O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito da irradiação de dois tipos de laser (laser Nd:YAG e de Diodo) sobre um sistema adesivo convencional de três passos, utilizando três diferentes densidades de energia da ponta, na resistência de união imediata e após 1 ano. Foram selecionados 70 dentes humanos e cada um teve sua coroa seccionada, expondo a superfície da dentina necessária para os procedimentos adesivos e restauradores. Após o preparo dos dentes, os mesmos foram aleatoriamente subdivididos em 7 grupos (n=10), sendo 6 grupos-teste e um grupo controle. Na sequência, foi aplicado o sistema adesivo Scotchbond™ Multi- Purpose Plus e, antes de sua fotoativação, em três grupos, o laser Nd:YAG foi utilizado com 3 diferentes densidades de energia (1 509,55 J/cm2, 2 254,77 J/cm2 e 3 127,38 J/cm2), o mesmo procedimento com as mesmas densidades foi realizado nos três demais grupos com o laser de Diodo. Após a irradiação seguida da fotoativação, os dentes foram restaurados com incrementos de resina composta Filtek™ Z250. Os dentes restaurados foram então imersos em água deionizada e mantidos em estufa a 37oC por um período de 7 dias. Após o armazenamento, os espécimes foram seccionados de modo que se obtivessem palitos com área transversal de aproximadamente 1mm2. De forma aleatória, estes palitos foram separados em 2 grupos: o primeiro submetido imediatamente a testes de microtração em uma máquina de ensaio universal INSTRON 3342 e segundo submetido ao mesmo processo após 1 ano de armazenamento. Os valores de resistência de união foram submetidos aos testes ANOVA e post hoc de Tukey, para que comparações individuais pudessem ser realizadas. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os lasers utilizados. Os grupos irradiados com ambos os lasers apresentaram resultados similares ao grupo controle, com exceção ao grupo que utilizou o laser de Diodo com menor densidade de energia da (GD3), no qual o resultado foi inferior ao grupo controle no momento imediato. Quedas significativas nos valores de resistência de união foram observadas, com exceção aos grupos que utilizaram o laser de Diodo (GD3 GD2) e o laser Nd:YAG (GNd3). Os diferentes lasers não apresentaram diferença entre si e não foram capazes de promover aumento na resistência e união imediata comparados ao grupo controle. Todos os grupos obtiveram quedas na resistência de união, mesmo em alguns grupos esta queda não sendo significativa. Alterações de alguns parâmetros ou até mesmo a utilização de outro tipo de LASER poderiam ajudar a definir o protocolo ideal para o uso efetivo deste sistema de tratamento adjunto. / The aim of this work was to compare the effect of the irradiation of two types of laser (Nd:YAG and diode laser) on a conventional three-step adhesive system, using three different energy densities of the fiber tip in bond strength immediately and after 1 year. 70 human teeth were selected, and each one had the crown sectioned, exposing the dentin surface for the adhesive and restorative procedures. After teeth preparation, they were randomly divided into 7 groups (n = 10), being 6 test-groups and one control group. Thus, the bonding system Scotchbond™ Multi-Purpose Plus was applied, and before light cured, the Nd:YAG laser was used in three groups, with three different energy densities of the fiber tip (1 - 509.55 J/cm2, 2 - 254.77 J/cm2 and 3 - 127.38 J/cm2), the same procedures with the same energy densities of the fiber tip were performed for the diode laser. After irradiation followed by light cured, the teeth were restored with composite resin increments (Filtek™ Z250). The restored teeth were immersed in deionized water and maintained in oven at 37oC for 7 days. After storage, the specimens were sectioned in order to obtain sticks with crosssectional area of approximately 1mm2. Randomly, these sticks were divided into 2 groups: the first one was submitted immediately to microtensile tests in a universal testing machine INSTRON 3342, and the second group was submitted to the same procedure after one year of storage. The bond strength values were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests for individual comparisons. There was no statistically significant difference between the laser s. Irradiated groups showed similar results to the control group, except for the group that used the diode laser with lower energy density of the fiber tip (GD3), in which the results were lower than the control group in the immediate moment. Significant reduction in the values of bond strength were observed, except for the groups that used the diode laser (GD3 - GD2), and the Nd:YAG laser (GNd3). Different lasers did not differ among themselves and were not able to promote an increase in resistance and immediate union compared to the control group. All groups had declines in bond strength, even in some this fall not significant groups. Changes in some parameters or even the use of another type of laser could help define the optimal protocol for the effective use of this adjunctive treatment system.

O uso do laser previamente à polimerização de sistemas adesivos aplicados sobre a dentina tem sido proposto para melhorar a resistência de união à dentina. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da variação da potência (P) e da energia por pulso (Ep) na resistência de união à dentina de um sistema adesivo convencional irradiado com laser previamente à fotoativação. Duzentos terceiros molares foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 10 grupos (n=20) sendo um grupo sem irradiação (Controle) e nove grupos irradiados com laser de Diodo (970 nm) (SiroLaser - Sirona Dental Systems - Benshein, Alemanha), de acordo com a potência (P) e energia por pulso (Ep) utilizados: 1 - 0,5W/0,05J; 2 - 0,5W/0,08J; 3 - 0,5W/0,1J; 4 - 0,8W/0,05J; 5 - 0,8W/0,08J; 6 - 0,8W/0,1J; 7 - 1W/0,05J; 8 - 1W/0,08J; 9 - 1W/0,1J. Em todos os grupos fez-se o condicionamento com ácido fosfórico, aplicação do sistema adesivo convencional de dois passos AdperTM Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, EUA) e restauração com resina composta Z250 (3M). Para avaliar a resistência de união foi realizado teste de microtração obtendo-se os valores em MPa. Os resultados foram analisados pelo ANOVA a dois critérios, seguido de Dunnett t (p < 0,001) para comparação entre os grupos. Os grupos irradiados foram avaliados pelo ANOVA a um critério, seguido dos testes de comparações múltiplas Bonferroni e Tamhane. Os valores de resistência de união ± desvio padrão de todos os grupos foram, respectivamente: 0 - Controle (34,60±10,76); 1 - (19,62±8,65); 2 - (27,56±9,20); 3 - (30,34±7,92); 4 - (23,31±5,96); 5 - (20,93±7,46); 6 - (24,67±8,59); 7 - (23,61±7,04); 8 - (25,94±6,82) e 9 - (21,48±3,59). O laser de Diodo influencia na resistência de união entre os grupos irradiados e não irradiado. A potência de 0,5W e energia por pulso de 0,1J influenciam positivamente nos valores de resistência de união quando o sistema adesivo é irradiado previamente a sua fotoativação. / The use of the laser prior to polymerisation of adhesive systems applied to the dentin has been proposed to improve the bond strength of dentin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the variation of the output power (P) and pulse energy (Ep) on bond strength to dentin irradiated of conventional adhesive system with laser. Two hundred third molars were randomly distributed in 10 groups (n = 20): a group without laser irradiation (group control) and nine groups irradiated with diode laser (970 nm) (SiroLaser Sirona Dental Systems-Benshein, Germany), according to the output power (P) and pulse energy (Ep): 1 - 0,5W/0,05J; 2 - 0,5W/0,08J; 3 - 0,5W/0,1J; 4 - 0,8W/0,05J; 5 - 0,8W/0,08J; 6 - 0,8W/0,1J; 7 - 1W/0,05J; 8 - 1W/0,08J; 9 - 1W/0,1J. It was used in all groups etching with phosphoric acid, application of conventional adhesive system AdperTM Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) and restoration with composite resin Z250 (3M). Microtensile test was performed obtaining bond strength values in MPa. Results were analyzed by two-ways ANOVA test, followed by Dunnett t (p < 0.001) for comparison between groups. The groups laser irradiated were assessed by one-way ANOVA test and subsequent t test with Bonferroni and Tamhane corrections. Bond strength values ± standard deviation for the groups were, respectively: 0 group control (34.60 ± 10.76); 1 - (19.62 ± 8.65); 2 - (27.56 ± 9.20); 3 - (30.34 ± 7.92); 4 - (23.31 ± 5.96); 5 - (20.93 ± 7.46); 6 - (24.67 ± 8.59); 7 - (7.04 ± 23.61); 8 - (25.94 ± 6.82) and 9 - (3.59 ± 21.48). The Diode laser influences on bond strength between irradiated and without irradiated groups. The output power 0.5W and energy per pulse 0.1J influence positively in the bond strength values when the adhesive system is irradiated prior to their light curing.

A confecção de infra-estruturas metálicas em reabilitações orais, envolvem processos criteriosos principalmente no que concerne ao processo de fundição e soldagem das mesmas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência à tração de peças fundidas em monobloco com três diferentes métodos de soldagem: solda convencional (maçarico), solda a laser e solda TIG (tungstênio Inerte Gás). Oitenta padrões de plástico pré-fabricados (vinte para cada grupo) foram fundidos em liga de Ni-Cr, sendo o grupo controle (monobloco) unido previamente à fundição. Após, os corpos-de-prova do grupo teste foram divididos aleatoriamente para posterior soldagem e teste de resistência, realizado em uma máquina de ensaios mecânicos (Kratos). Os resultados médios (MPa) foram: monobloco 784,08, solda laser 588,42, solda convencional 366,80 e solda TIG 319,78. Os dados foram submetidos á analise estatística ANOVA e teste de Tukey (p,0,05), sendo que o grupo controle (monobloco) apresentou valores de resistência estatisticamente superior a todos os do grupo teste. Entre as peças soldadas, a solda laser apresentou valores de resistência estatisticamente superior em relação aos grupos (convencional e TIG), os quais não diferiram estatisticamente entre si. Concluí-se que apesar de ter havido diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos, os três métodos de soldagem podem ser indicadas pelos resultados altamente satisfatórios. / The development of metallic prosthetic framework in oral rehabilitation, involves critical processes specially related to casting and welding. The objective of this work was to evaluate the tensile strength of cast plates (monobloc) with three different welding methods: conventional welding (torch), laser welding and TIG welding (tungsten inert gas). Eighty pre fabricated plastic patterns (twenty for each group), were welded in Ni-Cr alloy, being the control group (monobloc) jointed previously to welding. The specimens of the test group were randomly divided for posterior welding and tensile strength test, which were performed in an universal testing machine (Kratos). The mean values (Mpa) were: monobloc (control) - 785.08, laser welding - 588.42, conventional welding - 366.80 and TIG 319.78. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p.0.05). The control group (monobloc) presented tensile strength values statistically superior compared to all test groups. Between the welded patterns, the laser welding presented tensile strength values statistically superior compared to the other welding groups (conventional and TIG), which did not show any statistically difference between them. Therefore, it can be concluded that despite of the statistical difference between the groups, the three welding methods can be indicated by the highly satisfactory results.

Orientador: Regina Maria Puppin Rontani / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T23:49:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Barbosa-Martins_LuizFilipe_M.pdf: 3917283 bytes, checksum: d231cd8d8bf786295bf13e87744334d8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito dos agentes remineralizadores Fluoreto de Sódio (NaF) a 0,2%, MI Paste¿ e Curodont¿ Repair sobre a dentina desmineralizada e diferentes sistemas adesivos (Adper¿ single Bond 2 (SB) (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) e Clearfil¿ SE Bond (CSE) (Kuraray Co., Tokyo, Japan), por meio da avaliação da resistência da união à microtração. A amostra consistiu de 60 terceiros molares livres de cárie. A superfície dentinária foi exposta por meio de disco diamantado e polidas com lixas de carboneto de silício e congelados em solução tampão fosfato até o uso. Os dentes foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em 10 grupos (n=6) de acordo com o tratamento da superfície dentinária: 1. DH/SB - Dentina hígida; 2. DH/CSE - Dentina hígida; 3. DD/SB ¿ Dentina Desmineralizada; 4. DD/CSE ¿ Dentina Desmineralizada; 5. DR/SB - NaF a 0,2% por 1min; 6. DR/SB - NaF a 0,2% por 1min; 7. DR/SB - MI Paste¿ por 1 min; 8. DR/CSE - MI Paste¿ por 1 min; 9. DR/SB - Curodont¿ Repair; 10. DR/CSE - Curodont¿ Repair. Em 48 dentes a superfície dentinária foi submetida a aplicação de gel ácido (6% de carboximetilcelulose e ácido lático 0,1M com solução concentrada de KOH em pH5,0), simulando a dentina afetada por cárie. O procedimento adesivo/restaurador foi realizado foi realizado de acordo com os grupos experimentais, respeitando-se a aplicação do agente remineralizador e blocos de 4mm de altura de compósito foram construídos (Filtek Z350XT) e estocados em água deionizada por 24h, sendo seccionados em palitos (1mm2 - área secção), perpendicularmente a área de união, sendo submetidos ao teste de µTBS em 1,0mm/min e carga de 50kgF. Os sítios de fratura foram avaliados em MEV (50x e 150x). Os dados de µTBS (MPa) foram submetidos à ANOVA-two way e ao teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Os maiores valores de resistência de união a microtração foram obtidos quando a dentina desmineralizada foi tratada com MI Paste e Sistema CSE que não diferiram daqueles obtidos quando a dentina desmineralizada foi tratada com MI Paste/SB e Curodont Repair/SB e os menores valores foram obtidos para o mesmo adesivo quando utilizado o Curodent Repair, que não diferiram da dentina desmineralizada tratada com ambos sistemas adesivos. O tipo de fratura variou de acordo com o sistema adesivo e tratamento da dentina, sendo observados maiores percentuais de fratura Coesiva no compósito para a dentina hígida/SB, dentina hígida/CSE, Adesiva para a dentina desmineralizada/SB, dentina desmineralizada tratada com Curodont Repair/CSE, Mista para a dentina desmineralizada/NaF/SB, dentina desmineralizada/MI Paste/SB, dentina desmineralizada/Curodont Repair/SB, Coesiva na dentina para a dentina desmineralizada/MIPaste/CSE. Com base nos resultados obtidos e dentro dos limites do presente estudo pôde-se concluir que a utilização de agentes remineralizadores na dentina mostra-se uma alternativa favorável, em curto prazo, aos procedimentos adesivos. Quando utilizados o sistema adesivo Adper¿ Single Bond 2 associado ao tratamento da superfície desmineralizada com Curodont¿ Repair ou MI Paste¿ ou ainda Clearfil¿ SE Bond associado a MI Paste¿ foram observados os maiores valores de resistência da união resina/dentina / Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of remineralizing agents such as sodium fluoride (NaF) at 0.2%, MI Paste¿ or Curodont¿ Repair on demineralized dentin and different adhesive systems (Adper ¿ Single Bond 2 (SB) (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) and (Clearfil ¿ SE Bond (CSE) ( Kuraray Co., Tokyo, Japan) for the microtensile bond strength (µTBS). Sixty human third molars with mid-coronal portion of dentin exposed were randomized in 10 groups (n=6) according to factors studied (substrate): 1. SD/SB ¿ Sound Dentin; 2. SD/CSE - Sound Dentin; 3. DD/SB ¿ Demineralized Dentin; 4. DD/CSE - Demineralized Dentin; 5. RD/SB - Dentin Remineralized with 0.2% NaF for 1 min; 6. RD/CSE - Dentin Remineralized with 0.2% NaF for 1 min; 7. RD/SB - Dentin Remineralized with MI Paste¿ for 1min; 8. RD/CSE - Dentin remineralized with MI Paste¿ for 1min; 9. RD/SB ¿ Dentin remineralized with Curodont¿ Repair - for 5min; and 10. RD/CSE ¿ Dentin remineralized with Curodont¿ Repair - for 5min. Before dentin treatment and bond procedures it was acid gel applied (6% carboxymethylcellulose and 0.1 M lactic acid with KOH concentrated solution at pH 5.0) on 48 molars producing a simulated caries-affected dentin. Adhesive/restorative procedure was performed constructing composite (Filtek Z350XT) blocks with 4 mm height. They were stored in deionized water for 24 hours, sectioned in beams (1mm2) and submitted to ?TBS test at 1.0 mm/min and load of 50kgf. SEM (50x and 150x) evaluated the types of fracture. µTBS data (MPa) were submitted to two - way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05). It was found an interaction between the factors studied (p<0.01). The highest values of the microtensile bond strength were obtained when the demineralized dentin was treated with MI Paste¿ and adhesive system CSE did not differ from those obtained when the demineralized dentin was treated with MI Paste/SB and Curodont Repair/SB and minors values were obtained for the same adhesive used when the Curodont¿ Repair, which did not differ from demineralized dentin treated with both adhesive systems. The type of fracture varied according to the adhesive system and treatment of dentin, the highest percentages of cohesive/composite fracture is observed in to sound dentin/SB, sound dentin/CSE; demineralized dentin/SB and demineralized dentin treated with Curodont¿ Repair/SB for adhesive; mixed for demineralized dentin treated with NaF/SB, demineralized dentin treated with MI Paste¿/SB, demineralized dentin/Curodont Repair/SB; cohesive/dentin to demineralized dentin/MIPaste/CSE. Based on the results obtained and the limits of this study it was concluded that the use of agents in dentin remineralizadores shown a favorable alternative in the short term, the bonding procedures. When used Adper¿ Single Bond system 2 associated with the treatment of demineralized surface Curodont¿ Repair or MI Paste¿ or Clearfil¿ SE MI Paste¿ associated with the highest values of resistance of resin/dentin were observed / Mestrado / Odontopediatria / Mestre em Odontologia

Orientador: Marcelo Ferraz Mesquita / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-18T20:44:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Valverde_GuilhermeBonecker_D.pdf: 4037993 bytes, checksum: 26ba8c00883b626cc58bc5c0cba10331 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: Um esforço considerável tem sido feito pelos fabricantes e pesquisadores em alterar a propriedade das superfícies de materiais odontológicos como a zircônia e o titânio, através de tratamentos químicos e mecânicos. A nova tecnologia de plasmas atmosféricos não térmicos (NTP) tem o potencial de alterar quimicamente a superfície tanto da zircônia quanto do titânio. A proposta dos trabalhos realizados foi analisar a possível alteração química promovida pelo NTP através da determinação dos níveis de energia das superfícies (SE) de Y-TZP e Ti após o tratamento com NTP (1), caracterização química de suas superfícies (2), avaliação dos parâmetros de rugosidade e níveis de SE de superfícies de Y-TZP jateadas e polidas antes e após a aplicação do NTP (3), e a resistência à microtração (MTBS) de palitos de Y-TZP com diferentes métodos de tratamento, cimentados em palitos de reina composta (4). Para tal, discos de Y-TZP e Ti foram obtidos, submetidos à aplicação de NTP e avaliados quanto ao nível de SE. A quantificação de elementos químicos de ambas as superfícies foi realizada via espectroscopia de fotoelétrons excitados por raios x (XPS), antes a e após a aplicação do NTP. Os parâmetros de rugosidade, Sa e Sq, para a superfície de YTZP jateada e polida, foram estabelecidos por interferometria (IFM), e níveis de SE, estabelecidas pelo emprego do medidor óptico de ângulo de contato. Amostras de Y-TZP sem e com aplicação de NTP receberam um dos quatro tratamentos a seguir: jateamento de Al2O3, aplicação de 10-metacriloiloxidecil dihidrogeno fosfato, jateamento + MDP; sem tratamento e submetidos ao MTBS. Os dados foram submetidos a análises de variância one way, modelo misto de anova, teste de comparação múltipla de Tukey e test-t. Foi observado aumento significativo nos valores de SE para todas as superfícies submetidas à aplicação de NTP. A análise de XPS detectou principalmente, aumento da presença do elemento O e diminuição do elemento C, tanto na superfície da Y-TZP quanto na do Ti. As superfícies polida e jateada da Y-TZP apresentaram o mesmo nível de SE após a aplicação do NTP e todas as superfícies de Y-TZP tratadas com NTP apresentaram valores mais elevados de MTBS. A tecnologia de NTP alterou quimicamente as superfícies de Y-TZP e do Ti. Os resultados mostram que a utilização de NTP no processo de adesão pode ser promissor, no sentido de aumentar a adesão de materiais cerâmicos e metálicos / Abstract: There have been considerable efforts by many manufacturers and researchers to modify the surface properties of zirconia and titanium, mechanically and chemically by various surface treatments. Novel non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology has the potential to address surface changes of Y-TZP and Ti surfaces. The aim of the following studies was (1) to determine the surface energy (SE) levels of Y-TZP and Ti surfaces after NTP treatment; (2) chemically characterize their surfaces; (3) evaluate roughness parameters and SE levels of roughened YTZP specimens before and after NTP treatment; and (4) test the microtensile strength (MTBS) of Y-TZP specimens after a combination of different surface conditioning methods. Y-TZP and Ti discs were obtained from the manufacturer and were treated with a handheld NTP device followed by SE evaluation. Survey scans and quantification of the elements were also performed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) prior and after NTP. Roughness paramenters, Sa and Sq, for the roughened Y-TZP surfaces were determined by Interferometry (IFM) and SE levels evaluated by the optical contact angle meter OCA 20. Furthermore, Y-TZP specimens with and without NTP application received one of the four following treatments: sand-blasting, 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogenphosphate application (MDP), sand-blasting + MDP, or baseline (no treatment) and were submitted to MTBS. Data analysis was performed by one-way anova, mixed model, Tukey test and t-test. Significant augmentation of SE values was observed in all NTP treated groups. XPS detected a large increase in the O element fraction and a decrease in C element on both Y-TZP and Ti surfaces. Different roughness profiles of Y-TZP specimens showed the same SE levels after NTP treatment, and all Y-TZP NTP treated specimens showed higher bond strength than the untreated counterparts. The non-thermal plasma technology had the capability of changing the surface chemistry of the different substrates tested and it appears to be very promising in adhesion processes / Doutorado / Protese Dental / Doutor em Clínica Odontológica

The system of upper high nickel alloying steel seal ring and lower high nickel alloying steel seal ring, installed in the grooves of turbine, can extend out and fit with the wall of valve cage, resulting in forming a good seal under the pressure. In the project, the failure steel seal ring is considered. This situation had threatened the safety of the whole steam turbine system. The purpose of this study is to identify the failure cause of the steel seal ring used in nuclear steam turbines. New high nickel steel alloy seal ring was compared with the failed seal ring. The dimensions of macroscopic ring with clearly plastic deformation were measured using calipers. Surface morphology of ring was observed by optical microscopy through metallographic analysis. There is a lot of precipitation in the grain boundaries of used seal ring, along with smaller grain size than the new seal ring. To explore the composition of precipitation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used. The results indicated that the concentration of titanium (Ti) and molybdenum (Mo) was higher in the precipitation of used seal ring. At the same time, the hardness and elastic modulus of used seal ring were reduced, measured by nanoindentation test. In-situ SEM tensile testing were used to record and analyze the generation of crack source and crack development under applied load. The reasons of the seal ring failure can be answered because of these experimental results at both macroscopic and microscopic scales. The main reason of the seal ring failure is a combination of long-term stress and elevated temperature during turbine operation. Complex work environment caused recrystallization and recovery, resulting in grain refinement and secondary phase precipitation. Further embodiment, recrystallization and recovery caused the elastic modulus and hardness of used seal ring decrease. Moreover, a lot of secondary phase precipitates appeared at grain boundaries during use. The appearance of secondary phase precipitates become the weakest part of used seal ring. The applied load lead to seal ring failure from the formation of microvoids to microvoids aggregated becoming microcracks until to the appearance of cracks at macroscopic scale. These changes of microscopic structure ultimately reflected in critical plastic deformation of used seal ring.

The Intervertebral disc (IVD), comprised of two distinct regions, namely the fibrous annulus fibrosus (AF) and the gelatinous nucleus pulposus (NP), is a fibrocartilage pad located between adjoining vertebrae of the spine. The function of the IVD is to provide stability to the spine, while maintaining movement. IVD degeneration, also known as degenerative disc disease (DDD), is the process whereby the IVD tissue degrades, resulting in loss of function to the disc. Low back pain (LBP) is associated with the degeneration of the IVD, making it important to investigate the pathogenesis of DDD, as this could lead to novel therapies for the prevention and/or treatment of LBP. Mechanical stimuli (MS) are known to be important for IVD cell matrix homeostasis, with cells of the AF and NP responding to physiological forces with a trend towards increased matrix anabolism, while non-physiological forces lead to matrix catabolism. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that IVD cells derived from degenerate tissue may have lost their ability to respond to physiological MS in the 'normal' anabolic manner, potentially leading to the progression of DDD. It is therefore important to investigate the response of IVD cells derived from both non-degenerate and degenerate tissue to MS, to ascertain whether there is a difference with degeneration. If the response is found to be altered with degeneration, then elucidation of the potentially altered mechanotransduction pathway utilised by degenerate cells could lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of DDD. To date, the majority of IVD MS studies have concentrated on the response of NP cells to hydrostatic pressure, with only a limited number of AF studies available. Thus, the first aim of this PhD was to investigate the response of human AF cells derived from non-degenerate and degenerate IVDs to the physiologically relevant mechanical stimulus of cyclic tensile strain (CTS), to ascertain whether the response (regulation of matrix protein and matrix degrading enzyme gene expression) was frequency-dependent or altered with IVD degeneration. Using an in vitro mechanical loading system (Flexcell® Tension Plus™ system, Flexcell International) capable of delivering a CTS of 10% strain, 0.33Hz or 1.0Hz for 20 minutes, the response of AF cells derived from non-degenerate IVDs was found to be frequency-dependent (reduced catabolism at 1.0Hz, with decreased MMP -3 and ADAM-TS -4 gene expression; and catabolic at 0.33Hz, with decreased types I and II collagen and increased MMP -9 gene expression). Furthermore, the response of AF cells to 1.0Hz CTS was shown to be altered with IVD degeneration, depicted by a switch from reduced catabolism (decreased MMP -3 and ADAM-TS -4) in non-degenerate AF cells, to reduced anabolism (decreased aggrecan and type I collagen gene expression) in degenerate AF cells. Subsequently, the second aim of the PhD was to attempt to elucidate the mechanotransduction pathways operating in human AF cells derived from non-degenerate and degenerate IVDs, to ascertain whether the mechanotransduction pathway was altered with IVD degeneration. An identical mechanical stimulation regime was used (1.0Hz CTS) in parallel with functional inhibitors against the cytokines interleukin (IL) -1 and -4, and the cell surface receptors, RGD-recognising integrins. Additionally, the involvement of the cytokine associated transcription factors, nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) -6, as well as the integrin-associated kinase, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was investigated in 1.0Hz CTS-treated non-degenerate AF cells. The response to 1.0Hz CTS (reduced catabolism) of AF cells derived from non-degenerate IVDs occurred in an IL -1, IL -4 and RGD-recognising integrin-dependent manner, with FAK being phosphorylated. Of significant interest, the altered response of AF cells derived from degenerate IVDs to 1.0Hz CTS (reduced anabolism) occurred independently of either cytokine and independently of RGD-recognising integrins, suggesting an altered mechanotransduction pathway in operation and warranting further investigation.

Architecture is never complete. The theoretical discourse of the thesis explored the need of a building to change. This change is unpredictable, though expected. The project proposal within the informal context of Phumolong, Mamelodi, aimed to address this unavoidable nature of architecture. The focus of the project was to provide improved services within an informal settlement, whilst generating social upliftment. The thesis investigated the current and future requirements of the informal dweller. It explored the possibility of generating public space through the establishment of a catalyst. The connection of services and public amenities has been exploited to generate an environment where the building acts as generator and it supports social interaction. Inevitably the servant core provides implicit reasoning as renewed stimulus to public gathering. The project proposal addressed the integration of the informal user with a building system through the architectural process. This is achieved through phased development, investigating assembly and use of civic programmes. A quantitative approach towards the research was initially undertaken. However, the fluid nature of the informal settlement enthused a more qualitative approach. The need and right of the informal dweller to be served, and have access to public services and amenities justified the design proposal. The changing fabric, user, programme and needs of the community contribute to the rate of change of a building. The changing context of Phumolong required a flexible and adaptable design intervention allowing for future interpretation. These variables influenced architecture as a cognitive process. The design as a product within the realm of architecture represents the process of learning from the past, reacting to the present and preparing for the future. Ultimately the design intervention exists as an ongoing process of progressive change. Copyright / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Architecture / unrestricted

The corrosion fatigue behaviour of high strength carbon steel tensile armour wires that are used in flexible risers has been explored. An investigation of the corrosion fatigue failure mechanisms for two different sets of corrosion fatigue tested high strength steel wires has been carried out. The two different tensile armour wires were 12 mm x 4 mm and 12 mm x 7 mm. The wires had been corrosion fatigue tested in up to three different seawater environments, namely aerated, CO2 saturated to 1 bar absolute and 100 mbar absolute H2S-CO2 balance to 1 bar absolute. The corrosion fatigue failure investigation included undertaking statistical analysis of fatigue crack and corrosion pit data to establish the effects of environment, applied stress, R-ratio and microstructure due to degree of cold drawing on the corrosion fatigue behaviour. The 12 mm x 4 mm has fine grain martensite-pearlite structure with anisotropic microstructure in the transverse plane. The 12 mm x 7 mm has larger grain martensite-pearlite structure with equiaxed microstructure in the transverse plane. The corrosion fatigue crack path for the two tensile armour wires exhibits transgranular and intergranular cracking due to variations in R-ratio and microstructure. The analysis identified that a significant amount of localised corrosion pitting was present on the surface of both the 12 mm x 4 mm and 12 mm x 7 mm high strength carbon steel tensile armour wires and that many corrosion fatigue cracks had initiated from these geometric discontinuities. A method was developed in order to apply an optical image correlation technique to a sample immersed in seawater. The research has shown that digital image correlation may be applied for in-situ imaging of a corroding and dynamically deforming surface within a seawater environment. The technique demonstrated the establishment of localised surface strain around the corrosion pits during mechanical loading. The results of the surface strain mapping show that the interaction between multiple corrosion pits is consistent with a significant increase in surface strain when compared to a single surface pit acting alone. The results also show that a small single stress raiser can exhibit a high surface stress concentration when compared to a larger one as the strain is dependent upon the geometry of the pit. The highest strain concentration is at the edge of the pit, parallel to the loading direction. The results show the interaction that multiple pits have with each other, the effect they have on surface strains and how they and other types of stress raiser lead to premature failure of components. Further to this the effects of residual stress on crack nucleation were considered. Fatigue cracks initiate at the surface of the high strength carbon steel tensile armour wire therefore surface measurements were carried out to establish the effects of environment and applied load on the development of residual stress fields. The 12 mm x 4 mm wire shows some correlation between applied stress range and surface residual stress measurements with. For the 12 mm x 4 mm wire corrosion fatigue tested in aerated seawater the surface residual stress becomes increasing compressive with an increase in applied stress. For the 12 mm x 4 mm wire corrosion fatigue tested in CO2 saturated seawater the surface residual stress appears to be independent of applied stress. However for the 12 mm x 7 mm carbon steel tensile armour wire there is no correlation between the applied stress range and the surface residual stress. The differences in surface residual stress may be due to the differences in R-ratio, microstructure and level of cold drawing due to the Bauschinger effect. Surface residual stress measurements have been used to explore the effects of the shakedown process on the high strength carbon steel tensile armour wires prior to corrosion fatigue testing. They show that at a high applied stress range the shakedown process readily develops a compressive residual stress on the surface of the carbon steel wire. This is mostly the case for the low applied stress range; however care should be taken when considering the effects of shakedown on a lower stress range in so far as it may not completely remove the tensile residual stress. Through thickness residual stress measurements show a similar distribution of residual stress fields throughout the high strength carbon steel tensile armour wires independent of the applied stress range and environment.

Orientador: Maria Filomena Rocha Lima Huhtala / Banca: Eduardo Bresciani / Banca: João Maurício Ferraz da Silva / Banca: Caio Gorgulho Zanet / Banca: Rogério de Lima Romeiro / Resumo: O objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi avaliar a resistência adesiva, rugosidade superficial, ângulo de contato e o espectro infravermelho da zircônia, após diferentes tratamentos de superfície. Para isso, blocos (n=9) de zircônia Y-TZP (e.max ZirCad - Ivoclar, Schann, Liechtenstein) foram seccionados em 39 fatias (12 x 11x 3 mm) divididas em grupos de acordo com cada teste. Para resistência adesiva, 20 fatias foram divididos em: 2 grupos controle; JAT, jateamento com óxido de alumínio e sílica + primer (Monobond Plus - Ivoclar, Schann, Liechtenstein); HFP, condicionamento com ácido fluorídrico 10% + primer, e 3 experimentais: PL, plasma (Plasma Não Térmico de Superfície - modelo SAP); PLP, plasma + primer; HFPLP, ácido fluorídrico + plasma + primer. Cada fatia de zircônia foi cimentada (Multilink N - Ivoclair, Schann, Liechtenstein) a um bloco pré-polimerizado de resina composta. Após a cimentação os espécimes foram seccionados, e 48 palitos com área adesiva de 1 mm2 foram obtidos em cada grupo para o ensaio de microtração (μTBS). Quatro outras fatias foram submetidas à análise de rugosidade superficial e 12 fatias submetidas à análise do ângulo de contato, após os seguintes tratamentos de superfície: sem tratamento (AV), aplicação de ácido fluorídrico a 10% (AHF), aplicação de plasma (AP) e jateamento (AJ), sendo que para o ângulo de contato foram feitas medições imediatamente após o tratamento, após 12 e 24 horas. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística Anova e ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The purpose of this in vito study was to evaluate zirconia bond strength, surface roughness, contact angle and to mesure infrared spectrum after different surface treatments. Y-TZP zirconium (e.max ZirCAD - Ivoclair, Schann, Liechtenstein) blocks (n=9) were sliced into 36 discs (12 x 11 x 3 mm) and divided (n=4) into surface treatment groups as following: two control groups: JAT, airborneparticle abrasion and HFP, 10% hydrofluoric acid etching + primer (Monobond Plus - Ivoclair, Schann, Liechtenstein)application,and three experimental groups: PL, non-thermal plasma (Surface Non-Thermal Plasma SAP model) application; PLP non-thermal plasma + primer application, and HFPLP, 10% hydrofluoric acid etching + non-thermal plasma + primer application. Each zirconia disk was cemented (Multilink N - Ivoclair, Schann, Liechtenstein) to a pre-polymerized resin block (Filtek Z350 - 3M, St Paul, MN, USA). After cementation the specimens were sectioned and 48 sticks with adhesive area of 1 mm2 obtained from each group for micro-tensile testing (µTBS). Four discs were submitted to surface roughness analysis and 12 discs to contact angle analysis, after the following surface treatments: no treatment (AV), 10% hydrofluoric acid etching (AHF), non-thermal plasma application (AP); and airborne- particle abrasion (AJ). The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Zirconia surface chemical bonds spectrum was determined in infrared spectroscopy for three specimens after the conditions: no treatment; airborne- particle abrasion and hydrofluoric acid etching + non-thermal plasma application. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the groups JAT and HFPLP, but these two groups were statistically superior to HFP, PL and PLP. Airborne- particle abrasion resulted in a significant increase of surface roughness compared to the other groups...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Doutor