Sensitivity of quantitative symmetry measurement algorithms for convergent beam electron diffraction technique.

We investigate the sensitivity of symmetry quantification algorithms based on the profile R-factor (Rp) and the normalized cross-correlation (NCC) coefficient (γ). A DM (Digital Micrograph©) script embedded in the Gatan digital microscopy software is used to develop the symmetry quantification program. Using the Bloch method, a variety of CBED patterns are simulated and used to investigate the sensitivity of symmetry quantification algorithms. The quantification results show that two symmetry quantification coefficients are significantly sensitive to structural changes even for small strain values of < 1%.

An Ultrasonic Multi-Beam Concentration Meter with a Neuro-Fuzzy Algorithm for Water Treatment Plants.

Ultrasonic concentration meters have widely been used at water purification, sewage treatment and waste water treatment plants to sort and transfer high concentration sludges and to control the amount of chemical dosage. When an unusual substance is contained in the sludge, however, the attenuation of ultrasonic waves could be increased or not be transmitted to the receiver. In this case, the value measured by a concentration meter is higher than the actual density value or vibration. As well, it is difficult to automate the residuals treatment process according to the various problems such as sludge attachment or sensor failure. An ultrasonic multi-beam concentration sensor was considered to solve these problems, but an abnormal concentration value of a specific ultrasonic beam degrades the accuracy of the entire measurement in case of using a conventional arithmetic mean for all measurement values, so this paper proposes a method to improve the accuracy of the sludge concentration determination by choosing reliable sensor values and applying a neuro-fuzzy learning algorithm. The newly developed meter is proven to render useful results from a variety of experiments on a real water treatment plant.

Superficial mastoid fascia as an accessible donor for various augmentations in Asian rhinoplasty.

This study was designed to assess the anatomic characteristics and clinical versatility of superficial mastoid fascia as a soft-tissue donor for augmentation in Asian rhinoplasty. Dissections were performed on four fresh cadavers (eight ears) for histologic study. A 3×10 mm2-sized full layer of skin and underlying soft tissue was harvested from the postauricular area, transversely and longitudinally (cephalic and caudal directions), 5 mm apart from the midpoint of the auriculocephalic sulcus. The average fascial thickness and nerve distribution were assessed using digital microscopic images after haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In the histologic study, the average measured thickness of the superficial mastoid fascia was between 3.8 and 4.5 mm in various directions. Clinically, 33 subjects who underwent rhinoplasty using superficial mastoid fascia were assessed prospectively. When soft tissue was needed in various types of augmentations, a longitudinal incision was made on the posterior auriculocephalic sulcus and the maximum thickness of superficial mastoid fascia was harvested. The sizes of the superficial mastoid fascia used in the 33 subjects ranged from 0.4×2.5 cm2 to 1.2×4.2 cm2. The superficial mastoid fascia was grafted regionally for the nasion, tip and nasal dorsum. In two cases, hypertrophic scars developed at the donor site. Four subjects experienced transient dysaesthesia and hypoaesthesia at the donor area postoperatively. Superficial mastoid fascia may be a useful resource in rhinoplasty as a donor for various types of augmentations, allowing easy access without prominent scarring or permanent sensory nerve damage when a low-to-moderate volume of soft tissue is required.

An update on auricular reconstruction: three major auricular malformations of microtia, prominent ear and cryptotia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Microtia, prominent ear, and cryptotia are the most common types of auricular malformations. This review provides updated information on these types of reconstructions, in addition to recalling previously accepted surgical methods. RECENT FINDINGS: Autogenous costal cartilage is still considered as an ideal material for framework fabrication in microtia reconstruction. Many surgeons have adopted the Nagata approach, the Brent approach, or variations of the two, in their work. With these employed techniques, auricles reconstructed by experienced surgeons have proven to be aesthetically promising. However, with regards to the harvesting of the costal cartilage, the underdevelopment of the chest wall donor site, alopecia of the scalp, and scarring of the postauricular-mastoid region are still considered problematic aspects of these approaches. Some articles have described attempts to solve these problems, whereas some experiments in cartilage production using tissue engineering techniques have shown promise in their initial stages of development.It is generally accepted that prominent ears should be corrected through a combination of sculpting and suture techniques, according to the individual shape and the quality of the ear prominence.Most of the cryptotia malformations show not only embedded upper auricles, but also associated adhesions of the upper auricular cartilage. Their correction should therefore resolve both deformities. SUMMARY: A number of articles highlighting clinical experiences with auricular reconstructions for microtia, prominent ear, and cryptotia have been included in this review. We believe that the information synthesized here will become a basis for further development of auricular reconstruction techniques.