Rapid solidification of the super high-temperature Al2O3/ZrO2 melt was studied by a novel method. The melt was prepared by explosion reaction using Al and Zr(NO3)4 as raw materials and then sprayed to Cu-plate. The heat transfer during the solidification process was analyzed by one-dimensional Finite Element Analysis. The cooling rate of the melt decreased with the increasing distance from the Cu-plate. According to the microstructure evolution, the coating can be divided into four areas: amorphous, nano-crystalline, cellular and dendrite crystal layer. The amorphous and nano-crystalline (50~100 nm) layers can be obtained at the cooling rate of about 1.68~7.76 × 105K/s and 0.48~1.68 × 105K/s, respectively, while the cooling rate of the cellular and dendrite crystal layers were about 0.26~0.48 × 105K/s and 0.14~0.26 × 105K/s, respectively. The microstructure of the hypoeutectic ceramics shows that the nano-crystalline, cellular and dendritic crystals of the Al2O3 phases were embedded in the Al2O3/ZrO2 eutectic matrix.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the trends in changes in pulmonary function and the risk factors for pulmonary function deterioration in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis after completing treatment. INTRODUCTION: Patients usually have pulmonary function abnormalities after completing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. The time course for changes in pulmonary function and the risk factors for deterioration have not been well studied. METHODS: A total of 115 patients with 162 pulmonary function results were analyzed. We retrieved demographic and clinical data, radiographic scores, bacteriological data, and pulmonary function data. A generalized additive model with a locally weighted scatterplot smoothing technique was used to evaluate the trends in changes in pulmonary function. A generalized estimating equation model was used to determine the risk factors associated with deterioration of pulmonary function. RESULTS: The median interval between the end of anti-tuberculosis treatment and the pulmonary function test was 16 months (range: 0 to 112 months). The nadir of pulmonary function occurred approximately 18 months after the completion of the treatment. The risk factors associated with pulmonary function deterioration included smear-positive disease, extensive pulmonary involvement prior to anti-tuberculosis treatment, prolonged anti-tuberculosis treatment, and reduced radiographic improvement after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: After the completion of anti-tuberculosis TB treatment, several risk factors predicted pulmonary function deterioration. For patients with significant respiratory symptoms and multiple risk factors, the pulmonary function test should be followed up to monitor the progression of functional impairment, especially within the first 18 months after the completion of anti-tuberculosis treatment.