No description available.

Inclusion removal is critical for the production of clean steel. A better understanding of removal processes require knowledge of the effect of process parameters on dissolution kinetics. The present research focuses on the kinetics of calcium aluminate inclusion dissolution in relevant steelmaking slags that contain CaO, Al2O3 and SiO2. In-situ observation of inclusion dissolution in slag is conducted using a high temperature, confocal scanning laser microscope (HT-CSLM). The particles used in this experimental work are produced in the laboratory and the production technique is explained in detail. The change in particle size is recorded with time and the effects of temperature, slag composition and inclusion morphology are investigated. The images are extracted from video and they are analysed to record the change in equivalent radius of a single particle during the dissolution process. The original and normalized dissolution data is used to determine the dissolution mechanism and to improve existing dissolution models. It has been found that an increase in temperature increases the dissolution rate. At 1550°C and 1600°C, there is no product layer formation at the slag-inclusion interface and so, the dissolution process is faster. Slag composition shows a significant influence on the dissolution kinetics due to differences in the dissolution driving force and viscosity. Additionally, the dissolution rate depends on the morphology of inclusion as available reaction sites vary significantly. Rate limiting steps are discussed based on the shrinking core model and diffusion in stagnant fluid model. It is shown that the rate limiting step for dissolution is the diffusion v through a product layer at 1500°C whereas it is mass transfer in slag at 1550°C and 1600°C. The diffusion coefficient of alumina is obtained by applying a one-dimension diffusion model. The calculated results varied between 5.5×10-11 and 2.6×10-10 m2/s depending on experimental conditions. Slag viscosity was found to be an important parameter for the modelling of the dissolution process. A modification to the correlation between the correction coefficient and slag viscosity was proposed. This modification improved the prediction of the dissolution path for calcium aluminate and alumina inclusions in steelmaking slags. This novel study provides an understanding of dissolution mechanisms and it offers data on the dissolution rate of CA2 inclusions in the slags related to the process of steelmaking. The results from this work can be used by steelmakers to aid in process design. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc) / The present work is a pioneer study on the dissolution of calcium aluminate particles in liquid oxide mixtures using the unique real-time observation approach. Experiments were conducted to provide a better understanding of the effects of various steelmaking conditions on inclusion removal during the refinement of liquid steel. An existing dissolution model is further refined by introducing an additional parameter that is correlated to the properties of oxide mixtures. It has been found that the dissolution model can be applied not only to calcium aluminate inclusions but also to alumina inclusions. Hence, the approach proves the potential university nature of the dissolution model. A clear understanding of the dissolution kinetics of inclusions helps to optimize the current steelmaking routes and enhance the removability of inclusions. Steel with a minimum amount of inclusions has better properties from all aspects, which improves its applicability in all fields.

The grades of steel used for automotive bodies are interstitial free steel grades and titanium stabilized ultra-low carbon steel grades. During the manufacturing of these grades, the addition of titanium in liquid steel is achieved in the steel refining units and may cause processing problems. Titanium reacts with the dissolved aluminum and oxygen to form complex solid aluminum titanate type micro-particles (inclusions). During the flow of titanium alloyed steel grades containing solid inclusions (such as aluminum titanate and alumina type inclusions), the clog accompanied by steel skull can be formed at the submerged entry nozzle between the tundish and the mold. To reduce the effects of aluminum titanate type inclusions, they can be either modified or removed. The current study focused on the removal of Al2O3, TiO2, and Al2TiO5 inclusions by dissolving them in slag in the temperature range of 1430 – 1600 °C using a high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscope. In this technique, a single particle (inclusion) is placed on the surface of a solid slag, and the inclusion-slag system is heated to steelmaking temperatures. The dynamic changes in inclusion size are measured to determine dissolution kinetics and mechanism. This work has developed a complex oxide particle synthesis technique and provides the first-ever kinetic data for removal of aluminum titanate inclusions into steelmaking slags. It is found that Al2O3 inclusions have a slower dissolution rate than that of Al2TiO5 inclusions followed by TiO2 inclusions. The rate-controlling steps are investigated using a shrinking core model. It is shown that the rate-controlling step for dissolution of both Al2O3 and Al2TiO5 inclusion types is the mass transfer of alumina. Evidence in support of this finding is the particle-slag interface characterization by line scan analysis and calculated diffusivity values being inversely proportional to the viscosity of slag. The dissolution path of aluminum titanate is proposed in the following steps. First, aluminum titanate dissociates into alumina, titanium oxide and oxygen while slag penetrates through the particle. In the next step, the alumina and titanium oxide dissolves in slag, and the oxygen leaves the system. The existence of gas bubbles enhances the overall rate of Al2TiO5 dissolution. The current work establishes a detailed understanding of the dissolution of Al-Ti-O type inclusions in steelmaking slags. This knowledge will inform steelmakers on which inclusions of different chemistry can be removed preferably and develop strategies on better slag design to produce superior quality steel with reduced operational downtime. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

<p>Advancements in retinal imaging technologies have drastically improved the quality of eye care in the past couple decades. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are two examples of critical imaging modalities for the diagnosis of retinal pathologies. However current-generation SLO and OCT systems have limitations in diagnostic capability due to the following factors: the use of bulky tabletop systems, monochromatic imaging, and resolution degradation due to ocular aberrations and diffraction. </p><p>Bulky tabletop SLO and OCT systems are incapable of imaging patients that are supine, under anesthesia, or otherwise unable to maintain the required posture and fixation. Monochromatic SLO and OCT imaging prevents the identification of various color-specific diagnostic markers visible with color fundus photography like those of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Resolution degradation due to ocular aberrations and diffraction has prevented the imaging of photoreceptors close to the fovea without the use of adaptive optics (AO), which require bulky and expensive components that limit the potential for widespread clinical use. </p><p>In this dissertation, techniques for extending the diagnostic capability of SLO and OCT systems are developed. These techniques include design strategies for miniaturizing and combining SLO and OCT to permit multi-modal, lightweight handheld probes to extend high quality retinal imaging to pediatric eye care. In addition, a method for extending true color retinal imaging to SLO to enable high-contrast, depth-resolved, high-fidelity color fundus imaging is demonstrated using a supercontinuum light source. Finally, the development and combination of SLO with a super-resolution confocal microscopy technique known as optical photon reassignment (OPRA) is demonstrated to enable high-resolution imaging of retinal photoreceptors without the use of adaptive optics.</p> / Dissertation

A proposta deste trabalho foi analisar um produto experimental (VIPI LTDA, Pirassununga, SP), que através da tecnologia sol-gel, modifica a superfície de resinas acrílicas para base de próteses e forma uma camada de nanopartículas de sílica (NPS) visando diminuir o acúmulo e facilitar a remoção de microrganismos. Dessa forma, inicialmente, confirmou-se a deposição de NPS e formação do revestimento cerâmico em polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) através de espectroscopia no infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR); e posteriormente, quantificou-se o biofilme de Candida albicans nesta superfície através da contagem de unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC/mL) e microscopia confocal (MC). Um total de 51 espécimes (10x10x3mm) de PMMA foi confeccionado e distribuído aos experimentos designados. Para a análise da composição dos espécimes em FTIR, foram avaliados 3 grupos (n=1): CN- espécime que não recebeu tratamento algum; CP- espécime que recebeu a aplicação do primer do produto; CL- espécime que passou tanto pela aplicação do primer como pelo processo sol-gel. Na etapa seguinte, foram utilizados 48 espécimes divididos em 3 grupos (n=16), de acordo com o tipo de polimento: PM3- mecanicamente polido com 3&#x3BC;m de rugosidade média; PM03- mecanicamente polido com 0,3&#x3BC;m de rugosidade; PL- polido quimicamente pelo líquido conforme instruções do fabricante. Anteriormente aos experimentos, os espécimes foram esterilizados por óxido de etileno e, então, imersos em saliva artificial por 2hs para a formação da película adquirida. Em seguida, foram secos e inoculados com 2mL de suspensão de C. albicans (1.107 cel/mL) para adesão das células fúngicas durante 90min. Após esta fase, as amostras foram lavadas em solução salina e imersas em meio estéril (RPMI) para crescimento do biofilme em estufa sob agitação (12hs a 37oC). Metade do número das amostras de cada grupo (n=8) foi destinada a contagem de UFC/mL e a outra metade dos espécimes (n=8), foi designada ao método de MC, que com o auxílio de um software (BioImageL v.2), permitiu a determinação do biovolume total (&#x3BC;m3), biovolume de células viáveis (&#x3BC;m3), biovolume de células não-viáveis (&#x3BC;m3) e área de cobertura do campo pelo biofilme (%). Os dados obtidos pelo FTIR foram analisados através da estatística descritiva. Os resultados obtidos pelos experimentos de quantificação após teste de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov foram analisados através do teste paramétrico ANOVA, seguido do teste de Tukey para comparações entre grupos (p<0,05). Através do FTIR, observou-se a deposição satisfatória da camada de NPS, permitindo assim, o desempenho dos experimentos de quantificação. Os resultados do UFC/ml e MC demonstraram semelhança na quantificação do biofilme entre os grupos PL e PM3, e diferença quando comparados ao grupo de superfícies mais lisas, PM03. Dessa forma, observou-se que o polimento líquido experimental não foi efetivo para a diminuição da colonização de biofilme deC. albicans em superfícies de PMMA. Entretanto, maiores investigações sobre as propriedades de superfície deste revestimento devem ser realizadas, já que o processo sol-gel permite uma facilidade na modificação dessas características, podendo levar ao desenvolvimento de um material de revestimento ideal. / This study investigates an experimental coating (VIPI LTDA, Pirassununga, SP) by sol-gel process that modifies acrylic resin denture base with silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SNP) to decrease C. albicans biofilm growth. Therefore, it was first investigated the presence of sol-gel ceramic coating on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Then C. albicans biofilms were quantified by colony forming units (CFU/mL) and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). Fifty-one PMMA specimens were manufactured (10x10x3mm) and assigned to the experiments. To evaluate specimens composition, it was analyzed three groups (n=1): CN- the specimen did not receive any surface treatment; CP- it was applied the coating primer on the specimen surface CL- the specimen was treated with the whole sol-gel process. In the following stage, 48 samples were divided into 3 groups (n=16) according to the polish type: PM3- 3&#x3BC;m of roughness mechanical polish; PM03- 0,3&#x3BC;m of roughness mechanical polish; PL- liquid polish. Samples of experimental group were coated according to manufacturers instructions and all the samples were sterilized with ethylene oxide. After that, they were dipped in artificial saliva for 2hs to acquire the salivary pellicle, and then, dried and inoculated with 2 mL suspension of C.albicans (1.107 cel/mL) for 90 min. Then, specimens were washed and immersed in sterile RPMI solution (37oC for 12h). Half of the samples of each group (n=8) was assigned to each quantification test (UFC/mL and CSLM). By CSLM and software (BioImageL v.2) analysis was possible to obtain the total biovolume (&#x3BC;m3), viable biovolume (&#x3BC;m3), non-viable biovolume (&#x3BC;m3), and covered area (%) by C. albicans biofilm. The data obtained by FTIR were analyzed by descriptive statistic. Whereas the records acquired by the quantification experiments were first analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and then by one way ANOVA followed by Tukeys test to assess difference between groups (p<0,05). FTIR results showed an adequate SNP deposition, allowing the quantification tests to be performed. UFC/mL and CLSM records showed similarity between PL and PM3 groups and difference when comparing these groups to smoother surfaces group (PM03). Therefore, in this study, the experimental coating was not effective to reduce colonization by C. albicans biofilm on PMMA surfaces. Nevertheless, further investigations are required since sol-gel ceramic coating process eases the features modification of the material, possibly leading to an ideal coating development.

Glaucoma is characterized by progressive optic nerve head (ONH) deformation and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning but the relative sequence of ONH and RNFL changes in glaucoma remains largely uncertain. It has been proposed that structural damage of the optic nerve can often be detected before detectable functional loss. Therefore, investigating structural changes of the ONH and RNFL is of importance and relevance in the monitoring and management of glaucoma progression. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) are the three prevailing digital imaging technologies for measurement of RNFL thickness, RNFL retardance and ONH parameters, respectively. Although these instruments have been extensively investigated for detection of glaucomatous damage, less is known about their relative performance for detection of change in glaucoma progression. Although previous studies on non- human primates showed that disruption of the microtubule structure of the retinal ganglion cell axons detected by SLP as reduction of RNFL retardance, as well as ONH surface deformation detected by CSLO, could be detected prior to reduction of RNFL thickness measured with OCT, clinical data corroborating this observation are lacking. The sequence of change of RNFL thickness, RNFL retardance and ONH parameters has not been investigated in human glaucoma. / This research project aimed to investigate the performance of OCT, SLP and CLSO for change detection of RNFL and ONH damages, determine the relative sequence of change of RNFL retardance and RNFL thickness and ONH deformation, and evaluate if ocular biomechanical properties, measured as corneal hysteresis by the ocular response analyzer (ORA, Reichert Inc.), influence the detection of ONH and RNFL progression in glaucoma patients. We hypothesized that ONH deformation and loss of RNFL retardance could be detected before detectable RNFL thinning and that the baseline corneal hysteresis would be a risk factor for ONH and RNFL damage in glaucoma. / In the first study, we analyzed 184 eyes of 116 patients with glaucoma and 43 normal eyes of 23 healthy individuals followed for a mean of 4.6 years. All subjects had RNFL retardance and RNFL thickness measurements obtained with GDx ECC (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec), respectively, at 4-month intervals. Progressive reduction of RNFL retardance and RNFL thickness were evaluated with Guided Progression Analysis (GPA, Carl Zeiss Meditec) with reference to the RNFL retardance change map and RNFL thickness change map, respectively. Twenty seven eyes of 26 patients showed progressive RNFL thinning whereas 8 eyes of 8 patients had RNFL retardance reduction in the latest follow-up visit. Seven eyes of 7 patients had progressive RNFL thinning and reduction of RNFL retardance detected by both instruments; all had progressive RNFL thinning evident before reduction of RNFL retardance and the mean lag time was 13.4 months (range: 4.0-37.6 months). The survival time of eyes detected with RNFL thinning was significantly shorter than the survival time of eyes detected with reduction of RNFL retardance (P=0.001). No eyes in the normal group showed progressive RNFL changes during follow-up. Collectively, we showed that at a comparable specificity (100%, 95% confidence interval: 96.3%-100%), progressive RNFL thinning was detected more often than progressive reduction of RNFL retardance and the former preceded the latter in eyes with both progressive RNFL thinning and reduction of RNFL retardance. / In the second study using a similar study design, we investigated the sequence of change of ONH surface depression detected by CSLO (HRT 3, Heidelberg Engineering) and RNFL thinning detected by OCT (Cirrus HD-OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec) in 146 eyes of 90 glaucoma patients followed at approximately 4-month intervals for an average of 5.4 years. Significant ONH surface depression and RNFL thinning were defined with reference to Topographic Change Analysis (TCA, Heidelberg Engineering) and Guided Progression Analysis (GPA, Carl Zeiss Meditec), respectively. At a specificity of 94.3% (95% confidence interval: 86.2%-97.8%) for both RNFL thinning and ONH surface depression (determined in a normal group comprising 70 eyes from 35 normal subjects), 57 eyes (39.0%) had ONH surface depression, 46 eyes (31.5%) had RNFL thinning, and 23 eyes (15.8%) had both in the glaucoma group. Among these 23 eyes, 19 (82.6%) had ONH surface depression detected prior to RNFL thinning and the median lag time was 15.8 months (range, 4.0-40.8 months). Although only 7.0% of eyes (4/57) had RNFL thinning at the onset of ONH surface depression, 45.7% (21/46) had ONH surface depression at the onset of RNFL thinning. The survival time of eyes with ONH surface depression was significantly shorter than the survival time of eyes detected with RNFL thinning (P=0.002). With reference to the HRT TCA and OCT GPA, ONH surface depression occurred before RNFL thinning in a significant proportion of patients with glaucoma at a comparable specificity. / Of note, a significant proportion of eyes had ONH surface depression without any detectable progressive RNFL thinning in the second study, and vice versa. Investigating whether the risk factors for ONH surface depression and RNFL progression are different is therefore important. In the final study, we investigated if baseline corneal hysteresis is a risk factor for progressive ONH surface depression and RNFL thinning. Following the same cohort of 146 eyes of 90 glaucoma patients for an average of 6.8 years, we detected that 65 eyes (44.5%) had progressive ONH surface depression, 55 eyes (37.7%) had progressive RNFL thinning and 20 eyes (13.7%) had visual field progression (based on the EMGT criteria). After adjusting for ages, CCT, baseline diastolic IOP, average IOP during follow-up, baseline disc area and baseline MD in the cox proportional hazards model, baseline corneal hysteresis was significantly associated with ONH surface depression (HR=0.70, P=0.008), visual field progression (HR=0.56, P=0.019), but not with progressive RNFL thinning (HR=0.96, P=0.751). For each 1-mmHg decrease of baseline CH, the hazards for ONH surface depression and visual field progression increased by 30% and 44%, respectively. / In summary, at a comparable level of specificity, progressive ONH surface depression detected by CSLO could be observed prior to progressive RNFL thinning detected by OCT, which preceded identified reduction of RNFL retardance detected by SLP. For eyes with concomitant ONH surface depression, RNFL thinning and visual field progression, ONH surface depression always preceded visual field progression. Our finding indicates that a time window for therapeutic intervention may exist upon detection of ONH surface depression before irreversible RNFL and visual field loss and that measurement of CH would be useful to predict ONH surface depression and visual field progression. / Further studies are required to investigate the sequence of optic nerve head change and RNFL progression with the same instrument. Whether IOP lowering treatment initiated at the time of ONH deformation would be effective to prevent or slow down RNFL and visual field loss needs to be further investigated. A more reliable and accurate measure of the ocular biomechanical properties is necessary for evaluation of their contribution to glaucoma progression. / 青光眼是一種進展性視神經病變，其特徵為﹕視神經乳頭變形，神經纖維層（RNFL）的變薄以及相應的視野缺損。然而，青光眼結構性改變和功能性變化發生的相對順序仍不清楚。視神經結構性改變被認為要早於功能性改變的發生。因此，研究視乳頭的結構性改變具有重要意義，有助於早期診斷青光眼的進展及隨訪青光眼患者。目前主要用於RNFL厚度，RNFL阻滯性以及視乳頭參數的影像學掃描儀器為頻域OCT，鐳射偏振光掃描器（SLP）和共聚焦鐳射掃描眼底鏡（CSLO）。儘管這三種儀器已經廣泛用於青光眼損傷的檢測，但在青光眼患者結構性變化的應用並不常見。既往在非人靈長類動物的實驗中，通過破壞神經節細胞軸突中的微小管結構，從而發現RNFL的阻滯性以及視乳頭的變化要先於RNFL厚度變化的發生。然而在臨床研究中並未得到證實。同時，在青光眼患者中，RNFL厚度變化，RNFL阻滯減少以及視神經頭參數改變之間的先後順序並未得到證實。 / 本次實驗研究的目的在於探討OCT，SLP及CSLO在診斷青光眼病人RNFL及視乳頭進展的能力，確定RNFL厚度變化，RNFL阻滯性減少以及視神經頭參數改變之間的相對順序，以及評估眼反應分析儀（ORA）測得的角膜粘滯性（CH）是否影響視乳頭及RNFL厚度的進展。我們假設：視神經乳頭的變形，RNFL阻滯性的減少要先於RNFL厚度的變化，基線角膜粘滯性的測量會影響視乳頭及RNFL進展的檢測。116個青光眼病人的184隻眼以及23個正常對照的43隻眼被納入第一個研究中。所有受試物件均接受每4個月一次的OCT以及SLP RNFL的掃描，平均隨訪時間為4.6年。通過OCT及SLP中Guided Progression Analysis（GPA, Carl Zeiss Meditec）程式，一系列RNFL厚度及粘滯性圖被自動分析從而獲得RNFL厚度及粘滯性的變化結果。26個青光眼患者的27隻眼表現為RNFL厚度的進行性變薄，8個患者的8隻眼表現為RNFL粘滯性的減少。其中7個患者的7隻眼同時表現為RNFL厚度變薄及粘滯性的減少，所有這7隻眼的RNFL變薄的發生要早於RNFL粘滯性的減少，兩者間隔時間平均為13.4月（4.0-37.6月）。RNFL厚度變薄者的生存概率明顯小於RNFL粘滯性減少的青光眼患者（P=0.001）。隨訪中，我們未發現正常對照組中RNFL厚度變薄或者粘滯性改變者。總體說來，在同一特異性水準（100%），RNFL厚度的變化頻率高於粘滯性的改變，RNFL厚度的變薄要早於粘滯性減少的發生。 / 採用相同於第一個研究的研究方法，我們研究CSLO測得的視乳頭表面凹陷以及測得OCT的RNFL厚度變化發生的相對順序。90個青光眼患者的146隻眼以及35個正常對照物件的70隻眼被納入第二個研究中。所有受試物件均接受4個月一次的CSLO及OCT掃描從而獲得一系列的視神經頭表面的拓撲圖像以及RNFL厚度圖。CSLO TCA及OCT GPA程式自動對比基線及隨訪中所獲得的視神經頭表面的拓撲圖像以及RNFL厚度圖，從而獲得視乳頭表面凹陷及RFNL進展報告。平均隨訪5.4年後，CSLO及OCT在診斷視神經頭及RNFL進展的特異性為94.3%，57只青光眼患眼（39.0%）表現為顯著性視乳頭表面凹陷，46隻眼（31.5%）表現為RFNL厚度的進行性變薄，而23隻眼（15.8%）同時表現為視乳頭面凹陷和RFNL的進行性變薄。在這23只眼中，19隻眼（82.6%）變現為視乳頭表面凹陷先於RFNL厚度變薄的發生，間隔時間的中值為15.8個月（4.0-40.8月）。儘管在顯著性視乳頭表面凹陷發生時，僅有7.0%的患眼表現為RNFL厚度的變薄；但是，在RNFL厚度發生顯著性變薄時已有45.7%的患眼表現為視乳頭表面凹陷。視乳頭表面凹陷患眼的生存概率差於RNFL厚度變薄患眼（P=0.002）。在青光眼患者的隨訪中，CLSO TCA測得的視乳頭表面凹陷要早於OCT GPA測得的RNFL厚度的變化。 / 最後的一個研究目在於評估眼反應分析儀（ORA）測得的基線角膜粘滯性（CH）是否為視乳頭表面凹陷及RNFL厚度變薄的危險因素。平均隨訪同一人群即第二個研究中的90個青光眼患者的146眼6.8年，65隻眼（44.5%）被檢測出具有進行性視乳頭表面凹陷，55隻眼（37.7%）表現為進行性RNFL厚度的變薄，20隻眼（13.7%）表現為進行性視野的缺損（基於EMGT標準）。基線CH與視乳頭表面凹陷，視野進展間具有顯著性相關關係（HR=0.70，P=0.008及HR=0.56，P=0.019），但CH與進行性RNFL厚度變薄間並無顯著性相關關係（HR=0.96，P=0.751）。每1毫米汞柱基線CH的降低，發生視乳頭表面凹陷及視野缺損的危險性將增加30%及44%。CH的測量值與青光眼進展的危險性具有顯著相關關係。 / 總之，在具有可比性特異性水準下，CSLO檢測的進展性視乳頭表面凹陷的發生要先於OCT檢測的進行性RNFL厚度的變薄，後者的發生早於SLP測得的RNFL粘滯性的改變。對於同時有視乳頭表面凹陷，RNFL厚度變薄及RNFL粘滯性改變的青光眼患眼，視乳頭表面凹陷的發生要早於視野的進展。我們的實驗研究表明了在青光眼患者發生視乳頭表面凹陷時，治療的時間窗的存在有助於避免不可逆的RNFL缺失及視野的缺損。角膜粘滯性的測量對於預測視乳頭表面凹陷及視野進展具有重要意義。 / 展望未來的研究中，用同一種儀器進行視乳頭及神經纖維層的隨訪，從而得出相對的變化次序很有必要。研究在視乳頭或者神經纖維層發生變化時進行眼壓的干預是否能避免視功能的進一步損傷顯得尤為重要。用於測量角膜生物學特性的更為準確，可信度更高的儀器真正研發中，以及進一步探討角膜生物學特性與青光眼進展之間的關係。 / Xu, Guihua. / Thesis Ph.D. Chinese University of Hong Kong 2015. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-145). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on 18, October, 2016). / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only.

Optical imaging techniques have improved much over the last fifty years since the invention of the laser. With a high brightness source many imaging applications which were once inaccessible to researchers have now become a reality. Among these techniques, the most beneficial one is the use of lasers for both wide-field and confocal imaging systems. The aim of this study was to design a laser imaging system based on the concept of laser scanning confocal microscopy. Specifically the optical system was based on optical fibers allowing the user to image remote areas such as the inner surface of rifled gun barrels and/or pipes with a high degree of precision (+/- 0.01 mm). In order to build such a system, initially the theoretical foundation for a confocal as well as a wide-field imaging system was analyzed. Using this basis a free-space optical confocal system was built and analyzed. The measurements support the fact that both the objective numerical aperture and pinhole size play an important role in the radial and axial resolution of the system as well as the quality of the images obtained. To begin construction of a confocal, optical-fiber based imaging system first an all fiber wide-field imaging system was designed and tested at a working wavelength of 1550 nm. Then an all fiber confocal system was designed at a working wavelength of 808 nm. In both cases results showed that while lateral resolution was adequate, axial resolution suffered since it was found that the design of the optical system needs to take into account under-filling of the objective lens, a result common with the use of laser beams whose divergence is not at all like that of a point source. The work done here will aid technology that will be used in the elimination process of faulty rifling fabrication in defense industry. The reason why the confocal technique is preferred to the conventional wide-field one is the need for better resolution in all directions. Theoretical concepts and mathematical background are discussed as well as the experimental results and the practical advantages of such a system.

This thesis involves the development of digital algorithms for the microstructural analysis of metallic deposits produced through the use of Scanning Laser Epitaxy (SLE). SLE is a new direct digital manufacturing (DDM) technique which allows for the creation of three dimensional nickel-based superalloy components using an incremental layering system. Using a bed of powder placed on an underlying substrate and a laser propagating a melt-pool across the sample, a layer of material can be added and through the careful control of SLE settings various microstructures can be created or extended from the substrate. To create parts that are within specified microstructure tolerances the ideal SLE settings must be located through experimental runs, with each material needing different operating parameters. This thesis focuses on improving the microstructural analysis by use of a program that tracks various features found in samples produced through the SLE technique and a data analysis program that provides greater insights into how the SLE settings influence the microstructure. Using this program the isolation of optimal SLE settings is faster while also providing greater insights into the process than is currently possible. The microstructure recognition program features three key aspects. The first evaluates major characteristics that typically arise during the SLE process; such as sample deformation, the aspects of a single crystal deposit, and the total deposit height. The second saves the data and all relevant test settings in a format that will allow for future analysis and comparison to other samples. Finally, it features a robust yet rapid execution so it may be used for entire runs of SLE samples, which can number up to 25, within a week. The program is designed for the types of microstructure found in CMSX-4 and Rene-80, specifically single crystal and equiaxed regions. The data fitting program uses optimally piecewise-fitted equations to find relationships between the SLE settings and the microstructure traits. The data is optimally piecewise fitted as the SLE process is a two-stage procedure, establishing then propagating the melt-pool across a sample, which creates distinct microstructure transitions. Using the information gathered, graphs provide a visual aid to better allow the experimenter to understand the process and a DOE is performed using sequential analysis; allowing the previously run samples to influence the future trials, reducing the amount of materials used while still providing great insight into the parameter field. Having access to the microstructure data across the entire sample and an advanced data fitting program that can accurately relate them to the SLE settings allows the program to track and optimize features that were never before possible.

A proposta deste trabalho foi analisar um produto experimental (VIPI LTDA, Pirassununga, SP), que através da tecnologia sol-gel, modifica a superfície de resinas acrílicas para base de próteses e forma uma camada de nanopartículas de sílica (NPS) visando diminuir o acúmulo e facilitar a remoção de microrganismos. Dessa forma, inicialmente, confirmou-se a deposição de NPS e formação do revestimento cerâmico em polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) através de espectroscopia no infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR); e posteriormente, quantificou-se o biofilme de Candida albicans nesta superfície através da contagem de unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC/mL) e microscopia confocal (MC). Um total de 51 espécimes (10x10x3mm) de PMMA foi confeccionado e distribuído aos experimentos designados. Para a análise da composição dos espécimes em FTIR, foram avaliados 3 grupos (n=1): CN- espécime que não recebeu tratamento algum; CP- espécime que recebeu a aplicação do primer do produto; CL- espécime que passou tanto pela aplicação do primer como pelo processo sol-gel. Na etapa seguinte, foram utilizados 48 espécimes divididos em 3 grupos (n=16), de acordo com o tipo de polimento: PM3- mecanicamente polido com 3&#x3BC;m de rugosidade média; PM03- mecanicamente polido com 0,3&#x3BC;m de rugosidade; PL- polido quimicamente pelo líquido conforme instruções do fabricante. Anteriormente aos experimentos, os espécimes foram esterilizados por óxido de etileno e, então, imersos em saliva artificial por 2hs para a formação da película adquirida. Em seguida, foram secos e inoculados com 2mL de suspensão de C. albicans (1.107 cel/mL) para adesão das células fúngicas durante 90min. Após esta fase, as amostras foram lavadas em solução salina e imersas em meio estéril (RPMI) para crescimento do biofilme em estufa sob agitação (12hs a 37oC). Metade do número das amostras de cada grupo (n=8) foi destinada a contagem de UFC/mL e a outra metade dos espécimes (n=8), foi designada ao método de MC, que com o auxílio de um software (BioImageL v.2), permitiu a determinação do biovolume total (&#x3BC;m3), biovolume de células viáveis (&#x3BC;m3), biovolume de células não-viáveis (&#x3BC;m3) e área de cobertura do campo pelo biofilme (%). Os dados obtidos pelo FTIR foram analisados através da estatística descritiva. Os resultados obtidos pelos experimentos de quantificação após teste de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov foram analisados através do teste paramétrico ANOVA, seguido do teste de Tukey para comparações entre grupos (p<0,05). Através do FTIR, observou-se a deposição satisfatória da camada de NPS, permitindo assim, o desempenho dos experimentos de quantificação. Os resultados do UFC/ml e MC demonstraram semelhança na quantificação do biofilme entre os grupos PL e PM3, e diferença quando comparados ao grupo de superfícies mais lisas, PM03. Dessa forma, observou-se que o polimento líquido experimental não foi efetivo para a diminuição da colonização de biofilme deC. albicans em superfícies de PMMA. Entretanto, maiores investigações sobre as propriedades de superfície deste revestimento devem ser realizadas, já que o processo sol-gel permite uma facilidade na modificação dessas características, podendo levar ao desenvolvimento de um material de revestimento ideal. / This study investigates an experimental coating (VIPI LTDA, Pirassununga, SP) by sol-gel process that modifies acrylic resin denture base with silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SNP) to decrease C. albicans biofilm growth. Therefore, it was first investigated the presence of sol-gel ceramic coating on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Then C. albicans biofilms were quantified by colony forming units (CFU/mL) and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). Fifty-one PMMA specimens were manufactured (10x10x3mm) and assigned to the experiments. To evaluate specimens composition, it was analyzed three groups (n=1): CN- the specimen did not receive any surface treatment; CP- it was applied the coating primer on the specimen surface CL- the specimen was treated with the whole sol-gel process. In the following stage, 48 samples were divided into 3 groups (n=16) according to the polish type: PM3- 3&#x3BC;m of roughness mechanical polish; PM03- 0,3&#x3BC;m of roughness mechanical polish; PL- liquid polish. Samples of experimental group were coated according to manufacturers instructions and all the samples were sterilized with ethylene oxide. After that, they were dipped in artificial saliva for 2hs to acquire the salivary pellicle, and then, dried and inoculated with 2 mL suspension of C.albicans (1.107 cel/mL) for 90 min. Then, specimens were washed and immersed in sterile RPMI solution (37oC for 12h). Half of the samples of each group (n=8) was assigned to each quantification test (UFC/mL and CSLM). By CSLM and software (BioImageL v.2) analysis was possible to obtain the total biovolume (&#x3BC;m3), viable biovolume (&#x3BC;m3), non-viable biovolume (&#x3BC;m3), and covered area (%) by C. albicans biofilm. The data obtained by FTIR were analyzed by descriptive statistic. Whereas the records acquired by the quantification experiments were first analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and then by one way ANOVA followed by Tukeys test to assess difference between groups (p<0,05). FTIR results showed an adequate SNP deposition, allowing the quantification tests to be performed. UFC/mL and CLSM records showed similarity between PL and PM3 groups and difference when comparing these groups to smoother surfaces group (PM03). Therefore, in this study, the experimental coating was not effective to reduce colonization by C. albicans biofilm on PMMA surfaces. Nevertheless, further investigations are required since sol-gel ceramic coating process eases the features modification of the material, possibly leading to an ideal coating development.

PURPOSE. Confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy (HRT; Heidelberg retinal tomograph II) and scanning laser polarimetry (GDx-variable corneal compensator [VCC]) were used to investigate whether early indicators of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness loss could be observed in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that had no associated retinopathy or optic neuropathy and were concomitantly receiving antiretroviral medications. METHODS. HRT and GDx-VCC parameters obtained from a group of 13 HIV-positive subjects (n = 26 eyes) on antiretroviral therapy examined with HRT, with a subgroup of six subjects (n = 12 eyes) examined with both HRT and GDx-VCC, were compared with those of a matched HIV-negative control cohort (13 subjects, n = 26 eyes) examined with HRT, with a subgroup of five subjects (n = 10 eyes) examined with both HRT and GDx-VCC. We employed generalized estimating equations for statistical analysis. RESULTS. Reduced mean values for the HRT height variation contour (p < 0.045) and HRT mean RNFL thickness (p < 0.023) were observed in HIV-positive subjects controlling for age, sex, and race. A significantly reduced mean value corresponding to the GDx-VCC superior maximum (p < 0.014) and inferior maximum (p < 0.016) were also observed for the HIV-positive cohort analyzed controlling for age, sex, and race. CONCLUSION. HRT and GDx-VCC indicators of RNFL thickness appear to be significantly reduced in HIV-positive subjects without retinopathy or optic nerve disease using antiretroviral medication, suggesting RNFL loss occurs in this population of HIV-positive patients. The lack of correlation between CD4 counts, viral load, number of antiretroviral medications used, or years from diagnosis of HIV and RNFL thinning, suggests that possibly other factors associated with HIV infection may contribute to the apparent RNFL thickness loss.