Retention Loss Research Articles

Potential application of a non-contact tool using measurable autofluorescence in oral leukoplakia

ObjectiveA fluorescence-based mouth-observation device has recently been developed, which shines the oral mucosa with blue excitation light to visualize oral mucosal lesions; this visualization is based on the differences in autofluorescence between oral lesions and healthy mucosa. In recent years, it has received renewed attention in terms of infection control because of its non-contact protocol. This study used IllumiScan® (Shofu, Japan), a fluorescence device similar to a generic fluorescence visualization device, for the analysis of oral mucosal lesions. The study aimed to compare the relationship between the histopathological findings of leukoplakia and those obtained using IllumiScan®. MethodsFifty patients with a clinical diagnosis of oral leukoplakia and a histopathological diagnosis of epithelial dysplasia or hyperkeratosis were included. The brightness of leukoplakia was reported as G values and was compared with those of tissue images. The G values were obtained using IllumiScan® and used for further analysis. ResultsThe G values of areas surrounding the white lesions on the oral mucosa with epithelial dysplasia were significantly lower than those of areas surrounding white hyperkeratotic lesions and healthy mucosa. ConclusionsBy observing oral leukoplakia with the Illumiscan®, we were able to diagnose leukoplakia noninvasively by comparing G values in and around white lesions and applying fluorescence visualization retention and fluorescence visualization loss intensities.

Clinical performance of non-carious cervical lesions restored with using self-etch mode of adhesives according to the FDI criteria.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 18-month retrospective study of self-etch adhesive (Prime&Bond One Select) and self-etch mode of universal adhesives (Single Bond Universal, Gluma Bond Universal) applied to non-carious cervical lesions according to the World Dental Federation criteria. Thirty patients without any systemic disease, good oral hygiene, having at least 20 teeth and six non-carious cervical lesions treated using a self-etch mode of adhesives operated between January and March 2017. Accordingly, 335 restorations were evaluated according to the World Dental Federation criteria at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. Pillai's Trace test was used to determine the interaction of criteria with time and adhesive systems. IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0 program was used in the analysis. Value of P < 0.05 was accepted as a criterion for statistical significance. At the end of 18 months, participation was 100%. There was a statistically significant difference P < 0.05 between Prime&Bond One Select and Single Bond Universal, Prime&Bond One Select and Gluma Bond Universal in the 18-month period. In terms of marginal staining, fracture of material and retention, recurrence of caries, erosion and abfraction, tooth integrity criteria at the end of the 18 months, Prime&Bond One Select performed clinically very good, Single Bond Universal and Gluma Bond Universal performed clinically good according to World Dental Federation criteria. Marginal adaptation criteria, Prime&Bond One Select, Single Bond Universal and Gluma Bond Universal performed clinically good. Retention loss rate was found to be the lowest in Prime&Bond One Select and the highest in Gluma Bond Universal. Accordingly, 18-month evaluation of all adhesives used in the study showed clinically acceptable results in all of the World Dental Federation criteria.

Alternative prosthetic approach in the management of flabby edentulous anterior maxilla: A case report and literature review

Abstract A flabby ridge is a condition where excessively mobile and resilient tissue affects the maxillary or mandibular alveolar ridges. This study reviews the flabby anterior maxillary ridges and explores their management. It also included a case report of a 67-year-old male diabetic patient with rare manifestations in the anterior maxilla. The selection of this patient in this study was due to the rare flabby tissue manifestations in the anterior maxilla. These manifestations resulted in denture instability and loss of retention but also caused significant symptoms for the patient, including severe pain, prolonged headaches, and a burning sensation. This study aimed to alleviate pressure on the flabby tissues in the anterior maxilla and enhance the complete denture’s retention, support, and stability. In managing the flabby anterior maxilla described in this study, the prosthetic approach involved utilizing a modified window technique for the secondary impression and a low-viscosity impression material. On the following day till the follow-up period (12 months), the patient showed no complaints of pain, headache, or burning sensation, and the complete denture was in good retention, support, and stability. Prosthodontic management is a reliable alternative to surgery for hypermobile flabby tissues. It improves denture quality, reduces pressure, and enhances comfort and functionality during daily activities.

NOVEL SPACER DESIGNS TO LIMIT THE RESIDUAL ALVEOLAR RIDGE RESORPTION IN EDENTULOUS ARCHES

Objective: To provide a new system of spacer design for the fabrication of complete denture prosthesis bearing in mind the pattern of residual alveolar ridge resorption, the stress-bearing, and relieving areas. Background: Certain anatomical structures of the edentulous arches are incapable of bearing compression and thus, undergo detrimental changes. Hence, care should be taken to avoid the application of excessive forces on those structures. The residual alveolar ridge of maxillary and mandibular arches have different patterns of resorption. When areas susceptible to resorption are subjected to unwarranted compression, the rate of bone resorption accelerates leading to loss of retention of the prosthesis and diminished support available for the future prosthesis. Thus, it would be prudent to design spacers keeping in mind the resorption pattern of the edentulous arches. Conclusion: The spacer designs presented in this article are likely to provide better stress distribution by displacing the stress-bearing structures and preventing the resorption of vulnerable areas by relieving such areas. The new design of the spacer advocated could limit some amount of bone resorption, if not, completely prevent it.

Clinical evaluation of zirconia crowns cemented with two different resin cements: A retrospective study.

Self-adhesive resin cement has been used extensively with zirconia crowns. Several in vitro studies showed that adhesive resin cementation may increase zirconia crowns' retention and their fatigue resistance. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance, survival and success rates and complications encountered with zirconia crowns cemented with two different self-adhesive resin cements. A total of 112 patients who received 176 monolithic zirconia crowns were evaluated. Crowns were cemented with RelyX Unicem 2 (n = 74) and Panavia SA (n = 102) self-adhesive resin cements. Clinical assessments of the crowns and supporting periodontal structures were performed following the modified California Dental Association (CDA) criteria. Intraoral photographs and periapical and bitewing radiographs were obtained for further assessment by two evaluators. Descriptive statistics, McNemar, t-test, log rank (Mantel-Cox) tests and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed (a = .05). The 5-year survival and success rates were 100% and 96.4%, respectively. The complications encountered were recurrent caries (2.2%) and the need for endodontic treatment (0.5%). No technical complications, such as fracture or loss of retention, were observed. The type of cement and patient-related factors did not influence the survival and success rates of the crowns. Survival rate of zirconia crowns cemented with two different self-adhesive resin cements was 100% after 5 years.

Optimized Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) Laser Parameters for the Removal of Dental Ceramic Restorations.

The use of lasers for debonding adhesively luted ceramic restorations is a rather recent oral laser application in dentistry. The removal of all-ceramic restorations in the mouth can often be a troublesome task. A novel method for the debonding of ceramic restorations without damaging the restorations is Er:YAG laser irradiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Er:YAG laser for debonding procedures of different dental ceramics and to identify appropriate laser settings. Lithium disilicate, zirconium-reinforced lithium silicate, feldspatic ceramic, and zirconium dioxide were investigated. Ten ceramic rectangular-shaped specimens with 1 and 2 mm thickness were produced from each material. All specimens were irradiated with four different power settings 1.5; 2.5; 3.5; 4.5 W, pulse duration 50 μs, laser repetition rate 10 Hz, time of irradiation 10 s. The transmitted energy was measured with a powermeter. Additionally the suitability of the Er:YAG laser to remove the adhesively bonded ceramic and the time until loss of retention was evaluated. The transmission rate for 1 and 2 mm platelets was determined for zirconium-reinforced lithium silicate at 54.6%/35.6%, lithium disilicate at 53.2%/35.7%, zirconium dioxide at 40.6%/32.4%, and for the feldspathic ceramic at 19.4%/10.1%. For zirconium-reinforced lithium silicate and zirconium dioxide 2.5 W (250 mJ/10 Hz) was an appropriate energy level for effective debonding. Whereas for lithium disilicate and for feldspathic ceramic, 4.5 W (450 mJ/10 Hz) is required for efficient debonding. There are differences regarding transmission rates between ceramic types for the Er:YAG laser light and additionally depending on the type of ceramic different energy settings should be used for adequate debonding. Based on our in-vitro experiments we recommend 2.5 W for zirconium-reinforced lithium silicate and zirconium dioxide and 4.5 W for lithium disilicate and feldspatic ceramic. Transmission rates of different ceramic types and varying influences of thicknesses and bonding materials should be considered to adjust the laser parameters during laser debonding of adhesively luted all-ceramic restorations.

Device-Algorithm Co-Optimization for an On-Chip Trainable Capacitor-Based Synaptic Device with IGZO TFT and Retention-Centric Tiki-Taka Algorithm.

Analog in-memory computing synaptic devices are widely studied for efficient implementation of deep learning. However, synaptic devices based on resistive memory have difficulties implementing on-chip training due to the lack of means to control the amount of resistance change and large device variations. To overcome these shortcomings, silicon complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (Si-CMOS) and capacitor-based charge storage synapses are proposed, but it is difficult to obtain sufficient retention time due to Si-CMOS leakage currents, resulting in a deterioration of training accuracy. Here, a novel 6T1C synaptic device using only n-type indium gaIlium zinc oxide thin film transistor (IGZO TFT) with low leakage current and a capacitor is proposed, allowing not only linear and symmetric weight update but also sufficient retention time and parallel on-chip training operations. In addition, an efficient and realistic training algorithm to compensate for any remaining device non-idealities such as drifting references and long-term retention loss is proposed, demonstrating the importance of device-algorithm co-optimization.

The impact of extended pulp chamber preparations on the clinical performance of endocrowns in Indian patients: A 1-year observational study

PurposeThe limitations of foundation restorations have been reduced with the advent of endocrowns. Despite their success, the extent of endocrowns tooth preparation into the pulp chamber has not been fully explored in the literature. The study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of endocrowns with 5 mm extended pulp chamber tooth preparations in Indian patients over a 1- year period using modified USPHS criteria. MethodsThe observational study recruited 36 participants with definite criteria. Ceramic crown was planned for all the participants. Conventional endocrown tooth preparation was made with 5 mm pulpal extension. Clinical assessments were made at 0-, 6- and 12-months intervals using modified USPHS criteria. The data was statistically analyzed using Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. ResultsOne patient (2.8%) experienced loss of retention, marginal adaptation, and loss of anatomical form during 1-year follow up period. The majority of the participants (97.3%) reported no discomfort and high satisfaction. (P < .05) No opposing tooth wear was observed at 0- and 6-months. The results showed statistical significance in the parameters of retention, marginal adaptation, loss of anatomical form, and patient satisfaction. (P < .05). ConclusionThe clinical performance of endocrowns with extended pulp chamber preparation was satisfactory for a period of 12 months.

Effects of annealing conditions on structural and ferroelectric properties of CeO2-HfO2 solid solution thin films on InAs substrates fabricated by chemical solution deposition

CeO2-HfO2 solid solution thin films are fabricated on (100) InAs substrates by chemical solution deposition (CSD) method. The effects of annealing conditions (annealing temperature and atmosphere) on the structural and ferroelectric properties of CeO2-HfO2 solid solution thin films are studied. The results verified that ferroelectric phase of CeO2-HfO2 solid solution thin film could be induced on InAs substrate. In the temperature range studied (550 – 700 ºC), higher annealing temperature profits suppressing nonferroelectric monoclinic phase and promoting ferroelectric orthorhombic phase, and therefore improves ferroelectric polarization. For film annealed at 700 ºC, annealing in N2 leads to an enhanced ferroelectric polarization (2Pr of 33.9 μC/cm2) compared with annealing in O2. Importantly, all films can survive 1 × 108 cycles at an applied voltage of 20 V, and do not show significant retention losses, which are benificial for further application. This work highlights the feasibility of integrating CeO2-HfO2 ferroelectric thin films on III-V platform technology.

Clinical, Radiographic Peri-Implant Parameters and Patient Satisfaction with Splinted and Non-splinted Short Dental Implants in the Maxillary Premolar-Molar Region: A Long-Term Retrospective Clinical Study.

The goal of this study was to assess the peri-implant condition, peri-implant bone loss (PBL), and complication rates of short dental implant-supported splinted crowns (SDI-SCs) and non-splinted crowns (SDI-NSCs) in the maxillary premolar-molar region. Patients who had short implants placed near their maxillary sinuses were evaluated. Both patient satisfaction and presence of any technical complication, e.g. porcelain wear and chipping, loss of retention and loosening of the abutment, fixture or screw, were noted. The peri-implant plaque index (PIPI), probing depth (PIPD), bleeding on probing (PIBP), and peri-implant bone loss (PBL) were evaluated. To assess the impact of prosthesis type and SDI placement on technical problems, a log-rank test was computed. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 72 patients agreed to be followed-up, showing a mean follow-up time of 3.1 years. Ninty-five implants in total (55 SDI-SCs, and 40 SDI-NSCs) with moderately rough surfaces were evaluated. The average PBL score for implant and patients was 1.27 (0.02-3.97) and 1.25 (0.03-4.41), respectively. More technical complications were observed with single crowns than with splinted crowns. There were no statistically significant differences in the peri-implant parameters between SDI-SCs and SDI-NSCs (p > 0.05). PBL at molar sites was substantially higher than at premolar sites (p = 0.048). Sixty patients (83.3%) were satisfied with the appearance of the crowns, while 57 patients (79.1%) were satisfied with the crowns' performance. The peri-implant conditions, bone levels, technical complication rates and patient satisfaction were comparable between the SDI-SCs and SDI-NSCs. However, implants placed in the molar sites had statistically significantly greater bone loss in comparison to those at the premolar sites.

Utilization of elephant foot yam (&lt;em&gt;Amorphophallus paeoniifolius&lt;/em&gt;) and Lasia stem (&lt;em&gt;Lasia spinosa&lt;/em&gt;) replacers in burger patties

Many meat-based processed foods have been developed with plant-based fat replacers due to the adverse effects of cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids in meat. Many underutilized plants have the potential to be used as fat replacers in processed meat-based products. In this study, different amounts of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) flour and lasia (Lasia spinosa) stem flour were used as replacements for the chicken burger patty. The treatments were developed with the composition of elephant foot yam flour, lasia stem flour and chicken meat as T1 (30 %, 30 %, 40%), T2 (25 %, 25 %, 50 %), T3 (25 %, 15 %, 60 %), T4 (15 %, 25 %, 60 %) respectively, and T5 (100 % chicken) as a control treatment. The physico-chemical, cooking, and sensorial properties of the triplicated samples were then compared to those of a control group made with 100% chicken. Cooking properties such as cooking loss, cooking yield, water holding capacity, fat retention, moisture retention, and shrinkage have shown significant differences (p&lt;0.05) among the treatments. Overall, 25% elephant foot yam flour and 15% lasia stem flour incorporated patties have shown optimum values for water holding capacity, cooking yield, fat retention, moisture retention, and cooking loss compared to control except shrinkage. The proximate analysis, such as moisture content, protein, fat, fiber content, and ash content had significant differences (p&lt;0.05) among the treatments and 25 % elephant foot yam flour and 15 % lasia stem flour incorporated patties showed favorable values. Compared to the control, patties incorporated with elephant foot yam and lasia stem flour replacements have shown lower fat content and higher fiber content. However, the sensory attributes of the replaced burger patties were not different compared to 100% chicken meat burger patty except for colour and taste.

Technical complications with tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) of different span lengths: an up to 15-year retrospective study

BackgroundsLong-span dental bridges may cause excessive load on abutment teeth and the periodontal area, which may lead to bridge fractures or periodontal problems. However, some reports have revealed that short- and long-span bridges can provide a similar prognosis. This clinical study aimed to investigate the technical complications associated with fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) of different span lengths.MethodsAll patients with previously cemented FDPs were clinically examined during their follow-up visits. Several data related to FDPs were registered, such as design, material type, location, and type of complication. The main clinical factors analyzed were technical complications. Life table survival analyses were performed to calculate the cumulative survival rate of FDPs when technical complications were detected.ResultsThe study examined 229 patients with a total number of 258 prostheses and an average of 98 months of follow-up. Seventy-four prostheses suffered from technical complications, and the most common complication was ceramic fracture or chipping (n = 66), while loss of retention occurred in 11 prostheses. The long-term evaluation of long-span prostheses revealed a significantly higher technical complication rate compared to short-span prostheses (P = ,003). The cumulative survival rate for short-span FDPs was 91% in year 5, 68% in year 10, and 34% in year 15. For long-span FDPs, the cumulative survival rate was 85% in year 5, 50% in year 10, and 18% in year 15.ConclusionLong-span prostheses (5 units or more) can be associated with a higher technical complication rate compared to short-span prostheses after long-term evaluation.

The Influence of Cleaning Solutions on the Retention of Overdenture Attachment Systems.

Dental-implant-supported reconstructions provide comfort and improvements in prosthetic function, adaptation, and stability over conventional treatment options. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different denture cleansing solutions and their influence on the deterioration and loss of retention of overdenture attachments in a 12-month clinical-use simulation. In this way, ten specimens each of different brands of retentive caps made of Teflon (OT Equator® (Rhein83, Bologna, Italy), Locator® (Zest Anchors, Escondido, CA, USA), Kerator® (KJ Meditech, Gwangiu, Republic of Korea), and Locator R-Tx® (Zest Anchors, Escondido, CA, USA)) were immersed in five different cleaning solutions (Kukident® (P&G Tech, Oxford Parkway, UK), Benfix® (Laboratorios URGO S.L., Guipúzcoa, Spain), Corega® (Stafford Miller, Waterford, Ireland), and Protefix® (Neuhofer Weiche, Parchim, Germany)), and tap water was used as the control group, in a simulation that lasted 12 months. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and a Tukey HSD. Furthermore, a Levene Test and Shapiro-Wilk tests were performed to assess the validation of the ANOVA assumptions. The statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.2.2 software with the significance level set to p < 0.05. There were significant statistical differences between the different manufacturers regarding the retention forces of the attachment's retentive caps (F = 322.066, p < 0.001). For the cleaning solution groups, different statistical results between Kukident® (P&G Tech, Oxford Parkway, UK) (p < 0.05) and Benfix® (Laboratorios URGO S.L., Guipúzcoa, Spain) (p < 0.05) were observed. There were no significant statistical differences between Corega® (Stafford Miller, Ireland), Protefix® (Neuhofer Weiche, Parchim, Germany), and tap water, even though the retention forces decreased in all of them.

Edge Word-Line Reliability Problem in 3-D NAND Flash Memory: Observations, Analysis, and Solutions

The 3-D flash memory is gradually becoming the mainstream nonvolatile storage medium due to its high capacity and high performance. However, interlayer interference during 3-D flash programming leads to significant differences in the error characteristics of edge and inner word lines; interlayer interference becomes more pronounced as the number of stacked layers increases, seriously affecting data storage reliability. In this study, many actual tests were conducted on triple-level cell (TLC) and quad-level cell (QLC) flash memory, which are the mainstream storage media in the current consumer market, to obtain the edge and inner word-line threshold voltage data under the interference of different factors, such as retention loss and read disturb; then, the threshold voltage difference between the edge and inner word lines under different conditions was quantitatively analyzed. An edge word-line reliability optimization strategy is proposed based on the read-reference voltage extra offset (RRVEO). Experimental results show that this strategy can reduce the edge word-line raw bit error rate (RBER) by more than 90% and eliminate the reliability difference between inner and edge word lines without significant overhead, thus significantly improving the data storage reliability of flash memory.

Fabrication of CAD-CAM custom-made bar clip for implant-supported overdentures using an intraoral scanner: A dental technique

This article describes a digital technique for fabricating individually designed overdenture bar clips. The patient was scanned intraorally using a Medit i700 scanner; the custom clip was designed using the Blender software program and milled from polyoxymethylene blocks. This low-cost technique offers more available options compared with traditional clips, improving the management of retention loss.

Write-Once-Read-Many-Times Memory Characteristics with a Large Memory Window Operating at a Low Voltage by Li-Ion Incorporation from the LiCoOx Ion-Supplying Layer into the InGaZnO Channel of a Thin-Film Transistor

Write-once-read-many-times (WORM) memory characteristics with a large memory window are demonstrated in a thin-film transistor (TFT) composed of an indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO) channel and a lithium-cobalt oxide (LiCoOx) ion-supplying layer in the gate oxide. While the device with a thicker (5 nm) tunneling oxide showing a threshold voltage shift (ΔVT) of about 5 V by electron charging upon positive gate voltage (VGS) sweep to +25 V, the device with a 2 nm-thick tunneling oxide exhibits a large memory window with ΔVT > 20 V by Li-ion migration from LiCoOx to IGZO channel, which can be controlled as multilevel states with respect to the VGS amplitude. Incorporation of Li ions into the IGZO channel acting as p-type dopants reduces carrier concentration in the channel and consequently increases VT. The increased VT and the consequently reduced drain current are not instantly restored back by applying negative VGS, featuring WORM memory characteristics. Although the device undergoes partial retention loss, the retention remains up to about 90% after 100 min of retention time. These results verify WORM memory operations in the IGZO TFTs through gate voltage-driven Li-ion incorporation into the IGZO channel to modify its conductive states instead of using a typical electrical charging route.

Comparison of the clinical outcomes of resin-modified glass ionomer and self-adhesive resin cementations for full-coverage zirconia restorations

Both resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and self-adhesive resin cement (SAC) may be suitable for cementation of full-coverage zirconia restorations. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of zirconia-based restorations cemented with RMGIC and compare them with those cemented with SAC. Cases of full-coverage zirconia-based restorations cemented with either RMGIC or SAC between March 2016 and February 2019 were evaluated in this study. The clinical outcomes of the restorations were analyzed according to the type of cement used. In addition, cumulative success and survival rates were evaluated according to the cement and abutment types. Non-inferiority, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox hazard tests were conducted (α=.05). A total of 288 full-coverage zirconia-based restorations (natural teeth, 157; implant restorations, 131) were analyzed. Loss of retention occurred in only one case; a single-unit implant crown cemented with RMGIC, which decemented 4.25 years post-restoration. RMGIC was non-inferior to SAC in terms of loss of retention (<5%). For single-unit natural tooth restorations, the four-year success rates in the RMGIC and SAC groups were 100% and 95.65%, respectively (p=.122). For single-unit implant restorations, the four-year success rates in the RMGIC and SAC groups were 95.66% and 100%, respectively (p=.365). The hazard ratios of all the predictor variables, including cement type, were not significant (p>.05). Cementation of full-coverage zirconia restorations of both natural teeth and implants using RMGIC and SAC yields satisfactory clinical outcomes. Furthermore, RMGIC is non-inferior to SAC in terms of cementation success. Cementation with RMGIC or SAC for full-coverage zirconia restorations has favorable clinical outcomes in both natural teeth and implants. Both RMGIC and SAC have advantages in the cementation of full-coverage zirconia restorations to abutments with favorable geometries.

Reconfigurable Low-Power TiO2 Memristor for Integration of Artificial Synapse and Nociceptor

Bio-mimetic advanced electronic systems are emerging rapidly, engrossing their applications in neuromorphic computing, humanoid robotics, tactile sensors, and so forth. The biological synaptic and nociceptive functions are governed by intricate neurotransmitter dynamics that involve both short-term and long-term plasticity. To emulate the neuronal dynamics in an electronic device, an Ag/TiO2/Pt/SiO2/Si memristor is fabricated, exhibiting compliance current controlled reversible transition of volatile switching (VS) and non-volatile switching (NVS). The origin of the VS and NVS depends on the diameter of the conducting filament, which is explained using a field-induced nucleation theory and validated by temporal current response measurements. The switching delay of the device is used to determine the characteristic nociceptive behaviors such as threshold, relaxation, inadaptation, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. The short-term and long-term retention loss attributed to the VS and NVS, respectively, is used to emulate short-term memory and long-term memory of the biological brain in a single device. More importantly, synergistically modulating the VS-NVS transition, the complex spike rate-dependent (SRDP) and spike time-dependent plasticity (STDP) with a weight change of up to 600% is demonstrated in the same device, which is the highest reported so far for TiO2 memristors. Furthermore, the device exhibits very low power consumption, ∼3.76 pJ/spike, and can imitate synaptic and nociceptive functions. The consolidation of complex nociceptive and synaptic behavior in a single memristor facilitates low-power integration of scalable intelligent sensors and neuromorphic devices.

Mandibular Bar-Retained Tooth-Supported Over Denture: Case Report

Alveolar bone loss is an inevitable consequence of tooth loss associated with old age. Increased alveolar bone resorption in mandible will lead to prosthetic concerns such as loss of retention and stability in the mandibular denture. Conventional removable complete dentures have long been the treatment of choice for complete edentulism, but it comparatively provides compromised retention, stability and poor masticatory efficiency, at times failing to meet expectations of the patients. To overcome these drawbacks, while retaining some of the remaining natural teeth which will aid in improved retention, stability and support, the concept of overdenture is seen as a patient-friendly and more successful alternative to conventional complete dentures. This case report discusses about the step by step procedure for the fabrication of a bar retained tooth-supported mandibular over-denture that opposes a conventional complete maxillary denture with an identification mark (Photographic method).

Laser Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on Improved EnlightenGAN

In distance-selected imaging, the contrast of laser images is reduced due to long imaging distances, insufficient laser power, and atmospheric turbulence. An enhancement algorithm based on the EnlightenGAN network is proposed to improve the contrast of laser images. Firstly, the laser images are acquired using a distance selection pass system to establish the laser image dataset and expand the dataset, and the traditional algorithm is used to enhance the images and establish the mapping relationship between low-quality images and high-quality images. The global discriminator based on PatchGAN with the improved VGG model is used to regularize the self-feature retention loss and construct the depth link between the global discriminator and the local discriminator to improve the generalization ability of the model; adjust the attention map to the second layer before the CLB convolution module and also add the residual structure in the second layer CLB to improve the robustness of the model; adopt the idea of gray-scale layering with a low drop and high rise to improve the self regularization mechanism to achieve the enhancement of the key region; finally, use the improved EnlightenGAN to fit the relationship between a low-quality image and high-quality image. Finally, EnlightenGAN is used to fit the relationship between low-quality images and high-quality images, extract laser image features, and enhance low-quality images. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm improves PSNR by 12.3% and 0.7% on average, SSIM by 57% and 10.3% on average, and NIQE by 21% and 13% on average compared to other algorithms and the original EnlightenGAN algorithm, respectively. The algorithm improves the signal-to-noise ratio and contrast of laser images with richer image details. It provides a new idea for pre-processing laser images.