Among the fuel cell electrolyte candidates in the intermediate temperature range, glass materials show stable physical properties and are also expected to have higher ion conductivity than crystalline materials. In particular, phosphate glass has a high mobility of protons since such a structure maintains a hydrogen bond network that leads to high proton conductivity. Recently, defects like volatilization of phosphorus and destruction of the bonding structure have remarkably improved with introduction of cations, such as Zr4+ and Nb5+, into phosphate. In particular, niobium has proton conductivity on the surface because of higher surface acidity. It can also retain phosphorus content during heat treatment and improve chemical stability by bonding with phosphorus. In this study, we fabricate niobium phosphate glass thin films through sol-gel processing, and we report the chemical stability and electrical properties. The existence of the hydroxyl group in the phosphate is confirmed and found to be preserved at the intermediate temperature region of 150-450 oC.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Optiscope video system for anesthesia. Intubation was successful in all 60 patients. The first attempt success rate was 85%. The median time (IQR) [range] to intubation was 20 sec (14-43) [8- 420]. Seven patients required two attempts and in two patients, intubation of the trachea was achieved on a third attempt. The Optiscope video system is an effective and safe device for use in endotracheal intubation in adult patients with normal airways. Conduct of further clinical studies will be necessary to evaluate its role in patients with anticipated difficult airways.

We experienced an 18-month-old patient with congenital lobar emphysema who underwent one-lung ventilation. With con-sideration that positive pressure ventilation could induce cardiopulmonary distress, induction was performed with spontane-ous breathing using sevoflurane without neuromuscular blocking agent. Bronchospasm occurred after intubation and posi-tion change, twice. He was relieved by administration of neuromuscular blocking agents. We discussed induction methods with minimal positive-pressure ventilation and the treatments for bronchospasm.