bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the prognostic scores for the prediction of the mortality of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yue , Nie Yuan , Liu Linxiang , Zhu Xuan
Published: September 2020

Background

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which is characterized by rapid deterioration of liver function and multiorgan failure, has high mortality. This study was designed to identify prognostic scores to predict short-term and long-term outcome in patients with ACLF to facilitate early treatment and thereby improve patient survival.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 102 ACLF patients who were hospitalized in the gastroenterology department. The EASL-CLIF criteria were used to define the ACLF. The demographic characteristics and biochemical examination results of the patients were acquired, and seven scores (CTP score, MELD score, MELD-Na, CLIF ACLF score, CLIF-C OF score, and CLIF SOFA score) were calculated 24 h after admission. All patients were observed until loss to follow-up, death, or specific follow-up times (28 days, 3 months, and 6 months), which were calculated after the initial hospital admission. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to estimate the power of six scores to forecast ACLF patients’ outcome.

Results

All scores were distinctly higher in nonsurviving patients than in surviving patients and had predictive value for outcome in patients with ACLF at all time points (P < 0.050). The areas under the ROC curve (AUROCs) of the CLIF-SOFA score were higher than those of other scores at all time points. The comparison of the AUROC of the CLIF-SOFA score with other scores was statistically significant at 28 days (P < 0.050), which was the only time point at which it was greater than 0.800.

Conclusion

Patients with ACLF have high mortality. These six scores are effective tools for assessing the prognosis of ACLF patients. The CLIF-SOFA score is especially effective for evaluating 28-day mortality.
Effect of calcium on relieving berry cracking in grape (Vitis viniferaL.) ‘Xiangfei’
Authors: Yu Jun , Zhu Mingtao , Bai Miao , Xu Yanshuai , Fan Shaogang , Yang Guoshun
Published: September 2020

Fruit cracking is a physiological disorder in many plant species that leads to severe economic losses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of calcium on fruit cracking and explore the underlying mechanisms. We studied the effect of exogenous calcium on grape berry cracking, calcium absorbance and distribution, and cell wall metabolism in the cracking-susceptible cultivar ‘Xiangfei’. Calcium significantly reduced the frequency of fruit cracking, increased the break force of the berry skin, and stimulated storage of calcium. In addition, calcium increased the content of protopectin and inhibited the increase in content of water-soluble pectin, by regulating the transcription and activities of enzymes associated with cell wall metabolism. Taken together, the results indicated that dipping grape berries in calcium solution is effective in preventing fruit cracking by stimulating calcium uptake, inhibiting cell wall disassembly, and promoting cell wall strengthening.
TET1 may contribute to hypoxia-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition of endometrial epithelial cells in endometriosis
Authors: Wu Jingni , Li Xidie , Huang Hongyan , Xia Xiaomeng , Zhang Mengmeng , Fang Xiaoling
Published: September 2020

Background

Endometriosis (EMs) is a non-malignant gynecological disease, whose pathogenesis remains to be clarified. Recent studies have found that hypoxia induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as epigenetic modification in EMs. However, the relationship between EMT and demethylation modification under hypoxia status in EMs remains unknown.

Methods

The expression of N-cadherin, E-cadherin and TET1 in normal endometria, eutopic endometria and ovarian endometriomas was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence double staining. 5-hmC was detected by fluorescence-based ELISA kit using a specific 5-hmC antibody. Overexpression and inhibition of TET1 or hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) were performed by plasmid and siRNA transfection. The expression of HIF-2α, TET1 and EMT markers in Ishikawa (ISK) cells (widely used as endometrial epithelial cells) was evaluated by western blotting. The interaction of HIF-2α and TET1 was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

Demethylation enzyme TET1 (ten-eleven translocation1) was elevated in glandular epithelium of ovarian endometrioma, along with the activation of EMT (increased expression of N-cadherin, and decreased expression of E-cadherin) and global increase of epigenetic modification marker 5-hmC(5-hydroxymethylcytosine). Besides, endometriosis lesions had more TET1 and N-cadherin co-localized cells. Further study showed that ISK cells exhibited enhanced EMT, and increased expression of TET1 and HIF-2α under hypoxic condition. Hypoxia-induced EMT was partly regulated by TET1 and HIF-2α. HIF-2α inhibition mitigated TET1 expression changes provoked by hypoxia.

Conclusions

Hypoxia induces the expression of TET1 regulated by HIF-2α, thus may promote EMT in endometriosis.
Using technology-based educational interventions to improve knowledge about clinical practice guidelines:
Authors: Verville Leslie , DC Pierre Côté , Grondin Diane , Mior Silvano , Moodley Keshini , Kay Robin , Taylor-Vaisey Anne
Published: September 2020

Objective

To describe the best evidence on the effectiveness of technology-based learning tools designed to improve knowledge of health care providers about clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review, searching MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL from inception to July 2018. Included studies investigated the effectiveness of any technology-based learning tools developed to improve knowledge of health care providers about CPGs. We used a 2-phase screening process to determine eligibility. Pairs of reviewers critically appraised relevant studies using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklist for randomized controlled trials or the National Institutes of Health checklist for pre- and postintervention trials. Evidence from internally valid studies was described using a best-evidence summary. We conducted a sensitivity analysis to determine whether results varied according to methodological quality.

Results

Twenty-five of 8321 articles met our selection criteria. Six studies had a low risk of bias and were included in this review. Spaced education was associated with improvement in knowledge; however, its effectiveness relative to other interventions is unknown. Module-based online educational interventions were associated with improvement in knowledge of CPGs; however, they may not be more effective than paper-based self-learning or in-person workshops. The sensitivity analysis determined that the evidence was similar between the high and low risk of bias studies.

Conclusion

Module-based- and spaced-education interventions may be beneficial for improving health care providers' knowledge of CPGs; however, much of the evidence toward their use is preliminary.
The Effect of Addition of Nilem Fish Protein Concentrate Flour on the Preference Levels of Mochi Cake
Authors: Finef Kintan Prameswari , Junianto . , Apriliani Izza Mahdiana , Rostini Iis
Published: September 2020

Nilem fish (Osteochilus hasselti) is a type of freshwater fish that is widely farmed in West Java. Nilem fish can be made into fish protein concentrate (FPC) flour, so that it can have wide application. The addition of fish protein concentrate flour to the mochi cake might affect the organoleptic characteristics. This research aims to determine the proper concentration of nilem fish protein concentrate to get the mochi cake that was preferred by panelists. This research was conducted from August 2019 - January 2020 at the Laboratory of Fisheries Product Processing, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Padjadjaran University. The method used in this research was experimental with four treatments, which is the addition of 0%, 3.5%, 4.5% and 5.5% nilem fish protein concentrates from white glutinous rice flour was used. The parameters observed were the preference level of color, aroma, texture, and taste of Mochi cake. The results showed that mochi cake with the addition of 4.5% nilem fish protein concentrate flour produced a mochi cake that was preferred most by panelists, which has a characteristic ivory white color, a bit of fish smell, chewy but dense enough and sweet taste with a little typical flavor of nilem fish protein concentrate.
Financial Evaluation of Short Rotation Tree Crop under Agroforestry System in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Bharathi R. Divya , Chandran K. , Karthick V.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the financial evaluation of short rotation tree crops under agroforestry system.  Agroforestry involves the cultivation of two or more plant species with woody perennial in a single fragment of land. Multi-stage purposive sampling technique was employed in selection of the district, blocks and villages based on area under forest cover. Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu was taken for this study. Though there are many short rotation tree species grown in the study area, farmers prefer Malabar Neem (Melia dubia) for its multiple uses. The prominent agroforestry systems in the study region viz. Agri-Silviculture and Silviculture were selected. The primary data was collected from 80 sample farmers for the agricultural year 2018-19 and the sample respondents were surveyed from January to February, 2020. Financial analysis viz., Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Worth (NPW) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) were performed to check the feasibility of the investment in Agri- Silviculture and Silviculture system. The results indicate that additional income (68%) and meeting emergency cash requirement (67%) were the major reasons for adopting short rotation tree crops. The Net Present Worth per hectare in Agri-Silviculture and Silviculture system was Rs. 3,43,823 and Rs.1,97,909. BCR of Agri-Silviculture system has been found to be higher (2.01) than Silviculture system (1.66). Growing Malabar Neem with agricultural crops is more beneficial when comparing trees alone, it is capable of providing income round the year in a short span of time. Using tree crops as a contingency fund allows the farmer to meet the unforeseen expenses.
Religion, Culture and Medicine Analysis of Female Genital Mutilation amongst 84 Antenatal Clinic Attendees at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Eli S. , Kalio D. G. B. , Briggs N. C. T. , Okagua K. E.
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or Female Circumcision (FC) have been influenced by religion, culture and medicine. The practice of FGM have been associated with myriads of negative health consequences, resulting in its abolishment by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is unlike male circumcision which is well accepted by most religions of the world, culture and medically.

Aim: To ascertain the influence of religion, culture and medicine as regards FGM amongst antenatal clinic (ANC) attendees at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

Methods: It was a cross sectional study of ANC attendees at The RSUTH. The Information was retrieved using a self structured questionnaire which was coded and analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: A total number 84 ANC attendees were recruited for the study. The mean age was 30.7 years and the modal parity was 1. The mean gestational age was 15.8 weeks. Twenty (23.8%) respondents had FC, all of whom were Christians. Eighteen (21.4%) of the respondents were of the opinion that FGM was a good practice; while 66 (78.6%) respondents believed that FGM was a wrong practice. The 2 most common reasons for FGM were to prevent promiscuity 7 (8.3%) and cultural reasons 7 (8.3%). The commonest known complication by respondents following FGM was  bleeding  from the genital tract 24 (28.6%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of FGM from the study was 23.8% amongst ANC attendees at the RSUTH. Religion, culture and medicine may play vital roles in the eradication of FGM in our sub-region as recommended by WHO.
The Role of Pastors: Attitude of 193 Ante Natal Clinic Attendees towards Caesarean Section at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Eli S. , Kalio D. G. B. , Okagua K. E. , Briggs N. C. T. , Wekere F. C. C.
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Caesarean section (Cs) is a surgical procedure carried out to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcome.

Aversion to Cs may constitute a major obstacle to safe motherhood.

Some for pregnant women not accepting Cs are socio-cultural, religious, ethnic or economical.

Aim: Determine the attitude of the church in Nigeria and Pastors towards caesarean section, hence profer solution to the aversion to caesarean section.

Methods: It was a prospective study of ANC attendees at the RSUTH.

The information was coded and analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed and 193 retrieved.

The mean age was 31 years.  The modal parity was 2.

As regards level of education; respondents with no formal education were 5 (2.6%), primary 6 (3.1%), secondary 88 (45.6%) and tertiary 94 (48.7%). Fifty seven (30%) of the antenatal mothers had aversion for CS.

The reasons given were socio-cultural 25 (13%), religious 8 (4.1%), economic 7 (3.6), ethnic 4 (2.1%), combination of the above 17 (8.8%) and 132 (68.4%) did not respond.

Conclusion: The study revealed that the aversion for CS was 30% amongst antenatal clinic attendees at the RSUTH. Religious in this scenario were all Christians was 4.1 %, non-respondents were 68.4%.

Counselling and advocacy are needed to change the wrong perspective about CS by the Pastors to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality.
Interactions between Primary Neurons and Graphene Films with Different Structure and Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Capasso Andrea , Rodrigues João , Moschetta Matteo , Buonocore Francesco , Faggio Giuliana , Messina Giacomo , Kim Min Jung , Kwon Junyoung , Placidi Ernesto , Benfenati Fabio , Bramini Mattia , Lee Gwan‐Hyoung , Lisi Nicola
Published: September 2020

Graphene‐based materials represent a useful tool for the realization of novel neural interfaces. Several studies have demonstrated the biocompatibility of graphene‐based supports, but the biological interactions between graphene and neurons still pose open questions. In this work, the influence of graphene films with different characteristics on the growth and maturation of primary cortical neurons is investigated. Graphene films are grown by chemical vapor deposition progressively lowering the temperature range from 1070 to 650 °C to change the lattice structure and corresponding electrical conductivity. Two graphene‐based films with different electrical properties are selected and used as substrate for growing primary cortical neurons: i) highly crystalline and conductive (grown at 1070 °C) and ii) highly disordered and 140‐times less conductive (grown at 790 °C). Electron and fluorescence microscopy imaging reveal an excellent neuronal viability and the development of a mature, structured, and excitable network onto both substrates, regardless of their microstructure and electrical conductivity. The results underline that high electrical conductivity by itself is not fundamental for graphene‐based neuronal interfaces, while other physico–chemical characteristics, including the atomic structure, should be also considered in the design of functional, bio‐friendly templates. This finding widens the spectrum of carbon‐based materials suitable for neuroscience applications.
Outcomes of lenalidomide‐ or bortezomib‐based regimens in older patients with plasma cell myeloma
Authors: Barth Peter , Giri Smith , Reagan John L , Olszewski Adam J
Published: September 2020

The “triplet” regimen of lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVD) showed survival advantage over lenalidomide‐dexamethasone (RD) in clinical trials, but older patients with myeloma often receive doublet regimens (RD or bortezomib‐dexamethasone, VD), or VD plus cyclophosphamide (VCD). We compared these first‐line regimens using real‐world data from Medicare beneficiaries receiving therapy between 2007 and 2015. In each comparative analysis, we balanced confounding characteristics using a propensity score. Outcomes included overall (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS, reporting hazard ratios [HR] with 95% confidence intervals [CI]), adverse events, and costs. We identified 6076 patients with median age 76 and median OS of 2.6 years. In the comparison of RVD vs RD/VD doublets, RVD showed significantly better OS (HR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72‐0.95) and EFS (HR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.61‐0.76). So, RVD was associated with more frequent hospitalizations, anemia, and neuropathy, but no increase in thromboembolism or secondary cancers. Costs were higher with RVD. In the comparison of RD vs VD, RD demonstrated better EFS (HR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.68‐0.81) and marginally better OS (HR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83‐0.99). And, RD resulted in significantly more thromboembolic events, less neuropathy, and no significant difference in hospitalizations, transfusions, or secondary cancers. In the comparison of VCD vs VD, we observed no significant difference in any outcome. Superior survival favors RVD over doublet regimens, but even in 2015 RVD was applied for only about 25% of Medicare beneficiaries with myeloma. For patients not eligible for RVD due to toxicity, VCD offers no survival benefit over VD. Lenalidomide‐dexamethasone may be the preferred line doublet considering its advantage over VD.
Organizational structures, gender roles and upgrading strategies of smallholders: A qualitative study of the local value chain in the Nigerian fishing sector
Authors: Adetoyinbo Ayobami , Otter Verena
Published: September 2020

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, research concepts and empirical evidence are needed to upgrade smallholder activities within local value chains (LVCs) of many developing countries. Yet, comprehensive gender‐sensitive investigations of the evolution and multiplicity of governance in whole food systems with parallel functioning of local and modern value chains (MVCs) are greatly underrepresented in the scientific literature. This study aims to uncover LVCs' (a) value systems, (b) governance themes and gender roles for value addition and (c) smallholder upgrading strategies in developing countries' dualistic sectors. The global value chain framework serves as the conceptual basis for the study and is extended towards the gendered value web approach. Empirical data obtained through three focus group discussions, three Net‐maps and 21 interviews from the Nigerian shrimp sub‐sector represent the basis for the qualitative analysis. The results identified two lead actors—traders and women processors—who are crucial for the functioning of the complex value system. Further findings showed that fishermen and women processors are mutually reliant and are organized along their gendered comparative advantage. Based on these results, manifold managerial and policy implications, that are also applicable to other developing countries and cases, are derived to upgrade and develop smallholders' gendered activities and products along the LVC.
Wave‐like excitations in the system of a charged long filament interacting with the microparticles in the linear Paul trap
Authors: Syrovatka R.A. , Filinov V.S. , Vasilyak L.M. , Deputatova L.V. , Pecherkin V.Ya. , Vladimirov V.I.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we experimentally and numerically studied the wave‐like excitations in the system comprised by a charged nylon filament (macroobject) and charged microparticles levitating in a linear quadrupole electrodynamic trap. It has been found out that a filament with sufficient sag forms a rotating standing‐like wave, while the particles due to the Coulomb repulsion are localized in its antinodes. Numerical simulation shows that this dynamic collective motion can be excited at high enough voltages on the electrodes, when the energy losses due to air viscosity can be compensated by the energy contribution of the altering electric fields of the trap.
Evolving Otolaryngology Resident Roles and Concerns at the Peak of the US COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Cai Yi , Gulati Arushi , Jiam Nicole T. , Wai Katherine C. , Shuman Elizabeth A. , Pletcher Steven D. , Durr Megan L. , Chang Jolie L.
Published: September 2020

Background

The roles of US otolaryngology residents have changed in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. As the pandemic peaked in the United States, we characterized resident activities and concerns.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of US otolaryngology residents between April 20, 2020 and May 2, 2020.

Results

A total of 219 residents at 65/118 (55%) institutions responded. Thirty (14%) residents had been redeployed. Residents reported greatest concerns regarding education (P < .00001). Assuming adequate protective equipment, 55% desired active participation in high‐risk procedures on COVID‐19‐positive patients. Redeployed residents had greater concern for burnout and reduced in‐hospital well‐being (P < .05). Resident satisfaction correlated with comfort communicating concerns to their department (odds ratio [OR] = 4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4‐17.3, P = .01) and inversely correlated with low perceived meaning in work (OR = 3.1, CI 1.1‐9.1, P = .03).

Conclusion

Otolaryngology resident concerns have evolved as the pandemic progressed. Residency programs should prioritize resident education, well‐being in redeployed residents, and open communication as they transition toward recovery.
Targeting SARS CoV2 (Indian isolate) genome with miRNA: An in silico study
Authors: Devi Arpita , Chaitanya Nyshadham S. N.
Published: September 2020

The newly identified SARS CoV2 has become a global pandemic since December 2019. Various researchers are trying to design a vaccine candidate against the virus. On the other hand, another group is focussing on repurposing approved or clinically tested drugs for treatment. However, there is always a search for alternative therapies. Thus, we propose an alternative approach apart from chemotherapy that is the usage of miRNA as novel antisense therapy to cure SARS CoV2 infected patients. To address the objective, miRNAs have been designed by targeting the genome of SARS CoV2 (Indian isolate). First, the open reading frames in the viral genome have been identified, and the proteins encoded by those open reading frames have been predicted. Using computational biology, several miRNAs have been designed and their probability to bind to a viral gene has been predicted. In addition, miRNA target mining in the host cell has been done to rule out the possibility of non‐specific binding of the miRNAs. The miRNAs having the highest chances to bind to the viral genome have been converted into pre‐miRNAs, and their interaction with dicer endoribonuclease has been studied by molecular docking. Results revealed that the pre‐miRNAs interact with the RNAse III 2 domain of dicer. Thus, it is predicted that the pre‐miRNAs after delivery to the infected host cell will be processed by dicer to generate mature miRNAs that will target the SARS CoV2 viral genome. Therefore, miRNA therapy can be an alternative approach for the treatment of SARS CoV2 infection.
Metasurface‐Enhanced Lab‐on‐Fiber Biosensors
Authors: Consales Marco , Quero Giuseppe , Spaziani Sara , Principe Maria , Micco Alberto , Galdi Vincenzo , Cutolo Antonello , Cusano Andrea
Published: September 2020

The integration of metasurfaces on the tip of optical fibers enables advanced wavefront manipulations in Lab‐on‐Fiber application scenarios, and brings about new degrees of freedom that can be exploited for optimizing the surface sensitivity to local variations of the refractive index. Here, a novel biosensing platform is reported based on the integration of a phase‐gradient plasmonic metasurface on the tip of an optical fiber, able to detect biomolecular interactions with very high sensitivity. Specifically, the capability of the proposed platform to detect very low concentrations of streptavidin in running buffer solutions, with a limit of detection of the order of a few ng mL−1, is demonstrated. In addition, its inherent integrability within medical catheters/needles renders it potentially very attractive for application scenarios of real‐time diagnosis via liquid biopsy at precise locations inside the human body.
Europium‐linked structures and electronic properties of nanosize semiconductor EuSin0/− (n = 11‐18) clusters
Authors: Dong Xueyan , Cheng Lin , Yang Jucai
Published: September 2020

The ground‐state structures of europium‐doped Si nanocluster and their anions EuSin0/− (n = 11‐18) are verified by using the ABCluster unbiased global search technique married with density functional theory methods and matching of simulated and experimental photoelectron spectroscopy. The results revealed that structural growth pattern for neutral and anionic nanoclusters is from Eu‐substitutional to Eu‐linked structure starting from n = 13 and 12, respectively. The natural population analysis showed that the 4f electrons of Eu atom in EuSin0/− (n = 11‐18) hardly participate in bonding, resulting the total magnetic moments are 7 and 8 μB, respectively. The highest occupied molecular orbital‐lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap and average bond energies of EuSin0/− (n = 11‐18) have also been calculated respectively to examine their thermodynamic and chemical stability. The result showed that EuSi15 nanocluster possesses good thermodynamic and chemical stability, which may make it as the most suitable building blocks for novel functional nanomaterials.
Qualitätssteigerung der Abrechnungsprüfung durch Smartphone-basierte Fotodokumentation in der Unfall‑, Hand- und plastischen Chirurgie
Authors: Jordan Martin C. , Jovic Sebastian , Gilbert Fabian , Kunz Andreas , Ertl Maximilian , Strobl Ute , Jakubietz Rafael G. , Jakubietz Michael G. , Meffert Rainer H. , Fuchs Konrad F.
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Die Fotodokumentation von offenen Frakturen, Wunden, Dekubitalulzera, Tumoren oder Infektionen ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil der digitalen Patientenakte. Bisher ist unklar, welchen Stellenwert diese Fotodokumentation bei der Abrechnungsprüfung durch den Medizinischen Dienst der Krankenkassen (MDK) hat.

Fragestellung

Kann eine Smartphone-basierte Fotodokumentation die Verteidigung von erlösrelevanten Diagnosen und Prozeduren sowie der Verweildauer verbessern?

Material und Methoden

Ausstattung der Mitarbeiter mit digitalen Endgeräten (Smartphone/Tablet) in den Bereichen Notaufnahme, Schockraum, OP, Sprechstunden sowie auf den Stationen. Retrospektive Auswertung der Abrechnungsprüfung im Jahr 2019 und Identifikation aller Fallbesprechungen, in denen die Fotodokumentation eine Erlösveränderung bewirkt hat.

Ergebnisse

Von insgesamt 372 Fallbesprechungen half die Fotodokumentation in 27 Fällen (7,2 %) zur Bestätigung eines Operationen- und Prozedurenschlüssels (OPS) (n = 5; 1,3 %), einer Hauptdiagnose (n = 10; 2,7 %), einer Nebendiagnose (n = 3; 0,8 %) oder der Krankenhausverweildauer (n = 9; 2,4 %). Pro oben genanntem Fall mit Fotodokumentation ergab sich eine durchschnittliche Erlössteigerung von 2119 €. Inklusive Aufwandpauschale für die Verhandlungen wurde somit ein Gesamtbetrag von 65.328 € verteidigt.

Diskussion

Der Einsatz einer Smartphone-basierten Fotodokumentation kann die Qualität der Dokumentation verbessern und Erlöseinbußen bei der Abrechnungsprüfung verhindern. Die Implementierung digitaler Endgeräte mit entsprechender Software ist ein wichtiger Teil des digitalen Strukturwandels in Kliniken.
Tightly Secure Hierarchical Identity-Based Encryption
Authors: Langrehr Roman , Pan Jiaxin
Published: September 2020

We construct the first tightly secure hierarchical identity-based encryption (HIBE) scheme based
on standard assumptions, which solves an open problem from Blazy, Kiltz, and Pan (CRYPTO 2014).
At the core of our constructions is a novel randomization technique that enables us to randomize
user secret keys for identities with flexible length.

The security reductions of previous HIBEs lose at least a factor of Q, which is the number of
user secret key queries. Different to that, the security loss of our schemes is only dependent on
the security parameter. Our schemes are adaptively secure based on the Matrix Diffie-Hellman
assumption, which is a generalization of standard Diffie-Hellman assumptions such as k-Linear. We
have two tightly secure constructions, one with constant ciphertext size, and the other with tighter
security at the cost of linear ciphertext size. Among other things, our schemes imply the first tightly
secure identity-based signature scheme by a variant of the Naor transformation.
Extracellular electron uptake by autotrophic microbes: physiological, ecological, and evolutionary implications
Authors: Gupta Dinesh , Guzman Michael S , Bose Arpita
Published: September 2020

Microbes exchange electrons with their extracellular environment via direct or indirect means. This exchange is bidirectional and supports essential microbial oxidation–reduction processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis. The microbial capacity to use electrons from insoluble electron donors, such as redox-active minerals, poised electrodes, or even other microbial cells is called extracellular electron uptake (EEU). Autotrophs with this capability can thrive in nutrient and soluble electron donor-deficient environments. As primary producers, autotrophic microbes capable of EEU greatly impact microbial ecology and play important roles in matter and energy flow in the biosphere. In this review, we discuss EEU-driven autotrophic metabolisms, their mechanism and physiology, and highlight their ecological, evolutionary, and biotechnological implications.
A multistrategy approach for improving the expression of E. coli phytase in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Helian Yuankun , Gai Yuanming , Fang Huan , Sun Yumei , Zhang Dawei
Published: September 2020

Phytase is an additive in animal feed that degrades phytic acid in plant material, reducing feeding costs, and pollution from fecal phosphorus excretion. A multistrategy approach was adopted to improve the expression of E. coli phytase in Pichia pastoris. We determined that the most suitable signal peptide for phytase secretion was an α-factor secretion signal with an initial enzyme activity of 153.51 U/mL. Increasing the copy number of this gene to four increased phytase enzyme activity by 234.35%. PDI overexpression and Pep4 gene knockout increased extracellular phytase production by 35.33% and 26.64%, respectively. By combining favorable factors affecting phytase expression and secretion, the enzyme activity of the phytase-engineered strain was amplified 384.60% compared with that of the original strain. We also evaluated the potential for the industrial production of the engineered strain using a 50-L fed-batch fermenter and achieved a total activity of 30,246 U/mL after 180 h of fermentation.
Simulation of the Self-Ignition of a Cold Premixed Ethylene-Air Jet in Hot Vitiated Crossflow
Authors: Solana-Pérez Roberto , Schulz Oliver , Noiray Nicolas
Published: September 2020

The aim of this paper is to analyze the self-ignition of a jet flame in hot vitiated cross flow using Large Eddy Simulation with analytically reduced chemistry. A rich premixed ethylene-air mixture ($$\phi = 1.2$$

ϕ
=
1.2

) at 300 K is injected into a hot vitiated crossflow at 1500 K. The simulated reacting flow steady-state was validated against experiments in previous publications and the focus of the present work is the transient self-ignition of the jet. It is shown that spontaneous ignition occurs at very lean mixture fractions in the form of reacting patches in the windward jet mixing layer. These patches grow, laterally wrap the jet and extend into the recirculation region. Chemical explosive mode analysis is performed to identify the chemically active regions that are precursors of the patches undergoing spontaneous ignition. It is shown that the self-ignition occurs at very lean fuel concentrations regions, which are leaner and hotter than the most reactive mixture fraction of the jet and crossflow. This is explained by the fact that the scalar dissipation is significantly lower in these very lean regions. Ultimately, the peak heat release moves toward the richer regions and an autoignition cascade governs the steady state flame anchoring.
A Genetic Attack Against Machine Learning Classifiers to Steal Biometric Actigraphy Profiles from Health Related Sensor Data
Authors: Garcia-Ceja Enrique , Morin Brice , Aguilar-Rivera Anton , Riegler Michael Alexander
Published: September 2020

In this work, we propose the use of a genetic-algorithm-based attack against machine learning classifiers with the aim of ‘stealing’ users’ biometric actigraphy profiles from health related sensor data. The target classification model uses daily actigraphy patterns for user identification. The biometric profiles are modeled as what we call impersonator examples which are generated based solely on the predictions’ confidence score by repeatedly querying the target classifier. We conducted experiments in a black-box setting on a public dataset that contains actigraphy profiles from 55 individuals. The data consists of daily motion patterns recorded with an actigraphy device. These patterns can be used as biometric profiles to identify each individual. Our attack was able to generate examples capable of impersonating a target user with a success rate of 94.5%. Furthermore, we found that the impersonator examples have high transferability to other classifiers trained with the same training set. We also show that the generated biometric profiles have a close resemblance to the ground truth profiles which can lead to sensitive data exposure, like revealing the time of the day an individual wakes-up and goes to bed.
Inactivation times from 290 to 315 nm UVB in sunlight for SARS coronaviruses CoV and CoV-2 using OMI satellite data for the sunlit Earth
Authors: Herman Jay , Biegel Bryan , Huang Liang
Published: September 2020

UVB in sunlight, 290–315 nm, can inactivate SARS CoV and SARS CoV-2 viruses on surfaces and in the air. Laboratory exposure to ultraviolet irradiance in the UVC range inactivates many viruses and bacteria in times less than 30 min. Estimated UVB inactivation doses from sunlight in J/m2 are obtained from UVC measurements and radiative transfer calculations, weighted by a virus inactivation action spectrum, using OMI satellite atmospheric data for ozone, clouds, and aerosols. For SARS CoV, using an assumed UVC dose near the mid-range of measured values, D90 = 40 J/m2, 90% inactivation times T90 are estimated for exposure to midday 10:00–14:00 direct plus diffuse sunlight and for nearby locations in the shade (diffuse UVB only). For the assumed D90 = 40 J/m2 model applicable to SARS CoV viruses, calculated estimates show that near noon 11:00–13:00 clear-sky direct sunlight gives values of T90 < 90 min for mid-latitude sites between March and September and less than 60 min for many equatorial sites for 12 months of the year. Recent direct measurements of UVB sunlight inactivation of the SARS CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 show shorter T90 inactivation times less than 10 min depending on latitude, season, and hour. The equivalent UVC 254 nm D90 dose for SARS CoV-2 is estimated as 3.2 ± 0.7 J/m2 for viruses on a steel mesh surface and 6.5 ± 1.4 J/m2 for viruses in a growth medium. For SARS CoV-2 clear-sky T90 on a surface ranges from 4 min in the equatorial zone to less than 30 min in a geographic area forming a near circle with solar zenith angle < 60O centered on the subsolar point for local solar times from 09:00 to 15:00 h.
Iso-dip Contouring: An Innovative Approach to Exploration for Concealed, Structure- controlled, Hydrothermal, Vein-type Uranium Mineralisation in Kanchankayi Sector of KurlagereGogi-Gundanahalli Fault Zone, Yadgir District, Karnataka
Authors: Roy Debasish , Pande Dheeraj , Chakrabarti K. , Varughese S. K. , Pradhan A. K. , Saravanan B. , Bhatt A. K. , Verma M. B.
Published: September 2020

Kanchankayi is located in the central part of the 55 km long Kurlagere-Gogi-Gundanahalli (KG) fault of Meso-Neoproterozoic Bhima basin of Southern India. Intensive integrated exploration in Kanchankayi has established a concealed, fracture-controlled, low-grade uranium deposit. Uranium mineralisation is mostly confined within the fractured limestone of Shahabad Formation and partly within fractured basement granite. Tectonic movements along the KG fault in Kanchankayi area have resulted in the northward thrusting of basement granite over the Bhima sediments forming a reverse fault geometry. Structural mapping and sub-surface exploration has established that the uranium mineralisation is mainly confined to the fault zone. In general, the fault zone is characterised by steep southerly dipping to vertical limestone beds. Iso-dip contouring was attempted on the beds having equal angle of dip, with the premise that steep southerly dipping and vertical beds will reveal the trend and location of the fault zone on the surface. The iso-dip contour map reveals that the contour depicting the fault zone initially follows the basement-sediment contact and further NE i.e. towards Kanchankayi and transgresses into the Bhima sediments. This suggests that the fault zone, instead of following the basement-sediment contact, moves within the basin in Kanchankayi. Recent sub-surface exploration in Kanchankayi has corroborated this interpretation. The innovative approach in utilizing structural mapping and isodip contouring has not only given a new dimension to the exploration programme at Kanchankayi but also provided a model technique for exploration of concealed, structure-controlled, hydrothermal, vein-type uranium mineralisation in parts of Bhima basin.
Impact of Land Use-Land Cover and Climatic Pattern on Sediment Yield of Two Contrasting Sub-Catchments in Upper Tapi Basin, India
Authors: Resmi S. R. , Patel P. L. , Timbadiya P. V.
Published: September 2020

Long-term and short-term assessments of sediment yield from river basins are required in planning soil conservation measures, water storage in reservoirs and prediction of morphological responses in rivers. In present study, detailed quantification of land-use land-cover and climate variabilityin two contrasting subcatchments of Upper Tapi basin, India, are reported for period 1980-2010. The pattern of measured sediment concentration, decadal and intra-annual variations of sediment yield at the outlets of boththe sub-catchments are presented and attributed with land-use land-cover and climate variability of the relevant periods. Higher sediment and water yields observed at the outlet of Burhanpur sub-catchment are due to steep and hilly topography, excessive deforestation and relatively high simple daily monsoonal intensity index (SDMII) within the sub-catchment versus Purna sub-catchment. In both the sub-catchments, maximum and minimum sediment concentrations are in July and September months respectively. Higher sediment concentration at the outlet of Purna sub-catchment is due to excessive alluvial deposits, extensive agricultural activities and generation of correspondingly less runoff within the sub-catchment. The observed reduction in sediment yield pattern in recent years is due to development of minor hydraulic structures (water area), decrease in scrub lands, increased planned agricultural land and decrease in the SDMII within both sub-catchments. The correlation analyses have indicated that total monsoonal basin average rainfall (TMBAR), rainy days (RD) and SDMII have been found to be significantly correlated with sediment yield for Burhanpur sub-catchment visà-vis SDMII and TMBAR for the Purna sub-catchment. Also, the sediment yield from the sub-catchments in the past have been found to be excessively higher than planned reservoir sedimentation of Hatnur reservoir, located at the outlet of the Upper Tapi basin.
Changes in Morphometric Meander Parameters and Prediction of Meander Channel Migration for the Alluvial Part of the Barak River
Authors: Annayat Wajahat , Sil Briti Sundar
Published: September 2020

A common phenomenon associated with the alluvial river is its meandering action which leads to lateral migration and thus geomorphic hazards. Predicting and preventing this migration is both difficult and necessary. Barak river is one of the highly meandering rivers flowing through the alluvial plains of Assam, India. It is observed that there is a regular shifting of the river banks and development of cutoffs which create uncertainty to the people residing nearby. Therefore, in this study planform geometry and migration behaviour of the Barak river is examined considering 12 representative meandering reaches using multiperiod Landsat remote sensing images, field investigations of channel bed and bank properties and riparian vegetation cover. An attempt is made to describe and evaluate the empirical approach and time sequence extrapolation method to predict channel migration. Channel wavelength to channel width ratio ranges between 5.53 to 12.9, and the bend curvature ranges between 1.1 to 3.93. Rate of river migration varies between 0.54to 85.69 m/year. Sinuosity in most of the meandering reaches is greater than 1.5. Results show that lack of significant riparian vegetative cover, high precipitation and presence of fine sands with very low clay content are probably the main elements responsible for the planform changes. The results of the prediction of meander migration obtained from selected empirical methods show that only Nanson and Hickin method shows a moderate correlation with R2 =0.50. Time sequence extrapolation method was used to predict the radius of the best-fit circle for the year 2025 and 2030. Results of the time sequence extrapolation method indicate that the maximum and minimum radius of the best circle fit for the year 2025 is 1254m at reach-8 and 462m at reach-7 respectively, and maximum and minimum radius of the best circle fit for the year 2030 is 1319m at reach-8 and 387m at reach-12 respectively. It is believed that the outcomes of this study could form a base in river training works and in understanding and predicting the future dynamics and bank migration of this alluvial river and other river of similar geomorphic setting.
Missing Coal Seam between East and West Bokaro near Lugu Hill of Damodar Basin, India: A Geological Model
Authors: Sinha Sugata Kumar , Gupta Saurabh Datta
Published: September 2020

The coal formation of the Damodar basin is found in parts of the Indian states of West Bengal and Jharkhand. However, the potentiality of the coal formation and its presence across the basin are not equal. Both East Bokaro and West Bokaro are highly fertile and productive for high-quality coal. However, due to the lack of coal seams, no significant discoveries can be made between these two regions. The purpose of the present study is to identify the reasons for the lack of coal seam between the areas of the eastern and western Bokaro of the Damodar basin. The study area was chosen near the Lugu hill, adjacent to the Ghato area in the West Bokaro based on the geological significance. The presence of the coal seam is not identified in the study area. To reach the objective of the study an integrated geological model was developed based on laboratory analysis, computational and analytical approach. Newly acquired shallow seismic data, earlier acquired digitized gravity data and drilled well data were used for the study. Rock samples were collected from discrete areas of the Lugu hill for laboratory analysis. The integrated geological depositional model suggests that crustal thinning and basement upliftment is the significant reason for the absence of coal seam in between East and West Bokaro. Several tectonic activities and associated intrusion are another factor for the absence of coal in the area.
Biographische Entwicklungen von Sportspielern – eine explorative Interviewstudie mit aktuellen Spitzenspielern im Fußball und Handball
Authors: Kröger Christian , Miethling Wolf-Dietrich
Published: September 2020

Mit unserer explorativen Studie rekonstruieren wir die biographischen Entwicklungen von aktuellen professionellen Sportspielern. Basierend auf entwicklungs- und biographietheoretischen Annahmen wurden 10 männliche, international erfahrene Fußball- und Handballspieler mittels teilstandardisierter Leitfadeninterviews befragt. Die Auswertung der Interviews erfolgte anhand der Qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring. Die Intention der Studie ist es, einen qualitativ orientierten Beitrag zur spitzensportlichen Karriereforschung zu liefern, im Rahmen dessen der empirisch belegbare Möglichkeitsraum solcher Entwicklungen ausgeleuchtet wird. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine erhebliche Variabilität in den sportbiographischen Entwicklungen. Dabei kristallisieren sich sechs bedeutsame Merkmale bzw. Kategorien heraus, die auf einen zusammenhangsstiftenden Kern, eine sog. Kernkategorie verweisen. Im Beitrag werden Biographieverläufe skizziert, die ermittelten Kategorien expliziert und interpretiert sowie das daraus resultierende Theoriegebilde mit Bezügen zur spitzensportlichen Karriereforschung von der Kindheit bis ins frühe Erwachsenenalter diskutiert.
Income Segregation: Up or Down, and for Whom?
Authors: Logan John R. , Foster Andrew , Xu Hongwei , Zhang Wenquan
Published: September 2020

Reports of rising income segregation in the United States have been brought into question by the observation that post-2000 estimates are upwardly biased because of a reduction in the sample sizes on which they are based. Recent studies have offered estimates of this sample-count bias using public data. We show here that there are two substantial sources of systematic bias in estimating segregation levels: bias associated with sample size and bias associated with using weighted sample data. We rely on new correction methods using the original census sample data for individual households to provide more accurate estimates. Family income segregation rose markedly in the 1980s but only selectively after 1990. For some categories of families, segregation declined after 1990. There has been an upward trend for families with children but not specifically for families with children in the upper or lower 10% of the income distribution. Separate analyses by race/ethnicity show that income segregation was not generally higher among Blacks and Hispanics than among White families, and evidence of income segregation trends for these separate groups is mixed. Income segregation increased for all three racial groups for families with children, particularly for Hispanics (but not Whites or Blacks) in the upper 10% of the income distribution. Trends vary for specific combinations of race/ethnicity, presence of children, and location in the income distribution, offering new challenges for understanding the underlying processes of change.