Growth of Cu-1.1at.% Sn and Cu-1.7at.% In Alloy Single Crystals

Attempts have been made to grow large single crystals of Cu-1.1at.% Sn and Cu-1.7at.% In alloys from the melt by the Bridgman method. Microscopic observation of the chemically etched surfaces and sections of the alloy ingots has shown that they contain a few large grains, if the growing condition is properly chosen, but otherwise they consist of columnar grains. The growth direction of the columnar grains determined by the X-ray Laue method exhibits a slight preference of the and directions for the Cu-Sn alloy and the and directions for the Cu-In alloy. A concentration profile in the grain investigated by EPMA has shown an appreciable fluctuation in as-grown crystals and an annealing in vacuum at 900℃ for 100 hr has resulted in a homogenization. The alloy crystals thus heat-treated provide the specimens suitable to LEED studies

On the Formation of Striation-Type Substructure in Copper Crystals

The striation formation in copper crystals grown at the rate of 1 mm/min by the horizontal zone melting method was studied by a dislocation etch pit technique. It was found that the formation of striations depended upon the crystallographic orientation, the density and distribution of dislocations in a seed crystal and the axial temperature gradient. The [110] crystals showed a marked tendency to develop the striations, while the [111] and [100] crystals exhibited ordinarily a weak tendency of the striation formation. In the latter two crystals, the inoculation with seed crystals which were, slightly damaged could result in growing the striated crystals, while no striations were formed when the seed crystals were not damaged. With a low dislocation density seed, the striations were not formed in the [111] crystal grown under a low axial temperature gradient, though a fine network of subboundaries appeared. On the other hand, the striations were formed after an incubation distance of 1 cm when the [111] crystal was grown under the same thermal conditions but with a high dislocation density seed crystal containing a fine network of subboundaries. However, under a high axial temperature gradient, no striations were built up, even if the crystal was grown with a high dislocation density seed crystal. Observations of the dislocation etch pits revealed that the striations were formed when the coalescence of small angle tilt boundaries, which arranged closely in parallel, occurred

On the Magnetic Susceptibilities of Troponoid-System. I : Diamagnetism of Hinokitiol (β-Thujaplicin) and α-Thujaplicin

The diamagnetic susceptibilities of hinokitiol ((β-thujaplicin) and α-thujaplicin in powdered crystal form have been measured and the structures of the tropolone-ring are discussed. The observed molar susceptibilities obtained in the present experiments are -(102±1)×10 for hinokitiol, -(100±3)×10 for α-thujaplicin (colourless, m. p. 34°), and -(97±2)×10 for α-thujaplicin (light yellow, m. p. 24°). These observed data have been compared with calculated values, which were computed by use of the four methods ; the Pascal\u27s additive law, the Slater-Angus method, Langevin\u27s formula referring to the diamagnetism for the planar orbit, and the theory of diamagnetic anisotropy of molecular orbitals (London\u27s method), with the result that there are six π-electrons, within each tropolone-ring of these compounds, which are able to revolve along the closed circuit constructed out of the periphery of seven membered ring. As a necessary consequence of this condition, it follows the ionization between one of the carbon atoms in the ring system and the oxygen atom in the carbonyl group, assuming the former a positive charge and the later a negative one

Surgical experience with chronic constrictive pericarditis

Objective: Constrictive pericarditis is a disease characterized by marked thickening of the pericardium which causes restriction of diastolic cardiac function. The purpose of this report is to review the outcome of pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis and to discuss its problems. Methods: Sixteen consecutive patients who underwent pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis in our institution between March 2000 and June 2011 were reviewed. All patients underwent decortication including at least the anterior surface from the right atrium to the left phrenic nerve and the diaphragmatic surface of the heart. The epicardium was concomitantly resectioned because it was usually sclerotic and constrictive. Results: Postoperatively, mean central venous pressure decreased to 8.8 ± 3.1 mmHg and was significantly lower than the preoperative value 15.3 ± 3.7 mmHg (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative duration of hospitalization was 25.6 ± 13.5 days. There were 2 in-hospital deaths and early mortality rate was 12.5 %; however, excluding hospital deaths, there were no significant postoperative complications and all survivors recovered and maintained good cardiac function during the mean follow-up period of 3.7 ± 2.8 years. Conclusion: For an acceptable outcome, surgical intervention should be performed at an appropriate time and the pericardiectomy should have proper scope and depth to prevent irreversible changes in the heart, liver, and other organs

Day Surgery ヒガエリ シュジュツ ノ ゲンジョウ

From May 1999, the Day Surgery for the operations of inguinal hernia, cholecystolithiasis and benign thyroid tumor were introduced in our department. Twenty nine patients (5 inguinal hernia repairs in children, 11 tension free inguinal hernia repairs in adults, 8 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 3 extirpations of benign thyroid tumors, 1 extirpation of giant breast tumor, 1 extirpation of skin tumor in child) were attempted to put the Day Surgery into practice. 2 cases (one : inguinal hernia of child, another inguinal hernia of adult) were not successful because of postoperative complications like wound pain. The day surgery for 27 cases were successfully carried out. As the Day Surgery has benefits of cutting down on expenses, saving time and reducing mental fatigue, the feelings of satisfaction of all of these patients were remarkably high. The system of the Day Surgery was almost established in our department , so we actively would like to extend the kinds of operations suitable for the Day Surgery

Feasibility of methotrexate discontinuation following tocilizumab and methotrexate combination therapy in patients with long-standing and advanced rheumatoid arthritis: a 3-year observational cohort study

Objectives: Methotrexate (MTX) is associated with extensive side effects, including myelosuppression, interstitial pneumonia, and infection. It is, therefore, critical to establish whether its administration is required after achieving remission with tocilizumab (TCZ) and MTX combination therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, the aim of this multicenter, observational, cohort study was to evaluate the feasibility of MTX discontinuation for the safety of these patients. Methods: Patients with RA were administered TCZ, with or without MTX, for 3 years; those who received TCZ+MTX combination therapy were selected. After remission was achieved, MTX was discontinued without flare development in one group (discontinued [DISC] group, n = 33) and continued without flare development in another group (maintain [MAIN] group, n = 37). The clinical efficacy of TCZ+MTX therapy, patient background characteristics, and adverse events were compared between groups. Results: The disease activity score in 28 joints-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) at 3, 6, and 9 months was significantly lower in the DISC group (P < .05, P < .01, and P < .01, respectively). Further, the DAS28-ESR remission rate at 6 and 9 months and Boolean remission rate at 6 months were significantly higher in the DISC group (P < .01 for all). Disease duration was significantly longer in the DISC group (P < .05). Furthermore, the number of patients with stage 4 RA was significantly higher in the DISC group (P < .01). Conclusions: Once remission was achieved, MTX was discontinued in patients who responded favorably to TCZ+MTX therapy, despite the prolonged disease duration and stage progression