most of the marker buried within the spinel. How the molybdenum can be split, however, is unknown. If only the surface of such a specimen was examined, as was probably the case in the earlier work, particularly if the specimen was opaque, an investigator would arrive at the incorrect conclusion that reaction was only by diffusion of MgO toward the A1203-MgAlzOl interface.Additional evidence that reaction cannot occur only by MgO diffusion to the A1203-MgA1204 interface is shown by the external shape of the specimen of Fig. 4. The rounded corners and cementing together of what were initially three pieces of alumina is indisputable evidence that part of the reaction was by outward diffusion to the MgO-MgA1204 interface. If only inward diffusion were operative, re-entrant corners would result.The repeated splitting of the O.OOZ-in.-diameter molybdenum marker wires (Figs. 6 and '7) was completely unexpected. Molybdenum has of course a pronounced fibrous texture and when heavy wires are cut with shears they often split longitudinally. Such splitting would therefore be expected if there was a lateral stress on the wire. Such a stress does appear to have been presented from the teardrop shape of the buried marker (Fig. 7) where the surface remnant seems to have been squeezed or pulled from the interior wire. The origin of this force is unknown since there is thought to be no macroscopic flow of the MgA1204 layer during reaction. The possible presence of such a stress does, however, cast some doubt on the molybdenum acting as a truly inert marker. -41-though the molybdenum may be chemically inert, it may be an oversimplification to neglect the stresses which may be acting on the markers. That this neglect of possible stresses has not invalidated the conclusions of this study, however, is shown by the agreement between the pore and molybdenum marker experiments, as has been discussed. Obviously a pore cannot support a stress.Unfortunately, because of a lack of cation diffusion data in both MgAle04 and MgFez04, the cation responsible for the observed reaction rate is unknown. Additional marker studies are being made in the ZnAls04 and ZnFe204 systems to check directly the conclusions of Lindner3(a)-(d) and of Bengtson and Jagitsch.2 In the latter material both of the cation diffusion rates are known. Combining this information with the mechanism and rate of formation will allow an unequivocal determination of the rate-limiting process in the synthesis of ZnFezO.,.Additions of NiO, COO, Mn02, Fe203, and CuO promote the anatase-rutile transformation and grain growth of Ti02. Additions of N a 2 0 and WOs retard the transformation and have no effect on the grain growth. The addition of MooI strongly promotes the grain growth but has only a slight effect on t h e phase transformation. Both the grain growth and transformation are promoted slightly by Crz03. The transformation is significantly affected by the method of preparing TiOz. The grain size of Ti02 heated in H2 exceeds that of Ti02 heated in 02, in air, in argon, and in ...

Gravity can produce movements in oropharyngeal structures in response to postural changes between sitting upright and lying in the supine position.

No abstract

To examine the stiffness of the masseter muscle using sonographic elastography and to investigate its relationship with the most comfortable massage pressure in the healthy volunteers. In 16 healthy volunteers (10 men and 6 women), the Masseter Stiffness Index (MSI) was measured using EUB-7000 real-time tissue elastography. They underwent massages at three kinds of pressures using the Oral Rehabilitation Robot (WAO-1). A subjective evaluation regarding the comfort of each massage was recorded on the visual analogue scale. Elastography was also performed in two patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction with the myofascial pain. The mean MSI of the right and left muscles in the healthy volunteers were 0.85 +/- 0.44 and 0.74 +/- 0.35 respectively. There was no significant difference between the right and left MSI in the healthy volunteers. The MSI was related to massage pressure at which the healthy men felt most comfortable. The two temporomandibular disorder patients had a large laterality in the MSI. The MSI was related to the most comfortable massage pressure in the healthy men. The MSI can be one index for determining the massage pressure.

No abstract

An automated MCW measurement technique is feasible using DPRs, and this method has a potential to identify asymptomatic osteoporotic patients.

This report focuses on the monitoring of intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamics of free flaps for repair of head and neck defects by color Doppler sonography (CDS). The study group included 20 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent resection and reconstruction with free flaps. The hemodynamics in the feeding arteries of the flaps were measured during the following six stages: before surgery, immediately after microvascular anastomosis, and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The pulsatility index (PI) was used as the index for measuring changes in hemodynamics over time. Grafts showed the maximal PI immediately after vascular anastomosis. PI decreased over 3 to 7 days. Of the 20 patients, 1 patient in whom the hypopharynx was reconstructed with the radial forearm flap developed venous occlusion. This was diagnosed during the early stage using CDS, allowing the flap to be saved. CDS proved to be very useful for real-time observation of the hemodynamics in free flaps.

Objectives This study determined suitable conditions for masseter and temporal muscle massage using a specially fabricated robot and evaluated its effects on patients with TMJ dysfunction associated with myofascial pain. Methods The robot was designed with two arms with six degrees-of-freedom, and equipped with plungers. A phase-1 trial examined 22 healthy volunteers to determine its safety and suitable massage pressure, examining three different pressures. The volunteers evaluated their comfort, warmth, and ease of mouth opening by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS). A phase-2 trial examined the safety, suitable dose regimen, and efficacy in 12 patients. Maximal mouth opening was measured, and muscle pain and massage were evaluated subjectively. Results The robot was safe in the phase-1 trial, except for two massages in which the pressure was excessive. Massages at 6-10 N were given the highest VAS scores. In phase 2, the massage pressure was arbitrary and each muscle was massaged seven times for 1 min, three times every two weeks. After evaluating the efficacy, additional treatments were performed at a greater pressure or for longer. The massage treatment was very effective for most patients. Conclusion The massage treatment was safe and effective for most patients when administered at a pressure of 6-10 N seven times for 1 min per muscle every two weeks. The robot may constitute a useful tool for treating TMJ dysfunction associated with myofascial pain.