bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical determinants of forward skating sprint inferred from off‐ and on‐ice force‐velocity evaluations in elite female ice hockey players
Authors: Perez Jérôme , Guilhem Gaël , Hager Robin , Brocherie Franck 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the correlations between players’ mechanical capacities determined during off‐ and on‐ice tests. Whole body force‐velocity relationships were assessed in elite female ice hockey players (n = 17) during jumping [squat jump (SJ)], running (5 and 30 m) and skating (5 and 40 m) sprint tasks. Mechanical capacities estimates include relative maximal theoretical force (F0rel), velocity (V0), power (Pmaxrel), slope of the linear relationship between force relative to body mass and velocity (SFVrel), maximal horizontal component of the ground reaction force to the corresponding resultant force (RFmax) and minimal rate of decrease of this ratio (DRF). On‐ice mechanical capacities (F0rel, Pmaxrel, RFmax and DRF) largely‐to‐very largely correlated with 40‐m skating split time (r ranging from 0.82 for DRF to −0.91 for Pmaxrel; p < 0.001). Performance variables (SJ height, 30‐m running and 40‐m forward skating split time) and Pmaxrel demonstrated the largest associations between jumping, running and skating tasks (r ranging from −0.81 for 30‐m sprint running time to 0.92 for SJ height; p < 0.001). Small (V0, SFVrel, DRF and force‐velocity deficit) to very large (Pmaxrel) correlations (r ranging from 0.58 to 0.72; p < 0.05) were obtained between mechanical variables inferred from off‐ and on‐ice force‐velocity tests. The capacity to generate high amounts of horizontal power and effective horizontal force during the first steps on the ice is paramount for forward skating sprint performance. Mechanical capacities determined during forward skating sprint could be considered in ice hockey testing to identify fitness and/or technical/training requirements.
Unilateral peripheral facial paralysis following vestibular schwannoma surgical removal
Authors: Montino Silvia , Baddoo Elena , Agostinelli Anna , Cazzador Diego , Gheller Flavia , Trevisi Patrizia , Zanoletti Elisabetta 
Published: April 2020

Introduction:
Unilateral peripheral facial palsy after vestibular neuroma surgery may cause miming, articulatory, communication and swallowing disorders, especially with liquids. The therapy ranges from no intervention to intensive treatment directly following onset or after a resting period of several months, when the nerve shows signs of recovery.

Methods:
The study is divided in two sequential steps. Patients involved in the first phase can volunteer for the second phase. In the first phase the perceived impairment was measured through a self-assessment questionnaire, the ‘Facial Disability Index’ (FDI). Other five questions were added to the FDI to better understand the perceived impairment of oral functions. In this second phase of the study, three clinical follow-ups were conducted by two Speech and Language Therapists during a 3-months period. During each session the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) Scale was used to assess the severity of facial palsy in terms of facial asymmetry at rest or in motion and presence of synkinesis. Each evaluation was recorded on videotape and scored. Moreover, patients were monitored and observed during the ingestion of solid and liquid foods to detect difficulties and compensatory behaviours.

Results:
The median values and interquartile ranges for Physical, Social and Oral functioning scales of the FDI questionnaire were 48 [40–52], 76 [72–80], 52 [32–56] respectively. The Physical scale seemed to be the most impaired, the Oral functioning is the one with the lower scores. Four patients of the first phase entered the second one. During the follow-ups, they all showed a reduction of the perceived impairment although there was no significant physical recovery, as the SFGS remain stable.

Discussion:
The study supports the importance of the FDI, as a disease-specific, self-report functional status instrument. The follow-ups seem to confirm that the severity of dysphagia and swallowing disorder does not correlate with the severity of the facial palsy. The present study suggests adding patient’s education to the first rehabilitation goals, to allow the patient to have a better understanding of his/her oral functioning, that is altered after surgery.
Entanglement classification via neural network quantum states
Authors: Harney Cillian , Pirandola Stefano , Ferraro Alessandro , Paternostro Mauro 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The task of classifying the entanglement properties of a multipartite quantum state poses a remarkable challenge due to the exponentially increasing number of ways in which quantum systems can share quantum correlations. Tackling such challenge requires a combination of sophisticated theoretical and computational techniques. In this paper we combine machine-learning tools and the theory of quantum entanglement to perform entanglement classification for multipartite qubit systems in pure states. We use a parameterisation of quantum systems using artificial neural networks in a restricted Boltzmann machine architecture, known as Neural Network Quantum States, whose entanglement properties can be deduced via a constrained, reinforcement learning procedure. In this way, Separable Neural Network States can be used to build entanglement witnesses for any target state.
Unification of theories requires a postulate basis in common
Authors: Suntola Tuomo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
A primary challenge of natural sciences in the new millennium is to cure the gap between metaphysics and empiricism – and puzzle out the obstacles to a unified theory and an understandable picture of reality. Antique science flourished via its strong philosophical impact but faded away due to the lack of supporting empirical science. The fast development of mathematical physics has led to the other opposite; theories are diversified, they are more like mathematical descriptions of observations; they provide precise predictions but lack a solid metaphysical basis and an understandable picture of reality. Anyway, modern science has increased our understanding of physics from elementary particles to cosmological structures and produced information that allows re-evaluation of the basis. By switching from an observer-oriented perspective to a system-oriented perspective, any local object is related to the rest of space and relativity appears as a direct consequence of the conservation of total energy in the system – without scarifying the absolute time and distance essential for human comprehension. Such a holistic approach has led to the Dynamic Universe theory (DU). After maturing for the last twenty-five years, DU produces precise, well-tested predictions for local and cosmological observables and an uncontradictory linkage to quantum mechanics.
Is the Solar System expanding?
Authors: Sipilä Heikki 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
It is argued in this article that observations undermine the no-expansion hypothesis of standard physics, where gravitationally bound systems do not expand along with the expansion of space, and support the contrary expansion hypothesis where the Solar System expands proportionally to the expansion of space. First, the no-expansion hypothesis yields the Faint Young Sun Paradox–the dilemma of explaining why there have been oceans on Mars and why the Earth has been warm 3.5 billion year ago, when luminosity of the Sun was 25% smaller than today–whereas the expansion hypothesis resolves the paradox. Second, the number of days in a year in the past cannot be explained with tidal friction alone, whereas the fusion of the tidal friction and the expansion hypothesis functions as a natural explanation. Third, the no-expansion hypothesis does not match the historical increase of the Earth-Moon distance, whereas the expansion hypothesis matches it perfectly. These three examples strongly indicate that the Solar System is expanding along with the expansion of space.
Ontological and methodological virtues of unification
Authors: Ingthorsson R D 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The widespread mistrust of metaphysics—the main obstacle to the unification of physics and philosophy—is based on the myth that metaphysical claims cannot be falsified or verified, because they are supposedly true independently of empirical knowledge. This is not true of metaphysical naturalism, whose approach is to critically reflect on the theories and findings of all the empirical disciplines and abstract from them a theory about such general features of reality that no single empirical discipline can be the authority on. Causation is such a feature, since its instances include anything from planetary motions to particle interactions, chemical reactions, biological functions, and closing a door. Consequently, a general account of causation is beyond any particular empirical discipline. Metaphysical naturalism takes a meta-perspective on the results of the empirical sciences and attempts to figure out how it fits together in a coherent whole, e.g. by offering a general account of causation. General accounts of this kind are falsifiable in so far as the theories are falsifiable from which they are generalizations. The paper also discusses some fundamental metaphysical principles implicitly assumed by the sciences generally, and why they imply that unification is methodologically virtuous.
A facile rout to obtain Al2O3 nanopowder via recycling aluminum cans by sol-gel method
Authors: Fakhimi Omid , Najafi Abolhassan , Khalaj Gholamreza 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Aluminum alkoxide compound was prepared using aluminum cans and used as a precursor in the mesoporous alumina synthesis processes by sol-gel method. The aging temperature of 25, 60, 80 °C and period of 12, 24 and 48 h were investigated as the main parameters in determining the sol particle size and the bonding process during the gel process. The results showed that the aging temperature of 80 °C and duration of 24 h are the optimum conditions for the synthesis of mesoporous alumina with superior properties in terms of specific surface area and porosity. The estimation of calcination temperature showed that the minimum temperature required to reach the alumina phase is 500 °C. However, due to the necessity of the presence of crystalline phase with maximum ordering at atomic plane arrangement, 900 °C temperature and 1 h storage time were selected as the optimum calcination conditions. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies of the optimum sample showed that the final product consists of nanoparticles with same appearance, and the particle size distribution was in the range of 20 to 40 nm. Due to the binding of nanoparticles and the formation of larger masses, porosities in the meso-range are created in their microstructure, which introduces the end product to be used as a catalyst sub base.
Linear correlation between the c-axis lattice constant and superconducting critical temperature in FeSe0.5Te0.5 thin films
Authors: Huang Jingfeng , Zhang Yalin , Xing Zhongwen , Gu Min , Wang Peng , Wang Zhihe , Xing Dingyu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electrical resistance analyses, we investigate structural and superconducting properties of FeSe0.5Te0.5 films deposited by pulsed laser deposition on TiO2-buffered (CeO2-buffered) SrTiO3 substrates with the buffer film thickness varying from 0 to several tens of nanometers. It is found that the SrTiO3/TiO2 (or CeO2)/FeSe0.5Te0.5 film in a proper thickness range of the buffer film shows a higher superconducting transition temperature (T

c
) than the SrTiO3/FeSe0.5Te0.5 film without buffer layer, indicating that the buffer layer can enhance T

c
. Both T

c
and the c-axis lattice constant of FeSe0.5Te0.5 films increase first and then decrease with the buffer film thickness, each exhibiting its maximum at a particular buffer film thickness, and both of them show an almost linear correlation.
Commercial and emerging technologies for cancer diagnosis and prognosis based on circulating tumor exosomes
Authors: Ohannesian Nareg , Gunawardhana Loku , Misbah Ibrahim , Rakhshandehroo Mohsen , Lin Steven H , Shih Wei-Chuan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles excreted by mammalian cells that circulate freely in the bloodstream of living organisms. Exosomes have a lipid bilayer that encloses genetic material used in intracellular communication (e.g. double-stranded DNA, micro-RNAs, and messenger RNA). Recent evidence suggests that dysregulation of this genetic content within exosomes has a major role in tumor progression in the surrounding microenvironment. Motivated by this discovery, we focused here on using exosomal biomarkers as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for cancer. In this review, we discuss recently discovered exosome-derived proteomic and genetic biomarkers used in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Although several genetic biomarkers have been validated for their diagnostic values, proteomic biomarkers are still being actively pursued. We discuss both commercial technologies and emerging technologies for exosome isolation and analysis. Emerging technologies can be classified into optical and non-optical methods. The working principle of each method is briefly discussed as well as advantages and limitations.
Structural and optical properties of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles: effect of calcination temperature
Authors: Horti N C , Kamatagi M D , Nataraj S K , Wari M N , Inamdar S R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In this article, we report the structural and optical properties of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method. The effect of calcination temperature on structural and optical properties of ZrO2 nanoparticles is investigated through XRD, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence emission and life time measurements. XRD spectrum reveals the tetragonal phase at calcination temperature 600 °C and crystallinity of samples increases with calcination temperature. At 800 °C the phase transition from tetragonal to tetragonal-monoclinic mixed phase is noticed. The FESEM images show the particles are of irregular shape and highly agglomerated. FTIR spectra also confirm the formation of ZrO2 in crystalline phase. From UV–vis absorption spectra it is found a strong quantization and varying band gap with calcination temperature. The change in emission wavelength and intensity with phase change is observed form fluorescence emission spectra. At higher calcination temperature emission intensity is decreased which may be due to the phase change and the formation of surface defects. The life time measurements also reveal the different trap states and life time with calcination temperature.
Toenail-Based Metal Concentrations and Young-Onset Breast Cancer
Authors: O’Brien Katie M , White Alexandra J , Jackson Brian P , Karagas Margaret R , Sandler Dale P , Weinberg Clarice R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Several metals have carcinogenic properties, but their associations with breast cancer are not established. We studied cadmium, a metalloestrogen, and 9 other metals—arsenic, cobalt, chromium, copper, mercury, molybdenum, lead, tin, and vanadium–—in relation to young-onset breast cancer (diagnosis age &lt;50 years), which tends to be more aggressive than and have a different risk profile from later-onset disease. Recent metal exposure was measured by assessing element concentrations, via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, in toenail clippings of 1,217 disease-discordant sister pairs in the US-based Sister (2003–2009) and Two Sister (2008–2010) studies. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. After correcting for differential calendar time of sample collection, no statistically significant associations were observed between any metals and breast cancer. Vanadium had the largest odds ratio (for fourth vs. first quartile, odds ratio = 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.75, 3.16; P for trend = 0.21). The association between cadmium and young-onset breast cancer was near null, with no evidence of a dose-response relationship (for fourth vs. first quartile, odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.64, 1.43; P for trend = 0.64). Positive associations between urinary cadmium concentrations and breast cancer have been reported in case-control studies, but we observed no such association between young-onset breast cancer and toenail concentrations of any assessed metals.
To What Extent Is the Association Between Race/Ethnicity and Fetal Growth Restriction Explained by Adequacy of Prenatal Care? A Mediation Analysis of a Retrospectively Selected Cohort
Authors: Nasiri Khalidha , Moodie Erica E M , Abenhaim Haim A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Race/ethnicity is associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth. We evaluated the extent to which this association is mediated by adequacy of prenatal care (PNC). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using US National Center for Health Statistics natality files for the years 2011–2017. We performed mediation analyses using a statistical approach that allows for exposure-mediator interaction, and we estimated natural direct effects, natural indirect effects, and proportions mediated. All effects were estimated as risk ratios. Among 23,118,656 singleton live births, the excess risk of IUGR among Black women, Hispanic women, and women of other race/ethnicity as compared with White women was partly mediated by PNC adequacy: 13% of the association between non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and IUGR, 12% of the association in Hispanic women, and 10% in other women was attributable to PNC inadequacy. The percentage of excess risk of SGA birth that was mediated was 7% in Black women, 6% in Hispanic women, and 5% in other women. Our findings suggest that PNC adequacy may partly mediate the association between race/ethnicity and fetal growth restriction. In future research, investigators should employ causal mediation frameworks to consider additional factors and mediators that could help us better understand this association.
Intraspecific trait variation influences physiological performance and fitness in the South Africa shrub genus Protea (Proteaceae)
Authors: Nolting Kristen M , Prunier Rachel , Midgley Guy F , Holsinger Kent E 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims
Global plant trait datasets commonly identify trait relationships that are interpreted to reflect fundamental trade-offs associated with plant strategies, but often these trait relationships are not identified when evaluating them at smaller taxonomic and spatial scales. In this study we evaluate trait relationships measured on individual plants for five widespread Protea species in South Africa to determine whether broad-scale patterns of structural trait (e.g. leaf area) and physiological trait (e.g. photosynthetic rates) relationships can be detected within natural populations, and if these traits are themselves related to plant fitness.

Methods
We evaluated the variance structure (i.e. the proportional intraspecific trait variation relative to among-species variation) for nine structural traits and six physiological traits measured in wild populations. We used a multivariate path model to evaluate the relationships between structural traits and physiological traits, and the relationship between these traits and plant size and reproductive effort.

Key Results
While intraspecific trait variation is relatively low for structural traits, it accounts for between 50 and 100 % of the variation in physiological traits. Furthermore, we identified few trait associations between any one structural trait and physiological trait, but multivariate regressions revealed clear associations between combinations of structural traits and physiological performance (R2 = 0.37–0.64), and almost all traits had detectable associations with plant fitness.

Conclusions
Intraspecific variation in structural traits leads to predictable differences in individual-level physiological performance in a multivariate framework, even though the relationship of any particular structural trait to physiological performance may be weak or undetectable. Furthermore, intraspecific variation in both structural and physiological traits leads to differences in plant size and fitness. These results demonstrate the importance of considering measurements of multivariate phenotypes on individual plants when evaluating trait relationships and how trait variation influences predictions of ecological and evolutionary outcomes.
Genetic consequences of being a dwarf: do evolutionary changes in life-history traits influence gene flow patterns in populations of the world’s smallest goldenrod?
Authors: Sakaguchi Shota , Nagano Atsushi J , Yasugi Masaki , Kudoh Hiroshi , Ishikawa Naoko , Ito Motomi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsContrasting life-history traits can evolve through generations of dwarf plant ecotypes, yet such phenotypic changes often involve decreased plant size and reproductive allocation, which can configure seed dispersal patterns and, subsequently, population demography. Therefore, evolutionary transitions to dwarfism can represent good study systems to test the roles of life-history traits in population demography by comparing genetic structure between related but phenotypically divergent ecotypes.MethodsIn this study, we examined an ecotypic taxon pair of the world’s smallest goldenrod (stem height 2.6 cm) in alpine habitats and its closely related lowland taxon (30–40 cm) found on Yakushima Island, Japan. Genetic variation in chloroplast DNA sequences, nuclear microsatellites and genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms were used to investigate 197 samples from 16 populations, to infer the population genetic demography and compare local genetic structure of the ecotypes.Key ResultsWe found a pronounced level of genetic differentiation among alpine dwarf populations, which were much less geographically isolated than their lowland counterparts. In particular, several neighbouring dwarf populations (located ~500 m apart) harboured completely different sets of chloroplast haplotypes and nuclear genetic clusters. Demographic modelling revealed that the dwarf populations have not exchanged genes at significant levels after population divergence.ConclusionsThese lines of evidence suggest that substantial effects of genetic drift have operated on these dwarf populations. The low-growing stature and reduced fecundity (only 3.1 heads per plant) of the dwarf plants may have reduced gene flow and rare long-distance seed dispersal among habitat patches, although the effects of life-history traits require further evaluation using ecological approaches.