A new method for assessing relative dynamic motion of vertebral bodies during cyclic loading in vitro

A new experimental technique for measuring generalized three-dimensional motion of vertebral bodies during cyclic loading in vitro is presented. The system consists of an orthogonal array of three lasers mounted rigidly to one vertebra, and a set of three mutually orthogonal charge-coupled devices mounted rigidly to an adjacent vertebra. Each laser strikes a corresponding charge-coupled device screen. The mathematical model of the system is reduced to a linear set of equations with consequent matrix algebra allowing fast real-time data reduction during cyclic movements of the spine. The range and accuracy of the system is well suited for studying thoracolumbar motion segments. Distinct advantages of the system include miniaturization of the components, the elimination of the need for mechanical linkages between the bodies, and a high degree of accuracy which is not dependent on viewing volume as found in photogrammetric systems. More generally, the spectrum of potential applications of systems of this type to the real-time measurement of the relative motion of two bodies is extremely broad.     

A general approach to carbocyclic sugar analogs: preparation of a carbocyclic analog of beta-D-fructofuranose

The development and execution of the first examples of a new and general approach to carbocyclic analogs of carbohydrates ("pseudo-sugars") is presented. Complete experimental details for the preparation of the carbocyclic analog of beta-D-fructofuranose 6-phosphate are described for the first time. In the conclusion, the success of the synthetic strategy is analyzed and an approach to retrosynthetic analysis based on "unitive synthons" is offered for consideration.     

Microbial growth associated with granular activated carbon in a pilot water treatment facility

The microbial dynamics associated with granular activated carbon (GAC) in a pilot water treatment plant were investigated over a period of 16 months. Microbial populations were monitored in the influent and effluent waters and on the GAC particles by means of total plate counts and ATP assays. Microbial populations between the influent and effluent waters of the GAC columns generally increased, indicating microbial growth. The dominant genera of microorganisms isolated from interstitial waters and GAC particles were Achromobacter, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Alcaligenes, Bacillus, Chromobacterium, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Microcyclus, Paracoccus, and Pseudomonas. Coliform bacteria were found in small numbers in the effluents from some of the GAC columns in the later months of the study. Oxidation of influent waters with ozone and maintenance of aerobic conditions on the GAC columns failed to appreciably enhance the microbial growth on GAC.