Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Objective: Topography, chemistry, and energy of titanium (Ti) implants alter cell response through variations in protein adsorption, integrin expression, and downstream cell signaling. However, the contribution of surface energy on cell response is difficult to isolate because altered hydrophilicity can result from changes in surface chemistry or microstructure. Our aim was to examine a unique system of wettability gradients created on microstructured Ti on osteoblast maturation and phenotype. Method: A surface energy gradient was created on sand-blasted/acid-etched (SLA) Ti surfaces. Surfaces were treated with oxygen plasma for 2 minutes, and then allowed to age for 1, 12, 80, or 116 hours to generate a wettability gradient. Surfaces were characterized by contact angle and SEM. MG63 cells were cultured on SLA or experimental SLA surfaces to confluence on TCPS. Osteoblast differentiation (IBSP, RUNX2, ALP, OCN, OPG) and integrin subunits (ITG2, ITGA5, ITGAV, ITGB1) measured by real-time PCR (n=6 surfaces per variable analyzed by ANOVA/Bonferroni’s modified Student’s t-test). Result: After plasma treatment, SLA surface topography was retained. A gradient of wettability was obtained, with contact angles of 32.0° (SLA116), 23.3° (SLA80), 12.5° (SLA12), 7.9° (SLA1). All surfaces were significantly more hydrophilic than the original SLA surface (126.8°). Integrin expression was affected by wettability. ITGA2 was higher on wettable surfaces than on SLA, but was highest on SLA1. ITGAV and ITGB1 were decreased on hydrophilic surfaces, but ITGA5 was not affected. IBSP, RUNX2, and ALP increased and OPG decreased with increasing wettability. OCN decreased with increasing wettability, but levels on the most wettable surface were similar to SLA. Conclusion: Here we elucidated the role of surface energy on cell response using surfaces with the same topography and chemistry. The results show that osteoblastic maturation was regulated in a wettability-dependent manner and suggest that the effects are mediated by integrins.

An apparatus intended to measure the pressure oscillations generated by nanoparticle suspensions in response to an AC electric field was designed and made operational. Electroacoustic measurements were performed on nanoparticle systems covering a range of particle sizes and zeta-potentials, determined using typical particle characterization techniques. The results of the electroacoustic experiments were mapped to the hydrodynamic size and zeta-potentials of the various nanoparticle systems. It was determined that while the electroacoustic technique can be used successfully to measure the motion of nanoparticles in response to an AC electric field, additional improvements to the electroacoustic apparatus are required to allow for a more rigorous mapping of electroacoustic measurements to particle hydrodynamic size and zeta-potential.

The work in this thesis is primarily aimed at supporting the NBe (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) aspect of Crusader 21, the military clothing programme for the early 21st Century. This aims to produce a multi-purpose, systems-orientated combat ensemble for the UK Armed Services. Conventional "wet" techniques for chemically modifying fabrics have certain disadvantages, however employing plasma technology may provide a route for many novel "multi-functional effects" fabrics such as repellency against toxic chemical agents. In order to produce repellent coatings the surface must have a low surface energy. To obtain this, inert chemical groups need to be attached to the solid substrate. In addition to chemistry, surface roughness plays an important role in repellency. Liquid repellent surfaces have been produced by the pulsed plasma polymerisation of I H, 1 H,2H,2H -heptadecafluorodecyl acrylate. These films have chemical functionalities indicative of polymerisation occurring through the acrylate double bond, as shown by Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. Structural retention was optimised using experimental design techniques and resulted in a critical surface tension of wetting as low as 4.3 mN m-I (c.f. Teflon 18.5 mN m-I). Plasma deposition of a functionalised surface followed by reaction with a fluorinated alcohol proved less affective. Enhanced deposition rates for 1 H, 1 H,2H-perfluorododec-I-ene, over the saturated analogue, have indicated that polymerisation can occur during the off-time of the pulsed plasma period, via free radical polymerisation pathways. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) has indicated greater structural group retention for monomers containing double bonds. In order to obtain super liquid repellency the effect of surface roughness was investigated, where both commercially available rough surfaces and plasma roughened substrates were utilised. Once optimised, the rough surfaces were coated with 1 H, 1 H,2H,2H-heptadecafluorodecyl acrylate and produced super repellent films.

Thesis (doctoral)--University of Lund, 1996.

Thesis (doctoral)--University of Lund, 1996.

Orientadores: Lourenço Correr Sobrinho, Carlos Jose Soares / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-19T04:51:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Naves_LucasZago_D.pdf: 3401396 bytes, checksum: 30dc89e0c7e18900c68d45a72ce79505 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades mecânicas, ópticas e de superfície da cerâmica termo-prensada IPS Empress Esthetic (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schan, Liechestein). Discos cerâmicos (12 mm x 0,9 mm) foram termo-prensados em forno específico do sistema (EP 500, Ivoclar Vivadent) e serviram como controle (TP1). Remanescentes (sprues e botões cerâmicos) do grupo controle foram reaproveitados e utilizados para a confecção de espécimes dos grupos de re-prensados (processados 2 vezes -TP2 e processados 3 vezes - TP3). Todos os processos de termo-prensagem foram realizados de acordo com as instruções dos fabricantes. A dureza Vickers (VHN) foi mensurada em durômetro HMV 2 (Shimadzu), com carga de 0,5 kgf aplicada por 10 segundos. Cinco medidas foram feitas para cada amostra (n = 5). A resistência à flexão biaxial (BFS) (ISO 6872) foi realizada para determinar a resistência dos discos prensados e re-prensados (n = 10), com velocidade de aplicação de carga de 0,5 mm/min., em máquina de ensaios mecânicos (4411; Instron Inc., Canton, MA, USA). Irradiância e características do espectro luminoso transmitido através da cerâmica (em três espessuras para cada termo-prensagem: 0,7; 1,4 e 2 mm) foram mensurados por meio de potenciômetro e espectrômetro digitais. Características de superfície foram avaliadas em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), em modo elétron secundário (SEI). Análise das micrografias foram realizadas no programa de pós-processamento de imagens ImageJ (NIH, Londres, Reino Unido), objetivando verificar a concentração cristalina da leucita e características de superfície em imagens 3D (plotagem de superfície). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente (ANOVA + Tukey post hoc HSD, P <0,05). Os valores obtidos de dureza foram (em VHN) TP1: 589,1 ± 18,1; TP2: 551,8 ± 13,9; TP3: 552 ± 22,2 . Os grupos re-prensados (TP2, TP3) apresentaram média de dureza estatisticamente menor que o grupo controle (TP1). Os dados obtidos da resistência a flexão biaxial foram (em MPa) TP1: 219,70 ± 17,92; TP2: 180,66 ± 38,73; TP3: 171,85 ± 32,56. O grupo controle (TP1) apresentou média estatisticamente superior aos grupos re-prensados (TP2 e TP3). As micrografias mostraram aumento no tamanho e concentração de cristais de leucita, para os grupos experimentais. A análise das imagens mostrou diminuição da homogeneidade na distribuição dos cristais de leucita na fase vítrea e aumento na densidade cristalina após repetidas termo-prensagens. Redução da irradiância através dos corpos-de-prova foi detectada com o aumento da espessura da cerâmica, e alteração do perfil de emissão foi observada após repetidas termo-prensagens. O reaproveitamento do material cerâmico IPS Empress Esthetic alterou propriedades mecânicas e propriedades ópticas interferindo na passagem de luz através do corpo cerâmico. Sucessivas termo-prensagens alteraram também a microestrutura da cerâmica vítrea reforçada por leucita IPS Empress Esthetic / Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical, optical and surface properties of one heat-pressed glass-ceramic material after repeated heat-pressing. One commercially available heat-pressed glass-ceramic system IPS Empress Esthetic was selected. Disc samples (12 mm x 0.9 mm) of each tested material were heat-pressed and used as control (TP1). Sprue and button parts of the pressed groups were retrieved and used for repeated heat-pressing to construct specimens of re-pressed groups (TP2 and TP3). All the heat-pressed casting procedures were performed according to the manufacturers' instructions. The Vickers hardness number (VHN) was measured with HMV 2 microhardness tester (Shimadzu), with a load of 0.5 Kgf applied for 10 seconds. Five measurements were made for each specimen (n=5). A biaxial flexural strength (BFS) test (ISO 6872) was performed to determine the strength of pressed and re-pressed glass-ceramic disc specimens (n = 10) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Light irradiance and spectrum characteristics transmitted through ceramic were measured using a power meter and a light spectrometer. Surface characteristics were examined with secondary electron imaging (SEI) in SEM. Post-processing image analysis were made in ImageJ (NIH, London, UK) software to access leucite crystalline density and plot surface characteristics in 3D images. The data were analysed statistically (ANOVA + Tukey's HSD post hoc test, P < 0.05). The VHN values obtained was TP1: 589.1 ± 18.1; TP2: 551.8 ± 13.9; TP3: 552 ± 22.2. The re-pressed groups (TP2, TP3) had a statistically significant lower VHN mean than the pressed control group (TP1). The BFS (MPa) values obtained was TP1:219.70 ± 17.92; TP2:180.66 ± 38.73; TP3: 171.85 ± 32.56. The pressed group (TP1) group had a statistically significant higher BFS mean than the re-pressed groups (TP2 and TP3). The SEM micrographs of the leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic material showed an increase in size and concentration of leucite crystals after repeated heat-pressing, post-processing imaging analysis showed inhomogeneity of leucite crystals distribution and increase in crystal density after repeated heat-pressing. A decrease in irradiance was detected with increasing ceramic thickness, and alteration in the emission profile was observed after repeated heat-pressing. Repeated heat-pressing treatment produced a statistically significant decresase in the mechanical properties and suggests alterations in optical properties in the evaluated IPS Empress Esthetic glass-ceramic material. Microstructural alterations was also detected / Doutorado / Materiais Dentarios / Doutor em Materiais Dentários

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / BACKGROUND The efficacy of sealants to aid in the prevention of pit and fissure caries is well documented. In order for the sealants to be effective, they must be placed properly and retained for as long as possible. Clinicians must be aware that the proper placement of sealants is technique-sensitive and must be well controlled in order to achieve the best results. This study aims to determine if certain variables have an effect on curing of the sealant material to a degree that would compromise its integrity, strength, and longevity. METHODS AND MATERIALS Two commonly used sealant materials Ultraseal XT (Ultradent Products Inc., South Jordan, UT) and Delton (Dentsply International, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada) were chosen and tested for microhardness and abrasion resistance after they were polymerized. This study did not focus on the materials themselves, but rather the technique by which they were polymerized and what effect this had on the materials. Three separate light sources, a traditional halogen light (QHL 75, Dentsply International, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada), and two newer LED lights (Ultralume LED, Ultradent Products Inc., South Jordan, UT; and 3M Freelight LED, 3M Corp, St Paul, MN) were used in this study. The materials were then cured with each light at each of three different distances: contact (0.5 mm), 2 mm, and 10 mm. The effects of light source variation and distance from the material at the time of polymerization was then evaluated for any significance to sealant placement technique. Specimens were tested for each variable combination of sealant material, light source, and distance between the two while curing. Six samples were tested for each variable grouping for abrasion resistance, and four separate san1ples were tested fron1 the san1e grouping for Knoop hardness. The results were analyzed for significance to determine if certain techniques are or could be beneficial or damaging to the quality of care provided by today's practitioners. RESULTS It was found that materials and light sources varied in combination and with different techniques (e.g., distance). In general, the top surface polymerized best when cured at a distance of 2 mm to 10 mm, while the bottom surface polymerized best at a distance of 0.5 mm. The halogen light consistently outperformed the two LED lights, with the 3M LED consistently producing the worst results. CONCLUSIONS The halogen curing light used in this study outperformed the LED lights in almost every category, despite the LED light manufacturer's claims of equality. For more reliable polymerization, the halogen light should be used. SIGNIFICANCE The practitioner must be aware of the material that he/she is using and how the chosen light source polymerizes that material. Manufacturers' claims and recommendations cannot be trusted to accurately produce the best results with every product on the market today, sometimes not even with the manufacturers' own products. It is crucial for practitioners to be well versed and knowledgeable about the products that they use, based on current research and not manufacturers' claims.

No description available.

Submitted by Rodrigo Diniz do Prado null (rodrigodiniz.prado@hotmail.com) on 2017-02-09T13:48:10Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissert.Mestrado.Rodrigo.Diniz.pdf: 2142391 bytes, checksum: 98314a8816d0ae481af3108941d7a2c2 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by LUIZA DE MENEZES ROMANETTO (luizamenezes@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-02-14T15:59:08Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 prado_rd_me_sjc.pdf: 2142391 bytes, checksum: 98314a8816d0ae481af3108941d7a2c2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-14T15:59:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 prado_rd_me_sjc.pdf: 2142391 bytes, checksum: 98314a8816d0ae481af3108941d7a2c2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-09 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do desgaste com broca diamantada, o envelhecimento (degradação em baixa temperatura) e espessura do material cerâmico no comportamento mecânico de uma cerâmica Y-TZP. Para este estudo, 240 espécimes foram fabricados em formato de disco, de acordo com a norma ISO 6872: 2008 para resistência à flexão biaxial de amostras de cerâmica (N = 120, com dimensões de 0,5 mm de espessura x 15 mm de diâmetro; N = 120 com a dimensão 1,0 milímetros de espessura x diâmetro 15 mm). Os espécimes foram divididos aleatoriamente em 8 grupos (n = 30), de acordo com três fatores em estudo: 'desgaste' em 2 níveis (com e sem desgaste com broca diamantada), o envelhecimento em 2 níveis (com e sem envelhecimento) e da espessura da cerâmica também em 2 níveis (0,5 a 1,0 mm). O desgaste foi realizado com uma broca diamantada montada em um motor de baixa rotação associado a um contra-ângulo multiplicador de velocidade (T2 REVOR R170, Sirona, Bensheim, Alemanha), sob constante irrigação de água. O envelhecimento foi simulado em uma autoclave à temperatura de 134 °C, durante um período de 20 horas, sob pressão de 2 bar. Após o desgaste e envelhecimento, análises de rugosidade e topográficas foram realizadas e análises de transformação de fase por difração de raios-X. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise de Weibull. O desgaste promoveu um aumento da rugosidade, enquanto que o envelhecimento em autoclave não afetou estatisticamente a rugosidade da superfície. Além disso, tanto o desgaste quanto o envelhecimento aumentaram a quantidade fase monoclínica, embora, o desgaste levou a uma diminuição da susceptibilidade do material a uma nova transformação de fase durante o envelhecimento (resultando em maior percentual de fase m para a condição controle após envelhecimento em comparação a condição desgaste após envelhecimento). Independente da espessura de zircônia, o envelhecimento em autoclave e o desgaste levaram a um aumento da resistência característica. Dentro dos limites do presente estudo, observou-se que o desgaste e o envelhecimento não promovem efeitos deletério no comportamento mecânico da cerâmica Y-TZP, para ambas espessuras (0,5 mm e 1,0 mm). / The goals of this investigation were to evaluate the effects of grinding with diamond bur and aging (low temperature degradation) on the mechanical behavior of a full-contour Y-TZP ceramic with two thicknesses. Y-TZP shaped-disc specimens (Zirlux FC, Ardent Dental) were manufactured with thickness of 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm (both with 15 mm in diameter). The specimens from every thickness were randomly assigned into 4 groups, according to two factors: ‘grinding’ on 2 levels (with and without grinding with diamond bur), aging in 2 levels (with and without aging). Grinding was performed with a diamond bur mounted in a slow speed rotation motor associated with a counter-angle speed multiplier hand-piece, under constant water-cooling. Low temperature aging was performed in an autoclave at 134°C temperature, for a period of 20h, under 2 bar of pressure. After grinding and aging, roughness analyzes were performed on a surface roughness tester and 3D digital optical profilometer; topographic analysis were made in a scanning electron microscope; phase transformation analysis by X-ray diffraction. Biaxial flexural strength tests were performed in the universal testing machine. Specific statistical analyses were carried out (Weibull analysis for the strength data). Grinding promoted an increase in roughness, while aging in autoclave did not affect statistically the surface roughness. Also, grinding and aging lead to higher values of m-phase content, although, grinding lead to a decrease in the material susceptibility to a new phase transformations during aging (after aging, as-sintered condition resulted in higher m-phase content compared with ground). Independent on the zirconia’s thickness, aging in autoclave and grinding led to an increase in characteristic strengths. Within the limits of this study, it was observed that: grinding and low temperature aging in autoclave do not damage the mechanical behavior of the tested Y-TZP ceramic, for both thicknesses (0.5 mm and 1 mm). Despite those conditions led to high m-phase content, a thinner thickness of 0.5 mm presented similar or higher characteristic strength compared with the 1.0 mm thickness both before and after grinding and aging.