bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Missing heritability in Parkinson’s disease: the emerging role of non-coding genetic variation
Authors: Ohnmacht Jochen , May Patrick , Sinkkonen Lasse , Krüger Rejko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. For the stratification of PD patients and the development of advanced clinical trials, including causative treatments, a better understanding of the underlying genetic architecture of PD is required. Despite substantial efforts, genome-wide association studies have not been able to explain most of the observed heritability. The majority of PD-associated genetic variants are located in non-coding regions of the genome. A systematic assessment of their functional role is hampered by our incomplete understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations, for example through differential regulation of gene expression. Here, the recent progress and remaining challenges for the elucidation of the role of non-coding genetic variants is reviewed with a focus on PD as a complex disease with multifactorial origins. The function of gene regulatory elements and the impact of non-coding variants on them, and the means to map these elements on a genome-wide level, will be delineated. Moreover, examples of how the integration of functional genomic annotations can serve to identify disease-associated pathways and to prioritize disease- and cell type-specific regulatory variants will be given. Finally, strategies for functional validation and considerations for suitable model systems are outlined. Together this emphasizes the contribution of rare and common genetic variants to the complex pathogenesis of PD and points to remaining challenges for the dissection of genetic complexity that may allow for better stratification, improved diagnostics and more targeted treatments for PD in the future.
Nonlinear electromechanical coupling in ferroelectric materials: large deformation and hysteresis
Authors: Humer Alexander , Pechstein Astrid S. , Meindlhumer Martin , Krommer Michael 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSmart materials respond to external stimuli, e.g., electric fields, which enables their use as sensors and actuators. The electromechanical coupling of the direct and converse piezoelectric effects, for instance, is used for both actuation and sensing in diverse engineering applications. The response of ferroelectric materials depends on their state of remanent polarization and the presence of an external electric field. To extend the operational range of sensors and actuators, an accurate understanding of the evolution of the material’s state of polarization is imperative, which requires both physical and geometric nonlinearities to be taken into account. Moreover, polymeric smart materials like PVDF allow significantly larger deformation as compared to conventional piezoelectric ceramics. The electromechanical coupling in piezoelectric materials manifests in ferroelectric and ferroelastic hystereses, which are related to both reversible and irreversible processes. Focusing on the latter, we transfer phenomenological models for domain switching in ferroelectric materials to the geometrically nonlinear regime. For this purpose, we follow related concepts of geometrically nonlinear elastoplasticity, where the concept of a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient plays a key role. Accordingly, an additional deformation path that describes the evolution of the poled state from the unpoled referential configuration is introduced. The constitutive response of the material to mechanical and electrical loads is discussed, and dissipative internal forces that drive the evolution of the remanent polarization are derived within a thermodynamical framework and the principle of maximum dissipation.
Purine tautomeric preferences and bond-length alternation in relation with protonation-deprotonation and alkali metal cationization
Authors: Raczyńska Ewa D. , Gal Jean-François , Maria Pierre-Charles , Kamińska Beata , Igielska Małgorzata , Kurpiewski Julian , Juras Weronika 
Published: April 2020

AbstractQuantum chemical calculations were carried out for deprotonated (P−) and protonated purine (PH+) and for adducts with one alkali metal cation (P−M+ and PM+, where M+ is Li+ or Na+) in the gas phase {B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)}, a model of perfectly apolar environment, and for selected structures in aqueous solution {PCM(water)//B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)}, a reference polar medium for biological studies. All potential isomers of purine derivatives were considered, the favored structures indicated, and the preferred sites for protonation/deprotonation and cationization reactions determined. Proton and metal cation basicities of purine in the gas phase were discussed and compared with those of imidazole and pyrimidine. Bond-length alternations in the P, PH+, P−M+, and PM+ forms were quantitatively measured using the harmonic oscillator model of electron delocalization (HOMED) indices and compared with those for P. Variations of the HOMED values when proceeding from the purine structural building blocks, pyrimidine and imidazole, to the bicyclic purine system were also examined. Generally, the isolated NH isomers exhibit a strongly delocalized π-system (HOMED > 0.8). Deprotonation slightly increases the HOMED values, whereas protonation and cationization change the HOMED indices in different way. For bidentate M+-adducts, the HOMED values are larger than 0.9 like for the largely delocalized P−. The HOMED values correlate well in a comprehensive relationship with the relative Gibbs energies (ΔG) calculated for individual isomers whatever the purine form is, neutral, protonated, or cationized. When PCM-DFT model was utilized for P−, PH+, PM+, and P−M+ (M+ = Li+) both electron delocalization and relative stability are different from those for the molecules in vacuo. The solvation effects cause a slight increase in HOMEDs, whereas the ΔEs decrease, but in different ways. Hence, contribution of particular isomers in the isomeric mixtures of PH+, PM+, and P−M+ also varies.
Epidemiology of sage downy mildew, Peronospora salviae-officinalis
Authors: Hoffmeister M. , Gabriel D. , Thines M. , Maier W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDowny mildew of common sage (Salvia officinalis), caused by Peronospora salviae-officinalis, has become a serious problem in sage production worldwide. The effect of temperature was determined for conidia germination and disease development. In vitro, conidial germination rate was highest at temperatures between 10 °C and 20 °C and was strongly reduced at temperatures above 25, but conidia were also able to germinate at 2 °C. Temperatures between 15 and 20 °C were most favourable for infection and disease progress in infection experiments in climate chambers, with highest sporulating leaf area observed at 15 and 20 °C, and highest symptomatic leaf area at 20 °C. P. salviae-officinalis is still able to infect sage plants at 5 °C, but sporulation was only observed at higher temperatures. Oospores developed 14 days after inoculation at 15 °C, and 8 days after inoculation at 20 and 25 °C. The infection trials also showed that dark incubation is not a prerequisite for successful infection of sage. Furthermore, P. salviae-officinalis needs two events of leaf wetness or high humidity to complete its asexual life cycle. First, a leaf wetness event of at least three hours is needed for conidial germination and penetration of the host. Second, high humidity of at least 90% is needed at the end of the infection cycle for sporulation. Seed washing revealed the presence of P. salviae-officinalis oospores in seed lots of sage suggesting that infested seeds might play a major role in the fast spread of sage downy mildew, which is an important finding for phytosanitary or quarantine measures.
Delineating the global plastic marine litter challenge: clarifying the misconceptions
Authors: Hahladakis John N. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPlastics, owing to their various beneficial properties (durability, flexibility and lightweight nature), are widely regarded as the workhorse material of our modern society. Being ubiquitously and increasingly present over the past 60 years, they provide various benefits to the global economy. However, inappropriate and/or uncontrolled disposal practices, poor waste management infrastructure, and application of insufficient recycling technologies, coupled with a lack of public awareness and incentives, have rendered plastic waste (PW) omnipresent, littering both the marine and the terrestrial environment with multifaceted impacts. The plastic marine litter issue has received much attention, especially in the past decade. There is a plethora of articles and reports released on an annual basis, as well as a lot of ongoing research, which render the issue either to be overexposured or misconstrued. In addition, there are several misinterpretations that surround the presence and environmental impact of plastics in the oceans and, consequently, human health, that require much more critical and scientific thinking. This short communication aims at unveiling any existing misconceptions and attempts to place this global challenge within its real magnitude, based either on scientific facts or nuances.
The Doppler Effect and the Anisotropy of the Speed of Light
Authors: Drągowski Michał , Włodarczyk Marta 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFundamental incompatibility arises at the interface of quantum mechanics and the special theory of relativity with Einstein synchronization, in which simultaneity is not absolute. It has, however, been shown that a relativistic theory preserving absolute simultaneity allows to formulate Lorentz-covariant quantum theory, at a price of introducing a preferred frame of reference manifesting itself in a directional anisotropy of the speed of light. We show that a supposed method of distinguishing between these two theories based on the Doppler effect is insensitive to this anisotropy. Both theories are indistinguishable if only kinematic effects for light or subluminal signals are considered.
One-step spray of Cu2NiSnS4 thin films as absorber materials for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Dridi S. , Bitri N. , Mahjoubi S. , Chaabouni F. , Ly I. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA simple one-step «Spray Pyrolysis» technique was developed for preparing Cu2NiSnS4 (CNTS) thin film followed by an annealing treatment process. Originally, the spray technique was successfully used to deposit the thin film onto glass substrate at 250 °C for 60 min spray duration. Again, the deposited thin film was annealed in a sulfur atmosphere at a temperature of 500 °C during 30 min. The sulfured thin film exhibits (111), (220) and (311) orientations correspond well to the cubic CNTS structure and other impurity compounds. The SEM data exhibit a uniform, rough and compact topography of CNTS thin films with an average-thickness of 1.36 µm. The absorption coefficient is found to be higher than 104 cm−1 in the visible region while the direct band energy of 1.62 eV, which is eminently suitable for use as an absorber in the solar cell. The complex impedance diagrams indicate the decrease of resistance by increasing temperature, which attributes to a semiconductor behavior. The close values of activation energies 0.63 and 0.54 eV determined from both angular frequency and DC conductivity indicate that the carrier transport mechanism is thermally activated.
Teaching science and technology PhD students in entrepreneurship-potential learning opportunities and outcomes
Authors: Klofsten Magnus , Jones-Evans Dylan , Pereira Luciana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWhilst doctoral students comprise a large group of researchers at a university and will potentially play important roles in the utilization and transfer of research results, prior research studies have paid little attention to the effect of entrepreneurship education on PhD students with a science and technology orientation. This paper seeks to address this gap in knowledge and examines four key elements in the design and evolution of good practice in entrepreneurship education for this group of students: (1) learning tools, (2) inspiration, (3) interdisciplinarity, and (4) boundary spanning networks. The paper illustrates the importance of identifying the balance between theory and practice that will attract students from across the spectrum of science and technology fields. It also shows that a hands-on experimental methodology is an effective pedagogical strategy that uses learning by doing as an essential tool in problem solving.
What motivates ‘free’ revealing? Measuring outbound non-pecuniary openness, innovation types and expectations of future profit growth
Authors: Verreynne Martie-Louise , Torres de Oliveira Rui , Steen John , Indulska Marta , Ford Jerad A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOpen innovation (OI) refers to the inbound and outbound flows of knowledge beyond the boundary of the organization, which can be in the form of pecuniary or non-pecuniary exchanges. Investigation into pecuniary and inbound innovation types has advanced rapidly, but non-pecuniary outbound OI (free revealing) has received less attention. Presenting a scale developed through a systematic literature review, expert testing and exploratory factor analysis, we show that revealing is reflected by five motivational factors, namely seeking complementary capabilities, product diffusion, strategic spillovers, product enhancement, and co-creation with firms. Regression models show that these factors influence the variety of innovation types and shareholder expectations of value capture through future returns.
Application of MAP and ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) to extend the shelf-life of green and white asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) spears
Authors: Gantner Magdalena , Król Katarzyna , Kopczyńska Klaudia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) films combined with MAP packaging were developed to enhance the shelf-life of green and white asparagus spears. The scope of the research included measurements of weight loss, pH, acidity, color, texture, and sensory analysis as indicators of green and white asparagus spear quality for up to 17 days of storage at 2 and 10 °C. The application of modified atmosphere packaging combined with EVOH-based packaging material and refrigeration at 2 °C promoted a reduction in asparagus weight loss, preventing changes in color and texture as well as sensory quality, thereby extending the shelf-life of the asparagus. According to the obtained results, it was possible to maintain good quality of green and white asparagus for up to 17 and 10 days, respectively, when packed in MAP using EVOH-based packaging stored at 2 °C. Asparagus stored in packaging with PP/PE film showed lower quality during storage at 2 and 10 °C. These results suggest that EVOH films are potential candidates for advanced packaging materials for the asparagus packaging application.
Psychometric properties of the Basic Empathy Scale in Polish children and adolescents
Authors: Zych Izabela , Farrington David P. , Nasaescu Elena , Jolliffe Darrick , Twardowska-Staszek Estera 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Basic Empathy Scale is widely used to measure cognitive and affective empathy in different age groups. Although empathy is studied throughout the world, research on this important psychological construct in Eastern European populations needs to be increased. In order to accomplish this, validated instruments to measure empathy are needed in this geographic area. This study was conducted to analyze the psychometric properties of the Basic Empathy Scale in Poland. The sample included 1052 children and adolescents aged 9 to 16, enrolled in Primary and Middle schools. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with a survey that was filled in by the participants during their regular classroom hours. Confirmatory Factor Analyses were conducted, together with concurrent validity analyses and comparisons between younger and older participants, and between females and males were undertaken. A final 12-item version of the Basic Empathy Scale was obtained with affective empathy and cognitive empathy factors. The Polish version of the scale showed good psychometric properties. Females scored higher on affective, cognitive and total empathy than males. Younger male participants scored higher on affective, cognitive and total empathy than older male participants. This validated measure of empathy in Polish children and adolescents can be used to study the relation between empathy and both antisocial and prosocial behaviors. In addition, this measure will allow for Poland to be included in cross-country comparisons of empathy and also used to evaluate programs focused on enhancing empathy in Poland.
A study on compact structural soft sets and an application method
Authors: Kandemir Mustafa Burç , Yılmaz Damla 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSince the problems of daily life contain a lot of data and obscurity, it has become a necessity to construct new mathematical methods to solve these problems. In this paper, we have established compact-structural soft sets and studied its basic structural properties. Then, we have proposed an application method for decision-making problems using compact-structural soft sets.
Bio-inspired Recyclable Carbon Interface for Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Xinzhi , Hu Yanwei , He Yurong , Yan Yuying 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSolar power, as one of renewable energy, holds potential application for producing steam which relies on high-temperature liquid by traditional methods. Herein, steam was generated by a bio-inspired strategy derived from the plants transpiration using a Printed Recyclable Carbon Membrane (PRCM). The membrane structure facilitated the concentration of carbon particles for the photoreaction and the heat generation for water evaporation, thereby improving the photo-thermal conversion efficiency. The PRCM achieved the best steady evaporation efficiency of 51.9%, which was 5.6 times higher than the value for water and recycling tests were demonstrated. The carbon particles were separated from the water under the magnetism action, a convenient approach that avoided secondary pollution resulting from the disintegration of the PRCM. Rapid preparation, low cost, and reusability of the printed carbon membrane allow for photo-thermal applications such as solar steam generation and seawater desalination.
Use of the Urethral Sling to Treat Symptoms of Climacturia in Men After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Nolan James , Kershen Richard , Staff Ilene , McLaughlin Tara , Tortora Joseph , Gangakhedkar Akshay , Pinto Kevin , Champagne Alison , Wagner Joseph 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Climacturia affects up to 45% of men after radical prostatectomy (RP). Although urethral slings decrease the severity and frequency of stress incontinence after RP, their efficacy as a treatment for climacturia after RP has not been well studied.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess patient-reported changes in climacturia symptoms after implantation of a urethral sling as a treatment for stress incontinence after RP.

Methods
After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective chart review identified males aged 18–80 years who received urethral slings for stress incontinence after RP at our institution from 2012 to 2017. These patients were mailed an 11-item questionnaire asking them about climacturia symptoms before and after implantation of a urethral sling. Written informed consent was obtained from patients participating in the mailed questionnaire.

Outcomes
Respondents were asked to report on climacturia frequency and severity, bother, partner bother, and incontinence before and after implantation of urethral slings.

Results
A total of 42 questionnaires were mailed; 17 were available for analysis. The median age (and interquartile range, IQR) of the sample at RP was 64 (59.5, 68.0). Almost all (94.1%) of the men were sexually active at the time of the study and 64.7% reported experiencing urinary leakage during sexual arousal. Most (58.8%) underwent the urethral sling procedure to treat general incontinence; 35.3% underwent the procedure to treat both general incontinence and incontinence during sexual activity and 1 (5.9%) underwent it for other reasons. A median of 28.1 months elapsed between RP and sling procedure (IQR: 18.36, 53.88; minimum: 8.00; maximum: 108.36). Statistically significant shifts toward improvement from presling to postsling were noted for frequency of leakage during sexual arousal or orgasm (P = .041) and for the degree to which leakage of urine during sexual arousal or orgasm was a “bother” (P = .027). While almost all (94%) of the men were incontinent before sling, this percentage dropped to 53% after sling (P = .031).

Clinical Implications
Urethral slings should be discussed as a treatment strategy for climacturia during clinical consultations with patients.

Strengths & Limitations
Strengths include consistent surgical technique. Limitations include retrospective design, lack of a nonsling comparison group, subjective nature of outcome measures, possible response bias, and variability in time interval between RP and sling procedure.

Conclusion
Use of urethral slings after RP is associated with improvements in climacturia symptoms, bother, and incontinence.
Une histoire d’un autre futur: La fin de l’esclavage au Brésil et les attentes de droits des esclaves (années 1870-années 1880)
Authors: Lima Henrique Espada 
Published: April 2020

RésumésLa lente dissolution puis l’abolition de l’esclavage au Brésil (en 1888) ont produit des transformations majeures dans les relations sociales et de travail au cours de la seconde moitié duxixe siècle. Cet article aborde une dimension importante mais rarement discutée de ce paysage changeant, à savoir les attentes que les esclaves et les anciens esclaves projetaient sur le monde postémancipation. Les sources mobilisées sont formées par un nombre choisi d’affaires judiciaires prenant place au Sud du Brésil et liées aux relations de travail, à la garde des enfants, à l’accès à une compensation financière et à d’autres conflits quotidiens, que les anciens esclaves ont présentées devant les tribunaux brésiliens en intentant un procès contre leurs anciens maîtres – les employeurs, voire les administrateurs publics dans les années précédant l’abolition. À travers une lecture attentive de ces documents, l’article examine les attentes de droits – en particulier les droits sociaux, mais aussi les droits du travail, politiques et reproductifs – qui ont guidé les actions individuelles et collectives des anciens esclaves dans la sphère publique, et la façon dont ces attentes ont été confrontées aux réalités de l’émancipation au Brésil.
Basal seismicity of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream
Authors: McBrearty Ian W. , Zoet Lucas K. , Anandakrishnan Sridhar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSeismic studies of glaciers yield insights into spatio-temporal processes within and beneath glaciers on scales relevant to flow and deformation of the ice. These methods enable direct monitoring of the bed in ways that complement other geophysical techniques, such as geodetic or ground penetrating radar observations. In this work, we report on the analysis of passive seismic data collected from the interior of the North East Greenland Ice Stream, the Greenland ice sheet's largest outlet glacier. We record thousands of basal earthquakes, many of which repeat with nearly identical waveforms. We also record many long-duration glacial tremor episodes that migrate across the seismic network with slow velocities (e.g. ~4–12 m s−1). Analysis of the basal earthquakes indicates a transition between times of individual event activity and times of tremor activity. We suggest that both processes are produced by shear slip at localized asperities along the bed. The transition between discrete and quasi-continuous slipping modes may be driven by pore-water pressure transients or heterogeneous strain accumulation in the ice due to strength contrasts of the underlying till.