Digital radiographic evaluation of optical density of porcelains used for fabrication of inlay/onlay prosthesis

The purpose of this article was to compare the mean value of optical density of four porcelains commonly used for fabrication of inlay/ onlay prostheses using direct digital radiograph. The sample consisted of 20 2-mm thick porcelain specimens (measured by digital pachymeter): Empress (Ivoclair), Simbios (Degussa), Vita Omega 900 and Vitadur Alpha (Vita Zahnfabrik). The values of optical density of the specimens were expressed in millimeters aluminum equivalent (mm eq Al). The samples were X-rayed using two charge coupled devices (CCD) - RVG (Trophy) - Visualix (Gendex) and a phosphor plate system - Digora (Soredex). The optical density reading was performed with Image Tool 1.28 in a total of 110 measurements. Statistical analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in all materials studied (p < 0.05) regardless of the radiographic system used. The highest optical density value was found for Omega 900 (1.8988 mmeqAl - Visualix - Gendex) and the lowest for Vitadur Alpha (0.8647 - Visualix - Gendex). Thus, the material presenting the highest degree of optical density was Omega 900, Empress and Simbios presented intermediate optical density values, Vitadur Alpha presented the lowest value, and the optical density of porcelains was not influenced by the digital radiography systems.

The effect of endodontic materials on the optical density of dyes used in marginal leakage studies

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the exposure of different endodontic materials to different dye solutions by evaluating the optical density of the dye solutions. Seventy-five plastic tubes were filled with one of the following materials: AH Plus, Sealapex, Portland cement, MTA (Angelus and Pro Root) and fifteen control plastic tubes were not. Each specimen of material and control was immersed in a container with 1 ml of each dye solution. A 0.1 ml-dye solution aliquote was removed before immersion and after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of each specimen immersion to record its optical density (OD) in a spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and Tukey tests (5%). No significant difference was found among any of the solution OD values for AH Plus cement. Portland cement promoted different OD values after 12 hours of immersion. MTA-Angelus cement presented different OD values only for 2% rhodamine B and the MTA-Pro Root cement presented different OD values in all 2% rhodamine B samples. Sealapex cement promoted a reduction in the India Ink OD values. Dye evaluation through OD seems to be an interesting method to select the best dye solution to use in a given marginal leakage study.

Optical density of bone repair after implantation of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix in diabetic rabbits

This research evaluated the bone repair process after implantation of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix (HDDM) in surgical defects in the parietal bone of rabbits with alloxan-induced diabetes, using a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFe) barrier for guided bone regeneration. Thirty-six rabbits were used and divided into four groups: control (C, n = 12), diabetic (D, n = 12, left parietal bone), diabetic with PTFe (DPTFe, same 12 rabbits, right parietal bone), and diabetic with PTFe associated to HDDM (D-PTFe+HDDM, n = 12). Bone defects were created in the parietal bone of the rabbits and the experimental treatments were performed, where applicable. The rabbits were sacrificed after 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. The bone defects were examined radiographically and by optical density (ANOVA and Tukey test, p < .05). The radiographic findings showed that the D-PTFe+HDDM group presented greater radiopacity and better trabecular bone arrangement when compared to that of the C, D and D-PTFe groups. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the optical density of the newly formed bone among the studied groups. It was possible to conclude that HDDM was biocompatible in diabetic rabbits.

Forage mass production and grazing loss of sorghum hybrid in response to the density of the sowing and the spacing between planting lines

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate dry matter yield and loss of grazing due to animal trampling in response to sowing density and spacing between lines in the planting. Sorghum hybrid 1P400 was submitted to six treatments, composed of three sowing density combinations (12; 16 and 20 kg/ha of seeds) and two spacing between lines (0.40 and 0.80 m). Sorghum hybrid 1P400 was sowed in two seasons, at the end of spring (December 3rd, 2005) and the other at the end of summer (March 20th, 2006). Cultivation strategies influenced plant population in the two experimental seasons. Diameter of the stem in season 1 decreased with density increase, whereas in the second season, interaction between sowing density and spacing was significant. In the first season, 0.40-m spacing promoted greater losses due to grazing stepping, that is, 891 kg/ha of DM, whereas in the second season there was no statistical difference. There was no significant difference in forage dry matter yield in sowing densities among the two studied seasons. Dry mater production of sorghum hybrids 1P400 did not increase with the increase of the sowing density in the two sowing seasons, therefore it is recommended 12 kg/ha of seeds for the sowing. Sorghum IP400 cultivated in 0.80-m spacing resulted in lower forage loss caused by grazing bovine trampling. © 2011 Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia.

CO 2 adsorption on polar surfaces of ZnO

Physical and chemical adsorption of CO 2 on ZnO surfaces were studied by means of two different implementations of periodic density functional theory. Adsorption energies were computed and compared to values in the literature. In particular, it was found that the calculated equilibrium structure and internuclear distances are in agreement with previous work. CO 2 adsorption was analyzed by inspection of the density of states and electron localization function. Valence bands, band gap and final states of adsorbed CO 2 were investigated and the effect of atomic displacements analyzed. The partial density of states (PDOS) of chemical adsorption of CO 2 on the ZnO(0001) surface show that the p orbitals of CO 2 were mixed with the ZnO valence band state appearing at the top of the valence band and in regions of low-energy conduction band. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Water availability determines the richness and density of fig trees within Brazilian semideciduous forest landscapes

The success of fig trees in tropical ecosystems is evidenced by the great diversity (+750 species) and wide geographic distribution of the genus. We assessed the contribution of environmental variables on the species richness and density of fig trees in fragments of seasonal semideciduous forest (SSF) in Brazil. We assessed 20 forest fragments in three regions in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Fig tree richness and density was estimated in rectangular plots, comprising 31.4 ha sampled. Both richness and fig tree density were linearly modeled as function of variables representing (1) fragment metrics, (2) forest structure, and (3) landscape metrics expressing water drainage in the fragments. Model selection was performed by comparing the AIC values (Akaike Information Criterion) and the relative weight of each model (wAIC). Both species richness and fig tree density were better explained by the water availability in the fragment (meter of streams/ha): wAICrichness = 0.45, wAICdensity = 0.96. The remaining variables related to anthropic perturbation and forest structure were of little weight in the models. The rainfall seasonality in SSF seems to select for both establishment strategies and morphological adaptations in the hemiepiphytic fig tree species. In the studied SSF, hemiepiphytes established at lower heights in their host trees than reported for fig trees in evergreen rainforests. Some hemiepiphytic fig species evolved superficial roots extending up to 100 m from their trunks, resulting in hectare-scale root zones that allow them to efficiently forage water and soil nutrients. The community of fig trees was robust to variation in forest structure and conservation level of SSF fragments, making this group of plants an important element for the functioning of seasonal tropical forests. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A combined theoretical and experimental study of electronic structure and optical properties of β-ZnMoO4 microcrystals

In this paper, a combined theoretical and experimental study on the electronic structure and photoluminescence (PL) properties of beta zinc molybdate (β-ZnMoO4) microcrystals synthesized by the hydrothermal method has been employed. These crystals were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinement, Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies. Their optical properties were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy and PL measurements. First-principles quantum mechanical calculations based on the density functional theory at the B3LYP level have been carried out. XRD patterns, Rietveld refinement, FT-Raman and FT-IR spectra showed that these crystals have a wolframite-type monoclinic structure. The Raman and IR frequencies experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretically calculated results. UV-Vis absorption measurements shows an optical band gap value of 3.17 eV, while the calculated band structure has a value of 3.22 eV. The density of states indicate that the main orbitals involved in the electronic structure of β-ZnMoO4 crystals are (O 2p-valence band and Mo 4d-conduction band). Finally, PL properties of β-ZnMoO4 crystals are explained by means of distortions effects in octahedral [ZnO6] and [MoO6] clusters and inhomogeneous electronic distribution into the lattice with the electron density map. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Local electronic structure, optical bandgap and photoluminescence (PL) properties of Ba(Zr0.75Ti0.25)O3 powders

Ba(Zr0.75Ti0.25)O3 (BZT-75/25) powders were synthesized by the polymeric precursor method. Samples were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinement, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) techniques. Their electronic structures were evaluated by first-principle quantum mechanical calculations based on density functional theory at the B3LYP level. Their optical properties were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) measurements at room temperature. XRD patterns and Rietveld refinement data indicate that the samples have a cubic structure. XANES spectra confirm the presence of pyramidal [TiO5] clusters and octahedral [TiO6] clusters in the disordered BZT-75/25 powders. EXAFS spectra indicate distortion of Ti-O and Ti-O-Ti bonds the first and second coordination shells, respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectra confirm the presence of different optical bandgap values and the band structure indicates an indirect bandgap for this material. The density of states demonstrates that intermediate energy levels occur between the valence band (VB) and the conduction band (CB). These electronic levels are due to the predominance of 4d orbitals of Zr atoms in relation to 3d orbitals of Ti atoms in the CB, while the VB is dominated by 2p orbitals related to O atoms. There was good correlation between the experimental and theoretical optical bandgap values. When excited at 482 nm at room temperature, BZT-75/25 powder treated at 500 C for 2 h exhibited broad and intense PL emission with a maximum at 578 nm in the yellow region. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stocking density of Nile tilapia in cages placed in a hydroelectric reservoir

The Brazilian government has been encouraging fish farming in cages in federal water bodies, including hydroelectric reservoirs. Despite the government support, it is a new activity and the production model still needs some adjustment to reduce the production costs and achieve sustainability. The aims of this study were to determine the appropriate stocking density of Nile tilapia in cages in a hydroelectric reservoir and to evaluate to what extent fish size selection could improve their uniformity. Twelve cages (6m3) were placed at the Fish Farmers' Cooperative of Santa Fé do Sul and Region, Ilha Solteira reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil (20°12'10″S, 50°58'31.15″W). In stage I (initial fish weight, 78g), four stocking densities were tested: D1-800, D2-2000, D3-2500 and D4-3000 fish/cage, with three replicates. At the end of this stage (average fish weight, 255g), the fish were selected into three sizes, except for D1. In stage II, four stocking densities were tested, designed to obtain the following final production: D1-100kg/m3 (800 non-selected fish/cage), D2-80kg/m3 (600 fish/cage), D3-100kg/m3 (800 fish/cage) and D4-120kg/m3 (900 fish/cage). The trial ended when the fish weighed 800g. By reducing the initial stocking density from 2500 to 800 tilapia juveniles per cage, there was no need for selection. The growth performance was higher, the feed conversion rate was better and the time taken to reach harvesting was shorter. Consequently, the production cost reduced and the operating profit increased. Using the lowest initial stocking density, the risk of disease outbreak was also lower, and there was no need to use drugs for disease control since the mortality rate and occurrences of disease and deformity decreased and the dissolved oxygen level inside the cages was higher. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of Electronic Structure and Photoluminescence Properties of beta-Ag2MoO4 Microcrystals

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

First-Principles Study of Pressure-Induced Phase Transitions and Electronic Properties of Ag2MoO4

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Density of Trichospilus diatraeae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) Parasitizing Diaphania hyalinata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Pupae

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Subtle leakage of a Majorana mode into a quantum dot

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

A DFT Study of Structural and Electronic Properties of ZnS Polymorphs and its Pressure-Induced Phase Transitions

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)