bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrate anomaly in the upper nutricline in the northern South China Sea ‐ Evidence for nitrogen fixation
Authors: Wong George T. F. , Chung Shi‐Wei , Shiah Fuh‐Kwo , Chen Chung‐Chi , Wen Liang‐Saw , Liu Kon‐Kee
Published: December 2002

Up to 2 μM of nitrate anomaly, N*, were found in the upper nutricline at the South East Asia Time‐series Study (SEATS) site in the northern South China Sea (SCS). These concentrations were among the higher values reported in the Pacific and indicate the significant contribution of the remineralization of nitrogen‐rich organic matter formed by nitrogen fixation to the nutrient dynamics of the area. The concentrations were systematically higher, by up to 2.5 μM, in the Fall through the early Spring, during the northeast monsoon, than in the Summer, suggesting that the impact of nitrogen fixation was higher during the former time period. This pattern is in phase with that of the atmospheric deposition of Asian dust to the northern SCS. The coherence is consistent with a coupling between nitrogen fixation and the availability of atmospherically derived iron.
The role of the Beaufort Gyre in Arctic climate variability: Seasonal to decadal climate scales
Authors: Proshutinsky A. , Bourke R. H. , McLaughlin F. A.
Published: December 2002

This paper presents a new hypothesis along with supporting evidence that the Beaufort Gyre (BG) plays a significant role in regulating the arctic climate variability. We propose and demonstrate that the BG accumulates a significant amount of fresh water (FW) during one climate regime (anticyclonic) and releases this water to the North Atlantic (NA) during another climate regime (cyclonic). This hypothesis can explain the origin of the salinity anomaly (SA) periodically found in the NA as well as its role in the decadal variability in the Arctic region.
Low‐temperature magnetic behavior related to thermal alteration of siderite
Authors: Pan Yongxin , Zhu Rixiang , Liu Qingsong , Jackson Mike
Published: December 2002

To analyze the decomposition of siderite during thermal treatment, and to characterize the magnetic minerals formed as its alteration products, low‐temperature magnetic measurements were conducted on natural siderite samples that were heated to different temperatures. For the unheated siderite sample, on warming curves remanence sharply decreases at 35–40 K while the in‐phase AC susceptibility peaks, consistent with the Néel temperature (TN) at 38 K. The natural siderite can decompose significantly even at relatively low temperature (below 250°C). At this stage, the alteration products are hematite and probably superparamagnetic (SP) maghemite due to the quick oxidization. After 400°C, both susceptibility and SIRM of the thermally treated samples sharply increase, indicating the formation of significant amounts of strongly magnetic minerals. Furthermore, the apparently depressed Verwey transitions at 120 K indicate that most of the ferrimagnetic minerals formed by 490–530°C are either very fine grains or highly oxidized magnetite and/or maghemite.
Reconciling seismic and geodetic models of the 1989 Kilauea south flank earthquake
Authors: Hooper Andrew , Segall Paul , Johnson Kaj , Rubinstein Justin
Published: December 2002

The inconsistency in depth between geodetic and seismic models of the 1989 Kilauea earthquake has long been puzzling. Previous attempts to incorporate elastic heterogeneity have deepened geodetic models substantially, bringing them closer to the seismic depth. However, recent studies that have included heterogeneity for other faults indicate that the effect is not so great. We show here that elastic heterogeneity has a relatively minor effect on the geodetic model depth for this earthquake also. However, by combining three different sets of geodetic data we are able to get a more accurate estimate of the depth, which does in fact coincide with the hypocentral depth at the 95% confidence level. When we consider that static elastic parameter values are commonly less than dynamic values, the agreement is even better. Furthermore, the depth is consistent with the earthquake having occurred at the interface between the volcanic pile and the pre‐volcanic seafloor.
Electron acceleration in the ionospheric Alfven resonator
Authors: Chaston C. C. , Bonnell J. W. , Carlson C. W. , Berthomier M. , Peticolas L. M. , Roth I. , McFadden J. P. , Ergun R. E. , Strangeway R. J.
Published: December 2002

FAST wave and particle observations on the nightside polar cap boundary indicate the operation of the ionospheric Alfven resonator (IAR). Large impulsive electric and magnetic field deviations on the boundary between the auroral oval and the polar cap close to magnetic midnight are correlated with accelerated electrons and excite semi periodic oscillations with a frequency of ∼0.5 Hz. Linear one‐dimensional simulations of the Alfven resonator including parallel electric fields due to electron inertial effects, the ionospheric feedback instability and statistically determined altitude dependent density and composition profiles in a dipole geomagnetic field yield waveforms and electron energy spectra qualitatively similar to observations. However, from comparison with a case study example observed above a sunlit ionosphere, the observed electron energies (which exceed 10 keV) suggest that the observed wave carries a parallel electric field larger than possible from electron inertial effects in the linear approximation particularly if this acceleration occurs at altitudes within the ionospheric Alfven resonator.
Magnetospheric energy budget and the epsilon parameter
Authors: Koskinen Hannu E. J. , Tanskanen Eija I.
Published: December 2002

Determination of the energy input for the magnetospheric energy budget is a nontrivial matter. As no direct means to measure the input are known, various solar wind‐derived proxies have been developed. In this article we discuss one of the most widely used energy input functions, the so‐called epsilon parameter of Akasofu. While practice has shown it to be a very useful parameter, there is no convincing evidence that it is superior to all other coupling parameters. Furthermore, its somewhat unclear definition and lack of physical foundation sometimes lead to confusing interpretation of the parameter in practical studies of magnetospheric energy cycle. For example, the parameter is sometimes understood to describe the transfer of solar wind Poynting flux into the magnetosphere, whereas the actual physical energy transfer involves conversion of solar wind kinetic energy to magnetic energy measured inside the magnetopause. Another questionable interpretation is to relate the size of the energy transfer region to the length of the reconnection line, as the scale factor in epsilon has the physical unit of area. These confusions may partly result from mixing the concepts of energy source and energy transfer. In spite of these problems the present empirical formulation of the epsilon parameter appears, from the global energy budget point of view, to give a remarkably good estimate for the total energy input into the inner magnetosphere in substorm and storm timescales. This is even more remarkable as after the parameter was first formulated we have learned that the ionosphere is a major sink of storm and substorm energy, exceeding the ring current in importance as an energy output channel. An additional issue is the energy carried away by the plasmoids and outflow of the postplasmoid plasma sheet. One can argue that the application of epsilon should be restricted to the energy consumption in the inner magnetosphere. However, as the intermittent plasmoid releases are essential parts of the same complex of processes as the ring current enhancement and ionospheric particle injections, we argue that they should be included in the energy budget, even if that might result in rejection of the epsilon as a useful input parameter. The recent analyses of energy output suggest that we can still use epsilon by scaling the parameter up by a factor of 1.5–2. It should be noted, however, that this energy budget does not account for all energy passing through the magnetosphere but only that part which is consumed in the storm and substorm processes.
Magnetospheric responses to sudden and quasiperiodic solar wind variations
Authors: Kim K.‐H. , Cattell C. A. , Lee D.‐H. , Takahashi K. , Yumoto K. , Shiokawa K. , Mozer F. S. , Andre M.
Published: December 2002

On April 13 (day 103), 2001, 0700–1400 UT, the Polar satellite experienced different plasma regimes (i.e., magnetosphere, magnetosheath, and solar wind) because of the solar wind dynamic pressure variations and its high orbital inclination near the subsolar magnetopause meridian. When Polar was in the magnetosheath, quasiperiodic spacecraft potential (SP) variations, corresponding to density variations, with a recurrence time of ∼3–10 min were observed. Using simultaneous solar wind observations, it was confirmed that the magnetosheath SP variations were inherent in the solar wind. We observed an almost one‐to‐one correspondence between the SP variations and the geomagnetic field perturbations at lower latitudes (L = 1.1–2.8) on the nightside. At higher latitudes (L = 2.9–6.1) on the dayside, however, the field perturbations are more complicated than the magnetosheath SP variations. This suggests that if the magnetospheric perturbations produced by the external source (solar wind/magnetosheath pressure variations) deeply penetrate into the magnetosphere, the lower‐latitude data on the nightside are important to monitor the external source variations. In addition, we observed the radial electric field oscillations excited nearly simultaneously with the magnetic field enhancement, associated with a sudden increase in the solar wind dynamic pressure, when Polar was in the magnetosphere. These oscillations may be considered as transient standing Alfvén waves excited by externally applied pressure changes as reported by previous studies.
Ionosphere of Callisto from Galileo radio occultation observations
Authors: Kliore A. J. , Anabtawi A. , Herrera R. G. , Asmar S. W. , Nagy A. F. , Hinson D. P. , Flasar F. M.
Published: December 2002

An ionosphere has been detected at Callisto by the Galileo spacecraft, using the radio occultation technique. There were four usable occultations by Callisto, providing eight observation opportunities, all equatorial and near the terminator (entry and exit observations). Detectable electron densities were obtained from six of the eight opportunities. It was found that a detectable ionosphere was only present at the observed location when the trailing hemisphere of Callisto, which is the one that is impacted by the corotating plasma of Jupiter's magnetosphere, was illuminated by the Sun. Two of these observations yielded well‐defined electron density profiles, having peak densities of 15,300 and 17,400 cm−3 at altitudes of 27.2 and 47.6 km and topside plasma scale heights of 29.6 and 49.0 km. Four different methods, based on both photoionization and electron impact ionization, were used to obtain estimates of the corresponding neutral densities at the surface. The various assumptions inherent in these methods required using a variety of parameters, (cross sections, rate constants, etc.) all with their associated uncertainties. It was rather surprising and reassuring to find that all of the methods used to estimate the surface neutral density gave very similar results in each of the eight cases. The estimated values fall between 1 and 3 × 1010 cm−3, leading to an estimate for the column density of from 3 to 4 × 1016 cm−2.
Anomalies in the atmospheric circulation associated with the rainfall excess or deficit in the Pampa Region in Argentina
Authors: Labraga J. C. , Scian B. , Frumento O.
Published: December 2002

We have investigated the relationship between extreme anomalies in the monthly precipitation of the Pampa Region (PR), Argentina, and large‐scale circulation anomalies over the South American continent and the neighboring oceans. The composite maps of the extreme rainfall anomalies reveal that this atypical behavior extends beyond the PR and that comparable anomalies simultaneously take place in the center and south of Chile and in the western South Atlantic Ocean. We have analyzed the anomalies in the water vapor flux and in the circulation of the lower and upper levels of the troposphere that occurred in 85 months with extreme rainfall anomalies between 1955 and 1998. The study combines the use of a complete set of observed precipitation data and several atmospheric variables from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Reanalysis. We have found well‐defined anomalous circulation patterns that embrace the south of the continent and the vicinity of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, which are very similar but of opposite signs for both rainfall extremes. The interaction between these anomalies in the high‐level flow and the subtropical jet stream generates the necessary conditions for vorticity advection and flow divergence, which is consistent with the expected vertical motions. The principal component analysis was applied to the pressure anomaly fields to distinguish those aspects of the large‐scale patterns that are more directly related with the rainfall extremes. The amplitudes of some of the dominant PC are significantly correlated with the precipitation anomalies, and they highlight the mechanisms leading to rainfall extremes during El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, and neutral periods.
The modern dust cycle: Comparison of model results with observations and study of sensitivities
Authors: Lunt D. J. , Valdes P. J.
Published: December 2002

Atmospheric dust is thought to have significant effects on the Earth's radiation budget, both directly and indirectly. However, modeling the global dust cycle is a difficult task due to the many complicated and nonlinear processes involved and the sparseness of observations for model evaluation. This paper describes a new off‐line dust model, which can be forced by output from the Hadley Centre general circulation model (GCM) or by ERA analyses, and discusses an extensive set of quantitative and qualitative evaluations with DIRTMAP deposition data, University of Miami concentration data, and Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) aerosol index. In general, the model agrees well with the observational data available, and the simulated annual mean global dust emissions of 2100 Mt yr−1 are in agreement with previous estimates. However, a suite of sensitivity studies shows that the model is highly sensitive to a wide range of ill‐constrained parameters, particularly the threshold friction velocity and scavenging coefficient. Changes to these parameters result in changes in local dust concentration of up to a factor of 90. This raises issues about the reliability of model‐estimated dust concentrations and the relative importance of different dust processes.
Clear‐column radiative closure during ACE‐Asia: Comparison of multiwavelength extinction derived from particle size and composition with results from Sun photometry
Authors: Wang J. , Flagan R. C. , Seinfeld J. H. , Jonsson H. H. , Collins D. R. , Russell P. B. , Schmid B. , Redemann J. , Livingston J. M. , Gao S. , Hegg D. A. , Welton E. J. , Bates D.
Published: December 2002

From March to May 2001, aerosol size distributions and chemical compositions were measured using differential mobility analyzers (DMA), an aerodynamic particle sizer (APS), Micro‐Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactors (MOUDI), and denuder samplers onboard the Twin Otter aircraft as part of the Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE)‐Asia campaign. Of the 19 research flights, measurements on four flights that represented different aerosol characteristics are analyzed in detail. Clear‐column radiative closure is studied by comparing aerosol extinctions predicted using in situ aerosol size distribution and chemical composition measurements to those derived from the 14‐wavelength NASA Ames Airborne Tracking Sun photometer (AATS‐14). In the boundary layer, pollution layers, and free troposphere with no significant mineral dust present, aerosol extinction closure was achieved within the estimated uncertainties over the full range of wavelengths of AATS‐14. Aerosol extinctions predicted based on measured size distributions also reproduce the wavelength dependence derived from AATS‐14 data. Considering all four flights, the best fit lines yield Predicted/Observed ratios in boundary and pollution layers of 0.97 ± 0.24 and 1.07 ± 0.08 at λ = 525 nm and 0.96 ± 0.21 and 1.08 ± 0.08 at λ = 1059 nm, respectively. In free troposphere dust layers, aerosol extinctions predicted from the measured size distributions were generally smaller than those derived from the AATS‐14 data, with Predicted/Observed ratios of 0.65 ± 0.06 and 0.66 ± 0.05 at 525 and 1059 nm, respectively. A detailed analysis suggests that the discrepancy is likely a result of the lack of the knowledge of mineral dust shape as well as variations in aerosol extinction derived from AATS‐14 data when viewing through horizontally inhomogeneous layers.
Seasonality of reactive nitrogen oxides (NOy) at Neumayer Station, Antarctica
Authors: Weller R. , Jones A. E. , Wille A. , Jacobi H.‐W. , McIntyre H. P. , Sturges W. T. , Huke M. , Wagenbach D.
Published: December 2002

NO, NOy (total reactive nitrogen oxides), gaseous HNO3, and particulate nitrate (p‐NO3−) were measured at Neumayer Station from February 1999 to January 2000. In addition, during February 1999, the NOy component species peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and methyl, ethyl, i‐propyl, and n‐propyl nitrates were determined. We found a mean NOy mixing ratio of 46 ± 29 pptv, with significantly higher values between February and end of May (58 ± 35 pptv). Between February and November, the (HNO3 + p‐NO3−)/NOy ratio was extremely low (around 0.22) and in contrast to NOy the seasonality of p‐NO3− and HNO3 showed a distinct maximum in November and December, leading to a (HNO3 + p‐NO3−)/NOy ratio of 0.66. Trajectory analyses and radioisotope measurements (7Be, 10Be, 210Pb, and 222Rn) indicated that the upper troposphere or stratosphere was the main source region of the observed NOy with a negligible contribution of ground‐level sources at northward continents. Frequent maxima of NOy mixing ratios up to 100 pptv are generally associated with air mass transport from the free troposphere of continental Antarctica, while air masses with the lowest NOy mixing ratios were typically advected from the marine boundary layer.
Stable isotope composition of precipitation across the southern Patagonian Andes
Authors: Stern Libby A. , Blisniuk Peter M.
Published: December 2002

A surface water and precipitation transect across the southern Patagonian Andes at 47°–48°S was conducted to assess how mountains affect the isotopic composition of precipitation. This westerly wind region derives its moisture that falls as precipitation from the Pacific. Orographic uplift of air over the Andes causes pseudoadiabatic cooling and orographic precipitation on the western side and a strong rain shadow on the eastern side of the mountains. These processes also produce a profound isotopic rain shadow, with δ18O values ∼4‰ lower in the east compared to the west. On the windward western side of the Andes, the isotope values of precipitation and surface waters show weak, although systematic, trends with elevation, but a pronounced correlation with distance from the main source of moisture (Pacific Ocean). A Rayleigh simulation of precipitation δ18O values as a function of condensation altitude matches our data well, suggesting that other processes, such as mixing of water sources and postcondensation evaporation, are negligible, and that topography is the dominant control on the isotope ratio of precipitation. In contrast, isotope ratios of waters on the leeward eastern side of the southern Patagonian Andes vary neither with elevation nor with distance from the mountains, consistent with much of the precipitation on the leeward side being derived from precipitation carried over the Andes by winds. Thus, paleoprecipitation isotopic composition on the leeward side of orogens in similar climatic settings (single moisture source and cool climate) yield useful estimates of the elevation of these orogens, but not local elevation.
Presumed Localized Tetanus in Two Cats
Authors: Polizopoulou ZS , Kazakos G. , Georgiadis G. , Soubasis N , Koutinas Ch , Koutinas AF
Published: December 2002

In this report two cases of localised tetanus in two young (<1 year) intact male and outdoor DSH cats, which had been missing, are described. Clinical examination revealed severe muscular spasms on the right (case 1) or both thoracic limbs (case 2). In the latter cat, wrinkling of the forehead and mild trismus were also seen. The routine diagnostic workup (CBC, survey radiographs of the spine, CSF analysis) did not reveal any abnormalities in both cats. EMG testing on the affected muscles in the second animal showed persistent spontaneous motor unit potentials, strongly indicating tetanus. The treatment, that was symptomatic (diazepam, metronidazole) and supportive (physical therapy, assist feeding and intravenous fluid therapy) resulted in the progressive improvement of limb rigidity and the restoration of motor dysfunction in a period of 5- (case 1) and 2- (case 2) month duration.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Long-Term Follow-Up of Bilateral, Upper Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in a Cat
Authors: Thoresen SI , Bredal WP , Sande RD
Published: December 2002

A case of bilateral, upper urinary tract infection caused by haemolytic E coli in a female Birman cat is presented. Ultrasonographic examination of the kidneys documented changes in size, outline, echogenicity and architecture. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of fluid from the renal pelvis was used to make the diagnosis. Fluid was submitted for culture and sensitivity and based on the results, antimicrobial therapy was initiated. The treatment was monitored over a 406-day follow-up period. Despite extensive treatment with specific antibiotics and supportive therapy, recurrence of urinary tract infection occurred.
Double-Blind Evaluation of Two Commercial Hypoallergenic Diets in Cats with Adverse Food Reactions
Authors: Leistra M , Willemse T
Published: December 2002

The aim of this study was to evaluate two commercially available selected-protein-source diets as maintenance diets in cats with dermatological manifestations of adverse food reactions. Twenty cats with a confirmed adverse food reaction were tested in a double-blind manner. An adverse food reaction was diagnosed when, after recovery with a home-cooked elimination diet, the signs relapsed after a challenge with their previous dietary components, and re-disappeared on a second elimination diet period. Hereafter the cats were blind and randomly challenged with two commercial hypoallergenic diets. Relapse of the clinical signs was seen in eight cats (40%) on a lamb and rice diet and in 13 cats (65%) on a chicken and rice diet ( P>0.05).

Neither one of the commercial diets was as effective in controlling the skin problems as the home-cooked elimination diet. The study confirms that commercial hypoallergenic diets are adequate for maintenance.
Laparoscopic Cryptorchidectomy in a Cat
Authors: Vannozzi I , Benetti C , Rota A
Published: December 2002

Several techniques for castration of cryptorchid cats have been described. In this case report, the use of laparoscopy for castration of a bilateral cryptorchid cat (with testes located in the abdomen) is described. Three trocars were inserted into the abdominal cavity, the testicles were easily identified adjacent to the urinary bladder. Haemostasis of the gubernaculum testis and spermatic cord was achieved with bipolar cauterisation. The testicles were easily removed in approximately 20 min. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of the use of laparoscopy for the treatment of cryptorchidism in cats.
Feline Inflammatory Polyps: Historical, Clinical, and PCR Findings for Feline Calici Virus and Feline Herpes Virus-1 in 28 Cases
Authors: Veir JK , Lappin MR , Foley JE , Getzy DM
Published: December 2002

Inflammatory polyps are associated with significant aural or nasopharyngeal disease in cats. It has been proposed that chronic viral infection may induce the masses. Ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) is usually recommended for definitive therapy but removal of masses from the nasopharynx or external ear canal by traction/avulsion is also used. A retrospective study of 28 cats with inflammatory polyps was conducted to correlate recurrence with mode of therapy. Tissues from 41 polyps were assayed for feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1 by RT-PCR and PCR, respectively. Of the 14 cats initially treated by traction/avulsion, recurrence was detected in five of nine cats with radiographic evidence of bulla disease but none of the cats with normal bullae. Traction/avulsion is a reasonable treatment for inflammatory polyps if the bullae are radiographically normal. Failure to detect feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1 suggests that tissue persistence of these viruses is not associated with the development of inflammatory polyps.
Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma in a Siamese Cat
Authors: Mellanby RJ , Foale R , Friend E , Woodger N , Herrtage ME , Dobson JD
Published: December 2002

A 12-year-old male neutered Siamese cat presented with a history of inappetance and lethargy and an enlarged left anal sac. The anal sac was surgically excised and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of anal sac adenocarcinoma. Perianal tumours are rare in the cat and anal sac adenocarcinoma has not been previously reported. This is in contrast to the dog where anal sac adenocarcinoma is a well recognised albeit uncommon tumour.
Wrist Arthrodesis: Modified Gill's Technique
Authors: LUBOSHITZ S. , BURSTEIN G. , ENGEL J.
Published: December 2002

Twenty-five wrist arthrodesis procedures were performed on 24 patients, applying a modification of Gill’s technique, which used a corticocancellous strut graft from the distal radius. Patients were followed up until solid bony fusion was established. Union was achieved in 21 of 25 wrists and was subsequently achieved with a further procedure in the remaining four wrists. We have found that the modified Gill’s technique is a reliable, simple procedure with a low complication rate which does not require the harvest of a distant bone graft.
Acute Dorsal Trans-Scaphoid Perilunate Fracture-Dislocations: Medium-Term Results
Authors: HERZBERG G. , FORISSIER D.
Published: December 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate the medium-term results (mean follow-up, 8 years) of a series of 14 trans-scaphoid dorsal perilunate fracture-dislocations treated operatively at an average of 6 days following injury. Eleven underwent open reduction and internal fixation through a dorsal approach. Combined palmar and dorsal approaches were used in only three cases, for open reduction and internal fixation in two and proximal row carpectomy in one. The Mayo wrist score revealed five excellent, three good, five fair and one poor result. The average score was 79% (range 55–95%). All internally fixed scaphoids healed and no lunate or scaphoid fragment avascular necrosis with collapse was observed. Carpal alignment was satisfactory in most cases. Posttraumatic radiological midcarpal and/or radiocarpal arthritis were almost always observed at follow-up, but this did not correlate with the Mayo wrist score.
Posterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy due to Parosteal Lipoma
Authors: FITZGERALD A. , ANDERSON W. , HOOPER G.
Published: December 2002

Lipomas are extremely common benign soft tissue tumours that are usually subcutaneous and asymptomatic. Occasionally, lipomas can occur in deeper soft tissue planes and when adjacent to the neck of the radius they can cause compression of the posterior interosseous nerve. Five such cases are described. An anterior approach to excision of the lipoma is recommended.
Norian SRS Versus Functional Treatment in Redisplaced Distal Radial Fractures: A Randomized Study in 20 Patients
Authors: KOPYLOV P. , ADALBERTH K. , JONSSON K. , ASPENBERG P.
Published: December 2002

We compared the use of Norian SRS, an injectable calcium phosphate bone cement, with functional treatment of redisplaced distal radial fractures in a prospective randomized study of 20 patients. The redisplaced fractures were either rereduced and stabilized by Norian SRS, or the displaced position was accepted and was not rereduced. All wrists were immobilized in a short-arm dorsal splint for 1 week, followed by a removable splint for another 3 weeks. The chosen primary effect variable was grip strength at 7 weeks, and this did not differ between the two treatment groups. The clinical results at 6 months in both groups were similar. We conclude that aggressive treatment of redisplaced fractures of the distal radius may be unnecessary in most women aged 50 years or more.
Arthrodesis of the Wrist with Bioabsorbable Fixation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: VOUTILAINEN N. , JUUTILAINEN T. , PÄTIÄLÄ H. , ROKKANEN P.
Published: December 2002

Twenty-four wrist arthrodeses were performed on 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-l-lactide rod as the fixation device. There was one nonunion which required a re-operation and two nonunions which did not need further treatment. The position of the arthrodesis was ulnar deviation and extension in most patients, and there was high patient satisfaction with 21 of the 24 wrists and satisfactory pain relief in 22 of the 24 wrists. This method for fusing the wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis appears reliable and simple to perform.
Entrapment Neuropathy of the Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve Concomitant with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: WADA T. , IMAI T. , ISHII S.
Published: December 2002

A case of the entrapment neuropathy of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve, concomitant with carpal tunnel syndrome is presented. This report demonstrates that the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test and nerve conduction studies can identify entrapment of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve concomitant with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hand Muscle Weakness in Long-Term Vibration Exposure
Authors: NECKING L. E. , LUNDBORG G. , FRIDÉN J.
Published: December 2002

Hand muscle strength was compared between workers regularly exposed to hand-held vibrating tools ( n = 81) and a non-exposed control group ( n = 45). Maximal voluntary strengths of hand grip, thumb pinch, thumb palmar abduction and index and little finger abduction were measured. The exposed workers had significantly weaker extrinsic (7%, P < 0.01) and intrinsic (19%, P < 0.0001) muscles than the controls. Reduced vibration perception was noted in nine vibration-exposed workers who presented with symptoms of hand muscle weakness ( P < 0.01). Cold intolerance following vibration exposure was found to precede sensorineural and vasospastic symptoms. We therefore postulate that cold intolerance may be a valuable marker for early detection of the adverse effects of vibration. This study emphasizes the need for tests of intrinsic muscle strength in order to evaluate the impairment of hand function observed in vibration-exposed workers.
Hand–Arm-Vibration Syndrome (HAVS): Is There a Central Nervous Component? an fMRI Study
Authors: LUNDBORG G. , ROSÉN B. , KNUTSSON L. , HOLTÅS S. , STÅHLBERG F. , LARSSON E. M.
Published: December 2002

Hand-held vibrating tools may result in neuromuscular dysfunction and vasospastic problems of the hand. Sensory and motor dysfunction can be explained by injury to peripheral structures, but could also be due to changes in cortical somatotopic mapping of the hand in the brain. The purpose of the present study was to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess the somatotopic cortical representation of the hands of workers subjected to occupational vibration. The study included six men with severe vibration exposures who were suffering from hand–arm-vibration syndrome (HAVS) and six controls. The analysis focused on the pattern and degree of activation of contra- and ipsilateral hemispheres of the brain with tactile stimulation and motor activation of the hand. These stimulations resulted in well-defined activation of the contralateral, and to a lesser extent the ipsilateral hemisphere. Statistical analysis of this limited patient material did not indicate any significant somatotopic cortical changes following long-term exposure to vibrating hand-held tools, although there was a tendency to a shift of activation towards the more cranial parts of the cortex in the patient group.
Simple Decompression with Small Skin Incision for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: TANIGUCHI Y. , TAKAMI M. , TAMAKI T. , YOSHIDA M.
Published: December 2002

Eighteen elbows in 17patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated by simple decompression using only a 1.5–2.5 cm skin incision with no endoscopic assistance. According to McGowan’s criteria, three elbows were classified preoperatively as grade I, six as grade II and nine as grade III. The mean follow-up period was 14 months (range 3–25). Clinical results were evaluated as excellent for four elbows, good for ten and fair for four. Improvement of symptoms occurred in all patients and dislocation of the ulnar nerve was not observed. Simple decompression through a small skin incision can be recommended for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, if the indication is appropriate.
Radiographic Assessment of the Relative Lengths of the Bones of the Fingers of the Human Hand
Authors: HAMILTON R. , DUNSMUIR R. A.
Published: December 2002

The study assessed whether a relationship existed between the lengths of the phalanges of the fingers of the hand. The centres of rotation of the joints in each finger were determined by dissection of cadaveric hands. Using these data, the distances between the joint centres was determined on anteroposterior hand X-rays taken for clinical purposes. The study has shown that, for all the fingers, there is a ratio of1 for the distance between the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint and the distance between the proximal interphalangeal joint and the finger tip. The ratio for the distances between the interphalangeal joints and the distal joint and the tip approximates to 1.3 for the index, middle and ring fingers and to 1.0 for the little finger. No evidence was found to support Littler’s hypothesis that the interarticular distances of the finger follow the Fibonacci sequence.
Granuloma Annulare in the Hand
Authors: GRANT I. , MOHAMMED P. , MAHAFFEY P. J.
Published: December 2002

A review of our cases of granuloma annulare in the hand revealed that it presented as either an annular or subcutaneous lesion, most commonly on the dorsum of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle or ring fingers. Lesions were approximately 10 mm in diameter and the diagnosis was confirmed by surgical biopsy. The majority of cases resolved spontaneously within 1 year, and recurrence, though common, did not necessitate a further biopsy.
A Prospective Review of Open Central Slip Laceration Repair and Rehabilitation
Authors: PRATT A. L. , BURR N. , GROBBELAAR A. O.
Published: December 2002

A prospective review was carried out to evaluate the outcome of surgically repaired open central slip (zone III) injuries which were treated with 3 weeks of proximal interphalangeal joint immobilization within a cylinder splint and then with 3 weeks of controlled mobilization within a Capener coil splint. Thirty-one fingers in 27 patients were assessed by the same independent therapist. All fingers achieved an excellent or good recovery with a mean proximal interphalangeal joint flexion of 94° (range 70–110°) and a mean distal interphalangeal joint flexion of 57° (range 30–81°). Extension deficits of the proximal interphalangeal joint were noted in five fingers (mean 6°, range 3–15°). The results show that a combination of immobilization and controlled mobilization is an effective rehabilitation regime for surgically repaired open central slip injuries.
Fibulo-Scapho-Lunate Arthrodesis as a Motion-Preserving Procedure after Tumour Resection of the Distal Radius
Authors: BICKERT B. , HEITMANN CH. , GERMANN G.
Published: December 2002

Free microvascular fibula transfer is an established method for reconstruction of the distal radius following tumour resection. If the radial articular surface is resected, fixation of the fibula to the carpus is either performed as a complete wrist fusion, or the fibular head is transferred together with the shaft to replace the radial joint surface, thus allowing some wrist mobility but providing only limited wrist stability. Fibulo-scapho-lunate fusion represents an alternative. This reconstruction in two patients provided excellent wrist stability and a functional range of midcarpal motion.
An Anatomical Study of the Dorsal Cutaneous Branches of the Digital Arteries
Authors: BRAGA-SILVA J. , KUYVEN C. R. , FALLOPA F. , ALBERTONI W.
Published: December 2002

This study describes the anatomy of the dorsal digital arteries in the 144 fingers of 18 pairs of fresh human cadaver hands. Previous studies have shown two constant branches in the proximal and middle pulp spaces from each proper digital artery. We have shown that these branches have consistent sites of origin at predictable distances from the proximal interphalangeal joint. Thus cutaneous flaps can be safely planned on these dorsal vessels.
High Bifurcation of Median Nerve at the Wrist Causing Common Digital Nerve Injury in Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: JEON I. H. , KIM P. T. , PARK I. H. , PARK B. C. , IHN J. C.
Published: December 2002

A 45-year-old right-handed woman was treated by endoscopic carpal tunnel release under local anaesthetic. When cutting the proximal half of the flexor retinaculum with the retrograde blade, she complained of an electric shock-like pain in her middle and ring fingers. Open exploration of the carpal tunnel was performed and a laceration of the middle/ring common digital nerve, which bifurcated at the unusually high level of the wrist crease, was found.
Acquired Periungual Fibrokeratoma with Accessory Germinal Matrix
Authors: SAITO S. , ISHIKAWA K.
Published: December 2002

Five cases of acquired periungual fibrokeratoma involving the proximal nail fold were treated surgically. Clinically, all five patients regained normal nail contours postoperatively, but one patient developed a local recurrence 1 year after operation. Histologically, an accessory germinal matrix was observed at the distal end of the lesion in all five cases. Change in pressure around the lesion seemed to have induced the formation of this accessory germinal matrix.
Treatment of “Gamekeeper's Thumb” by Reconstruction of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament
Authors: FAIRHURST M. , HANSEN L.
Published: December 2002

This study examines the treatment of 22 thumbs with symptomatic laxity of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint by ligament reconstruction 1 week to 10 years after injury. The existing ligament remnants were repaired in 13 thumbs and were re-attached to bone, using a bone anchor, in seven cases. Two ligaments were reconstructed using the extensor pollicis brevis tendon. Patients were reviewed at a mean of 16 months. Functional stability was regained in all patients, but two thumbs had ongoing pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint. All but one patient returned to their original work and recreational pastimes. This study suggests that ligament reconstruction for chronic laxity of the ulnar collateral ligament is likely to achieve painless stability of the metacarpophalangeal joint even when reconstruction is delayed. This makes joint fusion unnecessary in most instances.
Synovial Cyst of the Pulp of the Little Finger – Origin from the Wrist Joint
Authors: WAINWRIGHT A. M. , BURGE P. D.
Published: December 2002

Synovial cysts of the pulp of the little finger in three elderly patients were shown by arthrography to arise from leakage of synovial fluid from the wrist joint into the ulnar bursa and thence into the flexor synovial sheath in the digit. Distant as well as local sources of the contents of synovial cysts should be considered when the local anatomy permits communication between a degenerate joint and an adjacent tendon sheath.
Refractive Index and Dispersion of Fluorides and Oxides
Authors: D. Shannon Robert , Shannon Ruth C. , Medenbach Olaf , Fischer Reinhard X.
Published: December 2002

The refractive indices of 509 oxides and 55 fluorides were analyzed using two forms of a one-term Sellmeier equation: (1) 1/(n2−1)=−A/λ2+B, where A, the slope of the plot of (n2−1)−1 versus λ−2 in units of 10−16 m2, gives a measure of dispersion and B, the intercept of the plot at λ=∞, gives n∞=(1+1/B)1/2 and (2) n2−1=EdEo/(Eo2−(ℏω)2), where ℏω=the photon energy, Eo=the average single oscillator (Sellmeier) energy gap, and Ed=the average oscillator strength, which measures the strength of interband optical transitions. Form (1) was used to calculate n at λ=589.3 nm (nD) and n at λ=∞ (n∞), and the dispersion constant A. The total mean polarizabilility for each compound was calculated using the Lorenz–Lorentz equation: αe=3/4π [(Vm) (n∞2−1)/(n∞2+2)], where Vm is the molar volume in Å3. Provided for each compound are: nD, n∞, Vm, 〈αe〉, 〈A〉, 〈B〉, 〈Ed〉, 〈Eo〉, the literature reference, the method of measurement of n and estimated errors in n. Results obtained by prism, infrared reflectivity, ellipsometry, and interference methods are compared. Consistency of dispersion values among like compounds and structural families is used to evaluate the accuracy of refractive index data. Dispersion values range from 40 to 260×10−16 m2 with the majority of values in the range of 60–100×10−16 m2. High dispersion is associated with s2, p6, d10, and transition metal ions, H2O, and crystalline hydrates, whereas normal dispersion values are found in borates, aluminates, gallates, silicates, germanates, phosphates, and sulfates not containing H2O or any of the above ions. Exceptionally high dispersion is observed in liquid H2O, Fe2O3, Y3Fe5O12, FeOOH, Fe2(SO4)3, UO2, Cu2O, V2O5, MgCrO4⋅7H2O, and Cs2Mg(CrO4)2⋅6H2O.
Control of vortex breakdown by a coaxial wire
Authors: Akilli H. , Sahin B. , Rockwell D.
Published: December 2002

A very small diameter wire is tethered from the apex of a delta wing and nominally aligned with the centerline of the leading-edge vortex. The wire can alter both the onset and structure of vortex breakdown. A technique of high-image-density particle image velocimetry allows acquisition of patterns of instantaneous and averaged vorticity and velocity, which reveal the relationship between: Advancement of vortex breakdown towards the apex of the wing; and corresponding changes of patterns of vorticity and velocity contours. The diameter of the wire is one percent of the core diameter of the pre-breakdown vortex. It is possible to alter the onset of vortex breakdown by as much as approximately one chord length of the wing. A critical parameter is the length of the wire, which is normalized by: The chord of the wing; or the distance to onset of vortex breakdown in absence of the wire. Once a critical length of the wire is attained, further increases in length have no effect on the onset of breakdown. This effect is interpreted in terms of abrupt changes in patterns of vorticity and streamwise gradients of velocity along the central region of the vortex. It is possible to attain a switch in sign of azimuthal vorticity and a wakelike region of the vortex, in absence of a stagnation point.
Single-molecule optical spectroscopy of autofluorescent proteins
Authors: Moerner W. E.
Published: December 2002

Several genetically encoded autofluorescent proteins are now available, in which the emission arises from the formation of a fluorophore directly from the amino acids of the protein sequence. These proteins are heavily used in cellular biology to assess gene expression and protein localization. The optical behavior of such proteins has recently been described in vitro at the single-molecule level. These investigations have explored several yellow-emitting mutants of the green fluorescent protein (GFP), the red-emitting DsRed protein, and the dual-GFP cameleon construct designed for fluorescence resonant energy transfer sensing of calcium ion binding. A variety of blinking, switching, and fluctuation effects have been observed, showing that several dark states are accessible after optical excitation, arising from variations in charge state, isomerization state, and photobleaching. The single-molecule spectroscopy of these systems will be surveyed by describing several illustrative examples. Although the autofluorescent proteins available at present need improvement in order to reach the performance of laser dye fluorophores, the novelty of these systems and their ease of use in biological contexts requires a continuing effort to understand the photophysical behavior.
Vibrational spectroscopy and imaging of single molecules: Bonding of CO to single palladium atoms on NiAl(110)
Authors: Nilius N. , Wallis T. M. , Ho W.
Published: December 2002

A low temperature scanning tunneling microscope (STM) was used to probe the bonding of CO on NiAl(110) and the formation of PdCO and Pd(CO)2 at the single molecule level. While tilting of the two ligands is expected for Pd(CO)2, the observed bending of the CO molecule in PdCO is surprising. The combination of real space topographic imaging and spatially resolved vibrational spectroscopy in a STM provides a unique method in revealing internal bonding configuration and vibrational properties of individual metal carbonyls.
Single-molecule dynamics of semiflexible Gaussian chains
Authors: Yang Shilong , Witkoskie James B. , Cao Jianshu
Published: December 2002

A semiflexible Gaussian chain model is used to determine the statistics and correlations of single-molecule fluorescence resonant energy transfer (FRET) experiments on biological polymers. The model incorporates a persistence length in a Rouse chain and describes single-chain dynamics with normal modes. The hydrodynamic interaction is included in the dynamics of the semiflexible Gaussian chain on the preaveraging level. The distribution functions of the fluorescence lifetime and the FRET efficiency provide direct measures of the chain stiffness, and their correlation functions probe the intrachain dynamics at the single-molecule level. When measured with finite time resolution, the instantaneous diffusion coefficient for FRET is much smaller in the collapsed structure than in the coiled structure, and the variation has a quadratic dependence on the donor–acceptor distance. In the fast reaction limit, single-molecule FRET lifetime measurements can be used to map out the equilibrium distribution function of interfluorophore distance. As an example of microrheology, the intrinsic viscoelasticity can be extracted from single-molecule tracking of the Brownian dynamics of polymers in solution.
Current status of single-molecule spectroscopy: Theoretical aspects
Authors: Jung YounJoon , Barkai Eli , Silbey Robert J.
Published: December 2002

We survey the current status of single-molecule spectroscopy in the view point of theoretical aspects. After an explanation of basic concepts in single-molecule spectroscopy, we focus on the following topics: (1) line shape phenomena in disordered media, (2) photon counting statistics for time-dependent fluctuations in single-molecule spectroscopy, (3) fluorescence intensity fluctuations for nonergodic systems, (4) time-resolved single-molecule fluorescence for conformational dynamics of single biomolecules, (5) single-molecule reaction dynamics at room temperature, and (6) quantum jump method of single quantum system. We conclude this paper with some open questions and perspectives of single-molecule spectroscopy.