bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The determinants of the competitiveness of Lithuanian export: macroeconomic approach
Authors: Remeikienė Rita , Gasparėnienė Ligita , Sadeckas Alius 
Published: March 2019

The development of an appropriate export promotion strategy in any country calls for consideration of such country-level determinants as macroeconomic indicators and cultural elements. Small economies, like Lithuania, must have a clear understanding of which macroeconomic factors most significantly contribute to the competitiveness of their exports. This article is aimed at assessment of the competitiveness of Lithuanian export in the macroeconomic context.
The main purpose of the research is to assess the determinants of the competitiveness of Lithuanian export in the macroeconomic context. For accomplishment of the defined purpose, the following objectives were raised: 1) to review the general determinants of export competitiveness; 2) to develop the methodology for assessment of the country’s export competitiveness in the macroeconomic context; 3) to empirically assess the impact of macroeconomic determinants on the competitiveness of Lithuanian export over the period 2007–2015. The research methods include comparative and systematic literature analysis, correlation and regression analysis.
It has been found that GDP (gross domestic product) per capita and general state’s revenue from taxes and social contributions explain the trends of Lithuanian export by 99.1 percent. A very strong correlation has been estimated between Lithuanian export and terms of financing for exporting enterprises, a negative medium-strong correlation has been estimated between the country’s export and its general tax level, while a positive medium-strong correlation has been captured between the country’s export and its minimum wages.
Novelty. The results lead to the conclusion that the competitiveness of Lithuanian export is mainly affected by the state’s tax policy, terms of financing for exporting enterprises and social wage strategies. By improving the above-mentioned areas, the country could occupy stronger competitive positions in international markets.
Modelling the link between supply chain risk, flexibility and performance in the public sector
Authors: Mhelembe Khomotso , Mafini Chengedzai 
Published: March 2019

Background: The South African public sector faces numerous internal and external risks that limit the performance of its entire supply chain. An understanding of these risks and their effects is an important milestone in overcoming them.Aim: This article tested the relationship between supply chain risks, flexibility and performance in the South African public sector.Method: A survey questionnaire was administered to 307 supply chain practitioners who were based in the public sector in Gauteng. A structural equation modelling procedure was utilised in testing the proposed relationships.Results: The results of the study showed that six supply chain risk factors, namely government policies, supply complexity, availability of skills, supplier performance monitoring, information security and process efficiency exert significant influences on supply chain flexibility. In turn, supply chain flexibility exerts a positive influence on the performance of the public supply chain.Conclusion: Managers in government may be able to improve the public supply chain management function through the suitable management of the supply chain risk factors considered in this study.
A vida sexual sob prova: impactos da vida profissional na construção da experiência sexual
Authors: Policarpo Verónica 
Published: March 2019

De que forma a vida sexual dos portugueses é afetada pela vida profissional? Este artigo tenta responder a esta questão a partir de 35 biografias sexuais, recolhidas numa pesquisa mais alargada sobre sexualidade na sociedade portuguesa. Partindo dos conceitos de experiência sexual e prova social, tenta-se compreender como os indivíduos articulam o que lhes acontece nestas duas esferas da vida (profissional e sexual), construindo a sua experiência a partir de três lógicas de ação: integração, estratégia e subjetivação. Os resultados apontam para a diversidade de modalidades de construção da experiência, visível em três plataformas: as relações entre a agenda profissional e a agenda sexual; a gestão da informação, em ambiente profissional, a respeito de experiências fora da heteronorma; e os impactos na vida sexual da mobilidade geográfica decorrente da vida profissional. O sujeito sexual constrói-se assim na tensão entre a adesão a papéis familiares, profissionais e sexuais; na gestão de recursos, oportunidades e estratégias nestes campos da vida; e no maior ou menor distanciamento reflexivo em relação aos mesmos, conquistando para si um espaço emancipatório de identidade.
The relationship between serum uric acid within the normal range and β-cell function in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: differences by body mass index and gender
Authors: Zhong Xing , Zhang Deyuan , Yang Lina , Du Yijun , Pan Tianrong 
Published: March 2019

Background
Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) has a positive correlation with insulin secretion and insulin resistance indexes. However, whether weight- and gender-specific differences regarding the relationship between SUA within the normal range and β-cell function and insulin resistance exist is unknown in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods
A total of 380 patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups as overweight/obesity (n = 268) and normal weight (n = 112). Each group were again divided into low (LSUA) and high normal SUA (HSUA). The HbA1c, C-peptide, SUA, creatinine, and lipids profiles were measured. HOMA2IR and HOMA%2B were estimated using fasting glucose and C-peptide by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Pearson’s correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between SUA levels and islet function indexes.

Results
In overweight/obesity subgroup, the levels of body mass index, fasting C-peptide (FCP), P2hCP, fasting CPI (FCPI), postprandial CPI (PPCPI), ΔC-peptide, HOMA2%B, and HOMA2IR were higher in HSUA group than in LSUA group. In contrast, the HbA1c, FBS, and P2hBS were lower in HSUA than in LSUA. In normal weight subgroup, there were no differences between the HSUA than LSUA group in terms of clinical characteristics. Pearson’s correlations indicated that there were no significant correlations between SUA and insulin secretory capacity in normal weight group, but in overweight/obesity group, SUA had positive significant correlations with P2hCP, FCPI, PPCPI, ΔC-peptide, and HOMA2%B. In the female group, there were no significant correlations between SUA and insulin secretory capacity. However, in the male group, SUA had positive significant correlations with insulin secretory capacity include P2hCP, FCPI, PPCPI, ΔC-peptide, and HOMA2%B. Multiple linear regression showed that SUA was significantly associated with HOMA2%B, but not with HOMA2IR in overweight/obesity and male group.

Conclusions
Our study shows that SUA levels within normal range were associated with β-cell function in T2DM patients with overweight/obesity or male. This finding supports that the association between SUA within normal range and insulin secretion ability differs by weight and sex.
Dry Matter Yield and Quality of Two Temperate and Two Tropical Forage Legume Hays Harvested at Early-Flowering in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Akpensuen T. T. , Amodu J. T. , Tanko R. J. , Luka J. S. , Namo O. A. T. , Hassan M. R. 
Published: March 2019

The study was designed to evaluate the dry matter yield and quality of two temperate (T. Pratense and T. repens) and two tropical forage legumes (S. guianensis and C.molle) harvested at early-flowering stage for hay in a cool tropical environment of Vom, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The legumes were planted in the month of June, 2015 and 2016 in a 4 x 4 Latin Square Design with four replicates in plots measuring 5 m x 3 m. The forages were harvested at early-flowering stage for yield components, dry matter yield and nutrient quality evaluation.
The result showed that C. molle was significantly (P<0.01) higher in height in the two seasons compared to the other legumes. Number of leaves per plant was higher (P<0.01) significantly in S. guianensis (125.00) in 2015 whereas, T. repens had higher (P<0.01) value (187.25) in 2016 cropping season. Stylosanthes guianensis produced significantly (P<0.01) higher dry matter with 10.42 t ha-1 in 2015, while the dry matter yield obtained from C. molle (2.90 t ha-1) was the highest in 2016. Trifolium pratense and T. repens were scored excellent grade, while Stylosanthes guianensis and Centrosema molle were scored good in quality. Crude protein content was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T. repens (18.38%) compared to T. pratense (16.50 %), whereas S. guianensis produced the least value of 13.83%. The crude fibre content of the of the forage materials on the other hand was significantly higher (P<0.0I) in S. guianensis (37.29 %) compared to the other forage legumes.
The temperate forage legumes in this trial were higher in nutrient content, but lower in dry matter yield. Therefore, the forage crops may serve as better supplementary feeds for livestock feeding especially during the dry season.
An in vivo protease activity assay for investigating the functions of the Escherichia coli membrane protease HtpX
Authors: Yoshitani Kohei , Hizukuri Yohei , Akiyama Yoshinori 
Published: March 2019

Escherichia coli HtpX is an M48 family zinc metalloproteinase located in the cytoplasmic membrane. Previous studies suggested that it is involved in the quality control of membrane proteins. However, its in vivo proteolytic function has not been characterized in detail, mainly because the physiological substrates have not been identified and no model substrate that allows sensitive detection of the protease activity is available. We constructed a new model substrate of HtpX and established an in vivo semiquantitative and convenient protease activity assay system for HtpX. This system enables detection of differential protease activities of HtpX mutants carrying mutations in conserved regions. This system would also be useful for investigating the functions of HtpX and its homologs in other bacteria.
Experience of chromosomal microarray applied in prenatal and postnatal settings in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng Shirley S. W. , Chan Kelvin Y. K. , Leung Kelphen K. P. , Au Patrick K. C. , Tam Wai‐Keung , Li Samuel K. M. , Luk Ho‐Ming , Kan Anita S. Y. , Chung Brian H. Y. , Lo Ivan F. M. , Tang Mary H. Y. 
Published: March 2019

Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is recommended as a first tier investigation for patients with developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). It is widely used in the prenatal and postnatal settings for detection of chromosomal aberrations. This is a retrospective review of all array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH/ array CGH) findings ascertained in two major prenatal and postnatal genetic diagnostic centers in Hong Kong from June 2012 to December 2017. Medical records were reviewed for cases with pathogenic and variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS). Classification of copy number variants (CNVs) was based on current knowledge and experience by August 2018. The aims of this review are to study the diagnostic yield of array CGH application in prenatal and postnatal settings in Hong Kong and to describe the spectrum of abnormalities found. Prenatal indications included abnormal ultrasound findings, positive Down syndrome screening, abnormal noninvasive prenatal test results, advanced maternal age and family history of chromosomal or genetic abnormalities. Postnatal indications included unexplained DD, ID, ASD, and MCA.A total of 1,261 prenatal subjects and 3,096 postnatal patients were reviewed. The prenatal diagnostic yield of pathogenic CNV and VUS (excluding those detectable by karyotype) was 3.5%. The postnatal diagnostic yield of pathogenic CNV was 15.2%. The detection rates for well‐defined microdeletion and microduplication syndromes were 4.6% in prenatal and 6.1% (1 in 16 index patients) in postnatal cases, respectively. Chromosomes 15, 16, and 22 accounted for over 21 and 25% of pathogenic CNVs detected in prenatal and postnatal cohorts, respectively. This review provides the first large scale overview of genomic imbalance of mostly Chinese patients in prenatal and postnatal settings.
Broadband Reflection in Polymer‐Stabilized Cholesteric Liquid Crystals via Thiol–Acrylate Chemistry
Authors: Hu Wei , Chen Mei , Wang Qian , Zhang Lanying , Yuan Xiaotao , Chen Feiwu , Yang Huai 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThiols are prone to react with a multitude of various functional groups in high yields, which has been widely used for surface‐ and particle‐patterning, bioorganic synthesis, polymer modification, imprint nanolithography, the fabrication of optical components, hydrogel synthesis, and the curing of hard protective coatings. In this work, a chiral thiol with a high helical twisting power was synthesized through a novel synthetic route with high selectivity, yield, and cost‐effectiveness. It was then used to fabricate a liquid‐crystal composite film with ultra‐wide broadband reflection via thiol click chemistry. Cholesteric liquid‐crystal materials with broadband reflection have many potential applications for broadband polarizers, polarizer‐free displays, organic optical data storage media, smart switchable reflective windows, and continuous waveband laser protection.
Ultra‐Tough Inverse Artificial Nacre Based on Epoxy‐Graphene by Freeze‐Casting
Authors: Huang Chuanjin , Peng Jingsong , Wan Sijie , Du Yi , Dou Shixue , Wagner Hanoch Daniel , Tomsia Antoni P. , Jiang Lei , Cheng Qunfeng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEpoxy nanocomposites combining high toughness with advantageous functional properties are needed in many fields. However, fabricating high‐performance homogeneous epoxy nanocomposites with traditional methods remains a great challenge. Nacre with outstanding fracture toughness presents an ideal blueprint for the development of future epoxy nanocomposites. Now, high‐performance epoxy‐graphene layered nanocomposites were demonstrated with ultrahigh toughness and temperature‐sensing properties. These nanocomposites are composed of ca. 99 wt % organic epoxy, which is in contrast to the composition of natural nacre (ca. 96 wt % inorganic aragonite). These nanocomposites are named an inverse artificial nacre. The fracture toughness reaches about 4.2 times higher than that of pure epoxy. The electrical resistance is temperature‐sensitive and stable under various humidity conditions. This strategy opens an avenue for fabricating high‐performance epoxy nanocomposites with functional properties.
Synthesis, characterization, and electrical properties of polypyrrole–bimetallic oxide composites
Authors: Khan Hamayun , Malook Khan , Shah Mutabar 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTIn this study, polypyrrole (PPy) and its bimetallic oxide composites (PPy–V2O5–MnO2) were synthesized via a modified chemical oxidation polymerization method in the aqueous medium with FeCl3·6H2O as an oxidant. The synthesized materials were characterized with various analytical techniques to investigate their structural, crystallographic, thermal, morphological, optical, and electrical properties. The Fourier transform infrared study confirmed the successful synthesis of the materials, whereas the X‐ray diffraction analyses showed the amorphous and crystalline natures of the PPy and PPy–V2O5–MnO2composites, respectively. The bimetallic oxide content improved the thermal stability of the composites, as ratified by thermal analysis. The synthesized PPy had a globular and spongy nature, whereas the composites were mixtures of short and long rod‐shaped particles. The bimetallic oxide blend enhanced the doping, surface area and semiconducting nature of composites, and lower electrical resistance compared with those of the PPy. The resistance of the synthesized materials depended on the V2O5–MnO2blend content in the composites and the temperature. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 47680.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone electrospun nanofibers doped with Eu3+: Fabrication, characterization, and application in gas sensors
Authors: Terra Idelma A. A. , Sanfelice Rafaela C. , Scagion Vanessa P. , Tomazio Nathalia B. , Mendonça Cleber R. , Nunes Luiz A. O. , Correa Daniel S. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTPolymer nanofibers (NFs)‐based optical sensors hold great potential to fabricate low‐cost devices capable to monitor different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) related to healthcare and environmental conditions. For instance, ammonia detection is a subject of paramount importance, owing to the serious health problems associated to the exposition to this volatile. In this context, here, we report on the development of optical electrospun NFs composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) doped with Europium (Eu3+) aiming at the detection of ammonia. The fabricated NFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, photoluminescence, and excited state lifetime spectroscopies. The luminescence properties changes were evaluated by exposing the PVP_Eu3+ NFs to ammonia and other distinct interfering VOCs including toluene, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, triethylamine, acetic acid, and chloroform. The sensor exhibited a linear response to ammonia exposition in the concentration range from 0 to 50 ppm, yielding a detection limit of 4.7 ppm. Our results indicate the potential application of PVP_Eu3+ electrospun NFs in optical sensors for ammonia detection at room temperature based on luminescence quenching. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47775.
Cyfluthrin and Deltamethrin Induce Changes in the Fat Body Composition of Tenebrio molitor Larvae, Males and Females
Authors: Wojciechowska Marta , Stepnowski Piotr , Gołębiowski Marek 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe purpose of present study was to analyze the chemical composition of the fat body of insects (Tenebrio molitor) and its eventual variation after the application of insecticides. Using the GC/MS technique, the fat body composition of larvae, males and females was analyzed. The insects were stressed with selected insecticides containing cyfluthrin (Cyflok 50EW) and deltamethrin (K‐othrine) recommended for this species of insect by insecticides producers and farmers. The effect of these two chemicals on the chemical compounds patterns from fat body of insects was compared. Possible differences in the fat body composition between developmental stages and the sex of insects were also compared. Possible identified compounds included amino acids, carboxylic acids, alcohols, sterols, glycerol and urea. Our results show that the composition of lipids was different depending on the stage of development, the insecticide used and the elapsed time since its application.
Phenotypic spectrum of polycystic ovary syndrome and their relationship to the circadian biomarkers, melatonin and cortisol
Authors: Lim Audrey J. R. , Indran Inthrani R. , Kramer Michael S. , Yong Eu‐Leong 
Published: March 2019

SummaryObjectiveFirstly, to investigate whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) shows a continuum of severity with increasing number of phenotypic features comprising the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS and secondly, to explore relationships of these phenotypes to the circadian biomarkers, cortisol and melatonin.BackgroundStudies characterizing the spectrum of PCOS subphenotypes give little emphasis to the distinction among women who manifest zero, one or two of the three phenotypic features comprising the Rotterdam criteria. The relationship of circadian biomarkers to PCOS phenotypes is unclear.DesignCross‐sectional study of 321 participants from 2011 to 2016 conducted at the National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore.ParticipantsParticipants included women who attended a health screen for NUH staff, volunteers from the university community, and women referred for possible PCOS from gynaecological clinics at NUH and KK Women's and Children's Hospital (Singapore).MethodsAll participants underwent a physical examination, ovarian ultrasound scan and follicular‐phase blood testing, and completed a health and lifestyle questionnaire.ResultsA significant positive linear trend in all clinical and biochemical characteristics of PCOS with increasing number of phenotypic features comprising the Rotterdam criteria. We observed a similar trend in serum cortisol and melatonin, two biomarkers of the circadian rhythm.ConclusionPCOS may not be an “all‐or‐none” condition, but rather a continuous spectrum. The positive relationship between number of PCOS criteria with melatonin and cortisol merits further investigation on the role of circadian biorhythms in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
A 79‐year‐old woman with atrial fibrillation and new onset of heart failure
Authors: Schneider Birke , Nazarenus Dirk , Stöllberger Claudia 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAs an alternative to oral anticoagulation, percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an increasingly performed procedure to prevent arterial embolism in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation. Besides procedure‐related complications, residual leaks, device‐related thrombus formation, and dislocation of the LAA occluder have been observed during follow‐up. Heart failure as a consequence of interventional LAA closure has not been reported so far. This case report describes a 79‐year‐old lady with permanent non‐valvular atrial fibrillation presenting with New York Heart Association Class IV heart failure. Symptoms had started immediately after attempted LAA closure 11 months before. Transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated two devices in the LAA, a large peri‐device leak, a mobile LAA thrombus, a right atrial appendage thrombus, and shunting via a patent foramen ovale. Under a maximally tolerated dose of heart failure medication and edoxaban, the patient remains without bleeding or embolism in New York Heart Association Class II. Because of its unique anatomical and endocrine properties, the LAA plays an important role in situations of pressure and volume overload. Interventional LAA closure interacts unfavourably with left atrial compliance and reservoir function. Atrial and brain natriuretic peptide secretion is known to be significantly reduced after LAA closure. Both mechanisms may result in the development of heart failure. Attempted LAA closure—instead of being the solution—may create new serious problems. Development of heart failure should be assessed, and a systematic search for late leaks after LAA closure should be performed in trials investigating safety and efficacy of this intervention.
Establishing microbial co‐cultures for 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid biosynthesis on glycerol
Authors: Zhou Yiyao , Li Zhenghong , Wang Xiaonan , Zhang Haoran 
Published: March 2019

AbstractConverting renewable feedstocks to aromatic compounds using engineered microbes offers a robust approach for sustainable, environment‐friendly, and cost‐effective production of these value‐added products without the reliance on petroleum. In this study, rationally designed E. coli–E. coli co‐culture systems were established for converting glycerol to 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid (3HB). Specifically, the 3HB pathway was modularized and accommodated by two metabolically engineered E. coli strains. The co‐culture biosynthesis was optimized by using different cultivation temperatures, varying the inoculum ratio between the co‐culture strains, recruitment of a key pathway intermediate transporter, strengthening the critical pathway enzyme expression, and adjusting the timing for inducing pathway gene expression. Compared with the E. coli mono‐culture, the optimized co‐culture showed 5.3‐fold improvement for 3HB biosynthesis. This study demonstrated the applicability of modular co‐culture engineering for addressing the challenges of aromatic compound biosynthesis.