A Note on Variance Bounds for an Inverse Binomial Estimator

BEST (1974) found the variance of the minimum variance unbiased estimator of the Bernoulli parameter with an inverse sample. Noting its intricacy MIKULSKI and SMITH (1976) found bounds on this variance. SATHE (1977) developed closer bounds on it. In this paper still closer upper bound on the variance is achieved using Jensen's inequality.     

Macrophytes of the River Wear: 1966, 1976, 1986

Summary

A survey was made during 1986 of the longitudinal distribution of macrophytes in the River Wear (N-E. England) in order to make comparisons with surveys in 1966 and 1976. The presence or absence of species recognizable with the naked eye was recorded in 1986 for 74 of the possible 211 0.5-km lengths of river. In contrast to the marked differences between 1966 and 1976, changes since 1976 were minor; many were probably merely a reflection of recent flow events. The most clear-cut difference was the loss of most of the Elodea canadensis population. The only other change in records which may reflect a longer-term environmental change was a marked increase in the moss Amblystegium riparium, a species characteristically associated with organic pollution.     

Cluster Analysis via Density Functions: Amelioration of a Lower Bound of the Parameter

This paper refers to an earlier investigation on Cluster Analysis procedures based on general empirical density functions, in which the number of classes is controled by a positive parameter λ: the number of clusters, m, increases as λ →∞. Since there is no functional relationship between m and λ, upper and lower bounds of the parameter are of interest (see KOPP, 1976a). We now give a better value for the lower bound of λ in the case of the multivariate normal distribution.     

Seasonal abundance of xerophilic fungi and house-dust mites (Acarida: Pyroglyphidae) in mattress dust

Summary Arthropods and xerophilic fungi in dust from 5 mattresses and air-borne fungi were identified and counted every 4 weeks from January 1976 to October 1977.The arthropod fauna consisted mainly of the pyroglyphid mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (58%) and Euroglyphus maynei (30%). The fungal flora consisted of Aspergillus restrictus (48%), A. glaucus (16%), Wallemia sebi (3%) and Penicillium spp. (25%). Air-borne fungi belonged to the same taxa but in different frequencies, 30, 7, 21 and 27%, respectively. Mattresses differed in quantities of mites and Penicillium.In July 1977, the highest population density of pyroglyphid mites was encountered: 69 specimens/g of dust. In the same month the numbers of A. restrictus rose significantly, reaching a maximum of 3.8×10⁴ diaspores/g of dust. Most air-borne fungi were isolated in the winter period of 1976/1977. No positive correlation was found between the numbers of air-borne and mattress-dust fungi. The summer of 1976 was exceptionally dry resulting in both a premature decline of the mite populations and a low level of A. restrictus diaspores.The seasonal peaks of A. restrictus and pyroglyphid mites correspond and suggest a synergistic cooperation which may result in an increased house-dust allergen production in the environment of asthmatic patients.Supported by grant no. 230 of the Dutch Asthma Foundation     

Chromosome differences in Peromyscus maniculatus populations at different altitudes in Colorado

Mice of the genus Peromyscus all have 48 chromosomes. Yet the appearance of the 48 chromosomes is highly variable from species to species (Hsu & Arrighi, 1966, 1968, 1971; Pathak et al., 1973) and even in different populations of the same species (Sparkes & Arakaki, 1966; Ohno et al., 1966; Hsu & Arrighi, 1968; Arakaki et al. 1970; Te & Dawson, 1971; Bradshaw & Hsu, 1972; Murray & Kitchin, 1976). The evolutionary significance of this variation and the mechanisms for its initiation and maintenance have been of interest for quite a few years. However, it was not until the sophisticated chromosome banding techniques became available that mammalian cytogeneticists were able to begin to study the chromosome variation of Peromyscus in some detail. The use of C-banding led Hsu & Arrighi (1971) to the finding that the short arms of chromosomes in three different species of Peromyscus contained constitutive heterochromatin. These results suggested that the variations in the number of acrocentric chromosomes in Peromyscus might be a result of different amounts of heterochromatin. Later studies (Duffey, 1972; Waterbury, 1972; and Pathak et al., 1973) were also consistent with this hypothesis.However, it was soon discovered that not all chromosomal differences among Peromyscus populations are due to heterochromatin changes. Studies by Arighi et al. (1976) and Murray & Kitchin (1976) showed that some chromosomal differences between species and subspecies of Peromyscus are due to pericentric inversions. Thus, it appears that both inversions and the addition of heterochromatin are involved in the evolution of the karyotype of Peromyscus.The purpose of our study was to investigate the chromosomes of Peromyscus maniculatus in different populations in Colorado (U.S.A.) and to test for relationships involving an altitudinal gradient. In the first part of this study, orcein stained chromosomes from three subspecies of mice sampled at nine different altitudes were examined for karyotype variability. In the second part of the study, karyotypes of two subspecies (P. m. rufinus and P. m. luteus), representing high and low altitude populations were examined with Q banding to determine the mechanisms responsible for chromosomal differences.     

Critical Values of ‘Maximum Studentized Residual’ Statistics in Multiple Linear Regression

In multiple linear regression, test for the discordancy of a single outlier in the response variable is usually based on the ‘maximum studentized residual’ statistic. Exact critical values for the test statistic t are not available. Upper bounds for the critical values have been found by SRIKANTAN (1961), PRESCOTT (1975) and LUND (1975). In this note we show that all these upper bounds are algebraically equivalent.     

A comparison of the benthic macroinvertebrate communities in a trout stream: Winter and spring 1973 and 1977

The benthic macroinvertebrate riffle community of the Bushkill Creek (Northampton County, PA) was sampled monthly, December through May 1972–73 and 1976–77. Total precipitation in 1972–73 was 22.3 cm more than in 1976–77 and water and air temperatures were also higher. In April and May, community composition (dominant taxa and similarity indices) was less similar than in December, January and February. In April and May there were fewer Hydropsyche (Trichoptera) and Ephemerella (Ephmeroptera) and more Chironomidae (Diptera) and Antocha (Diptera) than in 1973. Total numbers and biomass were lower in 1977 than in 1973. The reduction in Hydropsyche, Ephemerella, biomass and total numbers in Spring 1977 may be due to the scouring effect of ice break up. Inspite of fluctuating environmental conditions the macroinvertebrate community exhibited stability.     

Throughfall,stemflow and interception of rainwater in an evergreen broadleaved forest

In order to analyze the dyanmics of heavy metals in a forest ecosystem, throughfall and stemflow were collected for individual rain showers in an evergreen broad-leaved forest dominated byCastanopsis cuspidata. The relation between throughfall (or stemflow) (Px) and gross rainfall (P) was approximated by a linear regression equationPx=a(P-b). The values of coefficient “a” were 0.32–2.02 for throughfall at each sampling point and the mean values for 1976 and 1977–1978 were 0.682 and 0.767, respectively. The stemflow volume differed widely among individual trees, depending mainly on the tree form of each species. In particular, the tree form ofPasania edulis was found to be especially suited to collecting stemflow. OneP. edulis tree collected 64% of the rainwater that fell onto its crown as stemflow. The ratio of stemflow to gross rainfall decreased in summer resulting from an increase in leaf biomass and an increase in air temperature. In fact, the values of coefficient “a” for mean stemflow per unit area were 0.180 for summer and 0.229 for other seasons in 1976, and 0.145 for summer and 0.155 for other seasons in 1977–1978 for different sampled trees.     

Recent Fluctuations in Distribution and Biomass of Cold and Warm Temperature Species of Laminarialean Algae at Cape Ohma, Northern Honshu, Japan

The Cape Ohma region of Shimokita Peninsula, the northernmost point of Honshu Island, Japan, is subject to both the warm Tsugaru Current and the cold Kurile Current. As a result, the Laminarialean flora includes both cold temperature species (Laminaria japonica Areschoug, Kjellmaniella crassifolia Miyabe and Costaria costata (C. Agardh) Saunders) and warm temperature species (Undaria peterseniana (Kjellman) Okamura, Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura), as well as Undaria pinnatifida (Yendo) Okamura, which is distributed in both waters. The frequency of occurrence (as a measure of distribution) and the biomass of these species were recorded in June 1976 (at 50 points in depths between 8–30 m), July 1988 (192 points, 2.5–25 m) and July 2001 (78 points, 2.5–25 m). Comparison of these data revealed a decrease in cold temperature species and an increase in warm temperature species from 1976 or 1988 to 2001. Long-term data of seawater temperature measured at 5 m depth near the study site showed that mean temperatures in the middle of winter (late January to February) in 1989–2000 were 0.9–1.1 ^∘C higher than those in 1980–1988. Higher seawater temperatures in the last decade appear to have affected the frequency of occurrence and biomass of the Laminarialean species along the coasts of Cape Ohma. This result supported our previous conclusion that 1 ^∘C higher mean seawater temperature in late January caused a decrease in the biomass of L. japonica (by ca. 64%) along the same coast.     

The morphology,life-history and systematic position of Haplorchoides mehrai Pande & Shukla, 1976 (Trematoda: Heterophyidae)

The life-history of Haplorchoides mehrai Pande & Shukla, 1976 is elucidated. The cercariae occurred in the thiarid snail Melanoides tuberculatus (Muller) collected from Chilka Lake, Orissa State. Metacercariae were found beneath the scales of Puntius sophore (Hamilton). Several species of catfishes in the lake served as definitive hosts. All stages in the life-cycle were successfully established under experimental conditions in the laboratory. The cercariae are of opisthorchioid type with a large globular and highly granular excretory bladder and seven pairs of pre-vesicular penetration glands. The adult flukes are redescribed to include details of the ventro-genital complex. Only three Indian species of the genus, i.e. H. attenuatus (Srivastava, 1935), H. pearsoni Pande & Shukla, 1976 and H. mehrai Pande & Shukla, 1976, are considered valid, and the remaining Indian species of the genus are considered as species inquirendae. The generic diagnosis of Haplorchoides is amended and the genus is included in the subfamily Haplorchiinae and the family Heterophyidae.     

The Labidocarpine mites (Acari: Chirodiscidae) from oriental bats. IV. Genera Olabidocarpus Lawrence, 1948, Dentocarpus Dusbabek & Cruz, 1966, Labidocarpellus Fain, 1976 and Pteropiella Fain, 1970, with a key to the genera of Chirodiscidae

Summary The oriental species of the genera Olabidocarpus Lawrence, 1948, Dentocarpus Dusbabek & Cruz, 1966, Labidocarpellus Fain, 1976 and Pteropiella Fain, 1970 are revised. The species are redescribed and depicted except for a few which have been fully described recently. The total number of species known from these genera in this region is now 17. Labidocarpellus papuanus Fain, 1975 is replaced in the genus Pteropiella. The subgenus Dentocarpus (Paradentocarpus) Fain, 1976 is placed in synonymy with Labidocarpellus and the three species described in this subgenus (D. (P.) abyssinicus Fain, 1976, D. (P.) phyllodermae Fain, 1976, and D. (P.) kimberleyensis Fain & Lukoschus, 1981) are transferred to Labidocarpellus. Labidocarpellus notopteris Fain, 1976 and L. novaeguineae Fain, 1976 are now transferred to Dentocarpus. Olabidocarpus peropteryx Fain, 1972 and O. guyanensis Fain, 1972 are transferred to Labidocarpellus. A key is given to all the genera of Chirodiscidae parasitic on bats. ac]19820102     

Development of a ssDNA aptamer system with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to detect nonylphenol ethoxylate in domestic detergent

Endocrine‐disrupting chemicals are a major public health problem throughout the world. In the human body, these compounds functionalize the same as sexual hormones, inducing precocious puberty, gynecomastia, etc. To help prevent this occurrence, a simple detection system is needed. In this study, a nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE)‐specific aptamer was selected by reduced graphene oxide‐systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. A random ssDNA library was incubated with rGO for adsorption, followed by elution with the target molecule. As a result of screening, a DNA aptamer was found that specifically bounds to the target with high binding affinity (K_d = 100.9 ± 13.2 nM) and had a low limit of detection (LOD = 696 pM). Furthermore, this NPE‐binding aptamer bounds selectively to the target. Characterization of the aptamer was confirmed by measuring the fluorescence signal recovery from rGO. In addition, detection of NPE was performed with several water samples, and the detection accuracy was 100 ± 10%. From these results, we expect that this aptamer could be applied to an on‐site detection system for NPE in industrial sites or domestic fields.     

Absence of major differences between soluble proteins from haploid gametophytes and diploid sporophytes in the green alga Ulva mutabilis Føyn

Soluble proteins from haploid gametophytes and diploid sporophytes of the marine green alga Ulva mutabilis Føyn have been reexamined, using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. A two-dimensional system resolved about 150 protein spots. In contrast to an earlier report (Hoxmark (1976) Planta 130, 327–332), no major differences could be detected between soluble proteins from the two generation types by any of the methods used.To whom correspondence should be addressed     

Vegetation development in a former orchard under different treatments: A preliminary report

Summary Vegetation development in a former orchard on loamy moist soil after removal of the fruit trees under different treatment is described with the help of multivariate methods. Data on 20 plots over 9 years are treated with a simple classification program and a PCA ordination. Two main groups of plots are involved: one in a relatively moist part of the area where the trees were removed in 1970, one in a slightly drier area where the trees had been removed earlier. The first group is characterized by forbs such as Urtica dioica and Lamium maculatum, the second by grasses, mainly Arrhenatherum elatius.Under a mowing regime the plots of the first group change in the direction of the second group. Under continued fertilization the Urtica vegetation can be maintained. Establishment and/or rapid spread of Urtica can be brought about in Arrhenatherum dominated sites by (re-) introduction of nitrogen fertiliser.Not mowing leads to a dense Urtica-Lamium stand in which Lamium maculatum finds an optimum some years after mowing is stopped.The methods of summarizing the site-time data are discussed and some new ones announced for further research.Nomenclature follows Heukels-van Ooststroom, Flora van Nederland, 18e druk, Wolters-Noordhoff, Groningen, 1975.Vegetation and soil analyses were mainly carried out by students in the framework of their study for the degree of doctorandus in biology: Ineke Opbroek, Ferdinand Baggerman (1970), Carla Veldhuis (1971–1972), the late Doeke Dijken (1971–1973), Jos Rijpert (1972), the Rev. Piet van der Aart, Jo Louppen (1973), Frank Verhoeven (1974), Maurits Heine (1975), Ad Peters (1976), Huub Muyres, Louis Fliervoet (1976, 1977), Emilia Peters (1977), Niek Joanknecht, Thijs Lavrijsen (1977, 1978).     

Alesiella gen.n. and a newly discovered relict lineage of Staphylinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

This study aimed to identify the sister group of the poorly known and morphologically isolated Burmese species Quedius lineipennis within the tribe Staphylinini (Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) using morphological characters. Phylogenetic analysis of a broad taxon sample demonstrated that this Asian species is not a member of the genus Quedius but forms the sister taxon to the Neotropical genus Quediomacrus. Both taxa were shown to be members of a hitherto unrecognized lineage with a highly disjunct distribution. The lineage is hypothesized to be Asian in origin, with dispersals to the Americas during the early Eocene climatic maximum via Beringia and to Australia via land connections in the late Miocene. The current distribution of the lineage is considered to be relictual. New phylogenetic hypotheses within ‘Quediina’ and Staphylinini as a whole are proposed and the general tree topology of Staphylinini recovered by recent morphological studies is refined. Phylogenetic relationships within the Quedius complex remain unclear. Alesiella Brunke and Solodovnikov gen.n. , is erected for Quedius lineipennis and the Quedius subgenus Quedionuchus is reinstated to genus level with new combinations as follows: Quedionuchus atl (Smetana, 1975), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus calli (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus cipactli (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus coatl (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus ehacatl (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus ollin (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus ozomatli (Smetana, 1975), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus reitterianus (Bernhauer, 1944), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus samuraicus (Bernhauer and Schubert, 1916), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus schultzei (Smetana, 1975), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus tecpatl (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus xochitl (Smetana, 1976). Quedius lugubris Lokay, 1913 is transferred from the subgenus Quedionuchus to the subgenus Distichalius and placed in synonymy: Quedius punctatellus (Heer, 1839) = Quedius lugubris Lokay, 1913, syn.n . This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9C7D3C90‐FCB9‐414F‐911B‐194A1A6602DE .     

A model for avian primary moult

The regression methods frequently used to estimate the parameters associated with primary moult in birds are unsatisfactory. Results obtained using least squares regression, and various ad hoc adaptations, are so obviously incorrect that many authors have fitted lines ‘by eye’ (Newton 1968, Thomas & Dartnall 1971, Elliott et al. 1976, Morrison 1976, Appleton & Minton 1978). In a comparison of seven regression methods, estimates of the average starting date varied between 29 June and 31 July, completion date between 2 and 24 October, and duration of moult between 72 and 109 days for the Redshank Tringa totanus, in spite of the very large sample of 1482 observations (Summers et al. 1983). In this paper we present a new approach to the analysis of primary moult and develop a mathematical model specifically designed for moult data.     

Kernechtrot: A COnvenient Nuclear Stain After Ferro- or Ferricyanide Reactions

In a recent report Jirge et al. (1976) discussed problems encountered when safranin O or basic fuchsin are employed as counterstains after application of ferrocyanide or ferricyanide. It seems therefore timely to call attention to the method recommended by Romeis (1948), which has worked well in our laboratory.     

The ecology of Lake Nakuru (Kenya)

Summary Consumer biomass and spatial distribution in the equatorial alkaline-saline Lake Nakuru were studied from 1972–1976. These data will provide the basis for estimating feeding and production rates and for quantifying energy flow at the consumer level. Two of the main consumers, the Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) and the Soda Tilapia (Sarotherodon alcalicus grahami), were covered by earlier papers. The biomass of the only planktonic crustacean, the copepod Lovenula (=Paradiaptomus) africana was very high (1.5 gDW (dry weight)·m^-3, mean in 1972/73) in comparison with other tropical lakes. Lovenula was absent in 1974 and 1975, and at very low levels (0.1–0.4 gDW·m^-3) in part of 1976. Among the rotifers Brachionus dimidiatus dominated in 1972/73 (0.2 gDW· m^-3), but was outnumbered by B. plicatilis throughout most of 1974 to 1976 (mean total rotifer biomass 1.4 gDW· m^-3, peak densities 7 gDW·m^-3); during high salinity periods (>20) Hexarthra jenkinae occurred in very low numbers. For short periods rotifers can be the dominant species of L. Nakuru. Aquatic heteroptera (four species) played a minor role: they contributed 0.4% to total consumer biomass in 1972/73; in 1974–1976 the lake had no aquatic heteroptera. Benthic biomass (0.4 gDW·m^-2) was within the range of other tropical lakes, it consisted almost exclusively of Leptochironomus deribae. Bird counts of the twelve most important species are given for the years 1972–1974: Pelecanus onocrotalus accounts for 90% of the biomass (0.44 gDW·m^-3, mean 1972/73) with peak densities of almost 20,000 birds.-The consumer organisms covered by this and the two preceding papers represent >99% of L. Nakuru's consumer biomass. Population dynamics of various consumer species are discussed.     

Size of Precipitation Pulses Controls Nitrogen Transformation and Losses in an Arid Patagonian Ecosystem

Arid ecosystems receive precipitation pulses of different sizes that may differentially affect nitrogen (N) losses and N turnover during the growing season. We designed a rainfall manipulation experiment in the Patagonian steppe, southern Argentina, where we simulated different precipitation patterns by adding the same amount of water in evenly spaced three-small rainfall events or in one-single large rainfall event, three times during a growing season. We measured the effect of the size of rainfall pulses on N mineralization and N losses by denitrification, ammonia volatilization, and nitrate and ammonia leaching. Irrigation pulses stimulated N mineralization (P < 0.05), with small and frequent pulses showing higher responses than large pulses (P < 0.10). Irrigation effects were transient and did not result in changes in seasonal net N mineralization suggesting a long-term substrate limitation. Water pulses stimulated gaseous N losses by denitrification, with large pulses showing higher responses than small pulses (P < 0.05), but did not stimulate ammonia volatilization. Nitrate leaching also was higher after large than after small precipitation events (P < 0.05). Small events produced higher N transformations and lower N losses by denitrification and nitrate leaching than large events, which would produce higher N availability for plant growth. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme precipitation events and the proportion of large to small rainfall events. Our results suggest that these changes would result in reduced N availability and a competitive advantage for deep-rooted species that prefer nitrate over ammonia. Similarly, the ammonium:nitrate ratio might decrease because large events foster nitrate losses but not ammonium losses.     

A Parameter-Elimination Method for Nonlinear Regression with Linear Parameters and Autocorrelated Errors

In this study, we are interested in the problem of estimating the parameters in a nonlinear regression model when the error terms are correlated. Throughout this work, we restrict ourselves to the special case when the error terms follow a pth order stationary autoregressive model (AR(p)). Following the idea of LAWTON and SYLVESTRE (1971) and GALLANT and GOEBEL (1976), a parameter-elimination method is proposed, which has the advantages that it is not sensitive to the initial values and convergence of the procedure may be more stable because of the reduced dimension of the problem. The parameter-elimination method is compared with the methods by GALLANT and GOEBEL (1976) and GLASBEY (1980) by Monte Carlo Simulation, and the results of applying the first two methods to the real data obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration of the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China are presented.