bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of metformin on cardiovascular risk factors in middle‐aged Thai women with metabolic syndrome: A randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Indhavivadhana Suchada , Rattanachaiyanont Manee , Wongwananurak Thanyarat , Techatraisak Kitirat , Jirattigalachote Apiradee , Dangrat Chongdee 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of metformin on cardiovascular risk factors in middle‐aged Thai women with metabolic syndrome that are in menopausal transition.MethodsThis study was double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria. After taking metformin 1700 mg/day for 6 months, cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated at baseline and month‐6; the values of which were used to calculate delta (Δ, month‐6 minus baseline values).ResultsForty menopausal participants were equally, randomized into either the placebo or metformin group. The two groups had comparable metabolic parameters at baseline, except that the mean triglyceride level was higher in the metformin group than in the placebo group. The significant improvements found only in the metformin group were body mass index, fasting blood glucose, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and 10‐year risk of coronary heart disease (Framingham heart study) (P = 0.0004, P = 0.049, P = 0.035 and P = 0.029); whereas that only in the placebo group was high density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement between the two groups.ConclusionMetformin can improve some parameters of metabolic syndrome in middle‐aged Thai women. Metformin is not superior to placebo for the improvement of cardiovascular risk factors.
Neonatal outcomes of two‐step delivery in low‐risk pregnancy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Hishikawa Kenji , Kusaka Takeshi , Fukuda Takanori , Kohata Yutaka , Inoue Hiromi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimExtraction of the fetal body is typically performed immediately after delivery of the head in Western obstetric care. Reports justifying immediate extraction are few. Two‐step delivery entails waiting for the next uterine contraction after delivery of the head. The present study evaluates neonatal asphyxia and respiratory impairment in two‐step delivery using the head‐to‐body delivery interval.MethodsThis prospective observational study performed at a single birth clinic used the data of 262 low‐risk pregnant women with two‐step delivery. We measured the time interval of head‐to‐body delivery and correlation analysis and simple linear regression analysis between the head‐to‐body delivery interval and umbilical artery pH. The women were divided into two groups according to the head‐to‐body delivery interval: ≤60 or >60 s. The prevalence of neonatal asphyxia and neonatal respiratory impairment was compared between the groups.ResultsThe mean head‐to‐body delivery interval was 88.9 ± 71.3 s. The umbilical artery pH tended to decrease with increasing head‐to‐body delivery interval; however, there was almost no correlation and the decline of pH was only 0.010 for every additional minute. Low Apgar score incidence at 5 min did not differ significantly between the groups. No cases of shoulder dystocia were reported, and tachypnea at 4 h after birth occurred in 3% of the births.ConclusionsA longer head‐to‐body delivery interval is not associated with negative outcomes in two‐step delivery. We believe that two‐step delivery could have some superior outcomes compared with one‐step delivery outcomes, particularly as to improving fetal circulation and preventing shoulder dystocia.
Effects of maternal dietary vitamin E on the egg characteristics, hatchability and offspring quality of prolonged storage eggs of broiler breeder hens
Authors: Yang Jun , Ding Xuemei , Bai Shiping , Wang Jianping , Zeng Qiufeng , Peng Huanwei , Su Zhuowei , Xuan Yue , Scott Fraley Gregory , Zhang Keying 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis research aims to evaluate the effects of maternal vitamin E (VE) dietary supplementation on the egg characteristics, hatchability and antioxidant status of the embryo and newly hatched chicks of prolonged storage eggs. A total of 576 75‐week‐old Ross 308 breeder hens were randomly allocated into three dietary VE treatments (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) with 6 replicates of 32 hens, for a 12‐week feeding trial. At week 12, a total of 710 eggs were collected over a 5‐day period, and eggs per treatment were attributed into 5 replicates and stored for 14 days until incubation. The egg yolk, trunk and head of 7‐day‐old embryo and the serum, liver, brain and yolk sac of newly hatched chicks were sampled for the evaluation of antioxidant status. Results showed that as maternal dietary VE levels increased, yolk α‐tocopherol concentration increased (p < .05). Compared with 100 mg/kg VE, the use of 200 and 400 mg/kg VE increased the hatchability of set/fertile eggs and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) of liver and serum in chicks (p < .05), and decreased both the early embryonic mortality and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of trunk and head in 7‐day‐old embryos (p < .05); moreover, 400 mg/kg VE increased the yolk T‐AOC (p < .05) and decreased yolk and brain MDA content of chicks (p < .05). Brain T‐AOC of chicks in 200 mg/kg VE group was improved compared to that of chicks in 100 mg/kg VE group (p < .05). In conclusion, maternal dietary VE at 200 or 400 mg/kg could increase hatchability by decreasing early embryonic mortality and increasing the antioxidant status of egg yolk, embryo and newly hatched chicks as breeder egg storage was prolonged to 14–18 days. The suitable VE level for the broiler breeder diet was 200 mg/kg as breeder egg storage was prolonged.
“Doing Gender” and “Doing Religion” in Science: A Cross‐National Examination
Authors: Thomson Robert A. , Mehta Sharan Kaur , Ecklund Elaine Howard 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWomen tend to be both underrepresented in science and overrepresented in organized religion, yet the connection between these two phenomena is rarely examined. With survey data collected among 6,537 biologists and physicists from four national contexts—the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and India—we test whether science as a social field shapes religious expressions and attitudes differently for men and women. Findings reveal a religious gender gap in India and Italy but not in the United States and the United Kingdom. Further, except in Italy, men had higher odds of perceiving religion and science to be in conflict, believing that their colleagues have a negative attitude about religion, and reporting that science made them less religious. Evidence suggests that men in science may disproportionately internalize normative pressures to masculinize by eschewing religion. Our findings have implications for selection into academic science and the practice of religion among men and women in science.
Evaluation of chelated iron and iron sulfate in the diet of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus to enhance iron excretion for application in integrated aquaponics systems
Authors: Siqwepu Oyama , Salie Khalid , Goosen Neill 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe best source and inclusion level of iron from feed additives for optimizing the production of African catfish was determined while simultaneously evaluating excretion of effluent that can be used to optimally grow plants in aquaponics systems. Using six experimental treatments and a control, the production parameters, proximate composition, hematological indices, nonspecific immunity, tissue mineral composition, apparent digestibility coefficients, and water quality trials were examined. Mineral sources were iron from an organic source, chelated amino acid, and an inorganic source, iron phosphate. No significant differences were observed in production parameters. There were differences in proximate composition. Fish fed FeSO4 at 30 mg/kg had significantly higher hematocrit levels and red blood cell levels compared with the control, while FeSO4 60 had the highest hemoglobin levels. Tissue mineral composition showed significantly higher iron concentrations in the liver of the control compared with all the treatments. FeSO4 30 treatment had the highest apparent digestibility coefficient (96%). Iron concentrations in the effluent of the water differed between treatments. Iron from FeSO4 can improve the hematological profile of catfish compared with the control, and its effluent from culture water has the potential to minimize or reduce the use of nutrient fertilizers in integrated aquaponics systems.
LEIBNIZ’S PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE?
Authors: Lodge Paul 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe main concern of this essay is to make a case for the thesis that Leibniz conceived of his philosophy as a way of life in something like the sense articulated in the works of Pierre Hadot. On this view, philosophy was a type of conduct, or a mode of existing‐in‐the‐world, which had to be practised at each instant, with the goal of transforming the whole of the individual’s life. The essay also serves as an introduction to some of the main themes in Hadot’s work. While it includes a brief discussion of a number of the central components of Leibniz’s philosophy conceived as a way of life, the essay does not aim to do so in great detail. Rather, it offers a manifesto and initial road map.
ESOTERIC CONFUCIANISM, MORAL DILEMMAS, AND FILIAL PIETY
Authors: Sin William 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTwo controversial cases in Confucian literature present the demands of filial piety as conflicting with those of impartial justice. Let us call them the Case of Concealment (Analects18.13) and the Case of Evasion (Mencius7A53). Adogmaticreading of the texts indicates that both Confucius and Mencius give more weight to filial piety than to justice. This essay, however, provides an alternative reading of the cases:the liberal reading. I argue that the Confucian teachers used the cases as moral dilemmas that force Confucian students to learn how to use a cluster of Confucian virtues, including practical wisdom, discretion, and straight determination, under difficult circumstances. The liberal reading views these moral dilemmas as rhetorical tools; they guide Confucian students in meditative exercises and ultimately transform students’ mode of seeing and being.
WHY PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE?
Authors: Hidalgo Javier 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis essay explains why there are good reasons to practice philosophy as a way of life. The argument begins with the assumption that we should live well but that our understanding of how to live well can be mistaken. Philosophical reason and reflection can help correct these mistakes. Nonetheless, the evidence suggests that philosophical reasoning often fails to change our dispositions and behavior. Drawing on the work of Pierre Hadot, the essay claims that spiritual exercises and communal engagement mitigate the factors that prevent us from living in accordance with our conceptions of the good life. So, many of us have reasons to engage in philosophical reasoning along with behavioral, cognitive, and social strategies to alter our behavior and attitudes so that they’re in line with our philosophical commitments. In these respects, many of us should practice philosophy as a way of life.
ON THE BENEFITS OF PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE IN A GENERAL INTRODUCTORY COURSE
Authors: Wright Jake 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPhilosophy as a way of life (PWOL) places investigations of value, meaning, and the good life at the center of philosophical investigation, especially of one’s own life. This essay argues that PWOL is compatible with general introductory philosophy courses, further arguing that PWOL‐based general introductions have several philosophical and pedagogical benefits. These include the ease with which high‐impact practices, situated skill development, and students’ ability to “think like a disciplinarian” may be incorporated into such courses, relative to more traditional introductory courses, as well as the demonstration of philosophy’s value to students by explicitly tying philosophical investigation to students’ own lives.
The Arabidopsis mTERF‐repeat MDA1 protein plays a dual function in transcription and stabilization of specific chloroplast transcripts within the psbE and ndhH operons
Authors: Méteignier Louis‐Valentin , Ghandour Rabea , Meierhoff Karin , Zimmerman Aude , Chicher Johana , Baumberger Nicolas , Alioua Abdelmalek , Meurer Jörg , Zoschke Reimo , Hammani Kamel 
Published: April 2020

Summary

The mTERF gene family encodes for nucleic acid binding proteins that are predicted to regulate organellar gene expression in eukaryotes. Despite the implication of this gene family in plant development and response to abiotic stresses, a precise molecular function was assigned to only a handful number of its c. 30 members in plants.

Using a reverse genetics approach in Arabidopsis thaliana and combining molecular and biochemical techniques, we revealed new functions for the chloroplast mTERF protein, MDA1.

We demonstrated that MDA1 associates in vivo with components of the plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase and transcriptional active chromosome complexes. MDA1 protein binds in vivo and in vitro with specificity to 27‐bp DNA sequences near the 5′‐end of psbE and ndhA chloroplast genes to stimulate their transcription, and additionally promotes the stabilization of the 5′‐ends of processed psbE and ndhA messenger (m)RNAs. Finally, we provided evidence that MDA1 function in gene transcription likely coordinates RNA folding and the action of chloroplast RNA‐binding proteins on mRNA stabilization.

Our results provide examples for the unexpected implication of DNA binding proteins and gene transcription in the regulation of mRNA stability in chloroplasts, blurring the boundaries between DNA and RNA metabolism in this organelle.
Efficacy of non‐bridging external fixation in treating distal radius fractures
Authors: Liu Ying , Bai Yu‐ming 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of non‐bridging external fixation in treating distal radius fractures (DRF) and its effect on wrist joint function.MethodsThe medical records of 207 patients who were treated for DRF between May 2008 and April 2017 in our hospital (age, 18.0–70.0 years; 99 males and 108 females) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had evident wrist trauma and the diagnosis of DRF was confirmed by imaging tests. A total of 101 patients received bridging external fixation (control group), whereas another 106 received non‐bridging external fixation (study group). At 12 weeks after the procedure, the treatment effect was measured using the Dienst scoring system (rating scale: ≤3 points, excellent; 4–7 points, good; 8–11 points, fair; >12 points, poor), and the wrist joint function was evaluated by Gartland and Werley classification (rating scale: 0–2 points, excellent; 3–8 points, good; 9–20 points, fair; >21 points, poor); meanwhile, the radial length, radial inclination, and palmar tilt were examined by X‐ray. Follow‐up visits were conducted once every 2 weeks for 6 months, and the incidences of complications in the two groups within 6 months after operation were recorded, including incision infection, Kirschner wire loosening, delayed fracture healing, and arthritis.ResultsThere were no differences in the sex ratio, mean age, mean injury period, Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur osteosynthesefragen classification, and cause of fracture between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In terms of the treatment effects, the study group had a higher percentage of excellent results (P < 0.001) and lower percentages of fair and poor results (P = 0.002, P = 0.001) than the control group 12 weeks after treatment, while both groups had similar percentages of good results (P = 0.109). In terms of the score of the wrist joint function, the study group had a higher proportion of excellent result than the control group 12 weeks after treatment (P = 0.029), whereas no intergroup differences in the proportion of good, fair, and poor results were observed (all P > 0.05). After follow‐up for 6 months, the incidences of incision infection, Kirschner wire loosening, delayed fracture healing, and arthritis, as well as the total complication rate were found to be similar between the two groups (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsUsing non‐bridging external fixation for treating DRF allows some level of wrist movement during the early stage of fixation, effectively maintains the radial length, radial inclination, and palmar tilt, and achieves better outcomes than bridging external fixation.
Latest‐Late Fertility? Decline and Resurgence of Late Parenthood Across the Low‐Fertility Countries
Authors: Beaujouan Eva 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAfter decades of fertility postponement, we investigate recent changes in late parenthood across low‐fertility countries in the light of observations from the past. We use long series of age‐specific fertility rates from the Human Fertility Database (1950–2016) for women, and new data covering the period 1990–2016 for men. In 1950, the contribution of births at age 40 and over to female fertility rates ranged from 2.5 to 9 percent, but then fell sharply until the 1980s. From the 1990s, however, the prevalence of late first births increased rapidly, especially so in countries where it was initially lowest. This has produced a late fertility rebound in the last two decades, occurring much faster for women than for men. Comparisons between recent and past extremely late (age 48+) fertility levels confirm that people are now challenging the natural fertility barriers, particularly for a first child.
Incidence and risk factors of preoperative anxiety in Spanish‐speaking children living in a Spanish‐speaking country
Authors: Arze Santiago , Lagos Claudio , Ibacache Mauricio , Zamora Maximiliano , González Alejandro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundMost research on preoperative anxiety has focused on non‐Latino populations. A study performed in the USA found that children from Spanish‐speaking Latino families experienced higher anxiety than children from English‐speaking families.AimsTo report the incidence and level of preoperative anxiety in native Spanish‐speaking children living in their home country and to assess risk factors associated with higher anxiety levels.MethodsData were collected from 204 children aged 2‐12 undergoing elective surgery in a Chilean hospital. Patients' demographic data, surgery‐related information, and self‐reported parental anxiety were collected. Children's anxiety was measured using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. An anxiety score greater than 30 indicated significant anxiety. The main outcome for analyzing risk factors was children's anxiety level in the operating room.ResultsSignificant preoperative anxiety was observed in 41.7% (95% CI: 34.8%–48.8%) of patients, with median anxiety score of 26.6 (IQR, 23.4‐46.6). A significant positive correlation was observed between self‐reported parental anxiety in the preoperative holding room and children's anxiety in the operating room (r = .153, P = .02), with a higher median difference when mothers are present in anesthesia induction (36.8 vs 30.7, respectively; P = .006). Linear regression analysis found previous negative surgical experience to be associated with higher anxiety levels in the operating room (β = 16.057, P = .014).ConclusionsSpanish‐speaking children undergoing elective surgery in their home country experienced significant rates of preoperative anxiety. Parental anxiety and previous negative surgical experience were risk factors associated with higher anxiety levels.
Disagreement with a bald‐faced liar
Authors: Marques Teresa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHow can we disagree with a bald‐faced liar? Can we actively disagree if it is common ground that the speaker has no intent to deceive? And why do we disapprove of bald‐faced liars so strongly? Bald‐faced lies pose problems for accounts of lying and of assertion. Recent proposals try to defuse those problems by arguing that bald‐faced lies are not really assertions, but rather performances of fiction‐like scripts, or different types of language games. In this paper, I raise two objections to the fictionalist view, and then offer an analysis of how we disagree with bald‐faced liars. I conclude that bald‐faced lies are assertions, and that in pronouncing a bald‐faced lie, the speaker tries to make it common ground that the assertion was in good standing qua assertion.
Effect Analysis of Various Gradient Particle Size Distribution on Electrical Performance of Anode-Supported SOFCs With Gradient Anode
Authors: Fu Pei , Song Yuansheng , Yang Jian , Wang Qiuwang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Gradient particle size anode has shown great potential in improving the electrical performance of anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In this study, a 3D comprehensive model is established to study the effect of various gradient particle size distribution on the cell electrical performance for the anode microstructure optimization. The effect of homogeneous particle size on the cell performance is studied first. The maximum current density of homogeneous anode SOFC is obtained for the comparison with the electrical performance of gradient anode SOFC. Then the effect of various gradient particle size distribution on the cell molar fraction, polarization losses, and electronic current density distribution is analyzed and discussed in detail. Results show that increasing the particle diameter gradient can effectively reduce the anodic concentration overpotential. Decreasing the particle diameter of anode functional layer 2 is beneficial for reducing the activation and ohmic overpotentials. On these bases, the comprehensive electrical performance of SOFCs with gradient particle size anode and homogeneous anode is compared to highlight the optimal gradient particle diameter distribution. In the studied cases of this work, the gradient particle diameter of 0.7 μm, 0.4 μm, and 0.1 μm at anode support layer (ASL), anode functional layer 1, and anode functional layer 2 (case 3) is the optimal particle size distribution.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Aerodynamics and Impingement Heat Transfer From Hexagonal Arrays of Multiple Dual-Swirling Impinging Flame Jets
Authors: Singh Parampreet , Velamati Ratna Kishore , Chander Subhash 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Radiative furnaces pose significant thermal inertia and single impinging flames have been observed to cause occurrence of hotspots on the target surface. Multiple burners arranged in suitable array configuration represent one of the plausible solutions for more uniform heat transfer. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been carried out for multiple swirling impinging flames arranged in a hexagonal array configuration. The turbulence chemistry interactions in the flame field are solved numerically using renormalization group (RNG) based k–ε/eddy dissipation model (EDM) framework. Comparison of co-and-counter-swirling configurations has been studied for interactions and spent gas release mechanism. Multiple swirling impinging flames undergo strong interactions resulting in distortions of recirculation zones (RCZ) for all the surrounding except central flame. Co-swirling flames result in development of higher turbulence in the interaction regions as compared to counter-swirl case. Results indicate that some flames in counter-swirl case are underutilized due to the fluid dynamics developed in the system and co-swirling hexagonal array configuration is a better arrangement for effective heating of target surface. Effect of interjet spacing (S/Dh = 5, 7, and 9) and separation distance (H/Dh = 3, 5, 7, and 9) studied for co-swirl case revealed that peak heat fluxes decreased with increasing interjet spacing and separation distance. Central flame represented a region of low heat flux and this region has been noticed to expand in size for increasing interjet spacings. Suppression of central flame has been observed to be maximum for minimum separation distance.