We discuss the structure of the Kuiper belt as it can be inferred from the first decade of observations. In particular, we focus on its most intriguing properties – the mass deficit, inclination distribution, the apparent existence of an outer edge and of a correlation among inclinations, colours and sizes – which clearly show that the belt has lost its pristine structure of a dynamically cold ...

We describe calculations of the evolution of an ensemble of small planetesimals in the outer solar system. In a solar nebula with a mass of several times the Minimum Mass Solar Nebula, objects with radii of 100–1000 km can form on timescales of 10–100 Myr. Model luminosity functions derived from these calculations agree with current observations of bodies beyond the orbit of Neptune (Kuiper Bel...

We present visible and near-infrared reflectance spectra and interpreted surface mineralogy for asteroid 10537 (1991 RY16). The spectrum of this object is without precedent amongst the Main Belt asteroids. A unique absorption band centered at 0.63 microns could be attributed to one of several mineralogies. Pronounced 1and 2-micron absorption bands suggest that the composition of 10537

The US Corn Belt supports agroecosystems that flourish in a temperate climate regime that could see significant changes in the next few decades. Because Wisconsin is situated on the northern, cooler fringes of this region, it may be the beneficiary of a warmer climate that could help support higher corn and soybean yields. Here we show that trends in precipitation and temperature during the gro...

President Nixon’s enactment of the 90-day “wage and price freeze” in 1971 appears to have met with mixed reaction from business circles. This would not seem surprising in view of the fact that the President’s announcement climaxed a year of relatively ineffective inflationary curbs, declining corporate profits, and business uncertainties of massive proportions. Throughout most of 1970 and the i...

In regard to the tectonic history of the Lachlan Fold Belt, Aitchison and Buckman (2012) argued that "numerous aspects of the observed geology appear to be incompatible with the existing model" and that an "alternative model envisages arc-continent collision events (quantum tectonics) as a primary means of largescale continental growth". My purpose is to challenge these arguments and to questio...

BACKGROUND Seat belts are designed to reduce injuries due to road crash among vehicle occupants. AIMS This study aims to determine the availability of seat belt in vehicles and compliance with seat belt use among vehicle occupants. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a 24-h direct observational study of seat belt usage among vehicle occupants in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. By direct surveilla...

Since its discovery in 1992, the Kuiper belt has slowly revealed a stunningly complex dynamical structure. This structure has been a gold mine for those of us interested in planet formation because it provides vital clues about this process. This chapter is a review of the current state of knowledge about these issues. It is divided in two parts. The first part (section 2) is devoted to the des...

OBJECTIVE Although seat belt use can significantly decrease the risk of injury, few car drivers make use of seat belts in Iran. The aim of this study was to test the utility and efficiencyof the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the health beliefmodel (HBM) in predicting intention to use a seat belt among car drivers in Sabzevar, Iran. METHODS A cross-sectional, correlational design was em...

BACKGROUND Monitoring of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in premature infants with conventional adhesive-backed electrodes can harm their sensitive skin. Use of an electrode belt prevents skin irritation, but the effect of belt pressure on respiratory function is unknown. A strain gauge sensor is described which measures applied belt tension. METHOD The device frame was comprised of an aluminum h...