bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic cooperation between public and private sectors – a comparative analysis of the Olympic Games in Athens 2004 and London 2012
Authors: Jastrząbek Julia
Published: October 2018

The Olympic Games are considered to be the most important sports event in the world. In spite of the sports’ dimension of the Olympics, there are many other aspects which should be taken into consideration when thinking about the Olympics. These refer to economic, political, organisational and social fields. An appropriate budget, organisational structure, sports and non-sports infrastructure are just a few of the necessary issues. The major aim of this article is to present the spectrum of cooperation between the public and private sector during the Athens 2004 and London 2012 Olympic Games, the economic effectiveness of the Olympics in both cities and the realisation of the Olympic Legacy focused on post-game infrastructure and other facilities and areas of a socio-economic reality. The results of this study reveal that only a host city where an appropriate organisational structure, net of stakeholders, budget and strategy for Olympic infrastructure are established, is capable of drawing potential benefits from The Olympic Legacy.
Report from participation in the 14th World Congress of the International Society of Sport
Psychology on 10–14 June 2017 in Seville
Authors: Blecharz Jan
Published: October 2018

Report from participation in the 14th World Congress of the International Society of Sport
Psychology on 10–14 June 2017 in Seville
Comparison and Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Around Lower Central Incisors in Class III and Class I Patients
Authors: Atik Ezgi , Gorucu-coskuner Hande , Taner Tülin
Published: October 2018

Objectives: The aim was to compare the alveolar bone
support of mandibular central incisors in subjects with Class III and Class I
skeletal patterns using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods: Group 1 included 20 patients (mean
age=19.78±2.80) with Class III malocclusion (mean ANB°=-2.77±3.69),
mesofacial growth pattern (FMA°=27.03 ±5.11) and lingual-inclined mandibular
incisors (IMPA°<85). Group 2 included 20 patients (mean age=20.85±3.97) with Class I malocclusion (mean ANB°=2.94 ±1.46), mesofacial growth pattern (FMA°=25.67±6.83) and normal inclined mandibular incisors
(85<IMPA°<95).
Vertical alveolar bone level and alveolar bone thickness (ABT) of total 80
mandibular central incisors (40 from each group) were evaluated. Buccal,
lingual and total ABT were measured at the crestal, midroot, and apical levels.
Buccal (BACH) and lingual (LACH) alveolar crestal heights were also evaluated.  Mann-Whitney U, independent samples-t-tests,
and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis were applied for statistical analysis.

Results: The lingual ABT at the crestal and
midroot level, buccal ABT at the apical level, and total ABT at all levels were
significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2 (p<0.05). There was a negative
correlation between the buccal (r=-0.324; p=0.042) ABT at the apical level and
mandibular plane angle. The change in mandibular incisor inclination was positively
correlated with buccal ABT at the apical level (r=0.463; p=0.003) and lingual
ABT at the crestal level (r=0.550;p<0.001). BACH was significantly higher in
Group 1 (2.21±1.48 mm) compared to Group 2
(1.42±0.17 mm) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: In subjects with Class III deformities,
mandibular central incisors have less bone support especially at the buccal
side of the alveolar bone at the apical level and lingual side of the alveolar
bone at the crestal and midroot levels. Rate of change in mandibular incisor
inclination and mandibular plane angle can be thought as significant factors
that may influence alveolar bone thickness.
The Relationship Between the Slope of the Mesioangular Lower Third Molars and the Presence of Second Molar Distal Caries: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Altan Ahmet , Soylu Emrah
Published: October 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the
relationship between the degree of mesioangular mandibular third molar teeth and
the presence of distal caries in the second molar teeth. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, panoramic radiographs of
617 patients (328 females, 289 males) with impacted teeth in partially erupted
mesioangular position were examined. The angle between the mandibular occlusal
plane and the occlusal surface of the mandibular third molar was measured. Third
molar teeth in mesioangular positions with an angle between 11° and 30° were
classified as Group 1, an angle between 31° and 50° as Group 2, and an angle
between 51° and 70° as Group 3. For each group, the presence of caries in the
distal contact point of adjacent second molar teeth was detected. Results: A total of 816 mandibular third molar teeth in the mesioangular
position were analyzed. Of these, 439 (53.8%) were in females and 377 (46.2%)
were in males. The prevalence of caries in the distal aspect of the second
molar teeth was 34.5% in males and 21.4% in females (p<0.001). A
statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p<0.05).
The results showed that a slope of 51° to 70° in mandibular third molar
presents a higher risk for caries formation in the distal aspect of second
molar teeth.

Conclusions: Early prophylactic extraction of impacted mandibular
teeth with a slope between 51° and 70° may prevent caries formation in the distal
aspect of adjacent second molar teeth.
Are we doing our homework? An analysis of food engineering education in Brazil
Authors: Lara Silva Vivian-Lara , Makishi Fausto , Magossi Marcus , Freitas Moraes Izabel Cristina , Favaro Trindade Carmen Silvia , Jose do Amaral Sobral Paulo
Published: October 2018

What is the profile of Food Engineering education in Brazil? Are we following the contemporary professional renewal trend? Driven by these questions, the present study analyzed data regarding 21 academic courses, which represent approximately 22% of the total bachelor’s degree in food engineering courses offered in the country. Samples were defined considering a Brazilian annual ranking of undergraduate programs: very good (four stars) and excellent (five stars). Next, information was recovered from both the Brazilian Ministry of Education and institutional homepages of each analyzed program. The results suggest that food engineering programs exhibit relative identity, naturally due to their history and the path of each program and their faculty, shaping particularities in how fields of knowledge are constituted, in addition to their representativeness in the total workload of the program. However, initial analysis is suggestive regarding understanding that Brazil is not properly doing its homework, based on global movement, concerning food engineering education. The need to rethink Brazilian technical education, without culminating in additional workload, is emphasized, not only regarding new materials and technologies for learning and teaching, but also in terms of bringing a human and market approach. The achievement of this complex goal seems to be provided by the encouragement of student associations, transversal learning processes, and learning experiences outside the classroom as a means of improving undergraduate programs and human resources.
Mismatch between the quality of dwelling units and residents’ health condition in elderly housing with supportive services
Authors: Sannomiya Motohiro , Hwang Byung Joon , Suzuki Yoshihiro
Published: October 2018

This work aims to clarify mismatches between the health condition of residents of the Elderly Housing with Supportive Services (EHSS) and quality of dwelling unit to understand how to improve the quality of the living environment. This work reviews development trends in EHSS and population growth to understand the difficulties faced in improving EHSS in the community. Data were collected from the information disclosure system on the WEB site and through a questionnaire survey of EHSS management bodies. Although residents in regions with large populations have more variety, the plan‐service types available in smaller regions had disproportionately high amounts of room types with moderate to high care, despite that distribution of residents’ necessary care levels were constant across region size. Development of EHSS for self‐supporting residents or those needing mild care is a necessity. Mismatches also emerged between health condition, household size, and degree of care. Many couples were living in R‐housing, displaying a difficulty in EHSS to meet the needs of couples who wish to continue living together. Many residents able to live independently are living in R‐housing, restricting their daily living activities, and presenting a risk of losing the motivation to live.
Herbicides
Authors: Duke Stephen O , Dayan Franck E
Published: October 2018

Herbicides represent about 60% of the pesticides used worldwide. Bioherbicides are a growing portion of the herbicides used, but the several hundred commercial synthetic herbicides represent most of the herbicide market. Since their introduction about 70 years ago, weed management has been dominated by synthetic herbicides because of their efficiency and economic benefits to farmers. These herbicides have only about 20 modes of action, and resistance has evolved to most of them. New modes of action are needed for resistance management, but only a single new herbicide mode of action has been introduced in the last 30 years. Crops made resistant to the nonselective herbicide glyphosate through transgene technology have helped to make glyphosate the most used herbicide worldwide, but evolution of glyphosate‐resistant weeds is reducing reliance on glyphosate. New technologies, such as precision agriculture, will reduce herbicide use in the future.

Key Concepts

Herbicides are the principal means of weed management worldwide.

Most herbicides act by inhibiting the function of a single protein target (the mode of action).

Weeds have evolved resistance to most herbicide classes.

Crops made resistant to the herbicide glyphosate have played a dominant role in transgenic crops and in weed management.

Herbicides with new modes of action are badly needed for herbicide resistance management.
Factors Associated With Hand and Upper Arm Functional Disability in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arab Alkabeya Hisham , Hughes Ann‐Marie , Adams Jo
Published: October 2018

Objective

This original systematic review aimed to summarize evidence within observational studies on the factors associated with hand functional disability in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A rigorous extensive systematic literature search was conducted in 6 medical databases for peer‐reviewed English language observational studies that explore the factors associated with hand function for people with RA. Factors were critically classified under the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework and health‐related factors. The methodologic quality was determined using the appraisal tool for cross‐sectional studies. Factors related to hand function that were investigated in ≥2 studies were explored using a best‐evidence synthesis.

Results

Twenty articles from 1,271 citations met the inclusion criteria. All presented cross‐sectional data (5 high‐quality and 15 low‐quality articles), resulting in limited evidence in the best‐evidence synthesis. For the factors classified under the ICF domains, the best‐evidence synthesis indicated that a diverse range of positive and negative factors were associated with hand function. However, key factors were hand strength, disease activity, and pain intensity. It is evident that few sociodemographic factors have been explored for the association with hand function.

Conclusion

Although the level of evidence was limited, modifiable factors such as grip strength, disease activity, and pain were identified as the most influential factors on hand function in people with RA. The findings of the present review indicate that important sociodemographic factors that impact hand function in individuals with RA have not yet been considered or reported in clinical research.
Correlation of the Multi‐Biomarker Disease Activity Score With Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Johnson Tate M. , Register Kyle A. , Schmidt Cynthia M. , O'Dell James R. , Mikuls Ted R. , Michaud Kaleb , England Bryant R.
Published: October 2018

Objective

There are conflicting reports on the validity of the multi‐biomarker disease activity (MBDA) score for assessing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity. Our aim was to perform a systematic review of the MBDA and a meta‐analysis of the correlation between the MBDA and other RA disease activity measures.

Methods

A systematic review was performed by searching Medline, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from inception to March 7, 2017. Study details, MBDA performance, and study quality were assessed by independent reviewers. Correlations of the MBDA with composite RA disease activity measures were pooled using random‐effects meta‐analyses.

Results

A total of 22 studies were identified in the systematic review, of which 8 (n = 3,242 assays) reported correlations of the MBDA with RA disease activity measures. Pooling results from these 8 studies in the meta‐analysis, the MBDA demonstrated modest correlations with the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP; r = 0.41, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.36–0.46) and the Disease Activity Score using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR; r = 0.48, 95% CI 0.38–0.58), with weaker correlations observed with the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI; r = 0.35, 95% CI 0.26–0.43), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI; r = 0.26, 95% CI 0.19–0.33), and Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3; r = 0.23, 95% CI 0.19–0.27). Correlations between change in MBDA and change in disease activity measures ranged from r = 0.53 for the DAS28‐ESR to r = 0.26 for the CDAI.

Conclusion

The MBDA demonstrates moderate convergent validity with the DAS28‐CRP and the DAS28‐ESR but weaker correlations with the SDAI, CDAI, and RAPID3. While it appears to complement existing RA disease activity measures, further assessment of the performance characteristics of the MBDA is warranted.
Actuator failure‐tolerant control of an all‐thruster satellite in coupled translational and rotational motion using neural networks
Authors: Tavakoli M.M. , Assadian N.
Published: October 2018

The nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) approach is used to control the coupled translational‐rotational motion of an all‐thruster spacecraft when one of the actuators fails. In order to model the dynamical response of the spacecraft in MPC, instead of direct integration, a neural network (NN) model is utilized. This model is built of a static NN, followed by a dynamic NN. The static NN is used to find the changes of the mapping of “the demanded forces to the thrusters” and “the real torques/forces produced by the remaining thrusters” after the failure occurrence through online training. In this manner, the effect of failed thruster on the dynamics can be found and the need for conventional and separate “fault detection and isolation” in previous works is eliminated. The dynamic NN is used to replicate the dynamical equations of the spacecraft excluding the effects of the mapping of thrusters demand to the real generated force and torque. Using updated model of the spacecraft through the learning capability of the NNs, the nonlinear MPC is able to compensate the failure of the thruster with the help of the remaining active thrusters. Through numerical simulations, it is shown that in the presence of thruster failure(s) this approach can effectively control the spacecraft with the remaining actuators.
Challenges in Pressureless Sintering of Interstitially Alloyed TRIP Steel and Resulting Mechanical Properties
Authors: Baumgart Christine , Weigelt Christian , Wendler Marco , Saenko Ivan , Aneziris Christos G. , Volkova Olena , Krüger Lutz
Published: October 2018

The focus of the current study is to investigate the challenges encountered in processing an interstitially alloyed stainless steel powder by means of an extrusion process derived from the manufacture of ceramics with subsequent pressureless sintering. Previous investigations reveal a distinct loss of nitrogen during conventional sintering in pure argon atmospheres due to the temperature/time regimes applied and the absence of a suitable partial pressure of nitrogen. Consequently, different flushing gases (consisting of argon and nitrogen) are used to keep the nitrogen content in the pre‐alloyed steel powder constant during consolidation. The resulting chemical compositions of the manufactured compacts are determined, as are the microstructures and the mechanical properties, which are recorded under quasi‐static compressive loading. A detailed analysis is conducted to determine the reasons for the loss of interstitial elements in the materials studied, a phenomenon caused by oxidation and reduction reactions throughout the processing chain. In addition, the differences between the materials in their work‐hardening behavior and in the kinetics of the TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) effect are discussed as a function of the amount of interstitial elements remaining in the sintered materials.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Indolines from Aroyloxycarbamates through a Tandem Decarboxylative Amination/Heck/Annulation Reaction
Authors: Wang Zheng , Li Peihe , Fu Hui , Dai Qipu , Hu Changwen
Published: October 2018

A novel synthesis of functionalized indolines via a Pd‐catalyzed tandem decarboxylative amination/Heck/annulation reaction has been developed. This process features operational simplicity, mild conditions, and the use of a readily available and environmentally friendly starting material, namely carboxylic acid. Furthermore, the reaction shows good functional group tolerance and chemical selectivity.

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Conductive Cellulose Nanofiber Enabled Thick Electrode for Compact and Flexible Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Kuang Yudi , Chen Chaoji , Pastel Glenn , Li Yiju , Song Jianwei , Mi Ruiyu , Kong Weiqing , Liu Boyang , Jiang Yingqi , Yang Ken , Hu Liangbing
Published: October 2018

Thick electrodes are appealing for high energy density devices but succumb to sluggish charge transfer kinetics and poor mechanical stability. Nanomaterials with large aspect ratio, such as carbon nanotubes, can help improve the charge transfer and strength of thick electrodes but represent a costly solution which hinders their utility outside of “lab scale production.” Here, a conductive nanofiber network with decoupled electron and ion transfer pathways by the conformal electrostatic assembly of neutral carbon black particles on negatively charged cellulose nanofibers is reported. After integrating with lithium iron phosphate (LFP), the conductive nanofiber network enables a compact and high‐loaded (up to 60 mg cm−2) electrode with robust electrical networks and shortened ion transport paths. The interconnected nanopores inherited from the conductive network function as nanosized electrolyte reservoirs surrounding the electroactive materials and acting as ion‐conducting highways across the electrode. Based on the compact electrode structure and fast charge transfer kinetics, flexible Li‐LFP batteries with outstanding areal capacity and volumetric energy density (8.8 mAh cm−2 and 538 Wh L−1) are developed, substantially exceeding conventional LFP‐based batteries. Given the low cost raw materials together with the scale up processability, the conductive nanofiber design provides a promising strategy toward high‐performance energy storage devices.
Significantly Enhanced Uranium Extraction from Seawater with Mass Produced Fully Amidoximated Nanofiber Adsorbent
Authors: Wang Dong , Song Jianan , Wen Jun , Yuan Yihui , Liu Zhenglian , Lin Sen , Wang Haiyang , Wang Haolun , Zhao Shilei , Zhao Xuemei , Fang Minghao , Lei Ming , Li Bo , Wang Ning , Wang Xiaolin , Wu Hui
Published: October 2018

The oceans contain hundreds of times more uranium than terrestrial ores. Fiber‐based adsorption is considered to be the most promising method to realize the industrialization of uranium extraction from seawater. In this work, a pre‐amidoximation with a blow spinning strategy is developed for mass production of poly(imide dioxime) nanofiber (PIDO NF) adsorbents with many chelating sites, excellent hydrophilicity, 3D porous architecture, and good mechanical properties. The structural evidences from 13C NMR spectra confirm that the main functional group responsible for the uranyl binding is not “amidoxime” but cyclic “imidedioxime.” The uranium adsorption capacity of the PIDO NF adsorbent reaches 951 mg‐U per g‐Ads in uranium (8 ppm) spiked natural seawater. An average adsorption capacity of 8.7 mg‐U per g‐Ads is obtained after 56 d of exposure in natural seawater via a flow‐through column system. Moreover, up to 98.5% of the adsorbed uranium can be rapidly eluted out and the adsorbent can be regenerated and reused for over eight cycles of adsorption–desorption. This new blow spun PIDO nanofabric shows great potential as a new generation adsorbent for uranium extraction from seawater.
Perioperative ultrasound‐assisted clinical evaluation – A case based review
Authors: Royse Colin , Canty David , Sessler Daniel
Published: October 2018

Ultrasound is increasingly being adopted into anaesthesia and intensive care practice. The range of ultrasound examination has also increased from transoesophageal echocardiography in cardiac surgery and ultrasound‐guided nerve blocks and vascular access, to examination of the heart, lungs, abdomen and deep veins. Typically, the use of ultrasound is focused or basic, designed to be performed by the anaesthetist at the patient's bedside in real time to answer clinical questions and to direct therapy. Ultrasound is not performed in isolation, but used to complement clinical evaluation, and accordingly can be considered as ‘ultrasound‐assisted perioperative evaluation’. Whilst there is good evidence that ultrasound improves diagnostic accuracy and in turn alters management, there are few data examining whether ultrasound leads to improved clinical outcomes. This review will examine multiple uses of perioperative ultrasound with case studies to illustrate potential utility.
Iron‐Catalyzed Carbenoid‐Transfer Reactions of Vinyl Sulfoxonium Ylides: An Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Vaitla Janakiram , Bayer Annette , Hopmann Kathrin H.
Published: October 2018

A method for the generation of unprecedented vinyl carbenoids from sulfoxonium ylides has been developed and applied in the synthesis of a diverse array of heterocycles such as indolizines, pyrroles, 3‐pyrrolin‐2‐ones, and furans. The reactions proceed by FeBr2 catalysis under mild reaction conditions with a broad substrate scope. A reaction pathway involving iron carbenoids is proposed based on a series of control experiments and DFT calculations.
Synthesis of androgen receptor antagonists containing a pentafluorosulfanyl (SF5) moiety
Authors: Jin Jiyu , Zhou Yan , Yang Dehua , Zhang Qiumeng , Wang Ming‐Wei , Lu Wei
Published: October 2018

A novel scaffold of pentafluorosulfanyl (SF5)‐containing enzalutamide analogues was discovered for potent androgen receptor (AR) antagonists through rational drug design. Several compounds showed good biological profiles in AR binding. Of the derivatives studied, compound 8a had potent AR antagonist activity (IC50 = 7.1 ± 1.0 µM) and high efficacy (104.5 ± 12.8%). It exhibited an inhibitory effect comparable to that of enzalutamide (inhibition = 66.0 and 77.9%, respectively) in a prostate cancer cell line. The results point to the potential of using this scaffold to develop new AR antagonists.
‘I think we are still very directive’: Teachers’ discourses on democratic student participation
Authors: Saiz‐Linares Ángela , Rodríguez‐Hoyos Carlos , Susinos‐Rada Teresa
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study [Susinos, T. (Dir.), ‘Schools moving towards inclusion: Learning from the local community, the student voice and educational support’ (I+D+I, EDU2011‐29928‐C03‐03)] is to gain a deeper understanding of the analysis of the discourses that different education professionals in the Spanish education system have on student participation in schools, based on the premise that they tacitly reflect different models of democracy and advance very diverse school practices. The study is based on the Student Voice Movement, which is defined by its commitment to deliberative democratic education and its role in the development of inclusive schools. In this article, we have conducted a qualitative analysis of the data from 31 in‐depth interviews carried out with teachers and other education professionals from nine schools. These teachers’ discourses are summarised in four dimensions, which we have named individual, pedagogical, organisational and socio‐political. Some conclusions of this work demonstrate a predominance of discourses linked to an individual and pedagogical dimension of participation, based on the idea that this fundamentally depends on the personal dispositions that some students have. It is less common to appeal to the socio‐political dimension, which refers to participation as a citizen's right to debate and make decisions regarding common and public affairs. This suggests that teachers still see their work from a technical point of view, rather than envisaging the school as a space for democratic participation and practice. In short, with this study we aim to contribute to normative theories on participation and democracy in order to expand their empirical and practical support in schools.
Porosity‐engineered Hard Carbons Hybridized with Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Xue Yun , Lee Churl Seung , Bae Joonho
Published: October 2018

Mesoporous carbon‐based materials are attractive for energy storage devices. A novel multidimensional carbonaceous electrode material (hard carbon‐CNT, denoted as HC‐CNT) with the utilization of porous hard carbon as support was successfully synthesized in this work. Morphology of as‐obtained products was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the phase was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and the surface area was tested via Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) method. The specific area of as‐synthesized HC‐CNT was up to 72.1 m2/g compared to hard carbon material (2.4 m2/g). The electrochemical characterization of HC‐CNT electrode was performed in a three‐electrode system. The results indicated great improvement in electrochemical performances for supercapacitors. The mass‐specific capacitance of HC‐CNT was 96.6 mF/cm2 at the current density of 1.5 mA/cm2, which was approximately two to three times larger than that of HCs. Furthermore, HC‐CNT electrode showed a lower internal resistance and superior charge–discharge property, demonstrating the kind of materials can be a promising candidate for electrode material for energy storage devices.
Detection of Zinc(II) by a Fluorescence Chemosensor Based on Benzofuran in Aqueous Media and Live Cells
Authors: Jang Hyo Jung , Kim Ahran , Jung Jae Min , Lee Misun , Lim Mi Hee , Kim Cheal
Published: October 2018

A fluorescence chemosensor HBC ((E)‐3‐((2‐hydroxybenzylidene)amino)benzofuran‐2‐carboxamide) for detection of Zn2+ was designed by the condensation combination of 3‐aminobenzofuran‐2‐carboxamide and salicylaldehyde. Sensor HBC showed an excellent selective “off–on” fluorescent response toward Zn2+. Detection limit (1.08 μM) for Zn2+ was much lower than the WHO standard (76.0 μM). Importantly, HBC could recognize and quantify Zn2+ in real samples and live cells. Detection process of HBC for Zn2+ was explained by ESI‐mass, Job plot, UV–Vis and 1H NMR titrations, and theoretical calculations.
Fast and Simple Qualitative/Semi‐Quantitative Analysis of Monoclonal Antibody Mixtures Using Liquid Chromatography–Electrospray Triple Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Byeon Jin‐Ju , Park Min‐Ho , Shin Seok‐Ho , Shin Young G.
Published: October 2018

Bispecific antibodies are generally prepared by co‐expression of mixtures of recombinant monoclonal antibodies. Because of increased molecular complexity, characterization of a desired bispecific antibody or a mixture of monoclonal antibodies is more challenging than characterization of a conventional single monoclonal antibody. The purpose of this study is to develop a fast and simple method for qualitative/semi‐quantitative analysis of antibody mixtures using liquid chromatography–electrospray triple time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐TOF/MS) to complement the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. To demonstrate the proof of concept for the analysis of antibody mixtures, three different tool monoclonal antibodies (trastuzumab, rituximab, and cetuximab) with various mixture ratios were treated by either PNGase or Fabricator to simplify the antibody structures without glycans. After deglycosylation, the mixtures of antibodies were analyzed by LC‐ESI‐TOF/MS in the positive ion mode. The m/z scan range of 2000–4000 was used for the deconvolution of each peak from antibodies. Because each antibody could show different ionization efficiency in TOF MS, the peak intensities obtained from various mixture antibodies (1:6:3 or 3:1:6 or 6:3:1) were normalized by the peak intensities of 1:1:1 mixture of three antibodies. Overall, two different methods treated by either PNGase or Fabricator were comparable in estimating the mixture ratios; however, the accuracy and precision data from the Fabricator group were slightly better than PNGase group possibly due to the generation of smaller fragments by Fabricator.
Cathepsin L Causes Proteolytic Cleavage of Chinese‐Hamster‐Ovary Cell Expressed Proteins During Processing and Storage: Identification, Characterization, and Mitigation
Authors: Luo Haibin , Tie Liu , Cao Mingyan , Hunter Alan K. , Pabst Timothy M. , Du Jiali , Field Raymond , Li Yuling , Wang William K.
Published: October 2018

A stochastic approach of copurification of the protease Cathepsin L that results in product fragmentation during purification processing and storage is presented. Cathepsin L was identified using mass spectroscopy, characterization of proteolytic activity, and comparison with fragmentation patterns observed using recombinant Cathepsin L. Cathepsin L existed in Chinese hamster ovary cell culture fluids obtained from cell lines expressing different products and cleaved a variety of recombinant proteins including monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, bispecific antibodies, and fusion proteins. Therefore, characterization its chromatographic behavior is essential to ensure robust manufacturing and sufficient shelf life. The chromatographic behaviors of Cathepsin L using a variety of techniques including affinity, cation exchange, anion exchange, and mixed mode chromatography were systematically evaluated. Our data demonstrates that copurification of Cathepsin L on nonaffinity modalities is principally because of similar retention on the stationary phase and not through interactions with product. Lastly, Cathespin L exhibits a broad elution profile in cation exchange chromatography (CEX) likely because of its different forms. Affinity purification is free of fragmentation issue, making affinity capture the best mitigation of Cathepsin L. When affinity purification is not feasible, a high pH wash on CEX can effectively remove Cathepsin L but resulted in significant product loss, while anion exchange chromatography operated in flow‐through mode does not efficiently remove Cathepsin L. Mixed mode chromatography, using Capto™ adhere in this example, provides robust clearance over wide process parameter range (pH 7.7 ± 0.3 and 100 ± 50 mM NaCl), making it an ideal technique to clear Cathepsin L. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2732, 2019
Vasohibin 2 promotes malignant behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells by inducing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition via Hedgehog signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Ye , Xue Xiaofeng , Zhao Xiaoqian , Qin Lei , Shen Yu , Dou Huiqiang , Sun Jialin , Wang Tong , Yang Da‐Qing
Published: October 2018

Background

Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that Vasohibin 2 (VASH2) protein may induce epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells by promoting the malignant behaviors of these cells. The present study aimed to test this hypothesis and explore the possible mechanisms involved.

Methods

The expression of VASH2 in PC tissues and cell lines was detected by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot. PC cells with overexpression or knockdown of VASH2 were used to examine the involvement of VASH2 in EMT by detecting the expression of epithelial (E‐cadherin) and mesenchymal (vimentin) markers and EMT‐related transcription factor ZEB1/2, in gemcitabine resistance and tumor cell invasion by apoptosis and invasion assays, and in cancer stem cell‐like phenotypes by detecting the proportion of CD24+CD44+ and side population (SP) cells in PC cells with flow cytometry. The impact of VASH2 overexpression and knockdown on components of the Hedgehog signaling pathway was also assessed.

Results

We found that VASH2 was highly expressed in PC tissues and cells. It promoted the EMT of PC cells by altering ZEB1/2 expression. VASH2 also stimulated invasion and chemotherapeutic resistance of PC cells and increased the proportion of cancer stem‐like cells in PC cells. VASH2 did so by upregulating the expression of multiple molecules in the Hedgehog signaling pathway of PC cells.

Conclusion

VASH2 promotes malignant behaviors of PC cells by inducing EMT via activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
Relationship between fatty acid composition and starch properties of 30 japonica rice cultivars
Authors: Nakamura Sumiko , Katsura Junji , Maruyama Yasuhiro , Ohtsubo Ken'ichi
Published: October 2018

Background and objectives

Although lipids are less abundant than carbohydrates and proteins in rice, they are important because they contribute to its nutritional, sensory, and functional qualities. In a previous study, we developed novel estimation formulae for starch properties on the basis of the iodine absorption curve or the pasting properties. The objectives of the present research are to characterize the fatty acid compositions of the various rice cultivars and to develop the estimation formulae for fatty acid contents based on the pasting properties.

Findings

We found that high degree of polymerization of amylopectin cultivars showed a high Pt, and a higher degree of unsaturated fatty acid (USF) (20:0, 20:1, 22:0 and 24:0) and low CD of amylopectin samples showed a high linoleic and linolenic acid content, while that of Pt and Cons showed a low value.

Conclusions

We developed novel estimation formulae for oleic and linoleic acid content based on pasting properties, and these equations showed determination coefficients (R2) of 0.75, and 0.68 for calibration and 0.65, and 0.76 for the validation test, respectively.

Significance and novelty

These formulae would be useful to select the promising rice cultivars in terms of biofunctionality, such as prevention of lifestyle diseases.
From Zn(C6F5)2 to ZnEt2‐based Lewis Pairs: Significantly Improved Catalytic Activity and Monomer Adaptability for the Ring‐opening Polymerization of Lactones
Authors: Wang Bin , Wei Yuan , Li Zong‐Jun , Pan Li , Li Yue‐Sheng
Published: October 2018

In this contribution, the structure‐reactivity relationships of ZnR2/DMAP (R=C6F5, C6H5 and C2H5) Lewis pairs in ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones were investigated by crystallographic analysis, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and kinetic studies. With decrease of ZnR2 Lewis acidity, the interaction between ZnR2 and DMAP weakens and the dissociation of ZnR2⋅2DMAP Lewis adducts become easier, which facilitates the activation of cyclic ester monomers. Thus, the ZnEt2/DMAP Lewis pair, bearing weakest interaction between Lewis acid and Lewis base, exhibits high catalytic activity and broad monomer adaptability. ZnEt2⋅2DMAP can convert lactide (LA) rapidly into polylactide (PLA) even at room temperature. Furthermore, a wide range of cyclic esters can also be polymerized using this dual catalyst, from small lactones such as β‐butyrolactone (β‐BL), δ‐valerolactone (δ‐VL) and ϵ‐caprolactone (ϵ‐CL) to the strainless macrolactone. The optimal reaction pathway, key species and active species in the ZnEt2⋅2DMAP catalytic ROP of LA were figured out by DFT calculations. The results clearly indicated that a DMAP‐LA exchange was necessary for activation of monomer, and the single molecular initiation is preferred. Meanwhile, the cyclic active species is more stable than the linear analogues, in which DMAP and ZnEt2 bond with each polymer chain end respectively and ZnEt2 interact with DMAP. The DFT calculation gives an account for the formation of the cyclic polyester in the ROP of LA by ZnR2‐based Lewis pairs.
Design of Experiments: A comparison study from the non‐expert user's perspective
Authors: Santos Catarina P. , Rato Tiago J. , Reis Marco S.
Published: October 2018

In a digital era where terabytes of structured and unstructured records are created and stored every minute, the importance of collecting small amounts of high quality data is often undervalued. However, this activity plays a critical role in industrial and laboratory settings, when addressing problems from process modeling and analysis, to optimization and robust design. Implementing a screening design is usually the way to begin a systematic statistical Design of Experiments program. Its aim is to find the influential factors and establish a first description of the process under analysis. Recently, new developments have emerged in this field, especially with the appearance of a new class of designs that join screening efficiency with the possibility to estimate quadratic effects (definitive screening designs). Therefore, several alternatives are currently available for conducting screening studies, but information is still scarce on the pros and cons of each methodology. This study was thus designed to gather useful information from the user's perspective by independently considering each design with rather standard settings. For each design, its ability to recover the correct model structure was evaluated, through Monte Carlo simulations on several simulated process structures containing elements likely to be found in practice (they obey the general principles of effect sparsity, hierarchy, and heredity). As some screening designs can estimate quadratic terms, these effects were also considered in the simulated models, and three‐level designs were brought to the analysis for comparison purposes, even though they are not screening designs.
Cover Picture: Visible Light‐Promoted Three‐Component Carboazidation of Unactivated Alkenes with TMSN3 and Acrylonitrile (Chin. J. Chem. 11/2018)
Authors: Yang Bo , Ren Xiang , Shen Xuzhong , Li Tongtong , Lu Zhan
Published: October 2018

The cover picture shows a visible light promoted three‐component carboazidation of unactivated alkenes with TMSN3 and acrylonitrile. The photoredox reactions proceed through the azide radical generation, radical addition to alkenes in tandem with radical Michael addition to acrylonitrile. This protocol is operationally simple for straightforward access to azido derivatives with good functional group tolerance without any stoichiometric oxidants. More details are discussed in the article by Lu et al. on page 1017–1023.

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Back Cover: Diverse Fates of β‐Silyl Radical under Manganese Catalysis: Hydrosilylation and Dehydrogenative Silylation of Alkenes (Chin. J. Chem. 11/2018)
Authors: Yang Xiaoxu , Wang Congyang
Published: October 2018

The back cover picture shows the Janus face of manganese catalysis, namely, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and organometallic β‐H elimination pathways can be selectively manipulated by manganese from the common intermediate, β‐silyl radical, thus approaching to the hydrosilylation and dehydrogenative silylation of olefins under the catalysis of Mn(CO)5Br and Mn2(CO)10, respectively. More details on the interplay between radical and organometallic species are discussed in the article by Wang et al. on page 1047–1051.

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Association between ideal cardiovascular health and markers of subclinical cardiovascular disease
Authors: Shpilsky Daniel , Bambs Claudia , Kip Kevin , Patel Sanjay , Aiyer Aryan , Olafiranye Oladipupo , Reis Steven E. , Erqou Sebhat
Published: October 2018

Background

Ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) was proposed by the American Heart Association to promote population health. We aimed to characterize the association between ideal CVH and markers of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that ideal CVH is associated with several markers of subclinical CVD.

Methods

We used data from the Heart Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation (Heart SCORE) study. We assigned 1 for each of the ideal CVH factors met. Endothelial function, expressed as Framingham reactive hyperemia index (fRHI), was measured using the EndoPAT device. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) and carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) were quantified using electron beam computed tomography and carotid ultrasonography, respectively.

Results

A total of 1933 participants (mean [SD] age: 59 [7.5] years, 34% male, 44% black) were included. The mean number of ideal CVH factors met was 2.3 ± 1.3, with blacks having significantly lower score compared to whites (2.0 ± 1.2 vs 2.5 ± 1.4, respectively; P < 0.001). Seven hundred and eighty‐nine participants (41%) achieved ≥3 ideal CVH factors. Participants with ≥3 ideal CVH factors (compared to those with <3 factors) had an average of 107 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50‐165) Agatston units lower CAC, 0.04 (0.01‐0.06) mm lower CIMT, and 0.07 (0.02‐0.12) units higher fRHI, after adjusting for age, sex, race, income, education, and marital status. Participants with ≥3 ideal CVH factors had 50% lower odds (95% CI: 28%‐66%) of having CAC >100 Agatston units.

Conclusion

In a community‐based study with low prevalence of ideal CVH, even achieving three or more ideal CVH factors were associated with lower burden of subclinical CVD, indicating the utility of this construct for disease prevention.
Mapping the Pathway and Dynamics of Bestatin Inhibition of the Plasmodium falciparum M1 Aminopeptidase PfA‐M1
Authors: Yang Wei , Riley Blake T. , Lei Xiangyun , Porebski Benjamin T. , Kass Itamar , Buckle Ashley M. , McGowan Sheena
Published: October 2018

The M1 metallo‐aminopeptidase from Plasmodium falciparum, PfA‐M1, is an attractive drug target for the design of new antimalarials. Bestatin, a broad‐spectrum metalloprotease inhibitor, is a moderate inhibitor of PfA‐M1, and has been used to provide structure–activity relationships to inform drug design. The crystal structure of PfA‐M1 with bestatin bound within its active site has been determined; however, dynamics of the inhibitor and the association or dissociation pathway have yet to be characterized. Here we present an all‐atom molecular dynamics study where we have generated a hidden Markov state model from 2.3 μs of molecular dynamics simulation. Our hidden Markov state model identifies five macrostates that clearly show the events involved in bestatin dissociation from the PfA‐M1 active site. The results show for the first time that bestatin can escape the substrate specificity pockets of the enzyme, primarily due to weak interactions within the pockets. Our approach identifies relevant conformational sampling of the inhibitor inside the enzyme and the protein dynamics that could be exploited to produce potent and selective inhibitors that can differentiate between similar members of the M1 aminopeptidase superfamily.
Research on manufacturing productivity based on improved genetic algorithms under internet information technology
Authors: Luo Tingting , Li Guangyao , Yu Naijiang
Published: October 2018

The manufacturing characteristics of the manufacturing industry make the processing process more complex and difficult to control. How to have more effective production management and scheduling is the key link for enterprises to ensure balanced production. The problem of production scheduling and improvement of production efficiency is one of the core contents of manufacturing production management. It plays an important role in optimizing resource utilization, saving production costs and improving work efficiency. First, combined with the production characteristics of the manufacturing industry, the preliminary search ability for the basic genetic algorithm (GA) is high. The characteristics of poor search ability and strong ability of global optimization are in the late period, and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) has the characteristics of poor early search ability, strong late search ability, and easy to fall into local optimum. In order to obtain better scheduling results, we make the two algorithms complementary to each other, and propose an improved genetic algorithm to solve the manufacturing efficiency problem. It is verified that the algorithm has better search performance. Second, aiming at the dynamic characteristics of manufacturing in manufacturing and processing, using the multi‐module technology of Internet information technology, the Internet information technology production planning model was constructed, and the functions, structural models, and interactive of each module were studied. Finally, the shortest path is solved by optimizing the genetic algorithm. Experiments show that, based on the improved genetic algorithm with rapid convergence, it can effectively improve the manufacturing efficiency.
High dynamic range pseudo–two‐level digital pulse‐width modulation for power‐efficient RF transmitters
Authors: Arian Amir , Jannesari Abumoslem
Published: October 2018

Radio frequency (RF) power amplification based on pulse‐width modulation (PWM) has been widely discussed as a potential solution to achieve higher efficiency in RF transmitters. A digitally implemented PWM introduces a large amount of in‐band distortion due to spectral aliasing. In this paper, a novel memoryless PWM modulator with a built‐in anti‐aliasing filter is proposed that effectively reduces the in‐band distortion in digital implementation. The spectral characteristics of the proposed PWM modulator as well as the statistical properties of its output PWM signal are analytically studied. The pseudo–two‐level output of the proposed modulator provides the capability to compromise between the efficiency, linearity, and complexity of transmitter, based on the given design targets. The proposed PWM method benefits from a simple circuit implementation in both digital and RF sections of the transmitter. Moreover, it preserves the low distortion property at low oversampling ratios of digital baseband. Simulations, as well as measurements, verify the performance of the proposed method.
Study of Surface Plasmon Assisted Reactions to Understand the Light‐Induced Decarboxylation of N719 Sensitizer
Authors: Kang Leilei , Guo Yan , Miao Peng , Sun Mengtao , Song Bo , Xu Ping , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: October 2018

The factors that cause the instability of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) remain to be elucidated. In this work, we focus on the light‐induced instability of N719 sensitizer that represents a large class of the ruthenium bipyridine sensitizers in DSSCs through in situ surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) investigations. Systematic studies of surface plasmon‐driven reactions coupled with density functional theory (DFT) calculations clearly suggest the decarboxylation reaction induced by “hot electrons” generated on plasmonic metal surface as the reason for the instability. This decarboxylation reaction is also validated on TiO2 surface with the assistance of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS). This reaction is possibly the main reason leading to the inefficiency of N719 sensitization in DSSCs. Our findings may broaden the research scope of surface plasmon‐assisted catalytic reactions and provide insight into the optimal design of ruthenium based photosensitizers for DSSCs.