Vector Mode Analysis of Ring-Core Fibers: Design Tools for Spatial Division Multiplexing

Design tools have existed for decades for standard step-index fibers, with analytical expressions for cutoff conditions as a function of core size, refractive indexes, and wavelength. We present analytical expressions for cutoff conditions for fibers with a ring-shaped propagation region. We validate our analytical expressions against numerical solutions, as well as via asymptotic analysis yielding the existing solutions for standard step-index fiber. We demonstrate the utility of our solutions for optimizing fibers supporting specific eigenmode behaviors of interest for spatial division multiplexing. In particular, we address large mode separation for orbital angular momentum modes and fibers supporting only modes with a single intensity ring.

Hydrogen ion and calcium releasing of MTA Fillapex® and MTA-based formulations

MTA is composed of various metal oxides, calcium oxide and bismuth. It has good biological properties and is indicated in cases of endodontic complications. Several commercial formulations are available and further studies are necessary to evaluate these materials. Objective: To evaluate pH and calcium releasing of MTA Fillapex® compared with gray and white MTA. Material and methods: Gray and white MTA (Angelus) and MTA Fillapex® (Angelus) were manipulated and placed into polyethylene tubes and immersed in distilled water. The pH of these solutions was measured at 24 hours, 7 days and 14 days. Simultaneously, at these same aforementioned periods, these materials' calcium releasing was quantified, through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results were submitted to ANOVA, with level of significance at 5%. Results: Concerning to pH, the materials present similar behaviors among each other at 24 hours (p > 0.05). At 7 and 14 days, MTA Fillapex® provided significantly lower pH values than the other materials (p < 0.05). Regarding to calcium releasing, at 24 hours and 7 days, MTA Fillapex® provided lower releasing than the other materials (p < 0.05). After 14 days, differences were found between MTA Fillapex® and gray MTA (p < 0.05). Conclusion: All materials showed alkaline pH and calcium releasing, with significantly lower values for MTA Fillapex® sealer.

Interference of the assessment method in pH values of an epoxy-based cement

Introduction: Alkalinization potential is a fundamental property of endodontic epoxy-based cements containing calcium hydroxide. Studies have shown discrepant pH results for same materials at different evaluation periods. A possible reason accounting for these differences may be the assessment procedures. Objective: To evaluate the pH value of an epoxy-based cement (Sealer 26) in different periods of analysis, using two assessment methods. Material and methods: Sealer 26 was manipulated and immediately placed into polyethylene tubes (n=10, each group) and immersed in distilled water. In G1, the tubes were kept in the same water during all experiment; and in G2, the tubes were removed and placed into another flask with an equal amount of water after the pH evaluation. The pH of these solutions was measured at 24 hours, 7, 14 and 28 days. Analysis were made within the same group according to the experimental periods and between groups in each experimental period. Data were submitted to ANOVA (α = 5%) and t test, respectively. Results: For G1 and G2, all periods showed different pH values (p < 0.05), except between 14 and 28 days (p > 0.05) and between 7 and 14 days (p > 0.05), respectively. In each period, no significant differences were observed between the groups. Conclusion: The method to obtain the pH values in different experimental periods no interfered in the final results. However, difference was observed when the results were analyzed at same group.

Residues of different gel formulations on dentinal walls: a SEM/EDS analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of residues of sodium hypo-chlorite gel, chlorhexidine gel, and EDTA gel on dentina l walls after canal preparat ion throughchemical SEM- elemental chemical microanal ys is (EDS) analysis. Forty-eight single-rootedteeth were selected. They had their crowns sectioned and were instrumented with a reciprocat-ing system. The canals were irrigated with 5 mL of saline solution during root canal preparation.After instrumentation, the root canals were irrigated with 3 mL 17% EDTA followed by 1 min ofultrasonic passive activation (33 20 sec) to remove the smear layer, and then irrigated with3 mL of saline solution. The specimens were randomized into three groups (n 5 12) accord ing tothe chemical substance that filled the root canal for 30 min: GI: 5.5% sodium hypochlorite gel;GII: 2% chlorhexidine gel; GIII: 24% EDTA gel; Negative c ontrol group: no substance was used.Then, the root canals were irrigated with 6 mL of saline solution followed by 1 min of ultrasonicpassive activation (33 20 sec). After ultrasonic activation , the canals were irrigated with 2 mLsaline. The roots were sect ioned, and the perce ntage of each chemical element present in thesamples was analyzed through chemi cal SEM-EDS microanalysis. All expe rimental groupsshowed a significantly higher percentage of chemical elements (Na and/or Cl) than the controlgroup (P < 0.03). This in vitro study has shown that, regardless of chemical solutions used evenafter the final irrigation protocol, chemical residues of d ifferent substances remained attached tothe r oot c anal wa lls. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:495–49 9, 2015.

Roughness and morphology of composites: influence of type of material, fluoride solution, and time

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Ph and antimicrobial activity of portland cement associated with different radiopacifying agents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and pH changes induced by Portland cement (PC) alone and in association with radiopacifiers. Methods. The materials tested were pure PC, PC + bismuth oxide, PC + zirconium oxide, PC + calcium tungstate, and zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion test using the following strains: Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. After 24 hours of incubation at 37°C, inhibition of bacterial growth was observed and measured. For pH analysis, material samples (n=10) were placed in polyethylene tubes and immersed in 10 mL of distilled water. After 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, the pH of the solutions was determined using a pH meter. Results. All microbial species were inhibited by the cements evaluated. All materials composed of PC with radiopacifying agents promoted pH increase similar to pure Portland cement. ZOE had the lowest pH values throughout all experimental periods. Conclusions. All Portland cement-based materials with the addition of different radiopacifiers (bismuth oxide, calcium tungstate, and zirconium oxide) presented antimicrobial activity and pH similar to pure Portland cement.

Eradication of a Mature Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Biofilm From Acrylic Surfaces

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Influence of alternative drying aids on water sorption of spray dried mango mix powders: a thermodynamic approach

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of trimetaphosphate and fluoride association on hydroxyapatite dissolution and precipitation in vitro

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Development and validation of first derivative spectrophotometric method for quantification of darunavir in tablets

Aims: Darunavir is widely used in HIV/AIDS therapy. It is a HIV protease inhibitor that has excellent efficacy against the virus. The aim of this study is to develop and validate an analytical method fast and free of interferences for determination of darunavir ethanolate as raw material and tablet dosage form. Methodology: As the formulation excipients show high interference in darunavir determination by a direct UV absorption measurement a derivative spectrophotometry was applied. A selective, easy and fast method was achieved employing simple and cheap instrumentation by using first-order derivative spectrophotometry. Results: The first-derivation of spectrum of the drug measured between 200 and 400 nm allowed identification of the analyte and showed absence of placebo interference. The assay was based on the absorbance at 276nm. The linear concentration range was established from 11 to 21 μg/mL. The intra-day and inter-day precision expressed as RSD was 0.06% and 3.75% respectively with mean recovery of 99.84%. Conclusion: The proposed analytical method is able to quantify darunavir as raw material and tablets and can be used routinely by any laboratory applying a spectrophotometer with a derivative accessory. The great difference of the method proposed here is that it proves to be free of placebo interferences as well as simple, fast and low cost.

A first-derivative spectrophotometric method for the determination of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride in ophthalmic solution

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Some aspects of abelian and nonabelian T-duality and the gauge/gravity correspondence

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)