Influence of arm position on measurement of blood pressure.

A series of measurements of blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive subjects showed that measurements made with a sphygmomanometer with the arm dependent by the side were consistently higher than those made with the arm horizontal at heart level. The mean difference in a group of 90 hypertensive outpatients was 11/12 mm Hg. Failure to appreciate the importance of arm position may lead to erroneous measurements of blood pressure. This has important implications for clinical practice and research.     

General methods for modification of sialic acid at C-9. Synthesis of N-acetyl-9-deoxy-9-fluoroneuraminic acid

Methyl 5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-2-O-methyl-D-glycero-D-galacto-2-nonulopyrano sate was converted into the 9-O-trityl derivative and the remaining hydroxyl groups were protected as benzyl ethers. Removal of the trityl group, followed by treatment with diethylaminosulfur trifluoride gave the 9-deoxy-9-fluoro derivative, and deprotection N-acetyl-9-deoxy-9-fluoroneuraminic acid (8). In another procedure, coupling of 2-acetamido-2,6-dideoxy-6-fluoro-D-glucopyranose with potassium di(tert-butyl) oxaloacetate, followed by hydrolysis and decarboxylation gave 8. Some of the derivatives were active as inhibitors of growth of mouse mammary adenocarcinoma (TA3) and L1210 cells in culture.     

Characterization of temperature-sensitive mutants of simian rotavirus SA11: protein synthesis and morphogenesis.

The synthesis of viral polypeptides, distribution of viral antigens, and morphogenesis of viral structures have been examined in cells infected with temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of SA11 representing 10 recombination groups. At the permissive temperature (31 degrees C) the synthesis of viral polypeptides and the distribution of viral antigens did not differ significantly from those of the wild type. At the nonpermissive temperature (39 degrees C) some mutants (tsB, -C, -E, -F, and -G) synthesized significantly smaller amounts of viral polypeptides and had a very diffuse distribution of viral antigen. Several of the mutants synthesized one or more electrophoretically aberrant polypeptide species at both 31 and 39 degrees C. All of the mutants, except tsF, assembled morphogenetic intermediates at 39 degrees C. Aberrant intermediates were assembled in all mutants at 31 and 39 degrees C. No specific morphogenic defect could be associated with any of the ts mutants.     

Novel Miscanthus hybrids: Modelling productivity on marginal land in Europe using dynamics of canopy development determined by light interception

New biomass crop hybrids for bioeconomic expansion require yield projections to determine their potential for strategic land use planning in the face of global challenges. Our biomass growth simulation incorporates radiation interception and conversion efficiency. Models often use leaf area to predict interception which is demanding to determine accurately, so instead we use low-cost rapid light interception measurements using a simple laboratory-made line ceptometer and relate the dynamics of canopy closure to thermal time, and to measurements of biomass. We apply the model to project the European biomass potentials of new market-ready hybrids for 2020–2030. Field measurements are easier to collect, the calibration is seasonally dynamic and reduces influence of weather variation between field sites. The model obtained is conservative, being calibrated by crops of varying establishment and varying maturity on less productive (marginal) land. This results in conservative projections of miscanthus hybrids for 2020–2030 based on 10% land use conversion of the least (productive) grassland and arable for farm diversification, which show a European potential of 80.7–89.7 Mt year⁻¹ biomass, with potential for 1.2–1.3 EJ year⁻¹ energy and 36.3–40.3 Mt year⁻¹ carbon capture, with seeded Miscanthus sacchariflorus × sinensis displaying highest yield potential. Simulated biomass projections must be viewed in light of the field measurements on less productive land with high soil water deficits. We are attempting to model the results from an ambitious and novel project combining new hybrids across Europe with agronomy which has not been perfected on less productive sites. Nevertheless, at the time of energy sourcing issues, seed-propagated miscanthus hybrids for the upscaled provision of bioenergy offer an alternative source of renewable energy. If European countries provide incentives for growers to invest, seeded hybrids can improve product availability and biomass yields over the current commercial miscanthus variety.     

Survey of Alimentary Radiology Findings in the North-east of Scotland Region (1967-70)

This report describes a survey of all barium contrast radiological examinations carried out in the years 1967-70 by the unit that serves 99% of the adult population of North-east Scotland. The survey method used yields useful estimates, not otherwise available, of the occurrence of some forms of alimentary lesions within a whole community. Rates of occurrence by age and sex were recorded for all lesions. The data on peptic ulceration, were compared with those from South-east and from North England, and this showed that duodenal, but not gastric, ulceration is much commoner in North-east Scotland. Occurrence rates for most lesions have been nearly unchanged throughout the four years of survey. The data provide a measure of the work load for these radiological examinations for a given population.