Kagoshima City Research Articles

桜島及び鹿児島からのプルームの航空機観測とモデルによる解析 －東シナ海上空におけるIGAC/APARE/PEACAMPOT観測－

桜島及び鹿児島からのプルームの航空機観測とモデルによる解析 －東シナ海上空におけるIGAC/APARE/PEACAMPOT観測－

Olanzapine-Induced Hyperglycemia in Anorexia Nervosa

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Letters to the EditorFull AccessOlanzapine-Induced Hyperglycemia in Anorexia NervosaDAISUKE YASUHARA M.D.TOSHIHIRO NAKAHARA M.D., Ph.D.TOSHIRO HARADA M.D.AKIO INUI M.D., Ph.D.,DAISUKE YASUHARA M.D.Search for more papers by this authorTOSHIHIRO NAKAHARA M.D., Ph.D.Search for more papers by this authorTOSHIRO HARADA M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAKIO INUI M.D., Ph.D.Search for more papers by this author,Published Online:1 Mar 2007AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail To The Editor: Recent studies on anorexia nervosa have suggested that the atypical antipsychotic agent olanzapine has favorable effects on agitation, repetitive thinking about becoming obese, and subsequent weight gain (1 , 2) . Although hyperglycemia is a serious adverse effect of olanzapine (3) , the incidence varies from less than 1% to 10%, and to the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of this effect in patients with anorexia nervosa. We present a case report of a patient with anorexia nervosa with olanzapine-induced hyperglycemia. A 27-year-old Japanese woman with a 2-year history of anorexia nervosa (restricting type) and no personal or family history of diabetes mellitus or other metabolic or mental disorders was admitted to our hospital with agitation, general fatigue, and fear of obesity. Laboratory results revealed aspartate aminotransferase of 39 IU/l and alanine aminotransferase of 61 IU/l; results of other laboratory examinations (e.g., antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies) were normal. During the first week of hospitalization (body mass index: 14.1 kg/m 2 , mean value of daily energy intake: 1,043 kcal/day), we performed a corrected (1.75g-glucose/kg) oral glucose tolerance test, which showed impaired glucose tolerance (4.3 mmol/l at baseline, peak value of 9.2 mmol/l at 60 minutes, 8.6 mmol/l at 120 minutes) by World Health Organization criteria (4), with delayed insulin secretion (34.6 pmol/l at baseline, peak value of 198 pmol/l at 120 minutes). Thereafter, we prescribed olanzapine 5 mg/day to reduce agitation and fear of obesity; we also started a multidisciplinary treatment program (4). The patient’s agitation improved, and we performed another oral glucose tolerance test during the third week (body mass index: 14.2 kg/m 2 , energy intake: 1,157 kcal/day). Results showed diabetes mellitus (4.2 mmol/l at baseline, peak value of 12.2 mmol/l at 120 minutes) with exaggerated insulin secretion (30.8 pmol/L at baseline, peak value of 1,210 pmol/L at 60 minutes). However, symptoms of diabetes (e.g., excessive thirst or urination) were absent. The patient’s fear of obesity gradually decreased, and olanzapine therapy at 5 mg/day was carefully continued with monitoring of diabetic symptoms, weekly fasting blood glucose levels, and monthly oral glucose tolerance test examinations (3). The lack of symptoms of diabetes and weekly fasting blood glucose levels (range 4.2 to 4.8 mmol/l) remained stable over 10 weeks. Although the patient showed impaired glucose tolerance during the seventh week (body mass index: 15.2 kg/m 2 , energy intake: 1,600 kcal/day), the oral glucose tolerance test results returned to normal at the time of her discharge (body mass index: 18.3 kg/m 2 , energy intake: 1,800 kcal/day). The underlying mechanism of olanzapine-induced hyperglycemia remains unclear (3 , 5 , 6) . Theories regarding this mechanism include the induction of insulin resistance via 5-HT 1A antagonism or impaired insulin-signaling cascade, increased food intake via H 1 antagonism, impaired pancreatic beta cell function, induction of glucogenesis via a decrease in glycogen synthase (5) , increase in glycogen phosphorylase, and upregulation of cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcripts (6) . Exacerbating glucose tolerance with exaggerated insulin secretion was evident on the second oral glucose tolerance test despite no marked differences in fasting plasma glucose levels, body mass index, and energy intake compared with the first oral glucose tolerance test. These findings suggest that glucose intolerance might have been induced by olanzapine via insulin resistance (3 , 5 , 6) . Moreover, hyperglycemia improved after weight restoration despite continuous use of olanzapine, which indicates that undernutrition itself might be a risk factor for olanzapine-induced hyperglycemia, particularly in patients with anorexia nervosa. Clinicians treating acute patients with anorexia nervosa should carefully monitor glucose metabolism, especially in patients being treated with olanzapine. Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City, JapanSupported by a research grant from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. The authors report no competing interests.Reprints are not available; however, Letters to the Editor can be downloaded at http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org.

Olanzapine-Induced Hyperglycemia in Anorexia Nervosa

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Letters to the EditorFull AccessOlanzapine-Induced Hyperglycemia in Anorexia NervosaDAISUKE YASUHARA M.D.TOSHIHIRO NAKAHARA M.D., Ph.D.TOSHIRO HARADA M.D.AKIO INUI M.D., Ph.D.,DAISUKE YASUHARA M.D.Search for more papers by this authorTOSHIHIRO NAKAHARA M.D., Ph.D.Search for more papers by this authorTOSHIRO HARADA M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAKIO INUI M.D., Ph.D.Search for more papers by this author,Published Online:1 Mar 2007AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail To The Editor: Recent studies on anorexia nervosa have suggested that the atypical antipsychotic agent olanzapine has favorable effects on agitation, repetitive thinking about becoming obese, and subsequent weight gain (1 , 2) . Although hyperglycemia is a serious adverse effect of olanzapine (3) , the incidence varies from less than 1% to 10%, and to the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of this effect in patients with anorexia nervosa. We present a case report of a patient with anorexia nervosa with olanzapine-induced hyperglycemia. A 27-year-old Japanese woman with a 2-year history of anorexia nervosa (restricting type) and no personal or family history of diabetes mellitus or other metabolic or mental disorders was admitted to our hospital with agitation, general fatigue, and fear of obesity. Laboratory results revealed aspartate aminotransferase of 39 IU/l and alanine aminotransferase of 61 IU/l; results of other laboratory examinations (e.g., antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies) were normal. During the first week of hospitalization (body mass index: 14.1 kg/m 2 , mean value of daily energy intake: 1,043 kcal/day), we performed a corrected (1.75g-glucose/kg) oral glucose tolerance test, which showed impaired glucose tolerance (4.3 mmol/l at baseline, peak value of 9.2 mmol/l at 60 minutes, 8.6 mmol/l at 120 minutes) by World Health Organization criteria (4), with delayed insulin secretion (34.6 pmol/l at baseline, peak value of 198 pmol/l at 120 minutes). Thereafter, we prescribed olanzapine 5 mg/day to reduce agitation and fear of obesity; we also started a multidisciplinary treatment program (4). The patient’s agitation improved, and we performed another oral glucose tolerance test during the third week (body mass index: 14.2 kg/m 2 , energy intake: 1,157 kcal/day). Results showed diabetes mellitus (4.2 mmol/l at baseline, peak value of 12.2 mmol/l at 120 minutes) with exaggerated insulin secretion (30.8 pmol/L at baseline, peak value of 1,210 pmol/L at 60 minutes). However, symptoms of diabetes (e.g., excessive thirst or urination) were absent. The patient’s fear of obesity gradually decreased, and olanzapine therapy at 5 mg/day was carefully continued with monitoring of diabetic symptoms, weekly fasting blood glucose levels, and monthly oral glucose tolerance test examinations (3). The lack of symptoms of diabetes and weekly fasting blood glucose levels (range 4.2 to 4.8 mmol/l) remained stable over 10 weeks. Although the patient showed impaired glucose tolerance during the seventh week (body mass index: 15.2 kg/m 2 , energy intake: 1,600 kcal/day), the oral glucose tolerance test results returned to normal at the time of her discharge (body mass index: 18.3 kg/m 2 , energy intake: 1,800 kcal/day). The underlying mechanism of olanzapine-induced hyperglycemia remains unclear (3 , 5 , 6) . Theories regarding this mechanism include the induction of insulin resistance via 5-HT 1A antagonism or impaired insulin-signaling cascade, increased food intake via H 1 antagonism, impaired pancreatic beta cell function, induction of glucogenesis via a decrease in glycogen synthase (5) , increase in glycogen phosphorylase, and upregulation of cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcripts (6) . Exacerbating glucose tolerance with exaggerated insulin secretion was evident on the second oral glucose tolerance test despite no marked differences in fasting plasma glucose levels, body mass index, and energy intake compared with the first oral glucose tolerance test. These findings suggest that glucose intolerance might have been induced by olanzapine via insulin resistance (3 , 5 , 6) . Moreover, hyperglycemia improved after weight restoration despite continuous use of olanzapine, which indicates that undernutrition itself might be a risk factor for olanzapine-induced hyperglycemia, particularly in patients with anorexia nervosa. Clinicians treating acute patients with anorexia nervosa should carefully monitor glucose metabolism, especially in patients being treated with olanzapine. Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City, JapanSupported by a research grant from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. The authors report no competing interests.Reprints are not available; however, Letters to the Editor can be downloaded at http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org.

Emergence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors From Mild Obesity in Japanese Elementary School Children

Clustering of individual cardiovascular risk factors, such as central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, together known as metabolic syndrome, is largely confined to obese populations in both children and adults (1,2). The underlying pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome is thought to be related to insulin resistance (3). In Asian countries, especially Japan, obesity-associated disorders arise in mildly to moderately obese adults (4,5). The association between mild obesity in children and individual risk factors in Asian countries is not well defined. The purpose of the present study is to determine the prevalence of, and sex differences in, abdominal obesity and insulin resistance, key features of metabolic syndrome, and assess whether risk of these factors is associated with mild obesity in Japanese elementary school children. Subjects were elementary school children aged 6–12 years who were screened as having a percent relative body weight (%RBW) ≥35% (6). A total of 863 children (561 boys, 302 girls) participated in a screening program for comorbidity of obesity conducted in 2002 and 2003 by the Kagoshima City Board of Education and Kagoshima City Medical Association, Japan. Of these, 754 obese children (490 boys, 264 girls) were included in the present study. One hundred nine subjects were excluded: 9 subjects (6 boys, 3 girls) were excluded because they had normal %RBW, and 100 subjects (65 boys, 35 girls) were excluded because of incomplete information. For 146 subjects (93 boys, …

A choice experiment of the residential preference of waste management services – The example of Kagoshima city, Japan

Municipal governments have attempted to reduce waste disposal and increase recycling rates in Japan. However, it is difficult to get full cooperation from residents. Using experiments in which residents are given an opportunity to choose the components of the waste management system (choice experiments), we measure the cost of each characteristic of the waste collection services. The estimation result reveals that there are trade-offs between the risk, payments, and handling costs. The marginal loss in utility revenues from an increase in the types of waste being separated is almost 200 yen (US$ 1.74) and a 1% increase in the recycling rate raises the cost of service by 53 yen (US$ 0.46). In addition, the results show the need for communications about risks between municipal authorities and residents.

Epidemiological Survey and Analysis of Oral Care Abilities of Applicants for Nursing Care Insurance in Kagoshima City

Epidemiological Survey and Analysis of Oral Care Abilities of Applicants for Nursing Care Insurance in Kagoshima City

Seasonal change and vertical movement of atmospheric mercury at Kagoshima city in relation with Sakurajima Volcano, Japan

The atmospheric concentration of mercury was determined daily for 3 years (July 1999-March 2002) in Kagoshima City to clarify the seasonal variation of mercury levels and the influence of mercury emitted from Sakurajima. The atmospheric mercury was collected on a porous gold collector at Kagoshima University approximately 11 km west of Sakurajima and the amount of mercury was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). A loss of temperature dependency was found for the east wind in 1999. However, in 2001, high temperature dependency was observed for all wind directions with the easing of volcanic activity. Short-term movement in the atmospheric concentration of mercury was also investigated by making measurements every two hours over a three-day period at heights of 3 and 12 m. This operation was carried out about every two months in the year 2001 at Kagoshima University. The atmospheric mercury concentration was higher in the daytime than nighttime showing temperature dependency: the concentration at 3 m (Hg(3m)) ranged from 1.65 to 17.9 ng m-3 (5.96 ± 3.47 ng m-3) in the daytime and 1.50 to 12.8 ng m-3 (4.20 ± 2.33 ng m-3) overnight, while that at 12 m (Hg(12m)) ranged from 1.24 to 29.4 ng m-3 (4.74 ± 3.61 ng m-3) and 1.38 to 14.8 ng m-3 (4.50 ± 2.85 ng m-3), respectively. The variation in Hg(3m) from day to night was considerably larger than that in Hg(12m). As a result, Hg(3m) was higher than Hg(12m) in the daytime and lower in the nighttime. On the other hand, the concentration gradient showed a high degree of dependency on solar radiation. These observations suggested that mercury is emitted from the ground with an increase in solar radiation and rise of the temperature in the daytime and deposits with the fall of temperature at nighttime. The influence of rain and volcanic activity on the periodic variation of mercury is also discussed in detail.

A Case Study on Urban Ant Fauna of Southern Kyusyu, Japan, with Notes on a New Monitoring Protocol (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Ant fauna of a green buffer belt adjacent to an industrial zone in Kagoshima City, southern Kyushu, Japan was elucidated using a standardized protocol. A total of 39 species belonging to 24 genera in five subfamilies were recorded from this park. Most speciose genera are Camponotus and Tetramorium having four species. The number of species per genus is 1.56 on average. Pheidole noda F. Smith, Monomo-rium chinense Santschi, Solenopsis japonica Wheeler, Tetramorium bicarinatwn (Nylander) and Technomyrmex albipes (F. Smith) were most frequently encountered. Excepting Pheidole noda they are open-land and/or forest-edge inhabitants. Furthermore, Tetramorium bica-rinatum and Technomyrmex albipes are tramp species. Thus, ant fauna there strongly reflects environmental conditions derived from urbanization/industrialization. Based on the present results, we propose here a new protocol monitoring ants in urban/industrial zones consisting of baiting and time unit sampling.

若年性鼻咽腔血管線維腫における病期分類別手術法の検討

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs) are benign tumors that occasionally invade the pterygopalatine fossa, infratemporal fossa, or middle cranial fossa. Several surgical approaches have been used based on the location of the tumor, including transpalatal, transmaxillary, and lateral rhinotomy, midfacial degloving, and Le Fort type I osteotomy. We reviewed 4 cases of JNA that had been treated by resection in the Department of Otolaryngology of Kagoshima City Hospital and 31 cases of JNA reported in the Japanese literature between 1990 and 2003. We analyzed the outcome of the surgical treatment of JNA in these cases to identify the surgical approaches that were most effective in removing tumors at several different stages. Radkowski staging showed that 17 (48.6%), 2 (5.7%), 4 (11.4%), 9 (25.7%) and 3 (8.6%) patients had stage IA, IB, IIA, IIC, and IIIA tumors, respectively. A transpalatal approach was employed in 11 cases (31.4%), a transmaxillary approach in 9 cases (25.7%), a transnasal approach in 6 cases (17.1%), and other approaches, (25.7%). The recurrence rate was, 5% in the stage I cases, 38% in the stage II cases, and 33% in the stage III cases. The transpalatal approach was followed by a high recurrence rate in the cases of stage II and higher stage. Several factors are critical when choosing the surgical approach to JNA: adequate exposure of the tumor, ability to control bleeding, prevention of postoperative facial deformity, and avoidance of interference with growth of the face.

Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Lesions: A Clinical Analysis of 44 Cases

We reviewed isolated sphenoid sinus lesion (ISL), a relatively uncommon entity found mostly in departments other than otolaryngology. We retrospectively studied 44 cases of ISL at the Department of Otolaryngology, Kagoshima City Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan, for the 5 years between 1999 and 2003. Data was obtained for each patient regarding age, present symptoms, first department visit, pathological classification, and therapy. Eighty percent of patients first visited departments other than otolaryngology. Of these, 32 had inflammatory disease, 8 mucocele, 1 a benign tumor, and 3 malignant tumors. The most common symptoms were headache at 59% followed by ocular symptoms at 27%. Ocular symptoms included ocular pain in 60% of those with inflammatory disease, visual disturbance in 63% of those with mucocele, and diplopia in all of those with neoplasms. The type of ocular symptom largely depends on ISL pathology. Patients with headaches and diplopia have a high ratio of malignant neoplasms. Endoscopic sinus surgery was useful in diagnosing and treating ISL in cases in which conservative therapy was ineffective. It is most important to differentiate pathological disease that requires early diagnosis and therapy such as acute inflammatory disease, mucocele with visual disturbance, and malignant tumors.

Successful management of a critically ill burn patient suffering sepsis by use of endotoxin absorption therapy (PMX)

Successful management of a critically ill burn patient suffering sepsis by use of endotoxin absorption therapy (PMX) Hiroaki Nakazawa a,∗, Yuji Kikuchi a, Takashi Honda a, Tsukasa Isago a, Motohiro Nozaki a, Kosuke Morioka b a Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan b Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kagoshima City Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan

Rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity in elementary school children.

Three critical periods have been suggested for the development of obesity during childhood: fetal, ages 4-6 y, and adolescence. The prevalence of obesity in elementary school children is increasing in Japan, and the present study examines whether this rising prevalence occurs during the elementary school period (age 6-11 y) or is occurring prior to entry into elementary school. Repeated cross-sectional sampling of cohorts of children for the prevalence of obesity. The data from 81 264 first grade and 87 849 seventh grade children (94 and 87% of the total populations, respectively) between 1989 and 2002 in Kagoshima City were analyzed. Data were also obtained from nationwide surveys published by the Ministry of Japan between 1989 and 2001. Obesity was defined by the body mass index for an age- and sex-specific 95th percentile cutoff point in Japanese children. Trends in obesity and odds ratios of the prevalence of obesity were also determined. The period 1989-2001/2 showed significant increases in the prevalence of obesity for both genders, in both first and seventh grades, and in both Kagoshima City and nationwide. The odds ratios for the prevalence of obesity of 12-y-old children calculated against the prevalence of obesity within the same cohort at 6 y old revealed that a significant risk for development of obesity during the elementary school years applied only to boys from around 1993 onward in Kagoshima City and applied throughout the study period in nationwide Japan. Obesity prevalence increases for boys during elementary school years but does not significantly increase for girls. A rising trend for becoming obese before starting elementary school was present for both boys and girls over the period 1989-2001. Educational programs to improve nutrition and physical activity, especially for boys, are becoming increasingly necessary.

Isolation of endophytic fungi from leaves of Pasania edulis and their within-leaf distributions

Endophytic fungi were isolated from leaves of Pasania edulis, one of the most important trees of the warm temperate forests in southern Kyushu, by the surface sterilization method using H2O2 as a sterilizing agent. From a tree in the Experimental Nursery of Kagoshima University, located at the city of Kagoshima, Phyllosticta sp. and Colletotrichum spp. were frequently isolated. From a stand in a laurel forest in Mt. Takakuma, an ascomycetous fungus (Ascomycete sp. 1) and Phomopsis sp. were frequently isolated. Phyllosticta sp. was isolated more frequently from petiole segments and leaf segments with midrib and Phomopsis sp. from petiole segments and leaf-base segments with midrib than other segments. Colletotrichum spp. were isolated less frequently from petioles and Ascomycete sp. 1 from petiole segments and leaf-base segments with midrib than other segments. As possible causes of such biases in within-leaf distributions of the endophytes, differences in infection modes and negative interactions of major endophytes within leaves are suggested.

The use of temporary diverting colostomy to manage elderly individuals with extensive perineal burns

The regimen of burn treatment for five elderly individuals who had sustained burns that had involved the perineum included formation of colostomy to divert fecal passage. The inclusion of diverting colostomy in this group of patients had made the management of burn wound that had included eventual skin grafting technically easy. A total of 168 patients were admitted to the Burn Unit at the Kagoshima City Hospital between 1997 and 2000. There were 36 patients who had perineal involvement. Of these, there were five elderly patients aged 60 years or older. There were two men and three women who were between 60 and 81 years of age. The mean age was 72 years. The total body surface involvement varied between 7 and 55% with an average body surface involvement of 30%. The sigmoid colon was as the colostomy site. Although, two patients died of injury, the morbidities associated with colostomy procedure were nil.

鹿児島市内の小学校における室内空気環境実測 : その2 小学校高学年教室における二酸化炭素濃度と開口部開閉状況

鹿児島市内の小学校における室内空気環境実測 : その2 小学校高学年教室における二酸化炭素濃度と開口部開閉状況

Pine wilt disease as promising causal agent of the mass mortality of Pinus armandii Franch. var. amamiana (Koidz.) Hatusima in the field

The causal agent of the mass mortality of field populations of Pinus armandii Franch. var. amamiana (Koidz.) Hatusima (PAA) was investigated with special respect to the involvement of pine wilt disease. Wood chips, branches and/or increment cores for detecting the pinewood nematode, feeding marks of the vector insect and environmental stress in the past, respectively, were taken from live and dead PAA trees grown in three locations, Yaku‐shima and Tanega‐shima Islands and a plantation in Kagoshima City, from 1997 to 1998. Five trees died after the spring of 1996 and, of these, four were inhabited by the pinewood nematode. Feeding marks of the vector insects were found on the branches of all dead trees and most of the live trees investigated. These results suggest that the infection of pine wilt disease in PAA trees occurs in the field. Annual ring growth of the sample trees showed neither intervention nor growth reduction, which implies strong environmental stress that may cause mortality in PAA trees.

Videosonde observation of torrential rain during Baiu season

Water accumulation processes producing torrential rain over the southern part of Kyushu Island, Japan during Baiu season have been investigated. The cloud systems involved rain cells that became stationary over Kagoshima City and increased in height. Small, new cells subsequently developed upwind or to the side of the stationary cell and merged with it. Heavy rain was recorded as each cell merged. Data from videosonde ascents in the merging cells showed many large graupel in a narrow area of the cloud just above the freezing level. It is suggested that the intense accumulation of water near that level is produced by the rapid growth of graupel through the capture of supercooled drops transported from the merging cell. Cold dome formation is suggested as the reason for the sudden cessation of cell movement observed in many instances of heavy rain.

Autistic children: experience and severity of dental caries between 1980 and 1995 in Kagoshima City, Japan.

The present study indicates that experience and severity of dental caries in 1995 showed a clear decrease from observations in 1980 in Kaogsima City, Japan. This decline may be attributed to several factors such as the qualitative and quantitative improvements in treatment of caries, more regular visits to dental clinics, improved daily oral hygiene, and changes in dietary pattern.

Background levels of atmospheric mercury in Kagoshima City, and influence of mercury emission from Sakurajima Volcano, Southern Kyushu, Japan

Vapor phase mercury concentration was determined daily for 1 year (Jan. 1996–Jan. 1997) in order to present the levels of atmospheric mercury in Kagoshima City and to estimate the influence of mercury emission from Sakurajima Volcano, southern Kyushu, Japan. The atmospheric mercury was collected on a porous gold collector at Kagoshima University and was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry; Kagoshima University of Kagoshima City is located approximately 11 km west of Sakurajima Volcano. The mercury concentration obtained was in the range 1.2–52.5 ng m −3 (mean 10.8 ng m −3, n=169). The atmospheric concentration varied from season to season; the concentration was high in summer and lower in winter. A linear relation was obtained by plotting ln [Hg/ng m −3] vs. 1/ T for the north, south and west winds with correlation coefficients of −0.76, −0.79 and −0.83, respectively, but no such dependency was found for the east wind ( r=−0.035). When the wind is blowing from the east, Kagoshima City is on the leeward side of the volcano. The impact of the fumarolic activity of the volcano on ambient air in the city was evident in the disappearance of temperature dependency with the appearance of the east wind. Atmospheric mercury concentration except for the east wind was considered to be background levels of Kagoshima City. As background levels, 8.1±5.3 ng m −3, 14.8±7.9 ng m −3, 13.9±11.7 ng m −3 and 4.4±1.6 ng m −3 (mean±S.D.) were obtained for spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively.

Centralized load control system demonstration test (interim report)

The maximum power peak has sharpened in recent years owing to the widespread use of air conditioners and other such equipment. Additionally, the gap between power demand during the day and night, as well as that among the seasons, is widening, while the annual load factor is on the decline. These factors prevent the effective use of generating facilities and are driving costs up. Countermeasures in the form of promotion of load leveling from the demand side have become a national priority. It was in these circumstances that the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) officially requested that Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO) develop a load leveling technology for the future. For eight years starting in 1986, KEPCO conducted a demonstration test in which it directly controlled customer water heaters and air conditioners in a district of the city of Kagoshima. In addition, the company started a test in 1994 to demonstrate load leveling effects through indirect load control in a district of the city of Fukuoka. This load control involved providing customers on the demand side with their own load curves, electricity charge data, and other information so that they would themselves experiment with electricity use. This paper will outline the Centralized Load Control System demonstration test and discuss the system configuration and the 1996 test results of indirect load control that generated effects such as a peak reduction of 0.1 kW per household. © 1999 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 128(2): 7–17, 1999