In previous papers, a new technology that produces biopolymer composites by particle-bonding was introduced. During the manufacturing process, micrometer-scale raw material was coated with a corn (Zea mays L.) protein, zein, which was then processed to form a rigid material. The coating of rawmaterial particles with zein makes use of the unique property of this protein in aqueous ethanol soluti...

This investigation assessed whether early student performance with a dental handpiece on a didactic training aid known as the Learn-A-Prep II (LAP II) was predictive of performance on subsequent practical examinations in a preclinical restorative dentistry course. Eighty-one first-year students were given initial handpiece training and formative feedback using the LAP II and were then instructe...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the time spent for direct (DBB - direct bracket bonding) and indirect (IBB - indirect bracket bonding) bracket bonding techniques. The time length of laboratorial (IBB) and clinical steps (DBB and IBB) as well as the prevalence of loose bracket after a 24-week follow-up were evaluated. METHODS Seventeen patients (7 men and 10 women) with a mean ag...

In literature, the primary function of a dental cement is to fill the space between restorative material (definitive or provisional) and tooth preparation (or implant abutment), as well as to enhance the resistance to restoration dislodgement during function [1,2]. Of utmost importance, the long-term success of a restoration is heavily dependent on the proper selection and manipulation of denta...

A system of coupled Klein-Gordon equations is proposed as a model for one-dimensional nonlinear wave processes in two-component media (e.g., long longitudinal waves in elastic bi-layers, where nonlinearity comes only from the bonding material). We discuss general properties of the model (Lie group classification, conservation laws, invariant solutions) and special solutions exhibiting an energy...

A new bonding technique is proposed by using localized heating to supply the bonding energy. Heating is achieved by applying a dc current through micromachined heaters made of gold which serves as both the heating and bonding material. At the interface of silicon and gold, the formation of eutectic bond takes place in about 5 minutes. Assembly of two substrates in microfabrication processes can...

The possibility for the clinical application of an experimental restorative material, which is composed of an Ag-Sn-Cu-Pd spherical alloy and a Ga-In-Sn-Ag alloy, was examined by observing periodic changes during class I restoration. In all of the restorations tested, the surface texture and the marginal integrity had deteriorated after a period of one year. Therefore, it was concluded that thi...