Measurement of Compton scattering from the deuteron and an improved extraction of the neutron electromagnetic polarizabilities.

The electromagnetic polarizabilities of the nucleon are fundamental properties that describe its response to external electric and magnetic fields. They can be extracted from Compton-scattering data-and have been, with good accuracy, in the case of the proton. In contradistinction, information for the neutron requires the use of Compton scattering from nuclear targets. Here, we report a new measurement of elastic photon scattering from deuterium using quasimonoenergetic tagged photons at the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, Sweden. These first new data in more than a decade effectively double the world data set. Their energy range overlaps with previous experiments and extends it by 20 MeV to higher energies. An analysis using chiral effective field theory with dynamical Δ(1232) degrees of freedom shows the data are consistent with and within the world data set. After demonstrating that the fit is consistent with the Baldin sum rule, extracting values for the isoscalar nucleon polarizabilities, and combining them with a recent result for the proton, we obtain the neutron polarizabilities as αn=[11.55±1.25(stat)±0.2(BSR)±0.8(th)]×10(-4) fm(3) and ßn=[3.65∓1.25(stat)±0.2(BSR)∓0.8(th)]×10(-4) fm(3), with χ(2)=45.2 for 44 degrees of freedom.

Neutron skin of (208)pb from coherent pion photoproduction.

Information on the size and shape of the neutron skin on (208)Pb is extracted from coherent pion photoproduction cross sections measured using the Crystal Ball detector together with the Glasgow tagger at the MAMI electron beam facility. On exploitation of an interpolated fit of a theoretical model to the measured cross sections, the half-height radius and diffuseness of the neutron distribution are found to be c(n)=6.70±0.03(stat.) fm and a(n)=0.55±0.01(stat.)(-0.03)(+0.02)(sys.) fm, respectively, corresponding to a neutron skin thickness Δr(np)=0.15±0.03(stat.)(-0.03)(+0.01)(sys.) fm. The results give the first successful extraction of a neutron skin thickness with an electromagnetic probe and indicate that the skin of (208)Pb has a halo character. The measurement provides valuable new constraints on both the structure of nuclei and the equation of state for neutron-rich matter.

Measurement of the 1H(γ, p)π0 reaction using a novel nucleon spin polarimeter.

We report the first large-acceptance measurement of polarization transfer from a polarized photon beam to a recoiling nucleon. The measurement pioneers a novel polarimetry technique, which can be applied to many other nuclear and hadron physics experiments. The commissioning reaction of 1H(γ, p)π0 in the range 0.4

Photoproduction of π0 mesons off neutrons in the nucleon resonance region.

Precise angular distributions have been measured for the first time for the photoproduction of π0 mesons off neutrons bound in the deuteron. The effects from nuclear Fermi motion have been eliminated by a complete kinematic reconstruction of the final state. The influence of final-state-interaction effects has been estimated by a comparison of the reaction cross section for quasifree protons bound in the deuteron to the results for free protons and then applied as a correction to the quasifree neutron data. The experiment was performed at the tagged photon facility of the Mainz Microtron MAMI with the Crystal Ball and TAPS detector setup for incident photon energies between 0.45 and 1.4 GeV. The results are compared to the predictions from reaction models and partial-wave analyses based on data from other isospin channels. The model predictions show large discrepancies among each other and the present data will provide much tighter constraints. This is demonstrated by the results of a new analysis in the framework of the Bonn-Gatchina coupled-channel analysis which included the present data.

Narrow structure in the excitation function of η photoproduction off the neutron.

The photoproduction of η mesons off nucleons bound in 2H and 3He has been measured in coincidence with recoil protons and recoil neutrons for incident photon energies from threshold up to 1.4 GeV. The experiments were performed at the Mainz MAMI accelerator, using the Glasgow tagged photon facility. Decay photons from the η→2γ and η→3π0 decays and the recoil nucleons were detected with an almost 4π electromagnetic calorimeter combining the Crystal Ball and TAPS detectors. The data from both targets are of excellent statistical quality and show a narrow structure in the excitation function of γn→nη. The results from the two measurements are consistent, taking into account the expected effects from nuclear Fermi motion. The best estimates for position and intrinsic width of the structure are W=(1670±5) MeV and Γ=(30±15) MeV. For the first time precise results for the angular dependence of this structure have been extracted.

Surgical template for completely edentulous patients.

Implant angulation is of utmost importance for fabrication of esthetic, hygienic, and functional prostheses, even in the treatment of completely edentulous patients. Most mandibular surgical templates are not reliable because of a lack of stability resulting either from severe resorption of the mandible or from the interference of mucoperiosteal flaps elevated during surgery. This article describes a technique for fabrication and surgical application of a stable template for the completely edentulous mandible. By combining the mandibular template with a maxillary duplicate denture, the problem of lack of stability can be overcome. A consistently reliable reference for implant placement in the edentulous mandible, specifically in relation to implant angulation (trajectory), can be obtained.

Dental students' self-assessed competence in geriatric dentistry.

This study measured the self-assessed confidence levels of four classes of dental students (n = 172) exposed to both didactic and clinical training regarding geriatric patients. It was found that after completing a two-term (20-week) didactic course in their junior year, and a five-week clinical course with geriatric patients in their senior year, dental students graduating from this university between 1987 and 1990 perceived significant improvements in their abilities to manage geriatric patients in all areas assessed, most notably in their treatment planning skills, in coordinating preventive dentistry programs, in referring patients to appropriate community resources, and in providing dental care in alternative settings. Greatest self-assessed improvements were exhibited between pre-didactic and post-didactic assessments, with a tendency to stabilize rather than improve after the clinical experience. Interestingly, this study found that the students' self-assessed changes between post-didactic training and post-clinical training were significant in only one area--their ability to manage the medical emergencies of elderly patients, including a patient's death in the dental chair. No differences were found between students who completed the clinical course early in their senior year with those who took it later; nor did differences emerge among the four classes. Clinical teaching in geriatrics may be an opportunity to practice skills and reinforce knowledge that has been gained in didactic courses, not necessarily a place to enhance perceived competence.

The swing-lock removable partial denture in clinical practice.

The authors of this article consider that the swing-lock partial denture has a useful place in contemporary clinical dental practice and offers many advantages compared with conventional removable partial dentures in terms of retention and stability, especially in the extremely compromised dentitions. Here they describe the concept of the swing-lock removable partial denture, together with the indications, contraindications, technical and clinical considerations.

Beam-helicity asymmetries in double-pion photoproduction off the proton.

Beam-helicity asymmetries have been measured at the MAMI accelerator in Mainz in the three isospin channels gamma[over -->]p-->pi(+)pi(0)n, gamma[over -->]p-->pi(0)pi(0)p, and gamma[over -->]p-->pi(+)pi(-)p. The circularly polarized photons, produced from bremsstrahlung of longitudinally polarized electrons, were tagged with the Glasgow magnetic spectrometer. Charged pions and the decay photons of pi(0) mesons were detected in a 4pi electromagnetic calorimeter which combined the Crystal Ball detector with the TAPS detector. The precisely measured asymmetries are very sensitive to details of the production processes and are thus key observables in the modeling of the reaction dynamics.

Incoherent neutral pion photoproduction on 12C.

We present the first detailed measurement of incoherent photoproduction of neutral pions to a discrete state of a residual nucleus. The 12C(gamma,pi(0))(12)C*(4.4 MeV) reaction has been studied with the Glasgow photon tagger at MAMI employing a new technique which uses the large solid angle Crystal Ball detector both as a pi(0) spectrometer and to detect decay photons from the excited residual nucleus. The technique has potential applications to a broad range of future nuclear measurements with the Crystal Ball and similar detector systems elsewhere. Such data are sensitive to the propagation of the Delta in the nuclear medium and will give the first information on matter transition form factors from measurements with an electromagnetic probe. The incoherent cross sections are compared to two theoretical predictions including a Delta-hole model.

Influence of polishing on cast clasp properties.

During the polishing of clasps, two possible changes that could affect their properties are thinning of the clasp and work hardening of the alloy. Two distinctly different clasp pattern forms were selected and 20 samples of each were cast. They were then divided into two groups, polished and unpolished, in an effort to determine the total influence of the polishing procedure on clasp behavior. The results indicate that polishing produces a slightly more flexible clasp. Any influence resulting from possible work hardening is offset by the reduction of clasp thickness. Effects of width/thickness ratios and magnitude of deflections on finishing and polishing techniques may also alter clasp flexibility in the polished clasp.

The tooth-removable partial denture interface.

During the metal finishing phase of removable partial denture construction, metal is removed from all aspects of the casting. The amount removed from areas designed to contact prepared surfaces of abutments is critical to the resulting fit of the partial. Castings were evaluated before and during finishing procedures to measure metal loss at the tooth-removable partial denture interface. Finishing and fitting techniques for controlling the loss of metal are presented.

A new procedure to reinforce fixed provisional restorations.

The typical unreinforced fixed partial denture provisional restoration commonly fails because of fractures and loss of cement retention. A procedure to reinforce the provisional restoration with a substructure of orthodontic band material has dramatically increased the longevity of this restoration. The procedure requires commonly available materials without a significant increase in cost or construction time.

Soldering of removable partial dentures.

Both high- and low-heat removable partial denture alloys were soldered with combinations of different solders and heat sources. The soldered specimens were subjected to tensile strength testing, and a ranking of joint strength was developed. Joint strengths that were 85% as strong as the as-cast metal were created in both alloy types when 0.800 fine solder was used with an electrosoldering device as a heat source. All other combinations tested resulted in greater reductions in joint strength.

Clinical evaluation of patients eight to nine years after placement of removable partial dentures.

Removable partial dentures, constructed following principles outlined in this study, provided reasonable service for an 8- to 9-year period for patients who were wearing them. The oral hygiene of the patients was less than ideal. Few teeth were lost by patients in the study. There were no significant differences in caries incidence, changes in sulcus depths, tooth mobility, or alveolar bone loss between patients who were wearing their dentures and those who were not. There were increased levels of gingival inflammation seen in regions covered by the removable partial dentures and in gingivae apical to clasp arms. Other than these findings, there seemed to be no direct evidence that the removable partial dentures were causing dental or periodontal breakdown.

Adult palatal expansion prostheses.

The technical steps in the construction of two types of adult palatal expanders have been described. These prostheses are complex and require a special level of coordination between the professional team and the dental laboratory. The teamwork involved in the restoration of major maxillary defects contributes to the success of the prosthesis and makes the efforts involved worthwhile.

Stress-relaxation testing. Part III: Influence of wire alloys, gauges, and lengths on clasp behavior.

Commonly used, commercially available dental wires have been evaluated and ranked through stress-relaxation testing to given the clinician a basis for determining their use as retentive clasp arms. Clinical laboratory principles relative to the use of wire clasp arms have been discussed. Clinical experience with the cobalt-chrome-nickel wire retentive clasp arms used in the infrabulge approach over the last 8 years has been rewarding. These wire clasps have been every bit as effective as the cast bar clasps and have proven to be superior in terms of adjustability and resistance to fracture. The relation of active clasp length to retention and permanent deformation is a crucial one and should be a component of every philosophy of design and construction of removable partial dentures.

Evaluation of eccentric occlusal contacts in complete dentures.

Three edentulous patients were evaluated using the kinesiograph and a specially designed computer program to identify the length of eccentric contacts between their dentures when masticating test foods. Three different interchangeable occlusal arrangements were constructed and tested. Results of the evaluation of more than 1,400 chewing cycles showed that while 25% of masticatory contacts were eccentric, the great majority of contacts were within a distance of 1 mm from centric occlusion. More eccentric contacts occurred in the opening phase than might be expected. Posterior tooth form did not appear to affect the range of eccentric contacts.

In vitro two-body wear of inlay-onlay composite resin restoratives.

Inlay-onlay composite resin restorations have been introduced to the profession as alternatives to amalgam and direct composite resins. Two-body wear testing was performed on three inlay-onlay resins and one direct composite resins using a machine designed to produce sliding wear. The composite resins were opposed by human enamel, type III gold alloy, and porcelain. Of the investigated materials, the homogeneously microfilled inlay-onlay material showed significantly less wear. The direct composite resin showed significantly the greatest wear. The hybrid inlay-onlay resins showed intermediate wear. The hybrid inlay-onlay resins and the direct composite (small particle, heavily filled) resin created wear tracks in the opposing surfaces while the homogeneous microfill inlay-onlay resin did not. The depth of the observed wear tracks in the opposing surface was sufficiently substantial to warrant further investigation into the wear of materials that oppose composite resin restorations.

Evaluation of hard direct reline resins.

Peak curing temperatures of hard, direct, autopolymerizing reline resin materials tested were all within ADA specification guidelines. A temperature range of 10 degrees C was demonstrated among materials, with the highest polymerization temperatures recorded for Perm and Lang's Self-Curing Rebase Acrylic, and the lowest for KOOLiner, Flexacryl, and COE-Rect. This temperature difference is probably clinically detectable. However, intraoral testing of polymerization temperatures yielded lower peak values than those observed with specification testing, and the temperature peaks occurred earlier with intraoral conditions. There were significant color changes with simulated aging for three of the products tested: Flexacryl, COE-Rect, and Lang's Self-Curing Rebase Acrylic. The color changes occurred after only 24 hours of accelerated aging. Although there was only a small change in color with aging for Perm and KOOLiner, there was a moderate shift in the color of KOOLiner (delta E = 2.2) before aging. Thus only Perm demonstrated little color change with simulated aging. Of the reline products, one material, KOOLiner, demonstrated lower bond tensile strengths to denture base materials. However, the clinical significance of this was not known. One denture base material (Astron) recorded significantly higher bond strength values for all reline products and failure always took place within the denture base.