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P Maass

Publications and source records attributed to P Maass.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Kinetics in one-dimensional lattice gas and Ising models from time-dependent density-functional theory.

Time-dependent density-functional theory, proposed recently in the context of atomic diffusion and nonequilibrium processes in solids, is tested against Monte Carlo simulation. In order to assess the basic approximation of that theory, the representation of nonequilibrium states by a local equilibrium distribution function, we focus on one-dimensional lattice models, where all equilibrium properties can be worked exactly from the known free energy as a functional of the density. This functional determines the thermodynamic driving forces away from equilibrium. In our studies of the interfacial kinetics of atomic hopping and spin relaxation, we find excellent agreement with simulations, suggesting that the method is also useful for treating more complex problems.

Journal Article↗

A fast algorithm to find optimal controls of multiantenna applicators in regional hyperthermia.

The goal of regional hyperthermia is to heat up deeply located tumours to temperatures above 42 C while keeping the temperatures in normal tissues below tissue-dependent critical values. The aim of this paper is to describe and analyse functions which can be used for computing hyperthermia treatment plans in line with these criteria. All the functionals considered here can be optimized by efficient numerical methods. We started with the working hypothesis that maximizing the quotient of integral absorbed power inside the tumour and a weighted energy norm outside the tumour leads to clinically useful power distributions which also yield favourable temperature distributions. The presented methods have been implemented and tested with real patient data from the Charité Berlin. Campus Virchow-Klinikum. The results obtained by these fast routines are comparable with those obtained by relatively expensive global optimization techniques. Thus the described methods are very promising for online optimization in a hybrid system for regional hyperthermia where a fast response to MR-based information is important.

Algorithms↗

Multiple scaling regimes in simple aging models

We investigate aging in glassy systems based on a simple model, where a point in configuration space performs thermally activated jumps between the minima of a random energy landscape. The model allows us to show explicitly a subaging behavior and multiple scaling regimes for the correlation function. Both the exponents characterizing the scaling of the different relaxation times with the waiting time and those characterizing the asymptotic decay of the scaling functions are obtained analytically by invoking a "partial equilibrium" concept.

Journal Article↗

Density correlations in lattice gases in contact with a confining wall

A discrete version of classical density functional theory applicable to lattice gases or Ising spin systems is proposed, which accounts for the requirement of particle-hole symmetry in the presence of pairwise forces. Results of our theory for density profiles and two-particle correlation functions in two-dimensional strip geometries compare favorably with Monte Carlo simulations. Some problems with standard "weighted-density" approximation schemes, when applied to lattice gases, are pointed out.

Journal Article↗

Wavelet versus JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) and fractal compression. Impact on the detection of low-contrast details in computed radiographs.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate different lossy image compression algorithms in direct comparison. METHODS: Computed radiographs were reviewed after compression with Wavelet, Fractal, and Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) algorithms. For receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, 54 thoracic computed radiographs (31 showing pulmonary nodules) were compressed with a ratio of 1:60. Five images of a test-phantom were coded at 1:13. All images were reviewed on a PC. Uncompressed images were reviewed at a PC and at a radiologic workstation (with image processing). RESULTS: For thorax images, decrease of diagnostic accuracy was significant with Wavelets. Fractal performed worse than Wavelets. No ROC curve was observed for JPEG due to poor image quality. No diagnostic loss was noted comparing PC and Workstation review. For low-contrast details of the phantom, results of Wavelet compression were equal to uncompressed images. Fewer true positives and increased true negatives were noted with Wavelets though. Wavelets were superior to JPEG, and JPEG images were superior to Fractal. Workstation review was superior to PC review. CONCLUSIONS: Only Wavelets provided accurate review of low-contrast details at a compression of 1:13. Frequency filtering of Wavelets affects contrast even at a low compression ratio. JPEG performed better than Fractal at low and worse at high compression ratio.

Algorithms↗

The isolated perfused bovine udder as an in vitro model of percutaneous drug absorption. Skin viability and percutaneous absorption of dexamethasone, benzoyl peroxide, and etofenamate.

Using udders from slaughtered cows as a new in vitro model of percutaneous drug absorption, the tissue viability and the percutaneous absorption of dexamethasone, benzoyl peroxide, and etofenamate were studied. The organ was perfused with gassed tyrode solution for up to 6 hr. As shown by measurement of glucose consumption, lactate production, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and pH in the perfusate, the tissue was viable over a 6-hr period. This was confirmed by a histological examination. Determination of the udder skin-fold thickness demonstrated that no edema developed within the perfusion period. A maximum skin penetration of dexamethasone was found after administration of dexamethasone dissolved in acetone with dimethyl sulfoxide, followed by ointment with salicylic acid, ointment without salicylic acid, and acetone solution. Experiments with benzoyl peroxide and etofenamate demonstrated that the perfused udder skin was capable of metabolizing drugs in vitro. In conclusion, the isolated perfused bovine udder is a new in vitro model, which maintains bovine udder skin with an isolated vasculature in a viable state. Using this in vitro model, we note it is possible to compare the dermal penetration, metabolism, and absorption of substances after topical administration of different drug formulations.

Animals↗