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A CRADA project was performed between BNL and SpectraQuest, Inc. of Richmond, Virginia under the auspices of IPP with the DOE support. The purpose was to jointly support Prokhorov General Physics Institute (GPI), Russian Academy of Sciences of Russia to develop a prototype Laser Ultrasonic Impact Testing (LUIT) device which could be commercialized and marketed. The device is based on laser-generated ultrasonic waves and can be used for measuring residual stresses in welded structures using a nondestructive technique. The work was performed from October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2009. The project resulted in development and validation of a prototype LUIT device. GPI - BNL – SpectraQuest partnership developed the LUIT device to the point where it could be commercialized and marketed for the special applications in the manufacturing field.

Background Primary vaginal stones in children are extremely rare and removal can be difficult. We describe a procedure for safe extraction of vaginal stones. Case A 5-year-old, wheelchair-bound girl was referred to the urologic department with recurrent febrile urinary tract infection. Diagnostics of the kidneys showed no abnormalities. The bladder appeared to contain two stones. On urethro-cystoscopy no stones were seen. Vaginoscopy identified vaginal stones. After 4 weeks of estrogen treatment, a second procedure via vaginal introduction of a nephroscope in combination with an ultrasonic device, effectively disintegrated the stones. Summary and Conclusion We recommend the use of a nephroscope in visualizing the vagina and cervix and facilitating instrumentation in prepubertal girls.

Acoustic microstreaming is known to be an important phenomenon associated with the use of clinically available endosonic systems. However, it has proved difficult to calibrate its pattern and effectiveness around the oscillating file. An in-vitro model system consisting of slow setting plaster was developed to demonstrate the activity of streaming around both ultrasonically and sonically activated files. For ultrasonic files, streaming occurred mainly in front of and behind the file, in contrast to the sonic file, where the plaster was disturbed evenly around it. With both types of file most activity occurred around the file tip, and became reduced towards the driver. Streaming patterns associated with the ultrasonic device were found to be dependent on the power setting of the instrument and whether the side of the file was constrained or lightly touched. The sonic device produced a large disturbance around the freely oscillating tip. Under load this streaming occurred along the whole length of the file, and was unaffected by constraint. This investigation demonstrated that streaming does occur with the instruments currently available, although it is dependent on their operating conditions. Clinical users of such equipment should be aware of the characteristic three-dimensional patterns of streaming that occur around these endosonic files, in order to maximize their efficiency.

Utilizing an ultrasonic device (B-mode, 7.5MHz), the thickness of subcutaneous fat was measured at 54 different points in the bodies of 59 males (aged 20-25) and 66 females (aged 20-23). The results were as follows: 1. The females had significantly thicker subcutaneous fat than those of the males at every point measured. 2. The thick subcutaneous fats were observed at the abdomen, buttocks, and the anterior and medial parts of the thigh in the males, and at the breast, buttocks, abdomen, the posterior, medial, and anterior parts of the thigh, and the anterior, medial, and posterior parts of the upperarm in the females, respectively. 3. The subcutaneous fat of both sexes was more likely to be thicker in body parts closer to the trunk than the extremities. 4. The correlation coefficient between the percent body fat and the mean thickness of subcutaneous fat obtained from data was 0.91 for the males and 0.83 for the females.

Application of ultrasound to extract a variety of biologically active compounds from plant materials has been widely investigated. However, there are few reports on the local effect of ultrasonic irradiation on the yields of these compounds. In the present article, the local effect of ultrasonic treatment on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities (ATT) of extracts from citrus peels was investigated. To optimize the extraction process, a response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic variables including ultrasonic power, ultrasonic time, and extraction temperature on extracts from penggan (Citrus reticulata) peel. The results showed that TPC and ATT increased on increasing ultrasonic time and temperature. The maximum of TPC and ATT by ultrasonic treatment was observed in near ultrasonic irradiation surface, in which ultrasonic power appeared to be positive effect. Furthermore, when the effect of the 3 independent variables was evaluated simultaneously using RSM, the optimal ultrasonic conditions for responses were determined as: 42 to 45 W, 23 to 25 min, 31 to 34 degrees C. The results presented here emphasized that application of ultrasound should be considered both the optimization of ultrasonic variables and available ultrasonic device.

Fibroscanreg (Echosens, Paris, France) is a parametric transient elastography based device used to quantify liver fibrosis by following the propagation of a low frequency shear wave and measuring the mean Young's modulus of the liver. This device has been successfully applied to homogeneous tissues such as liver in patients with chronic hepatic diseases. Current developments in transient elastography target the characterization of heterogeneous tissues. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of parametric transient elastography in the characterization of heterogeneous tissues such as liver with heterogeneous fibrosis or tumors. The estimation of the shear wave velocity can be achieved by solving the elastic wave equation taking into account either the 1D, the 2D or the 3D components of the displacement spatial derivatives. Two methods are investigated: A 1D direct local inversion is performed on data acquired with a standard Fibroscanreg probe composed of a 3.5 MHz transducer mounted on a low frequency vibrator and a 3D direct local inversion is achieved on data acquired using a new dedicated multi-elements probe connected to an ultra-fast ultrasonic device. The algorithms are validated on simulations and on heterogeneous phantoms and tested on data acquired in the liver in vivo.

It is introduced that chlorogenic acid is extracted from the rattan of honeysuckle by using 57 KHz ultrasonic energy to ldquobreak up the cell wallrdquo and 20 KHz ultrasonic energy to produce ldquocavitationrdquo. And the development of the device, which is called double frequency ultrasonic and bidirectional turbulent extracting device, is introduced in the paper. It is indicated that the ultrasonic technique is three times as fast as the hot reflux method, which makes the ultrasonic technique to be of actual significance for extraction from root and stem of plant medicine.

To diagnose the activities and progressions of dental caries lesions, we developed nondestructive measuring device to detect and quantify the mineral loss in the early stage of caries. This novel device with ultrasonic technology measures acoustic frequency characteristics of the tooth surface. Extracted human tooth were embedded in polymethylmethacrylate and polished. The results of the repeated measurements indicated the sufficient reproducibility of acoustic measurements in same samples. Since this acoustic measurement was influenced by the moist condition of tooth surfaces, tooth surfaces should be air-dried and quickly measured for the reproducibility in clinics. We developed the nondestructive ultrasonic measuring device to detect the mineral loss from tooth surfaces and diagnose the initial change of progression of dental caries lesions in enamel and dentine.

In the article theory of ultrasonic drying is stated. The possibility of ultrasonic field creation with intensity about 150 dB by means of disk radiators in closed volume of drying chambers is considered. The prototype of ultrasonic dryer for carrying out experiments on various drying materials is described; results of preliminary experiments on drying of gelatin, peas, fabric and carrots are presented.

Objective To determine the effect of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH) 2 ] paste exposure on the elastic modulus of bovine dentine. Methods Dentine sections (4 mm × 4 mm × 1 mm) were obtained from freshly extracted bovine incisors and placed in dishes containing a 1-mm deep layer of Ca(OH) 2 paste or physiological saline as a control. An ultrasonic device was used to measure the sonic velocities of the longitudinal and shear waves, and the elastic modulus was calculated. Data were examined by analysis of variance followed by the Tukey H.S.D. test in order to compare different storage times. Results Exposure to Ca(OH) 2 paste significantly increased the mean elastic modulus of the dentine from 16.3 to 22.1 GPa. By contrast, the elastic modulus of the control dentine, which was exposed to physiological saline, remained constant. Conclusion These results demonstrate that exposure to Ca(OH) 2 paste increases the elastic modulus of dentine, thereby making it more prone to fracture.

Deposits build up in sewer networks during both spells of dry weather and in connection with storm water events. In order to reduce the negative effects of deposit on the environment, different cleaning technologies and strategies are applied to remove the deposits. Jet cleaning represents the most widely used method to clean sewers. Another alternative cleaning procedure is flushing. On account of new developments in measurement and control panels, the flushing method is becoming more important. Therefore, in the last few years a number of new flushing devices have been constructed for application in basins, main sewers and initial reaches. Today, automatic flushing gates are able to accomplish cleaning procedures under economical and ecological conditions. The properties of flushing waves for cleaning sewers have been determined by several mathematical-numerical studies. These various investigations use altering numerical schemes, are based on different sets of physical equations and take one- or more dimensional aspects into account. Considering that bottom shear stress is the key value to evaluate the beginning of motion of any deposit, one may use this value that has to be determined by measurements. This paper deals with shear stresses caused by flushing waves which have been measured by an ultrasonic device that can determine the velocity in different depths of flow. Thus, it is possible, within certain limits, to calculate bottom shear stresses based on the log-wall law. Further discussion will deal with the requirements of measurements, its uncertainty and aspects in respect to the application of simulation of flushing waves.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of instrumenting root canals using an ultrasonic device (Enac) at different power levels on the prepared canal shape and instrumentation time, and to compare these results with those obtained using a standardized hand instrumentation technique. The mesial canals (120) of 60 human mandibular first and second molars were randomly assigned to one of six groups. In groups A through D, the canals were instrumented using the Enac ultrasonic unit at different power settings (1, 2, 3, and 5, respectively). Group E was hand instrumented. Group F served as uninstrumented controls. The roots were then sectioned horizontally and the canal shapes examined, as was the mesiodistal canal diameter as it relates to the external root surface. Instrumentation time for each group was recorded. Ultrasonic instrumentation at the different power settings was significantly faster than hand instrumentation (p less than 0.001). However, the difference between the different power levels was not significant. There were no significant differences between the different groups as to the effect on the prepared canal shape. The only problem arising from using the Enac at a power level more than the recommended (5) was the greater tendency to break size #15 files during instrumentation. Using the Enac at power level 3 provided satisfactory instrumentation capability with minimal risk of file breakage.

As obesity is the most prevalent, chronic risk in aged population, a much more accurate method is needed in order to assess obesity which is not satisfied by current methods and machines. As to those background, A-mode type Ultrasonic Device is able to assess directly subcutaneous fat thickness and also to estimate more exactly mass of body fat so that it will be able to test etiological relationship between fat mass and diseases. Authors studied the subcutaneous fat thickness of clients who had medical data of health examination respectively at three districts which were Hase village of Nagano, Nerima and Kashiwa of metropolitan area, and analyzed statistically the relationship between subcutaneous fat thickness and data of medical examination. The results are following: 1. Subcutaneous fat layers were thinner in Hase of rural mountainous area than in both metropolitan subjects of the urban area, even though there were not any different value of Body Mass Index (BMI) among them. 2. After measuring four abdominal location of suprailiac, three abdominal location of supra-, mid- and infra-rectum abdominal, it was more clear that males were more thick than females in supra-rectum abdominal area, and adversely females were more thick than males in infra-rectum abdominal area. 3. When subjects of all were divided into five degrees according to the levels of T-cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol, by Hata's classification of hyperlipidemia, subcutaneous fat thickness increases in accordance with severity of hyperlipidemia. This relationships were most typical in the level of trigryceride. 4. According to the occupational activities, the harder workers got the thinner subcutaneous fat thickenss especially in male.

8 páginas, 14 figuras., A measuring device for the characterization of liquid media based on the propagation of ultrasonic waves is presented. It is a four-channel system especially designed for monitoring microbiological and biochemical processes. The liquid samples are placed in commercial glass bottles which can be sterilized. The bottles have inlet and outlet tubes, which can be used for adding substances or extracting samples during the measuring process without interruption. Magnetic stirring can be used to keep the liquid agitated for homogenization purposes. Thermal control elements assure the temperature stability during the measurement. The liquid characterization is based on the detection of amplitude and time-of-flight changes in the sample under study. The main features, operation and performance of this ultrasonic device are analysed in this work, and some measurements and preliminary results are shown., This work has been developed with funding obtained from the CSIC by means of the project 200550F0190 and from the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid by means of the project 200550M116.

The article is devoted to development of the new ultrasonic device for automobile injectors cleaning. On the basis of theoretical and experimental researches it is positioned, that efficiency of clearing can be increased due to increase of ultrasonic radiation cleaning and realization of the new modes based on change of ultrasonic influence intensity in time under various laws. For practical realization of the offered decisions the device of new generation "Altai" with system of open injectors is created.

In article the brief review of ways of destruction of foam, as bad factor of some technological processes is submitted. To consideration the ultrasonic device with the disk radiator, specially developed for research of process of clearing of beer foam is submitted.

Objective: To assess subjective intensities of pain during supragingival calculus removal employing ultrasonic scaler tips of two different shapes. Material and Methods: Twenty patients were treated using a piezoelectric ultrasonic device (Sirosonic L) and two different scaler tips representing a conventional (Instrument No. 3) and a slim-line style (Perio Pro Line Instrument SI-11) in a split-mouth design. Pain was recorded during calculus removal at intervals of 0.5 s employing an inter-modal intensity comparison. Additionally, a visual analogue scale was used for evaluation directly after the treatment procedure. Treatment time was recorded to assess the efficiency of calculus removal. Results: Pain assessment during treatment showed that the slim-line scaler tip (median pain score: 1.4 [U], maximum: 3.5 [U], minimum: 0 [U]) caused less pain than the conventional device (median pain score: 7.8 [U], maximum: 14.7 [U], minimum: 0 [U]) (p

Objectives: To evaluate area- and gender-related differences in the soft tissue thickness of potential areas for installing miniscrews in the buccal-attached gingiva and the palatal masticatory mucosa.Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 61 Korean young adults. An ultrasonic gingival-thickness meter was used to measure the soft-tissue thickness in the buccal-attached gingiva just adjacent to the mucogingival junction of the upper and lower arches and 4 mm and 8 mm below the gingival crest in the palatal masticatory mucosa. Independent t-test, paired t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis.Results: Buccal-attached gingiva thickness in the upper arch was significantly greater in men than in women, but buccal-attached gingiva thickness in the lower arch and palatal masticatory mucosa thickness 4 and 8 mm below the gingival crest did not show gender differences. Significantly thicker soft tissue occurred in the anterior areas in the upper arch and in the posterior areas in the lower arch. In the palatal masticatory mucosa, significantly thicker soft tissue was found 4 mm below the gingival crest in the anterior areas and 8 mm below the gingival crest in the posterior areas. The areas between the canines and the premolars showed higher values than other areas 4 mm below the gingival crest. However, the soft-tissue thickness 8 mm below the gingival crest showed a progressive increase from the anterior to the posterior areas.Conclusion: Measurements of the soft-tissue thickness using an ultrasonic device could help practitioners select the proper orthodontic miniscrew in daily clinical practice.

During the past decades, scientific developments in cutting instruments have changed the conven- tional techniques used to remove caries lesions. Ultrasound emerged as an alternative for caries removal since the 1950s. However, the conventional technology for diamond powder aggrega- tion with nickel metallic binders could not withstand ultrasonic power. Around 5 years ago, an alternative approach using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) resulted in synthetic diamond tech- nology. CVD diamond burs are obtained with high adherence of the diamond as a unique stone on the metallic surface with excellent abrading performance. This technology allows for diamond deposition with coalescent granulation in different formats of substrates. When connected to an ultrasonic handpiece, CVD diamond burs become an option for cavity preparation, maximizing preservation of tooth structure. Potential advantages such as reduced noise, minimal damage to the gingival tissue, extended bur durability, improved proximal cavity access, reduced risk of hitting the adjacent tooth resulting from the high inclination angles, and minimal patient's risk of metal contamination. These innovative instruments also potentially eliminate some problems regarding decreased cutting efficiency of conventional diamond burs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This clinical report presents the benefits of using CVD diamond burs coupled with an ultrasonic handpiece in the treatment of incipient caries. CVD diamond burs coupled with an ultrasonic device offer a promising alternative for removal of carious lesions when ultraconservative cavity preparations are required. Additionally, this system provides a less-painful technique for caries removal, with minimal noise. (J Esthet Restor Dent 19:19-29, 2007)

This paper aims at the use of a capacitance sensing approach using a RLC meter to detect oil debris contents and experimental results are compared to those obtained using an ultrasonic device. It was found that both capacitance and ultrasonic measurement can both detect particles as small as 4 mils (101 μm) in diameter. Experimental results show that the measured capacitance increases linearly with the increase of particle size while the ultrasonic wave amplitude decreases linearly with the increase of particle size. While some measurable differences can be detected by both capacitance and ultrasonic measurements between the ferrous and the nonferrous particles, a systematic difference between the data point cannot be developed. In addition, the existence of nonconductive particles cannot be readily detected using the capacitance measurements but their existence can be observed by the ultrasonic measurement.Copyright © 2007 by ASME

One of the most common mishaps that occur during routine endodontic treatment is the fracture of instrument inside the root canal. The separated instrument, particularly a broken file leads to metallic obstruction in the root canal and prevents thorough cleaning and shaping procedures. Continuous pain or discomfort occurs in the involved tooth if the broken instrument is not removed or bypassed. There are several methods and techniques available to retrieve the separated instruments from the root canal. This case report describes the successful removal of a broken instrument from the root canal of a maxillary central incisor using ultrasonic device.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate non-submerged and submerged healing of ligature induced peri-implantitis in dogs. Material and Methods: Peri-implantitis was induced by ligature placement in five beagle dogs (n=30 implants). The defects were randomly and equally allocated in a split-mouth design to either closed treatment+non-submerged healing (CNS), or open treatment+submerged healing (OS) using an Er:YAG laser (ERL), an ultrasonic device (VUS), or plastic curettes+local application of metronidazole gel (PCM), respectively. The animals were sacrificed after 3 months. Clinical, radiological and histological (e.g. new bone-to-implant contact (BIC)) parameters were assessed. Results: All treatment procedures resulted in statistically significant improvements of all clinical parameters at both CNS and OS implants. Radiological improvements were merely observed at OS implants. Histomorphometrical analysis revealed that all CNS implants exhibited comparable low amounts of new BIC (1.0–1.2%), while mean BIC was statistically significant higher in the respective OS groups [ERL (44.8%), PCM (14.8%), VUS (8.7%)]. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that (i) OS improved the outcome of treatment in comparison with CNS and (ii) ERL seemed to be more suitable to promote re-osseointegration than PCM and VUS.

Item does not contain fulltext OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of fluorescence-controlled Er:YAG laser radiation, an ultrasonic device or hand instruments on periodontally diseased root surfaces in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two single-rooted teeth (n=12 patients) were randomly treated in vivo by a single course of subgingival instrumentation using (1-3) an Er:YAG laser (ERL1: 100 mJ; ERL2: 120 mJ; ERL3: 140 mJ; 10 Hz), or (4) the Vector ultrasonic system (VUS) or (5) hand instruments (SRP). Untreated teeth served as control (UC). Areas of residual subgingival calculus (RSC) and depth of root surface alterations were assessed histo-/morphometrically. RESULTS: Highest values of RSC areas (%) were observed in the SRP group (12.5+/-6.9). ERL(1-3) (7.8+/-5.8, 8.6+/-4.5, 6.2+/-3.9, respectively) revealed significantly lower RSC areas than SRP. VUS (2.4+/-1.8) exhibited significantly lower RSC areas than SRP and ERL(1, 2). Specimens treated with SRP revealed conspicuous root surface damage, while specimens treated with ERL(1-3) and VUS exhibited a homogeneous and smooth appearance. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, it may be concluded that ERL and VUS enabled (i) a more effective removal of subgingival calculus and (ii) a predictable root surface preservation in comparison with SRP.

✓ Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a major factor associated with incidences of morbidity and mortality in patients with neurological disorders. The use of conventional methods for ICP monitoring is currently limited to patients with severe neurological conditions because of the methods' invasive nature. The authors have developed an ultrasonic device capable of monitoring ICP waveforms noninvasively by using a pulsed phase lock loop (PPLL) technique. The PPLL device records skull movement (several meters) associated with ICP pulsations. The purpose of this study was to correlate PPLL waveforms with invasively measured ICP waveforms in patients at the University of California San Diego Medical Center (13 patients). A linear regression analysis revealed a high correlation between PPLL waveforms and invasively measured ICP waveforms during the same time domain (r2 = 0.88). A coherence function analysis, which provides the fractional portion of the mean square value at the output that is contributed by the input at a certain frequency, showed medium to high correlations (r2 = 0.50–0.90) between PPLL waveforms and invasively measured ICP waveforms at each harmonic wave components. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation (r2 = 0.680, p < 0.01) in the harmonic distortion ratio (an index representing how much a given waveform is distorted from a pure sine wave) between PPLL waveforms and invasively measured ICP waveforms. In conclusion, PPLL technology enables the noninvasive evaluation of ICP dynamics in clinical settings.

Aim To determine the temperature rise on the root surface caused by ultrasonic post removal using different devices and techniques in a laboratory setting. Methodology Two ultrasonic devices, one piezoelectrical (Pi) and one magnetostrictive (Ma), were investigated. A serrated titanium post was placed into the distal root canal of a human mandibular first molar. Four coolant parameters were utilized: no air, no water, no evacuation (NN), air only with high-speed evacuation (A), 15 mL min−1 water coolant with high-speed evacuation (W15) and 30 mL min−1 water coolant with high-speed evacuation (W30). Five simulated post removals were measured at two locations, the post (P) and the root (R), for each coolant parameter. Temperature rise was measured at 30, 60, 90 and 120 s intervals using calibrated infrared thermography (n = 80). Temperatures were recorded at 45 ms intervals. Data were analysed using repeated measures anova with the Scheffe post hoc test (P ≤ 0.05). Results The overall mean pooled effect showed that temperature rise for P = 20.1 ± 27.9 °C and R = 10.9 ± 7.9 °C were significantly different. Significant differences in temperature rise were: Pi > Ma, P > R, NN > A = W15 = W30 however, A > W30. Conclusions There were significant differences in temperature rise as a function of ultrasonic device, location on the tooth and cooling method utilized for post removal.

This document describes experiments and conclusion of Mobile NDT System evaluation workshop, that was held on January, 11th 2005 in EADS CCR facility in Toulouse.

In this research, two new prototype devices, namely ‘A’ and ‘B’, were developed based on flat flextensional ultrasound transducers. Device ‘A’ that has a single flat flextensional transducer was designed to verify the feasibility of such a transducer for the drug delivery applications. Device ‘B ’ which has dual flat flextensional transducers (named Transducer ‘1’ and Transducer ‘2’) was developed based on the acoustic interference principle in order to generate more acoustic power with lower input electrical power. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (MAE)

This article describes the results of researches and creation of new technology of sliding ski surface covering. The obtained results allowed to confirm the efficiency of offered technology and to recommend them for practical application. As a result of the work the specialized ultrasonic device for sliding ski surface covering was created.

This document describes experiments and conclusion of Mobile NDT System evaluation workshop, that was held on January, 11th 2005 in EADS CCR facility in Toulouse.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro effect of ultrasonic retrotips on root end surfaces. Study design Root end resection was performed on 45 single-root teeth endodontically treated after extraction. Setting the ultrasonic device at full power, a retrograde cavity was made by a stainless steel tip in 9 specimens (SS-FP). In another 9 samples a diamond tip was used (D-FP). Setting the intensity of the ultrasonic device at half power, 9 specimens were treated using stainless steel tips (SS-HP) and 9 using diamond tip (D-HP). Nine teeth were only apically resected and used as controls. Histologic serial sections were examined by scanning electron microsope to assess the number of root-face cracking, the marginal quality, and the crack type. Results No significant difference between diamond and stainless steel groups was found at a given power setting. Significant differences were found between SS-FP and SS-HP group for both the number of cracks and the marginal quality.

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a major factor associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with neurological disorders such as head trauma, cerebral stroke, hydrocephalus, and brain tumor. Conventional methods for ICP monitoring are currently limited to patients with severe neurological conditions because of their invasive nature. We have developed an ultrasonic device to monitor intracranial pressure waveforms non-invasively using pulsed phased lock loop (PPLL) technique. The PPLL device records slight movement (several microns) of the skull associated with ICP pulsations. The purpose of this study was: 1) confirm the PPLL outputs represent known distance oscillations; and 2) correlate PPLL waveforms with invasively measured ICP waveforms in patients at UCSD Medical Center (n=12). The PPLL outputs linearly correlated with known distance oscillations in an experimental setting (r/sup 2/=0.997). Also, a high correlation existed between PPLL and invasively measured ICP waveforms in time and frequency domains. In conclusion, PPLL technology enables in vivo evaluation of ICP dynamics non-invasively in clinical settings.

An ultrasonic device for the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome is described and results on six human cadaveric legs are presented. The ultrasonic device uses a pulsed phase locked loop (PPLL) to measure sub-micrometer displacements of the fascia wall. These displacements occur as a result of volume expansion of the muscle compartment of the lower leg and are related to changes in intramuscular pressure (IMP). In the cadaveric tests, the PPLL detected changes in compartment diameter resulting from IMP changes of 1 mmHg and from infusions of 0.25 ml saline increments. Based on these results, the ultrasonic PPLL appears to have the potential to become a low-cost, portable and noninvasive alternative to current methods for diagnosing acute compartment syndrome.

In this work is described the potential range of applications of ultrasonic technologies in conditions of small-scale enterprises and the problems which limit such applications caused by the absence of low-cost compact multipurpose ultrasonic technological devices. The problems arising during compact ultrasonic device development are considered, and possible solutions given. The engineering solutions applied during the design of an oscillation system and electronic generator, in order to increase efficiency, reduce dimensions and weight, simplify operation and expand the application range are described. In conclusion, the performance attributes and photos of compact multipurpose ultrasonic technological device pre-production models are presented.

The paper is devoted to the decision of the problems connected with questions of the measurement of acoustic power of ultrasonic plants. Authors present the laboratory device based on the use of a standard calorimetric method and allowing automate process of measurement of acoustic power of ultrasonic plants. In laboratory condition, measurements carried out by means of the thermometer with high sensitivity, a stop watch in heat-insulated measuring volume. Use of the created device has allowed to reduce essentially time adjustment of ultrasonic plants, to simplify and speed up procedure of measurement of acoustic power at use of standard calorimetric method.

A dry-contact ultrasonic device is developed for inspection of solder joints. The device enables us to inspect packages in a non-wetting manner by the aid of the interface formed by inserting a plastic film between water and the package. The jointing points in a wafer level package, which contained open circuit between the metal posts and the solder balls, was imaged by the device. The open points were detected clearly, and effective transmission of higher frequency ultrasound over the immersion device was achieved, where the inserted film performed as an acoustic matching layer. It was confirmed by both theoretical calculation and the experiment that the device realizes high lateral resolution similarly to the immersion one.

The Masserann kit is a hollow tube device specially designed for the removal of intracanal metallic objects. This report describes some modifications in the usage of this device for effective removal of tightly bound intracanal broken instruments whose diameter is relatively large at the coronal end. The techniques described are: (1) modification of the extractor to ensure gripping by creating a wider space inside the tube; and (2) combined use of the modified extractor with an ultrasonic device and a surgical operating microscope. A clinical case demonstrating that these modifications resulted in successful retrieval of firmly wedged instruments is presented.

Removal of fractured instruments is one of the most difficult operative procedures in endodontics. Although a number of different devices and techniques have been developed, none are successful in all cases. An additional technique using an automated device (Canal Finder System) for bypassing and an ultrasonic device for loosening and retrieval of fractured instruments is presented. The rationale for this technique is described and illustrated by two clinical cases.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of individual manipulative variations on the thickness and color values of opaque porcelain layers applied by different dental technicians. A total of 11 dental technicians applied opaque porcelain onto prepared metal specimens (n=10). The thicknesses of these opaque porcelain layers were measured with an ultrasonic device, and color values were evaluated using a spectrophotometer. Obtained values were compared with those of the control group specimens (n=10), which were fabricated by a prosthodontist. Opaque porcelain thickness values of metal specimens applied by 10 dental technicians were significantly different than those of the control group. Color values of opaque porcelain layer applied by nine dental technicians were significantly different than those of the control group. It was concluded that the opaque porcelain layer thickness and color values may be affected by individual manipulative variations by the different dental operators according to results of present study.

A low-frequency ultrasonic device (50–100 kHz) in highly sharpened end sensors that behave as point sources was applied to explore the relations between the physical properties measured through the variation of the wave time-of-flight (transit time of wave) and structural changes during gel formation. This is related to two factors: the ambient temperature and the mechanical resistance of the medium. The network evolution was interpreted by an approach based on the Flory model. The physical significance of this model was shown through a series of experiments using a low-frequency ultrasonic technique. Response curves demonstrate the different stages during gel formation.

Periodontal therapy aims in a most sufficient cleaning of tooth surfaces from supra- and subgingival calculus. As a standard dental procedure teeth are treated with ultrasonic devices. The competence of the frequency doubled Alexandrite laser for a highly effective and selective removal of calculus has been repeatedly proved. Aim of the study presented here was to determine the efficiency at simulated clinical conditions of the frequency doubled Alexandrite laser (laboratory prototype, q-switched, fiber guided, wavelength 377 nm, pulse duration 1 microsecond, pulse repetition rate 70 Hz, water cooling) by quantifying it's calculus removing efficiency. The evaluated data were compared to those obtained with an ultrasonic calculus remover. In the first part of the study sample material consisted of 23 pigs' jaws. They were divided into two groups. The teeth of one group were cleaned on their buccal surfaces using an ultrasonic device (Sonosoft Lux, KaVo, Biberach, Germany; tip #9). Than hand-guided cleaning was performed until no further improvement in cleanness was visible. Cleaning time was measured. Photographic documentation was taken before and after the treatment. The teeth in the second group were cleaned engaging a frequency doubled Alexandrite laser. Treatment time was measured and photographs were taken in the same way. In the second part of the study 21 surfaces of human teeth set up in an artificial pocket model were treated with both systems again. Measurements followed the same protocol. The results strongly support the use of the frequency doubled Alexandrite laser for calculus removal.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting structures. The treatment of this condition is largely based on the removal of local factors and restoration of the bony architecture. Moreover, in the era of modern dentistry, successful implant therapy often requires sound osseous support. Traditionally, osseous surgery has been performed by either manual or motor-driven instruments. However, both these methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Recently, a novel surgical approach using piezoelectric device has been introduced in the field of periodontology and oral implantology. This article discusses about the wide range of application of this novel technique in periodontology.

Postural body sway displacements for quiet standing subjects (measured with a new ultrasonic device) are reported. Two of the well known strategies for balancing, namely ankle and hip movements were probed. The data is modeled using a Fokker-Plank-Langevin stochastic theory. Both analytic and computer simulation techniques are employed. The Kramers transition rate for a fall is expressed as a function of experimental parameters. The root mean square velocity is especially important in determining the fall probability., RevTeX Format, 9 *.eps Figures, 6 pages

The speed of sound of binary mixtures of nonane with 1-chlorononane has been measured as a function of composition at temperatures between (293.15 and 423.15) K. The speed of sound was measured by a pulse-phase echo ultrasonic device at a frequency of 1 MHz with an uncertainty of ± 0.1 %.

Background Automated Breast Volume Scanner (ABVS) is an ultrasonic device to be developed for the automated scanning for mammary glands. ABVS is able to scan mammary gland automatically in a short time. Objectives We have tried to explore the clinical application of ABVS toward the synovial lesion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Thirteen active RA patients of mean 53 y.o., whose median disease duration 24 months and DAS28-ESR 6.02, were recruited. Patients gave their informed consent to be subjected to the protocol that was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Nagasaki University. We have examined total 130 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints as well as 26 wrist joints at dorsal sites by both ABVS (ACUSON S2000) and conventional ultrasonography (US) at the same day consecutively. ABVS was scanned in a water tank. Presence of synovial hypertrophy and bone erosion by gray-scale were examined by both methods, and the association of both methods was calculated by kappa coefficient. Results The scanning time of ABVS was 2 min per patient and that of conventional US was 15 min per patient, respectively. ABVS detected synovial hypertrophy in 23 MCP joints and 20 wrist joints whereas conventional US detected synovial hypertrophy in 18 MCP joints and 20 wrist joints. Kappa coefficient of synovial hypertrophy was 0.80 in MCP joints and 1.00 in wrist joints, respectively. ABVS detected bone erosion in 8 MCP joints and 12 wrist joints whereas conventional US detected bone erosion in 5 MCP joints and 11 wrist joints. Kappa coefficient of bone erosion was 0.76 in MCP joints and 0.92 in wrist joints, respectively. Conclusions Present data have shown a substantial agreement of ABVS with conventional US to find the synovial hypertrophy and bone erosion of wrist and finger joints in patients with RA. Since ABVS is able to scan the wrist and finger joints automatically in a short time, ABVS is a helpful new ultrasonic method to examine joint injury in patients with RA. References Kawashiri SY, et al. The power Doppler ultrasonography score from 24 synovial sites or 6 simplified synovial sites, including the metacarpophalangeal joints, reflects the clinical disease activity and level of serum biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2011; 50: 962-5. Kawashiri SY, et al. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography assists the diagnostic performance of the 2010 classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis. Mod Rheumatol. 2013;23:36-43. Acknowledgements n.p. Disclosure of Interest None Declared