Abstract: Methods and articles providing for precise aligning, positioning, shaping, and linking of nanotubes and carbon nanotubes. An article comprising: a solid surface comprising at least two different surface regions including: a first surface region which comprises an outer boundary and which is adapted for carbon nanotube adsorption, and a second surface region which is adapted for preventing carbon nanotube adsorption, the second region forming an interface with the outer boundary of the first region, at least one carbon nanotube which is at least partially selectively adsorbed at the interface. The shape and size of the patterns on the surface and the length of the carbon nanotube can be controlled to provide for selective interfacial adsorption.

Abstract: A particle generator is able to generate pure particles for solid or liquid materials with melting points over several hundred degrees Celsius. The material is heated to generate the vapor in a small chamber. Heated nitrogen or some inert gas is used as the carry gas to bring the mixture into a dilution system. As the super saturation ratio of the material is large enough and over a critical value, particles are formed in the dilution system by homogenous nucleation, and grown in the same dilution system as well. The different size distributions and concentrations of the particles can be obtained by varying dilution parameters, such as residence time and dilution ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of preparing particulate products, the process comprising the steps of (i) printing a liquid precursor of a non-metal particulate onto or into a collecting substrate and (ii) recovering non-metal particulates.

Abstract: In a seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus that ejects a droplet from a nozzle into hardening liquid to manufacture a seamless capsule SC, tube passages which are synthetic resin tubes are provided as flexible sections between pumps and the nozzle. The vibration caused by the pumps is absorbed in the flexible sections and thus is not transmitted to the nozzle, whereby eyes or the like of the seamless capsule caused by vibration noises can be suppressed. Instead of a synthetic resin tube, a vibration absorbing block formed of an elastic member may be attached to the tube passages. Alternatively, a vibration absorbing unit, which is provided with a pad formed of an elastic member and for holding the tube passages, may be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactors, nuclear fission fuel pins, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, methods of fueling a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of fabricating a nuclear fission fuel pin.

Abstract: Provided is an assembly including a block co-polymer film and a plurality of nano-rods; where the plurality of nano-rods are oriented at the surface of the block co-polymer film, substantially perpendicular to at least one interface between block co-polymer domains. Further provided are methods of assembly formation and devices including such assemblies.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for producing spherical fuel cores and/or breeder material cores by dripping a pouring solution containing uranyl nitrate and a solution containing at least one auxiliary agent into an ammoniacal precipitation bath to form microspheres, aging, washing, drying, and thermally treating the microspheres.

Abstract: Provided are methods for binding particulate solids in a polymer fiber matrix utilizing composite waste products. A mixture of composite waste products and particulate solids is formed into solid products to create degradation resistant solid units which capture the particulate solids.

Abstract: Elastic and ultra-lightweight hollow carbon fine particles and a method for producing such hollow carbon fine particles are to be provided. In the method, fine droplets are formed from a mixed solution containing a water soluble organic substance and lithium carbonate; composite fine particles of the water soluble organic substance and the lithium carbonate are prepared by drying the fine droplets formed from the mixed solution; and the composite fine particles are decomposed at a temperature in a range of 500° C. to 900° C.

Abstract: Vessels, including non-symmetric vessels for mixing fluids, are disclosed. In one aspect, the vessel is one that has a non-rotationally-symmetric interior surface. For example, the vessel may have an oblique frustoconical shape. At least a portion of the mixing vessel may have horizontal cross-sections having varying area, in some embodiments. The vessel may be formed from any suitable material, e.g., glass, plastic, or stainless steel. Such vessels may be used, according to certain embodiments, to create single, double or other multiple emulsions, for example, by exposing liquids or fluids contained therein to relatively high shear rates. In some cases, the vessel may be designed to be pharmaceutical-grade and/or meet ASME Bioprocessing Equipment (ASME-BPE) standards. For instance, the vessel may be used under conditions where the vessel is sterile, and/or the vessel may have a polished internal surface.

Abstract: A laminate film including at least one bio-based polyolefin layer including at least 53 pMC of radiocarbon (14C) content is disclosed. The laminate film may include additional layers such as a second bio-based polyolefin resin-containing layer of at least 53 pMC radiocarbon content, and a metal layer.

Abstract: A nucleic acid-delivery vehicle for delivering nucleic acids to target cells is provided. The nucleic acid-delivery vehicle comprises a plurality of nanoparticles; and a plurality of nucleic acids. The nanoparticles further comprises one or more signal peptides attached to the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles and the nucleic acids are agglomerated to form a nucleic acid-granulation particle having a dimension of at least 20 nm. Methods of making the nucleic acid-delivery vehicle and kits comprising nucleic acid-delivery vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing dried cellulose nanofibrils includes atomizing an aqueous suspension of cellulose nanofibrils and introducing the atomized aqueous suspension into a drying chamber of a drying apparatus. The aqueous suspension is then dried, thereby forming substantially non-agglomerated dried cellulose nanofibrils.

Abstract: A method of forming granules, the method including forming a suspension of a nanopowder such as a nano zirconia powder containing yttria. The powder is formed from a suspension, and freon is added directly to the suspension as an additive. The suspension is then granulated by spray freeze drying, and the freon subsequently removed by heat treatment. The voids left by the vacated freon provide meso, micro and macro flaws or structural defects in the granules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of making spray-dried detergent particles comprising the steps: (a) contacting magnesium sulphate with sodium salt of ethylenediamine disuccinic acid to form a premix comprising magnesium salt of ethylenediamine disuccinic acid; (b) contacting said premix with an aqueous slurry comprising detersive surfactant, sodium silicate, and optionally polymer; and (c) spray drying said aqueous slurry to form said spray-dried detergent particles.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing high-purity highly oxidized refractory particles easily with good productivity by treating a spent refractory containing ZrO2 and Al2O3 to reduce components other than ZrO2 and Al2O3 to levels unproblematic for practical use as raw material for electrofused refractories and to increase the content of the ZrO2 and/or Al2O3 component. A process for producing refractory particles, which comprises introducing to and melting in a melting furnace both a spent refractory which contains, by mass % as chemical components, from 75 to 97% of ZrO2 and/or Al2O3, from 2 to 25% of SiO2, from 0.4 to 7% in total of Na2O, K2O and Li2O(Na2O+K2O+Li2O), at most 2% of CaO and at most 2% of MgO, and carbon particles in an amount of from 1 to 8% by outer mass percentage based on the spent refractory, and after the melting, tapping the melt while blowing compressed air against the melt to form refractory particles having the content of ZrO2 and/or Al2O3 increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, and more particularly, to a method of fabricating a color filter for an LCD device. A method of fabricating a color filter uses a mold (PDMS mold) having a plurality of grooves. Particularly, the mold (PDMS mold) is attached to a substrate such that the plurality of grooves face into the substrate. When a color resin is dropped into a side opening of each groove, the color resin is injected into each groove of the mold (PDMS mold) by a capillary force. After the mold (PDMS mold) having the injected color resin is cured, the mold (PDMS mold) is detached from the substrate and a color filter pattern is formed at a desired position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the direct production of polyester granulate from a highly viscous polyester melt with a polymerization degree of 132 to 165, as well as the granulates formed thereform. In the method, the highly viscous polyester melt is subjected to a pre-drying and drying/degassing after a hot cutting method. Hot cutting is implemented at water temperatures of 70° C. to 95° C. and with a liquid to solid ratio of 8 to 12:1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making substantially uniformly sized liposomes and other small particles are provided. Droplets of a first liquid are ejected into a laminar flow of a second liquid, each droplet having a volume of from 0.97V to 1.03V, where V is the mean droplet volume and 1 fL?V?50 nL, wherein the first and second liquids are no more than sparingly soluble in one another, and wherein the first liquid contains a solute dissolved, dispersed, or suspended therein; and the first liquid is then removed to form a plurality of substantially uniformly sized particles. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes liquid inlet and outlet channels, a plurality of transverse liquid channels extending from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet channel, a plurality of nozzles in liquid flow communication with the plurality of transverse liquid channels, one or more nozzle actuators coupled to the plurality of nozzles, and an evaporator coupled to the liquid outlet channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a fuel based on oxide, carbide, and/or oxycarbide comprising uranium and at least one actinide and/or lanthanide component, comprising the following steps: a step for preparing a load solution consisting in a nitric solution comprising said actinide and/or lanthanide in the form of actinide and/or lanthanide nitrates and uranium as a hydroxylated uranyl nitrate complex; a step for passing said solution over a cation exchange resin comprising carboxylic groups, with which the actinide and/or the lanthanide in cationic form and the uranium as uranyl remain bound to the resin; a heat treatment step of said resin so as to obtain said fuel.

Abstract: The high-throughput fabrication of microparticles based on the double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique for screening and optimizing microparticle formulations for particular characteristics allows for the preparation of multiple microparticle formulations in parallel. The system involves the formation of an emulsion containing aqueous bubbles with the payload in an organic phase containing the polymer or polymer blend being used for the microparticles. This first emulsion is then transferred to a larger aqueous phase, and a second waterin-oil-in water emulsion is formed. The organic solvent is then removed, and the resulting particles are optionally washed and/or freeze dried. The resulting microparticles are similar or better than microparticles prepared using the traditional one formulation at a time approach. The high-throughput fabrication of microparticles is particularly useful in optimizing microparticles formulations for drug delivery.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing microspheres that are solid microparticles or liquid microparticles for use as an emulsion employed in the food industry, production of medicine and cosmetic etc. or an emulsion for DDS (drug delivery system). The object is attained by a process for producing a microsphere including: separating a disperse phase from a continuous phase by a substrate 1 having a through-hole 7; and extruding the disperse phase into the continuous phase through the through-hole 7, in which the substrate having the through-hole 7 with a width of 0.5 to 500 ?m, a depth of 10 ?m to 6000 ?m and a ratio of the width to the depth of the through-hole 7 of 1 to 1/30 is a metal substrate.

Abstract: An implant system includes a fixation device that, in turn can include an expandable implant alone or in combination with an auxiliary implant. The expandable implant includes an expandable implant body that is made from an expandable material. The expandable material includes a polymer matrix and an expandable gas source contained within at least a portion of the polymer matrix. The implant system can further include an energy source configured to heat the polymer matrix to a temperature above its glass transition temperature, thereby causing the gas source to expand inside the polymer matrix. The fixation device can further include an insertion instrument configured to implant the fixation device into an anatomical cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pelletizing hot asphaltenes are provided. Asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be dispersed to provide two or more asphaltenic particles. The asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be at a temperature of from about 175° C. to about 430° C. The asphaltenic particles can be contacted with a film of cooling medium. The film can have a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 500 mm. At least a portion of the asphaltenic particles can be solidified by transferring heat from the asphaltenic particles to the cooling medium to provide solid asphaltenic particles. The solid asphaltenic particles can be separated from at least a portion of the cooling medium.

Abstract: A process for preparing a spray-dried powder having: (i) detersive surfactant; and (ii) other detergent ingredients; wherein the process has the steps of: (a) forming an aqueous detergent slurry in a mixer; (b) transferring the aqueous detergent slurry from the mixer in a pipe leading through at least one pump to a spray nozzle; (c) contacting a detergent ingredient to the aqueous detergent slurry in the pipe after the mixer and before the spray nozzle to form a mixture; (d) spraying the mixture through the spray nozzle into a spray-drying tower; and (e) spray-drying the mixture to form a spray-dried powder, wherein in step (c) the aqueous detergent slurry and the resultant mixture are in laminar flow, and wherein in step (c) the ratio of (i) the flow rate of the aqueous detergent slurry in kgmin?1 to (ii) the flow rate of the detergent ingredient in kgmin?1 is in the range of from 1 to 70.

Abstract: A process for preparing a spray-dried detergent powder including the steps of (i) mid-chain branched detersive surfactant; and (ii) other detergent ingredients; wherein the process includes the steps of: (a) forming an aqueous detergent slurry in a mixer; (b) transferring the aqueous detergent slurry from the mixer through at least one pump to a spray pressure nozzle; (c) contacting mid-chain branched detersive surfactant and/or acid precursor thereof to the aqueous detergent slurry after the mixer and before the spray pressure nozzle to form a mixture; (d) spraying the mixture through the spray pressure nozzle into a spray-drying tower; and (e) spray-drying the mixture to form a spray-dried powder.

Abstract: A process for preparing a spray-dried detergent powder having (i) detersive surfactant; and (ii) other detergent ingredients; wherein the process comprises the steps of: (a) forming an aqueous detergent slurry in a mixer; (b) transferring the aqueous detergent slurry from the mixer through at least one pump to a spray nozzle; (c) contacting alkoxylated anionic detersive surfactant and/or acid precursor thereof to the aqueous detergent slurry after the mixer and before the spray nozzle to form a mixture; (d) spraying the mixture through the spray nozzle into a spray-drying tower; and (e) spray-drying the mixture to form a spray-dried powder.

Abstract: Embolization, as well as related particles and methods, are described.

Abstract: A method for producing inorganic spheroidized particles according to the present invention includes a step of producing the inorganic spheroidized particles by means of a diffusion type burner (12), wherein the burner (12) comprises a first raw material supply path (1A), a fuel supply path (4A), a raw material diffusion chamber (9), a primary oxygen supply path (5A), a second raw material supply path (6A), a secondary oxygen supply path (7A), and a combustion chamber (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of nanoparticles from oil-in-water nanoemulsions, in which the nanoemulsion is prepared by phase inversion techniques. The phase inversion may be achieved by using a constant temperature, where the inversion occurs by continuous addition of water or by varying the temperature involving heating and rapid cooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a bead-shaped polylactide pellets and the bead-shaped polylactide pellets prepared from the method thereof, and primarily includes an die-face cutting step, a dewatering step and a crystallization step. In which bead-shaped polylactide pellets are produced from a polylactide melt undergoing the die-face cutting step, the dewatering step and the crystallization step. The die-face cutting step is carried out by immersing the polylactide melt in water at a temperature of 50° C.˜90° C.; the dewatering step is carried out in an atmosphere temperature of 80° C.˜150° C.; the crystallization step is carried out in an atmosphere temperature 80° C.˜150° C. The bead-shaped polylactide pellets obtained have a water content of 10˜400 ppm, and smooth surfaces with no concave. The producing method of the present invention is thus able to achieve the objective of saving mass energy consumption.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a sintered annular nuclear fuel pellet includes: molding nuclear fuel powder or granules to fabricate an annular nuclear fuel green body; inserting a rod-like shaped structure into the annular nuclear fuel green body; sintering the rod-like shaped structure-inserted annular nuclear fuel green body in a reductive gas atmosphere; and separating the sintered annular nuclear fuel pellet from the rod-like shaped structure.

Abstract: This invention concerns a manufacturing process for nanoparticles composted of biodegradable polymers and active ingredients with therapeutic, cosmetic, veterinary, and alimentary applications, and a composition which contains said nanoparticles, which are used in products for animals, including humans. The process consists of emulsifying the hydrosoluble substances to form a w/o emulsion; dissolving the non-emulsionable substances, liposoluble polymer or polymer/compounds in organic solvents; mixing the w/o emulsion and the organic solution of the hydrophobics to form a pre-emulsioned mixture; adding the pre-emulsioned mixture, with the assistance of an injector system, to an aqueous emulsifier solution under ultradispersion to form the final emulsion; leading the final emulsion to evaporation, then centrifuge, freeze, and lyophilize.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are stabilized powder and aqueous formulations comprising a substantially water insoluble lipophilic bioactive compound and a micelle-forming surfactant. In one embodiment, the formulation further comprises a water soluble reducing agent, and/or a water insoluble reducing agent, and/or a metal chelator, and/or a metal bisulfite reducing agent, or combinations thereof, wherein the formulation remains substantially clear and stable when stored at or below room temperature for a period of at least 6 months or at least 12 months; and methods for preparing these formulations.

Abstract: The present invention offers a method of manufacture of sustained-release formulation composition which includes a step of spray drying a composition that contains (1) an active ingredient, (2) a resin ingredient, and (3) a solvent, using a spray dryer and controlling the exit temperature of the spray dryer, wherein solvent content in the composition after spray drying is 5 mass % or less, and the composition after the aforementioned spray drying does not substantially contain decomposed matter of the aforementioned active ingredient.

Abstract: Cryogranulation systems with improved dispenser assemblies are provided for use in manufacturing frozen pellets of pharmaceutical substances in a fluid medium. Methods of cryogranulating the pharmaceutical substance in the fluid medium are also provided. In particular embodiments, the dispenser assembly is used with suspensions or slurries of pharmaceutical compositions including biodegradable substances, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical substance can be adsorbed to any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier particles suitable for making pharmaceutical powders. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical carrier can be, for example, diketopiperazine-based microparticles. The dispenser assembly improves the physical characteristics of the cryopellets formed and minimizes product loss during processing.

Abstract: A radioisotope power sources that includes radioisotope nanoparticles and scintillator materials. An embodiment of the radioisotope power source includes radioisotope nanoparticles suspended within a polycrystalline scintillator; additional polycrystalline scintillator at least partially surrounding the polycrystalline scintillator with the radioisotope nanoparticles; and a photovoltaic device in light communication with the surrounding polycrystalline scintillator. A system that employs the radioisotope power source and a method of generating an electrical current are also disclosed. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.

Abstract: Powder particles comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 8-hydroxy-5-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-[[(1R)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]amino]ethyl]-2(1H)-quinolinone (carmoterol) having a specific properties exhibit improved adhesion properties for dry powder formulations for inhalation. Such particles are useful for formulations in the form of powders for inhalation and the treatment of certain conditions and diseases.

Abstract: A process for the formation of particles of a target material is disclosed, comprising: (i) introducing the target material into a particle formation vessel, and forming a continuous liquid surface of the target material in the particle formation vessel, and an interface between said liquid surface of the target material and additional gaseous contents of said particle formation vessel; (ii) introducing a stream of cryogenic material including solid particles of cryogenic material into the particle formation vessel and into contact with the target material in a liquid state below the continuous liquid surface; (iii) allowing rapid volumetric expansion of the cryogenic material into a gaseous state while in contact with the target material in a liquid state, and release of the expanded gaseous cryogenic material through the continuous liquid surface, and forming liquid droplet particles of the target material; and (iv) collecting the formed particles of the target material.

Abstract: An improved excipient comprising substantially homogeneous particles of a compressible, high functionality granular microcrystalline cellulose based excipient is provided. The improved excipient comprises microcrystalline cellulose, a binder and a disintegrant, and is formed by spraying a homogeneous slurry of the components. The excipient provides enhanced flowability/good flow properties, excellent/high compactibility, and increased API loading and blendability as compared to the individual components, and as compared to conventional excipients formed from the same materials. The improved excipient has strong intraparticle bonding bridges between the components, resulting in a unique structural morphology including significant open structures or hollow pores. The presence of these pores provides a surface roughness that is the ideal environment for improved blending with an API.

Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing lithium vanadium oxides and also a process for producing mixtures of a lithium vanadium oxide and at least one electrically conductive material. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of lithium vanadium oxides or of mixtures of a lithium vanadium oxide and at least one electrically conductive material for producing cathodes for batteries and in electrochemical cells. In addition, the invention relates to cathodes which comprise a lithium vanadium oxide or a mixture of a lithium vanadium oxide and at least one electrically conductive material.

Abstract: Among fuel rods constituting a fuel assembly, Gd compound oxide is added to low Gd containing fuel rods that containing uranium dioxide of which enrichment exceeds 5 wt %. The Gd compound oxide is oxide of gadolinium and rare earth element A except for gadolinium and is expressed as a chemical formula A1-xGdxO2-0.5x or a chemical formula A1-xGdxO1.5. As the rare earth element A, cerium Ce, lanthanum La or erbium Er can be used.

Abstract: Drugs, especially low aqueous solubility drugs, are provided in a porous matrix form, preferably microparticles, which enhances dissolution of the drug in aqueous media. The drug matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving a drug, preferably a drug having low aqueous solubility, in a volatile solvent to form a drug solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the drug solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution and hydrophilic or hydrophobic excipients that stabilize the drug and inhibit crystallization, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of drug. Hydrophobic or hydrophilic excipients may be selected to stabilize the drug in crystalline form by inhibiting crystal growth or to stabilize the drug in amorphous form by preventing crystallization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for manufacturing a dense material containing UO2, comprising: a) introducing at least two powders each comprising uranium dioxide UO2 into a vibrating grinder, wherein at least two powders are provided by two different synthesis routes and each powder has a specific surface area close to that of any other uranium-dioxide containing powder introduced into said grinder; b) shaking said powders by means of said vibrating grinder so as to form a particulate material, the grinding intensity being sufficient to break up the agglomerates and the aggregates in the powders without at the same time breaking up the crystallites in the powders, and the grinding energy provided to the powders being such that substantially all of the agglomerates and aggregates are destroyed; c) introducing said particulate material into a mould; d) applying a shaping stress to said particulate material in order to obtain a compacted material; e) carrying out the sintering of said compacted material so

Abstract: A solid a-sulfo fatty acid alkyl ester salt having a bubble volume fraction of 1 to 15% is provided by introducing a gas into a paste of a-sulfo fatty acid alkyl ester salt or adding thereto an expanding agent to incorporate bubbles into the paste of a-sulfo fatty acid alkyl ester salt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing porous structures, particles or matrixes, which may be comprised of one or a plurality of components, an apparatus for carrying out the method and particles formed in accordance with the method. The method is particularly suitable for producing porous composite or pure particles for pharmaceutical applications. In accordance with the method, a composite comprising a material such as a pharmaceutical, a biodegradable polymers and/or a biological agent is formed. The composite must further comprise a material that is soluble in supercritical fluid. Extraction of the supercritical fluid soluble material produces porous structures, which may be in the form of particles or matrixes.

Abstract: Organosilicon compositions which can be cured to produce elastomers, in particular elastomers suitable for use in the food industry, contain very fine particulate aluminum oxide powder in minor amount. Non-blocking sheets and pellets can be formed from the compositions, and later molded and cured.

Abstract: An novel gliclazide nanosphere, the manufacturing method therefor and the application thereof are provided in the present application is provided. The gliclazide nanosphere is prepared by reacting the solid gliclazide with a polymeric matrix for improving the dissolution property and safety of gliclazide, and is benefit for immediately releasing dosage application in clinical therapy.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a sintered annular nuclear fuel pellet includes molding nuclear fuel powder or granule, an oxide of a fissile element (M), to fabricate an annular nuclear fuel green body. A rod-like shaped structure is inserted into the annular nuclear fuel green body and sintered in a slight oxidizing gas atmosphere such that the oxide of the fissile element has a balanced O/M ratio higher than a desired O/M ratio (oxygen/fissile element) of a final sintered annular nuclear fuel pellet, while being maintained in a cubic phase. The sintered annular nuclear fuel pellet is then reduced in a reductive gas atmosphere so as to have the desired O/M ratio in the state that the rod-like shaped structure is inserted.