Multifunctional Sensor Array for User Interaction Based on Dielectric Elastomers with Sputtered Metal Electrodes.

The integration of textile-based sensing and actuation elements has become increasingly important across various fields, driven by the growing demand for smart textiles in healthcare, sports, and wearable electronics. This paper presents the development of a small, smart dielectric elastomer (DE)-based sensing array designed for user control input in applications such as human-machine interaction, virtual object manipulation, and robotics. DE-based sensors are ideal for textile integration due to their flexibility, lightweight nature, and ability to seamlessly conform to surfaces without compromising comfort.

Electrode Impact on the Electrical Breakdown of Dielectric Elastomer Thin Films.

Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) enable the realization of energy-efficient and compact actuator systems. DEAs operate at the kilovolt range with typically microampere-level currents and hence minimize thermal losses in comparison to low voltage/high current actuators such as shape memory alloys or solenoids. The main limiting factor for reaching high energy density in high voltage applications is dielectric breakdown.

Nanoscale Nickel-Based Thin Films as Highly Conductive Electrodes for Dielectric Elastomer Applications with Extremely High Stretchability up to 200.

This paper presents on electromechanical characterization of thin film nickel-based wrinkled electrodes for dielectric elastomer (DE) applications. The investigation of a sandwich composed of a very soft and flexible elastomer carrying an ultrathin metallic electrode, together with its prestretch-dependent wrinkled structure of the electrode, facilitates the understanding of some of its interesting properties. Compared to conventional screen-printed carbon black electrodes, nickel-based thin film electrodes offer an ohmic resistance that is about 2 orders of magnitude lower.

Fully Polymeric Domes as High-Stroke Biasing System for Soft Dielectric Elastomer Actuators.

The availability of compliant actuators is essential for the development of soft robotic systems. Dielectric elastomers (DEs) represent a class of smart actuators which has gained a significant popularity in soft robotics, due to their unique mix of large deformation (>100%), lightweight, fast response, and low cost. A DE consists of a thin elastomer membrane coated with flexible electrodes on both sides.

Prefabricated iliac crest transplant.

Purpose: Our aim was to augment the extremely atrophic mandibular alveolar crest with a pedicled transplant as the best option for a satisfactory preprosthetic outcome.

Materials And Methods: After computed tomography of the mandible, a model was milled for 6 patients. The iliac crest transplant with its vascular pedicle was harvested and, after preliminary preparation, fixed to the model.

The use of a 3D navigation system in the treatment of mandibular angle fractures by minimally invasive insertion of Herbert screws for osteosynthesis.

Objective: We present a phantom study evaluating the use of a three-dimensional navigation system in the treatment of mandibular angle fractures with traction screw osteosynthesis. The insertion of the so-called "Herbert bone screw" was tested on phantom models of the mandible.

Materials And Methods: A total of ten synthetic models of the lower jaw were prepared with navigational markers.

Preoperative image fusion of fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography data sets in oral maxillofacial carcinoma: potential clinical value.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the clinical and therapeutic value of digital image fusion of 2-[18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (F18-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) in patients suffering from an oral maxillofacial carcinoma.

Methods: Seventeen patients (11 male, 6 female; age range: 45-89 years) suffering from an oral maxillofacial carcinoma underwent CT and F18-FDG-PET (333-370 MBq). The data of the 2 imaging modalities were fused on an image workstation.

18F-FDG PET: early postoperative period of oro-maxillo-facial flaps.

Aim: We addressed the feasibility of FDG-PET to differentiate between viability and non-viability in the immediate postoperative assessment of flaps (autologous microvascular anastomosed pedicled flaps) in oro-maxillo-facial surgery.

Methods: 3-7 days after surgery, FDG-PET was done in 38 patients who had received flaps for re-construction of the mandible after partial resection. The studies were done on a dedicated full ring PET-scanner (ECAT EXACT HR+, Siemens/CTI).

Cephalometric and occlusal outcome in adults with unilateral cleft lip, palate, and alveolus after two different surgical techniques.

Objective: To assess differences in the aesthetic and functional long-term results of one-stage and two-stage surgical and orthodontic treatment in patients with cleft lip, palate, and alveolus.

Design: Sixty adult patients who were operated on as children for unilateral cleft lip, palate, and alveolus were examined. In every patient the lip was closed using Tennison's technique.

Evaluation of distraction implants for prosthetic treatment after vertical alveolar ridge distraction: a clinical investigation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the mucosal condition and the esthetic and functional results of distraction implants loaded with fixed or removable implant-supported restorations.

Materials And Methods: A total of 35 patients were treated with 62 distraction implants for correction of alveolar ridge deficiency. The distraction implants were loaded with prosthetic superstructures 4 to 6 months after distraction.

Differences in cephalometric and occlusal outcome of cleft palate patients regarding different surgical techniques.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess differences of the long-term results following surgical treatment in patients with cleft palate treated by two different surgical concepts.

Patients: Fifty-nine adult patients operated on for cleft palate were examined. Thirty palates were closed by a two stage (Widmaier and Veau) and 29 by a single-stage procedure (Veau's pedicled flap).

Diagnostic and prognostic value of 99mTc-tetrofosmin scintigraphy in maxillofacial flaps.

In oro-maxillofacial malignancies, new therapeutic approaches are placing changing demands on the diverse diagnostic modalities. In contradistinction to mandibular reconstruction of former years, the transplants (microvascular anastomosed pedicled flaps, "flaps") now consist of one or more arteries feeding a soft tissue component attached to a piece of bone suitably fitted to fill the defect. We addressed the diagnostic value of technetium-99m tetrofosmin scintigraphy in differentiating between viability and non-viability of the soft tissue portion of flaps in the immediate postoperative assessment.

Assessment of perfusion of facial microvascular transplants and early detection of ischemia by perfusion-CT scan.

Objective: Perfusion-computed tomography (CT) is a promising new technique to assess ischemic lesions caused by ischemic brain stroke. In this study, the use of perfusion-CT scans to predict ischemia in microvascular transplants of the face was examined.

Study Design: Thirty-eight patients with microvascular latissimus dorsi transplants after tumor surgery were assessed by perfusion-CT scan 34 to 72 hours after surgery.

Immediate alveolar ridge distraction after tooth extraction--a preliminary report.

Seven patients with severe periodontitis that had resulted in loss of alveolar ridge bone were treated by tooth extraction followed by immediate insertion of an implant distraction device. After successful distraction and bony healing the implant was used to fit a prosthesis.

The transgingival approach for placement of distraction implants.

Purpose: Since 1997, distraction implants have been clinically used for alveolar ridge distraction and, later, for prosthetic treatment. While 63 patients have been treated by the authors by alveolar ridge distraction with distraction implants with an open approach, the aim of this study was to demonstrate a minimally invasive technique of distractor placement via a transgingival approach.

Patients And Methods: Twelve patients were treated with a modified surgical incision using distraction implants.

Assessment of accuracy of navigated implant placement in the maxilla.

Purpose: The use of computed tomography (CT) based intraoperative navigation has greatly improved surgery in many specialties. In this study, the precision of the SMN system (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) for navigated drilling and following implant placement in the maxilla was evaluated. This study should demonstrate the suitability of navigation systems for computer-assisted implantation in the maxilla to avoid perforation of the maxillary sinus.

Stability of dental implants in microvascular osseous transplants.

Microvascular iliac crest and scapula transplants have been used in reconstruction of the lower jaw following tumor surgery. It has only been with the insertion of dental implants that a satisfactory prosthetic rehabilitation of the patient has been achieved. For this study, a follow-up of 38 patients with lower jaw tumors was carried out.

Clinical experiences with a new maintenance-free shock absorbing element in titanium implants.

Until now, the biokinetic elements of one implant system were to be substituted once a year in order to prevent complications of fractures of fixation screws. In this article a new implant with a maintenance-free shock absorbing element was examined. During the last 6 years, 384 dental implants with a biokinetic element (mobile-implant, SIS Inc.

Computer assisted tumour resection of the skull base: case report.

This case report demonstrates computer assisted resection of a skull base tumour after combined chemotherapy and irradiation, in a 40-year-old man with a squamous cell carcinoma of maxilla, zygoma, orbit and skull base. The resection of the skull base was performed with computer assistance after conventional resection of the maxilla, midface, exenteration of the orbit and lymph node dissection. Following combined chemotherapy and irradiation, the original, pretherapeutic tumour extent was marked on the new, presurgical CT scan enabling resection of the skull base with the use of a navigation microscope.

Vascularized versus non-vascularized nerve transfers: histologic study in rats.

From the clinical point of view, the state of vascularized nerve transfers is clearly demonstrated in the literature. This study was carried out to elicit the basic histologic differences between vascularized and non-vascularized nerve transfers in an animal experiment. In 46 rats, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was resected, and an interposition with a free (n=23) ischiatic nerve transfer on one side and a vascularized (n=23) ischiatic nerve transfer on the other side was carried out.

[Stability of dental implants in microvascular scapula and iliac crest transplants].

Study: In this study 24 patients with tumours of the mandible, mandibular resection, neck dissection and reconstruction by microvascular iliac crest (13) or scapula transplants (11) were examined following implantological treatment.

Results: In all patients the implantological examination was performed on average two years and five months after implant insertion. This allowed for observation of periotest values, periimplant probing depth and sulcus bleeding (SBI).

Navigational precision of drilling tools preventing damage to the mandibular canal.

Purpose: The use of CT-based intraoperative navigation has greatly improved surgical control in many specialities. In this study the precision of the SMN system (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) for navigated drilling before implant insertion is evaluated.

Material And Method: One hundred test drillings were carried out on 10 standardized acrylic lower jaw models with the aid of the navigation system after CT scanning.

[Ct-assisted navigation for insertion of dental implants in maxilla models].

The use of CT-based intraoperative navigation has greatly improved controlled surgery in many specialties. In this study the precision of the SMN system (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) for navigated drilling and following implantation in the maxilla is evaluated. This study should prove the suitability of navigation systems for computer-assisted implantation in the maxilla to avoid perforation to the maxillary sinus.