Lateral variations in Compressional/Shear velocities at the base of the mantle

Observations of core-diffracted P (Pdiff) and SH (SHdiff) waves recorded by the Missouri-to-Massachusetts (MOMA) seismic array show that the ratio of compressional (P) seismic velocities to horizontal shear (SH) velocities at the base of the mantle changes abruptly from beneath the mid-Pacific (VP/VS = 1.88, also the value predicted by reference Earth models) to beneath Alaska (VP/VS = 1.83). This change signifies a sudden lateral variation in material properties that may have a mineralogical or textural origin. A textural change could be a result of shear stresses induced during the arrival at the core of ancient lithosphere from the northern Pacific paleotrench.     

Thermally Switchable Periodicities and Diffraction from Mesoscopically Ordered Materials

Two switchable, mesoscopically periodic materials were created by combining crystalline colloidal array (CCA) self-assembly with the temperature-induced volume phase transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). Body-centered-cubic CCAs of hydrated, swollen PNIPAM particles Bragg-diffract infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light weakly, whereas arrays of compact shrunken particles diffract efficiently. A tunable diffracting array was also created by embedding a CCA of polystyrene spheres within a PNIPAM hydrogel that swells and contracts with temperature; thus the array lattice constant varies with temperature, and the diffracted wavelength was thermally tunable across the entire visible spectrum. These materials may find applications in many areas of optics and materials science.     

Fatty acid,carbohydrate and amino acid composition of pistachio (pistacia vera) Kernels

The fatty acid, carbohydrate and amino acid composition of dried pistachio kernels was determined. On a dry weight basis they contained about 55% oil. The unsaturated fatty acids oleic and linoleic constituted about 80% of this oil. Carbohydrate analysis of a hydrolysed sample showed the predominant sugar to be glucose followed by galactose and mannose with traces of fucose, arabinose and xylose. The total amino acid content was about 25% by weight. Nine essential amino acids were present with only cystine in a limiting amount and with a high level of lysine.     

Determination of carbohydrates in tobacco products by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry: a comparison with ion chromatography and application to product discrimination

Carbohydrates in commercial tobacco products were quantified utilizing a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. The method utilizes negative ion electrospray with multiple reactions monitoring and an internal standard calibration. Snuffs, chewing tobaccos, cigars, and cigarettes were analyzed. Product type differentiation was possible using the carbohydrate levels coupled with pH and moisture contents. The LC-MS/MS method was compared to a method utilizing ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. The LC-MS/MS method provided improved selectivity and specificity, demonstrated better precision, and had a larger dynamic range for glucose, fructose, and sucrose in tobacco extracts.     

Circumcaval ureter associated with an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog was examined because of shifting hind limb lameness and lethargy of 2 weeks' duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The lameness was attributed to hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Portosystemic shunting was suspected on the basis of low serum albumin concentration and high serum bile acids concentration, and an intrahepatic shunt was identified ultrasono-graphically. Celiotomy was performed, and the shunt was partially closed with a cellophane band. During follow-up ultrasonography 7 months later, dilation of the left renal pelvis and proximal portion of the left ureter was identified. During exploratory celiotomy, the left ureter was found to pass dorsal to the caudal vena cava, and circumcaval ureter was diagnosed. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The ureter was transected, repositioned ventral to the vena cava, and anastomosed. Follow-up ultrasonographic examinations revealed gradual resolution of the hydronephrosis and hydroureter. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that circumcaval ureter should be considered in the differential diagnosis for hydronephrosis and hydroureter in dogs. Partial obstruction of the middle segment of the ureter on ultrasonograms or contrast radiographs should increase the index of suspicion for this condition.