Search

Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 515(1), 1365 - 1379 (2022). doi:10.1093/mnras/stac1601, We report on a search for persistent radio emission from the one-off fast radio burst (FRB) 20190714A, as well as from two repeating FRBs, 20190711A and 20171019A, using the MeerKAT radio telescope. For FRB 20171019A, we also conducted simultaneous observations with the High-Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) in very high-energy gamma rays and searched for signals in the ultraviolet, optical, and X-ray bands. For this FRB, we obtain a UV flux upper limit of |$1.39 \times 10^{-16}~{\rm erg\, cm^{-2}\, s^{-1}}$|Å^−1, X-ray limit of |$\sim 6.6 \times 10^{-14}~{\rm erg\, cm^{-2}\, s^{-1}}$| and a limit on the very high energy gamma-ray flux |$\Phi (E\gt 120\, {\rm GeV}) \lt 1.7\times 10^{-12}\, \mathrm{erg\, cm^{-2}\, s^{-1}}$|⁠. We obtain a radio upper limit of ∼15 |$\mu$|Jy beam^−1 for persistent emission at the locations of both FRBs 20190711A and 20171019A with MeerKAT. However, we detected an almost unresolved (ratio of integrated flux to peak flux is ∼1.7 beam) radio emission, where the synthesized beam size was ∼ 8 arcsec size with a peak brightness of |$\sim 53\, \mu$|Jy beam^−1 at MeerKAT and |$\sim 86\, \mu$|Jy beam^−1 at e-MERLIN, possibly associated with FRB 20190714A at z = 0.2365. This represents the first detection of persistent continuum radio emission potentially associated with a (as-yet) non-repeating FRB. If the association is confirmed, one of the strongest remaining distinction between repeaters and non-repeaters would no longer be applicable. A parallel search for repeat bursts from these FRBs revealed no new detections down to a fluence of 0.08 Jy ms for a 1 ms duration burst., Published by Oxford Univ. Press, Oxford

The population of fast radio bursts (FRBs) will continue to diverge into two groups depending on their method of discovery: those which can be localised, and those which cannot. Events potentially less useful for astronomical and cosmological purposes due to limited localisation will accumulate with the advent of new facilities and continued efforts by, e.g., the SUPERB collaboration, which may require afterglows or multi-wavelength counterparts for sub-arcsecond localisation. It is important to exploit these sources to their maximum scientific potential. We perform analysis of FRB dispersion measures (DMs), considering different theoretical FRB progenitors with view to place more rigorous constraints on FRB redshifts, in particular for large statistical samples, via their DMs. We review FRB DM components, and build redshift-scalable probability distributions corresponding to different progenitor scenarios. We combine these components into a framework for obtaining FRB DM probabilities given their redshifts. Taking into account different possibilities for the evolution of progenitors across cosmic time we invert this model, thus deriving redshift constraints. Effects of varying FRB progenitor models are illustrated. While, as expected, host galaxy DM contributions become decreasingly important with increasing redshift, for AGN-like progenitor scenarios they could remain significant out to redshift 3. Constraints are placed on redshifts of catalogued FRBs with various models and increasingly realistic models may be employed as general understanding of FRBs improves. For localised FRBs, we highlight future prospects for disentangling host and intergalactic medium DM components using their respective redshift scaling. We identify a use for large samples of unlocalised FRBs resulting from upcoming flux-limited surveys, such as with CHIME, in mapping out the Milky Way contribution to the DM., 13 pages, 8 figures, submitted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics on 04/04/2018

In recent years, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) have been widely used in several astronomical applications. The 40-m Thai National Radio telescope (TNRT) is under construction in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We conducted benchmarking of the pulsar processing software to evaluate the capabilities of a computer with Xeon E5-2630 and GPU GTX1080Ti. The pulsar software DSPSR was used to simulate raw baseband data, coherently de-disperse the data and generate a folded time-frequency-domain pulse profile. We experimented with combinations of bandwidth, the size of the sub-bands, a range of dispersion measure (DM) values, and parallel instances of DSPSR jobs. The result shows the processing time increases with higher values of bandwidth DM as expected. However, the processing time appears to decrease with the size of the sub-bands, that at the same total bandwidth the processing with 1.5625 MHz/channel is faster than those with 3.125, 6.25 and 12.5 MHz/channel by approximately 10, 25 and 50 percent, respectively. This indicates that the processing in DSPSR is best when the channel resolution is high, however, further investigation is needed to determine the highest optimal value. We also consider parallel processing and to this, one, two and four identical scripts were simultaneously executed in parallel, where we found that single job is six times faster than four simultaneous jobs. In principle, parallel computing is expected to be more efficient, however, this can be explored further to find the actual bottleneck in the pipeline and hardware.

The majority of fast radio bursts (FRBs) are poorly localised, hindering their potential scientific yield as galactic, intergalactic, and cosmological probes. LOFT-e, a digital backend for the U.K.'s e-MERLIN seven-telescope interferometer will provide commensal search and real-time detection of FRBs, taking full advantage of its field of view (FoV), sensitivity, and observation time. Upon burst detection, LOFT-e will store raw data offline, enabling the sub-arcsecond localisation provided by e-MERLIN and expanding the pool of localised FRBs. The high-time resolution backend will additionally introduce pulsar observing capabilities to e-MERLIN., Comment: 2 pages, no figures, prepared for Proceedings of IAU Symposium 337: Pulsar Astrophysics - The Next 50 Years at Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK (September 4 - 8 2017)

The influence of noncomposted ground newsprint (GNP) and nitrogen (N) source on corn (Zea Mays L.) dry matter production, grain yield, and soil chemical properties has been previously reported (Lu et al. 1995). The effects of GNP and N source on soil solution ionic activities at 40 days after planting in a field study; seed germination and extractable aluminum (Al) in GNP in laboratory studies were evaluated to determine their effects on corn seedling stunting and nutrient imbalances during early growth stages. Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), urea, anhydrous ammonia (NH3), or poultry litter (PL) were the N sources used in the field study to adjust the C:N ratio of the GNP to ≤ 30:1. In laboratory experiments, cotton, soybean, and corn germination at seven days was not affected by N source or GNP applied at a rate of 2.44 kg C/m2 soil; but N source did influence the dry weight of corn root/shoot ratio at 21 days. The Al extracted from GNP increased as the NH4OH concentration in the extracting solution increased...

Transformation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with a gene encoding a glyphosate-tolerance 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase enzyme from Agrobacterium sp. strain CP4 resulted in the development of glyphosate-tolerant line 40-3-2. Glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl glycine) is the active ingredient of Roundup herbicide. Line 40-3-2 was yield tested at 17 locations in 1992, 23 locations in 1993, and 18 locations in 1994. At those locations, broadcast applications of glyphosate at various rates were made over 40-3-2 or its derivatives from early vegetative growth to pod fill. No significant yield reduction was observed as a result of the glyphosate treatment at any of the locations. Development of glyphosate-tolerant soybean promises to provide the farmer with access to a new weed control system that should result in lower production costs and reliable weed control under a wide range of conditions.

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) comprises a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of the central nervous system and high basal ganglia iron deposition. The list of identified causative genes for NBIA syndromes continues to expand and includes one autosomal dominant, one X-linked, and a number of recessive forms. Mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration is a recently described NBIA syndrome caused by C19orf12 mutations. In this study, we report two consanguineous families with a homozygous C19orf12 p.Thr11Met mutation. Our patients presented at a later age and had more rapid disease progression, leading to early death in two, than those previously reported. We conclude that C19orf12 mutation is associated with wide phenotypic heterogeneity, and that further research is needed to examine the role of C19orf12 in NBIA and related diseases and to elucidate its protein function as well as other factors that may affect disease progression and expression.

1. This paper describes the pre-clinical pharmacology of ICI D2138, a potent orally-active non-redox inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase which is undergoing clinical evaluation. 2. ICI D2138 potently inhibited leukotriene synthesis in murine peritoneal macrophages (IC50 = 3 nM) and human blood (IC50 = 20 nM). In human and dog blood, ICI D2138 did not inhibit thromboxane B2 synthesis at a concentration of 500 microM, thus the selectivity ratio (cyclo-oxygenase: 5-lipoxygenase) was greater than 20,000. In contrast, zileuton (a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor also undergoing clinical evaluation) exhibited a selectivity ratio of 15-100. 3. ICI D2138 potently and dose-dependently inhibited ex vivo leukotriene B4 (LTB4) synthesis by rat blood with ED50 values of 0.9, 4.0 and 80.0 mg kg-1 p.o. at 3, 10 and 20 h respectively after dosing. Similar activity was observed for inhibition of LTB4 production in a zymosan-inflamed rat air pouch model. Zileuton produced ED50 values of 5 and 20 mg kg-1 at 3 and 10 h respectively. 4. Oral administration of 1, 3 or 10 mg kg-1 ICI D2138 to dogs produced maximal inhibition of ex vivo LTB4 synthesis by blood for 5, 9 and 31 h respectively. A dose of 5 mg kg-1 p.o. of zileuton caused maximal inhibition of LTB4 for 24 h. 5. Oral administration of 10 mg kg-1 ICI D2138 caused total inhibition of LTB4 production in zymosan-inflamed rabbit knee joint. 6. Topical administration of ICI D2138 to rabbit skin caused a dose-related inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced plasma extravasation with an ID30 of 1.08 nmol per site. Zileuton was approximately 40 times less potent.7. Oral anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in an arachidonic acid-induced mouse ear oedema model in animals treated with indomethacin to block pro-inflammatory prostanoids. ICI D2138, given orally, caused dose-dependent inhibition of oedema with an approximate ID50 of 1.8 mg kg'. Zileuton was approximately 10 times less potent.8. ICI D2138 caused a dose-dependent inhibition of antigen-induced broncho-constriction in guineapigs with an approximate ID50 of 0.1 mg kg-', i.v. Zileuton was approximately 10 times less potent.9. In view of the pharmacological profile described here, ICI D2138 has the potential to provide improved clinical efficacy compared to existing lipoxygenase inhibitors such as zileuton.

Fourteen patients with primary or secondary dystonia received intrathecal baclofen (ITB) through an implanted pump following a trial dose. Patients were selected for ITB trial if they had clinically unsatisfactory responses to oral antidystonic medications, including oral baclofen. Patients were rated using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden rating scale by a blinded rater after the dose of ITB was optimized. Five patients experienced improvement in symptoms as determined by a change in rating scale scores, although only two had a clear clinical benefit. Etiology of dystonia did not determine the efficacy of ITB therapy, as benefit or failure was seen in both primary and secondary dystonia.

Outcomes of the first 60 noncemented Omnifit-HA total hip arthroplasties in 56 patients were studied prospectively for 2 to 5 years. The femoral prosthesis had a proximal third circumferential hydroxyapatite coated surface treatment. The acetabular component was a hemispheric modular, porous, nonhydroxyapatite press fit cup, supplemented with screw fixation. One cup was revised for recurrent dislocation, with no femoral revisions. The mean Harris hip score was 54 (range, 20-76) before surgery and 96 (range, 83-100) at final followup, with all patients having an excellent or good outcome. Mild thigh pain occurred in 6% of hips. Subsidence occurred in 9% of hips (range, 1-2.8 mm); in all cases, subsidence was nonprogressive after 1 year. Stable bone ingrowth fixation was evident at the hydroxyapatite coated portion in 100%. A sclerotic reactive line adjacent to the nonhydroxyapatite portion of the stem occurred in 81% but was not adjacent to the hydroxyapatite coated portion of any stem. Endosteal condensation occurred in 90% and correlated with a higher Harris hip score (mean score, 96 with, 91 without). Endosteal lysis adjacent to or distal to the hydroxyapatite coating did not occur. Lytic lesions at the calcar occurred in 19% and correlated with a greater linear acetabular polyethylene wear rate (mean, 0.30 mm/year with lytic lesions, 0.17 mm/year without). This noncemented stem with proximal third hydroxyapatite coating showed excellent short term clinical and radiographic outcome. Absence of distal endosteal lysis, along with correlation of calcar erosion to polyethylene wear, suggests that early circumferential bony ingrowth afforded by hydroxyapatite coating prevents distal endosteal access to polyethylene debris at short term followup.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a common multisystem autoimmune disorder. As with other autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), SS has been associated with a wide range of neurologic abnormalities. Parkinsonism has been reported previously in five SS patients. We present three additional cases of SS with parkinsonism.

This prospective study evaluates 100 consecutive Harris-Galante Porous (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) noncemented femoral prostheses 4 to 8 years after surgery. Two femoral components were revised for aseptic loosening. The mean Harris hip score was 56 before surgery and 92 at final follow-up evaluation, with moderate thigh pain seen in 6%. Ingrowth was classified as bony (89%), stable fibrous (8%), and unstable (3%). A pedestal formed in 18%, measurable subsidence occurred in 22%, and endosteal erosion occurred in 12%. Patients with pedestal formation had a higher incidence of unstable growth pattern (P.05). Patients with bony ingrowth had a lower mean subsidence (0.38 mm) than those with fibrous stable ingrowth (3 mm) and unstable ingrowth (7.5 mm) (P.05). Thigh pain correlated with the type of ingrowth, and endosteal erosion with the linear polyethylene wear. Survival analysis was 97.5% at 8 years.

This article provides simple mathematical formulas for approximating values such as blood volume, red cell mass, and plasma volume. Additionally, other useful formulas and examples are given to estimate increments in hemoglobin, platelets, and factor VIII levels following the transfusion of blood components.

The Parentage Testing Inspection and Accreditation (PT-I&A) Program of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) was conceived and created by the AABB Committee on Parentage Testing in 1984. Although implementation of the program was originally the responsibility of the Parentage Testing Committee, in 1993 the AABB Board of Directors separated the PT-I&A program from the committee and merged it with the AABB National I&A Program for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services which is where it remains today.

The effectiveness, benefits, and potential risks of employing a total hip arthroplasty cemented femoral component distal centralizer were evaluated. First postoperative (6-week) radiographs of 100 primary hybrid total hip arthroplasties in consecutive groups of 50 patients without and 50 patients with a femoral stem distal centralizer were retrospectively reviewed. Femoral stems with a distal centralizer were more centralized within the femoral canal (center of stem tip to center of intramedullary canal: mean, 1.1 mm with a centralizer, 3.2 mm without; P.0001) and more neutrally aligned (mean, 0.7 degrees valgus with a centralizer, 1.3 degrees valgus without; P.01). Femoral stems with a distal centralizer were less likely to have a cement mantle with suboptimal thickness, that is, less than 2 mm at the medial distal femoral stem (3 of 50 stems with a centralizer, 22 of 50 stems without; chi-square, P.0001). There were no complications, adverse effects on the cement mantle, radiographic evidence of loosening, or implant failures associated with the use of a distal centralizer, with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years.

The use of duplex ultrasonography for routine noninvasive screening, monitoring, and management of deep venous thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty was evaluated. The reliability of duplex ultrasonography for detection of deep vein thrombosis was confirmed in an initial cohort of 51 total hip arthroplasty patients (102 lower extremities), demonstrating 91% sensitivity, 98% specificity, and 97% accuracy when compared with venography. A second cohort of 110 total hip arthroplasty patients using pneumatic compression stockings and aspirin as deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis underwent screening duplex ultrasonography of both lower extremities on postoperative Day 4. Duplex ultrasonography screening showed 10 (9.1%) patients with proximal deep vein thrombosis and 10 (9.1%) with distal deep vein thrombosis, all of whom were asymptomatic. The 10 patients with proximal deep vein thrombosis on duplex ultrasonography were prescribed therapeutic anticoagulation. Duplex ultrasonography subsequently confirmed resolution of proximal deep vein thrombosis in these patients before discontinuation of anticoagulation; none developed symptomatic pulmonary embolism through 12-month clinical followup. The 10 patients with distal deep vein thrombosis diagnosed by duplex ultrasonography were not treated with anticoagulation, but were monitored by serial duplex ultrasonography through postoperative Day 14 for propagation of distal to proximal deep vein thrombosis; none manifested symptomatic deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism through 12-month clinical followup. The 90 patients with negative duplex ultrasonography results were followed clinically; 3 developed late symptomatic proximal deep vein thrombosis (1 of these later manifested pulmonary embolism). Therefore, duplex ultrasonography was used after total hip arthroplasty for the following: (1) to screen routinely in the hospital for asymptomatic proximal and distal deep vein thrombosis; (2) to monitor for potential propagation of distal to proximal deep vein thrombosis; (3) to minimize exposure to therapeutic anticoagulation by confirming the absence of proximal deep vein thrombosis in 97 of 110 patients; and (4) to demonstrate the effectiveness of mechanical and systemic deep vein thrombosis management by confirming the absence or resolution of deep vein thrombosis in all 110 patients.

One hundred cemented total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were evaluated regarding the potential benefit of THA femoral component distal stem centralization, specifically regarding cement mantle thickness. Factors potentially predictive of femoral component mechanical loosening, both relating (22 factors) and not relating (41 factors) to cement, were analyzed on initial postoperative radiographs. Nine THAs with femoral component mechanical failure (group 1) were compared to (1) 88 non-failed THAs (group 2) and (2) 9 matched-paired, nonfailed THAs (group 3). Significant differences were evident regarding minimum and maximum cement mantle thickness in Gruen zone 5 and combined zones 5/6 (groups 1 vs 2 and groups 1 vs 3), with failed femoral components having thinner cement mantles. Discriminate analysis determined minimum cement mantle thickness in zone 5 to be the factor most predictive of femoral component failure. These data indicate that a suboptimal (thin) cement mantle at the medial diaphysis (Gruen zones 5 and 6) contributed to femoral component mechanical loosening in this THA series. This relationship may not pertain to femoral stems of different materials or cross-sectional characteristics. Many THA systems currently provide for a method of centralization of the femoral component distal stem as a mechanism to ensure an adequate circumferential distal cement mantle. Continued investigation into techniques directed toward centralization of the distal femoral stem is warranted by the findings of this study.

The performance of participants on the 1990 Comprehensive Blood Bank Surveys of the College of American Pathologists was consistent with the high quality of past surveys. The surveys include challenges in ABO and Rh typing, crossmatching, transfusion decisions, unexpected antibody detection and identification, and supplemental questions to assess contemporary practices. As in previous years, a recurrent serologic problem has been the reporting of antibodies not present in serum (anti-E in Set J-B, and anti-K in Set J-D). Such overidentification of antibodies has little implication for transfusion safety and may, in fact, represent an artifact of the survey's samples and reporting practices.

In an attempt to prevent blood transfusions from being ordered unnecessarily in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we developed transfusion guidelines and prospectively evaluated their impact on our transfusion practices. Initially, 17% of our packed red blood cell transfusions (PRBCT) did not meet our guidelines. However, 6 months following development of the guidelines, this decreased to 9%, and 12 months later, it decreased to 1%. Although the guidelines are clearly arbitrary, they do provide for consistency within our NICU and a method of evaluating our own use of PRBCT.

Modular hip arthroplasty systems, currently widely employed, offer the advantage of increased intraoperative flexibility in component selection with reduced inventory, as well as the disadvantage of modular component dissociation. Dissociation during closed reduction for dislocation is reported in three patients at three different interface levels: (1) fixed acetabular shell-polyethylene linear interface, (2) bipolar acetabular component-femoral head interface, and (3) femoral head-neck interface. Subsequent open reduction was required in each case. Although this potential disadvantage of modular hip systems does not outweigh the benefits, it does warrant that certain precautions be taken when implanting modular components. The acetabular linear should lie flush within the metallic shell after impaction. The femoral head should be firmly impacted onto the neck. Both should resist reasonable manual force of disassembly. Should a modular hip arthroplasty component dislocate, gentle reduction under general anesthesia and fluoroscopic control is warranted. Careful inspection of pre- and postreduction roentgenograms for signs of modular component dissociation is mandatory.

Two pilot surveys involving routine semen analysis were provided to eight and nine selected laboratories. The laboratories were selected for expertise and geographic diversity. Manual and computer-assisted semen analysis were performed by the participating laboratories on pooled cryopreserved human semen samples following shipment either on dry-ice pellets or in liquid nitrogen (dry shippers). Coefficient of variation values obtained were 13% to 39% for concentration, 19% to 127% for motility, and 42% to 90% for viability. Motility was impaired for sperm shipped on dry ice. However, variances and performance criteria can be established for all analyses. A semen analysis survey is feasible but expensive owing to the shipping costs of cryopreserved semen.

The system paternity index (PI) is derived from the phenotypes of the trio and its value in non-exclusion cases is primarily determined by the gene frequency of the paternal gene (obligatory gene) transmitted to the child. This study was undertaken to determine: 1) The range of HLA phenotype frequencies observed in our laboratory among non-excluded causasian alleged fathers, 2) the distribution of the resulting paternity index values in these cases and 3) the relationship of these two distributions to each other.

An average of 2211 laboratories reported results in this comprehensive blood bank survey. In general, the participant performance remains strong in ABO and D typing, unexpected antibody detection and identification, crossmatching, and antigen identification. However, certain samples achieved less than the usual performance levels. In one sample, anti-C, which was not present, was reported by many participants. In a third sample, only 90% of the participants correctly recorded that no antibody was detectable. Two cross-match challenges did not reach the required participant consensus for grading purposes. The ungraded samples and the supplementary questions provide mock clinical situations and are used to determine current practices and procedures in transfusion medicine. The results of these studies and the participant responses are included.

Steroid-related osteonecrosis of the knee has been only rarely reported, especially without concomitant hip involvement. Two such cases are documented with correlated roentgenographic and magnetic resonance imaging. A comprehensive review of the literature illustrates the diverse circumstances in which this rare condition may occur.

1 This paper describes the pharmacological profile of ICI207968, a novel, orally-active and selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase. 2 Inhibition of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) synthesis by 2-substituted indazolinones was not directly related to redox potential but was critically dependent on the nature of the N2 substituent. 2-(3-Pyridylmethyl)-indazolinone (ICI207968) combined selectivity and oral potency. 3 In several in vitro systems ICI207968 exhibited similar lipoxygenase inhibitory potency (IC50 values from 1.5 μm to 6.0 μm) and was approximately 300 times less potent against cyclo-oxygenase, as measured by inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. 4 ICI207968 also produced selective lipoxygenase inhibition following oral administration in the rat. ED50 values of 2.5, 10 and 25 mg kg−1 p.o. for inhibition of LTB4 release from A23187-stimulated blood were obtained 1, 3 and 5 h after dosing. The compound did not inhibit PGE2 synthesis at oral doses up to 300 mg kg−1. 5 Co-administration of ICI207968 with arachidonic acid, into rabbit dermis, potently inhibited both plasma extravasation and polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL) infiltration induced by this inflammatory fatty acid. The anti-inflammatory potency of a number of intradermally administered indazolinones, with similar redox potentials, was related to their inhibitory potency against leukotriene generation in blood. Oral administration of ICI207968 (100 mg kg−1) in the rabbit inhibited ex vivo leukotriene generation in blood and arachidonic acid-induced skin inflammation. 6 These data demonstrate that ICI207968 is an orally active and selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase which has anti-inflammatory properties. ICI207968 will be a valuable agent for clarifying the biological roles of leukotrienes and the therapeutic potential of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors.

The HLA system is the single most polymorphic, well defined, genetic system in use today as a component of the testing profile in cases of disputed parentage. Over 40,000 phenotypes can be detected utilizing HLA-A and HLA-B locus markers. In spite of this, antigen sharing between the alleged father (AF) and mother (M) is relatively common. Missing antigens, blanks, are also commonly observed, especially in blacks, but also in whites as well. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of HLA-A and/or B antigen sharing between the AF and M, and blanks at these loci, on the HLA Paternity Index (PI) in white non-exclusion cases where the AF was assumed to be the true father.

In the Corey1 synthesis of prostaglandins and in our recently published modifications2,3 a synthon containing carbon atoms 14 to 20θ is first added to a bicyclic intermediate (C-6 to C-13) and completion of the prostaglandin skeleton by addition of a second synthon containing carbon atoms 1 to 5 forms a subsequent step. In a modification4,5 of the Corey synthesis1 PGF1α and PGE1 were made by reversing the order in which these two synthons were added to the cyclopentane ring (C-6 to C-13). The major limitation of this modified route4,5 is that it is restricted to the preparation of prostaglandins of the 1-series,‡ because hydrogenolysis of the benzyl group of the intermediate ester (1) reduces the C-5, C-6 double bond to form the saturated alcohol (2), which cannot be converted into prostaglandins of the 2-series‡.

Hemp sesbania [Sesbania exaltata(Raf.) Cory] was more tolerant to induced moisture stress than soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] with osmotic potentials of −4 and −2 bars, respectively, required to reduce germination. Hemp sesbania germinated at temperatures of 15 to 40 C with optimum germination occurring at 30 to 40 40 C. Seed dormancy was caused by impermeable seed coats. Acid scarification of 45 and 60 min and mechanical scarification 20 and 30 s gave maximum germination. Scarification increased water absorption. Light had no effect on germination. As oxygen content increased from 0 to 21%, germination of unscarified seed increased from 5 to 39%, but germination did not increase as oxygen increased from 21 to 100%. Hemp sesbania and soybean emerged from depths up to 12 cm with maximum emergence occurring at the 1- and 3-cm depths. Hemp sesbania emerged faster and in greater numbers at all depths than soybean.

An antibody against a low-incidence antigen was detected in the serum of a woman whose newborn infant was found to have a positive direct antiglobulin test. The antibody failed to agglutinate 79 examples of red cells having low-incidence antigens and 16 examples of high-incidence antigen-negative red cells. The woman's serum reacted strongly with her husband's red cells in the antiglobulin test and with 5 of 6 Er(a-) cell samples from unrelated donors, suggesting that the antigen has an antithetical relationship to Era. The failure of the serum to react with one Er(a-) cell sample and with cells from the Er(a+) daughter of an Er(a-b+) mother gives evidence for a silent allele, Er. Four Er(b+) bloods were found among 605 random white donors, indicating a gene frequency for Erb of 0.0033.

Blood tests in cases of disputed paternity can be extremely useful even when the mother's blood sample is not available. The mean probability of exclusion (A) of red cell surface antigen, Gm, Hp, and HLA systems was determined in this situation for North American whites and blacks by creating pairs of a man and an unrelated child. In whites, the most valuable of the systems investigated to indicate nonpaternity for false fathers were HLA, Rh, Fy, and MNSs, in that order. HLA, MNSs, and Gm were the most valuable systems in blacks. With all of the genetic systems used in this study, the combined probability of exclusion (CPE) of men falsely accused of paternity, in cases where the mother is absent, is approximately 95 percent for whites and 92 percent for blacks. Since only indirect exclusions are possible without the mother, the common test panel of HLA and red cell antigens may not always allow an adequate study. Extended testing is recommended to include additional genetic systems in order to achieve an average combined probability of exclusion of at least 95 percent.

Metal hydride reduction of 13β-kaur-16-en-15-one afforded the 1,4-reduction product, (16R)-13β-kauran-l5β-ol but none of the expected 1,2-reduction product, 13β-kaur-16-en-15β-ol; in concentrated solution, a dimer (19) was a minor product. Treatment of 13β-kaur-16-en-15α-ol with aqueous acid in methanol yielded a dimeric ether (20) in addition to 17-hydroxy- and 17-methoxy-13β-kaur-15-ene. The four isomers of 13β-kauran-15-ol were prepared; their m.p.s and optical rotations differed from those reported previously.A previously noted division of Cryptomeria japonica into producers of ent-kaurene or 13β-kaurene has been confirmed for fifteen additional varieties.