Efeito da microestrutura nas propriedades mecânicas de aços automotivos dissimilares soldados à laser

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEG

Compressed Air, Wooden Clappers, and Other Non-Traditional Methods for Dispersing European Starlings from an Urban Roost

During autumn 2003, several thousand European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) began roosting on exposed I-beams in a newly constructed, decorative glass canopy that covered the passenger pick-up area at the terminal building for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Ohio. The use of lethal control or conventional dispersal techniques, such as pyrotechnics and fire hoses, were not feasible in the airport terminal area. The design and aesthetics of the structure precluded the use of netting and other exclusion materials. In January 2004, an attempt was made to disperse the birds using recorded predator and distress calls broadcast from speakers installed in the structure. This technique failed to disperse the birds. In February 2004, we developed a technique using compressed air to physically and audibly harass the birds. We used a trailer-mounted commercial air compressor producing 185 cubic feet per minute of air at 100 pounds per square inch pressure and a 20-foot long, 1-inch diameter PVC pipe attached to the outlet hose. One person slowly (< 5 mph) drove a pick-up truck through the airport terminal at dusk while the second person sat on a bench in the truck bed and directed the compressed air from the pipe into the canopy to harass starlings attempting to enter the roost site. After 5 consecutive nights of compressed-air harassment, virtually no starlings attempted to roost in the canopy. Once familiar with the physical effects of the compressed air, the birds dispersed at the sound of the air. Only occasional harassment at dusk was needed through the remainder of the winter to keep the canopy free of starlings. Similar harassment with the compressor was conducted successfully in autumn 2004 with the addition of a modified leaf blower, wooden clappers, and laser. In conclusion, we found compressed air to be a safe, unobtrusive, and effective method for dispersing starlings from an urban roost site. This technique would likely be applicable for other urban-roosting species such as crows, house sparrows, and blackbirds.

Effects of age and optical blur on real depth stereoacuity

Stereoscopic depth perception utilizes the disparity cues between the images that fall on the retinae of the two eyes. The purpose of this study was to determine what role aging and optical blur play in stereoscopic disparity sensitivity for real depth stimuli. Forty-six volunteers were tested ranging in age from 15 to 60 years. Crossed and uncrossed disparity thresholds were measured using white light under conditions of best optical correction. The uncrossed disparity thresholds were also measured with optical blur (from +1.0D to +5.0D added to the best correction). Stereothresholds were measured using the Frisby Stereo Test, which utilizes a four-alternative forced-choice staircase procedure. The threshold disparities measured for young adults were frequently lower than 10 arcsec, a value considerably lower than the clinical estimates commonly obtained using Random Dot Stereograms (20 arcsec) or Titmus Fly Test (40 arcsec) tests. Contrary to previous reports, disparity thresholds increased between the ages of 31 and 45 years. This finding should be taken into account in clinical evaluation of visual function of older patients. Optical blur degrades visual acuity and stereoacuity similarly under white-light conditions, indicating that both functions are affected proportionally by optical defocus.

Color vision impairment in type 2 diabetes assessed by the D-15d test and the Cambridge Colour Test

Color vision impairment emerges at early stages of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and may precede diabetic retinopathy or the appearance of vascular alterations in the retina. The aim of the present study was to compare the evaluation of the color vision with two different tests - the Lanthony desaturated D-15d test (a traditional color arrangement test), and the Cambridge Colour Test (CCT) (a computerized color discrimination test) - in patients diagnosed with DM2 without clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and in sex- and age-matched control groups. Both color tests revealed statistically significant differences between the controls and the worst eyes of the DM2 patients. In addition, the degree of color vision impairment diagnosed by both tests correlated with the disease duration. The D-15d outcomes indicated solely tritan losses. In comparison, CCT outcomes revealed diffuse losses in color discrimination: 13.3% for best eyes and 29% for worst eyes. In addition, elevation of tritan thresholds in the DM2 patients, as detected by the Trivector subtest of the CCT, was found to correlate with the level of glycated hemoglobin. Outcomes of both tests confirm that subclinical losses of color vision are present in DM2 patients at an early stage of the disease, prior to signs of retinopathy. Considering the advantages of the CCT test compared to the D-15d test, further studies should attempt to verify and/or improve the efficiency of the CCT test.

Color tunability of intense upconversion emission from Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped SiO2-Ta2O5 glass ceramic planar waveguides

This work reports on the infrared-to-visible CW frequency upconversion from planar waveguides based on Er3+-Yb3+-doped 100-xSiO(2)-xTa(2)O(5) obtained by a sol-gel process and deposited onto a SiO2-Si substrate by dip-coating. Surface morphology and optical parameters of the planar waveguides were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and the m-line technique. The influence of the composition on the electronic properties of the glass-ceramic films was followed by the band gap ranging from 4.35 to 4.51 eV upon modification of the Ta2O5 content. Intense green and red emissions were detected from the upconversion process for all the samples after excitation at 980 nm. The relative intensities of the emission bands around 550 nm and 665 nm, assigned to the H-2(11/2) -> I-4(15/2), S-4(3/2) -> I-4(15/2), and F-4(9/2) -> I-4(15/2) transitions, depended on the tantalum oxide content and the power of the laser source at 980 nm. The upconversion dynamics were investigated as a function of the Ta2O5 content and the number of photons involved in each emission process. Based on the upconversion emission spectra and 1931CIE chromaticity diagram, it is shown that color can be tailored by composition and pump power. The glass ceramic films are attractive materials for application in upconversion lasers and near infrared-to-visible upconverters in solar cells.

Low-Level Laser Therapy Decreases Renal Interstitial Fibrosis

Objective: the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Background data: Regardless of the etiology, CKD involves progressive widespread tissue fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and loss of kidney function. This process also occurs in kidney allograft. At present, effective therapies for this condition are lacking. We investigated the effects of LLLT on the interstitial fibrosis that occurs after experimental UUO in rats. Methods: The occluded kidney of half of the 32 Wistar rats that underwent UUO received a single intraoperative dose of LLLT (AlGaAs laser, 780 nm, 22.5 J/cm(2), 30mW, 0.75W/cm(2), 30 sec on each of nine points). After 14 days, renal fibrosis was assessed by Sirius red staining under polarized light. Immunohistochemical analyses quantitated the renal tissue cells that expressed fibroblast (FSP-1) and myofibroblast (alpha-SMA) markers. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to determine the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 and Smad3. Results: The UUO and LLLT animals had less fibrosis than the UUO animals, as well having decreased expression inflammatory and pro-fibrotic markers. Conclusions: For the first time, we showed that LLLT had a protective effect regarding renal interstitial fibrosis. It is conceivable that by attenuating inflammation, LLLT can prevent tubular activation and transdifferentiation, which are the two processes that mainly drive the renal fibrosis of the UUO model.

In Situ Effect of Dentifrices Associated to CO2 Laser in the Permeability of Eroded Root Dentin

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate, through a crossover 2 x 2 in situ trial, the effect of a desensitizing dentifrice associated with CO2 laser irradiation to control the permeability of eroded root dentin. Background data: Facing the increased prevalence of erosive lesion and the need for preventive means to control painful symptoms related to them. Methods: Eighty slabs of bovine root dentin were subjected to initial erosive challenge (citric acid 0.3%, 2 h), followed by a remineralizing period in artificial saliva (24 h). Specimens were then divided according to dentin treatment: desensitizing dentifrice, desensitizing dentifrice + CO2 laser, fluoride anticavity dentifrice. and fluoride anticavity dentifrice + CO2 laser. After a 2-day lead-in period, 10 volunteers wore an intraoral palatal appliance containing four root dentin slabs, in two phases of 5 days each. During the intraoral phase, one side of the appliance was immersed in 0.3% citric acid, and the opposite side was immersed in deionized water, four times a day. One hour after the immersions, all specimens were brushed with dentifrice slurry provided by the researcher. After a 7-day washout period, volunteers were crossed over on the different dentifrice group. Each phase having been completed, the specimens were evaluated for permeability through an optical microscope. Results: Data were analyzed using ANOVA and no significant difference (p = 0.272) was found between the surface treatments performed on bovine root dentin. Conclusions: It can be concluded that fluoride anticavity or desensitizing dentifrice, regardless of the association with the CO2 laser irradiation, was able to control the permeability of eroded root dentin.

Low-Level Laser Therapy Influences Mouse Odontoblast-Like Cell Response in Vitro

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of two different irradiation times with 85mW/cm(2) 830nm laser on the behavior of mouse odontoblast-like cells. Background data: The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate pulp tissue is a reality, but few reports relate odontoblastic responses to irradiation in in vitro models. Methods: Odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23) were cultivated and divided into three groups: control/nonirradiated (group 1); or irradiated with 85mW/cm(2), 830nm laser for 10 sec (0.8 J/cm(2)) (group 2); or for 50 sec (4.2 J/cm(2)) (group 3) with a wavelength of 830 nm. After 3, 7, and 10 days, it was analyzed: growth curve and cell viability, total protein content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcified nodules detection and quantification, collagen immunolocalization, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DMP1 gene. Data were analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Cell growth was smaller in group 2 (p < 0.01), whereas viability was similar in all groups and at all periods. Total protein content and ALP activity increased on the 10th day with 0.8 J/cm(2) (p < 0.01), as well as the detection and quantification of mineralization nodules (p < 0.05), collagen, and VEGF expression (p < 0.01). The expression of DMP1 increased in all groups (p < 0.05) compared with control at 3 days, except for 0.8 J/cm(2) at 3 days and control at 10 days. Conclusions: LLLT influenced the behavior of odontoblast-like cells; the shorter time/smallest energy density promoted the expression of odontoblastic phenotype in a more significant way.

Discrimination of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma from Normal Skin Biopsies in Vitro Through Raman Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis

Objective: Raman spectroscopy has been employed to discriminate between malignant (basal cell carcinoma [BCC] and melanoma [MEL]) and normal (N) skin tissues in vitro, aimed at developing a method for cancer diagnosis. Background data: Raman spectroscopy is an analytical tool that could be used to diagnose skin cancer rapidly and noninvasively. Methods: Skin biopsy fragments of similar to 2 mm(2) from excisional surgeries were scanned through a Raman spectrometer (830 nm excitation wavelength, 50 to 200 mW of power, and 20 sec exposure time) coupled to a fiber optic Raman probe. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Euclidean distance were employed to develop a discrimination model to classify samples according to histopathology. In this model, we used a set of 145 spectra from N (30 spectra), BCC (96 spectra), and MEL (19 spectra) skin tissues. Results: We demonstrated that principal components (PCs) 1 to 4 accounted for 95.4% of all spectral variation. These PCs have been spectrally correlated to the biochemicals present in tissues, such as proteins, lipids, and melanin. The scores of PC2 and PC3 revealed statistically significant differences among N, BCC, and MEL (ANOVA, p < 0.05) and were used in the discrimination model. A total of 28 out of 30 spectra were correctly diagnosed as N, 93 out of 96 as BCC, and 13 out of 19 as MEL, with an overall accuracy of 92.4%. Conclusions: This discrimination model based on PCA and Euclidean distance could differentiate N from malignant (BCC and MEL) with high sensitivity and specificity.

Silicon(IV) phthalocyanine-loaded-nanoparticles for application in photodynamic process

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential application of biodegradable nanoparticles containing a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy. The poly (D,L lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles were studied by steady-state techniques, time-resolved fluorescence, and laser flash photolysis. The external morphology of the nanoparticles was established by scanning electron microscopy, and the biological activity was evaluated by in vitro cell culture by 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2,5 biphenyl) tetrazolium bromide assay. The particles were spherical in shape exhibiting a 435 nm diameter with a low tendency to aggregate. The loading efficiency was 77%. The phthalocyanine-loaded-nanoparticles maintained their photophysical behavior after encapsulation. The cellular viability was determined, obtaining 70% of cellular death. All the performed physical-chemical, photophysical, and photobiological measurements indicated that the phthalocyanine-loaded-nanoparticles are a promising drug delivery system for photodynamic therapy and photoprocesses. (C) 2012 Laser Institute of America.

Screening of CO2 Laser (10.6 mu m) Parameters for Prevention of Enamel Erosion

Objective: The aim of this study was to screen CO2 laser (10.6 mu m) parameters to increase enamel resistance to a continuous-flow erosive challenge. Background data: A new clinical CO2 laser providing pulses of hundreds of microseconds, a range known to increase tooth acid-resistance, has been introduced in the market. Methods: Different laser parameters were tested in 12 groups (n = 20) with varying fluences from 0.1 to 0.9 J/cm(2), pulse durations from 80 to 400 mu s and repetition rates from 180 to 700 Hz. Non-lased samples (n = 30) served as controls. All samples were eroded by exposure to hydrochloric acid (pH 2.6) under continuous acid flow (60 mu L/min). Calcium and phosphate release into acid was monitored colorimetrically at 30 sec intervals up to 5 min and at 1 min intervals up to a total erosion time of 15 min. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis was performed in lased samples (n = 3). Data were statistically analysed by one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) and Dunnett's post-hoc tests. Results: Calcium and phosphate release were significantly reduced by a maximum of 20% over time in samples irradiated with 0.4 J/cm(2) (200 mu s) at 450 Hz. Short-time reduction of calcium loss (<= 1.5 min) could be also achieved by irradiation with 0.7 J/cm(2) (300 mu s) at 200 and 300 Hz. Both parameters revealed surface modification. Conclusions: A set of CO2 laser parameters was found that could significantly reduce enamel mineral loss (20%) under in vitro erosive conditions. However, as all parameters also caused surface cracking, they are not recommended for clinical use.

U-Pb zircon in situ dating with LA-MC-ICP-MS using a mixed detector configuration

The LA-MC-ICP-MS method applied to U-Pb in situ dating is still rapidly evolving due to improvements in both lasers and ICP-MS. To test the validity and reproducibility of the method, 5 different zircon samples, including the standard Temora-2, ranging in age between 2.2 Ga and 246 Ma, were dated using both LA-MC-ICP-MS and SHRIMP. The selected zircons were dated by SHRIMP and, after gentle polishing, the laser spot was driven to the same site or on the same zircon phase with a 213 nm laser microprobe coupled to a multi-collector mixed system. The data were collected with a routine spot size of 25 μm and, in some cases, of 15 and 40 μm. A careful cross-calibration using a diluted U-Th-Pb solution to calculate the Faraday reading to counting rate conversion factors and the highly suitable GJ-1 standard zircon for external calibrations were of paramount importance for obtaining reliable results. All age results were concordant within the experimental errors. The assigned age errors using the LA-MC-ICP-MS technique were, in most cases, higher than those obtained by SHRIMP, but if we are not faced with a high resolution stratigraphy, the laser technique has certain advantages.

Relations between soil surface roughness, tortuosity, tillage treatments, rainfall intensity and soil and water losses from a red yellow latosol

The soil surface roughness increases water retention and infiltration, reduces the runoff volume and speed and influences soil losses by water erosion. Similarly to other parameters, soil roughness is affected by the tillage system and rainfall volume. Based on these assumptions, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tillage treatments on soil surface roughness (RR) and tortuosity (T) and to investigate the relationship with soil and water losses in a series of simulated rainfall events. The field study was carried out at the experimental station of EMBRAPA Southeastern Cattle Research Center in São Carlos (Fazenda Canchim), in São Paulo State, Brazil. Experimental plots of 33 m² were treated with two tillage practices in three replications, consisting of: untilled (no-tillage) soil (NTS) and conventionally tilled (plowing plus double disking) soil (CTS). Three successive simulated rain tests were applied in 24 h intervals. The three tests consisted of a first rain of 30 mm/h, a second of 30 mm/h and a third rain of 70 mm/h. Immediately after tilling and each rain simulation test, the surface roughness was measured, using a laser profile meter. The tillage treatments induced significant changes in soil surface roughness and tortuosity, demonstrating the importance of the tillage system for the physical surface conditions, favoring water retention and infiltration in the soil. The increase in surface roughness by the tillage treatments was considerably greater than its reduction by rain action. The surface roughness and tortuosity had more influence on the soil volume lost by surface runoff than in the conventional treatment. Possibly, other variables influenced soil and water losses from the no-tillage treatments, e.g., soil type, declivity, slope length, among others not analyzed in this study.

Speckle patterns during the spreading of lung surfactant.

Pulmonary surfactant is a very important product in the medical treatment of the syndrome of insufficiency respiratory in neonates. The synthesis of this surfactant in labs need to optimize the rate of spreading in the alveolar interstitial liquid obtaining a monolayer of the phospholipids membrane base capable to maintains several of the dynamical properties of the respiratory system during breathing. The recover of theses mechanical properties has to be archived using the minimal quantities of product and with the optimal proteins composition (SP-B in special). In this paper we show our results of obtaining and process speckle pattern images of the spreading of phospholipids membrane composed the matrix of this product (DPPC) when physiologic interstitial liquid are presented.

Ortsaufgelöster Nachweis von Elementspuren mittels Laserablation und Resonanzionisations-Massenspektrometrie und Untersuchungen zur Laserablations-Dynamik

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde eine neue Methode für einen empfindlichen und isotopenselektiven Elementnachweis entwickelt. Unter Einsatz von Laserablation geschieht der Probenaufschluß direkt und mit einer Ortsauflösung von unter 30 m. Hierzu wurde ein hochauflösendes MALDI-TOF-Massenspektrometer, welches üblicherweise für biochemische Fragestellungen eingesetzt wird, mit einem spektroskopischen Aufbau zur resonanten Ionisation von Elementgehalten modifiziert. Die Methode ist somit insbesondere für die Untersuchung von Elementspuren in Festkörperproben mit mikroskopischer Struktur konzipiert. Methodische Entwicklungsarbeiten wurden anhand des Elements Gadolinium durchgeführt. Durch die Verwendung gepulster Farbstofflaser stehen ausreichend hohe Laserfelder zur Verfügung, um unabhängig von Hyperfeinstruktur und Isotopieverschiebung Übergänge aller Isotope im Rahmen des Resonanzionisations-Verfahrens zu sättigen. Darauf konnte eine Isotopenverhältnisanalyse mit einer Genauigkeit im Prozentbereich verwirklicht werden. Verschiedene Anregungsleitern wurden untersucht, und mit elementspezifischen Resonanzüberhöhungen bis zu zwei Größenordnungen über dem nicht-resonant gebildeten Untergrund konnte eine Nachweiseffizienz von über 10-4 (entsprechend sub-fg/g-Niveau) erzielt werden. Dazu wurden Simulationsrechnungen zum atomaren Sättigungsverhalten in starken resonanten Laserfeldern durchgeführt. Erste Anwendungen des Laserablationsverfahrens waren Proben kosmologischer Herkunft. Der physikalische Prozeß der Laserablation bei Metallen wurde unter Hochvakuum-Bedingung systematisch in Abhängigkeit der Laserfluenz untersucht. In der ablatierten Plasmaphase erwies sich der Neutralanteil als besonders geeignet für geschwindigkeitsselektive Laserionisations-Messungen. Eine bimodale Struktur wurde beobachtet, bestehend aus einer thermischen und einer schockwellen-induzierten Komponente. Der ionische Anteil der ablatierten Dampfphase konnte über variable elektrische Feldpulse untersucht werden. Laserablation unter Atmosphärenbedingung wurde an einem beschichteten Messingtarget untersucht. Dabei wurde die Entstehung von permanenten Oberflächenstrukturen beobachtet, welche sich durch Nichtgleichgewichts-Prozesse in der Dampfphase erklären lassen.