Comparison of modified driver circuit and capacitor-transfer circuit in longitudinally excited N2 laser.

We developed a modified driver circuit composed of a capacitance and a spark gap, called a direct-drive circuit, for a longitudinally excited gas laser. The direct-drive circuit uses a large discharge impedance caused by a long discharge length of the longitudinal excitation scheme and eliminates the buffer capacitance used in the traditional capacitor-transfer circuit. We compared the direct-drive circuit and the capacitor-transfer circuit in a longitudinally excited N2 laser (wavelength: 337 nm).

Longitudinally excited N(2) lasers without high-voltage switches.

We have developed novel excitation circuits without high-voltage switches for two longitudinally excited N(2) lasers (wavelength: 337 nm). One uses a single tube without a trigger and the other uses a tandem tube with a trigger. In both systems, the discharge tube acts as a switch.

ECT for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms in Basedow's disease.

To treat psychiatric symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, we administered electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to a patient with Basedow's disease. After unsuccessful treatment with an oral antithyroid drug, neuroleptics, and mood stabilizer, the patient recovered completely after three ECTs and did not relapse in the 40-day follow-up period. Although hyperthyroidism has been considered to induce psychiatric symptoms by enhancement of the sensitivity and turnover in catecholaminergic neurotransmission, we suggest another possible mechanism, involving translational and activational regulation of functional proteins in the brain.