significant increases in inhibition of cell adhesion and proliferation. Also disclosed are knottin monomers comprising an aminooxy residue; these may be conjugated to molecules such as doxorubicin.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of tau aggregation inhibitors. More specifically, the invention relates to amyloid therapeutics. More specifically, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating aggregation associated conditions or diseases with certain peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticle conjugates incorporating the self-assembling module diphenylalanine (FF) dipeptide into a bioactive moiety. The conjugate self-assembles to form distinct nanometric structures such as nanospheres. The present invention further provides nanoparticles formed by supramolecular co-assembly of the conjugates with a diphenylalanine (FF) dipeptide or analog thereof, to generate bioactive self-assembled nanostructures.

Abstract: Novel nucleic acid sequences, vectors, modified cells, peptides and pharmaceutical compositions are provided that are useful in the treatment of human subjects having a ?NPM1 positive haematological malignancy. Corresponding methods and uses are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radiopharmaceuticals for in vivo imaging, in particular to radiotracer compositions which comprises 18F-labelled c-Met binding peptides. The invention provides said compositions, as well as associated automated methods of preparation and cassettes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to copolypeptide hydrogels (DCH) containing non-ionic hydrophilic residues (DCHEO), incorporation of thermoresponsive elements into DCHEO, to generate thermoresponsive DCH (DCHT), and hydrogels that include a combination of DCHEO and DCHT. The invention includes preparation, uses, compositions containing the hydrogels and methods of tuning the hydrogels. The hydrogels can be used to deliver an agent or cells to an organism.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of polymer production, in particular to the production of chitin and chitosan from microalgae belonging to the phylum Haptophyta to the phylum Chlorophyta, or to the phylum Heterokontophyta, particularly from microalgae of the genus Isochrysis, Chlorella, Bracteacoccus, Chlorococcum, Scenedesmns, Desmodesmus, Haematococcus, Thalassiosira and Nannochloropsis, as well as to microalgal extracts thereof and their uses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel synthetic polypeptides and uses thereof in the preparation of liposomes. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the synthetic polypeptide comprises a membrane lytic motif, a masking motif, and a linker configured to link the membrane lytic motif and the masking motif. The linker is cleavable by a stimulus, such as, light, protease, or phosphatase. Once being coupled to a liposome, the exposure to the stimulus cleaves the linker that results in the separation of the masking motif from the membrane lytic motif, which in turn exerts membrane lytic activity on the liposome that leads to the collapse of the intact structure of the liposome, and releases the agent encapsulated in the liposome to the target site. Also disclosed herein are methods of diagnosing or treating a disease in a subject by use of the present liposomes.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for targeting and internalizing molecules into cells of interest and for penetration by molecules of tissues of interest. The compositions and methods are based on peptide sequences that are selectively internalized by a cell, penetrate tissue, or both. The disclosed internalization and tissue penetration is useful for delivering therapeutic and detectable agents to cells and tissues of interest.

Abstract: An anti-inflammatory peptide comprises an anti-inflammatory fragment of a protein selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 16, the anti-inflammatory fragment being 7 to 37 amino acids in length and having a charge of between ?9 and +3; wherein the c-terminal amino acid is not cysteine (C) or methionine (M), and the n-terminal amino acid is not cysteine (C), histidine (H), proline (P) or threonine (T). The anti-inflammatory fragment does not contain cysteine (C). The anti-inflammatory fragment is from a region of the proteins of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 16, which region is characterised by being 17 to 109 amino acids in length and having a charge of between ?6 and +4, wherein the c-terminal amino acid of the region is not aspartic acid (D), phenylalanine (F), methionine (M) or tryptophan (W), and the n-terminal amino acid of the region is not aspartic acid (D), histidine (H), methionine (M), proline (P) or tryptophan (W). Examples of peptides are provided in SEQ ID NOs: 71 to 221.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a selective transport molecule with increased in vivo circulation. In some embodiments, a selective transport molecule disclosed herein has the formula (A-X-B-C)-M, wherein C is a cargo moiety; A is a peptide with a sequence comprising 5 to 9 consecutive acidic amino acids, wherein the amino acids are selected from: aspartates and glutamates; B is a peptide with a sequence comprising 5 to 20 consecutive basic amino acids; X is a linker; and M is a macromolecular carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates including a chelating moiety of a metal complex thereof and a therapeutic or targeting moiety, methods for their production, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Described are a fraction collector and a method of fraction collection for a liquid chromatography system. The method includes diverting a liquid chromatography system flow from a waste channel to a collection tube at a start of a fraction collection window and collecting the system flow dispensed from the collection tube during the fraction collection window. At the end of the window, the system flow is diverted to the waste channel and a flow of a wash solvent is provided to the collection tube to dispense liquid remaining in the collection tube at the end of the window from the collection tube. The method can increase the amount of the collected fraction and can reduce or eliminate cross-contamination of a subsequently collected fraction. The method is useful for analytical scale applications where the collected fractions may have volumes defined by a limited number of drops dispensed from the collection tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds comprising a cyclic peptide wherein the compound binds to a MSH receptor to image and treat cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous melanoma cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma.

Abstract: Systems, kits and methods for preparing an injection system and/or treating target lesions with a selective internal radiation therapy which includes a double-barrel syringe loaded with a two-component tissue glue and radioisotope loaded microspheres. The microspheres are loaded into the syringe based on the size of the target location and are administered with a needle or dual-lumen catheter. Dosing regimens for treating breast cancer lesions or surgical beds up to 130 mm in diameter and hepatocellular carcinoma lesions up to 50 mm are included.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, and devices for sensing, detecting, and/or selectively capturing phosphate from water. An exemplary method includes: contacting a ligand or a rare earth metal complex of a ligand as described herein with an aqueous phosphate-containing medium at a pH of 5 to 12 under conditions sufficient to bind phosphate (e.g., reversibly bind phosphate). In certain embodiments, the method further includes releasing the bound phosphate by contacting the bound phosphate complex with an aqueous medium at a pH of 0 to 4 under conditions sufficient to release the bound phosphate.

Abstract: The radiopharmaceutical 177Lu-PSMA I&T is provided, including in high purities with extended shelf life. Further provided are methods of synthesis of 177Lu-PSMA I&T and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment that comprise 177Lu-PSMA I&T.

Abstract: Methods are described for determining the amount of insulin in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying insulin in a biological sample utilizing purification methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for evaporating a radioactive fluid, a method for the synthesis of a radiolabelled compound including this system, and a cassette for the synthesis of a radiolabelled compound comprising this system. The present invention provides advantages over known methods for evaporation of a radioactive fluid as it reduces drastically the amount of radioactive gaseous chemicals that are released in the hot cell. It is gentler and more secure compared to the known process and provides access to radiosyntheic processes that may not been acceptable for safety reasons related to release of volatile radioactive gases during evaporation. In addition, the process yields are higher because the radioactive volatiles are labelled intermediate species.

Abstract: Provided is a highly sensitive and less expensive lectin-immobilized base material (for example, a lectin plate), such as lectin-immobilized base material having stable qualities and being able to be sufficiently washed after a target sugar chain-containing antigen binds thereto. Further provided is a method for immobilizing lectin to a base material therefor. Particularly provided are: a method whereby a lectin-peptide fusion, in which a peptide capable of adsorbing to a base material surface such as a polystyrene (PS) tag is fused with the N-terminal side or C-terminal side of lectin capable of recognizing a target sugar chain, is immobilized on the peptide side to a base material; and a lectin-immobilized base material produced by this method. By using the lectin-immobilized base material, a target sugar chain-containing antigen can be highly sensitively and evenly measured and, moreover, target sugar chain-containing cells, etc. can be separated (concentrated and harvested).

Abstract: A cyclic peptide is represented by Formula (I), RN—Xg—[Xi—Xa—Xm—X1—X2—X3—Xn—Xb—Xj]k—Xh—RC??(I) in Formula (I), RN represents an N-terminal group; RC represents a C-terminal group; X1 represents an L-leucine residue, an L-isoleucine residue, an L-methionine residue, an L-lysine residue, or an L-arginine residue; X2 represents an L-valine residue or an L-isoleucine residue; X3 represents an L-tryptophan residue or an L-phenylalanine residue; one of Xa and Xb represents an amino acid residue derived from an amino acid having an azide group on a side chain and the other represents an amino acid residue derived from an amino acid having an alkynyl group on a side chain, and Xg, Xh, Xi, Xj, Xm, and Xn each represent g consecutive X's, h consecutive X's, i consecutive X's, j consecutive X's, m consecutive X's, and n consecutive X's; X represents an amino acid residue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that are useful as radiopharmaceuticals and radioimaging agents which bear a radionuclide-chelating agent. These coordinated compounds are useful in radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging. The invention also relates to methods of diagnosis, prognosis and therapy utilising the non-coordinated and radiolabelled compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Aggregated Tau protein is associated with over 20 neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. Previous work has shown that Tau's sequence segments VQIINK (SEQ ID NO: 11) and VQIVYK (SEQ ID NO: 9) drive its aggregation, and that inhibitors based on the structure of the VQIVYK (SEQ ID NO: 9) segment partially inhibit Tau aggregation. Here we show that the VQIINK (SEQ ID NO: 11) segment is the more powerful driver of Tau aggregation. Two structures of this segment determined by the cryo EM method MicroED explain its more powerful seeding. Of practical significance, the understanding of the structures has led to the design of structure based peptide inhibitors that effectively inhibit Tau aggregation as well as the ability of exogenous Tau fibrils to seed intracellular Tau in mammalian cells into amyloid.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a radionuclide imaging agent includes providing an imaging agent including a chelated place-holder metal; loading the imaging agent onto an acid stable stationary phase; replacing the chelated place-holder metal of the imaging agent loaded on the stationary phase with a replacement radioactive metal under mild reaction conditions; and eluting the imaging agent including the chelated replacement radioactive metal from the stationary phase to provide a radionuclide imaging agent suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The imaging agent can include a targeting agent that is directly conjugated to the imaging agent or by means of a linker. The process may also apply to other metals that are non-radioactive but used as diluent metals or other metals that are strongly bound to DOTA.

Abstract: Provided is a novel peptide for preventing or treating inflammatory diseases and a use thereof. According to the novel dimeric or trimeric peptide, it is possible to not only exhibit an excellent therapeutic effect through anti-inflammatory action but also have a very small-sized peptide, thereby minimizing side effects due to the administration of external substances. Therefore, it is expected that the peptide can be used as an active substance that can replace existing therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Nectin-4 and Nectin-1 in cancer progression/development and as a therapeutic target for cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery including: a composite laparoscope for near infrared ray/gamma ray/visible ray acquisition configured to acquire triple images of a gamma ray from a gamma ray radioactive material injected to a diseased part, a visible ray, and a near infrared ray; an optical fiber configured to transmit the triple images acquired from the composite laparoscope; an optical source configured to generate a white light for acquiring a visible image through the optical fiber and a near infrared ray excitation light for acquiring a near infrared ray image by exciting a near infrared ray emitting fluorescence material at the disease part; an optical-to-electrical conversion module configured to separate individual images of the visible ray, near infrared ray and gamma ray from the triple images delivered through the optical fiber and then respectively convert the individual images to electrical signals; a matching uni

Abstract: Bi-specific fusion proteins with therapeutic uses are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such fusion proteins, and methods for using such fusion proteins to repair damaged tissue. The bi-specific fusion proteins generally comprise: (a) a targeting polypeptide domain that binds to an ischemia-associated molecule; and (b) an activator domain that that detectably modulates the activity of a cellular network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of imaging arthritis in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a tracer which comprises a peptide conjugated to a radionuclide, and imaging the subject by 2D nuclear imaging or by 3D detection of single-photon emission events.

Abstract: Variant peptides of calcitonin gene-related peptide alpha (?CGRP), calcitonin gene-related peptide beta (?CGRP), and adrenomedullin (AM) are disclosed, wherein the variant peptides have high binding affinity and agonistic or antagonistic activity for at least one receptor complex of CLR:RAMP1, CLR:RAMP2, and CLR:RAMP3. Also disclosed are methods of use of the variant peptides in therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: An electrochemical method is provided for in-vitro determination of the presence of bacteria producing lactamases, in a sample that may contain such bacteria.

Abstract: Treatment of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia comprises administration of an effective amount of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist (GLP1RA) exendin(9-39). Patients suffering from hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery or gastrointestinal surgery experience particular benefit, as there is no current method effective for their treatment. Prevention or reduction of acute adverse effects of postprandial hypoglycemia, such as palpitations, tremor, weakness, sweating, confusion, fatigue, blurred vision, seizures, or loss of consciousness, and prevention of chronic adverse effects of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, such as cognitive impairment, can be achieved by treatment with GLP1RA exendin(9-39).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides activatable and detectable membrane-interacting peptides that, following activation, can interact with phospholipid bilayers, such as cell membranes. The present disclosure also provides methods of use of such compounds. The compounds of the present disclosure are of the general structure X1a-A-X2-Z-X1b, where A is a membrane-interacting peptide region having a plurality of nonpolar hydrophobic amino acid residues that, following separation from portions Z, is capable of interaction with a phospholipid bilayer; Z is an inhibitory peptide region that can inhibit the activity of portion A; X2 is a cleavable linker that can be cleaved to release cleavage products from the compound; and X1a and X1b are optionally-present chemical handles that facilitate conjugation of various cargo moieties to the compound. Prior to cleavage of the composition at X2, the composition acts as a promolecule that does not associate with cellular membranes to a significant or detectable level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound that can be used for targeted drug delivery, imaging a patient, or diagnosing a subject for a clinical condition which is believed to be associated with overexpression and/or upregulation of CXCR4. In particular, the present invention provides a high affinity CXCR4 selective binding ligand peptide conjugate (PC) of the Formula: P-(L-A)n (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a method for using and producing the same. The high affinity CXCR4 selective binding ligand peptide conjugate (PC) of the invention is useful in diagnosing, treating or imaging a patient. In compound of Formula (I), n is an integer from 1 to the sum of (the total number of amino acid resides in P and the total number of side-chain functional group in the amino acid residue of P); each A is independently a diagnostic agent, a therapeutic agent, or an imaging agent; L is a linker or absent; and P is a high affinity CXCR4 selective binding peptidyl ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radionuclide complex solutions of high concentration and of high chemical stability, that allows their use as drug product for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. The stability of the drug product is achieved by at least one stabilizer against radiolytic degradation. The use of two stabilizers introduced during the manufacturing process at different stages was found to be of particular advantage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radionuclide complex solutions of high concentration and of high chemical stability, that allows their use as drug product for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. The stability of the drug product is achieved by at least one stabilizer against radiolytic degradation. The use of two stabilizers introduced during the manufacturing process at different stages was found to be of particular advantage.