Temperature dependence of the Elovich equation derived from activated electron or ion transport across a biological interface,with an application to muscle spindle adaptation

The temperature dependence of the Elovich equation, which is−dx/dt=m exp (nx) (wherex is concentration of substrate or ion,t is time, andm andn are coefficients dependent upon temperature), has been derived from the hypothesis of electron or ion conduction across an activation energy barrier at the surface of a biological particle or membrane, driven by a difference in redox or ion potentials. Using the additional hypothesis of reversible, temperature-dependent, inactivation of sites of reduction or complexing, the theory predicts that both coefficientsm andn have linear Arrhenius plots, in agreement with experimental data for gas adsorption on inorganic solid surfaces, and with two studies of muscle spindle adaptation.     

Value of Routine Multiple Blood Tests in Patients Attending the General Practitioner

The paper describes the investigation of 296 patients selected at random from those attending the general practitioners'' surgery and studied by means of multiple biochemical and haematological tests. The tests that would not normally have been requested led to a new diagnosis of clinical significance in 16·9% of patients, in most instances requiring an alteration of the patient''s therapy. The effect of the profile tests on patient follow-up, referral of patients to hospital, and the need for subsequent investigations was studied by comparing the patients profiled with a control group of patients not having a blood profile. The place of such an investigation in general practice is considered.     

Ecology of plant dioecy in the intermountain region of Western North America and California

Summary Data from 44 plant communities of the arid zone of western North America and from the entire California flora suggest that the dioecious habit (separate sexed individuals) is best developed among wind pollinated woody plants. A rationale is presented for the ways in which wind pollination and large plant size have favored the development of the dioecious habit. Based upon the patterns examined, it is concluded that inbreeding depression alone is insufficient to account for the evolution of the dioecious habit in many temperate species.