Scene illuminant classification: brighter is better.

Knowledge of the scene illuminant spectral power distribution is useful for many imaging applications, such as color image reproduction and automatic algorithms for image database applications. In many applications accurate spectral characterization of the illuminant is impossible because the input device acquires only three spectral samples. In such applications it is sensible to set a more limited objective of classifying the illuminant as belonging to one of several likely types. We describe a data set of natural images with measured illuminants for testing illuminant classification algorithms. One simple type of algorithm is described and evaluated by using the new data set. The empirical measurements show that illuminant information is more reliable in bright regions than in dark regions. Theoretical predictions of the algorithm's classification performance with respect to scene illuminant blackbody color temperature are tested and confirmed by using the natural-image data set.

A case report of juvenile polyposis with adenomatous change and a review of 34 cases reported in Japan.

It has recently come to be thought that cases of juvenile polyposis have a natural tendency to develop adenoma and/or carcinoma. Here we present a case of juvenile polyposis coli with adenomatous change in a 21-year-old male, with a review of 34 cases of juvenile polyposis in the Japanese literature, and discuss the pathogenetic development of the polyps and their malignant potential. In this case, focal or entire adenomatous areas were found in large part of the polyps in the resected sigmoid colon and rectum, though these findings had not been recognized in 23 polypectomy specimens from the rectum 10 months prior to the operation. It was suggested that adenomatous change developed quickly in a very short time.

[A case of hepatocellular carcinoma treated by the combined therapy of ultrasonic guided ethanol injection and transcatheter arterial embolization].

Reported is the case of a 72-year-old man admitted to hospital on February, 1986, because of a liver tumor. The patients laboratory data showed the following values: HBs Ag (-), ICG (R15) 34%, AFP 2650 ng/ml. A celiac angiogram revealed hypervascular tumor in the posterior lobe (s6), and a CT showed an intra-hepatic metastasis in the left lobe (s4). The diameters of these two lesions, measured ultra sound (US) were 50 mm (s6) and 30 mm (s4). These two lesions were treated by a US-guided ethanol injection with the posterior lesion also receiving by a transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). After this combined therapy, serum AFP level decreased to 20 ng/ml and the two lesions became reduced in size. The patient has survived for two years though he is now receiving additional ethanol injection therapy for another metastasis lesion in the s5 region.

[Refractory anemia showing excess of blasts (BAEB) that transformed into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML-M2) with a t (?8;20) chromosomal abnormality].

In April, 1985, a 60-year-old Japanese male was diagnosed as having refractory anemia with an excess of blasts (RAEB). He thus was treated solely with blood transfusions until June, 1986, when a new diagnosis revealed that his illness had been transformed into acute myelogenous leukemia (M2). Chromosome analysis at the initial diagnosis had revealed a normal male karyotype. When the subsequent diagnosis of AML was made, however, a chromosomal abnormality [46, XY, -20, +der (20) t (?8;20) (q22;p13)] was detected. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in patients evidencing a karyotypic alteration from the initial karyotypic findings progresses in severity that includes overt leukemia, and results in a shorter survival than in patients who show no further karyotypic changes. Therefore, the prognosis of patients with MDS can be predicted more accurately by subsequently reanalyzing their chromosomes after the initial analysis, as well as by examining their peripheral blood/counts, and by monitoring bone marrow cytology.

[A case of HCC with a tumor thrombus in the main portal vein surviving (Vp4) for over three years and six months].

On June 22, 1984, a 69-year-old man was admitted to hospital because of high fever and weight loss. On admission, laboratory data revealed the following: ICG R15 17%, and an AFP of 14 X 10(4) ng/ml. Celiac angiogram revealed a hypervascular tumor, a prominent A-P shunt, and an obstruction of the main portal trunk. After three sessions of one shot chemotherapy using ADM, MMC, and CDDP during the first admission, the AFP serum level decreased to 17,400 ng/ml, and tumor size regressed. Subsequently, the patient has received eighteen sessions of one-shot chemotherapy every two to four months and is still alive as of December 1987.