Mechanical characterisation of lignocellulosic fibres using toy bricks tensile tester.

This paper demonstrates the potential use of toy-bricks as the building block of a mechanical tensile testing instrument for the mechanical characterisation of natural fibres. A table-top tensile testing instrument was developed using LEGO parts (Mindstorms EV3 and Technics) and a 2 kg capacity load cell, whereas deformation modes were programmed in an open source programming language. Experimental work was conducted on oil palm fibres under different tensile modes (i.e. constant deformation, triple-twisted-tension and deformation-relaxation modes), which showed anisotropic-viscoelastic behaviour, and microstructural damages due to deformation.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine irrigating solutions and their inactivating agents on the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine solutions and their inactivating agents on the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). One hundred fifty root slices were prepared and their root canal spaces were enlarged using diamond burs. MTA was prepared and compacted to root canal spaces. The samples were randomly separated to 4 groups that would be immersed into the selected solutions (5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 5.25% NaOCl and sodium thiosulfate, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 2% CHX and a mixture of Tween 80 and 0.3% L-alfa-lecithin) and a control group (n = 30). Push-out bond strength of each specimen was tested with universal testing machine. The data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests. There were no significant differences between the push-out bond strength values of the irrigation groups and the control group. A significant difference was found between the push-out bond strength values of NaOCl-Sodium thiosulfate and CHX-L-alpha-lecithin groups. Contact with NaOCl and its neutralizing agent with MTA after 10 minutes of setting period increased the push-out bond strength of MTA. On the other hand, any contact with CHX alone or with subsequent application using L-alfa-lecithin should be avoided since that might decrease the push-out bond strength of freshly mixed MTA.

Application of High-Throughput Seebeck Microprobe Measurements on Thermoelectric Half-Heusler Thin Film Combinatorial Material Libraries.

In view of the variety and complexity of thermoelectric (TE) material systems, combinatorial approaches to materials development come to the fore for identifying new promising compounds. The success of this approach is related to the availability and reliability of high-throughput characterization methods for identifying interrelations between materials structures and properties within the composition spread libraries. A meaningful characterization starts with determination of the Seebeck coefficient as a major feature of TE materials. Its measurement, and hence the accuracy and detectability of promising material compositions, may be strongly affected by thermal and electrical measurement conditions. This work illustrates the interrelated effects of the substrate material, the layer thickness, and spatial property distributions of thin film composition spread libraries, which are studied experimentally by local thermopower scans by means of the Potential and Seebeck Microprobe (PSM). The study is complemented by numerical evaluation. Material libraries of the half-Heusler compound system Ti-Ni-Sn were deposited on selected substrates (Si, AlN, Al2O3) by magnetron sputtering. Assuming homogeneous properties of a film, significant decrease of the detected thermopower Sm can be expected on substrates with higher thermal conductivity, yielding an underestimation of materials thermopower between 15% and 50%, according to FEM (finite element methods) simulations. Thermally poor conducting substrates provide a better accuracy with thermopower underestimates lower than 8%, but suffer from a lower spatial resolution. According to FEM simulations, local scanning of sharp thermopower peaks on lowly conductive substrates is linked to an additional deviation of the measured thermopower of up to 70% compared to homogeneous films, which is 66% higher than for corresponding cases on substrates with higher thermal conductivity of this study.

Avaliação in vitro e in vivo de superfícies de titânio revestidas com vidro bioativo / In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a bioactive titanium surface modified by bioglass coating

Objetivo: Esse estudo experimental in vitro e in vivo testou a capacidade de osseoindução de uma nova superfície de titânio nanoestruturada revestida com vidro bioativo contendo fosfato de cálcio. Metodologia: A rugosidade superficial foi avaliada por microscopia de força atômica utilizando 9 corpos de prova dos três diferentes grupos: titânio microtexturizado (Ticp) e revestidos com vidro bioativo e secos nas temperaturas de 370 C (BGTi37) ou 6000 C (BGTi600). Células osteoblásticas primárias obtidas das calvárias de ratos neonatos foram cultivadas in vitro em meio α-MEM suplementado em contato ou não (controle) com discos de titânio microtexturizado (Ticp) e revestidos (BGTi37 e BGTi600). A viabilidade celular e produção de fosfatase alcalina foram avaliadas após 7 dias de cultura e a mineralização após 14 dias de cultura. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância (ANOVA) seguido pelo teste de Tukey, com nível de significância de 5%. A morfologia dos osteoblastos em contato com as três superfícies foi avaliado por microscopia eletrônica de varredura após 7 e 14 dias. Quatorze parafusos de titânio microtexturizados (Ticp -controle) e quatorze parafusos experimentais revestidos com vidro bioativo e secos à 370 C (BGTi37) foram instalados aleatoriamente nas tíbias de 14 ratos Wistar. Os animais foram eutanasiados após 14 e 28 dias e suas tíbias preparadas e analisadas por microtomografia computadorizada. Resultados: O grupo Ticp apresentou a maior rugosidade média(129,6 nm), seguido do grupo BGTi600 (91,85 nm), que foram estatisticamente semelhantes. O grupo BGTi37 apresentou a menor rugosidade(74,51 nm), sendo significativamente menor do que os outros dois grupos. A proporção de células viáveis, a produção de fosfatase alcalina e a mineralização do grupo BGTi600 foi significativamente menor do que as do grupo controle e do Ticp. Para os demais grupos (BGTi37, Ticp e controle),a proporção de células viáveis, produção de fosfatase alcalina e mineralização foram semelhantes. O número de osteoblastos em contato com todas as superfícies foi maior no período de 14 dias comparado ao período de 7 dias. A maior quantidade de osteoblastos foi observada em contato com a superfície de Ticp e a menor quantidade em contato com a superfície de BGTi600. Os osteoblastos em contato com a superfície Ticp apresentaram-se com morfologia poligonal e maiores do que os dos grupos BGTi37 e BGTi600, que apresentam-se com morfologia mais alongada, mais notadamente no grupo BGTi600. A quantidade de prolongamentos citoplasmáticos, junções intercelulares e vesículas observadas nos espécimes do grupo BGTi600 foi notadamente menor do que nos grupos Ticp e BGTi37. Os parâmetros avaliados por microtomografia computadorizada da cortical e da medular ósseas em torno dos parafusos experimentais (BGTi37) e controles (Ticp) foram estatisticamente semelhantes. Conclusões: A superfície BGTi37 apresentou comportamento biológico semelhante à uma superfície de titânio microtexturizada (Ticp), com ótimos resultados de longo prazo já consolidados na literatura. Fato bastante promissor, considerando as possibilidades de aprimoramento dessa superfície experimental em futuros estudos.

Objectives: This experimental in vitro and in vivo study tested the osteoinduction ability of a new nanostructured titanium surface coated with bioglass with calcium phosphate. Methods: Surface roughness was evaluated by atomic force microscopy using 9 specimens of three groups: sandblasting and acid etching commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and bioglass coated dried at temperatures of 370 C (BGTi37) or 6000 C (BGTi600). Rat calvarial osteogenic cells were cultured in supplemented α-MEM medium in contact or not (control) with sandblasting and acid etching (SLA) commercially pure titanium discs (cpTi) and bioglass coated (BGTi37 and BGTi600). Cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured after 7 days of culture. The mineralization was assessed after 14 days of culture. The data were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) complemented by Tukey test. The level of significance was 5%. Scanning electron microscopy after 7 and 14 days assessed osteoblasts morphology in contact with the three surfaces. Fourteen SLA commercially pure titanium screws (cpTi -control) and fourteen experimental screws bioglass coated dried at temperatures of 370 C (BGTi37) were randomly placed into 14 male Wistar rats' tibiae. The animals were sacrificed after 14 and 28 days and their tibias processed for micro-CT analysis. Results: The cpTi group (129.6 nm) showed the highest average roughness, followed by BGTi600 group (91.85 nm), which were statistically similar. The BGTi37 group (74.51 nm) showed the lowest surface roughness compared to the other two groups. Cell viability, ALP activity and mineralization of BGTi600 group were significantly lower than the control and cpTi groups. BGTi37, cpTi and control groups showed no significant differences in cell viability, ALP activity and mineralization. The number of cells in contact with all surfaces was higher in 14 days compared to 7 days. Higher amount of osteoblasts was observed in contact with the cpTi surface and the smaller amount in contact with the BGTi600 surface. Osteoblasts in contact to cpTi surface showed a flat polygonal shape and were larger than the BGTi37 and BGTi600 groups, which presented with a sharper morphology, most notably in the BGTi600 group. The number of cytoplasmic processes, intercellular junctions and vesicles observed in specimens of BGTi600 group was markedly lower than in cpTi and BGTi37 groups. The micro-CT parameters of the cortical and trabecular bone around the experimental (BGTi37) and controls (Ticp) screws presented no statistical differences. Conclusions: The BGTi37 surface showed biological behavior similar to a SLA titanium surface (cpTi), with excellent long-term results already established in the literature. A very promising fact, considering the improvement possibilities of this experimental surface in future studies

Biocompatibility of fluids for multiphase drops-in-drops microfluidics.

This paper addresses the biocompatibility of fluids and surfactants in the context of microfluidics and more specifically in a drops-in-drops system for mammalian cell based drug screening. In the drops-in-drops approach, three immiscible fluids are used to manipulate the flow of aqueous microliter-sized drops; it enables merging of drops containing cells with drops containing drugs within a Teflon tube. Preliminary tests showed that a commonly-used fluid and surfactant combination resulted in significant variability in gene expression levels in Jurkat cells after exposure to a drug for four hours. This result led to further investigations of potential fluid and surfactant combinations that can be used in microfluidic systems for medium to long-term drug screening. Results herein identify a fluid combination, HFE-7500 and 5-cSt silicone oil + 0.25% Abil EM180, which enabled the drops-in-drops approach; this combination also allowed gene expression at normal levels comparable with the conventional drug screening in both magnitude and variability.

Green chromatography determination of fatty acid methyl esters in biodiesel.

This work proposes a green, simple and rapid chromatographic methodology for separation and determination of a group of 13 fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) by using a capillary gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The method was successfully applied for the determination of FAMEs in biodiesel samples from commercial and waste cooking oils, synthesized by homogeneous catalysis. Detection and quantification limits were in the µg L(-1) level. Direct injection of sample solution was compared with solid-phase extraction and solid-phase microextraction procedures, giving similar results. The lower analysis time represent considerable improvement compared with other papers. The described methodology is especially suitable for process control applications. The samples analysed showed total contents of FAMEs higher than 96.5%, which verifies the European regulations.

Predicting the holistic force-displacement relation of the periodontal ligament: in-vitro experiments and finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: The biomechanical property of the periodontal ligament (PDL) is important in orthodontics and prosthodontics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring the biomechanical behavior of the periodontal ligament using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). METHODS: A custom-made apparatus measured the force and displacement of a porcine PDL specimen within the micro-CT environment. Synchronized computed tomography (CT) images were used to obtain the deformation and displacement of the entire specimen and to reconstruct the three-dimensional mesh model. To match the experimental results, finite element analysis was then applied to simulate the biomechanical response of the PDL. The mechanical model of the PDL was assumed as the hyperelastic material in this study. RESULTS: The volume variations of the tooth and the alveolar bone were less than 1%, which implies that tooth displacement was caused mostly by displacement of the PDL. Only translational displacement was observed with each load step because the transformation matrix acquired from the CT image registration was identical. The force-displacement curve revealed the nonlinear behavior of the PDL. There was a high correlation between the experimental displacement results and the simulation displacement results. The numerical results (based on the assumption that the PDL is the hyperelastic material) showed good agreement with the experimental results. CONCLUSIONS: Nondestructive measurements by micro-CT obtained the biomechanical behavior of the PDL. Using the hyperelastic characteristic as the constitutive model can properly predict the force-displacement relation of the PDL after loading. This study provided a feasible approach for measuring the biomechanical behavior of the PDL for further dental application.

Simulation of clinical fractures for three different all-ceramic crowns.

Comparison of fracture strength and fracture modes of different all-ceramic crown systems is not straightforward. Established methods for reliable testing of all-ceramic crowns are not currently available. Published in-vitro tests rarely simulate clinical failure modes and are therefore unsuited to distinguish between the materials. The in-vivo trials usually lack assessment of failure modes. Fractographic analyses show that clinical crowns usually fail from cracks initiating in the cervical margins, whereas in-vitro specimens fail from contact damage at the occlusal loading point. The aim of this study was to compare three all-ceramic systems using a clinically relevant test method that is able to simulate clinical failure modes. Ten incisor crowns of three types of all-ceramic systems were exposed to soft loading until fracture. The initiation and propagation of cracks in these crowns were compared with those of a reference group of crowns that failed during clinical use. All crowns fractured in a manner similar to fracture of the clinical reference crowns. The zirconia crowns fractured at statistically significantly higher loads than alumina and glass-ceramic crowns. Fracture initiation was in the core material, cervically in the approximal areas.

Measurement of nonlinear optical refraction of composite material based on sapphire with silver by Kerr-lens autocorrelation method.

Silver nanoparticles synthesized in a synthetic sapphire matrix were fabricated by ion implantation using the metal vapor vacuum arc ion source. The optical absorption spectrum of the Ag: Al2O3 composite material has been measured. The analysis of the supercontinuum spectrum displayed the nonlinear refractive property of this kind of sample. Nonlinear optical refraction index was identified at 800 nm excitation using the Kerr-lens autocorrelation (KLAC) technique. The spectrum showed that the material possessed self-defocusing property (n(2) = -1.1 × 10(-15) cm(2)W). The mechanism of nonlinear refraction has been discussed.

Evaluation of the friction force generated by monocristalyne and policristalyne ceramic brackets in sliding mechanics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare "in vitro" the maximum friction force generated by three types of esthetic brackets, two types of polycrystalline conventional ceramic brackets (20/40 and InVu) and one type of sapphire monocrystalline bracket (Radiance) in dry and artificial saliva wet settings. Also, to evaluate the influence exerted by artificial saliva on the friction forces of those brackets. METHODS: Tests were performed in dry and artificial saliva wet setting (Oral Balance) by using an EMIC DL 10000 testing machine, simulating a 2 mm slide of 0.019 x 0.025-in rectangular stainless steel wires over the pre-angulated and pre-torqued (right superior canine, Roth prescription, slot 0.022 x 0.030-in) brackets (n = 18 for each bracket). In order to compare groups in dry and wet settings, the ANOVA was used. For comparisons related to the dry versus wet setting, the student t test was used for each group. RESULTS: The results showed that in the absence of saliva the Radiance monocrystalline brackets showed the highest friction coefficients, followed by the 20/40 and the InVu polycrystalline brackets. In tests with artificial saliva, the Radiance and the 20/40 brackets had statistically similar friction coefficients and both were greater than that presented by the InVu brackets. The artificial saliva did not change the maximum friction force of the Radiance brackets, but, for the others (20/40 and InVu), an increase of friction was observed in its presence. CONCLUSION: The InVu brackets showed, in the absence and in the presence of saliva, the lowest friction coefficient.

Clinically relevant fracture testing of all-ceramic crowns.

OBJECTIVES: Fracture strength measured in vitro indicates that most all-ceramic crowns should be able to withstand mastication forces. Nevertheless, fractures are one of the major clinical problems with all-ceramic restorations. Furthermore, the fracture mode of all-ceramic crowns observed in clinical use differs from that found in conventional fracture strength tests. The aim of the present study was to develop and investigate a method that simulates clinical fracture behavior in vitro. METHODS: 30 crowns with alumina cores were made to fit a cylindrical model with a molar-like preparation design. These crowns were randomly allocated to 3 tests groups (n=10). The crowns in group 1 were cemented to abutment models of epoxy and subsequently fractured by occlusal loading without contact damage. The crowns in group 2 were fractured by cementation with expanding cement. The crowns in group 3 were cemented on an abutment model of epoxy split almost in two and fractured by increasing the diameter of the model in the bucco-lingual direction. The fractured crowns were analyzed by fractographic methods and compared to a reference group of 10 crowns fractured in clinical use. RESULTS: The fracture modes of all the in vitro crowns were similar to clinical fracture modes. The fracture modes in group 1 were most closely matched to the clinical fractures. These crowns also fractured at clinically relevant loads. CONCLUSION: Laboratory tests that induce a distortion of the abutment model during occlusal loading without occlusal contact damage can simulate clinical fractures of all-ceramic crowns.

Continuous gradient scaffolds for rapid screening of cell-material interactions and interfacial tissue regeneration.

In tissue engineering, the physical and chemical properties of the scaffold mediates cell behavior, including regeneration. Thus a strategy that permits rapid screening of cell-scaffold interactions is critical. Herein, we have prepared eight "hybrid" hydrogel scaffolds in the form of continuous gradients such that a single scaffold contains spatially varied properties. These scaffolds are based on combining an inorganic macromer (methacrylated star polydimethylsiloxane, PDMSstar-MA) and organic macromer (poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate, PEG-DA) as well as both aqueous and organic fabrication solvents. Having previously demonstrated its bioactivity and osteoinductivity, PDMSstar-MA is a particularly powerful component to incorporate into instructive gradient scaffolds based on PEG-DA. The following parameters were varied to produce the different gradients or gradual transitions in: (1) the wt.% ratio of PDMSstar-MA to PEG-DA macromers, (2) the total wt.% macromer concentration, (3) the number average molecular weight (Mn) of PEG-DA and (4) the Mn of PDMSstar-MA. Upon dividing each scaffold into four "zones" perpendicular to the gradient, we were able to demonstrate the spatial variation in morphology, bioactivity, swelling and modulus. Among these gradient scaffolds are those in which swelling and modulus are conveniently decoupled. In addition to rapid screening of cell-material interactions, these scaffolds are well suited for regeneration of interfacial tissues (e.g. osteochondral tissues) that transition from one tissue type to another.

Evaluation of the friction force generated by monocristalyne and policristalyne ceramic brackets in sliding mechanics

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare "in vitro" the maximum friction force generated by three types of esthetic brackets, two types of polycrystalline conventional ceramic brackets (20/40 and InVu) and one type of sapphire monocrystalline bracket (Radiance) in dry and artificial saliva wet settings. Also, to evaluate the influence exerted by artificial saliva on the friction forces of those brackets. METHODS: Tests were performed in dry and artificial saliva wet setting (Oral Balance) by using an EMIC DL 10000 testing machine, simulating a 2 mm slide of 0.019 x 0.025-in rectangular stainless steel wires over the pre-angulated and pre-torqued (right superior canine, Roth prescription, slot 0.022 x 0.030-in) brackets (n = 18 for each bracket). In order to compare groups in dry and wet settings, the ANOVA was used. For comparisons related to the dry versus wet setting, the student t test was used for each group. RESULTS: The results showed that in the absence of saliva the Radiance monocrystalline brackets showed the highest friction coefficients, followed by the 20/40 and the InVu polycrystalline brackets. In tests with artificial saliva, the Radiance and the 20/40 brackets had statistically similar friction coefficients and both were greater than that presented by the InVu brackets. The artificial saliva did not change the maximum friction force of the Radiance brackets, but, for the others (20/40 and InVu), an increase of friction was observed in its presence. CONCLUSION: The InVu brackets showed, in the absence and in the presence of saliva, the lowest friction coefficient.

OBJETIVO: avaliar e comparar in vitro as cargas máximas de atrito geradas por três tipos de braquetes estéticos, sendo dois deles cerâmicos policristalinos convencionais (20/40 e InVu) e um monocristalino de safira (Radiance), em ambientes seco e umedecido por saliva artificial. Também avaliar a influência exercida pela saliva artificial sobre as cargas de atrito dos referidos braquetes. MÉTODOS: os ensaios foram realizados em ambiente seco e em ambiente umedecido com saliva artificial em gel (Oral Balance), utilizando uma máquina de ensaios mecânicos (EMIC, modelo DL10000), simulando um deslizamento de 2mm de fios retangulares 0,019" x 0,025" de aço sobre os braquetes (n = 18, para cada braquete), pré-angulados e pré-torqueados (canino superior direito prescrição Roth, slot 0,022" x 0,030"). Para comparação entre os braquetes, em ambiente seco ou umedecido, utilizou-se a análise de variância; e para a comparação dos braquetes em ambiente seco e umedecido, utilizou-se o teste t para amostras independentes. RESULTADOS: os resultados obtidos indicaram que, na ausência de saliva, os braquetes monocristalinos Radiance demonstraram o maior coeficiente de atrito, seguidos pelos braquetes policristalinos 20/40 e InVu. Nos ensaios realizados em ambiente umedecido, os braquetes Radiance e 20/40 apresentaram coeficientes de atrito estatisticamente semelhantes, e superiores ao apresentado pelos braquetes InVu. A saliva artificial não promoveu alterações na força máxima de atrito para os braquetes Radiance; todavia, para os demais (20/40 e InVu), promoveu aumento significativo nos coeficientes de atrito. CONCLUSÃO: os braquetes InVu apresentaram, tanto nos ensaios realizados na ausência, quanto na presença de saliva, os menores coeficientes de atrito, entre os braquetes ensaiados.

Estudo de biocompatibilidade in vivo e in vitro do extrato hidroalcoólico de Cissus sicyoides L. - Vitaceae em ratos / Study of in vivo and in vitro biocompatibility of Cissus sicyoides L. - Vitaceae hydroalcoholic extracts in rats

Biocompatibilidade é a capacidade de um material exercer funções específicas quando aplicado em contato com tecidos vivos de determinado hospedeiro, sem, contudo, causar danos ou prejuízo ao mesmo. Este trabalho objetivou determinar a biocompatibilidade in vivo e in vitro do extrato hidroalcoólico do Cissus sicyoides L - Vitaceae. Foram utilizados 30 ratos (Rattus novergicus albinus wistar), com idade entre 45 e 90 dias e pesando entre 170 e 260 g. Os animais foram divididos em 3 grupos (A1, A2 e A3) de 6 animais cada para o teste in vivo, os quais foram sacrificados com 2, 4 e 6 dias, respectivamente. Para o teste in vitro, foram utilizados 12 animais para obtenção do índice de aderência e da capacidade fagocítica dos macrófagos de ratos do grupo controle e do grupo experimental. Nos resultados encontrados no teste in vivo, conclui-se que o extrato apresentou-se biocompatível, visto que não provocou alterações significativas no tecido. Já no teste in vitro, o mesmo não se apresentou biocompatível, pois o extrato puro apresentou índice de aderência baixo (7,1) e taxa de fagocitose elevada (35,7), indicando diferença significante quando comparado ao controle. Porém, quando diluído, o extrato se mostrou inócuo, devido ao aumento dos valores do índice de aderência nas concentrações de 1/10 (61,4) e 1/100 (74,3) nos ensaios, as quais não apresentaram diferença significante quando comparadas ao controle. Após a análise dos dados, concluiu-se que a solução diluída do extrato hidroalcoólico do Cissus sicyoides L. não causa danos ou prejuízos. Entretanto, como nem todos os efeitos farmacológicos foram testados no presente trabalho, não se pode inferir automaticamente que ele é biocompatível em todos os casos.

Biocompatibility is the ability of a material to perform specifictasks when applied to living tissues without causing damage or injuries to it. Thus, this study aimed at determining the in vivo and in vitro biocompatibility of Cissus sicyoides L. - Vitaceae hydroalcoholic extracts. A total of 30 rats (Rattus norvegicus Albinus Wistar), with ages ranging from 45 to 90 days and weighing between 170 and 260g were used. The animals were divided into 3 groups (A1, A2 and A3) with 6 animals each, for the in vivo test, which were sacrificed after 2, 4 and 6 days, respectively. For in vitro test, 12 animals were used to obtain the index of adherence and phagocytic ability of macrophages of rats from the control and the experimental groups. In results found for the in vivo test, it was concluded that the extract was biocompatible, whereas no significant changes were observed in the tissue. As to the in vitro test, the extract was not biocompatible, since the pure extract showed a low rate of adherence (7.1) and a high rate of phagocytosis (35.7), indicating a significant difference when compared to the control group. However, when diluted, the extract was shown to be harmless, due to an increase in the values of the adherence index at the following concentrations : 1/10 (61.4) and 1/100 (74.3) in the tests, which showed no significant differences when compared to the control group. After analyzing the data, it was concluded that since the infusion of the plant is a kind of dilution, its use does not cause any harm to the body. A new study is necessary at the moment to possibily demonstrate its effects on the long term.

Effect of hydroxyapatite film formed by powder jet deposition on dentin permeability.

A powder jet deposition (PJD) process can be used to create a thick hydroxyapatite (HA) film on the surface of a human tooth. This study aimed to investigate in vitro the ability of an HA film, applied using PJD, to diminish dentin permeability. Discs of human coronal dentin were cut perpendicular to the tooth axis and the smear layer was removed by EDTA treatment. The HA film was created by accelerating HA particles, calcinated at 1200°C, onto the dentin discs at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The surfaces and cross-sections of the HA PJD-treated samples were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Their permeability was indirectly recorded with a split-chamber device utilizing a chemiluminescence technique. MS-coat, a commercial dentin-desensitizing agent, was also evaluated for its effect on reducing liquid flow through the dentin. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the HA particles were successfully deposited onto the dentin and solidly into the dentin tubules. The permeability of dentin after application of the HA films was significantly lower than that following application of MS-coat. This study showed the potential clinical application of PJD techniques in desensitizing dentin hypersensitivity.

New method for determining in vitro structure stiffness of ceramic acetabular liners under different impact conditions.

Increasing both patient mobility and prosthesis life span requires improvements in the range of motion and wear behavior of the liner. With the use of new composite alumina-zirconia ceramic materials, the same stability of the liner can be achieved at lower wall thickness than it is possible with alumina-only materials. The aim of this study was developing a method for determining the in vitro structure stiffness of ceramic acetabular liners against impact stresses. The first trials were performed with a common alumina acetabular liner type (Ceramtec; Biolox forte; diameter 28 mm; thickness 7 mm) and a new type of alumina-zirconia (Ceramtec Biolox delta; same dimensions) liner. The clinically established alumina liner was reproducibly damaged using worst case Separation/subluxation equivalent to one-fourth or half of the head diameter, and an impact load of 15 J. The liners containing the new alumina-zirconia material were not damaged in any of the trials up to an impact load of 20 J and half head diameter offset.

Matrix effects in the energy dispersive X-ray analysis of CaO-Al(2)O(3)-MgO inclusions in steel.

Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of micron-sized inclusions in steel is of considerable industrial importance. Measured spectra and Monte Carlo simulations show a significant effect of the steel matrix on analysis of CaO-Al(2)O(3)-MgO inclusions: the steel matrix filters the softer (Al and Mg) characteristic X-rays, increasing the relative height of the Ca peak. Bulk matrix correction methods would not result in correct inclusion compositions, but operating at a lower acceleration voltage shifts the effect to smaller inclusion sizes.

Effect of impact velocity and specimen stiffness on contact forces in a weight-controlled chewing simulator.

OBJECTIVES: Chewing simulators are used for preclinical evaluation of newly developed dental restorative materials. To guarantee the independence of test conditions, contact forces during chewing simulation should be independent of the specimen. Because of its mode of operation, i.e., impact of an antagonist, this requirement is not met for a widely used chewing simulator (Willytec/SD Mechatronik, Feldkirchen-Westerham, Germany). This study was therefore intended to clarify the extent to which specimen stiffness affects maximum contact force at different impact velocities. Possible differences between the forces in the eight test chambers were also of interest. METHODS: From each of five dental materials differing in Young's modulus, eight cylindrical disks were manufactured and embedded in specimen holders. Alumina spheres were used as antagonists. During chewing simulations with different impact velocities and dental materials, vertical acceleration was recorded and contact forces were estimated on the basis of these measurements. RESULTS: Specimen stiffness and impact velocity had a substantial effect on maximum contact force. The force overshoot relative to the static load ranged from 4% for small specimen stiffness and low impact velocity to values greater than 200% for high specimen stiffness and high impact velocity. Large differences between the chambers were also detected. SIGNIFICANCE: Weight-controlled chewing simulations should be performed either with a low impact velocity or with a spring-damper system (placed between mass and specimen) which efficiently reduces the effects of contact force variation. Influence of specimen stiffness on contact forces must be considered at data interpretation.

Effect of mouthrinses on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans biofilms in a hydrodynamic model.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of Listerine, Meridol, and Perioaid on the viability and total number of bacteria in established biofilms using an in vitro model under hydrodynamic conditions. Biofilms of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were placed in a modified Robbins device and rinsed twice daily during 4 days. Bacteria were quantified by culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Visualization of the samples was performed by scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy, combined with a fluorescent vital staining. All three mouthrinses caused a significant reduction in the number of cultivable A. actinomycetemcomitans in a biofilm. Perioaid was significantly the most powerful in killing the biofilm-protected bacteria and also in counteracting the development of thick dense microbial communities. The total amount of bacteria was not significantly affected by Listerine and Meridol.

Porous substrates for label-free molecular level detection of nonresonant organic molecules.

We report on the design of practical surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based upon 3D alumina membranes with cylindrical nanopores chemically modified with polyelectrolyte coating and loaded with gold nanoparticle clusters. These substrates allow for a molecular-level, label-free detection of common plastic explosive materials (TNT, DNT) down to 5-10 zeptograms or 15-30 molecules and a common liquid explosive (HMTD) down to 1 picogram. Such a sensitive detection of organic molecules by utilizing efficient SERS substrates opens the path for affordable and label-free detection of trace amount of practically important chemical compounds.