ThF thin films for solid-state nuclear clocks.

After nearly 50 years of searching, the vacuum ultraviolet Th nuclear isomeric transition has recently been directly laser excited and measured with high spectroscopic precision. Nuclear clocks based on this transition are expected to be more robust than and may outperform current optical atomic clocks. These clocks also promise sensitive tests for new physics beyond the standard model.

Evaluation of anterior knee joint instability with the Rolimeter. A test in comparison with manual assessment and measuring with the KT-1000 arthrometer.

We report on a comparative measurement of anterior knee joint laxity on 30 healthy test subjects and 30 patients with anterior knee joint instability using a new knee testing device (Rolimeter) and the KT- 1000 arthrometer compared to manual assessment of the anterior tibial translation in 30 degrees flexion (Lachman's test). We wanted to establish the reliability of the Rolimeter device compared to manual assessment and to the KT- 1000 arthrometer. The statistical evaluation by means of an analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 5% showed no significant difference in the exactitude of measurement between the Rolimeter and the KT-1000 arthrometer, but altogether a significant difference between both instrumental methods compared with manual assessment.

[The semitendinosus tendon as replacement for the anterior cruciate ligament].

This article describes the history, advantages, biomechanical properties, operative technique, and results of replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament using the semitendinosus tendon. After arthroscopic ACL replacement using the doubled semitendinosus tendon in combination with an extraarticular lateral repair in 65 consecutive patients (20 acute, 45 chronic instabilities) we found after 2 years in 51 patients (78%) an excellent or good result with less than 3 mm difference in the Lachman test measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer (MMD). After 6 years 40 out of the 45 patients with chronic instabilities could be examined again.

[Delimitation of work disability and prohibition of employment during pregnancy].

Current discussions on differences of opinion in respect of interpretation of the Federal German Maternity Protection legislation revealed certain difficulties in distinguishing between inability to work and regulations that prohibit a pregnant woman to work or to request her to perform work. Employment of pregnant women in hospitals, for example, is already governed by regulations, but there is a great deal of uncertainty in some other areas of employment. The author describes criteria that can be used in expert judgment whenever there are legal doubts, with particular reference also high-risk pregnancies.

[Expert assessment of work incapacity in pregnancy].

Medical assessment of inability to work during pregnancy, and the writing of a relevant expertise, must be on the lines of the usual criteria. Prevailing ideas regarding professional activities during pregnancy are outlined, followed by a description of special features of certain disease patterns, the focus being particularly also on cardiovascular regulatory disturbances during hypotension. Brief statements are made on the major diseases during pregnancy.