The characterization of interface roughness and other defects in multilayers by x-ray scattering

In this paper we present some theoretical and experimental results on the characterization of roughness in thin films and multilayers by scattering techniques. Particular attention is focused on the difference between specular and diffuse scattering and on correlated roughness between interfaces. 5 refs., 3 figs

X-ray scattering studies of multilayer interfaces

The results of specular and diffuse x-ray scattering studies of multilayers are discussed. We show here that such studies can yield detailed statistical information about the interfacial roughness and morphology. Results on a GaAs/AlAs multilayer are presented and the data is analyzed within the Born approximation

Lemniscal corticothalamic feedback in auditory scene analysis

Sound information is transmitted from the ear to central auditory stations of the brain via several nuclei. In addition to these ascending pathways there exist descending projections that can influence the information processing at each of these nuclei. A major descending pathway in the auditory system is the feedback projection from layer VI of the primary auditory cortex (A1) to the ventral division of medial geniculate body (MGBv) in the thalamus. The corticothalamic axons have small glutamatergic terminals that can modulate thalamic processing and thalamocortical information transmission. Corticothalamic neurons also provide input to GABAergic neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) that receives collaterals from the ascending thalamic axons. The balance of corticothalamic and TRN inputs has been shown to refine frequency tuning, firing patterns, and gating of MGBv neurons. Therefore, the thalamus is not merely a relay stage in the chain of auditory nuclei but does participate in complex aspects of sound processing that include top-down modulations. In this review, we aim (i) to examine how lemniscal corticothalamic feedback modulates responses in MGBv neurons, and (ii) to explore how the feedback contributes to auditory scene analysis, particularly on frequency and harmonic perception. Finally, we will discuss potential implications of the role of corticothalamic feedback in music and speech perception, where precise spectral and temporal processing is essential

Mistuning detection performance of ferrets in a go/no-go task

The harmonic structure of sounds is an important grouping cue in auditory scene analysis. The ability of ferrets to detect mistuned harmonics was measured using a go/no-go task paradigm. Psychometric functions plotting sensitivity as a function of degree of mistuning were used to evaluate behavioral performance using signal detection theory. The mean (± sem) threshold for mistuning detection was 0.8±0.1 Hz, with sensitivity indices and reaction times depending on the degree of mistuning. These data provide a basis for investigation of the neural basis for the perception of complex sounds in ferrets, an increasingly used animal model in auditory research.</p

Superselective intra-arterial cisplatin infusion and concomitant radiotherapy for maxillary sinus cancer

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of superselective cisplatin infusion with concomitant radiotherapy (RADPLAT) for previously untreated patients with the squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary sinus (SCC-MS). Methods: Between 1999 and 2010, 54 patients were given superselective intra-arterial infusions of cisplatin (100-120mgm(-2) per week) with simultaneous intra-venous infusions of thiosulfate to neutralise cisplatin toxicity and conventional radiotherapy (65-70 Gy). Results: One patient (1.9%) was diagnosed with T2, 14 (25.9%) with T3, 27 (50%) with T4a, and 12 (22.2%) with T4b disease. Lymph-node involvement was present in 12 patients (22.2%). During the median follow-up period of 6.4 years, the 5-year local progression-free and overall survival rates were 65.8 and 67.9% for all patients, respectively. No patient died as a result of treatment toxicity or experienced a cerebrovascular accident. Osteonecrosis (n-5), brain necrosis (n-1), and ocular/ visual problems (n = 14) were observed as late adverse reactions. Conclusion: We have shown excellent overall survival and local progression-free rate in SCC-MS patients treated by RADPLAT with acceptable rates of acute and late toxicity. A multi-institutional trial is needed to prove that this strategy is a feasible and effective approach for the treatment of SCC-MS

Coherent nuclear resonant optics for third generation synchrotron radiation sources

The insertion-device-based, third-generation, synchrotron radiation sources now under construction in Europe, the USA, and Japan bring new opportunities and challenges in the design and manufacture of x-ray optics. These high brightness sources provide new opportunities to overcome some of the outstanding problems associated with nuclear resonant monochromatization of synchrotron radiation. New methods such as polarizing monochromators, and zone plates provide alternative methods for production of {mu}eV-neV resolution in the hard x-ray regime. The design principles, and characterization, and performance of crystal monochromators and of nuclear coherent scattering optics, including Grazing Incidence Anti Reflection (GIAR) films, multilayers, zone plates, as well as single crystals are discussed

The incidence of late neck recurrence in N0 maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinomas after superselective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy without prophylactic neck irradiation

The efficacy of elective neck irradiation (ENI) for patients with N0 carcinoma of the maxillary sinus has been controversial. The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence of late neck recurrence and the mortality rate from regional disease in patients with N0 maxillary sinus cancer after superselective cisplatin infusion and concomitant radiotherapy (RADPLAT) without ENI. We retrospectively analyzed 48 patients with N0 maxillary sinus cancer who underwent RADPLAT. Chemotherapy consisted of 100-120 mg/m(2) superselective intra-arterial cisplatin administered at a median rate of four times weekly. Concurrent radiation therapy was administered at a median dose of 65 Gy without ENI. Late neck recurrence was observed in 8.3 % (4/48). Three patients underwent salvage neck dissection and survived without any evidence of disease. The remaining patient did not undergo neck dissection due to coexistence with distant metastasis, and he died of regional disease. The mortality rate from regional disease was calculated to be 2 % (1/48). The incidence of late neck recurrence was not frequent, and the mortality rate from regional disease was low. Salvage neck dissection was considered to be feasible for patients with late neck recurrence. When definitive radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy are applied, it is considered that ENI is not required for cases of N0 maxillary sinus cancer