Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with intracranial spread: CT and MR characteristics

PURPOSE: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) frequently spreads intracranially. We compare CT and MRI in identifying intracranial spread and reexamine the route of infiltration. METHOD: One hundred fourteen consecutive patients with proven NPC were evaluated prospectively with T1-, T2-weighted, contrast-enhanced MRI and CT. RESULTS: MRI showed 35 (31%) patients with middle cranial fossa involvement. Twenty-nine (25%) patients had cavernous sinus infiltration, while six (5%) showed only dural thickening. The most common route of spread is through the foramen ovale (FO) (12/35 patients, 34%), followed by skull base destruction (6/35 patients, 17%), foramen lacerum (FL) (6/35 patients, 17%), sphenoid sinus (6/35 patients, 17%), and combined FO and FL (5/35 patients, 14%). Using MRI as a standard, CT demonstrated the following involvement: cavernous sinus in 26 of 29 (90%) patients, FO in 9 of 12 patients, skull base in 6 of 6 patients, FO and FL in 3 of 5 patients, FL in 6 of 6 patients, sphenoid sinus in 6 of 6 patients and dura in 0 of 18 patients. CONCLUSION: It is believed that NPC most commonly spreads intracranially via the FL or by direct erosion. Perineural spread through the FO is an important route, which explains why with CT evidence of cavernous sinus involvement there may be no skull base erosion. These findings are best seen on MRI.     

Anatomic correction of transposition of the great vessels

We present a new approach for anatomic correction of transposition of the great arteries. The two coronary arteries, with a piece of the aortic wall attached, are transposed to the posterior artery. The two aortic openings are closed with a patch. The aorta and pulmonary artery are transected, contraposed, ant then anastomosed. The interventricular septal defect is closed with a patch, through a right ventriculotomy approach, because the right ventricle is no longer part of the systemic circulation. Two patients, aged 3 months and 40 days weighing 4,200 and 3,700 grams, respectively, were operated upon with deep hypothermia and total circulatory arrest. There was good recovery from the operation, with normal cardiocirculatory conditions. Renal failure developed in the first patient, and she died on the third postoperative day. During this time the cardiocirculatory conditions were good. The second patient made an uneventful recovery. Hemodynamic studies 20 days after the operation showed complete correction of the malformation. Five and one-half months after the operation, he weighs 7,500 grams, and his development is very good. We believe that this operation will be reproducible by most cardiovascular septal defect and pulmonary hypertension.     

On the numerical determination of ideal MHD limits of stability of axisymmetric toroidal configurations

The various problems that are encountered in searching with ERATO the limits of stability of axisymmetric toroidal equilibria are described and illustrated with specific examples.     

Determination of beta-2 microglobulin levels in plasma using a high-throughput mass spectrometric immunoassay system

A high-throughput mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) system for the analysis of proteins directly from biological fluids is reported. A 96-well-format robotic workstation equipped with antibody-derivatized affinity pipet tips was used for the parallel extraction of specific proteins from samples and subsequent deposition onto 96-well arrayed matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) targets. Interferences from nonspecifically bound proteins were minimized through choice of appropriate affinity pipet tip derivatization chemistries. Sample preparation for MALDI-TOFMS was enhanced through the use of hydrophobic/hydrophilic contrasting targets, which also presented functionalities found to promote matrix/analyte crystal growth. Automated mass spectrometry was used in the unattended acquisition of data, resulting in an analysis rate of approximately 100 samples/h (biological fluid-->data). The quantitative MSIA of beta2m levels present in human plasma samples is given as illustration.     

Diffractive optical elements as raster-image generators

The use of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) to generate complex raster images for a primarily artistic purpose is dealt with. Aspects of human vision that are relevant for the design of such elements are discussed. A design method based on an iterative Fourier transform algorithm and extended with elements from the direct-binary-search and the simulated-annealing algorithms is described. The proposed method provides a large set of parameters that can be adjusted freely to optimize it for any given design task. For demonstration a phase-only DOE was designed that generates an image of a Chinese dragon as a diffraction pattern. It was realized as a surface-relief element on a planar substrate through multilevel binary lithography and reactive-ion etching. Experimental tests confirm the usefulness of the design and the fabrication procedures to achieve excellent image quality.     

Durability of Brick Lined Steel Ladles from a Mechanical Point of View

The refractory lining in steel ladles is exposed to chemical and mechanical loads during the heats. Mechanical loads develop from the thermal expansion of the refractories which is confined either by the steel construction or by regions of different temperature within the refractory material. The aim of this work was the investigation of factors influencing the mechanical durability of refractory steel ladle linings and the clarification of failure mechanisms. Especially irreversible strains at the hot face of the working lining caused by compressive stresses induce an opening of joints at the hot face. The irreversible strains reduce the compressive stresses in circumferential direction and increase the probability of tensile failure. A further effect of the irreversible strains is a reduced stability of the working lining. Of special interest in this context is a possible controlled expansion of bricks to counterbalance the irreversible compressive strains.     

The Fusion Science Research Plan for the Major U.S. Tokamaks

This is the May 1996 report of a subpanel of the US Department of Energy Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC), charged with conducting a review of the progress, priorities and potential near-term contributions of TFTR, DIII-D and Alcator C-MOD (and other facilities as appropriate) as part of the transition to a Fusion Energy Sciences Program and produce an optimum plan for obtaining the most scientific benefit from them.     

Doucet,Michel; Fleck,Klaus E. W.: Wörterbuch der Rechts- und Wirtschaftssprache,Teil 1: Französisch-Deutsch, 6. Aufl.

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

2-Amino-3-substituted-6-[(E)-1-phenyl-2-(N-methylcarbamoyl)vinyl]imid azo[1,2-a]pyridines as a novel class of inhibitors of human rhinovirus: stereospecific synthesis and antiviral activity

A series of 2-amino-3-substituted-6-[(E)-1-phenyl-2-(N-methylcarbamoyl)vinyl]+ ++imid azo[1,2-a]pyridines 1a-i, structurally related to Enviroxime and its analogous benzimidazoles, was designed and prepared for testing as antirhinovirus agents. The imidazo ring in this class of compounds was constructed starting from the aminopyridine after tosylation and subsequent treatment with the appropriate acetamides. The key steps in the synthesis include the development and use of a new Horner-Emmons reagent for the direct incorporation of methyl vinylcarboxamide. The reaction was stereospecific in the substrates 5a-f leading exclusively to the desired E-isomer and avoiding the use of reverse-phase preparative HPLC for the separation of both possible isomers before antiviral activity evaluation. The isopropylsulfonyl group, known as the best substituent at the 1-position in the benzimidazole SAR in terms of activity, was introduced in this new series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via halogen-metal exchange and subsequent treatment with isopropyl isopropanethiolsulfonate. Compounds 1a-i were evaluated in plaque reduction assay and in a cytopathic effect assay. Compounds 1b-d,h exhibited a strong antirhinovirus activity, and no apparent cellular toxicity was visible. The substitution at the 3-position was required for activity. Surprisingly the isopropylsulfonyl in this family of compounds did not enhance the activity as in the case of benzimidazoles. Instead, compound 1i was 4 times less active than its phenyl and sulfide partners. The chemistry as well as the biological evaluation are discussed.