Fractal behavior throughout stretch zone of 15-5PH steel under elastic-plastic loading conditions

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

MRT letter: Extended depth from focus reconstruction method for stretch zone measurement in 15-5PH steel

The stretch zone width (SZW) data for 15-5PH steel CTOD specimens fractured at -150 degrees C to + 23 degrees C temperature were measured based on focused images and 3D maps obtained by extended depth-of-field reconstruction from light microscopy (LM) image stacks. This LM-based method, with a larger lateral resolution, seems to be as effective for quantitative analysis of SZW as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM), permitting to clearly identify stretch zone boundaries. Despite the worst sharpness of focused images, a robust linear correlation was established to fracture toughness (KC) and SZW data for the 15-5PH steel tested specimens, measured at their center region. The method is an alternative to evaluate the boundaries of stretched zones, at a lower cost of implementation and training, since topographic data from elevation maps can be associated with reconstructed image, which summarizes the original contrast and brightness information. Finally, the extended depth-of-field method is presented here as a valuable tool for failure analysis, as a cheaper alternative to investigate rough surfaces or fracture, compared to scanning electron or confocal light microscopes. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:11551158, 2012. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of the Insertion and Polymerization Technique in Composite Resin Restorations: Analysis of Marginal Gap by Atomic Force Microscopy

This in vitro study evaluated the marginal gap at the composite tooth/resin interface in class V cavities under the influence of two insertion techniques and a curing system by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Forty enamel and dentin cavities were prepared on the buccal surface in bovine teeth with quadratic forms measuring 2 mm X 2 mm and depth of 1.5 mm. The teeth were then divided into four groups: group A, 10 cavities were restored in one increment, light cured by halogen light; group B, 10 cavities filled with bulk filling, light cured by the light emitting diodes (LED); group C, 10 cavities were restored by the incremental technique, light cured by halogen light; group D, 10 cavities were restored by the incremental technique, light cured by the LED. The teeth underwent the polishing procedure and were analyzed by AFM for tooth/restoration interface evaluation. The data were compared between groups using the nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05). The results showed a statistically significant difference between groups A and B and groups A and C. It was concluded that no insertion and polymerization technique was able to completely seal the cavity.

IMPROVEMENT TO THE MARGINAL COPING FIT of COMMERCIALLY PURE TITANIUM CAST IN PHOSPHATE-BONDED INVESTMENT BY USING A SIMPLE PATTERN COATING TECHNIQUE

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of marginal microleakage in Class II cavities: Effect of microhylolrid, flowable, and compactable resins

Objective: the goal of the present study was to evaluate the microleakage on the cementum/dentin and enamel surfaces in Class 11 restorations, using different kinds of resin composite (microhybrid, flowable, and compactable). Method and materials: Forty human caries-free molars were extracted and selected. Eighty Class 11 standardized cavities were made in the cervical wall at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and at the mesial and distal surfaces. The teeth were divided into four groups: G1 - adhesive system + microhybrid resin composite Z100; G2 - adhesive system + compactable resin composite Prodigy Condensable; G3 - adhesive system + flowable resin composite Revolution + Z1 00 resin composite; G4 - adhesive system + Revolution fluid resin + compactable resin composite Prodigy Condensable. The adhesive system used in this study was Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus. The specimens were thermocycled in baths of 5degreesC and 55degreesC for 1,000 cycles and immersed in 50% silver nitrate solution. The specimens then were sectioned and evaluated on degree of dye penetration. Results: the results were evaluated using the nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis test, which showed a statistically significant difference between groups G1 and G4, G2 and G4, and G3 and G4. Conclusions: None of the materials was able to eliminate the marginal microleakage at the cervical wall; the application of a low-viscosity resin composite combined with a compactable resin composite significantly decreased the microleakage.

Marginal gingiva discoloration by gray MTA: A case report

Perforation of the root canal during insertion of an intracanal post is a complication of endodontic therapy. Mineral trixoide aggregate (MTA) has been successfully used a sealer in these situations. This material has recently been formulated in white color, allowing its application in areas of esthetic concern. This is a clinical case report of a root perforation sealed with gray MTA that resulted in discoloration of the marginal gingiva. Treatment consisted of replacing gray MTA with white MTA with the aid of a dental operating microscope, producing satisfactory esthetic results.

Accuracy of Digital Images in the Detection of Marginal Micro leakage: An In Vitro Study

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of Image Tool Software 3.0 (ITS 3.0) to detect marginal microleakage using the stereomicroscope as the validation criterion and ITS 3.0 as the tool under study.Materials and Methods: Class V cavities were prepared at the cementoenamel junction of 61 bovine incisors, and 53 halves of them were used. Using the stereomicroscope, microleakage was classified dichotomously: presence or absence. Next, ITS 3.0 was used to obtain measurements of the microleakage, so that 0.75 was taken as the cut-off point, and values equal to or greater than 0.75 indicated its presence, while values between 0.00 and 0.75 indicated its absence. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by point and given as 95% confidence interval (95% CI).Results: The accuracy of the ITS 3.0 was verified with a sensitivity of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.89 to 1.00) and a specificity of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.84 to 0.99).Conclusion: Digital diagnosis of marginal microleakage using ITS 3.0 was sensitive and specific.

THE EFFECT of IMMEDIATE DENTIN SEALING on THE MARGINAL ADAPTATION and BOND STRENGTHS of TOTAL-ETCH and SELF-ETCH ADHESIVES

Statement of problem. Sealing ability and bond strengths of total-etch and self-etch dentin adhesives used for immediate dentin sealing have not been assessed and established.Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of immediate dentin sealing (IDS) using total-etch or self-etch dentin adhesives on microleakage and microtensile bond strength.Material and methods. Twenty recently extracted molars were selected, and standard MOD inlay preparations were made with the gingival margins located below the cemento-enamel unction. The teeth were assigned to 4 experimental groups (n=5) according to the indirect composite restoration cementation technique used: (1) immediate dentin sealing with Adper Single Bond (TEBI); (2) conventional adhesive cementation technique using Adper Single Bond (TEAI); (3) immediate dentin sealing using Adper Prompt L-Pop (SEBI); or (4) conventional adhesive cementation technique using Adper Prompt L-Pop (SEAI). The restored teeth were thermal cycled 1,000 times between 5 degrees and 55 degrees C and then immersed in 50% ammoniacal silver nitrate. Three specimens per restoration were evaluated for microleakage, according to predefined scores, and submitted to Friedman's test (alpha-.05). The specimens were then sectioned to obtain 0.8 +/- 0.2-mm-thick sticks (with n ranging from 32 to 57 specimens) and submitted to microtensile bond strength (mu TBS) testing. The obtained data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA test (alpha=.05).Results. None of the experimental groups demonstrated complete elimination of marginal microleakage. There were significant differences in microleakage of the tested adhesives (P>.001). IDS microleakage scores were similar to those obtained using the conventional cementation technique (CCT) for both adhesives. The highest mean bond strengths were obtained with TEBI (51.1 MPa), whereas SEAI showed the lowest mean bond strengths (1.7 MPa). IDS resulted in significantly higher bond strengths than CCT (P<.001).Conclusions. Total-etch and self-etch adhesives have a significant effect on IDS. IDS resulted in high bond strengths for both adhesives; however, the microleakage was similar to that obtained with CCT (J Prosthet Dent 2009;102:1-9)

Marginal adaptation of Class 2 adhesive restorations

Objective: Control of microleakage represents a challenge for posterior composite restorations. The technique for composite placement may reduce microleakage. The null hypothesis of this in vitro study was that centripetal incremental insertion of composite resin would result in less microleakage than that obtained with the oblique incremental technique or bulk technique. Method and Materials: Standardized Class 2 preparations were made in 60 caries-free extracted third molars and randomly assigned to 3 groups ( n = 20): ( 1) oblique incremental insertion technique ( control), ( 2) centripetal incremental insertion technique, and ( 3) bulk insertion. The teeth were restored with a total-etch adhesive and micro-hybrid composite resin. The specimens were isolated with nail varnish except for a 2-mm-wide area around the restoration and then thermocycled ( 1,000 thermal cycles, 5 degrees C/ 55 degrees C; 30-second dwell time). The specimens were immersed in an aqueous solution of 50% silver nitrate for 24 hours, followed by 8 hours of immersion in a photo-developing solution and subsequently evaluated for leakage. The microleakage scores ( 0 to 4) obtained from the occlusal and cervical walls were analyzed with median nonparametric tests ( P <.05). Results: The null hypothesis was rejected. All techniques attained statistically similar dentin microleakage scores ( P =.15). The centripetal insertion technique displayed significantly less microleakage than the oblique technique at the enamel margins ( P =.04). Conclusion: None of the techniques eliminated marginal microleakage in Class 2 preparations. However, in occlusal areas, the centripetal technique performed significantly better than the other techniques.

Developmental and structural features of secretory canals in root and shoot wood of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Seasonal development of secondary xylem and phloem in Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake (Leguminosae : Caesalpinioideae)

The cambial activity and periodicity of secondary xylem and phloem formation have been less studied in tropical tree species than in temperate ones. This paper describes the relationship between seasonal cambial activity, xylem and phloem development, and phenology in Schizolobium parahyba, a fast growing semideciduous seasonal forest tree from southeastern Brazil. From 2002 to 2003, wood samples were collected periodically and phenology and climate were recorded monthly in the same period. S. parahyba forms annual growth increments in wood, delimited by narrow initial parenchyma bands. The reduction of the cambial activity to a minimum correlates to the dry season and leaf fall. The higher cambial activity correlates to the wet season and the presence of mature leaves. In phloem, a larger conductive region was observed in the wet season, when the trees were in full foliage. The secondary phloem did not exhibit any incremental zone marker; however, we found that the axial parenchyma tends to form irregular bands.

Diet of the ichthyofauna associated with marginal vegetation of a mangrove forest in southeastern Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influence of the mineral content of the seston on tropical cladocerans of a marginal lake.

Bioassays were carried out seasonally to evaluate individual growth and reproduction of cladocerans, from a marginal lake, with the addition of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and both N and P to natural seston; Methods: Cohorts originated from cultivated females were submitted to the following treatments: 1) lake seston, 2) lake seston + P, 3) lake seston + N, and 4) lake seston + NP; Results: The sestonic C:P and C:N molar ratios were always high and limiting, according to threshold ratios estimated for temperate lakes. P addition to seston enhanced the growth rates of one species, D. birgei. A significant higher growth rate of B. longirostris was found in the seston enriched with N compared to natural seston, as well as a higher fecundity of M. minuta. The fecundity of D. birgei was significantly higher in the seston enriched with both N and P. C, N, and P body content of cladocerans was similar to that of temperate counterparts; Conclusion: Energy limitation related to carbon content or food quality seems to be most important in controlling cladocerans' populations in the lake than food mineral content.

Plankton richness and abundance in several different hydrological situations in lakes lateral to a river: a case study in the mouth zone of a tributary into a tropical reservoir.

A descriptive analysis of the responses of plankton from lakes lateral to a river in its mouth zone into a tropical reservoir to water level variations is presented. Three situations were reported: 1) a comparison of species richness and diversity and of algae population abundance in prolonged drought and in periods of connection of lakes to the river, 2) the spatial distribution of abundance and richness of Rotifera species in four isolated water bodies formed by fragmentation of a lateral lake during a period of prolonged drought and in the same areas during a period of integrity as an ecosystem, 3) the variability of total zooplankton and Cladocera densities at the end of the isolation period of a lateral lake and after the recovery of connection with the river and in a year of continuous connection with the lotic ecosystem. Various idiosyncrasies were observed in connected lateral lakes, like the surface hydrologic connectivity, a primary factor in species richness modifcations and a secondary controlling factor of plankton abundance. Underground hydrologic connectivity, through the river[forward arrow] lake water fux during the high-water period and lake [forward arrow] river during drought period, appears to have an important role in richness and abundance variations of planktonic populations in the lake isolated from the river.