Enteric absorption of FK 506: estimation by a block liver perfusion technique in rats

This perfusion model enables a pharmacokinetic study of enteral absorption and hepatic metabolic rate simultaneously. FK 506 is absorbed mainly via the proximal small intestine and metabolized rapidly by the liver during single passage. These results may lead to further analyses of absorption and metabolism of FK 506 under various conditions.     

Rate Effects on the Stress-Strain Behaviour of Eps Geofoam

The rate-dependency of the stress-strain behavior of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) geofoam with densities of 19.3 and 28.0 kg/m³ was investigated by performing unconventional unconfined compression tests. A set of monotonic loading (ML) tests were performed at different constant values of vertical (axial) strain rate, ε_v. The ε_v value was stepwise changed many times and several sustained loading (SL) tests were performed during otherwise ML at a constant ε_v in other tests. A number of SL tests were performed during global unload and reload cycles to infer the stress-strain relation when ε_v=0. The elastic properties were evaluated by applying minute unload/reload cycles during otherwise ML. The rate-dependent stress-strain behaviour observed in these tests was described by an elasto-viscoplastic model (i.e., a non-linear three-component model), for which the vertical (axial) stress, σ_v, consists of inviscid and viscous components, σ_v^f and σ_v^v, while ε_v consists of elastic and irreversible components, ε_v^e and ε_v^ir. It is shown that the viscous property of EPS geofoam is of Isotach type in that, under the loading conditions where ε_v^ir is always positive, the current σ_v^v value is a unique function of instantaneous ε_v^ir and ε_v^ir, therefore the strength increases with ε_v. This viscous property was quantified based on the test results and incorporated into the model. The rate-dependent stress-strain behaviour, including the creep behaviour, observed in the experiment is simulated very well by the proposed model. In particular, the fact that the creep strain becomes significant when the sustained σ_v value becomes larger than the inviscid yield vertical stress is well simulated.     

Intentional side etching to achieve low-noise GaAs f.e.t.

A very-low-noise 0.5 ?m-gate GaAs f.e.t. is realised by using intentional side etching of an Au/Ti double layer as the Schottky-gate metal. At 12 GHz, the minimum noise figure is 2.1 dB, with 7.6 dB associated gain at a bias of VD = 4 V, ID= 10 mA. Maximum stable gain is 14 dB at VD = 4 V, ID = 30 mA.     

Afterloading technique for interstitial irradiation of lesions in deep-seated organs

An afterloading procedure using iridium 192 seeds was developed for the control of both localized primary lesions that are difficult to remove and superficial residual lesions that remain after the partial removal of tumors in relatively inaccessible, deep-seated organs. This technique makes possible the delivery of a minimal radiation dose to lesions in deep-seated organs. Fewer complications result, the seeds can be adjusted at appropriate intervals in proportion to the amount of radioactivity desired, and radiation exposure to personnel can be reduced. This paper describes the techniques and apparatus used to place the seeds in the tubing. Primary lesions of the urinary bladder, the prostate gland, and the esophagus, residual lesions in the brain and lung, and metastases in intrapelvic lymph nodes were treated. No technical difficulties or complications were encountered. Radiation exposures to personnel were minimized. The results indicate that the procedure has practical applications.     

Tool wear prediction and economics in machining stepped parts

For analysing economics of machining cylindrical stepped parts, tool life must be predicted. In this paper, tool life tests, to obtain tool life changing cutting speed before the tool reaches tool life criterion under a constant speed, are performed and the tool life is calculated. Using the results of the calculations machining economics of various forms of stepped parts for the constant spindle rpm method and the constant cutting speed method, are analysed.     

FORMATION OF MULLITE FROM GROUND PRODUCT OF A KAOLINITE-ALUMINUM TRIHYDROXIDE MIXTURE BY SOLID PHASE REACTION

The present paper describes the effect of grinding a kaolinite/aiuminum-trihydroxide mixture using a planetary ball mill on the structure of the ground product and the mean thermal expansion coefficients of samples sintered from the unground and ground mixtures. The size reduction of the mixture predominates in the early stage of grinding and the obtained fine particles aggregate subsequently with an increase in grinding time. The crystal structure of the mixture is collapsed easily into a disordered one, of which amount increases with an increase in grinding time. Only mullite phase was detected in the sintered body of the ground products at relatively lower temperature 1523K except for anatase as an inherent impurity, whereas corundum, cristobalite and Al-Si spinel phases besides mullite were formed in the sintered body of the unground mixture. The thermal expansion coefficients of sintered bodies of the 120 minutes-ground mixture are considerably lower than those of the unground mixture by about 10%. Consequently, the planetary milling enables us to improve the uniform mixing state at the atomic scale resulting in direct formation of mullite with high purity at relatively low temperature with a lower thermal expansion coefficient of the sintered body.     

Effect of water on permeation,diffusion, and solution of gases in cellophane

The laminate method for studying the permeability and diffusivity of moistened cellophane to gases is described and the humidity dependence of the transport parameters for H₂, He, and Ne is presented. In the relative humidity region of about 0% to 60%, a small increase in the permeability was observed, which is caused by a comparatively small increase in the diffusivity owing to the plasticizing effect of sorbed water and a decrease in the solubility. On the other hand, an extremely large increase in the permeability observed in the relative humidity region above 60% is mainly based on the diffusion coefficient of gas enhanced by the swelling effect of sorbed water. The presence of a minimum in the solubility–relative humidity curves has been confirmed and is discussed.     

Temperature distribution in Li2O pellets under neutron irradiation

The center temperature of Li₂O pellets under neutron irradiation was measured using an encapsuled pin. The surface temperatures of the pellets and the pellet/cladding heat transfer coefficients were estimated on the basis of the well-known conductivity integral.