Search

New evidence from the SW Northern Highlands of Scotland establishes the southerly extension of the Sgurr Beag Slide. Interpretation of changes in the mineralogy of calc-silicate rocks, particularly the use of the anorthite content of plagioclase feldspar as an index of metamorphic grade, together with consideration of the texture and mineralogy of pelitic rocks, suggests that the slide juxtaposes crustal segments of different metamorphic grade and history. Movement on the slide post-dates a major phase of regional metamorphism and two phases of regional deformation of Precambrian age, was synchronous with a regional fold-forming event and regional metamorphism at or before c. 467 Ma (Caledonian), and was followed by regional folding.
Models of the thermal effects of displacement across syn-metamorphic shear zones are investigated with particular reference to the roles of thermal relaxation and levels of shear strain. A model based on the development of a ductile, syn-metamorphic, asymmetric shear zone best explains the metamorphic patterns associated with the Sgurr Beag Slide. An original low to moderate easterly dip is implied, with north-westerly upthrusting of the eastern crustal block.

Objective To investigate a modified angioplasty balloon catheter, which uses a novel balloon polymer to produce luminal moulds. Design The catheter was tested in polyurethane phantoms of diameter 1.5 to 4.0 mm. Inflations were to 1.4 atmospheres for 20 seconds at 37°C. The moulds were viewed by reinflating the balloon to 0.34 atmospheres and quantified using macrophotography and caliper measurement. Results Evidence of systematic error was found with lumen diameters ≤ 2.0 mm, accuracy being 0.32 to 0.80 mm and precision 0.23 to 0.24 mm. However, between 2.5 and 4.0 mm the accuracy of measuring luminal diameters was 0.01 mm, the precision 0.06 mm, and the absolute mean error 0.05 mm. The results for percentage diameter stenosis were -1.15%, 0.86%, and 1.21%, and for lesion length they were 0.20, 0.60, and 0.41 mm, respectively. Conclusions The prototype catheter shows a high degree of accuracy and precision in phantoms of diameter 2.5 to 4.0 mm--the range within which most interventional work is performed. Further work on this technique as a method of direct three dimensional moulding of the coronary artery lumen is warranted.

Presents several letters to the editor referencing articles published in "Advertising Age." Ways to deal with inefficient account managers; Status of the advertising industry in the U.S.; Status of the mass media sector.

Presents letters to the editor about Islamic banking and a syndicated loan to South Africa.