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Introduction High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) magnifies the role of preoperative imaging for detailed inner and middle ear anatomical information and enhances more efforts for better dependent correlation and measurements of round window (RW). Objectives The aim of this study was to find an appropriate way by HRCT imaging for the prediction of the visibility of the round window during cochlear implant (CI) surgery. Methods The study was conducted using hospital information from patients referring the Khuzestan Cochlear Implant Center (2017–2018). 87 patients underwent cochlear implant surgery, 56 patients with high resolution CT scans were included in the study. All patients underwent surgical treatment via posterior tympanotomy approach. Results 56 patients were examined. Patients were divided into three groups: children (0–12 years) and adolescence (18-13 years) and adults (19–59 years), of whom 45 patients (80.4%) were children, and 3 patients were adolescence (5.4%) and 8 patients (14.3%) were adults. 22 patients (39.3%) were fully visible and 13 patients (23.2%) were partially visible and 21 (37.5%) patients were difficult to visualize. In high-resolution imaging studies, mastoid 2 cases (3.6%) were poorly aerated and 8 cases (14.3%) were moderately aerated and 46 (86.1%) were well aerated. The amount of round window overhanging in 43 patients (76.8%) was 4.4 and in 12 patients (21.4%) was 3.4%. Conclusion The presence of the air cell around the facial recess may provide easier access to the facial recess. There was a significant relationship between the RW in the operation and the angle between the RW and the facial nerve and the coronal axis. There is no significant relationship between the visibility of the RW and the facial recess, Vertical height RW and facial nerve (FN), the distance between the FN and the posterior canal in the axial, the angle between the FN and inner margin of RW, and the angle between the FN and the tympanic annulus with the inner margin RW in the Axial and FRL was not found.

This paper presents an experimental research on test method of heat transfer coefficient for refrigerator gasket. An experimental apparatus based on Reverse Heat Loss Method (RHLM) was established. Tests were carried out on three distinct refrigerators to develop a high accuracy and repeatability test method. To ensure the accuracy of test, heat flux test zones of cabinet walls were divided strictly in conformity with the thermal resistance distribution. It was observed that the deviations of the heat transfer coefficient were less than ±5%, by using small volume size refrigerator as the test box and the characteristic heat flux method to simplify the test zones. Through testing gaskets with the different structures, the heat transfer coefficient of common gasket was about 0.045 W/m·°C. The results also indicate that the auxiliary air cell, multi-air cells, stiffener and auxiliary edge can reduce the heat leakage of gasket. The fan in the cabinet contributed to an increase of about 17% to heat leakage of gasket.

A rectangular waveguide equipped with a network analyzer was used to assess the quality indices of shell egg. The scattering parameters of the eggs were acquired in the range of 0.9–1.7 GHz and they were then used to calculate microwave spectra of the samples. PLS and ANN regression methods were implemented to predict the egg quality indices and SIMCA and ANN classification methods were applied to classify the eggs based on their storage time. The best predictive models, however, obtained from ANN analysis where the yolk coefficient, air cell height, thick albumen height, Haugh unit, and albumen pH could be predicted with the residual predictive deviation (RPD) values of 3.500, 3.000, 2.411, 2.033, and 1.829, respectively. To classify the eggs according to their storage time, both SIMCA and ANN analyses resulted in the total accuracy of 100% when return loss spectra were used as the input.

Aim of the study A robotic mattress equipped with an interface pressure mapping system and an automatic inner air-cell pressure adjustment function had been developed to aid in the management of pressure ulcers, but its effects on comfort remained unclear. The present study aimed to investigate whether use of the mattress with continuous, automatic, interface pressure mapping-based regulation of inner air-cell pressure (i.e., robotic mattress) improves comfort over that provided by body weight-based pressure regulation (traditional approach) in healthy volunteers. Materials and methods A robotic mattress was used with two settings (i.e., interface pressure-vs. body weight-based regulation). First, 20 healthy volunteers were recruited, and the level of comfort, interface pressure distribution, body immersion, and tissue oxygenation were measured and compared between the two settings. Results The level of comfort (20.5 vs 47.5, p = 0.014), contact area (2263.9 vs 2145.2 cm2, p = 0.002), and body immersion for healthy participants were significantly larger when using the interface pressure-based setting. Conclusion The robotic mattress provided improved comfort, which might be caused by increased contact area, and improved body immersion. The robotic mattress is expected to be effective both for managing pressure ulcers and increasing comfort.

Acute otitis media is a localized infection. Advanced cases demonstrate local spread and abscess formation in the mastoid, temporomandibular joint, and zygomatic root if anatomy allows. We present a case of acute otitis media complicated by an abscess of a pneumatized zygomatic root extending into the temporomandibular joint treated by incision and drainage.

The potential for sugarcane, grape or raisin molasses as a partial sucrose substitute in chocolate ice cream was studied. Sucrose substitution by molasses reinforced the macroviscosity and increased consistency coefficient. The air incorporating capacity was enhanced resulting in narrower air cell size distributions. The textural and thermophysical profile, as well as the melting behaviour of the sugarcane molasses ice creams, was similar to that of the sucrose based analogues. Sucrose replacement by raisin or grape molasses was accompanied by a significant improvement of melting resistance, but induced a significant increase in the instrumentally and sensory assessed hardness. According to quantitative descriptive analysis findings, sugarcane ice creams exhibited the highest coarseness, wateriness, iciness, astringency and sourness sensation stimuli, the grape-based ice creams exerted the best chocolate colour and mouth-coating ability whilst the raisin molasses analogues were perceived as highly creamy, sweet, gummy and well balanced in terms of chocolate flavour.

A method to detect the shell cracks in translucent images of duck eggs and salted duck eggs is presented. The method consists of a sequenced wave signal extraction algorithm to extract the sequenced wave signals from the translucent images of duck eggs. Furthermore, the characteristic parameters of the extracted sequenced wave signals are calculated and analyzed. The analysis results showed that, the sequenced wave signals extracted from egg translucent images are caused by three factors: (i) egg cracks; (ii) air cell membrane of eggs; and (iii) shell texture. The sequenced wave signals caused by egg air cell membrane and shell texture are eliminated by using characteristic parameters of the sequenced wave signals. After the elimination, a classification algorithm is used on the translucent images of eggs. In the conducted experiments, the classification algorithm achieved an accuracy of 92.5% and 93.1% for duck eggs and salted duck eggs, respectively.

Aluminum-air cell, with trivalence redox couples, attracts a lot of interest to break the capacity limitation of conventional batteries in pursuit of higher mobility for portable devices. In order to overcome the self-discharge issue of aluminum, a microfluidic aluminum-air cell working with methanol-based anolyte was developed in this work. The operation feasibility of this membraneless cell was first proved. Then, the influences of electrolyte concentration and water content in the methanol-based anolyte on cell performances were investigated. Experimentally, a high discharge capacity density of 2507 mAh/g was achieved at a low current of 0.015 mA.

Highlights • The authors successfully treated the antrochoanal polyp with turbinoethmoidal osteoma by endoscopic sinus surgery. • The mucosal continuity between the antrochoanal polyp and the osteoma was identified., Introduction Antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) have several unique features that distinguish them from other nasal polyps. Despite many investigations, the pathogenesis of ACP has not yet been elucidated. Sinonasal osteoma is the most common type of tumor of the sinonasal tract and can be caused by trauma, infection and developmental anomaly. Presentation of case We report the case of a 35-year-old man with left nasal obstruction for more than 20 years. Examination revealed ACP concomitant with an osteoma that arose from the middle turbinate and ethmoid sinus. The osteoma had an air cell in its anterosuperior area and was in a position of being pulled downward. The intranasal part of the ACP covered the posterior area of the osteoma. Discussion Considering the radiological and surgical findings, the intranasal part of the ACP seems to have affected the turbinoethmoidal osteoma during its growth. Conclusion The authors describe a very rare condition in which an ACP was connected with a turbinoethmoidal osteoma.

Pressure ulcers are hazardous to people with diminished sensory and motor functions who remain in the same position for a long time. An important reason for the occurrence of pressure ulcers is the inability of wheelchair users to make postural changes by themselves with no appropriate method of pressure release. In this study, we researched the effects of applying an air cell inflate-deflate alternating sequence cushion prototype to relieve pressure from tissue loaded areas. Moreover, the hypothesis that the alternating sequence could stimulate blood reperfusion in loaded tissues and redistribute interface pressure on support area was also tested. Ten healthy volunteers were recruited to try the prototype cushion for 65 min of continuous loading; 5 min on static mode and 60 min on alternating mode. This study was conducted on healthy people because their sensitivity allowed them to state clearly and in detail, in a feedback questionnaire, any discomfort experienced with the use of our cushion. In order to address our hypothesis, interface pressure, and bilateral ischial oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin were measured. After applying the alternating cushion, the interface pressure was redistributed over a larger contact area. Besides, blood perfusion was improved according to increments in oxygenated hemoglobin and decrements in deoxygenated hemoglobin of ischial regions during loaded condition. Feedback questionnaire showed that the participants did not feel pain or discomfort using the alternating cushion. The overall results showed positive effects on healthy tissue which has encouraged us to design a study involving subjects who use wheelchairs for mobility.

Effects of individual protein sources or blends on microstructure and melt-down rates of ice cream were investigated. Ice creams were formulated with non-fat dry milk (NFDM), milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate (WPI), or procream to total protein concentrations of 4–10%. Ice creams were also made with protein blends containing 4% protein from NFDM with additional WPI or procream to total protein concentrations of 6–10%. Mean ice crystal and air cell sizes and overrun were not significantly impacted by protein source, blend, or concentration. Partially-coalesced fat decreased with increasing protein content, except in ice creams made with only NFDM. Melt rate tended to increase with protein content, with the exception of ice creams made with procream, which gave rapid melt rates at all protein concentrations. Protein type, blend and concentration were hypothesized to affect the properties of the emulsion interface, leading to differences in partial coalescence and melt-down rates.

A Ketjen black/Co3O4 catalyst nanocomposite was fabricated for use in an enhanced air electrode for Li/air batteries. Polydopamine was used as a coating on Ketjen black to act as a reaction agent, for ensuring homogeneous reaction and adequate distribution of the catalyst nanoparticles on the surface. The results of various characterization analyses indicated successful immobilization of Co3O4 via the polydopamine layer. An electrode prepared using the polydopamine-assisted Ketjen black/Co3O4 nanocomposite exhibited a low overpotential and excellent capacity and cyclic performance, demonstrating the suitability of this novel nanocomposite for use in the air electrode of a Li/air cell.

This study describes the changes in mastoid air cell system (MACS) geometry with age in ears with a history of otitis media (OM), without (GR-I) or with (GR-II) middle ear fluid on the CT scan.Thirty-seven (74 MACSs) CT scans were selected to approximate 4 MACSs/year between 1 and 18 years. For each MACS, the volume, surface area and surface area/volume ratio were reconstructed using standard procedures. Correlation analysis was used to define the left-right relatedness for the geometric parameters, and regression analysis was used to determine the effect of age on those parameters for each group.Twenty scans were from female and 17 from males. Fluid was observed in 12 left, 4 right and 10 bilateral MACSs. The MACS volume and surface area of GR-I increased with age, were significantly greater than those for age-matched MACSs in GR-II, but show large variability. Those measures in GR-II were independent of age and a large percentage of these MACS volumes was5 ml. The surface-area/volume ratio for MACSs in both groups was independent of age and group assignment. The left-right correlations for the three geometric parameters of the MACS were significant for all MACS in the two groups, and for bilateral MACS concordant for group assignment. The left-right correlations for surface area and volume were not significant for bilateral MACSs discordant for group assignment.These results suggest that: the growth of MACS volume and surface area is genetically programmed but that this is disrupted by long-lasting OM; the effect of OM on MACS growth may depend on the duration and timing of the disease, and the MACS surface area/volume ratio does not explain the effect of MACS volume on the rate of gas exchange between middle ear and blood.

An air-breathing H 2 /air cell was designed for fast screening of electrolytes. In this study various electrolytes, including organic, inorganic, acidic, and basic electrolytes, were screened by comparing their effect on cell discharge performance. Focusing on organic alkaline electrolytes, several tetraalkyl ammonium hydroxide electrolytes with different molecular size and concentrations were investigated at different operating temperatures. Both electrolyte concentration and operating temperature significantly affect the cell's performance. The effect of CO 2 and some acids on alkaline electrolyte's impedance and cell's discharge performance was also investigated.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental relationship between adenoid tissue volume and mastoid air cell volume, using a 3D reconstruction technique. Study design Cross-sectional retrospective study. Subjects and methods Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) images were obtained using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and volume-rendering techniques (VRT). The subjects were 63 boys and 37 girls, 3–16 years of age. The volumes of bilateral mastoid air cells and adenoids marked in axial–coronal–sagittal planes were calculated. The patients were grouped into three categories according to adenoid tissue volume, total mastoid volume (TMV), and age. Results No significant difference was noted between the right mastoid volume (RMV) and the left mastoid volume (LMV) or between age and sex ( p = 0.368; p = 0.549; p = 0.454). The incremental increase in adenoid tissue volume did not correlate with TMV ( r = −0.161, r = −0.279, r = 0.015). The incremental increase in TMV did not correlate with the volume of adenoid tissue ( r = 0.024, r = 0.148, r = 0.017). Conclusions No significant correlation was obtained between the incremental increase in adenoid tissue volume and TMV or the incremental increase in TMV and adenoid tissue volume. There does not seem to be a developmental relationship between adenoid tissue volume and TMV.

The concept of representative area element (RAE) was applied to quantify the air cell present in pre-sliced bread. Ten slices from bread were selected and each divided into nine subareas where 60 air cells were measured. To determine the RAE, one to nine sampling areas were considered and five positions in the image were randomly selected and compared by nonparametric statistic and the fluctuation of mean air cell area method. The RAE was attained when the air cell area size distribution curves for each sampling area did not present significant differences. Hence, the RAE size was 67% of the image using the nonparametric method (equivalent to six subareas of the nine subareas that form the image), whereas the RAE could not be estimated using the fluctuation of mean air cell area method. Therefore, nonparametric statistics are a useful tool to determine the RAE in structures with size distributions that do not fit a normal distribution.

Soy bread was formulated to impart different isoflavone profiles by addition of almond: a natural source of β-glucosidase. In this study, the influence of almond powder on loaf quality and storage stability of soy bread was investigated using thermal analysis, texture, loaf volume and air cell imaging techniques. Lipids introduced with the almond fraction, served as mediators to strengthen the interaction between wheat and soy protein, thereby increasing dough extensibility. Loaf quality of the almond soy bread was therefore improved since the collapse of air cells during bread preparation was prevented. This in turn favored better loaf quality. Additionally, water binding strength and changes thereof during storage, probed by thermal analysis, were found to significantly hinder the staling rate during prolonged storage of soy-containing breads.

To study the differences among commercial eggs from four housing systems i.e. cage, barn, free range and organic, 41 physical and chemical parameters were evaluated on 28 fresh egg samples from the Italian market. The univariate statistic analysis evidenced that organic eggs had the highest whipping capacity and foam consistency but the lowest freshness (the highest air cell height) and albumen quality (the lowest Haugh Unit); cage eggs presented instead the lowest whipping capacity and the highest shell resistance to breaking. The multivariate technique discriminant partial least-squares regression was unable to correctly classify the eggs from the four housing systems but successfully differentiated cage eggs from alternative (organic + barn + free range) eggs. The variables with the most discriminant power were shell breaking resistance, overrun, protein content, and shell thickness.

The physiological function of the mastoid air cell system (MACS) with respect to middle ear (ME) pressure-regulation remains controversial because predictive mathematical models and experimental data to formulate and test hypotheses are lacking.A mathematical description of MACS volume effects on the rate of ME pressure change is presented; the agreement between published data and model prediction is examined for consistency with the hypothesis that the MACS acts as a functional rate-limiter of ME pressure change, and an explanation for the relationship between MACS volume and otitis media is discussed.The mathematical description shows that the value of a single, free parameter, termed the "MACS buffering efficiency" (M) determines if MACS volume affects the rate of ME pressure change caused by diffusive gas exchange. The MACS serves no rate-limiting function for M=0, acts as a gas sink for M1 and acts as a gas reserve (rate-limiter) for M1.Fitting the model equation to published adult human data yielded an estimate for M of 0.2. This implies that larger MACS volumes are associated with lesser rates of change in ME pressure caused by diffusive gas exchange and lesser required frequencies of effective Eustachian tube openings to maintain near ambient ME pressures.If well-controlled studies confirm M1 for children and adults, larger MACS volumes will increase the time required to develop sufficient ME underpressures to cause otitis media by hydrops ex vacuo during transient or prolonged periods of Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Corn and wheat bran flakes were equilibrated to different water activities and subjected to compression in bulk. Relationship between both force and work of compression and water activity was analyzed using Pelegs and Fermis equations. Scanning electron microphotographs were used to analyze microscopic structure of flakes. In both analyzed flakes an antiplasticizing effect of water was observed. Beyond water activity 0.6–0.7 plasticizing effect of water was noticed. In the antiplasticizing range of water activities response of flakes to compressing force was related to microstructure of the material. Relationship between both the force and work of compression and water activity in corn flakes was curvilinear and could not be approximated by the Fermis equation. Corn flakes showed rather homogenous porous structure with continuous air cell wall matrix. Influence of water activity on both the force and work of compression in wheat bran flakes was well described by the Fermis equation. The flakes showed microstructure with many discontinuities and resembling agglomerate. The antiplasticizing effect of water was less evident than that in corn flakes and the compression either force or work changed little with water activity until a critical value was reached. � 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Secondary current density distributions in a parallel two-plane Al/air cell and a wedge shaped Al/air cell were analyzed. The parameters studied include the entrance effect, the activity of the cathode, the cell gap and the extension of the cathode. The entrance effect disappears at about a one to two cell gap from the entrance. The activity of the cathode has a large effect on the local current density. With increases in the cell gap, the average current density decreases, but the peak current density over the average current density increases. By extending the cathode below the anode, the high local current density can be reduced. In a wedge shaped Al/air cell, the planar portion of the anode enters the cell. As the anode is consumed, the top portion of the anode is consumed faster because of the decreased cell gap and increased reaction rate. The anode adapts to be parallel to the cathode in the cell. A FEMLAB (finite element method) package was used for all the calculations.

The aim of this research was to study furosine as a reference index for expressing the age of commercial shell eggs in terms of equivalent egg age. Seventy five commercial samples of grade A eggs purchased on the Italian market were analysed for air cell height, Haugh Units, 3,3′,5,5′ tetramethylbenzidine test, and furosine level. The values obtained were reported as a function of egg age calculated from the minimum durability dates printed on the packages. At equal egg age, a wide data variation for all indices was observed, thus indicating the great influence of commercialization condition on the assessed indices. An average kinetics of furosine development in albumen at 20 °C was also computed from nine storage experiments of shell eggs laid by hens of different ages and breeds. The equivalent egg age of the commercial samples, expressed as days at 20 °C, was computed by substituting the furosine value of each sample in the average kinetics equation.

SUMMARY The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of storage time and temperature and their interaction on the quality parameters of eggs obtained from aged laying hens. Eggs from 50wk-old Bovans White hens were sampled immediately after being laid and subjected to storage periods of 2, 5, and 10 d at 5, 21, and 29°C. Extension of the storage time up to 10 d and temperature up to 29°C resulted in significant deterioration of egg quality. Albumen height, Haugh unit, pH of albumen and yolk, specific gravity, and air cell size have been found to be the most important parameters and were greatly influenced by storage time and temperature. In a 10-d storage period Haugh units were 76.3, 53.7, and 40.6 when stored at 5, 21, or 29°C, respectively. The size of air cell (distance between eggshell and membrane) exceeded 4 mm when eggs were stored 2 d at greater than 21°C. Rapidly increased pH in albumen with 2 d storage time was observed, regardless of storage temperature. Likewise, pH during a 5-d storage period continued to increase from 7.47 to 9.2 at 29°C. Interaction effects between storage time and temperature were also significant for egg weight loss, specific gravity, air cell size, Haugh unit, albumen height, and pH. The results of the present study suggested that Haugh unit, pH of albumen, and air cell size were the most important parameters influenced by the storage period and storage temperature in laying hens.

Although many different type of alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs) are used for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, few high quality randomised controlled trials are available on which to base purchasing decisions. Faced with this situation, physiological measurements are increasingly being used as a surrogate. Laboratory evaluation techniques have centred largely on interface pressure (IP) measurement, typically analysing discrete maximum and minimum levels, or average pressure. However, since pressure relief is time varying, a time-based analysis technique may be more suitable for performance assessment. Measurements of IP, mattress air cell pressure (AP), skin tissue perfusion using laser Doppler fluxmetry (LDF), transcutaneous oxygen (tcPO2) and carbon dioxide (tcPCO2) were taken simultaneously on the sacrum, heels, trochanters and buttock over at least two alternating cycles. Duration of IP below three thresholds (30, 20, and 10 mmHg) as well as the area under the tcPO2, tcPCO2 and LDF curves were calculated automatically. Ten healthy volunteers were recruited to evaluate the pressure-relieving characteristics of two different designs of APAMs. Results indicated significant differences between the products. During the deflation phase of the cycle contact pressures on the heel were significantly lower (p0.0001) on the device whose inflation pressure was significantly higher, although there was no significant difference in deflation pressure. Therefore, it is important to note that low APs do not necessarily produce lower IPs under the heel, contrary to the intuitive classical notion. These techniques could assist in the selection of alternating or dynamic surfaces of any description confirmed by further clinical validation.

Air is an important component in ice cream, affecting both physical properties and storage stability. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of air incorporation in ice cream, at overrun levels of 80%, 100% and 120%, on the growth of air cells and ice crystals, as well as on the hardness and melt-down rate of the product. Ice creams with different overruns were stored either in bulk containers (at −10°C with normal refrigeration cycling) or on microscope slides (at −6°C, −10°C or −20°C) for analysis. In bulk storage, mean air cell size initially increased during hardening, decreased during the early stages of storage and ultimately increased to larger sizes at longer (up to 3 months) storage times. Initial air cell size was smaller in ice creams with higher overrun, potentially due to the higher shear stresses during manufacture. Ice creams with lower overruns (80%) were harder than those made with 120% overrun but melted more rapidly. For samples stored on the microscope slide, lower storage temperature (−20°C) limited the mobility and solubility of air cells within the serum phase so that disproportionation was inhibited and primarily coalescence occurred for air cells in close proximity. At high storage temperature (−6°C or −10°C), disproportionation and coalescence were enhanced due to the higher mobility of the serum phase. Higher overrun led to slightly more stable air cells during storage.

Background: We have developed a technique for direct volume measurement based on high-resolution CT. This report will describe our findings on the measurement of the mastoid air cell system of infants, and its developmental changes with age. Methods: The study covered 43 males and 37 females, aged 1–18 years. The temporal bone was imaged by slicing at 2 mm thickness through the high-resolution CT, so that the entire air cell system was included, and the resultant data were analyzed by the image processing technique. Results: It was confirmed that the mastoid air volume increased with age. By 9–10 years old, it had reached about 80% of the volume of an adult, and at 14–15 years old, it had reached the mean adult value. Conclusion: Our technique, based on CT image, proved to be much more useful because of the higher accuracy and capability of three-dimensional assessment. The detailed analysis described here could have been obtained only through the postmortem histological study. Our method is of high significance because it allows assessing the antemortem developmental changes in infants.

A clinical investigation was conducted concerning the effects of a newly designed double-layer air-cell overlay in preventing the onset of pressure ulcers for patients with a Braden scale score ofor = 16, and who require a head-elevated position of 45 degrees or higher. A randomised controlled trial was undertaken involving 82 patients from a general hospital ward using one of the following three support surfaces: a double-layer air-cell overlay, a single-layer air-cell overlay or a standard hospital mattress. A significantly lower percentage of patients using the double-layer air-cell overlay developed pressure ulcers (3.4%) compared to 19.2% and 37.0% for those patients using the single-layer air-cell overlay and standard mattress respectively. Based on these findings, a double-layer air-cell overlay should be more effective in preventing the onset of pressure ulcers than either a single-layer air-cell overlay or a standard hospital mattress for subjects requiring head elevation.

Ice cream samples were periodically removed from a batch freezer to follow air incorporation and development of the air cell size distribution, as measured with an optical microscopy technique. The effects of operating conditions (freezing, not freezing, and freezing part way) and formulation (fat, emulsifier and stabilizer content) on development of air cells were studied. Air cell size decreased progressively with time during batch freezing. Whipping alone (no freezing) did not result in decrease in air cell size, indicating that freezing was necessary for stabilization of small air cells. Fat level and emulsifier content had no effect on air cell size, whereas stabilizer addition led to smaller initial air cells. The reduction in air cell size was correlated to changes in apparent viscosity of the slurry being formed within the freezer.

Air cells in ice cream were monitored, with either a light microscope technique or cryo-SEM, during hardening and storage at different temperatures. Ice cream samples were: (1) held at −6.0 or −15.0 °C on a microscope stage for observation of air cells; (2) hardened at different rates to −28 °C; and (3) stored at −15 °C for four months. At temperatures above about −18 °C, three main mechanisms of air cell instability (disproportionation, coalescence and drainage) were observed. As temperature of storage decreased, the rate of change in air cells decreased. Disproportionation of air cells was inhibited by addition of emulsifiers or stabilizers, although the mechanisms for this inhibition were different. During long-term storage of ice cream, interconnection between air cells led to severe channeling. However, cryo-SEM was needed to observe this channeling behavior since the optical microscopy technique did not preserve the true structures of the air cells in ice cream under these conditions.

Air cell size distributions in two foamed dairy products, whipped cream and ice cream, were measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an optical light microscopy technique. Air cells in whipped cream were studied at 4°C, whereas air cells in ice cream were measured at draw temperature (−6°C). Both methods gave similar results for these aerated products. The mean air cell size for whipped cream was 29.3 μm as measured by optical microscopy, whereas SEM gave a mean size of 26.7 μm. For ice cream, mean air cell size from optical microscopy was 20.2 μm, and 19.6 μm for SEM. In ice cream, mean size increased to 40.0 μm after hardening and storage at −15°C. Measured overruns were within 5% of the overruns calculated from the air cell size distributions, indicating that the majority of air cells were counted with these techniques.

Artificial incubation is a widespread practice in intensive avicultural establishments. It is used primarily as a means of increasing production, both by increasing the number of eggs laid per hen and by minimizing the spread of disease. As more and more aviculturists turn to artificial incubation to increase production, veterinarians will increasingly be called on for advice and assistance. This article discusses the principles of artificial incubation and hatching and discusses the requirements for assisted hatching.

The effectiveness of thyrotrophin-releasing-hormone (TRH) as a secretagogue in turkey embryos was tested. Fertilized turkey eggs were injected with TRH after 24 d of incubation. In an experiment to determine an effective route and dose for TRH administration, it was shown that a single manual injection of 200 microL containing 2.15 microg of TRH, into the air cell or the same injection containing 5.0 microg through the bottom of the egg, was effective in elevating plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4) 60 min after injection. In a second experiment, 5 microg of TRH in a volume of 200 microL was injected through the bottom of each egg. Injections were performed mechanically into eggs held in a commercial incubator. The injection increased blood plasma T4 for 5 h after a 30-min lag. Eggs from two genetic strains of turkeys were injected in Experiment 3. The TRH elicited a persistent response for 120 min from one strain but resulted in a slightly depressed response from the other, suggesting that subtle differences in the maturation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-thyroid axis may exist in commercial strains of turkeys. We concluded that TRH is an effective secretagogue for T4 in 24-d-old turkey embryos.

This study examined the effect of rapid cooling with air and CO2 on shell egg quality over 14 wk. The 240 fresh eggs were initially heated to 47 C for 24 h in an incubator, cooled using rapid air cooling or CO2 cooling, and then stored in air or CO2 in 250-mL jars for 14 wk. The CO2 levels were recorded of the jar atmosphere, of the egg air cell, and of the egg albumen. The Haugh units of each egg, pH, and of albumen from five eggs per group were also recorded. Haugh units are a logarithmic, empirical relationship between albumen height and egg weight (Stadelman, 1995). Haugh units for the control eggs averaged 70.8 over 10 wk of the study. The control eggs were of such poor quality that they could not be sampled after 10 wk. The air-cooled and CO2-stored eggs averaged 70.3 Haugh units over the 14-wk storage period; however, the egg quality significantly deteriorated after 10 wk. The CO2-cooled and CO2-stored eggs averaged 75.9 Haugh units over the 14 wk study, with no observable decrease in quality. Rapid air-cooling produces a lower quality egg than rapid cooling with CO2. Subsequent storage of rapidly air-cooled eggs in CO2 may increase shelf life, but Haugh units were not statistically different from rapid air-cooled eggs. CO2-cooling and subsequent storage in CO2 increased Haugh units. The shelf life of shell eggs could be extended to greater than 14 wk when the eggs were CO2-cooled and CO2-stored.

The gas composition of the air cell in a shell egg is influenced by heating from egg washing and candling and the method of cooling and storage. This study found that N2 gas (-122 C), CO2 gas (-45 C), and cold air (-15 C) could be used to rapidly cool shell eggs from 47.7 C to 7 C in 30 min or less. These results suggest that the gas composition of the air cell in shell eggs can be significantly modified using N2 cooling and CO2 cooling. Commercial field studies have shown that these modifications, which take place during cryogenic cooling, can significantly reduce microbial levels and increase shelf life of shell eggs. Storage in a modified atmosphere environment further enhanced these changes. It was found that the CO2 concentration in the air cell of a shell egg can be increased from 0.04 to 48% by CO2 cooling and storage in a CO2 environment.

The mastoid air cell system has been recognized as an important contributor to the pathophysiology of middle ear inflammatory diseases. Various methods of temporal bone imaging have been designed to investigate the correlation between middle ear disease and mastoid pneumatization. In this study, the mastoid air cell system was reconstructed three-dimensionally from sagittal tomographic images of the temporal bone on X-ray films, using a personal computer to evaluate the mastoid pneumatization in a total of 29 patients with chronic otitis media, adhesive otitis media, adhesive-type cholesteatoma, attic cholesteatoma and cholesterol granuloma, and in five normal subjects as controls. Reconstructed three-dimensional images of the mastoid air cell system and its volume were analyzed. The reconstructed images were helpful in recognizing the three-dimensional solid appearance of the mastoid air cell system. The volume of the reconstructed mastoid air cell system was significantly reduced compared with that in the controls in each of the patient groups. Mastoid pneumatization in the patients with adhesive-type cholesteatoma was significantly suppressed compared with that in the adhesive otitis media patients. Interestingly, the adhesive otitis media group showed cell development at the tip of mastoid process, whereas the group of adhesive-type cholesteatoma did not, suggesting a difference in the pathophysiology in the two diseases. We found that three-dimensional reconstruction of the temporal bone using sagittal tomographic images was useful in evaluating the state of mastoid air cell system development in individual cases and in investigating the pathophysiology in middle ear disease.

Using intact, fresh shell eggs, inoculated with 108 colony-forming units (cfu) of S. enteritidis, the effect of three doses of gamma irradiation on bacteriologic population and physical characteristics (Haugh units and yolk color) of the eggs was determinated. Penetration test area was picked at random just off the air cell of each egg. Aluminum cylinders were attached to the egg surface with a rim of molten paraffin, and 108 S. enteritidis was then applied to inoculate the egg. Eggs were then irradiated within 2 hours using a Cobalt-60 gamma source at either 1, 2, or 3 kGy. A second set of inoculated, non-irradiated was used as controls. Following irradiation, eggs were maintained at 4°C for 42 hours prior culture. Irradiation with 1 kGy resulted in a significant (P

A total of 96 eggs were used to study the fate of Salmonella enteritidis in home-made mayonnaise prepared from artificially infected eggs and acidulated with acetic or citric acid. The inoculated eggs were stored for 10 days at 20°C post-inoculation of the air cell before preparation of the mayonnaise. From the results it was evident that the larger the infection of the egg, the longer the viable organisms persisted in the mayonnaise prepared therefrom. In mayonnaise prepared from the yolks of eggs artificially contaminated with S. enteritidis and with acetic acid as the acidulant, the fate of the organisms was both dose-and temperature-dependent. Storage at low temperatures protected the salmonellas against the effects of the acid. These principles did not apply to mayonnaise prepared from artificially contaminated eggs with lemon juice as the acidulant. In this case the fate of S. enteritidis appeared to be largely independent of temperature, but dependent upon inoculum size.

Two types of secondary zinc cell have been evaluated in our laboratory to assess their suitability to power an electric van. Single cells were charged and discharged with constant-current cycles as well as with controlled-power discharge profiles, scaled to the predicted mass of a full-size battery. Both cells were able to meet the requirements for power discharge specified by the so-called Simplified Federal Urban Driving Schedule (SFUDS) early in life (the first 15 cycles). The Zn/air cell achieved an average of 72 SFUDS repetions (7.2 h) per discharge. The Zn/NiOOH cell achieved an average of 51 SFUDS repetitions (5.1 h) per discharge. The bifunctional air electrodes did not reach oxygen-evolution potentials during the 8-s regenerative breaking portions of the SFUDS cycle.

Preliminary studies were performed to develop a method for using real-time, B-mode ultrasonography (US) to directly image the internal morphology of the chicken egg and developing embryo. Different soft tissue interfaces will reflect US waves differentially. These reflected waves, or echoes are then converted into a two-dimensional image of internal morphology. A major limitation of diagnostic US is its inability to penetrate through gas or hard tissue (bone, shell) interfaces. Methodology development to overcome the acoustic obstacle presented by the eggshell and air cell constituted the initial part of the preliminary study. An acoustical window was achieved by creating a 2-cm fenestration through the large end of the eggshell, then filling the air cell with sterile saline. Morphological features of the yolk and embryo were recorded at 0, 2, 6, 9, 14, and 17 days of incubation. The second part of the preliminary study explores whether the acoustic window, once created, could then be closed, and if closed, whether egg viability could be maintained. A second concurrent trial was conducted with 32 eggs that were fenestrated, imaged, recorded, reclosed, and incubated. Two methods of closure were attempted: one using dialysis membrane and tape; the other using an eggshell allograft. Hatchability was partially retained with both window closure methods.

Location of Salmonella during hatching of broiler chicks was studied in three experiments. Unincubated, fertile hatching eggs heated to 42 C were inoculated by immersion for 15 min in a 16 C physiological saline solution containing approximately 1 x 10(5) cfu/mL of a nalidixic acid-resistant strain of Salmonella typhimurium. All eggs were sanitized externally by wiping with a paper towel wet with 70% ethanol. When incubating eggs were transferred to a hatcher, each was placed in a closed paper bag to minimize cross-contamination. Unhatched eggs were sampled by cutting away the shell over the air cell, sanitizing the inner air cell membrane with 70% ethanol, and removing the contents through the membrane. Shells and membranes were crushed and mixed in 10 mL buffered peptone (BP). Yolks were dissected out, dipped in 70% ethanol, and mixed with 10 mL BP. Embryos or chicks and all surrounding fluid were rinsed in 100 mL BP. A total of 172 eggs was sampled. Shells and membranes were 100% Salmonella-positive 30 min after inoculation, but only 38% were positive after 17 to 21 days of incubation. No chick rinses were positive before pipping, but 15% were positive after pipping. Yolk samples were 2% positive before pipping versus 8% after pipping. A majority of chicks hatching from positive shells and membranes were Salmonella-negative.

Blood gases, air cell-blood gas differences, blood pH, and hematology were compared in embryonic coots (Fulica americana peruviana) at 4150 m and sea level in Peru. Neither arterialized nor venous O2 tensions differed significantly between montane and lowland groups but blood CO2 tensions of the two groups differed significantly. The air cell PO2-arterialized blood PO2 difference of montane eggs was less than half the value in lowland eggs. Both arterialized and venous CO2 tensions differed substantially between montane and lowland groups. Despite these differences, plasma pH at both altitudes was statistically indistinguishable, due in part to variation in plasma [HCO3-]. Hematocrits of montane embryos were significantly higher than that of their lowland counterparts.

Controversy continues over the factors involved in the development of the mastoid air cell system (MACS). This study examines the effect of persistent secretory otitis media with effusion (SOME) on the development of the MACS. Thirty-one children, aged 4, were drawn from a cohort of cleft palate children in a multi-centre, prospective otological study set up in 1984. The initial presence of SOME was assessed by otoscopy, tympanometry and bilateral myringotomy, performed under the same anaesthetic as surgical repair of the cleft lip or palate. Only one ear in each child was ventilated with a tube and the other, the control ear, was assessed by regular follow-up otoscopy and tympanometry. The persistence of SOME after palate repair in over 70% of the non-ventilated ears in 4 years olds and the presence of a contralateral ventilated middle ear provides the perfect model for assessing the effect of SOME on MACS development. Plain, lateral mastoid X-rays were assessed by planimetry to give a well accepted measurement of mastoid pneumatization. Nine children were excluded from analysis as they did not meet the strict criteria of one persistently ventilated middle ear and one with persistent SOME. 22 children (44 ears) were available for analysis, 9 children were tubed at 3 months and 13 were tubed at 12 to 16 months. In 19 of the 22 ears the mastoid air cell system was larger on the tubed side.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The EMF generated by an NH 4 -β″-Al 2 O 3 solid-electrolyte, H 2 /air cell, has been measured for 5%, 20% and 100%H 2 anodes at 375–480 K. The hydrogen sensing efficiency of the cell was determined, suggesting application of the electrolyte for hydrogen detection. Preliminary results for H 3 O-β″ -Al 2 O 3 sensors are also described and compared with the NH 4 -β″ -Al 2 O 3 devices

Five patients with dacryocystorhinostomy failures were examined with computed tomography or computed tomographic dacryocystography. In computed tomographic dacryocystography, radiopaque dye was instilled into the lacrimal sac before computed tomography to show its shape, location, and relation to surrounding structures. Problems with the bony ostium were detected in all five patients. Recurrent nasal polyposis, a retained metallic clip, and an unresected ethmoid air cell were also identified. Computed tomography and computed tomographic dacryocystography provided important information that facilitated reoperation after dacryocystorhinostomy failure.

Comparisons between males and females were made for length of time from start of incubation to perinatal stages of hatching, body weight, and thyroid hormones in lines of chickens selected for high (HW) or low (LW) juvenile body weight. Although males appeared to pip through the air cell and through the shell earlier than females in Line LW, there were no consistent differences between the sexes in time to hatch in either line. Body weights and plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine were not different for males and females at any stage.

Surveying the gas exchange of avian eggs shortly before hatching, one finds certain functions that are common among various precocial species and that suggest a basic strategy of development independent of the size of the egg or its incubation time. These common characteristics at time of hatching can be described as follows: 1) The total amount of O2 that will have been consumed is about 100 ml O2 · g−1 and equivalent to a caloric expenditure of .5 Kcal · g−1. 2) The O2 concentration in the air cell shortly before pipping will have fallen from 21% initially to 14%, while the CO2 concentration will have reached a value of about 6%. 3) Eggs will have lost about 15% of their initial mass due to the loss of water vapor, yet their relative water content will still be the same as when they were laid. These common end results require a precise pore geometry