A phase II study of high-dose epirubicin (EPI) plus cyclophosphamide (CPA) with G-CSF for breast cancer patients with visceral metastases or hormone-independent tumors: a trial of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group

In a previous study, we found that oral chromium nicotinate overcame sucrose-induced hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Accordingly, we examined more chromium compounds to determine if others were more or less effective in regulating blood pressure (BP) of SHR. Since chromium is postulated to be an antioxidant, we also assessed the ability of different chromium compounds to alter free radical formation measured by determining thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The control group of SHR ingested a diet low in chromium, and 5 other groups ate the same diet with various chromium compounds added at 5 ppm-chloride, acetate, nicotinic acid-glycine-cysteine-glutamic acid (NA-AA), picolinate, and nicotinate. Following this, the rats were challenged with drinking water containing 5% and 10% w/v sucrose. Except for NA-AA, all chromium compounds inhibited the sucrose-induced elevation of systolic BP; and acetate, picolinate, and nicotinate chromium compounds lowered HbAIC below control. Only chromium acetate and nicotinate significantly lowered both hepatic and renal TBARS. Chromium picolinate lowered hepatic TBARS, and chromium chloride and NA-AA lowered neither. We conclude that chromium, rather than a specific ligand, plays a major role in ameliorating sucrose-induced BP elevations and can act as an antioxidant.     

The separation of fission-product rare elements toward bridging the nuclear and soft energy systems

Based on the present state of the art of the separation technology, recycling of fission-product rare elements (FRE) in the FBR spent fuel is discussed. The rad.-waste fractionation is in accordance with the present society's trend toward zero-emission, and the mean of salt-free method utilizing electrochemistry agrees with the principles of the newly established green chemistry. A catalytic electrolytic extraction method is proposed to separate the target, radioactive but potentially strategic elements, Pd, Ru, Rh, Re (Tc), Te and Se dissolved in the HLLW. It avoids secondary waste arising. This method is particularly feasible for the separation of Pd where cyclic reaction of metal cations such as Pd(II) or Fe(II), acting as promoters or mediators and already contained in HLLW, accelerates the electrochemical deposition of Ru, Rh and Re. Elemental separation not only offers alternative material resources to meet expanding demands for catalysts in Fuel Cell/Soft Energy system but is also the first step for transmutation or other selective strategies for waste management of long-lived fission products (LLFP).     

DRYING OF POLYMER SOLUTION

Drying process of polymer solution,which i s carryed out industrially by three shapes of the drying material,is investigated comprehensively. The three shapes are slab as various polymer films by film casting dryer, cylinder as various synthetic. fibers by solution spinning and sphere (drop) as particle or povder of various food materials and polymers by spray drying. These are analysed basically in common manner by silnul tanews solution of diffusion equations and heat balance equations with activity and concentration dependent diffusion coefficient of polymer-solvent system. The conceptions concerning the     

A New Aqmeoes Injection Molding Method of Fabricating W-Cu Parts

The present work illustrates the use of water-soluble cupric(II) salts as ingredients of binder for injection molding of W-10 wt.% Cu. The parts produced are dense, homogeneous and have good surface finish, compared to those produced using conventional binder systems. This new binder system, named Cu-containing binder (CCB), also provides process-simplification benefits. CuCl₂ and Cu(NO₃) ₂ with the purity of 98% were selected for this study. A rapid two-stage process involving drying and thermal decomposition was successful in removing nonmetatlic constituents from 2 to 3 hours. Final density that is above 97% of theoretical value was obtained.     

Nitrogen solubility in CaO-CaF2-SiO2 melts

The preceding paper^[5] demonstrated that nitrogen dissolves in silicate melts either as a free ion or complex anion, being incorporated into silicate networks. In the present study, the influence of CaF₂ addition to CaO-SiO₂ melts on the nitrogen solubility was investigated along the liquidus at 1573 K and within the liquidus at 1723 K at constant CaF₂ levels. In the latter case, as the SiO₂ content increases from CaO saturation, the total nitrogen content decreases to reach the minimum and then starts to increase up to the SiO₂ saturation. This is in accord with the abovementioned mechanism of nitrogen dissolution, which is supported by the changing behavior of free and incorporated nitrogen contents with the slag composition. The role of CaF₂ is complicated through the formation of fluorosilicates. The CaF₂ seems not to function simply as a diluent but to enhance the dissolution of nitrogen by releasing oxygen from silicate networks, promoting the formation of free nitride ions. Formerly Graduate Student, Department of Metallurgy, The University of Tokyo.     

Degeneration at the insertion weakens the tensile strength of the supraspinatus tendon: a comparative mechanical and histologic study of the bone-tendon complex

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between the degree of degeneration at the supraspinatus insertion, the tensile strength, and the site of failure of this tendon. Thirty-three fresh cadaveric shoulders (average age: 62 years; range: 39-83 years) were examined. A tensile load to failure was applied at a constant crosshead speed of 25.4 mm/min to a 10 mm wide strip of the supraspinatus tendon that remained attached to the bone. Preexisting degenerative changes at the insertion were assessed and scored histologically and compared with the ultimate tensile stress. Twenty tendons failed at the insertion (the insertion group), and 11 failed in the midsubstance (the midsubstance group). The histologic score of degeneration for the insertion group was significantly higher than that for the midsubstance group (p = 0.0026). There was a negative correlation between the ultimate tensile stress at the insertion and the degeneration score for the insertion group (r = -0.60; p = 0.013). Histologic observations revealed that disruptions of tendon fibers were located mostly in the articular half of the tendon and that they enlarged during mechanical testing in 90% of the specimens of the insertion group. It seems that degenerative changes at the supraspinatus insertion reduce the tensile strength of the tendon and constitute a primary pathogenetic factor of rotator cuff tear.     

A super-dynamic flip-flop circuit for broad-band applications up to24 Gb/s utilizing production-level 0.2-μm GaAs MESFETs

This paper describes a novel dynamic flip-flop (FF) circuit that can operate 30% faster than conventional clocked inverter-type FFs. A new wideband clock buffer is introduced to cover the FF operation range. An 8- to 24-Gb/s decision circuit and a 9- to 26-GHz 1/2 frequency divider were developed utilizing production-level 0.2-μm GaAs MESFET technology     

CNT-PyC-SiC/SiC double-layer oxidation-protection coating on C/C composite

CNT-PyC-SiC/SiC double-layer coatings were prepared by growth of CNTs on C/C followed by pyrolytic carbon deposition and SiC deposition. The microstructure and the oxidation behavior of the coatings were investigated. With increasing PyC amount in the coating, the coating showed fewer cracks and a higher oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance. CNT-PyC played a role in improving the bonding strength between C/C and coatings, alleviating stress in SiC coating and decreasing the cracks.     

A 322 MHz random-cycle embedded DRAM with high-accuracy sensing and tuning

A 16 Mb embedded DRAM macro in a fully CMOS logic compatible 90 nm process with a low noise core architecture and a high-accuracy post-fabrication tuning scheme has been developed. Based on the proposed techniques, 61% improvement of the sensing accuracy is realized. Even with the smallest 5 fF/cell capacitance, a 322 MHz random-cycle access while 32 ms data retention time which contributes to save the data retention power down to 60 /spl mu/W are achieved.     

Automatically Controlled 2-Vessel Pressure-Cooker Test-Equipment

A highly accelerated humidity test for plastic encapsulated IC reliability short-term evaluation has been studied. 2-Vessel pressure cooker test (PCT) equipment capable of controlling relative humidity and temperature independently, and of keeping specimens free from water droplet condensation, has been designed. This equipment consists of a test chamber and a vapor chamber. Humidity conditions are set by controlling the temperature difference between the test chamber and the vapor chamber. Humidity levels are controlled with the direct pressure adjustment. The whole test chamber is heated in an oven, thereby obtaining temperature stability and uniformity. Using this equipment, humidity tests were carried out on plastic molded ICs. As a result, good test reproducibility and excellent correlation in test results between PCT and conventional humidity test such as 85°C/85%RH, were obtained. As a consequence, it was found possible, in a short time, to evaluate plastic molded IC reliability quantitatively in humidity ambients using this 2-vessel PCT equipment. This equipment can be used for quality assurance testing of plastic-encapsulated ICs in a short time.