Effect of burn-out temperature on magnetic keepers in cast noble metal alloy posts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Early loss of magnetic keepers in cast gold posts is seen in clinical practice. PURPOSE: The purpose of this vitro study was to investigate the effect of burn-out temperature on the retention of magnetic keepers in cast gold alloy and on the thickness of the oxide layer at the keeper-alloy interface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and five keepers (Magfit EX) were cast with gold alloy (Protor 3) at 3 different burn-out temperatures: 500 degrees C, 600 degrees C, or 700 degrees C (n=35). To test for retention of keepers, 60 specimens (n=20) were tested to failure in tension mode in a universal testing machine (UTM); 45 specimens (n=15) were sectioned, and the interface was evaluated under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Tensile force data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA, and SEM data were analyzed with 1-way repeated measures ANOVA. Bonferroni multiple comparisons were performed for post hoc analysis (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Retention of the keepers was significantly higher at lower burn-out temperatures (P<.001). The retention of the keepers became unpredictable and immediate failures were observed at a burn-out temperature of 700 degrees C. Oxide formation at the keeper-alloy interface was significantly less at lower burn-out temperatures (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: A burn-out temperature of 500 degrees C for casting the Magfit EX keeper with type IV high-strength gold alloy is recommended.

Regulation of Tilapia metallothionein gene expression by heavy metal ions.

Tilapia is a common fish species inhabiting inland waters and estuarine regions in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, and useful for bio-monitoring of metal pollution. Metallothionein (MT) gene expression in fish tissues has been useful to sub-lethal risk assessment as biomarker of exposure to metal ions in fishes inhabiting metal contaminated area. To investigate metal inductions of Tilapia MT gene expression in vivo, Tilapias were injected with different concentrations of heavy metals and tissues were then removed for quantitative PCR assay using mimic PCR methods. All of the metal ions tested (Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Ni(2+), Pb(2+) and Zn(2+)) were able to induce hepatic MT mRNA levels. Renal MT mRNA levels of Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) treated fish was not induced with significant fold induction, however MT mRNA levels in gills were sensitive to the administrations of these metal ions. These data indicated that Tilapia MT mRNA levels in gills and liver are sensitive biomarker of exposure to various metal ions.

Spironucleosis in Australian king parrots (Alisterus scapularis).

OBJECTIVE: To describe a syndrome of wasting, diarrhoea and mortality in Australian king parrots (Alisterus scapularis). DESIGN: Field observations and laboratory examinations. Procedure Pathological examinations were performed on 50 Australian king parrots with wasting and diarrhoea. Wet preparations of intestinal contents were examined by light microscopy. Tannins were extracted from acorns (Quercus sp) and tested for toxicity in mice. CLINICAL SIGNS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY: A syndrome of wasting, diarrhoea and mortality was observed in wild juvenile Australian king parrots in eastern Australia from 1984 to 2000. Sporadic cases and outbreaks of disease occurred from May to September in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. Outbreaks in the Australian Capital Territory in 1990 and 1991 were associated with parrots congregating to feed on acorns. Most affected birds failed to respond to treatment with dimetridazole and died 1 to 14 days after hospitalisation. Selected cases recovered following treatment with metronidazole. PATHOLOGY: Affected birds were emaciated, with faecal matting of feathers around the cloaca and yellow-green fluid, foamy intestinal contents. Abundant motile Spironucleus trophozoites were observed in wet preparations of faeces of clinically affected birds and intestinal contents of birds examined within 1 h of death. Protozoa were detected histologically in crypts of Lieberkühn in the intestine in association with exudation of mucus (catarrhal enteritis) or lymphoplasmacytic enteritis. Toxicology Tannin extracts from acorns induced periacinar hepatic necrosis in mice. CONCLUSION: Wasting, diarrhoea and mortality in wild juvenile Australian king parrots were associated with Spironucleus-like protozoa in the intestine. Acorns were not considered to be the cause of the syndrome.

Investigation into the dual role of shear flow in 2D MHD turbulence.

The turbulent diffusion eta_{T} of a large-scale magnetic field B0 is numerically studied in two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic turbulence with an imposed shear flow. We demonstrate that a shear flow plays a dual role, quenching transport through shear destruction and enhancing it via resonance. Specifically without resonance eta_{T} proportional, variantB_{0};{-4} with no shear (rms shearing rate=Omega=0) and eta_{T} proportional, variantOmega;{-2.7} for B_{0}=0, while with resonance eta_{T} proportional, variantB_{0};{-2} proportional, variantOmega;{-2}. These results indicate that the absence of resonance is responsible for the most catastrophic reductions in transport.

A quality assessment of the casting process on magnetic keepers.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to qualitatively investigate the effect of the burn-out (mold) temperature, investment material, and casting alloy on the surface integrity of the Magfit EX keeper. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two Magfit EX keepers were waxed-up, invested in five investment materials (Beauty-Cast, Cristobalite, CM-10, Cera-Fina, Castorit-super), and subjected to burn-out temperatures ranging from 450 to 700 degrees C at intervals of 50 degrees C. The keeper samples were then cast into copings with three alloys (Castwell, Protor 3, Optimum) under standard conditions. The keeper surfaces were then examined under a microscope, and the compositions were assessed by an X-ray micro-analyzer in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A new keeper served as control. RESULTS: At a burn-out temperature of 550 degrees C, the keeper surface started to disintegrate. X-ray micro-analysis showed an increase in oxygen content with increasing temperature. At 700 degrees C, the keeper surface disintegrated, and the composition differed markedly from that of the new keeper. The keeper surfaces were intact with all investments except those with Beauty-Cast. The keeper surfaces were found to be damaged when the casting alloy was Optimum. CONCLUSIONS: Beauty-Cast investment with a burn-out temperature of 700 degrees C is unsuitable for casting the Magfit EX keeper-coping unit. Also, high fusing alloys are not recommended for casting Magfit EX keepers.