Qualitative analysis of fluorescent whitening agents in river water

The analytical method of fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) in river waters was examined. Two types of FWAs were identified qualitatively in river waters with the aid of the extraction method developed in the present work and thin layer chromatography.     

Boundary Lubrication Properties of Surface Modified Material Produced by Laser and Electron Beam Surface Alloying

The surface-modified material can be produced by laser and electron beam surface alloying of a plasma-sprayed molybdenum layer on Cr-Mo steel. The boundary lubrication properties and the metal structure of the surface alloy have been investigated. The main points of this study are as follows. 1. The surface alloy is thick, about 5 mm, and of uniform composition.

2. The surface alloy shows good wear resistance and good seizure resistance, in the same level as electroplated chromium and plasma-sprayed molybdenum layers.

3. Good wear resistance is attributable to the metal structure which is composed of hard M₆C phase and soft α?Fe phase.

     

6-Axis control cutting of overhanging curved grooves by means of non-rotational tool with application of ultrasonic vibrations

This paper presents a new machining method that efficiently cuts overhanging curve grooves on wall surfaces without causing a collision between the tool and the workpiece. It also describes the development of software for 6-axis control grooving and the effect of applied ultrasonic vibrations (USV) in cutting overhanging grooves (OHG). In general, rotational tools are used to produce grooves, thus resulting in long circular arc segments at the cutting end points, as well as placing restrictions on the manufacture of grooves with continuous change in curvature, while ensuring that they do not overshoot the side clearance angle of the cutting edge with the groove. The study aims at machining OHGs presently impossible to machine by conventional methods. From the experimental results, it was found that the new machining method, which is 6-axis control cutting using a non-rotational tool with the application of USV, is capable of cutting an OHG on wall surfaces correctly.     

Molecular characterization of the PEX14 gene from the methylotrophic yeast Pichia methanolica

In this study, we describe the molecular characterization of the PmPEX14 gene encoding the peroxisomal membrane protein from the methylotrophic yeast Pichia methanolica. The pex14Δ strain of P. methanolica lost its ability to grow on methanol and oleate but grew normally on glucose. Disruption of the PmPEX14 caused a decrease in the activities of peroxisomal methanol-metabolizing enzymes and mislocalization of those proteins into the cytosol and vacuole. Taken together, these findings show that PmPex14p has an essential physiological role in methanol metabolism in P. methanolica.     

Effects of β-lactam antibiotics on intestinal microflora and bile acid metabolism in rats

Wistar male rats were treated for six days with broad spectrum β-lactam antibiotics, latamoxef, and cefotaxime. On the seventh day, the number of fecal anaerobic microbes decreased, total fecal bile acids decreased, and bile acid pools increased. Secondary bile acids such as β-hyocholic, hyodeoxycholic, lithocholic, and deoxycholic acids decreased in the feces while the primary bile acids, cholic, β-muricholic, and chenodeoxycholic acids, became predominant. Coprostanol, a microbial metabolite of cholesterol, also disappeared from the feces during the treatment. The cecum enlarged to almost twice the size of that in control rats, whereas the liver weight was not significantly changed. After treatment was stopped, the number of fecal microbes returned to the initial counts within a week, but restoration of bile acid and cholesterol metabolism required at least three weeks.     

Temperature and humidity dependence of the electrode polarization in intermediate-temperature fuel cells employing CsH2PO4/SiP2O7-based composite electrolytes

The polarization behaviors of platinum electrode were investigated with a single cell employing CsH₂PO₄/SiP₂O₇-based composite electrolyte. The electrochemical measurements were conducted in the temperature range of 180–240 °C under various humidity conditions. The cell performance was enhanced during several discharge cycles, and then the steady state was attained. The active triple phase boundary (TPB) appears to be spontaneously formed. The polarization behaviors for both anode and cathode were strongly affected by the electrolyte conductivity due to its humidity dependence. In accordance with this tendency, the maximum performance was achieved at 220 °C in 30% humidified condition whereas the deterioration was observed at 240 °C. Throughout the analysis, however, the performance limitation was mainly due to cathodic polarization at every condition. The cathodic overpotential showed a linear dependence against the log of current density at each temperature, which can be expressed as a Tafel equation. Then, the influence of steam concentration and temperature on the electrochemical kinetics was also discussed.     

Internal stenting of the hepaticojejunostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy to promote earlier discharge from hospital

Arterial compliance and central blood volume were evaluated in obese and nonobese patients with and without hypertension. Arterial compliance was lower in the hypertensive group, although obese subjects, regardless of their blood pressure, had higher arterial compliance. The ratio of central blood volume to total blood volume was highest in hypertensive patients, whether obese or lean, indicating increased venoconstriction.     

Nickel-aluminides/steel clad pipe fabricated by reactive centrifugal casting method from liquid aluminum and solid nickel

A novel method to produce an aluminide/steel clad pipe has been proposed. The method is based on a combination of the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction and centrifugal casting, and is named the reactive centrifugal casting method. Nickel powder was placed on a rotating steel pipe, and aluminum liquid was poured into the steel pipe. The aluminum liquid and nickel powder exothermically reacted and produced a composite layer consisting of nickel aluminides on the inner surface of the steel pipe. The heat generated by the exothermic reaction melted the inner surface of the steel pipe and bonded the composite layer to the steel. It was found that increases in centrifugal force generated by rotating the steel pipe, the pouring temperature of the aluminum, and the preheating temperature of the nickel and steel remarkably promote the reaction between nickel and aluminum. In addition, the amounts of initial aluminum and nickel were found to play an important role in controlling the microstructure of the composite layer. Thus, the aluminide/steel clad pipe can be successfully fabricated by the proposed reactive centrifugal casting method.