Antiferromagnetic spherical spin-glass model

We study the thermodynamic properties and the phase diagrams of a multi-spin antiferromagnetic spherical spin-glass model using the replica method. It is a two-sublattice version of the ferromagnetic spherical p-spin glass model. We consider both the replica-symmetric and the one-step replica-symmetry-breaking solutions, the latter being the most general solution for this model. We find paramagnetic, spin-glass, antiferromagnetic and mixed or glassy antiferromagnetic phases. The phase transitions are always of second order in the thermodynamic sense, but the spin-glass order parameter may undergo a discontinuous change.

Synthesis and characterization of glass-ceramic microspheres for thermotherapy

Glass microspheres containing radionuclides are used to treat liver cancer. A promising alternative therapy is being developed based on the magnetic hyperthermia which is related to the heat supplied by a magnetic material under an alternating current magnetic field. The advantage of this option is that most of killed cells are cancer cells which are more susceptible to the temperature raise. In the present work aluminum iron silicate glasses containing minor glass modifiers and nucleating agents were synthesized as irregular shape particles which were further transformed in microspheres by using a petrol liquefied gas-oxygen torch. The optimized processing parameters which lead to microspheres that give a response to the magnetic field were determined. The dissolution rate in water at 90 degrees C was determined to be 3 x 10(-8) g cm(-2) min(-1). The microsphere size distribution was determined by laser scattering. The crystalline phase responsible for the ferromagnetic response was identified as magnetite. Since this phase has a high saturation magnetization and high Curie temperature, it is potentially useful for biomedical applications. The hysteresis magnetic loop was measured for materials produced in different conditions, and some of them showed to be appropriated for thermotherapy. The ratio Fe(3+)/Fe(total) was determined by Mossbauer spectroscopy. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental evidence of the spin-glass transition in the diluted magnetic semiconductor Zn(1-x)Mn(x)In(2)Se(4)

This work reports on magnetic measurements of the quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) system Zn(1-x)Mn(x)In(2)Se(4), with 0.01 <= x <= 1.00. For x > 0.67, the quasi-2D system seems to develop a spin-glass behaviour. Evidence of a true phase transition phenomenon is provided by the steep increase of the nonlinear susceptibility chi(nl) when approaching T(C) from above. The static scaling of chi(nl) data yields critical exponents delta = 4.0 +/- 0.2, phi = 4.37 +/- 0.17 and TC = 3.4 +/- 0.1 K for the sample with x = 1.00 and similar values for the sample with x = 0.87. These critical exponents are in good agreement with values reported for other spin-glass systems with short-range interactions.

Study of sodium tellurite glass using the thermally stimulated depolarization current technique (TSDC)

In order to have a better understanding of the role of the structure and the defects involved in the polarization processes in an 85TeO(2)-15Na(2)O mol% glass, we used the thermally stimulated depolarization currents (TSDC technique). The TSDC of the non-irradiated sample presented a strong negative peak of current at the temperature of 340 K, preceded by a relatively weak positive peak at about 300 K. after different d.c. voltages of 1200, 1500 and 2000 V were applied. No response was obtained with 1000 V. but the peak intensity increased considerably for voltages above 1200 V. After gamma-irradiation of 25 and 50 KGy doses, a depolarization of the negative peak was observed in the sample submitted to 25 KGy, whereas for the sample irradiated with 50 KGy, six TSDC peaks appeared at regular intervals of 5 KGy, in the temperature range of 100 and 300 K. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surface modification and crystallization of the BaO-B2O3-SiO2 glassy system using CO2 laser irradiation

The surface modification and crystallization process of BaO-B2O3-SiO2 glass compositions when exposed to CO2 laser irradiation was evaluated as a function of the laser power, irradiation time and surface condition. The glass surface was modified by the application of laser power exceeding 0.40 W and an irradiation time of more than 300 s. Micro-Raman and X-ray diffraction measurements revealed at high laser power the formation of beta-BaB2O4 (beta-BBO) crystalline phase. The crystallization of the irradiated region was enhanced when beta-BBO micrometer sized particles were dispersed on the surface of the glass sample. The intensity of the second harmonic generation observed in the crystallized region was found to depend mainly on the condition of the glassy surface prior to glass irradiation. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cr3+ and Cr4+ luminescence in glass ceramic silica

This paper reports on the effect of glass ceramic silica matrix on [CrO4](4-) and Cr2O3 NIR and visible luminescence. Chromium-containing silica was obtained by precipitation from water-glass and chromium nitrate acid solution with thermal treatment at 1000 degrees C. From XRD results silica and silica-chromium samples are crystalline. The chromium emission spectrum presents two main broad bands: one in the NIR region (1.1-1.7 mu m) and other in the visible region (0.6-0.7 mu m) assigned to Cr4+ and to Cr3+, respectively. This thermal treated glass ceramic silica-chromium sample stabilizes the [CrO4](4-) where Cr4+ substitutes for Si4+ and also hexacoordinated Cr3+ group probably as segregated phase in the system. It can be pointed out that luminescence spectroscopy is a powerful toot for detecting the two chromium optical centers in the glass ceramic silica. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation and characterization of new glassy system As2P2S8-Ga2S3

Glasses having the composition (100 - x)As2P2S8-xGa(2)S(3) with x ranging from 0 to 50% were investigated to determine the compositional effect on properties and local structure. The glass transition temperature (T-g) and the stability parameter against crystallization (T-x - T-g) increased with the addition of Ga2S3. The structure of these glasses was probed by Raman scattering, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and P-31 nuclear magnetic resonance. On the basis of the observed vibrations and the strength of the P-31-P-31 homonuclear magnetic dipolar coupling, two scenarios can be proposed for the structural evolution induced by the addition of Ga2S3. For x <= 20% we may have the formation of GaS4E- groups (E = nonbonding electron), and for x >= 30% we have depolymerization of the As2P2S8 units and the formation of a network of GaPS4 units with each PS4/2 unit (Q(4)) species carrying a single positive formal charge.

Short-term evaluation of the pulpo-dentin complex response to a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement and a bonding agent applied in deep cavities

Objectives. To evaluate the response of the pulpo-dentin complex following application of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement or an adhesive system in deep cavities performed in human teeth.Methods. Deep class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of 26 premolars. In Group I the cavity walls (dentin) and enamel were conditioned with 32% phosphoric acid and the dentin adhesive system One Step (Bisco, Inc., Itasca, IL, USA) was applied. In Groups 2 and 3, before total etching and application of bonding agent, the cavity floor was lined with the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement-Vitrebond (3M ESPE Dental Products Division, St. Paul, MN, USA) or the calcium hydroxide cement-Dycal (control group, Dentsply, Mildford, DE, USA), respectively. The cavities were restored using light-cured Z-100 composite resin (3M ESPE). The teeth were extracted between 5 and 30 days and prepared for microscopic assessment. Serial sections were stained with H/E, Masson's trichrome, and Brown and Brenn techniques.Results. In Group 1, the inflammatory response was more evident than in Groups 2 and 3. Diffusion of dental material components across dentinal tubules was observed only in Group 1, in which the intensity of the pulp response increased as the remaining dentin thickness decreased. Bacteria were evidenced in the lateral walls of two samples (Group 2) which exhibited no inflammatory response or tissue disorganization.Conclusions. Based on the experimental conditions, it was concluded total acid etching followed by application of One Step bonding agent cannot be recommended as adequate procedures. In this clinical condition the cavity walls should be lined with a biocompatible dental material, such as Vitrebond or Dycal. 2003 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Conventional and Resin-modified Glass-Ionomer Liner on Dentin Adhesive Interface of Class I Cavity Walls After Thermocycling

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the effect of glass-ionomer cement as a liner on the dentin/resin adhesive interface of lateral walls of occlusal restorations after thermocycling.Materials and Methods: Occlusal cavities were prepared in 60 human molars, divided into six groups: no liner (1 and 4); glass-ionomer cement (GIC, Ketac Molar Easymix, 3M ESPE) (2 and 5); and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC, Vitrebond, 3M ESPE) (3 and 6). Resin composite (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE) was placed after application of an adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE) that was mixed with a fluorescent reagent (Rhodamine B) to allow confocal microscopy analysis. Specimens of groups 4, 5 and 6 were thermocycled (5 degrees C-55 degrees C) with a dwell time of 30 seconds for 5000 cycles. After this period, teeth were sectioned in approximately 0.8-mm slices. One slice of each tooth was randomly selected for confocal microscopy analysis. The other slices were sectioned into 0.8 nun x 0.8 mm beams, which were submitted to microtensile testing (MPa). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05).Results: There was no detectedstatistical difference on bond strength among groups (alpha < 0.05). Confocal microscopy analysis showed a higher mean gap size in group 4(12.5 mu m) and a higher percentage of marginal gaps in the thermocycled groups. The RNIGIC liner groups showed the lowest percentage of marginal gaps.Conclusions: Lining with RMGIC resulted in less gap formation at the dentin/resin adhesive interface after artificial aging. RMGIC or GIC liners did not alter the microtensile bond strength of adhesive system/resin composite to dentin on the lateral walls of Class I restorations.

Evaluation of the thermoplasticity of gutta-percha and Resilon (R) using the Obtura II System at different temperature settings

Aim To analyse the thermoplasticity of several endodontic filling materials using the Obtura II System at different temperature settings.Methodology The following materials based on gutta-percha: Regular Obtura (OBT), Obtura Flow 150 (OBT F), Endo Flow (EDF), Odous (ODO) and the synthetic thermoplastic polymer material Resilon (RE) were heated using the Obtura II System at three temperature settings (140, 170 and 200 degrees C). Samples of the heated materials were placed on the sensor of a digital thermometer (THR-140; Instrutherm, São Paulo, Brazil) to determine their real temperature (RT) when the system was set at 140 degrees C (from 64.5 to 69 degrees C), 170 degrees C (from 73.8 to 77.5 degrees C) and 200 degrees C (from 83.6 degrees C for EDF and 100 degrees C for RE). Specimens (n = 30) were made by placing samples of each material in metallic ring moulds and compressing them between two glass slabs. After 24 h, specimens (n = 10) were heated at the different settings (RT) and submitted to compression under a 5-kg load. Plasticization was assessed by calculating the differences between the post-compression and initial diameters of each specimen. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance.Results At 140 degrees C, Obtura Flow presented the highest thermoplasticity values and Regular Obtura, the lowest. At 170 degrees C, Obtura Flow and Resilon demonstrated greater plasticization. Resilon had the highest mean thermoplasticity values at 200 degrees C.Conclusions Thermoplasticity values were influenced both by the temperature settings on the Obtura II System and by the type of material analysed. Obtura Flow and Resilon had the highest mean thermoplasticity values.

Effect of Resin Cement System and Root Region on the Push-out Bond Strength of a Translucent Fiber Post

Objectives: This study evaluated the bond strength of luting systems for bonding glass fiber posts to root canal dentin. The hypothesis tested was that there are no differences in bond strength of glass fiber posts luted with different cement systems.Methods: Forty bovine incisors were randomly assigned to five different resin cement groups (n=8). After endodontic treatment and crown removal, translucent glass fiber posts were bonded into the root canal using five different luting protocols (self-cured cement and etch-and-rinse adhesive system; dual-cured cement and etch-and-rinse adhesive system; self-cured cement and self-etch adhesive system; dual-cured cement and self-etch adhesive system; and dual-cured self-adhesive cement). Push-out bond strength was evaluated at three different radicular levels: cervical, middle, and apical. The interface between resinous cement and the post was observed using a stereoscopic microscope.Results: Analysis of variance showed a statistically significant difference among the cements (p<0.05) and the root canal thirds (p<0.05). The self-adhesive resinous cement had lower values of retention.Conclusions: The resin cements used with etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesive systems seem to be adequate for glass fiber post cementation.

Effect of Acid Neutralization and Mechanical Cycling on the Microtensile Bond Strength of Glass-ceramic Inlays

Objectives: To evaluate the hypothesis that a process of hydrofluoric acid precipitate neutralization and fatigue load cycling performed on human premolars restored with ceramic inlays had an influence on microtensile bond strength results (MTBS). Methods: MOD inlay preparations were performed in 40 premolars (with their roots embedded in acrylic resin). Forty ceramic restorations were prepared using glass-ceramic (IPS Empress). The inner surfaces of all the restorations were etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 60 seconds, rinsed with water and dried. The specimens were divided into two groups (N=20): 1-without neutralization; 2-with neutralization. All the restorations were silanized and adhesively cemented (self-curing and self-etching luting composite system, Multilink). Ten premolars from each group were submitted to mechanical cycling (1,400,000 cycles, 50N, 37 degrees C). After cycling, the samples were sectioned to produce non-trimmed beam specimens (vestibular dentin-restoration-lingual dentin set), which were submitted to microtensile testing. Results: Bond strength was significantly affected by the surface treatment (p<0.0001) (no neutralization > neutralization) and mechanical cycling (p<0.0001) (control > cycling) (2-way ANOVA and Tukey test, alpha=.05). Conclusion: Hydrofluoric acid precipitate neutralization appears to significantly damage the resin bond to glass-ceramic and should not be recommended. The clinical simulation of the specimens, by using mechanical cycling, is important when evaluating the ceramic-dentin bond.

Preparation and characterization of new glassy system As2P2S8-Ga2S3

Glasses having the composition (100 - x)As2P2S8-xGa(2)S(3) with x ranging from 0 to 50% were investigated to determine the compositional effect on properties and local structure. The glass transition temperature (T-g) and the stability parameter against crystallization (T-x - T-g) increased with the addition of Ga2S3. The structure of these glasses was probed by Raman scattering, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and P-31 nuclear magnetic resonance. on the basis of the observed vibrations and the strength of the P-31-P-31 homonuclear magnetic dipolar coupling, two scenarios can be proposed for the structural evolution induced by the addition of Ga2S3. For x <= 20% we may have the formation of GaS4E- groups (E = nonbonding electron), and for x >= 30% we have depolymerization of the As2P2S8 units and the formation of a network of GaPS4 units with each PS4/2 unit (Q(4)) species carrying a single positive formal charge.

Structural study of thin films prepared from tungstate glass matrix by Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Thin films were prepared using glass precursors obtained in the ternary system NaPO(3)-BaF(2)-WO(3) and the binary system NaPO(3)-WO(3) with high concentrations of WO(3) (above 40% molar). Vitreous samples have been used as a target to prepare thin films. Such films were deposited using the electron beam evaporation method onto soda-lime glass substrates. Several structural characterizations were performed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy (XANES) at the tungsten L(I) and L(III) absorption edges. XANES investigations showed that tungsten atoms are only sixfold coordinated (octahedral WO(6)) and that these films are free of tungstate tetrahedral units (WO(4)). In addition, Raman spectroscopy allowed identifying a break in the linear phosphate chains as the amount of WO(3) increases and the formation of P-O-W bonds in the films network indicating the intermediary behavior of WO(6) octahedra in the film network. Based on XANES data, we suggested a new attribution of several Raman absorption bands which allowed identifying the presence of W-O and W=O terminal bonds and a progressive apparition of W-O-W bridging bonds for the most WO(3) concentrated samples (above 40% molar) attributed to the formation of WO(6) clusters. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A pH optode based on thymol blue: application to determination of CO2 using flow injection analysis system

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