Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Pliability”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 901 records · Page 50Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Role of conformational fluctuations in the enzymatic reaction of HIV-1 protease.

The emergence of compensatory drug-resistant mutations in HIV-1 protease challenges the common view of the reaction mechanism of this enzyme. Here, we address this issue by performing classical and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (MD) on a complex between the enzyme and a peptide substrate. The classical MD calculation reveals large-scale protein motions involving the flaps and the cantilever. These motions modulate the conformational properties of the substrate at the cleavage site. The ab initio calculations show in turn that substrate motion modulates the activation free energy barrier of the enzymatic reaction dramatically. Thus, the catalytic power of the enzyme does not arise from the presence of a pre-organized active site but from the protein mechanical fluctuations. The implications of this finding for the emergence of drug-resistance are discussed.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed2002

The structure of the soluble domain of an archaeal Rieske iron-sulfur protein at 1.1 A resolution.

The first crystal structure of an archaeal Rieske iron-sulfur protein, the soluble domain of Rieske iron-sulfur protein II (soxF) from the hyperthermo-acidophile Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, has been solved by multiple wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) and has been refined to 1.1 A resolution. SoxF is a subunit of the terminal oxidase supercomplex SoxM in the plasma membrane of S. acidocaldarius that combines features of a cytochrome bc(1) complex and a cytochrome c oxidase. The [2Fe-2S] cluster of soxF is most likely the primary electron acceptor during the oxidation of caldariella quinone by the cytochrome a(587)/Rieske subcomplex. The geometry of the [2Fe-2S] cluster and the structure of the cluster-binding site are almost identical in soxF and the Rieske proteins from eucaryal cytochrome bc(1) and b(6)f complexes, suggesting a strict conservation of the catalytic mechanism. The main domain of soxF and part of the cluster-binding domain, though structurally related, show a significantly divergent structure with respect to topology, non-covalent interactions and surface charges. The divergent structure of soxF reflects a different topology of the soxM complex compared to eucaryal bc complexes and the adaptation of the protein to the extreme ambient conditions on the outer membrane surface of a hyperthermo-acidophilic organism.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Redox-coupled conformational alternations in cytochrome c(3) from D. vulgaris Miyazaki F on the basis of its reduced solution structure.

Heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy was performed to determine the solution structure of (15)N-labeled ferrocytochrome c(3) from Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki F (DvMF). Although the folding of the reduced cytochrome c(3) in solution was similar to that of the oxidized one in the crystal structure, the region involving hemes 1 and 2 was different. The redox-coupled conformational change is consistent with the reported solution structure of D. vulgaris Hildenborough ferrocytochrome c(3), but is different from those of other cytochromes c(3). The former is homologous with DvMF cytochrome c(3) in amino acid sequence. Small displacements of hemes 1 and 2 relative to hemes 3 and 4 were observed. This observation is consistent with the unusual behavior of the 2(1)CH(3) signal of heme 3 reported previously. As shown by the (15)N relaxation parameters of the backbone, a region between hemes 1 and 2 has more flexibility than the other regions. The results of this work strongly suggest that the cooperative reduction of hemes 1 and 2 is based on the conformational changes of the C-13 propionate of heme 1 and the aromatic ring of Tyr43, and the interaction between His34 and His 35 through covalent and coordination bonds.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Loopy proteins appear conserved in evolution.

Over the last decade, structural biologists have unravelled many proteins that appear natively disordered. Common assumptions are that many of these proteins adopt structure through binding and that the structural flexibility enables them to adopt different functions. Here, we investigated regions of more than 70 sequence-consecutive residues that have no regular secondary structure (NORS). Analysing 31 entirely sequenced organisms, we predicted five times as many proteins with NORS regions (loopy proteins) in eukaryotes (20%) than in prokaryotes and archaeas (4%). Thousands of these NORS regions were over 150 residues long. The amino acid composition of NORS regions differed from that of loops in PDB. Although NORS proteins had significantly more residues in low-complexity regions than other proteins, simple cut-off thresholds for sequence bias missed most NORS regions. On average, NORS regions were evolutionarily at least as conserved as their flanking regions. Furthermore, yeast proteins with NORS regions had more protein-protein interaction partners than other proteins. Regulatory and transcription-related functions were over-represented in loopy proteins, biosynthesis and energy metabolism were under-represented. Overall, our analysis confirmed that proteins with non-regular structures appear to play important functional roles, and they may adopt as yet unknown types of protein structures.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2002

Backbone dynamics and thermodynamics of Borrelia outer surface protein A.

Nuclear spin relaxation experiments performed at 298K, 308K and 318K are used to characterize the intramolecular dynamics and thermodynamics of outer surface protein A (OspA), a key protein in the life-cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. It has recently been demonstrated that OspA specifically binds to the gut of the intermediate tick host (Ixodes scapularis), and that this interaction is mediated, at least in part, by residues in the C-terminal domain of OspA that are largely inaccessible to solvent in all X-ray structures of this protein. Our analysis of 15N relaxation parameters in OspA shows that the putative-binding region contains and is surrounded by flexible residues, which could facilitate accessibility to solvent and ligands. In addition, residues with similar activation energies are clustered in a manner that suggests locally collective motions. We have used molecular modeling to show that these collective motions are consistent with a hinge-bending mechanism that exposes residues implicated in binding. Characteristic temperatures describing the energy landscape of the OspA backbone are derived from the temperature dependence of the N-H bond vector order parameters, and a comparison is made between the N and C-terminal globular domains and the unusual single-layer beta-sheet connecting them. The average characteristic temperatures in the three regions indicate that, with an increase in temperature, a larger increase in accessible conformational states occurs for N-H bond vectors in the single-layer central beta-sheet than for bond vectors in the globular N and C-terminal domains. These conformational states are accessible without disruption of hydrogen bonds, providing a conformational entropic gain, upon increase in temperature, without a significant enthalpic penalty. This increase in heat capacity may help to explain the unexpected thermal stability of the unusual single-layer beta-sheet.

Anisotropy↗
PubMed2003

AFM characterization of tilt and intrinsic flexibility of Rhodobacter sphaeroides light harvesting complex 2 (LH2).

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has developed into a powerful tool to investigate membrane protein surfaces in a close-to-native environment. Here we report on the surface topography of Rhodobacter sphaeroides light harvesting complex 2 (LH2) reconstituted into two-dimensional crystals. These photosynthetic trans-membrane proteins formed cylindrical oligomeric complexes, which inserted tilted into the lipid membrane. This peculiar packing of an integral membrane protein allowed us to determine oligomerization and tilt of the LH2 complexes, but also protrusion height and intrinsic flexibility of their individual subunits. Furthermore the surface contouring reliability and limits of the atomic force microscopy could be studied. The two-dimensional crystals examined had sizes of up to 5 microm and, as revealed by a 10 A cryo electron microscopy projection map, p22(1)2(1) crystal symmetry. The unit cell had dimensions of a = b = 150 A and gamma = 90 degrees, and housed four nonameric complexes, two pointing up and two pointing down. AFM topographs of these 2D crystals had a lateral resolution of 10 A. Further, the high vertical resolution of approximately 1 A, allowed the protrusion height of the cylindrical LH2 complexes over the membrane to be determined. This was maximally 13.1 A on one side and 3.8 A on the other. Interestingly, the protrusion height varied across the LH2 complexes, showing the complexes to be inserted with a 6.2 degree tilt with respect to the membrane plane. A detailed analysis of the individual subunits showed the intrinsic flexibility of the membrane protruding peptide stretches to be equal and independent of their protrusion height. Furthermore, our analysis of membrane proteins within this peculiar packing confirmed the high vertical resolution of the atomic force microscopy on biological samples, and led us to conclude that the image acquisition function was equally accurate for contouring protrusions with heights up to approximately 15 A.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Solution structure of the Bacillus subtilis T-box antiterminator RNA: seven nucleotide bulge characterized by stacking and flexibility.

The T-box transcription antitermination regulatory system is an important mechanism for regulation of expression of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, amino acid biosynthesis and transporter gene expression in Gram-positive bacteria. Antitermination is dependent on a complex set of interactions between uncharged tRNA and the leader region of the mRNA of the regulated gene. Here, we report the solution structure of a model RNA, based on the Bacillus subtilis tyrS antiterminator, determined to an rmsd of 3.47A for all nine converged structures and 2.66A for the seven structures representing the consensus family. The antiterminator is comprised of two short helices with an intervening 7nt bulge. The bulge region of the antiterminator, which ultimately interacts with the acceptor end of tRNA, exhibits extensive stacking at the 3' end (encompassing the highly conserved ACC residues) and is the site of a pronounced kink between the two flanking helices. The 5' end of the bulge exhibits evidence of conformational flexibility. On the basis of the structural studies, there is no indication that the bases at the 5' end of the bulge that ultimately base-pair with tRNA are pre-organized for binding. Instead, the data are consistent with a model in which the stacking-induced structure at the 3' end of the bulge may facilitate the pre-selection of a set of conformations for the tRNA to sample during binding.

Bacillus subtilis↗
PubMed2003

Efficient conformational sampling of local side-chain flexibility.

Side-chain flexibility of ligand-binding sites needs to be considered in the rational design of novel inhibitors. We have developed a method to generate conformational ensembles that efficiently sample local side-chain flexibility from a single crystal structure. The rotamer-based approach is tested here for the S1' pocket of human collagenase-1 (MMP-1), which is known to undergo conformational changes in multiple side-chains upon binding of certain inhibitors. First, a raw ensemble consisting of a large number of conformers of the S1' pocket was generated using an exhaustive search of rotamer combinations on a template crystal structure. A combination of principal component analysis and fuzzy clustering was then employed to successfully identify a core ensemble consisting of a low number of representatives from the raw ensemble. The core ensemble contained geometrically diverse conformers of stable nature, as indicated in several cases by a relative energy lower than that of the minimised template crystal structure. Through comparisons with X-ray crystallography and NMR structural data we show that the core ensemble occupied a conformational space similar to that observed under experimental conditions. The synthetic inhibitor RS-104966 is known to induce a conformational change in the side-chains of the S1' pocket of MMP-1 and could not be docked in the template crystal structure. However, the experimental binding mode was reproduced successfully using members of the core ensemble as the docking target, establishing the usefulness of the method in drug design.

Arginine↗
PubMed2003

Flexibility of alpha-helices: results of a statistical analysis of database protein structures.

Alpha-helices stand out as common and relatively invariant secondary structural elements of proteins. However, alpha-helices are not rigid bodies and their deformations can be significant in protein function (e.g. coiled coils). To quantify the flexibility of alpha-helices we have performed a structural principal-component analysis of helices of different lengths from a representative set of protein folds in the Protein Data Bank. We find three dominant modes of flexibility: two degenerate bend modes and one twist mode. The data are consistent with independent Gaussian distributions for each mode. The mode eigenvalues, which measure flexibility, follow simple scaling forms as a function of helix length. The dominant bend and twist modes and their harmonics are reproduced by a simple spring model, which incorporates hydrogen-bonding and excluded volume. As an application, we examine the amount of bend and twist in helices making up all coiled-coil proteins in SCOP. Incorporation of alpha-helix flexibility into structure refinement and design is discussed.

Databases, Protein↗
PubMed2003

Investigations into sequence and conformational dependence of backbone entropy, inter-basin dynamics and the Flory isolated-pair hypothesis for peptides.

The populations and transitions between Ramachandran basins are studied for combinations of the standard 20 amino acids in monomers, dimers and trimers using an implicit solvent Langevin dynamics algorithm and employing seven commonly used force-fields. Both the basin populations and inter-conversion rates are influenced by the nearest neighbor's conformation and identity, contrary to the Flory isolated-pair hypothesis. This conclusion is robust to the choice of force-field, even though the use of different force-fields produces large variations in the populations and inter-conversion rates between the dominant helical, extended beta, and polyproline II basins. The computed variation of conformational and dynamical properties with different force-fields exceeds the difference between explicit and implicit solvent calculations using the same force-field. For all force-fields, the inter-basin transitions exhibit a directional dependence, with most transitions going through extended beta conformation, even when it is the least populated basin. The implications of these results are discussed in the context of estimates for the backbone entropy of single residues, and for the ability of all-atom simulations to reproduce experimental protein folding data.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2000

In vitro evaluation of the strength of the conical implant-to-abutment joint in two commercially available implant systems.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The cone-screw abutment has been shown to diminish micromovement, reducing the burden of component loosening and fracture. However, it is unclear whether the conical taper and joint design influence strength of the interface, with respect to unfavorable bending moments. PURPOSE: This comparative study evaluated the resistance to bending for the ITI Straumann and Astra Tech ST implant systems using an 8- and 11-degree internal cone, respectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Assembled units from each system were mounted in a 3-point bending apparatus. High load tests were performed, 4 mm from the joint, and bending moments necessary to induce first point of plastic deformation and ultimate failure were measured. All units were inspected to determine the critical zone of failure. RESULTS: Bending moments necessary to induce first point of plastic deformation were considered well above that expected in clinical function for both systems. However, the critical zones of failure differed in that the solid Astra abutment deformed before the cone joint with its 11-degree taper and smooth transition into the neck of the screw, preventing screw fracture. By contrast, all ITI screws fractured at the head of the screw where it met the base of the 8-degree cone. It is unclear which aspects of the joint design were responsible for the difference observed in mode of failure or if it was a direct result of the experimental design. CONCLUSION: For clinically relevant levels of bending moment, no problems were anticipated with respect to component failure for either system.

Dental Abutments↗
PubMed2000

Margin adaptation of indirect composite inlays fabricated on flexible dies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Indirect composite restorations can be made in 1 appointment using a flexible die. Interactions between different impression materials and flexible die materials may affect the accuracy of fit and margin adaptation of the restoration. PURPOSE: This study compared the margin adaptation of composite inlays made using the following 5 impression/flexible die material combinations; condensation silicone/polyvinyl siloxane (CS/PVS), wash viscosity polyvinyl siloxane/medium or heavy viscosity polyvinyl siloxane (PVS/PVS), irreversible hydrocolloid impression/medium viscosity polyvinyl siloxane (IH/PVS), wash viscosity polyvinyl siloxane impression/polyether (PVS/PE), with composite inlays made using a control system of a wash viscosity polyvinyl siloxane impression and a type IV stone die. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For each test and control system, 10 impressions were made of a class II composite inlay preparation in a metal master die. One die was made from each impression and one composite inlay was made and finished on each die (a total of 60 inlays). Inlays were placed on the master die and the margin opening at the buccal, distal, and gingival sites was recorded with a measuring microscope (x40 magnification). RESULTS: The overall mean +/- SD margin openings of inlays made from the systems were as follows: PVS wash/PVS heavy viscosity 149.5 +/- 107. 4 microm; PVS wash/PVS medium viscosity 87.4 +/- 63.0 microm; IH/PVS medium viscosity 76.7 +/- 48.9 microm; CS/PVS 73.3 +/- 48.7 microm, PVS wash viscosity/PE 64.0 +/- 44.3 microm, PVS wash viscosity/stone 53.9 +/- 48.3 microm. Composite inlays made using the PVS wash viscosity/PVS heavy viscosity system had significantly larger distal, gingival, and overall mean margin openings than all other inlays (ANOVA and Fisher PLSD test; P =.05). The separating medium required between some impression and die materials did not work consistently. Composite inlays fabricated on dies made of material different than the impression material had mean buccal, distal, gingival, and overall margin openings < or =100 microm. CONCLUSION: Composite inlays made on the CS/PVS, IH/PVS medium viscosity, PVS wash viscosity/PE flexible dies, and control PVS wash viscosity/stone dies had statistically similar (P =.05) mean buccal, distal, gingival, and overall mean margin openings that were < or =100 microm. Composite inlays made on dies that were made of the same type of material as the impression material (PVS/PVS) had mean gingival margin openings >100 microm that were significantly larger than all other systems tested (P =.05).

Alginates↗
PubMed2003

Reducing the negative effects of chemical polishing in acrylic resins by use of an additional cycle of polymerization.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The chemical polishing of dentures and orthodontic appliances is an efficient and time-saving technique. However, the process may adversely affect the physical properties of resin. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of an additional polymerization cycle in a microwave or water bath on the physical properties of an autopolymerized acrylic resin submitted to chemical polishing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Control groups comprised acrylic resin specimens submitted to mechanical (group 1) and chemical (group 2) polishing. Experimental groups comprised chemically polished specimens submitted to an additional cycle of polymerization in a microwave at 450 W for 3 minutes (group 3) or in a hot water bath at 65 degrees C for 1 hour (group 4). For the residual monomer test, 10 standardized half-disc specimens (30 x 3 mm) were fabricated for each of the test groups, and daily ultraviolet spectrophotometric (206 nm) analyses were assessed for 13 days (microg/cm(2)). For transverse strength and internal Knoop hardness (KH) tests, 10 (65 x 10 x 2.5 mm) and 5 (32 x 10 x 2.5 mm) specimens were fabricated for each test group, respectively. Internal Knoop hardness (kg/mm(2)) was assessed at depths of 100, 700, and 1500 microm. Transverse strength (MPa) was measured with a 3-point bending test in a universal testing machine with a 10-kg load cell at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The data were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance, and the means were compared with Student's t test and Tukey-Kramer intervals (P<.05). RESULTS: At the end of the first day of the test, all groups showed significantly different residual monomer levels (P<.05). The groups in order of decreasing residual monomer were: group 2 (1315.7 +/- 225.5 microg/cm(2)), group 3 (848.2 +/- 150.4 microg/cm(2)), group 4 (295.1 +/- 81.6 microg/cm(2)), and group 1 (136.6 +/- 45.5 microg/cm(2)). After 13 days of water storage, the lowest residual monomer levels were recorded for group 1 (4.6 +/- 1.6 microg/cm(2)). There were no significant differences among group 2 (11.3 +/- 3.1 microg/cm(2)), group 3 (9.6 +/- 1.5 microg/cm(2)), and group 4 (12.3 +/- 1.7 microg/cm(2)). Group 1 demonstrated the highest transverse strength (78.1 +/- 6.1 MPa); the other groups were not significantly different from each other. All groups exhibited lower KH values at the 100-microm depth than at 700- and 1500-microm depths. At the latter depths, group 4 specimens demonstrated the highest hardness values (18.0 +/- 0.5 and 18.8 +/- 0.7 kg/mm(2), respectively). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, additional polymerization with hot water reduced residual monomer content of chemically polished acrylic resins on the first day. Although additional polymerization increased the internal hardness of the material, however, it did not recover the transverse strength that was decreased by the chemical polishing.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2003

Monotonic flexure and fatigue strength of composites for provisional and definitive restorations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Ordinarily, the mechanical strength of composites is characterized by their flexural strength. Information as to the material's fatigue strength is seldom provided. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the flexural strength and the resistance to fatigue loading of composites and an acrylic resin for provisional and definitive restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Artglass, Colombus, and Targis (composites) and Jet, Protemp II, Protemp Garant, and Provipont DC (provisional restorations) were subjected to mechanical tests. Fatigue tests (MPa) (n = 30 specimens/group) were conducted with the rotating-bending cantilever design. Monotonic flexural strength (MPa) (n = 10) was determined in 3-point bending tests. Fatigue resistance was analyzed via the staircase procedure, and flexural strength was examined by use of the 2-parameter Weibull distribution (confidence intervals at 95%). RESULTS: The mean fatigue resistances (S(50)) in MPa +/- SD were: Targis, 62.1 +/- 7.0; Artglass, 58.5 +/- 3.7; Colombus, 54.6 +/- 6.2; Provipont DC, 29.5 +/- 3.2; Protemp II, 23.1 +/- 5.3; Jet, 22.8 +/- 8.3; Protemp Garant, 19.6 +/- 4.6. The flexure strengths (Weibull's S(0)) in MPa and their shape parameters (m) were: Colombus, 145.2 (13.1); Targis, 110.3 (7.8); Artglass, 5.9 (5.4); Jet, 150.9 (17.3); Provipont DC, 97.3 (23.8); Protemp II, 57.9 (6.4); Protemp Garant, 54.2 (12.8). The S(50) of Targis was significantly higher than that of Colombus but not different from Artglass. In flexion, the S(0) of Colombus was significantly higher than that of Artglass and Targis. The S(50) ranged between 40% and 60% of the S(0) for the composites and between 15% and 30% for the provisional restorative materials. CONCLUSIONS: Correlations between monotonic flexure strength and resistance to fatigue loading were weak. Because fatigue tests are considered more pertinent than monotonic tests as to their predictive value, it is concluded that flexure strength data alone may not provide relevant information for long-term clinical performance. The material's resistance to fatigue loading should also be determined.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2003

Fatigue resistance of cast occlusal rests using Co-Cr and Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloys.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Fatigue failure in a removable partial denture framework includes fracture of the occlusal rest at the rest-minor connector angle. PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the fatigue resistance of 0.8-mm-thick occlusal rests cast with Co-Cr and Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The specimen consisted of occlusal rest (0.8 x 2.0 x 10 mm), vertical minor connector (0.9 x 2.0 x 5.0 mm), and denture base connector (1.5 x 5.0 x 25 mm). Twenty-five specimens each were cast with Co-Cr and Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloys. From each group, 5 specimens were subjected to a load-deflection test conducted to determine the amount of deflection to be used in fatigue test. The fatigue test was performed such that the occlusal rest component was deflected by displacing the denture base component in a tissueward direction. Predetermined denture base displacement values of 0.25 and 0.49 mm for Co-Cr and Ag-Pd-Cu-Au specimens, respectively, were repeated at a rate of 500 cycles/min by use of a displacement-controlled fatigue testing machine, until occlusal rest failure occurred or a preset limit of 2 million cycles was achieved. The survival rates of the occlusal rests were calculated assuming a chewing cycle of 2 x 10(5) per year. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs were made to examine the fracture surfaces and to identify casting defects. The relationship between fatigue cycles and number of casting defects was determined by Spearman rank correlation analysis (P<.01). RESULTS: All 20 Co-Cr specimens outran the preset limit, whereas 18 Ag-Pd-Cu-Au specimens fractured. After 3 years of simulated clinical use, only 50% of the Ag-Pd-Cu-Au occlusal rests survived. Statistical analysis showed that the fatigue cycles and number of casting defects were inversely related (P<.01). Fatigue crack initiation occurred at the inner-curvature surface of the rest-minor connector angle. The typical Ag-Pd-Cu Au fatigue fracture surface consisted of smooth propagation and dimpled and smooth final fracture areas. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that cast Co-Cr rests are more rigid and fatigue resistant than Ag-Pd-Cu-Au rests. The fatigue resistance of 0.8-mm-thick occlusal rests may be adequate if cast with Co-Cr alloy. An increased number of casting defects may hasten the fatigue failure of occlusal rests.

Chromium Alloys↗
PubMed2003

Comparison of the load at failure of soldered and nonsoldered porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The application of solder material to metal frameworks could affect the porcelain-to-metal failure load and possibly compromise the longevity of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. PURPOSE: This in vitro study assessed the influence of solder on the porcelain failure load between metal and porcelain, using crown-shaped specimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty standardized crown patterns were fabricated on a metal die and cast with noble alloy (Protocol). The specimens were divided into test (soldered, n=20) and control (nonsoldered, n=20) groups. A 2-mm-diameter perforation was produced on the buccal surface of the test specimens, 1.5 mm apical to the junction between occlusal and buccal surfaces. The perforation was repaired with high-fusing white ceramic solder material. All castings were finished with aluminum oxide stones and airborne-particle abraded with 50-microm aluminum oxide at 75 psi of pressure. Two layers each of opaque and dentin porcelain were applied on all specimens. All crowns were subjected to a vertical compressive load with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. The loading apparatus of the device contacted the buccal cusp only. In both control and test groups, 10 crowns were loaded with a stainless steel pin (phase I) whereas the remaining 10 in each group were loaded with a carbon steel pin (phase II). Means of loads at failure were recorded in each group for each pin type and compared (soldered vs nonsoldered) by use of a t test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Mean failure load for nonsoldered crowns was 349 +/- 63 kgf in phase I and 228 +/- 49 kgf in phase II. Soldered crowns showed a significantly lower failure load (265 +/- 82 kgf [phase I; P<.02] and 154 +/- 108 kgf [phase II; P<.04]) and a greater standard deviation. CONCLUSION: Soldered metal-porcelain crown specimens demonstrated a significantly lower load at failure. Within the limits of this study, it was concluded that solder material might negatively affect porcelain-metal crowns.

Crowns↗
PubMed2003

Effects of two preparation designs and pontic distance on bending and fracture strength of fiber-reinforced composite inlay fixed partial dentures.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Joint fractures observed in Targis/Vectris inlay adhesive fixed restorations may be related to the preparation design. PURPOSE: This in vitro study investigated the effects of the proximal tooth preparation design and the pontic distance on the fracture strength and the amount of bending of fiber-reinforced inlay adhesive fixed partial dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted premolars and 40 molars were embedded in a PMMA resin to represent a premolar and molar mesiodistal separation distance of 7 mm and 11 mm, respectively. Two preparation designs were used (proximal box and tub-shaped). The sample size was 10 for each group. Fiber-reinforced inlay adhesive fixed partial dentures were fabricated by use of the Targis/Vectris system and luted adhesively to the teeth with Variolink luting agent. A vertical force was loaded to the center of the fixed partial dentures at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The initial bending (mm) prior to fracture was evaluated by measuring the distance the test rod moved from a 10 N preload to fracture. The differences in the mean fracture strength and the average amount of bending as a function of the preparation designs and pontic distances were compared by use of a 2-way analysis of variance (alpha=.05). The specimens were examined optically for the type of failure with a stereomicroscope. The fracture surface of the specimens was examined by scanning electron microscopy, and radiography was used to investigate the surface morphological features at the failure sites and to determine the fracture mode. A chi-square test was used to identify the differences in the debonding rates between the types of preparation designs and the pontic distance (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The mean fracture strength and the standard deviation of the fiber-reinforced inlay retained adhesive fixed partial denture group was 1368+/-212 N for the 7-mm tub group, 885+/-109 N for the 11-mm tub group, 1779+/-317 N for the 7-mm box group, and 1336+/-281 N for the 11-mm box group. The fracture strength was significantly higher in the 7-mm pontic distance (P<.001) and for the box-shaped tooth preparation (P<.001). The amount of bending was significantly greater in the 7-mm pontic distance (P=.025) and the box-shaped tooth preparation (P=.002). Debonding was observed only in premolar teeth and tub-shaped design groups. CONCLUSION: The box-shaped tooth preparation may be considered for restoration of a missing single posterior tooth with fiber-reinforced inlay adhesive fixed partial dentures.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed1995

Flexural strength of an infused ceramic, glass ceramic, and feldspathic porcelain.

In-Ceram material is a relatively new all-ceramic restorative material with improved properties that require research. The clinical selection of restorative materials is based on a number of parameters such as esthetics, fit, and strength. This study determined the flexural strength of In-Ceram system components and compared the core material with conventional feldspathic ceramics and with Dicor all-ceramic restorative material. Four-point flexural strength values of bend bars of each ceramic were 18.39 +/- 5.00 MPa for In-Ceram sintered alumina, 76.53 +/- 15.23 MPa for In-Ceram infusion glass, and 236.15 +/- 21.94 MPa for In-Ceram infused alumina core. Flexural strength of self-glazed feldspathic porcelain was 69.74 +/- 5.47 MPa, as-cast Dicor ceramic 71.48 +/- 7.17 MPa, and polished Dicor ceramic was 107.78 +/- 8.45 MPa.

Aluminum Oxide↗