bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved hetero-junction TFET-based Schmitt trigger designs for ultra-low-voltage VLSI applications
Authors: Vidhyadharan Abhay Sanjay , Vidhyadharan Sanjay
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Tunnel field effect transistors (TFETs) have significantly steeper sub-threshold slope (24–30 mv/decade), as compared with the conventional metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), which have a sub-threshold slope of 60 mv/decade at room temperature. The steep sub-threshold slope of TFETs enables a much faster switching, making TFETs a better option than MOSFETs for low-voltage VLSI applications. The purpose of this paper is to present a novel hetero-junction TFET-based Schmitt triggers, which outperform the conventional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) Schmitt triggers at low power supply voltage levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The conventional Schmitt trigger has been implemented with both MOSFETs and HTFETs for operation at a low-voltage level of 0.4 V and a target hysteresis width of 100 mV. Simulation results have indicated that the HTFET-based Schmitt trigger not only has significantly lower delays but also consumes lesser power as compared to the CMOS-based Schmitt trigger. The limitations of the conventional Schmitt trigger design have been analysed, and improved CMOS and CMOS–HTFET hybrid Schmitt trigger designs have been presented.

Findings

The conventional Schmitt trigger implemented with HTFETs has 99.9% lower propagation delay (29ps) and 41.2% lesser power requirement (4.7 nW) than the analogous CMOS Schmitt trigger, which has a delay of 36 ns and consumes 8 nW of power. An improved Schmitt trigger design has been proposed which has a transistor count of only six as compared to the eight transistors required in the conventional design. The proposed improved Schmitt trigger design, when implemented with only CMOS devices enable a reduction of power delay product (PDP) by 98.4% with respect to the CMOS conventional Schmitt trigger design. The proposed CMOS–HTFET hybrid Schmitt trigger further helps in decreasing the delay of the improved CMOS-only Schmitt trigger by 70% and PDP by 21%.

Originality/value

The unique advantage of very steep sub-threshold slope of HTFETs has been used to improve the performance of the conventional Schmitt trigger circuit. Novel CMOS-only and CMOS–HTFET hybrid improved Schmitt trigger designs have been proposed which requires lesser number of transistors (saving 70% chip area) for implementation and has significantly lower delays and power requirement than the conventional designs.
Advance control strategies using image processing, UAV and AI in agriculture: a review
Authors: Syeda Iqra Hassan , Alam Mansoor Muhammad , Illahi Usman , Su'ud Mazliham Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of smart agriculture systems and monitor and identify the technologies which can be used for deriving traditional agriculture system to modern agriculture system. It also provides the reader a broad area to work for the advancement in the field of agriculture and also explains the use of advanced technologies such as spectral imaging, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of agriculture.

Design/methodology/approach

Smart uses of modern technologies were reviewed in the field of agriculture, which helps to monitor stress levels of plants and perform operations according to requirements. Operations can be irrigation, pests spray, monitoring crops, monitoring yield production, etc. Based on the literature review, a smart agriculture system is suggested. The parameters studied were spectral image processing, AI, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) (fixed and rotatory), water or soil moisture, nutrients and pesticides.

Findings

The use of autonomous vehicles and AI techniques has been suggested through which the agriculture system becomes much more efficient. The world will switch to the smart agriculture system in the upcoming era completely. The authors conclude that autonomous vehicle in the field of science is time-saving and health efficient for both plants and workers in the fields. The suggested system increases the productivity of crops and saves the assets as well.

Originality/value

This review paper discusses the various contemporary technologies used in the field of agriculture and it will help future researchers to build on this research. This paper reveals that the UAVs along with multispectral, hyperspectral or red, green and blue camera (depends on the need) and AI are more suitable for the advancement of agriculture and increasing yield rate.
In utero accumulated steroids predict neonate anti‐predator response in a wild mammal
Authors: Amin Bawan , Jennings Dómhnall J. , Smith Adam F. , Quinn Matthew , Chari Srivats , Haigh Amy , Matas Devorah , Koren Lee , Ciuti Simone
Published: March 2021

Behavioural variation at the individual level has been shown to play an important role in animal ecology and evolution. Whereas most studies have focused on subadult or adult subjects, neonates have been relatively neglected, despite studies showing that neonates can exhibit consistent inter‐individual differences during early developmental stages.

Steroid hormones, including glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol) and androgens (e.g. testosterone), play a crucial role in foetal development and maturation and could therefore drive neonate behaviour, although this relationship is poorly understood in wild animal populations.

Our study addresses these knowledge gaps by investigating the association between neonate fallow deer Dama dama fawn inter‐individual variability in behavioural response to human handling and hair cortisol and testosterone levels.

We found strong evidence that individual neonates display repeatable differences in the way they cope with a risky situation during their first days of life, and showed how these differences are linked to cortisol and testosterone levels accumulated in utero. We showed that, when both steroids are included in the same model, neonates with high cortisol and low testosterone levels coped in a more proactive way with human handling (higher heart rate during handling and shorter latency to leave when released) compared to those with low cortisol and high testosterone levels (lower heart rate and longer latency to leave). These results provide novel insights into the proximate mechanism leading to neonate inter‐individual variation in a wild population of large mammals.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Property, wealth, and social change: Piketty as a social science engineer
Authors: Savage Mike , Waitkus Nora
Published: March 2021

This paper applauds the vision and originality of Piketty's Capital and Ideology. We draw attention to the distinctive methodological perspective which he adopts, which we liken to call “social science engineering.” This allows a problem oriented perspective on long‐term global social change which sidesteps siloed disciplinary debates in social science and history about the meaning of modernity, the rise of capitalism, the formation of social groups, and the primacy of nations. We bring out how his theory of property permits him to take forward his overarching insight that economic growth leads to wealth accumulation. This, therefore, challenges long standing sociological perspectives by insisting that modernity is a conservative, rather than a revolutionary and transformative process. We build on this essential contribution by noting some areas where his work can push forward even further, notably that his focus on shifting relativities obscures qualitative historical changes, and more particularly means his analysis of the 20th century is not as provocative as that of the 19th century.
Beyond property or beyond Piketty?
Authors: Reddy Sanjay G.
Published: March 2021

Capital and Ideology represents a significant further statement from Thomas Piketty. The arguments made by the “New Piketty” are largely compatible with those of his previous Capital in the Twenty‐First Century, but reflect broadening of scope and deepening of causal analysis, most markedly through the adoption of a world historical perspective. The result is a fuller offering for understanding inequality's pattern in the world, why it exists and how we can best respond to it. The book presents a wide range of arguments, which do not on first glance appear unified. This review essay distills these into six propositions, describes and evaluates each in turn, and identifies some threads that link them. In the process, it provides a critical assessment of Capital and Ideology.
Pore‐forming toxins of foodborne pathogens
Authors: Banerji Rajashri , Karkee Astha , Kanojiya Poonam , Saroj Sunil D.
Published: March 2021

Pore‐forming toxins (PFTs) are water‐soluble molecules that have been identified as the most crucial virulence factors during bacterial pathogenesis. PFTs disrupt the host cell membrane to internalize or to deliver other bacterial or virulence factors for establishing infections. Disruption of the host cell membrane by PFTs can lead to uncontrollable exchanges between the extracellular and the intracellular matrix, thereby disturbing the cellular homeostasis. Recent studies have provided insights into the molecular mechanism of PFTs during pathogenesis. Evidence also suggests the activation of several signal transduction pathways in the host cell on recognition of PFTs. Additionally, numerous distinctive host defense mechanisms as well as membrane repair mechanisms have been reported; however, studies reveal that PFTs aid in host immune evasion of the bacteria through numerous pathways. PFTs have been primarily associated with foodborne pathogens. Infection and death from diseases by consuming contaminated food are a constant threat to public health worldwide, affecting socioeconomic development. Moreover, the emergence of new foodborne pathogens has led to the rise of bacterial antimicrobial resistance affecting the population. Hence, this review focuses on the role of PFTs secreted by foodborne pathogens. The review highlights the molecular mechanism of foodborne bacterial PFTs, assisting bacterial survival from the host immune responses and understanding the downstream mechanism in the activation of various signaling pathways in the host upon PFT recognition. PFT research is a remarkable and an important field for exploring novel and broad applications of antimicrobial compounds as therapeutics.
Three Ingredients for Statistical Leadership
Authors: Gregory Mary
Published: March 2021

Mary Gregory discusses key takeaways from a recent review of the use of statistics and data by governments in the UK
Kuchu Counterpublic on Facebook: Gay Men’s Challenge to Heterosexist Policies in Uganda
Authors: Amoedo Luiz Henrique
Published: March 2021

How do queer counterpublics online function as spaces where stigmatized individuals can gather to advocate for their interests and share their needs? Based on an online ethnography of gay cisgender men in Uganda, I offer three main conclusions. First, the popular and widely accessible social medium Facebook allows space for a visible queer opposition to the anti‐LGBTQ movement and for the realities of the Ugandan LGBTQ community—locally known as kuchu—to emerge through individuals’ sexual self‐expression and self‐knowledge. Second, to avoid identification, arrests, and punishments through state surveillance, kuchus use Facebook to create a list of safe virtual friends. Finally, the rise of a virtual queer counterpublic and its global discourse has deepened transnational stereotypes and encouraged vigorous attacks by the Ugandan government, including indiscriminate arrests. Despite these risks and challenges, kuchus’ use of Facebook demonstrates its value for creating a counterpublic.
Haemophilia, state of the art and new therapeutic opportunities, a regulatory perspective
Authors: Tomeo Francesca , Mariz Segundo , Brunetta Angelo Loris , Stoyanova‐Beninska Violeta , Penttila Karri , Magrelli Armando
Published: March 2021

Haemophilia A and B are rare bleeding disorders. Over the past decades, they have been transformed from debilitating diseases to manageable conditions in the Western world. However, optimizing haemophilia care remains challenging in developing countries. Several challenges and unmet needs remain in the treatment of the haemophilia limiting the QoL of patients. These challenges are now being addressed by extended half‐life recombinant factors, rebalancing and substitution therapies. Gene therapy and genome editing show promise for a definite clinical cure. Here, we provide an overview of new therapeutic opportunities for haemophilia and their advances and limitations from a regulatory perspective. The database on human medicines from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) was used and data from rare disease (orphan) designations and EPARs were retrieved for the analysis. Clinical trial databases were used to query all active studies on haemophilia. Gene therapy medicinal products based on AAV and lentiviral vectors are in development and clinical trials have reported substantial success in ameliorating bleeding tendency in haemophilia patients. The prospect of gene editing for correction of the underlying mutation is on the horizon and has considerable potential. With regard to the benefit of the gene therapy medicinal products, more long‐term efficacy and safety data are awaited. We are entering an era of innovation and abundance in treatment options for those affected by bleeding disorders, but issues remain about the affordability and accessibility to patients.
Reversing the effects of androgen‐deprivation therapy in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Marshall Catherine H. , Tunacao Jessa , Danda Varun , Tsai Hua‐Ling , Barber John , Gawande Rakhee , Weiss Clifford R. , Denmeade Samuel R. , Joshu Corinne
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate whether bipolar androgen therapy (BAT), involving rapid cyclic administration of high‐dose testosterone, as a novel treatment for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) promotes improvements in body composition and associated improvements in lipid profiles and quality of life.

Patients and Methods

Men from two completed trials with computed tomography imaging at baseline and after three cycles of BAT were included. Cross‐sectional areas of psoas muscle, visceral and subcutaneous fat were measured at the L3 vertebral level. Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue questionnaire and 36‐item short‐form health survey were used to assess quality of life.

Results

The 60 included patients lost a mean (sd) of 7.8 (8.2)% of subcutaneous fat, 9.8 (18.2)% of visceral fat, and gained 12.2 (6.7)% muscle mass. Changes in subcutaneous and visceral fat were positively correlated with each other (Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.71) independent of the effects of age, body mass index, and duration of androgen‐deprivation therapy. Energy, physical function, and measures of limitations due to physical health were all significantly improved at 3 months. The improvements in body composition were not correlated with decreases in lipid levels or observed improvements in quality of life.

Conclusions

In the present study, BAT was associated with significant improvements in body composition, lipid parameters, and quality of life. This has promising implications for the long‐term health of men with mCRPC.
Revised Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology: Lessons learned from an appraisal of 5 years of experience in a central hospital
Authors: El Hag Imad A. , Johnston Jon , Alessa Ebtehal , Al Shammari Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Objective

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (BSFRTC) is widely adopted in the management of thyroid nodules. The system was updated in 2017, and its impact is the subject of this paper.

Methods

All thyroid fine needle aspirations from 2016–2020 using the BSFRTC, with follow‐up surgical pathology, were reviewed. The risk of neoplasia (RON), risk of malignancy (ROM), RON/ROM ratio, and surgical follow‐up rate were determined for each diagnostic category with cytohistological correlation. ROM was calculated in two separate manners, with non‐invasive follicular tumours with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP) counted as malignant or non‐malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values were determined for indeterminate categories: atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), suspicious for follicular neoplasm (SFN), and suspicious for malignancy (SFM).

Results

RON, ROM, and the surgical follow‐up rate increased steadily from the benign through intermediate to malignant categories. The omission of NIFTP from malignant lesions reduced the calculated ROM in indeterminate categories and improved the stratification between AUS and SFN. ROM in AUS was distinct from SFN. AUS has a well‐balanced sensitivity and specificity favouring a screening rather than a diagnostic category. The calculated RON/ROM was significantly higher in AUS (1.56), compared to SFN (1.03) and SM (1.05), in agreement with current BSRTC management recommendations.

Conclusions

AUS is an important screening category and should remain with the addition of subcategorisation. RON and surgical follow‐up rates are essential quality indicators. The RON/ROM ratio could be utilised to determine appropriate management for each diagnostic category on an institutional basis.
The alcohol advertising ban in Norway: Effects on recorded alcohol sales
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Although bans or restrictions on alcohol advertising are recommended as one of the three most effective and cost‐effective policies to curb alcohol consumption, the best evidence to support this is indirect. The aim of this study was to examine whether the complete ban on alcohol advertising in Norway in 1975 had any effect on total alcohol sales.

Methods

Annual time series of recorded alcohol sales (1960–2006) were analysed. Autoregressive integrated moving average interrupted time series techniques were used to model the effect of the advertising ban, adjusting for alcohol prices and wages.

Results

The autoregressive integrated moving average analyses showed a negative and statistically significant effect of the ban on total recorded alcohol sales, suggesting an immediate and lasting reduction of 7.4% (P = 0.002).

Discussion and Conclusions

The complete ban on alcohol advertising in 1975 in Norway reduced recorded alcohol sales. This suggests that the ban had a protective effect by reducing total alcohol consumption. The conclusion remains tentative because of possible effects of unrecorded alcohol consumption and marketing on social media and satellite TV channels.
Family dynamics and implications for young people's ‘struggles’ in rural areas of post‐conflict northern Uganda
Authors: Oosterom Marjoke , Namuggala Victoria Flavia , Szyp Carolina
Published: March 2021

A growing body of literature on wartime social change reveals how disruptions in social institutions can have post‐war effects, but there is limited knowledge of how such changes shape the lives of rural young people. The Acholi region of northern Uganda experienced two decades of armed conflict and forced displacement (1986–2006). This paper draws on qualitative field research to analyse the influence of family dynamics on the educational and livelihood trajectories of Acholi youth in rural areas, during and after the war. It demonstrates how young people's opportunities during the war were directly affected by insecurity, and indirectly through the disruption of family life. By 2020, young people are still ‘struggling': they work hard to respond to family obligations, which ultimately undermines their chances to progress. The social embeddedness of young people in family relations mediates the ability of young men and women to harness opportunities in a context of underdevelopment.
Changes in walking ability, intellectual disability, and epilepsy in adults with cerebral palsy over 50 years: a population‐based follow‐up study
Authors: Jonsson Ulrica , Eek Meta Nyström , Sunnerhagen Katharina Stibrant , Himmelmann Kate
Published: March 2021

Aim

To determine if walking ability and presence of intellectual disability and epilepsy change from childhood to 50 years of age in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), and if such changes are related to age, sex, or CP subtype.

Method

This was a population‐based follow‐up study of 142 adults born from 1959 to 1978 (82 males, 60 females; mean age 48y 4mo, range 37–58y; 44% unilateral, 35% bilateral, 17% dyskinetic, and 4% ataxic CP) listed in the CP register of western Sweden. We compared childhood data with a follow‐up assessment in 2016.

Results

At follow‐up, walking ability had changed significantly (p<0.001). The proportion of participants walking without aids had decreased from 71% to 62%, and wheelchair ambulation increased from 18% to 25%. Walking ability was related to subtype (p=0.001), but not to age, sex, pain, fatigue, or body mass index. The proportion classified as having intellectual disability had increased from 16% to 22% (p=0.039) and the proportion with epilepsy from 9% to 18% (p=0.015). Of those with childhood epilepsy, 46% were seizure‐free without medication.

Interpretation

Walking ability and the presence of intellectual disability and epilepsy had changed significantly since childhood. Life‐long access to specialized health care is warranted for re‐evaluation of impairments, treatment, and assistance.

What this paper adds

Changes in impairments in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) over time are related to CP subtype.

After 50 years, walking ability in CP may have deteriorated or improved.

Intellectual disability in CP may not always be detected in early childhood assessments.

Epilepsy in CP may develop after childhood or may be outgrown.
Soil properties and microbial processes in response to land‐use change in agricultural highlands of theCentral Andes
Authors: Coca‐Salazar Alejandro , Cornelis Jean‐Thomas , Carnol Monique
Published: March 2021

Understanding changes in soil functions in response to land‐use change is important for guiding agricultural practices towards sustainable soil management. We evaluated the differences in soil properties (soil organic matter, water extractable carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), microbial biomass, pHKCLand exchangeable cations) and microbial processes (respiration potential, net N mineralization, net nitrification and metabolic potential of soil bacteria), as well as the relative importance of soil properties in explaining changes in processes under three land uses (potato crops, fallow fields and eucalyptus plantations) in the agricultural highlands of the Central Andes. Soils under potato crops were characterized by the highest net N mineralization and net nitrification rates, and extractable phophorus (P), and the lowest microbial biomass P. Conversion to eucalyptus plantations led to an increase in soil organic matter, water extractable C and microbial biomass, and a decrease in extractable P and metabolic diversity of soil bacteria. Higher exchangeable aluminium (Al) indicated soil acidification under eucalyptus. Fallow practices did not lead to major changes in soil properties and microbial processes, indicating that fallow practices for up to 6 years were too short to substantially contribute to soil fertility restoration. Hot water extractable carbon (HWC) showed the best relationship with soil processes (respiration potential, net N mineralization and net nitrification). Our results highlight the necessity of alternative management practices for maintaining soil fertility under potato crops, the drastic modification of soil properties and processes under eucalyptus plantations, and the potential of HWC as a proxy for monitoring land‐use‐induced changes in soil functions related to C and N cycling.

Highlights

Effects of conversion from potato crops to eucalyptus and fallow on soil properties and processes were assessed.

Under eucalyptus, soil respiration increased; metabolic diversity and N transformations decreased.

Short fallow periods did not result in soil fertility restoration.

Hot water extractable C was the best indicator of changes in soil processes.
Epigenomic modifications induced by hatchery rearing persist in germ line cells of adult salmon after their oceanic migration
Authors: Leitwein Maeva , Laporte Martin , Le Luyer Jeremy , Mohns Kayla , Normandeau Eric , Withler Ruth , Bernatchez Louis
Published: March 2021

Human activities induce direct or indirect selection pressure on natural population and may ultimately affect population's integrity. While numerous conservation programs aimed to minimize human‐induced genomic variation, human‐induced environmental variation may generate epigenomic variation potentially affecting fitness through phenotypic modifications. Major questions remain pertaining to how much epigenomic variation arises from environmental heterogeneity, whether this variation can persist throughout life, and whether it can be transmitted across generations. We performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) on the sperm of genetically indistinguishable hatchery and wild‐born migrating adults of Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) from two geographically distant rivers at different epigenome scales. Our results showed that coupling WGBS with fine‐scale analyses (local and chromosomal) allows the detection of parallel early‐life hatchery‐induced epimarks that differentiate wild from hatchery‐reared salmon. Four chromosomes and 183 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) displayed a significant signal of methylation differentiation between hatchery and wild‐born Coho salmon. Moreover, those early‐life epimarks persisted in germ line cells despite about 1.5 year spent in the ocean following release from hatchery, opening the possibility for transgenerational inheritance. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that epigenomic modifications environmentally induced during early‐life development persist in germ cells of adults until reproduction, which could potentially impact their fitness.
Pbp1 mediates the aberrant expression of genes involved in growth defect of ccr4∆ and pop2∆ mutants in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Valderrama Arvin Lapiz , Fujii Shiori , Duy Duong Long , Irie Kaoru , Mizuno Tomoaki , Suda Yasuyuki , Irie Kenji
Published: March 2021

CCR4 and POP2 genes encode the catalytic subunit of the Ccr4‐Not complex involved in shortening mRNA poly(A) tail in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes such as slow and temperature‐sensitive growth, aberrant expression of glucose repression genes and abnormal cell wall synthesis. We previously found that the growth defect of the ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants is suppressed by deletion of the PBP1 gene, which encodes poly(A)‐binding protein (Pab1)‐binding protein 1. In this study, we investigated the functional relationship between Ccr4/Pop2 and Pbp1 by measuring changes in gene expression in ccr4Δ and pop2∆ single mutants and ccr4Δ pbp1∆ and pop2∆ pbp1∆ double mutants. We found that expression of HSP12, HSP26, PIR3, FUS1 and GPH1 was increased in ccr4Δ and pop2∆ single mutants. The pbp1∆ mutation not only restored the growth defect but also reduced the increased expression of those genes found in the ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants. Over‐expression of PBP1 in the ccr4Δ mutant further increased the expression of HSP12, HSP26, PIR3 and FUS1 and exacerbated the cell growth. These results suggest that the aberrant expression of a subset of genes, which is facilitated by Pbp1, contributes to the pleiotropic phenotypes of the ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants.
Revisiting the concept of employability through economic theories: Contributions, limitations and policy implications
Authors: Suleman Fátima
Published: March 2021

Graduate employability is an economic concept that strives to link higher education and employment. Economics of education and labour market theories contribute to its definition and provide arguments on its drivers and barriers. However, available studies have focused on human capital theory, which addresses the resources with which graduates should be endowed but overlooks the insights from other theories. This paper not only presents a more comprehensive picture of employability based on economic literature, but also confronts economic‐grounded arguments with academic research from other social sciences. It examines screening, signalling, and matching arguments that unveil concepts and factors affecting employability. On the other hand, it adds social and personal constraints that are neglected in the economic literature, notably social and cultural capital that impact access to and the benefits of higher education. The notion of contingent employability is suggested to bring all these factors together.
Comparison of the effects of ultrasound toothbrushes with different frequencies on oral hygiene: A randomized‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Takenouchi Akane , Otani Etsuyo , Satoho Yukiko , Kakegawa Yumiko , Arai Hiroe , Matsukubo Takashi
Published: March 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine whether high‐frequency ultrasound toothbrushes have different effects on oral hygiene.

Methods

Fifty first‐year dental hygiene students were randomly divided into three groups using ultrasound toothbrushes with different frequencies (1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 MHz) twice a day (3‐min sessions) for 8 weeks. Plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI) scores were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks.

Results

Changes in GI scores from baseline to 8 weeks tended to differ among the groups (p = 0.0862). The GI was significantly lower in the 3.2 and 4.8 MHz groups at 8 weeks (3.2 MHz group: p < 0.01, 4.8 MHz group: p < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the GI was significantly lower in the 3.2 MHz group (p < 0.05) and tended to be lower in the 4.8 MHz group (p = 0.07). The PlI was significantly lower in the 3.2 MHz group at 8 weeks (p < 0.01) and tended to be lower in the 1.6 and 4.8 MHz groups (1.6 MHz: p = 0.07, 4.8 MHz: p = 0.05). In addition, the PlI was significantly lower in the 4.8 MHz group at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). No significant differences in the changes in any measurements were observed among the groups.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that ultrasound toothbrushes with different frequencies probably have different effects on oral hygiene. However, it is difficult to conclude strongly that higher frequency ultrasound toothbrushes are more effective as there were some limitations.
Morphological evolution of TiC particles with different stoichiometries by hydrofluoric acid etching treatment
Authors: Aghamohammadi Hamed , Heidarpour Akbar
Published: March 2021

The effects of hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching time on the morphology of the titanium carbide (TiC) particles with different stoichiometries were investigated. TiC particles with two C/Ti molar ratios of 0.5 and 1.0 were prepared by mechanical alloying. Then, the powders were immersed in the HF solution for different times of 48, 96, and 142 h. Results showed that the morphology of TiC particles greatly changed after HF etching. In general, a roughing phenomenon was observed as a function of the immersion time in the HF solution. The irregular shape of the TiC particles changed to the spherical shapes by increasing the HF etching time. However, the changing tendency of TiC particles with different stoichiometries was different. The shape of prepared powders with a C/Ti molar ratio of 1.0 was polyhedron at the initial stages of HF treatment, while the shape of prepared powders with a C/Ti molar ratio of 0.5 was near‐spherical. However, with increasing the immersion time, the shape of both samples changed to a spherical one. The degree of roughing phenomenon of the prepared powders with a C/Ti molar ratio of 0.5 was lower than that of the prepared powders with a C/Ti molar ratio of 1.0.
Integrating microscopy, art, and humanities to power STEAM learning in biology
Authors: Lindsay Sara M.
Published: March 2021

Close observation is central to both art and science as practitioners in both disciplines describe, compare, and seek to understand or interpret the natural world. Indeed, as the artist and writer Guy Davenport noted, “The vision by which we discover the hidden in nature is sometimes called science, sometimes called art.” In the last decade, the movement to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with arts and humanities (i.e., STEAM learning) has gained traction in K–12 education. A recent National Academies report (2018) examines the case for integrating humanities and the arts in undergraduate STEM education. Microscopy provides an excellent vehicle for engaging all kinds of students in integrative (STEAM) learning about biology and for encouraging them to observe the world closely. In this essay adapted from my keynote address to the American Microscopical Society in 2020, I highlight activities and approaches that use microscopy to engage learners of all kinds, examine how using microscopes changes students’ attitudes about science and biology, and explore the intersection of microscopy and visual art.
CO2 exchange, dry matter accumulation and growth response of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) to terminal drought as affected by potassium and blended‐NPSBZn fertilization
Authors: Endris Solomon , Fetene Masresha , Amede Tilahun
Published: March 2021

Sorghum production is constrained by terminal drought stress in semi‐arid areas of north‐eastern Ethiopia. Data from field experiments conducted in the region for two consecutive years (2015 – 2016) were used to investigate the effect of potassium (K) and NPSBZn‐blended fertilizer (BF) inputs on the drought response of sorghum through analysis of gas exchange, dry matter accumulation and growth parameters. Leaf gas exchange properties varied strongly with K and BF application both under normal rainfall and drought conditions. Data taken at anthesis in drought‐exposed sorghum indicated reduction of net photosynthetic rate (AN) with BF supply. AN declined from 15.7 µmol CO2/m2/s in the control to 13.4 µmol CO2/m2/s with application of 164 kg/ha BF. However, higher total dry matter yield was recorded at maturity in response to blended fertilizer and K inputs. Increasing supply of NPSBZn‐blended fertilizer was associated with declining leaf K content, increasing intercellular CO2 concentration and water use efficiency (WUE) during anthesis. Significant variations in crop growth rates were also observed in response to K and BF inputs. At physiological maturity, net assimilation rate (NAR) increased with K and BF inputs both under drought and normal rainfall conditions. In general, K application modulated the response of sorghum to BF input under both normal rainfall and drought conditions. Therefore, grain sorghum could benefit from early supply of K and BF fertilizer in drought prone areas of Northeastern Ethiopia.
Identification of physiological and morphological traits governing high water use efficiency in alfalfa
Authors: Ghimire Krishna , Gupta Surbhi , Geng Sisi , Chen Sixue , Boe Arvid , Wu Yajun
Published: March 2021

To sustain high production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) with limited water resource in many areas, cultivars with improved water use efficiency (WUE) are urgently needed. We recently conducted greenhouse experiments and identified an alfalfa collection, River side (RS) that is naturized to the environment in the Grand River National Grassland in South Dakota, with a greater water use efficiency (WUE) under drought than other ten alfalfa accessions. To understand the mechanisms that may contribute to the higher WUE in RS, we examined physiological and morphological traits in comparison with Alfagraze (AF), a commercial variety with lower WUE under drought under greenhouse conditions. RS showed a greater reduction of water loss through transpiration despite more stomata per unit area under drought. Both RS and AF showed a reduction of stomatal aperture under drought compared to respective well‐watered plants but stomatal aperture in RS was smaller compared to AF regardless of irrigation status. Leaves of RS showed a more rapid accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA), at 14 days versus at 28 days in AF under drought. RS also closed stomata more rapidly when treated with 10 µM ABA. In addition, leaves of RS showed denser but shorter leaf hairs under drought. A correlation analysis points to a greater stomatal sensitivity to ABA in RS as a key factor contributing to its greater WUE under drought.
Three‐dimensional visualization of bidirectional preferential pathway conduction of premature ventricular contractions originating from the outflow tract
Authors: Yagyu Seina , Nagashima Koichi , Wakamatsu Yuji , Otsuka Naoto , Hayashida Satoshi , Kurokawa Sayaka , Hirata Shu , Okumura Yasuo
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Preferential pathway conduction is mostly detected as fractionated presystolic‐potentials preceding the QRS during premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and late‐potentials during sinus rhythm (SR), but the electrophysiologic mechanisms and significance of these potentials have not been fully clarified. We describe a PVC case series in which the preferential pathway conduction was three‐dimensionally visualized.

Methods

Five PVCs (two from the left coronary cusp, two from the commissure of the left and right coronary cusps, and one from the pulmonary artery) in four patients for which a fractionated presystolic‐potential during the PVCs and late‐potential during SR were recorded at the successful ablation site were reviewed, and three‐dimensional coherent activation maps with the conduction velocity vector during the PVCs and SR were reconstructed.

Results

At the successful ablation site, an “M”‐shaped discrete presystolic‐potential and “W”‐shaped discrete late‐potential were recorded in all patients. The configuration of the inverted electrogram of the presystolic‐potential was similar to that of the electrogram exhibiting the late‐potential. We created coherent activation maps annotating the onset of the presystolic‐potentials during the PVCs and offset of the late‐potentials during SR, which suggested bidirectional conduction of the preferential pathway connecting the PVC origin to the myocardium.

Conclusion

Detailed activation mapping of these PVCs is consistent with the presence of fibers along the aortic or pulmonic valve ring that have preferential directions for conduction. PVCs produce a presystolic‐potential. In SR, the fiber is activated late and from the opposite direction, producing an inverted potential inscribed on the end of the QRS.
Stock differentiation of the greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil (Teleostei: Synodontidae) collected along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman using meristic characters
Authors: Jawad Laith A. , Abed Jassim M. , Ibáňez Ana L.
Published: March 2021

Meristic variation among stocks of greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil through the western coasts of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman was examined using meristic characters. Statistical analysis of meristic traits proposed that there is constrained migration of populations of greater lizardfish along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman. Overlapping of the two samples from the northern part of the Arabian Gulf (Iraq‐Kuwait waters), three samples from the middle region of the Arabian Gulf (Bahrain‐Qatar‐Saudi Arabia) and two samples from the southern part of the Arabian Gulf/Sea of Oman (United Arab Emirates–Sultanate of Oman) suggested that there are three self‐recruiting populations in the studied area. Inspection of the role of each meristic trait variable to Canonical discriminant analysis showed that changes among samples appeared to be linked with the pattern of distribution of water temperature and configuration of current in both the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman areas.
Lessons learned from frontline skilled nursing facility staff regarding COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Berry Sarah D. , Johnson Kimberly S. , Myles Lonnita , Herndon Laurie , Montoya Ana , Fashaw Shekinah , Gifford David
Published: March 2021

Background

Presently a median of 37.5% of the U.S. skilled nursing facility (SNF) workforce has been vaccinated for COVID‐19. It is essential to understand vaccine hesitancy among SNF workers to inform vaccine campaigns going forward.

Objective

To describe the concerns raised among healthcare workers and staff from SNFs during town hall meetings.

Design

Sixty‐three SNFs from four corporations were invited to send Opinion Leaders, outspoken staff from nursing, nurse aid, dietary, housekeeping or recreational therapy, to attend a 1‐h virtual town hall meeting. Meetings used a similar format where the moderator solicited concerns that the attendees themselves had or had heard from others in the facility about the COVID‐19 vaccine. Physicians and moderators used personal stories to address concerns and reaffirmed positive emotions.

Setting

Twenty‐six video town hall meetings with SNF staff.

Participants

Healthcare workers and staff, with physicians serving as content experts.

Measurement

Questions and comments about the COVID‐19 vaccines noted by physicians.

Results

One hundred and ninety three staff from 50 facilities participated in 26 meetings between December 30, 2020 and January 15, 2021. Most staff reported getting information about the vaccine from friends or social media. Concerns about how rapidly the vaccines were developed and side effects, including infertility or pregnancy related concerns, were frequently raised. There were no differences in concerns raised by discipline. Questions about returning to prior activities after being vaccinated were common and offered the opportunity to build on positive emotions to reduce vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusions

Misinformation about the COVID‐19 vaccine was widespread among SNF staff. Sharing positive emotions and stories may be more effective than sharing data when attempting to reduce vaccine hesitancy in SNF staff.
Adherence to care transitions recommendations among high‐risk hospitalized older patients
Authors: Reyes Bernardo , Diaz Sanya , Engstrom Gabriella , Ouslander Joseph
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives

Evidence on the effectiveness of inpatient hospital geriatric consultation is scant, and it is unknown whether adherence to specific recommendations will improve care and patient outcomes. This study was conducted to provide insights from a quality improvement project that may help guide further improvements in the effectiveness of these consultations made as a component of a care transitions program (CTP).

Design

Secondary analysis of the implementation of a multicomponent CTP for high‐risk hospitalized patients aged 75 and older.

Setting

A 400‐bed community teaching hospital.

Participants

Two hundred and two patients admitted to non‐ICU beds who met high‐risk criteria.

Intervention

Inpatient comprehensive geriatric consultation including care transition recommendations, telephone and in‐person follow‐up weekly for 4 weeks after discharge, and collaboration with post‐acute organizations and primary care and specialist physicians to implement recommendations.

Measurements

Primary outcomes for this analysis was 30‐day hospital readmissions and adherence to transition of care recommendations.

Results

The 142 patients with at least one post‐discharge visit received 936 care transition recommendations. Overall, 663 (71%) of the 936 care transition recommendations were adhered to (71%). The adherence rate was lower in the 22 patients who were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days (63%) compared to 72% adherence in the 120 patients who were not readmitted. This was not a statistically significant difference, and there were no significant differences in the number and percent adherence in any recommendation category between the two groups.

Conclusion

We found adherence to just over two‐thirds of care transition recommendations, similar to a small number of other studies. We did not find a relationship between the number of recommendations and adherence to them with 30‐day readmissions to the hospital. Future studies of CTPs should consider several strategies may enhance geriatric consultation care transitions recommendations and adherence to them, and improve patient outcomes.
Oral health care and service utilisation in individuals with Rett syndrome: an international cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lai Y. Y. L. , Downs J. , Zafar S. , Wong K. , Walsh L. , Leonard H.
Published: March 2021

Background

There is a dearth of literature available on the comparative oral health status of those with Rett syndrome (RTT) despite diurnal bruxism being a supportive diagnostic criterion for the disorder. This study was designed to investigate the dental experiences of individuals with RTT in terms of perceived at‐home and professional dental care.

Methods

Using data in the InterRett database, provided by English‐speaking families of individuals with a confirmed MECP2 genetic mutation, the study investigated relationships between dental problems, oral care, child factors including bruxism and use of gastrostomy, and socioeconomic indicators. The study also explored relationships between dental presentations and socioeconomic, child, and family‐related factors.

Results

Individuals with RTT exhibiting bruxism were more likely to access dental treatment. Those who had full oral feeding had a higher incidence rate of dental treatment than those with full tube feeding. A conservative (under) estimation of the overall dental caries progression rate revealed that this may be similar to that of the normal population.

Conclusions

Drivers for dental treatment in RTT include bruxism as well as dental caries. Those who have full oral feeding experience more dental treatment than those with full tube feeding. A higher maternal education level may confer a protective effect for oral health outcomes in those with RTT. Nevertheless, families generally tended to value the importance of oral health despite reported difficulties in day‐to‐day mouth care.
How do gynecologists face to social problems among women cancer survivors?
Authors: Endo Motoki
Published: March 2021

In recent decades, surgical techniques, new anticancer drugs' development, and radiation equipment have led to continuous improvements in cancer survival rates and quality of life of cancer survivors (CSs). While 61.0% of gynecological cancer survivors (GCS) in Japan belonged to a working‐age group (20–64 years old), the number of working GCS within the working‐age population has increased. In Japan, it seems that there has been more interest in striking a balance between cancer treatment and work, especially since 2016 when the Cancer Control Act was amended and national guidelines for working CSs were published. Maintaining employment after gynecological cancer diagnosis remains an important issue for not only GCS and their families but also employers and society. GCS suffered from various symptoms including cancer‐related fatigue, pain, menopausal symptoms, lymphedema, and psychological distress, which made maintaining employment difficult for them. Full return to work (RTW) rate at 365 days after the initial days of sick leave among was 77.6% and median time to full RTW among GCSs was 172 days. Five‐year work continuance rate after RTW among GCSs was 63.4%. It is better for gynecologists to write a certificate for workplace in words of not “symptoms,” but “caseness words (such as, workable as long as it is sedentary or clerical work. Partial RTW (4‐h work, 6‐h work) might be desirable for a while after RTW,” in order to support GCSs' maintaining employment.