Operation-Microscope-Mounted Touch Display Tablet Computer for Intraoperative Imaging Visualization

OBJECTIVE: The authors have developed a novel sterile draped touch display solution for convenient intraoperative access to imaging data. This study describes the technology and clinical experience of the system. METHODS: We developed a flexible, mounted touch display solution (Apple iPad) that allows fixation of the display on the operation microscope and fine adjustments during surgery when the microscope is moved. We compared this setup with a conventional wall-mounted flat-panel and a mobile display stand in illustrative cases of vestibular schwannoma. RESULTS: The surgeon was able to employ the system without the need to leave the operation field or the need for external assistance while referring to imaging data. Commanding through imaging data with sterile gloves on the touch display was more convenient, more precise, and faster compared with other modalities. CONCLUSION: The operation-microscope-mounted touch display provides useful assistance for intraoperative imaging visualization in neurosurgical procedures.ArticleWORLD NEUROSURGERY. 77(2):381-383 (2012)journal articl

Crystallization in low-energy deposition of titanium ions

To investigate crystallization in the ion beam deposition process, titanium ions were deposited on silicon wafers at 105 and 55 eV. As titanium is an active metal, titanium compounds are formed by absorbing backfilled or residual gas. At energy levels of 105 or 55 eV, titanium crystallizes in a NaCl-type titanium compound with the backfilling of air. In all samples, (110)-oriented crystals grew with a rectangular lattice arrangement of titanium atoms. The open channel 〈110〉 of preferentially oriented crystal growth was parallel to the direction of incident ions normal to the substrate surface

Is the Association between Green Tea Consumption and the Number of Remaining Teeth Affected by Social Networks?: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study Project

Consumption of green tea without sugar, as well as social networks, are associated with a lower risk of tooth loss. There is a possibility of confounding both factors because tea is often drunk with friends. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine whether green tea consumption is beneficially associated with the number of remaining teeth, while considering social networks. This cross-sectional study was based on the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) in 2016. Self-administered questionnaires containing questions about green tea consumption were mailed to 34,567 community-dwelling residents aged ≥ 65 years. We used the number of remaining teeth as a dependent variable, and green tea consumption and the number of friends met over the past month (social network size) as independent variables. Linear regression models with multiple imputation were used. A total of 24,147 people responded (response rate = 69.9%), and 22,278 valid data were included into our analysis. Participants’ mean age was 74.2 years (standard deviation = 6.3), and 45.9% were men. Among the participants, 52.2% had ≥ 20 teeth, 34.2% drank 2–3 cups of green tea per day, and 32.6% met ≥ 10 people over the past month. After adjusting for all potential confounders, both higher green tea consumption and a larger social network size were associated with more remaining teeth (both p for trend < 0.001). The association of green tea was greater among those with smaller social networks (p for interaction < 0.05). The protective association of green tea was remarkable among people with smaller social networks