Observation of Magnon Polarization.

We measure the mode-resolved direction of the precessional motion of the magnetic order, i.e., magnon polarization, via the chiral term of inelastic polarized neutron scattering spectra. The magnon polarization is a unique and unambiguous signature of magnets and is important in spintronics, affecting thermodynamic properties such as the magnitude and sign of the spin Seebeck effect. However, it has never been directly measured in any material until this work. The observation of both signs of magnon polarization in Y_{3}Fe_{5}O_{12} also gives direct proof of its ferrimagnetic nature. The experiments agree very well with atomistic simulations of the scattering cross section.

Root of the small-bowel mesentery: correlative anatomy and CT features of pathologic conditions.

The root of the small-bowel mesentery (SBM) is an important peritoneal fold that is contiguous to other peritoneal ligaments and mesocolons. Several pathologic conditions can occur in the SBM itself, and diseases that spread through the connections from adjacent organs frequently involve it. The root of the SBM is contiguous to the hepatoduodenal ligament around the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and contiguous to the right side of the transverse mesocolon around the gastrocolic trunk. The inferior mesenteric vein, which is a landmark of the descending mesocolon, runs along the left side of the root of the SBM. Malignant neoplasms can spread to the SBM by means of direct extension, extension along the neural plexus, extension along neighboring ligaments, or extension along lymphatic vessels. Inflammatory conditions such as pancreatitis and perforation of a jejunal diverticulum can also spread to the SBM. Anomalies that can occur in the SBM include rotation anomalies and internal hernia. Vascular lesions of the SBM include thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), acute SMV thrombosis, SMA dissection, arterioportal fistula, and portal venous gas. Other pathologic conditions that can occur in the SBM are edema or congestion, mesenteric tear, mesenteric panniculitis, and tumors or tumorlike lesions.

[Clinical manifestations and chest radiographic and CT findings of round pneumonia in adults].

Whereas round pneumonia in children is well known, there are few reports of this condition in adults. Chest radiographs, CT findings, clinical manifestations, and peripheral blood results in 14 cases of round pneumonia in 14 adults were evaluated. Round pneumonias ranged in size from 1 to 7 cm. Only round pneumonia was seen in 12 cases, whereas other consolidations besides round pneumonia were present in 2 cases. Eleven of 14 cases of round pneumonia were located in the lower lobes, and 8 of these 11 cases were in the superior segment of the lower lobe. Round pneumonia showed faint density in 9 cases and clear density in 5, while the margin was slightly ill-defined in 10 and well-defined in 4. No characteristic features of round pneumonia were shown on CT scan. CT showed other consolidations besides round pneumonia in 7 of 9 cases in which CT scan was carried out. Most large-sized (more than 2 cm) round pneumonias were associated with fever and elevated WBC and CRP, whereas most small (less than 2 cm) round pneumonias were associated with normal blood results and no fever. Round pneumonia in adults is not uncommon. Most round pneumonias present as slightly dense or ill-defined masses in the posterior subpleural region of the lower lobe. Round pneumonia is suggested by a history of cough, fever, elevated WBC and CRP, and a recent chest radiograph with normal findings.

Leiomyoma of the parapharyngeal space.

A rare case of leiomyoma of the prestyloid parapharyngeal space is reported together with computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The tumor appeared as a well-circumscribed ovoid mass with some calcifications and lobulations. Because the attenuation, signal intensity, and shape of the mass were not specific and were similar to those of a pleomorhic adenoma, the most common tumor of the prestyloid parapharyngeal space, radiological differentiation of leiomyoma from pleomorphic adenoma of the prestyloid parapharyngeal space was difficult.

Pelvic extension of retroperitoneal fluid: analysis in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to describe the pathway of fluid flow from the retroperitoneal space into the pelvic extraperitoneal space on CT in vivo, to clarify the relation between its occurrence and the site or amount of retroperitoneal fluid, and to delineate the anatomic relation between the retroperitoneal spaces and the pelvic extraperitoneal space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the CT scans of 37 patients with retroperitoneal fluid collections. Patients who had undergone pelvic laparotomy and patients who had either fascial thickening alone or fluid within muscle (such as the psoas muscle or iliac muscle) alone were excluded. RESULTS: Fluid extension into the pelvic extraperitoneal space was seen in six patients (16%). Extension by the infrarenal extraperitoneal space was seen in all six of these patients, but extension by properitoneal fat was seen in only one of the six patients. In patients with large amounts of fluid in the infrarenal extraperitoneal space, we frequently saw extension into the pelvic extraperitoneal space. Extension of pancreatic fluid into the infrarenal extraperitoneal space occurred in only 15% of the 37 patients. However, it occurred in both patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. Three pathways from the infrarenal extraperitoneal space into the pelvic extraperitoneal space were seen: extension dorsally medial to the iliac vessels (n = 6), extension dorsally lateral to the iliac vessels (n = 1), and extension medially into the prevesical space (n = 2). Coexistence of two of these three pathways was seen in three patients. CONCLUSION: In vivo, extension of retroperitoneal fluid into the pelvic extraperitoneal space is not rare and occurs more often by the infrarenal extraperitoneal space than by properitoneal fat. Extension of retroperitoneal fluid to the infrarenal extraperitoneal space can be attributed less frequently to sources distant to the pelvic cavity such as pancreatic fluid. Such extension often derives from sources that can produce large amounts of retroperitoneal fluid such as ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. Of the three pathways from the infrarenal extraperitoneal space to the pelvic extraperitoneal space, dorsal extension medial to the iliac vessels is the most common, and multiple pathways often coexist.

Appendiceal abscess mimicking infected urachal cyst in a child with intestinal malrotation.

An appendiceal abscess with intestinal malrotation can occur anywhere in the abdomen, not only in the right lower quadrant. We report a case presenting a midline mass of the lower abdomen whose computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US) findings mimicked a urachal abscess. A retrospective review of CT findings led to the correct diagnosis by showing malposition of the ascending colon.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the external auditory canal: correlation between histological features and MRI appearances.

A rare case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the external auditory canal with magnetic resonance imaging appearances is reported. Both T1 weighted and T2 weighted MR images showed the tumour as a hypointense mass, although there was marked contrast enhancement. Microscopic examination of the resected tumour showed a preponderance of solid tumour cell nests. According to previous reports, these pathological and radiological findings indicate a poor prognosis.

Inhibition of temperature-dependent immobilization of fowl spermatozoa at body temperature by an increased intracellular pH.

Fowl sperm motility was measured by altering the extracellular pH (pHe) at 30 degrees C and 40 degrees C. At 30 degrees C, the motility of intact spermatozoa was vigorous in a medium in the wide pHe range of 7.3-10.1. In contrast, intact spermatozoa were almost immotile at 40 degrees C in medium below a pHe of 8.1. However, the motility could be restored by increasing the pHe; maximum motility was obtained in medium at pHe 9.4. Stimulation of the motility of demembranated spermatozoa at 40 degrees C was also observed with an increased pHe. However, demembranated spermatozoa at 40 degrees C that had been stimulated by increasing the pHe lost their motility when 1 mmol CaCl2 l-1 was added. Motility was restored by the subsequent addition of 2 mmol EGTA l-1. At a high pHe at 40 degrees C, the flagellar ATPase activity of crude dynein extract was not affected, regardless of the addition of CaCl2 or EGTA. The intracellular pH (pHi) of intact spermatozoa, estimated by measuring the accumulation of 9-aminoacridine fluorescence, increased with increasing pHe at both 30 degrees C and 40 degrees C. These results demonstrate that the reversible temperature-dependent immobilization of fowl spermatozoa at 40 degrees C is inhibited by an increased pHi. Furthermore, it is possible that the effects of the increased pHi may not act directly on dynein ATPase activity, but are mediated by a Ca(2+)-related substance(s) on the axoneme.

[A device for prevention of the wound caused by leprosy patient's living environment--apply the thermosplint to the wound].

We tried to apply the use of thermosplint to prevent or protect leprosy patient's wound from risky factors in their living environment. Among 40 patients of the use of thermosplint, 27 cases wore it on some places in their hands, and 17 cases did in feet. We observed that 31 cases of the wear of thermosplint had effect on prevention or improvement in their wound, but 3 cases did not. Particularly good effect was obtained in 23 cases of the wear in their hand and 8 cases in foot. In 10 cases, however, we had to stop wearing it because of another damage or patient's uneasy. We found it difficult to apply the use of thermosplint to the plantar ulcer. Some factors such as histological and anatomical ones should be considered in more detail. Several problems of hindrances or inconveniences for daily life in wearing the thermosplint should be solved by further studies including devices for better application of the technique to the leprosy patients. At any rate it should be stressed that both patients and nurses had taken interest in the cause of the injury and could had positively come to grips with prevent of it through this study.

Ultrahigh accuracy 3-D profilometer.

An ultrahigh accuracy 3-D profilometer using a laser heterodyne interferometer has been developed. The profiles of aspheric lenses and their molds have been measured. It can measure not only the rectangular coordinates but also the polar coordinates of the surface profile. The measuring accuracy of each of the three axes is 0.01-0.05 microm if the inclination of the investigated surface is less than +/-25 degrees . The accuracy of the polar coordinate measurement is also better than 0.05 microm when the inclination of the aspheric surface is less than +/-55 degrees . The dynamic range of the X-Y-Z measurement is 40 x 40 x 20 (mm).

Speckle reduction by double recorded holograms.

A method of speckle reduction in holography for 2-D objects with minimum recording area is presented. The image is incoherently synthesized from the hologram double recorded with a set of random phase plates.