We appreciate the invaluable contributions of the following reviewers during the editing of Vol. 8 Nos. 1–2.

Acknowledgments

We appreciate the invaluable contributions of the following reviewers during the editing of Vol. 8 Nos. 1–2.     

Synthesis of 7-(β-D-Glucopyranosyl)-6-Thiotheophylline and 7-(α-D-Arabinopyranosyl)-6-Thiotheopwlline. Conformational Study of the Peracetyl Derivatives.

Abstract

The synthesis of two 7-glycosyl-6-thiotheophylline nucleosides where the sugar moieties are β-D-glucose (1b) and α-D-arabinose (2b) is reported. The syn-anti equilibrium of the peracetyl derivatives was studied by the line-shape and the ¹H-NMR nOe methods, and molecular mechanics analysis.     

Funding the NHS. Is the NHS sustainable?

The survival of the NHS lies largely in the hands of government, and this article suggests steps that it should take to deal with pressures on the NHS in terms of funding, managing efficiency, and demands. Changes to the system of funding may be unfeasible, but management could be improved by research to allow greater understanding of the local effects of national policies. Alternatively health authorities could be given more freedom to manage funds, although this would have to be accompanied by stiff sanctions for those who failed. Demand could be contained by strengthening policies to ensure that new technologies are cost effective. The government could try to reduce demands arising from increased expectations by encouraging informed public debate about priorities and influencing the availability of private health care. All these efforts should be guided by the values underpinning the NHS, which should be debated and decided collectively and confirmed in a new charter for NHS''s 50th anniversary in 1998.     

The ‘Embryonic moults’ of the milkweed bug as seen by the S.E.M.

Deposition, detachment and removal of the three embryonic cuticles are studied. The menbrane-like cuticle 1 covers the embryo during katatrepsis and ‘disappears’ thereafter. Cuticle 2 deposition starts shortly before dorsal closure. Its apolysis is accompanied by contractions of the embryo. Ecdysis of cuticle 2 takes place during hatching. Only cuticle 3 (= first larval cuticle) shows differentiations like sensilla and cornea. Peaks of ecdysteroid (and probably JH) titre are observed during apolysis of cuticle 1 and cuticle 2 (Dorn, 1981). Transition from ectoderm to epidermis proper takes place shortly before and during onset of cuticle 2 synthesis.