A Classification Framework to Assess Ecological, Biogeochemical, and Hydrologic Synchrony and Asynchrony.

Ecosystems in the Anthropocene face pressures from multiple, interacting forms of environmental change. These pressures, resulting from land use change, altered hydrologic regimes, and climate change, will likely change the synchrony of ecosystem processes as distinct components of ecosystems are impacted in different ways. However, discipline-specific definitions and methods for identifying synchrony and asynchrony have limited broader synthesis of this concept among studies and across disciplines.

Variation in the posterior vertebral contour line at the level of C-2 on lateral cervical roentgenograms: a method for odontoid fracture detection.

As an aid to the assessment of alignment and lordosis, four contour lines can be drawn on the lateral radiograph of the cervical spine. One of these contour lines is the posterior vertebral contour line, in which a smooth, gentle curve, convex anteriorly, is formed by a line drawn along the posterior margins of the cervical vertebral bodies. It is unknown whether discontinuity in the posterior contour line at this level represents a pathologic process of the odontoid.

Characteristics of unicortical and bicortical lateral mass screws in the cervical spine.

Study Design: A biomechanical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of unicortical versus bicortical lateral mass screws in the cervical spine.

Objectives: To analyze the safety, pullout strength and radiographic characteristics of unicortical and bicortical screws placed in cadaveric spines and to evaluate the influence of level of training on the positioning of these screws.

Summary Of Background Data: Lateral mass plating for posterior cervical spine fusion is an effective method for the treatment of traumatic and degenerative instability.

Functional outcome of low lumbar burst fractures. A multicenter review of operative and nonoperative treatment of L3-L5.

Study Design: A retrospective review of 42 patients treated at three major medical centers for burst fractures of L3, L4, and L5. This is the largest low lumbar (L3-L5) burst fracture study in the literature to date. The study was designed to assess both radiographic and clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients treated during a 16-year period.

Functional outcome of surgically and conservatively managed dens fractures.

Study Design: Fifty-seven patients with dens fractures were identified from 1986 to 1996 at the authors' institution. Forty-six were available for reevaluation by two independent observers with a mean follow-up period of 26 months.

Objective: To determine by age and fracture type which treatment regimen provided the best functional outcome in patients with dens fractures.