Lining of cast iron cylinder with copper alloy utilising high temperature oxidation

Lining the inner surface of a cast iron hydraulic cylinder with copper alloy would generally not be possible. In this study, the surface of a cast iron cylinder was decarburised by high temperature oxidation. The cylinder, after decarburisation, was filled with borax anhydride and heated at a temperature of 1203 K. Molten copper alloy was then injected into the cylinder, displacing the molten borax anhydride. After cooling, the embedded copper alloy was drilled along its centre axis so that a prescribed thickness of the copper alloy remained. Thus, the cast iron cylinder could be successfully lined with copper alloy

Bronchoscopic microsampling method for measuring drug concentration in epithelial lining fluid

Direct measurement of the concentration of antimicrobial agents in bronchial epithelial lining fluid (ELF) would allow for a more informed approach to appropriate dosing of antimicrobial agents for respiratory tract infections. In this study, we determined the time versus concentration profile in ELF after an oral administration of levofloxacin, using recently developed bronchoscopic microsampling probes. These probes could be repeatedly and safely inserted through the fiberoptic bronchoscope in normal healthy volunteers. The concentration of levofloxacin in ELF was 43.4% of the corresponding serum value at 1 hour, reached the same level at 2 hours, decreased in a similar manner as that in serum, and returned to undetectable levels at 24 hours. It exceeded minimal inhibitory concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus (0.25 µg/ml), Klebsiella species (0.5 µg/ml), and Haemophilus influenzae (0.06 µg/ml) after 6 hours. The experimental procedure was well tolerated, and no complications were observed. In conclusion, bronchoscopic microsampling is a feasible and promising method for measuring antimicrobial concentrations in the target sites of respiratory tracts directly and repeatedly