Comparative performance of disposable soft contact lenses.

A short-term clinical study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the fit and clinical behaviour of eight disposable hydrogel contact lenses. Thirty subjects were enrolled in a 1-day, randomised, double-masked study. The lenses compared were Vistakon Acuvue (8.80), Vistakon Surevue (8.80), Aspect Frequency-55, Bausch & Lomb Medalist (SeeQuence 2), Ciba Focus (8.90), Lunelle Rythmic, Pilkington Barnes Hind Precision-Wand Wesley Jessen Freshlook. Three of the eight designs, Acuvue (86.7%), Precision-UV (86.7%) and Frequency-55 (90%), achieved relatively high levels of fitting success. The Rythmic lenses achieved the lowest success rate (70%) showing significantly greater downward decentration than the other designs. Although all the lenses were designed to fit a wide variety of eyes, they exhibited widely varying fitting characteristics. Some were more successful than others. The study shows that it is necessary for practitioners to utilise a range of lens designs in order to fit satisfactorily the typical contact lens population.     

Rearrangement of Epoxides to Allylic Alcohols in the Presence of Reusable Basic Resins

We have modified Merrifield’s resin to provide polymers containing secondary amine groups. Lithiation of the solids gives strongly basic yet poorly nucleophilic resins useful for rearrangement of epoxides to their corresponding allylic alcohols. The resins are easy to handle, non-volatile, non-toxic, and are easily recovered and reused, providing environmental and economic benefits that might have commercial viability.     

Analysis of the effects of temporally distant events on school behavior.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between temporally distant antecedent events (TDEs) and the frequency and function of aggressive and out-of-seat behaviors occurring in the school setting. A checklist of potential TDEs was developed for each of three participants (aged 4–5 yrs) with behavior problems, based on interviews with caregivers and school personnel. Each day, parents completed the checklist and a functional analysis of problem behavior was conducted. For each participant, initial functional analyses yielded undifferentiated results. When data from the functional analysis were graphed according to the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a specific TDE, results demonstrated a momentary change in both the frequency and function of the target behavior. These results are consistent with previous literature that describes certain antecedent events as establishing operations. Discussion focuses on (a) determining which antecedent events serve as potential establishing operations; (b) how these events interact to alter the functional properties of temporally distant problem behavior; and (c) the implications for school-based interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reduced performance of male and female athletes at 580 m altitude

Patients with craniocervical mandibular (TMD) disorders can present with tinnitus as a primary or secondary complaint. The embryology and functional anatomy of the middle ear, temporomandibular joint, muscles of mastication and associated tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics was found to be helpful in establishing etiologic concepts which relate tinnitus to these temporomandibular disorders. In addition to etiologic concepts, treatment modalities are described. The authors relate their experiences as well as those of others with different patient populations.     

Mild heat and calcium treatment effects on fresh-cut cantaloupe melon during storage

The effect of mild heat fruit pre-treatment on some properties of fresh-cut cantaloupe melon during storage was determined. Whole fruit, previously held at 4 °C, was immersed in heated water (60 °C) with and without dissolved calcium lactate (1%). Fresh-cut processing was done immediately, either after treatment or after storage at 4 °C for 24 h. Headspace gas accumulation during storage indicated reduced respiration in heat-treated fruit. Reduced lipase activity occurred in heat treated fruit during storage at 10 °C, while the fruit that was cut 24 h after treatment had a reduced peroxidase activity, unlike fruit that was processed immediately after heating. Isoelectric focussing indicated production of heat shock proteins (PI = 5.1 and 6.5) as a result of heat-treatment. Textural measurements showed increased hardness, chewiness and cohesiveness, but springiness decreased in heat-treated fruit. Presence of calcium in the treatment solution did not affect respiration and textural changes caused by heat treatment. Lipase activity was, however, higher in fruit heated in calcium solutions. Results indicated the potential improvement of shelf life of cut cantaloupe melon by mild heat pre-treatment of the fruit, and that the addition of calcium to the treatment water did not further improve product quality.     

A parameter-based process for selecting high impedance faultdetection techniques using decision making under incomplete knowledge

Using varying environmental parameters and nonadapting detection techniques, the authors propose a generic method for choosing the fault detection technique or techniques which are most appropriate for a given set of conditions. This result is achieved using a decision-making method under incomplete knowledge. The performance of each detection technique is derived under various conditions and environments with this method. The method is not yet complete because the performance outcome of all techniques is not fully defined. However, it provides a head start when attempting to optimize detection given consideration of a wide variety of techniques, parameters, and environmental parameters     

The delta 5-3 beta-hydroxy steroid acyl transferase activities in tissues of the male rat and sheep

The present study reports on the results of a follow-up examination of patient material, 5 years after the installation of the fixed supraconstruction. The patient group comprised 11 individuals. Briefly, a split-mouth technique of treatment was used. In the right side of the mandible the traditional 2-step surgical approach for implant installation was used. In the left jaw quadrant a 1-step surgical procedure was used. A clinical and radiographical examination was performed 5 years after the initial connection of the supraconstruction to the implants. At the 5-year follow-up examination all 61 implants examined at the 18-month follow-up were still in service and found to be clinically stable irrespective of the surgical procedure used. Furthermore, the results of the present clinical and radiographical follow-up study demonstrate that the marginal bone level at implants placed anteriorly in the edentulous mandible and supporting fixed supraconstructions is stable between 18 and 60 months irrespective of whether placed according to a 1-step or 2-step surgical procedure.