Effect of Er : YAG and diode laser irradiation on the root surface: Morphological and thermal analysis

Background: the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of Er:YAG and diode laser treatments of the root surface on intrapulpal temperature after scaling and root planing with hand instruments.Methods: Fifteen extracted single-rooted teeth were scaled and root planed with hand instruments. The teeth were divided into 3 groups of 5 each and irradiated on their buccal and lingual surfaces: group A: Er:YAG laser, 2.94 mum/100 mJ/10 Hz/ 30 seconds; group B: diode laser, 810 nm/1.0 W/0.05 ms/30 seconds; group C: diode laser, 810 nm/1.4 W/0.05 ms/30 seconds. The temperature was monitored by means of a type T thermocouple (copper-constantan) positioned in the pulp chamber to assess pulpal temperature during and before irradiation. Afterwards, the specimens were longitudinally sectioned, and the buccal and lingual surfaces of each root were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.Results: In the Er:YAG laser group, the thermal analysis revealed an average temperature of -2.2 +/- 1.5degreesC, while in the diode laser groups, temperatures were 1.6 +/- 0.8degreesC at 1.0 W and 3.3 +/- 1.0degreesC at 1.4 W. Electronic micrographs revealed that there were no significant morphological changes, such as charring, melting, or fusion, in any group, although the specimens were found to be more irregular in the Er:YAG laser group.Conclusions: the application of Er:YAG and diode lasers at the utilized parameters did not induce high pulpal temperatures. Root surface irregularities were more pronounced after irradiation with an Er:YAG laser than with a diode laser.

Frontal sinus obliteration with heterogeneous corticocancellous bone versus spontaneous osteoneogenesis in monkeys (Cebus apella): Histologic analysis

Purpose: In this study, we evaluated the results of spontaneous osteoneogenesis of the frontal sinus with autogenous bone plug versus obliteration with heterogeneous (human) bone in monkeys (Cebus apella).Materials and Methods: Eight young adult male C apella monkeys underwent an ostectomy of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus, removal of the sinus mucosa, and inner decortication of the bony walls and then were divided into 2 groups of 4 each, as follows. Group I monkeys underwent obliteration of the nasofrontal ducts with a free segment of frontallis muscle and corticocancellous heterogeneous bone, followed by full obliteration of the sinus with corticocancellous heterogeneous bone (Dayton Regional Tissue Bank, Dayton, OH). Group II monkeys underwent obliteration of the nasofrontal ducts with a frontal muscle segment and tibial autogenous bone plug, without full obliteration of the frontal sinus. In all animals, the sinus anterior wall was repositioned and fixed with 1.0 plate and screws. The monkeys were killed after 180 days, and routine laboratory procedures were followed for hematoxylin-eosin staining and histologic evaluation of the specimens.Results: the 2 studied techniques were both effective in obliterating the frontal sinus with newly formed bone. The nasofrontal ducts were obliterated by new bone formation or fibrous tissue (1 animal only).Conclusions: Both methods used for frontal sinus obliteration were effective; the heterogeneous bone (human bone) was well tolerated and presented low antigenicity. The nasofrontal duct obliteration with autogenous muscle associated with autogenous tibial bone (group II) or with heterogeneous bone (group I) was effective, isolating the frontal sinus from the nasal cavity. The spontaneous obliteration resulted, in the period analyzed, in earlier bone maturation compared with the obliteration by heterogeneous bone. (C) 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Searching for larval support for majoid families (Crustacea : Brachyura) with particular reference to Inachoididae Dana, 1851

We re-evaluated the larval support for families within majoids using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with emphasis on Inachoididae. To accomplish our objectives, we added 10 new taxa, two of which are traditionally assigned to the family of special interest, to a previous larval database for majoids, and re-appraised the larval characters used in earlier studies. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with PAUP* using the heuristic search with 50 replicates or the branch-and-bound algorithm when possible. Multi-state transformation series were considered unordered; initially characters were equally weighted followed by successive weighting, and trees were rooted at the Oregoniidae node. Ten different topological constraints were enforced for families to evaluate tree length under the assumption of monophyly for each taxonomic entity. Our results showed that the tree length of most constrained topologies was not considerably greater than that of unconstrained analysis in which most families nested as paraphyletic taxa. This may indicate that the present larval database does not provide strong support for paraphyly of the taxa in question. For Inachoididae, although the Wilcoxon signed-rank test rejected a significant difference between unconstrained and constrained cladograms, we were unable to provide a single synapomorphy for this clade. Except for the conflicting position of Leurocyclus and Stenorhynchus, the two clades correspond to the traditional taxonomic arrangement. Among inachoidids, the clade (Anasimus (Paradasygyius (Collodes + Pyromaia))) is supported, whereas for inachids, the clade (Inachus (Macropodia + Achaeus)) is one of the most supported clades within majids. As often stated, only additional characters will provide a better test for the monophyly of Inachoididae and other families within Majoidea.

Homomorphic self-incompatibility, with stylar rejection site, in Luehea grandiflora Mart. and Zucc. (Tiliaceae-Malvaceae s.l.)

The breeding system of Luehea grandiflora (Tiliaceae-Malvaceae s.l.) was investigated using hand pollinations and fluorescence microscopy studies of pollen tube growth. Although selfed flowers persisted for some 10 days, our study indicates that L. grandiflora is self-incompatible, with self pollen tube inhibition in the upper style, as occurs in many taxa with homomorphic, gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI). L. grandiflora is only the second species reported within the Malvales with homomorphic stylar inhibition. This result is discussed within the context of a report for self-compatibility in this species, and we also consider the phylogenetic implications for the occurrence of GSI in the family Malvaceae s.l.

Black hole entropy associated with the supersymmetric sigma model

By means of an identity that equates the elliptic genus partition function of a supersymmetric sigma model on the N-fold symmetric product (SX)-X-N of X ((SX)-X-N=X-N/S-N, where S-N is the symmetric group of N elements) to the partition function of a second-quantized string theory, we derive the asymptotic expansion of the partition function as well as the asymptotic for the degeneracy of spectrum in string theory. The asymptotic expansion for the state counting reproduces the logarithmic correction to the black hole entropy.

O uso de geotecnologias no planejamento ambiental: o plano diretor municipal de Tambaú - SP

A Lei Federal 10.257, de 10 de julho de 2001, regulamentou os artigos 182 e 183 da Constituição Federal de 1988 no que trata da política urbana, especialmente da propriedade, sendo obrigatório para municípios com mais de 20.000 habitantes. Até então, os planos diretores municipais vinham sendo feitos levando em conta apenas as respectivas áreas urbanas, A partir desta lei, tais planos tiveram de levar em conta também as áreas rurais, integrando-as no processo do planejamento municipal sustentado. Analisando-se os planos diretores municipais recentes, elaborados a partir dessas novas diretrizes, nota-se que a maioria ainda enfatiza a área urbana, em detrimento da área rural. O objetivo deste trabalho foi, a partir de um estudo de caso, avaliar e validar metodologias e tecnologias rotineiramente empregadas em Geociências e Ciências Agrárias.

A low-voltage low-power analog memory cell with built-in 4-quadrant multiplication

An accurate switched-current (SI) memory cell and suitable for low-voltage low-power (LVLP) applications is proposed. Information is memorized as the gate-voltage of the input transistor, in a tunable gain-boosting triode-transconductor. Additionally, four-quadrant multiplication between the input voltage to the transconductor regulation-amplifier (X-operand) and the stored voltage (Y-operand) is provided. A simplified 2 x 2-memory array was prototyped according to a standard 0.8 mum n-well CMOS process and 1.8-V supply. Measured current-reproduction error is less than 0.26% for 0.25 muA less than or equal to I-SAMPLE less than or equal to 0.75 muA. Standby consumption is 6.75 muW per cell @I-SAMPLE = 0.75 muA. At room temperature, leakage-rate is 1.56 nA/ms. Four-quadrant multiplier (4QM) full-scale operands are 2x(max) = 320 mV(pp) and 2y(max). = 448 mV(pp), yielding a maximum output swing of 0.9 muA(pp). 4QM worst-case nonlinearity is 7.9%.

Different methods of finishing and polishing enamel

Statement of problem. Highly polished enamel surfaces arc recommended for axial tooth surfaces that will serve as guiding planes and be contacted by component parts of a removable partial denture. There is little evidence to support the assumption that this tooth modification will provide accurate adaptation of the framework and prevent build-up of plaque.Purpose. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the surface roughness of the tooth enamel, prepared to serve as guiding planes, with different polishing systems.Material and methods. Four different methods (designated A, B, C, and D) for finishing and polishing the prepared enamel surfaces of 20 freshly extracted third molar teeth were studied. Each method involved 3, 4, or 5 different steps. The roughness of each specimen was measured at the start of each method before recontouring, after recontouring, and after each step of the 4 finishing and polishing procedures. The 4 experimental finishing methods were applied after recontouring the axial surfaces (buccal, lingual, and proxinial) of each tooth. Thus the 20 teeth (60 surfaces) were finished and polished by use of 1 of the experimental methods. Surface roughness was measured with a profilometer (mum); the readings of the unpolished enamel Surfaces were recorded as control measurements. Results were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test at the 95% level of confidence.Results. The highest roughness mean values (14.41 mum to 16.44 mum) were found when the diamond bur was used at a high speed for tooth preparation. A significant decrease in roughness values was observed with the diamond bur at a low speed (P<.05). Analysis of the roughness values revealed that all polishing methods produced surface roughness similar to that of the corresponding control teeth.Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, all finishing procedures tested effectively promoted an enamel surface similar to the original unpolished enamel.

Pressure field along the axis of a high-power klystron amplifier

The pressure field in a high-power klystron amplifier is investigated to scale the ionic vacuum pump used to maintain the ultra high-vacuum in the device in order to increase its life-time. The investigation is conducted using an 1.3 GHz, 100 A - 240 keV high-power klystron with five reentrant coaxial cavities, assembled in a cylindrical drift tube 1.2 m long. The diffusion equation is solved to the regime molecular flow to obtain the pressure profile along the axis of the klystron drift tube. The model, solved by both analytical and numerical procedures, is able to determine the pressure values in steady-state case. This work considers the specific conductance and all important gas sources, as in the degassing of the drift tube and cavities walls, cathode, and collector. For the drift tube degassing rate equals to q(deg) = 2x10(-12) (-)mbar.L.s(-1) cm(-2) (degassing rate per unit area), to cavities q(cavity) = 3x10(-13) mbar.L.s(-1)cm(-2), to the cathode q(cathode) = 6x10(-9)_mbar.L.s(-1) and to the collector q(collector) = 6x10(-9) mbar.L.s(-1), it was found that a 10 L.s(-1) ionic vacuum pump connected in the output waveguide wall is suitable. In this case, the pressure obtained in the cathode is p(cathode) = 6.3x10(-9) mbar, in the collector p(collector) = 2.7x10(-9) mbar, and in the output waveguide p = 2.1x10(-9) mbar. Although only the steady-state case is analyzed, some aspects that may be relevant in a transient situation, for instance, when the beam hits the drift tube walls, producing a gas burst, is also commented.

A combined wavelet-element free Galerkin method for numerical calculations of electromagnetic fields

A combined wavelet-element free Galerkin (EFG) method is proposed for solving electromagnetic EM) field problems. The bridging scales are used to preserve the consistency and linear independence properties of the entire bases. A detailed description of the development of the discrete model and its numerical implementations is given to facilitate the reader to. understand the proposed algorithm. A numerical example to validate the proposed method is also reported.

A 12 kW three-phase low THD rectifier with high-frequency isolation and regulated DC output

A robust 12 kW rectifier with low THD in the line currents, based on an 18-pulse transformer arrangement with reduced kVA capacities followed by a high-frequency isolation stage is presented in this work. Three full-bridge (buck-based) converters are used to allow galvanic isolation and to balance the dc-link currents, without current sensing or current controller. The topology provides a regulated dc output with a very simple and well-known control strategy and natural three-phase power factor correction. The phase-shift PWM technique, with zero-voltage switching is used for the high-frequency dc-dc stage. Analytical results from Fourier analysis of winding currents and the vector diagram of winding voltages are presented. Experimental results from a 12 kW prototype are shown in the paper to verify the efficiency, robustness and simplicity of the command circuitry to the proposed concept.

The instantaneous-space-phasor a powerful diagnosis tool

This paper presents the instantaneous-space-phasor (ISP) definition and describes its properties and possible applications for three-phase systems. It is shown that the ISP provides the mathematical base for a new approach to the measurement of active, reactive, and apparent power. Moreover, the ISP helps separate the positive and negative-sequence components and fits perfectly into the Buchholz-Goodhue apparent power definition.

Hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone is induced by cold exposure and participates in the control of energy expenditure in rats

Short-term cold exposure of homeothermic animals leads to higher thermogenesis and food consumption accompanied by weight loss. An analysis of cDNA-macroarray was employed to identify candidate mRNA species that encode proteins involved in thermogenic adaptation to cold. A cDNA-macroarray analysis, confirmed by RT-PCR, immunoblot, and RIA, revealed that the hypothalamic expression of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is enhanced by exposure of rats to cold environment. The blockade of hypothalamic MCH expression by antisense MCH oligonucleotide in cold-exposed rats promoted no changes in feeding behavior and body temperature. However, MCH blockade led to a significant drop in body weight, which was accompanied by decreased liver glycogen, increased relative body fat, increased absolute and relative interscapular brown adipose tissue mass, increased uncoupling protein 1 expression in brown adipose tissue, and increased consumption of lean body mass. Thus, increased hypothalamic MCH expression in rats exposed to cold may participate in the process that allows for efficient use of energy for heat production during thermogenic adaptation to cold.

A controller design used in Lorenz synchronization chaotic system for secure communication based on LMI fuzzy control system

This paper describes a mathematical study about chaotic system and about the unified approach of chaos control via fuzzy control system based in Linear Matrix Inequality to design a controller which synchronizes the transmission/reception system. This system, that was based in Lorenz chaotic circuit, can be used for transmit signals in secure way.

Treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis by lethal photosensitization and guided bone regeneration: A preliminary histologic study in dogs

Background: the purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the healing potential and reosseointegration in ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects adjacent to various dental implant surfaces following lethal photosensitization.Methods: A total of 36 dental implants with 4 different surface coatings (9 commercially pure titanium surface [CPTi]; 9 titanium plasma-sprayed [TPS]; 9 hydroxyapatite [HA]; and 9 acid-etched [AE]) were inserted in 6 male mongrel dogs 3 months after extraction of mandibular premolars. After a 2-month period of ligature-induced peri-implantitis and 12 months of natural peri-implantitis progression, only 19 dental implants remained. The dogs underwent surgical debridement of the remaining dental implant sites and lethal photosensitization by combination of toluidine blue O (100 mug/ml) and irradiation with diode laser. All exposed dental implant surfaces and bone craters were meticulously cleaned by mechanical means, submitted to photodynamic therapy, and guided bone regeneration (GBR) using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes. Five months later, biopsies of the implant sites were dissected and prepared for ground sectioning and analysis.Results: the percentage of bone fill was HA: 48.28 +/- 15.00; TPS: 39.54 +/- 12.34; AE: 26.88 +/- 22.16; and CPTi: 26.70 +/- 16.50. The percentage of reosseointegration was TPS: 25.25 +/- 11.96; CPTi: 24.91 +/- 17.78; AE: 17.30 +/- 15.41; and HA: 15.83 +/- 9.64.Conclusion: These data suggest that lethal photosensitization may have potential in the treatment of peri-implantitis.