bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Return and Volatility Spillovers Between Large and Small Stocks in the UK
Authors: Harris Richard D. F. , Pisedtasalasai Anirut
Published: June 2006

Abstract:  This paper investigates return and volatility spillover effects between the FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and FTSE Small Cap equity indices using the multivariate GARCH framework. We find that return and volatility transmission mechanisms between large and small stocks in the UK are asymmetric. In particular, there are significant spillover effects in both returns and volatility from the portfolios of larger stocks to the portfolios of smaller stocks. For volatility, there is also evidence of limited feedback from the portfolios of smaller stocks to the portfolios of larger stocks, although sub‐period analysis suggests that this is to some extent period‐specific. Simulation evidence shows that non‐synchronous trading potentially explains some, but not all, of the spillover effects in returns, and that it explains none of the spillover effects in volatility. These results are consistent with a market in which information is first incorporated into the prices of large stocks before being impounded into the prices of small stocks.
On sampling the upper crustal reservoir of the NE Pacific Ocean
Authors: JOHNSON H. P. , BAROSS J. A. , BJORKLUND T. A.
Published: June 2006

The oceanic upper crustal reservoir is a 600‐m thick layer of porous and permeable basaltic rock that forms the uppermost igneous basement underlying the global ocean. Pore spaces within this fluid aquifer contain a significant fraction of the global seawater, and active circulation through this reservoir has profound influence on the chemical composition of the ocean, strongly impacting the biological environment near the sea surface. Because of the relative inaccessibility of the deep seafloor, where hydrothermal fluid discharges and seawater re‐charges the oceanic crustal aquifer, our understanding of the dynamic physical, chemical and biological processes is strongly dependent on our ability to obtain uncontaminated samples from this challenging environment. Recent technological advances have addressed some, but certainly not all of these sampling problems, providing new data and samples that test our current hypotheses about the crustal fluid reservoir. Current scientific interest in the sub‐seafloor biosphere has focused on the uppermost igneous oceanic crust as likely to be one of the most habitable environments, because of its porosity and locus of hydrothermal circulation of chemical nutrients. Recent observations indicate that sub‐seafloor crustal environments harbor novel CO2‐utilizing bacteria (primary producers) that could be a significant source of carbon‐fixation in the ocean, thus broadening possible habitable zones both on Earth and elsewhere where microbial life could exist independent of nutrient input from photosynthesis.
Demyelination secondary to chronic nerve compression injury alters Schmidt–Lanterman incisures
Authors: Berger Brent L. , Gupta Ranjan
Published: June 2006

The role of Schmidt–Lanterman incisures (SLIs) within the myelin sheath remains the subject of much debate. Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between the number of SLIs per internode and internodal width for both normal and pathological myelin internodes. As chronic nerve compression (CNC) injury induces demyelination, we sought to evaluate if CNC injury altered the occurrence of SLIs using nerve‐teasing techniques and light microscopy. Rigorous examination of the teased axons from nerves subjected to CNC injury for 1 month, 2 months or 8 months revealed that there is indeed a positive correlation between the number of SLIs per internode and the internodal width. However, unlike previous studies, the degree of positive correlation between these two parameters was greater in the internodes that had undergone remyelination in response to CNC injury as compared with the internodes from control nerves. These findings support the theory that SLIs are likely to assist in the metabolic processes of the myelin sheath, including growth and maintenance of the myelin sheath.
Post‐embryonic remodelling of neurocranial elements: a comparative study of normal versus abnormal eye migration in a flatfish, the Atlantic halibut
Authors: Sæle Øystein , Silva Nadia , Pittman Karin
Published: June 2006

The process of eye migration in bilaterally symmetrical flatfish larvae starts with asymmetrical growth of the dorsomedial parts of the ethmoid plate together with the frontal bones, structures initially found in a symmetrical position between the eyes. The movement of these structures in the future ocular direction exerts a stretch on the fibroblasts in the connective tissue found between the moving structures and the eye that is to migrate. Secondarily, a dense cell population of fibroblasts ventral to the eye starts to proliferate, possibly cued by the pulling forces exerted by the eye. The increased growth ventral to the eye pushes the eye dorsally. Osteoblasts are deposited in the dense cell layer, forming the dermal part of the lateral ethmoid, and at full eye migration this will cover the area vacated by the migrated eye. When the migrating eye catches up with the previous migrated dermal bones, the frontals, these bones will be remodelled to accommodate the eye. Our findings suggest that a combination of extremely localized signals and more distant factors may impinge upon the outcome of the tissue remodelling. Early normal asymmetry of signalling factors may cascade on a series of events.
The relationship of myocardial bridges to coronary artery dominance in the adult human heart
Authors: Loukas Marios , Curry Brian , Bowers Maggi , Louis Robert G. , Bartczak Artur , Kiedrowski Miroslaw , Kamionek Michal , Fudalej Martin , Wagner Teresa
Published: June 2006

Myocardial bridging is recognized as an anatomical variation of the human coronary circulation in which an epicardial artery lies in the myocardium for part of its course. Thus, the vessel is ‘bridged’ by myocardium. The anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery has been reported as the most common site of myocardial bridges but other locations have been reported. The purpose of this study was to provide more definitive information on the vessels with myocardial bridges, the length and depth of the bridged segment, and the relationship between the presence of bridges and coronary dominance. Two hundred formalin‐fixed human hearts were examined. Myocardial bridges were found in 69 (34.5%) of the hearts with a total of 81 bridges. One bridge was found in 59 of these hearts and multiple bridges were observed in ten (eight with double bridges and two with triple bridges). Bridges were most often found over the anterior interventricular artery (35 hearts). Bridges were also found over the diagonal branch of the left coronary artery (14), over the left marginal branch (five) and over the inferior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery (six). Bridges were also found over the right coronary artery (15 hearts), over the right marginal branch (four) and over the inferior interventricular branch of the right coronary artery (two). The presence of bridges appeared to be related to coronary dominance, especially in the left coronary circulation. Forty‐six (66.6%) of the hearts with bridges were left dominant. Forty‐two of these had bridges over the left coronary circulation and four over the right coronary circulation. Seventeen hearts (24.6%) were right dominant. Eleven of these had bridges over the right coronary circulation and six over the left coronary circulation. The remaining six hearts were co‐dominant with four having bridges over the left coronary circulation and two over the right coronary circulation. The mean length of the bridges was 31 mm and the mean depth was 12 mm. The possible clinical implications of myocardial bridging may vary from protection against atherosclerosis to systolic vessel compression and resultant myocardial ischaemia.
Expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide in the primary lymphoid organs of the duckAnas platyrhynchos
Authors: Squillacioti Caterina , Mirabella Nicola , De Luca Adriana , Paino Giuseppe
Published: June 2006

The expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) was studied in the thymus and bursa of Fabricius of the duckAnas platyrhynchos, at different ages, using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, RT‐PCR and sequencing. In the thymus, PACAP immunoreactivity (‐ir) was found in lymphoid cells. CD68/ and PGP 9.5/PACAP38 double labelling showed that PACAP was not expressed either in macrophages or in epithelial cells, suggesting that the PACAP‐positive cells observed were lymphoid cells. Immunoreactive lymphocytes were observed in the interlobular septa. They increased in number with ageing. In the bursa, PACAP‐ir was found in nerve fibres and in a few lymphoid cells. RT‐PCR revealed PACAP mRNA expression in the thymus but not in the bursa. These results suggest that PACAP plays a role in the functions of the immune system in birds.
Calcium in plant defence‐signalling pathways
Authors: Lecourieux David , Ranjeva Raoul , Pugin Alain
Published: June 2006

In plant cells, the calcium ion is a ubiquitous intracellular second messenger involved in numerous signalling pathways. Variations in the cytosolic concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) couple a large array of signals and responses. Here we concentrate on calcium signalling in plant defence responses, particularly on the generation of the calcium signal and downstream calcium‐dependent events participating in the establishment of defence responses with special reference to calcium‐binding proteins.

Contents

I.
Introduction
250

II.
Increases in free cellular [Ca2+]: an early and key event in plant defence signalling
251

III.
Relationships between [Ca2+]cyt increases and defence‐signalling pathways
256

IV.
Calcium targets involved in plant defence reactions
258

V.
Concluding remarks
262

Acknowledgements
263

References
263
Electrophysiological support for strategic processing of spatial sentences
Authors: Noordzij Matthijs L. , Van Der Lubbe Rob H. J. , Postma Albert
Published: June 2006

The aims of the present EEG study were to distinguish between the various representation options of spatial sentences and to gain insight into the moment at which differences in the processing of spatial sentences arise. To examine the possible existence of different strategies, we used sentence–sentence and sentence–picture verification trials in mixed blocks, whereby the probability of a specific second stimulus was fixed within a block but varied between blocks. Brain activation (slow wave, 550–1100 ms after stimulus onset) linked to parsing spatial sentences (and not nonspatial sentences) occurred at parieto‐occipital regions associated with mental image processing, and only when participants were expecting to compare verbal information to a picture. Therefore, this study provides neuroimaging evidence that different representational formats of spatial sentences arise almost directly when people are reading a spatial sentence.
Diurnal variation of the startle reflex in relation to HPA‐axis activity in humans
Authors: Miller Mark W. , Gronfier Claude
Published: June 2006

Diurnal variation of baseline startle amplitude was examined in 14 normal inpatients on a research unit where behavioral activity and environmental stimuli were highly controlled. We tested a hypothesized association between diurnal variations of salivary cortisol and reflex amplitude by recording acoustic startle eyeblinks shortly before bedtime, when cortisol was near its lowest daily level, and just after awakening, when cortisol was at its peak. Results showed that startle eyeblinks were greater during evening than morning sessions, whereas the opposite was true for cortisol levels. Skin conductance levels and reaction time performance also increased from morning to evening. These findings are consistent with accumulating evidence suggesting a possible link between startle reactivity and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activity, and an association between diurnal variations in endogenous arousal and startle amplitude.
Musical training and language‐related brain electrical activity in children
Authors: Moreno Sylvain , Besson Mireille
Published: June 2006

This experiment aimed at testing whether 8 weeks of musical training affect the ability of 8‐year‐old children to detect pitch changes in language. Twenty nonmusician children listened to linguistic phrases that ended with prosodically congruous words or with weak or strong pitch incongruities. We recorded reaction times, error rates, and event‐related brain potentials to the final words. Half of the children followed music training and the other half painting training, and all children were retested following training. For both groups, the weak incongruity was the most difficult to detect, but performance was not significantly different between groups. However, the amplitude of a late positive component was largest to strong incongruities and was reduced after training only in the music group. These results suggest that a relatively short exposure to pitch processing in music exerts some influence on pitch processing in language.
Cerebral processes during visuo‐motor imagery of hands
Authors: Thayer Zoë C. , Johnson Blake W.
Published: June 2006

We investigated the role of cerebral motor structures during mental hand rotation. Neural activity was measured with event‐related potentials (ERPs) in 16 healthy participants while they performed handedness judgments of visually presented hands. Mental rotation was associated with ERP amplitude modulations as early as 170 ms but most strongly during a time window of about 600–800 ms. Source analysis of ERPs during these time windows indicated generators in bilateral extrastriate and parietal cortices. The results do not support a direct involvement of anterior motor cortices in the neural computations underlying mental rotation. However, motor regions may play a role in providing ongoing kinaesthetic feedback during mental rotation or in checking the results of the imagined transformation.
A comparative validation of sympathetic reactivity in children and adults
Authors: Quigley Karen S. , Stifter Cynthia A.
Published: June 2006

This study provides comparative data on cardiac reactivity to common laboratory tasks in preschool children (ages 4.5–5.5 years) and young adults. We used a series of tasks (an emotionally evocative video, interview, reaction time task, and cold forehead pressor) to examine whether pre‐ejection period, a common estimate of sympathetic cardiac activity in adults, provides a comparable measure of sympathetic reactivity to these tasks in preschool children. Our results demonstrate that the cardiac reactivity (pre‐ejection period, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and heart period) to such tasks in children and young adults is similar, but with smaller sympathetic reactivity in children. The consistency of the reactivity across tasks within individuals and consistency of reactivity across children and young adults suggests that pre‐ejection period is a reasonable estimate of sympathetic activity in children.
Systolic inhibition of nociceptive responding is moderated by arousal
Authors: McIntyre David , Edwards Louisa , Ring Christopher , Parvin Becky , Carroll Douglas
Published: June 2006

Inhibition of the nociceptive flexion reflex during systole could be due to activation of the arterial baroreceptors. Physiological arousal, characterized by raised blood pressure, increases afferent activity from the arterial baroreceptors but attenuates the baroreflex. This study examined the effects of arousal on systolic inhibition of the nociceptive flexion reflex in 38 adults. The threshold current to elicit the reflex in the leg was determined, and participants were stimulated at threshold intensity for 12 trials in two conditions: rest (low arousal) and mental arithmetic (high arousal). In each trial, stimulation was delivered 0 ms, 300 ms, or 600 ms after the R‐wave of the electrocardiogram. Nociceptive responding was inhibited for stimulation at 300 ms after the R‐wave during rest but not mental arithmetic. This moderation of systolic inhibition of nociception could be due to attenuation of the baroreflex with increased arousal.
P50 sensitivity to physical and psychological state influences
Authors: White Patricia M. , Yee Cindy M.
Published: June 2006

Although P50 is described as a largely preattentive process, increasing evidence suggests that the psychological state of a participant may influence P50 and its suppression. A paired‐stimulus paradigm was used to examine the contributions of variability in stimulus parameters and state factors, such as expectancy and vigilance, on P50. Results obtained from 34 healthy subjects indicate that stimulus intensity and background stimulus intensity influenced P50 amplitude whereas stimulus duration had no significant impact. Importantly, P50 suppression varied with fluctuations in P50 amplitude to the first stimulus, and both P50 and its suppression reflected possible declines in attention or vigilance over the course of the session. Findings from this study suggest that P50 is not entirely preattentional and may reflect the psychological state of a participant. Implications of these results for research with schizophrenia patients are discussed.
Effects of chronic trimetazidine treatment on myocardial preconditioning in anesthetized rats
Authors: Kara Ali F. , Demiryürek Şeniz , Çelik Ahmet , Tarakçıoğlu Mehmet , Demiryürek Abdullah T.
Published: June 2006

Trimetazidine is a widely used anti‐ischemic agent, but effects of its chronic treatment on myocardial preconditioning in anesthetized animals have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 15‐day treatment of trimetazidine on ischemic preconditioning and carbachol‐induced preconditioning in anesthetized rats. Ischemic preconditioning, induced by 5 min of coronary artery occlusion and 5 min of reperfusion, significantly decreased the total number of ventricular ectopic beats, the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and abolished the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) during 30 min of ischemia. Trimetazidine (10 mg/kg/day, i.p. for 15 days and 10 mg/kg, i.v.) itself attenuated these arrhythmia parameters with no marked effect on hemodynamic effects. In the presence of trimetazidine, anti‐arrhythmic effects of ischemic preconditioning were present. Carbachol infusion induced preconditioning with a marked depression of mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate and the total number of ventricular ectopic beats. No VF was observed in carbachol‐induced preconditioning. The marked reductions in arrhythmia parameters that induced carbachol‐induced preconditioning were also preserved in the presence of trimetazidine. Arrhythmia scores and myocardial infarct size were reduced significantly with ischemic preconditioning or carbachol‐induced preconditioning and were not modified by trimetazidine. Lactate and malondialdehyde levels were suppressed significantly with preconditioning or trimetazidine + preconditioning groups. These results show that chronic treatment of trimetazidine protects the heart against ischemia‐induced arrhythmias, reduces myocardial infarct size, plasma lactate and malondialdehyde levels, and preserves the effects of ischemic and pharmacological preconditioning in anesthetized rats.
Comparison of two epoetin brands in anemic hemodialysis patients: results of two efficacy trials and a single‐dose pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Milutinović Slobodan , Plavljanić Ðuro , Trkulja Vladimir
Published: June 2006

Epoetin alpha is recombinant human erythropoietin with established efficacy and safety in the treatment of renal anemia. Epoetin omega is recombinant erythropoietin that differs from epoetin alpha in the sugar moiety. We compared the two epoetins in two 12‐week efficacy studies (S1, S2) with twice‐weekly dosing, and a single‐dose crossover pharmacokinetic (PK) study in severely anemic hemodialysis patients. Epoetins were delivered subcutaneously in all studies. S1 was randomized (omega n = 39, alpha n = 38), while S2 included the patients from S1 (omega n = 32, alpha n = 24) with ‘switched’ treatments (omega⇆alpha). In the intent‐to‐treat analysis, average weekly difference in hemoglobin vs. the baseline value was higher in omega‐treated patients in both studies: 1.94 ± 0.81 vs. 1.23 ± 0.62 g/dL in S1 and 1.44 ± 0.72 vs. 0.95 ± 0.62 g/dL in S2. The unadjusted and adjusted omega–alpha differences in S1 were 0.71 g/dL (95% CI 0.38–1.04; P < 0.001) and 0.78 g/dL (95% CI 0.49–1.08; P < 0.001), respectively. Differences in S2 were 0.48 g/dL (95% CI 0.11–0.86; P = 0.012) and 0.46 g/dL (95% CI 0.1–0.82; P = 0.025), unadjusted and adjusted, respectively. Average weekly epoetin dose was lower in the omega groups in both studies: 87 ± 25 vs. 108 ± 21 IU/kg in S1 and 106 ± 25 vs. 125 ± 20 IU/kg in S2. The unadjusted and adjusted omega–alpha differences in S1 were −21 IU/kg (95% CI −32 to −11; P < 0.001) and −24 IU/kg (95% CI −35 to −13; P < 0.001), respectively. Differences in S2 were −19 IU/kg (95% CI −31 to −6; P = 0.006) and −15 IU/kg (95% CI −28 to −2; P = 0.04), unadjusted and adjusted, respectively. In the PK study (n = 17), the peak and total exposure to epoetin after 50 IU/kg of either drug was approximately twice greater for epoetin omega: Cmax omega/alpha 2.19 (95% CI 1.55–3.11), AUC omega/alpha 2.24 (95% CI 1.64–3.06). Epoetins were comparably well tolerated. In hemodialysis patients, subcutaneous epoetin omega apparently provides greater bioavailability and anti‐anemic effect per administered dose (IU) than epoetin alpha.
Points of view and blind spots: ELF and SLA
Authors: Jenkins Jennifer
Published: June 2006

Despite far‐reaching changes in the English‐speaking world along with serious critiques of the traditional premises of SLA research, little has changed in the way English is taught to its second language learners. In line with mainstream SLA's view of English learners from the expanding circle as learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), English is still taught as though the primary need of learners is to be able to communicate with its native speakers, and with the assumption that correct English is either Standard British or Standard American English. This article argues that mainstream SLA research can no longer afford to ignore the massive growth in the use of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), highlights the irrelevance for ELF of concepts such as interlanguage and fossilization, and explores the extent to which a number of alternative perspectives offer greater promise for ELF. It concludes by making a case for ELF as neither EFL nor (failed) native English but as occupying a legitimate third space of its own.
Currents and eddies in the discourse of assessment: a learning‐focused interpretation1
Authors: Rea‐Dickins Pauline
Published: June 2006

This article explores processes of classroom assessment, in particular ways in which learners using English as an additional language engage in formative assessment within a primary school setting. Transcript evidence of teacher and learner interactions during activities viewed by teachers as formative or summative assessment opportunities are presented as the basis for an analysis of teacher feedback, learner responses to this feedback, as well as learner‐initiated talk. The analyses suggest that there are different teacher orientations within assessment and highlight the potential that assessment dialogues might offer for assessment as a resource for language learning, thus situating this work at the interface between assessment and second language acquisition. The article also questions the extent to which learners are aware of the different assessment purposes embedded within instruction.
Book Reviews
Authors: Hernández‐Campoy J.M. , Vassileva Irena , Tosi Arturo , Hüllen Werner , Byram Michael , Čarapić Aleksandar , Deterding David , Field John , Cook Guy
Published: June 2006

Carmen Fought (ed.), 2004, Sociolinguistic Variation: Critical Reflections. Oxford Studies in Sociolinguistics. New York: Oxford University Press, xv + 214 pages, ISBN 0‐19‐517039‐3 (hbk)

Diana Yankova, 2004, Legal Language Made Simple: Statutory Provisions in English and Bulgarian. Sofia: Tip‐Top Press, 189 pages, ISBN: 954‐8964‐60‐0

Gunilla Anderman and Margaret Rogers (eds.), 2005, In and Out of English: For Better, For Worse? Clevedon/Buffalo/Toronto: Multilingual Matters, 303 pages, ISBN 1‐85359‐788‐0 (hbk), ISBN 1‐85359‐787‐2 (pbk)

Ulrich Ammon et al., 2004, Variantenwörterbuch des Deutschen. Die Standardsprache in Österreich, der Schweiz und Deutschland sowie in Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Ostbelgien und Südtirol. Berlin/New York: Walter de Gruyter, LXXV + 954 pages, ISBN 3‐11‐016574‐0

Werner Hüllen, 2005, Kleine Geschichte des Fremdsprachenlernens. Berlin: Erich Schmidt Verlag, 184 pages, ISBN 3‐503‐07946‐7

Helena Halmari and Tuija Virtanen (eds.), 2005, Persuasion Across Genres: A linguistic approach. Amsterdam/New York: John Benjamins, viii + 257 pages, ISBN: 90‐272‐5373‐0 (EUR), 1‐5811‐588‐7 (US)

Michael Ashby and John Maidment, 2005, Introducing Phonetic Science. Cambridge Introductions to Language and Linguistics. Cambridge University Press, viii + 222 pages, ISBN: 0‐521‐00496‐9

Ewa Da̧browska, 2004, Language, Mind and Brain. Edinburgh University Press, 280 pages, ISBN 0‐7486‐1475‐3 (pbk), 0‐7486‐1475‐5 (hbk)

Response to Kumiko Murata's review of Genetically Modified Language
Shaky attachments: Individual‐level stability and change of partisanship among West German voters, 1984–2001
Authors: SCHMITT‐BECK RÜDIGER , WEICK STEFAN , CHRISTOPH BERNHARD
Published: June 2006

Abstract.  Individual voters’ identification with a political party is believed to be a highly stable core of the political personality, and an ‘unmoved mover’ of political behaviour. In this article, the authors take advantage of a unique longitudinal database – the German Socio‐Economic Panel (GSOEP) – to test the basic premise of partisanship's high persistence. Analysing individual‐level data from 18 annual panel waves conducted in West Germany between 1984 and 2001, it was found that only a minority of the electorate appears steadfast with regard to partisanship over the entire period. Using event history analysis, the authors demonstrate how movements from partisanship into independence and changes between parties are affected by: personal attributes of voters, especially cognitive mobilisation; by properties of their social contexts, in particular spousal relationships and family constellations; by situational contexts, specifically election campaigns; and by the type of party with which voters identify.
Does a public sphere exist in the European Union? An analysis of the content of the debate on the Haider case
Authors: VAN DE STEEG MARIANNE
Published: June 2006

Abstract.  This article sets out how the public sphere can be studied through an analysis of the content of a specific debate. A public discourse can be said to pertain to a European Union‐wide public sphere where the discourse within the EU is significantly different from that developed in non‐EU countries, where such differences are not nationally defined, and where the debates in individual newspapers (which provide the fora for a public sphere) should be connected on the basis of some underlying factors. These conditions are tested with a quantitative analysis of the newspaper debate in 1999 and 2000 on the sanctions of the EU‐14 against Austria. To the extent that the conditions are found, it can be concluded that there exists a European public opinion. The objective of studying this specific case is to demonstrate that, as far as an EU issue is concerned, there are already signs of an EU transnational political community.
Morphological variation in relation to flower use in bumblebees
Authors: INOUE Maki N. , YOKOYAMA Jun
Published: June 2006

To understand resource partitioning in a bumblebee community, we analyzed various morphological characters. A total of 1269 individuals of six bumblebee species, Bombus ardens, B. hypocrita, B. diversus, B. ignitus, B. honshuensis and B. beaticola, were examined and principal component analysis showed that the bumblebee species were clearly differentiated. Glossa, prementa and head lengths were positively correlated with the second component, and a longer proboscis was associated with a narrower body, which may help bees to intrude into and access deep‐lying nectar sources. Bombus diversus, with a long proboscis and narrow body, preferred flowers with a long corolla tube, whereas B. hypocrita and B. ignitus, which have short proboscises and wide bodies, visited flowers with short corollas or dish‐shaped flowers. Two pairs of consubgeneric species that have similar morphological characteristics, B. ardens and B. beaticola, and B. hypocrita and B. ignitus, divided flower resources by habitat selection and seasonal partitioning. For resource partitioning among bumblebee species, not only morphology but also other factors, such as habitat and seasonal preference, flower use, foraging behavior, and interspecific interactions, are responsible.
Japanese oak silkmoth feeding preference for and performance on upper‐crown and lower‐crown leaves
Authors: OISHI Masako , YOKOTA Taketo , TERAMOTO Noriyuki , SATO Hiroaki
Published: June 2006

We quantified differences in leaf traits between upper and lower crowns of a deciduous oak, Quercus acutissima, and examined feeding preference, consumption and performance of the Japanese oak silkmoth, Antheraea yamamai, for those leaves. Upper‐crown leaves had significantly smaller area, larger dry mass per area, greater thickness, lower water content, higher nitrogen content and a higher N/C ratio than lower‐crown leaves. When simultaneously offered upper‐crown and lower‐crown leaves, moth larvae consumed a significantly larger amount of the former. However, when fed with either upper‐crown or lower‐crown leaves (no choice), they consumed a significantly larger amount of the latter. Female larvae reared on upper‐crown leaves had a significantly smaller fresh weight, but attained a significantly larger pupal fresh and dry weight, with a significantly higher relative growth rate than those on lower‐crown leaves. Although, like female larvae, male larvae had a significantly smaller fresh weight when reared on upper‐crown leaves, they had a significantly larger value only for pupal dry weight. These results suggest that: (i) larvae ingest a greater amount of lower‐crown leaves to compensate for the lower nitrogen content of the foliage, resulting in having an excess of water because of the higher water content of the foliage; (ii) feeding preference for upper‐crown leaves accords with better performance (with respect to dry pupal weight and relative growth rate) on the foliage; (iii) better performance is explained by a higher nitrogen content and N/C ratio of the upper‐crown foliage; and (iv) the effects of leaf quality on performance differ between sexes.
A revision of the Zygothrica samoaensis species group (Diptera: Drosophilidae), with division into three species subgroups and description of five new species
Authors: PRIGENT Stéphane R. , TODA Masanori J.
Published: June 2006

This revision deals with the Zygothrica samoaensis species group, which includes 15 species, five of which are described as new to science. Two synonymies are proposed: Z. vietnamensis Grimaldi, 1990, as a junior synonym of Z. flavofinira Takada, 1976, and Z. britannia Grimaldi, 1990, as a junior synonym of Z. malaysiana Grimaldi, 1990. The samoaensis group is divided into three species subgroups: (i) the samoaensis subgroup, consisting of nine species, including a new species, Z. australiaensis sp. nov.; (ii) the fijiana subgroup of Z. fijiana Takada, 1976, and two new species, Z. triscutellaris sp. nov. and Z. bicornigera sp. nov.; and (iii) the leptorostra subgroup of Z. leptorostra Grimaldi, 1990, and two new species, Z. pimacula sp. nov. and Z. quintamaculata sp. nov. Supplementary information on geographic distribution is provided for some species, as well as a key to all species of the samoaensis group. Zygothrica kokodana Grimaldi, 1990, and Z. paleovitta Grimaldi, 1990, have closer affinity with the hirticornis and the quadrivittata species groups, respectively, and so are moved to the corresponding genus Hirtodrosophila.
Eulophine parasitoids of the genus Trichospilus in Indonesia, with the description of two new species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: UBAIDILLAH Rosichon
Published: June 2006

Two new species of the parasitoid wasp genus Trichospilus (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae: Eulophinae) are described from Java and Sulawesi, Indonesia. A key to all species of Trichospilus worldwide is provided.
Synopsis of the bee genus Coelioxys Latreille (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) of Japan, with description of a new species
Authors: NAGASE Hirohiko
Published: June 2006

Japanese species of the bee genus Coelioxys are reviewed, and 10 species in three subgenera are recognized: C. (Torridapis) fenestrata Smith, 1873, C. (T) ducalisSmith, 1853; C. (Allocoelioxys) formosicola Strand, 1913, C. (Boreocoelioxys) yanonis Matsumura, 1912, C. (B) hiroba Nagase, 2003, C. (B) hosoba Nagase, 2003, C. (B) inermisKirby, 1802, C. (B) alataFoerster, 1853, C. (B) rufescens Lepeletier & Serville, 1825, and C. (B) sakamotorum sp. nov. The lectotype of C. yanonis is designated. Coelioxys suisharyonis Strand, 1913, and C. hakonensisCockerell, 1919, are synonymized with C. yanonis, and C. taiwanensis Cockerell, 1927 is synonymized with C. formosicola. Supplementary descriptions are provided for C. yanonis, C. formosicola, C. hiroba and C. hosoba. Records of host bees are reviewed. A key to Japanese species is presented.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: An uncommon but serious complication of heparin use in renal replacement therapy
Authors: CHARIF Rawya , DAVENPORT Andrew
Published: June 2006

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an uncommon but potentially life‐threatening complication of heparin therapy. Hemodialysis and hemofiltration patients are regularly exposed to heparin, which is used for extracorporeal anticoagulation. Type II HIT (HIT‐II) is the rarer immune‐mediated form and is of huge clinical significance. The clinical manifestation of HIT‐II is characteristically with venous and arterial thrombotic events. However, systemic and pulmonary reactions have been reported. Type II HIT is due to antibodies to the heparin‐platelet factor 4 complex, which induce a cascade of events leading to thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. Nowadays, with increasing availability of functional and immunoassay tests for HIT‐associated antibodies, HIT diagnosis can be confirmed more readily. Hence, it is important to rapidly recognize, diagnose, and manage this syndrome early in hemodialysis patients with thrombocytopenia to avoid serious consequences resulting in morbidity and mortality. We report a case of HIT‐II manifesting atypically as a “pseudopulmonary embolus” in a hemodialysis patient and discuss the clinical management of HIT.
Management of hypertension in hemodialysis patients
Authors: AGARWAL Rajiv
Published: June 2006

The relationship of hypertension with adverse outcomes is uncertain in the hemodialysis population. If hypertension is an etiologically significant cardiovascular risk factor in hemodialysis patients, the first step would be to assess the level of BP accurately. BP obtained at home over a week and averaged using a validated oscillometric automatic device can prove valuable. To the extent BP lowering influences cardiovascular outcomes, home BP of 150/90mm Hg would warrant therapy, since it correlates with target organ damage and hypertension diagnosed by ambulatory BP monitoring. To manage hypertension, limiting dietary sodium intake and individualizing dialysate sodium delivery would be first steps. The magnitude of reduction in BP with dietary sodium restriction and the whether dialysate sodium can be safely limited in those who are hypotension‐prone is unclear. Antihypertensive drug therapies can effectively reduce BP and are needed by the vast majority of hemodialysis patients. Whether control of hypertension translates into better outcomes is not known, but collective evidence suggests that hypertension should be controlled in hemodialysis patients.
The International Quotidian Dialysis Registry: Annual report 2006
Authors: NESRALLAH Gihad E. , SURI Rita S. , ZOLLER Rezső , GARG Amit X. , MOIST Louise M. , LINDSAY Robert M.
Published: June 2006

Interest in short daily and nocturnal hemodialysis (HD) regimens continues to grow worldwide. Despite growing optimism that these therapies will afford better patient outcomes over conventional HD, the current literature has not been viewed as sufficiently compelling to affect widespread implementation in most jurisdictions. Before these therapies can gain wider acceptance, larger and more rigorous studies will likely be needed. In June 2004, the Quotidian Dialysis Registry, based at the Lawson Health Research Institute at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, began recruiting patients across North America. By using an Internet‐based data entry platform, patients from various centers worldwide will eventually be recruited, and studied prospectively. This paper constitutes the second annual update on patient and center recruitment, patient and treatment characteristics, and future directions for the registry.
Acute hemolysis with acute renal failure in a patient with valproic acid poisoning treated with charcoal hemoperfusion
Authors: RAHMAN Mohammed H. , HAQQIE Syed S. , McGOLDRICK M. Donald
Published: June 2006

Hemoperfusion consists of the passage of anticoagulated blood through a column containing adsorbent particles. It was introduced in 1940 and refined from 1950 to 1970, and then introduced clinically for the treatment of acute intoxications between 1970 and 1980. Life‐threatening valproic acid toxicity is an indication for coated charcoal hemoperfusion usually accomplished without complications, but we report a case of acute severe intravascular hemolysis during the time of hemoperfusion with coated charcoal column.
Effect of improvement in anemia on electroneurophysiological markers (P300) of cognitive dysfunction in chronic kidney disease
Authors: SINGH Narinder P. , SAHNI Vaibhav , WADHWA Anshul , GARG Sandeep , BAJAJ Satish K. , KOHLI Rajeev , AGARWAL Satish K.
Published: June 2006

Our aim is to study the effect of improvement in anemia on event‐related potentials (ERPs; P300) as markers of cognitive dysfunction in predialysis and dialysis patients of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thirty anemic patients of CKD (hemoglobin [Hb]<9 g%), 15 in the predialysis group (Group A), and 15 patients on biweekly hemodialysis (Group B) were recruited for the study. Patients of uremic encephalopathy, dyselectrolytemia, and those with hearing problems were excluded. Both groups were given recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) 100 IU/kg biweekly for 6 weeks by the subcutaneous route. No intervention was performed in the third control group (Group C), which consisted of 30 normal healthy volunteers. The improvement in Hb was assessed every 2 weeks, and the amplitude and latency of the P300 component of the ERPs were studied before initiating treatment and after 6 weeks of rhuEPO administration. There was a significant increase in Hb in both the study groups without any significant alteration in kidney functions. A significant reduction in P300 latency was noted in both the study groups after intervention. Similarly, the amplitude of P300 also increased in both study groups, but attained statistical significance for the dialysis group only. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Administration of EPO in patients of anemia with CKD resulted in a significant improvement in the electrophysiological markers of cognitive function in the form of increased amplitudes and decreased latencies of P300 in both predialysis and dialysis patients.
Quality of life in chronic hemodialysis patients in Russia
Authors: VASILIEVA Irina A.
Published: June 2006

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to compare health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of Russian hemodialysis (HD) patients with the general population and international data, and to determine factors influencing HRQOL. One thousand forty‐seven HD patients from 6 dialysis centers were studied (576 male, age 43.5±12.5 years, HD duration 55.0±47.2 months). Health‐related quality of life was evaluated by SF‐36. Self‐appraisal Depression Scale (W. Zung), State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Level of Neurotic Asthenia Scale were used. Hemodialysis patients scored significantly lower than the general Russian population in the majority of SF‐36 scales. The only exception was the Mental Health score, which was even better than the general population. The Mean physical component score (PCS) of HD patients was 36.9±9.7, and the mental component score was (MCS) 44.2±10.5. In multiple linear regression analysis, increasing age, HD duration, depression level and number of days of hospitalization in the past 6 months were significant independent predictors of low PCS along with a low level of serum albumin. Advancing age was also a predictive factor for low MCS along with increase of HD duration, depression level, trait anxiety, and level of asthenia. As far as we know, this is the first study to report on HRQOL of a large sample of Russian HD patients performed using SF‐36. Compared with the general population, Russian HD patients had significantly lower scores on the majority of SF‐36 scales, especially in the physical domain. The mean PCS and MCS were comparable with European data for HD patients. A number of demographic, clinical, and psychological variables affect HRQOL.
Calcium phosphate metabolism and bone mineral density with nocturnal hemodialysis
Authors: TOUSSAINT Nigel , BODDINGTON Janeane , SIMMONDS Rosemary , WALDRON Claire , SOMERVILLE Christine , AGAR John
Published: June 2006

An elevated calcium × phosphate product (Ca × P) is an independent risk factor for vascular calcification and cardiovascular death in dialysis patients. More physiological dialysis in patients undergoing nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) has been shown to produce biochemical advantages compared with conventional hemodialysis (CHD) including superior phosphate (P) control. Benefits of dialysate with greater calcium (Ca) concentration are also reported in NHD to prevent Ca depletion and subsequent hyperparathyroidism, but there are concerns that a higher dialysate Ca concentration may contribute to raised serum Ca levels and greater Ca × P and vascular disease. The NHD program at our unit has been established for 4 years, and we retrospectively analyzed Ca and P metabolism in patients undergoing NHD (8–9 h/night, 6 nights/week). Our cohort consists of 11 patients, mean age 49.3 years, who had been on NHD for a minimum of 12 months, mean 34.3 months. Commencement was with low‐flux (LF) NHD and 1.5 mmol/L Ca dialysate concentration, with conversion to high‐flux (HF) dialyzers after a period (mean duration 18.7 months). We compared predialysis serum albumin, intact parathyroid hormone, P, total corrected Ca, and Ca × P at baseline on CHD, after conversion to LF NHD and during HF NHD. We also prospectively measured bone mineral density (BMD) on all patients entering the NHD program. Bone densitometry (DEXA) scans were performed at baseline (on CHD) and yearly after commencement of NHD. With the introduction of HF dialyzers, the Ca dialysate concentration was concurrently raised to 1.75 mmol/L after demonstration on DEXA scans of worsening osteopenia. Analysis of BMD, for all parameters, revealed a decrease over the first 12 to 24 months (N=11). When the dialysate Ca bath was increased, the median T and Z scores subsequently increased (data at 3 years, N=6). The mean predialysis P levels were significantly lower on LF NHD vs. CHD (1.51 vs. 1.77 mmol/L, p=0.014), while on HF NHD P was lower again (1.33 mmol/L, p=0.001 vs. CHD). Predialysis Ca levels decreased with conversion from CHD to LF NHD (2.58 vs. 2.47 mmol/L, p=0.018) using a 1.5 mmol/L dialysate Ca concentration. The mean Ca × P on CHD was 4.56 compared with a significant reduction of 3.74 on LF NHD (p=0.006) and 3.28 on HF NHD (p=0.001 vs. CHD), despite the higher dialysate Ca in the latter. We conclude that an elevated dialysate Ca concentration is required to prevent osteopenia. With concerns that prolonged higher Ca levels contribute to increased cardiovascular mortality, the optimal Ca dialysate bath is still unknown. Better P control on NHD, however, reduces the overall Ca × P, despite the increased Ca concentration, therefore reducing the risk of vascular calcification.
Cardiac response to hemodialysis with different cardiovascular tolerance: Heart rate variability and QT interval analysis
Authors: SEVERI Stefano , CIANDRINI Andrea , GRANDI Eleonora , CAVALCANTI Silvio , BINI Stefano , BADIALI Fabio , GATTIANI Andrea , CAGNOLI Leonardo
Published: June 2006

A therapy‐specific worsening of cardiovascular stability during bicarbonate dialysis (BD) with respect to acetate‐free biofiltration (AFB) have been previously reported. We further investigated the impact of the 2 therapies on electrocardiographic parameters in order to gain novel insight into the cardiac responses. Holter ECG acquired during hypotension‐free sessions (12 BD+12 AFB) were retrospectively analyzed. R–R intervals were extracted from ECG recordings. An autoregressive spectral technique was used to compute low‐ and high‐frequency (LF and HF) components of heart rate variability (HRV). QT interval duration was measured with a computer‐assisted technique and corrected for HR. In BD the LF component of HRV after an initial increase was slowly depressed with respect to AFB (p<0.05). QT duration showed a significant (p<0.01) hemodialysis‐induced reduction. QT shortening was more pronounced (p<0.05) in BD than in AFB (−31 vs. −10 ms), even after correction for HR (p<0.05). Cardiac electrical activity is significantly affected by the hemodialysis technique. The decrease in the LF component of HRV and the QT shortening are coherent with the worse cardiovascular tolerance observed in BD and with the hypothesis of an enhanced production of endogenous nitric oxide.
Progressive resistance training during hemodialysis: Rationale and method of a randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: CHEEMA Birinder S. B. , O'SULLIVAN Anthony J. , CHAN Maria , PATWARDHAN Aditi , KELLY John , GILLIN Adrian , FIATARONE SINGH Maria A.
Published: June 2006

Skeletal muscle wasting in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) has been well documented. The rationale for prescribing progressive resistance training (PRT) in this cohort in an attempt to reverse this catabolism and induce a wide spectrum of physiological, functional, and psychological health‐related adaptations is extremely strong. Unfortunately, the barriers to exercise adoption in this cohort are many, which may explain the persisting sedentariness of this population and the lack of widespread clinical programs such as are now commonplace in cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation units. Current health care practices for HD patients do not address the negative health issues of inactivity and muscle wasting. Therefore, we conducted the first randomized‐controlled trial to prescribe PRT during maintenance HD treatment. The purpose of this paper is to present the rationale and methodology that we utilized for implementing intradialytic PRT in a conventional outpatient HD clinic. Potential areas for modification of PRT regimens in this setting are also presented.