A compact, highly sensitive optical fiber displacement and curvature radius sensor is presented. The device consists of an adiabatic bi-conical fused fiber taper spliced to a single-mode fiber (SMF) segment with a flat face end. The bi-conical taper structure acts as a modal coupling device between core and cladding modes for the SMF segment. When the bi-conical taper is bent by an axial displa...

This study used transparent epoxy-resin root canal models to evaluate different main root canal tapers and various methods of vertical compaction for warm gutta-percha obturation of lateral depressions. The root canal models had straight main root canals with three tapers and four lateral depressions at right angles to the main root canal, 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm from the apex. Three types of experim...

The goal of this study was to compare the apical cleaning capabilities of single files from 3 different rotary systems in the presence or absence of prior cervical preparation based on a histological analysis. A total of 84 human single-rooted mandibular permanent incisors were divided into 6 groups (14 canals each). Cleaning and shaping was performed under the following protocols: Group I, F2 ...

The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the amount of apically extruded debris by single-file reciprocating instruments with different working lengths and apical preparation sizes. Eighty human single-rooted mandibular incisors were used and conventional access cavities were prepared. Then, the specimens were divided into four groups (n=20), according to root canal instrumentation:...

Recently, the Protaper Next system (Dentsply/Maillefer) was launched into the dental market. In part one of this series, published in December’s issue of Endodontic Practice, the authors outlined the clinical guidelines for the use of the Protaper Next instruments. There are five instruments in the system but most canals can be prepared by using only the first two instruments. The first instrum...

INTRODUCTION In cementless hip arthroplasty fixation of acetabular cups is often achieved using a press-fit between the cup and the bone, where the acetabulum is typically under-reamed by 1-4mm [1-4] with respect to the size of the cup. Deformation of the cups during insertion remains a concern as it could lead to changes in the clearance and sphericity of the bearing, which can adversely affec...

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to examine whether performance supercompensation during taper is maximized in endurance athletes after experiencing overreaching during an overload training (OT) period. METHODS Thirty-three trained male triathletes were assigned to either OT (n = 23) or normal training groups (n = 10, CTL) during 8 wk. Cycling performance and maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2ma...

PURPOSE To evaluate endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) using the Endurant stent-graft and compare the outcomes of patients with different neck anatomies, particularly as pertains to stent-graft oversizing. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of 75 consecutive patients (69 men; mean age 75 years) undergoing endovascular AAA repair using the Endurant Ste...

The study examined the changes of training load and physiological parameters in relation to competitive performance during a period leading to a national championship. The training content of twelve swimmers (age: 14.2±1.3 yrs) was recorded four weeks before the national championship (two weeks of normal training and two weeks of the taper). The training load was calculated: i) by the swimmer's...