Degradative and spectroscopic evidence is presented to show that pancracine, an alkaloid isolated from Pancratium maritimum, Narcissus poeticus, and Rhodophiala bifida, possesses the structure 2. The mass spectral fragmentation patterns observed for montanine, pancracine, and other alkaloids containing the 5,llb-methanomorphanthridine nucleus are discussed in detail.Montanine, coccinine, and manthine are the only alkaloids known to possess the 5,llb-methanomorphanthridine ring system.2 These rare alkaloids occur mainly in Haemanthus spp. native to S.Africa. Recently, montanine (la) has been found to be the major alkaloid of Rhodophiala bifida, a plant which is readily obtainable in the United States. Our investigation of the minor alkaloids of R. bifida has revealed the presence of a fourth alkaloid, pancracine, containing this basic ring system.Pancracine (CmHnNOi, mp 272-273°) also occurs in poeticus-type Narcissi3 and in Pancratium maritimum.* A comparison of the physical and chemical properties of "alkaloid 6," isolated from P. maritimum4 with pancracine, showed the two bases to be identical. Pancracine formed crystalline picrate and perchlorate salts as well as an , -diacetyl derivative. The latter

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This article describes the National Science Foundation's systemic reform programming, including major accomplishments and barriers to systemic reform. The challenges of systemic reform and new directions for education reform are discussed. The focus in on the results and challenges of policies implemented by the systemic initiatives, namely the mandate for the alignment of standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment with the implementation of a standards‐based K‐12 mathematics and science education program; increased science and mathematics requirements for high school graduation; the delivery of intensive, high‐quality professional development; and improvement in student achievement after three years of funding. A broader view of education reform in the future will require policymakers and educators to pay more attention to formulating mutually supportive policies across education, health, and social services; establishing fiscal policies that provide sufficient funding to ensure equitable outcomes; and revising accountability policies to facilitate rather than impede the reform efforts.