To the Editor: We would like to announce the availability of our package, Programs for Pedigree Analysis. The first program in the package, MENDEL, is intended for gene mapping calculations, genetic counseling, segregation analysis, paternity testing, and related kinds of problems. The second program, FISHER, is designed for the analysis of classical biometric traits like blood pressure and total finger ridge count. The third program, dGENE, serves as an interface to the popular microcomputer data base management system dBASE 111. Our documentation shows how to set up a genetic data base using dBASE 111. dGENE can then be used to extract information from this data base in the correct format for input to the analysis programs MENDEL and FISHER. MENDEL and FISHER are written in FORTRAN 77; dGENE is written in the dBASE 111 programming language. At this time the program SEARCH described in John Hopper's review is not being distributed.
The bulk of MENDEL and FISHER will be supplied as object code. dGENE will be supplied as executable code for IBM PCs and compatibles. Source code is available in MENDEL to permit users to modify subroutines defining penetrances, prior probabilities of genotypes, and transmission probabilities from parental genotypes to gamete genotypes. In FISHER the source code defining trait means, variances, and covariances can likewise be modified. There are also subroutines for changing the likelihood of individual pedigrees, defining parameter specifications, and increasing program array dimensions. Both programs can be run in either interactive or batch mode. Full documentation is provided. This includes definition of all variables and a detailed description of the subroutines.
MENDEL has a number of attractive features. For instance, phenotype data can be character and need not be translated into integers. Unobserved phenotypes are coded as blanks. MENDEL incorporates an algorithm for automatic elimination of superfluous genotypes of an individual based on the phenotypes of surrounding pedigree members. Correct handling of inbreeding and other loops is done internally by MENDEL, and there is no need for users to split complicated pedigrees. Mono-