bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of building construction permission certificate and customer satisfaction in Lalitpur city: evidence from structural equation modeling
Authors: Thapa Ruman , Devkota Niranjan , Dhakal Krishna , Puri Vaibhav , Mahato Surendra , Paudel Udaya Raj
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Obtaining building permit certificate is an essential component of construction endeavors, but it can be cumbersome sometimes. The process is frequently beset with obstacles, including bureaucratic impediments, red-tapism, prolonged authorization protocols and insufficient inter-agency collaboration which result in project timeline extension, cost escalation and applicant dissatisfaction. Therefore, this study aims to examine customer satisfaction with the assessment of building construction permit certificates in Lalitpur, Nepal.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the notion of evaluation model theory, this study adopts an explanatory research design to determine the causal relationship between latent and observed variables. People who have recently completed the construction of their building and those people whose construction work is pending make up the population for the study. A total of 198 samples were collected by following the convenience sampling method from Lalitpur, Nepal. The primary data are collected by using the structured questionnaire with the interview process where the data are statistically evaluated using descriptive and inferential analysis using the KOBO toolbox, SPSS and AMOS. The connection between variables was examined using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Results indicate that the negligence of the employees, the attitude of the employees, the need for additional costs and the hiring of the agent are the most significant obstacles encountered by customers during the process of getting construction permit. Regarding the whole assessment system, the general population expresses displeasure. SEM results indicate that environment and quality are significantly related to customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper's novelty lies in its Nepal-specific inquiry into the relationship between building permit acquisition procedures and customer contentment. The study provides a distinctive viewpoint on this context by combining evaluation model theory and SEM. The localized approach emphasizes the importance of customized strategies to improve customer satisfaction, adding to the current literature on the subject. The study's use of SEM as a quantitative analysis tool enhances its methodological rigor. This interdisciplinary research offers valuable insights for academics, practitioners and policymakers in Nepal and contributes to the wider field of construction and customer satisfaction.
Sustainability concepts in global high-rise residential buildings: a scientometric and systematic review
Authors: Lam Edmond Wai-Ming , Chan Albert P.C. , Olawumi Timothy O. , Wong Irene , Kazeem Kayode Olatunji
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Sustainability has been the subject of several scientific investigations. Many researchers in the construction industry have also examined a range of sustainability-related studies. However, few studies have thoroughly reviewed implementing sustainability concepts in high-rise residential buildings (HRRBs).

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting scientometrics and systematic review (SR), this study seeks to map out recent sustainability trends and concepts in the design, development and operation of HRRBs worldwide and in Hong Kong. With a focus on bibliographic records from the Web of Science (WoS) database, 1,395 journal articles from 2013 to 2022 were analysed. Furthermore, thirteen studies were systematically reviewed.

Findings

The SR indicated that sustainable practices in developing Hong Kong's HRRBs emphasised zero-carbon buildings, reduced energy usage and energy-efficient retrofitting. Likewise, terms such as BIM, urban density, life cycle assessment and system dynamics are strongly connected with clusters that include “residential buildings”, “high-rise buildings” and “high-rise residential buildings”. The study identified significant themes in establishing HRRBs by combining sustainable practices, emphasising urban governance and policy management, building performance and thermal comfort, energy and design optimisation, occupant behaviour and sensitivity analysis. Core sustainability ideas have improved resource management, air quality management and knowledge of user behaviour in HRRBs.

Originality/value

The study allows researchers and practitioners to explore future research directions in the built environment per the application of sustainable concepts in the development of HRRBs from design, construction and post-construction phases.
Impact of Reservoir Heterogeneity on Bitumen Content in the Mackay River Oil Sands, Athabasca (Canada)
Authors: YANG Xiaofa , YU Diyun , WU Suwei , REN Junhao , CHENG Dingsheng , HUANG Jixin , YANG Chengyu , MA Guoqing , LI Meijun
Published: October 2023

The Lower Cretaceous Manville Group of Upper McMurray Formation is one of the main bitumen reservoirs in Athabasca. In this study, the relationship between reservoirs heterogeneity and bitumen geochemical characteristics were analyzed through core and microscopic observation, lab analysis, petrophysics and logging data. Based on the sedimentology framework, the formation environment of high‐quality oil sand reservoirs and their significance for development were discussed. The results indicate that four types lithofacies were recognized in the Upper McMurray Formation based on their depositional characteristics. Each lithofacies reservoirs has unique physical properties, and is subject to varying degrees of degradation, resulting in diversity of bitumen content and geochemical composition. The tidal bar (TB) or tidal channel (TC) facies reservoir have excellent physical properties, which are evaluated as gas or water intervals due to strong degradation. The reservoir of sand bar (SB) facies was evaluated as oil intervals, due to its poor physical properties and weak degradation. The reservoir of mixed flat (MF) facies is composed of sand intercalated with laminated shale, which is evaluated as poor oil intervals due to its poor connectivity. The shale content in oil sand reservoir is very important for the reservoir physical properties and bitumen degradation degree. In the context of regional biodegradation, oil sand reservoirs with good physical properties will suffer from strong degradation, while oil sand reservoirs with relatively poor physical properties are more conducive to the bitumen preservation.
Investor attention and the predictability of the volatility of CNY‐CNH spreads: Evidence from a GARCH‐MIDAS model
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Zhang Zhipeng , Pan Junyu , Duan Jihong
Published: October 2023

Combining the four aspects of self‐, macro, environmental, and policy attention, using backward‐looking rolling regressions, we construct novel international and domestic investor‐attention indices using the search volume index from Google Trends together with Baidu Index to investigate how investor attention affects the CNY‐CNH spreads volatility. Moreover, comparing different GARCH‐MIDAS models and conventional GARCH‐type models is conducted concerning the out‐of‐sample volatility forecasting capability. Our results show that: (i) international and domestic investor attention has a positive impact; and (ii) the GARCH‐MIDAS models involving investor attention improve forecast accuracy. In particular, the model with domestic investor attention has an advantage in forecasting.
Association between meeting the 24‐h movement guidelines and psychosocial health in children: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bao Ran , Yang Zhen , Memon Aamir Raoof , Chen Sitong , Wang Lei , Cai Yujun
Published: October 2023

Objective

Emerging evidence suggests that meeting the 24‐h movement guidelines is associated with optimal mental health. However, there remains some uncertainty regarding this association in children. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between meeting the 24‐h movement guidelines and psychosocial health in children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was employed to investigate 2005 children aged 9–12 years from four districts of Shanghai, China. The 24‐h movement behaviours were assessed using selected items from the Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) survey questionnaire. Children's self‐rated psychosocial health was evaluated using the Strengths or Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Generalised Linear Models with the ordinal logistic module were employed to analyse the association between meeting the 24‐h movement guidelines and psychosocial health.

Results

The overall prevalence of meeting all three 24‐h movement recommendations was 10.2%. Among children, 7.9% of them exhibited abnormal total difficulties, with a notable difference between sex (boys: 11.2%, girls: 7.0%, p = 0.001). Meeting all three 24‐h movement behaviour recommendations was associated with reduced total difficulties, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer problems. Furthermore, a dose–response association was observed, indicating that meeting a greater number of 24‐h movement behaviour recommendations was associated with enhanced psychosocial health, particularly in boys.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the positive association between meeting the 24‐h movement guidelines and psychosocial health in children. Notably, meeting more of these recommendations was associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing psychosocial problems, with greater benefits observed in boys compared with girls.
The politics of care and confinement: Disabled people's affective lives during COVID‐19
Authors: Loughnane Cliona , Edwards Claire
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the affective and material impacts of the reconfiguration of caring on disabled people's lives during the pandemic. We draw on a series of focus groups and interviews with a group of nine disabled people with mobility or sensory impairments, many of whom were politically active in the arena of disability rights and independent living. This work forms part of a wider project re‐imagining care practices and policies. We reveal the interplay of emotion, affect and socio‐material conditions in disabled people's pandemic lives and reflect on how pre‐existing diminished care landscapes compounded COVID‐19's impacts. With support services shuttered and people confined at home, many disabled people experienced a renewed dependence on family care or found their care needs reduced to functional tasks undertaken by rota‐filling workers. We document participants' emotional experiences of loss, fear and anger deriving from changes in their one‐to‐one care interactions and arrangements but also wider societal narratives positioning disabled people as both vulnerable to, and carriers of, disease. Drawing together the crisis' affective and material effects, we demonstrate how disabled people politicized their affective experiences of anger and hope through online organizing to challenge the diminution of supports and demand affective justice from the care system.
Expression and metabolism profiles of CVT associated with inflammatory responses and oxygen carrier ability in the brain
Authors: Kui Ling , Jiao Yinming , Jiang Huimin , Wang Guoyun , Li Zongyu , Ji Xunming , Zhou Chen
Published: October 2023

Aim

As the main type of stroke, the incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) has been rising. However, the comprehensive mechanisms behind it remain unclear. Thus, the multi‐omics study is required to investigate the mechanism after CVT and elucidate the characteristic pathology of venous stroke and arterial stroke.

Methods

Adult rats were subjected to CVT and MCAO models. Whole‐transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) and untargeted metabolomics analysis were performed to construct the transcriptome and metabolism profiles of rat brains after CVT and also MCAO. The difference analysis, functional annotation, and enrichment analysis were also performed.

Results

Through RNA‐seq analysis, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. 174 CVT specific genes including Il1a, Ccl9, Cxxl6, Tnfrsf14, etc., were detected. The hemoglobin genes, including both Hba and Hbb, were significantly downregulated after CVT, compared both to the MCAO and Sham groups. Metabolism analysis showed that CVT had higher heterogeneity of metabolism compared to MCAO. Metabolites including N‐stearoyltyrosine, 5‐methoxy‐3‐indoleaceate, Afegostat, pipecolic acid, etc. were specially regulated in CVT. Through the immune infiltration analysis, it was found that CVT had a higher immune response, with the abundance of certain types of immune cells increased, especially T helper cells. It was important to find the prevalence of the activation of inflammatory chemokine, cytokine, NOD‐like pathway, and neutrophil extracellular trap.

Conclusion

We explored and analyzed the gene expression and metabolomic characteristics of CVT, revealed the specific inflammatory reaction mechanism of CVT and found the markers in transcriptome and metabolism levels. It points out the direction for CVT early diagnosis and treatment.
Emerging trends and hotspots of the itch research: A bibliometric and visualized analysis
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Liya , Yin Suqing , Yu Shuangshuang , Zhou Yanyu , Lin Xiaoqi , Jiao Yingfu , Yu Weifeng , Xia Xiaoqiong , Yang Liqun , Gao Po
Published: October 2023

Aims

Itch, a common uncomfortable sensory experience, occurs frequently in inflammatory or allergic disorders. In recent years, with the discovery of itch‐specific pathways in the peripheral and central nervous system, the association between immunology and neural pathways has gradually emerged as the main mechanism of itch. Although many studies have been conducted on itch, no bibliometric analysis study focusing on this topic has been conducted. This study aimed to explore the research hotspots and trends in the itch field from a bibliometric perspective.

Methods

Publications relevant to itch, published from 2003 to 2022, were retrieved from the Science Citation Index‐Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection. Publications were critically reviewed and analyzed with CiteSpace software, Vosviewer, and the bibliometric online analysis platform. Visual maps were conducted in terms of annual production, collaborating countries or institutions, productive authors, core journals, co‐cited references, and keyword bursts.

Results

2395 articles on itch that met our criteria were identified and the quantity of publications has been increasing rapidly since 2012. The USA was the most influential country. University Hospital Münster was the institution with the most publications. Gil Yosipovitch was the most prolific author. Atopic dermatitis (AD), intradermal serotonin, chronic pruritus, mechanical itch, gastrin‐releasing peptide, substance p, interleukin‐31 receptor, histamine‐induced itch, bile acid, scratching behavior, and h‐4 receptor were the top 11 clusters in co‐citation cluster analysis. Keyword burst analysis suggested that treatment, inflammation, and AD are current research hotspots.

Conclusion

Global publications on itch research have increased steadily and rapidly over the past 20 years. Inflammation and AD are current research hotspots. The neuroimmunological and neuroinflammatory mechanisms of itch, as well as clinical assessment methods and therapeutic targets, will be novel research directions in the future. This study provides guidance for further itch research.
Enhanced interleukin‐6 in human adipose tissue vein after sprint exercise: Results from a pilot study
Authors: Esbjörnsson Mona , Norman Barbara , Persson Moa , Saini Amarjit , Bülow Jens , Jansson Eva
Published: October 2023

Background

Low‐volume sprint exercise is likely to reduce body fat. Interleukin (IL‐6) may mediate this by increasing adipose tissue (AT) lipolysis. Therefore, the exchange of AT IL‐6 and glycerol, a marker of lipolysis, was examined in 10 healthy subjects performing three 30‐s all‐out sprints.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from brachial artery (a) and a superficial subcutaneous vein (v) on the anterior abdominal wall up to 9 min after the last sprint and analysed for IL‐6 and glycerol.

Results

Arterial IL‐6 increased 2‐fold from rest to last sprint. AT venous IL‐6 increased 15‐fold from 0.4 ± 0.4 at rest to 7.0 ± 4 pg × mL−1 (p < 0.0001) and AT v–a difference increased 45‐fold from 0.12 ± 0.3 to 6.0 ± 5 pg x mL−1 (p < 0.0001) 9 min after last sprint. Arterial glycerol increased 2.5‐fold from rest to 9 min postsprint 1 (p < 0.0001) and was maintained during the exercise period. AT venous and v–a difference of glycerol increased 2‐fold from rest to 9 min postsprint 1 (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01, respectively), decreased until 18 min postsprint 2 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001), and then increased again until 9 min after last sprint (both p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The concurrent increase in venous IL‐6 and glycerol in AT after last sprint is consistent with an IL‐6 induced lipolysis in AT. Glycerol data also indicated an initial increase in lipolysis after sprint 1 that was unrelated to IL‐6. Increased IL‐6 in adipose tissue may, therefore, complement other sprint exercise‐induced lipolytic agents.
The U.S. needs a National Biodiversity Strategy
Authors: Gerber Leah R. , Schwartz Mark W. , Dreiss Lindsay M.
Published: October 2023

The U.S. needs a National Biodiversity Strategy (hereafter Strategy). As a nation that places a high value on domestic biodiversity and on being a global leader in biodiversity conservation, the U.S. is failing to live up to its expectations regarding a national Strategy. A Strategy should suggest both legislation and policies and guide our country toward achieving stated objectives. We first propose a process to create a Strategy that involves establishing a government task force and supporting expert advisory panel. We then identify five key elements of a Strategy. First, a Strategy should identify priorities among legislation that impacts biodiversity. At present, conflicting rules lead to administrative uncertainty and inconsistent decisions. Second, a Strategy should create a comprehensive vision for societal participation in biodiversity protection. Current practices comprise a mixture of different levels of commitment to stakeholder participation and social justice. Third, a Strategy should mandate periodic review to better provide the American public a synopsis of how we are faring with our treasured biodiversity. Fourth, a Strategy should be as comprehensive and broad as biodiversity itself, spanning organizational ranges from genes to ecosystems. Finally, a Strategy should provide a structure for achievement that incentivizes public and business and that stimulates innovation, particularly in nature‐based solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Pilot study on anti‐reflux mucoplasty: Advancing endoscopic anti‐reflux therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Inoue Haruhiro , Yamamoto Kazuki , Shimamura Yuto , Azuma Daisuke , Ushikubo Kei , Okada Hiroki , Kimoto Yoshiaki , Nishikawa Yohei , Tanaka Ippei , Tanabe Mayo , Onimaru Manabu , Navarro Marc Julius
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Anti‐reflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and anti‐reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) were developed as interventions for proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐refractory/‐dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although ARMS and ARMA are established treatments for PPI‐refractory GERD, reliance on natural healing for ulcer scar formation introduces uncertainty and bleeding risk. To address these issues, we introduced a novel approach called anti‐reflux mucoplasty (ARM‐P), which involves immediate closure of mucosal defects following mucosectomy. This pilot study aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of ARM‐P.

Methods

A retrospective single‐center study was conducted using prospectively collected data from October 2022 to July 2023. Patients with PPI‐refractory/‐dependent GERD who underwent ARM‐P were included. The study evaluated technical success of ARM‐P, before and after ARM‐P GERD‐Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, GerdQ, and Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD scores, along with PPI discontinuation and endoscopic esophagogastric junction morphology.

Results

A total of 20 patients with a median age of 61.5 years underwent the ARM‐P procedure. The procedure achieved 100% technical success without adverse events. After ARM‐P, 55.0% discontinued PPI usage and 15.0% reduced PPI dose by half. Median GERD‐Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire score improved from 21 to 6 (P = 0.0026), median GerdQ score improved from 9 to 7 (P = 0.0022), and median Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD score decreased from 16 to 7 (P = 0.0003). Median Hill's Classification significantly improved from grade III to grade I (P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

This study presents the first pilot report of ARM‐P, demonstrating its procedural safety, technical feasibility, and short‐term efficacy.
Recent advances in delivery of transdermal nutrients: A review
Authors: Fan Ling , Huang Jihong , Ma Sen
Published: October 2023

Nutrients provide vital functions in the body for sustained health, which have been shown to be related to the incidence, prevention and treatment of disease. However, limited bioavailability, loss of targeting specificity and the increased hepatic metabolism limit the utilization of nutrients. In this review, we highlight transdermal absorption of nutrients, which represents an opportunity to allow great use of many nutrients with promising human health benefits. Moreover, we describe how the various types of permeation enhancers are increasingly exploited for transdermal nutrient delivery. Chemical penetration enhancers, carrier systems and physical techniques for transdermal nutrient delivery are described, with a focus on combinatorial approaches. Although there are many carrier systems and physical techniques currently in development, with some tools currently in advanced clinical trials, relatively few products have achieved full translation to clinical practice. Challenges and further developments of these tools are discussed here in this review. This review will be useful to researchers interested in transdermal applications of permeation enhancers for the efficient delivery of nutrients, providing a reference for supporting the need to take more account of specific nutritional needs in specific states.
Factors influencing risk perception of inshore and offshore artisanal fishers in a marine protected area in Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Aline Olimpo , Oliveira Cicero Diogo L. , de Oliveira Junior José Gilmar C. , da Silva Batista Vandick
Published: October 2023

Artisanal small‐scale fisheries are crucial for subsistence and food security, especially in developing countries. However, artisanal fishers face stressors, such as economic and social marginalization, conflicts, and overfishing. Socio‐economic attributes potentially influence their risk perception. We investigated risk perception among artisanal fishers in a Marine Protected Area through interviews and semi‐structured questionnaires. Risk perception was positively influenced by fishing environment and negatively influenced by a lack of religious beliefs. Offshore fishers faced more operating conditions and time at sea, with higher risk of losses, and perceived more health and conflict risks. Inshore fishers have higher perception of environmental degradation. Prioritizing different risk perceptions is essential for effective fisheries management. Separate management plans for offshore and inshore fisheries are recommended due to varying catch, environmental perception, socio‐environmental risks, and exploited resource characteristics among artisanal fisher groups.
A global comparative field study to evaluate the factor VIII activity of efanesoctocog alfa by one‐stage clotting and chromogenic substrate assays at clinical haemostasis laboratories
Authors: Pipe Steven , Sadeghi‐Khomami Ali , Konkle Barbara A. , Kitchen Steve , Negrier Claude , Liu Mingjie , Santagostino Elena , Willemze Annemieke , Abad‐Franch Lydia , Knobe Karin , Seth Chhabra Ekta
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Structural and chemical modifications of factor VIII (FVIII) products may influence their behaviour in FVIII activity assays. Hence, it is important to assess the performance of FVIII products in these assays. Efanesoctocog alfa is a new class of FVIII replacement therapy designed to provide both high sustained factor activity levels and prolonged plasma half‐life.

Aim

Evaluate the accuracy of measuring efanesoctocog alfa FVIII activity in one‐stage clotting assays (OSAs) and chromogenic substrate assays (CSAs).

Methods

Human plasma with no detectable FVIII activity was spiked with efanesoctocog alfa or a full‐length recombinant FVIII product comparator, octocog alfa, at nominal concentrations of 0.80 IU/mL, 0.20 IU/mL, or 0.05 IU/mL, based on labelled potency. Clinical haemostasis laboratories (N = 35) tested blinded samples using in‐house assays. Data from 51 OSAs (14 activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT] reagents) and 42 CSAs (eight kits) were analyzed.

Results

Efanesoctocog alfa activity was reliably (±25% of nominal activity) measured across all concentrations using OSAs with Actin FSL and multiple other aPTT reagents. Under‐ and overestimation of FVIII activity occurred with some reagents. No specific trend was observed for any class of aPTT activators. A two‐ to three‐fold overestimation was consistently observed using CSAs and the OSA with Actin FS as the aPTT reagent across evaluated concentrations.

Conclusion

Under‐ or overestimation occurred with some specific OSAs and most CSAs, which has been previously observed with other modified FVIII replacement products. Efanesoctocog alfa FVIII activity was measured with acceptable accuracy and reliability using several OSA methods and commercial plasma standards.
Speech acts and interaction in L2 pragmatics: Insights from Chinese as the target language
Authors: Ren Wei
Published: October 2023

The articles in this special issue contribute to second language (L2) pragmatics by investigating different speech acts and interactions in Chinese as the target language. The studies all examined learners’ pragmatic performance in different contexts and compared their performance with that of native Chinese speakers. The findings of the articles showed what the learners could achieve and what they still had problems in. In this commentary, I first analyze and discuss the aspects in these articles that impress me the most, including research design and focus on L2 pragmatics, theoretical contributions, and methodological considerations. Then, I will address some important implications that the articles provide for future research in L2 pragmatics.
Representation of the “business‐self”: Professionals’ construction of multifaceted identities in written business communication
Authors: Lee William Wai Lam
Published: October 2023

This study explores professionals’ construction of their multifaceted identities as representatives of their corporations in business writing. The self‐mention framework is applied to explore the representation of the “business‐self” which I propose encompasses the projection of individual, collective, and corporate identities. A corpus of 100 CEO's letter to shareholders was examined for the use of personal pronouns and company referential terms and collocation analysis performed to understand the surrounding discourse contexts. The findings reveal a distinct hierarchy of identities; US business professionals communicate with stakeholders by immersing themselves in the identity of the collective and make a concerted effort to project the corporate identity, whereas representation of the individual self is minimal. The study provides important insights into the identity construction work undertaken by professionals in authentic business texts and the findings can help inform English for Specific Purposes (ESP) practitioners of business communication courses in higher education.
Localized Pretibial Pemphigoid Associated with Trichilemmal Carcinoma
Authors: Nakatani Chie , Muramatsu Tsutomu , Shirai Toshihiko
Published: October 2023

We report a case of localized pretibial pemphigoid with concurrent trichilemmal carcinoma of the face in a 93‐year‐old woman. Immunoblot analysis showed circulating autoantibodies against the 230 kDa antigen. After removal of the skin tumor, the bullous skin lesions were reduced and healed with only the topical application of corticosteroid.
Novel support for membrane enzyme immobilization: gel beads containing polymerized phospholipid vesicles
Authors: Gotoh Takeshi , Iwanaga Tsuyoshi , Kikuchi Ken‐ichi , Bentley William E.
Published: October 2023

The present study has demonstrated a novel immobilization support for membrane enzymes; the support is composed of agarose gel beads and polymerized phospholipid vesicles contained within the beads. A phosphatidylcholine analogue, bis‐[12‐(methacryloyloxy)dodecanoyl]‐L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine (BMPC) [Regen, Singh, Oehme and Singh (1982) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 104, 791–795], was contained in Sepharose CL‐6B beads through the formation and simultaneous entrapment of vesicles by a combination of phospholipid solubilization in organic solvent with the beads, complete removal of the solvent and sonication in a buffer. The vesicle membranes were then polymerized by UV irradiation, which stabilized the hybrid‐type support. γ‐Glutamyl transpeptidase, a membrane enzyme from bovine kidney, was immobilized in the beads by reconstitution in the polymerized BMPC vesicles contained within the beads. The enzyme catalytic activity, as indicated by apparent Michaelis‐Menten kinetics, was almost identical with that of the enzyme reconstituted in unpolymerized BMPC vesicles. Polymerized BMPC vesicles significantly stabilized the enzyme to heat treatment when compared with unpolymerized BMPC vesicles and egg yolk phospholipid liposomes.
Protein and enzyme immobilization on non‐porous microspheres of polystyrene
Authors: Wu Cheng‐We , Lee Jin‐Gang , Lee Wen‐Chien
Published: October 2023

The diffusion constraints with respect to substrate and product can be eliminated when an enzyme is immobilized on non‐porous carriers. In an affinity chromatographic system, non‐porous beads have the advantage of very rapid analytical and micropreparative chromatography of bioproducts. In the present study a procedure of protein immobilization on non‐porous, micro‐sized beads of polystyrene (PS) was developed. Results from Fourier transform infrared and elemental analysis indicated that both nitration and successive hydrogenation of PS were successful. Two model proteins, β‐lactamase and concanavalin A (Con A), were then immobilized by covalent binding on the resultant amino‐containing PS. In comparison with the behaviour on porous supports, the immobilization of enzyme on non‐porous PS resulted in only a small increase in the Michaelis constant. The microspheres of immobilized β‐lactamase exhibited a fast response (less than 30 s) in the substrate solution, indicating that they were suitable for packing into a precolumn placed before an enzyme thermistor for the clinical detection of penicillin G. The columns packed with immobilized Con A were found to be effective for the chromatographic analysis of p‐nitrophenyl‐α‐D‐mannopyranoside, a Con A‐specific sugar derivative.
Cell‐free bioluminescent screening of translation inhibitors
Authors: Gorokhovatsky Andrey Yu. , Shaloiko Lyubov A. , Bondar Vladimir S. , Vysotski Eugene S. , Maximov Eugeni E. , von Doehren Hans , Alakhov Yuly B.
Published: October 2023

The possibility of creating new screening methods with a cell‐free translation system has been demonstrated with a quantitative determination of diphtheria toxin and some antibiotics (puromycin, kanamycin and tetracycline) as examples. The approach proposed follows from the ability of various substances to inhibit protein synthesis. We used a wheat‐germ cell‐free translation system stabilized by freeze‐drying in the presence of trehalose with the mRNA of the Ca2+‐activated photoprotein obelin as a reporter template. This freeze‐dried cell‐free translation system allows prolonged storage of the detecting system before it is required, increases the reproducibility of the results and simplifies the application procedure. The obelin mRNA extends the sensitivity of the method owing to the high sensitivity of detection of the synthesized protein.
Purification and characterization of the constitutive form of laccase from the basidiomycete Coriolus hirsutus and effect of inducers on laccase synthesis
Authors: Koroljova‐Skorobogat'ko Olga V. , Stepanova Elena V. , Gavrilova Valeria P. , Morozova Olga V. , Lubimova Natalia V. , Dzchafarova Aida N. , Jaropolov Alexander I. , Makower Alexander
Published: October 2023

An isolate of Coriolus hirsutus constitutively expresses substantial amounts of extracellular laccase on a defined growth medium. The most efficient inducer of extracellular laccase synthesis was syringaldazine, which increased the enzyme yield by 1000% at a concentration of 0·11 μM. The constitutive form of the enzyme was purified 312‐fold. Laccase from C. hirsutus, with an estimated molecular mass of 55 kDa and pI of 4·0, is a monomeric glycoprotein containing 12% carbohydrate consisting of mannose and N‐acetylglucosamine. The laccase was found to contain 3·9–4·1 copper atoms per molecule. The absorption spectrum shows a maximum at 610 nm and a shoulder at 330 nm, which is typical of laccase possessing type 1 and type 3 copper atoms. The parameters of the first type of copper were determined by EPR as g⊥=2·046 and g ∥=2·200, A∥ =8·103×10−3 cm−1. Laccase was found to be a pH‐stable and thermostable enzyme. With organic substrates it exhibits a pH optimum of 4·5, but with the inorganic substrate K4[Fe(CN)6] this decreased to 3·5. The highest efficiency of catalysis was observed with sinapinic acid as the substrate. The kinetic constants kcat and Km of this reaction were 578 s −1 and 24 μM respectively. It was established that the kinetics of the assayed reaction shows a Ping Pong mechanism.
Stabilization of antibody fragments in adverse environments
Authors: Dooley Helen , Grant Steven D. , Harris William J. , Porter Andrew J.
Published: October 2023

Antibody fragments have the potential to be used as sensitive and specific binding agents in a broad range of industrial applications. Genetic manipulation has been used to design a series of antibody fragment configurations with a flexible linker and/or a disulphide bond between the heavy chain and light chain of an antibody fragment against the herbicide atrazine. The thermostability and stability to a range of denaturants, polar and non‐polar solvents, surfactants and proteases have been compared. It has been found that a novel antibody fragment construct (STAB: stabilized antibody) containing both a flexible linker and a disulphide bond can be effectively produced and shows greatly improved stability in these diverse environments. These STABs should be useful in environmental diagnostics and remediation, and may provide a generic approach for stabilizing antibody fragments in formulations containing detergents and penetrants for topical application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
An acidic glutaryl‐7‐aminocephalosporanic acid acylase from Pseudomonasnitroreducens
Authors: Lee Yun‐Huey , Chang Te‐Sheng , Liu Hon‐Ju , Chu Wen‐Shen
Published: October 2023

A glutaryl‐7‐aminocephalosporanic acid (GL‐7‐ACA) acylase was purified 58‐fold from Pseudomonas nitroreducens in a two‐step procedure involving osmotic shock and carboxymethyl‐Sepharose chromatography with a yield of 26%. The molecular mass of the native enzyme was 58 kDa. SDS/PAGE revealed that it consisted of two non‐identical subunits with molecular masses of 35 and 21 kDa. The isoelectric point of the purified enzyme was 5.3. The enzyme had an optimal pH of 5.5 and an optimal temperature of 43 °C. The purified enzyme exhibited not only GL‐7‐ACA acylase activity but also γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase activity. The Km values of the enzyme for GL‐7‐ACA and L‐γ‐glutamyl p‐nitroanilide were 10.41 mM and 5.92 μM respectively.
Chromatographic removal and heat inactivation of hepatitis B virus during the manufacture of human albumin
Authors: Adcock Wayne L. , MacGregor Andrew , Davies Jeff R. , Hattarki Meghan , Anderson David A. , Goss Neil H.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of the chromatographic and pasteurization steps, employed in the manufacture of human albumin, in the removal and/or inactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Most human albumins manufactured today are prepared from donor plasma by fractionation methods that use precipitation with cold ethanol. CSL Limited, an Australian biopharmaceutical company, has recently converted its method of manufacture for albumin from a traditional Cohn fractionation method to a method employing chromatographic techniques. A step‐by‐step validation of virus removal and inactivation was performed on this manufacturing process, which includes a DEAE‐Sepharose® and CM‐Sepharose® Fast Flow ion‐exchange step, a Sephacryl® S200 High‐Resolution gel‐filtration step and a bulk pasteurization step where product is held at 60 °C for 10 h. HBV partitioning experiments were conducted on scaled‐down chromatographic columns with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as a marker, whereas the HBV model virus, duck HBV, was used to study the inactivation kinetics during pasteurization. Reductions for HBsAg through the three chromatographic steps resulted in a total log10 decrease of 1.5 log10, whereas more than 6.5 log10 decrease in duck HBV in Albumex®5 was achieved during pasteurization.
A new derivatizing agent, trimethylammoniopropyl methanethiosulphonate, is efficient for preparation of recombinant brain‐derived neurotrophic factor from inclusion bodies
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Akimaru Jiro , Nishikawa Toyohiro , Seki Noriaki , Yamada Hidenori
Published: October 2023

Derivatization with trimethylammoniopropyl methanethiosulphonate (TAPS‐sulphonate) enabled brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to be prepared efficiently fromEscherichia coliinclusion bodies. Reduced BDNF obtained from inclusion bodies solubilized by urea and reduced by dithiothreitol was suggested to form a complex with itself or with other compounds such as lipids. It could hardly be adsorbed on to cation‐exchange resin for partial purification prior to a refolding reaction. Reversible derivatization of cysteine residues was tested as a method of dissociating BDNF from such complexes. However, even if a methyl or aminoethyl group was introduced, BDNF could not be dissociated readily. Derivatization with TAPS‐sulphonate brought about good dissociation of BDNF, and more than 50% adsorbed on to the cation‐exchange resin. BDNF derivatized with TAPS‐sulphonate refolded well, and the refolded samples showed the same biological activity as purified BDNF. Derivatization with TAPS‐sulphonate would increase the intermolecular repulsion of BDNF, due to the positively charged character of the quaternized amine, and inhibit complex formation. Thus, TAPS‐sulphonate is effective for the preparation of BDNF under denatured conditions.
Characterization of Bacillus sp. endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase and its application to deglycosylation of hen ovomucoid
Authors: Yamamoto Kenji , Tanaka Tetsuki , Fujimori Kenya , Kang Chun‐Shik , Ebihara Hitoshi , Kanamori Jiro , Kadowaki Setsu , Tochikura Tatsurokuro , Kumagai Hidehiko
Published: October 2023

A bacterial strain isolated from soil and identified as a Bacillus species produced two endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidases in the culture broth when it was cultivated on medium containing only hen ovomucoid. Almost no production of the enzymes occurred when the bacterium was grown on glucose medium. The two endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidases, named Endo‐BI and Endo‐BII, were separated and purified to homogeneity by preparative gel electrophoresis after partial purification by column chromatography on DEAE‐resins. Endo‐BI hydrolysed oligosaccharides of both hen ovalbumin and ovomucoid. In contrast, Endo‐BII could act only on oligosaccharides of hen ovalbumin and showed almost no activity towards those of hen ovomucoid. Deglycosylation of hen ovomucoid was performed with the partly purified endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase preparation, with the aid of contaminating β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase. The deglycosylated ovomucoid exhibited no changes in trypsin inhibitory activity but was very unstable to heat treatment in comparison with native ovomucoid. These results suggest that oligosaccharides of ovomucoid have an important role in the stabilization of the protein against heat.
Expression system for foreign genes using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Giga‐Hama Yuko , Kumagai Hiromichi
Published: October 2023

Foreign‐gene expression systems using mammalian cells, Escherichia coli, insect cells, yeast and other organisms as hosts have been developed. The demand for protein‐production systems will be further increased in basic research, medical science and the biotechnological industry. Systems using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a host have only recently received attention. The advantages of this yeast, which is more advanced evolutionarily than other types of yeast, the expression vectors available and examples of heterologous protein produced with this system, are reviewed here.
Remarkable thermostability of bioelectrodes based on enzymes immobilized within hydrophobic semi‐solid matrices
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Joseph
Published: October 2023

An enhanced resistance to thermal denaturation was investigated for enzymes immobilized within hydrophobic semi‐solid matrices compared with both free enzymes and polymer‐entrapped enzymes. The bioelectrodes based on the immobilization of glucose oxidase, lactate oxidase, alcohol oxidase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and L‐amino acid oxidase within a carbon‐paste matrix were constructed to examine their thermal stabilitiy at 60 °C or 80 °C. The rhodium/glucose oxidase‐containing carbon‐paste electrode was found to offer a remarkable stability when incubated at 60 °C over a long period of 4 months, with only a decrease of approx. 15% in activity. The comparative studies suggest that thermal stabilization established by this enzyme‐immobilization procedure varies with the enzyme’s inherent stability, the incubation temperature and the immobilizing reagent, such as pasting liquid.
Stabilization of the T‐state of ferrous human adult haemoglobin by chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine
Authors: Paolo Ascenzi , Alberto Bertollini , Massimo Coletta , Antonio Lucacchini
Published: October 2023

In the present study, the effect of the neuroleptics chlorpromazine (2‐chloro‐N,N‐dimethyl‐10H‐phenothiazine‐10‐propanamine) and trifluoperazine {10‐[3‐(4 ‐ m e t h y l p i p e r a z i n ‐ 1 ‐ y l) ‐ p r op y l ] ‐ 2 ‐ (t r i f l u o r o m e t h y l) ‐10H‐phenothiazine} on the EPR‐spectroscopic properties of ferrous human adult nitrosylated haemoglobin (HbNO) is reported. Addition of the two drugs to HbNO shifted the conformational equilibrium from the high‐ to the low‐affinity form of the ligated tetramer, as observed for 2,3‐D‐glycerate bisphosphate, the physiological modulator of haemoglobin action. The effect of chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine on the EPR‐spectroscopic properties of HbNO was enhanced by inositol hexakisphosphate. The binding of neuroleptics to ferrous human adult haemoglobin may represent an important undesirable side effect. In fact, oxygen affinity for ferrous human adult haemoglobin decreases on increasing chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine concentration. In addition, red blood cells may act as neuroleptic scavengers.
RISK‐TAKING BEHAVIOR AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP IN DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Chen Carl R. , Steiner Thomas L. , Whyte Ann Marie
Published: October 2023

We examine the relation between risk and ownership structure among depository institutions. The empirical results provide evidence that the relation between managerial ownership and depository institution risk is negative and significant, suggesting that as managerial ownership increases the level of risk‐taking decreases. This finding, which supports a risk aversion hypothesis, is consistent across several market‐based risk measures. Furthermore, we document greater risk and greater risk aversion for savings institutions relative to commercial banks.
A TEST OF THE TWO‐TIER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE: THE CASE OF JAPANESE KEIRETSU
Authors: Kim Kenneth A. , Limpaphayom Piman
Published: October 2023

We examine the effect of corporate governance structure on the relation between ownership structure and financial leverage among Japanese firms. Under normal conditions, we find no significant relation between ownership variables and financial leverage. When firms signal financial difficulties, however, keiretsu financial institution equity owners intervene to moderate the use of debt. This evidence reveals the existence of a keiretsu two‐tier corporate governance system. In the first stage, the unique corporate cross‐shareholding allows mutual monitoring under normal circumstances. In the second stage, when firms get into financial trouble, keiretsu financial institutions assume control by reducing debt levels. The results highlight differences between keiretsu and independent corporate governance structures.
HIGH‐RISE HOMES FOR THE ANCESTORS: CREMATION IN HONG KONG*
Authors: TEATHER ELIZABETH K.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT.A massive, voluntary shift to cremation has taken place in Hong Kong over the past forty years. The provision of facilities by the colonial government and private organizations began with niche walls in existing cemeteries. These were soon supplemented by sizable buildings known as columbaria. The largest and most recent columbarium, completed in 1996, provides 49,884 niches, each of which can hold at least two sets of ashes. Designing columbaria that are functional, sensitive, and culturally specific provides a fascinating challenge to architects. This article contrasts the conservative response of the public sector with the more expressive solutions of private providers.
Dimensions of Perfectionism, Hopelessness, and Attempted Suicide in a Sample of Alcoholics
Authors: Hewitt Paul L. , Norton G. Ron , Flett Gordon L. , Callander Lois , Cowan Tim
Published: October 2023

This study assessed whether specific dimensions of perfectionism and hopelessness were elevated in individuals who had made a serious suicide attempt in comparison to individuals with no history of suicide attempts. A sample of 39 inpatients with alcoholism who had made a serious suicide attempt and a matched sample of 39 inpatients with alcoholism but no history of suicide attempts completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Hopelessness Scale, ratings of achievement and social hopelessness, and the Beck Depression Inventory. The attempter group had higher scores on socially prescribed perfectionism, generalized hopelessness, achievement hopelessness, social hopelessness, and depression. A discriminant function analysis revealed that depression, social hopelessness, socially prescribed perfectionism, and other‐oriented perfectionism were unique discriminators of the suicide groups. The results are discussed in terms of the importance of social personality variables in attempted suicide.
Young Female Violent Death Trends in the General Population during the Vietnam Era
Authors: Louks John L. , Otis Gerald D. , Smith James R.
Published: October 2023

Five birth cohorts of young women who became age 20 before, during, and after the Vietnam War were selected for this study of motor vehicle accident, suicide, and homicide between ages 13 and 30. Suicide and homicide increased strongly in succeeding years (1953–1986). Motor vehicle accident rates were affected primarily by age. But age, birth cohort membership, and age x cohort interaction significantly affected suicide and homicide rates, with the 19–24‐year‐old age range most greatly affected. The correlation between suicide and homicide risk (r = .92) was similar to that for young males (r = .95) and suggested a common source of pathogenesis for both genders.