Vertical Dimension Research Articles

The 3D-printed shell complete denture technique: Simplifying prosthodontic diagnosis prior to implant planning.

Traditionally, artificial teeth arrangements or the definitive complete dentures are used to establish important prosthodontic parameters such as the occlusal plane orientation, vertical dimension, and the incisal edge position. The relationship of these elements with the underlying bony structures is commonly evaluated using advanced planning protocols such as the dual scan technique. This technique article presents an uncomplicated alternative approach to establish these parameters intraorally using a 3D-printed shell complete denture generated from a 3D scan of the patient's existing complete denture.

Unraveling microbial community structure–function relationships in the horizontal and vertical spatial dimensions in extreme environments

A fundamental challenge in soil macroecology is to understand how microbial community structure shapes ecosystem function along environmental gradients of the land surface at broad spatial scales (i.e. the horizontal dimension). However, little is known about microbial community structure–function relationships in extreme environments along environmental gradients of soil depth at finer spatial scales (i.e. the vertical dimension). Here, we propose a general spatial dimension partitioning approach for assessing the patterns and drivers of soil microbial community structure–function relationships across horizontal and vertical spatial gradients simultaneously. We leveraged a 200‐km desert soil salinity gradient created by a 12‐year saline‐water irrigation in the Tarim basin of Taklamakan Desert. Specifically, using a general linear model, hierarchical variance partitioning, and a path model, we assessed the patterns and key ecological processes controlling spatial turnover in microbial community structure (i.e. β‐diversity) and enzymatic activity relevant to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling along soil salinity gradients across study sites (horizontal dimension) and soil depths (vertical dimension). We found a decoupled relationship between soil microbial β‐diversity and enzymatic activity. Differences in soil depth (on the scale of meters) were as important as geographic distance (on the scale of kilometers) in shaping bacterial and fungal β‐diversity. However, the vertical and horizontal turnover in enzymatic activity was largely attributed to an increase in the heterogeneity of soil properties, such as soil texture, water content, and pH. Our findings suggest that dispersal limitation controls microbial community β‐diversity and that environmental heterogeneity, rather than soil salinization, controls enzymatic activity. Taken together, this work highlights that in the face of ongoing environmental alterations, soil depth is an under‐explored spatial dimension that must be considered in soil conservation efforts as a critical factor in determining microbial community structure and function in extreme environments.

Volumising territorial sovereignty: Atmospheric sciences, climate, and the vertical dimension in 20th century China

Works in Political Geography have focused on the exercise of territorial sovereignty beyond land, emphasising the voluminousness and dynamism of material forces that condition how territory is governed. In comparison, works on modern territorial statehood in IR have generally overlooked the question of materiality. By combining the attentiveness to more-than-human materiality in Political Geography with IR's focus on the role of epistemic transformations in the history of the modern international system, this article proposes a more comprehensive understanding of territorial sovereignty and modern statehood as constituted by the technoscientific management of the territory's materiality. Using the development of atmospheric sciences in the 19th century as an example of science-state entanglement in the emergence of the modern international system, this article shows that the integration of atmospheric knowledge production with state and international governance produced the vertical dimension as a realm of governmental concern. Through a detailed case study of the development of atmospheric sciences in early 20th-century China and scientific ideas about China's climate, this article demonstrates how the scientific discovery of the vertical dimension reconfigures territorial sovereignty as sovereignty over volume.

Noninvasive conservative management of anterior open bite treated with TADs versus clear aligner therapy.

Anterior open bite can be treated non-surgically via molar intrusion using temporary skeletal devices (TAD). Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is recognized as a viable therapeutic modality for non-extraction treatment of adults with mild open bite. This study aimed to compare the treatment effect and mechanisms of open bite closure between patients treated with braces and TADs double arch intrusion and those treated with CAT. Treatment success at T3 was based on 1- positive overbite on ceph; 2- Change in the vertical dimension 3- post treatment POSI score equal to zero. The TAD group includes 18 consecutively treated patients from the main author. The CAT group consisted of 16 selected patients from three different orthodontists. The observation time points were as follows: pretreatment (T1), end of molar intrusion and positive overbite achieved (T2), end of treatment (T3), at least 6-month follow-up (T4). Treatment changes were assessed by cephalometric analysis and frontal intraoral photo. At the end of treatment, 100% of the patient of the TAD group and 78,6% of the CAT group had a posi score of 0. The TAD group showed a significant reduction in vertical measurements (SN-MPA: -1,55° ± 0.41, LAFH: -3,05 ± 0.51mm, U6-PP: -1.48 ± 0.30mm), but the CAT group did not have significant changes for these variables. Both groups had significant increases in overbite from T1 to T3 (TAD: 4,32 ± 0,5mm; CAT: 2,33 ± 0.56mm), and overbite remained stable at T4. The CAT group did not have a significant upper molar intrusion, but a significant extrusion of 1.22 ± 0.42mm of the lower incisor occurred. The TAD group achieved bite closure by upper molar intrusion, lower molar and incisors vertical control, and mandibular plane counterclockwise rotation, resulting in an improved AP and vertical relationship. The CAT group achieved bite closure through the lower incisor extrusion without significant change in the vertical dimension. This study provides relevant information about the skeletal and dental changes of open bite treatment with TADs double arch intrusion. The comparison with a control group treated with CAT confirms known information.

Assessment of the clinical procedures used for determination of vertical dimension of occlusion and centric relation in edentulous patients

Background and aim. This study aims to explore the most widely used methods for managing patients who are completely edentulous to determine the intermaxillary relations, also known as the centric relation and vertical dimension of occlusion. Material and methods. The information sources have been identified through searches of medical databases. A 20-year search frame, from 2001 to 2021 was performed. The terms “occlusal vertical dimension”, “totally edentulous”, “complete denture”, and “centric relation” were searched. The selected articles were acquired in full text, and two different authors resolved differences through conversation before evaluating them for inclusion. Results. Following the application of the search strategy, 514 articles were identified. 172 papers were screened after duplicate records were removed. Selecting the studies to be considered for inclusion in the first stage required considering their titles, abstracts, and studies’ significance to the study purpose. After obtaining the complete texts of the remaining twenty-seven papers, their relevance was evaluated. Conclusion. The relationship between the maxillary and mandibular arches is still established by the centric relation in occlusal examination and prosthetic treatment. Many methods with low variability and high intra-technical repeatability are available for recording centric relation. There is no one standard technique for recording the vertical dimension of occlusion; instead, the clinician must choose the most comfortable approach.

FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION AS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR ANTIAGING. CASE REPORT

It is a well-known fact that white teeth, harmonically located in the dental rows, with no defects, wear signs and pathology in the periodontium, are a sign of youthfulness and some kind of a mirror of overall body health. Actually, the dentist can be the first one to detect the first manifestations of any somatic diseases or deficiencies during examination of the patient. Modern digital technologies can offer high quality and aesthetics of the dental procedures, that also benefits in the time of dental sessions, which is less stressful for the patient, the dentist and the laboratory. This study presents a clinical case of complex functional and aesthetical dental rehabilitation of a 34-year-old patient.
 The main complaint of the patient was a change of the face image, tooth wear and unsatisfactory appearance of the teeth, as well as discomfort during the jaw movements and occlusion. Since the patient had clear time limits, namely 3 months, rehabilitation, was carried out according to a fast protocol. It included increase of the vertical dimension, using botulinum therapy of the masticatory muscles, temporary prosthetic crowns and final full zirconia crowns. Also, splint therapy for the treatment of temporomandibular disorder was included to the protocol, as this problem hasn`t been treated in time. During the rehabilitation process, cone-beam computed tomography of the jaws and joints, an intraoral scanner, and the most modern digital workflow for prosthetics were performed.
 As a result of the rehabilitation, the lost chewing function and aesthetics of the teeth were restored. The tone of the masticatory muscles and the range of the jaw movements were harmoniously corrected, the cheek pits, the upper and lower lips increased in volume, therefore the shape and size of the lower part of the face increased and the patient’s smile became snow-white. The patient’s general condition and mood improved, he gained a new younger look.

A retrospective study evaluating the influence of Class III correction appliances on the sagittal pharyngeal airway dimension

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Class III correction appliances including the Facemask (FM), and the new non-compliance fixed functional appliances such as the Reversed Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device (FRD), as well as the CS-2000 (CS), on the sagittal pharyngeal airway dimension (SPAD). Pre-treatment and post-treatment lateral cephalograms of 45 patients who underwent Class III appliance treatment, using either FM, Reversed FRD, or CS were collected from the files of treated patients. SPAD changes were evaluated in each group, and comparisons were conducted between the three study groups. Additionally, sagittal and vertical skeletal measurements were conducted. The FM, the Reversed FRD, and the CS, were found to generate a significant increase in the SPAD, with the Reversed FRD contributing to the most significant change at the OPAA (116.80 ± 26.36 mm2). All three appliances elicited significant antero-posterior changes in the SNA°, SNB°, and ANB°, also with the greatest intermaxillary change documented with the employment of the Reversed FRD (ANB° = 3.33 ± 0.82°). As for the vertical dimension, the FM, the Reversed FRD, and the CS elicited significant FMA° increases, with the greatest change attributed to the FM (FMA° = 2.32 ± 0.97°). Therefore, the three tested Class III corrective appliances generated significant SPAD, antero-posterior, and vertical changes. However, the Revered FRD showed a superior impact in increasing the SPAD at the OPAA level and in eliciting significant intermaxillary changes.

Socioecological justice in urban street greenery based on green view index-A case study within the Fuzhou Third Ring Road

Urban green space equity relates to the efficient allocation of natural resources and the equalization of public service facilities. Street (road) greenery provides substantial ecological, social and cultural benefits. Thus, in this study, a subdistrict-level evaluation framework for the fairness of the spatial distribution of street greenery was proposed, taking a case study within the Third Ring Road of Fuzhou City in Fujian, China. Street view images may capture the green information in a vertical dimension for the indirect representation of people’s perspective on the ground. The green view index, which was estimated based on Baidu Street View images, was employed to represent the urban street greenery, and the results were combined using deep learning technology. The Gini coefficient, share index and location entropy were used as evaluation indicators for the fairness of the spatial distribution of the street green view index. Furthermore, this framework combined socioeconomic data and population census data to explore the correlation among socioeconomic status, age, and evaluation index at the subdistrict level. In addition, we analyzed street greenery distribution inequalities from the perspective of socioecological justice. The results showed that in Fuzhou, there is a significant correlation among the Gini coefficient, green view index and socioeconomic status. In addition, subdistricts with a lower green view index have a less equitable street greenery distribution, people with low socioeconomic status may suffer from green injustice, and seniors have a lower accessibility to street green space than people with the average social status. Our analytical approach is applicable for other cities, and the findings are useful for greenery spatial planning processes and evaluating construction effects.

Relationship between Bilateral Landmarks of Facial Asymmetry in Skeletal Class II and Class III in Vertical Dimension: 3D Facial Scan and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

Significant facial asymmetry can lead to both functional and aesthetic issues. Often, such asymmetry originates from irregularities in the jaw structure. It is critical to recognize that asymmetries can be concealed by soft tissue, which may be overlooked. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between bilateral landmarks in the vertical dimension of facial asymmetry among individuals with skeletal Class II and Class III malocclusions. Fifty-two adult patients with a mean age of 24.4 ± 3.79 years with facial asymmetry who underwent orthodontic and orthognathic surgery were studied. Cone-beam computed tomography and facial scans were used to create 3D virtual head models which enhanced the accuracy in addressing facial asymmetry to ensure effective treatment planning. Each landmark was measured and digitized using the Dolphin Imaging program. The findings showed a correlation between gender and type of skeletal discrepancies with the menton deviation direction. In conclusion, the vertical discrepancy between bilateral landmarks was observable in both hard and soft tissues with more pronounced expression in soft tissues. This discrepancy was characterized by an elevation on the same side as the menton deviation, which was a feature observed in both skeletal Class II and Class III individuals.

Cd0.2Zn0.8O nanowire thin film transistor for low kickback high-speed AMLCD circuit applications

This paper reports the Cd0.2Zn0.8O channel cylindrical gate-all-around nanowire thin-film transistor (CY-GAA-NWTFT) for high-speed active-matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) pixel circuit with minimal kickback voltage. The AC/DC, analog, and energy efficiency of this device are investigated against the variation in lateral (channel length) as well as vertical dimension (oxide thickness) using technology computer aided design (TCAD) device simulation environment. Further, the behavior of CY-GAA-TFT is crosschecked by implementing it on resistive load digital inverter circuit followed by transient analysis to calculate delay of the inverter circuit. Moreover, static analysis has been also performed to evaluate its voltage transfer curve (VTC) to derive its noise margin and voltage gain. The execution of the proposed CY-GAA-NWT device on AMLCD pixel circuit indicates tremendous improvement in performance in terms of high-speed applications and low kickback voltage.

Self-perceived oral health

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-perceived oral health and the prosthetic status of individuals who seek care in prosthodontics clinics. Methods: Self-perceived oral health was analyzed through the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Abutment tooth mobility was assessed, and denture status was determined by clinical assessment of stability, retention, occlusal balance, vertical dimension, and integrity of dentures. The frequency of individuals in each variable was determined for the low and very low GOHAI conditions. Chi-square, Pearson, and stepwise logistic regression tests were used for the statistical analyses (α = 0.05). Results: Ninety wearers of removable dentures with a mean age of 55.1±9.1 years were evaluated. None of the variables was related to GOHAI values (p > 0.05). The regression analysis showed that age predicts (p = 0.006) the variation of GOHAI conditions (OR = 0.924, CI = 0.873- 0.978), showing only 7.6% protective effect against very low GOHAI. Unsatisfactory stability showed the opposite effect (p = 0.034) and the individuals with this characteristic are more likely (OR = 3.055) to have very low GOHAI scores (CI = 1.085- 8.602). Conclusions: The self-perceived oral health of wearers of removable dentures worsens with age and unsatisfactory stability of dentures.

Low-carbon-oriented commercial district urban form optimization and impact assessment analysis

Commercial buildings have become one of the main sources of carbon emissions. However, the current research on urban form optimization has lacked analyses of the low-carbon indicators of buildings. With the Beijing commercial district as an example, a low-carbon-oriented urban form optimization path is established in this study, and a new method of urban form optimization is developed from a low-carbon perspective. With the help of the parametric platform and multiobjective optimization algorithm, a dynamic optimization model of urban morphology based on parametric modeling, numerical simulation and algorithm optimization is developed, and the morphological characteristics of low-carbon commercial blocks in Beijing are assessed with a Pareto-optimal solution set. Through principal component regression analysis, the correlations between urban form factors and low-carbon evaluation indicators are discussed. The study shows that the multiobjective optimization algorithm effectively optimizes the low-carbon indicators of buildings at the block scale. The urban forms obtained from the Pareto solution set display several commonalities reflected from three perspectives: building type, vertical dimension and building orientation. It is found that the optimal block layout form reduces the building carbon emission intensity and the building outer skin radiation difference, and the renewable energy-based carbon reduction is large. The urban form factors that have a significant impact on the carbon emission intensity of buildings include the maintenance coefficients, the average area to perimeter ratio, and the sky view factor, with respective impact coefficients of 0.301, −0.309, and −0.319.

Global Mapping of Three-Dimensional (3D) Urban Structures Reveals Escalating Utilization in the Vertical Dimension and Pronounced Building Space Inequality

Three-dimensional (3D) urban structures play a critical role in informing climate mitigation strategies aimed at the built environment and facilitating sustainable urban development. Regrettably, there exists a significant gap in detailed and consistent data on 3D building space structures with global coverage due to the challenges inherent in the data collection and model calibration processes. In this study, we constructed a global urban structure dataset (GUS-3D), including building volume, height, and footprint information, at a 500 m spatial resolution using extensive satellite observation products and numerous reference building samples. Our analysis indicated that the total volume of buildings worldwide in 2015 exceeded 1 × 1012 m3. Over the 1985 to 2015 period, we observed a slight increase in the magnitude of 3D building volume growth (i.e., it increased from 166.02 km3 during the 1985–2000 period to 175.08 km3 during the 2000–2015 period), while the expansion magnitudes of the two-dimensional (2D) building footprint (22.51 × 103 km2 vs. 13.29 × 103 km2) and urban extent (157 × 103 km2 vs. 133.8 × 103 km2) notably decreased. This trend highlights the significant increase in intensive vertical utilization of urban land. Furthermore, we identified significant heterogeneity in building space provision and inequality across cities worldwide. This inequality is particularly pronounced in many populous Asian cities, which has been overlooked in previous studies on economic inequality. The GUS-3D dataset shows great potential to deepen our understanding of the urban environment and creates new horizons for numerous 3D urban studies.

Correlation Between Cephalometric Values and Soft Tissue Profile in Class I and Class II Adult Patients based on Vertical Patterns.

To compare soft tissue profile variations between Class I and Class II adult patients due to three vertical skeletal facial patterns (normodivergent, hypodivergent and hyperdivergent) and determine which skeletal variation has the most significant impact on soft tissue profile. Retrospective soft tissue profile analysis was performed on lateral cephalograms of 131 adult patients. The analysis was divided into two categories correlated with subnasal and general soft tissue profiles. The sample was divided based on two sagittal skeletal patterns (Class I and II) and three vertical groups. In addition, comparisons were made between males and females. Viewbox 4 was used for the analysis. Descriptive, comparative, and correlation statistics were performed using SPSS software. Statistically significant inter-gender differences were found at the subnasal profile level, but not at the general profile level. No significant differences were observed when comparing subnasal profiles for the sagittal groups. However, significant differences were observed at the level of the general profile, especially at the level of Z-angle, lower lip, and chin prominence. In the vertical groups, hyperdivergent facial patterns had significant differences at the level of subnasal and general profiles compared with other vertical facial patterns. Females had more convex subnasal profiles than males. Hyperdivergent facial patterns had an impact on both general and subnasal soft tissue profiles. The sagittal dimension affected only the general soft tissue profile. Therefore, changes in the vertical dimension had the greatest impact on facial esthetics.

High‐Resolution Direct Push NMR Tools for Groundwater Investigations

AbstractA small‐diameter nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology optimized for use with direct push (DP) and cone penetrometer test (CPT) drilling has been developed. The DP NMR tool can be deployed through 2.25‐in. diameter DP and CPT drilling rods allowing high‐resolution NMR logging measurements to be acquired during retraction of drill rods. DP NMR technology runs from a person‐portable battery‐powered control unit and provides significantly higher resolution in both the spatial (vertical) dimension and in the time domain of the NMR measurement than previously available NMR technology. In this study, we summarize the development of two different DP NMR tools and demonstrate their application at different sites within the United States. We believe that this technology can provide a leap forward in adoption of NMR technology for high‐resolution hydrological and geophysical investigations in groundwater resources and environmental remediation applications.

Buber's Idea of Community

Abstract This article suggests that Buber's idea of the community may hint at an alternative to the more common foundations of political thought, usually grounded on notions of power or rationality. Showing how Buber's idea of the community developed from a neo-romantic form (in his early writings) to a principle informed by the dialogical dimension of human life (from I and Thou onwards), I will point out the vertical dimension of political life ensuing from Buber's discourse. A discussion of the theopolitical principle as expressed in Buber's Kingship of God will lead to the conclusion that, both descriptively and normatively, politics needs an openness to transcendence.

Distances and angles in standing long-leg radiographs: comparing conventional radiography, digital radiography, and EOS

ObjectiveDistances and angles measured from long-leg radiographs (LLR) are important for surgical decision-making. However, projectional radiography suffers from distortion, potentially generating differences between measurement and true anatomical dimension. These phenomena are not uniform between conventional radiography (CR) digital radiography (DR) and fan-beam technology (EOS). We aimed to identify differences between these modalities in an experimental setup.Materials and methodsA hemiskeleton was stabilized using an external fixator in neutral, valgus and varus knee alignment. Ten images were acquired for each alignment and each modality: one CR setup, two different DR systems, and an EOS. A total of 1680 measurements were acquired and analyzed.ResultsWe observed great differences for dimensions and angles between the 4 modalities. Femoral head diameter measurements varied in the range of > 5 mm depending on the modality, with EOS being the closest to the true anatomical dimension. With functional leg length, a difference of 8.7% was observed between CR and EOS and with the EOS system being precise in the vertical dimension on physical-technical grounds, this demonstrates significant projectional magnification with CR-LLR. The horizontal distance between the medial malleoli varied by 20 mm between CR and DR, equating to 21% of the mean.ConclusionsProjectional distortion resulting in variations approaching 21% of the mean indicate, that our confidence on measurements from standing LLR may not be justified. It appears likely that among the tested equipment, EOS-generated images are closest to the true anatomical situation most of the time.

Activity and community structure of nitrifiers and denitrifiers in nitrogen-polluted rivers along a latitudinal gradient

Nitrogen (N) cycling in rivers is particularly active and dynamic due to excess nutrient inputs worldwide. However, the multidimensional spatial patterns of the activity and community structure of N-cycling microorganisms in rivers remain unclear, limiting our understanding of river ecological functions, especially N removal capacity. Here, we measured the nitrification and denitrification rates and identified nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms using high-throughput sequencing of archaeal amoA, bacterial amoA, nirK, and nirS genes in channel sediments, riparian rhizosphere soils, and riparian bulk soils of 30 N-polluted rivers across China. Results showed that in the lateral dimension, nitrification rates in sediments did not differ significantly from those in rhizosphere and bulk soils, but denitrification rates were higher in sediments than in bulk soils. However, the archaeal amoA gene abundance in sediments was considerably lower than that in rhizosphere and bulk soils, and bacterial amoA gene abundance in sediments was greater than that in rhizosphere soils. In the vertical dimension, both nitrification and denitrification rates in riparian bulk soils decreased with soil depth, and topsoils harbored more nitrifying and denitrifying microbes than subsoils. Denitrification but not nitrification rates increased with latitude and altitude but decreased with increasing mean annual temperature and precipitation. Overall, these results provide new insights into the multidimensional spatial patterns of river N cycling at a large scale, which is crucial to evaluating the N removal function of global rivers.

Plagiocephaly and malocclusion

The term plagiocephaly means oblique head. Most skull deformities are a result of intrapartum or utero molding but can be caused by congenital torticollis and after birth due to persistent head position of newborns staying in one head position for a long time and abusive use of strollers, car seats, car seats, swings. Its prevalence is growing fast, in 30 years it passes from 1 in each 300 babies in early nineties to 16 to 48 % in 2020. The aim of this paper is bringing the light to some serious conditions of treatment protocols in individuals with plagiocephaly. The skull deformity causes facial asymmetry that are not treatable by orthopedic or orthodontic intra or extra oral appliances, nor orthognathic surgery. Well, despite the fact that the patient or the tutors have to be notified of the facial asymmetry that persists, functional limitations will be presented. In more than 30 years of clinical experience treating these patients it was never sought the 4 first permanent molars and the 4 canines in the same Angle’s Class. In one side can be seen Class 1, but on the other it will be finding class 2 or class 3, the case reported exemplifies it, and the worst, mastication guidance will have to be very carefully done since, in most cases if it is tried to adjust the inferior and superior dental midline the vertical asymmetry of the occlusal plane (minimum vertical dimension) will worsen. Really there is no unique treatment protocol and it has to be considered case by case. It is time to deepen the knowledge in this area since the prevalence is growing. Based on the case reported, non-treated plagiocephaly can bring serious limitations to malocclusion treatment results. Further studies are necessary to a better understanding of the situation plagiocephaly versus malocclusion.

The mechanism for the specificity of gaze direction: Inhibiting background location.

The experiment combined the spatial Stroop paradigm to examine the effect of background location on the perception of arrow or gaze direction in the vertical dimension by manipulating the congruence between the target direction and background location, and to validate a possible cognitive mechanism for gaze direction specificity - inhibiting background location. The results showed that when subjects were required to identify the target direction in a Stroop task (Experiment 1), the gaze cue failed to induce the Stroop effect. However, when subjects were required to judge the congruence between the target direction and the background location (Experiment 2), the gaze cue and the arrow cue both induced the Stroop effect. This suggests that " inhibiting background location" is responsible for the elimination of the spatial Stroop effect by gaze direction, which may one of the mechanisms for gaze direction specificity.