Psychophysical analysis of monitor display functions affecting observer diagnostic performance of CT image on liquid crystal display monitors

The aim of the present study was to propose suitable display functions for CT image representation on liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors by analyzing the characteristics of the monitor's typical display functions using psychophysical analysis. The luminance of the LCD monitor was adjusted to a maximum of 275 cd/m2 and 480 cd/m2. Three types of postcalibrated display functions (i.e., GSDF, CIELAB, and Exponential gamma 2.2) were evaluated. Luminance calculation of a new grayscale test pattern (NGTP) was done for the conversion of the digital driving level (DDL) into the CT value. The psychophysical gradient delta of display functions for the CT value was evaluated and compared via statistical analysis. The delta value of GSDF and CIE decreased exponentially; however, the delta value of Exponential gamma 2.2 showed a convex curve with a peak at a specific point. There was a statistically significant difference among the delta values of the three types of display functions on the 480 cd/m2 maximum via Kruskal Wallis test (P<0.001). The GSDF was suitable for observation of abdominal and lung CT images; however, the display function combined the Exponential gamma 2.2 and the GSDF functions and was ideal for observation of brain CT images by psychophysical analysis.

An ultrastructural study on experimental autoimmune myocarditis with special reference to effector cells

The previously described animal model of autoimmune myocarditis induced by immunization of Lewis rats with cardiac myosin was investigated pathologically, ultrastructurally and immunohistologically. Cardiac dendritic cells and infiltrating macrophages were dominantly encamped at the front of the myocarditis. The macrophages accompanied by neutrophils infested cardiocytes, forming rosette figures as a sign of active cardiocytolysis. The dendritic cells reached into intact muscle at a short distance from the inflammation. T cells, the most important candidate for effector cells in this animal model, were generally found at a distance from active muscle necrosis.

[Treatment of malignant lymphoma of the small intestine in aged patients over 70]

Case histories of three elderly patients with a malignant lymphoma of the small intestine are described. Case No. 1 involved a 80-year-old male with a diffuse malignant lymphoma of medium size that was associated with a jejunal perforation. On the 64th day after surgery, he died of heart failure during the course of chemotherapy. Case No. 2 was a 76-year-old male with a diffuse malignant lymphoma of medium size in the ileocecum. He left hospital after surgery had relieved his symptoms, although 8 months after he developed active pulmonary tuberculosis during the course of chemotherapy. Case No. 3 involved a 76-year-old female with a diffuse malignant lymphoma of the mixed cell type in the terminal ileum. She died of heart failure complicated by a pulmonary disease on the 36th postoperative day. The therapeutic results of treating the malignant lymphoma in these 3 aged patients were all unfavorable. Thus, it is felt that special care should be taken in treating aged patients with this kind of disease.