The field of restorative dentistry and the problem of ultrasonic airframe corrosion in aerospace are introduced as motivation for the construction of a miniature ultrasonic pulser/receiver. / A broadly applicable ultrasonic pulser and receiver system is developed. Two pulsers, a 5V square and a 100V spike, and a 52dB amplifier with a 57MHz 6dB bandwidth were constructed as a result. These battery powered devices are tailored for compatibility with a custom built wireless data transmission system, also driven by the same voltage. It is demonstrated that the new pulser/receiver is comparable to the commercial system in performance in certain areas. / The new pulsers/receiver and a commercial one are used in this work. The data is acquired and analyzed using LabView and Matlab. It is shown that the ultrasonic technique can be used to follow the reaction in time as well as to gauge the cure of dental composites. The current work in ultrasonic airframe corrosion detection is furthered and the wireless system's functionality is affirmed.

No description available.

ABSTRACT CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIOCINS FROM TWO LACTOCOCCUS LACTIS SUBSP. LACTIS STRAINS Ak&ccedil / elik, Oya M.S., Department of Biotechnology In this study, bacteriocins from two L. lactis subsp. lactis isolates of Turkey origin designated OC1 and OC2, respectively, were characterized and identified. The activity spectra of the bacteriocins were determined by using different indicator bacteria including Listeria, Bacillus and Staphylococcus spp. Bacteriocins were tested for their sensitivity to different enzymes, heat treatments and pH values. Loss of bacteriocin activities after &amp / #61537 / -amylase treatment suggested that they form aggregates with carbohydrates. Molecular masses of partially purified bacteriocins were determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. PCR amplification was carried out with different primers for the detection of structural genes of lactococcal bacteriocins. As a result of these studies, the two bacteriocins were characterized as nisin and lacticin 481, respectively. Association of the bacteriocin production with plasmid DNA was examined by using acriflavine as a plasmid curing agent. Plasmid profiles of the wild type and its non-bacteriocin producing mutants were determined by using the alkali lysis method followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The genetic nature of industrially important characteristics of Lactococcus lactis strains were investigated through gene transfer studies via conjugation. According to the results of plasmid curing and conjugal transfer trials, it was concluded that in Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis OC1 strain a 39,7 kb plasmid is responsible for nisin production, lactose fermentation and proteolytic activity. In Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis OC2 strain, on the other hand, a 16 kb plasmid appeared to be responsible for lacticin 481 production and lactose fermentation.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Sydney, 2008. / Thesis submitted to the University of Western Sydney, College of Health and Science, School of Natural Sciences, in fulfilment of the requirements for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy. Includes bibliography.

Thesis (Master of Architecture)--San Diego State University, 2005. / "January 2005." Description based on title screen as viewed on June 1, 2010. DTIC Descriptor(s): Health, Balance, Food, Blood Diseases, Medical Services, Military Personnel, Facilities, Diseases, Pain, Physicians, Cancer, Healing, Daily Occurrence, Immunity, Contamination, Curing, Medicine, Theses, Failure, Optimization. Includes bibliographical references (p. xix-xxi). Also available in print.

Nas edificações, as argamassas de revestimento têm diversas funções e sabe-se que o perfeito desempenho daquelas está diretamente relacionado com o tipo de argamassa empregada, suas propriedades tanto no estado fresco quanto no endurecido, como também das diversas propriedades do substrato no qual a mesma será aplicada. O baixo desempenho de uma ou mais destas funções pode gerar o aparecimento de manifestações patológicas, fatores que fazem com que as argamassas deixem de cumprir suas funções trazendo desconforto ao usuário bem como custos de manutenção e reparo. A temperatura e a umidade relativa do ar, durante a cura do revestimento, influenciam a velocidade de endurecimento da argamassa e sabe-se que além temperaturas com grande amplitude de variação ao longo do dia. Com base neste contexto, este trabalho busca avaliar o desempenho de argamassas de revestimento (industrializada, preparada em obra com utilização de cal hidratada e preparada em obra com utilização de aditivo incorporador de ar) quando aplicadas a substratos cerâmicos com 3 níveis de absorção de água, e curadas nas temperaturas de 5, 20 e 40°C. Para tal, verificou-se o comportamento em termos de resistência de aderência à tração do revestimento, além de análises realizadas em corpos-de-prova para cada tipo de argamassa de revestimento. Em relação à temperatura de cura, pode-se dizer que a temperatura intermediária (20°C) apresentou melhores resultados para a grande maioria das combinações entre argamassas de revestimentos e blocos cerâmicos. No que se refere à argamassa preparada em obra com a utilização de cal hidratada, o substrato com menor absorção de água, com cura em temperatura intermediária, apresentou melhor aderência. / In constructions, mortars has many functions and it’s known that these perfect performance are directly related with the mortar kind, the properties in fresh and hardened stages, as also of the bond properties in which it will be applied. Overhead of one or more of these functions can accelerate the pathological manifestations appearance, things that make that mortars leaves off these functions bringing the user discomfort as well as maintenance costs and repair. The temperature and the air relative humidity, during the cure has influence in the mortar hardening. Therefore it´s true that all day long we have beyond temperatures with great variation. In this context, this dissertation searches to evaluate the mortars performance (industrialized, prepared with lime and prepared with additive) when applied in bricks with 3 water absorption levels, and cured temperatures of 5, 20 and 40°C. For such, the traction strength behavior was verified, beyond analyses in samples for each mortar kind. About the cure temperature, it can be said that the medium temperature (20°C) presented better resulted for the great majority of the combinations between mortars and ceramic bricks. About mortars, the one prepared with lime, the bond with lower water absorption, with medium cure temperature, presented better performance.

Mechanical performance of composite structures is influenced by the accumulation of damage from the manufacturing process and throughout the whole service life. For instance, an aircraft is subjected to a combination of mechanical loading and the thermo-oxidative environment from the take-off to the landing. Therefore, this degree project consists of studying the damage initiation and evolution in carbon fibre reinforced polyimide composites and assesses the thickness effect of the laminated composites. After manufacturing, the level of residual thermal stresses occurring at room temperature lead to the occurrence of microcracks in bundles of the quasi-isotropic composites. Further cooling to cryogenic temperature creates new cracks were appearing. This reinforces the conclusion that cracks are created due to thermal stresses. Comparison between a baseline composite made of carbon fibre T650 8-harness satin weave with thermosetting polyimide resin (ply thickness= 190µm) and thin-ply textile laminate made of Textreme carbon fibre IMS65 (ply thickness=83µm) with the same resin shows that the ply thickness has a significant effect on suppressing or delaying the occurrence and the propagation of microcracks after mechanical loading. It is assumed that there are some edge effects leading to different damage state in 90° and ±45° layers.

En raison de la demande de miniaturisation croissante dans l’industrie microélectronique, il est nécessaire de développer des circuits imprimés multicouches (PCB, Printed Circuit Board) présentant une densité d’interconnections de plus en plus élevée. Avec leurs bonnes propriétés physico-chimiques et mécaniques et un relatif faible coût, les matériaux composites à base de résine époxy sont des matériaux de premier choix pour ce type d’application. Cependant, la réduction de la taille des connexions électriques de cuivre (largeur < 1 µm), implique que l’adhésion cuivre/époxy soit améliorée. Dans la littérature, des études ont montré que le taux de réticulation des résines epoxy est un paramètre clé, contrôlant la résistance chimique de la résine epoxy (vis-à-vis des procédés industriels d’impression de cuivre par voie chimique) et les propriétés d’adhésion du cuivre sur le substrat composite.L’objectif de cette thèse est d’étudier de façon approfondie la cinétique de réticulation d’un composite époxy/silice (ABF) utilisé en production de masse dans l’industrie microélectronique afin de proposer un protocole de fabrication des circuits imprimés en fonction du taux de réticulation.Le comportement rhéologique du matériau composite en fonction du taux de réticulation a été étudié par analyse mécanique dynamique (DMA). L’influence du taux de réticulation sur les processus de gélification et de vitrification est présentée et une analyse du comportement viscoélastique de la résine epoxy près de la transition vitreuse est discutée. Le modèle WLF est utilisé pour décrire la dynamique de réseau du polymère. La cinétique de réticulation du composite a été étudiée in situ en spectroscopie proche-infrarouge (NIR) et en calorimétrie différentielle à balayage (DSC) en modes isotherme et non-isotherme. L’analyse iso-conversionnelle a permis de déterminer l’énergie d’activation de la réaction de réticulation. Cependant, une modélisation plus approfondie de la cinétique de réticulation a été nécessaire en raison d’une contribution de diffusion s’ajoutant à la contribution chimique de la réaction. Cette étude a montré que les cinétiques de réticulation peuvent être décrites par le modèle auto-catalytique d’ordre n combiné aux modèles de Rabinowitch et WLF-modifié, modèles tenant compte de la contribution de diffusion. Ce modèle a permis de prédire le comportement du matériau dans une large gamme temps/température et d’établir le diagramme Température-Temps-Transformation du matériau .Compte tenu de l’importance du taux de réticulation sur les propriétés d’adhésion des connexions électriques de cuivre, une méthode de mesure du taux de réticulation sur des PCB industriels a été développée. La spectroscopie infrarouge en réflexion diffuse (DRIFTS) s’est avérée être une technique d’analyse parfaitement adaptée. L’influence du taux de réticulation sur l’étape de “desmear” du procédé de fabrication a également été étudiée. Cette étape, constituée d’une phase de gonflement de la résine epoxy (swelling) suivie d’une attaque oxydante au permanganate et d’une étape de réduction, est déterminante quant à la rugosité de surface obtenue et donc l’adhésion du cuivre sur le substrat composite. Une méthode originale a été développée pour déterminer le profil de diffusion de l’agent de gonflement (sweller) au sein du matériau, méthode alliant microtomie et analyse chromatographique. L’effet des conditions de “swelling” sur la rugosité finale du matériau a été déterminé par microscopie à force atomique (AFM). Des tests d’adhésion du cuivre ont également été réalisés afin d’étudier l’influence du taux de réticulation de la résine epoxy et de la rugosité de surface du composite sur la force d’adhésion. Finalement, une bonne adhésion du cuivre (environ 4 N/cm) pour des surfaces de faible rugosité (< 10 nm). / Due to the increasing miniaturization in microelectronics the manufacturing of densely interconnected multilayer printed-circuit boards (PCB) is needed. With their well-balanced physico-chemical and mechanical properties and low cost, epoxy-based composites are insulating materials of prime choice. However, to achieve interconnections at a lower scale (copper line width down to ca. 1 µm), the adhesion between the composite substrate and the copper interconnections must be enhanced. Previous studies showed that the degree of curing of the epoxy matrix (i.e. conversion of crosslinking reaction) is one key-parameter, driving the matrix chemical and mechanical resistance (during the PCP manufacturing process) and the composite/copper line adhesion properties.In this work we present and discuss an in-depth study of the curing kinetics of an epoxy/silica composite (ABF) relevant to the microelectronics industry. The final objective is to propose a process protocol of the PCB manufacturing as function of the degree of curing.The rheological behaviour of the composite material is investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The gelation and vitrification mechanisms are presented as a function of the degree of curing. The viscoelastic behavior of the epoxy matrix near the glass-transition is studied and is shown to be well-described by the WLF model.The curing kinetics of the epoxy composite are studied by in situ near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and both isothermal and non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Iso-conversional analyses are performed to determine the apparent activation energy of the curing reaction. Due to a non-negligible contribution of the diffusion part in the curing reaction, further modelling was needed to achieve a complete description of the curing kinetics. This study showed that the curing kinetic is well-described by the nth-order autocatalytic fitting model in combination with the Rabinowitch/modified-WLF models, taking into account the diffusion contribution. This model is used to predict the material behaviour in a wide time/temperature range and to propose a Temperature-Time-Transformation diagram of the material.Due to the influence of the degree of curing on the adhesion of copper electrical lines, an experimental method for the measurement of the degree of curing of industrial PCB was developed. Diffuse-reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) is found to be a versatile and accurate technique. The influence of the degree of curing on the “desmear” step of the PCB manufacturing process is studied as well. The “desmear” step proceeds in the swelling of the epoxy matrix and the subsequent permanganate etching and reduction reactions. The “desmear” step is quite important regarding the composite surface roughness and, as a consequence, the adhesion of the copper lines. An original method for the determination of the diffusion profile of the sweller through the depth of the material was developed using microtomy and chromatography. The effect of swelling experimental parameters on the final roughness of the composite is determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Adhesion tests of copper lines on the composite substrate are performed to study the influence of the initial degree of curing and the roughness on the peel strength. Good adhesion of copper (about 4 N/cm) is achieved for a low substrate roughness (< 10 nm).

O comportamento de solos estruturados por cimentação é fortemente influenciado pelo estado de tensões existente durante a deposição do agente cimentante. Procedimentos rotineiros de extração e preparação de amostras em laboratório geralmente causam danos à estrutura natural do material, impedindo, muitas vezes a observação do comportamento real do ponto de vista de rigidez e de deformabilidade. A simulação, em laboratório, das condições de confinamento durante a formação da estrutura cimentante, torna-se uma condição necessária para o estudo do comportamento desses materiais. Seguindo essa linha, o trabalho busca avaliar a influência da tensão de confinamento (tensão de cura) existente durante a formação da cimentação no comportamento deste material, a partir de ensaios triaxiais drenados consolidados isotropicamente. Assim, neste estudo propõe-se a utilização de um solo artificialmente curado sob tensão, observando em conjunto a essa variável a influência do nível de cimentação bem como os efeitos oriundos da tensão confinantes utilizada na fase de cisalhamento. Procurou-se avaliar características de deformabilidade e resistência, através de uma análise do comportamento dos materiais. A avaliação das superfícies de plastificação foi realizada a partir da análise de pequenas deformações do solo cimentado. A análise tensãodilatância se desenvolveu com base no exame do comportamento do material a deformações relativamente grandes. Os resultados mostraram, no geral, que o comportamento do material cimentado foi fortemente influenciado pela variação da tensão de cura, tanto a pequenas bem como a deformações relativamente grandes. / The behavior of cemented structured soils is strongly influenced by the existing stress state during the addition of the cementation agent. The common procedures for laboratory sampling usually cause damage to the natural structure of the materials, hindering, many times, the identification of the real behavior in regard to deformability and stiffness properties. The simulation, in laboratory environment, of confining conditions during the cement structure formation turns to be a mandatory circumstance for the study of the material’s behavior. Inside this context, this work aims to evaluate the influence of the existing confining stress (stress cure) during the cement formation in the behavior of the material, through isotropic drained triaxial tests. Thus, it suggested in this study the usage of artificially cemented soil cured under stress, with parallel observation of the influence of the cement degree, as well the effects from the confining stress used during the shearing stage. It was also evaluated deformability and strength characteristics through behavior analyses of the materials. An assessment of the yield surfaces was carried on from soil cemented small deformation analysis. The evaluation of stress-dilatancy was developed based on the exam of relatively large deformation behavior. The results showed that the general behavior of this material was strongly influenced by the variation of the stress curing both at small strains and at relatively large strains.

O estudo em laboratório do desempenho mecânico de solos artificialmente cimentados está normalmente vinculado à simulação do comportamento de geomateriais naturalmente formados em campo. Por outro lado, o estudo desses novos materiais pode ser também ferramenta útil na previsão do comportamento de aterros de solos artificialmente melhorados. O comportamento de solos cimentados possui considerável influência da densidade e do estado de tensões a que estes materiais estão submetidos durante a fase que compreende a cimentação dessas partículas. Uma alternativa ao estudo da cimentação nestes solos, é a elaboração de um meio em que as amostras possam ser cimentadas sob um estado de tensões específico, e que ao mesmo tempo em que se promove uma redução do índice de vazios do respectivo material. Seguindo nessa analogia, o presente estudo visa apresentar resultados de ensaios triaxiais realizados em amostras de um solo artificialmente cimentado, curadas sob diferentes níveis de tensão e estado de tensões. São abordados os resultados do ponto de vista da rigidez e deformabilidade encontrados para o material. Os resultados demonstraram que a alteração dos estados de tensões de cura, bem como a magnitude das tensões confinantes durante a cura, apresentaram influência no comportamento tensão-deformação-dilatância das amostras artificialmente cimentadas. / The laboratory study of mechanical performance of artificially cemented soils is normally associated with the mechanical behaviour of geomaterials that were created in field. The behaviour of artificially cemented soils has substantial influence of density and the stress state that these materials have been submitted during the particles cementation. Thus, an alternative to the understanding of cement effects in these soils is the preparation of a similar environment where the specimens can be submitted the cementation while a specific stress state is applied, promoting the respective void ratio reduction. Following this approach, this study aims to show the results of triaxial tests carried out in an artificially cemented soil, which was cured at different stress states. The results have shown that the changing of stress state of curing, as well as the intensity of the confining stress during the cure, presented considerably influence in the stress-strain-dilatancy of the artificially cemented samples.