On the limitations of comparing mean square forecast errors

Linear models are invariant under non-singular, scale-preserving linear transformations, whereas mean square forecast errors (MSFEs) are not. Different rankings may result across models or methods from choosing alternative yet isomorphic representations of a process. One approach can dominate others for comparisons in levels, yet lose to another for differences, to a second for cointegrating vectors and to a third for combinations of variables. The potential for switches in ranking is related to criticisms of the inadequacy of MSFE against encompassing criteria, which are invariant under linear transforms and entail MSFE dominance. An invariant evaluation criterion which avoids misleading outcomes is examined in a Monte Carlo study of forecasting methods.     

Notable diversity in hemoglobin expression patterns among species of the deep-sea clam, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calyptogena</Emphasis>

The deep-sea clams Calyptogena nautilei and C. tsubasa, which live in the cold-seep area at a depth of 3570 m in the Nankai Trough, Japan, have abundant hemoglobins (Hbs) in erythrocytes, similar to other Calyptogena species. We determined the cDNA-derived amino acid sequences of Hbs from two Calyptogena species. C. tsubasa was found to contain two dimeric Hbs, Hb I consisting of 145 amino acid residues and Hb II with 137 residues, similar to known Hbs from C. soyoae and C. kaikoi. Sequence identity was over 90% among the orthologous chains of Calyptogena Hbs. On the other hand, surprisingly, C. nautilei contained two monomeric Hbs, Hb III containing 141 residues and Hb IV with 134 residues. In addition, Hbs III and IV showed only 33–42% sequence identity with Hbs I and II from other Calyptogena species. The distal (E7) histidine, one of the functionally important residues of the heme protein, is replaced by glutamine in all Hb chains of Calyptogena species. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. nautilei Hb III is closer to Hb I from other Calyptogena species. We suppose that a Hb gene was duplicated at least three times in an immediate ancestor of Calyptogena and, presumably depending on physiological conditions different Hb sets are being expressed: dimeric Hbs I and II in C. soyoae, C. kaikoi and C. tsubasa, and monomeric Hbs III and IV in C. nautilei. Received 13 May 2003; received after revision 5 June 2003; accepted 12 June 2003     

管道油流携水系统的界面分布

成品油管道低洼处积水引起的腐蚀产物堵塞管道事故严重威胁管道的正常运行,为研究管道中油流携水作用机制,从试验、理论两个角度对油流携水系统的特性进行研究。以柴油和水为介质,在内径27 mm的水平-上倾管流试验系统上对上倾管段0.5 m位置处的出水量以及临界油相流量(出水量不为零时的最小油相流量)进行测量,同时根据试验模型,基于油水两相动量方程和光滑分层流稳定的条件,建立水相厚度梯度的计算模型,对水平测试段中相界面分布进行分析,对出水量以及临界油相流量进行预测。结果表明:新模型能很好地预测两参数的变化;在油流携水系统中,油相处于层流状态时,建立的水相厚度梯度模型能很好地预测相界面分布。     

Direct relationship between urinary prostaglandin E and sodium excretion in essential hypertensive patients

Summary Urinary prostaglandins (PGEs and PGFs), sodium and potassium were measured in 17 essentially hypertensive patients. Significant positive correlations were found between a) PGEs secreted in 24 h and sodium excreted in 24 h, b) the ratio PGEs/U_NaV before and PGEs/U_NaV after volume expansion and c) the ratio Na/K and urinary PGEs. It was suggested that renal PGEs, potent natriuretic and diuretic substances, play an important homeostatic role in the extracellular fluid regulation, and consequently in long-term control of the arterial blood pressure.     

Overwintering ofChymomyza amoena larvae in apples in Michigan and preliminary studies on the mechanism of cold hardiness

Summary Chymomyza amoena, a member of the family Drosophilidae, is now breeding in fallen apples in the state of Michigan.C. amoena larvae can overwinter in fallen apples, completing development and emerging as adults in the summer. Cold resistance during the overwintering phase may not depend upon the accumulation of glycerol or other sugar alcohols.     

Age-dependent response of lactate dehydrogenase of pituitary of rat to testosterone

Summary The effects of time and various doses of testosterone on the responsiveness of lactate dehydrogenase of pituitary of 7-, 38- and 78-week-old rats were studied. The activity of the enzyme increases in 78-week-old rats. Castration decreases the enzyme activity at all ages. Maximum increase in the enzyme activity is seen with 50 and 100 g of testosterone 4 h after administration of hormone to castrated rats. No further time and dose-dependent effect is observed. The magnitude of increase for the enzyme is higher at the age of 38 weeks and decreases in 78-week-old rats.To whom all correspondence should be addressed. The authors are grateful to Professor M.S. Kanungo, Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University for the suggestions and encouragement. K.V.G. thanks the PL-480 for a research fellowship.     

Effect of physical exercise on the specific activity of carbonic anhydrase isozyme in human erythrocytes

Summary Significant decreases in the levels of both carbonic anhydrase type B and total esterase activity of human erythrocytes were observed after physical exercise (bicycle ergometer, 150 W for 30 min). Since carbonic anhydrase B-dependent esterase activity likewise decreased, the decrease in the total esterase activity would be caused by the decrease of carbonic anhydrase B activity. The specific activity of carbonic anhydrase B tended to decrease after the exercise. On the other hand no such effects were noted for carbonic anhydrase type C.