The generally accepted interpretation of the structure of the Southern Uplands has been that of an anticlinorium to the north-west flanked by a synclinorium to the south-east. This structure, however, has always been illustrated as one large anticlinorium since the Hawick rocks in the core of the synclinorium have been considered to be older than the Riccarton (Wenlockian) Beds which lie to the south. In Kirkcudbrightshire, a reverse age relationship is demonstrated with the result that the beds could in fact form the southern limb of the synclinorium. When this is shown to be the case doubts are thrown on the validity of the fold and two alternative interpretations are given.

Background: It is well known that the global population is aging and that those over the age of 80 are the fastest growing part of this expansion. Also known is that prevalence of hypertension and cognitive decline both increase with increasing age.

Method: The Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) was a double blind placebo-controlled trial of antihypertensive treatment (indapamide SR 1.5 mg ± perindopril 2–4 mg) and recruited only those hypertensives who were aged 80 or over and were without a diagnosis of dementia at baseline. Systolic blood pressure had to be in the range 160–199 mmHg and diastolic pressure <110 mmHg. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline using the Mini-mental State Examination prior to randomization into the trial. Also collected at baseline was information relating to sociodemographic, clinical, cardiovascular and biochemical factors which may impact upon cognitive function. This paper reports on the baseline cognitive function data from the HYVET trial and its relationship to these factors.

Results: The mean age of the 3763 HYVET participants who had full cognitive function data at baseline was 83.6 years; 60 percent were female. The median MMSE score at baseline was 26 and, in multivariate analyses, higher at younger age, with male gender, higher educational level, having higher creatinine, higher total cholesterol and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusions: This is the first such study to examine a large number of very elderly hypertensives and it shows some similar patterns to those seen in younger elderly groups.

The Supernova Working Group was re-established at the IAU XXV General Assembly in Sydney, 21 July 2003, sponsored by Commissions 28 (Galaxies) and 47 (Cosmology). Here we report on some of its activities since 2005.

A near-field performance assessment (PA) was conducted for the Saltstone Disposal Facility (SDF) at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. The analysis was conducted in four parts: general screening calculations, degradation calculations, and flow and transport through the fractured and nonfractured facility. Modeling approaches and example sensitivity analysis results from the simulations of the fractured facility are discussed. Design considerations that may not be apparent without addressing flow and transport through fractures and lessons learned during the process are also presented.

The Riccarton and Raeberry Castle beds in Kirkcudbrightshire have hitherto been regarded as Wenlock in age, and the Hawick Rocks as Llandovery. Detailed mapping and revision of the graptolite faunas shows that the Raeberry Castle beds are Llandovery and the Riccarton beds Wenlock in age. On structural evidence the Hawick Rocks south of Kirkcudbright are considered to be younger than the Riccarton beds. The Riccarton beds in the area are formally defined as the Ross Formation and the Raeberry Castle beds as the Raeberry Castle Formation. Directional data suggest that the sediment forming the Raeberry Castle Formation was derived from the west and the sediment forming the Ross Formation and Hawick Rocks was derived from the north-east.