Testing Equality of Regressions When Error Variances are Heterogeneous to Study the Production Differentials of Rice in Bangladesh

Method to test the equality of p sets of regression coefficients in presence of heterogeneous error variances is suggested. The sets of regression coefficients are obtained from a sample where the sample observations are classified into p classes. The test statistic to test the significance of the regression is also suggested. As an application of the method, the equality of production functions of boro rice produced in different districts of Bangladesh in two different periods is tested.     

Testing the Equality of Dependent Variances

The likelihood ratio test for testing equality of vgE;2 correlated variables is developed. In general, evaluation of the test statistic involves the iterative optimization of a likelihood function with 1 + v(v – 1)/2 parameters. The explicit form of the test statistic is derived in the bivariate case, and an iterative algorithm for determining the maximum likelihood estimates is suggested. A limited Monte Carlo study determines the behavior of the proposed procedure under the null hypothesis and variety of parameter values.     

On the Use of the Shapiro‐Wilk Test in Two‐Stage Adaptive Inference for Paired Data from Moderate to Very Heavy Tailed Distributions

Paired data arises in a wide variety of applications where often the underlying distribution of the paired differences is unknown. When the differences are normally distributed, the t‐test is optimum. On the other hand, if the differences are not normal, the t‐test can have substantially less power than the appropriate optimum test, which depends on the unknown distribution. In textbooks, when the normality of the differences is questionable, typically the non‐parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test is suggested. An adaptive procedure that uses the Shapiro‐Wilk test of normality to decide whether to use the t‐test or the Wilcoxon signed rank test has been employed in several studies. Faced with data from heavy tails, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced another approach: it applies both the sign and t‐tests to the paired differences, the alternative hypothesis is accepted if either test is significant. This paper investigates the statistical properties of a currently used adaptive test, the EPA's method and suggests an alternative technique. The new procedure is easy to use and generally has higher empirical power, especially when the differences are heavy‐tailed, than currently used methods.     

Use of micronucleic test for the determination of genotoxicity of waste liquor from a magnesium bisulfite pulp mill

Since diluted magnesium bisulfite waste liquor from a pulp mill after beech wood processing exhibited an inhibitory effect on all the model organisms used in our previous work (Čerňákováet al. 1991) and the results of Ames mutagenicity test were ambiguous, micronucleic test was used for characterization. The frequency of micronuclei observed suggested that the diluted magnesium bisulfite waste liquor had a mutagenic effect underin vitro conditions of the micronucleic test. Translated by Č. Novotny     

Comparisons of Some Chi-squared Tests for the Test of Independence in Sparse Two-Way Contingency Tables

We consider in this paper, the behaviour of a class of the CRESSIE READ (1984) power divergence test statistics indexed by parameter λ - I (λ), with the modified X₂ test statistics (LU) proposed by LAWAL and UPTON (1984), for sparse contingency tables ranging from the 3×3 to the 10×10. We present a sample of our results here. The results indicate that the LU test out-performs either the Cressie-Read suggested test I(2/3) or the Pearson's test - I(1). Our results further show that the modification to the likelihood ratio test [Y₂ = I'(0)] proposed by WILLIAMS (1976) performs like the parent Y₂ test, very poorly compared with either the I(2/3), X₂ or the LU test statistics. Power results also indicate that the powers of the LU test are in all cases considered in this study slightly higher than those of X₂ and I(2/3) tests. The LU test is therefore strongly recommended for use with sparse two-way contingency tables because in all of the cases considered, none of the other test statistics consistently out-performs the LU test with respect to attained α level or power.     

Allozyme analysis of cryptic species in the Asplenium niduscomplex from West Java,Indonesia

In various fern species, a large amount of rbcL sequence variation has been reported, and it is possible that these species contain several reproductively isolated cryptic species. In our previous study on Asplenium nidus L., it was suggested that the plants growing in Mt. Halimun National Park, West Java, Indonesia, consist of several cryptic species based on the results of crossing experiments among rbcL sequence types. In this study, we examined allozyme polymorphisms of five rbcL sequence types found in West Java in order to test the hypothesis that the assemblages of A. nidus delimited based on the rbcL sequences are separate Mendelian populations and gene flow is disrupted by reproductive isolation from one another. The calculated fixation indices suggested that the individuals in each rbcL type are randomly crossing at least in the investigated localities. Nevertheless, these rbcL-based assemblages were genetically differentiated in allozymes that are encoded in their nuclear genomes, and it is also suggested that gene flow is disrupted even between sympatrically distributed pairs of rbcL sequence types. Therefore, our findings support the view that the five rbcL sequence types in West Java are potential cryptic species. Electronic Publication     

The effects of multiple features of alternatively spliced exons on the KA/KSratio test

Background  

The evolution of alternatively spliced exons (ASEs) is of primary interest because these exons are suggested to be a major source of functional diversity of proteins. Many exon features have been suggested to affect the evolution of ASEs. However, previous studies have relied on the K _A /K _S ratio test without taking into consideration information sufficiency (i.e., exon length > 75 bp, cross-species divergence > 5%) of the studied exons, leading to potentially biased interpretations. Furthermore, which exon feature dominates the results of the K _A /K _S ratio test and whether multiple exon features have additive effects have remained unexplored.     

Predictive Configural Frequency Analysis Evaluated by Simultaneous Berchtold-Corrected Fourfold X2-Tests

For testing against outlying cells in r × c contingency tables in predictive configural frequency analysis, it is suggested not to replace the usual PEARSON fourfold X²-test by YATES ' discontinuity corrected test but by BERCHTOLD'S test correcting for skewed hypergeometric distributions. In general, the BERCHTOLD correction is most efficient for tables involving three small and one large fourfold frequency. The correction is illustrated by configural frequency analysis of data from psychotherapy research.     

Increasing the transient expression of GUS gene in Porphyra yezoensis by 18S rDNA targeted homologous recombination

In order to test whether 18S rDNA can influence positively GUS gene transient expression in the red alga Porphyra yezoensis, a targeting vector pQD-GUS was constructed containing a portion of the 18S rDNA of P. yezoensis and transformed it into the same strain protoplasts. The results showed that GUS protein activity was increased markedly with pQD-GUS compared to the parent pBS-GUS. It is suggested that this system can be used to enhance the expression of exogenous genes in transgenic P. yezoensis.     

Stein's Two-Stage Test in Linear Models

After a brief presentation of Stein's two-sample test there is shown an improved procedure for general linear hypotheses analogous to the improvement of the two-sample-t-test described by Stein. The example of an analysis of variance in an one-way layout demonstrates the execution of the procedure as well as the problems that occur with the determination of the test parameters n₀ and z. For these problems there is finally suggested a practicable way of solution.     

Cleptobiosis in the antEctatomma ruidum in Nicaragua

Summary Observations of the ponerine antEctatomma ruidum suggested that this is a cleptobiotic species which appears to use the pheromone trails of other ant species to locate individual workers carrying food. To test this hypothesis an arena was set up to quantify the position of eachE. ruidum that entered the arena with respect to its position on or off a well-established foraging trail ofPheidole radoszkowskii, a myrmicine. Encounters betweenE. ruidum andP. radoszkowskii are described. Quantitative data and behavioral observations support the cleptobiosis hypothesis. This study adds yet another dimension to the diverse array of foraging strategies of the Ponerinae.     

Differential host selection by Pieris brassicae (the large white butterfly) on Brassica oleracea subsp. oleracea (the wild cabbage)

It is shown that gravid Pieris brassicae L. preferentially select as hosts, individuals of Brassica oleracea L. subsp. oleracea with a strongly positive reaction to the Guignard picrate test. It is suggested that allyl nitrile is a specific attractant for P. brassicae. The larvae are shown to be non-selective in their choice of food plant, the only selection taking place at egg-laying. It is suggested that the loss of high picrate score plants during the vegetative, preflowering stage is due to this differential selection.

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Zusammenfassung Eiablagebereite Weibchen von Pieris brassicae L. ziehen als Wirte Pflanzen von Brassica oleracea L. mit einer starken Reaktion auf den Guignard Picrat-Test vor. Es wird vermutet, dass Allylnitril spezifisch attraktiv für P. brassicae ist. Die Raupen sind nicht selektiv bei der Wahl der Wirtspflanze, also erfolgt die einzige Auswahl bei der Eiablage. Es wird vermutet, dass das während des vegetativen Wachstums vor der Blüte festzustellende Verschwinden von Pflanzen mit starker Picratreaktion auf dieser unterscheidenden Selektion beruht.

     

The Nonparametric Behrens‐Fisher Problem: Asymptotic Theory and a Small‐Sample Approximation

A generalization of the Behrens‐Fisher problem for two samples is examined in a nonparametric model. It is not assumed that the underlying distribution functions are continuous so that data with arbitrary ties can be handled. A rank test is considered where the asymptotic variance is estimated consistently by using the ranks over all observations as well as the ranks within each sample. The consistency of the estimator is derived in the appendix. For small samples (n₁, n₂ ≥ 10), a simple approximation by a central t‐distribution is suggested where the degrees of freedom are taken from the Satterthwaite‐Smith‐Welch approximation in the parametric Behrens‐Fisher problem. It is demonstrated by means of a simulation study that the Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney‐test may be conservative or liberal depending on the ratio of the sample sizes and the variances of the underlying distribution functions. For the suggested approximation, however, it turns out that the nominal level is maintained rather accurately. The suggested nonparametric procedure is applied to a data set from a clinical trial. Moreover, a confidence interval for the nonparametric treatment effect is given.     

The ultrastructure of the test of the tadpole larva ofCiona intestinalis

Summary The test of the tadpole larva ofCiona intestinalis consists of an amorphous background substance in which are long 4–7 nm fibrils. There is a narrow outer dense region of the test where both the background material and the test fibrils are more concentrated and orientated. Fibrils of similar dimensions are found in the epithelial cells below the test, and also in cells associated with the outside surface of the test. No such fibrils are found in the cells located within the test substance. There are some regions where the external cell membrane of the epithelial cells is indistinct and in these regions the fibrils of the test are continuous with the fibrils within the epithelial cells. No large or small vesicles opening from the epithelial cells into the test have been seen.This evidence has been interpreted as support for the tunicization theory of test formation. It is suggested that the cells within the test are the source of the polyphenols that are necessary for quinone tanning that gives rigidity to the test.The fibril-containing cells outside the test probably add fibres to the cuticular region of the test.I wish to thank ProfessorJ. Z. Young, F.R.S. for much advice and encouragment, also Dr.R. Bellairs for the use of electron microscope facilities and Mr.R. Moss and Mrs.J. Hamilton for skillful technical assistance.     

妇产科住院医师培训模式探讨及效果评价

目的 进行妇产科住院医师培训模式探讨及效果评价。方法 采取调查问卷，考核结果统计学处理等方法。结果 超过80%人员认为进行心内科、外科、急诊科轮转很有必要，时间分别为3、3、6个月适宜。参加相关科室轮转的住院医师与未参加者在执业医师、妇产科第一、二阶段临床技能考核通过率无差异，数值上参加相关科室轮转者高于未参加者。在辅助检查上，参加相关科室轮转者高于未参加者，差异具有统计学意义。结论 建议妇产科住院医师进行相关科室轮转，科室为心内科、外科及急诊科，时间分别为3、3、6个月，可增加临床知识的广度。     

Genetic analysis of the coloured mutants ofAspergillus niger

Seven different classes of coloured mutants were produced in anAspergillus niger strain: brown (B), cinnamon (C), dark brown (DB), fawn (F), green (G), yellow (Y) and white (W). A few of these recurrent colour mutants were allelic and the rest was non-allelic. These were tested by complementation test in heterocaryons. A few colour mutants failed to form heterocaryons. The incompatibility is suggested to be under genetic control. Conidial size of the heterocaryotic heads was measured and found to be significantly larger than that of their parental homocaryons. It is believed that the larger size is due to heterocaryotic vigor manifested in the conidia from heterocaryotic mycelium. It is termed haploid inherited vigor.     

Allelopathic effects of Sorghum vulgare Pers.

Summary Sorghum vulgare Pers. a tropical fodder crop significantly reduced the vertical growth and drymass of Sorghum vulgare, Pennisetum americanum, Zea mays and Setaria italica. Aqueous extracts of various plant parts, field soils and decaying mulch significantly reduced germination, radicle growth and water contents of all test species. The toxicity levels were depending upon the plant parts used in the biossay experiments and the sensitivity of the test species. It is suggested that the Sorghum fields be rotated with other crops to maximize the crop productivity.     

Comparative Antagonistic Properties of Gliocladium virens and Trichoderma harzianum on Sclerotium rolfsii and Rhizoctonia solani—its Relevance to Understanding the Mechanisms of Biocontrol

An isolate of Trichoderma harzianum which is less effective than G. virens in suppressing S. rolfsii and R. solani was compared with G. virens for various mechanisms of antagonism in vitro, viz., antagonism in dual culture/hyphal parasitism, parasitism of sclerotia and antibiosis. G. virens and T. harzianum were equally effective in parasitizing the hyphae of R. solani. Only T. harzianum parasitized the hyphae of S. rolfsii, and the two antagonists were comparable with respect to antibiosis on the test pathogens. However, G. virens readily parasitized the sclerotia of the test pathogens and was found to be more effective than T. harzianum in destroying the sclerotia. Under SEM, G. virens was found to colonize, penetrate, and sporulate inside the sclerotia of the test pathogens.Parasitism of sclerotia is suggested as the principal mechanism of biological control of S. rolfsii and R. solani by G. virens.     

Testing for the Equality of the Variance-Covariance Matrices of Two Jointly Normal Vector Variables

Assume a joint 2P-variate normal distribution for the p-component vectors x and y with unknown mean and unknown variance-covariance matrices Σ_xx and Σ_yy respectively, with Cov (x , y )=Σ_xy. No assumptions are made about the nature of Σ_xy. The likelihood ratio method is investigated to test the hypothesis that Σ_xx = Σ_yy. A method of numerical solution to the likelihood equations in the restricted parameter case is given when p=2, and approximate solutions are suggested for p>2.