bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen bonding strength—measures based on geometric and topological parameters
Authors: Grabowski Sławomir Janusz
Published: December 2003

Different methods of estimating H‐bond strength are presented. The studies are based on the results of MP2/6–311++G** calculations and the binding energies are corrected for the basis set superposition error (BSSE). The wavefunctions were further applied to localize bond critical points and ring critical points. The characteristics based on the Bader theory are also applied as indicators and measures of hydrogen bonding. This study compares samples of different compounds. The H‐bond strength measures such as the proton–acceptor distance (H···Y), the length of the proton donating bond, the electron density at H···Y bond critical point, the H‐bond energy and others are analysed. The case of the intramolecular hydrogen bonding is also analysed, and its special characteristics are given. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regioselective synthesis of 1,2,4‐triazin‐5‐one via gas‐phase pyrolysis of 4‐arylidenimino‐3(2H)‐thioxo‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5(4H)‐one. Kinetic and mechanistic study
Authors: Al‐Etaibi Alya , Abdallah Mariam , Al‐Awadi Nouria , Ibrahim Yehia , Hasan Mohammad
Published: December 2003

4‐Arylidenimino‐3(2H)‐thioxo‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5(4H)‐ones (1a–e) and 4‐arylidenimino‐3‐methylthio‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5(4H)‐ones (2a–e) were synthesized. Pyrolytic deprotection of these substrates were carried out. The kinetic results, product analysis and theoretical studies lend support to a reaction pathway involving a six‐membered transition state in which the carbonyl and not thione bond attacks the hydrogen atom of the arylidenimino group. This reaction represents an efficient, clean and general synthetic procedure for the protection and selective synthesis of potential biologically active triazines and their derivatives. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of arene–arene interactions on the conformation of acyclic molecules:1H NMR and dipole moment experimental results
Authors: Bello Pablo , Heaton Nicholas J. , Chana Antonio , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Riande Evaristo , Herradón Bernardo
Published: December 2003

Conformational analysis of derivatives of 2‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediol is reported. The diol spacer is substituted with different aromatic residues that are linked by ether or ester functionalities. Most of the experimental evidence was obtained by1H NMR spectroscopy through the analysis of the vicinal coupling constants of the two ABX systems of the spacer. It is found that the main factor influencing the conformation of the molecules is the interaction between the aromatic fragments at the ends of the spacer. Thus, when the electronic character of the two residues is similar (e.g.1–3and5), the molecules have high conformational flexibility. On the other hand, when the electronic character of the two residues is different (e.g.4), the molecules possess a conformational bias, having a preference for folded conformations. These results were corroborated by NOEs and computational modelling. The folded conformation of molecules such as4(and others reported previously) may be due to favourably quadrupolar and van der Waals interactions between the unlike aromatic residues. The conformational energies obtained by the1H NMR analysis of the vicinal coupling constants were used for the calculation of the dipole moments of some molecules (1,3,5and6) and excellent agreement with the experimental values was found. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Additional material for this paper is available in Wiley Intersciene
The use of enhanced bioremediation at the Savannah River Site to remediate pesticides and PCBs
Authors: Baladi Sadika M. , Lewis Catherine M. , Ganguly Amitava , Morrow Alvin G. , Shoffner Lisel R. , Blundy Robert F. , Nakagawa Patrick F. , Mundy Sara T. , Anderson Larry , Adams Karen
Published: December 2003

Enhanced bioremediation is quickly developing into an economical and viable technology for the remediation of contaminated soils. Until recently,
chlorinated organic compounds have proven difficult to bioremediate. Environmentally recalcitrant compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) and persistent organic pesticides (POPs) such as dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) have shown to be
especially arduous to bioremediate. Recent advances in field‐scale bioremedial applications have indicated that biodegradation of these
compounds may be possible. Engineers and scientists at the Savannah River Site (SRS), a major DOE installation near Aiken, South Carolina,
are using enhanced bioremediation to remediate soils contaminated with pesticides (DDT and its metabolites, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, and
endrin) and PCBs. This article reviews the ongoing remediation occurring at the Chemicals, Metals, and Pesticides (CMP) Pits using
windrow turners to facilitate microbial degradation of certain pesticides and PCBs. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In situ remediation of arsenic in contaminated soils
Authors: Martin Todd A. , Ruby Michael V.
Published: December 2003

In situ chemical fixation represents a promising and potentially cost‐effective treatment alternative for
metal‐contaminated soils. This article presents the findings of the use of iron‐bearing soil amendments to reduce the leachability and
bioaccessibility of arsenic in soils impacted by stack fallout from a zinc smelter. The focus of this investigation was to reduce the lead
bioaccessibility of the soils through addition with phosphorus‐bearing amendments. However, as phosphorus addition was expected to increase
arsenic mobility, the fixation strategy also incorporated use of iron‐bearing amendments to offset or reverse these effects. The findings of
this investigation demonstrated that inclusion of iron‐bearing chemicals in the amendment formulation reduced arsenic leachability and
bioaccessibility without compromising amendment effectiveness for reducing lead bioaccessibility. These results suggest that in situ
chemical fixation has the potential to be an effective strategy for treatment of the impacted soils. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An ecologically oriented database to guide remediation and reuse of contaminated sites
Authors: Greenberg Michael , Miller K. Tyler , Lowrie Karen , Carletta Mary Anne , Burger Joanna
Published: December 2003

This article presents a database developed to determine the potential reuse of contaminated sites for primarily ecologically and culturally based
activities. The database consists of 172 quantitative and qualitative measures of on‐site land suitability, ecological, cultural, and recreational
value, and off‐site suitability, economic, and demographic information. Using sites owned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a
case study, the article evaluates the quality of available data and suggests ways of using it for planning ecologically sensitive remediation activities
and future land use. This type of database can be developed and used by anyone who needs to select, review, or evaluate site remediation and future land
use options. Also discussed are the challenges associated with compiling and using data that has been generated by many sources over several years.
© 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NURBS to Avoid Boundary Orientation Poses in Serial Manipulators
Authors: Cebula Andrzej J. , Zsombor‐Murray Paul J.
Published: December 2003

A procedure to build NURBS motion interpolants to avoid boundary orientation poses for serial manipulator architectures is presented. As an example, the PUMA architecture was used. The procedure, which emerged from B‐spline curves theory, enables a local change of the NURBS motion interpolant. The change may be introduced in any arbitrary neighborhood of the chosen boundary orientation pose. Therefore, when tracking a trajectory, one may change NURBS motion interpolant value at any time instant, leaving its remaining values untouched. Recommendation for further research pertains to exploiting the flexibility of NURBS applied to robot kinematics. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysing Italian voluntary abortion data using a Bayesian approach to the time series decomposition
Authors: Magni Paolo , Bellazzi Riccardo
Published: December 2003

After the approval of the law on voluntary abortion in Italy, the Italian health care system started to practice voluntary abortion before the third month of pregnancy. Since 1980, the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) has collected data on the abortion frequency per month and per administrative local areas. Although a preliminary analysis of the data showed that, after an initial increase, the number of abortions progressively lowered over years, there is no insight on the existence of periodicity in the time series and on the local effects related to the regional habits and social environments. The aim of our study is therefore to extract local trends and periodicity from the data collected by ISTAT, by combining a ‘structural model’ of the time series and Bayesian statistics. This paper describes both the adopted stochastic model and its Bayesian estimation through a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach on the Italian abortion data. Abortion data are analysed both at national level and in each of the 95 Italian local areas. At the national level this analysis allows extraction of a trend component that clearly shows that the voluntary abortion trend has decreased constantly since June–July 1983 until the end of the study. The periodic component shows an astonishing regularity too, suggesting that the Italian people have a seasonal preference for voluntary abortion. In particular, abortions are concentrated in the central part of the year (April–August). Finally, at the local level this analysis allows us to find similarities/differences between different areas in trends and/or in seasonal preferences. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects and non‐effects of paired identical observations in comparing proportions with binary matched‐pairs data
Authors: Agresti Alan , Min Yongyi
Published: December 2003

Binary matched‐pairs data occur commonly in longitudinal studies, such as in cross‐over experiments. Many analyses for comparing the matched probabilities of a particular outcome do not utilize pairs having the same outcome for each observation. An example is McNemar's test. Some methodologists find this to be counterintuitive. We review this issue in the context of subject‐specific and population‐averaged models for binary data, with various link functions. For standard models and inferential methods, pairs with identical outcomes may affect the estimated size of the effect and its standard error, but they have negligible, if any, effect on significance. We also discuss extension of this result to matched sets. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectrum bias: a quantitative and graphical analysis of the variability of medical diagnostic test performance
Authors: Goehring Catherine , Perrier Arnaud , Morabia Alfredo
Published: December 2003

A Correction to this article has been published in Statistics in Medicine 2005, 24:(11) 1782.

The performance of a medical diagnostic test may vary in a subgroup of patients according to the severity and clinical presentation of the disease. This phenomenon is often referred to as the spectrum effect. There is currently no technique to determine in which situations this spectrum effect may lead to a spectrum bias, that is, a distortion of the posterior probability which can potentially affect the clinical decision. We show that spectrum bias, on either a positive or a negative test result, can be expressed as the subgroup‐specific likelihood ratio (LR) divided by the LR in the overall population of patients. This assessment of spectrum bias is independent of the pretest probability. We present here the test statistic and its variance and also propose a mode of graphically visualizing the presence of spectrum bias. We applied it to 15 examples from the literature, of which three are discussed in detail. In two examples, there was spectrum bias: (1) diagnosis of urinary tract infection in subgroups of low or high risk patients when using the dipstick test, and (2) diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy using electrocardiography in subjects with different body mass index. In a third example, there was no spectrum bias for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease in subgroups of patients defined by age, sex or comorbidities when using exercise electrocardiography. As sensitivity and specificity usually vary in opposite directions from one subgroup to the other, the ratio of LRs tends to remain constant, resulting in no or little spectrum bias. We conclude that spectrum effect is more common than spectrum bias and that clinical decisions are affected only under certain conditions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression models for relative survival
Authors: Dickman Paul W. , Sloggett Andy , Hills Michael , Hakulinen Timo
Published: December 2003

Four approaches to estimating a regression model for relative survival using the method of maximum likelihood are described and compared. The underlying model is an additive hazards model where the total hazard is written as the sum of the known baseline hazard and the excess hazard associated with a diagnosis of cancer. The excess hazards are assumed to be constant within pre‐specified bands of follow‐up. The likelihood can be maximized directly or in the framework of generalized linear models. Minor differences exist due to, for example, the way the data are presented (individual, aggregated or grouped), and in some assumptions (e.g. distributional assumptions). The four approaches are applied to two real data sets and produce very similar estimates even when the assumption of proportional excess hazards is violated. The choice of approach to use in practice can, therefore, be guided by ease of use and availability of software. We recommend using a generalized linear model with a Poisson error structure based on collapsed data using exact survival times. The model can be estimated in any software package that estimates GLMs with user‐defined link functions (including SAS, Stata, S‐plus, and R) and utilizes the theory of generalized linear models for assessing goodness‐of‐fit and studying regression diagnostics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Including interpersonal events on hassle and uplift scales: verification employing global and molecular events
Authors: Maybery Darryl J.
Published: December 2003

A recent hassle and uplift study indicated that interpersonal events were generally missing from scales measuring these concepts—a finding consistent with the daily diary literature. This paper addresses two shortcomings of the hassle and uplift study. First, this research controlled for individual differences within its methodology. Second, it adhered more closely to diary research by examining the inclusion of interpersonal events at a molecular level (i.e. specific types of events). By employing university student participants (n = 289) the study sought to examine if interpersonal daily hassles and uplifts, at a global and molecular level, would predict stress and well‐being over and above individual differences and non‐interpersonal events. One of four distress and well‐being outcomes was improved in the global and all four in the molecular stepwise regression analyses. Weight of evidence suggests that interpersonal events are important inclusions on hassle and uplift scales. The anomalous global and molecular findings are also discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Job stress among middle‐aged health care workers and its relation to sickness absence
Authors: Verhaeghe Rik , Mak Rudolf , Maele Georges Van , Kornitzer Marcel , Backer Guy De
Published: December 2003

The aim of this study is to examine differences between the perception of job stress by Flemish health care workers (HCW), aged between 35 and 59 years, and a control group of employees with a similar education and of the same age and gender (controls). This perception was prospectively related to sickness absence. This study is based on the Belstress study, a larger epidemiological survey on perceived job stress and health. The study group consists of 315 nurses (55 men and 260 women) from two public hospitals. The control group consists of 612 non‐nurses (110 men and 502 women). Perception of job stress is measured with the scales of the ‘job demand–control–support (JDCS)’ model of R. Karasek. Perception of job stress showed an increased score for ‘job demand’ and a decreased score for ‘decision latitude’ among HCW in comparison with controls. The combination of these two factors resulted in a higher proportion of subjects in the job strain category in comparison with the controls. In contrast to controls we found among HCW an important positive association between absenteeism and job demand and a clear negative association between sickness absence and social support. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping with the stress of motherhood: cognitive and defence style of women with postnatal depression
Authors: Milgrom Jeannette , Beatrice Glenda
Published: December 2003

This study investigated cognitive and defence styles of women experiencing postnatal depression. Women diagnosed with postnatal depression were recruited while inpatients at mother–baby units in Melbourne, Australia. A comparison control group was recruited from Maternal and Child Health Centres. Mothers took part in structured interviews and completed psychometric questionnaires when their infants were 3 months old, with a follow‐up at 24 months. Women with postnatal depression used different cognitive and defence styles to non‐depressed women 3 months after the birth of their baby. Unlike non‐depressed women, depressed women tended to use more irrational cognitions and less mature defence styles. Their locus of control indicated a common belief that ‘powerful others’ had control of their lives. This trend was stable over time, when the majority of women had recovered from their depression at 24 months even when ongoing depressive symptoms were controlled for statistically. By contrast, certain cognitive and defence styles appeared linked with the depressive episode. The study paints a profile of women with postnatal depression that is consistent with cognitive and psychodynamic theories of depression, suggesting certain characteristics render some women psychologically vulnerable to stressors in the postnatal period, while others are specific to the depressive state itself. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multidisciplinary study of the immediate effects of mechanical clam harvesting in the Venice Lagoon
Authors: Pranovi F , Da Ponte F , Raicevich S , Giovanardi O
Published: December 2003

In the Venice Lagoon, clam (Tapes philippinarum) harvesting is carried out mainly by means of a gear locally called “rusca”, developed by local fishermen. The rusca consists of an iron cage, an outboard engine propeller, which produces a water flow directed onto the bottom suspending sediments and fauna, and a net bag where the clams are collected. The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of the immediate effects of rusca fishing on a wide spectrum of ecosystem compartments: sediment biogeochemistry, sediment resuspension, and macro- and meiofauna community. Rusca fishing produced a V-shaped furrow (about 60 cm wide and 7 cm deep) and a plume of resuspended sediment with a significant increase (up to two orders of magnitude greater than undisturbed areas) of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and increased Ctot, Corg, Ntot, and sulphide concentrations in the water column. Experimental rusca hauls significantly reduced macrofauna density, while no significant effect on meiofauna was detected. Results are also discussed in terms of basin-scale impact, attempting to compare natural and anthropogenic disturbance.
Evaluation of muscle metabolic activity in the lower limb of a transfemoral amputee using a prosthesis by using 18F‐FDG PET imaging—an application of PET imaging to rehabilitation
Authors: Shinozaki Tetsuya , Suzuki Keiko , Yamaji Takehiko , Ichikawa Akihiro , Inoue Tomio , Takagishi Kenji , Endo Keigo
Published: December 2003

This study used FDG PET to evaluate the lower limb muscles metabolic activities of transfemoral amputees during walking with prostheses. As a preliminary study, FDG PET was applied for two normal adult volunteers to evaluate muscle activity in the lower extremities after gait exercise. This same method was applied for two amputee volunteers with prostheses. We found that FDG accumulated more in both gluteus medius muscles after gait exercise compared to other muscles in normal adult volunteers. In the skilled amputee volunteer, FDG uptake increased in the adductor and gluteus medius in the amputated side, while in the unskilled the adductor, gluteus maximus, and gluteus medius showed increased FDG uptake only in the normal side. This result suggests that basic metabolic changes such as an increase in oxidative metabolism and less reliance on glycolytic activity would occur as a result of skeletal muscle training in amputees. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Compliant positioning of total hip components for optimal range of motion
Authors: Widmer K.‐H. , Zurfluh B.
Published: December 2003

Impingement between femoral neck and endoprosthetic cup is one of the causes for dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Choosing a correct combined orientation of both components, the acetabular cup and femoral stem, in manual or computer‐assisted implantation will yield a maximized, stable range of motion (ROM) and will reduce the risk for dislocation. A mathematical model of a THA was developed to determine the optimal combination of cup inclination, cup anteversion, and stem antetorsion for maximizing ROM and minimizing the risk for cup–neck impingement. Single and combined hip joint motions were tested. A radiographic definition was used for component orientation. Additional parameters, such as stem–neck (CCD) angle, head–neck ratio, and the design of the acetabular opening, were also considered. The model showed that a maximized and safe ROM requires compliant, well‐defined combinations of cup inclination, cup anteversion, and stem antetorsion depending on the intended ROM. Radiographic cup anteversion and stem antetorsion were linearly correlated. Additional internal rotation reduced flexion, and additional external rotation reduced extension, abduction and adduction. The articulating hemispheric surface of acetabular cups should be oriented between 40° and 45° of radiographic inclination, between 20° and 28° of radiographic cup anteversion, and should be combined with stem antetorsion so that the sum of cup anteversion plus 0.7 times the stem antetorsion equals 37°. Final component orientation must also consider cup containment, implant impingement with bone and soft tissue, and preoperative skeletal contractures or deformities to achieve the optimal compromise for each patient. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Early to mid-Holocene Atlantic water influx and deglacial meltwater events, Beaufort Sea Slope, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Andrews John T. , Dunhill Gita
Published: December 2003

Holocene high-resolution cores from the margin of the Arctic Ocean are rare. Core P189AR-P45 collected in 405-m water depth on the Beaufort Sea slope, west of the Mackenzie River delta (70°33.03′N and 141°52.08′W), is in close vertical proximity to the present-day upper limit of modified Atlantic water. The 5.11-m core spans the interval between ∼6800 and 10,40014C yr B.P. (with an 800-yr ocean reservoir correction). The sediment is primarily silty clay with an average grain-size of 9 φ. The chronology is constrained by seven radiocarbon dates. The rate of sediment accumulation averaged 1.35 mm/yr. Stable isotopic data (δ18O and δ13C) were obtained on the polar planktonic foraminiferaNeogloboquadrina pachyderma(s) and the benthic infaunal speciesCassidulina neoteretis. A distinct low-δ18O event is captured in both the benthic and planktonic data at ∼10,00014C yr B.P.—probably recording the glacial Lake Agassiz outburst flood associated with the North Atlantic preboreal cold event. The benthic foraminifera are dominated in the earliest Holocene byC. neoteretis, a species associated with modified Atlantic water masses. This species decreases toward the core top with a marked environmental reversal occurring ∼780014C yr B.P. possibly coincident with the northern hemisphere 8200 cal yr B.P. cold event.
Oxygen isotope records of goethite from ferricrete deposits indicate regionally varying holocene climate change in the Rocky Mountain region, U.S.A.
Authors: Sjostrom Derek J. , Hren Michael T. , Chamberlain C. Page
Published: December 2003

Oxygen isotopes of goethite from ferricrete deposits were measured from both northern and southern Rocky Mountain localities to assess geographic variability in regional Holocene paleoclimate change. A ∼3.7‰ increase in oxygen isotope values of 14C-dated goethites in the northern Rocky Mountains suggests a regional-scale relative increase in amounts of isotopically heavy summer precipitation since the early Holocene. In contrast, oxygen isotope values from the southern Rocky Mountains increase abruptly ∼2.1‰ at ∼6200 14C yr B.P. then decrease ∼2.4‰ between ∼2000 14C yr B.P. and the present. We interpret this period of relatively high δ18O values as evidence for a middle Holocene warm period combined with a relatively strong summer monsoon. These variable climate records suggest that the Rocky Mountains of the western United States have had a spatially heterogeneous Holocene climate history.
TRF2 is in neuroglial cytoplasm and induces neurite‐like processes
Authors: Jung Yusun , Lee Seungku , Bang Seunghyun , Kim Soonok , Choi Kyungho , Lee Changhee , Lee Seong-Gene , Kim Chong Jai , Song Kyuyoung , Lee Inchul
Published: December 2003

TRF2 is a ubiquitous protein that protects telomeres in the nucleus. We found that TRF2 was present at the peripheral nerve axons and the brain neuroglial cell processes extensively. It was in the cytoplasmic membrane as well as nuclear fractions, but not in the soluble cytoplasmic fraction of SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. TRF2 was up‐regulated in P19 embryonal carcinoma cells at the early stage of induced neural differentiation with retinoic acid treatment. Upon transfection, TRF2‐expressing COS cells often produced neurite‐like long cytoplasmic processes. TRF2 is a component of neuroglial cells and appears to be involved in the cytoplasmic process formation that is necessary for neural differentiation.
Chronological aging‐independent replicative life span regulation by Msn2/Msn4 and Sod2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Fabrizio P , Pletcher S.D , Minois N , Vaupel J.W , Longo V.D
Published: December 2003

Mutations in RAS2, CYR1, and SCH9 extend the chronological life span in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by activating stress‐resistance transcription factors and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (Sod2). Here we show that mutations in CYR1 and SCH9 also extend the replicative life span of individual yeast mother cells. However, the triple deletion of stress‐resistance genes MSN2/MSN4 and RIM15, which causes a major decrease in chronological life span, extends replicative life span. Similarly, the overexpression of superoxide dismutases, which extends chronological survival, shortens the replicative life span and prevents budding in 30–40% of virgin mother cells. These results suggest that stress‐resistance transcription factors Msn2/Msn4 negatively regulate budding and the replicative life span in part by increasing SOD2 expression. The role of superoxide dismutases and of other stress‐resistance proteins in extending the chronological life span of yeast, worms, and flies indicates that the negative effect of Sod2, Msn2/Msn4/Rim15 on the replicative life span of S. cerevisiae is independent of aging.
Mitochondrial effectors in caspase‐independent cell death
Authors: Lorenzo Hans K , Susin Santos A
Published: December 2003

Activation of caspases is recognized as a key element in the apoptotic process. However, new evidence is drawing attention to the emergent role of cell death pathways where caspases are not involved. Recent advances in the molecular understanding of these new ways to die, called caspase‐independent, have revealed that mitochondria play an important role via the release of proapoptotic proteins. The purpose of this review is to integrate, from a biological and structural point of view, the most recent advances in the knowledge of the main mitochondrial proapoptotic proteins involved in this cell death cascade. The origin of programmed cell death is discussed through these strongly conserved effectors.
Evaluation of Restoration of Extensor Pollicis Function by Transfer of the Extensor Indicis
Authors: LEMMEN M. H. M. , SCHREUDERS T. A. R. , STAM H. J. , HOVIUS S. E. R.
Published: December 2003

The aim of this study was to assess long-term results of extensor indicis (EI) to extensor pollicis longus (EPL) transfers and to assess donor site morbidity. A specific EI-EPL evaluation method (SEEM) was used to measure EPL function after transfer. The outcomes in 17 patients are presented. Results were assessed by the Geldmacher score, the SEEM, mobility and strength of thumb and index finger, pinch and grip strength, and a questionnaire, comparing the operated and non-operated hands. Based on the SEEM, the results were excellent to good in 11 of 17 patients. There was no marked loss of independent extension of the index finger and only a 38% loss of extension strength.
A New Prosthesis for the Metacarpophalangeal Joint
Authors: PETROLATI M. , ABBIATI G. , DELARIA G. , SOFFIATTI R. , ROBOTTI P. , GUERRIERO C.
Published: December 2003

This report discusses the Daphne® prosthesis for the metacarpophalangeal joint on the basis of the mechanical, chemical and biological performance of the materials employed. The Daphne® prosthesis is a mobile device. The main body is made of a new generation polymethylmetacrylate, while the hinge is made of AISI 316 L stainless steel. Biocompatibility tests were performed on the materials employed. Systemic toxicity, cytotoxicity and contact tests have given favourable results. Mechanical engineering tests have been used to investigate the performances and reliability of the selected materials. The polymethylmetacrylate used in Daphne® behaves in a ductile fashion. No mechanical failures were encountered in fatigue tests after 10 million cycles.
The Bone Tie
Authors: SAMMUT D. , EVANS D.
Published: December 2003

A new method of bone fixation is described, using a small stainless steel device to provide compression between fragments with a single drill hole. The Bone Tie uses an old architectural principle to hold bone fragments together with minimal surgical dissection for access. The technique has been used in 14 cases, and the results are presented. In ten cases the outcome was good. Complications were encountered in four, mostly through technical error, although the final outcomes were acceptable.
Percutaneous Intramedullary Fixation of Metacarpal Shaft Fractures
Authors: FARAJ A. A. , DAVIS T. R. C.
Published: December 2003

Twenty-two displaced metacarpal shaft fractures in 19 patients were stabilized with multiple intramedullary K-wires. These were inserted percutaneously through a small window in the base of the metacarpal and were buried in the bone. No external splintage was routinely used postoperatively and all patients were encouraged to mobilize their fingers immediately: formal physiotherapy was not usually required.

All the fractures that we were able to follow-up united, but the K-wires bent at the fracture site in two instances, producing 20° angular deformities. The buried K-wires had to be removed in one instance as a result of protrusion into the carpometacarpal joint.
Percutaneous Fixation of Scaphoid Fractures
Authors: KAMINENI S. , LAW C. B. D.
Published: December 2003

Percutaneous scaphoid fracture fixation has many advantages over the open method of fixation. We describe the anatomical basis for a safe percutaneous approach.

Cannulated screws were inserted into 32 cadaveric scaphoids through 1 cm palmar incisions under fluoroscopic control. We then measured the distance between the entry point in the scaphoid and important local neurovascular structures. We also measured the angle of entry of the guide wire in two planes. The mean distance of the entry point from the main radial artery was 14 mm (range, 7–24 mm); from the radial nerve 19 mm (range, 7–35 mm); from the recurrent branch of the median nerve 29 mm (range, 14–45 mm); and from the superficial branch of the radial artery 5 mm (range, 0–8 mm) The mean radial angle of insertion was 34° and the mean palmar angle of insertion was 58°.

Percutaneous fixation of scaphoid fractures puts the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery at risk. We recommend a 1 cm incision centred over the scaphotrapezial joint and dissection under direct vision to the entry point in the scaphoid rather than a completely percutaneous approach.
Closed Reduction versus Kapandji-Pinning for Extra-Articular Distal Radial Fractures
Authors: STOFFELEN D. V. C. , BROOS P. L.
Published: December 2003

In a randomized prospective trial, treatment of extra-articular distal radial fractures by closed reduction and plaster application was compared with Kapandji-pinning. Closed reduction and plaster cast was used in 50 patients, Kapandji-pinning in 48 patients. According to the Cooney score, good and excellent results were found in the closed reduction and plaster cast group in 74%, compared with 75% in the Kapandji-pinning group.

After measuring the maintenance of reduction as well as the functional outcome at 1 year follow-up, no statistically significant differences could be found between the two groups. We conclude that both techniques can be used in treating extra-articular fractures of the distal radius.
The Operative Treatment of Intraarticular Smith Fractures
Authors: NIENSTEDT F.
Published: December 2003

Twenty-one intraarticular palmar displaced fractures of the distal radius operated on between 1990 and 1995 were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 27.3 months (range, 8–54). Fifteen fractures were treated with palmar T-plates, two in combination with an external fixator. Five fractures were treated with external fixators and K-wires, and one fracture was treated with percutaneous K-wires and a cast. In six patients cancellous bone graft from the iliac crest was used. The most satisfactory clinical and radiological results were obtained by anatomical reconstruction of the articular surface. The favoured method remains stabilization with palmar T-plates. K-wires with a cast should only be used in simple articular fractures with a large palmar fragment.
Sintered Bone Implantation for the Treatment of Benign Bone Tumours in the Hand
Authors: TANIGUCHI Y. , TAMAKI T. , OURA H. , HASHIZUME H. , MINAMIDE A.
Published: December 2003

We report the results of treatment of benign bone tumours in the hand with curettage and sintered bone implantation using bovine sintered bone (True Bone Ceramics). There were 22 patients who underwent sintered bone implantation in our department in 1984 or later. The follow-up survey period varied from 9 months to 11 years and 2 months (mean, 5.8 years). Recurrence of tumours and complications such as infection or fracture were not observed, and there were no clinical symptoms. X-rays revealed new bone formation connecting the implanted blocks to bone. Sintered bone was not absorbed, and lucent zones around the implants or other abnormal findings were not observed. Bone union was achieved in all patients who had pathological fractures before surgery.
Habitat segregation between sympatric Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni and blue sheep Pseudois nayaur in the Indian Trans‐Himalaya
Authors: Namgail Tsewang , Fox Joseph L. , Bhatnagar Yash Veer
Published: December 2003

Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni and blue sheep Pseudois nayaur have almost completely overlapping distributions encompassing most of the Tibetan plateau and its margins. Such a sympatric distribution of related species with similar ecological requirements implies that there is some degree of resource partitioning. This may be accomplished on the basis of habitat and/or diet separation. This study evaluated such ecological separation on the basis of physical habitat partitioning by these two sympatric ungulates in Hemis High Altitude National Park, Ladakh, India, in an area where the argali established a small new population in 1978. Such separation was tested for on the basis of expected difference between the species in their proximity to cliffs, associated with species‐specific anti‐predator behaviour. Tibetan argali selected habitats away from cliffs while blue sheep selected habitats close to cliffs. Blue sheep also selected steep slopes whereas argali selected gentle slopes. The two species did not differ in their use of habitats in terms of elevation. They did, however, differ in their use of plant communities; blue sheep selected sub‐shrub and grass‐dominated communities whilst argali selected forb‐dominated communities. We suggest that the two species coexist in this site as a result of the differential use of habitat associated with their species‐specific anti‐predator strategies.
Comparison of bite‐force performance between long‐term captive and wild American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Erickson Gregory M. , Lappin A. Kristopher , Parker Trevor , Vliet Kent A.
Published: December 2003

Nearly all animals show altered musculo‐skeletal phenotypes when subjected to captive conditions. Whether such changes affect biomechanical performance is for the most part unknown. In American alligators Alligator mississippiensis such modifications include shortened jaws, more robust body form, and broadened heads. Bite‐force performance was assessed for a variety of sizes of wild‐captured alligator specimens and the results correlated with morphological indices. Bite forces ranged from 217 to 13 172 N, with the latter being the highest value ever measured for a living animal. These data were statistically compared with those for long‐term captive specimens using ANCOVA. Bite‐force performance showed similar patterns of increase between captive and wild‐reared animals, and bite forces with respect to snout–vent length and body mass were statistically indistinguishable. Nevertheless, with respect to head size, captive alligators were found to bite more forcefully than their wild counterparts. These findings illustrate the importance of considering biomechanical performance differences between wild and captive individuals if meaningful ecological ties are to be made. Furthermore, before concluding that wild‐reared or captive animals show similar or different biomechanical performances, it is important to understand that standardization to different morphological parameters can reveal conflicting results. Consideration as to which measures are the most germane to the question at hand is essential.
Evaluation of sign surveys as a way to estimate the relative abundance of American mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Bonesi Laura , Macdonald David W.
Published: December 2003

American mink Mustela vison are an invasive species in many parts of the world (e.g. Europe, Iceland and South America) and in many of these areas they are a threat to the native wildlife. It is therefore important to establish a reliable and efficient method to estimate their relative abundance in order to manage their populations. In this study, the use of surveys of signs (scats and footprints) as a way to estimate the relative abundance of American mink was evaluated. Populations of mink in three areas of England were studied to evaluate the impact of three factors (surveyor, marking places and month) on the probability of deposition and detection of signs. Among these factors only month had a significant effect. In the second part of the study, sign surveys were compared with live trapping and it was found that the proportion of sections with mink signs was only loosely correlated to the abundance of mink as estimated from live trapping. In conclusion, this study suggests that, provided that surveyors are trained, that there is a sufficient number of marking places in each section, and that the surveys are carried out in comparable seasons, sign surveys are an appropriate way to monitor the relative abundance of mink. Sign surveys are better than trapping when it is necessary to monitor mink populations over large areas because they are less time consuming, require less manpower and are cheaper.
Movement patterns and home range of Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis), affected by high food density patches
Authors: Somers M. J. , Nel J. A. J.
Published: December 2003

To determine the effects of their movement patterns, seven Cape clawless otters Aonyx capensis were caught in two rivers and radio‐tracked between 1993 and 1995. Total range length varied from 4.9 to 54.1 km and core length from 0.2 to 9.8 km. Total area of water used varied between 4.9 and 1062.5 ha, and core areas from 1.1 to 138.9 ha. As predicted using the resource dispersion hypothesis, total home‐range length was correlated with mean reed bed (high food density patch) nearest neighbour distance. The pattern of home‐range use by females was suggestive of territoriality. Male Cape clawless otters had overlapping home ranges, both with other males and with females.
Habitat separation in a species‐rich assemblage of jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) in a suburban study site in Zimbabwe
Authors: Cumming Meg S. , Wesołowska Wanda
Published: December 2003

A 40‐species assemblage of jumping spiders inhabiting a small (0.6 ha) tropical suburban study site in Zimbabwe was studied over 4 years. It was hypothesized that marked habitat separation is one of the critical factors permitting the close coexistence of so many species from the same family (Salticidae). The 25 most common salticids (i.e. species with 10 or more records) were found to occupy six primary habitat types: tree trunks (with three salticid species), tree leaves (two species), shrubs (five species), walls (three species), low herbaceous plants and grasses (three species) and ground and litter (six species). The remaining three species, termed habitat generalists, frequented three or more of these habitats. Finer‐scale microhabitat separation was also recorded in many species. The remaining 15 less common species (i.e. <10 records) could not be assigned to particular habitats with certainty. Twenty‐one (84%) of the 25 common salticids showed a significant association with a single primary habitat type. Three‐quarters of species were present for 3 or 4 years of this 4‐year study. It was concluded that the narrow spatial niches occupied by most species, combined with the numerous microhabitats within the site, were conducive to the highly diverse salticid assemblage. Attention is drawn to the problems of long‐term sampling of such a small area without undue disturbance to the fauna. The impacts of long‐term weather cycles on habitats, ephemeral niches, age‐dependent use of habitats, inter‐ and intraspecific associations of individuals within habitats, and the relationship between suburban and wild habitats are discussed. Suburban environments, by providing a wide range of microhabitats, can support a high diversity of salticid species and thus contribute to their conservation.
Niche separation between the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the crab‐eating fox (Dusicyon thous) and the hoary fox (Dusicyon vetulus) in central Brazil
Authors: de Almeida Jácomo Anah Tereza , Silveira Leandro , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: December 2003

Four species of canids occur in the Cerrado of central Brazil. Three of them, the maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus, the crab‐eating fox Dusicyon thous and the hoary fox Dusicyon vetulus, were studied in Emas National Park between 1996 and 1999 to investigate niche separation. The diet of the three species was studied to understand niche breadth and degree of overlap. Habitat and activity patterns were used as second and third ecological parameters to define niche dimensions, and were estimated using camera‐trap data. The maned wolf is the largest species, weighing c. 21 kg, and is about three times larger than the crab‐eating fox and six times larger than the hoary fox. The major ecological differences between the three species were found in their food niche and habitat use, where crab‐eating fox presented higher differences from the hoary fox (Pianka's index of niche overlap (O) = 0.405). Despite differences in niche breadth, habitat use between the hoary fox and the maned wolf were more similar, explaining their larger overlap, in comparison with habitat use by the crab‐eating fox. Activity patterns among the species showed less divergence. The three species presented two activity peaks, one in the dusk–night period and another in the morning period. These data permit a better understanding of the ecological separation of the three Cerrado canids that enables their coexistence.
Chemical stratification in a two‐dimensional convecting mantle with magmatism and moving plates
Authors: Ogawa Masaki
Published: December 2003

A self‐consistent numerical model is presented for magmatism in a convecting mantle with moving plates. Mantle convection is modeled as a thermal‐chemical convection of binary eutectic material with Newtonian rheology in a two‐dimensional rectangular box internally heated by radioactive elements. Viscosity is assumed to depend on stress history as well as temperature and pressure to self‐consistently reproduce moving plates. The barrier effect of the solid‐solid phase transitions at depths around 660 km to convective flow across the 660 km phase boundary is also taken into account. Magmatism is modeled as a permeable flow of basaltic melt produced upon decompression melting of the convecting material through the coexisting matrix. Magmatism makes mantle chemically stratified with the shallower part occupied by chemically buoyant residue of magma and the deeper part occupied by hot but chemically dense materials enriched in basaltic component even under the influence of moving plates and subducting slabs. The magmatism is induced by moving plates (ridge volcanism), mantle overturn, and hot plumes uprising from the 660 km phase boundary or the lower mantle, depending upon the internal heating rate and the strength of the 660 km barrier. A weaker 660 km barrier leads to more continuous plate tectonics. When plates move, subducting slabs penetrate deep into the lower mantle and induce broad thermal and chemical heterogeneity at depth in the lower mantle. The chemically stratified mantle with moving plates is compared to the Earth's mantle.