bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Typification of Linnaean plant names in Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Authors: Jarvis Charles E. , Cafferty Steve , Forrest Laura L.
Published: April 2006

Jarvis, C. E., Cafferty, S. & Forrest, L. L. (eds.): Typification of Linnaean plant names in Lamiaceae (Labiatae). – Taxon 50: 507–523. 2001. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

Lectotypes, neotypes and epitypes are designated by 18 specialists for 102 previously untypified Linnaean plant names belonging to the family Lamiaceae (Labiatae). These newly proposed types support the current usage of the names concerned. Earlier but ineffective or supersedable type statements are discussed.
PlastidrbcL sequence data indicate a close affinity betweenDiegodendronandBixa
Authors: Fay Michael F. , Bayer Clemens , Alverson William S. , de Bruijn Anette Y. , Chase Mark W.
Published: April 2006

Fay, M. F., Bayer, C., Alverson, W. S., Bruijn, A. Y. de & Chase, M. W.: PlastidrbcL sequence data indicate a close affinity betweenDiegodendronandBixa.‐ Taxon 47: 43–50. 1998. ‐ ISSN 0040‐0262.

Diegodendron humbertiiCapuron (DiegodendraceaeCapuron) is endemic to Madagascar. The family is monospecific, and whereas various affinities have been suggested, its phylogenetic position has remained unclear. Analysis ofrbcL sequence data indicates a close relationship toBixa.Together these taxa form a monophyletic group with a somewhat more distant relationship to other groups ofMalvaless.l. includingCochlospermaceae. Cochlospermaceae (CochlospermumandAmoreuxia)should be maintained as a family distinct fromBixaceaebut ifBixaceaeare expanded to includeCochlospermaceaethey should also includeDiegodendron.DNA extraction from herbarium specimens, involving modifications to the standard extraction and amplification techniques, is described.
The nomenclatural status of Reticularia (myxomycetes)
Authors: Nicolson Dan H. , Lado Carlos , Pando Francisco , Rico Víctor J.
Published: April 2006

Lado, C., Pando, F. & Rico, V. J.: The nomenclatural status of Reticularia (myxomycetes). ‐ Taxon 47: 109–111. 1998. ‐ ISSN 0040‐0262.

Reticularia Bull, was validly published in 1787 or 1788 already, by means of a descriptio generico‐specifica, not in (1790 or) 1791 as has been generally assumed. It is therefore an earlier homonym of Reticularia Baumg. (lichens), a name validly published in 1790 but not on the page from which it is usually cited. Reticularia alba Bull., the single included element and original type of Reticularia Bull., is a later taxonomic synonym of Mucilago Crustacea, hence Reticularia Bull, is a later synonym of Mucilago.
Lectotypification of the names Clusia major and C. minor (Clusiaceae)
Authors: Bittrich V. , Stevens P. F.
Published: April 2006

Bittrich, V. & Stevens, P. F.: Lectotypification of the names Clusia major and C. minor (Clusiaceae). ‐ Taxon 47: 117–122. 1998. ‐ ISSN 0040‐0262.

The lectotypification of Clusia major L., the type of Clusia L., is examined. It is shown that the lectotypes hitherto proposed should be superseded; a new lectotype is designated. As a consequence, C. subg. Thysanoclusia and C. sect. Stauroclusia become C. subg. Clusia and sect. Clusia respectively. The correct name for C. sect. Euclusia, nom. inval., is C. sect. Chlamydoclusia. An earlier lectotype designation for C. minor is superseded as the holotype still exists. A lectotype for C. plukenetii Urb. is also designated.
Parochetinae: a new subtribe of Trifolieae (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae)
Authors: Chaudhary L. B. , Sanjappa M.
Published: April 2006

Chaudhary, L. B. & Sanjappa, M.: Parochetinae: a new subtribe of Trifolieae (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae). – Taxon 47: 829‐831. 1998. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

A new subtribe is described to accommodate the genus Parochetus. A key to the subtribes of Trifolieae is provided.
Notes on Dictyota vieillardii and D. adnata (Dictyotaceae, Phaeophyta)
Authors: De Clerck Olivier , Coppejans Eric
Published: April 2006

De Clerck, O. & Coppejans, E.: Notes on Dictyota vieillardii and D. adnata (Dictyotaceae, Phaeophyta). – Taxon 46: 33‐36. 1997. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

Post considered Dictyota adnata Zanardini to be a synonym of D. vieillardii Kütz. However, examination of the type specimen of D. vieillardii proves it does not belong to the genus Dictyota but represents the Vaughaniella stage of a Padina species. D. vieillardii van filiformis Kütz. is also shown to represent a Vaughaniella stage. The type specimen of D. adnata could not be traced and the designation of a neotype by Coppejans is confirmed.
A classification of and key to the supraspecific taxa in Eleocharis (Cyperaceae)
Authors: González‐Elizondo M. Socorro , Peterson Paul M.
Published: April 2006

González‐Elizondo, M. S. & Peterson, P. M.: A classification of and key to the supraspecific taxa in Eleocharis (Cyperaceae). – Taxon 46: 433–449. 1997. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

A comparison of former supraspecific classifications is made and a new, revised system is proposed for Eleocharis (Cyperaceae). Four subgenera, seven sections, eight series, and seven subseries are recognized. A key to subgenera and sections is included along with type citations, synonymies, and representative species. Two new series, E. ser. Albidae and ser. Rostellatae, are described, along with one new combination, E. sect. Baeothryon, and two transfers in rank, E. subser. Acutae and E. subser. Sulcatae.
Nucleotide sequence of rbcL and phylogenetic relationships of Setchellanthus caeruleus (Setchellanthaceae)
Authors: Karol Kenneth G. , Rodman James E. , Conti Elena , Sytsma Kenneth J.
Published: April 2006

Karol, K. G., Rodman, J. E., Conti, E. & Sytsma, K. J.: Nucleotide sequence of rbcL and phylogenetic relationships of Setchellanthus caeruleus (Setchellanthaceae). – Taxon 48: 303‐315. 1999. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

The nucleotide sequence (1462 bases) from the chloroplast gene for the large subunit of ribulose‐l,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rbcL) was utilised for the monotypic Mexican endemic genus Setchellanthus to assess its phylogenetic affinities. Phylogenetic analyses of rbcL sequence data robustly group Setchellanthus with other mustard oil producing plants included in Dahlgren's expanded order Capparales. Within this assemblage, maximum parsimony places Setchellanthus sister to a clade comprised of the North American family Limnanthaceae, the sister taxa Koeberlinia + Salvadora + Batis, and the core Capparales (Brassicaceae + Capparaceae, Gyrostemonaceae + Resedaceae, Pentadiplandraceae, and Tovariaceae). Maximum likelihood analyses reverse the relationship of Setchellanthus and Limnanthaceae, placing Setchellanthus sister to the Koeberlinia + Salvadora + Batis plus the core Capparales assemblage, with Limnanthaceae sister to these. The rbcL sequence of Setchellanthus possesses a putative stop codon ending at position 1440, twelve bases beyond the 1428 site usual for dicots. This extended 3' terminus is consistent within the expanded Capparales for a clade mat comprises the above‐named taxa. The position of Setchellanthus in the rbcL phylogram provides support for elevation of this unispecific genus to family rank, postulated in view of its unique morphological characters.
A new lectotype for Scirpus maritimus (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Smith S. Galen , Kukkonen Ilkka
Published: April 2006

Smith, S. G. & Kukkonen, I.: A new lectotype for Scirpus maritimus (Cyperaceae). – Taxon 48: 355‐357. 1999. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

The formerly designated lectotype of Scirpus maritimus L. is shown to be in conflict with the protologue. If maintained, it would cause unnecessary and disturbing name changes. It is therefore superseded by a Linnaean specimen newly discovered in Uppsala, which in turn is supported by a modern, fruiting specimen designated as epitype.
Botanical libraries and herbaria in North America. 3. Harvard's botanists and their libraries
Authors: Warnement Judith
Published: April 2006

Warnement, J. A.: Botanical libraries and herbaria in North America. 3. Harvard's botanists and their libraries. – Taxon 46: 649‐660. 1997. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

Men of great vision and wealth built Harvard's botanical institutions. Their combined legacies to the botanical community include the five Harvard herbaria and libraries. The botany libraries staff is committed to providing access to the collections by improving bibliographic control and preservation techniques, and by adapting new technologies to serve users' needs.
Lectotypification of Linnaean binomials in Grewia (Tiliaceae)
Authors: Chung R. C. K.
Published: April 2006

Chung, R. C. K.: Lectotypification of Linnaean binomials in Grewia (Tiliaceae). – Taxon 48: 51‐52. 1999. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

Lectotypes are designated for the names of the two species of Grewia (Tiliaceae) described by Linnaeus in 1753.
Gosferia, a new name for Forgesia (fossil plants)
Authors: Gerrienne Philippe
Published: April 2006

Gerrienne, P.: Gosferia, a new name for Forgesia (fossil plants). –Taxon 48: 61. 1999. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

Forgesia Gerrienne (Zosterophyllophytina) is a later homonym of extant Forgesia Comm. ex Juss. 1789 (Saxifragaceae). The anagram Gosferia is proposed as a new generic name for the fossil taxon.
Who is the author of the name Orostachys (Crassulaceae)?
Authors: Byalt Vjačeslav V. , Sokolova Irina V.
Published: April 2006

Byalt, V. V. & Sokolova, I. V.: Who is the author of the name Orostachys (Crassulaceae)? – Taxon 48: 63‐65. 1999. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

The author of the generic name Orostachys is Fischer, who validly published the name in 1809, not Candolle, Sweet, or Berger, as has been cited in a number of botanical works.
On the basionym and type of the name Erucastrum (Cruciferae)
Authors: López Ginés
Published: April 2006

López, G.: On the basionym and type of the name Erucastrum (Cruciferae). – Taxon 48: 67‐68. 1999.–ISSN 0040‐0262.

The name Erucastrum is attributed directly to C. Presl in most reference books and floras but is in fact based on Brassica sect. Erucastrum DC. By consequence its type is Brassica erucastrum L., not Erucastrum virgatum C. Presl as usually accepted. The latter binomial is to be replaced by the old, traditional name Erucastrum laevigatum (L.) O. E. Schulz (Sinapis laevigata L.) as, according to Gómez Campo, S. laevigata L. is the same as E. laevigatum subsp. baeticum (Boiss.) Gómez‐Campo.
Amberboa moschata, A. glauca, and A. amberboi (Asteraceae: Cardueae). A note on their taxonomy and typification of their names
Authors: Gabrielian E. , Jarvis C. E.
Published: April 2006

Gabrielian, E. & Jarvis, C. E.: Amberboa moschata, A. glauca, and A. amberboi (Asteraceae: Cardueae). A note on their taxonomy and typification of their names. – Taxon 45: 213‐215. 1996. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

The names Centaurea moschata L. and C. moschata var. amberboi L. are typified by illustrations published by Morison. The features distinguishing the two corresponding taxa, and also C. glauca Willd., are discussed.
Berger's “Kakteen” – the end of a nomenclatural nightmare in sight?
Authors: Nyffeler Reto , Eggli Urs
Published: April 2006

Nyffeler, R. & Eggli, U.: Berger's “Kakteen” – the end of a nomenclatural nightmare in sight? –Taxon 45: 301‐304. 1996. – ISSN 0040‐0262.

Berger's book Kakteen is a constant source of nomenclatural uncertainty due to new combinations in genera that are obviously not accepted by the author. The arguments in favour of and against accepting Berger's combinations as validly published are discussed, and it is concluded that they are not. The key to the understanding of Berger's taxonomic concept is found in the introductory chapters where the author clearly expounded his intentions. Therefore A. W. Hill is to be cited as validating author of the names concerned.
Fluctuations of random walk in Rd and storage systems
Authors: Greenwood Priscilla , Shaked Moshe
Published: April 2006

Two Wiener-Hopf type factorization identities for multivariate distributions are introduced. Properties of associated stopping times are derived. The structure that produces one factorization also provides the unique solution of the Wiener-Hopf convolution equation on a convex cone in Rd. Some applications for multivariate storage and queueing systems are indicated. For a few cases explicit formulas are obtained for the transforms of the associated stopping times. A result of Kemperman is extended.
The identity of Gunnera manicata Linden ex André ­ resolving a Brazilian­Colombian enigma
Authors: Wanntorp Livia , Wanntorp Hans-Erik , Källersjö Mari
Published: April 2006

The identity of the frequently cultivated Gunnera manicata Linden ex André has long been obscure. This species is sometimes claimed to originate from Brazil, and sometimes from Colombia. A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis of the genus indicated a Brazilian origin for G. manicata. The present study provides an historical background for G. manicata and further investigates its identity by including the ITS sequences of the two Colombian species, G. brephogea and the species identified as G. manicata, in a phylogenetic analysis. The new results corroborate the Brazilian origin for the cultivated G. manicata and firmly reject a Colombian provenance. The Colombian "G. manicata" needs a new description. For Gunnera manicata Linden ex André, a lectotype is designated.
Melastomataceae Raddianae: a study of G. Raddi’s Melastomataceae types housed in the herbaria of Pisa (PI) and Firenze (FI)
Authors: Goldenberg Renato , Baldini Riccardo M.
Published: April 2006

The Melastomataceae collected by Giuseppe Raddi (1770–1829) during his expedition to Brazil (1817–1818) and housed at FI and PI are studied. The collections typify names in the generaBertoloniaRaddi,LeandraRaddi,MelastomaL. andRhexiaL. For 22 species we provide information about types, nomenclature, taxonomy and geographical distribution.
Queues with time-dependent arrival rates. II — The maximum queue and the return to equilibrium
Authors: Newell G. F.
Published: April 2006

During a rush hour, the arrival rate λ(t) of customers to a service facility is assumed to increase to a maximum value exceeding the service rate μ, and then decrease again. In Part I it was shown that, after λ(t) has passed μ, the expected queue E{X(t)} exceeds that given by the deterministic theory by a fixed amount, (0.95)L, which is proportional to the (–1/3) power of a(t) = dλ(t)/dt evaluated at time t = 0 when λ(t) = μ. The maximum of E{X(t)}, therefore, occurs when λ(t) again is equal to μ at time t1 as predicted by deterministic queueing theory, but is larger than given by the deterministic theory by this same constant (0.95)L (provided t1 is sufficiently large). It is shown here that the maximum queue, suptX(t) is, approximately normally distributed with a mean (0.95) (L + L1) larger than predicted by deterministic theory where L, is proportional to the (–1/3) power of a(t1). We also investigate the distribution of X(t) at the end of the rush hour when the queue distribution returns to equilibrium. During the transition, the queue distribution is approximately a mixture of a truncated normal and the equilibrium distributions. These results are applied to a case where λ(t) is quadratic in t.
On a multi-type critical age-dependent branching process
Authors: Weiner H. J.
Published: April 2006

We will consider a branching process with m > 1 distinguishable particle types as follows. At time 0, one newly born cell of type i is born (i = 1, 2, ···, m). Cell type i lives a random lifetime with continuous distribution function Gi(t), Gi(0+) = 0. At the end of its life, cell i is replaced by j1 new cells of type 1, j2 new cells of type 2, ···, jm new cells of type m with probability , and we define the generating functions

for i = 1,···,m, where and . Each new daughter cell proceeds independently of the state of the system, with each cell type j governed by Gj(t) and hj(s).
Sur L'enveloppe convexe des nuages de points aleatoires dans Rn. I
Authors: Raynaud H.
Published: April 2006

L'enveloppe convexe des nuages de points dans Rn a donné lieu à un certain nombre de travaux. Dans deux articles ([5] et [6]), Rényi et Sulanke ont proposé et résolu un certain nombre de problèmes. Une loi de probabilité étant donnée dans R2, on procède aux tirages indépendants de N points suivant cette loi.
Queues with time-dependent arrival rates I—the transition through saturation
Authors: Newell G. F.
Published: April 2006

Suppose that the arrival rate λ(t) of customers to a service facility increases with time at a nearly constant rate, dλ(t)/dt = a, so as to pass through the saturation condition, λ(t) = μ = service capacity, at some time which we label as t = 0. The stochastic properties of the queue are investigated here through use of the diffusion approximation (Fokker-Planck equation). It is shown that there is a characteristic time Tproportional to α–2/3 such that if , then the queue distribution stays close to the prevailing equilibrium distribution associated with the λ(t) and μ, evaluated at time t. For |t| = O(T), however, the mean queue length is much less than the equilibrium mean, and is measured in units of some characteristic length L which is proportional to α–1/3. For , the queue is approximately normally distributed with a mean of the order L larger than that predicted by deterministic queueing models. Numerical estimates are given for the mean and variance of the distribution for all t. The queue distributions are also evaluated in non-dimensional units.
Chebyshev-like inequalities for dam models
Authors: Turnbull Bruce W.
Published: April 2006

A dam model is proposed for which it is assumed that the conditional distributions of the inputs, given the past, are known only to lie in some class M. For selected M, bounds are derived on various quantities of interest such as the mean time to first emptiness. The case of normal inputs is treated in greater detail and a release rule is discussed. The techniques used are similar to those used in the theory of gambling as developed by Dubins and Savage (1965).
Asymptotic properties of the stationary measure of a Markov branching process
Authors: Yang Y. S.
Published: April 2006

The asymptotic properties of the unique stationary measure of a Markov branching process will be given. In the critical case with finite variance, the result can be deduced from a result for discrete time processes of Kesten, Ney and Spitzer (1966) where the proof makes use of a stronger assumption than the finiteness of variance. For the continuous time case where the stationary measure has an explicit form, we can use the discrete renewal theorem which takes care of the infinite variance case as well.
On a certain type of network of queues
Authors: Madan K. C.
Published: April 2006

The paper studies a network of queues in which units arrive singly in a Poisson stream at a service channel S from which they branch out into k parallel channels S1, S2, …, Sk. After having been serviced at S1, S2, … Sk, the units converge again into a single channel S′. The service times of units at each of the channels are assumed to be exponential. Units finally serviced at S’ may leave the system or may again join S. This has been considered by taking two models denoted as Model A and Model B. Steady-state probabilities giving the number of units present in the system have been obtained explicitly for both the models. The expressions for mean queue lengths have also been arrived at.
Stochastic pursuit-evasion games with information lag. I. Perfect observation
Authors: Schreuer Mynda
Published: April 2006

A discrete time, scalar, pursuit-evasion game is presented in which an evader, moving according to a stationary stochastic process, is continually being followed by a pursuer. Both players have perfect observations of the evader's positions, but the observations of the pursuer are subject to a time lag. It is assumed that the strategy of the evader can be represented as an infinite moving average, and that he is restricted by a velocity constraint. The pursuer is limited to strategies linear in his information, and the payoff is taken to be the mean-square distance between pursuer and evader. Under these conditions it is shown that the game does not have a value, and subsequently the lower and upper values and corresponding strategies are found.
An upper bound for the probability of a union
Authors: Hunter David
Published: April 2006

The problem of bounding P(∪ Ai) given P(Ai) and P(AiAj) for i ≠ j = 1, …, k goes back to Boole (1854) and Bonferroni (1936). In this paper a new family of upper bounds is derived using results in graph theory. This family contains the bound of Kounias (1968), and the smallest upper bound in the family for a given application is easily derivable via the minimal spanning tree algorithm of Kruskal (1956). The properties of the algorithm and of the multivariate normal and t distributions are shown to provide considerable simplifications when approximating tail probabilities of maxima from these distributions.
Unrooted trees for numerical taxonomy
Authors: Dobson Annette J.
Published: April 2006

It is common to represent taxonomic hierarchies of related objects (such as similar plant or animal species or languages of the same family) by rooted trees with labelled terminal vertices which represent the objects. The multivariate data comparing numerous characteristics of the objects is first reduced to indices of similarity (or more often of dissimilarity) between each pair of objects. These are used to classify the objects into groups which are then depicted on a tree.

This paper shows that an unrooted tree with labelled terminal vertices may provide a better representation of the relationships between the objects because the similarity indices are required to conform to fewer restrictions. Also for a given number of terminal vertices, there are fewer unrooted than rooted trees so that studies using probability distributions of trees or seeking the most suitable tree to represent the data are more practicable.
A limit theorem with applications in order statistics
Authors: Galambos János
Published: April 2006

Let A1, A2, ···, An be events on a given probability space and let Br, n be the event that exactly r of the A's occur. Let further Sk (n) be the kth binomial moment of the number of the A's which occur. A sufficient condition is given for the existence of lim P (Br,n), as n→ + ∞, in terms of limits of the Sk(n)'s and a formula is given for the limit above. This formula for the limit is similar to the sieve theorem of Takács (1967) for infinite sequences of events and in the proof we make use of Takács's analytic method. The result is immediately applicable to the limit distribution of the maximum of (dependent) random variables X1, X2, ···, Xn by choosing Aj = {Xj ≧ x}. Our main theorem is reformulated for this special case and an example is given for illustration.
A note on boundary - crossing probabilities for the Brownian motion
Authors: Smith C. S.
Published: April 2006

In his paper ‘Boundary-crossing probabilities for the Brownian motion and Poisson processes and techniques for computing the power of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test’ (J. Appl. Prob.8, 431–453), Durbin derives an integral equation whose kernel has a singularity. Since direct solution of an approximating set of simultaneous equations would be very inaccurate, he uses probability arguments to approximate to integrals of sub-intervals. In this note, two alternative procedures are discussed. One makes a linear transformation of the original integral equation to eliminate the singularity; the other, due to Weiss and Anderssen, integrates the singular factor in the kernel over the sub-interval. Computation of a special case indicates this latter method to be the most effective of the three.
The Galton-Watson process conditioned on the total progeny
Authors: Kennedy Douglas P.
Published: April 2006

Let Zk denote the number in the kth generation of a Galton-Watson process initiated by one individual and let N be the total progeny, i.e., As n → ∞ the limiting behaviour of the process {Zk, 0 ≦ k ≦ n} conditioned on the event {N =n} is studied. The results obtained are of exactly the same form for the subcritical, critical and supercritical cases. This is in marked contrast to the analogous situation got by conditioning on non-extinction by the nth generation and letting n → ∞. In the latter case the limiting results differ in form for the critical and non-critical cases.
The area under the trajectory of carriers in a carrier-borne epidemic
Authors: Lefèvre Claude
Published: April 2006

This paper is concerned with the area under the trajectory of carriers in the Downton carrier-borne epidemic (1968). Its Laplace–Stieltjes transform is studied, and a recursive equation derived for it. Its mean is examined in some detail and the solution obtained is expressed as a power series in π, the proportion of the infected susceptibles becoming carriers.
Markovian manpower models in continuous time
Authors: Mehlmann Alexander
Published: April 2006

The problem of determining the asymptotic form of the stock vector n(t) in a continuous time Markovian manpower model is solved for asymptotically exponential recruitment functions {R(t)}. A new approach to the limiting behaviour of some manpower systems with given total sizes {N(t)} is then given by means of time-inhomogeneous Markov processes.
Representations and limit theorems for extreme value distributions
Authors: Hall Peter
Published: April 2006

Let Xn1 ≦ Xn2 ≦ ··· ≦ Xnn denote the order statistics from a sample of n independent, identically distributed random variables, and suppose that the variables Xnn, Xn, n–1, ···, when suitably normalized, have a non-trivial limiting joint distribution ξ1, ξ2, ···, as n → ∞. It is well known that the limiting distribution must be one of just three types. We provide a canonical representation of the stochastic process {ξn, n ≧ 1} in terms of exponential variables, and use this representation to obtain limit theorems for ξ n as n →∞.
Maintainable regions in a Markov manpower model
Authors: Davies G. S.
Published: April 2006

We examine the geometry of regions of maintainable structures arising in a Markov manpower model. The regions are described in terms of convex hulls, and it is shown that for systems divided into two or three grades these regions form an increasing sequence. It is also shown that the monotonie property fails quite drastically for a four-graded system.

An open problem is discussed for a related model.
Majorisation, randomness and some discrete distributions
Authors: Hickey Raymond J.
Published: April 2006

Majorisation is used to compare discrete distributions in terms of randomness or, equivalently, informativeness. Some properties of measures of randomness are discussed. The effect on degree of randomness of a change in parameter value is investigated for some distributions including the binomial and Poisson.
Continuous majorisation and randomness
Authors: Hickey Raymond J.
Published: April 2006

Majorisation is used to compare continuous distributions in terms of randomness. General results on randomness in the continuous case are given and these are used to investigate the connection between randomness and parameter values in some well-known families of distributions including the normal and gamma.
Random triangles in convex regions
Authors: Henze Norbert
Published: April 2006

Consider a random triangle formed by vertices which are independent and distributed uniformly inside a given bounded convex region K. Then a well-known result of W. Blaschke states that, among all regions of fixed area, the area AK of this random triangle is stochastically bounded by Acircle (Ac) and A triangle (At). The distribution of the latter was obtained by Alagar (1977). We use the classical Crofton technique to derive an integral representation for the distribution function Fc of Ac from which Fc is calculated using numerical quadrature. The maximum deviation between Fc and the distribution function of At is less than 0.04. Additionally, we obtain an explicit form for the distribution of Aparallelogram which may be represented as a mixture of functions involving Dirichlet-distributed random vectors.
On a spectral density estimate obtained by averaging periodograms
Authors: Dahlhaus Rainer
Published: April 2006

A spectral density statistic obtained by averaging periodograms over overlapping time intervals is considered where the periodograms are calculated using a data window. The asymptotic mean square error of this estimate for scale parameter windows is determined and, as an example, it is shown that the use of the Tukey–Hanning window leads partially to a smaller mean square error than a window suggested by Kolmogorov and Zhurbenko. Furthermore the Tukey–Hanning window is independent of the unknown spectral density, which is not the case for the Kolmogorov–Zhurbenko window. The mean square error of this estimate is also less than the mean square error of commonly used window estimates. Finally, a central limit theorem for the estimate is established.
The proportional bettor's return on investment
Authors: Ethier S. N. , Tavaré S.
Published: April 2006

Suppose you repeatedly play a game of chance in which you have the advantage. Your return on investment is your net gain divided by the total amount that you have bet. It is shown that the ratio of your return on investment under optimal proportional betting to your return on investment under constant betting converges to an exponential distribution with mean as your advantage tends to 0. The case of non-optimal proportional betting is also treated.
Limit theorems for uniform distributions on spheres in high-dimensional euclidean spaces
Authors: Stam A. J.
Published: April 2006

If X = (X1, · ··, Xn) has uniform distribution on the sphere or ball in ℝ with radius a, then the joint distribution of , ···, k, converges in total variation to the standard normal distribution on ℝ. Similar results hold for the inner products of independent n-vectors. Applications to geometric probability are given.
On the moments of vacancy of random arcs on the circle
Authors: Henze Norbert
Published: April 2006

Place n arcs of equal length uniformly at random on the circumference of a circle. We give a simple probabilistic derivation of the moments of the uncovered portion of the circle.
Optimal replacement times — a general set-up
Authors: Aven Terje , Bergman Bo
Published: April 2006

For a large class of replacement models for stochastically deteriorating systems the optimality criteria of total expected discounted cost and long-run (expected) average cost per unit time have a common structure. In the present paper a formal description of this structure is given and the optimal rule is determined. A so-called ‘λ -minimization technique' is applied. This method is discussed in general terms.
On fractional linear bounds for probability generating functions
Authors: Lefevre Claude , Hallin Marc , Narayan Prakash
Published: April 2006

The best upper and lower bounds for any probability generating function with mean m and finite variance are derived within the family of fractional linear functions with mean m. These are often intractable and simpler bounds, more useful for practical purposes, are then constructed. Direct applications in branching and epidemic theories are briefly presented; a slight improvement of the bounds is obtained for infinitely divisible distributions.
The spitzer identity for some bivariate processes in queueing theory: an algebraic approach
Authors: Schmidt Gerd
Published: April 2006

This note deals with a purely algebraic development of the Spitzer identity for a bivariate Markov process , which is important for random walks, dams and queues. This identity, comprising the results of Kingman on the process , has been known for a long time in an analytic form as a solution of a certain integral equation. The algebraic approach leads to explicit results of interesting structure. In particular, the bivariate distribution of (Yn, Zn) can be expressed in terms of the marginal distributions of the stochastically dependent variables Yn and Zn.
Randomized multihit models and their identification
Authors: Hanin L. G. , Klebanov L. B. , Yakovlev A. Yu.
Published: April 2006

The multihit–one target model induces a stochastic ordering of cell survival with respect to the cell sensitivity characteristics. This property can be used for a description of cell killing effects in heterogeneous populations of cells on the basis of randomized versions of the model. In such versions, either the critical number of lesions or the mean number of hits per unit dose (sensitivity), or both, are assumed to be random. We give some new results specifying conditions under which the randomized multihit models are identifiable, with a focus on the following cases: (1) the critical number of radiation-induced lesions, m, is random; (2) the sensitivity parameter, x, is random given m is known or otherwise; (3) x and m form a pair of independent random variables.
Large exceedences for uniformly recurrent Markov-additive processes and strong-mixing stationary processes
Authors: Zajic Tim
Published: April 2006

We extend large exceedence results for i.i.d. -valued random variables to a class of uniformly recurrent Markov-additive processes and stationary strong-mixing processes. As in the i.i.d. case, the results are proved via large deviations estimates.
Variability in the rate of decline in birth weight as litter size increases in sheep
Authors: Gootwine E.
Published: April 2006

Carrying multiple foetuses leads to a decline in lamb birth weight. The rate of litter size-dependent birth weight decline (LSDBD) in a population can be obtained by calculating the linear relationship between the reciprocal of lamb's birth weight and the respective litter size. Based on published data on lamb birth weight and by using the reciprocal approach, LSDBD rate was calculated for 70 purebred and crossbred sheep populations in which birth weight of lambs born as singles ranged from 1·3 to 6·3 kg. High variability in LSDBD was found. Both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the variability of this trait.
Play therapy with sexually abused children: Including parents in therapeutic play
Authors: Hill Andrew
Published: April 2006

This paper draws on the author’s experience as a member of a team of social workers undertaking play therapy with sexually abused children. It outlines the theoretical rationale that informed the development of practice in which parents were included in therapeutic play sessions with their children. It goes on to examine two cases that illustrate some of the issues. Finally, this paper begins to develop a critique of practice that involves parents, highlighting potential limitations and proposing a series of questions for further research.
Parental substance misuse and child care social work: findings from the first stage of a study of 100 families
Authors: Forrester Donald , Harwin Judith
Published: April 2006

Parental misuse of drugs or alcohol is known to be a common issue for child care social workers, yet there has been surprisingly little British research on the topic. The study reported here attempts to address this gap. All files going for long‐term allocation in four London boroughs over on average 1 year were examined (290 files). Parental substance misuse (PSM) emerged as a major feature of social work caseloads. Of the 290 cases, 100 (34%) involved concerns about parental substance misuse. The families involving substance misuse were more vulnerable on a variety of measures: the children were younger, the parents had more individual problems and the families lived in more difficult social situations. PSM cases tended to be ‘heavy end’ at the point of allocation: they accounted for 62% of all children subject to care proceedings and 40% of those placed on the child protection register. There was a fairly even spread between alcohol and drug misuse, and a number of cases involved both. Substance misuse specialists were rarely involved in working with families, primarily because parents said that they did not think that they had a problem. Suggestions for ways in which policy and practice with PSM might be improved are made in light of these findings.
Impairment of endothelium‐dependent arterial dilation in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients with euthyroidism
Authors: Xiang Guang‐da , He Yu‐sheng , Zhao Ling‐shuang , Hou Jie , Yue Ling , Xiang Hui‐juan
Published: April 2006

Objective  Recent studies have shown that immune responses contribute to atherosclerosis, and endothelial dysfunction is an important early event in atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration of endothelial function in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients with euthyroidism.

Methods  Study subjects included 28 female HT patients with euthyroidism, 23 female HT patients with hypothyroidism, and 22 healthy women. High‐resolution ultrasound was used to measure brachial artery diameter at rest, after reactive hyperaemia and after sublingual glyceryltrinitrate (GTN).

Results  Flow‐mediated arterial dilation in HT patients with euthyroidism was significantly lower (3·88%) than in controls (4·98%, P = 0·000) and higher than in HT patients with hypothyroidism (3·26%, P < 0·001). Flow‐mediated arterial dilation among HT patients with hypothyroidism was significantly lower than that in controls (P = 0·000). GTN‐induced arterial dilation, baseline vessel size, and baseline blood flow were not significantly different among the three groups (P > 0·05). On multiple regression analysis, anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO‐Ab), TSH, free T3, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] were found to be significant factors associated with endothelium‐dependent arterial dilation.

Conclusion  Endothelial dysfunction exists in HT patients with euthyroidism. Autoimmune reactivity and an elevated Lp(a) level might be responsible for the endothelial dysfunction.
Biogeographical patterns in the diet of the wildcat, Felis silvestris Schreber, in Eurasia: factors affecting the trophic diversity
Authors: Lozano Jorge , Moleón Marcos , Virgós Emilio
Published: April 2006

Aim  To analyse the biogeographical patterns in the feeding habits and trophic diversity of prey of the wildcat, Felis silvestris Schreber.

Location  The Eurasian distribution range from the Caucasian mountains to the Iberian Peninsula and Scotland.

Methods  We reviewed 15 studies to collate data on feeding behaviour across the current wildcat distribution range. We considered nine prey groups and recorded the latitude, whether the location was within a Mediterranean bioclimate area, and rabbit presence. Prey groups were reduced into four PCA factors. Regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships of latitude with PCA factors and trophic diversity. anova was used to test if trophic diversity was higher at locations with Mediterranean climates. We also analysed the relationship between small rodent consumption and both Mediterranean climates and rabbit presence using anova. Finally, we confirmed the relationship between the frequency of Murinae and Microtinae in the diets and the presence of rabbits and with respect to Mediterranean climates controlling for latitude (mancova).

Results  Diet diversity was greatest in Mediterranean climates. Trophic diversity decreased when rodents formed the bulk of the diet, but increased with the inclusion of alternative prey such as rabbits and invertebrates. Small rodent consumption was also negatively related to rabbit consumption or presence. The inclusion of Murinae and Microtinae in the diet varied with latitude, with higher ingestion of the former in the southern locations and of the latter in northern areas.

Main conclusions  The trophic diversity of the wildcat diet was associated with Mediterranean climatic conditions, being broader at more southern latitudes. At the continental scale, the wildcat cannot be considered a rodent specialist because rabbits were preferred when they were present. Thus, we consider the wildcat to be a facultative specialist. In addition, our results indicate that general trophic patterns in the diet of a species may not be accurately determined if the availability of alternative prey is not taken into account.
The effectiveness of a diabetes nurse clinic in treating older patients with type 2 diabetes for their glycaemic control
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Yee Amy Shun Wah , Leung Elaine Lai Yee , Day Mary Christine
Published: April 2006

Aims.  The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a diabetes nurse clinic intervention in controlling the poor glycaemia of older patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research method.  This is a quasi‐experimental design with pre‐ and follow‐up tests. The study was conducted in a regional acute hospital in Hong Kong. A total of 150 (75 controls, 75 cases) poor glycaemic control older patients with diabetes were recruited in the study.

Outcome measures.  Biomedical and psychological data were collected at pre‐ and follow‐up period and compared between groups.

Results.  The study results show an effective intervention of diabetes nurse clinic in giving consultation and education to the type 2 diabetic patients. Subjects in the nurse follow‐up group showed an improvement in the HbA1c, and systolic blood pressure and reduction on healthcare utilization.

Conclusion.  The study provided evidence to support the diabetes nurse clinic in treating the older patients with diabetes. This study has provided confidence to the diabetes nurse to treat the unstable older patients with diabetes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Diabetes mellitus is a serious health concern that most commonly affects older people. As indicated by the results of this study, this educational programme can act as an effective nursing intervention to the type 2 diabetic patients.
Evidence for early oral feeding of patients after elective open colorectal surgery: a literature review
Authors: Ng Wai Quin , Neill Jane
Published: April 2006

Aim.  To review research on early oral feeding following elective, open colorectal surgery.

Background.  Fasting following gastrointestinal surgery is a traditional surgical practice, based on fears of causing postoperative complications if oral intake begins before bowel function returns, but fasting following elective surgery is questionable as a best practice.

Methods.  Searches in Journals@Ovid CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library for primary studies, published during 1995–2004, used the keywords: ‘surgery’, ‘postoperative’, ‘elective, ‘colorectal’, ‘bowel, ‘colon’, ‘oral’, ‘enteral’, ‘feeding’, ‘early’, ‘traditional’. Studies of adults undergoing elective, open colorectal surgery who were allowed fluids and food before bowel function returned (early feeding) were included. Outcomes of interest were safety, tolerability, duration of gastrointestinal ileus and length of hospital stay. Critical appraisal of randomized and controlled studies was undertaken following inclusion.

Results.  Fifteen studies comprising 1352 patients were reviewed. All studies concluded early feeding was safe, based on complications rates. Total complications were 12·5% (range 0–25%) for 935 early feeding patients, with no increased risk of anastomotic leak, aspiration pneumonia, or bowel obstruction. For all studies an average of 86% patients (range 73–100%) tolerated early feeding. Studies demonstrating faster resolution of postoperative ileus or shorter hospitalization were associated with multimodal perioperative care, including early mobilization, epidural analgesia and comprehensive patient education. Appraisal of five randomized trials revealed no blinding and inadequate randomization.

Conclusions.  This review supports early oral feeding after elective, open colorectal surgery and challenges the traditional practice of fasting patients until return of bowel function. Early feeding was safe, well‐tolerated and easy to implement. Reduced length of ileus and shorter hospitalization may occur with multimodal protocols.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can highlight this new evidence for other health professionals, advocate development of clinical protocols featuring early feeding and participate in multi‐disciplinary, multi‐method research regarding benefits of early feeding.
Regional gene flow and population structure of the wind‐dispersed plant species Hypochaeris radicata (Asteraceae) in an agricultural landscape
Authors: MIX C. , ARENS P. F. P. , RENGELINK R. , SMULDERS M. J. M. , VAN GROENENDAEL J. M. , OUBORG N. J.
Published: April 2006

Using microsatellites, we investigated population structure and gene flow of the short‐lived, wind‐dispersed plant species Hypochaeris radicata in a fragmented agricultural landscape where more than 99% of the nutrient‐poor grasslands have disappeared over the last century. We sampled populations in the few remaining high density populations in conservation areas, as well as individuals that occurred, with lower densities, in linear landscape elements, at two spatial scales. In a re‐inventory of the landscape, after 3 years, both extinctions and colonizations of populations were observed. Contrary to expectations, no differences in genetic diversity between high and low density populations were observed. Both types of populations had relatively high levels of diversity. Overall genetic differentiation (θ) was 0.04 and significantly different from zero (P < 0.01). A significant isolation‐by‐distance pattern was found when all populations were simultaneously analysed (r = 0.24, P = 0.013). Isolation by distance was (marginally) significant at the small scale (r = 0.32, P = 0.06), whereas nonsignificant at the large spatial scale (r = –0.05, P = 0.66). A maximization‐of‐explained‐variance procedure resulted in a threshold distance of 3.5 km above which populations were effectively genetically isolated. An additional partial exclusion Bayesian‐based assignment test showed that overall 32.3% of the individuals were assigned to their population of origin, 48% were assigned to another population in the area and 19.7% were not assigned. Together, these results suggest high levels of gene flow. Seed dispersal contributes to the observed gene flow up to several hundred metres, which is higher than previously modelled using aerodynamic models on seed dispersal of H. radicata. We discuss the consequences of these results for an evaluation of the probability of persistence of this species in the fragmented landscape.
Identifying units for conservation using molecular systematics: the cautionary tale of the Karner blue butterfly
Authors: GOMPERT ZACHARIAH , NICE CHRIS C. , FORDYCE JAMES A. , FORISTER MATTHEW L. , SHAPIRO ARTHUR M.
Published: April 2006

The federally endangered North American Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) and the closely related Melissa blue butterfly (L. m. melissa) can be distinguished based on life history and morphology. Western populations ofL. m. samuelisshare mitochondrial haplotypes withL. m. melissapopulations, while eastern populations ofL. m. samuelishave divergent haplotypes. Here we test two hypotheses concerning the presence ofL. m. melissamitochondrial haplotypes in westernL. m. samuelispopulations: (i) mitochondrial introgression has occurred fromL. m. melissapopulations into westernL. m. samuelispopulations, or (ii) western populations of the nominalL. m. samuelisare more closely related toL. m. melissathan to easternL. m. samuelispopulations, yet are phenotypically similar to the latter. A Bayesian algorithm was used to cluster 190L. melissaindividuals based on 143 informative amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) loci. This method clearly differentiatedL. m. samuelisandL. m. melissa. Thus, genomic divergence was greater between westernL. m. samuelispopulations andL. m. melissapopulations than it was between western and eastern populations ofL. m. samuelis. This supports the hypothesis that the presence ofL. m. melissamitochondrial haplotypes in westernL. m. samuelispopulations is the result of mitochondrial introgression. These data provide valuable information for conservation and management plans for the endangeredL. m. samuelis, and illustrate the risks of using data from a single locus for diagnosing significant units of biodiversity for conservation.