Many Paths to the Same Goal: Balancing Exploration and Exploitation during Probabilistic Route Planning.

During self-guided behaviors, animals identify constraints of the problems they face and adaptively employ appropriate strategies (Marsh, 2002). In the case of foraging, animals must balance sensory-guided exploration of an environment with memory-guided exploitation of known resource locations. Here, we show that animals adaptively shift cognitive resources between sensory and memory systems during foraging to optimize route planning under uncertainty.

Small-Diameter Implants: A 7-Year Retrospective Study.

Oral implantology has become a major discipline within the field of dentistry. Small or mini dental implants have demonstrated success in the retention of removable and fixed prostheses. Small-diameter implants (SDI) and mini-diameter implants (MDI) describe a group of implants that demonstrate a diameter less than 3 mm.

The relationship between sleep and drug use characteristics in participants with cocaine or methamphetamine use disorders.

The goal of this project was to evaluate the relationship between self-reported sleep habits, daytime sleepiness, and drug use variables in individuals with cocaine and methamphetamine (METH) use disorders. Participants with a cocaine or meth use disorder completed questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and a demographic/drug use form. Participants with a cocaine (N=51) or meth use disorder (N=85) were separated into those with either high or low sleep deficits.

Treatment of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors: an interdisciplinary approach.

Dentists have several treatment options when restoring patients with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors. Endosseous implant therapy combined with orthodontics can achieve predictable outcomes while meeting patient expectations. This case report exhibits an interdisciplinary approach involving orthodontics, implant surgery, and prosthodontics to resolve this common dental concern.

Acute modafinil exposure reduces daytime sleepiness in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent volunteers.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute, oral modafinil (200 mg) exposure on daytime sleepiness in methamphetamine (Meth)-dependent individuals. Eighteen Meth-dependent subjects were enrolled in a 7-d inpatient study and were administered placebo or modafinil on day 6 and the counter-condition on day 7 (randomized) of the protocol. Subjects completed several subjective daily assessments (such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory and visual analogue scale) throughout the protocol as well as objective assessments on days 5-7, when the Multiple Sleep Latency Test was performed.

Acute, low-dose methamphetamine administration improves attention/information processing speed and working memory in methamphetamine-dependent individuals displaying poorer cognitive performance at baseline.

Abstinent methamphetamine (Meth) dependent individuals demonstrate poorer performance on tests sensitive to attention/information processing speed, learning and memory, and working memory when compared to non-Meth dependent individuals. The poorer performance on these tests may contribute to the morbidity associated with Meth-dependence. In light of this, we sought to determine the effects of acute, low-dose Meth administration on attention, working memory, and verbal learning and memory in 19 non-treatment seeking, Meth-dependent individuals.

Small diameter implants: specific indications and considerations for the posterior mandible: a case report.

The field of implant dentistry continues to grow globally as clinicians embrace the evolution of various endosseous implant technologies and the array of enhanced surgical and prosthetic products. The utilization of small diameter implants in limited osseous regions increases patients' ability to choose implants as a viable restorative option. Although small diameter implants have been indicated in the incisor region for the maxilla and mandible primarily, their usage should be considered in select posterior regions.

Socket grafting: a predictable technique for site preservation.

The demand for dental implants continues to rise worldwide, requiring clinicians to consider the incorporation of bone preservation procedures into their dental practice. Socket grafting offers a predictable, simple way to conserve the buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions of the future implant site. Careful bone management and the use of various bone-grafting materials must be part of the practice of every implantologist.

The use of laser-welded titanium framework technology: a case report for the totally edentulous patient.

Laser-welded technology has become a viable alternative to the conventional lost wax-casting technique in the field of implant dentistry. Studies have demonstrated the predictable nature of laser-welded titanium frameworks for endosseous implants in the partial and totally edentulous patient. A standardized impression and fabrication procedure is required for an accurate and predictable superstructure.

Occlusal principles and clinical applications for endosseous implants.

Endosseous implant dentistry has become a predictable clinical modality. The role of the restorative dentist is to minimize overload to the crestal bone by utilizing implant occlusal principles. The prosthetic stages of treatment should follow a disciplined sequence.