Modification of luminescence spectra of CaF2:Eu2+.

CaF2:Eu(2+) is a well known phosphor having efficient excitation in the near ultraviolet (NUV) range. Phosphors with NUV excitation are required in newly emerging applications such as photoluminescence liquid crystal displays (PLLCD), solid-state lighting (SSL), and down-conversion for solar cells. However, emission of CaF2:Eu(2+) is around 424 nm.

Luminescence and energy transfer in Ce3+, Mn2+- doped K2AEP2O7 (AE = Ca, Sr) phosphor.

Pyrophosphates K2AEP2O7 (AE = Ca, Sr) prepared by the classical solid-state technique and activated with Ce(3+) are described. Intense emission was observed in K2AEP2O7 (AE = Ca, Sr). The effect of Mn(2+) co-doping was studied.

Luminescence in Li2BaP2O7.

The photo-, thermo- and optically stimulated luminescence in Li2BaP2O7 activated with Eu(2+) /Cu(+) are reported. Strong thermoluminescence, which is about two times greater than LiF-TLD 100 was observed in the Eu(2+) -activated sample. It also exhibited optically stimulated luminescence sensitivity of ~20% that of commercial Al2O3:C phosphor.

Luminescence studies of decomposition of ceric sulfate.

Literature results on the decomposition products of ceric sulfate are inconsistent. A group of researchers claim that ceric sulfate decomposed to ceric oxide without going through a cerous phase at any stage, while the results of the other group show that cerous sulfate is formed as an intermediate phase. Most of these studies used DTA/TGA, XRD and IR techniques.

Wet-chemical preparation of Ce3+-activated K2LaX5 (X = Cl, Br or I) phosphors.

There has been a renewed interest in Ce(3+) -activated halide phosphors due to applications as scintillation detectors, especially for positron emission tomography. For K(2) LaCl(5), the light yield increases and the energy resolution (FWHM) improves with increasing Ce(3+) doping. K(2) LaX(5) compounds are also important as laser hosts for the mid-IR range.

Detoxification of benzidine-based azo dye by E. gallinarum: time-course study.

Direct black 38 (DB38) dye is a well-established toxic and carcinogenic compound. Present investigation reports isolation of an Enterococcus gallinarum strain capable of decolorizing and degrading it. Changes in toxicity and mutagenicity of DB38 and its metabolites were also determined using a battery of carefully selected tests (cytotoxicity, respiration inhibition test and Ames test).

Modulatory effect of distillate of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (Tulsi) on human lymphocytes against genotoxicants.

Objective: To study the modulatory effect of distillate of Ocimum sanctum (traditionally known as Tulsi) leaf extract (DTLE) on genotoxicants.

Methods: In the present investigation, we studied the antigenotoxic and anticlastogenic effect of distillate of Tulsi leaf extract on (i) human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by evaluating the DNA strand break without metabolic activation against mitomycin C (MMC) and hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) and (ii) human peripheral lymphocytes (in vitro) with or without metabolic activation against mitomycin C (MMC), hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) and B[a]P by evaluating chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus assay (MN). Three different doses of DTLE, 50 microL/mL, 100 microL/mL, and 200 microL/mL were selected on the basis of cytotoxicity assay and used for studying DNA strand break, chromosomal aberration and micronucleus emergence.

Role of neuropeptide Y in the regulation of gonadotropin releasing hormone system in the forebrain of Clarias batrachus (Linn.): immunocytochemistry and high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric analysis.

Although the importance of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the regulation of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and reproduction has been highlighted in recent years, the neuroanatomical substrate within which these substances might interact has not been fully elucidated. Present work was undertaken with a view to define the anatomical-physiological correlates underlying the role exercised by NPY in the regulation of GnRH in the forebrain of the teleost Clarias batrachus. Application of double immunocytochemistry revealed close associations as well as colocalizations of the two peptides in the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), olfactory nerve fibers and their terminals in the glomeruli, ganglion cells of nervus terminalis, medial olfactory tract, fibers in the area ventralis telencephali/pars supracommissuralis and cells as well as fibers in the pituitary.

Sirenomelia: the mermaid syndrome.

Sirenomelia, or mermaid syndrome, is the extreme form of caudal regression syndrome. We present another case of this fascinating anomaly with fused lower limbs, absent external genitalia, and absent genitourinary system. The patient could not be salvaged because of bilateral renal agenesis.

Extrarenal Wilms' tumour--a case report and review of literature.

Extra renal Wilm's tumour (EWT) is an exceedingly rare entity and needs to fulfill certain criteria. Of the 48 cases reported, only about 36 have been found to be convincingly proved. We present one more well proven case of EWT and have extensively reviewed the literature.