My paintings contain both abstract and figurative elements that share an underlying theme: spiritual symbolism that conveys positive principles to live by. The symbolism that underscores my content carries over to my choice of palette; for example, red or yellow implies the vitality of life while purple stands for royalty.With my drawings, I concentrate on highly realistic graphite portraits of individuals I know. I present them in the environments in which they live to help highlight their unique personalities. With both painting and drawing, my goal is to illustrate spiritual philosophies on macro and micro levels respectively.

The world is full of extremes and I enjoy studying the contrasts of these extremes. I am influenced by the soft and subtle, as well as the rough and unrefined. From printing on the most delicate of papers, to constructing objects from scrap metal and reclaimed barn wood, the pieces I produce are studies in contrast. In these works, I place extremes of media next to one another in a way that makes the viewer feel that these opposites belong together. I struggle to make the improbable seem ordinary and the mundane seem amazing.

Over the last two years(August 2006-June 2008) I have been engaged in landscape painting that takes an experimental approach to material. My use of acrylic, the plastic paint, combines landscape with distortion and artificiality. Plastic has lost the futuristic and hopeful appeal it had in the past but it might still be an apt material to employ for a truly American artwork.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar, longitudinalmente, o efeito de cinco soluções desinfetantes sobre a microdureza e rugosidade superficial de uma resina acrílica termopolimerizável e três materiais reembasadores rígidos. Um total de 240 corpos de prova circulares (30 X 6mm) foram fabricados, utilizando um material para base de dentaduras (Lucitone 550; n=60), e três materiais rígidos, para reembasamento (Jet; n=60, Kooliner; n=60, Tokuyama rebase II fast; n=60), os quais foram imersos em água (controle), e em cinco soluções desinfetantes (hipoclorito de sódio a 1%, hipoclorito de sódio a 2%, hipoclorito de sódio a 5,25%, glutaraldeído a 2% e gluconato de clorexidina a 4%), e testados para avaliação de microdureza Knoop (KHN) e rugosidade superficial (Ra-µm) em diferentes intervalos (antes das imersões, após 30, 90 e 180 ciclos de desinfecção. Em cada condição experimental foram utilizados 10 corpos de prova de cada material estudado. Os dados foram analisados através de esquema fatorial (6X4) e as médias foram analisadas por meio de análise de variância, seguida por teste de Tukey a 5%. Para as resinas Lucitone 550 (20,61 ± 1,36 a 15,44 ± 1,26 KHN), Jet (18,74 ± 0,47 a 13,75 ± 0,95 KNH), Kooliner (14,09 ± 1,63 a 7,52 ± 0,88 KHN) e Tokuyama rebase II fast (12,57 ± 0,94 a 8,28 ± 0,39 KHN), foi observada uma diminuição significativa dos valores de microdureza, independente da solução utilizada, após 180 ciclos de imersão. Não foi observada interação significativa para a rugosidade da resina Kooliner. Para a resina Lucitone 550 (0,06 ± 0,01 a 0,20 ± 0,02µm) e Jet (0,07 ± 0,01 a 0,23 ± 0,04µm), foi observado aumento significativo dos valores de rugosidade superficial, independente da solução desinfetante utilizada, e a após 180 ciclos de imersão em água, estes materiais mantiveram valores semelhantes ao da avaliação inicial. A resina Tokuyama rebase II fast não mostrou diferenças significativas nos valores de rugosidade superficial quando imersa em água, hipoclorito de sódio a 2%, 5,25% e glutaraldeído a 2%, durante o período do estudo. Ao final da avaliação (180 ciclos), conclui-se que, embora todas as soluções tenham causado redução da microdureza da resina Lucitone 550, os espécimes submetidos às imersões em H5,25% e H2% apresentaram menores valores, no entanto, não ocorreu diferença significante entre os desinfetantes para as resinas autopolimerizáveis. As soluções H1%, H2% e GC4% causaram maior alteração na rugosidade superficial da resina Lucitone 550. Estas mesmas soluções, além de H5,25%, promoveram maior rugosidade na resina Jet, enquanto que, para a resina Tokuyama Rebase II fast, não houve diferença entre os desinfetantes. / The aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal effect of five disinfection solutions on the hardness and roughness of one heat-polymerizing denture base acrylic resin and three hard chairside resins. A total of 240 circular specimens (30 X 6mm) were fabricated using one denture base material (Lucitone 550; n=60) and three hard chairside reliners (Jet; n=60, Kooliner; n=60, Tokuyama rebase II fast; n=60), which were immersed in water (control), and five disinfecting solutions (1% sodium hypochlorite; 2% sodium hypochlorite; 5,25% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde; 4% chlorhexidine gluconate) that were tested for knoop hardness (KHN) and roughness (Ra-µm) for different times (before immersions, after 30, 90 and 180 immersion cycles). For each experimental condition, 10 specimens were used from each material. Data was analyzed by factorial scheme (6 X 4) and the means were analyzed by The Variance Analysis which was followed by Tukey\'s test 5%. For Lucitone 550 (from 20,61 ± 1,36 to 15,44 ± 1,26 KHN), Jet (from 18,74 ± 0,47 to 13,75 ± 0,95 KHN), Kooliner (from 14,09 ± 1,63 to 7,52 ± 0,88 KHN), Tokuyama rebase II fast (from 12,57 ± 0,94 to 8,28 ± 0,39 KHN) significant decrease in hardness was observed regardless of the solution used, after 180 immersion cycles. No significant interactions were observed for Kooliner roughness. Between Lucitone (from 0,06 ± 0,01 to 0,20 ± 0,02µm) and Jet, (from 0,07 ± 0,01 to 0,23 ± 0,04µm) there was a significant increase in roughness regardless of the disinfectant solution used; Jet showed significant increase in roughness after immersion in water for 180 cycles. Tokuyama rebase II fast showed no significant differences in roughness when immersed in water, 2% sodium hypochlorite, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and 2% glutaraldehyde after 180 cycles. In conclusion, this study showed that Lucitone 550 specimens exhibited significant decrease in hardness regardless of the disinfection solution used, and the specimens immersed in H5,25% and H2% showed lower hardness values; However, no significant differences were noted between all disinfectants solution, for hard chairside resins. The solutions H1%, H2% and GC4% caused more alteration in roughness of Lucitone 550. These solutions along with H5,25% caused an increase in the roughness of Jet, while with the Tokuyama rebase II fast there was no difference between the disinfection solutions.

O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar longitudinalmente, o efeito de sucessivos ciclos de desinfecção sobre as propriedades de microdureza e rugosidade superficial de 4 diferentes resinas acrílicas. Foram confeccionados 200 corpos de prova, utilizando um material para base de dentaduras (Lucitone 550) e três materiais rígidos para reembasamento (Jet, Kooliner e Tokuyama Rebase II Fast), os quais foram divididos, para cada resina, em cinco grupos: imersos em água (controle) e submetidos à irradiação por microondas em quatro combinações diferentes de potência-tempo. Esses grupos foram avaliados em relação à rugosidade superficial (Ra-µm) e microdureza Knoop (KHN) em um período anterior às desinfecções e após 30, 90 e 180 ciclos de desinfecção. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, seguida por teste de Tukey a 5%. As principais alterações nos valores de microdureza (diminuição) e rugosidade superficial (aumento) ocorreram após 30 ciclos de desinfecção em microondas. Após esse período existiu uma tendência para a estabilização dos valores dessas propriedades, mesmo quando ciclos adicionais (90 e 180 ciclos) foram realizados. Os tratamentos empregados para os diferentes grupos experimentais (diferentes combinações de potência-tempo) não foram os principais fatores que tiveram influência sobre a propriedade de microdureza. É provável que a redução dos valores de microdureza tenha sido mais dependente da sorpção de água do que da energia de microondas por si só. O principal efeito sobre a microdureza através da irradiação por microondas parece ser o efeito da água. A exposição da prótese a fluidos como água e saliva é uma condição que não pode ser evitada. Esse comportamento não foi observado para a rugosidade superficial. Os tratamentos empregados para os diferentes grupos experimentais (diferentes combinações de potência-tempo) tiveram influência sobre a propriedade de rugosidade superficial. De maneira geral observou-se que os valores de rugosidade superficial dos espécimes somente imersos em água foram menores do que os valores dos espécimes irradiados. Apesar da rugosidade de alguns espécimes ter ficado acima de 0.2 um, isso não parece contra-indicar a desinfecção por microondas. As técnicas convencionais de acabamento e polimento aplicadas para as outras superfícies dificilmente atingem níveis de rugosidade superficial inferiores a 0,2 µm. Dessa maneira parece ser prudente a afirmação de que a desinfecção através da energia de microondas pode ser utilizada para a desinfecção de próteses. / The objective of this study was to investigate the longitudinal effect of microwave disinfection on the hardness and roughness of one heat-polymerizing denture base acrylic resin and three hard chairside resins. A total of 200 specimens were fabricated using one denture base material (Lucitone 550; n=50) and three hard chairside reliners (Jet; n=50, Kooliner; n=50, Tokuyama Rebase II Fast; n=50), which were immersed in water (control), and submitted to microwave disinfection at four different arrangements of power and time. These specimens were tested for knoop hardness (KHN) and roughness (Ra-µm) for different times (before disinfection, after 30, 90 and 180 disinfection cycles). Data were analyzed by Variance Analysis which was followed by the Turkey\'s test at a level of 5%. The principal alterations on hardness (reduction) and on roughness (elevation) occurred after 30 disinfection cycles. Both of the properties remained stable after this period, even after 90 and 180 disinfection cycles. The different arrangements of power and time carried out for the experimental groups did not have influence on hardness. It is possible that this property was more affected from water sorption than microwave energy only. During its clinical use, the denture is exposed to water and saliva and it seems that this condition cannot be prevented. This fact was not observed for roughness. The different arrangements of power and time carried out for the experimental groups had influence on roughness. It was observed that the control group had lower roughness values when compared to the experimental groups. The roughness values of some specimens were greater than 0.2 um. However, this fact does not compromise the indication of microwave disinfection. The finishing and polishing techniques commonly used for the other surfaces of the denture do not get roughness values below 0.2 um. Therefore, it is very likely that microwave disinfection could be recommended for the disinfection of dentures.

Orientador: Carlos Eduardo Vergani / Banca: Marco Antonio Compagnoni / Banca: Marcelo Ferraz Mesquita / Resumo: Este estudo avaliou o efeito do reembasamento da ciclagem mecânica e da armazenagem em água sobre a resistência à flexão de uma resina acrílica para base de prótese (Lucitone 550- L). Os corpos-de-prova foram confeccionados a partir da confecção de lâminas da resina L (64x10x2 mm3), reembasadas (1,3 mm) com quatro reembasadores quimicamente ativados (Kooliner-K, Ufi Gel Hard-UGH, Tokuso Rebase Fast-TR e New Truliner-NT). Além disso, foram confeccionados corpos-de-prova a partir do reembasamento com a própria resina L e corpos-de-prova intactos da resina L. Quarenta corpos-de-prova (64x10x3,3 mm3) foram confeccionados para cada combinação entre os materiais e divididos em quatro grupos (n=10). Os corpos-de-prova foram submetidos aos testes de flexão nas seguintes condições: após polimerização (G1); após armazenagem em água destilada a 37+-1ºC por 30 dias (G2); após ciclagem mecânica flexural de 10.000 ciclos com frequência de 5Hz (G3) e após armazenagem em água a 37ºC por 30 dias, seguida de ciclagem mecânica (G4). Os testes de flexão em três pontos foram realizados em máquina de ensaios mecânicos (5mm/min; span=50mm). A resistência à flexão (MPa) foi calculada na força máxima de ruptura (RM) e no limite de proporcionalidade (RP). A análise de variância em três níveis e o teste de Tukey HSD para comparações múltiplas foram utilizados para determinar a significância estatística dos resultados obtidos (P=0,05). Houve efeito significativo para os fatores Material e Ciclagem mecânica e para interação Armazenagem x Material. A análise dessa interação permitiu observar um aumento significante da RM das amostras L-UGH (50,64 MPa) e L-TR(57,36 MP-a), após armazenamento em água (P=0,001 e 0,016 respectivamente). Foi observado, ainda, ...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This study investigated the effect of relining, cyclic loading and water storage on the flexural strength of a denture base acrylic resin (Lucitone 550-L). Specimens L were made (64x10x2 mm3) and relined (1.3 mm) with four different relining resins (Kooliner-K, Ufi Gel Hard-UGH, Tokuso Rebase Fast-TR and New Truliner-NT). In addition, specimens relined with L and intact L specimens were made. Forty specimens (64x10x3.3 mm3) were made for each material combination and divided into four groups (n=10). Specimens were submitted to the flexural strength test after: polymerization (G1); water storage in distilled water for 30 days at 37+-1ºC (G2); cyclic loading for 10000 cycles at 5 Hz (G3) and water storage in distilled water for 30 days at 37+-1ºC followed by cyclic loading (G4). For the flexural tests, force measurements were made with a testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5mm/min using a three point bending fixture with a span of 50 mm. The ultimate flexure strength (RM) and the flexural strength at the proportional limit (RP) were calculated. The results were analyzed with 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests. After water storage, the specimens L-UGH (50.64 MPa) and L-TR (57.36 MPa) demonstrated in increased RM (P=.001 and .016, respectively). Only L-TR (24.21 MPa) demonstrated an increased RP (P=.012) after water storage. The L-L specimens produced the highest RM and RP (P=.0000), followed by intact L specimens. After water storage, L-TR demonstrated higher RM and RP than L-K, L-UGH and L-NT. The cyclic loading decreased the RM and RP of all materials (P=.031 and .0000, respectively). It has been concluded that the water storage improved the RM of L-UGH and L-TR and the RP of L-TR. The L-L specimens produced the highest values of RM and RP. The RM and RP of all materials were detrimentally influenced by cyclic loading. / Mestre

Orientador: João Neudenir Arioli Filho / Banca: Ana Carolina Pero Vizoto / Banca: Raphael Freitas de Souza / Resumo: O propósito do presente estudo foi avaliar a resistência à fratura de coroas provisórias implanto - suportadas unitárias imediatas anteriores confeccionadas com facetas de resina acrílica e resina composta após diferentes tratamentos superficiais. Para isto 64 coroas provisórias implanto-suportadas foram confeccionadas e divididas 8 grupos experimentais (n=8), de acordo com o material de confecção, resina acrílica(RA) no grupo 1 ou resina composta(RC) nos grupos 2 a 8, e, tratamentos superficiais realizados na faceta: 1- sem tratamento, 2- sem tratamento, 3- metilmetacrilato(MM), 4- primer para metal(PM), 5- sistema adesivo(SA), 6- jateamento com óxido de alumínio(Al3O2)+MM, 7- Al3O2+PM e 8- Al3O2+SA . Os espécimes foram submetidos a 1x104 ciclos térmicos variando entre duas temperaturas (5ºC e 55 ºC) e posteriormente ao ensaio de resistência à fratura, com carga aplicada com velocidade de 0,5 mm/ min até a ocorrência de falha. Quando os valores de carga máxima para fratura foram analisados, o grupo 1 (controle) obteve os maiores valores (332 N média e ± 67 desvio padrão). Comparados ao controle, os grupos 2, 3, 4, 6 e 7 se mostraram estatisticamente diferentes (P < 0.05), com valores de carga máxima para fratura inferiores ao controle. Por outro lado os grupos 5 e 8 foram semelhantes e não demonstraram diferença estatística quando comparados com o controle (P > 0.05). A partir da análise dos dados, de acordo com a metodologia utilizada, pode-se concluir que o tratamento com sistema adesivo é uma boa opção para uso clínico, aumentando a resistência das coroas provisórias implanto-suportadas confeccionadas com resina acrílica e resina composta. / Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of the immediate implant-supported provisional crown prepared with denture tooth and composite resin, after different surface treatments. Sixty-four screw-retained implant-supported provisional crown were divided into 8 groups (n= 8) according to the crown material, acrylic resin(AR) group1 or composite resin(CR) groups 2 to 8 and surface treatment performed: 1- no surface treatment, and 2- no surface treatment, 3- methyl methacrylate(MM), 4- metal primer(MP), 5- bonding system(BS) 6- alumina air abrasion (Al3O2) +MM, 7- Al3O2+MP and 8- Al3O2+BS. Specimens were subjected to 1x104 thermal cycles at two temperatures (5ºC and 55 ºC) and after that was performed the static mechanical test with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/ min until the sample fracture. When the maximum load to failure was analyzed the group 1 (control) had the highest values (332 N ± 67 mean and standard deviation). Compared to the control, groups 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 were statistically different (P <0.05), with lower values of maximum than the control. Moreover the 5 and 8 groups were similar and showed no statistical difference when compared with the control (p> 0.05). From the analysis of the data in accordance with the methodology used, it can be concluded that the treatment with bonding system is a good option for clinical use, increasing the resistance of implant-supported provisional crowns made with acrylic resin and composite resin. / Mestre

The reaction of dimethylcopper lithium and di-n-butylcopper lithium with 3-bromo-2-(2-phenylacetamido) acrylic acid, mp 174 - 175°, produced as major products 3-methyl-2-(2-phenylacetamido) acrylic acid and 3-n-butyl-2-(2-phenylacetamido) acrylic acid, respectively. The dimethylcopper lithium reaction was stereospecific for the E geometrical isomer, mp 198 - 199°, and produced 3-methyl-2-(2-phenylacetamido) acrylic acid and 2-(2-phenylacetamido) acrylic acid in a 3:1 molar ratio, respectively. The di-n-butylcopper lithium reaction produced as the main products 3-n-butyl-2-(2-phenylacetamido) acrylic acid and 2-(2- phenylacetamido) acrylic acid in a 7:1 molar ratio, respectively, with the 3-n-butylacrylic acid comprising 83% of the product. The reaction produced the E isomer, mp 205 - 206°, and the Z isomer, mp 164 - 165°, in the approximate ratio of 2:1, respectively. The configuration of the products of both reactions was determined by the comparison of the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra with spectra of model compounds of known configuration. Nuclear magnetic resonance evidence relating to the stereochemistry of 3-bromo-2-(2-phenylacetamido) acrylic acid based on the single isomers of this acid and the corresponding methyl ester reported in the literature was inconclusive. In order that a comparison of the properties of both isomers could be made, an attempt was made to prepare the uncommon isomer of methyl 3-bromo-2-(2-phenylacetamido) acrylate from (a) the common isomer by hydrobromination-dehydrobromination with triethylamine and (b) from methyl 2-(2-phenylacetamido) acrylate by bromination-dehydrobromination with triethylamine. Both attempts were unsuccessful.

This research project will explore American philosopher John Dewey’s theory of transaction, and Shannon Sullivan’s interpretation of Dewey’s theory, the ‘Transactional Body’, and their inherent potential for the making and reception of painting. Dewey stated (Dewey, cited in Sullivan: 1-2) that organisms live as much in processes across and 'through' skins as in processes 'within skins'. Sullivan’s ‘transactional body’ is always in a state of flux, a morphic body in perpetual motion. Within an artistic context this raises the possibility of exploring the theory of transaction as it applies to painting, using the concept of automatic intuitive art practice. Central to this investigation will be direct connection between senses, instincts, intuition, and the painting. Sullivan suggests that truth and wisdom can be pursued through somatic experience. Therefore the process will be explored by an extension of the corporeal body through the physicality of gesture, movement, rhythm, colour, and mark making. A recurring subtext throughout this investigation will be that of ‘duality’; specifically that defined as the struggle between the use of the conscious, critical mind, allowing for the transaction between artist, paint and canvas to occur naturally and intuitively. The conscious mind / intuition duality manifests at various stages during the manufacture and reception of a painting. Whilst the project relies upon automatic and intuitive praxis, conscious decisions are made regarding the size and shape of the canvas, the medium used, and through reflective analysis of the completed work.

Submitted in fulfillment of the Degree of Master in Technology: Dental Technology in the Department of Dental Services Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / Globally in the field of Dental Technology, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin continues to be the popular material for the fabrication of denture bases in removable prosthodontics. However, the mechanical strength of the denture base is a concern due to fractures occurring intra-orally or when accidentally dropped. The objective of this in vitro investigation was therefore to evaluate and compare the flexural strength and microstructure of stick® glass fibre and wire mesh reinforced PMMA resin after thermocycling. The selection of the materials used in this study was based primarily on their popularity and availability in South Africa. These materials were selected to ensure that the results of this study would have further implicational value in the commercial dental industry when published. This investigation was conducted by means of fabricating a total of 90 PMMA resin specimens and divided in three groups consisting of 30 specimens each. Sample groups 1 and 2 were reinforced with stick® glass fibres and wire mesh respectively. The un-reinforced sample group was the control. All 90 specimens were thermocycled in water at temperatures between 5˚C and 55˚C for 2100 cycles. The flexural strength of each specimen was tested using a universal testing machine and the microstructure of the fractured surfaces was then analysed using scanning electron microscopes (SEM). SPSS version 15.0 was used for data analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Data were analysed using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods. Statistically significant differences in flexural strength existed between the three sample groups (p<0.001) with the stick® glass fibre and wire mesh sample groups being significantly superior to the control. Furthermore there was a significant association between fracture modes and sample groups. Microscopic analysis revealed the presence of voids. Statistically, in terms of microstructure (% of voids present), a significant difference existed between all sample groups. With regards to surface texture of the compression and tension sides of the test specimens, significant differences existed between the three sample groups. Furthermore microscopic analysis revealed partial impregnation and distribution of the fibres to the PMMA resin matrix and un-bonding between the wire mesh and PMMA resin matrix. Statistically, the Mann-Whitney test was conducted to compare flexural strength between sample groups with and without voids. The flexural strength was higher in sample groups with voids than those without. This is an important finding from the clinical perspective because, in some structures of dentures, toughness is a desired property. Nevertheless in order to find the long-term data especially on clinical behaviour of these new fibre reinforcement systems, more studies should be conducted.