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Ligamentare Lasionen der Finger gehoren zu den haufigsten Alltagsverletzungen und resultieren meist aus Distorsion oder Uberlastung. Zahlreiche Untersuchungstechniken stehen zur dedizierten radiologischen Diagnostik der teils komplexen Verletzungsmuster zur Verfugung. Erstellung einer Ubersichtsarbeit zur radiologischen Diagnostik der Bandstrukturen der Fingergelenke inklusive der Vorstellung anatomischer, biomechanischer und therapeutischer Aspekte. Darstellung der Anatomie und Biomechanik sowie der haufigsten Traumamechanismen der Bandstrukturen der Fingergelenke. Aufbereitung der Literatur, Diskussion von aktuellen Arbeiten und diagnostischen Expertenempfehlungen. Zu den relevanten Bandstrukturen zahlen insbesondere die Kollateralbander, Ringbander, volaren Platten und Sehnen. Das Ziel der radiologischen Diagnostik ist die genaue Festlegung des Verletzungsmusters und die Differenzierung zwischen einfachen und komplizierten Bandlasionen. In unklaren Fallen hat sich die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) fur die weiterfuhrende Diagnostik etabliert, da sie eine kontrastreiche Weichteildarstellung teils in Submillimeter-Auflosung ermoglicht. Die prazise Differenzialdiagnostik von Fingerverletzungen umfasst heute alle radiologischen Modalitaten, wodurch die Festlegung einer adaquaten Therapie und die Vermeidung von Folgeschaden auf hohem Standard gewahrleistet werden.

We present a multichannel photoelectron interferometry technique based on trichromatic pulse shaping for unambiguous determination of quantum phases in multiphoton ionization (MPI) of potassium atoms. The colors of the laser field are chosen to produce three energetically separated photoelectron interferograms in the continuum. While the red pulse is two-photon resonant with the $3d$-state resulting in a (2+1) resonance-enhanced MPI (REMPI), a (1+2) REMPI occurs via the non-resonant intermediate $4p$-state with an initial green or blue pulse. We show that ionization via a non-resonant intermediate state lifts the degeneracy of photoelectron interferograms from pathways consisting of permutations of the colors. The analysis of the interferograms reveals a phase shift of $\pm \pi/2$ depending on the sign of the detunings in the (1+2) REMPI pathways. In addition, we demonstrate that the photoionization time delay in the resonant (2+1) REMPI pathway gives rise to a linear spectral phase in the photoelectron spectra. Insights into the underlying MPI processes are gained through an analytic perturbative description and numerical simulations of a trichromatic driven three level system coupled to the continuum., Comment: 17 pages, 5 figures

In der praklinischen Notfallmedizin ist schnelles und strukturiertes Handeln gefragt: Optimale Infrastruktur und uberregionale Koordination sind essenziell. Durch die Kooperation von drei Kliniken mit wechselnder PCI-Bereitschaft und drei Rettungsorganisationen in einer Region uberwiegend landlicher Struktur stellt das niederosterreichische STEMI-Netzwerk Ostregion seit 2007 die 24/7-Herzkatheterbereitschaft fur mehr als eine Dreiviertelmillion Menschen sicher. Einheitliche Therapiealgorithmen und Kommunikation der Kliniken und Notarztstandorte sollen eine leitliniengerechte Behandlung garantieren. Die Reflexion der Versorgungsdaten ist aufgrund dieser besonderen Konstellation von groser Bedeutung. Im Jahr 2012 wurde ein webbasiertes Register fur die praklinische Versorgung der ACS-Patienten im Netzwerk eingerichtet. Die vorliegende Datenanalyse umfasst STEMI-Patienten, die zwischen Februar 2012 und April 2015 an eines der drei PCI-Zentren (Eisenstadt, Modling oder Wiener Neustadt) transportiert wurden. Analysiert wurden relevante Zeitabschnitte: Hilfsfrist, Diagnosezeit, Transportzeit, medizinischer Erstkontakt bzw. Einlieferung bis Reperfusion. Ebenso wurden der Patientenzustand am Notfallort und wahrend des Transports sowie allfallige Komplikationen ausgewertet. Zwei Fallberichte illustrieren das Zusammenspiel auch in komplexen Situationen. Im Beobachtungszeitraum wurden 416 STEMI-Patienten notarztlich versorgt. Das Alter der Patienten lag bei 63,8 ± 13,2 Jahren (29–95), 73,8 % der Patienten waren mannlich. Knapp 90 % wurden einer Reperfusionstherapie zugefuhrt: 83 % erhielten eine PPCI und 6,5 % eine Thrombolyse. 31,2 % der Einsatze ereigneten sich in der Nacht, was auch Auswirkungen auf die Transportdauer hatte. Funf Patienten (1,2 %) verstarben innerhalb der ersten 24 h noch vor oder wahrend der PPCI. Die Spitalsmortalitat lag bei 2,8 % (N = 11). Die praklinische Versorgung der STEMI-Patienten innerhalb eines STEMI-Netzwerks aus drei Kliniken und drei Rettungsorganisationen entsprach den Vorgaben der ESC-Leitlinien. Das webbasierte Register ist als Basis fur kontinuierliches Qualitatsmanagement geeignet. Auch kritische Versorgungssituationen konnen gut bewaltigt werden. Die erhobenen Daten belegen ein hohes Niveau der notfallmedizinischen Versorgung, ungeachtet der komplexen Netzwerkstruktur.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. BACKGROUND Patients presenting with syncope of suspected arrhythmogenic origin or symptomatic documented non sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) may represent a population with higher risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). However today there are still no defined criteria to stratify the risk of SCD in this population. PURPOSE To assess the prognostic value of magnetic resonance (MRI) and electrophysiological study (EPS) in the risk stratification for SCD of patients with a preserved or mildly-reduced ejection fraction (EF) that may benefit from implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) therapy. METHODS We selected ischemic and non-ischemic patients with a preserved or mildly-reduced ejection fraction who came to our attention either after a probably arrhythmogenic syncopal event or a documented NSVT between 12/2018 and 09/2020. Patients with other ICD indications following current guideline-criteria were excluded (id est Brugada syndrome, Long QT and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). All patients underwent an echocardiography, a coronary angiography, and an MRI with gadolinium, those among them with a positive LGE also underwent an induction EPS. Non inducible patients were followed-up clinically or with an implantable event-recorder, while inducible patients received an ICD. RESULTS In our observational study seventeen patients with preserved or only mildly-reduced EF were enrolled (13 males and 5 females; mean age 68 years). Among these patients, nine were identified with an underlying myocardial scar with positive Late-Gadolinium-Enhancement (LGE) in MRI. Based on the clinical orientation and the MRI LGE pattern patients were divided in ischemic group (5 patients) and non-ischemic group (4 patients). All 9 patients underwent an induction EPS. Three of them, 2 with non-ischemic and 1 with an ischemic pattern, demonstrated a reproducible inducibility of a sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and were implanted with an ICD. During our follow-up two of the three patients had an adequate shock within a year from the ICD implantation. Among the 6 patients with negative induction EPS there were no clinical events in the follow up, except one death for unknown causes. CONCLUSION Our preliminary results demonstrated that in patients with ischemic or non ischemic cardiopathy with preserved or mildly reduced EF, a positive MRI LGE pattern and the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias during induction EPS identify a population at higher risk for clinical recurrence of ventricular arryhthmic events. Further investigation is needed to validate this combined diagnostic strategy as new SCD prevention tool.

Ligamentous lesions of the fingers are common everyday injuries and usually the result of distortion or overloading. Numerous examination methods are available for dedicated radiological diagnosis of sometimes complex injury patterns.To review radiological diagnosis of the ligamentous structures of the finger joints including the presentation of anatomical, biomechanical and therapeutic aspects.Presentation of the anatomy and biomechanics as well as the most common trauma mechanisms of the ligamentous structures. Review of the literature, discussion of recent work and diagnostic expert recommendations.The most relevant ligamentous structures are collateral ligaments, pulley ligaments, volar plates and tendons. The goal of radiologic diagnosis is to accurately define the injury pattern and to differentiate between simple and complicated ligamentous lesions. In unclear cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become standard for further diagnostics, which may allow depiction of ligamentous structures in submillimetre resolution.Today, differential diagnosis includes all radiological modalities, which ensures the determination of an adequate therapy and prevention of sequel at a high standard.HINTERGRUND: Ligamentäre Läsionen der Finger gehören zu den häufigsten Alltagsverletzungen und resultieren meist aus Distorsion oder Überlastung. Zahlreiche Untersuchungstechniken stehen zur dedizierten radiologischen Diagnostik der teils komplexen Verletzungsmuster zur Verfügung.Erstellung einer Übersichtsarbeit zur radiologischen Diagnostik der Bandstrukturen der Fingergelenke inklusive der Vorstellung anatomischer, biomechanischer und therapeutischer Aspekte.Darstellung der Anatomie und Biomechanik sowie der häufigsten Traumamechanismen der Bandstrukturen der Fingergelenke. Aufbereitung der Literatur, Diskussion von aktuellen Arbeiten und diagnostischen Expertenempfehlungen.Zu den relevanten Bandstrukturen zählen insbesondere die Kollateralbänder, Ringbänder, volaren Platten und Sehnen. Das Ziel der radiologischen Diagnostik ist die genaue Festlegung des Verletzungsmusters und die Differenzierung zwischen einfachen und komplizierten Bandläsionen. In unklaren Fällen hat sich die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) für die weiterführende Diagnostik etabliert, da sie eine kontrastreiche Weichteildarstellung teils in Submillimeter-Auflösung ermöglicht.Die präzise Differenzialdiagnostik von Fingerverletzungen umfasst heute alle radiologischen Modalitäten, wodurch die Festlegung einer adäquaten Therapie und die Vermeidung von Folgeschäden auf hohem Standard gewährleistet werden.

We present a three-dimensional (3D) photoelectron wave packet holography scheme based on polarization-tailored trichromatic femtosecond laser pulses for the determination of quantum phases in atomic multiphoton ionization (MPI). Experimentally, we combine supercontinuum polarization pulse shaping with photoelectron tomography for the reconstruction of the 3D photoelectron momentum distribution (PMD). To demonstrate the 3D photoelectron holography scheme, we superimpose a sculptured wave packet encoding a relative continuum phase with a reference wave packet. In particular, we create a sculptured angular momentum superposition wave packet by (2 + 1) resonance-enhanced MPI of potassium atoms using a counter-rotating circularly polarized bichromatic pulse sequence. The sculptured wave packet, consisting of states with different orbital angular momentum quantum numbers, interferes with the reference wave packet generated by direct three-photon ionization with a circularly polarized pulse of the third color. Depending on the circularity of the reference pulse, interference of both wave packets gives rise to 3D photoelectron holograms with c 2 or c 4 rotational symmetry in the laser polarization plane, i.e., in the azimuthal direction. In the polar direction, the azimuthal interference pattern undergoes a phase-shift revealing the relative quantum phase between the p- and f-type continuum partial waves in the sculptured wave packet. We determine the relative continuum phase by fitting the parameters of an analytical model of the hologram to the measured 3D PMD and confirm the result by direct extraction of the continuum phase difference from the polar-angle-dependent azimuthal phase-shift of the photoelectron angular distribution.

The disruption to healthcare provision as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has compelled us to streamline healthcare delivery. This has given us an opportunity to implement healthcare technology, reform inter-disciplinary collaboration and ultimately enhance patient care. We discuss some of the advances made by the foot and ankle department at our hospital. These innovations have broad applicability and will hopefully ignite discussion amoung a number of healthcare teams about improving the future care of their patients.

Fieber ist ein ernstzunehmendes Symptom bei Reiseruckkehrern. Die haufigste Ursache ist weltweit und auch in Deutschland die Malaria. Es kommen aber auch, je nach Reiseland, zahlreiche andere Ursachen infrage. Eine detaillierte strukturierte Reiseanamnese gibt erste Hinweise, ein groses Blutbild sowie eine Urinprobe sollten bestimmt werden. Weitere labortechnische und apparative Untersuchungen konnen je nach vermuteter Differenzialdiagnose Sinn machen. Die Autoren geben eine Ubersicht zu den wichtigsten infrage kommenden Ursachen fur Fieber nach Reisen, wichtige anamnestische und diagnostische Hinweise sowie einen Ausblick auf die Therapie.

Highlights • Isolated cuboid dislocations are rare injuries. • Case reports are scarce in the literature. • Closed reduction is difficult. • Open reduction and internal fixation is usually necessary. • The mechanism of injury is an inversion and plantar flexion type injury., Introduction Isolated cuboid dislocations are rare injuries Jacobson (1990). It is clinically significant and important in surgical education, as it is an injury and a source of lateral foot pain that can be misdiagnosed at the time of initial presentation and may be difficult to identify clinically or with imaging Drummond and Hastings (1969). Presentation of case We present a case report in a 33 year old rugby player, who was injured during a match after a tackle. The patient had ongoing concerns that he was not recovering following initial discharge, as he was unable to weight bear since his initial presentation to the Emergency Department (E.D.), and he had ongoing lateral foot pain. Discussion Important clinical findings include lateral foot pain, a palpable gap at the cuboid level and difficulty weight-bearing. Closed reduction is usually difficult as it can be blocked mechanically by the extensor digitorum brevis muscle or peroneus longus tendon Dobbs et al. (1969). Initial X-Rays may be inconclusive with this presentation. CT scanning is indicated if suspicion for pathology is high. Open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires are usually necessary for isolated cuboid dislocations. Conclusion Our take home message from this case report is that cuboid dislocations are rare injuries and are important to be aware of in reviewing X-rays in the E.D. Particularly in patients with inversion and plantar flexion type injuries to their foot and ankle joint, with an inability to weight bear and lateral midfoot pain following their injury.

Most cases of obstetrical brachial plexus palsies are mild traction injuries which resolve under physical therapy within several weeks or months. Severe ruptures or avulsion injuries of the plexus can lead to lifelong impairment of the upper extremities. Hence, in severe brachial plexus injuries the indications for brachial plexus reconstruction should be evaluated, early. At the age of about 3 months, the infant should be presented in a centre specialised in obstetrical brachial plexus palsies. In almost all cases intensive physical therapy is performed. In addition, many patients require splinting in order to gain function as part of the conservative therapy or for postoperative fixation. Depending on the type of splint, different demands are made on design, material and strategy of adjustment. Many different natural and synthetic materials are available for orthopaedic constructions. Because of its good adjustment options, the use of low temperature thermoplastic is steadily increasing. This contribution presents an overview of our currently used splints, new technical developments in our experience with more than 200 patients with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. We present our experience with the most common splints for the use in fixation after birth-related brachial plexus surgery, subscapularis release, trapezius muscle transfer and functional improvement of hands with a lack of wrist extension.

For the research of irrigation optimization and nitrate leaching it is important to know the short- term soil moisture variation during percolation episodes as well as its seasonal pattern. Dielectric soil moisture sensors Virrib (AMET - Consortium) and ThetaProbe ML2x (Delta-T) were used for this purpose over several years for measuring soil moisture content at hourly intervals in Valecov (49°38'40" N, 14°30'25" E, 461 m a.s.l.), Czech Republic, in a deep loamy Stagnosol soil underlain by weathered paragneiss. One-point field calibration was made each spring at the time of sensor installation over three (for Virribs) or two (for ThetaProbes) con - secutive years by taking sensor readings and soil samples (at least one 100 cm 3 core sample near to each sensor) in parallel. A supplementary check was then made in the laboratory by taking readings of individual sensors, inserted into pre-made loamy-sand mixtures with various moisture contents. During both the field calibration and the laboratory check, the readings were taken manually, using either the AMET hand-held meter or the EMS ModuLog datalogger. The results suggest that the average slope of the secondary Virrib calibration curve (defined as the plot of y = sensor readings in terms of moisture content vs. x = soil moisture content determined gravimetrically) is near to unity, but the offsets are quite large and vary from probe to probe. The axial zone of influence of the Virrib sensors is up to about 30 cm, as it follows from both laboratory and field observations. The results of the laboratory check of Virribs were biased, because the volume of the soil was not large enough and the soil had different dry bulk densities at different moisture contents. The field secondary calibration curve of ThetaProbes appears to be roughly linear, in contrast to the laboratory calibration curve, because of absence of very low moisture contents in the field. If the same calibration line is applied to several different depths, then its slope is statistically significantly lower then unity, due to the dependence of ThetaProbe readings on the soil bulk density. The overall accuracy of the sensors and its components due to different factors is estimated from the statistics of repeated measurements.

The stereoselective synthesis of orthogonally protected 3-azido aspartic acid derivatives is described. The convenience of their application as 2,3-diaminosuccinic acid in peptide chemistry was demonstrated by the incorporation of the nonproteinogenic diamino diacid as a cystine-substitute into the core structure of somatostatin.

We announce ChromaStarPy, an integrated general stellar atmospheric modeling and spectrum synthesis code written entirely in python V. 3. ChromaStarPy is a direct port of the ChromaStarServer (CSServ) Java modeling code described in earlier papers in this series, and many of the associated JavaScript (JS) post-processing procedures have been ported and incorporated into CSPy so that students have access to ready-made "data products". A python integrated development environment (IDE) allows a student in a more advanced course to experiment with the code and to graphically visualize intermediate and final results, ad hoc, as they are running it. CSPy allows students and researchers to compare modeled to observed spectra in the same IDE in which they are processing observational data, while having complete control over the stellar parameters affecting the synthetic spectra. We also take the opportunity to describe improvements that have been made to the related codes, ChromaStar (CS), CSServ and ChromaStarDB (CSDB) that, where relevant, have also been incorporated into CSPy. The application may be found at the home page of the OpenStars project: http://www.ap.smu.ca/~ishort/OpenStars/ ., See DOI zenodo.1095687. Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal

In this paper, the corrosion behaviour of thermal sprayed and diffusion-coated materials are compared. The result of the high temperature corrosion test shows that the layers with NiCr applied by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) and high velocity oxy fuel flame spraying (HVOF) are more resistant than the layers with NiCrBSi and Cr3C2/ NiCr. Furthermore, the layer with NiCr on 15 Mo 3 is more resistant than that on 13 CrMo 44 as base material. The corrosion behaviour of Al, Cr, and Cr/Si diffusion-coated materials on 13 CrMo 44- are better than those same diffusion coatings on 15 Mo 3-surfaces. In particular, the Cr diffusion-coated materials show the highest corrosion resistances in this work. Also, the diffusion-coated materials have higher resistances than thermal sprayed materials in HCl-H2O-O2-N2-atmosphere. Vergleich des Korrosionsverhaltens von thermisch gespritzten und diffusionsbeschichteten Werkstoffen In der vorliegenden Veroffentlichung wird das Korrosionsverhalten von thermisch gespritzten und diffusionsbeschichteten Werkstoffen verglichen. Das Ergebnis von Hochtemperaturkorrosionsprufungen zeigt, dass die Schicht mit NiCr durch atmospharisches Plasmaspritzen (APS) und Hochgeschwindigkeitsflammspritzen (HVOF) bestandiger ist als die Schichten aus NiCrBSi und Cr3C2/NiCr. Desweiteren ist die Schicht mit NiCr auf 15 Mo 3 bestandiger als solche auf 13 CrMo 44 als Grundwerkstoff. Im Gegensatz dazu ist das Korrosionsverhalten der diffusionsbeschichteten Werkstoffe auf 13 CrMo 44- besser als auf 15 Mo 3-Oberflachen. Besonders die diffusionsbeschichteten Werkstoffe mit Cr zeigen hochste Korrosionsbestandigkeiten. Auserdem haben die diffusionsbeschichteten Werkstoffe hohere Bestandigkeiten als die thermisch gespritzten Werkstoffe gegen HCl-H2O-O2-N2-Atmospharen.

Between 1994 and 1998, we have treated eleven patients with intraarticular fractures of the base of the middle phalanx including impaction, dislocation, and pilon types of injuries. All patients were evaluated after a median follow-up period of 25.8 (8 to 57) months. Treatment was carried out according to Suzuki's technique with a dynamic PIP-joint distraction fixator consisting of Kirschner wires and rubber bands. In five cases, there was additional osteosynthesis (Kirschner wires, resorbable hemicerclage) or cancellous bone-grafting for reconstruction of the joint surface. Early mobilisation commenced with active exercises for the PIP joint on the day of surgery. The dynamic extension fixator was applied for an average duration of 28 (15 to 42) days. By the time of follow-up examinations, we found a range of motion on an average of 64 (0 to 105) degrees including a lack of extension of 11 (0 to 60) degrees and a median flexion capacity of 75 (30 to105) degrees. All fractures healed uneventfully with restored joint stability. Eight patients were completely painfree, three complained of mild occupational pain.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thienyl-functionalized n -alkyltrichlorosilane (11-(3-thienyl)undecyltrichlorosilane [TUTS]) have been prepared by adsorption from solution and characterized by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurements, ellipsometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using contact angle and SEM measurements, the film preparation protocol was optimized, resulting in reproducible SAM formation with no adverse deposition of polysiloxane particles. XPS and ellipsometry studies confirmed the existence of SAM formation. AFM results show a smooth and homogeneous SAM, with surface roughness of R a≤0.2 nm, which is slightly higher than the corresponding values for octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) SAMs. Such thiophene-based SAM surfaces can be used for surface-initiated polymerization of thiophene. The resulting formed polythiophene layers at non-compatible surfaces offer some practical applications in manufacturing [W. Plieth, A. Fikus, D. Appelhans, H.-J. Adler, German Patent Application No. 2661977 (1998); D. Appelhans, D. Ferse, H.-J. Adler, A. Fikus, W. Plieth, B. Aldolphi et al., J. Electrochem. Soc. (accepted)].

The use of a pre-assembled suture-endobutton system (TightRope, Arthrex, Inc., Naples, FL) for fixation of distal tibiofibular syndesmotic disruption has become increasingly popular over the last years. It has been initially introduced as a device, which can remain in situ indefinitely [1]. However, local wound irritation and infection from a prominent suture knot, aseptic osteolysis, osteomyelitis and subsidence of the device have been reported, necessitating a mean implant removal in 7.5% of the cases (range 0–25%) after an average follow-up of 18 months (range 3–28 months) [2–9]. We therefore present technical tips to facilitate the removal of the primary TightRope suture-button device.

The application of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to continuous monitoring of extrusion processes of polymers was demonstrated. NIR probes were adapted to the extruder outlet. The connection between probe and extruder was realized through a fiber-optic cable. The measurements utilized transmission or diffuse reflectance modes. Quantitative analysis was carried out using the chemometric methods of Partial Least Squares (PLS) and Principle Component Regression (PCR). Subjects of our investigations were the quantification of the composition of polymer blends (polypropylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer) and the quantification of content of filler in polymer matrices (polypropylene/pulverized chalk) in the range of weight concentrations from 0 to 40%. The results show that NIR spectroscopy is suitable for quantitative in-line and real-time analysis of polymers.

Background There is inhomogeneous data about the hallucal extensor apparatus and the occurrence of accessory tendon slips and their function. We performed this study to clarify its anatomical features and make conclusions about its function. Methods Investigations were performed prospectively during operative correction of severe hallux valgus and interphalangeus in 60 consecutive cases. The occurrence, topographic location and size of accessory extensor tendons as well as the insertion patterns were recorded. After dissection traction of the accessory tendon was carried out to gain information about its function. Results In contradiction to previous studies reporting numerous variations in the distal attachments of the hallucal extensor apparatus with different accessory tendons described, our investigations showed constant anatomical features. In all but one case (98.3%) there was an accessory medial extensor hallucis longus tendon adjacent to the main tendon, always inserting on the dorsomedial aspect of the metatarsophalangeal joint capsule. We therefore chose the terminology extensor hallucis capsularis (EHC) used in previous studies. The intraoperative testing of the tendon showed it to exert a pretension of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint capsule. Conclusion Our study showed consistent anatomical features with an occurrence of the EHC tendon in 98.3%. We determined that its function is to pretension the MTP joint capsule, therefore avoiding capsular impingement during hallucal extension. The high incidence of the EHC tendon in our study may also postulate a correlation with MTP joint deformities and further cadaveric studies will be necessary to evaluate a possible predisposition for hallux valgus genesis.

Children affected by mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type IH (Hurler Syndrome), an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder, are known to experience a range of musculoskeletal manifestations including spinal abnormalities, hand abnormalities, generalised joint stiffness, genu valgum, and hip dysplasia and avascular necrosis. Enzyme therapy, in the form of bone marrow transplantation, significantly increases life expectancy but does not prevent the development of the associated musculoskeletal disorders. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with a diagnosis of Hurler syndrome with a satisfactory result following uncemented total hip arthroplasty.

Most cases of obstetrical brachial plexus palsies are mild traction injuries which resolve under physical therapy within several weeks or months. Severe ruptures or avulsion injuries of the plexus can lead to lifelong impairment of the upper extremities. Hence, in severe brachial plexus injuries the indications for brachial plexus reconstruction should be evaluated, early. At the age of about 3 months, the infant should be presented in a centre specialised in obstetrical brachial plexus palsies. In almost all cases intensive physical therapy is performed. In addition, many patients require splinting in order to gain function as part of the conservative therapy or for postoperative fixation. Depending on the type of splint, different demands are made on design, material and strategy of adjustment. Many different natural and synthetic materials are available for orthopaedic constructions. Because of its good adjustment options, the use of low temperature thermoplastic is steadily increasing. This contribution presents an overview of our currently used splints, new technical developments in our experience with more than 200 patients with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. We present our experience with the most common splints for the use in fixation after birth-related brachial plexus surgery, subscapularis release, trapezius muscle transfer and functional improvement of hands with a lack of wrist extension.

We examined the effects of 60 minα-hANP infusion (24 ng/min/kg) on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow (RBF), cardiac index (CI) and blood pressure (BP) in 8 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) with GFR ranging from 18 to 80 ml/min/1.73 m2 and in 8 control (C) subjects with normal renal function. Basal plasma levels of ANP and cGMP were elevated in CRF (ANP: 60.6±9.1 vs 13.6±1.9 pmol/l,p

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images reveal radiometric image distortions that are caused by terrain undulations. The authors present the results of a study extracting and investigating the various components of these terrain influences. An imaging model, is set up for the geometric rectification of the SAR image and for a reconstruction of the imaging geometry. A prerequisite for the setup of this model is the use of a digital elevation model. Eight different geometric parameters are derived and investigated for their influence on grey-value variations in the geocoded SAR image. Image grey-value variations of three major land-use classes-forest, agricultural land, and urban/suburban areas-are examined. Empirical models of the SAR-backscatter variations are used to describe the relations between image grey values and various geometric parameters. >

Following the trends in the semiconductor technology to higher density and smaller dimensions the light-optical tools get serious technical problems to solve the requirements on resolution, depth of focus and overlay. Besides exposure tools using DUV / excimer laser sources other technologies like e-beam and X-ray will follow. There are several requirements which have to be solved to demonstrate the capability of a lithography technique for the fabrication of ULSI circuits. Three of them, the 1. o mask technology. 2. o resolution of a high throughput exposure tool. 3. o registration capability for layer to layer overlay. will be addressed in this paper and will confirm that the Electron Beam Proximity Printing (EBP) technology can fulfill these requirements for the 64 Mbit and 256 Mbit chip generations with minimum linewidths of 0.35 and 0.25 micron respectively.

The purpose of the present study was to analyse the extent of root development subsequent to transplantation in a material of 370 transplanted premolars. Before transplantation, the grafts were classified according to stage of root development (i.e. quarters of root length and constriction of the apical foramen) and length of tooth development (measured in mm from the cusp tip to the apical foramen). At radiographic controls the extent of root formation was registered. These figures were compared to the final tooth length of 288 non-transplanted premolars from the present material as well as to tooth length determinations of 534 premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. Furthermore, intra-individual and inter-individual differences in tooth length were examined in a skull material with 40 pairs of premolars. These method studies indicated that root growth was probably determined genetically with great right-left accuracy and variation related to location of premolar (maxilla or mandible) and sex. A statistical analysis of the transplant material revealed that stage as well as length of tooth development assessed prior to transplantation were significantly related to final tooth length after transplantation. In most cases of transplantation performed at early stages of root development, a reduction in the final root length was seen. When a qualitative analysis of root development was performed in teeth with incomplete root formation at the time of transplantation, and where a homologous non-transplanted premolar was present, it was found that 14 per cent showed total arrest of root formation, 65 per cent partial arrest whereas 21 per cent showed no arrest (i.e. normal root formation). Premolars in ectopic position in the mandible before transplantation showed a significantly reduced root growth compared to matched pairs with normal position of the tooth graft. The present study indicated that no, partial or total damage to the Hertwig's epithelial root sheath was probably the explanatory factor for variations in root growth.

Publisher Summary In the context of international discussion on the reduction of anthropogenic CO2-emission, the main emphasis is on CO2-free power generation. Parts of this technology are suitable power plants and options for disposing or storing CO2. These technologies are of special interest for energy producers, preferring fossil fuels with a high specific CO2 content. In the vicinity of Berlin, first studies financed by Vattenfall Europe Mining were carried out for evaluating the potential for CO2 sequestration. The current political and economical framework in Germany encourages these efforts by still holding on to the limits of the emissions of greenhouse gases defined in the protocol of Kyoto. The analysis based on existing data in the working area showed that there are several options for using anticlinal aquifers for CO2 sequestration with injection rates up to 10 mt/a. Main challenges are identified in the fields of surface equipment and permitting. The work is supposed to be continued in 2004/2005.

In hand surgery trials, it is often possible to take several measurements from the same patient, because many disorders here affect bilateral or multiple structures, such as the hand itself, the finger joints or the tendons. Most conventional statistical analyses that take place on the level of hands, digit rays or joints rather than patients violate the assumption that observations should be independent. Furthermore, ignoring the multiplicity of data inflates sample size and thus may lead to spurious significance. This article describes three options to deal with such problems. First, the analysis can simply be restricted to only one measurement per patient. Second, a self-controlled design may be advantageous for conditions that usually have a bilateral pattern. Third, complex statistical modelling (involving generalized estimating equations) can be used to analyse all available measurements with adjustment for data dependency.