Os testes utilizados rotineiramente na avaliação de danos mecânicos, danos causados por insetos e danos por deterioração de tecidos em sementes de soja e de milho são destrutivos, impossibilitando a associação dos resultados obtidos com os testes fisiológicos (germinação e vigor). Dessa forma, a avaliação da qualidade de sementes por meio de análise de imagens tem despertado interesse da pesquisa, devido ao fato de serem técnicas rápidas e não destrutivas, permitindo tal associação. Dentre as técnicas de análise de imagens existentes, as técnicas de microtomografia computadorizada de raios X (micro-TC) e imagem por ressonância magnética (IRM) tem se mostrado promissoras na pesquisa com sementes, por gerarem imagens tridimensionais, que permitem verificar, com precisão, a localização dos danos internos nas sementes. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi utilizar as técnicas de micro-TC e IRM para avaliar danos internos em sementes de milho e de soja, verificar suas relações com a germinação e compará-las a técnica de raios X, que vem sendo utilizada na pesquisa com sementes. Para tanto foram selecionadas previamente, 32 sementes de soja e 30 sementes de milho, que foram submetidas aos testes de raios X, micro-TC e IRM, para obtenção das imagens e, posteriormente, ao teste de germinação, para associar os resultados obtidos com o desempenho das sementes. Pode-se concluir para as sementes de soja que as três técnicas se mostraram eficientes na detecção de danos nas sementes. Por outro lado, para as sementes de milho, pode-se haver necessidade de utilização das técnicas de micro-TC e IRM para avaliar, com maior precisão, a morfologia interna das sementes. / The current tests used in the evaluation of mechanical, insect, and tissue damage in soybean and corn seeds are destructive, making it impossible to associate those with the results obtained with physiological tests (germination and vigor).Therefore, evaluation of the seed quality by imaging analysis techniques aroused interest in seed research for being fast and non-destructive techniques, allowing association with physiological tests. X-ray computerized microtomography (micro-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seem promising techniques due to the fact they generate three-dimensional imagens allowing more accurately evaluation of the seed\'s internal morphology. The objective of this study was to use the micro-CT and MRI techniques to evaluate internal morphology of soybean and corn seeds, correlate their relationship with the physiological test (germination test) and to compare them with the X-ray technique, which has been used in seed research. For that 32 soybena seeds and 30 corn seeds were selected. Seeds were tested with X-ray, micro-CT, MRI, to obtain the images. Then germination test was conducted to associate the results obtained with the performance of the seeds. Overall, the three techniques were efficient in detecting damage in soybean seeds. On the other hand for corn, it may be necessary to use the micro-CT and MRI techniques to evaluate more accurately the internal morphology of the seeds.

Tissue engineering strategies that combine porous biomaterial scaffolds with cells capable of osteogenesis or bioactive proteins have shown promise as effective bone graft substitutes. Attempts to culture bone tissue-engineering constructs thicker than 1mm in vitro often result in a shell of viable cells and mineralized matrix surrounding a necrotic core. To address this limitation, we developed a perfusion bioreactor system that improves mass transport throughout large cell-seeded constructs. Additionally, we established and validated 3-D computational methods to model flow and shear stresses within the microporosity of perfused constructs. Micro-CT scanning and analysis techniques were used to non-destructively monitor mineral development over time in culture. CFD modeling of axial perfusion through cylindrical scaffolds with a regular microarchitecture revealed a uniform flow field distributed throughout the scaffold. Perfusion resulted in a 140-fold increase in mineral deposition at the interior of 3 mm thick polymer scaffolds seeded with rat bone marrow stromal cells. The total detected mineral volume tripled as the construct length was increased from 3 to 9 mm. Increasing scaffold length to 9 mm did not affect the mineral volume fraction (MVF) within the full volume of each construct. Mineral volume, spatial distribution, density, particle size and particle number were then quantified on cell-seeded constructs in 5 different culture environments. The effect of time varying flow conditions was compared with continuous perfusion as well as two different control cell culture methods in an attempt to enhance mineralized matrix within the constructs. Intermittent elevated perfusion and dynamic culture in an orbital rocker plate produced the greatest amount of mineral within 9 mm long constructs compared to low continuous flow and high continuous flow cases. Together, these studies indicate that dynamic culture conditions enhance construct development with regards to cell viability, mineralized matrix deposition, growth rate, and distribution. Furthermore, these techniques provide a rational approach to selecting perfusion culture conditions that optimize the amount and distribution of mineralized matrix production. Finally, the established perfusion bioreactor, in combination with micro-CT analysis, provides a foundation for evaluating new scaffolds and cell types that may be useful for the development of effective bone graft substitutes.

A new model of a critically-sized segmental femoral bone defect in rats was developed to enable in vivo imaging and facilitate post-mortem mechanical testing of samples. The critically-sized nature of the model was assessed and confirmed. The efficacy of sustained co-delivery of osteogenic (BMP-2 and TGF- Ò3) and angiogenic (VEGF) growth factors in promoting functional bone repair was assessed. Effects of scaffold modification in terms of geometry and composition were evaluated. The results indicated that co-delivery of BMP-2 and TGF- Ò3 resulted in a dose-dependent improvement in functional bone repair. Modification of the polylactide scaffold to include an absorbable ceramic component and a cored out geometry enhanced rate of union. Addition of VEGF to the scaffold treatment did not significantly impact revascularization of the defect site or functional repair of the bone defect. These data demonstrate that the complex environment of an acute bone defect requires different treatment strategies than simple ectopic models would suggest. A positive predictive correlation between bone repair parameters measured in vivo and mechanical functionality was established. The novel defect model demonstrated robustness and reproducibility. Implications for further research are discussed.

Das Ziel der hier durchgeführten Studie war es, die Möglichkeiten der zerstörungsfreien Untersuchungsmethode, 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie, bei der Bewertung von Wurzelkanalfüllungen anhand der modifizierten lateralen Kondensation, der lateralen Kondensation und bei Thermafil zu untersuchen. Es sollte gezeigt werden, dass die einzelnen Bestandteile der Wurzelkanalfüllung zu differenzieren und im Anschluss auch zu quantifizieren sind. Die ersten 21 mit dieser zerstörungsfreien Methode untersuchten Proben wurden im Anschluss nochmals mit einer klassischen Untersuchungsmethode, der Lichtmikroskopie, beurteilt. Die hier erzielten Ergebnisse wurden bei einem Methodenvergleich mit den Ergebnissen der 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie verglichen und auf eine mögliche Korrelation überprüft. Ziel war es zu überprüfen, ob verschiedene Methoden zur Qualitätsprüfung von Wurzelkanalfüllungen als gleichwertig angenommen werden können. Im Rahmen dieser Untersuchung wurde eine neue modifizierte laterale Kondensation eingeführt, die hinsichtlich ihrer Qualität anhand der bereits genannten Parameter mit zwei bereits eingeführten Wurzelkanalfüllmethoden verglichen werden sollte. Die 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie ermöglichte eine selektive Darstellung der einzelnen Komponenten in 400 bis 750 Ebenen, welche ebenfalls quantifizierbar waren. Es wurden Füllgrade zwischen 71 % und 92 % erzielt. Das Thermafil-System schien den auf lateraler Kondensation basierenden Systemen bezüglich der bestimmten Volumen vereinzelt signifikant überlegen. Bei der lichtmikroskopischen Auswertung ergaben sich diesbezüglich ähnliche Ergebnisse. Die Farbstoffpenetrationstiefen zeigten weder tendenzielle noch signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den einzelnen Fülltechniken. Beim Vergleich der Methoden zur Bewertung der Obturation bezüglich der erhobenen Volumen konnte keine Korrelation nachgewiesen werden. Auch beim Vergleich der Farbstoffpenetrationstiefen und der bestimmten Volumen bei der 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie konnten keine Korrelationen ermittelt werden. Unter Berücksichtigung der Grenzen dieser Untersuchung lässt sich festhalten, dass die Methode der 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie zur Bewertung und zum Vergleich von Wurzelkanalfüllungen geeignet ist. Die Ergebnisse korrelieren jedoch nicht mit denen der Lichtmikroskopie.

A procedure is presented to analyze select geometric and effective properties of the porous transport layer (PTL) of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in com- pressed and uncompressed states using micro-computed X-ray tomography (Micro CT). A method of compression using a novel device design was employed to mimic the non-homogeneous compression conditions found in functioning fuel cells. The process also features open source image processing and CFD analysis through the use of software packages Fiji and OpenFOAM (proprietary software is also used such as Matlab). Tomographic images of a PTL sample in different compressive states are first analyzed by measuring local porosity values in the through-plane and both in- plane directions. The objective of this study was to develop a method for imaging the PTL structure to show directionality within its properties using relatively inexpensive and non-destructional means. Three different PTL types were tested, one without any additives, one with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and one with PTFE and a microporous layer (MPL). Non-homogeneous porosity was shown to exist with the highest and least variable porosity values obtained from the in-plane direction that was in-line with the direction of fibres. Porosity values compared well with values obtained from the literature. The profile of the PTL with MPL added was unattainable using this procedure as the resolution of the Micro CT was too low to resolve its pore space. The next stage involved the effective properties analysis which included effective electronic conductivity and effective diffusivity. It was found that the through-plane values for the effective electronic conductivity study were higher than expected. The ratio between through-plane and in-plane was found to be much higher than expected from literature. Lack of sufficient resolution of fibre contacts has been shown to play a role in this discrepancy. These contact problems were shown not too affect measurements of diffusivity in the pore phase. The in-plane direction parallel to the direction of fibres was found to have the highest values of effective transport properties. Effective diffusivity ratios of between 0.1 and 0.37 were found to be reasonable with the limited experimental evidence found in literature. The it was found that the Bruggeman relation for calculating diffusivity and percolation theory by Tomadakis and Sotirchos over predicted the values for diffusion within the PTL and it is suggested that these theories are not suitable for predicting diffusivity for this material. / Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-02 15:46:29.395

No description available.

Depuis une dizaine d’années, l’essor des minivis d’ancrage orthodontique a été grandissant jusqu’à devenir, aujourd’hui, un outil incontournable dans l’arsenal thérapeutique de l’orthodontiste. Très peu d’études ont été publiées quant à la nature de la réponse tissulaire face à l’insertion et la mise en charge de ces minivis. De plus, une partie des patients concernés par l’orthodontie étant des adolescents, il serait intéressant de savoir si le tissu osseux en croissance est propice à l’utilisation de ces dispositifs. L’influence de la nature du matériau sur cette réaction tissulaire reste également à définir. L’objectif de cette étude a été d’évaluer la biointégration de deux systèmes de minivis orthodontiques présents sur le marché, l’un en acier chirurgical et l’autre en titane-aluminium-vanadium, en conduisant une analyse clinique, histomorphométrique et microtomographique chez le porc en croissance. Les résultats ont montré que la réponse osseuse se caractérise, dans un os en croissance peu compact, par un épaississement des travées osseuses au contact des dispositifs, probablement pour résister à la contrainte locale. Le tissu osseux en croissance permet la biointégration des minivis d’ancrage orthodontique, mais le taux de succès relativement faible observé implique l’adaptation des protocoles cliniques par une analyse préalable du ratio os trabéculaire/os cortical, une augmentation du délai avant mise en charge, et l’application de forces légères. La réponse tissulaire est similaire, quel que soit le système étudié. L’acier chirurgical, grandement utilisé en orthopédie, présente donc un intérêt en orthopédie dento-faciale, dans une indication temporaire / The miniscrew implants are increasingly used over the last decade in orthodontics and gradually replacing the use of extraoral forces because of their greater efficiency and because their effectiveness is not subject to patient compliance. Few studies seeking to understand the response to orthodontic anchorage devices at bone-tissue interface have been published over the last ten years. Despite the large use of miniscrews in teenagers, very few have included young subjects in their protocol. Furthermore, despite the use of stainless steel miniscrew implants, no studies have investigated biointegration of such devices. The aim of the present study was to evaluate tissue response to immediately loaded miniscrew implants (of Ti6Al4V and of stainless steel) in growing pigs in order to answer to the following questions: Is it possible to implant and load miniscrew implants in a growing bone? Does stainless steel devices present the same biointegration than titanium devices? A clinical evaluation, and histomorphometrical and micro-CT analyses were performed. Results showed that the growing bone seems compatible with the orthodontic anchorage. In the growing pig with low bone density areas, the trabecular thickness increase appears as the bone response to withstand the local strains induced by loaded orthodontic miniscrews. Stainless steel devices presented similar behavior to the Ti6Al4V devices in pigs. This study showed the possibility to place stainless steel miniscrew implants for orthodontic anchorage in growing models

In human pregnancy, the feto-placental vessels are crucial for efficient materno-fetal transfer; hence they play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction (FGR). We, as well as other research groups, have observed abnormalities in the FGR feto-placental vasculature, which, though inconclusive, were suggestive of a state of panhypovascularity. The goal of the work presented in this thesis was to investigate this. We hypothesised that the placenta may be panhypovascular in FGR due to failed angiogenesis; and enhancing angiogenesis in the placenta may improve fetal growth. Custom-designed techniques including advanced imaging, computer-aided analyses and tube-forming experiments were employed to compare feto-placental vessels and endothelial cells in placentas from normal and FGR-complicated pregnancies while aiming to answer two main research questions: (i) is the FGR placenta panhypovascular? (ii) can angiogenesis be induced or enhanced to improve placental vascularity?Findings include: (i) shorter arterial [p = 0.03 and 0.009 when data adjusted for placental surface area (PA) and weight (PW) respectively] and longer venous path [p = 0.05 and 0.03, adjusted for PA and PW respectively] in FGR placentas though no difference in the total number of arterial or venous branches, diameter, and tortuosity of the vessels compared to normal; (ii) altered angiogenic behaviour/response of FGR placental endothelial cells following in vitro pharmacological manipulation of WNT signalling; (iii) human placental endothelial cells are capable of regaining their angiogenic potential following withdrawal of WNT inhibition. These findings discount the hypothesis of panhypovascularity in FGR placentas, but identify additional, previously unreported, feto-placental vascular abnormalities associated with FGR. Also, the findings provide evidence that impairment of WNT signalling may play a role in defective angiogenesis and consequent dysvascularity in the FGR placenta. The evidence suggests the WNT pathway should be explored as a potential new target for therapeutic interventions to correct placental dysvascularity in FGR.

Submitted by Marcos Wanderley (marcos.wanderley@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-07-25T22:10:41Z No. of bitstreams: 1 LEYLLANNE RENALLE BATISTA DE ALMEIDA - DISSERTAÇÃO(PPGEPM) 2017.pdf: 12325381 bytes, checksum: fce49fc6ad696f06078e766798c43c30 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-25T22:10:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 LEYLLANNE RENALLE BATISTA DE ALMEIDA - DISSERTAÇÃO(PPGEPM) 2017.pdf: 12325381 bytes, checksum: fce49fc6ad696f06078e766798c43c30 (MD5) / A ampla utilização do método sísmico de prospecção na indústria de petróleo para gerar imagens das estruturas geológicas que encontram-se em subsuperfície e para o monitoramento dos reservatórios de petróleo torna essencial o conhecimento das propriedades petrofísicas e dos fatores que as afetam. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo realizar o estudo petrofísico e petrográfico de trinta amostras de rochas sedimentares (arenitos e calcários), provenientes de formações estadunidenses, consideradas padrões na indústria. Foram realizados ensaios de caracterização petrofísica convencional, por métodos laboratoriais, empíricos - através dos modelos de substituição de fluidos - e simulações por modelos computacionais, utilizando os softwares Avizo Fire 8.1 e COMSOL Multiphysics 5.1, bem como a análise composicional a partir da difratometria de raios X e da descrição de lâminas delgadas em microscópio ótico. Os ensaios petrofísicos foram realizados em diferentes condições de pressão e saturação. As propriedades petrofísicas foram influenciadas por diversos parâmetros, que se diferenciam de acordo com o tipo litológico da rocha. A saturação das rochas não atingiu 90%, sendo para as rochas de matriz dolomítica muito inferior quando saturadas com óleo, possivelmente devido às mesmas serem molháveis a água. A saturação fluida influencia definitivamente nas propriedades elásticas das rochas em ambos os métodos estudados. Quando saturados com óleo, a maioria dos plugues apresentaram velocidades compressionais maiores em comparação às outras condições de saturação (seca ou saturada com água). Os modelos de Gassmann e Brown & Korringa mostraram-se mais representativos para as ondas compressionais, sendo em alguns casos eficientes também para as cisalhantes. O modelo de Biot mostrou-se mais eficiente para as ondas cisalhantes, principalmente nos arenitos. O método computacional mostrou-se eficaz visto que a velocidade compressional, pelo menos para um dos pontos receptores escohidos, se aproxima ou coincide com o valor medido laboratorialmente. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o conjunto de amostras estudado apresenta um bom potencial para reservatório. A composição mineralógica por DRX apresentou um bom ajuste com a densidade de grãos medidas convencionalmente. / The wide use of seismic prospecting method in the oil industry to generate images of geological structures that are found in subsurface and to the monitoring of petroleum reservoirs makes it essential to the knowledge of the petrophysical properties and the factors that affect them. In this context, this research aims to carry out the petrophysical and petrographical study of 30 samples of sedimentary rocks (sandstones and limestones) from American formations, considered standards in the industry. Petrophysical characterization tests were carried out by conventional laboratory methods, empirical-through fluid-replacement models and simulations by computer models, using the software Avizo Fire 8.1 and COMSOL Multiphysics 5.1, as well as the compositional analysis from the x-ray diffractometry and thin sections description in optical microscope. The petrophysical tests were performed under different conditions of pressure and fluid saturation. The petrophysical properties were influenced by several parameters, which differ according to the lithological rock type. The saturation of rocks not reached 90%, being much lower for dolomitic matrix rocks when saturated with oil, possibly due to their water wettability. Fluid saturation influences definitely in elastic properties of rocks in both methods studied. When saturated with oil most of the samples show higher compressional velocities as compared to other conditions of saturation (dry or saturated with water). The models of Gassmann and Brown & Korringa were more representative for the compressionais waves, being efficient in some cases also for the shear ones. Biot model proved to be more efficient for shear waves, especially in sandstones. The computational method proved effective as the compressional velocity, at least for one of the receivers, approaches or matches the value measured in the laboratory. The results obtained show that the set of samples studied presents good potential for reservoir. The mineralogical composition by DRX presented a good fit with the grain density measured conventionally.

Os testes utilizados rotineiramente na avaliação de danos mecânicos, danos causados por insetos e danos por deterioração de tecidos em sementes de soja e de milho são destrutivos, impossibilitando a associação dos resultados obtidos com os testes fisiológicos (germinação e vigor). Dessa forma, a avaliação da qualidade de sementes por meio de análise de imagens tem despertado interesse da pesquisa, devido ao fato de serem técnicas rápidas e não destrutivas, permitindo tal associação. Dentre as técnicas de análise de imagens existentes, as técnicas de microtomografia computadorizada de raios X (micro-TC) e imagem por ressonância magnética (IRM) tem se mostrado promissoras na pesquisa com sementes, por gerarem imagens tridimensionais, que permitem verificar, com precisão, a localização dos danos internos nas sementes. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi utilizar as técnicas de micro-TC e IRM para avaliar danos internos em sementes de milho e de soja, verificar suas relações com a germinação e compará-las a técnica de raios X, que vem sendo utilizada na pesquisa com sementes. Para tanto foram selecionadas previamente, 32 sementes de soja e 30 sementes de milho, que foram submetidas aos testes de raios X, micro-TC e IRM, para obtenção das imagens e, posteriormente, ao teste de germinação, para associar os resultados obtidos com o desempenho das sementes. Pode-se concluir para as sementes de soja que as três técnicas se mostraram eficientes na detecção de danos nas sementes. Por outro lado, para as sementes de milho, pode-se haver necessidade de utilização das técnicas de micro-TC e IRM para avaliar, com maior precisão, a morfologia interna das sementes. / The current tests used in the evaluation of mechanical, insect, and tissue damage in soybean and corn seeds are destructive, making it impossible to associate those with the results obtained with physiological tests (germination and vigor).Therefore, evaluation of the seed quality by imaging analysis techniques aroused interest in seed research for being fast and non-destructive techniques, allowing association with physiological tests. X-ray computerized microtomography (micro-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seem promising techniques due to the fact they generate three-dimensional imagens allowing more accurately evaluation of the seed\'s internal morphology. The objective of this study was to use the micro-CT and MRI techniques to evaluate internal morphology of soybean and corn seeds, correlate their relationship with the physiological test (germination test) and to compare them with the X-ray technique, which has been used in seed research. For that 32 soybena seeds and 30 corn seeds were selected. Seeds were tested with X-ray, micro-CT, MRI, to obtain the images. Then germination test was conducted to associate the results obtained with the performance of the seeds. Overall, the three techniques were efficient in detecting damage in soybean seeds. On the other hand for corn, it may be necessary to use the micro-CT and MRI techniques to evaluate more accurately the internal morphology of the seeds.