bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burglary Crime Susceptibility Assessment using Bivariate Statistics Approach of Information Value Model
Authors: Azmy S N , Asmadi M A , Rahman M Z A , Amerudin S , Zainon O
Published: August 2020

Geospatial technology advancement has boost the ability of crime assessment in terms of the accuracy of crime location and prediction. Aforetime, the crime assessment tend to focus on the development of sanction and law, as well as behaviour studies of why certain people are prone to be a victim of crime and why certain people are prone in committing crime, but none of them incorporating the idea of place of crime until 1971 (Jeffery, 1971). With technology advancement, the crime assessment of place has evolved from pin map to large scale digital mapping, effective inventory method, and adept crime analysis as well as crime prediction. The residential area of Damansara-Penchala, Kuala Lumpur and its vicinity are chosen as study area for its urban location and vastness of socioeconomic status. According to the data in Safe City Monitoring System (Sistem Pemantauan Bandar Selamat, SPBS), the monetary loss due to burglary crime activities in the study area for 2016 are sum up to RM 5,640,087 (RM 5.6 million) within 172 burglary incidence, with the mean loss of RM 32,791.00 with every offend of burglary. Apart from monetary loss, burglary also affecting the social values of the society and in terms of the perception of safe living. Instead of providing an analysis of area with high density of burglary, this paper embarks on finding the correlated social and environmental factor that leaning towards being the target of burglary crime. Utilizing the method of information value modelling, a bi-variate statistical method in the layout of raster data analysis, the vulnerability of each premise are calculated based on its association with the identified burglary indicators. The results finds that 17 significant indicators out of 18 indicators are identified as index contributing to burglary susceptibility. The burglary susceptibility mapping are acquired to contribute in predicting the premise’s potential risk for the sake of future crime prevention.
Analysis of Canopy Height Model (CHM) Extraction using Quick Terrain Modeller (QTM) for Tropical Forest Area
Authors: Mohd Zaki Nurul Ain , Rajuli Muhammad Farhan , Latif Zulkiflee Abd , Suratman Mohd Nazip , Omar Hamdan , Norashikin Sharifah , Zainal Mohd Zainee , Talib Noorfatekah
Published: August 2020

Forest biomass or above-ground carbon stock is the mass of carbon that stored in trees which requires a continuous monitoring in order to predict the amount of potential carbon accumulation of the forest. Therefore, the forest has an important role at absorbing carbon Dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This research aims to measure the capability of Quick Terrain Modeller software at estimating above-ground carbon stock by single tree segmentation combining ground inventory, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and by using allometric equations. In particular, to achieve the aim, there are three (3) objectives were outlined. Canopy Height Models (CHM) was generated via Quick Terrain Modeller (QTM) and ArcGIS. Non-linear Regression analyses were performed for both surface models to ensure the models were fit to estimate carbon stock. Secondly, tree contours were delineated using watershed transformation. Local maxima were determined at the raster as a pour point for watershed and also represent the highest peak of the tree crown. In addition, flow direction, drop output, and flow accumulation of the raster were also determined to generate contour from the watershed transformation. Manual tree crown projection was performed by watershed tree contour to generate Crown Projection Area (CPA). Then, from the digitized CPA, carbon stock and above-ground biomass was calculated using equations from [1] and [2]. Thirdly, tree species on the selected area were extracted and finally a map of tree carbon stock by species was produced. From the generated map, total carbon stock according to species and total carbon stock in single tree according to species information were extracted. As a result, Hopea sulcata; the endangered tree species appeared to be the highest appearance in the map followed byDipterocarpus verrucosus, Shorea macroptera, Endospermum diadenum, and the other less appeal species. Also from the map, Hopea Sulcata has the highest carbon stock which is 23% compared to the other species. However, for a single tree, Dipterocarpus verrucosusheld the highest carbon stock which is 1565.401 kg/tree.
Review of Conceptual Model to Spatially Assessing Safe City Level of Affordable Housing in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Ali Salwa Najlaa , Tarmidi Zakri , Mat Nor Noorsidi Aizuddin
Published: August 2020

Safety of residential area has become major concern in urban area, especially in affordable housing area, with several safety measure was implemented. Several Governments also developed safe city program, focusing on preventing crime index. Several initiatives were conducted to assess safety, including Safe City Index 2019, Safe City Program, Defensible Space Concept, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), Smart Sustainable Cities, etc. Some of these initiatives focus only on crime, other focus on step to improve safety and other model that are broader focus but not specific to safety. Besides that, these models are less emphasis on the aspects of spatial assessment especially the safety level assessment based on affordable housing location in Malaysia. This study focuses on integrating spatial information and analysis to improve current initiatives, and come out with conceptual model to spatially assessing safety level of affordable housing in Malaysia. This conceptual model consists of 6 main indicators; crime, safety and security, infrastructure security, accessibility, natural disaster, and health security. With proper assessment model, further planning to improve current safety can be taken by government and affordable housing community.
Remote Estimation of Gross Primary Production (GPP) using MODIS data in Kelantan: A Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Adeli Aisyah Syazana , Naim Jemali Noor Janatun , Daliman Shaparas , Abd Rani Mohd Faris , Abd Majid Nur Khyairatul Syafinie
Published: August 2020

Kelantan state is located in the north-eastern of Peninsular Malaysia, with 5.8 million hectares is covered by forested areas. Gross primary production (GPP) is the amount of carbon captured by plants and it is an important biophysical parameter in the spatio-temporal dynamics of CO2. GPP estimates derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are converted to the forest area and compared. GPP is estimated through a light use efficiency model (LUE) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) as a proxy of greenness to address spatial and temporal variation in terrestrial photosynthetic activities. This study is important because the output will be used as a reference to estimate the approximate total carbon in Kelantan. Estimation GPP of Kelantan state is also useful for natural resource and land management, regional carbon cycle analysis, ecosystem status assessment, and environmental change monitoring. The objective of this study is to estimate Gross Primary Production (GPP) value of forested area in Kelantan using MODIS data. MODIS data was preprocessed, classified and analysed to get the estimated GPP of study site. The results show that average GPP value of Kelantan was estimated within the range of 0 to 646 gC/m2/month. In average, GPP in Kelantan was at 428.63 gC/m2/month. Gua Musang recorded the highest GPP value, while the lowest GPP value detected were in Kota Bharu, Tumpat and Bachok where lot of development are found at the area. The estimation of GPP in Kelantan using MODIS data is a timely significant method. However, the requirement of more study that uses MODIS data in different terrestrial types and vegetation is needed for future study.
Spatial Pattern of Affordability and Overhang in Selangor
Authors: Mohamed Aris Nur Arzwin , Fathi Mohamad Syazli , Harun Aizul Nahar , Mohamed Zainai
Published: August 2020

The provision of affordable housing is being developed rapidly whilst the mismatch between demand and supply in the residential market was reported as a crisis causing an increased in the overhang of residential accommodation. To date, no detailed analysis in the form of a spatial pattern for affordable housing has been studied to illustrate the crisis. Thus, this paper aims to analyse patterns for affordable house prices by using a spatial model in Selangor state with further analysis of overhang units in the Selangor district. Secondary data were obtained from various sources and the spatial model was formed and generated to examine the spatial patterns within the study area, which is in Selangor. Although previous research has found that the median household income group intended to purchase a type of landed house, for example terraced houses, the offered prices in the property market were not affordable to this particular group. Further analysis of residential overhang found that Gombak district has a high density of land use zoned for housing supply whilst facing the increased overhang. The findings of this research may guide the stakeholders on proper planning for near future of the affordable housing development with suitable type of residential to meet the residential market segmentation and demand.
Geostatistics of Oil Palm Trees Affected by Ganoderma Disease in Low and High Planting Density
Authors: Mohd Shukri I , Izzuddin M.A , Mohd Hefni R , Idris A.S
Published: August 2020

This study was conducted to assess the influence of two oil palm planting density (PD) on the incidence and severity of the Ganoderma basal stem rot (BSR) disease in oil palm planted in a plantation at Bagan Datuk, Perak, Malaysia. Ground surveys were conducted in oil palm planted in two planting densities involved which are: 120 palms/ha (lowest PD) and 200 palms/ha (highest PD) to assess the incidence and severity of BSR disease in oil palm plantations, over the 25 years after planting, YAP. The presence of the BSR disease symptoms as visually assigned followed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Guidelines for Managing Ganoderma Disease in Oil Palm. Semivariogram analysis was performed on the data to show the spatiotemporal structure of BSR disease at 10, 15, 20 and 25 years after planting. The disease incidence was observed in all both plots with 0.57% to 1.67% at 8 years after planting, followed by increased to 15.12% to 38.3% at 16 years after planting. At 25 years, high BSR disease incidence was recorded on 200 palms/ha (72.5%), whilst low BSR disease incidence was recorded on 120 palm/ha. Effects of nugget to sill were found relatively moderate to weak of spatial pattern distribution. The observed disease patterns suggest that the progress of BSR disease incidence is firstly randomly scattered (8 to 10 years after planting) and secondly by root-to-root contact of the disease spreading to neighbouring palms may be occurred. Further study is needed to investigate factors associated with the outbreak of BSR disease in these plantations.
Comparison of Interpolation Techniques for Assessment of Spatial Variability of Soil Chemical Properties for Oil Palm Plantation Zonal Management
Authors: Tan S Q , Mat Su A S , Wayayok A , Sukor A S
Published: August 2020

Spatial variability map of the soil properties is highly dependent on availability of data either in detailed or semi-detailed resolution. Variation on the data resolution affects the interpolation technique, thus the zonal management zone. However, there are many interpolation techniques offers, thus raises the issues of the most suitable method in zone classification. The study aim is to evaluate the best interpolation method in assessing the spatial variability of the soil chemical properties from highly weathered tropical mineral inland 108.5 ha oil palm plantation. These soil samples were brought back for further lab analysis. The spatial variability of the soil chemical properties was done by using interpolation techniques were utilized for geospatial statistical and deterministic analysis. Due to a variety of algorithms embedded in the interpolation techniques, the strength of Pearson correlation coefficient (r), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS), and RMSE-observations standard deviation ratio (RSR) were applied for accurate quantification of interpolation method. On average, EBK and OK were the suitable interpolation methods with the least average model validation statistical value i.e. error. Therefore, the evaluation and comparison of r, NSE, PBIAS, and RSR were appropriate approaches in determining the accuracy of the interpolation method for the zonal management practices.
Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunches Maturity Prediction by Using Optical Spectrometer
Authors: Tuerxun Adilijiang , Mohamed Shariff Abdul Rashid , Janius Rimfiel , Abbas Zulkifly , Mahdiraji Ghafour Amouzad
Published: August 2020

The accuracy in grading the maturity level of oil palm fruits is one of the important factors for the milling industry since it can directly affect the oil palm yield. Numerous studies have investigated for oil palm maturity classification using different approaches. However, there is a lack of clear guidance on which algorithm or technique to be applied for the oil palm maturity classification under different situations. In this research, several machine learning algorithms in the Weka data mining tool were applied for building classifier models and tested on samples of fresh fruit bunch (FFB). The maturity grade determined from the extracted sample features under the spectrometer is compared to the results of the manual standard grader of the milling industry. The validated result shows that simple lazy KStar algorithm performs better with 63% classifier model performance and the weighted average of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve area of 83.2%, which established the classifier model accuracy and enhances the model generalization when applied to the new set of test data for validation. The results of these studies make a contribution to the ongoing research in evaluating new techniques for oil palm maturity determination.
Colour Feature Extraction Techniques for Real Time System of Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunch Maturity Grading
Authors: Alfatni Meftah Salem M , Mohamed Shariff Abdul Rashid , Ben Saaed Osama M. , Albhbah Atia Mahmod , Mustapha Aouache
Published: August 2020

According to the natural ripeness phenomena of oil palm fruit, the oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) ripeness is divided into three different categories called, under ripe, ripe, and overripe. The current method in the mills for oil palm FFB grading is manually using human graders. However, the manual grading method is subjective and prone to human errors. Thus, accurate classification of oil palm FFB with fast and easy process is necessary in oil palm farms and in the palm oil industry to grade high-quality products, especially when classifying a large amount of fruits. In this paper, an image processing algorithm scenario represented by image acquisition, segmentation, and feature extraction is implemented in real time system for oil palm FFB maturity grading. This study presents an automated inspection for the oil palm FFB using an external grading system processing based on the colour feature extraction technologies; namely, color histogram and statistical color feature (mean and standard deviation), were used to extract the oil palm FFB image’s color features. An artificial neural network (ANN) classifier as supervised machine learning technique is applied to train and test the system performance accuracy based on area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) as classifier performance evaluation. The result show that the colour histogram technique based on the ANN classifier was observed to be a more robust and accurate classifier, with overall 94% correct ripeness classification accuracy, for oil palm FFB maturity grading compared to the other techniques applied and tested in this study.
The role of defecate and microbial nitrogen-fixing preparations in the formation of alfalfa variety yield in the conditions of the south of Primorsky Krai
Authors: Ivanova E P
Published: August 2020

Four-year studies revealed a positive role of the effect and aftereffect of the defecate and inoculation of seeds by virulent active strains of Rhizobium Synorhizobium meliloty on the productivity of green and dry alfalfa varieties VEGA 87. The total yield of green alfalfa has varied during four years of life (ten bites) from 142.2 t/ha in the control variant to 153.4-183.2 t/ha in the experimental variants. Total productivity of green mass in variant with application of lime increased by 18.3 %, in the variants with presowing treatment of the seeds with rhizobia strains –by 7.9-11.5 % and their combination – by 23.4-28.8 %. The yield of dry mass in the variant with application of defecate increased by 28.8 %, in the variants with presowing treatment of the seeds with rhizobia strains by 10.7-13.7 % and at their joint action by 37.6-42.0 %. The biggest increase in productivity of green and dry mass is provided by inoculation of the seeds with a promising A4 strain when applying defecate, and without the use of meliorant – inoculation of the seeds with the main production strain 425a. The application of defecate and bacterial preparations for presowing treatment of the alfalfa seeds is agronomically and economically profitable, it promotes to increase the environmental stability of the agricultural landscape and plants to stressful conditions, a balanced level of nutrition, increasing plant productivity and profitability (low cost) of their cultivation.
Environmental aspects of cranberry cultivation in the south of the Khabarovsk Territory
Authors: Kuptsova V A , Kopoteva T A
Published: August 2020

The article represents the results of the introduction of American varieties of Vaccinium macrocarpon in the Khabarovsk Territory. Cranberry is of great value in human nutrition due to its high nutritional significance and unique medicinal value. The experience of plantation cultivation of cranberry in the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Poland, and Belarus proves the high efficiency of its cultivation: yields on plantations are tens or even hundreds of times higher than in natural brushwoods. Early, medium and medium-late varieties with high consumer properties are the most suitable for cultivation in the South of the Khabarovsk Territory. The advantages of cranberry cultivation in the region are the wide distribution of peat-like and peaty soils, suitable natural and climatic conditions, experimental confirmation of the possibility to obtain high yields of berries, and a high economic effect. Cranberry cultivation can also help reduce the anthropogenic load on the natural berry fields of the region. The paper provides data on the survivability, length of shoots growth, and yield of these varieties.
Mathematical modelling of the distribution of non-conservative impurities
Authors: Kozhevnikova T V , Pogorelov S A , Illarionova L V
Published: August 2020

Currently, there is an increase in anthropogenic pressure on all ecological systems, including water bodies. It should be noted that the cost is high for experimental studies of the dynamics of the distribution of non-conservative impurities in the aquatic environment because they are associated with the use of expensive equipment (spectrophotometric, polarographic, spectrographic, etc.) and experimental facilities. In this regard, mathematical methods of modelling natural processes play an important role. In the work, a mathematical model is developed for studying the distribution of pollutants in rivers, taking into account chemical reactions, and the results of numerical experiments characterising the distribution of non-conservative nitrogen impurities in different periods of the year are presented.
Problems of rational varietal placement of soybean in the Amur region
Authors: Selikhova O A , Tikhonchuk P V
Published: August 2020

The article presents an analysis of seven-year data on varietal placement of soybean in the fields of the Amur Region. The share of soybean varieties of Amur and foreign breeding and non-varietal part of seeds is shown. Emphasis is placed on the problems of not rational varietal placement of soybean. The most popular breeding varieties of All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Soybean for the last two years have been noted: Alena, Gratsiya, Dauriya, Lidiya, Nega 1, Umka. In the Amur Region, the share of soybean varieties of early-ripening group in the total sowing is 31.1%, mid-ripening – 49.6% and late-ripening – 7.6%. In most farms, a set of varieties of different groups in precocity does not correspond to hydrothermal conditions and economic opportunities. At the same time, 12-18% of soybean seeds sown in the fields of the Amur Region are not varietal. Recommendations for the rational management of soybean farming are formulated: apply varieties corresponding to the climatic and economic capabilities of the region; improve the structure of crops, where the share of soybean should not exceed more than 60%; master scientifically based crop rotation regimes providing maximum output product per unit area with preserving soil fertility; sow seeds not lower than the third reproduction; to select a set of varieties of various groups according to their precocity corresponding to hydrothermal conditions and economic potential; improve soybean seed production in the region to provide high-quality and affordable seed material to all farms.
Anthropogenic impacts on organic matter transformation and biological activity in the meadow brown heavy loamy soils
Authors: Selezneva N A , Aseeva T A , Fedorova T N
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to determine the effect of continuous anthropogenic pressure on soil organic matter in three long-term, experimental, rotated crop fields established in 1963–1965. The application of the maximum dose (N3P3K3) of a mineral fertilizer partially neutralized the adverse effects of continuous anthropogenic pressure on soils, by providing plants with essential nutrients and increasing the soil biological activity. The organic matter of soils in which wheat, soybeans and oats were grown was 0.62%, 1.49% and 0.55% less, respectively than that of soils in natural ecosystems. The use of N3P3K3 resulted in 1.34 million (oats), 0.60 million (soybean), and 6.18 million (wheat) more ammonifier units than the control. It also increased amylolytic microflora by 19.57 million (oats), 17.86 million (soybean), and 50.61 million (wheat) units compared to control.
The influence of hydrothermal conditions in the Middle Amur Region on main characteristics of pea varieties of various uses
Authors: Shepel O L , Stepanov A S , Zvolimbovskaya M P
Published: August 2020

The paper considers the influence of meteorological factors on the productivity indicators of different pea varieties in the Middle Amur Region. The studies were conducted in 2017–2019 for three groups of pea varieties identified by their use. A difference was found in the reaction of each group of varieties to unfavourable hydrothermal growing conditions. The average values of productivity indicators for pea classes in favourable and unfavourable years are calculated. It was found that the most significant indicators characterizing the different classes of pea are the number of internodes to the first pod, the length of the stem, and the 1000-seed weight. The relationship between the number of internodes to the first pod and the climatic characteristics of the growing season for both grain and forage varieties were revealed. As independent variables, the model includes the growing duration and the average temperature of the flowering-maturation period (R2 is 0.85 for forage and R2 is 0.56 for grain).
Jointly modeling the adoption and use of clean cooking fuels in rural India
Authors: Gould Carlos F , Hou Xiaoxue , Richmond Jennifer , Sharma Anjali , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: August 2020

Solid fuel combustion is a major cause of household air pollution, a leading environmental health risk factor globally. In India, over 750 million people continue to rely on firewood and other solid fuels for daily cooking. We explore the drivers of adoption and use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), India’s dominant clean cooking fuel. We document strides in LPG ownership using a panel dataset of over 8,500 rural households from six Indian states surveyed in 2015 and 2018 (ACCESS), partially due to India’s flagship clean cooking policy Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). We further demonstrate that the drivers of initial LPG adoption also apply to use. While fuel stacking—using solid fuels and LPG jointly—is pervasive, improved rural incomes and education result in the increased use of clean cooking fuels. After adoption, general LPG customers are predicted to consume on average 93 kilograms of LPG yearly (95% confidence interval (CI): 91–95 kg/year). However, PMUY beneficiaries are predicted to consume 27 kilograms of LPG (95% CI: 24–30 kg/year) less on average than general customers each year, even after controlling for socio-economic differences and years of using LPG. Our findings suggest that additional strategies to accelerate the transition to exclusive LPG use among the 80 million households acquiring LPG through PMUY should aim to improve affordability and increase awareness to realize the full benefits of the Government of India’s investments in cleaner cooking.
Mitochondrial morphology and activity regulate furrow ingression and contractile ring dynamics inDrosophilacellularization
Authors: Chowdhary Sayali , Madan Somya , Tomer Darshika , Mavrakis Manos , Rikhy Richa
Published: August 2020

Drp1-regulated mitochondrial fission is essential for mitochondrial distribution across the cell in cellularization during Drosophila embryogenesis. Loss of mitochondrial fission in Drp1 mutant embryos leads to defects in morphogenetic events of cell formation and contractile ring constriction in cellularization.
Analysis of the Effects of Isotretinoin on Rhinoplasty Patients
Authors: Yahyavi Shahriyar , Jahandideh Hesam , Izadi Mehdi , Paknejad Hamidreza , Kordbache Niousha , Taherzade Sanaz
Published: August 2020

Background

Although the number of cosmetic surgeries performed per year continues to increase, many candidates have skin problems. Thick-skinned rhinoplasty patients pose a real challenge for surgeons. Fear of performing surgery in patients with a history of isotretinoin use is another concern.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to study the effects of perioperative isotretinoin on rhinoplasty patient outcomes.

Methods

This research was conducted on 350 rhinoplasty patients, divided into control and experimental groups, between 2012 and 2015. The experimental group patients were requested to consume isotretinoin from 2 weeks before surgery to 2 months following the surgery. A comparison was made between the 2 groups 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery.

Results

Statistical tests indicated that the satisfaction of experimental group patients at months 1 and 3 following the surgery was significantly higher than that of control group patients (P < 0.01). Examination of the patients’ noses found little evidence for soft tissue repair disturbance and cartilaginous deformities. Nine patients from the experimental group needed revision surgery during the study period, but none of the revision surgeries was for a cause clearly attributable to the intake of isotretinoin.

Conclusions

The results of this research suggest that isotretinoin causes no evident disturbance to the recovery of rhinoplastic incisions and internal nose structures. Moreover, none of the experimental group patients showed hypertrophic tissues and cartilaginous deformities, and the repair was satisfactory, similar to the control group. However, patients receiving isotretinoin were more satisfied with their operation outcomes and experienced fewer skin problems.

Level of Evidence: 3
How bioinformatics resources work with G4 RNAs
Authors: Miskiewicz Joanna , Sarzynska Joanna , Szachniuk Marta
Published: August 2020

Quadruplexes (G4s) are of interest, which increases with the number of identified G4 structures and knowledge about their biomedical potential. These unique motifs form in many organisms, including humans, where their appearance correlates with various diseases. Scientists store and analyze quadruplexes using recently developed bioinformatic tools—many of them focused on DNA structures. With an expanding collection of G4 RNAs, we check how existing tools deal with them. We review all available bioinformatics resources dedicated to quadruplexes and examine their usefulness in G4 RNA analysis. We distinguish the following subsets of resources: databases, tools to predict putative quadruplex sequences, tools to predict secondary structure with quadruplexes and tools to analyze and visualize quadruplex structures. We share the results obtained from processing specially created RNA datasets with these tools.

Contact: mszachniuk@cs.put.poznan.pl

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Briefings in Bioinformatics online.
DNMT1 and DNMT3B regulate tumorigenicity of human prostate cancer cells by controlling RAD9 expression through targeted methylation
Authors: Zhu Aiping , Hopkins Kevin M , Friedman Richard A , Bernstock Joshua D , Broustas Constantinos G , Lieberman Howard B
Published: August 2020

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. RAD9 stabilizes the genome, but prostate cancer cells and tumors often have high quantities of the protein. Reduction of RAD9 level within prostate cancer cells decreases tumorigenicity of nude mouse xenographs and metastasis phenotypes in culture, indicating that RAD9 overproduction is essential for the disease. In prostate cancer DU145 cells, CpG hypermethylation in a transcription suppressor site of RAD9 intron 2 causes high-level gene expression. Herein, we demonstrate that DNA methyltransferases DNMT1 and DNMT3B are highly abundant in prostate cancer cells DU145, CWR22, LNCaP and PC-3; yet, these DNMTs bind primarily to the transcription suppressor in DU145, the only cells where methylation is critical for RAD9 regulation. For DU145 cells, DNMT1 or DNMT3B shRNA reduced RAD9 level and tumorigenicity, and RAD9 ectopic expression restored this latter activity in the DNMT knockdown cells. High levels of RAD9, DNMT1, DNMT3B and RAD9 transcription suppressor hypermethylation were significantly correlated in prostate tumors, and not in normal prostate tissues. Based on these results, we propose a novel model where RAD9 is regulated epigenetically by DNMT1 and DNMT3B, via targeted hypermethylation, and that consequent RAD9 overproduction promotes prostate tumorigenesis.
The neural basis of attentional alterations in prenatally protein malnourished rats
Authors: Rushmore R J , McGaughy J A , Amaral A C , Mokler D J , Morgane P J , Galler J R , Rosene D L
Published: August 2020

Protein malnutrition during gestation alters brain development and produces specific behavioral and cognitive changes that persist into adulthood and increase the risks of neuropsychiatric disorders. Given evidence for the role of the prefrontal cortex in such diseases, it is significant that studies in humans and animal models have shown that prenatal protein malnutrition specifically affects functions associated with prefrontal cortex. However, the neural basis underlying these changes is unclear. In the current study, prenatally malnourished and control rats performed a sustained attention task with an unpredictable distractor, a task that depends on intact prefrontal cortical function. Radiolabeled 2-deoxyglucose was used to measure neural and brain network activity during the task. Results confirmed that adult prenatally malnourished rats were more distractible than controls and exhibited lower functional activity in prefrontal cortices. Thus, prefrontal activity was a predictor of task performance in controls but not prenatally malnourished animals. Instead, prenatally malnourished animals relied on different brain networks involving limbic structures such as the hippocampus. These results provide evidence that protein reduction during brain development has more wide-reaching effects on brain networks than previously appreciated, resulting in the formation of brain networks that may reflect compensatory responses in prenatally malnourished brains.
Urine concentrating defect as presenting sign of progressive renal failure in Bardet–Biedl syndrome patients
Authors: Zacchia Miriam , Blanco Francesca Del Vecchio , Torella Annalaura , Raucci Raffaele , Blasio Giancarlo , Onore Maria Elena , Marchese Emanuela , Trepiccione Francesco , Vitagliano Caterina , Iorio Valentina Di , Alessandra Perna , Simonelli Francesca , Nigro Vincenzo , Capasso Giovambattista , Viggiano Davide
Published: August 2020

Background

Urine concentrating defect is a common dysfunction in ciliopathies, even though its underlying mechanism and its prognostic meaning are largely unknown. This study assesses renal function in a cohort of 54 Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) individuals and analyses whether renal hyposthenuria is the result of specific tubule dysfunction and predicts renal disease progression.

Methods

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) and maximum urine osmolality (max-Uosm) were measured in all patients. Genetic analysis was conducted in 43 patients. Annual eGFR decline (ΔeGFR) was measured in patients with a median follow-up period of 6.5 years. Urine aquaporin-2 (uAQP2) excretion was measured and the furosemide test was performed in patients and controls.

Results

At baseline, 33 (61.1%), 12 (22.2%) and 9 (16.7%) patients showed an eGFR >90, 60–90 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; 27.3% showed an ACR >30 mg/g and 55.8% of patients showed urine concentrating defect in the absence of renal insufficiency. Baseline eGFR, but not max-Uosm, correlated negatively with age. Conversely, truncating mutations affected max-Uosm and showed a trend towards a reduction in eGFR. Max-Uosm correlated with ΔeGFR (P < 0.005), suggesting that urine concentrating defect may predict disease progression. uAQP2 excretion and Na+ and Cl− fractional excretion after furosemide did not differ between hyposthenuric patients and controls, suggesting that specific collecting duct and thick ascending limb dysfunctions are unlikely to play a central role in the pathogenesis of hyposthenuria.

Conclusions

Hyposthenuria is a warning sign predicting poor renal outcome in BBS. The pathophysiology of this defect is most likely beyond defective tubular function.
Anglo-Portuguese Relations in the Mid-Nineteenth Century: Informal Empire, Arbitration, and the Durability of an Asymmetrical Alliance
Authors: Paquette Gabriel
Published: August 2020

This article examines Anglo-Portuguese relations in the middle of the nineteenth century, particularly conflicts over territorial claims in West and East Africa. It examines how these conflicts were de-escalated and why they did not tear asunder the long-standing, if asymmetrical, alliance between Britain and Portugal. After briefly surveying Anglo-Portuguese relations in the early modern period and in the first half of the nineteenth century, the article focuses on the way that conflicts were resolved through third-party arbitration between the 1850s and 1870s. Drawing on archival research in Portugal and Britain, the article contributes to the rich historiographies on informal empire, the partition of Africa, and the emergence of international law in the context of imperial conflict and collaboration.
Are EUIPO Trade Mark Examiners and the Boards of Appeal Bound by Precedent Decisions?
Authors: Marchisio Emiliano
Published: August 2020

Are EUIPO examiners and appeal bodies bound by previous decisions of the office they belong to? Before the decision in Puma was issued, there was a succession of frequently referred to ECJ precedents which were apparently disregarded. EUIPO offices had been considered bound to the sole law (and, where precedents are concerned, only to ECJ case-law). However, after Puma, pursuant to the administrative duty to act consistently and to state the grounds on which decisions are based, it is concluded that relevance of EUIPO precedents (and of the ‘Trade mark guidelines’, as far as they are based on them) should not be set aside simply because they are not formal sources of law. Instead, they should be appreciated as rules of administrative procedure. In this sense, precedent EUIPO decisions should be recognised as more than just a persuasive power (which they share with all other relevant ‘precedents’ such as Member States case-law or offices’ decisions). In fact, it should be acknowledged that they also have a role within the duty of motivation of administrative decisions. So if EUIPO decides to depart from a precedent or from its ‘Trade mark guidelines’, explicit and detailed motivation of such departure is required. Even if the EUIPO is under a general duty to take into account the decisions already taken in respect of similar applications, a specific duty to take into consideration a given precedent requires that such precedents are duly reported with all relevant elements to be taken into consideration (factual context and legal reasoning) within the decision to be issued.
Artificial Intelligence Designated as Inventor – An Analysis of the Recent EPO Case Law
Authors: Stierle Martin
Published: August 2020

This paper will focus on the issue of designating artificial intelligence systems as inventors in the current framework of European patent law. Most recently, the European Patent Office rejected two patent applications which indicated a machine called DABUS as the inventor of the claimed subject-matter. The paper will analyse the grounds of the decisions in detail, thereby reflecting on the current approach of the European Patent Office to such designations and on the concept of inventorship within the European patent system in general.
Testing the Limits of Consociational Imagination: The Non-discrimination Norm in Divided Societies
Authors: Hodžić Edin
Published: August 2020

Consociational democracy rests on the idea of granting certain collective political rights to the most powerful ethno-cultural groups, in addition to the individual rights of political participation of all citizens. Despite its relative popularity among scholars and international policymakers alike, its collectivist ethos has long been exposed to critique on various grounds, including the perspective of international human rights law. The essence of this critique is the allegation that, by institutionalising ethno-cultural identity as the basis of political participation, consociational arrangements discriminate against persons not belonging to the dominant groups. Focusing on the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this article argues that equality analysis of consociational democracies, if taken seriously, illuminates our thinking about the possible compromises between the extremes of liberal individualism of the human rights perspective and inherent collectivism of consociational thought and practice. The article concludes that such compromises are both possible and necessary, but they seem to invite the embracing of additional institutional complexity in devising consociational arrangements.
Research on frequency modulation control of photovoltaic power generation system based on VSG
Authors: Li Chunlai , Yuan Shun
Published: August 2020

In order to improve the friendliness of the grid connection of new energy power generation, the new energy photovoltaic (PV) unit is equivalent to a synchronous generator in the power system and a virtual synchronous generator (VSG)-controlled PV energy storage complementary grid-connected power generation system model is established and studied to analyze the VSG. When power is supplied to the load together with the power grid, the energy storage unit inside the VSG will release and store the electrical energy according to the fluctuation of the PV output, which plays the role of the adjustment of the prime mover; in the case of load power fluctuations, and power grid assume the corresponding active power regulation according to their capacity. The amount of active power adjustment to jointly and maintain the power balance inside the system under the condition of fluctuating load power. The overall system architecture and control strategy of PV grid-connected inverter based on VSG algorithm are proposed. The PV-VSG proposed here not only takes into account the maximum power point tracking control but also has independent participation in the power supply. A series of characteristics of synchronous generators, such as network frequency modulation voltage regulation and inertia damping, can effectively improve the new energy PV power generation system and promote the new energy consumption. The results of system simulation and field demonstration operation fully show the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed control strategy based on VSG algorithm.
RCD*(K,N) Spaces and the Geometry of Multi-Particle Schrödinger Semigroups
Authors: Güneysu Batu
Published: August 2020

Dedicated to the memory of Kazumasa Kuwada.

Let $(X,\mathfrak{d},{\mathfrak{m}})$ be an $\textrm{RCD}^*(K,N)$ space for some $K\in{\mathbb{R}}$, $N\in [1,\infty )$, and let $H$ be the self-adjoint Laplacian induced by the underlying Cheeger form. Given $\alpha \in [0,1]$, we introduce the $\alpha$-Kato class of potentials on $(X,\mathfrak{d},{\mathfrak{m}})$, and given a potential $V:X\to{\mathbb{R}}$ in this class, we denote with $H_V$ the natural self-adjoint realization of the Schrödinger operator $H+V$ in $L^2(X,{\mathfrak{m}})$. We use Brownian coupling methods and perturbation theory to prove that for all $t>0$, there exists an explicitly given constant $A(V,K,\alpha ,t)<\infty$, such that for all $\Psi \in L^{\infty }(X,{\mathfrak{m}})$, $x,y\in X$ one has $$\begin{align*}\big|e^{-tH_V}\Psi(x)-e^{-tH_V}\Psi(y)\big|\leq A(V,K,\alpha,t) \|\Psi\|_{L^{\infty}}\mathfrak{d}(x,y)^{\alpha}.\end{align*}$$In particular, all $L^{\infty }$-eigenfunctions of $H_V$ are globally $\alpha$-Hölder continuous. This result applies to multi-particle Schrödinger semigroups and, by the explicitness of the Hölder constants, sheds some light into the geometry of such operators.
Aspirin, sodium benzoate and sodium salicylate reverse resistance to colistin in Enterobacteriaceae andPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Malla Cristina F , Mireles Natalia A , Ramírez Ana S , Poveda José B , Tavío María M
Published: August 2020

Background

MDR bacterial infections are currently a serious problem for clinicians worldwide. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp., among Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are part of the group of ESCAPE pathogens or bacteria that ‘escape’ from common antibacterial treatments. The lack of effectiveness of the first common line of antibiotics has led to the search for new therapies based on older antibiotics, such as colistin.

Objectives

We searched for new enhancers of the action of colistin against MDR Gram-negative bacteria that can be easily applicable to clinical treatments.

Methods

Colistin MICs were determined alone and with the protonophores CCCP, sodium benzoate, sodium salicylate and aspirin using the broth microdilution method and FIC indexes were calculated to assess synergy between colistin and each chemical. Time–kill assays of colistin with and without protonophores were performed to determine the bactericidal action of combinations of colistin with protonophores. Likewise, the effect of sucrose, l-arginine and l-glutamic acid on the MICs of colistin alone and combined with each protonophore was assessed.

Results

It was found that sodium benzoate, sodium salicylate and aspirin, at concentrations allowed for human and animal use, partially or totally reversed resistance to colistin in P. aeruginosa and highly resistant enterobacterial strains. The mechanism of action could be related to their negative charge at a physiological pH along with their lipid-soluble character.

Conclusions

Sodium benzoate, sodium salicylate and aspirin are good enhancers to use in antibiotic therapies that include colistin.
Preserving privacy for pediatric patients and families: use of confidential note types in pediatric ambulatory care
Authors: Parsons Chase R , Hron Jonathan D , Bourgeois Fabienne C
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study evaluates and characterizes the use of a confidential clinic note type as part of the implementation of open notes at a free-standing children’s hospital. We describe how this electronic health record feature which disables patient and family access to selected notes in the patient portal is used across our institution, which clinicians are using this feature, and the type of data our clinicians consider confidential.

Materials and Methods

Through retrospective chart review, we have evaluated the use of a confidential note type over a 1-year period.

Results

We identified 402 964 clinic notes created during a 1-year period, of which 9346 (2.3%) were flagged as confidential. Use of this confidential note type was associated with female patient sex and increase in patient age. It was used most frequently by a small subset of providers. 922 (83.8%) of 1100 notes manually reviewed contained sensitive information. Reasons for confidential notes varied, but patient’s mental health was most commonly identified.

Discussion

Our data demonstrate variability in the use of a confidential note type across specialties, patient ages, and types of confidential information. This note type is frequently utilized by a subset of providers who often manage sensitive patient and parent information. As vendors and institutions enable open notes, thoughtful implementation and provider education surrounding the use of this confidential feature is needed.

Conclusion

A confidential clinic note feature is an integral aspect of pediatric open notes implementation. This feature supports protection of confidential information pertaining to our patients and their caregivers.
Analytical Detection of Novel Stimulants by Immunoassay and Liquid Chromatography–High Resolution Mass Spectrometry: Case Studies on Ethylphenidate and Mephedrone
Authors: Belsey Sarah L , Flanagan Robert J
Published: August 2020

The advent of hundreds of new compounds aimed at the substance misuse market has posed new analytical challenges. A semi-quantitative liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) method has been developed to detect exposure to two novel stimulants, mephedrone and ethylphenidate, and selected metabolites. Centrifuged urine (50 µL) was diluted with LC eluent containing internal standards (mephedrone-d3, methylphenidate-d9 and ritalinic acid-d10; all 0.02 mg/L) (450 µL). Intra- and inter-assay accuracy and precision were within ±15% and <6%, respectively, for all analytes. The limit of detection was 0.01 mg/L for all analytes. Urine samples from mephedrone and ethylphenidate users were analyzed using immunoassay (amphetamine-group cloned enzyme donor immunoassay [CEDIA]) and LC–HRMS. Ethylphenidate, mephedrone and selected metabolites all had low cross-reactivity (<1%) with the immunoassay. The median (range) amphetamine-group CEDIA concentration in urine samples from mephedrone users (n = 11) was 0.30 (<0.041–3.04) mg/L, with only 1 sample giving a positive CEDIA result. The amphetamine-group CEDIA concentration in the urine sample from an ethylphenidate user was <0.041 mg/L. Improving the detection of novel compounds is of increasing importance to enable accurate diagnosis and treatment. Immunoassay methods used for drug screening may be inappropriate and lead to false-negative results. Conversely, detection of these compounds is possible through use of LC–HRMS and can provide information on the metabolites present after exposure to these drugs.