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Purpose. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between mastoid air cell volumes and graft success after tympanoplasty.Material and Methods. This study was performed retrospectively with patients undergoing type I tympanoplasty and antrostomy. A total of 57 patients (20–35.09% female and 37–64.91% male) with a mean age of29.69±SD(range 12–56 years) were included in the study. The patients were invited for a control at the 1st, 3rd, and 12th months, and otoscopic examinations and audiometric tests were performed. The temporal bone computed tomography images were screened with the 4800 Dpi optic resolution scanner and transferred to the computer environment in JPG format in order to calculate the mastoid air cell volume, and the volumes were calculated using the Autocad 2007 program.Results. Although, the graft success was determined to be better in the well-ventilated group, no significant difference could be found between the groups in terms of graft success at the 1st, 3rd, and 12th months(P>0.05). No statistically significant difference could be found between the three groups in terms of the preoperative and postoperative hearing gains(P>0.05).

Background and Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence of zygomatic air cell defect (ZACD) among children of Indian origin and also to determine the dominant form of ZACD. Materials and Methods: One thousand six hundred and eighty-eight routine panoramic radiographs of subjects between 7 and 18 years, processed between January 2006 and January 2009 were screened, recorded and analyzed for ZACD. Results: Of the 1688 panoramic radiographs examined, 768 were of males and 920 of females. The radiographs were divided into two groups, Group I comprising of subjects in the age 7-12 years and other Group II in the age range 13-18 years. ZACD was found in 50 subjects, accounting for prevalence of 2.96%. Other occurrences found were unilateral 38 cases, bilateral 12, unilocular 20 and multilocular 42 respectively. Conclusion: This study described the prevalence and characteristics of ZACD among selected Indian children. It is essential to know and determine this variant of normal anatomy and differentiate it from pathologies.

Foamed concrete as aerated concrete widely used in range of constructions application, no exception to structure shield. As structure shield is important to resist on impact loading. Whilst, Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as agro-waste potentials as filler for foamed concrete. RHA that is produced by uncontrolled burning under 700oC during ± 6 hours obtain the granules contain the carbon and porous. The granules of RHA may fill the porous in matrix foamed concrete without remove the characteristic the foamed concrete its self-as aerated concrete. This investigation RHA has been used as a replacement for fine aggregate. Target density 1800 kg/m3of foamed concrete both of with and without RHA have been produced to compare their strength and characteristic of impact resistance. SEM and EDS test has been conducted to determine microstructure and chemical composition of foamed concrete with RHA. The results showed that granules of RHA filled the porous and bonded with the denser part into matrix. The presence of granules of RHA has been changing the role of the air cell of porous in foamed concrete when it was subjected to impact loading. Also the granules of RHA give the foamed concrete denser without losing its characteristic of porous entirely.

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 was carried out to investigate the quality characteristics of Jeung-pyun using high yielding type rice (Dasan, Keunseom) and processing type rice (Daerip, Seolgang, Yangjo) for applying a new processes in rice food industry. The weight, volume, specific volume and expansion of Jeung-pyun were the highest in Dasan. The shapes of cross section showed that the air cell of Jeung-pyun made from Dasan and Daerip were smaller and more regular than Keunseom, Seolgang, and Yangjo. The Jeung-pyun of Daerip was the highest in L value, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness, Keunseom was the highest in a value and hardness; Yangjo was the highest in b value, adhesiveness and gumminess. Jeung-pyun of Dasan was shown, through sensory evaluation, to be the highest in flavor, appearance and overall preference. The Jeung-pyun of Daerip was the highest in color and taste preference, while Seolgang was the highest in texture preference.

In a preliminary experiment, the influence of pigment color variation on the temperature readings of the shells (EST) of live embryonated Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs was tested. Prior to set, eggshell color in L*, a*, and b* coordinates were measured at the equator of each egg. Eggshell pigmentation was found not to influence EST from zero through 18 d of incubation (DOI). In a subsequent experiment, EST, as well as air cell (ACT) and cloaca (CLT) temperature measurements were used for the calculation of absolute (GH2O) and specific (gH20) eggshell conductance values for these same types of eggs. An infrared thermometer was used to determine EST from zero to 19 DOI, ACT was measured using a transponder from 12 to 19 DOI, and CLT was determined using a transponder at 4:00 PM at 19 DOI. In the 12 to 19 DOI interval, the values for GH2O as well as for gH20 that were calculated using either EST or ACT were significantly correlated (r ≥ 0.99; P < 0.0001). A similar correlation level for both GH2O and gH20 was likewise observed in the 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM time period at 19 DOI when either EST, ACT, or CLT was used. However, in the 12 to 19 DOI interval, calculated GH2O and gH20 values based on ACT were significantly different from those based on EST. In addition, a significant difference in calculated GH2O and gH20 values resulted when ACT was used rather than when EST or CLT was used in the 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM time period at 19 DOI. In both time periods, GH2O and gH20 values calculated using ACT were significantly lower than those derived using the other 2 types of measurements. These findings suggest that although EST was not affected by shell coloration, because ACT more closely reflects embryo body temperature, it should be used to more accurately calculate the GH2O and gH20 of Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs.

The mastoid, located in the temporal bone, houses an air cell system whose cells have a variation in size that can go far below current conventional clinical CT scanner resolution. Therefore, the mastoid air cell system is only partially represented in a CT scan. Where the conventional clinical CT scanner lacks level of minute details, micro-CT scanning provides an overwhelming amount of ne details. The temporal bone being one of the most complex in the human body, visualization of micro-CT scanning of this boneawakens the curiosity of the experimenter, especially with the correct visualization settings. This thesis first presents a statistical analysis determining the surface area to volume ratio of the mastoid air cell system of human temporal bone, from micro-CT scanning using methods previously applied for conventional clinical CT scans. The study compared current results with previous studies, with successive downsampling the data down to a resolution found in conventional clinical CT scanning. The results from the statistical analysis showed that all the small mastoid air cells, that cannot be detected in conventional clinical CT scans, do heavily contribute to the estimation of the surface area, and in consequence to the estimation of the surface area to volume ratio by a factor of about 2.6. Such a result further strengthens the idea of the mastoid to play an active role in pressure regulation and gas exchange. Discovery of micro-channels through specific use of a non-traditional transfer function was then reported, where a qualitative and a quantitative pre-analysis were performed and reported. To gain more knowledge about these micro-channels, a local structure tensor analysis was applied where structures are described in terms of planar, tubular, or isotropic structures. The results from this structural tensor analysis suggest these microchannels to potentially be part of a more complex framework, which hypothetically would provide a separate blood supply for the mucosa lining the mastoid air cell system. The knowledge gained from analysing the micro-channels as locally providing blood to the mucosa, led to the consideration of how inflammation of the mucosa could impact the pneumatization of the mastoid air cell system. Though very primitive, a 3D shape analysis of the mastoid air cell system was carried out. The mastoid air cell system was first represented in a compact form through a medial axis, from which medial balls could be used. The medial balls, representative of how large the mastoid air cells can be locally, were used in two complementary clustering methods, one based on the size diameter of the medial balls and one based on their location within the mastoid air cell system. From both quantitative and qualitative statistics, it was possible to map the clusters based on pre-defined regions already described in the literature, which opened the door for new hypotheses concerning the effect of mucosal inflammation on the mastoid pneumatization. Last but not least, discovery of other structures, previously unreported in the literature, were also visually observed and briefly discussed in this thesis. Further analysis of these unknown structures is needed.

Aluminum-air cells have attracted a lot of interests because they have the highest volumetric capacity density in theory among the different metal-air systems. To overcome the self-discharge issue of aluminum, a microfluidic aluminum-air cell working with KOH methanol-based anolyte was developed in this work. A specific capacity up to 2507 mAh g−1 (that is, 84.1% of the theoretical value) was achieved experimentally. The KOH concentration and water content in the methanol-based anolyte were found to have direct influence on the cell performance. A possible mechanism of the aluminum reactions in KOH methanol-based electrolyte was proposed to explain the observed phenomenon.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of the degree of the mastoid pneumatization on the success rate of cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. Study design A retrospective clinical chart review. Methods In total, 90 patients (44 females and 46 males; average age, 38.40 ± 11.12 years; age range: 21-65 years) who underwent cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty were included. Demographics and anatomical outcomes were recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of anatomical success. In group A, all patients had intact grafts without perforation, retraction, or lateralization, and a dry ear, at 6 months postoperatively. In group B, reperforation of the tympanic membrane was evident 6 months postoperatively. The mastoid air cell volumes of each groups were compared. Results The mean mastoid pneumatization in groups A and B was 5.32 ± 1.96 and 5.06 ± 2.12 cm, respectively. The mastoid pneumatization of diseased ears did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization of diseased ears did not differ between males and females (P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization of normal ears did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization of normal ears did not differ between males and females (P > 0.05). Conclusions The degree of mastoid pneumatization did not affect the success rate of cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to evaluate the relationship between the degree of the mastoid pneumatization and anatomical outcomes after placement of various graft types.

The relationships of eggshell, air cell, and embryo cloacal temperatures in Ross × Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs were determined. Twenty eggs were weighed and set on each of 3 tray levels of a single incubator. Eggshell temperature (EST) of the eggs were recorded once in the morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) between 0 and 19 d of incubation (DOI) using an infrared thermometer (IRT). All eggs were candled and a transponder was implanted in the air cell of eggs containing live embryos (12 per tray level) at 12 DOI. At 19 DOI, transponders were implanted in the cloaca of live embryos from those same eggs. Air cell temperature (ACT) and EST readings were recorded once in the AM and PM between 12 and 19 DOI, and ACT and cloaca temperature (CLT) readings were recorded every 6 h between 19 and 21 DOI. The EST and ACT readings between 13 and 19 DOI were positively correlated. However, their respective mean temperatures between 13 and 19 DOI differed. The EST and ACT were not significantly influenced by tray level. Nevertheless, a main effect due to location (eggshell vs. air cell), and an interaction between DOI and time of day (AM and PM) in the 13 to 19 DOI interval were observed. Furthermore, an interaction was observed between location (air cell and cloaca) and the 6 h sequential time periods in the 19 to 21 DOI interval. However, across the entire 19 to 21 DOI interval, mean ACT and CLT were not significantly different, and were positively correlated. These data suggest that ACT readings are higher than those of EST during the last half of incubation, and that between 13 and 19 DOI, ACT readings may have the potential for use as a minimally invasive method by which to more accurately estimate the true core body temperature of broiler embryos. The effects of this method on hatchability and post-hatch performance need determination to better establish its practicality.

The performance of a mechanically rechargeable aluminum (Al)–air cell, fabricated with low-cost materials including low-grade aluminum foil and carbon paper electrodes, was evaluated. The design adopted a free gravity flow for the electrolyte to eliminate the use of an external pump. A tank for storing waste electrolyte was designed with a dedicated channel for the collection of hydrogen gas generated during the cell discharge. The cell achieved a high utilization efficiency of aluminum. Considering both the electricity and hydrogen generated, an overall utilization efficiency of around 90% or even higher could be achieved under different working voltages. Results of repeated recharging/discharging showed that the performances of the cell could be maintained for repeated refilling.

Avian embryonic development, hatchability, and post-hatch performance are greatly affected by temperature. Therefore, a pragmatic, minimally invasive, and industrially applicable method for the precise and accurate measurement of embryonic temperature is needed. The objective of this research was to develop such a method. Preliminary research concerning air cell depth profiles and the relationships of eggshell thickness to thermal gradients across the shells of broiler hatching eggs were determined. This provided information for appropriately positioning and timing wired thermistor probe insertion into egg air cells for the practical and accurate estimation of embryo temperature. The relationship between air cell temperature readings using transponders and wired thermistor probe network assemblies were likewise determined. Embryo temperature estimation using probes was shown to be a satisfactory, but their depth should be adjusted daily by 0.042 cm after Day 12 of incubation in order to mirror transponder temperature readings.

A novel method for determining air cell location, embryo development, and eggshell defects in opaque thick-shelled eggs was tested. Results demonstrated that a camcorder with IR “Night Shot” function performed significantly better (P < 0.05) than unaided visual determination of air cell location in Emu eggs. In addition, the Mini DVC camcorder unit was as accurate as the heavier, non-portable, and more expensive traditional IR candling units. Commercial ratite producers, waterfowl biologists, and others working with opaque thick-shelled eggs may benefit from this research.

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.

AimTo determine the prevalence, radiographic appearance and characteristics of patients with zygomatic air cell defect (ZACD).Materials and MethodsRoutine panoramic radiographs of 400 patients who were visited the dental outpatient of our institute were examined retrospectively.ResultsOut of 400 study subjects, ZACD was found in 11, giving an overall prevalence of 2.75%. Out of 11 ZACD subjects, six were males and five were females. The mean age of subjects with ZACD was 33.9 (±15) years and a range of 18 to 65 years. The bilateral involvement of ZACD was seen in only one subject.ConclusionThe overall prevalence of ZACD is relatively low in present study population. Knowledge of ZACD may be helpful in interpreting panoramic radiographs, in planning surgical treatment of the temporomandibular joint and in understanding the spread of pathological processes into the joint.How to cite this articleGadda R, Patil NA, Salvi R. Zygomatic Air Cell Defect: Prevalence and Characteristics in Dental Outpatient Population. J Contemp Dent 2012;2(3):69-72.

Introduction.Osteoma of the temporal bone is a very uncommon benign tumor of bone. Osteomas may occur in the external auditory canals but are reported to be very rare in the mastoid bone.Case Report.A 36-year-old male presented to our department with a hard swelling behind the right ear diagnosed as osteoma. Complete excision was done through a postauricular approach. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of osteoma.Conclusion.Osteomas, although rare, should be considered when dealing with any hard mastoid swelling. Complete removal can be ensured by drilling till the normal cortical bone is reached to avoid recurrence. A cortical mastoidectomy should be done if the mastoid air cell system is involved.

Objective To clarify the position, occurrence rate, and configuration of the suprapyramidal fossa (SF) through surgical observation and 3-dimensional reconstruction. Methods SF of 300 ears with chronic otitis media were observed during surgery. The air cell and its abutting structures, including the facial nerve (FN), were reconstructed using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) data. Results In 68.3% (n = 205) of patients, the SF was observed in surgery. It is situated at the posterior wall of the facial recess of the retrotympanum. This air cell, usually the only one present on the surface of the pyramidal segment of the FN canal (FNC), is usually the largest if small air cells are found nearby. Its delineated location is as follows: pyramidal eminence and the pyramidal segment of the FNC medially, the deeper external acoustic meatus laterally, the aditus ad antrum superiorly, the posterior part of the tympanic annulus, and the chordal ridge anterior-inferiorly. Its configuration varies between rounded (11.7%, n = 35), curved-rod (52.7%, n = 158), and irregular (4%, n = 12). Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity of HRCT in detecting the SF were 79.0% and 88.4%, respectively. Conclusion Occurrence and configuration of the SF is not a rule; however, the positive positional relationship between the SF and the second genu of the FNC is a rule, if the SF is detected. Considering this, the SF may be an important anatomic landmark to identify the FN during otosurgery. However, HRCT has a limited diagnostic value when the SF is atypical.

The performance of three different alternating pressure air mattresses with different geometries of air cell were compared (Nimbus 3, Heritage, Tamora Plus), using simple performance indices based on pressure mapping. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on performance of elevating the backrest and thigh section of the bed into sitting position. Ten healthy volunteers of various sizes were pressure-mapped over the full pressure cycle on three alternating pressure air mattresseses with differing cell geometries. This was then repeated with the beds profiled to a sitting position. Performance of the alternating pressure air mattresses in terms of their ability to redistribute pressure dynamically was assessed in the different positions. The different alternating pressure air mattresses performed similarly with the bed in the lying flat position, but smaller cells appeared to be more effective in the sitting position. A conclusion was made that cell geometry may have an effect on the ability of the mattress to achieve alternating behaviour in the sitting position.

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.

We developed hasuo jeungpyun with added polygonum multiflorum Thunb powder to increase the functional value and flavor of traditional jeungpyun. Hasuo jeungpyun containing 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% polygonum multiflorum Thunb powder was prepared and the moisture contents, pH, color, texture and sensory analysis of the samples were measured. With increasing polygonum multiflorum Thunb powder content, the moisture content of hasuo jeungpyun decreased, and pH increased significantly. Hasuo jeungpyun prepared with 2-4% polygonum multiflorum Thunb powder displayed significantly higher swelling power. As the level of polygonum multiflorum Thunb powder increased, the L-value decreased, whereas the a- and, b-values increased. A textural profile analysis showed that the hardness increased but cohesiveness decreased with increasing polygonum multiflorum Thunb powder content. A sensory evaluation showed the highest value for air cell uniformity, flavor, and overall acceptability of 4% hasuo jeungpyun, which suggests hasuo jeungpyun with improved sensory characteristics. In the analysis of the correlation between sensory characteristics and mechanical properties of hasuo jeungpyun, hardness and brittleness were negatively correlated with after swallow, appearance, flavor, texture, taste, and overall acceptability.

Effect of Housing System on Egg Quality in Laying HensThe aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of eggs from hybrids of laying hens of selected Polish breeding strains depending on their housing system. Analysis was made of eggs from KA-62, KA-42, KA-68 and KA-48 hybrids housed in three systems: cage, litter and free range. One hundred eggs, randomly chosen from each experimental group between 34 and 36 weeks of age, were evaluated for a set of physical characteristics such as weight of egg and egg fraction, percentage of main egg fractions, egg shape index, air cell height, albumen height and pH, Haugh units, yolk colour and pH, as well as shell colour, thickness, density and deformation. Caged birds produced the heaviest eggs (61.06 g) with the lowest shape index (77.86%), lightest shell (39.86) and highest percentage of albumen (57.04%) and yolk (29.89%) in the egg. The most favourable quality traits of albumen from the analysed eggs, i.e. greatest height (5.00 mm) and Haugh units (69.70) were characteristic of egg albumen from hens raised on litter. Shell quality analysis showed that the eggs of free-range birds were characterized by the highest weight of shell (5.76 g), which had the greatest thickness (360.14 μm) and density (81.01 mg/cm2). Detailed analysis of the physical characteristics of eggs from the hybrids of laying hens revealed significant (P≤0.05) differences depending on the housing system. The eggs of caged layers showed many characteristics desired by processors. Meanwhile, the eggs of hens kept on litter were characterized by dietetic properties that could meet specific needs of the consumers.

Microbubbles have the potential to be used in many applications in different fields, especially in food, biomedical, and environmental sciences. However, to produce microbubbles with relatively long-term stability is difficult as they are inherently unstable entities. Hydrophobins are naturally occurring proteins that have previously been shown to have an ability to stabilize micron-sized air cells. More recently, small air cells with other cysteine-rich proteins such as bovine serum albumin and egg albumen (egg white protein) have been constructed using a sonochemical method. The majority of the air cells had a diameter between 1 and 10 μm. A dependence of the air cell size and stability with the processing conditions and concentration were found. The air cells’ shells are dense enough to form a cage-like structure around air cells and are equally as robust as those from hydrophobins.

Functional foods play an important role in daily diet, human health and the food industry. Hemp was reported to have many advantages for nutritional and medicinal usage. In this study, extruded hemp-rice (EHR) flour, containing 30% hemp, was mixed with the wheat flour to create bread loaves at the concentrations of 5, 10 and 15%. Bread made from 100% wheat flour (with no added EHR flour) was used as a control. The physical parameters, including expansion ratio, specific volume and crust/crumb color were evaluated separately. In addition, changes in hardness of the bread during storage at ambient temperature for 3 days were also studied. The results showed that 10%-EHR bread exhibited the highest hardness value, while 15%-EHR bread presented the lowest. The bread containing EHR flour had lower specific volume and bigger air cells compared to the control. Moreover, the crust and crumb color of EHR-containing bread was significantly darker than those of the control. In this study, the 15%-EHR bread showed higher specific volume, lower hardness and bigger air cell structures.

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.

The quantitative effectiveness of powered support surfaces such as APAM in preventing and treating pressure ulcers has not been sufficiently evaluated because of uncertainty of alternating pressure load input and lack of interpretation of dynamic perfusion characteristics of soft tissue. The aim was to verify the dynamic loading effects to sacral tissue perfusion characteristics from alternating set pressure changes. We developed integrated experiment system to supply alternating load to supinely positioned sacrum and concurrently measured TcPO2, TcPCO2 and air cell pressure. Ten aged subjects (5 female, 5 male) were tested with alternating set pressure 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60mmHg. From the dynamic perfusion response eight characteristic parameters were proposed such as average, minimum, maximum and perfusion range regarding to TcPO2 and TcPCO2. A one-way ANOVA was carried out to determine whether the manipulation of alternating set pressure had any effect on TcPO2 and TcPCO2. From the dynamic tissue perfusion response we found mean TcPO2 decreased exponentially as alternating pressure load increased and perfusion range varied mainly because of minimum level change of TcPO2. And perfusion range of TcPCO2 affected by increase of maximum value of TcPCO2. From the results we can get more strict insights about actual physiological dynamic tissue perfusion mechanism under alternating pressure load.

This study investigates the requirements of lithium-air cathodes, which directly influence discharge capacity. The cathodes of Li-air cell are made by using five different carbon materials, such as Ketjen black EC600JD, Super P, Ketjen black EC300JD, Denka black, and Ensaco 250G. The Ketjen black EC600JD provides discharge capacity of 2600 mAh/g per carbon weight, while that of Ensaco 250G shows only 579 mAh/g. To figure out the differences of discharge capacity from carbon materials, their surface ar ea and pore volume are analyzed. These are found out to be the critical factors in determining discharge capacity. Furthermore, carbon loading on Ni foam and amounts of electrolyte are significant factors that affect discharge capacity. In order to investigate catalyst effect, electrolytic man-ganese dioxide (EMD) is incorporated and delivered 4307 mAh/g per carbon weight. This infers that EMD facilitates to break O

Udgivelsesdato: 2010 HYPOTHESIS:: Middle ear pressure (MEP) is actively regulated by both the Eustachian tube and the mastoid air cell system. BACKGROUND:: MEP is a highly significant factor involved in many clinical conditions related to otitis media. Basic knowledge on its overall regulation remains insufficient, but the Eustachian tube and mastoid gas exchange are important factors. The main focus has been aimed at the tube; however, evidence points to the mastoid as equally important. More detailed methods are demanded to study their complementary functions. METHODS:: A catheter was inserted into the mastoid of 12 human volunteers (patients for parotidectomy). This enabled monitoring MEP directly, and experiments were performed with volume displacements of +/-50, 100, and 200 mul resulting in a range of overpressure and underpressure. The following counter-regulation was recorded over 10 minutes. RESULTS:: In some cases, MEP counter-regulation presented as Eustachian tube openings with steep and fast pressure changes toward 0 Pa, whereas in others, gradual and slow pressure changes presented related to the mastoid; these changes sometimes crossed 0 Pa into opposite pressures. In many cases, combinations of these distinct mechanisms were found. CONCLUSION:: The human mastoid as well as the Eustachian tube was capable of active counter-regulation of the MEP in short-term experimental pressure changes in healthy ears. Thus, these 2 systems seemed to function in a complementary way, where the mastoid was related to continuous regulation of smaller pressures, whereas the tube was related to intermittent regulation of higher pressures.

The middle ear (ME) surface area/volume ratio (SA/V) is greater than that of the tympanum. The rate of ME pressure decrease is proportional to the ME SA/V. The mastoid air-cell system (MACS) will not function as an ME gas reserve unless the blood perfusion/surface area is much greater for the tympanum than the MACS and decreases as MACS volume increases.To measure the MACS and tympanum surface areas and volumes and ascertain whether the MACS could function as an ME gas reserve.Twenty adult subjects with a wide range of MACS volumes underwent CT of their MEs. The left and right surface areas and volumes of the tympanum and MACS were reconstructed and entered into a simple perfusion-limited model of transmucosal gas exchange. In this model the MACS would be a gas reserve if ME SA/V was less than the tympanum SA/V or equivalently, if their ratio was less than a critical value of 1.Both MACS and tympanum SA were linearly related to their volumes. MACS SA/V and the ME SA/V were significantly greater than those for the tympanum. Inputting the measured values into the model yielded a critical value of 1.4, which was significantly greater than 1.

Aboonajmi M., Akram A., Nishizu T., Kondo N., Setarehdan S.K., Rajabipour A., 2010. An ultrasound based technique for the determination of poultry egg quality . Res. Agr. Eng., 56: 26–32. The present study investigates the possibility of the non-destructive prediction of the main quality indices of commercial eggs by calculating the ultrasound phase velocity within the egg material. The phase velocity of the ultrasound signal in the egg material was determined by analysing the recorded ultrasound signals using the Fast Fourier Transform. Three hundred commercial eggs (Boris Brown, 33 weeks age) from the first day of egg laying were purchased from a farm and divided in two groups. The first group was kept at the room temperature (22–25°C) and the second group was kept in a refrigerator (5°C). Every week, 25 eggs from both the room and the refrigerator were first submitted to the non-destructive ultrasound test at weekly basis at the room temperature. Immediately after testing, the air cell, the thick albumen heights, the Haugh unit and the yolk index of the eggs were also determined destructively for the comparison purposes. The results were analysed to find any possible correlation between the computed ultrasonic phase velocity and the destructive parameters, during a storage period of five weeks. The tests were carried out using an ultrasound beam with a frequency of 150 kHz with a sampling rate of 2.5 Gs/S on the eggs under a controlled temperature situ ation. Significant differences between the means of the destructive analysis on different days of the eggs storage were found using ANOVA. The results showed that the phase velocity significantly differs between the eggs stored at the room temperature and those stored in the refrigerator. It was found that the phase velocity decreased as the storage time of the eggs increased in three consecutive weeks.

Gonzalez Sanchez, J.F., Chamorro Ramirez, F.H. and Unzon, H.H. 2009. Physicochemical changes in quail eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica) after storage at different temperatures. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 35: 177–180. This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of quail eggs stored at three temperatures: 3–5C (A), 19–23C (B) and 32C (C) after 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 d. As period of storage increased, the egg quality deteriorated and the deterioration rate increased with temperature. Biochemical changes during egg storage, were responsible for weight loss and interior quality deterioration, such as albumen height, yolk height, yolk index and air cell size. The loss in weight was related to the temperature and time storage conditions. It is concluded that for longer storage (60 d) quail eggs should be stored at round 4C.

This review suggests a reference to the postnatal growth of mastoid air cells and bone. Information was retrieved from studies having large consecutive age groups, in order to reveal a development pattern. Data regarding origin, gender, and antibiotic treatment was investigated as well. Most measurements were obtained by planimetry. Assessment of the various data sources suggested the antrum to be well developed at birth (1-1.5 cm2), the mastoid cells to be about 3.5-4 cm2 at 1 year, followed by a linear growth till the age of 6 (1-1.2 cm2/year), having a slower increment up to adult size at puberty (approximately 12 cm2). The mastoid bone expansion is about 0.6-0.9 cm/year in length and width and 0.4 cm/year in depth in the first year, followed by half that rate until the age of 6-7. At puberty there was a slower sprout reaching adult size. Different ethnic groups share similar mastoid aeration and bone growth patterns. There were no differences between mastoid aeration measured at the pre-antibiotic era and after its widespread use. In conclusion, there are three distinguishable phases of mastoid pneumatization from birth till reaching final size. Bone and air cell compartments share a similar growth pattern; bone expansion lags behind aeration. Antibiotic treatment for otitis may have no impact upon mastoid aeration.

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.

The increase in size of the air cell is related to the aging process of the eggs. According to the European Commission Regulation, eggs must be classified in A (air cell size higher than 4 mm), and A “extra” (air cell size lower than 4 mm) categories by candling inspection. This technique is unable to non-destructively assess the size of the air cell during egg grading. The present research studies the possibility to nondestructively grading shell eggs from dielectric parameters obtained by means of a sine wave RF oscillator, a parallel inductance and capacitance circuit. In particular, dielectric parameters and egg dimensional characteristics were used to set up multi-layer (MLP) artificial neural networks. Using MLP with two hidden layers, eggs can be correctly graded in A and A “extra” categories (test validation) within a mean performance close to 90%.

The quality characteristics of white pan bread prepared with chungkukjang powder were investigated. Breads were prepared with the addition of 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of chungkukjang powder to the basic formulation. The bread volume slightly decreased from 0% to 1.5%. pH was nearly unchanged. As the added amount of chungkukjang powder increased, lightness (L-values) decreased while redness (a-values) and yellowness (b-values) increased. During storage, total viable cells of the control bread increased. In preference characteristics, the highest sensory scores for color, air cell, smell and softness were obtained when chungkukjang powder content was 0.5%. The intensity characteristics related to color and smell were the strongest with increasing chungkukjang powder. These results showed that the white pan bread with 0.5% chungkukjang powder was acceptable.

A systematic analysis was carried out by using response surface methodology to create a quantitative model of the synergistic effects of conditions in a continuous freezer [mix flow rate (L/h), overrun (%), cylinder pressure (kPa), drawing temperature ( degrees C), and dasher speed (rpm)] on the principal constituent parameters of ice cream [rate of fat destabilization (%), mean air cell diameter (mum), and mean ice crystal diameter (mum)]. A central composite face-centered design was used for this study. Thirty-one combinations of the 5 above-mentioned freezer conditions were designed (including replicates at the center point), and ice cream samples were manufactured and examined in a continuous freezer under the selected conditions. The responses were the 3 variables given above. A quadratic model was constructed, with the freezer conditions as the independent variables and the ice cream characteristics as the dependent variables. The coefficients of determination (R(2)) were greater than 0.9 for all 3 responses, but Q(2), the index used here for the capability of the model for predicting future observed values of the responses, was negative for both the mean ice crystal diameter and the mean air cell diameter. Therefore, pruned models were constructed by removing terms that had contributed little to the prediction in the original model and by refitting the regression model. It was demonstrated that these pruned models provided good fits to the data in terms of R(2), Q(2), and ANOVA. The effects of freezer conditions were expressed quantitatively in terms of the 3 responses. The drawing temperature ( degrees C) was found to have a greater effect on ice cream characteristics than any of the other factors.

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 supraorbital ethmoid air cell (SOEC) is one anatomic variation of the frontal outflow region that is particularly susceptible to intraoperative complications or postoperative failure from functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The SOEC lies posterior lateral to the frontal sinus and may easily be confused with the frontal sinus intraoperatively. The anterior ethmoid artery lies posterior to both the SOEC and the frontal sinus. Detailed preoperative and intraoperative examination of imaging and image-guided navigation assists in reducing the risks of both intraoperative complications and long-term failure from misidentification or lack of identification of the SOEC.

Background: Pneumatized air cells present in the zygomatic process of the temporal bone are termed Zygomatic Air Cell Defects (ZACDs). They are merely the extensions of the mastoid air cells anteriorly into the zygomatic process of the temporal bone which are important for surgical perspective. Panoramic radiography is useful to display these zygomatic air cell defects. Aim: This study was undertaken to assess zygomatic air cell defects using digital panoramic radiograph. Materials and methods: This involved retrospective evaluation of 1680 panoramic radiographs of patients of Indian origin. Results: Out of 1680 radiographs, Zygomatic Air Cell Defects were seen in 41 panoramic radiographs with an overall prevalence of 2.4%. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of ZACDs is proportionally low but the diagnostitians and surgeons should be vigilant when dealing with zygomatic bone and thoroughly evaluate for zygomatic air cell defects.

Introduction: Zygomatic Air Cell Defect (ZACD) has been considered as a normal radiographic variant with a spare knowledge. This should be judged before any surgical procedure of the temporal region as lack of which can lead to infections of cranium and may other complications. Aim: The present study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of ZACD and to propose a classification for the same using digital panoramic radiography. Materials and Methods: A total of 6825 digital panoramic radiographs were evaluated retrospectively of subjects aged between 4-90 years from both genders. The radiographs were evaluated by 4 (four) oral radiologists and the ZACD was recorded only when the decision was indisputable. Results: Out of 6825 digital panoramic radiographs evaluated ZACD was noticed in 133 subjects with an overall prevalence of 1.94%. A male predilection was noted in the present study with the maximum prevalence during the second, third and fourth decade of life and as the age increases its prevalence decreases. Most commonly it was found to be unilateral and the unilocular presentation being more common. Conclusion: Most of the finding of the present study is in acceptance with those conducted previously, but some of the finding contradicts those in the previous ones. It can be because of low sample size of the previous studies. Moreover this study gives a new system to classify these defects to help diagnose the nature of the defect.

This paper mainly discussed the electrical performance of gas diffusion electrode of Mg-Air Cell. The gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) use a natural graphite powder as catalyst material. The effect of additional binders to the GDE have been investigated to improve electrode performances. Several types of GDE have been developed using binder materials such as epoxy resin, natural clay, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and urea-formaldehyde (UF). By using discharge performance measurement, the characteristics of the as-prepared GDEs are reported.

Background The interfrontal septal cell, which often takes the shape of a wishbone on axial CT scan, was first described by Van Alyea more than 50 years ago; however, its potential role in disease of the frontal sinus was only recently recognized. The purpose of this study was to correlate the incidence and dimensions of this “frontal wishbone” (FWB) with the presence of frontal sinus disease. Methods The dimensions, drainage pathways, and disease state of the FWB were measured in 150 consecutive sinus CT scans performed at a tertiary care referral center. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate the FWB configuration to the presence of frontal sinus disease. Results A FWB was present in 77.3% of patients. The wishbone drained through a discrete ostium into either the left (54.8%), the right (45.2%), or the bilateral (0.8%) frontal sinuses. In those scans with mucosal thickening or opacification of the frontal sinus (36%), concurrent FWB disease was found in 82%. Patients with a large (>1 cm) FWB in the anterior–posterior dimension were more likely to have a diseased frontal sinus (p = 0.02). Conclusion The term FWB is used to describe an air cell within the interfrontal septum, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of frontal sinus disease.

The mastoid apophysis originates from a recent phylogenetic formation, associated with the standing attitude and it is currently considered as an evolution of the bone super-structures. The aim of the present study was to measure the diameters of the mastoid and the temporal bone in the Greek adult population. A total of 298 temporal bones from 149 cadavers (74 male, 75 female) were examined. The distances between six landmarks were measured by means of a pachymeter on both vertical and transverse axes of the mastoids and the temporal bone. The estimated mean values for each dimension were as follows: vertical diameter, 2.37 ± 0.42 cm; transverse diameter, 2.33 ± 0.51 cm; anterior margin, 2.12 ± 0.67 cm; posterior margin, 1.96 ± 0.55 cm; oblong diameter, 10.30 ± 0.60 cm; while the mean distance between the mastoid apex and mandibular fossa calva was 3.67 ± 0.35 cm. Gender differences were detected for the vertical (P < 0.001), the transverse diameter of the mastoid (P < 0.001), the anterior (P < 0.001) and the posterior margin of the mastoid (P < 0.001). In both genders, the vertical diameter of the mastoid was positively correlated with the transverse diameter, as well as with its anterior and posterior margins. In the present study, direct measurements of the mastoid and temporal bone in a Mediterranean population are reported. This description may facilitate a more accurate surgical approach to the temporal bone structures.

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.

The mastoid air cell system (MACS) with its large complex of interconnected air cells reflects an enhanced surface area (SA) relative to its volume (V), which may indicate that the MACS is adapted to gas exchange and has a potential role in middle ear pressure regulation. These geometric parameters of the MACS have been studied by high resolution clinical CT scanning. However, the resolution of these scans is limited to a voxel size of around 0.6 mm in all dimensions, and so, the geometrical parameters are also limited. Small air cells may appear below the resolution and cannot be detected. Such air cells may contribute to a much higher SA, and thus, also the SA/V ratio. More accurate parameters are important for analysis of the function of the MACS including physiological modeling. Our aim was to determine the SA, V, and SA/V ratio in the MACS in human temporal bones at highest resolution by using micro-CT-scanning. Further, the influence of the resolution on these parameters was investigated by downsampling the data. Eight normally aerated temporal bones were scanned at the highest possible resolution (30-60 μm). The SA was determined using a triangular mesh fitted onto the segmented MACS. The V was determined by summing all the voxels containing air. Downsampling of the original data was applied four times by a factor of 2. The mean SA was 194 cm(2), the mean V was 9 cm(3), and the mean SA/V amounted to 22 cm(-1) (22 cm(2)/cm(3)). Decreasing the resolution resulted in a non-linear decrement of SA and SA/V, whereas V was mainly independent of the resolution. The current study found significantly higher SA and SA/V compared with previous studies using clinical CT scanning at lower resolutions. These findings indicate a role of the MACS different from that of the tympanum, though they are limited to only a smaller sample of temporal bones without knowledge about the disease history of the subjects. The current data on mastoid geometry seems important for a more accurate modeling of the middle ear physiology and future studies may include morphological investigations of the air cells with possible implications for their postnatal development.

A minimally invasive approach for cochlear implantation involves drilling a narrow linear path through the temporal bone from the skull surface directly to the cochlea for insertion of the electrode array without the need for an invasive mastoidectomy. Potential drill positioning errors must be accounted for to predict the effectiveness and safety of the procedure. The drilling accuracy of a system used for this procedure was evaluated in bone surrogate material under a range of clinically relevant parameters. Additional experiments were performed to isolate the error at various points along the path to better understand why deflections occur. An experimental setup to precisely position the drill press over a target was used. Custom bone surrogate test blocks were manufactured to resemble the mastoid region of the temporal bone. The drilling error was measured by creating divots in plastic sheets before and after drilling and using a microscope to localize the divots. The drilling error was within the tolerance needed to avoid vital structures and ensure accurate placement of the electrode; however, some parameter sets yielded errors that may impact the effectiveness of the procedure when combined with other error sources. The error increases when the lateral stage of the path terminates in an air cell and when the guide bushings are positioned further from the skull surface. At contact points due to air cells along the trajectory, higher errors were found for impact angles of $$45^{\circ }$$ and higher as well as longer cantilevered drill lengths. The results of these experiments can be used to define more accurate and safe drill trajectories for this minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Objectives We investigated the factors that may possibly cause primary acquired cholesteatoma. Setting University-affiliated hospital. Subjects and methods In 20 adult patients with unilateral cholesteatoma, the sizes of the osseous eustachian tubes (ETs) and the extent of peritubal and mastoid cell development in healthy and diseased ears were examined using high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography. The height and width of the ET were measured at the tympanic orifice, the isthmus, and the midpoint, as was the length of its axis. We also assessed the extent of development of peritubal and mastoid cells. Results There were no significant differences in the size of the osseous ET between the healthy and cholesteatoma sides, but significant correlations were found in height and width between the sides at the tympanic orifice and at the isthmus. In 80% of ears with cholesteatoma, the development of both peritubal and mastoid cells was poor and, in 5% more, one or the other was poor. Mastoid and peritubal cell development was good in 60% of healthy ears and poor in 20%. In the remaining 20%, only peritubal cell development was poor. Conclusion There were no significant differences in the size of the osseous ET between the healthy and diseased sides of patients with unilateral cholesteatoma. Our results indicate that inhibition of air cell development in not only the mastoid region but also the peritubal region may contribute to cholesteatoma development.