Influence of viscoelastic characteristics of the colloidal suspensions on the formation of SnO2 supported membranes

SnO2 supported membranes have been prepared by sol-casting on alumina tubular substrate, using aqueous colloidal suspensions prepared by sol-gel route. The viscoelastic behaviour during sol ageing was analyzed by dinamic rheologial measurements. The complex viscosity and the storage and loss moduli have been followed during the sol-gel transition and the results have been correlated with the linear aggregates growth and the scalar percolation models. The scanning electron microscopy has evidenced that the homogeneity and thickness of the membrane depend on the sol ageing time. Crack-free and homogeneous membranes have been obtained for coated layers of 0.5μm thickness. © 1997 Trans Tech Publications.

Interactions of chlorine with tropical aquatic fulvic acids and formation of intermediates observed by fluorescence spectroscopy

The interactions of tropical aquatic fulvic acids (AFA) with chlorine and formation of trihalomethanes were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy. The aquatic humic substances (AHS) were isolated from a dark-brown stream (located in a environmental protection area near Cubatão city in São Paulo State, Brazil) by means of the collector XAD 8 according the procedure recommended by the International Humic Substances Society. The photoluminescence measurements were made by using a Perkin Elmer spectrometer; AHS, aquatic humic acids (AHA) and AFA samples were assayed. The interactions of AFA and chlorine were characterized by using different reaction times (1, 24, 48, 72 and 168 h) and chlorine concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg L-1). The relative fluorescence intensity for AFA was significantly decreased with the increasing of chlorine concentration and reaction time. The reduction of fluorescence intensity in the region of longer wavelength was interpreted as an indicative of interaction between condensed aromatic groups of AFA and chlorine.

COX24 codes for a mitochondrial protein required for processing of the COX1 transcript

In most strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae the mitochondrial gene COX1, for subunit 1 of cytochrome oxidase, contains multiple exons and introns. Processing of COX1 primary transcript requires accessory proteins factors, some of which are encoded by nuclear genes and others by reading frames residing in some of the introns of the COX1 and COB genes. Here we show that the low molecular weight protein product of open reading frame YLR204W, for which we propose the name COX24, is also involved in processing of COX1 RNA intermediates. The growth defect of cox24 mutants is partially rescued in strains harboring mitochondrial DNA lacking introns. Northern blot analyses of mitochondrial transcripts indicate cox24 null mutants to be blocked in processing of introns aI2 and aI3. The dependence of intron aI3 excision on Cox24p is also supported by the growth properties of the cox24 mutant harboring mitochondrial DNA with different intron compositions. The intermediate phenotype of the cox24 mutant in the background of intronless mitochondrial DNA, however, suggests that in addition to its role in splicing of the COX1 pre-mRNA, Cox24p still has another function. Based on the analysis of a cox14-cox24 double mutant, we propose that the other function of Cox24p is related to translation of the COX1 mRNA. © 2006 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of a bone defect with a teeth-implant supported, removable partial denture

The use of teeth-implant, mucosa-supported removable dentures for rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients involves highly complex biomechanical aspects. This type of prosthesis associates 3 kinds of support that react differently to the functional and parafunctional forces developed in the oral cavity. Although the construction of removable partial dentures may seem paradoxical when osseointegrated implants are placed, in some cases, this option is an excellent alternative to solve difficulties related to the anatomic, biologic, psychomotor, and financial conditions of the patient. This article reports on a case in which a teeth-implant, mucosa-supported removable partial denture was the option of choice for a patient with financial and anatomic limitations, having a large structural loss of the residual alveolar ridge caused by trauma by a gunshot injury at the mandible. The 5-year follow-up did not reveal any type of biomechanical or functional problem. Copyright © 2006 by Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

In vitro evaluation of the precision of working casts for implant-supported restoration with multiple abutments

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of two working cast fabrication techniques using strain-gauge analysis. Methods: Two working cast fabrication methods were evaluated. Based on a master model, 20 working casts were fabricated by means of an indirect impression technique using polyether after splinting the square transfer copings with acrylic resin. Specimens were assigned to 2 groups (n=10): Group A (GA): type IV dental stone was poured around the abutment analogs in the conventional way; Group B (GB), the dental stone was poured in two stages. Spacers were used over the abutment analogs (rubber tubes) and type IV dental stone was poured around the abutment analogs in the conventional way. After the stone had hardened completely, the spacers were removed and more stone was inserted in the spaces created. Six strain-gauges (Excel Ltd.), positioned in a cast bar, which was dimensionally accurate (perfect fit) to the master model, recorded the microstrains generated by each specimen. Data were analyzed statistically by the variance analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (α= 5%). Results: The microstrain values (με) were (mean±SD): GA: 263.7±109.07με, and GB: 193.73±78.83με. Conclusion: There was no statistical difference between the two methods studied.

Effects of mandibular fixed implant-supported prostheses on masticatory and swallowing functions in completely edentulous elderly individuals

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of oral rehabilitation with immediately loaded fixed implant-supported mandibular prostheses on chewing and swallowing in elderly individuals. Materials and Methods: Fifteen completely edentulous patients aged more than 60 years (10 women and rive men), wearing removable dentures in both arches, had a mandibular denture replaced by an implant-supported prosthesis. All individuals were evaluated before surgery and again 3, 6, and 18 months later with regard to mastication and swallowing conditions. Examinations entailed an interview, evaluation of tactile sensitivity of the face, and observation of food intake, masticatory type, formations of bolus, and pain during mastication. The swallowing evaluation comprised observation of clinical signs related to the oral and pharyngeal stages of swallowing, as well as the presence of oral residue. The findings of different evaluations before and 3, 6, and 18 months after the surgical-prosthetic procedure were statistically compared by analysis of variance for repeated measurements at a significance level of 5%. Results: The questionnaire revealed a reduction in complaints of masticatory and swallowing disturbances, a decreased need for liquid ingestion, and reduced choking and coughing. Clinical evaluations showed improved oral function and bolus propulsion for both solid and paste-consistency foods; pain during mastication was also resolved. Conclusion: Treatment with mandibular implant-supported dentures had positive effects on the clinical aspects of mastication and swallowing in elderly individuals.

Evaluation of a two-step pouring technique for implant-supported prostheses impression

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a pouring technique for implant-supported prostheses impressions. A metallic matrix (control group) with two implants positioned at 90 and 65 degrees was fabricated. The matrix was submitted to the direct transfer impression technique. In group CP (conventional pouring - n = 10), casts were obtained by the conventional pouring technique. In group EP (experimental pouring - n = 10), the analogs were embraced with latex tubes before the first pouring and then submitted to a second pouring. Vertical misfit and implants/analogs inclinations were evaluated. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p < .05). Results demonstrated significant difference (p < .05) between control and experimental groups for misfit measurement in perpendicular implant/analog and between control group and group EP in leaning implant/analog. Considering inclination, there were significant differences (p < .05) between control and experimental groups for leaning analogs. Independently of the pouring technique, perpendicular implants produced more accurate casts.

Effect of unilateral misfit on preload of retention screws of implant-supported prostheses submitted to mechanical cycling

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of unilateral angular misfit on preload maintenance of retention screws of single implant-supported prostheses submitted to mechanical cycling. Materials and methods: Premachined UCLA abutments were cast with cobalt-chromium alloy to obtain 48 crowns divided into four groups (n=12). The crowns presented no misfit in Group A (control group) and unilateral misfits of 50μm, 100μm and 200μm in the groups B, C and D, respectively. The crowns were attached to external hexagon implants with a titanium retention screw with torque of 30N/cm. Oblique loading of 130N at 2Hz was applied on each replica, totalizing 5×104 and 1×106cycles. Detorque values were measured initially and after each cycling period. Data were evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey's HSD test (p<0.05). Results: All groups presented reduced initial detorque values (p< 0.05) in comparison to the insertion torque (30. ± 0.5. N/cm) and Group A (25.18. N/cm) exhibited the lowest reduction. After mechanical cycling, all groups presented detorque values from 19.5. N/cm to 22.38. N/cm and the mechanical cycling did not statistically influence the detorque values regardless the misfit level of the replicas. Conclusion: The unilateral misfit influenced the preload maintenance only before mechanical cycling. The mechanical cycling did not influence the torque reduction. © 2010 Japan Prosthodontic Society.

Effect of axial loads on implant-supported partial fixed prostheses by strain gauge analysis

Objectives: The present study used strain gauge analysis to perform an in vitro evaluation of the effect of axial loading on 3 elements of implant-supported partial fixed prostheses, varying the type of prosthetic cylinder and the loading points. Material and methods: Three internal hexagon implants were linearly embedded in a polyurethane block. Microunit abutments were connected to the implants applying a torque of 20 Ncm, and prefabricated Co-Cr cylinders and plastic prosthetic cylinders were screwed onto the abutments, which received standard patterns cast in Co-Cr alloy (n = 5). Four strain gauges (SG) were bonded onto the surface of the block tangentially to the implants, SG 01 mesially to implant 1, SG 02 and SG 03 mesially and distally to implant 2, respectively, and SG 04 distally to implant 3. Each metallic structure was screwed onto the abutments with a 10 Ncm torque and an axial load of 30 kg was applied at five predetermined points (A, B, C, D, E). The data obtained from the strain gauge analyses were analyzed statistically by RM ANOVA and Tukey's test, with a level of significance of p<0.05. Results: There was a significant difference for the loading point (p=0.0001), with point B generating the smallest microdeformation (239.49 με) and point D the highest (442.77 με). No significant difference was found for the cylinder type (p=0.748). Conclusions: It was concluded that the type of cylinder did not affect in the magnitude of microdeformation, but the axial loading location influenced this magnitude.

Optimization of query results in peer-to-peer database supported by semantics

The development of new technologies that use peer-to-peer networks grows every day, with the object to supply the need of sharing information, resources and services of databases around the world. Among them are the peer-to-peer databases that take advantage of peer-to-peer networks to manage distributed knowledge bases, allowing the sharing of information semantically related but syntactically heterogeneous. However, it is a challenge to ensure the efficient search for information without compromising the autonomy of each node and network flexibility, given the structural characteristics of these networks. On the other hand, some studies propose the use of ontology semantics by assigning standardized categorization of information. The main original contribution of this work is the approach of this problem with a proposal for optimization of queries supported by the Ant Colony algorithm and classification though ontologies. The results show that this strategy enables the semantic support to the searches in peer-to-peer databases, aiming to expand the results without compromising network performance. © 2011 IEEE.

Teaching and learning data structures supported by computers: An experiment using CADILAG tool

This paper aims to present the use of a learning object (CADILAG), developed to facilitate understanding data structure operations by using visual presentations and animations. The CADILAG allows visualizing the behavior of algorithms usually discussed during Computer Science and Information System courses. For each data structure it is possible visualizing its content and its operation dynamically. Its use was evaluated an the results are presented. © 2012 AISTI.

Stress distribution in implant-supported prosthesis with external and internal implant-abutment connections

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the stress distribution in screwed implant-supported prostheses with different implant-abutment connections by using a photoelastic analysis. Materials and methods. Four photoelastic models were fabricated in PL-2 resin and divided according to the implant-abutment connection (external hexagon (EH) and Morse taper (MT) implants (3.75 × 11.5 mm)) and the number crowns (single and 3-unit piece). Models were positioned in a circular polariscope and 100-N axial and oblique (45) loading were applied in the occlusal surface of the crowns by using a universal testing machine. The stresses were photographically recorded and qualitatively analyzed using software (Adobe Photoshop). Results. Under axial loading, the MT implants exhibited a lower number of fringes for single-unit crowns than EH implants, whereas for a 3-unit piece the MT implants showed a higher number of fringes vs EH implants. The oblique loading increased the number of fringes for all groups. Conclusion. In conclusion, the MT implant-abutment connection reduced the amount of stress in single-unit crowns, for 3-unit piece crowns the amount of stress was lower using an external hexagon connection. The stress pattern was similar for all groups. Oblique loading promoted a higher stress concentration than axial loading. © Informa Healthcare.

Comparison of different designs of implant-retained overdentures and fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis on stress distribution in edentulous mandible - A computed tomography-based three-dimensional finite element analysis

A finite element analysis was used to compare the effect of different designs of implant-retained overdentures and fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis on stress distribution in edentulous mandible. Four models of an human mandible were constructed. In the OR (O'ring) group, the mandible was restored with an overdenture retained by four unsplinted implants with O'ring attachment; in the BC (bar-clip) -C and BC groups, the mandibles were restored with overdentures retained by four splinted implants with bar-clip anchor associated or not with two distally placed cantilevers, respectively; in the FD (fixed denture) group, the mandible was restored with a fixed full-arch four-implant-supported prosthesis. Models were supported by the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints. A 100-N oblique load was applied on the left first molar. Von Mises (σvM), maximum (σmax) and minimum (σmin) principal stresses (in MPa) analyses were obtained. BC-C group exhibited the highest stress values (σvM=398.8, σmax=580.5 and σmin=-455.2) while FD group showed the lowest one (σvM=128.9, σmax=185.9 and σmin=-172.1). Within overdenture groups, the use of unsplinted implants reduced the stress level in the implant/prosthetic components (59.4% for σvM, 66.2% for σmax and 57.7% for σmin versus BC-C group) and supporting tissues (maximum stress reduction of 72% and 79.5% for σmax, and 15.7% and 85.7% for σmin on the cortical and trabecular bones, respectively). Cortical bone exhibited greater stress concentration than the trabecular bone for all groups. The use of fixed implant dentures and removable dentures retained by unsplinted implants to rehabilitate edentulous mandible reduced the stresses in the periimplant bone tissue, mucosa and implant/prosthetic components. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Dba-free palladium intermediates of the Heck-Matsuda reaction

The dba-free Heck-Matsuda reaction was investigated via direct ESI-MS(/MS) monitoring. Palladium species involved in the reduction of Pd(ii) during a Wacker type reaction and several dba-free arylpalladium transient complexes were detected and characterized. Based on these findings, a more comprehensible catalytic cycle for this pivotal reaction is suggested. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Influence of Abutment Type and Esthetic Veneering on Preload Maintenance of Abutment Screw of Implant-Supported Crowns

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)