bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Filipino version of Kidney Disease Quality of Life – Short Form (KDQOL‐SF version 1.3)
Authors: BATACLAN ROMMEL P , DIAL MA ANTONIETTA D 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY:Aim:  Chronic kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death among Filipinos. Those with chronic kidney disease are exposed to stressors which effect their daily lives. Therefore, assessment of health‐related quality of life is important in these patients. The objective of the present study was to translate the Kidney Disease Quality of Life – Short Form version 1.3 (KDQOL‐SF ver. 1.3) into Filipino and measure its validity and reliability.Methods:  Translation and cultural adaptation began with two translations into Filipino, with reconciliation of the forward translators. Pretesting with 10 renal patients, review by experts (nephrologist, translator and dialysis nurse) and back‐translation was also done. The final questionnaire was administered to 80 patients with chronic renal disease undergoing haemodialysis for at least 3 months, who could understand Filipino, and were without life‐threatening or terminal conditions at the time of the test. A convenience sample of 30 patients from the group had a repeat test 10–14 days after to determine test–retest reliability. Test–retest reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and internal consistency reliability was measured by determining the Cronbach's α value. Validity was measured using Pearson's correlation between the overall health rating scale and the items from the questionnaire.Results:  All of the items showed good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.40), ranging from 0.58 (social interaction) to 0.98 (role – emotional). Internal consistency reliability values were acceptable, with Cronbach's α ranging from 0.60 (cognitive function) to 0.80 (physical functioning and role – physical). Regarding construct validity, overall health rating in kidney disease‐targeted scales was significantly correlated with symptoms/problems, effects of kidney disease and burden of kidney disease. All items in the SF 36 scales had significant correlation with overall health rating (P < 0.05) except for role – emotional.Conclusion:  The Filipino version of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life – Short Form can be used to evaluate the health‐related quality of life of Filipinos with chronic renal disease on haemodialysis.
Estimating demographic models for the range dynamics of plant species
Authors: Cabral Juliano S. , Schurr Frank M. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTAims  To better understand how demographic processes shape the range dynamics of woody plants (in this case, Proteaceae), we introduce a likelihood framework for fitting process‐based models of range dynamics to spatial abundance data.Location  The fire‐prone Fynbos biome (Cape Floristic Region, South Africa).Methods  Our process‐based models have a spatially explicit demographic submodel (describing dispersal, reproduction, mortality and local extinction) as well as an observation submodel (describing imperfect detection of individuals), and are constrained by species‐specific predictions of habitat distribution models and process‐based models for seed dispersal by wind. Free model parameters were varied to find parameter sets with the highest likelihood. After testing this approach with simulated data, we applied it to eight Proteaceae species that differ in breeding system (monoecy versus dioecy) and adult fire survival. We assess the importance of Allee effects and negative density dependence for range dynamics, by using the Akaike information criterion to select between alternative models fitted for the same species.Results  The best model for all dioecious study species included Allee effects, whereas this was true for only one of four monoecious species. As expected, sprouters (in which adults survive fire) were estimated to have lower rates of reproduction and catastrophic population extinction than related non‐sprouters. Overcompensatory population dynamics seem important for three of four non‐sprouters. We also found good quantitative agreement between independent data and most estimates of reproduction, carrying capacity and extinction probability.Main conclusions  This study shows that process‐based models can quantitatively describe how large‐scale abundance distributions arise from the movement and interaction of individuals. It stresses links between the life history, demography and range dynamics of Proteaceae: dioecious species seem more susceptible to Allee effects which reduce migration ability and increase local extinction risk, and sprouters seem to have high persistence of established populations, but their low reproduction limits habitat colonization and migration.
Niche shifts during the global invasion of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus Skuse (Culicidae), revealed by reciprocal distribution models
Authors: Medley Kim A. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTAim  Niche‐based distribution models are often used to predict the spread of invasive species. These models assume niche conservation during invasion, but invasive species can have different requirements from populations in their native range for many reasons, including niche evolution. I used distribution modelling to investigate niche conservatism for the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus Skuse) during its invasion of three continents. I also used this approach to predict areas at risk of invasion from propagules originating from invasive populations.Location  Models were created for Southeast Asia, North and South America, and Europe.Methods  I used maximum entropy (Maxent) to create distribution models using occurrence data and 18 environmental datasets. One native model was created for Southeast Asia; this model was projected onto North America, South America and Europe. Three models were created independently for the non‐native ranges and projected onto the native range. Niche overlap between native and non‐native predictions was evaluated by comparing probability surfaces between models using real data and random models generated using a permutation approach.Results  The native model failed to predict an entire region of occurrences in South America, approximately 20% of occurrences in North America and nearly all Italian occurrences of A. albopictus. Non‐native models poorly predict the native range, but predict additional areas at risk for invasion globally. Niche overlap metrics indicate that non‐native distributions are more similar to the native niche than a random prediction, but they are not equivalent. Multivariate analyses support modelled differences in niche characteristics among continents, and reveal important variables explaining these differences.Main conclusions  The niche of A. albopictus has shifted on invaded continents relative to its native range (Southeast Asia). Statistical comparisons reveal that the niche for introduced distributions is not equivalent to the native niche. Furthermore, reciprocal models highlight the importance of controlling bi‐directional dispersal between native and non‐native distributions.
Performance Implications of Ties to the Government and SOEs: A Political Embeddedness Perspective
Authors: Okhmatovskiy Ilya 
Published: September 2009

abstractIn many countries governments not only regulate business activities, but also become involved in the corporate governance of individual firms through ownership and board ties. While existing studies usually focus either on benefits of political connections or on costs of government influence, a political embeddedness perspective helps us consider both advantages and constraints associated with ties to the government. In particular, firms with direct ties to the government will experience significant costs associated with government officials' involvement in the corporate governance process. In contrast, firms with ties to state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) are connected to the government indirectly and thus, while getting access to state‐owned resources, avoid costs associated with the government's interventions. This study compares the performance consequences of board and ownership ties to the government with the consequences of board and ownership ties to SOEs. I find that ties to SOEs are associated with higher profitability, while no significant differences are discovered for firms with direct ties to the government.
Quality Meets Structure: Generalized Reciprocity and Firm‐Level Advantage in Strategic Networks
Authors: Wincent Joakim , Anokhin Sergey , Örtqvist Daniel , Autio Erkko 
Published: September 2009

abstractIn this paper we extend previous research by combining network structural and network process approaches. Specifically, in a six‐year, three‐wave study of 41 firms in two strategic networks, we found that the interaction between generalized reciprocity among a focal firm's partners and network tie intensity and betweenness centrality improved firm performance. No influences were observed for the interaction involving degree centrality and generalized reciprocity. Our research suggests that managers in strategic networks may need to consider the balance between relationship‐extensive and relationship‐intensive strategies.
Executive function and the development of belief–desire psychology
Authors: Rakoczy Hannes 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn two studies children’s performance on tasks requiring the ascription of beliefs and desires was investigated in relation to their executive function. Study 1 (n = 80) showed that 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds were more proficient at ascribing subjective, mutually incompatible desires and desire‐dependent emotions to two persons than they were at ascribing analogous subjective false beliefs. Replicating previous findings, executive function was correlated with false‐belief ascription. However, executive function was also correlated with performance on tasks requiring subjective desire understanding. Study 2 (n = 54) replicated these results, and showed that the correlations hold even if age, vocabulary and working memory are controlled for. The results are discussed with regard to the role of executive function and conceptual change in theory of mind development.
Perceived quality of maternal care in childhood and structure and function of mothers' brain
Authors: Kim Pilyoung , Leckman James F. , Mayes Linda C. , Newman Michal‐Ann , Feldman Ruth , Swain James E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAnimal studies indicate that early maternal care has long‐term effects on brain areas related to social attachment and parenting, whereas neglectful mothering is linked with heightened stress reactivity in the hippocampus across the lifespan. The present study explores the possibility, using magnetic resonance imaging, that perceived quality of maternal care in childhood is associated with brain structure and functional responses to salient infant stimuli among human mothers in the first postpartum month. Mothers who reported higher maternal care in childhood showed larger grey matter volumes in the superior and middle frontal gyri, orbital gyrus, superior temporal gyrus and fusiform gyrus. In response to infant cries, these mothers exhibited higher activations in the middle frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus and fusiform gyrus, whereas mothers reporting lower maternal care showed increased hippocampal activations. These findings suggest that maternal care in childhood may be associated with anatomy and functions in brain regions implicated in appropriate responsivity to infant stimuli in human mothers.
Evidence of physical activity participation among men and women in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council: a review
Authors: Mabry R. M. , Reeves M. M. , Eakin E. G. , Owen N. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryRapid socioeconomic development in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has resulted in demographic and epidemiological transitions, with obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases becoming the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. This emerging disease pattern is often attributed to physically inactive lifestyles. Given that there is no consolidated evidence on physical activity participation, we reviewed studies to examine prevalence and gender differences among GCC adults. PubMed, CINAHL and reference list searches identified eight relevant studies. Based on the best‐available data, the prevalence of adults being physically active for at least 150 min week−1 (based on the international standard definition) ranged from 39.0% to 42.1% for men and 26.3% to 28.4% for women. Men were significantly more active than were women. Prevalence estimates for participation in physical activity in the GCC States are considerably lower than those for many developed countries. Studies using standardized methodologies with nationally representative samples are urgently required. Identifying prevalence and gender variations provides the basis for understanding the unique socio‐cultural and environmental factors contributing to physical inactivity among adults in the countries of the GCC. This understanding must then inform population‐health strategies to address the rising prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.
HOW TO CONNECT BIOETHICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS: HEALTH, SUSTAINABILITY, AND JUSTICE
Authors: DWYER JAMES 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTIn this paper, I explore one way to bring bioethics and environmental ethics closer together. I focus on a question at the interface of health, sustainability, and justice: How well does a society promote health with the use of no more than a just share of environmental capacity? To address this question, I propose and discuss a mode of assessment that combines a measurement of population health, an estimate of environmental sustainability, and an assumption about what constitutes a fair or just share. This mode of assessment provides an estimate of the just and sustainable life expectancy of a population. It could be used to monitor how well a particular society promotes health within just environmental limits. It could also serve as a source of information that stakeholders use when they deliberate about programs, policies, and technologies. The purpose of this work is to focus attention on an ethical task: the need to fashion institutions and forms of life that promote health in ways that recognize the claims of sustainability and justice.
THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY: DECISION THEORY AND THE TIMING OF PROGNOSTIC TESTS FOR NEWBORN INFANTS
Authors: WILKINSON DOMINIC 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTIn many forms of severe acute brain injury there is an early phase when prognosis is uncertain, followed later by physiological recovery and the possibility of more certain predictions of future impairment. There may be a window of opportunity for withdrawal of life support early, but if decisions are delayed there is the risk that the patient will survive with severe impairment.In this paper I focus on the example of neonatal encephalopathy and the question of the timing of prognostic tests and decisions to continue or to withdraw life‐sustaining treatment. Should testing be performed early or later; and how should parents decide what to do given the conflicting values at stake? I apply decision theory to the problem, using sensitivity analysis to assess how different features of the tests or different values would affect a decision to perform early or late prognostic testing. I draw some general conclusions from this model for decisions about the timing of testing in neonatal encephalopathy. Finally I consider possible solutions to the problem posed by the window of opportunity.Decision theory highlights the costs of uncertainty. This may prompt further research into improving prognostic tests. But it may also prompt us to reconsider our current attitudes towards the palliative care of newborn infants predicted to be severely impaired.
PRESENTISM AND PERSISTENCE
Authors: BENOVSKY JIRI 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this paper, I examine various theories of persistence through time under presentism. In Part I, I argue that both perdurantist views (namely, the worm view and the stage view) suffer, in combination with presentism, from serious difficulties and should be rejected. In Part II, I discuss the presentist endurantist view, to see that it does avoid the difficulties of the perdurantist views, and consequently that it does work, but at a price that some may consider as being very high: its ontological commitments to platonic universals and to the substratum theory, that as we shall see follow from the combination of endurantism with presentism, will perhaps not be to everyone's taste.
How Important is Study Mode in Student University Choice?
Authors: Hagel Pauline , Shaw Robin N. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractConjoint analysis was used to model the importance of study mode in students' choice of university. Study mode was proposed as a key choice attribute as universities have diversified their means of delivering education and increased the use of online delivery. Results are reported for two conjoint experiments. The first investigated how undergraduate students made trade‐offs between study mode, university and tuition fees. The second examined similar trade‐offs made by current and prospective postgraduates. Findings confirmed the importance of study mode to both groups and suggest two main reasons for its influence on university choice: it affects students' experiences of learning and socialising at university, and their time and place flexibility. The most preferred study modes for undergraduates and postgraduates were face‐to‐face study and print‐based study, respectively. Given the trend towards online delivery, the findings have relevance to universities across national systems and reputational markets.
Testing the performance of beta diversity measures based on incidence data: the robustness to undersampling
Authors: Cardoso Pedro , Borges Paulo A. V. , Veech Joseph A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAim  Researchers measuring beta diversity have rarely concerned themselves with the problems of how complete the species lists of studied communities are, and of how the varying degrees of completeness can actually change estimates of beta diversity. No comprehensive assessment has been made regarding the behaviour of most beta diversity indices when applied to incomplete samples, a situation which is more common than usually recognized. Our objective was to assess the behaviour and robustness of a number of beta diversity measures for incidence data from undersampled communities.Location  Mainland Portugal and the Azorean archipelago (North Atlantic).Methods  Data from intensive sampling of spiders in mainland Portugal and arthropods in Azores were collected. We examined the properties of 15 beta diversity measures developed for incidence data. We simulated varying degrees of completeness, whereas computing beta diversity for selected pairs of samples. The robustness of these beta diversity accumulation curves was assessed for the purpose of finding the best measures for undersampled communities.Results  The Harrison et al.β‐2 and the Williams β‐3 are particularly robust to undersampling. These measures are also insensitive to differences of alpha diversity (species richness) between communities, and therefore to nestedness. Colwell & Coddington βcc and the related Jaccard βj and Gaston et al.βg performed best of the measures sensitive to alpha diversity. They performed poorly, however, when compared communities exhibited very low values of beta diversity. In such cases, the Routledge βr performed the best.Main conclusions  No index was found to perform without bias in all circumstances. Overall, β‐2, β‐3 and βcc (or related measures βj and βg) are recommended as they seem to be the most robust to undersampling.
Oxaloacetate supplementation increases lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans through an AMPK/FOXO‐dependent pathway
Authors: Williams David S. , Cash Alan , Hamadani Lara , Diemer Tanja 
Published: September 2009

SummaryReduced dietary intake increases lifespan in a wide variety of organisms. It also retards disease progression. We tested whether dietary supplementation of citric acid cycle metabolites could mimic this lifespan effect. We report that oxaloacetate supplementation increased lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. The increase was dependent on the transcription factor, FOXO/DAF‐16, and the energy sensor, AMP‐activated protein kinase, indicating involvement of a pathway that is also required for lifespan extension through dietary restriction. These results demonstrate that supplementation of the citric acid cycle metabolite, oxaloacetate, influences a longevity pathway, and suggest a tractable means of introducing the health‐related benefits of dietary restriction.
Alogliptin Use in Elderly People: A Pooled Analysis from Phase 2 and 3 Studies
Authors: Pratley Richard E. , McCall Thérèse , Fleck Penny R. , Wilson Craig A. , Mekki Qais 
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of alogliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) enzyme inhibitor, in elderly (≥65) and younger (<65) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.DESIGN: Pooled analysis of six randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies of alogliptin.PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 18 to 80 with type 2 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycemic control.INTERVENTIONS: Elderly (mean age 70.0; n=455) and younger (mean age 51.8; n=1,911) patients received alogliptin 12.5 mg (n=922), alogliptin 25 mg (n=910), or placebo (n=534) for 26 weeks (12 weeks in a Phase 2 study). The studies evaluated alogliptin as monotherapy and coadministered with pioglitazone, glyburide, metformin, or insulin.MEASUREMENTS: Efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), weight, and lipid values. Safety variables included hypoglycemic events, adverse events, and blood pressure.RESULTS: Least‐squares mean HbA1c decreased from baseline by 0.7% and 0.8% in elderly patients receiving alogliptin 12.5 and 25 mg, respectively, and 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively, in younger patients (P<.001 for both alogliptin doses vs placebo for both age groups P=.70 for 12.5 mg and .68 for 25 mg for differences between age groups). Results were similar for FPG. Incidence of hypoglycemia was 8.3% or less in all alogliptin groups (≤10.5% for placebo), with no apparent difference between elderly and younger patients. Changes in weight were negligible in all treatment groups in both age categories. The safety profiles of alogliptin were similar in the age and dose groups.CONCLUSION: Alogliptin was effective and well tolerated in the elderly patients enrolled in these studies. Improvements in HbA1c were similar to those seen in younger patients, and no increase in the risk of hypoglycemia, weight gain, or other adverse events was apparent in elderly patients.