1,440 research outputs found

    View angle dependence of MODIS liquid water path retrievals in warm oceanic clouds

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    We investigated the view angle dependence of domain mean Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) liquid water path (LWP) and that of corresponding cloud optical thickness, effective radius, and liquid cloud fraction as proxy for plane-parallel retrieval biases. Independent Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–EOS LWP was used to corroborate that the observed variations with sun-view geometry were not severely affected by seasonal/latitudinal changes in cloud properties. Microwave retrievals showed generally small (<10%) cross-swath variations. The view angle (cross-swath) dependence of MODIS optical thickness was weaker in backscatter than forward scatter directions and transitioned from mild ∩ shape to stronger ∪ shape as heterogeneity, sun angle, or latitude increased. The 2.2 µm effective radius variations always had a ∪ shape, which became pronounced and asymmetric toward forward scatter in the most heterogeneous clouds and/or at the lowest sun. Cloud fraction had the strongest and always ∪-shaped view angle dependence. As a result, in-cloud MODIS cloud liquid water path (CLWP) showed surprisingly good view angle (cross-swath) consistency, usually comparable to that of microwave retrievals, due to cancelation between optical thickness and effective radius biases. Larger (20–40%) nadir-relative increases were observed in the most extreme heterogeneity and sun angle bins, that is, typically in the polar regions, which, however, constituted only 3–8% of retrievals. The good consistency of MODIS in-cloud CLWP was lost for gridbox mean LWP, which was dominated by the strong cloud fraction increase with view angle. More worryingly, MODIS LWP exhibited significant and systematic absolute increases with heterogeneity and sun angle that is not present in microwave LWP

    A Review of Carcinomas Arising in the Head and Neck Region in HIV-Positive Patients

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    The majority of malignancies arising in the head and neck among patients with AIDS are Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Patients with HIV/AIDS are also at increased risk of developing several carcinomas of the head and neck. This paper focuses on these less common, albeit important, carcinomas. An English language literature search identified numerous population-based studies evaluating carcinomas in the head and neck of HIV-positive patients. Published results indicate that patients with HIV/AIDS are at an increased risk of developing mucosal squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the salivary gland, and Merkel cell carcinoma in this anatomic region. Data also suggest that HIV-positive patients with these cancers present at a younger age, with more aggressive disease and worse prognosis compared to HIV-negative patients. Treatment involves surgical resection with or without radiation therapy and chemotherapy for locally advanced and metastatic disease. AIDS patients, however, are more likely to suffer radiation treatment complications. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has not altered the incidence of these malignancies

    Cervical lymph node metastasis in high-grade transformation of head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma: a collective international review

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    Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is among the most common malignant tumors of the salivary glands. It is characterized by a prolonged clinical course, with frequent local recurrences, late onset of metastases and fatal outcome. High-grade transformation (HGT) is an uncommon phenomenon among salivary carcinomas and is associated with increased tumor aggressiveness. In AdCC with high-grade transformation (AdCC-HGT), the clinical course deviates from the natural history of AdCC. It tends to be accelerated, with a high propensity for lymph node metastasis. In order to shed light on this rare event and, in particular, on treatment implications, we undertook this review: searching for all published cases of AdCC-HGT. We conclude that it is mandatory to perform elective neck dissection in patients with AdCC-HGT, due to the high risk of lymph node metastases associated with transformation

    Bilateral cytomegalovirus (CMV) oophoritis mimicking widely metastatic carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

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    Ovarian cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a rare finding reported in autopsy studies of immunocompromised patients. We report the first case of bilateral CMV oophoritis diagnosed in surgical resection specimens from a 63-year-old woman with metastatic brain lesions undergoing whole brain radiation and steroid treatment. The ovarian involvement of CMV infection was an incidental finding during the colectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy procedure for gastrointestinal bleeding and presumed ovarian metastases. In contrast to the prevailing dogma, a review of the literature found similar prevalence of pre-menopausal and post-menopausal cases. While age related vasculopathy was thought to be the prevailing mechanism for CMV oophoritis, the observation of an inflammation mediated microthrombosis in our case provides a plausible age independent mechanism suggesting that both restrictive and obstructive vascular changes can be involved in the pathogenesis of CMV oophoritis. To avoid misdiagnosis, both pathologists and clinicians should recognize ovarian involvement by CMV as a possibility in the immunocompromised patient

    Cloud and AI Convergence in Banking & Finance Data Warehousing: Ensuring Scalability and Security

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    In the banking and finance sector, the integration of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within data warehousing solutions is revolutionizing data management, processing, and security. This convergence is essential not only for handling complex datasets but also for meeting the growing demands for scalability and enhanced security—both critical to modern financial systems. This article examines how cloud-AI fusion addresses unique challenges in banking data warehousing, focusing on strategies to ensure scalability and secure sensitive financial data. By exploring case studies and best practices, the article demonstrates how the integration of cloud and AI transforms banking data warehousing to meet regulatory standards and accommodate increased demand

    AI-Enhanced ETL for Modernizing Data Warehouses in Insurance and Risk Management

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    The insurance and risk management sectors are experiencing a significant transformation driven by the need for more sophisticated data analysis and predictive modeling. This paper explores the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes for modernizing data warehouses within these industries. We examine how AI-enhanced ETL addresses key challenges such as data quality, integration of diverse data sources, and real-time processing. The study investigates various applications and proposes a framework for successful implementation. Our findings suggest that AI-driven ETL offers unprecedented opportunities for operational efficiency, improved risk assessment, and competitive advantage in insurance and risk management

    Molecular and Genetic Aspects of Odontogenic Lesions

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    In this article we outline the molecular findings of select odontogenic tumors. In each section, we briefly review selected the clinicoradiographic, histologic, immunologic features, focusing on the molecular findings and their applications in practice. The understanding of molecular pathobiology at various other organ sites has developed quite rapidly in recent years, however much remains unknown about the genetic profile of odontogenic tumors. Improved understanding of mutations in odontogenic tumors may clarify classification schema and elucidate targets for novel therapies. Molecular testing will no doubt improve our understanding of odontogenic tumor pathogenesis and will likely be, someday, an important component of routine clinical practice and its role will only increase in the coming years
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