Influence of dental materials used for sealing caries lesions on laser fluorescence measurements

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of thickness and aging on the intrinsic fluorescence of sealing materials and their ability to block fluorescence from the underlying surface as assessed using a laser fluorescence device. Cavities of 0.5 mm and 1 mm depth were drilled into acrylic boards which were placed over two surfaces with different fluorescence properties: a low-fluorescence surface, to assess the intrinsic fluorescence of the sealing materials, and a high-fluorescence surface, to assess the fluorescence-blocking ability of the sealing materials. Ten cavities of each depth were filled with different sealing materials: Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, Adper Single Bond 2, FluroShield, Conseal f and UltraSeal XT Plus. Fluorescence was measured with a DIAGNOdent pen at five different time points: empty cavity, after polymerization, and 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after filling. The individual values after polymerization, as well as the area under the curve for the different periods were submitted to ANOVA and the Tukey test (p < 0.05). At 0.5 mm, Scotchbond, FluroShield and UltraSeal showed insignificant changes in intrinsic fluorescence with aging and lower fluorescence after polymerization than Single Bond and Conseal. At 1 mm, Scotchbond and FluroShield showed the lowest intrinsic fluorescence, but only Scotchbond showed no chagnes in fluorescence with aging. At both depths, Scotchbond blocked significantly less fluorescence. All sealing materials blocked more fluorescence when applied to a depth of 1 mm. At 0.5 mm, fissure sealants blocked more fluorescence than adhesives, and did not show significant changes with aging. Scotchbond had the least affect on the fluorescence from the underlying surface and would probably have the least affect on the monitoring of sealed dental caries by laser fluorescence.

Ice Layers as an Indicator of Summer Warmth and Atmospheric Blocking in Alaska

Samples were collected from a snow pit and shallow urn core near Kahiltna Pass (2970 m a.s.l.), Denali National Park, Alaska, USA, in May 2008. The record spans autumn 2003 to spring 2008 and reveals clusters of ice layers interpreted as summertime intervals of above-freezing temperatures. High correlation coefficients (0.75-1.00) between annual ice-layer thickness and regional summertime station temperatures for 4 years (n=4) indicate ice-layer thickness is a good proxy for mean and extreme summertime temperatures across Alaska, at least over the short period of record. A Rex-block (aka high-over-low) pattern, a downstream trough over Hudson Bay, Canada, and an upstream trough over eastern Siberia occurred during the three melting events that lasted at least 2 weeks. About half of all shorter melting events were associated with a cut-off low traversing the Gulf of Alaska. We hypothesize that a surface-to-bedrock core extracted from this location would provide a high-quality record of summer temperature and atmospheric blocking variability for the last several hundred years.

Comparison of accumulation rates and stable isotope ratios

Since 1979/80, glaciological studies have been carried out at Ekströmisen, Antarctica, including accumulation-stake measurements, snow-pit and shallow-firn-core studies. Snowstratigraphy, chemical properties and stable-isotope ratios (d18O) were investigated. This study focuses on three cores taken between 1982 and 1998. The 1998 core was dated using dielectric profiling, d18O profiles and stake measurements. Accumulation rates showhigh interannual and spatial variability due to the extreme wind influence. No significant trend was found for the last 50 years; during the first half of the 20th century, accumulation decreased. The high spatial and interannual variability, however, means that trends must be interpreted with care. In spite of the highly irregular accumulation distribution, stable-isotope ratios show little spatial variability. The mean annual d18O values of cores B04 and FB0198 agree fairly well for the time period 1955-82 covered by both cores. d18O values have increased during most of the 20th century; since the late 1980s a decrease is observed. This change is not related to air temperature, since mean annual air temperatures at Neumayer show no significant trend over the last two decades.

Determination of suitable irrigation lengths and intervals using capacitance humidity sensors for a sandy soil

production, during the summer of 2010. This farm is integrated at the Spanish research network for the sugar beet development (AIMCRA) which regarding irrigation, focuses on maximizing water saving and cost reduction. According to AIMCRA 0 s perspective for promoting irrigation best practices, it is essential to understand soil response to irrigation i.e. maximum irrigation length for each soil infiltration capacity. The Use of Humidity Sensors provides foundations to address soil 0 s behavior at the irrigation events and, therefore, to establish the boundaries regarding irrigation length and irrigation interval. In order to understand to what extent farmer 0 s performance at Tordesillas farm could have been potentially improved, this study aims to address suitable irrigation length and intervals for the given soil properties and evapotranspiration rates. In this sense, several humidity sensors were installed: (1) A Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) EnviroScan Probe taking readings at 10, 20, 40 and 60cm depth and (2) different Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) Echo 2 and Cr200 probes buried in a 50cm x 30cm x 50cm pit and placed along the walls at 10, 20, 30 and 40 cm depth. Moreover, in order to define soil properties, a textural analysis at the Tordesillas Farm was conducted. Also, data from the Tordesillas meteorological station was utilized.

Failure analysis of laminated glass panels subjected to blast loads

This paper presents a rigorous and a reliable analytical procedure using finite element (FE) techniques to study the blast response of laminated glass (LG) panel and predict the failure of its components. The 1st principal stress (σ11) is used as the failure criterion for glass and the von mises stress (σv) is used for the interlayer and sealant joints. The results from the FE analysis for mid-span deflection, energy absorption and the stresses at critical locations of glass, interlayer and structural sealant are presented in the paper. These results compared well with those obtained from a free field blast test reported in the literature. The tensile strength (T) of the glass has a significant influence on the behaviour of the LG panel and should be treated carefully in the analysis. The glass panes absorb about 80% of the blast energy for the treated blast load and this should be minimised in the design.

Robotics for the mining industry

The mining industry is highly suitable for the application of robotics and automation technology since the work is both arduous and dangerous. However, while the industry makes extensive use of mechanisation it has shown a slow uptake of automation. A major cause of this is the complexity of the task, and the limitations of existing automation technology which is predicated on a structured and time invariant working environment. Here we discuss the topic of mining automation from a robotics and computer vision perspective — as a problem in sensor based robot control, an issue which the robotics community has been studying for nearly two decades. We then describe two of our current mining automation projects to demonstrate what is possible for both open-pit and underground mining operations.

Design guidance for blast-resistant glazing

This paper reviews current design standards and test methods for blast-resistant glazing design and compares a typical design outcome with that from comprehensive finite-element (FE) analysis. Design standards are conservative and are limited to the design of relatively small glazed panels. Standard test methods are expensive, create environmental pollution, and can classify the hazard ratings of only smaller glazed panels. Here the design of a laminated glass (LG) panel is carried out according to an existing design standard, and then its performance is examined using comprehensive FE modeling and analysis. Finite-element results indicate that both glass panes crack, the interlayer yields with little damage, and the sealant joints do not fail for the designed blast load. This failure pattern satisfies some of the requirements for minimal hazard rating in the design standard. It is evident that interlayer thickness and material properties are important during the post-crack stage of an LG panel, but they are not accounted for in the design standards. The new information generated in this paper will contribute toward an enhanced blast design of LG panels.

The mechanical triggers of plaque rupture: Shear stress vs pressure gradient

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical triggers that may cause plaque rupture. Wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure gradient are the direct mechanical forces acting on the plaque in a stenotic artery. Their influence on plaque stability is thought to be controversial. This study used a physiologically realistic, pulsatile flow, two-dimensional, cine phase-contrast MRI sequence in a patient with a 70% carotid stenosis. Instead of considering the full patient-specific carotid bifurcation derived from MRI, only the plaque region has been modelled by means of the idealised flow model. WSS reached a local maximum just distal to the stenosis followed by a negative local minimum. A pressure drop across the stenosis was found which varied significantly during systole and diastole. The ratio of the relative importance of WSS and pressure was assessed and was found to be less than 0.07% for all time phases, even at the throat of the stenosis. In conclusion, although the local high WSS at the stenosis may damage the endothelium and fissure plaque, the magnitude of WSS is small compared with the overall loading on plaque. Therefore, pressure may be the main mechanical trigger for plaque rupture and risk stratification using stress analysis of plaque stability may only need to consider the pressure effect.

Improved cement block fish smoking kiln

The kiln described below is based on a portable sheet steel kiln designed by Beny in 1964. Improvement of quality of the final product, increased operating efficiency and reduction in firewood consumption were the reasons prompting the design. The design discussed was evolved by the author after a number of experimental prototypes were built, in order to reduce first cost and heat losses, both high with the all-steel kiln. Traditionally, a simple pit and table is used, around the shures of Lake Kyoga, for smoking fish.

海拉尔盆地贝尔凹陷基岩潜山特征及储层预测

The lithology of the buried hill of Triassic Budate group in Beier depression is epimetamorphic clastic rock and volcanic clastic rock stratum. Recently the favorable hydrocarbon show was discovered in buried hill of base rock, and large-duty industrial oil stream was obtained in some wells in Beier depression. Based on the information of seismos and wells, the tectonic framework, tectonic deformation times and faulted system of the Beier depression are comprehensively studied, then configuration, evolutional history, genetic type and distributed regularity of buried hill are defined. According to observing description and analysis of core sample, well logging and interpretive result of FMI, the lithological component, diagenetic type and diagenetic sequence of buried hill reservoir are confirmed, then reservoir space system of buried hill is distinguished, and vegetal feature, genetic mechanism and distributed regularity of buried hill fissure are researched, at the same time the quantitative relationship is build up between core fissures and fissures interpreted by FMI. After that fundamental supervisory action of fault is defined to the vegetal degree of fissure, and the fissure beneficial places are forecasted using fractal theory and approach. At last the beneficial areas of Budate group reservoir are forecasted by reservoir appraisal parameters optimization such as multivariate gradually regression analysis et. al. and reservoir comprehensive appraisal method such as weighing analyze and clustering procedure et. al. which can provide foundation for the next exploratory disposition. Such production and knowledge are obtained in this text as those: 1. Four structural layers and two faulting systems are developed, and four structural layers are carved up by three bed succession boundary surfaces which creates three tectonic distortional times homology. Three types of buried hill are divided, they are ancient physiognomy buried hill, epigenetic buried hill, and contemporaneous buried hill. 2. Reservoir space of Budate buried hill is mainly secondary pore space and fissure, which distributes near the unconformity and/or inside buried hill in sections. The buried hill reservoir experienced multi-type and multi-stage diagenetic reconstruction, which led to the original porosity disappeared, and multi secondary porosity was created by dissolution, superficial clastation and cataclasis et. al. in diagenetic stage, which including middle crystal pore, inter crystal pore, moldic pore, inter particle emposieu, corrosion pore space and fissure et. al. which improved distinctly reservoir capability of buried hill. 3. The inner reservoir of buried hill in Beier depression is not stratigraphic bedded construction, but is fissure developing place formed by inner fault and broken lithogenetic belt. The fissures in inner reservoir of buried hill are developed unequally with many fissure types, which mainly are high angle fissure and dictyonal fissures and its developing degree and distribution is chiefly controlled by faulting. 4. The results of reservoir comprehensive evaluate and reservoir predicting indicates that advantageous areas of reservoir of buried hill chiefly distributes in Sudeerte, Beixi and Huoduomoer, which comprehensive evaluate mainly Ⅱand Ⅲ type reservoir. The clues and results of this text have directive significance for understanding the hydrocarbon reservoir condition of buried hill in Beier depression, for studying hydrocarbon accumulated mechanism and distributed regularity, and for guiding oil and gas exploration. The results of this text also can enrich and improve nonmarine hydrocarbon accumulated theory.

边坡工程的极限分析上限法

Theory of limit analysis include upper bound theorem and lower bound theorem. To deal with slope stability analysis by limit analysis is to approximate the real solution from upper limit and lower limit. The most used method of limit analysis is upper bound theorem, therefore it is often applied to slope engineering in many cases. Although upper bound approach of limit analysis can keep away from vague constitutive relation and complex stress analyses, it also can obtain rigorous result. Assuming the critical surface is circular slip surface, two kinematically admissible velocity fields for perpendicular slice method and radial slice method can be established according to the limit analysis of upper bound theorem. By means of virtual work rate equation and strength reduction method, the upper-bound solution of limit analysis for homogeneous soil slope can be obtained. A log-spiral rotational failure mechanism for homogeneous slope is discussed from two different conditions which represent the position of shear crack passing the toe and below the toe. In the dissertition, the author also establishes a rotational failure mechanics with combination of different logarithmic spiral arcs. Furthermore, the calculation formula of upper bound solution for inhomogeneous soil slope stability problem can be deduced based on the upper bound approach of rigid elements. Through calculating the external work rate caused by soil nail, anti-slide pile, geotechnological grid and retaining wall, the upper bound solution of safety factor of soil nail structure slope, slip resistance of anti-slide pile, critical height of reinforced soil slope and active earth pressure of retaining wall can be obtained by upper bound limit analysis method. Taking accumulated body slope as subject investigated, with study on the limit analysis method to calculate slope safety factor, the kinematically admissible velocity fields of perpendicular slice method for slope with broken slip surface is proposed. Through calculating not only the energy dissipation rate produced in the broken slip surfaces and the vertical velocity discontinuity, but also the work rate produced by self-weight and external load, the upper bound solution of slope with broken slip surface is deduced. As a case study, the slope stability of the Sanmashan landslide in the area of the Three Gorges reservoir is analyzed. Based on the theory of limit analysis, the upper bound solution for rock slope with planar failure surface is obtained. By means of virtual work-rate equation, energy dissipation caused by dislocation of thin-layer and terrane can be calculated; furthermore, the formulas of safety factor for upper bound approach of limit analysis can be deduced. In the end, a new computational model of stability analysis for anchored rock slope is presented after taking into consideration the supporting effect of rock-bolts, the action of seismic force and fissure water pressure. By using the model, not only the external woke-rate done by self-weight, seismic force, fissure water pressure and anchorage force but also the internal energy dissipation produced in the slip surface and structural planes can be totally calculated. According to the condition of virtual work rate equation in limit state, the formula of safety factor for upper bound limit analysis can be deduced.

非饱和膨胀土力学特性及其工程处置研究

The unsaturated expansive soil is a hotspot and difficulty in soil mechanics inland and outland. The expansive soil in our China is one of the widest in distributing and greatest in area, and the disaster of expansive soil happens continually as a result. The soil mechanics test, monitor, numerical simulation and engineering practice are used to research swell and shrinkage characteristic, edge strength characteristic and unsaturated strength characteristic of Mengzi expansive soil. The seep and stability of the slope for expansive soil associated with fissure are analyzed and two kinds of new technique are put forward to be used in expansive soil area, based on disaster mechnics proposed of the slope.The technique of reinforcement in road embankment is optimized also. Associated with engineering geology research of Mengzi expansive soil, mineral composition, chemical composition, specific area and cation content, dissolubility salt and agglutinate, microcosmic fabric characteristic, cause of formation and atmosphere effect depth are analyzed to explain the intrinsic cause and essence of swell and shrinkage for expansive soil. The rule between swell-shrinkage and initial state, namely initial water content, initial dry density and initial pressure, can be used to construction control. Does Response model is fit to simulate the rule, based on ternary regression analysis. It has great meaning to expansive soil engineering in area with salt or alkali. The mechanics under CD, CU and GCU of expansive soil is researched by edge surface theory to explain the remarkable effect of consolidation pressure, initial dry density, initial water content, cut velocity, drainage and reinforcement to the edge strength characteristic. The infirm hardening stress strain curves can be fitted with hyperbola model and the infirm softening curves can be fitted with exponential model. The normalization theory can be used to reveal the intrinsic unity of the otherness which is brought by different methods to the shear strength of the same kinds of samples. The unsaturated strain softening characteristic and strength envelope of remolding samples are researched by triaxial shear test based on suction controlled, the result of which is simulated by exponential function. The strength parameters of the unsaturated samples are obtained to be used in the unsaturated seep associated with rainfall. The elasticity and plasticity characters of expansive soil are researched to attain the model parameters by using modified G-A model. The humidification destroy characteristic of expansive soil is discussed to research the disaster mechanism of the slope with the back pressure increasing and suction decreasing under bias pressure consolidation. The indoor and outdoor SWCCs are measured to research the effect factors and the rule between different stress and filling environment. The moisture absorption curves can express the relationship between suction and water content in locale. The SWCCs of Mengzi expansive soil are measured by GDS stress path trixial system. The unsaturated infiltration function is gained to research seep and stability of the slope of expansive soil. The rainfall infiltration and ability of slope considering multifarious factors are studied by analyzing fissure cause of Mengzi expansive soil. The mechanism of the slope disaster is brought forward by the double controlling effect between suction and fissure. Two new kinds of technique are put forward to resolve disaster of expansive soil and the technique of reinforcement on embankment is optimized, which gives a useful help to solving engineering trouble.

Analyse de maillages surfaciques par construction et comparaison de modèles moyens et par décomposition par graphes s’appuyant sur les courbures discrètes : application à l’étude de la cornée humaine

Réalisé en cotutelle avec Aix Marseille Université.

The dark side of the Mediterranean : expression of fear from the inquisition to the present

Inside the stones of its most famous buildings, Évora keeps mysteries and secrets which constitute the most hidden side of its cultural identity. A World Heritage site, this town seems to preserve, in its medieval walls, a precious knowledge of the most universal and ancient human emotion: fear. Trying to transcend many of its past and future fears, some of its historical monuments in Gothic style were erected against the fear of death, the most terrible of all fears, which the famous inscription, in the Bones Chapel of the Church of São Francisco, insistently reminds us, through the most disturbing words: “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos”. If the first inquisitors worked in central Europe (Germany, northern Italy, eastern France), later the centres of the Inquisition were established in the Mediterranean regions, especially southern France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Consequently, the roots of fear in Évora are common to other towns, where the Inquisition developed a culture of fear, through which we can penetrate into the dark side of the Mediterranean, where people were subjected to the same terrifying methods of persecution and torture. This common geographical and historical context was not ignored by one of the most famous masters of American gothic fiction, Edgar Allan Poe. Through the pages of The Pit and the Pendulum, readers get precise images of the fearful instruments of terror that were able to produce the legend that has made the first grand inquisitor, Tomas de Torquemada, a symbol of ultimate cruelty, bigotry, intolerance, and religious fanaticism, which unfortunately are still the source of our present fears in a time when religious beliefs can be used again as a motif of war and destruction. As Krishnamurti once suggested, only a fundamental realization of the root of all fear can free our minds.

Avaliação do efeito da fumaça do cigarro na translucidez da resina composta: influência do selante da superfície e da escovação

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)