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A series of Gd3+-doped BaMgAl10O17 phosphors have been successfully synthesized using a low-temperature solution combustion method. The crystal structure and phase purity of the samples were characterized using x-ray powder diffraction analysis. The optimal concentration of Gd3+ dopant in BaMgAl10O17 was determined through measurements of the photoluminescence spectra of the phosphors. All phosphors showed narrowband UVB emission at 313 nm with excitation wavelength at 272 nm. Relatively dominant electron spin resonance (ESR) lines were observed with geff ≈ 1.98. 2.7, 4.2, and 5.95 in phosphors with low concentration of dopant Gd3+ ion. At higher dopant concentrations, the spectrum appeared to be U-like with prominent lines at geff ≈ 1.99, 2.7, 4.2, and 5.94. Distortions in the neighborhood of Gd3+ ion led to ESR lines in the low-field region of the spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use finite element simulations to quantitatively evaluate different mechanisms for the generation of stress in Sn films due to growth of the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic phase at the Cu-Sn interface. We find that elastic and plastic behavior alone are not sufficient to reproduce the experimentally measured stress evolution. However, when grain boundary diffusion is included, the model results agree well with experimental observations. Examination of conditions necessary to produce the observed stresses provides insight into potential strategies for minimizing stress generation and thus mitigating Sn whisker growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on tuberculosis pathways to care and transmission of multidrug-resistance in India asking about the duration from symptom onset to the first healthcare encounter, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment.

Rationale: Primary orofacial tuberculosis (TB) accounts for <3% of all cases of TB. TB of the mandibular condyle is often misdiagnosed owing to its rarity. Patient Concerns: This report presents a 19-year-old female who presented with a painful swelling over the right preauricular region. The radiographic evaluation suggested a diagnosis of suppurative osteomyelitis of the condyle. Diagnosis: Clinically, the aetiology of the swelling was considered as infective. The histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed tuberculous granuloma and the polymerase chain reaction came positive. This confirms the diagnosis of tubercular osteomyelitis. Mantoux test and sputum acid-fast bacilli were found to be negative. Treatment: The patient was subjected to sequestrectomy with high condylectomy and systemic multidrug antitubercular regimen for 6 months. Outcomes: There was a resolution of infection postoperatively with subsequent regeneration of healthy bone. Take-away Lessons: Early identification and prompt diagnosis is imperative for better treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports detailed evaluation of mesoporous activated alumina (MAA) for simultaneous removal of two hazardous inorganic species of selenium, namely selenite and selanate, from drinking water. MAA was used after washing with deionized water followed by drying at 110 °C for 8 h. The material was characterized using pXRD, FTIR, zeta potential, SEM and BET surface area measurements. Batch adsorption studies were performed, and various adsorption isotherms and kinetic parameters were computed to delineate the mechanism of adsorption. It was observed that Freundlich adsorption isotherm was the best-fit model for both the species of selenium. The adsorption capacity obtained from Freundlich isotherm for selenite and selenate was found to be 9.02 µg g−1 and 5.38 µg g−1, respectively. Kinetics studies revealed that adsorption of selenite follows pseudo-second-order model, whereas selenate adsorption follows pseudo-first-order model. The efficiency of the material was also evaluated at different pH and in the presence of different competitive co-ions, which confirms efficacy of MAA at near-neutral pH and lower concentrations of competitive co-ions. Negligible changes in the pH were observed during the course of adsorption. Further, the saturated adsorbent was subjected to regeneration and reuse studies up to ten cycles, showing insignificant reduction in adsorption efficiency of the adsorbent during few initial cycles. The study infers the effectiveness of MAA as a potential adsorbent for drinking water treatment contaminated with selenium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents several studies about blood pressure measurement. "The Relative Utility of Home, Ambulatory and Physician-Obtained Blood Pressures in the Prediction of End-Organ Damage," by Dennis M. Abraham et al; "Evaluation of Increased Blood Pressure Values in an Emergency Department," by Maria J. Adrian et al; "Cigarette Smoking Increases the Diurnal/Nocturnal Blood Pressure Ratio in Patients With Essential Hypertension," by Diana E. Ayala et al.