Vortices in a mesoscopic superconducting circular sector

In the present paper we develop an algorithm to solve the time dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) equations, by using the link variables technique, for circular geometries. In addition, we evaluate the Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy, the magnetization, and the number of vortices. This algorithm is applied to a circular sector. We evaluate the superconduting-normal magnetic field transition, the magnetization, and the superconducting density. Furthermore, we study the nucleation of giant and multi-vortex states for that geometry.Comment: One REVTeX file and 8 figure

Vortex-Antivortex annihilation dynamics in a square mesoscopic superconducting cylinder

The dynamics of the annihilation of a vortex-antivortex pair is investigated. The pair is activated magnetically during the run of a simulated hysteresis loop on a square mesoscopic superconducting cylinder with an antidot inserted at its center. We study the nucleation of vortices and antivortices by first increasing the magnetic field, applied parallel to the axis of the sample, from zero until the first vortex is created. A further increase of the field pulls the vortex in, until it reaches the antidot. As the polarity of the field is reversed, an antivortex enters the scene, travels toward the center of the sample and eventually the pair is annihilated. Depending on the sample size, its temperature, and Ginzburg-Landau parameter, the vortex-antivortex encounter takes place at the antidot or at the superconducting sea around it. The position and velocity of the vortex and antivortex singularities were evaluated as a function of time. The current density, magnetization and order parameter topology were also calculated.Comment: One REVTeX file and 5 EPS figure

Mise en forme et propriétés magnétiques de manganites multiferroïques

Ce travail traite de l étude des propriétés structurales et magnétiques de Co2MnO4, une spinelle à symétrie cubique inversée et de groupe spatial Fd3m. Co2MnO4 est un composé multiferroïque dont les propriétés électriques et magnétiques sont dues à la présence des éléments Co et Mn, à valence mixte, distribués sur les sites tétraédriques et octaédriques de la structure AB2O4. La présence des états d oxydation du Co et du Mn, Co2+/Co3+ et Mn2+/Mn3+/Mn4+, est en étroite relation avec les conditions de synthèse et traitements thermiques. La substitution partielle des cations par un élément non-magnétique, le Bi, dans la série BixCo2-xMnO4 (0.0 <= x <= 0.3) permet également de modifier les propriétés physiques de la spinelle. Les composés ont été synthétisés par une variante de la méthode de précurseurs polymériques, MPPM, et calcinés à 1100 C pendant 24 h. La diffraction des rayons-X (DRX), associée à l affinement structural par la méthode Rietveld, ont montré pour ces matériaux cristallisés, une même structure cristallographique dont les paramètres de maille augmentent avec la quantité de Bi. Les observations par microscopie électronique à balayage (MEB) ont permis d observer une variation de la forme et de la taille des grains, cette dernière variant entre 1 et 10 m. L insertion du bismuth atteint une limite de solubilité due à la différence notable entre les rayons ioniques du Co (0,65Å) et du Bi(1,17Å), conduisant alors à la formation d une phase secondaire riche en Bi. Afin d éviter la formation des phases secondaires, deux stratégies de synthèse ont été mises en place: l une, substituer le Bi par du Co dans le système CoxBi2 xMnO4 (0.0 <= x <= 1.7) et l autre, utiliser une méthode originale de synthèse, la mécanoactivation MS, pour la série CoxBi2 xMnO4 (0.0 <= x <= 1.7). Le comportement ferrimagnétique du composé initial non-substitué est maintenu après substitution partielle du Co par le Bi, avec une irréversibilité marquée entre les courbes ZFC et FC et une transition ferromagnétique très bien définie à TC. Plusieurs paramètres magnétiques tels que TC, Tmax, MFC (extrapolation de la courbe FC à T=0), température de Curie-Weiss CW et moment effectif eff, sont modifiés d une façon significative en fonction du contenu en Bi et confirment le phénomène de saturation dû à la non-solubilité du bismuth dans la structure cristalline cubique. A partir des données structurales et magnétiques, une équation d équilibre de charges du type (Co2+)[Co2+x(Bi3+,CoIII)1-xMn3+1-xMn4+x]O4 est proposée, où l ion Co2+, responsable des interactions antiferromagnétiques, se situe en position tétraédrique (..) et tous les autres cations, responsables des interactions ferromagnétiques, en positions octaédriques [..] . Les cations CoIII, de configuration bas-spin (S = 0) et non-magnétique, sont substitués par le Bi, également non-magnétique, ce qui résulte en un moment effectif eff de 8.2 B, presque invariant avec la substitution du Co par le Bi.Structural and magnetic properties of Co2MnO4, an inverse spinel structure with spatial group Fd3m and cubic symmetry, were investigated by X-Ray Diffraction (DRX) and using a SQUID magnetometer. Co2MnO4 is a multiferroic compound presenting electrical and magnetic properties due to the presence of the Co and Mn elements, which are distributed on tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the AB2O4 structure. Valence fluctuations of Co and Mn (Co2+/Co3+ and Mn2+/Mn3+/Mn4+) can easily occur and depend on the synthesis procedures and thermal processes, which can change the oxidation states of the metallic cations. In this work, samples of BixCo2-xMnO4 (0.0 <= x <= 0.3) were synthesized, partially replacing Co by Bi, a non magnetic element. A soft chemical route, the modified polymeric precursors method (MPPM) was used. All samples were heat-treated in similar conditions, under a temperature of 1100 C (24h). DRX results, associated with Rietveld refinements, showed crystalline materials with similar crystallographic data. The cell parameter of the cubic structure increased with the Bi content. SEM images showed that Bi presence altered the grains sizes (~1 - 10 m). A spurious phase, rich in Bi, was formed due to both the solubility limit of Bi and the ionic radii of Co (0,65Å) and Bi (1,17Å). In order to solve these questions, synthesis of a new solid solution, the CoxBi2-xMnO4 (0.0 <= x <= 1.7), by the MPPM route was attempted. In parallel, a novel elaboration method, the mechanochemical route (MS), was used to synthesize the BixCo2-xMnO4 (0.0 <= x <= 0.3) series. The magnetic results, MxT (Zero Field Cooled / Field Cooled) cycles, 1/ -versus-T curves and MxH hysteresis loops, revealed important information about the magnetic nature and oxidation states of the Co and Mn cations. The ferrimagnetic behavior of Co2MnO4 was preserved, with the ZFC/FC curves exhibiting well-defined magnetic transitions and strong irreversibility below TC. Several magnetic parameters, such as TC, Tmax, MFC (extrapolation of the FC curve to T=0), the coercive field HC and MS (saturation magnetization to H= 50 kOe) changed significantly with the Bi content. According to the structural and magnetic results, a charge balance is proposed, (Co2+)[Co2+x(Bi3+,CoIII)1-xMn3+1-xMn4+x]O4, where Co2+ occupies the tetrahedral positions () and is responsible of the antiferromagnetic interactions, all others cations occupying the octahedral sites [] and are responsible of ferromagnetism. The CoIII cations at the octahedral sites are on a low-spin non-magnetic configuration (S = 0) and they are partially substituted by Bi, also a non-magnetic ion, resulting on an effective moment eff ~ 8,2 B, with no change as a function of the Bi content.RENNES1-Bibl. électronique (352382106) / SudocSudocFranceF

Simulação de lesões de esclerose múltipla em imagens de ressonância magnética utilizando nanopartículas de zinco / Simulation of multiple sclerosis lesions on magnetic resonance Magnetic resonance imaging using zinc nanoparticles

A esclerose múltipla (EM) é uma doença neurodegenerativa caracterizada por múltiplos focos de desmielinização ao longo do sistema nervoso central. Tal processo causa lesões que comprometem predominantemente as vias longas da substância branca. A imagem de ressonância magnética (IRM) é utilizada como principal exame de imagem para diagnóstico e acompanhamento da EM. Estudos recentes relacionam a exposição ambiental a metais e a vulnerabilidade a genes associados à resposta imune, com o possível desenvolvimento da EM. Dentre os possíveis metais associados à exposição ambiental, o zinco (Zn), um oligoelemento essencial no organismo, pode desempenhar um papel significativo na patogênese da EM, devido sua alta concentração no SNC e seu envolvimento na fisiologia do cérebro. Este trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de um fantoma de IMR para simulações de lesões escleróticas usando partículas de zinco. Projetou-se cinco fantomas do encéfalo com diferentes concentrações de partículas de zinco e solução padrão de zinco. Foram realizadas IRM seguindo o protocolo de rotina para EM com sequências T1, T2 e FLAIR para os planos axial e sagital. Posteriormente, realizou-se computacionalmente o mapeamento quantitativo de zinco nas IRM

A new approach for Y-TZP surface treatment: evaluations of roughness and bond strength to resin cemen

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of sonochemical treatment on the surface of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) before and after the final sintering. Material and Methods: Twenty-eight Y-TZP discs were divided into four groups (n=7), according to surface treatment: PRE: pre-sintering sonication with 30% nominal power for 15 min; POS: postsintering sonication with 30% nominal power for 15 min; JAT: air abrasion with 50-μm alumina particles; and CON: control group with no treatment. The POS and JAT groups were sintered before sonication and the PRE group after sonication. Surface roughness was analyzed using confocal microscopy, after which resin cement cylinders were placed on the surface of the Y-TZP discs and subjected to mechanical microshear bond strength test until fracture. Surface roughness and microshear bond strength values underwent ANOVA and the Tukey tests. Results: The surface roughness values for the PRE group (299.91 nm) and the POS group (291.23 nm) were not significantly different (p≥0.05), statistically, and the surface roughness value of the JAT group (925.21 nm) was higher than those of PRE and POS (p=0.007) groups. The mechanical microshear bond strength test showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.08). Conclusions: Therefore, the results showed that sonochemical treatment modifies the Y-TZP surface and is similar to the well-established sandblasting surface treatment regarding the strength of the bond with the resin cement

A new approach for Y-TZP surface treatment: evaluations of roughness and bond strength to resin cemen

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of sonochemical treatment on the surface of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) before and after the final sintering. Material and Methods: Twenty-eight Y-TZP discs were divided into four groups (n=7), according to surface treatment: PRE: pre-sintering sonication with 30% nominal power for 15 min; POS: postsintering sonication with 30% nominal power for 15 min; JAT: air abrasion with 50-μm alumina particles; and CON: control group with no treatment. The POS and JAT groups were sintered before sonication and the PRE group after sonication. Surface roughness was analyzed using confocal microscopy, after which resin cement cylinders were placed on the surface of the Y-TZP discs and subjected to mechanical microshear bond strength test until fracture. Surface roughness and microshear bond strength values underwent ANOVA and the Tukey tests. Results: The surface roughness values for the PRE group (299.91 nm) and the POS group (291.23 nm) were not significantly different (p≥0.05), statistically, and the surface roughness value of the JAT group (925.21 nm) was higher than those of PRE and POS (p=0.007) groups. The mechanical microshear bond strength test showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.08). Conclusions: Therefore, the results showed that sonochemical treatment modifies the Y-TZP surface and is similar to the well-established sandblasting surface treatment regarding the strength of the bond with the resin cement

Titanium dioxide nanotubes incorporated into bleaching agents: physicochemical characterization and enamel color change

Titanium dioxide nanotubes are nanostructures that can accelerate the oxidation reaction of bleaching procedures and promote a more effective whitening effect. Objective: This study evaluated physicochemical properties of bleaching agents incorporated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes, and the effects on tooth color change at different periods. Methodology: 40 premolars were treated according to the following groups (n=10): CP - 10% carbamide peroxide (1 hour daily/21 days); CPN - CP incorporated into TiO2; HP - 40% hydrogen peroxide (three 40-minute sessions/7 days apart); HPN - HP incorporated into TiO2. Color shade was evaluated at five different periods (baseline, after 7, 14 and 21 days of bleaching, and 7 days after end of treatment) according to Vita Classical, CIELab and CIEDE2000 scales. Mean particle size (P), polydispersity (PO) and zeta potential (ZP) were evaluated using dynamic light scattering. Data on the different variables were analyzed by mixed model tests for measures repeated in time (ZP e L*), generalized linear models for measures repeated in time (P, PO, Vita Classical and b*), and Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests (a* and color change/ΔE and ΔE00). Results: CP and CPN presented higher P, higher PO and lower ZP than HP and HPN (p≤0.05). All groups showed a significant decrease in Vita Classical color scores after 7 days of bleaching (p&lt;0.05), and HPN presented a greater significant reduction than the other groups. L* increased in TiO2 presence, in all groups, without any differences (p&gt;0.05) in bleaching time. A significant reduction occurred in the a* and b* values for all the groups, and HPN presented lower a* and b* values (p&lt;0.05) than CPN. ΔE was clinically noticeable after 7 days, in all groups, and all groups resulted in a perceptible color change according to ΔE00. Conclusion:TiO2 did not influence physicochemical properties of the bleaching agents. HPN presented more effective tooth bleaching than CP

Characterization of novel calcium hydroxide- mediated highly porous chitosan- calcium scaffolds for potential application in dentin tissue engineering

The aim of this study was to develop a highly porous calcium- containing chitosan scaffold suitable for dentin regeneration. A calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) suspension was used to modulate the degree of porosity and chemical composition of chitosan scaffolds. The chitosan solution concentration and freezing protocol were adjusted to optimize the porous architecture using the phase- separation technique. Scanning electron microscopy/energy- dispersive spectroscopy demonstrated the fabrication of a highly porous calcium- linked chitosan scaffold (CH- Ca), with a well- organized and interconnected porous network. Scaffolds were cross- linked on glutaraldehyde (GA) vapor. Following a 28- day incubation in water, cross- linked CH scaffold had no changes on humid mass, and CH- Ca featured a controlled degradability profile since the significant humid mass loss was observed only after 21 (26.0%) and 28- days (42.2%). Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the establishment of Schiff base on cross- linked scaffolds, along with calcium complexation for CH- Ca. Cross- linked CH- Ca scaffold featured a sustained Ca2+ release up to 21- days in a humid environment. This porous and stable architecture allowed for human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) to spread throughout the scaffold, with cells exhibiting a widely stretched cytoplasm; whereas, the cells seeded onto CH scaffold were organized in clusters. HDPCs seeded onto CH- Ca featured significantly higher ALP activity, and gene expressions for ALP, Col1, DMP- 1, and DSPP in comparison to CH, leading to a significant 3.5 times increase in calcium- rich matrix deposition. In sum, our findings suggest that CH- Ca scaffolds are attractive candidates for creating a highly porous and bioactive substrate for dentin tissue engineering.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155906/1/jbmb34586.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155906/2/jbmb34586_am.pd

Novel Nanotechnology of TiO 2

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of glass ionomer cement (GIC) added with TiO2 nanotubes. TiO2 nanotubes [3%, 5%, and 7% (w/w)] were incorporated into GIC’s (Ketac Molar EasyMix™) powder component, whereas unblended powder was used as control. Physical-chemical-biological analysis included energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), surface roughness (SR), Knoop hardness (SH), fluoride-releasing analysis, cytotoxicity, cell morphology, and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Parametric or nonparametric ANOVA were used for statistical comparisons (α≤0.05). Data analysis revealed that EDS only detected Ti at the 5% and 7% groups and that GIC’s physical-chemical properties were significantly improved by the addition of 5% TiO2 as compared to 3% and GIC alone. Furthermore, regardless of TiO2 concentration, no significant effect was found on SR, whereas GIC-containing 7% TiO2 presented decreased SH values. Fluoride release lasted longer for the 5% and 7% TiO2 groups, and cell morphology/spreading and ECM composition were found to be positively affected by TiO2 at 5%. In conclusion, in the current study, nanotechnology incorporated in GIC affected ECM composition and was important for the superior microhardness and fluoride release, suggesting its potential for higher stress-bearing site restorations