Although intermetallics with a B2-type crystal structure are typically brittle, a class of B2 intermetallics that demonstrates unusually high ductility has been reported. A set of recently developed B2-like quaternary precious metal-rare earth alloys also includes compositions with significant ductility. To predict ductility in these systems, we have adapted a computational energy-based metric based on slip systems and relative stability of planar defects, developed to predict ductility in B2 binary systems, for use with quaternary B2-like alloys. The computational metric successfully predicts the experimentally-determined ductility or brittleness of 15 B2-like quaternary precious metal-rare earth and refractory alloys.

The dissolution profiles of two brands of triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide (TRM-HCT) combination tablets and two brands of TRM-HCT combination capsules were studied using the USP paddle method at 100 rev min-1 in acid medium (0.1N). The tablets represent two products marketed in Germany, whereas the capsules represent the approved innovator's product and an unapproved generic product. The tablets dissolved almost 100 per cent in 15 min whereas the capsules dissolved less than 25 per cent in 60 min. A pilot bioavailability study was carried out in four normal healthy male volunteers. Urine samples were collected over a 48 h period and analysed for TRM, its major metabolite TRM-sulfate, and HCT using HPLC methods. The dissolution characteristics of TRM can be associated with the total drug excretion (absorption) of the product. On the other hand, the excretion (absorption) of HCT was independent of dissolution characteristics of the products. However, in TRM-HCT combination product, there appears to be a 50 per cent reduction in HCT excretion (absorption) when compared to the reported excretion (absorption) from a marketed single-entity product.

No abstract