Extended Mueller-Stokes description of polarization-mode transformation in linearly birefringent single-mode optical fibers.

We derive a more general version of the commonly known quasi-monochromatic Mueller matrix of a linearly birefringent single-mode optical fiber. In the matrix, the complex degree of self-coherence of the illuminating field is replaced by the normalized cross-correlation of a pair of any jointly stationary light disturbances associated with the eigenpolarization modes, where both modulus and phase of the cross correlation are included. This allows one to write polychromatic Mueller-Stokes equations of multisection systems transmitting any uniformly polarized stationary field. A way for handling arbitrary phase birefringence dispersion is also suggested.

Comparison of the oestrogen and progesterone receptor status in primary breast carcinomas as evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry: a consecutive series of 267 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The use of cytological specimens to evaluate tumour biomarkers in metastatic breast cancer lesions has attracted increased interest because of the considerable number of reports that have shown discordance between the primary tumour and metastatic lesion. Oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) assays are crucial for the management of patients with breast cancer, in both adjuvant and palliative settings. The aim of this study was to compare the ER and PgR immunocytochemical analysis of fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples with the immunohistochemistry (IHC) of surgical specimens and core biopsies from primary breast cancers. METHODS: The FNA specimens were prepared as cell blocks (n = 25) or ThinPreps (n = 258) for the immunocytochemistry (IC) ER and PgR analyses. Sixteen patients were excluded because of lack of follow-up (n = 1), neoadjuvant therapy (n = 3) or cell counts in their fine needle aspirates that were too low (n = 12). The results of IC on 25 cell blocks and 242 ThinPreps were compared with IHC on the corresponding core needle biopsies (n = 16) or excised tumours (n = 251). The ER and PgR status was defined as negative (when less than 10% of the nuclei were stained) or positive (when equal or more than 10% of the nuclei were stained). Kappa statistics were used to evaluate the concordance. RESULTS: The ER concordance was 98% with ThinPrep (κ = 0.93) and 92% with cell block (κ = 0.82). The corresponding values for PgR were 96% (κ = 0.91) and 96% (κ = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that, in cases in which biopsies or surgical specimens are not available, IC (with either cell block or ThinPrep techniques) is a reliable method for the determination of the ER and PgR status performed under strict conditions using primary breast carcinomas, and is therefore potentially useful in metastatic settings.

Breast phantom for comparison X-ray and polarimetric optical tomography imaging.

Breast phantom made as combination of paraffin and INTRALIPID™ was tested by use of X-ray classical computed tomography and polarimetric optical tomography. The INTRALIPID™ is a liquid commonly used for simulation breast tissues optical properties but it is useless as X-ray phantom. During our tests we have observed that X-ray tomography allows to recognize a proper placement of INTRALIPID™ inclusions inside paraffin medium but we cannot distinguish density of INTRALIPID™ within each inclusions. On the other hand the polarimetric optical tomography allows to distinguish density of INTRALIPID™ (0%, 10%, 20%) in inclusions but with relatively low accuracy of their placement.

Optical scanner for 3D radiotherapy polymer gel dosimetry.

Sophisticated techniques employed in radiotherapy for irradiation of tumours require comprehensive dosimetry allowing for precise, high resolution measurements of radiation dose distribution in three dimensions and verification of treatment planning systems. Polymer gel dosimetry has been shown to be a unique technique for three-dimensional high resolution measurements of absorbed radiation dose distributions. If exposed to ionizing radiation, radical polymerisation and crosslinking of monomeric components take place in a 3D polymer gel dosimeter, leading to the formation of large polymeric structures that scatter visible light. This feature allows for optical observation of the effects of the absorbed dose and its distribution. Presently, magnetic resonance imaging is employed the most often for analysis of 3D polymer gel dosimeters. However, much attention is also being given to the development of optical computed tomography since this technique is hoped to serve as a substitute for expensive and not easily available magnetic resonance imaging. The optical scanner presented in this work consists of a laser diode, a scanning system and a signal detector. A 3D polymer gel dosimeter is measured in an immersion liquid in order to reduce deflection of the light from the dosimeter phantom. The very first results were obtained with the newly constructed scanner for PABIGnx 3D polymer gel dosimeter, which was inhomogeneously irradiated with 192Ir brachytherapy source. The results have been contrasted with those for magnetic resonance imaging and are presented in this work together with the description of the optical scanner. Currently, optimization of the optical scanner is performed.

Melatonin directly scavenges free radicals generated in red blood cells and a cell-free system: chemiluminescence measurements and theoretical calculations.

Melatonin, a pineal secretory product, has properties of both direct and indirect powerful antioxidant. The aim of the present study was to compare the radical-scavenging, structural and electronic properties of melatonin and tryptophan, precursor of melatonin. Using the alkoxyl- and peroxyl radical-generating systems [the organic peroxide-treated human erythrocytes and a cell-free system containing the azo-initiator 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride], we evaluated the radical-scavenging effects of melatonin and tryptophan. Melatonin rather than tryptophan at concentrations of 100-2000 microM markedly inhibited membrane lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes treated with organic hydroperoxide as well as radical-induced generation of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. The apparent Stern-Volmer constants for inhibition of membrane lipid peroxidation by melatonin and tryptophan were estimated to be (0.23+/-0.05) x 10(4) M(-1) and (0.02+/-0.005) x 10(4) M(-1), respectively. The apparent Stern-Volmer constants for inhibition of azo-initiator-derived peroxyl radical generation by melatonin and tryptophan were determined to be (0.42+/-0.05) x 10(4) M(-1) and (0.04+/-0.01) x 10(4) M(-1), respectively. The structural and electronic properties of melatonin and its precursor, tryptophan, were determined theoretically by performing semi-empirical and ab initio calculations. The high radical-scavenging properties of melatonin may be explained by the high surface area value and high dipole moment value. From the thermodynamic standpoint, based on our calculations, N(1)-acetyl-N(2)-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK), was the most stable end oxidative product of melatonin.

Oxidative processes induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in human red blood cells: chemiluminescence studies.

The erythrocyte is a good model for investigation of the mechanisms of cell damage induced by oxidizing agents. Oxidative damage to cell components and cellular metabolism results in impaired rheological properties of circulating red blood cells and is involved in the development of some pathologies. The aim of the present study was to elucidate further the oxidative processes induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) in erythrocytes, identify cellular targets damaged by the oxidant, as well as estimate the energy and stoichiometry of the reactions that occur. The generation of free radicals in the cell was registered using the chemiluminescence technique. The products of oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) oxidation, changes in intracellular glutathione (GSH) pool, and accumulation of the stable products of membrane lipid peroxidation were concurrently measured. The oxidative processes induced by tBOOH in red blood cells can be described as follows: 1) rapid GSH oxidation (30-60 sec) by glutathione peroxidase; 2) formation of radicals in the reaction between tBOOH and cellular Hb, which are then immediately consumed in lipid peroxidation reactions; 3) generation of chemiluminescence by the radicals formed. Several stages of the oxidative processes can be revealed. The order of the chemiluminescence reaction (n) with respect to oxidant was estimated to be equal to 2.5 at oxidant concentrations less than 0.5 mM and equal to 1.0 at higher oxidant concentrations. The order of the reaction of membrane lipid peroxidation was found to be n = 2.2 at 0.25-0.6 mM tBOOH and n = 0.5 at higher oxidant concentrations. The apparent activation energy of membrane lipid peroxidation was 55.8 +/- 6.4 kJ/mol, and that of oxyHb oxidation was 108 +/- 16 kJ/mol. It is shown that the interaction of tBOOH and HOCl in erythrocytes is accompanied by changes in both the total number of radicals generated in the cell and the time corresponding to the maximal rate of radical generation.

Two trans-4-aminoazoxybenzenes.

Two isomeric trans-4-aminoazoxybenzenes, trans-1-(4-aminophenyl)-2-phenyldiazene 2-oxide (alpha, C(12)H(11)N(3)O) and trans-2-(4-aminophenyl)-1-phenyldiazene 2-oxide (beta, C(12)H(11)N(3)O), have been characterized by X-ray diffraction. The alpha isomer is almost planar, having torsion angles along the C(aryl)-N bonds of only 4.9 (2) and 8.0 (2) degrees. The relatively short C(aryl)-N bond to the non-oxidized site of the azoxy group [1.401 (2) A], together with the significant quinoid deformation of the respective phenyl ring, is evidence of conjugation between the aromatic sextet and the pi-electron system of the azoxy group. The geometry of the beta isomer is different. The non-substituted phenyl ring is twisted with respect to the NNO plane by ca 50 degrees, whereas the substituted ring is almost coplanar with the NNO plane. The non-oxidized N atom in the beta isomer has increased sp(3) character, which leads to a decrease in the N-N-C bond angle to 116.8 (2) degrees, in contrast with 120.9 (1) degrees for the alpha isomer. The deformation of the C-C-C angles (1-2 degrees ) in the phenyl rings at the substitution positions is evidence of the different character of the oxidized and non-oxidized N atoms of the azoxy group. In the crystal structures, molecules of both isomers are arranged in chains connected by weak N-H.O (alpha and beta) and N-H.N (beta) hydrogen bonds.

Cytology of pilomatrixoma (calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe) in fine needle aspirates.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the cytomorphologic features of pilomatrixoma. STUDY DESIGN: Aspirate findings in nine cases of PMX were correlated with clinical data and subsequent histology. This relatively large volume of case material afforded an opportunity to test the cytologic criteria that have been proposed as diagnostic of pilomatrixoma in the case reports published previously. RESULTS: Ghost cells, basaloid cells and calcium deposits were the features found to be most characteristic of PMX and were observed in all four cases in which a correct diagnosis was made originally. CONCLUSION: The presence of ghost cells seems to be the key to recognizing PMX. These cells are visible in the majority of air-dried smears but seldom in alcohol-fixed smears. Adequate cytologic sampling and the routine use of both wet-fixed and air-dried smears should preclude an incorrect diagnosis.

[Evaluation of ciliary epithelium cilia in diagnosis of Kartagener syndrome]. / Ocena rzesek nablonka migawkowego w diagnostyce przypadku zespolu Kartagenera.

A case of 41 year man with Kartagener's syndrome presenting incomplete clinical symptoms of disease was described. Diagnosis was established by electron microscopy analysis of nasal mucous membrane cilia biopsy. Ultrastructurally the complete lack of dynein arms was found.

Cross-sensitivity effect in temperature-compensated sensors based on highly birefringent fibers.

We analyzed the influence of the measurand-temperature cross-sensitivity effect on temperature stability in fiber-optic cross-spliced sensors that employ highly birefringent fibers. We show that the ratio of the measurand-temperature cross-sensitivity coefficient to the measurand first-order sensitivity determines the physical limit for temperature stability in cross-spliced sensors. Employing polarimetric as well as white-light interferometric methods, we experimentally determine a hydrostatic pressure-temperature cross-sensitivity coefficient in York bow-tie 800 fiber. From this we estimate the achievable limit for temperature stability of cross-spliced pressure sensors under environmental temperature changes.

Influence of high hydrostatic pressure on beat length in highly birefringent single-mode bow tie fibers.

New experimental studies on the effects of high hydrostatic pressure on highly birefringent optical fibers are presented. Using Rayleigh scattering, the effect of beat length modification in highly birefringent singlemode bow tie fibers under high pressure up to 100 MPa was investigated. The results indicate that the beat length decreases with pressure, with the mean coefficient of 1/L(B0)|dL(B)/dp| = 0.15%/MPa. A similar decrease of beat length was observed when uniaxial longitudinal stress was applied to the bow tie fiber. A more developed semiphenomenological interpretation of these experimental results is also presented in the paper.

Magnetooptical modulator with crystal in a separated auxiliary field.

The classical magnetooptic modulator based on Faraday rotation is improved by using the separated auxiliary field instead of a perpendicular one. Theoretical analysis indicates an improvement in some modulator parameters. Experiments have confirmed growth of the modulation depth and reduction in nonlinear characteristics of the modulator.