Evolution of a metastable phase with a magnetic phase coexistence phenomenon and its unusual sensitivity to magnetic field cycling in the alloys Tb5-xLuxSi3 (x <= 0.7)

Recently, we reported an anomalous enhancement of the positive magnetoresistance beyond a critical magnetic field in Tb5Si3 in the magnetically ordered state, attributable to 'inverse metamagnetism'. This results in unusual magnetic hysteresis loops for the pressurized specimens, which are relevant to the topic of 'electronic phase separation'. In this paper, we report the influence of small substitutions of Lu for Tb, to show the evolution of these magnetic anomalies. We find that, at low temperatures, the high-field high-resistivity phase could be partially stabilized on returning the magnetic field to zero in many of these Lu substituted alloys, as measured through the electrical resistivity ({\rho}). Also, the relative fractions of this phase and the virgin phase appear to be controlled by a small tuning of the composition and temperature. Interestingly, at 1.8 K a sudden 'switch-over' of the value of {\rho} for this mixed phase to that for the virgin phase for some compositions is observed at low fields after a few field cycles, indicating metastability of this mixed phase

Identification of geospatial variability of fluoride contamination in ground water of Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh, India

Groundwater is one of the major sources of water in arid and semi-arid regions. Groundwater quality data and its spatial distribution are important for the purpose of planning and management. Geo-statistical methods are one of the most advanced techniques for interpolation of groundwater quality. In this study, kriging methods were used for predicting the spatial distribution of fluoride content in groundwater. Data were collected from 13 wells in Mathura district (Uttar Pradesh, India). After normalization of data, semivariogram was drawn, for selecting suitable model for fitness on experimental semivariogram, less residual sum of squares (RSS) value was used. Then fluoride endemic areas of the Mathura District (study area) were identified from developed semivariogram model and Geospatial variability (high and low fluoride containing areas) map was generated with the help of GeographicInformation System. In the analysis, spatial distribution characteristics and variation of fluoride concentration in shallow groundwater found to be 3.4 and 4.6 mg/l at Sahar, Shahpur were higher than the standard limits (1.5 mg/l) of drinking water and shows remarkable spatial variability

Apnea, bradycardia and desaturation spells in premature infants: impact of a protocol for the duration of 'spell-free' observation on interprovider variability and readmission rates.

ObjectiveTo study the impact of implementing a protocol to standardize the duration of observation in preterm infants with apnea/bradycardia/desaturation spells before hospital discharge on length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates.Study designA protocol to standardize the duration of in-hospital observation for preterm infants with apnea, bradycardia and desaturation spells who were otherwise ready for discharge was implemented in December 2013. We evaluated the impact of this protocol on the LOS and readmission rates of very low birth weight infants (VLBW). Data on readmission for apnea and an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) within 30 days of discharge were collected. The pre-implementation epoch (2011 to 2013) was compared to the post-implementation period (2014 to 2016).ResultsThere were 426 and 368 VLBW discharges before and after initiation of the protocol during 2011 to 2013 and 2014 to 2016, respectively. The LOS did not change with protocol implementation (66±42 vs 64±42 days before and after implementation of the protocol, respectively). Interprovider variability on the duration of observation for apneic spells (F-8.8, P=0.04) and bradycardia spells (F-17.4, P&lt;0.001) decreased after implementation of the protocol. The readmission rate for apnea/ALTE after the protocol decreased from 12.1 to 3.4% (P=0.01).ConclusionImplementing an institutional protocol for VLBW infants to determine the duration of apnea/bradycardia/ desaturation spell-free observation period as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report did not prolong the LOS but effectively reduced interprovider variability and readmission rates