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Remote disassembly of radiologically burdened large components is among the most sophisticated and complex activities in the demolition of nuclear installations. High local dose rates and contamination levels, combined with complicated designs and geometries of the components to be dismantled, plus insufficient accessibility, imply major challenges in the demolition of nuclear facilities. Normally, the shielding effect of water is used in remote dismantling of highly activated components. All processes eligible for this purpose must therefore be suitable for application under water. In underwater (UW) dismantling of the MZFR between 2004 and 2005, plasma cutting has been found to be an efficient method of disassembly with safe remote control capability. Close cooperation in the development of technical solutions among RWE NUKEM, the Institute of Materials Science of the University of Hanover, Kjellberg Finsterwalde GmbH, Industrieanlagen Betriebsgesellschaft (IABG), Studsvik®Ifm, and Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH contributed to the further development of plasma cutting for use under water in the MZFR, thus making it preferable to all other cutting techniques available for demolition and disassembly. This technique was used in the MZFR for complete disassembly of the geometrically complex moderator tank and most of the thermal shield. The experience accumulated in the hot use of plasma disassembly techniques in the MZFR is presented and assessed in the paper.

A variety of technologies is available for the decontamination and dismantling of nuclear facilities. All over the world, these technologies as well as conditioning processes of decommissioning waste are further developed. So far, they have been mainly applied to the dismantling of research and prototype facilities. Dismantling of reactors of higher power has started with the nuclear power plants of Greifswald and Würgassen among others. The present paper shall present the state of the art of decontamination and dismantling techniques as well as of post-treatment processes of radioactive decommissioning waste. From the technical point of view, the most complex step is the remote dismantling of activated and highly contaminated components. The prototype facilities of Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, which are currently being dismantled, cover all types of plants. Their status of dismantling and the experience gained from using decommissioning technologies that are also suited for power facilities shall be illustrated. Further developments and adaptations of individual techniques, e. g. thermal and mechanical cutting methods, as well as of the complete systems technology, including carrier system, manipulator system, and tools, are reasonable and indispensable for managing the variety of dismantling tasks and, not least, for reducing their operation times and costs of use.

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Abstract Purpose:: To evaluate the feasibility of interferon γ (IFNγ) as an adjunct to chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 32 patients were recruited and received 25 mg/m2 cisplatin and 100 mg/m2 etoposide on days 8, 10 and 12 every 3 weeks for a total of three cycles. A dose of 100 μg IFNγ was given subcutaneously three times weekly from days 1 to 8 and between days 15 and 29. After induction, all patients except those with progressive disease were offered IFNγ maintenance therapy: 100 μg three times weekly. Results: The following responses were obtained: partial response, 5 (16%); minor response, 12 (37%); stable disease, 4 (13%); progressive disease, 11 (34%). The survival rates after 1 and 2 years were 47% and 25% respectively. Patients receiving maintenance IFNγ had a 2-year survival rate of 58%. Toxic side-effects were rare and included grade III/IV fever (7%/1%) and grade III/IV leucopenia (4%/1%). Conclusions: In patients with advanced NSCLC, an adjunctive dose of 100 μg IFNγ, given three times weekly in the induction and maintenance phase, is feasible. Survival data seem favourable so this regimen may warrant further investigation in a phase III study.

The adrenal stress response was examined in young and mature rats of both sexes by measuring the increase in adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase activity and scrum corticosterone following exposure to electric footshock. Exposure to electric footshock for six minutes on three consecutive days elevated tyrosine hydroxylase activity in young and mature female rats and in young male rats, but failed to elevate enzyme activity in mature male animals. This decreased responsiveness of tyrosine hydroxylase in mature male rats could be overcome by giving prior experience with electric footshock. Age, sex and prior experience interacted in affecting the levels of serum corticosterone in response to a three minute exposure to electric footshock. However, the most dramatic effect was due to prior experience, which reduced the magnitude and altered the time of the peak serum corticosterone response. These data demonstrated that the pituitary-adrenal system can be modified in old animals in a manner similar to the modification seen following infant stimulation, and indicate that several mechanisms may be involved in the maturation and aging of a species.

Summary From 1970–1975 86 2–4-year-old boys with inguinal hernia reaching to the scrotum were treated by two different methods. While high dissection of the hernia with following fixation under m.obl.int. was carried out in all cases, the lower scrotal portion of the hernial sac was 46 times dissected out and 40 times left in its position. 1982 no recurrent hernia was found. Only in group A late complications were to be noticed: 2 atrophic testicles and 4 testicles retracted to the inguinal channel. This is an argument for “no touch” of lower scrotal portion of hernial sacs in children.

THE syndrome of malignant hyperthermia can be induced in susceptible humans1and pigs by a variety of agents, such as halothane2and succinyl choline3. In swine, the syndrome is well documented4–6and its onset is characterized by a sharp rise in body temperature which is often associated with muscle rigor. One of the most interesting biochemical responses in hyperthermia is the progressive loss of muscle ATP7and/or creatine phosphate8and the concomitant accumulation of Piin the blood5.