Despite the fact that the mean serum 25OHD level in the experiment without supplementation was within the current reference ranges, calcium absorptive performance at 50 nmol/L was significantly reduced relative to that at a mean 25OHD level of 86 nmol/L. Thus, individuals with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at the low end of the current reference ranges may not be getting the full benefit from their calcium intake. We conclude that the lower end of the current reference range is set too low.

Given the equivalent bioavailability of the two marketed products, the cost benefit analysis favors the less expensive carbonate product.

Cornfield's test-based method of setting a confidence interval on a parameter associated with a two-by-two contingency table is adapted for use with the measure of agreement kappa. One-sided confidence intervals derived in this way are compared to other intervals proposed for kappa under two study designs. Both designs involve two ratings per subject on a dichotomous scale. In one design the same two raters make all evaluations; in the other, possibly different pairs of raters evaluate different subjects, or the same rater carries out a pair of independent assessments for each subject. It is shown through simulation that lower bounds based on Cornfield's test-based method attain the nominal coverage probability more often than other intervals proposed in the literature.

The in vitro activity of arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) was investigated in youngest-mature leaves and roots (1-3 mm diameter) of kiwifruit vines {Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa) during an annual growth cycle, and enzyme from root material partially purified. No seasonal trend in the specific activity of arginase was observed in roots. Measurements in leaves, however, rose gradually during early growth and plateaued c. 17 weeks after budbreak. Changes in arginase activity were not correlated with changes in the concentration of arginine (substrate) or glutamine (likely endproduct of arginine catabolism) in either tissue during the growth cycle. Purification was by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The kinetic properties of the enzyme, purified 60-fold over that in crude extracts, indicated a pH optimum of 8.8, and a K m *Amhor for correspondence. H96072