The sports scientist's role in identification of performance criteria for distance runners.

A model has been developed for the identification of long distance running ability within a relatively large group of good runners. A simple multiple regression equation of yards run in 12 minutes and the height of the vertical jump in centimetres against points scored by an individual on International Scoring Tables discriminated elite runners from good runners. A further ranking of ability within such an elite group, once selected, may be made on the basis of the efficiency of their running measured at submaximal running speeds. The relative metabolic cost to each athlete of running at a speed of 15 mph (males) or 12 mph (females) compared to their maximal oxygen uptake is able to differentiate the best of the elite group from the others. Characteristics of elite runners identified in this way may be compared to World Class performers and their ultimate potential assessed.

Absorption and distribution of high specific radioactivity 2-C-abscisic Acid in cotton seedlings.

High specific radioactivity (26.3 mc/mmole) racemic 2-(14)C-abscisic acid was synthesized. An aliquot of abscisic acid, 1.2 x 10(-4)m in aqueous methanolic solution, was applied to the surface of either a cotyledon or the first true leaf of 8- to 32-day-old cotton seedlings (Gossypium hirsutum L.). After various intervals (6-192 hours), the seedlings were processed for autoradiography, counting, and identification of the radioactivity. After 6 hours, radioactivity was observed moving basipetally out of the treated leaf toward the roots. Four days later, radioactivity could be detected throughout the whole seedling. After 8 days, 10% of the recovered radioactivity was found in the roots, and 80% remained in the treated leaf blade. Neither leaf type nor age had any effect on the abscisic acid movement or pattern of distribution. Isolated radioactivity from the roots was identified as abscisic acid, based on comparison with an authentic standard by thin layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, or gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.