Let $E/F$ be a quadratic extension of number fields. In this paper, we show that the genus formula for Hilbert kernels, proved by M. Kolster and A. Movahhedi, gives the $2$-rank of the Hilbert kernel of $E$ provided that the $2$-primary Hilbert kernel of $F$ is trivial. However, since the original genus formula is not explicit enough in a very particular case, we first develop a refinement of this formula in order to employ it in the calculation of the $2$-rank of $E$ whenever $F$ is totally real with trivial $2$-primary Hilbert kernel. Finally, we apply our results to quadratic, bi-quadratic, and tri-quadratic fields which include a complete $2$-rank formula for the family of fields $\Q(\sqrt{2},\sqrt{\delta})$ where $\delta$ is a squarefree integer.

The aim of this work is to provide a new approach for constructing $n$-dimensional Steinberg symbols on discrete valuation fields from $(n+1)$-cocycles and to study reciprocity laws on curves related to these symbols.

To every pair of algebraic number fields with isomorphic Witt rings one can associate a number, called the {\it minimum number of wild primes}. Earlier investigations have established lower bounds for this number. In this paper an analysis is presented that expresses the minimum number of wild primes in terms of the number of wild dyadic primes. This formula not only gives immediate upper bounds, but can be considered to be an exact formula for the minimum number of wild primes.

We prove that two, apparently different, class-group valued Galois module structure invariants associated to the algebraic $K$-groups of rings of algebraic integers coincide. This comparison result is particularly important in making explicit calculations.