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Soil pore parameters are important for water infiltration into the soil and transport within the soil. The aim of this study was to compare influences of agroecosystems on soil pore characteristics (number of pores, macropores, coarse mesopores, porosity, macroporosity, coarse mesoporosity, pore circularity) using computed tomography (CT). This experiment was carried out four different agroecosystem field [ Tucker Prairie (TP): native prairie, Prairie Fork (PF): restored prairie, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and row crop (RC): corn/soybean rotation] in Missouri state of United States during the year of 2017. Undisturbed soil samples were collected at four soil depths (0-10, 10-20, 20-30, and 30-40 cm) from each treatment with three replications. Five scan images from each sample were acquired using a X-ray CT scanner with 0.19 by 0.19 mm pixel resolution with 0.5 mm slice thickness and analyzed with Image-J . TP, PF, CRP, and RC treatments had 195, 88, 112, and 49 pores on a 2500 mm 2 area, respectively across all the depths. Soil under TP and CRP treatment had significantly higher porosity (0.046 m 3 m -3 , 0.046 m 3 m -3 ), and macroporosity (0.036 m 3 m -3 , 0.041 m 3 m -3 ) values than other treatments. The CT-measured number of macropores (>1000 μm diam.) were 5 times higher for TP when compared with RC treatment. The CT-measured pore circularity values were lower for CRP and RC treatments. CT-measured number of coarse mesopores, and mesoporosity were significantly greater under TP treatment. Results show that native prairie can improve soil pore parameters.

As a continuation of parts 1 1 and 2 2 , this article discusses artifacts as caused by insufficient temporal resolution, artifacts in color and spectral Doppler sonography, and information regarding artifacts in sonography with contrast agents. There are artifacts that occur in B-mode sonography as well as in Doppler imaging methods and sonography with contrast agents, such as slice thickness artifacts and bow artifacts, shadows, mirroring, and artifacts due to refraction that appear, for example, as double images, because they are based on the same formation mechanisms. In addition, there are artifacts specific to Doppler sonography, such as the twinkling artifact, and method-based motion artifacts, such as aliasing, the ureteric jet, and due to tissue vibration. The artifacts specific to contrast mode include echoes from usually highly reflective structures that are not contrast bubbles (“leakage”). Contrast agent can also change the transmitting signal so that even structures not containing contrast agent are echogenic (“pseudoenhancement”). While artifacts can cause problems regarding differential diagnosis, they can also be useful for determining the diagnosis. Therefore, effective use of sonography requires both profound knowledge and skilled interpretation of artifacts. Nach den im Teil 1 1 und 2 2 vorgestellten Artefakten werden hier im Teil 3 weitere Artefakte behandelt, wie solche durch zu geringe zeitliche Auflosung, Artefakte bei der Farb- und Spektral-Doppler-Sonografie, erganzt durch Hinweise auf Artefakte bei der Kontrastmittel-Sonografie. Es gibt Artefakte, die – homolog, da sie auf den gleichen Entstehungsmechanismen beruhen – sowohl beim B-Mode als auch bei Doppler-Verfahren und der Kontrastmittel-Sonografie vorkommen wie Schichtdicken- und Bogenartefakte, Schatten, Spiegelungen sowie Artefakte durch Brechung, die z. B. als Doppelbilder auffallen. Zusatzlich gibt es bei der Doppler-Sonografie spezielle Artefakte wie das Twinkling-Artefakt sowie methodentypische Bewegungsartefakte wie Aliasing, der ureterale Jet und Gewebeschwirren. Der Kontrastmittel-Sonografie eigene Artefakte sind zum einen Echos von meist stark reflektierenden Strukturen, die keine Kontrastmittelblaschen sind („leakage“). Zum andern kann Kontrastmittel das transmittierte Signal verandern, sodass auch nicht kontrastmittelhaltige Strukturen echogen werden („pseudoenhancement“). Artefakte konnen differenzialdiagnostische Probleme bereiten, aber auch zur Diagnosefindung nutzlich sein. Profundes Wissen uber Artefakte und der gekonnte Umgang damit sind essenziell fur gute Sonografie.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cabinet drying air temperature (30–60 °C) and sample thickness (2.5–10 mm) on the quality attributes of dried beef. The physical (colour, rehydration ratio/RR and texture) and microbial quality of beef samples were evaluated using standard procedures. There was a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in L*, a*, b*and chroma/C* colour values with increasing temperature and beef thickness, while change in thickness had no effect (P > 0.05) on the hue/H* colour attribute. The RR was higher at 60 °C for 5–10 mm thick samples and decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with increase in beef thickness. The firmness values increased with increase in temperature from 30 to 50 °C, decreased at 60 °C and were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) at 2.5 mm beef thickness. The total viable counts (TVC) and Staphylococcus aureus numbers in beef dried at 30 and 40 °C were higher than that of fresh beef, whereas drying at 60 °C significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the microbial numbers.

滑車神経は脳神経の中で最も細く長いため画像による評価は難しいとされてきた．近年，MRIの高磁場化や傾斜磁場性能の向上によりスライス厚を薄くすることが可能となり，滑車神経同定の報告もされるようになってきている．本検討では，3D-constructive interference in steady state（3D-CISS）法を用い，高磁場化や高分解能撮像を行うことと，滑車神経を描出するために特化した再構成画像の連続したスライスデータを用いることによる滑車神経同定への影響を検討した．滑車神経の同定は，multi planar reconstruction（MPR）を用いて，脳槽内のpoint of exit（PE）からテント切痕まで描出できる連続したスライスデータの画像再構成を，滑車神経同定のための指導を受けた診療放射線技師２名が試みた．滑車神経の同定率は，1.5 Tに比べ3 Tの方が有意に高い結果であった．また同定された滑車神経の距離計測では，3 Tでスライス厚0.25 mmの方が0.5 mm厚よりも有意に長くなり，またスライス厚0.5 mmでは，1.5 Tよりも3 Tの方が有意に長くなった．3D-CISS法を用いて3 Tで高分解能撮像を行い，MPRによる適切な画像再構成を行うことで，より確実に滑車神経を同定し，その描出距離も長くなる．, The trochlear nerve is so thin that it is difficult to identify reliably by routine Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging. We evaluated the influence of higher magnetic field strength and higher spatial resolution for identifying the trochlear nerve with three-dimensional constructive interference of steady state (3D CISS) sequence. Two radiological technologists, who were specifically trained for the observation of the trochlear nerve on MRI, challenged to generate multiple images by a multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) technique with adaptively varying the MPR parameters (e.g. oblique direction and slice location) according to the cisternal course of the trochlear nerve from the point of exit to the tentorial edge. The trochlear nerve identification was significantly better on 3T MR images than on 1.5T MR images. The mean distance of the nerve measured on thin-slice (0.25 mm) 3T MR images was significantly longer than those on 3T MR images (0.5-mm slice thickness), followed by those on 1.5T MR images (0.5-mm slice thickness). High-resolution 3T MR imaging accompanied with the proper image reconstruction by the MPR technique enables reliable identification of the trochlear nerve.

Purpose The objective of this study was to develop and validate an open-source module for MRI to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) registration to support tumor-targeted prostate brachytherapy. Methods and Materials In this study, 15 patients with prostate cancer lesions visible on multiparametric MRI were selected for the validation. T2-weighted images with 1-mm isotropic voxel size and diffusion weighted images were acquired on a 1.5T Siemens imager. Three-dimensional (3D) TRUS images with 0.5-mm slice thickness were acquired. The investigated registration module was incorporated in the open-source 3D Slicer platform, which can compute rigid and deformable transformations. An extension of 3D Slicer, SlicerRT, allows import of and export to DICOM-RT formats. For validation, similarity indices, prostate volumes, and centroid positions were determined in addition to registration errors for common 3D points identified by an experienced radiation oncologist. Results The average time to compute the registration was 35 ± 3 s. For the rigid and deformable registration, respectively, Dice similarity coefficients were 0.87 ± 0.05 and 0.93 ± 0.01 while the 95% Hausdorff distances were 4.2 ± 1.0 and 2.2 ± 0.3 mm. MRI volumes obtained after the rigid and deformable registration were not statistically different (p > 0.05) from reference TRUS volumes. For the rigid and deformable registration, respectively, 3D distance errors between reference and registered centroid positions were 2.1 ± 1.0 and 0.4 ± 0.1 mm while registration errors between common points were 3.5 ± 3.2 and 2.3 ± 1.1 mm. Deformable registration was found significantly better (p Conclusions An open-source MRI to TRUS registration platform was validated for integration in the brachytherapy workflow.

The aim of this systematic review was to address the question: Do different irrigating protocols have an impact on the dislocation resistance of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based materials? The review was performed using a well-defined search strategy in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) to include laboratory studies performed between January 1995 and May 2017, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers analysed the papers, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data on teeth used, sample size, size of root canal preparation, type of MTA-based material, irrigants, canal filling method, storage method and duration, region of roots and the parameters of push-out testing (slice thickness, plunger dimensions and plunger loading direction), the main results and dislocation resistance values (in MPa). From 255 studies, 27 were included for full-text analysis. Eight papers that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. There was a wide variation in dislocation resistance due to differences in irrigation sequence, time and concentration of irrigants, storage method and duration, and the parameters of push-out bond strength testing. A meta-analysis was not done but qualitative synthesis of the included studies was performed. No definitive conclusion could be drawn to evaluate the effect of irrigation protocols on dislocation resistance of MTA-based materials. Recommendations have been provided for standardized testing methods and reporting of future studies, so as to obtain clinically relevant information and to understand the effects of irrigating protocols on root canal sealers and their interactions with the dentine walls of root canals.

Hierarchical porous zeolites attract great attention because of their porosity on different scales to improve molecular diffusion. Here, we report mesoporous Faujasite (FAU) zeolite nanosheets with intergrown structure synthesized in an additive-free system. The sample was composed of uniform nanosheets with a slice thickness of ∼50 nm, which held a honeycomb-like structure with abundant mesopores. This material exhibits both microporous and mesoporous structure: the intrinsic micropores with a diameter about 0.74 nm in the zeolite framework and the mesopores with a diameter about 10 nm existing within the zeolite nanosheets. The Si/Al ratios can be adjusted from 1.1 to 1.9 (zeolites X or Y). In addition, this simple and environmental method may provide inspiration to the synthesis of other hierarchical zeolites.

Effects of vacuum pressure duration (t-VPD of 5, 10, 15, and 20 min), ambient pressure duration (t-APD of 3, 5, 7, and 9 min), drying temperature (60, 65, 70, and 75°C), and slice thickness (3, 5, ...

Background Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are refined neuroimaging findings detected on T2*-weighted gradient echo (GRE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are widely accepted as an important marker of the vulnerability of cerebral small vessels. It is necessary to further clarify the natural history of CMBs by a longitudinal study. This study aimed to reveal the natural history of CMBs and find a better way to track CMBs by a prospective long-term observation. Methods We performed yearly brain MRI assessments for 7 or more years in 8 nonvalvular atrial fibrillation Japanese outpatients with CMBs detected in the baseline MRI. We began to use a 3.0T MRI scanner from 2012 as well. Results We followed up 3 patients for 9 years, 2 for 8 years, and 3 for 7 years. In all patients, the CMBs at baseline did not disappear during the follow-up period. Importantly, the CMB in 1 patient seemed to disappear during the sixth imaging using 1.5T T2*-weighted GRE but was detected again during the seventh imaging with 3.0T susceptibility weighted imaging and ninth imaging with 3.0T T2* GRE. Moreover, in a patient implanted with a pacemaker, which is only applicable for 1.5T MRI at present, the CMB seemed to disappear and appeared once again with a 1.5T T2*-weighted GRE at a slice thickness of 2.5 mm instead of 5 mm. Conclusions From this prospective study, we obtained 2 absolutely new findings that CMBs remained for as long as 9 years and a high-field or thin-slice MRI can detect concealed CMBs.

To quantify the effect of IV contrast, tube current and slice thickness on skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and density (SMD) on routine CT. CSA and SMD were computed on 216 axial CT images obtained at the L3 level in 72 patients with variations in IV contrast, slice thickness and tube current. Intra-patient mean difference (MD), 95 % CI and limits of agreement were calculated using the Bland-Altman approach. Inter- and intra-analyst agreement was evaluated. IV contrast significantly increased CSA by 1.88 % (MD 2.33 cm2; 95 % CI 1.76–2.89) and SMD by 5.99 % (p

Injuries of the flexor–tendon–pulley system are common in rock climbers. The status of the A3 pulley ligament is crucial for grading such injuries. As standard MRI may miss lesions of the A3 pulley ligament, we introduce a semi-dynamic MRI sequence. Twenty-two fingers (14 volunteers, 3 injured climbers) were scanned using a sagittal T1 turbo spin echo sequence (repetition time: 400 ms, echo time: 14 ms, slice thickness: 5 mm) in six consecutive finger positions from stretched to maximum possible flexion. No pulley lesion was found in volunteers. Bowstringing was detected in 3 injured fingers including the A3 pulley. Semi-dynamic MRI is an technique that is easy to perform to identify injuries of the A3 pulley ligament that were not seen on standard imaging.

Diagnostic imaging modalities, like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to assess in vivo muscle quality. Quantitative assessment using these techniques is time-intensive and costly due in part to extensive post-processing needs. The purpose of this study was to identify whether a subset of slices on CT and MRI would yield comparable results to the full number of slices for a measure of muscle quality (muscle deterioration ratio = fat volume/muscle volume) in the foot intrinsic muscles of people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. CT (0.6 mm slice thickness) and MRI (3.5 mm slice thickness) scans were obtained using previously described methods. The total number of slices acquired during the scan was compared to several conditions using a portion of slices. Bland-Altman plots and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient were used to test agreement. Any condition using at least three slices yielded substantial to almost perfect agreement with the total number of slices on both CT and MRI (Range of Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient: 0.947–0.999). Using a single slice in the middle of the region of interest demonstrated poor to moderate agreement with the total number of slices. The findings of this study suggest that using a limited number of slices to quantify muscle deterioration ratio on CT or MRI is a viable way to balance the combined need for measurement accuracy with feasibility in research and clinical settings.

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) is one of the underutilized tropical fruits and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Peroxidase (POD) is the most heat stable enzyme which is used as an indicator for adequacy of blanching process. Blanching is a prerequisite for the preservation of fruits and vegetables. Hot water blanching is having disadvantages like wastewater production and loss of valuable nutrients by leaching. Microwave blanching is one of the emerging and clean technology which seems to provide a better nutrient retention due to shorter heating time and zero wastewater production. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to identify a suitable blanching method (hot water blanching and microwave blanching) for different slice thickness (5, 10 and 15 mm) of star fruit that ensures enzyme inactivation and maximum retention of therapeutic value (ascorbic acid and oxalic acid). It was observed that blanching at 600, 480, 240 and 120 W power level for a slice thickness of 5, 10 and 15 mm required blanching time of 30-60 s, 40-70 s, 60-80 s, 80-150 s and 300-720 s respectively. For a given slice thickness, the moisture content of samples decreased with increase in power level. The moisture content was reduced to 84-88% w.b. from an initial value of 90% w.b. depending on power level and blanching time combinations. At the same time, the oxalic acid decreased significantly with increase in slice thickness and a decrease in power level. The change in ascorbic acid also showed a similar trend but the influence of slice thickness was not significant (p>0.05).

The drying process parameters of cooking banana dried on an active indirect mode solar dryer were optimized using Response Surface Methodology. The independent factors considered were the air inlet area of an active indirect mode solar dryer and slice thickness of the product. Five levels of the air inlet area for four shapes [(Square – 4, 16, 36, 64 and 100 cm2), (Rectangular – 8, 24, 48, 80 and 96 cm2), (Circular – 3.142, 12.568, 28.278, 50.272 and 78.55 cm2) and (Triangular – 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 cm2)] and five levels of slice thicknesses of 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 mm were considered. The desired responses were moisture content, drying rate, and drying efficiency. Experimental data from the field gave a moisture content range of 12.05 to 12.20 % (wet basis) and a drying rate range of 1.95 to 3.99 g/hr, while the drying efficiency was between 13.85 to 31.84 %. The optimum responses obtained were: 11.98 % (moisture content); 4.85 g/hr (drying rate); and 34.51 % (drying efficiency). The corresponding optimal conditions were: 40 cm2 (triangular air inlet) and 20 mm (slice thickness); 100 cm2 (square air inlet) and 20 mm (slice thickness); and 100 cm2 (square air inlet) and 20 mm (slice thickness). The experiment was repeated at the optimal conditions, and a deviation of less than 5% was observed. The square air inlet area of 100 cm2 and slice thickness of 20 mm was recommended for optimal drying of cooking banana using an active indirect mode solar dryer.

Measurement of the slice thickness in computed tomography (CT) is usually made using a special phantom, such as the AAPM CT performance phantom. Images of the phantom are analyzed manually and subjectively. The purpose of this study is to develop an automated system for measuring the slice thickness of the CT image of the phantom using MATLAB software. The CT AAPM performance phantom was scanned by a 128 multi-slice computed tomography scanner (Revolution Evo, GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI) at a slice thickness of 5 mm with four different phantom orientations and also scanned by a 6 multi-slice CT scanner (Somatom Emotion 6, Siemens AG, Forchheim, Germany) for two slice thicknesses of 5 and 10 mm. Our automat ed method produce d an accurate slice thickness value less than 0.5 mm different from the nominal slice thicknesses and manual measurements. Similar results were obtained when the phantom was rotated. This system is more objective and effective compared to manual systems.

(1) Although guidelines about the use of MRI sequences for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and follow-up are available, variability in acquisition protocols is not uncommon in everyday clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-world application of MS imaging guidelines in different settings to clarify the level of adherence to these guidelines. (2) Via an on-line anonymous survey, neuroradiologists (NR) were asked about MRI protocols and parameters routinely acquired when MS patients are evaluated in their center, both at diagnosis and follow-up. Furthermore, data about report content and personal opinions about emerging neuroimaging markers were also retrieved. (3) A total of 46 participants were included, mostly working in a hospital or university hospital (80.4%) and with more than 10 years of experience (47.9%). We found a relatively good adherence to the suggested MRI protocols regarding the use of T2-weighted sequences, although almost 10% of the participants routinely acquired 2D sequences with a slice thickness superior to 3 mm. On the other hand, a wider degree of heterogeneity was found regarding gadolinium administration, almost routinely performed at follow-up examination (87.0% of cases) in contrast with the current guidelines, as well as a low use of a standardized reporting system (17.4% of cases). (4) Although the MS community is getting closer to a standardization of MRI protocols, there is still a relatively wide heterogeneity among NR, with particular reference to contrast administration, which must be overcome to guarantee an adequate quality of patients’ care in MS.

Coconut slices were converted into healthy coconut chips by replacing conventional osmotic agent with jaggery to counteract the health deteriorating effect of refined sugar. The optimal processing condition to yield the desired product was determined by employing a Box-Behnken design based on independent variables: drying temperature (50–70 °C), jaggery solution concentration (45–55 °Brix), and slice thickness (0.50–1.00 mm). The simultaneous optimization of these processing parameters was done based on the responses: final moisture content, drying rate, rehydration ratio, crispness, appearance, taste and overall acceptability. Further, the sample prepared at the optimized condition (drying temperature - 66.22 °C, slice thickness - 0.55 mm and jaggery solution concentration - 46.18 °Brix) was characterized and compared with traditional refined sugar osmosed coconut chips. Proximate and mineral analysis of the optimized sample suggested that incorporating a new osmotic agent, jaggery, has improved the nutritional quality of the chips with higher consumer acceptability.

To evaluate and compare intercondylar notch volume with other 2-dimensional notch parameters (measured on magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) for prediction of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in males.Retrospective case-control study in males based on MRI images. The case group consisted of 80 noncontact ACL-injured males and a control group of 80 age- and height-matched ACL-intact males. Inclusion criteria were 18 to 50 years old, full-thickness tear, MRI obtained within 1 year of injury, and ACL tear visually documented during arthroscopy. Multiligamentous, bilateral, or concomitant bony injuries were excluded. Notch volume and 2D parameters in both planes, including notch depth, notch width, intercondylar notch angle, notch-width index, and notch-shape index, were measured on MRI and compared. Slice interval was included in the formula for notch-volume assessment. Bivariate Pearson correlation between notch volume and 2D parameters was estimated. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was used for predictor model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted.All MRIs had a standard slice thickness of 3 mm and slice interval of 0.3 mm. Notch volume (P.001), notch angle in the axial plane (P = .001), and notch width in the coronal plane (P = .009) were significantly smaller in the ACL-injured group. Notch volume had inconsistent and negligible to low correlation with 2D parameters. Notch volume was the only significant contributor in the predictor model (P.001). ROC curve showed that notch volume had highest area under the curve of 84.1% and optimal cutoff at 7.1550 cmSignificantly smaller intercondylar notch volume is associated with noncontact ACL injury in men and is the most important predictor for such an injury (optimal cutoff of 7.1550 cmIII, retrospective case-control study.

This work aimed to study the rehydration characteristics of vacuum freeze- (VFD) and hot air-dried (HAD) garlic slices and explain the rehydration mechanism. It was observed that VFD samples had significantly faster water absorption rates than HAD samples. However, VFD samples had lower final moisture contents than the HAD samples. Additionally, the effect slice thickness on rehydration characteristics of samples was lower than that of drying methods. The contact angle and microstructure analysis of dried samples revealed that the strong water wettability and the porous structure contributed to the faster water absorption rate of VFD samples. Moreover, we found and confirmed, for the first time, that numerous air bubbles trapped in the VFD samples hindered the absorption of water. This resulted in a lower water holding capacity in VFD samples compared with HAD samples, which had less air bubbles.

ZIEL: Weichteilgewebe ist die Substanz, die ein Skelett zur Mumie macht und Diagnosen über die Osteologie hinaus erlaubt. Entsprechend dem Ansatz des „structured reporting” in der klinischen Radiologie, wurde eine kürzlich entwickelte Checkliste für die Auswertung der Weichteilerhaltung von Ötzi in der Computertomografie (CT) verwendet. Das Ziel der Studie war, die „CT Checklist and Scoring System for the Assessment of Soft Tissue Preservation in Human Mummies“ bei Ötzi anzuwenden und Ötzis Weichteilerhaltung quantitativ mit den entsprechenden Scores anderer Mumien zu vergleichen. Verwendet wurde ein Ganzkörper-CT (SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) bestehend aus fünf Scans, das im Januar 2013 in der Abteilung für Radiodiagnostik, Zentralkrankenhaus Bozen durchgeführt wurde (Schichtdicke 0,6 mm; Spannung von 80 bis 140 Kilovolt). Die standardisierte Auswertung erfolgte anhand der “CT Checklist and Scoring System for the Assessment of Soft Tissue Preservation in Human Mummies”. Aus der Hauptkategorie “A. Soft Tissues of Head and Musculoskeletal System” waren alle Checkpoints erhalten, aus der Hauptkategorie “B. Organs and Organ Systems” mehr als die Hälfte. Das Scoringsystem ergab einen Gesamtscore von 153 (von 200). Der Vergleich der Scores von Ötzi und drei Mumiensammlungen aus Vilnius, Litauen und Palermo, Sizilien sowie einer Einzelmumie aus Ägypten ergab überwiegend höhere Scores der Weichteilerhaltung bei Ötzi. Die Anwendung der Checkliste ermöglichte eine standardisierte Beurteilung und Dokumentation von Ötzis Weichteilerhaltung. Das Scoringsystem erlaubte einen quantitativen Vergleich zwischen Ötzi und anderen Mumien. Ötzi zeigte eine ausgezeichnete Weichteilerhaltung. · Der Ansatz des “structured reporting” kann auf die Paläoradiologie übertragen werden.. · Die Checkliste ermöglichte eine standardisierte Beurteilung und Dokumentation der Weichteilerhaltung.. · Das Scoringsystem ermöglichte einen quantitativen Vergleich zwischen Mumien.. · Ötzi hat eine ausgezeichnete Weichteilerhaltung im CT..

OBJECTIVE: A new technique for 2D gradient-recalled echo echo-planar imaging (GE-EPI) termed 'variable slice thickness' (VAST) is proposed, which reduces signal losses caused by through-slice susceptibility artifacts, while keeping the volume repetition time (TR) manageable. The slice thickness is varied across the brain, with thinner slices being used in the inferior brain regions where signal voids are most severe.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various axial slice thickness schemes with identical whole-brain coverage were compared to regular EPI, which may either suffer from unfeasibly long TR if appropriately thin slices are used throughout, or signal loss if no counter-measures are taken. Evaluation is based on time-course signal-to-noise (tSNR) maps from resting state data and a statistical group-level region of interest (ROI) analysis on breath-hold fMRI measurements.RESULTS: The inferior brain region signal voids with static B0 inhomogeneities could be markedly reduced with VAST GE-EPI in contrast to regular GE-EPI. ROI-averaged event-related signal changes showed 48% increase in VAST compared to GE-EPI with regular "thick" slices. tSNR measurements proved the comparable signal robustness of VAST in comparison to regular GE-EPI with thin slices.CONCLUSION: A novel acquisition strategy for functional 2D GE-EPI at ultrahigh magnetic field is presented to reduce susceptibility-induced signal voids and keep TR sufficiently short for whole-brain coverage.

Background: In Nasopharyngeal MSCT examination, the radiologist wants optimal image in order to evaluate the characteristics of the tumor, bone destruction due to a tumor, the extent of tumor invasion and the detection of regional metastases that serve as guidelines in determining the clinical stage in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. So setting the scan parameters rekostruksi increments during the process multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) image on Nasopharyngeal MSC T will produce optimal images for diagnosis enforcement. Overlapping reconstruction increment is the distance between the image that has been reconstructed on the data volume that is made smaller than the size of the slice thickness is used. Selection of the reconstruction value increment overlapping usage right has an advantage in generating image anatomical information better for image noise becomes lower and accurate for diagnosing small structures, especially of hidden nasopharynx anatomy and difficult to detect. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence variation reconstruction increment overlapping to the anatomical information image on nasopharyngea MSCT l examination with the carcinoma clinical and determine the best value reconstruction increment overlapping that can provide optimal anatomical information image on nasopharyngeal MSCT examination with the clinical of carcinoma. Methods: This research was quantitative research with pre-experimental approach with one shoot case study method. This research was carried out by means of SIEMENS "SOMATOM EMOTION" - 16 slice in Installing Radiodiagnostic Hospital Dr. Soetomo Surabaya . The data in the form of a data volume of 10 patients in the sample with setting 3 mm slice thickness and reconstruction increment given the variation of the overlapping 30% of slice thickness (0.9 mm), 40% of the slice thickness (1.2 mm) and 50% of the slice thickness (1.5 mm) on MSCT nasopharyngeal examination with the clinical of carcinoma. Assessment anatomical information performed by the two respondents or reviewer. The data analysis was testing the influence with the simple linear regression tets and to determine the value of reconstruction increment overlapping optimal use friedman mean rank test. Result: The results showed a influence of variation reconstruction increment overlapping to the anatomical information image on nasopharyngeal MSCT examination with the clinical of carcinoma with a significance level of p = 0,000 (p < 0.05). The best value reconstruction increment overlapping that can provide optimal anatomical information image on MSCT nasopharyngeal examination with the clinical of carcinoma is a reconstruction increment overlapping 50% of the slice thickness 3 mm (1.5 mm) with a mean rank in the axial slice and coronal slice image of 2.61. Conclution: There are influence of variation reconstruction increment overlapping to the anatomical information image on MSCT nasopharyngeal examination with the clinical of carcinoma with a significance level of p = 0,000 (p < 0.05). Reconstruction increment overlapping 50% of the slice thickness 3 mm (1.5 mm) is a best value that can provide optimal anatomical information image on nasopharyngeal MSCT examination with the clinical of carcinoma.

Pleural plaques (PPs) may be a risk factor for mortality from lung cancer in asbestos-exposed workers and are considered to be a marker of exposure. Diagnosing PPs is also important because asbestos-exposed patients should be offered a health surveillance that is mandatory in many countries. On the other hand PPs are useful for compensation purposes. In this study we aimed to evaluate the prevalence, as incidental findings, and the underreporting rate of PPs in chest CT scans (CTs) performed in a cohort of patients (1512) who underwent chest CT with a slice thickness no more than 1.25 mm. PPs were found in 76 out of 1482 patients (5.1%); in 13 out of 76 (17,1%) CTs were performed because of clinical suspicion of asbestos exposure and 5 of them (38%) were underreported by radiologist. In the remaining 63 cases (82.9%) there was no clinical suspicion of asbestos exposure at the time of CTs (incidental findings) and in 38 of these 63 patients (60.3%) PPs were underreported. Reaching a correct diagnosis of PPs requires a good knowledge of normal locoregional anatomy and rigorous technical approach in chest CT execution. However the job history of the patient should always be kept in mind.

Background: Extracranial stereotactic body radiation therapy is non-invasive alternative to other local treatment methods of patients with liver metastases. One of the main criteria for successful planning of the irradiation volume is a clear visualization of the contour of the tumor. MRI provides more valuable information about the boundaries of the tumor and critical structures, which makes its implementation mandatory when collecting anatomical and topographic data for the planning of stereotactic radiotherapy in patients with metastases in the liver. The use of different pulse sequences and the thickness of the slices affects the quality of visualization of the contour of the target, the fusion of CT and MRI data to select the irradiation volume. Objective: Improving the quality of anatomo-topographic data collection using the MRI for planning stereotactic radiation therapy in patients with liver metastases. Design and methods: Magnetom Siemens Avanto and Aera RT 1.5T. MRI protocol: overview T2 Cor and T2 Sag 5mm, T1ax VIBE DIXION 1.5mm, T2ax SPACE 2mm, DWI (ADC), T2ax TSE BLADE FS 3mm. With the help of this technique 15 patients with a total of 20 liver metastases was planned and executed stereotactic radiation therapy. Results: Used slice thickness and pulse sequences provide high spatial resolution, clear visualization of the contour of the tumor, the absence of technical difficulties with the fusion of CT and MRI tomograms at the station planning and the selection of the volume exposure. Conclusion: Optimization of the MRI protocol to collect anatomo-topographic data allowed to increase their informative value and diagnostic value for planning of SBRT in patients with liver metastases.

Selective laser melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technique that uses powders to fabricate 3Dparts directly. The objective of this paper is to perform an experimental investigation of selective laser melted 17-4PH stainless steel. The investigation involved the influence of separate processing parameters on the density, defect, microhardness and the influence of heat-treatment on the mechanical properties. The outcomes of this study show that scan velocity and slice thickness have significant effects on the density and the characteristics of pores of the SLMed parts. The effect of hatch spacing depends on scan velocity. The processing parameters, such as scan velocity, hatch spacing and slice thickness, have effect on microhardness. Compared to the samples with no heat-treatment, the yield strength of the heat-treated sample increases significantly and the elongation decreases due to the transformation of microstructure and the changes in the precipitation strengthening phases. By a combination of changes in composition and precipitation strengthening, microhardness improved.

The 3D printing of biocompatible materials is very promising due to their potential for use in biological applications, such as the development of artificial organs. Among various 3D printing methods, stereolithography is a good candidate due to its ability to produce high-resolution structures. Although the 3D printing of hydrogels has been investigated, few studies on printing complex structures have been conducted. In this study, we investigate various challenges during the construction of complex structures such as tilted ratchets and ladders which has T-shapes using UV-curable PEG materials as well as the mechanisms to address these problems. We study the effect of UV absorbing pigments to control the UV penetration depth and the relation with the slice thickness. Also, we design ladder-type structures with different neck widths to verify the mechanical strength of the prepared hydrogel polymers.

Cassava forms part of diets in Kenya with both the roots and leaves being consumed as food. The short shelf-life of 72 hours and cyanogenic glucosides limit the extent of utilization. Currently, fried cassava chips and crisps are increasingly being consumed as snacks; and fried cassava chips are produced by street processors. The quality and safety of these products is not known, therefore, the current study was to establish the influence of cassava cultivar, blanching time and slice thickness on quality of fried cassava chips. Moisture, vitamin C and cyanide content in the raw cassava cultivars were determined before processing. The three raw cassava cultivars coded as MH95/0183, MM96/2480 and Fumba chai were washed, peeled and sliced into thickness of 6 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm. Equal groups of the slices were blanched at 950C for 0 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutes each and then subjected to frying temperature of 1700C. The physico-chemical and sensory properties of fried cassava chips were determined. Dry matter content, vitamin C content and cyanide levels significantly (p < 0.05) differed among the three raw cultivars except in MH95/0183 and MM96/2480. A strong positive relationship (r = 0.98) existed between moisture and cyanide contents in the raw cultivars. Mean cyanide levels in the three roots was: 37.04 mg/kg, 16.37 mg/kg and 48.48 mg/kg in MH95/0183, MM96/2480 and Fumba chai, respectively. Dry matter content was 36.79 %, 37.69 % and 30.42 % in MH95/0183, MM96/2480 and Fumba chai. The physico-chemical and sensory properties significantly (p < 0.05) differed within and across the cultivars as affected by processing conditions. Mean cyanide range was 1.4 - 11 mg/kg, oil content ranged 3.78 - 18.48 % and vitamin C content ranged 7.59 - 50.48 mg/100 g. Significant (p < 0.05) relationship (r = 0.707) existed between slice thickness and the redness color parameter. Cultivar, slice thickness and blanching time form important yardsticks in processing fried cassava chips. Proper choice of these parameters is, therefore, important in processing quality and safe cassava fries. Slice thickness of 6 mm combined with long blanching time of 10 minutes result in fried cassava chips with low and acceptable cyanide content as well as satisfactory consumer preference based on color, texture, oiliness and overall acceptability.Key words: cyanide, quality, cassava, slice thickness, cultivar, blanching, consumer preference

Objective To compare maxillary mucosal thickening and sinus volumes of unilateral cleft lip and palate subjects (UCLP) with noncleft (nonCLP) controls. Design Randomized, retrospective study of cone-beam computed tomographs (CBCT). Setting University. Patients Fifteen UCLP subjects and 15 sex- and age-matched non-CLP controls, aged 8 to 14 years. Main Outcome Measure Following institutional review board approval and reliability tests, Dolphin three-dimensional imaging software was used to segment and slice maxillary sinuses on randomly selected CBCTs. The surface area (SA) of bony sinus and airspace on all sinus slices was determined using Dolphin and multiplied by slice thickness (0.4 mm) to calculate volume. Mucosal thickening was the difference between bony sinus and airspace volumes. The number of slices with bony sinus and airspace outlines was totaled. Right and left sinus values for each group were pooled ( t tests, P > .05; n = 30 each group). All measures were compared (principal components analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, analysis of variance) by group and age ( P ≤ .016 was considered significant). Results Principal components analysis axis 1 and 2 explained 89.6% of sample variance. Principal components analysis showed complete separation based on the sample on axis 1 only. Age groups showed some separation on axis 2. Unilateral cleft lip and palate subjects had significantly smaller bony sinus and airspace volumes, fewer bony and airspace slices, and greater mucosal thickening and percentage mucosal thickening when compared with controls. Older subjects had significantly greater bony sinus and airspace volumes than younger subjects. Conclusions Children with UCLP have significantly more maxillary sinus mucosal thickening and smaller sinuses than controls.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the foramen magnum (FM) dimensions could be used for sex determination using the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Methods Two hundred and sixty six CBCT full Field Of View (FOV) scans (111 males and 115 female subjects) of the skull were retrospectively selected and the FM length, width measured on reconstructed axial cross section by two observers using the CS 3D imaging software at a slice thickness of 300 μm and the FM area subsequently calculated using two established formulae by Routal and Teixeira. All data were subjected to descriptive and discriminant functional analysis to validate the expression of sexual dimorphism in the metric parameters of FM. Results Using the FM dimensions the overall accuracy rate of sex determination was 66.4%. Out of these, 70.3% of males and 62.6% of females were sexed correctly. The best parameter for sex determination was the Area of the FM. In addition, the accuracy rate of sex prediction using the Area dimensions (Teixeira's formula) was 66.4%, same as that of all the four FM parameters used together. Conclusion This study validates that there is statistically significant expression of sexual differences in the foramen magnum region, which may prove useful and reliable in predicting sex in partial skull remains by discriminant function analysis when other methods tend to be inconclusive. It suggests the reliability, usability and accuracy of CBCT in forensic identification.