Residual Stress Induced by Addition of Nanosized TiC in Titanium Matrix Composite

A hot pressing process was employed to produce titanium-based composites. Nanosized TiC particles were incorporated in order to improve mechanical properties of the base material. The amount of nanosized additions in the composites was 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wt %, respectively. Moreover, a TiB phase was produced by in situ method during sintering process. The microstructure of the Ti–TiB–TiC composites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Due to the hot pressing process the morphology of primary TiC particles was changed. Observed changes in the size and shape of the reinforcing phase suggest the transformation of primary carbides into secondary carbides. Moreover, an in situ formation of TiB phase was observed in the material. Additionally, residual stress measurements were performed and revealed a mostly compressive nature with the fine contribution of shear. With an increase in TiC content, linear stress decreased, which was also related with the presence of the TiB phase.     

Study of Nano h-BN Impact on Lubricating Properties of Selected Oil Mixtures

Our experiments aimed to study the influence of layered materials with nanometric-scale particles, which are part of lubricant oils, on their tribological properties. The object of this study was a lubricant oil made using base oil PAO4, which contained nanoparticle hexagonal boron nitride (nano h-BN) and a dispersant based on succinic acid imide. Comparative tests for engine oil (CB30) were also performed. The paper presents the method of preparing the test material and the tribological test results, including wear spot diameter (wear mark), limit wear load, and seizure load. The test results obtained demonstrate that nano-hexagonal boron nitride improves the tribological properties of lubricant oils. However, oil preparation and the quantitative selection of components markedly influence the results.     

珍视明滴眼液中硼砂、硼酸及总硼的含量测定

目的:建立珍视明滴眼液中硼砂、硼酸及总硼的含量测定方法。方法:结合微量滴定法与常量滴定法测定珍视明滴眼液中硼砂、硼酸及总硼的含量。结果:硼砂的线性范围为8～16 mg,线性方程Y=504.52X-0.14(r=0.998 8),加样回收率为98.29%(n=6,RSD 1.37%)。硼酸的线性范围为50～70 mg,线性方程Y=141.74X+0.07,(r=0.999 7),加样回收率为97.02%(n=6,RSD 0.78%)。总硼的线性范围在0.8～1.2 mmol,线性方程Y=9.51X-0.05(r=0.999 7),加样回收率为95.29%(n=6,RSD 0.75%)。结论:该方法简单、准确度高、易于推广,可用于珍视明滴眼液的质量评价。     

Environmental boron exposure and activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) in a newborn population.

Following boron intake, multiple effects have been observed in animal experiments. However, human data is lacking, and no data is available on the ability of boron to accumulate in fetal tissues. Positive responses in animal species suggest that developmental toxicity may be an area of concern in humans, following exposure to boron. Two hypotheses have seemed to account for the multiple effects described in scientific findings. One hypothesis is that boron is a negative regulator that influences a number of metabolic pathways by competitively inhibiting some key enzyme reactions. The other hypothesis is that boron has a role in ionic membrane transport regulations. To better understand boron potential toxicity, the present study examined the relationship between boron exposure and some key enzymes, well-known for their affinity for mineral elements, such as delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D), and two fundamental enzymes having a role in ionic membrane transport regulations (Ca-pump and Na(+)K(+)-ATPase). We investigated the potential effects of an environmental boron exposure on the activity of these enzymes in an urban population of 197 "normal" newborns. Environmental boron exposure was assessed in placental tissue. Because of the well-known inhibiting effect of lead on these enzymes, cord blood and placental lead were also analyzed. After adjustment for potential confounders, including lead, placental boron levels were negatively significantly correlated to ALA-D activity while Ca-pump and Na(+)K(+)-ATPase activities did not seem to be affected by the level of boron exposure. Given boron's ability, as a Lewis acid, to complex with hydroxyl groups, we suggest that such a mechanism would explain the inhibiting effect of boron on ALA-D.     

Pharamacokinetic modeling for boronophenylalanine-fructose mediated neutron capture therapy: 10B concentration predictions and dosimetric consequences

Summary A two-compartment open model has been developed for predicting¹⁰B concentrations in blood following intravenous infusion of thel-p-boronophenylalanine-fructose complex in humans and derived from pharmacokinetic studies of 24 patients in Phase I clinical trials of boron neutron capture therapy. The¹⁰B concentration profile in blood exhibits a characteristic rise during the infusion to a peak of ∼32 μg/g (for infusion of 350 mg/kg over 90 min) followed by a biexponential disposition profile with harmonic mean half-lives of 0.32±0.08 and 8.2±2.7 h, most likely due to redistribution and primarily renal elimination, respectively. The mean model rate constantsk ₁₂,k ₂₁, andk ₁₀ are (mean ±SD) 0.0227±0.0064 min⁻¹, 0.0099±0.0027 min⁻¹, 0.0052±0.0016 min⁻¹, respectively, and the central compartment volume of distributionV ₁ is 0.235 ± 0.042 L/kg. In anticipation of the initiation of clinical trials using an intense neutron beam with concomitantly short irradiations, the ability of this model to predict, in advance, the average blood¹⁰B concentration during brief irradiations was simulated in a retrospective analysis of the pharmacokinetic data from these patients. The prediction error for blood boron concentration and its effect on simulated dose delivered for each irradiation field are reported for three different prediction strategies. In this simulation, error in delivered dose (or, equivalently, neutron fluence) for a given single irradiation field resulting from error in predicted blood¹⁰B concentration was limited to less than 10%. In practice, lower dose errors can be achieved by delivering each field in two fractions (on two separate days) and by adjusting the second fraction’s dose to offset error in the first.     

A critical assessment of boron neutron capture therapy: an overview

Summary Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is based on the nuclear reaction that occurs when boron-10 is irradiated with neutrons of the appropriate energy to produce high-energy alpha particles and recoiling lithium-7 nuclei. BNCT has been used clinically to treat patients with high-grade gliomas, and a much smaller number with primary and metastatic melanoma. The purpose of this special issue of the Journal of Neuro-Oncology is to provide a critical and realistic assessment of various aspects of basic and clinical BNCT research in order to better understand its present status and future potential. Topics that are covered include neutron sources, tumor-targeted boron delivery agents, brain tumor models to assess therapeutic efficacy, computational dosimetry and treatment planning, results of clinical trails in the United States, Japan and Europe, pharmacokinetic studies of sodium borocaptate and boronopheylalanine (BPA), positron emission tomography imaging of BPA for treatment planning, and finally an overview of the challenges and problems that must be faced if BNCT is to become a useful treatment modality for brain tumors. Clinical studies have demonstrated the safety of BNCT. The next challenge is an unequivocal demonstration of therapeutic efficacy in one or more of the clinical trails that either are in progress or are planned over the next few years.     

Clinical Review of the Japanese Experience with Boron Neutron Capture Therapy and A Proposed Strategy Using Epithermal Neutron Beams

Our concept of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is selective destruction of tumor cells using the heavy-charged particles yielded through ¹⁰ B(n, )⁷ Li reactions. To design a new protocol that employs epithermal neutron beams in the treatment of glioma patients, we examined the relationship between the radiation dose, histological tumor grade, and clinical outcome. Since 1968, 183 patients with different kinds of brain tumors were treated by BNCT; for this retrospective study, we selected 105 patients with glial tumors who were treated in Japan between 1978 and 1997. In the analysis of side effects due to radiation, we included all the 159 patients treated between 1977 and 2001.With respect to the radiation dose (i.e. physical dose of boron n-alpha reaction), the new protocol prescribes a minimum tumor volume dose of 15Gy or, alternatively, a minimum target volume dose of 18Gy. The maximum vascular dose should not exceed 15Gy (physical dose of boron n-alpha reaction) and the total amount of gamma rays should remain below 10Gy, including core gamma rays from the reactor and capture gamma in brain tissue.The outcomes for 10 patients who were treated by the new protocol using a new mode composed of thermal and epithermal neutrons are reported.     

High concentrations of fluoride and boron in drinking water wells in the Muenster region--results of a preliminary investigation

In 1998, two cases of severe dental fluorosis in schoolchildren occurred in the Muenster region. These cases took place in one household, where fluoridated toothpaste, fluoridated salt, and fluoride tablets were consumed. Furthermore, the family used drinking water from its private well only. Analyses of the well water ordered by local health officials revealed very high amounts of fluoride, boron, and other electrolytes. This unusual combination of high amounts of fluoride and boron could also be found in the water of a great number of other private wells that are the only source for drinking water in this rural region of the Muensterland. Anthropogenic sources could be excluded. Because of this, the results of the water samples were collated to the specific geological situation in this area. In the Muenster region there are marl layers of the chalk era covered with quarternary sediments. The quarternary sediments are up to 10 to 20 metres thick and they usually conduct the groundwater. The marl contains high concentrations of fluoride and boron. In some places the groundwater has contact with these layers. To check the amount of fluoride and boron in the groundwater, indicator values were sought, which can give a hint of high contents of these trace elements. In this study the conductivity and acidity were identified as possible indicators of a high amount of fluoride and boron in the drinking water in this specific region. To work economically and efficiently, the drinking water should be checked for fluoride and boron on a regular basis only when these values are extraordinarily high. In the case of high concentrations, especially of fluoride, in the drinking water the persons concerned should be informed about their potential health risk, giving them the opportunity to optimise the total daily intake of fluoride.     

中子剂量测量及估算方法

随着科技的发展,中子在许多行业得到越来越广泛的应用,在医疗上应用最广泛的是硼中子俘获治疗.但在使用中子辐射的过程中,操作人员可能会受到中子辐射,因此中子剂量的测量和估算问题也就变得重要起来.目前,国内关于中子剂量的研究在有些方面还不是很深人,因此对中子剂量的测量和估算方法进行了归纳和阐述.