Utilização de índices de estabilidade transitória para a avaliação de segurança dinâmica

Indices that report how much a contingency is stable or unstable in an electrical power system have been the object of several studies in the last decades. In some approaches, indices are obtained from time-domain simulation; others explore the calculation of the stability margin from the so-called direct methods, or even by neural networks.The goal is always to obtain a fast and reliable way of analysing large disturbance that might occur on the power systems. A fast classification in stable and unstable, as a function of transient stability is crucial for a dynamic security analysis. All good propositions as how to analyse contingencies must present some important features: classification of contingencies; precision and reliability; and efficiency computation. Indices obtained from time-domain simulations have been used to classify the contingencies as stable or unstable. These indices are based on the concepts of coherence, transient energy conversion between kinetic energy and potential energy, and three dot products of state variable. The classification of the contingencies using the indices individually is not reliable, since the performance of these indices varies with each simulated condition. However, collapsing these indices into a single one can improve the analysis significantly. In this paper, it is presented the results of an approach to filter the contingencies, by a simple classification of them into stable, unstable or marginal. This classification is performed from the composite indices obtained from step by step simulation with a time period of the clearing time plus 0.5 second. The contingencies originally classified as stable or unstable do not require this extra simulation. The methodology requires an initial effort to obtain the values of the intervals for classification, and the weights. This is performed once for each power system and can be used in different operating conditions and for different contingencies. No misplaced classification o- - ccurred in any of the tests, i.e., we detected no stable case classified as unstable or otherwise. The methodology is thus well fitted for it allows for a rapid conclusion about the stability of th system, for the majority of the contingencies (Stable or Unstable Cases). The tests, results and discussions are presented using two power systems: (1) the IEEE17 system, composed of 17 generators, 162 buses and 284 transmission lines; and (2) a South Brazilian system configuration, with 10 generators, 45 buses and 71 lines.

Effect of different dye solutions on the evaluation of the sealing ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate.

Alkaline materials have shown incompatibility with methylene blue dye in leakage experiments. The goal of the present study was to analyze the effect of different dyes on the evaluation of the apical sealing ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate root-end fillings. Fifty-six extracted human canines were submitted to root canal instrumentation and obturation. After apical resection, retrograde cavities were prepared and teeth were randomly divided into four experimental (n = 13) and two control groups (n = 2). The following root-end filling materials were used: groups 1 and 2--Pro Root MTA (Dentsply), groups 3 and 4--zinc oxide-eugenol cement (ZOE). Teeth in groups 1 and 3 were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution, while teeth in groups 2 and 4 were immersed in 0.2% rhodamine B in a reduced pressure environment for 48 hours. Teeth were then longitudinally sectioned and leakage was evaluated. Results were submitted to statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's test). Group 1 presented the least leakage (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the evaluation of the sealing ability of MTA is influenced by the dye used, since this material presented better sealing ability when evaluated with Methylene Blue, but was similar to ZOE when evaluated with rhodamine B.

Comparative study of MTA and other materials in retrofilling of pulpless dogs' teeth

This in vivo study compared the effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), IRM, Super EBA and ZOE in a puttylike consistency, used as retrofilling materials, in the healing process of periapical tissue of pulpless dogs' teeth submitted to a conventional retrofilling technique. Twenty-four premolars obtained from three dogs were used. At the first intervention, the animals were anesthetized, coronal access was obtained and pulpectomy was done. Root canals were kept open to the oral environment for 180 days to induce the formation of apical lesions. After surgical removal of the lesions with curettes, 2 mm of the apical root was cut out perpendicular to the long axis of the teeth, and root-end cavities were shaped with a low-speed round bur. The bone cavities were irrigated and dried, and the root-end cavities were filled with MTA, IRM, Super EBA and ZOE in a puttylike consistency. The bone cavities were passively filled with blood and flaps were sutured. The coronal access openings were cleaned and double-sealed with ZOE and amalgam. After 180 days, the animals were killed by anesthetic overdose, maxilla and mandible were removed and the pieces were processed for histomorphologic analysis. Data were evaluated blindly on the basis of several histopathologic events and the scores obtained were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal Wallis test. No significant differences were observed among MTA, Super EBA and IRM (p>0.05). However, ZOE had a significantly more negative influence on the apical healing (p<0.05). In conclusion, MTA, Super EBA and IRM had similar histopathologic effects among each other and better performance than ZOE used in a puttylike consistency. Furthermore, only MTA stimulated hard tissue deposition in direct contact with the retrofilling material, even when it was inserted under critical conditions.

Quantitative analysis of potentially toxic metals in alginates for dental use

Alginate is one the materials most employed in practice to make dental impressions. Substances like zinc, cadmium and lead silicate, which are included in several alginate brands with the aim of improving their physical, chemical and mechanical properties, are a source of serious concern as regards their toxicity. The most serious chronic effect of oral exposure to cadmium is renal toxicity. Assimilation of lead has deleterious effects on the gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic system, cardiovascular system, central and peripheral nervous systems, kidneys, immune system, and reproductive system. Chronic oral exposures to zinc have resulted in hypochromic and microcyte anemia in some individuals. The aim of the present study was to measure the cadmium, lead and zinc contents of seven brands of alginate for dental use on sale in Brazil. The samples were weighed and placed in the Teflon cups of a closed-system microwave oven. Aqua regia (4mL concentrated HCI:HNO3, 3:1 v/v) and hydrofluoric acid (2mL concentrated HF) were added to the samples, which were then subjected to heating. The samples were then cooled to room temperature and diluted to 25 mL in deionized water in a volumetric glass flask. The samples were diluted in duplicate and analyzed against a reagent blank. The analyses were performed in an atomic absorption flame spectrophotometer. Neither lead nor cadmium was detected. Zinc contents ranged from 0.001% to 1.36% by weight. The alginates exhibited low contents of the metals under study and gave no cause for concern regarding toxicity; even so, it is advisable to monitor potentially toxic materials continually and to analyze their plasmatic levels in the professionals working with them.

Biological response of pulps submitted to different capping materials

Pulp capping is a procedure that comprises adequate protection of the pulp tissue exposed to the oral environment, aiming at the preservation of its vitality and functions. This study evaluated the response of the dental pulps of dog teeth to capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or calcium hydroxide P.A. For that purpose, 37 teeth were divided into two groups, according to the capping material employed. Two dogs were anesthetized and, after placement of a rubber dam, their pulps were exposed in a standardized manner and protected with the experimental capping materials. The cavities were then sealed with resin-modified glass ionomer cement and restored with composite resin. After sixty days, the animals were killed and the specimens were processed in order to be analyzed with optic microscopy. It was observed that MTA presented a higher success rate compared to calcium hydroxide, presenting a lower occurrence of infection and pulp necrosis.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of pulpotomies employing calcium hydroxide and trioxide mineral aggregate

This study utilized clinical and radiographic examinations to compare the effectiveness of calcium hydroxide paste and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) for pulpotomies of primary molars in children. Ninety primary molars that showed clinical and radiographic indications for pulpotomy treatment were selected. The pulpotomies were performed in two sessions, using a corticosteroid/ antibiotic solution as therapeutic dressing. The sample was divided into two groups of 45 teeth, in which the pulpal remains were protected with either calcium hydroxide paste (Group 1) or MTA (Group 2). Radiographs were taken immediately and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up appointments. Three teeth in Group 1 failed after three months, while two cases failed after six months and one more failed at one year. Two failures were found in Group 2 at the 12-month follow-up. These results indicate that both materials may be utilized for pulpotomies in primary teeth.

Genotoxicity in primary human peripheral lymphocytes after exposure to regular and white mineral trioxide aggregate

Objective: Taking into consideration that DNA damage plays an important role in carcinogenesis, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether regular and white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) are able to induce genetic damage in primary human cells. Study design: Human peripheral lymphocytes obtained from 10 healthy volunteers were exposed to 2 presentation forms of MTA at final concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 μg/mL for 1 hour at 37°C. The negative control group was treated with vehicle control (phosphate buffer solution, PBS) for 1 hour at 37°C and the positive control group was treated with hydrogen peroxide (at 100 μM) for 5 minutes on ice. Results were analyzed by the Friedman nonparametric test. Results: The results pointed out that either regular or white MTA in all concentrations tested did not induce DNA breakage in human peripheral lymphocytes as depicted by the mean tail moment. Conclusion: In summary, our results indicate that exposure to MTA may not be a factor that increases the level of DNA lesions in human peripheral lymphocytes as detected by single cell gel (comet) assay. © 2006 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Polishing methods of an alumina-reinforced feldspar ceramic

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that mechanical polishing methods of ceramic surfaces allow similar superficial roughness to that of glazed surfaces. Twenty-five Vitadur Alpha ceramic discs (5 mm x 2 mm) were prepared according to the manufacturer's specifications. All specimens were glazed and randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=5), according to finishing and polishing protocols: G1: glazed (control); G2: diamond bur finishing; G3: G2 + silicon rubber tip polishing; G4: G3 + felt disc/diamond polishing paste; G5: G3 + felt disc impregnated with fine-particle diamond paste. Next, surface roughness means (Ra - μm) were calculated. Qualitative analysis was made by scanning electron microscopy. Surface roughness data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. G1 and G4 were statistically similar (p>0.05). G2 presented the highest roughness means (p<0.05) followed by groups G3, G5, G4 and G1 in a decreasing order. The hypothesis was partially confirmed as only the mechanical polishing (G4) produced similar superficial roughness to that of surface glazing, although finishing and polishing are technically critical procedures.

Resin microtensile bond strength to feldspathic ceramic: Hydrofluoric acid etching vs tribochemical silica coating

This study aimed to compare the microtensile bond strength of resin cement to alumina-reinforced feldspathic ceramic submitted to acid etching or chairside tribochemical silica coating. Ten blocks of Vitadur-α were randomly divided into 2 groups according to conditioning method: (1) etching with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid or (2) chairside tribochemical silica coating. Each ceramic block was luted to the corresponding resin composite block with the resin cement (Panavia F). Next, bar specimens were produced for microtensile testing. No significant difference was observed between the 2 experimental groups (Student t test, P> .05). Both surface treatments showed similar microtensile bond strength values.

Microtensile bond strength of a repair composite to leucite-reinforced feldspathic ceramic

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength of a repair composite resin to a leucite-reinforced feldspathic ceramic (Omega 900, VITA) submitted to two surface conditionings methods: 1) etching with hydrofluoric acid + silane application or 2) tribochemical silica coating. The null hypothesis is that both surface treatments can generate similar bond strengths. Ten ceramic blocks (6x6x6 mm) were fabricated and randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=5), according to the conditioning method: G1- 10% hydrofluoric acid application for 2 min plus rinsing and drying, followed by silane application for 30 s; G2- airborne particle abrasion with 30 μm silica oxide particles (CoJet-Sand) for 20 s using a chairside air-abrasion device (CoJet System), followed by silane application for 5 min. Single Bond adhesive system was applied to the surfaces and light cured (40 s). Z-250 composite resin was placed incrementally on the treated ceramic surface to build a 6x6x6 mm block. Bar specimens with an adhesive area of approximately 1 ± 0.1 mm2 were obtained from the composite-ceramic blocks (6 per block and 30 per group) for microtensile testing. No statistically significant difference was observed between G1 (10.19 ± 3.1 MPa) and G2 (10.17 ± 3.1 MPa) (p=0.982) (Student's t test; á = 0.05). The null hypothesis was, therefore, accepted. In conclusion, both surface conditioning methods provided similar microtensile bond strengths between the repair composite resin and the ceramic. Further studies using long-term aging procedures should be conducted.

Potencial tóxico dos alginatos para uso odontológico

Alginate or irreversible hydrocolloid is one the most accepted and frequently employed impression materials in dental practice. Substances like zinc, cadmium, lead silicate and fluorides, which are included in several alginate brands with the aim of improving their physical, chemical and mechanical properties, are a source of serious concern as regards their toxicity. Some brands of alginate have been reported to contain potentially toxic fluorides and metals such as cadmium, lead and zinc silicates, either singly or combined. Consequently, special care should be taken while preparing of these materials. It is necessary to monitor potentially toxic chemicals and metals in the alginates continually to avoid contamination of dental professionals and patients. In this review, alginates used in dentistry are analyzed for potential toxicity.

SEM analysis of the in situ early bacterial colonization on two novel feldspathic ceramics submitted to different types of glazing

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate in situ, the early bacterial colonization on feldspar-ceramics submitted to different glazing. Methods and Materials: Fourteen standardized disc specimens (diameter: 5 mm, thickness: 1.5 mm) of each of two micro-particulate feldspathic ceramics (VM7 and VM13, Vita) were produced according to manufacturers' specifications for a total of 28 specimens (24 for the analysis of biofilm and 4 for topographic analysis analyzing the ceramic surfaces). Specimens from each type of ceramic were submitted to two different glazing methods composing four groups: VM7 glazed using glazing liquid Vita Akzent® 25 (G1) and glaze firing (G2), VM13 glazed using glazing liquid (G3) and glaze firing (G4). Six individuals (n=6) wore oral appliances with four ceramic specimens, fixed on the buccal face of the appliances. After 8 hours, each sample was evaluated for the presence (1) or absence (0) of bacterial colonization under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) on five randomly selected fields. The value for each sample was cumulative of the results observed in the fields. One sample from each group was evaluated under a SEM to verify the topographic pattern. Results: There was no difference with regard to bacterial colonization between the feldspar-ceramics and between the glazing types (Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test). Conclusion: Feldspar-ceramics submitted to firing or glaze firing with Vita Akzent® 25 present a similar condition for in situ bacterial colonization. The similar topographic pattern of the ceramic surfaces seems to have influenced the bacterial colonization.

Composição química e aspectos morfológicos de mudas de Tabebuia chrysotricha (Standl.) produzidas em diferentes substratos e soluções de fertirrigação

The work aimed to study the formation of Tabebuia chrysotricha Standi, seedlings in function of four substrates, varying the covering fertilization solutions. To compose the substrate it was used fibrous and granulated coconut fiber obtaining the following treatments: 100% fibrous (100% F), 60% fibrous + 40% granulated (60% F+40% G), 40% fibrous + 60% granulated (40% F+60% G) and 100% granulated (100% G). The basis fertilization was the same for all treatments and the solutions of covering fertilization varied in order to obtain complete solutions with electric conductivities of 1.06 dS m-1, 2.12 dS m-1, 3.2 dS m-1 and 4.25 dS m-1. The propagative material was sowed directly in plastic containers (120mL) with the respective substrates. The fertilization was received through sub-irrigation once a week, respecting the treatments of fertilizations. Seedlings produced in 100%G had been taller and higher than the others. The chemical analyses of aerial part were obtained when the seedlings were ready for expedition (height of 20 cm). The seedlings production in substrate 100% F and 60% F+40% G allowed them to have higher N, S, B, Mn and Zn concentrations in the aerial part. The production of T. chrysotricha seedlings is recommended in granulated coconut fiber substrate and fertilizer solutions with EC of 1.06 dS m-1.

MTA-induced neutrophil recruitment: a mechanism dependent on IL-1β, MIP-2, and LTB4

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the mediators and the resident peritoneal cells involved in the neutrophil migration (NM) induced by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in mice. Study design: MTA (25 mg/cavity) was injected into normal and pretreated peritoneal cavities (PC) with indomethacin (IND), dexamethasone (DEX), BWA4C, U75302, antimacrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), and anti-interleukin-1β (IL-1β) antibodies and the NM was determined. The role of macrophage (MO) and mast cells (MAST) was determined by administration of thioglycollate 3% or 48/80 compound, respectively. The concentration of IL-1β and MIP-2 exudates was measured by ELISA. Results: MTA induced dose- and time-dependent NM into mice PC, with the participation of MO and MAST. NM was inhibited by DEX, BWA4C, and U75302, as well as anti-MIP-2 and anti-IL-1β antibodies. In the exudates, IL-1β and MIP-2 were detected. Conclusions: This study suggests that MTA induces NM via a mechanism dependent on MAST and MO mediated by IL-1β, MIP-2, and LTB4. © 2008 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Response of human dental pulp capped with MTA and calcium hydroxide powder

Objectives: To compare the response of human dental pulp capped with a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Ca(OH) 2 powder. Methods and Material: Pulp exposures were performed on the occlusal floor of 40 permanent premolars. The pulp was then capped with either Ca(OH) 2 powder (CH) or MTA and restored with resin composite. After 30 days (groups CH30 and MTA30) and 60 days (groups CH60 and MTA60), the teeth were extracted and processed for HE and categorized in a histological score system. The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Conover tests (α=0.05). Results: In regard to dentin bridge formation, CH30 showed a tendency towards superior performance compared to MTA30 (p>0.05), although the products showed comparable results at day 60. In the item Inflammation and General State of the Pulp (p>0.05), CH showed a tendency towards presenting a higher inflammatory response. In the item Other Pulpal Findings, MTA and Ca(OH) 2 showed equal and excellent performance after 30 and 60 days (p>0.05). Conclusion: After 30 days, Ca(OH) 2 powder covered with calcium hydroxide cement showed faster hard tissue bridge formation compared to MTA. After 60 days, Ca(OH) 2 powder or MTA materials showed a similar and excellent histological response with the formation of a hard tissue bridge in almost all cases with low inflammatory infiltrate. © Operative Dentistry, 2008.