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A large recombinant inbred population of soybean has been characterized for 220 restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. Values for agronomic traits also have been measured. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for height, yield, and maturity were located by their linkage to RFLP markers. QTL controlling large amounts of trait variation were analyzed for the dependence of trait variation on particular alleles at a second locus by comparing cumulative distributions of the trait for each genotype (four genotypes per pair of loci). Interesting pairs of loci were analyzed statistically with maximum likelihood and Monte Carlo comparison of additive and epistatic models. For each locus affecting height, variation was conditional upon the presence of a particular allele at a second unlinked locus that itself explained little or no trait variation. The results show that interactions between QTL are frequent and control large effects. Interactions distinguished between different QTL in a single linkage group and between QTL that affect different traits closely linked to one RFLP marker--i.e., distinguished between pleiotropy and closely linked genes. The implications for the evolution of inbreeding plants and for the construction of agronomic breeding strategies are discussed.

Radiographs were taken of the jaws of skeletal remains of two populations of different-phenotype Prehistoric Australians from Roonka and Early New Zealanders (Maoris). On these radiographs crown, root, and corpus size were measured. Corpus height was subdivided into alveolar bone height, defined as the bone superior to the mandibular canal, and basal bone height, defined as that inferior to the mandibular canal. Both between and within the two populations there was a significant and negative correlation between crown size and corpus height. The differences between the two populations in corpus height were associated with differences in alveolar bone height rather than basal bone height and support hypotheses associating continued eruption of adult teeth with growth of the alveolar bone. The findings also support previous studies that have shown only a low correlation between crown size, root size, and corpus height.

Five cases of hemangiomas of the cecum and gastrointestinal bleeding are presented. All were demonstrated by colonscopy after more conventional diagnostic methods failed. The hemangiomas were bright red, flat lesions clearly seen through the colonscope. They were successfully treated by electrocoagulation. All patients in this series had some type of associated cardiac or vascular disease. These patients may represent a syndrome of gastrointestinal blood loss of obscure cause, hemangiomas of the cecum, and cardiovascular disease.

Preoperative correction of scoliotic curves by traction and casting improves the results achieved by operation. Use of the halo-hoop apparatus allows controlled correction when combined with spinal osteotomies. The anterior approach to the spine allows better correction and fusion of the more difficult curves of congenital scoliosis and those associated with neurofibromatosis and myelomeningocele.

It is reported on the percutaneous transfemoral obliteration of the testicular vein with ethoxysclerol. This method was used in 75 patients for the treatment of the varicocele. 81.3% could successfully be treated by this means. The applicability of the method is restricted by anatomical particularities in the course of the testicular vein. Advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed.

Mandibles of 126 sexed skeletal specimens, from Near Eastern sites dating over the past 12,000 years were radiographed. From the radiographs obtained, digitised tracings were made of crown length (mesiodistal), root height and width, and corpus height mesial to the premolars and first and second molars. The data obtained were analysed using rank transformation procedures. The significance of unidirectional trends in relation to periods sampled was examined graphically and analytically through linear regression analysis of the ranks on the chronological scale, and Spearman's rank correlation was used to compare relationships between different parameters of individual teeth in different periods. Significant reduction was found in crown length between 12,000 B.P. and 6,000 B.P., but no further reduction was found between 6,000 B.P. and 1,000 B.P. Little change was observed in root size, but corpus height showed significant reduction over the past 6,000 years. The differences observed in the timing and extent of reduction in crown, root, and corpus height are associated with a low intrapopulation correlation between them.

The results of the treatment of 251 patients with varicocele are demonstrated. By means of spermiographic and histologic investigations the fertility-disturbing influence of this vascular disease of the testis shall be proved and the effect of the operative sanation shall be estimated. For many years the high ligature of the testicular vein has been favoured method of operation; since 1984 exclusively the percutaneous transfemoral occlusion of the testicular vein has been performed, when a left-sided varicocele is present. In 61% of the patients examined an improvement of the spermiogram is to be proved, in which case the most conspicuous rate of increase lies at the motility of spermatozoa with 58%. After removal if the varicocele the investigations of the testicular tissue reveal in 42% of the cases an improvement of the findings by decrease of the tubular atrophy and increase of the tubular cell number. Among the number of our patients the rate of conception is 49%. The treatment of varicocele is a fertility-protective measure and therefore should be performed in all adolescents and males at fertile age.