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Abstract Ferroelectric materials exhibiting switchable and spontaneous polarization have strong potential to be utilized in various novel electronic devices. Solid solutions of different perovskite structures induce the coexistence of various phases and enhance the physical functionalities around the phase coexistence region. The construction of phase diagrams is important as they describe the material properties, which are linked to the underpinning physics determining the system. Here we present the phase diagram of (K0.5Na0.5NbO3)–(Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3) (KNN-BST) system as a function of composition and their associated physical properties. Lead-free (1 − x)KNN–xBST (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) solid solution ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction technique. The X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic studies indicate composition-dependent structural phase transitions from an orthorhombic phase for x = 0 to orthorhombic + tetragonal dual-phase (for 0.025 ≤ x ≤ 0.15), then a tetragonal + cubic dual-phase (x = 0.2) and finally a cubic single phase for x ≥ 0.25 at room temperature (RT). Among these, the orthorhombic + tetragonal dual-phase system shows an enhanced value of the dielectric constant at room temperature. The phase transition temperatures, orthorhombic to tetragonal (TO-T) and tetragonal to cubic (TC), decrease with the increase in BST concentrations. The ferroelectric studies show a decrease of both 2Pr and EC values with a rise in BST concentration and x = 0.025 showed a maximum piezoelectric coefficient.

The present study is the analysis of large scale data (31949 ha area and 79873 farmers) generated through the CFLD on pulses across the major pulses growing states under the ICAR-ATARIs of Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Pune (Maharashtra), Patna (Bihar), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Guwahati (Assam), Shillong (Meghalaya), Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Patna (Bihar). The pulse crops included in this analysis were from all three growing seasons: kharif (pigeonpea-5556 ha, blackgram-6067 ha, and greengram-2689 ha), rabi (chickpea-8376 ha, lentil-3747 ha and field pea-1890 ha), and summer (greengram-3624 ha). The average performance data of CFLD were obtained for the above states for all the crops representing all three growing seasons during the cropping seasons of 2016–17 and 2017–18. Thus, CFLD data were analyzed from across minimum of 21 states (greengram) and maximum of 24 states (blackgram). The major variables analyzed were average yield obtained from the check plots and demonstrations plots. These yields were computed for yield advantages and also compared with the reported district level, state level, national level yields and the potential yields of the respective crops in the given states (data procured from secondary sources for the year 2017–18). Accordingly, the yield advantages (absolute as well as per cent) at various level were analyzed and their degree of variation was computed for all the crops across the seasons. The paper brings out the results of above analyses in objective manner.

Abstract Purpose Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a distinctive subpopulation of cancer cells that are competent in tumor initiation, invasion, recurrence, and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. CD44, a hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor has been considered as a potential CSC marker in head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between CD44 and clinicopathological parameters, treatment response, survival, and recurrence. Methods The CD44 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 90 samples of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) confirmed patients. The expression of CD44 and its association with clinicopathological parameters, treatment response, and survival was determined. Results In all HNSCC patient samples, CD44 was expressed consistently at different intensities. Tumor size (p

Objective Locoregional recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major concern that leads to metastasis. Its detection at earliest stage is very important to increase the overall survival of the patient. There is no any biomarker for locoregional recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of this study was to find a biomarker for locoregional recurrence in tissue and serum at gene and protein level. Methods This work studied the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 14 (PTPN-14) and Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT-1) in patients and correlated their expression with locoregional recurrence and survival. Tissue expression was observed in formalin fixed tissue biopsies of 96 OSCC and 32 healthy controls by immunohistochemistry using antibody against PTPN-14 and WT-1 and serum level was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in pre- and post-chemoradiotherapy samples. mRNA expression was determined by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Patients were followed for 3 years for locoregional recurrence. Results Expression of PTPN-14 and WT-1 in OSCC was upregulated (aberrant) in tissue and sera in both gene and protein level as compared with healthy controls. Locoregional recurrence was observed in 10 (23.80%) patients and significantly associated with PTPN-14 (p < 0.047) and WT-1 expression (p < 0.031). Conclusion PTPN-14 and WT-1 may be used as biomarker to identify patients for higher risk of locoregional recurrence. This study drove molecular aspect and phenotypic level to derive new emergent strategies in future for recurrent OSCC.

Semi-flexible filaments interacting with molecular motors and immersed in rheologically complex and viscoelastic media constitute a common motif in biology. Synthetic mimics of filament-motor systems also feature active or field-activated filaments. A feature common to these active assemblies is the spontaneous emergence of stable oscillations as a collective dynamic response. In nature, the frequency of these emergent oscillations is seen to depend strongly on the viscoelastic characteristics of the ambient medium. Motivated by these observations, we study the instabilities and dynamics of a minimal filament-motor system immersed in model viscoelastic fluids. Using a combination of linear stability analysis and full non-linear numerical solutions, we identify steady states, test the linear stability of these states, derive analytical stability boundaries, and investigate emergent oscillatory solutions. We show that the interplay between motor activity, filament and motor elasticity, and fluid viscoelasticity allows for stable oscillations or limit cycles to bifurcate from steady states. When the ambient fluid is Newtonian, frequencies are controlled by motor kinetics at low viscosities, but decay monotonically with viscosity at high viscosities. In viscoelastic fluids that have the same viscosity as the Newtonian fluid, but additionally allow for elastic energy storage, emergent limit cycles are associated with higher frequencies. The increase in frequency depends on the competition between fluid relaxation time-scales and time-scales associated with motor binding and unbinding. Our results suggest that both the stability and oscillatory properties of active systems may be controlled by tailoring the rheological properties and relaxation times of ambient fluidic environments.

It has become mandatory for all the domestic producers of urea to produce Neem Coated Urea (NCU) since 2015 to reduce overall input cost in farming and to ensure environmental sustainability through enhanced nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The present study was carried out during 2017–19 with the aim to find out the awareness level of farmers about NCU and its impact on crop productivity. A total of 12,604 farmers across the country were interviewed by 458 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). The results of the study showed that 76% farmers were aware about NCU and its effectiveness in increasing crop yield. Farmers of Delhi NCR, Haryana and Rajasthan were found to have the highest awareness while those of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Jammu & Kashmir had the lowest level of awareness. Overall, 79% farmers were satisfied with its use. Use of N fertilizers decreased significantly in 2018 compared to 2017 in both the seasons (kharif and rabi), however, the existing rate of application was still significantly higher than recommended doses. The average yield enhancement due to use of NCU was 8.25%. The highest yield increase due to use of NCU was observed in Goa, Madhya Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Results of the study implied that more emphasis is needed for dissemination of information about NCU through awareness, training and capacity building programmes for farmers and grassroots level extension functionaries.

A few studies have reported incomplete resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) following embolization. The likely effects of embolization, viz. shrinkage/reduced tensile strength may have increased the fragility of tumour, leaving remnants postoperatively particularly across hour-glass constriction of sphenopalatine foramina. This paper describes the likelihood of residual disease being left following embolization and hence the importance of extended surgery for complete excision.

Objective To assess olfactory and clinical morbidity in primary (idiopathic)–type atrophic rhinitis and its course following treatment. Study Design Prospective nonrandomized controlled cohort study with follow-up. Setting Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of a university hospital (tertiary heath care center). Methods Sixty-one patients with atrophic rhinitis underwent assessment of clinical severity with baseline olfaction with the Brief Smell Identification test, while the improvement of their status following surgical versus nonsurgical treatment was further assessed. Results Olfaction was universally deranged with bimodal age presentation and female predominance (61%). Clinical improvement was significantly associated with surgical treatment but did not reveal any relation with up-front severity of disease. A near-significant association of age with severity did not reveal significance when stratified by age group. Baseline olfaction or its change following treatment did not reveal any significance with severity of disease or clinical improvement. Radiologic atrophy also did not reveal any significant relation with severity criteria. Conclusions Olfactory functions as compared with clinical parameters provided better reflection of underlying (systemic) pathology with environmental interaction, while later it mainly signified localized condition. Accordingly, olfaction was affected early and recovered slowly (or not at all), independent of clinical morbidity, which in turn is affected rather late but recovers early. Olfactory dysfunction at the initial stage may be a surrogate marker of potential worsening clinical condition, since bacteria often superinfect underlying susceptible nasal environment. While surgery mainly improved clinical parameters without affecting olfaction directly, a true improvement would include recovery of both.

Introduction Oral Submucous fibrosis (OSMF) occurs in young adults, who are in the habit of chewing tobacco mixed with areca nut and its various commercially available preparations. The disease results in progressive inability to open the mouth due to the submucosal fibrosis initiated by chronic inflammation affecting mainly oral mucosa. Authors undertook the present study to correlate the clinical features of OSMF to histopathological features and to find out aetiopathological factors of this condition. Materials and Methods A total of 123 clinically diagnosed OSMF patients, in the age range of 17 to 70 years were studied. Mouth opening was measured using a scale and was recorded in millimeters. Incisional biopsy was taken from the representative areas in the oral cavity. The patients were graded clinically and histopathologically and results were analyzed and discussed. Result Most of the patients were in the age group of 20-30 years (37.4%) with male predominance. The duration of either tobacco or areca nut chewing ranged from 1 to 35 yrs. Most patients had these habits for 6-19 yrs. Majority (55.3% & 54.5%) of the patients belonged to grade-2 (clinical grading) and intermediate grade (HPE grading) respectively. The HPE grading showed significant and direct association with duration of ill habits. The HPE grading showed significant and direct association with clinical grading (χ2=204.08, p

Introduction Oral Submucous fibrosis (OSMF) occurs in young adults, who are in the habit of chewing tobacco mixed with areca nut and its various commercially available preparations. The disease results in progressive inability to open the mouth due to the submucosal fibrosis initiated by chronic inflammation affecting mainly oral mucosa. Authors undertook the present study to correlate the clinical features of OSMF to histopathological features and to find out aetiopathological factors of this condition. Materials and Methods A total of 123 clinically diagnosed OSMF patients, in the age range of 17 to 70 years were studied. Mouth opening was measured using a scale and was recorded in millimeters. Incisional biopsy was taken from the representative areas in the oral cavity. The patients were graded clinically and histopathologically and results were analyzed and discussed. Result Most of the patients were in the age group of 20-30 years (37.4%) with male predominance. The duration of either tobacco or areca nut chewing ranged from 1 to 35 yrs. Most patients had these habits for 6-19 yrs. Majority (55.3% & 54.5%) of the patients belonged to grade-2 (clinical grading) and intermediate grade (HPE grading) respectively. The HPE grading showed significant and direct association with duration of ill habits. The HPE grading showed significant and direct association with clinical grading (χ2=204.08, p

Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based lead-free piezoelectrics are considered for potential replacement of the lead-based commercial piezoceramics in high-power transducer applications. We have examined the role of grain size in influencing the structural-polar inhomogeneity of stoichiometric and off-stoichiometric Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT), and its morphotropic-phase-boundary (MPB) derivative 0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3 (NBT-6BT). Our study reveals that size effect comes into play in these systems on a very large length scale (on the scale of microns) considerably affecting its global structure and properties.

Introduction: Pain is one of the most dreaded side effects of surgery for the patient during as well as after the surgery. Effective postoperative pain control is an essential component of the care of the surgical patient. Inadequate pain control may result in increased morbidity or mortality. Aim: To compare Thoracic Para Vertebral Block (TPVB) and IV PCA (fentanyl) and with IV PCA alone, for postoperative analgesia and also to compare intraoperative and postoperative haemodynamic changes and side effects in patients undergoing open nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients were randomised into two groups, 30 patients in each group. GROUP A: Received preoperative single thoracic paravertebral block (20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine) + General Anaesthesia + PCA with iv fentanyl (2 microgm/mL), Basal infusion-20 microgm/hour, Demand dose -12 microgm, Lockout interval- 20 minutes. GROUP B: Received General Anaesthesia + PCA with iv fentanyl (2 microgm/mL), Basal infusion-20 microgm/hour, Demand dose-12 microgm, Lockout interval-20 minutes. Postoperative pain score, amount of fentanyl consumption, Demand dose and haemodynamic stability was assessed. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Version 15.0 statistical analysis software. The values were represented in Number (%) and Mean±SD. Results: Group A which received preoperative TPVB and IV PCA showed less analgesia, less fentanyl consumption, less demand dose and better haemodynamic stability in comparison to the Group B which received IV PCA alone (p

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199665.].

Radioresistance is one of the main determinants of treatment outcome in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its prediction is difficult. Several authors aimed to establish radioresistant OSCC cell lines to identify genes with altered expression in response to radioresistance. The development of OSCC is a multistep carcinogenic process that includes activation of several oncogenes and inactivation of tumour suppressor genes. TGM-3 is a tumour suppressor gene and contributes to carcinogenesis process. The aim of this study was to estimate serum and tissue expression of TGM-3 and its correlation with clinico-pathological factors and overall survival in patients of OSCC undergoing chemo-radiotherapy. Tissue expression was observed in formalin fixed tissue biopsies of 96 cases of OSCC and 32 healthy controls were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) by using antibody against TGM-3 and serum level was estimated by ELISA method. mRNA expression was determined by using Real-Time PCR. Patients were followed for 2 year for chemo radiotherapy response. In OSCC, 76.70% cases and in controls 90.62% were positive for TGM-3 IHC expression. TGM-3 expression was cytoplasmic and nuclear staining expressed in keratinized layer, stratum granulosum and stratum spinosum in controls and tumour cells. Mean serum TGM-3 in pre chemo-radiotherapy OSCC cases were 1304.83±573.55, post chemo-radiotherapy samples were 1530.64±669.33 and controls were 1869.16±1377.36, but difference was significant in pre chemo-radiotherapy samples as compared to controls (p

Application of technology for on-farm productivity enhancement is the major intervention besides meeting the other requirements like input supply, marketing, biotic and abiotic stresses. Further, to what extent farmers are involved in technology delivery process is another dimension of technology application. Farmers may be either the passive receiver of any technology of information, or they be be the active partners in planning, implementing and evaluating the interventions. In the first phase of the study, documentation and characterization of lentil based cropping systems, variety use pattern and existing yield level; comparison of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and non-lentil based cropping systems, constraint analysis and identification of need based and situation specific potential solutions were done. In the second phase of the study, the suggested solutions were translated and prioritized into meaningful interventions in the form of lentil variety demonstration; assessment of different technological components like weed management,fertilizer  management, irrigation management and disease management in integrated crop management (ICM) mode and implemented for two cropping seasons of 2010-11 to 2011-12. Action research was, therefore, conducted among 965 lentil growers (389 ha area) selected from 35 districts across four states of India during 2010-11 to 2011-12. Yield gap II (37.65 - 54.39%) was found more prominent than the research gap or yield gap I (15.0 - 22.5 %) in selected states. The states of Uttar Pradesh (716 kg/ha), Bihar (629 kg/ha), Madhya Pradesh (619 kg/ha) and West Bengal (604 kg/ha) showed higher yield gap in lentil. Distinct lentil based existing cropping system and very poor level of yields was observed (as low as 300 kg/ha in Madhya Pradesh to 932 kg/ha in some parts of Uttar Pradesh). Lentil based cropping systems (B: C ratio - 3.11-3.77) was economically efficient than non-lentil based cropping system (B:C ratio - 1.17 to 1.72). Assessment of improved lentil varieties and integrated crop management technologies resulted in higher gain both in yield (57.8%) and net return (87.8%), followed by improved variety (50.4% increase in yield and 82.2% higher net return) over the farmers' practices. Other technological components like weed management, fertilizer management, irrigation management and disease management contributed increase in yield (20-29%) and net returns (17-37%) over farmers' practices.

A multi-cluster study (survey) was carried out by department of ENT KG Medical University, Lucknow from July 2003 to August 2004 in rural and urban population of Lucknow district to estimate prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in the community. Data included audiological profile and basic ear examination that was analysed through EARFORM software program of WHO. Overall hearing impairment was seen in 15.14% of rural as opposed to 5.9% of urban population. A higher prevalence of disabling hearing impairment (DHI) in elderly and deafness in 0-10 years age group was seen. The prevalence of sensorineural deafness necessitating hearing aids was 20% in rural and 50% in urban areas respectively. The presence of DHI was seen in 1/2 urban subjects and 1/3rd of rural counterparts. The incidence of cerumen / debris was very common in both types of population and the need of surgery was much more amongst rural subjects indicating more advanced / dangerous ear disease.

Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is associated with a high incidence of nasal pathology. Despite this fact, the influence of this disorder on the sense of smell is poorly understood. In this study, we administered a standardized 12-item odor identification test to 77 patients with three types of leprosy: tuberculoid (n = 9), borderline (n = 42), and lepromatous (n = 26). All three types exhibited significantly lower test scores than their respective age-, sex-, and smoking–habit-matched controls. Patients with lepromatous leprosy exhibited significantly lower test scores than those with the other two types. Only patients with lepromatous leprosy exhibited meaningful improvement in smell function after treatment. No association between disease duration, per se, and the severity of the olfactory deficit was present. Overall, 100% of the patients exhibited olfactory dysfunction, suggesting that earlier prevalence estimates based on nonstandardized olfactory testing have underestimated the prevalence of this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, an ultrahigh piezoelectricity (longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient d33 ~ 1500 pC/N) was reported in polycrystalline specimens of Sm-modified relaxor ferroelectric system Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) (Li et al 2018 Nat. Mater. 17 349). Here, we examine the factors associated with this anomalous phenomenon by carrying out a comparative structural, dielectric, ferroelectric and impedance spectroscopy on Sm-free 0.71PMN-0.29PT (piezoelectric coefficient d33 ~ 380 pC/N) and its Sm modified counterpart (d33 ~ 1160 pC/N). We found that, apart from inducing a Cm  →  P4mm inter-ferroelectric instability, Sm modification stabilizes a considerable degree of oxygen vacancies, with Sm exhibiting valence fluctuation. Based on our results, we argue that these defect types are the important source for creating structural-polar heterogeneity on the local scale, the interaction of which with the long-range ferroelectric order makes the system exhibit an ultrahigh piezoelectric response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandibular osteochondromas, although rare, predominantly involve the condyloid and coronoid processes. An extremely rare case arising from the inner aspect of the gonion is reported here. Only one such case has been reported in the literature so far. Despite being very slow growing and having a benign course, histopathological examination showed reactive changes that may be confused with sarcomatous transformation. We advocate surgical excision using a combined external and internal approach followed by regular post-operative review. The relevant literature has been reviewed but various surgical approaches as advocated in the past have not been found suitable.