The severity of the clinical picture and the duration of symptoms influenced the outcome of the operation. Despite the advanced age of some patients (> 80), the operation increased the chance of recovery from the disease.

BACKGROUND.Rapid tumor growth is caused by angiogenesis factors, growth fac-

The thermal decomposition pathways of ammonia borane (AB, NH 3 BH 3 ), lithium amidoborane (LiAB, LiNH 2 BH 3 ), and potassium amidoborane (KAB, KNH 2 BH 3 ) have been investigated in detail by using solid state 11 B MAS NMR spectroscopy. During the first decomposition process of AB, the complex structural entities were observed, which have been attributed to polyaminoborane (PAB, (NH 2 BH 2 ) n ). On the other hand, polyiminoborane (PIB, (NHBH) n ) formed in the second process showed a single 3-fold coordination III B signal above 125 °C, suggesting a [BN] n network structure. LiAB and KAB did not show the PAB-like structure, and the PIB-like structure was directly formed by the hydrogen desorption. Quantitative analyses of the 11 B NMR spectra suggested that the general route of the thermal decomposition of alkali metal amidoboranes (LiAB, NaAB, and KAB) is similar. Also, 39 K MAS NMR spectra of KAB and its decomposition products indicated the formation of KH and an amorphous K−N−B−H phase during the hydrogen release.

a b s t r a c tA lithium silicon alloy was synthesized by mechanical alloying method. Hydrogen storage properties of this Li-Si-H system were studied. During hydrogenation of the lithium silicon alloy, lithium atom was extracted from the alloy and lithium hydride was generated. Equilibrium hydrogen pressures for desorption and absorption reactions were measured in a temperature range from 400 to 500 • C to investigate the thermodynamic characteristics of the system, which can reversibly store 5.4 mass% hydrogen with smaller reaction enthalpy than simple metal Li. Li absorbing alloys, which have been widely studied as a negative electrode material for Li ion rechargeable batteries, can be used as hydrogen storage materials with high hydrogen capacity.

Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is advantageous in reducing morbidity and facilitating an early discharge and does not increase hospital costs. These findings are consistent with the general consensus supporting the benefits of laparoscopic surgery as a minimally invasive approach.