The nature of the redshift and directly observed quasar statistics

The nature of the cosmic redshift is one of the most fundamental questions in modern science. Hubble's discovery of the apparent Expansion of the Universe is derived from observations on a small number of galaxies at very low redshifts. Today, quasar redshifts have a range more than 1000 times greater than those in Hubble's sample, and represent more than 100 times as many objects. A recent comprehensive compilation of published measurements provides the basis for a study indicating that quasar observations are not in good agreement with the original predictions of the Expanding Universe theory, but are well fit by the predictions of an alternative theory having fewer adjustable parameters.     

Glycine/serine ratio and the prenatal diagnosis of non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia

We describe our experience of prenatal diagnosis of non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia in four at-risk pregnancies using the glycine/serine ratio in amniotic fluid obtained between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation. All glycine levels were in the normal range. Serine levels were normal in two patients and borderline in the others. Glycine/serine ratios were normal in two patients, moderately increased in one patient ( + 3 SD), and highly increased in one patient ( + 8 SD). All the children were perfectly normal at birth. Because of this false-positive prediction and the false-negative prediction recently reported, we suggest that this unreliable method should not be used.     

Determination of in situ metal partitioning between particulate matter and ground water

This research was supported by a grant from the National Council for Research and Development, Israel, and the KFK, Karlsruhe, Germany.     

Structural refinement of the high-T c superconductor TlBa2Ca2Cu3O9

The Science of Nature -     

Intrauterine manometry: Technique and application to fetal pathology

A technique is described for measuring pressure within the amniotic cavity and within fetal vessels and/or body compartments. Two saline-filled catheters were connected at one end to needles inserted during indicated invasive procedures and at the other to silicon strain gauge transducers. In 36 pregnancies with normal liquor volume, stable intra-amniotic pressure (IAP, range 1–14 mmHg) increased with gestation (r=0·48, p<0·01). In pregnancies complicated by severe oligohydramnios, IAP was ≤ 1 mm Hg and rose to normal levels with saline amnioinfusion. Raised IAP (range 17–26 mm Hg), found in pregnancies with gross polyhydramnios, fell with drainage of amniotic fluid. Subtraction manometry was used to determine supra-amniotic pressure within the intervillus space, umbilical vein, umbilical artery, abdominal and thoracic cavities, and the urinary tract in normal and/or pathological fetuses. Low intravesical and intrapelvicalyceal pressures (median 6·5, range 2–10 mmHg) were noted in fetuses with obstructive uropathies. Intrauterine subtraction manometry appears to be a useful tool in the understanding of fetal pathophysiology and may be of clinical benefit in the therapeutic drainage and infusion of amniotic fluid and in the assessment of certain fetal disease states.     

Zur Freisetzung gentechnisch veränderter Mikroorganismen

Microorganisms have been being released into the environment for a long time, e.g., in agriculture or for biotechnological processes. Amongst these microorganisms were some that had been labeled genetically, or improved by selection. In recent years, efforts have been directed towards alteration or optimization of appropriate bacteria and viruses by methods of recombinant DNA technology. In some cases, first releases of such organisms have been undertaken in experimental plots. There is public concern about the environmental risks of such releases, and about possible adverse effects. The present status of research in this controversial field, the regulations available in Germany and the United States, as well as the prospects of such work for the future are presented.     

Thermisches Verhalten und hochauflösende Durchstrahlungselektronenmikroskopie von YBa2Cu3O7−x

Dr. Mertin haben wir für seine Hilfe bei der Interpretation der elektronenmikroskopischen Aufnahmen, der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft und dem Fonds der Chemischen Industrie für ihre finanzielle Unterstützung zu danken.     

Direct measurement of negative pressure in artificial-biological systems

We are very grateful to A. Gessner for his great help in the construction of the apparatus and A. Meyer for performance of some pressure bomb experiments. This work was supported by grants of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Forschergruppe Ökophysiologie) to U.Z. and O.L.L.