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Large-scale deflagration and detonation experiments of hydrogen and air mixtures provide fundamental data needed to address accident scenarios and to help in the evaluation and validation of numerical models such as the AutoReaGas code (used by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd). Several different experiments of this type were performed. Measurements included flame-front time of arrival (TOA) using ionization probes, blast pressure, heat flux, high-speed video, standard video, and infrared video. The large-scale open-space tests used a hemispherical 300 -m 3 facility that confined the mixture within a thin plastic tent that was cut prior to initiation of a deflagration. Initial homogeneous hydrogen concentrations varied from 15% ( ∼ 3.7 kg ) to 30% ( ∼ 7.3 kg ) . An array of large cylindrical obstacles was placed within the mixture for some experiments to explore turbulent enhancement of the combustion using objects similar in scale to what might be found at a refuelling station. All tests were ignited at the bottom center of the facility using either a spark or, in one case, a small quantity of high explosive to generate a detonation. Spark-initiated deflagration tests were performed in a 1/5-scale tunnel using homogeneous hydrogen mixtures to compare against similar tests performed in the open space. Several experiments performed in the 1/5-scale tunnel released 0.1 and 2.2 kg of hydrogen into the tunnel with and without ventilation to represent, respectively, a release from a fuel cell vehicle or the storage cylinder on a hydrogen transport. For some tunnel tests, obstacles representing vehicles were used to investigate turbulent enhancement. A test was performed to investigate any enhancement of the deflagration due to partial confinement produced by a narrow gap between aluminum plates, similar to gaps that might be found between equipment in a hydrogen processing facility or refuelling station. The attenuation of a blast wave was investigated using a 4-m-tall protective blast wall, such as that which might be placed around a hydrogen production facility, storage yard, or refuelling station to protect surrounding structures. Finally, a large-scale hydrogen jet experiment was performed in which 27 kg of hydrogen was released vertically into the open atmosphere in a period of about 30 s to simulate the bursting of interconnecting piping between large high-pressure storage tanks. The hydrogen plume spontaneously ignited early in the release.

Deflagrations of hydrogen mixed with air have been studied in an open space and inside a shock tube to provide fundamental data needed for safety evaluations and validation of computer models. The open space tests were performed in 5.2- and 37-m 3 rectangular tents and in a 300-m 3 hemispherical tent that were filled with quiescent, homogenous mixtures ranging from 15 to 57% hydrogen by volume. The mixture was contained by a very thin plastic membrane that was cut just prior to igniting the mixture with a spark at the bottom center to prevent confinement of the mass flow. The information collected included flame front propagation monitored with ionization probes, the pressure–time histories of the resulting blast, and radiated heat obtained from thermal flux sensors. In these experiments the following results were obtained. (i) Deflagration of 30% hydrogen generated a much higher overpressure than deflagration of 9.5% natural gas. (ii) The flame propagation velocity and generated pressure were remarkably influenced by the hydrogen concentration. (iii) Turbulence caused by obstacles within the gas mixture and increasing the gas mixture volume increased the speed of the flame propagation and the overpressure. (iv) The combustion inside a tube also showed a high-speed deflagration. These results are useful to re-examine the existing codes and standards.

We conducted long-term network observations using standardized Multi-Axis Differential optical absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) instruments in Russia and ASia (MADRAS) from 2007 onwards. At seven locations (Cape Hedo, Fukue, and Yokosuka in Japan, Hefei in China, Gwangju in Korea, and Tomsk and Zvenigorod in Russia) with different levels of pollution, we obtained 80 927 retrievals of tropospheric NO2 vertical column density (TropoNO2VCD) and aerosol optical depth (AOD). In the technique, the optimal estimation of the TropoNO2VCD and its profile was performed using aerosol information derived from O4 absorbances simultaneously observed at 460–490 nm. This large data set was used to analyze NO2 climatology systematically, including temporal variations from the seasonal to the diurnal scale. The results were compared with Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) satellite observations and global model simulations. Two NO2 retrievals of OMI satellite data (NASA ver. 2.1 and Dutch OMI NO2 (DOMINO) ver. 2.0) generally showed close correlations with those derived from MAX-DOAS observations, but had low biases of ~50%. The bias was distinct when NO2 was abundantly present near the surface and when the AOD was high, suggesting that the aerosol shielding effect could be important, especially for clean sites where the difference could not be attributed to the spatial inhomogeneity. Except for constant biases, the satellite observations showed nearly perfect seasonal agreement with MAX-DOAS observations, suggesting that the analysis of seasonal features of the satellite data were robust. The prevailing seasonal patterns with a wintertime maximum implied the dominance of anthropogenic emissions around our sites. The presence of weekend reductions at Yokosuka and Gwangju suggested the dominance of emissions from diesel vehicles, with significant weekly cycles, whereas the absence of such a reduction at Hefei suggested the importance of other sources. A global chemical transport model, MIROC-ESM-CHEM, was validated for the first time with respect to background NO2 column densities during summer at Cape Hedo and Fukue in the clean marine atmosphere.

(2001). Arc sensor for simultaneous detection of torch aiming deviation and gap width. Development of high‐frequency oscillation arc (2nd report) Welding International: Vol. 15, No. 12, pp. 952-964.

Surface ionization is one method for generating a quiescent plasma, whose apparatus is well-known as a Q-machine. The mechanism, however, was not well known except for alkali metals. To examine the previously proposed generalized surface ionization model, the ionizations of NaCl and NaBr have been experimentally studied by using a mass spectrometer equipped with a thermal ion source. The results clearly show that the ionization at lower temperatures is governed by the ‘dissociative ionization (DI)’ process and one at higher temperatures is governed by the ‘neutral dissociation and ionization (NDI)’ process.

Solid cell nests of the thyroid gland were studied in 44 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. In 10 (22.7%) patients, solid cell nests were revealed in the vicinity of tumour foci (five cases) or in the contralateral thyroid lobe and isthmus (four cases); in one case the location was indeterminate. In all seven cases in which immunohistochemical studies were carried out, solid cell nests showed negative staining for thyroglobulin, calcitonin and chromogranin A, findings which were distinct from those in medullary thyroid carcinoma. It is therefore suggested that solid cell nests of the thyroid are not precursors of this tumour.

One of the major metabolites, R-416(3′α-OH), of pravastatin sodium(PV, 6′β-OH), and a minor metabolite, R-418(6′α-OH), were produced in rat liver cytosol in the presence of adenosine 3′-phosphate 5′-phosphosulfate as a cofactor. The reactions were inhibited by the inhibitors for sulfotransferases, and 18OH was introduced to the 3′α- and 6′α-positions of R-416 and R-418, respectively, by incubation with H218O. These results strongly suggested that PV was metabolically activated by sulfation at the 6′β-hydroxy group by sulfotransferases, followed by nucleophilic attack of hydroxy anions at the 3′α- or 6′α-position, to give R-416 or R-418, respectively.

1. The metabolic fate of pravastatin sodium (sodium (+)-(3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxy-7-((1'S,2'S,6'S,8'S,8'aR)-6'-hydroxy-2'methyl- 8'-[(S)-2"-methylbutyryloxy]-1',2',6',7',8', 8'a-hexahydro-1'-naphthyl) heptanoate) was studied in isolated rat hepatocytes. 2. Two polar metabolites were isolated and identified as a glutathione conjugate and a dihydrodiol. 3. Both metabolites were formed via an epoxide which has been identified as the 4'a beta,5' beta-epoxide on the decalin moiety. 4. Formation of the glutathione conjugate was enzymic, while the dihydrodiol was formed by non-enzymic hydrolysis of the epoxide accompanied by the intramolecular migration of the double bond.

We have developed a new vegetable based insulating oil for transformers called PFAE (palm fatty acid ester). PFAE has 0.6 times less viscosity and a 1.3 times higher dielectric constant compared to mineral oil. This means that a PFAE-immersed transformer has better cooling efficiency and better insulation characteristics in paper-and-oil composite insulation systems, resulting in size reduction in comparison to conventional transformers immersed in mineral oil. Additionally, the flash point of PFAE is higher than that of mineral oil. PFAE also shows higher biodegradability when compared to mineral oil. PFAE would be much safer for the environment than mineral oil in the event of soil or water contamination. Moreover, electrical insulating oil in transformers used over several decades requires excellent durability. The oxidative stability of PFAE has also been determined to be superior to mineral oil.

We recently experienced a case of mandibular gingival cancer T4N0M0 which markedly responded to a combination therapy of nedaplatin (254-S) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The patient was a 68-year-old male who visited our department with the main complaint of ulceration in the left mandibular gingiva. Biopsy revealed a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma which extended to the mandible, mandibular gingiva, buccal mucosa, half tongue and oral floor on the left side of the face. As a neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), 254-S at a dose of 100 mg/m2 was intravenously administered on day 1, while 5-FU at a dose of 700 mg/m2/day was intravenously administered from day 1 to 5 in succession. Hydration (2,000 ml/day) was performed from day 1 to 3. Adverse reactions observed included thrombocytopenia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis and SIADH, but no sign of renal dysfunction was observed. The clinical outcome was evaluated as CR. Surgery was performed later. Pathological examination of the extracted tissues showed tumor cells in the tongue only, indicating an excellent effect of this combination therapy of 254-S and 5-FU.

To evaluate an interaction between simvastatin and itraconazole in in vitro studies and to attempt a quantitative prediction of in vivo interaction in humans.The inhibitory effect of itraconazole on simvastatin metabolism was evaluated using human liver microsomes and the Ki values were calculated for the unbound drug in the reaction mixture. A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model was used to predict the maximum in vivo drug-drug interaction.Itraconazole competitively inhibited the metabolism of simvastatin to M-1 and M-2 with Ki values in the nM range. The area under the curve (AUC) of simvastatin after concomitant dosing with itraconazole was predicted to increase ca. 84-101-fold compared with that without administration of itraconazole. Taking into consideration the fact that this method predicts the maximum interaction, this agrees well with the clinical observation of a 19-fold increase. A similar prediction, based on the Ki value without taking into account the drug adsorption to microsomes, led to an underevaluation of the interaction.It was demonstrated that the competitive inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated simvastatin metabolism by itraconazole is the main cause of the drug interaction and that a Ki value corrected for drug adsorption to microsomes is the key factor in quantitatively predicting the maximum in vivo drug interactions.

We have carried out a neutron diffraction experiment on a single crystalline U (Ru 0.7 Rh 0.3 ) 2 Si 2 compound. Unlike URh 2 Si 2 and URu 2 Si 2 , both of which are type-I antiferromagnets, this material shows a complex magnetism represented by a lot of magnetic modulation vectors coexisting at low temperatures. A transient phenomenon from one commensurate state to another commensurate state was observed.

To study the effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by synovial fibroblasts derived from individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA).The expression of ICAM-1 protein and the abundance of ICAM-1 mRNA in synovial fibroblasts derived from individuals with RA or OA, or healthy controls, was assessed by flow cytometry and Northern blot analysis, respectively. mRNA expression of ET type A (ETA) and ET type B (ETB) receptors was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) increased the expression of ICAM-1 by RA and OA fibroblasts. While ET-1 alone had no significant effect on ICAM-1 expression by either cell type, it inhibited the TNF-alpha induced increase in ICAM-1 expression, and this effect was more marked in RA fibroblasts. TNF-alpha also increased the amount of ICAM-1 mRNA in both cell types, and ET-1 inhibited this increase to a greater extent in RA fibroblasts than in OA fibroblasts. This inhibitory effect of ET-1 was reversed by addition of specific antagonist of ETA receptor. mRNA expression of ETA and ETB receptors was significantly greater in RA fibroblasts stimulated with TNF-alpha or even medium alone than in OA fibroblasts.These results suggest that ICAM-1 expression by fibroblasts is regulated not only by proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-1beta, but also by the vasoactive peptide ET-1, and that ET-1 may play an important role in inflammatory responses, especially in rheumatoid synovitis.

We have been performing PDT using Excimer Dye Laser (EDL) or YAG-OPO laser, a type of low power laser, both of which have a considerably higher degree of tissue penetration even when compared to PDT using Argon Dye Laser (ADL).PDT is a relatively simple procedure without any bleeding and does not require anesthesia since it causes no pain. PDT is performed 48 h after intravenous injection of 1.5–2.0 mg/kg of PHE (Photofrin®). Precise spot irradiation is possible using a colposcope with an optical laser path. We also use a cervical probe which enables photoirradiation of the entire cervical canal.We have performed PDT on 131 cases (95 CIS, 31 dysplasia, 1 vulval dysplasia (VIN), 3 squamous cell carcinoma, microinvasion, and 1 CIS + endocervical adenocarcinoma, microinvasion). Of these cases, 127 became CR (96.9%). The first CR case was 10 years ago and no recurrence has been observed yet.PDT is extremely effective to preserve fertility. Except for sensitive reactions to sunlight, there are no noticeable side effects or difficulties related to pregnancy or delivery. We expect that in the near future PDT will be performed using diode lasers and without hospitalization due to new photosensitizers which have shorter retention times.

We described a case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with selective IgA deficiency. A 69 year-old female with RA was admitted because of gall bladder cancer, and also had selective IgA deficiency which serum IgA level was less than 5.0 mg/dl, and IgA 1 and IgA 2 subclasses were not detected. Prior to the operation, she was given red cell compatible blood transfusion because of severe anemia. After 30 min of transfusion, she developed chill, nausea, vomiting and hypotension. These anaphylactic reactions might be induced by the presence of anti-IgA antibody, since the level of this antibody titers in her serum was elevated, assessed by the methods of ELISA and Western blotting. Although a case of RA associated with selective IgA deficiency, and also with elevated serum anti-IgA antibody level is extremely uncommon, attention should be paid to the presence of anti-IgA antibody in patients with selective IgA deficiency to avoid any unexpected anaphylactic reactions.

One of the most important clinical issues in cancer chemotherapy is the presence of intrinsic resistance or the appearance of acquired resistance against chemotherapy. As for intrinsic resistance, we had to perform direct chemo-sensitivity testing, or had to rely on the knowledge empirically acquired from randomized clinical trials. However, molecular or genetic markers associated with chemo-sensitivity have been reported recently. For example, inactivation of p53 or GML gene has been reported to be associated with chemo-resistance. Overexpression of topo-isomerase I has been reported to be associated with chemo-sensitivity to Topo I inhibitor. Overexpression of Thymidine Phosphorylase has been found to be associated with chemo-sensitivity to prodrug of 5-FU. By checking the status of such chemo-sensitivity markers prior to chemotherapy, it would be possible to predict the chemotherapeutic effect and even the necessity of the chemotherapy in the near future. In this article, we review the chemo-sensitivity markers reported so far, and methodology contributing to the discovery of new chemo-sensitivity markers. As a clinical study, 11 cases of ovarian cancer with high sensitivity to cisplatin-based chemotherapy and 29 cases of ovarian cancer with chemoresistance were analyzed by Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH). Copy number decrease in Xp, and copy number increase in 19q were observed in 13, 12 out of 29 resistant cases (45, 41%) and zero, 1 out of 11 sensitive cases (0, 9%), suggesting that -Xp and +19q were likely to be a genetic event associated with intrinsic drug-resistance (p = 0.006, 0.05, respectively). This effort should contribute to the discovery of new chemo-sensitivity and resistance markers.

Recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between cytokines and gastric acid secretion. However, details of the mechanism underlying that relationship have not been elucidated. For this study, an in vivo experiment was undertaken to investigate the possibility that IL-8 would be involved in the mechanism of gastric acid secretion. Gastric lumen-perfused rats were prepared and the stomachs were perfused with a saline solution. The effluent was collected at 15-min intervals and assayed for titratable acid against 0.01 M NaOH. IL-8 (200 ng/rat) given intravenously did not influence basal acid output in rats. However, when IL-8 was administered by injection during continuous tetragastrin infusion (4 microg/kg/hr) acid output increased significantly (P0.01). The acid output during the first hour following IL-8 injection was 43.6% higher than prior to the injection. Acid output during the second hour was lower than during the first hour. However, successive injection of IL-8 again increased tetragastrin-stimulated acid output by 23.4% (P0.05). IL-8 injection did not change histamine-stimulated acid output. The results indicate that IL-8 has the effect of enhancing gastrin-stimulated acid secretion and might have an important role in the pathophysiology of gastric acid secretion in vivo.

The pharmacokinetics of troglitazone (CAS 97322-87-7, CS-045), a new oral antidiabetic drug for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), were investigated in rats, mice and dogs following oral and intravenous administration of 14C-labeled troglitazone at doses of 5 mg/kg. The absorption rates, calculated from the AUC ratios of total radioactivity after oral and intravenous administration, or from the biliary excretion rate after intraduodenal administration in rats were both as high as 75%. High uptake by the liver, one of the pharmacological target organs, was demonstrated in both rats and mice. Furthermore, in the KK mouse, an obese NIDDM model animal, the radioactivity was incorporated selectively as troglitazone itself to muscle, the peripheral target organ. Troglitazone reversibly bound to serum albumin with a high ratio (99%). Troglitazone was mostly metabolized to the conjugates: sulfate (M 1) and glucuronide (M 2). The oxidized metabolite, a quinone-type metabolite (M 3), was found to be further metabolized to the sulfate (U 2). The biliary excretion rates of these conjugates were high in each animal, and the occurrence of enterohepatic circulation of the conjugates was also suggested. Sex differences in pharmacokinetics were observed in rats; i.e. females showed a higher plasma concentration of troglitazone, and a lower concentration of M 1, than males, and they excreted the sex-related metabolite, a hydroxylated M 1 (U 1), in the bile.

Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) is a powerful new method which allows genome-wide mapping of regions with DNA sequence copy number changes (both increases and decreases) in a single experiment without previous knowledge of the locations of the regions of abnormality. CGH is based on in situ hybridization of differentially labeled total genomic tumor DNA and normal DNA to normal human metaphase chromosomes. After hybridization copy number variations among the sequences in the tumor DNA are detected by measuring the tumor/normal fluorescence intensity ratio for each locus in the target chromosomes. Many previously unknown chromosomal regions with relative copy number changes have been detected in various tumors by CGH. Some changes have been identified as genetic markers associated with biological and clinico-pathological characteristics (i.e., histopathological grade, and clinical outcome). We review the published CGH articles and discuss briefly on current progress in CGH analysis to ovarian and uterine cervical cancer in our laboratory.

The incidence of carcinoma in situ (CIS) and dysplasia of the uterine cervix has been increasing among young women in recent years. Most of these patients want to preserve their fertility. Also, to accommodate high-risk patients with complications, elderly patients, and those who refuse surgery, we perform PDT as a method to preserve fertility. The technique required for PDT is relatively simple, and can be performed without anesthesia, since it causes no pain or bleeding. PDT, with the use of Excimer Dye Laser (EDL), a type of low pulse laser, has a considerably higher degree of tissue penetration, even compared to PDT using Argon Dye Laser (ADL). Also, PDT using EDL can manage glandular involvement of CIN, and its special feature of selective destruction of malignant cells with almost no effect on normal tissues is noteworthy. Beginning in 1995, PDT using YAG-OPO Laser with a variable laser wavelength has been performed. PDT is performed 48 hours after intravenous injection of 1.5 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg photosensitizer Porfimer sodium (PHE) when the difference in density of PHE becomes greatest between malignant cells and normal tissue. The most advanced features of our method compared to conventional radiation which uses cut fiber are: First, by using colposcope with an optical path for the laser, it is possible to show a 10 mm circular spot at the focus of observation. With this method, cervical lesions can be observed and checked while receiving stable and precise photoradiation by using colposcope through direct observation. Second, for cervical canal treatment, by using a cervical probe to administer photoradiation in the forward direction in the cervical canal and to the side walls, 70% of the laser light is scattered to the side walls, so that all of the cervical canal can be radiated. Also, the cervical canal probe used to administer photoradiation, by inserting 2 cm to 3 cm depending on the conditions of the cervical canal and withdrawing the probe 1 mm, can be performed precisely and promptly by using the cervical probe manipulator feature of the colposcope. At the present time, studies using the PDT method have been conducted on 56 patients (39 CIS and 17 dysplasia patients). Out of these 56 patients, there were 54 CR (96.4%), only one NC, and one PR with very limited remnants but most of the lesions had disappeared. The NC was highly suspected to be invasive carcinoma and the PR was CIS. In the CIS case, some remnant was evident at the end of the cervical canal, and PDT was administered again. After this treatment, it became CR. This was 10 months ago, and no abnormal condition has been reported since. The first CR case was reported 6 years ago among the 56 cases studied, and no recurrence has been observed to date. Five patients became pregnant after the treatment. Four had normal deliveries and one had a cesarean section. PDT's side effect is similar to symptoms of sunburn such as minor skin irritation due to sensitive reaction to sunlight. Normally, it can be relieved by applying carmine lotion, and even cases that required treatment were cured completely within a few days after applying steroid ointment. Before hospitalization, if the patient gets a sunburn from being outside, the sensitive reaction to laser light is almost nonexistent. Thus, we advise patients to get some exposure to the sun before being hospitalized. Also, in cases where strict shading time is observed, side effects are not apparent at all, and no abnormal findings are recognized in the blood and urine due to using PHE. With almost no side effects, bleeding or pain, and with certain improvements in administration methods, a better choice of photosensitizer which would shorten the shading time, PDT is considered to be the best therapy for treating CIS and dysplasia while preserving fertility.

Genetic abnormalities were assessed in 56 benign, low-, and high-grade ovarian tumors using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and analysis of loss of heterozygosity (LOH). In addition, 95 epithelial tumors were analyzed for microsatellite repeat instability. DNA sequence copy number abnormalities (CNAs) were not detected in the benign tumors, and more were detected in high-grade than in low-grade cancers. Almost no microsatellite repeat instability was detected in these cancers. CNAs occurring in more than 30% of the cancers included increased copy number on 3q25-26 and 8q24 and reduced copy number on 16q and 17pter-q21. Another 14 CNAs occurred in more than 20% of the cancers. Increased copy number at 3q25-26 and 20q13 was the most frequent CNA in low-grade tumors, and increased copy number at 8q24 occurred preferentially in high-grade tumors. The presence of a large number of CNAs per tumor was significantly correlated with reduced patient survival duration. Reduced copy number on 17pter-q21 was most strongly associated with accumulation of a large number of CNAs. The overall concordance between LOH and reduced copy number detected by CGH was 84%, but only 31% of the LOH was associated with reduced copy number detected using CGH.

The resected recurrent lung cancer cases were evaluated retrospectively. Out of 1,060 cases who received an operation due to primary lung cancer, 21 (1.8%) had recurrent lung cancer which were resected subsequently. Stage I adenocarcinoma cases were found to be most frequent at the first operation (76%). Out of 21 cases, 7 received completion pneumonectomy, 5 had lobectomy and 8 had limited operation, respectively. The 5-year survival rate after the second operation was 36.6% in all the cases. There was no statistical difference in survival rate between the lobectomy group (including completion pneumonectomy) and the limited operation group. There was statistical difference in survival rate between cases who received a second operation in a time span of 2 or more years after the first operation and the cases who received it in less than 2 years. Good prognosis can be expected after the resection of recurrent lung cancer, but further analysis would be required in evaluation of respiratory function as well as biological malignancy of the tumor.

Bucillamine has been reported to have beneficial effects in rheumatoid arthritis. This report concerns a case of RA in which agranulocytosis developed while on a course of bucillamine. A 52-year-old female with RA developed a rapid fall in white blood cell count after 4 weeks of bucillamine treatment at daily dose of 50 mg. Agranulocytosis was diagnosed (WBC 1300/mm3, granulocytes 5%). The administration of bucillamine was halted and she was treated with only prophylactic antibiotic regime. The peripheral granulocyte count result rapidly reversed within 3 days after discontinuation of the bucilamine treatment. Anti-leukocyte antibody was detected by the leukocyte lysis phenomenon method during the period of agranulocytosis. And high intrinsic G-CSF activities were detected in the patient serum before the recovery period of agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a rare side effect of bucillamine but it is potentially more harmful than other side effects. In treatment with bucillamine, therefore, the drug should be carefully administered and regular blood examinations carried out to prevent the occurrence of this side effect.

Recently, it has been shown that the thrombocytopenia that complicates some malarial infections is caused by immune mechanisms. We report a case of malaria associated with thrombocytopenia and increased platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG). In this case, anti-malarial therapy reduced the level of PAIgG to normal levels in association with normalization of the platelet count. This case suggests the immunological mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in malaria.

Eight-year follow-up evaluation and analysis of factors related to postoperative thyroid dysfunction were made in 216 patients with Graves' disease treated by subtotal thyroidectomy. The postoperative status of thyroid function were as follows according to hypersensitive TSH level: 65 patients (30.1%) were euthyroid, 25 (11.5%) had overt hyperthyroidism requiring treatment, 14 (6.5%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism with normal thyroid hormone and suppressed TSH, 21 (9.8%) were overt hypothyroid requiring thyroid hormone replacement and 91 (41.1%) had latent hypothyroidism without hormone replacement. In order to know factors related to postoperative thyroid function, age, sex, preoperative levels of TSH receptor antibody (TRAb), thyroid antibody titers, degree of lymphocyte infiltration, duration of medical treatment, weight of the resected thyroid tissue and weight of the remnant thyroid tissue were determined. No factor except thyroid remnant and antimicrosomal antibody titer was related to postoperative thyroid function. The weight of remnant should be less than 6 g to avoid recurrent hyperthyroidism. As recurrence of hyperthyroidism was observed more than 5 yr after surgery, long follow-up is needed.

A new cell line, designated TMCC-2, has been established from operation material from a woman with endometrial clear cell carcinoma. TMCC-2 was successively subcultured 40 times in about 1 year. The monolayer culture cell showed a pavement-like arrangement of polygonal and short spindle-shaped cells, and had a tendency to pile-up without contact inhibition. Since PAS positive and Alcian-Blue negative substance could be seen in the cytoplasm, the cells were found to produce glycogen. The population doubling time, the saturation density and plating efficiency of the 25th passage cells were 24 hours, 1.8 x 10(5) and 23%, respectively. The nuclear DNA histogram obtained by flow cytometry showed two peaks at 2.1C and 4.1C. Therefore, the DNA index was 1.05. A tumor maker assay of the culture medium revealed significantly high values for TPA, CA125, CA19-9, and SLX compared with the control medium. The TMCC-2 cells produced the tumors in nude mice after subcutaneous transplantation. In addition, the histological findings were similar to those in the original tumor. As mentioned above, the TMCC-2 cell line derived from endometrial clear cell carcinoma will be very valuable in basic research on clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium.

We report a case of malignant histiocytosis diagnosed by liver-spleen biopsy under laparoscopy. A 49-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with thrombocytopenia, moderate anemia and hypoproteinemia. Her bone marrow findings revealed erythroid and megakaryocyte hyperplasia, and the serum ferritin concentration was 2,250 ng/ml though she had not received any blood transfusions. Ferrokinetics analysis showed the pattern of ineffective erythropoiesis, and the half-lives of erythrocytes and platelets were both shortened. Her hepatosplenomegaly gradually increased accompanied by increasing serum ferritin level to 10,000 ng/ml. Liver-spleen biopsy was carried out under laparoscopy and revealed infiltration of atypical histiocytes with erythrophagocytosis, which were positive for S-100 and ferritin but negative for lysozyme. The rate of glycosylation in whole serum ferritin, analyzed by using concanavalin-A binding method, showed that her glycosylated ferritin content was only 8.3%, whereas in sera after iron overloading, it was about 70%. Serum isoferritin profiles by isoelectric focussing were studied, and isoferritin pattern from malignant histiocytosis was the same as that in iron overloading after neuraminidase treatment. These findings suggest that serum ferritin is synthesized in proliferating histiocytes and released in the plasma as a nonsecretory type (nonglycosylated ferritin) in this case.

The effect of oxygen nonstoichiometry on the various physical properties of Ba 2 YCu 3 O 7− y is investigated. The superconducting transition temperature decreases as nonstoichiometry increases and the existence of stable T c = 90 K and T c = 60 K phases is clearly observed. The superconductivity disappears at around y = 0.5, which seems to be associated with the metal-semiconductor transition and also with the structural phase transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal. The increase in the Curie contribution and the simultaneous decrease in the Pauli paramagnetic contribution is observed at the metal-semiconductor transition.