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PubMed1995

Analysis of the structural organization and thermal stability of two spermadhesins. Calorimetric, circular dichroic and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic studies.

The CUB domain is a widespread 110-amino-acid module found in functionally diverse, often developmentally regulated proteins, for which an antiparallel beta-barrel topology similar to that in immunoglobulin V domains has been predicted. Spermadhesins have been proposed as a subgroup of this protein family built up by a single CUB domain architecture. To test the proposed structural model, we have analyzed the structural organization of two members of the spermadhesin protein family, porcine seminal plasma proteins I/II (PSP-I/PSP-II) heterodimer and bovine acidic seminal fluid protein (aSFP) homodimer, using differential scanning calorimetry, far-ultraviolet circular dichroism and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal unfolding of PSP-I/PSP-II and aSFP were irreversible and followed a one-step process with transition temperatures (Tm) of 60.5 degrees C and 78.6 degrees C, respectively. The calorimetric enthalpy changes (delta Hcat) of thermal denaturation were 439 kJ/mol for PSP-I/PSP-II and 660 kJ/mol for aSFP dimer. Analysis of the calorimetric curves of PSP-I/PSP-II showed that the entire dimer constituted the cooperative unfolding unit. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and deconvolution of circular dichroic spectra using a convex constraint analysis indicated that beta-structure and turns are the major structural element of both PSP-I/PSP-II (53% of beta-sheet, 21% of turns) and aSFP (44% of beta-sheet, 36% of turns), and that the porcine and the bovine proteins contain little, if any, alpha-helical structure. Taken together, our results indicate that the porcine and the bovine spermadhesin molecules are probably all-beta-structure proteins, and would support a beta-barrel topology like that predicted for the CUB domain. Other beta-structure folds, such as the Greek-key pattern characteristic of many carbohydrate-binding protein domains cannot be eliminated. Finally, the same combination of biophysical techniques was used to characterize the residual secondary structure of thermally denatured forms of PSP-I/PSP-II and aSFP, and to emphasize the aggregation tendency of these forms.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

AU-rich mRNA instability elements on human papillomavirus type 1 late mRNAs and c-fos mRNAs interact with the same cellular factors.

Expression levels of human papillomavirus type 1 late genes are determined in part by an AU-rich inhibitory sequence in the 3' untranslated region on the late mRNAs. Fine mapping of the AU rich inhibitory sequence revealed that it mapped to a 57 nucleotide sequence, consisting of an AU-rich region containing two AUUUA motifs and a U-rich region containing three UUUUU motifs. An internal deletion showed that the U-rich region was required for inhibition. Point mutations in the AUUUA- and UUUUU-motifs inactivated the inhibitory sequence. Analysis of the stability of mRNAs containing the AU-rich sequence in sense or anti-sense orientation showed that mRNAs containing the AU-rich sequence in sense orientation had reduced half life. Analysis of RNA-protein interactions revealed that binding to the inhibitory sequence of three poly(U) binding proteins (38, 44 and 46 kDa) correlated with inhibition and that the same proteins bind to the AU-rich mRNA instability element in the 3' untranslated region on the human c-fos mRNA. We speculate that the human papillomavirus late mRNAs, produced from several hundred copies of the virus genome present in infected cells, compete with the c-fos mRNAs for destabilizing cellular factors and that this may lead to elevated Fos protein levels in human papillomavirus infected cells.

Adenine↗

PubMed1992

Effect of parB on plasmid stability and gene expression in Xanthomonas campestris.

The stabilization locus parB was subcloned into the broad host range plasmid pAP2, which contains the alpha-amylase gene from Bacillus subtilis, and introduced into Xanthomonas campestris pv campestris and X.c.pv manihotis. Analysis of the stability of plasmid pAP2 (parB-) and pAP23 (parB+) showed that the parB locus decreased significantly the plasmid loss rate mainly by X.c.pv campestris. The lower efficiency of stabilization in X.c.pv manihotis was probably due to the incompatibility system between the native plasmids and the newly introduced pAP23. Although parB had conferred higher stability, it determined a lower rate of alpha-amylase activity even by the strain Cm where its stabilization rate was higher.

Alleles↗

PubMed2004

MetMAP: an integrated Matlab package for analysis and optimization of metabolic systems.

In previous works we have presented and applied a method to predict the parameter profile that optimizes biochemical systems regarding either a single or a set of metabolic responses within physiological constraints [Vera et al., 2003a]. This optimization technique requires a previous model definition and a translation to S-system form and the use of widely available linear programming packages. However, in dealing with these issues the interested researcher has to confront additional difficulties because of a lack of connectivity among available software packages or routines specifically designed to perform different tasks. In addition to this difficulty is the unavailability of any automated package which is capable of performing such optimizations and the previous required analysis. This situation prompted us to develop an integrated software package able to deal with these tasks in a single program environment. In this paper we present a software package for the model definition, analysis and optimization of a biochemical system. It starts with a given model definition that is directly translated to its equivalent S-system form. Once the model quality assessment is performed (stability and sensitivity analysis) the program determines the parameter profile that yields the optimized response compatible with a predefined set of constraints. Moreover the package finds the set of solutions obtained when more than one system's responses are to be optimized (multiobjective optimization).

Algorithms↗

PubMed1998

A reversibly unfolding fragment of P22 tailspike protein with native structure: the isolated beta-helix domain.

The homotrimeric tailspike endorhamnosidase of phage P22 has been used to compare in vivo and in vitro folding pathways and the influence of single amino acid substitutions thereon. Its main structural motif, which contains the known folding mutation sites, consists of three large right-handed parallel beta-helices. A thermodynamic analysis of the stability of tailspike is prevented by the irreversibility of unfolding at high temperatures or high concentrations of denaturant, probably due to interdigitation of the domains neighboring the beta-helix. We therefore expressed and isolated a tailspike fragment comprising only its central beta-helix domain (residues 109-544). As shown by equilibrium ultracentrifugation, the isolated beta-helix is a monomer at concentrations below 1 microM and trimerizes reversibly at higher protein concentrations. Both the similarity of fluorescence and CD spectra, compared to the complete protein, and the specific binding and hydrolysis of substrate suggest a nativelike structure. Moreover, urea denaturation transitions of the beta-helix domain are freely reversible, providing the basis for a future quantitative analysis of the effects of the folding mutations on the thermodynamic stability of the domain and of structural features responsible for folding and stability of the parallel beta-helix motif in general.

Bacteriophage P22↗

PubMed1999

Genomic stability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae baker's yeasts.

The objective of this study has been to gather data on genomic stability of baker's yeast strains during long-term mitotic growth under restrictive conditions so that comparisons could be made to other studies indicating genomic instability during meiosis. The work describes the analysis of mitotic stability of the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes in the baker's yeast strain V1 during incubation in continuous culture for 190 generations (300 days). The cells were cultured in complete medium containing 2% glucose and 8 to 12% ethanol, as a mutagenic agent specific for mtDNA. The high concentration of ethanol severely limited the growth rate of the cells. DNA samples were monitored for chromosomal pattern, polymorphisms in selected nuclear genes (SUC2, MALIT, ADH1) and mobile genetic elements (Ty1 and Y'), and for RFLPs in mtDNA. The results show that both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of grande cells were very stable. However, the frequency of petite mutants in the population varied dramatically during the course of the experiment, reaching as high as 87% petite during the first 27 days of the experiment and declining to 5.8% petite at the end. This decline can be attributed to selection against petite mutants in media containing high concentrations of ethanol. Moreover, when samples and the parental strain were compared at the end of the experiment, no change could be observed in parameters such as their growth rate in different media, capacity to leave doughs, viability in ethanol or frequency of petite mutants. Results therefore indicated that the majority of the cells in the population were very similar to the parental throughout the experiments, with no apparent molecular or phenotypical changes.

Blotting, Southern↗

PubMed2003

Maintenance and regulation of mRNA stability of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae OLE1 gene requires multiple elements within the transcript that act through translation-independent mechanisms.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae OLE1 gene encodes a membrane-bound Delta-9 fatty acid desaturase, whose expression is regulated by unsaturated fatty acids through both transcriptional and mRNA stability controls. In fatty acid-free medium, the mRNA has a half-life of 10 +/- 1.5 min (basal stability) that drops to 2 +/- 1.5 min when cells are exposed to unsaturated fatty acids (regulated stability). A deletion analysis of elements within the transcript revealed that the sequences within the protein-coding region that encode transmembrane sequences and a part of the cytochrome b5 domain are essential for the basal stability of the transcript. Deletion of any of the three essential elements produced unstable transcripts and loss of regulated instability. By contrast, substitution of the 3'-untranslated region with that of the stable PGK1 gene did not affect the basal stability of the transcript and did not block regulated decay. Given that Ole1p is a membrane-bound protein whose activities are a major determinant of membrane fluidity, we asked whether membrane-associated translation of the protein was essential for basal and regulated stability. Insertion of stop codons within the transcript that blocked either translation of the entire protein or parts of the protein required for co-translation insertion of Ole1p had no effect. We conclude that the basal and regulated stability of the OLE1 transcript is resistant to the nonsense-mediated decay pathway and that the essential protein-encoding elements for basal stability act cooperatively as stabilizing sequences through RNA-protein interactions via a translation-independent mechanism.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed1992

Analysis of hydroxyurea in capsules and aqueous solution and stability study with capillary gas chromatography and thermionic (N-P) specific detection.

A method for the analysis of hydroxyurea (HU) in solutions, powder, or capsules by use of capillary gas chromatography with N-P thermionic specific detection is described. Upon injection of an HU solution in a methanol and acetone mixture, the drug formed pyridine which was well separated from the internal standard (thiotepa) on a 30-m fused-silica, SE-30 capillary column with temperature programming. The peak height ratio versus concentration standard curves were linear with correlation coefficient ranging between 0.9942 and 0.9993. The coefficients of variation at 5, 25, and 50 micrograms/L were 7.2, 5.7, and 5.5%, respectively. Hydroxyurea was extracted from powder or capsule formulations with a mixture of methanol and acetone (50:50, v:v), and the percentage found of the label claim for 10 capsules ranged between 96.7 and 104.9 (mean = 100.1; CV = 2.7%). Further, this assay was used to examine the stability of hydroxyurea in aqueous solutions at 4, 23, and 45 degrees C, and the apparent first-order rate constants observed at these temperatures were 0.06407, 0.08113, and 0.1293 day-1, respectively; the activation energy was 3011 cal.K-1.mol-1.

Calibration↗

PubMed1978

Myelodysplasia. The influence of the quadriceps and hip abductor muscles on ambulatory function and stability of the hip.

In an analysis of motor function, ambulatory function, and hip stability in sixty-five patients with myelodysplasia, four motor-function groups based on the strength of the quadriceps and hip abductor muscles were identified. Retrospectively, it was evident that based on these groups, it would have been possible to predict which hips would remain stable, what level of ambulatory function the patients could achieve, and whether treatment to reduce and stabilize the hips was indicated. Fifty-seven of fifty-eight hips in the twenty-nine patients with functioning quadriceps muscles but non-functioning hip-abductor muscles were either subluxated or dislocated. Thirty-nine of the remaining forty-six patients with functioning quadriceps muscles could walk. In this series, three operative procedures were used to treat hip subluxation: varus osteotomy, varus osteotomy combined with iliopsoas transfer, and iliopsoas transfer alone. One shelf procedure was also done. Varus osteotomy was the best procedure for hip subluxation while posterior iliopsoas transfer, either alone or in combination with a varus osteotomy, was of questionable value. Treatment of hip instability (subluxation or dislocation) in patients without quadriceps function was not necessary.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

The centromere-like parC locus of plasmid R1.

The parA partitioning system of plasmid R1 consists of three components: the cis-acting centromere-like parC locus, and two proteins, ParM and ParR. The parC locus contains two sets of five direct repeats (iterons) to which the ParR protein binds. The parA promoter is located in the core region between the two sets of iterons. Mini-R1 replicons carrying parC are stabilized by the simultaneous presence of ParM and ParR. The parC locus present on a co-resident plasmid leads to instability of the mini-R1 replicon (incompatibility). Here we present a genetic analysis of the stability and incompatibility phenotypes associated with parC. We show that all 10 iterons are required for maximum stabilization and incompatibility. Replacement of the core promoter region between the repeats by a foreign promoter region did not reduce stabilization. Thus, the only structural components in parC seem to be the two sets of iterons. The parA promoter, P parA, is repressed by ParR. We show that all 10 iterons are required for full repression of the promoter. The activity of the promoter was influenced by sequences located outside the core region. An A-rich region located upstream of the -35 element of PparA was found to increase promoter activity. The region encoding the parA mRNA leader region also strongly influenced the expression level of PparA- lacZ fusions. We show that this high expression (hex) element is a transcriptional antiterminator that prevents Rho-dependent termination.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2004

SUPREX (Stability of Unpurified Proteins from Rates of H/D Exchange) analysis of the thermodynamics of synergistic anion binding by ferric-binding protein (FbpA), a bacterial transferrin.

SUPREX (stability of unpurified proteins from rates of H/D exchange) is a H/D exchange- and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-based technique for characterizing the equilibrium unfolding/refolding properties of proteins and protein-ligand complexes. Here, we describe the application of SUPREX to the thermodynamic analysis of synergistic anion binding to iron-loaded ferric-binding protein (Fe(3+)FbpA-X, X = synergistic anion). The in vivo function of FbpA is to transport unchelated Fe(3+) across the periplasmic space of certain Gram-negative bacteria, a process that requires simultaneous binding of a synergistic anion. Our results indicate that Fe(3+)FbpA-X is not a so-called "ideal" protein system for SUPREX analyses because it does not exhibit two-state folding properties and it does not exhibit EX2 H/D exchange behavior. However, despite these nonideal properties of the Fe(3+)FbpA-X protein-folding/unfolding reaction, we demonstrate that the SUPREX technique is still amenable to the quantitative thermodynamic analysis of synergistic anion binding to Fe(3+)FbpA. As part of this work, the SUPREX technique was used to evaluate the DeltaDeltaG(f) values of four synergistic anion-containing complexes of Fe(3+)FbpA (i.e., Fe(3+)FbpA-PO(4), Fe(3+)FbpA-citrate, Fe(3+)FbpA-AsO(4), and Fe(3+)FbpA-SO(4)). The DeltaDeltaG(f) value obtained for Fe(3+)FbpA-citrate relative to Fe(3+)FbpA-PO(4) (1.45 +/- 0.44 kcal/mol), is in good agreement with that reported previously (1.98 kcal/mol). The value obtained for Fe(3+)FbpA-AsO(4) (0.58 +/- 0.45 kcal/mol) was also consistent with that reported previously (0.68 kcal/mol), but the measurement error is very close to the magnitude of the value. This work (i) demonstrates the utility of the SUPREX method for studying anion binding by FbpA, (ii) provides the first evaluation of a DeltaDeltaG(f) value for Fe(3+)FbpA-SO(4), -1.43 +/- 0.17 kcal/mol, and (iii) helps substantiate our hypothesis that the synergistic anion plays a role in controlling the lability of iron bound to FbpA in the transport process.

Anions↗

PubMed2026

Effects of an actuated ankle exoskeleton on walking stability in healthy adults: a controlled laboratory study.

BACKGROUND: Ankle exoskeletons are widely used to reduce the metabolic cost of walking, yet their effects on walking stability during unperturbed gait remain insufficiently understood. Walking stability can be characterized using complementary measures that capture stride-to-stride variability, global temporal organization, and local dynamic stability. Understanding how walking with an actuated ankle exoskeleton system influences these different aspects of gait stability is essential for the safe design and control of wearable robotic devices. METHODS: Eighteen healthy adults walked on a treadmill at a constant speed (1.1 m/s) with and without an actuated bilateral ankle exoskeleton in a randomized crossover design. Spatiotemporal variability was quantified using coefficients of variation (CoV) of stride length, step width, and stance ratio. Global gait stability was assessed using detrended fluctuation analysis of stride time. Local dynamic stability was evaluated using maximum Lyapunov exponent calculated for the trunk, hip, upper leg, lower leg, and foot. Paired-samples two-sided t-tests were used to compare conditions. RESULTS: Walking with the ankle exoskeleton resulted in increased stride-to-stride spatiotemporal variability, reflected by higher CoV values for stride length (p < 0.001) and stance ratio (p = 0.005), while mean stride length and step width remained unchanged. Mean stance ratio was reduced in the exoskeleton condition (p < 0.001). Global gait stability did not differ between conditions, indicating preserved long-range temporal gait organization. Local dynamic stability increased at the lower leg (p < 0.001) and foot (p = 0.019) when walking with the exoskeleton. CONCLUSIONS: Walking with the actuated ankle exoskeleton alters gait control across multiple levels during steady walking. While stride-to-stride variability in stride length and stance ratio increased, global gait stability remained unchanged. Local dynamic stability was increased at the lower leg and foot, suggesting segment-specific effects of ankle-level assistance close to the assisted joint. However, these findings should be interpreted as the combined effect of wearing the exoskeleton and receiving active assistance, rather than the isolated effect of plantarflexion assistance. These results provide insight for the design and control of ankle exoskeletons with respect to stability-related effects during walking.

Humans↗

PubMed1981

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of clorazepate dipotassium and monopotassium in solid dosage forms.

Methodology for the quantitative determination of clorazepate dipotassium and monopotassium in solid dosage forms was developed. Clorazepate was resolved from its degradation products, making the analysis specific and stability indicating. Analytical separation was performed on a octadecylsilylated silica column. Clorazepate was extracted from the dosage forms with 0.04% NaOH and chromatographed with aqueous 0.005 M tetra-n-butylammonium ion (pH 7.5)- acetonitrile (70:30) as the eluent. The analysis was completed in approximately 20 min with a precision of less than 2.4% RSD.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗

PubMed2002

Contribution of glycine 146 to a conserved folding module affecting stability and refolding of human glutathione transferase p1-1.

In human glutathione transferase P1-1 (hGSTP1-1) position 146 is occupied by a glycine residue, which is located in a bend of a long loop that together with the alpha6-helix forms a substructure (GST motif II) maintained in all soluble GSTs. In the present study G146A and G146V mutants were generated by site-directed mutagenesis in order to investigate the function played by this conserved residue in folding and stability of hGSTP1-1. Crystallographic analysis of the G146V variant, expressed at the permissive temperature of 25 degrees C, indicates that the mutation causes a substantial change of the backbone conformation because of steric hindrance. Stability measurements indicate that this mutant is inactivated at a temperature as low as 32 degrees C. The structure of the G146A mutant is identical to that of the wild type with the mutated residue having main-chain bond angles in a high energy region of the Ramachandran plot. However even this Gly --> Ala substitution inactivates the enzyme at 37 degrees C. Thermodynamic analysis of all variants confirms, together with previous findings, the critical role played by GST motif II for overall protein stability. Analysis of reactivation in vitro indicates that any mutation of Gly-146 alters the folding pathway by favoring aggregation at 37 degrees C. It is hypothesized that the GST motif II is involved in the nucleation mechanism of the protein and that the substitution of Gly-146 alters this transient substructure. Gly-146 is part of the buried local sequence GXXh(T/S)XXDh (X is any residue and h is a hydrophobic residue), conserved in all GSTs and related proteins that seems to behave as a characteristic structural module important for protein folding and stability.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2003

Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and principal component analysis studies on a new azobenzene derivative supramolecular system based on hydrogen bonds.

Infrared (IR) spectra of a supramolecular assembly with an azobenzene derivative and intermolecular hydrogen bonds have been measured in the temperature range from 30 to 200 degrees C to investigate heat-induced structural changes and thermal stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) and two kinds of two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectroscopy, variable-variable (VV) 2D and sample-sample (SS) 2D spectroscopy, have been employed to analyze the observed temperature-dependent spectral variations. The PCA and SS 2D correlation analyses have demonstrated that the complete decoupling of hydrogen bonds in the supramolecular assembly occurs between 110 and 115 degrees C, which is in good agreement with the results of a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study for the heating process. The PCA of the IR spectra in the region of 3600-3100 cm(-1) has illustrated that there are at least four principal components for the different NH2 and CONH species in the present supramolecular system. The VV 2D correlation spectroscopy study has provided information about the structure and strength of hydrogen bonds of NH2 and CONH groups and their temperature-dependent variations. The different species of hydrogen-bonded NH2 and CONH groups in the supramolecular system can be clarified by the VV 2D correlation analysis. The VV 2D correlation analysis has also revealed the specific order of the temperature-induced changes in the hydrogen bonds of NH2 and CONH groups.

Azo Compounds↗

PubMed2000

Stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic assay and analysis of decomposition products of 2-[4-[(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy]propanoic acid.

A stability-indicating HPLC assay has been developed for 2-[4-[(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy]propanoic acid (XK469). XK-469 is the 7-chloro analog of herbicide Quizalofop and is currently under development as an antineoplastic agent. HPLC separation of XK469 is achieved with an ODS column using isocratic elution of an aqueous MeOH mobile phase. The assay is reproducible (RSD=0.9%), linear (r2=0.999), accurate (error=1.2%) and sensitive (LDL=1.2 ng). The HPLC separates XK469 from its forced decomposition products. Identities of the decomposition products have been elucidated.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

PubMed1993

Modulation of the stability of a Lac repressor mediated looped complex by temperature and ions: allosteric regulation by chloride.

The lactose repressor of Escherichia coli (LacI) associates to a bidentate tetramer in solution and can simultaneously bind two operators to form a protein-mediated "looped complex". Studies have been conducted of the binding of LacI to two operators separated by approximately 11 helical turns of DNA. Quantitative DNase I footprint titration analysis of the stability of the LacI-mediated looped complex reveals that the Gibbs free energy of cyclization (delta Gzeroj) of the looped complex of 11.7 +/- 0.4 kcal/mol is invariant with temperature. van't Hoff analysis reveals a large and positive enthalpy of cyclization (delta H degrees = 12.3 +/- 2.4 kcal/mol) and an entropy that is small and positive (delta S degrees = 2.2 cal/deg). Quantitative DNase I footprint titration and kinetic dissociation studies were also conducted as a function of counter-ion type and concentration. Increasing concentrations of KCl or potassium glutamate destabilize the looped complex, a result completely accounted for by increases in the intrinsic DNA-binding free energies. While the value of delta Gzeroj is invariant with ion concentration, chloride is a positive regulator. The value of delta Gzeroj decreases by 1.5 kcal/mol upon substitution of chloride for glutamate. Measurements of delta Gzeroj conducted as a function of chloride concentration at constant ionic strength reveal that approximately one chloride ion per tetramer is bound upon looped complex formation. These results demonstrate specific allosteric regulation of the formation of the LacI-mediated looped complex by a mechanism distinct from the regulation of the constituent protein--DNA interactions.

Allosteric Regulation↗

PubMed1998

Stability of external circular fixation: a multi-variable biomechanical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how the manipulation of the parameters of fixation and components of the circular external frame could improve and maintain optimal stability of bone fragments. DESIGN: We performed a multi-parametric biomechanical analysis of the extrinsic parameters effecting bone fragment stabilization. Results of testing are presented as a percent change in stiffness due to the manipulation of frame components and their interaction with other fixation parameters. BACKGROUND: Although there have been investigations of the biomechanical characteristics of circular external fixation, they have been limited to either individual frame components or full frame comparisons. Therefore, these studies did not provide a comprehensive understanding of how the manipulation of circular fixator components influences bone fragment stability. METHODS: Mechanical testing was performed in three phases examining the effect of numerous components including ring diameter, wire angle, ring separation, etc. on axial, torsional and bending stiffness. RESULTS: For phase I (single ring) and phase II (double-ring block), ring diameter was the most significant factor affecting axial and torsional stiffness, while wire angle, ring separation, and their interaction had the most influence on bending stiffness. Phase III (two double-ring blocks) showed that ring positioning with respect to the osteotomy site had the most affect on bending and torsional stiffness while axial stiffness was non-linear and dependent upon the applied load. CONCLUSIONS: The stability of bone fragments within a circular external fixator is affected by manipulation of the parameters of fixation or individual components of the frame. The contribution of each component to overall bone fragment stability is dependent upon the mode of loading. The changes in overall stability of bone fragments are dependent not only on the individual frame components but also upon their interaction with other parameters of fixation. RELEVANCE: Understanding how the manipulation of individual frame components will affect overall bone fragment stabilization will allow the surgeon to better control the stability of bone fragments for each clinical situation.

Journal Article↗