The use of an embryo marker of commercial value for detecting monoploids of maize is described. This system utilizes a male parent called the Purple Embryo Marker (b pl A C Rnj:Cudu pr Pwr) which produces a deep purple pigment in the embryo and red or purple aleurone color in the endosperm. Kernels of a marked progeny which do not exhibit purple color in the embryo but do have red or purple aleurone pigment are saved for the putative monoploid embryos contained. In this study, nine single crosses of commercial value were pollinated with the Purple Embryo Marker stock. Of the 194,157 kernels classified, it was possible to discard more than 98% before germination, l~rom the kernels with putative monoploids 201 actual monoploids were realized.

To test the constancy and predictive value for maturity classification of number of leaves developed on the main stalk in maize, 21 double crosses were studied in three replicated trials. The plantings were made on May 15, 1965, in Illinois and on September 10 and November 22, 1965, in lqorida. Eighteen of the hybrids were commercial dents selected to represent the range of kinds and maturities grown in the United States and Canada. Three later maturity experimental flint/dent double crosses were added to extend the range of maturities studied. Highly significant positive correlations were obtained between number of leaves per hybrid and days to anthesis in each planting. Leaves per plant were fewer in the winter plantings than in the summer. Fewer days were required for anthesis in the September planting than in the other two. Highly significant positive correlations were obtained among plantings for number of leaves per hybrid and for number of days from planting to anthesis. Number of leaves per hybrid was in these trials a highly reliable index of maturity class.

A comprehensive perinatal safety initiative (PSI) was incrementally introduced from August 2007 to July 2009 at a large tertiary medical center to reduce adverse obstetrical outcomes. The PSI introduced: (1) evidence-based protocols, (2) formalized team training with emphasis on communication, (3) standardization of electronic fetal monitoring with required documentation of competence, (4) a high-risk obstetrical emergency simulation program, and (5) dissemination of an integrated educational program among all healthcare providers. Eleven adverse outcome measures were followed prospectively via modification of the Adverse Outcome Index (MAOI). Additionally, individual components were evaluated. The logistic regression model found that within the first year, the MAOI decreased significantly to 0.8% from 2% (p<.0004) and was maintained throughout the 2-year period. Significant decreases over time for rates of return to the operating room (p<.018) and birth trauma (p<.0022) were also found. Finally, significant improvements were found in staff perceptions of safety (p<.0001), in patient perceptions of whether staff worked together (p<.028), in the management (p<.002), and documentation (p<.0001) of abnormal fetal heart rate tracings, and the documentation of obstetric hemorrhage (p<.019). This study demonstrates that a comprehensive PSI can significantly reduce adverse obstetric outcomes, thereby improving patient safety and enhancing staff and patient experiences.

In Zea mays L., Sorghum vulgare Pers., and Setaria italica (L.) Beauv, leaf number, an attribute differing with genolype and modified by temperature and photoperiod, is correlated with plant weight and height, photosynthetic area, time of flowering, and length of life cycle. Eighteen lnaize hybrids representing a wide range of genotypes, two maize races, three sgrghum varieties, and Hungarian millet were grown variously in CERES, the Canberra phytotron, under intense sunlight radiation and a variety of daylength and temperature regimes. In maize, the average change in leaf number per degree increased from 0.17 to 0.33 over the day/night temperature range 15/10, 21/16, 30/25, and 36/31 C under 16‐hour daylengths, with about the same average increase under 10.hour days. Under short days, at 30 and 21 C, leaf numbers were reduced 2.6 and 1.8 below long‐day values. With 30 C day temperature and 16‐hour daylength, the earliest hybrid developed 15 leaves, the latest 22.3. Leaf numbers per plant were greatest at the higher temperatures, least at the lower, the average difference being almost six leaves per plant. For plants grown at high temperatures, cold treatments up to emergence of the 7th leaf decreased leaf number only in the earlier hybrids. Changes in nutrient level did not alter leaf numbers in the one hybrid studied. Within temperature regimes, leaf number was correlated with dry weight, leaf area, and height per plant at tasseling and with days to tassel emergence. Leaf numbers in sorghum and Hungarian millet responded to environmental changes in abaut the sanle manner as in maize.

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A 26-year-old man presented with signs of raised intracranial pressure. CT and MRI of the head demonstrated two separate lesions in the posterior fossa. The radiological differential diagnoses included multiple meningiomas, schwannomas, neurofibromas and subependymomas. Both lesions were surgically resected. Histopathological examination revealed localisations of a leptomeningeal melanocytoma. Leptomeningeal melanocytoma is a rare tumour of the central nervous system. Generally, it has a good prognosis if radical resection can be performed. In cases of subtotal resection, adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered. Local recurrences are common. Less frequently, leptomeningeal metastases and, on rare occasions, distant metastases or progression to malignant melanoma have been described. We describe an unusual case with multiple localisations of melanocytoma in the posterior fossa and spinal canal, with the emphasis being on the radiological findings and diagnosis of this rare tumour. After surgery of the brain, this patient was irradiated on the craniospinal axis.

We report the prenatal findings in two cases of Beals syndrome. Both pregnancies presented with clinical features of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita/fetal akinesia syndrome (AMC/FAS), including clenched fists and multiple joint contractures on repeat prenatal ultrasound examinations. The first case was diagnosed as having CASE REPORTS Case 1A 36-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 1, miscarriage 1, live birth 1, was seen at our hospital at 19 weeks' gestation with fetal ultrasound findings of abnormal hand position with persistent wrist flexion, bilateral clenched fists with straight fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joint and acute flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joints, affecting mainly the middle and ring fingers. The index and little fingers overlapped the middle fingers. The At 27 weeks, the middle toes showed plantar flexion, similar to the finger changes (Figure 2). Arm and leg movements were seen throughout the pregnancy, but complete movement of the elbows, wrists, fingers, knees and dorsiflexion of the feet never occurred.The couple's first pregnancy resulted in a healthy son. They were Caucasian, non-consanguineous and their family histories were non-contributory.The couple was informed of the findings and the fact that they were consistent with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita/fetal akinesia syndrome (AMC/FAS). The possible etiologies and prognosis were discussed, and the couple decided to have further investigation to try and further delineate the diagnosis, and thus the prognosis. Amniocentesis was carried out and microarray analysis was performed at Signature Genomics ® (Perkin Elmer, Spokane, WA, USA); results showed that the fetus was normal and male. Fetal DNA analysis for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) showed no detectable mutation, fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no detectable brain abnormalities and the fetal face, spinal cord and spine were unremarkable. These findings were discussed with the couple who decided to continue the pregnancy.Repeat fetal ultrasound examinations at 21, 23 and 28 weeks' gestation showed arachnodactyly, the elbows were kept in a flexed position with minimal movements,

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