Time-resolved polarimetry over water waves: relating glints and surface statistics

The phenomenon of sunglint, well known in satellite remote sensing, lacks a fundamental characterization under controlled laboratory conditions. Exploiting an apparatus specifically assembled for the purpose, we examine the signal collected by a photopolarimeter, pointed at a wavy water surface with measurable statistics and illuminated by a laser source. We also analyze the wave slope distributions, retrieved with an imaging system, and correlate them with the time series of glints. More particularly, we investigate the link between the occurrence of glints and that of the slopes from which they originate. In this context, the results obtained by applying the Hilbert-Huang transform technique to the slope time series are compared with those obtained through a traditional Fourier transform. This novel study first identifies the individual atomic glints as Fresnel reflection originating from a single wave facet. It then discusses the periodic character of a sequence of glints generated by a gravity wave state, as opposed to the erratic behavior of glints typical of capillary wave states. In mixed gravity-capillary conditions, it is shown that the glint properties are governed mainly by the capillary regime.

Variable Very-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission from the Microquasar LS I +61 303

Microquasars are binary star systems with relativistic radio-emitting jets. They are potential sources of cosmic rays and can be used to elucidate the physics of relativistic jets. We report the detection of variable gamma-ray emission above 100 gigaelectron volts from the microquasar LS I 61 + 303. Six orbital cycles were recorded. Several detections occur at a similar orbital phase, which suggests that the emission is periodic. The strongest gamma-ray emission is not observed when the two stars are closest to one another, implying a strong orbital modulation of the emission or absorption processes.

Malignant disease observed in a cohort of women. A validation of Swedish Cancer Registry data

A longitudinal study of altogether 1462 women aged 38 to 60 years started in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1968-69. Based on information from the population study and from the Swedish Cancer Registry 35 women had a history of malignant disease when initially examined in 1968-69. During a 12-year follow-up period a total of 79 malignant tumours developed in 73 women. A comparison was made between the 1988 Cancer Registry listing and the observations made in the population study. All but one out of 103 cases (99%) were registered in the Cancer Registry and all but one (99%) in the population study. It may be concluded that the accuracy of the population study registration as well as that of the Cancer Registry at that time were very high. This enables us to draw relatively safe conclusions from our own material when testing for risk factors.

Adipose tissue distribution and female carcinomas. A 12-year follow-up of participants in the population study of women in Gothenburg, Sweden

A longitudinal population study of 1462 women, aged 38-60 years, was carried out in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1968-69. In univariate analysis anthropometric variables indicating centrally localized adipose tissue (waist circumference, the ratio of waist to hip circumference and the subscapular skinfold) showed significant age-standardized positive associations with the occurrence (prevalence + incidence data) of endometrial carcinoma. Incidence data suggested that measurements of centrally localized adipose tissue might be of predictive value for this malignancy as well as for ovarian carcinoma. In contrast, measurements of generalized obesity (body weight or body mass index) or peripherally localized adipose tissue (triceps skinfold) showed no associations to these malignancies. No relationship was observed between the anthropometric variables studied and breast carcinoma. The association observed between endometrial and ovarian carcinomas with central adipose tissue did, however, not remain in multivariate analysis when generalized obesity was taken into account. Centrally localized adipose tissue is known to be associated with endocrine abberations including irregular ovulation and menstruation, re-emphasizing the importance of endocrine factors for the pathogenesis of endometrial and ovarian carcinomas. No positive association was found between development of the carcinomas and initial measurements of blood glucose, serum lipids or blood pressure, found to be elevated in cross-sectional studies. An increase in these variables therefore probably are parallel phenomena rather than predictors. The women with endometrial or breast carcinomas smoked more than the remaining women. Although the number of end-points observed was limited these results suggest that measurements of adipose tissue distribution might be a valuable addition to the predictors of endometrial and ovarian carcinomas.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of a three-day course of nalidixic acid in the frequency-dysuria syndrome with significant bacteriuria in women

The effect of a 3-day course of nalidixic acid was studied in 82 women, presenting with the dysuria-frequency syndrome and significant bacteriuria, mostly Escherichia coli sensitive to nalidixic acid. 62/76 patients (82%) that could be evaluated about 1 week after initiation of therapy were subjectively cured. Negative urinary cultures were found in 64/76 patients (84%). Two patients (2.4%) developed resistance to nalidixic acid. Bacteriological cure rate was 76% of 71 patients that could be controlled 1 month after the initiation of therapy. Nalidixic acid in the used granulate preparation initiated only mild side-effects.

Malignant giant cell tumor of soft tissues: a clinicopathologic, cytologic, ultrastructural, angiographic, and microangiographic study

A clinical, angiographic, pathologic-anatomic, and cytologic study of 12 cases of malignant giant cell tumor of soft tissues is presented. Preoperative angiography was performed in five cases, one of which was also studied by microangiography. Aspiration cytologic examination was performed in five cases and electron microscopy in one case. In nine cases the tumors were deeply situated and in three they were subcutaneous. In six cases the tumors were located within the lower extremity, in four cases in the upper extremity and shoulder, in one case retroperitoneally and in one case in the neck. Except for one case, the follow-up period was 1--14 years. Seven of the patients had died from metastasizing tumor disease at the time of follow-up. High vascularity and rapid circulation characterized the tumors at preoperative angiography. Conventional histology, aspiration cytology, and electron microscopy disclosed histiocyte-like cells, fibroblast-like cells, and multinucleated giant cells of both osteoclast-like benign and pleomorphic malignant type, in varying proportions. The histiocyte-like cells and the giant cells exhibited phagocytic activity at these examinations. The finding of phagocytosing pleomorphic malignant cells and giant cells of osteoclast type in aspiration cytologic material strongly favors the diagnosis of malignant giant cell tumor of soft tissues.

Myxofibrosarcoma: a correlative cytologic and histologic study of 13 cases examined by fine needle aspiration cytology

A correlative cytologic and histologic study of 13 myxofibrosarcomas is presented. The myxofibrosarcomas were grouped histologically into four grades (I to IV) according to the degree of cellularity, atypica and prevalence of mitotic figures. Cytologically, the neoplasms exhibited two types of malignant cells: an elongated, spindle-shaped, fibroblast-like cell and a larger, histocyte-like cell, often embedded in myxoid material. Some aspirates contained small capillary-like fragments. The degree of cellular and nuclear polymorphism and the quantitative distribution between the two types of cells in the different grades corresponded to the histologic classification. The differential diagnosis between myxofibrosarcoma and other myxoid soft tissue neoplasms is discussed. Staining the aspirated material with Alcian blue at different pHs helps to distinguish between myxomatous mesenchymal neoplasms containing nonsulphated glucosaminoglycans, such as myxofibrosarcoma, and those containing sulphated ones, such as myxoid chondrosarcoma and chordoma.

Recurrent and metastasizing gastric leiomyoblastoma (epithelioid leiomyosarcoma) associated with multiple pulmonary chondro-hamartomas: long survival of a patient treated with repeated operations

A 15-year-old girl was operated for gastric leiomyoblastoma (epithelioid leiomysocarcoma) with metastasis to a regional lymph node. She has subsequently been operated on twice: once for local recurrence and metastases 9 years after her initial operation and once for an intraabdominal lymph node metastasis. Now, 13 years after her first operation for gastric leiomyoblastoma she is free from symptoms and signs of disease. Preoperative angiography was helpful in diagnosing the recurrence and planning the second operation. Our observations speak in favor of surgical treatment of recurrent and metastasizing gastric leiomyoblastoma. This patient was also operated for multiple pulmonary chondro-hamartomas, primarily suspected to be metastases. Coincidence of gastric leiomyoblastoma and pulmonary chondro-hamartoma does not seem to be due to chance alone.

Myxofibrosarcoma: a pathologico-anatomical, microangiographic and angiographic correlative study of eight cases

A correlated angiographic, microangiographic and histological study of eight myxofibrosarcomas is presented. Myxofibrosarcoma is a very recently described type of malignant soft tissue tumour characterized by a mucoid and nodular appearance, predominantly arising superficially in the extremities and trunk in elderly people. Microscopically, the lobulated and myxoid tumours in the present series showed a characteristic plexiform network of fine capillary-like vessels and occasional wide, sinusoidal, angulated vessels. On plain radiographs they were all dense and well demarcated. Angiographically the tumours appeared highly vascular, with irregular tumour vessels often arranged in a patchy or nodular fashion. All revealed signs of a rapid circulation. The microscopic and angiographic appearances were correlated, in two cases utilizing microangiography. In the presence of a superficially located tumour with high density on plain radiographs, marked vascularity, patchy or nodular opacities, and signs of rapid circulation on angiogram one should suspect this diagnosis.

Myxofibrosarcoma. A study of 30 cases

A series of 30 myxofibrosarcomas is described. These malignant soft tissue tumours are characterized by a mucoid and nodular appearance, a coarse plexiform capillary pattern, and they are mostly seen subcutaneously (26 out of 30) in the extremities (24 out of 30) and trunk (4 out of 30) elderly people. Histochemical studies, comprising staining with Alcian blue and toluidine blue at different pH's with and without preceding digestion with testicular hyaluronidase and with the Scott technique, indicated the presence of hyaluronic acid but not sulphated glycosaminoglycans as chondroitinsulphates. Myxofibrosarcoma is believed to belong to the general category of fibroblastic and histiocytic malignant soft tissue tumours. The median diameter of the tumours was 7 cm. They were divided into 4 grades according to cellularity, cell atypia and mitotic activity. The grade III and IV tumours showed pronounced atypia, often with the bi- and multinucleated giant tumour cells and occasionally with giant cells of Touton's type, suggesting a relationship to malignant fibroxanthoma. All of the patients were treated surgically and one received also pre- and post-operative irradiation. None of the 2 grade I myxofibrosarcomas recurred, while 2 out of 7 grade II tumours, 6 out of 10 grade III tumours, and 7 out of 11 grade IV tumours recurred once and up to 9 times. Metastasis appeared in 7 out of 30 patients; grade I tumours were not seen in any of these cases. By the time of follow-up after intervals ranging from 1 month up to 27 years, 14 patients had died; 6 of these had died post-operatively or of intercurrent disease. The differential diagnosis between myxofibrosarcoma and other myxoid soft tissue tumours is discussed.