Abstract. We seek for a small set of primitives that might serve as a basis for formalizing and programming service oriented applications over global computers. As an outcome of this study we introduce here SCC, a process calculus that features explicit notions of service definition, service invocation and session handling. Our proposal has been influenced by Orc, a programming model for structured orchestration of services, but SCC's session handling mechanism allows for the definition of structured interaction protocols, more complex than the basic request-response provided by Orc. We present syntax and operational semantics of SCC and a number of simple but nontrivial programming examples that demonstrate flexibility of the chosen set of primitives. A few encodings are also provided that relates our proposal with existing ones.

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Separating orthodontic elastics are used in the interdental subgingival region with the aim to separate the teeth for placement of orthodontic bands. However, latex has been known to cause allergy. As these materials are widely used in clinical orthodontics, care regarding the cytotoxicity of orthodontic elastics should be taken. Thus, clinically proven biocompatible materials should be acquired whenever possible.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and degree of monomer conversion of resin-reinforced glass ionomer cements (RGIC) over different time periods. Four RGICs: Fuji Ortho LC (FOLC), Fuji Ortho Band (FOB), Orthoglass (OGL), and Multicure Glass Ionomer (MCI) were evaluated for cytotoxicity in fibroblastic L929 cells and for their degree of monomer conversion over different time periods. Three control groups were also analysed: positive control (C+), consisting of Tween 80 cell detergent; negative control (C-), consisting of phosphate-buffered saline; and cell control (CC), consisting of cells exposed to any material. To evaluate the cytotoxicity, the dye-uptake technique was used and the degree of conversion was evaluated using infrared spectroscopy. The data obtained were analysed by analysis of variance and the Tukey's test. The results showed cytotoxicity of the RGICs at 1 and 24 hours; the viability values of these materials were statistically different from the C- and CC groups (P < 0.05). After 48 hours, the FOLC group was statistically similar to the CC and C- groups but different from the others. At 1 hour, there was no difference in the degree of conversion between the FOLC and OGL groups (P > 0.05) or between the FOB and MCI (P < 0.05) groups. However, at 48 hours, the FOLC group had greater conversion values than the other groups (P < 0.05). There is a direct relationship between the degree of conversion and RGIC cytotoxicity. Following initial polymerization, cytotoxicity decreases and, consequently, the degree of conversion of the material increases.

SUMMARYWe evaluated the antiviral activity of the marine alga, Ulva fasciata, collected from Rasa beach and Forno beach, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the replication of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The algae extracts were prepared using three different methodologies to compare the activity of different groups of chemical composites obtained through these different methodologies. Four out of the six extracts inhibited nearly 100% of viral replication. The results demonstrated that the majority of the extracts (five out of six) possess virucidal activity and therefore have the ability to interact with the extracellular viral particles and prevent the infection. On the other hand, only two extracts (from Forno beach, obtained by maceration and maceration of the decoction) were able to interact with cell receptors, hindering the viral entry. Finally, only the extract of algae collected at Forno beach, obtained by maceration presented intracellular activity. To our knowledge, this is a pioneer study on antiviral activity of marine algae against HMPV. It is also the first on antiviral activity against HMPV ever done in Brazil. The study also shows the effect of different environment factors and different chemical procedures used to obtain the extract on its biological properties.

This study investigated the cytotoxicity exists between latex and non-latex Orthodontic elastomeric ligatures. Six elastomeric ligatures (1 latex, 2 latex-free and 3 polyurethane) from different manufacturers were divided into 6 groups of 15 elastics each: A (Latex-free, American Orthodontics), M (Polyurethane, Morelli), G (Polyurethane,GAC International), Te (Polyurethane, Tecnident), TP (Natural latex,TP Orthodontics) and U (Latex-free,3M Unitek). The cytotoxicity assay was performed using cell cultures (L929 mouse fibroblast cell line), which were subjected to the cell viability test with neutral red ("dye-uptake") at 1, 2, 3, 7 and 28 days. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between Groups M and Te in all experimental periods, except at 2 days. No significant differences (p>0.05) in cell viability were found either among Groups A, G, TP and U or between Groups M and Te at 24 h or among Groups CC, A, G, TP and U at 2 and 28 days. It may be concluded that latex-free elastomeric ligatures from American Orthodontics and Unitek trademarks induced less cell lysis compared to latex and polyurethane ligatures.

As new orthodontic resin adhesives continue to be marketed, rapid and sensitive tests for examining their toxic effects at the ' cell and tissue level ' are needed because patient safety has been identifi ed as a legal concept. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and degree of monomer conversion of orthodontic adhesives over different time periods. Seven adhesives: Transbond ® XT, Transbond ® Color Change, Quick Cure, EagleBond, Orthobond ® , Fill Mágic ® and Biofix ® were evaluated for their cytotoxicity in L929 fibroblastic cells and for their degree of monomer conversion over different time periods. Three control groups were also analysed: Positive control (C+), consisting of Tween 80 cell detergent; Negative control (C-), consisting of PBS; and cell control (CC), consisting of cells exposed to any material. The dye-uptake technique that involves the absorption of a neutral red dye in viable cells was used for the cytotoxicity evaluation and the degree of conversion was evaluated using spectroscopy with infrared. The results showed the cytotoxicity of the adhesives at 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours. At these times, the viability values presented for these materials were statistically different from the groups CC and C-(p < 0.05). At 168 hours, all the groups showed low cytotoxicity with high cell viability and with no statistical difference with the groups CC and C-(P > 0.05). In the monomer conversions there was a percentage increase of monomer conversion from 24 to 72 hours. A direct correlation could be observed between cytotoxicity and monomer conversions. From this work it can be concluded that all adhesives evaluated are cytotoxic at the times of 24, 48 and 72 hours. Monomers continued conversion even after photopolymerization had stopped.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of acrylic resins of different colors over time.MethodsSpecimens were divided into 4 groups (n = 6) according to the color of the acrylic resin (Orto Class, Clássico, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil): Group 1: clear acrylic resin; group 2: pink acrylic resin; group 3: blue acrylic resin and group 4: green acrylic resin. All specimens were fabricated according to the mass manipulation technique and submitted to mechanical polishing protocol. The control was performed with an amalgam specimen (C+), a glass specimen (C-) and cell control (CC). Specimens were immersed in Minimum Eagle's Medium (MEM) and incubated for 24 h at 37ºC. The extracts from the experimental material were filtered and mixed with L929 fibroblast. Cytotoxicity was evaluated at 4 different times, 24, 48, 72 and 168 h. After contact, cells were incubated for 24 h and added to 100 µ of 0.01% neutral red dye. The cells were incubated for 3 h for pigment incorporation and fixed. Cells viability was determined by a spectroscopic (BioTek, Winooski, Vermont, USA) with a 492-nm wavelength λ=492 nm).ResultsThere were no statistical differences between the experimental groups and the CC and C- groups.ConclusionClear, pink, blue and green self-curing acrylic resins fabricated by means of the mass manipulation technique and mechanically polished are not cytotoxic. Neither the pigment added to the self-curing acrylic resin nor the factor of time influenced the cytotoxicity of the material.