About electron transfer over long distances with tunable sub/supersonic velocities.

Provided in this paper is a theory of long-range electron transfer with near sound (supersonic or subsonic) velocity along one-dimensional crystal lattices. The theory represents the development of an earlier work by introducing Marcus formulation. To illustrate its application to a realistic case, the theory is used to offer an explanation of two puzzling observations made by Donovan and Wilson in transient photoconduction experiments with non-dopable perfectly crystalline polydiacetylene crystals in the presence of an electric field: transport velocity value close to sound velocity being independent of field for four orders of magnitude of field (102 V/m-106 V/m) and, in the low field values, an ultra-high mobility greater than 20 m2/V s. We also study factors eventually leading to lowering of the transport velocity.

The smear layer in endodontics.

With the cascade of new restorative products being unveiled almost monthly, dentists incorporating endodontics into their practices must be able to evaluate the potential of these products for successful integration into their procedures. This evaluation should be based on a knowledge of how the new products relate to the smear layer formed along the root canal walls. Rather than relying on information supplied by the dental manufacturers, the aware dentist should regularly resort to the most current research reports available in journal or abstract form. With the use of certain products in some clinical situations, other branches of restorative dentistry may suggest retention of the smear layer. Although pulpally infected teeth have been successfully treated for generations in the presence of the smear layer, it has become accepted practice now in endodontics to remove the smear layer. Different quantities and qualities of smear layer can be produced by various techniques of instrumentation. However, they all present a barrier to intimate contact between obturating materials and the canal wall. Various types of solvents will produce different results in smear layer removal. One ideal endodontic irrigant follows the use of the antimicrobial 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite solution with the equally antimicrobial 6 per cent citric acid solution or 17 per cent EDTA. Chelating agents are effective in that they remove the smear layer, open the dentinal tubules, and produce a clean surface for closer obturation. Removal of the smear layer encourages the creation of a good apical plug to prevent over filling, post-filling sensitivity, and possible microleakage. The use of glass ionomer cements and unfilled resin as a cementing medium following smear layer removal shows promising results in both strength of cementation and the possibility of reducing post lengths. Controversies will always arise in dentistry with the advent of new information and the discovery of new clinical techniques. But a total awareness of both sides of a controversy will enable the practitioner to find a way through the confusion.

Controversies in posterior composite resin restorations.

The use of posterior composites is riddled with so many controversies that the puzzled practitioner must step warily among them. This modality is a minefield, where one careless movement can bring disaster. All composite restorations are subject to three big destructive forces--moisture, polymerization shrinkage, and clinical wear--forces that can eventually produce both microleakage and deterioration of the silane coupling agent linking filler particles to resin matrix. Despite the extreme technique sensitivity of posterior composite resins, knowledge of resin technology, sound operative dentistry principles and foresight in case selection can be effective in producing durable cosmetic restorations. Posterior composite resin restorations bonded to enamel and dentin reputedly strengthen teeth in both conventional and adhesive types of preparations provided polymerization shrinkage can be controlled. It is imperative that a knowledge of occlusal contacts be used to influence cavity outline, confining the trauma or occlusal forces away from the tooth-resin interface and helping to minimize occlusal wear. With the increased use of posterior resins, the trend in cavity preparations should break away from the traditional Black preparation toward the adhesive type preparation. If the Black Class II preparation is used, it is suggested that bevels be confined to the facial and lingual margins of the proximal box. Prewedging helps to maintain a conservative Class II preparation. Shade selection must be made prior to rubber dam isolation for greater accuracy and to help prevent postinsertion discoloration. The enamel should be pumiced to present a clean substrate for acid etching. The smear layer should be removed. The type of pulp protection applied before acid etching is dependent on the material used. After etching, the enamel should be washed with a 1 per cent potassium chloride solution. It is a more universally chemically stable solution than additive-laden local water supplies. The potassium chloride solution lowers the electrostatic forces on the enamel that would interfere with the flow of enamel bonding agents. Furthermore, tests have shown that the use of potassium chloride washes increase the strength of the enamel body by 40 per cent. Because of the depth of most posterior cavities, an incremental filling technique must be used to ensure a thorough polymerization of the resin and to forestall a massive polymerization shrinkage. When finished and contoured, the margins of the restoration should be re-etched, washed, and dried and then covered with an application of unfilled resin to discourage microleakage. Traditional operative dentistry technique must become flexible enough to meet the new demands of resin technology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Double arch impressions for simplified restorative dentistry.

Use of a double arch, closed-mouth technique as described in this article enables dentists to obtain cast and die placement in centric occlusion in a single step. Complete closure of the teeth is mandatory for registering the interocclusal relationship correctly. The accuracy of the interocclusal relationship is more likely because of the decreased number of steps in the technique. Several different trays are available for the double arch impression technique. The more rigid trays buttress the impression material and reduce the possibilities of distortion in the final impression. Several variations in the double arch impression technique are possible, and tray selection is dependent on the demands of each patient.

Inadequate treatment: a pathway to surgery.

A patient developed postendodontic pain 3 years after undergoing root canal therapy in a maxillary first premolar tooth. Radiographic examination revealed that a recently extracted impacted second premolar had originally obscured the x-ray view of a third root on the first premolar. Endodontic therapy in the unfilled root was rejected because the tooth had been restored with full coverage. Apicoectomies and retroseals were performed on all roots, and the tooth became asymptomatic.

A pilot study of the clinical problem of regionally anesthetizing the pulp of an acutely inflamed mandibular molar.

The diplomates of the American Association of Endodontists were surveyed regarding difficulties in regionally anesthetizing acutely painful mandibular molar teeth. Frequently patients developed evidence of adequate regional block anesthesia but experienced pain when the dentist attempted access. A pilot projection was undertaken to determine if a scientific basis existed for this problem. With the animal under general anesthesia, the mandibular nerve of a cat was isolated and then regionally blocked. A stimulating electrode was implanted in a cuspid tooth and a receiving electrode in the cortex of the brain. When a state of inflammation was created in the tooth in the presence of a regional block, there was an increasing cortical response to this stimulation. It was concluded that the pilot project offered a realistic technique for the study of this clinical entity.

Identification of subgroups of bovine respiratory syncytial virus.

The occurrence of antigenic variation among nine isolates of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) was determined by examining their reaction patterns to human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) subgroup A and B monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) by enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoprecipitation with fractionation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis by using MAbs and polyclonal antisera to HRSV and BRSV. Shared epitopes were demonstrated on four of five structural proteins between BRSV and both subgroups A and B of HRSV. The nine isolates of BRSV showed different patterns of reactivity in enzyme immunoassays with panels of MAbs to HRSV subgroups A and B. Major variations in the molecular weights of the P (phosphoprotein) and F (fusion protein) proteins were demonstrated among the BRSV isolates tested. These results suggest that BRSV belongs to a different antigenic grouping than HRSV and that BRSV is composed of two distinct subgroups.