****************************************************** PR # 31558 We propose a follow-up observation with ASCA of a region from the ROS AT UK Medium Sensitivity Survey (UKMS) to test whether a putative har d source population is present in medium-deep ROSAT PSPC images and i f absorption is responsible for the apparent mismatch between the sof t- and hard-band X-ray source counts. Also we will examine the nature of very patchy diffuse 0.5-1 keV emission observed in the UKMS regio n which we suspect arises from shocked gas at the edge of the local c avity or in the intergalactic medium. If the former origin is suppor ted then models of supernova expansion will require substantial revis ion. If the latter is supported then it will be evidence for an unexp ected continuation of the COBE cold dark matter power spectrum over b oth large and small scales. ******************************************************