bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endogenous Hormones, Muscle Strength, and Risk of Fall-Related Fractures in Older Women
Authors: Sipilä Sarianna , Heikkinen Eino , Cheng Sulin , Suominen Harri , Saari Päivi , Kovanen Vuokko , Alén Markku , Rantanen Taina 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Background. Among older people, fracture-causing fall often leads to health deterioration. The role of endogenous hormone status and muscle strength on fall-related fracture risk is unclear. This study investigates if, after adjustment for bone density, endogenous hormones and muscle strength would predict fall-related limb fracture incidence in older community-dwelling women followed-up over 10 years.
Methods. As a part of a prospective population-based study, 187 75-year-old women were investigated. Serum estradiol, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations were analyzed, and isometric muscle strength and bone mineral density were assessed. Fall-related limb fractures were gathered from patient records.
Results. Serum estradiol concentration was a significant predictor of fall-related limb fractures. Women with serum estradiol concentrations less than 0.022 nmol/L had a 3-fold risk (relative risk 3.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–7.36), and women with estradiol concentrations between 0.022 and 0.066 nmol/L doubled the risk (relative risk 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–5.19) of fall-related limb fracture compared to the women with estradiol concentrations above 0.066 nmol/L. Adjustment for muscle strength and bone mineral density did not materially change the risk estimates. High muscle strength was associated with a low incidence of fall-related limb fractures.
Conclusions. This study showed that in 75-year-old women higher serum estradiol concentration and greater muscle strength were independently associated with a low incidence of fall-related limb fractures even after adjustment for bone density. Our results suggest that hormonal status and muscle strength have their own separate mechanisms protecting from fall-related fractures. This finding is of importance in developing preventive strategies, but calls for further study.
Plasma Exchange versus Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Myasthenia Gravis Crisis: An Acute Hospital Cost Comparison Study
Authors: Heatwole Chad , Johnson Nicholas , Holloway Robert , Noyes Katia 
Published: November 2011

Objective:
To compare the short-term financial costs of treating a patient in myasthenia gravis crisis with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) versus plasma exchange.

Methods:
An itemized comparative cost-minimization analysis of IVIG versus plasma exchange for myasthenia gravis crisis was performed. Calculations were based on each therapy's implementation cost, associated hospitalization times, and predicted cost to treat known complications. A cost superiority determination was proposed based on the total cost profile of each therapy.

Results:
The difference in total cost favored IVIG over plasma exchange with an average savings of $22,326 per patient. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that overall costs are highly dependent on IVIG dosing, hospital lengths of stay, and the number of plasma exchange days required.

Conclusions:
The use of IVIG for myasthenia gravis crisis may be a short-term cost minimizing therapy compared with plasma exchange. Additional prospective studies are required to evaluate the extended cost profile and efficacy of these therapies.
What's in the Literature?
Authors: Simmons Zachary 
Published: November 2011

Abstract:

Genetics continue to dominate the neuromuscular literature. The past 3 months have seen major breakthroughs in the genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, perhaps paving the way for better treatments in the near future. On a hopeful note, there are several articles on treatments that may prove to be beneficial, covering such diverse disorders as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, and myasthenia gravis. Useful descriptive articles appear on myofibrillar myopathies, hyperCKemia, and on myasthenia gravis associated with anti–muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies, all of which provide helpful guidelines for clinicians. Finally, for those involved in electromyography, an article and an editorial address the recurring question of the risk of performing a needle examination of muscles (particularly paraspinal muscles) of patients who are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents.
Bipartite Promoter Element Required for Auxin Response
Authors: Walcher Cristina L. , Nemhauser Jennifer L. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Multiple mechanisms have been described for coordination of responses to the plant hormones auxin and brassinosteroids (Zhang et al., 2009). One unexplained phenomenon is the reliance of the auxin transcriptional response on a functional brassinosteroid pathway. In this study, we used luciferase reporters to interrogate the promoter of SMALL AUXIN-UP RNA15 (SAUR15), a well-characterized auxin and brassinosteroid early response gene in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). After identifying a minimal region sufficient for auxin response, we targeted predicted cis-regulatory elements contained within this sequence and found a critical subset required for hormone response. Specifically, reporter sensitivity to auxin treatment required two elements: a Hormone Up at Dawn (HUD)-type E-box and an AuxRE-related TGTCT element. Reporter response to brassinosteroid treatment relied on the same two elements. Consistent with these findings, the transcription factors BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1-EMS SUPPESSOR1 and MONOPTEROS (MP)/ AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR5 (ARF5) showed enhanced binding to the critical promoter region containing these elements. Treatment with auxin or brassinosteroids could enhance binding of either transcription factor, and brassinosteroid enhancement of MP/ARF5 binding required an intact HUD element. Conservation of clustered HUD elements and AuxRE-related sequences in promoters of putative SAUR15 orthologs in a number of flowering plant species, in combination with evidence for statistically significant clustering of these elements across all Arabidopsis promoters, provided further evidence of the functional importance of coordinated transcription factor binding.
Farm income variability and off‐farm diversification among Canadian farm operators
Authors: Jetté‐Nantel Simon , Freshwater David , Katchova Ani L. , Beaulieu Martin 
Published: November 2011

PurposeFor many farm families and operators across the OECD countries, off‐farm income has become a major determinant of their well‐being. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential role of off‐farm employment as a risk management tool among farm operators.Design/methodology/approachA two‐part model is applied to a longitudinal farm‐level data set for about 20,000 Canadian farms, from 2001 to 2006, in order to estimate the relationship between farm income risk and the decision to participate in the off‐farm labor market and the level of off‐farm employment income.FindingsThe variability of farm market revenue is found to be positively related to the likelihood of off‐farm work and the level of off‐farm employment income, in particular for operators of relatively large farms. Hence, farm operators' production decisions appear to be conditioned on an income portfolio that includes a substantial amount of off‐farm income for all sizes of farms.Social implicationsThese results reinforce the need to consider the portfolio effect induced by the integration of farm resources within the non‐farm sector. This is particularly relevant to risk management farm policies that have typically considered decisions made in the agricultural sector in isolation.Originality/valueThis paper uses a true farm‐level panel data set to investigate the relationship between farm income risk and off‐farm work. The size of the data set also allows the robustness of the results across farm typologies and size to be tested. This study contributes to the understanding of structural changes in the farm sector, and their potential implications for both rural and agricultural policies.
AgProfit™: a net present value and cash flow based decision aid for agriculture producers
Authors: Julian James W. , Seavert Clark F. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present AgProfit™ as a tool for users to assess economic risks associated with adoption of new technologies or production practices in production agriculture.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the AgProfit™ software program, its approach to capital investment analysis and demonstrates the program use by developing a scenario for analysis and discusses the process and results of the analysis.FindingsAgProfit™ was developed to assist growers in understanding the risks associated with technology adoption. The example presented in this paper demonstrates the value of the software program as a decision‐making tool on the complex question of how many acres are required for an economically beneficial adoption of a new technology. Thus, with this software program, a grower can base investment decisions on the net present value and internal rates of return on an investment rather than a sales pitch or “gut” feeling.Originality/valueAgProfit™ is a recently developed software program that fills a void in available decision tools, providing users with the ability to assess the profitability and feasibility of production investment decisions.
Factors affecting variability in farm and off‐farm income
Authors: Poon Kenneth , Weersink Alfons 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors affecting the relative variability in farm and off‐farm income for Canadian farm operators.Design/methodology/approachVariability of farm and off‐farm income is analyzed using a dataset of 17,000 farm operators from 2001 to 2006. Relative ranking of the coefficients of variation (CV) for farm and off‐farm income are compared across farm types and are regressed against factors conditioning the variations.FindingsGreater reliance on farm income results in lower (greater) relative variability in farm (off‐farm) income. Larger commercial operations experience larger farm income volatility because they are less risk averse or they can manage more risk. Diversification and off‐farm employment appear to be risk management strategies for commercial operations.Research limitations/implicationsGovernment payments have a small, positive effect on farm and off‐farm income variability, indicating this support leads farmers to take on more risky activities and/or reduce the use of self‐insurance activities. Results could also be due to the lag between the time of the income reduction and the time in which the aid is received. Further research is necessary to decipher the effects of government support on farm decisions.Practical implicationsThe results on relative variation in the farm and off‐farm income across farm type raises questions about whether government programs should target specific operations.Originality/valueWhile income variation remains a focus of public policy, factors affecting its variability are not well‐understood. Studies have examined the level of farm income and the decision to participate in off‐farm employment but none has examined the variance in both income sources.
Corrosion behaviour of cast iron exposed to Arabian Gulf environment
Authors: Saricimen Huseyin , Quddus Abdulquddusa , Eid Omar A. , Ahmad Aftab , Ul‐Hamid Anwar , Siddique Tawqir A. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the long‐term corrosion behavior of cast iron coupons in the Jubail Industrial City (JIC), Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachThe samples were exposed under atmospheric, underground, and splash zone conditions, at Khaleej Mardumah Test Station (KMTS) in Jubail. Soil, groundwater, seawater and air particulate samples were collected at the exposure sites and were analyzed. Secondary electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) were used to examine the surface morphology of the test coupons and identify the corrosion products developed on the surface of the metals. The corrosion rates of the coupons were determined by weight loss method.FindingsThe results showed that the atmosphere, underground and splash zone conditions all were very corrosive to cast iron, due to temperature and humidity variations as well as the high chloride and sulfate concentrations in the region. The splash zone was the most corrosive regime of the three test zones. The main corrosive ions in the environments were identified as chloride and sulfate. The maximum chloride and sulfate concentrations were measured to be 8.94 and 49.65 μg/m3in atmosphere, 8,040 and 1,410 ppm in soil, and 29,500 and 5,770 mg/l in seawater, respectively. The corrosion rates of cast irons were found to be 343‐536 μm/y in splash zone, 90‐214 μm/y in underground, and 22‐27 μm/y in atmosphere. Compared to other parts of the world, the soil, marine and atmospheric environments at the selected test site are very corrosive.Originality/valueIn this paper, corrosion of cast iron is presented in atmospheric, soil and splash zone conditions along the eastern coast of the Arabian Gulf.
A low temperature process for the application of three‐layer polyethylene coatings
Authors: Huai Qi Shao , Qi Bin Zhang , Wen Li Han , Bei Bei Xie , Zhong Ping Xu , Gui Bai Huang 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the investigation of a low temperature application process for three‐layer polyethylene coating (3LPE) at 185‐195°C to meet the requirement of the coating temperature for X80 longitudinally welded pipe.Design/methodology/approachPlant coating and laboratory tests were performed to determine the properties of 3LPE coating coated at 185‐195°C.FindingsThe properties of the 3LPE coating, which was applied by using a suitable low temperature cured epoxy powder at temperature of 185‐195°C, were nearly the same as those of a 3LPE coating that had been applied at the normal coating temperature (200‐230°C).Originality/valueRecommended acceptance criteria for 3LPE coatings applied at 185‐195°C are proposed. The research results met the requirements for external anti‐corrosion properties for X80 longitudinally welded pipe.
Microbial influenced corrosion due to Desulfovibrio desulfuricans
Authors: Singh Ajay , Sharma Chhaya , Lata Suman 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate microbially induced corrosion on stainless steels due to sulfate reducing bacteria sp. Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and correlate it with the composition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of the biofilm formed by these bacteria.Design/methodology/approachStainless steels 304L, 316L and 2205 were selected for the test. Modified Baar's media, both control and inoculated, were used as test solutions in anaerobic conditions. The bacteria were identified by scanning electron microscopy and their growth was estimated by bacterial counting. Electrochemical polarization and immersion test were performed to estimate the corrosion rate and the extent of pitting attack. The degree of corrosion and the presence of chemicals present inside/outside pits were determined by SEM/EDS. Biofilm formed on corroded coupons was analyzed spectroscopically to identify its components. An attempt was made to correlate the extent of corrosion with the bacterial concentration and the EPS of the biofilm. The differing corrosion performances of the stainless steels also were compared.FindingsThe corrosivity of the solution increased with the addition of SRBs and with increased incubation time. The amount of carbohydrate and protein in EPS was observed to be a minimum when conditions were most corrosive. However, as the corrosivity decreased, these amounts increased. Stainless steel 2205 showed the highest corrosion resistance, followed by 316L and 304L.Originality/valueThis work shows that SRB degrades its own EPS. Further, the extent of microbial corrosion on stainless steel coupons due to the presence of SRB correlates with the carbohydrate and protein contents of the EPS of the biofilm.
Effects of AC interference on the optimum cathodic protection potential of X70 steel in soil solution
Authors: Li Zili , Hao Hongna , Ding Qingmiao 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe presence of alternating current (AC) causes serious damage on buried pipelines, even when the off potential meets the −0.85 V/CSE criterion. The optimum cathodic protection potential (OCPP) is more reliable for cathodic protection. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of AC on the OCPP and, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), to investigate how to get the optimum cathodic protection.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the application of EIS to investigate the OCPP of X70 steel in a soil simulating solution with different AC interferences.FindingsThe experimental results indicate that AC interference makes the OCPP decrease. It was determined that the −0.85 V/CSE criterion is not appropriate when there is AC interference. When the AC voltage was less than 6 V, the OCPP was approximately −900 mV/SCE, whereas when the AC voltage was more than 7 V, the OCPP was approximately −1,000 mV/SCE.Originality/valueAlthough there have been previous research studies on the OCPP, this paper is the first to study the effects of AC interference on the OCPP and it has been confirmed that the OCPP changed when AC interference is present.
“Made‐in” Nigeria or “owned‐by” Ireland?
Authors: Madichie Nnamdi 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to evaluate the impact of the country‐of‐origin (COO) effects on the consumption patterns of “made in” Nigeria Guinness as opposed to Guinness “owned by” Ireland. It aims to trace the trend of Nigerian Guinness in the international market – taking London as a case analysis.Design/methodology/approachUsing a series of narratives drawn from a sample of distributors and trade outlets (retailers) of Guinness in London, an attempt is made to highlight the fuzzy notion of “made in” Nigeria – as opposed to the popularly acclaimed notion of “owned by” Ireland/Dublin Guinness.FindingsCountry‐of‐origin effects were exhibited in the marketing and consumption patterns of both Guinness from Oba Akran Avenue in Nigeria and that from the renowned St James's Gate in Dublin.Practical implicationsGuinness, and concomitantly Diageo and other developed market brewers such as Heineken, may find this study's findings useful as they consider working out ways to leverage the impact of COO for their global marketing strategies and/or campaigns.Social implicationsThere might after all be some virtue on importation bans as Guinness from Oba Akran Avenue seems to have made the most of a crippling marketing environment – i.e. the ban on wheat importation to resort to local substitutes such as Sorghum, which has for the better, rather than the worse, improved the taste of the so‐called “Nigerian Guinness”.Originality/valueOverall this appears to be the first study of its kind of the brewing industry where the consumption of a singular brand has impacted differently based on the notion of “made‐in” versus “owned‐by” cues.
Exploring the motives and determinants of innovation performance of Malaysian offshore international joint ventures
Authors: Idris Aida , Seng Tey Lian 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe existing literature indicates that in developing countries, much remains to be done in terms of improving understanding of international joint venture (IJV) issues such as the motives for firms to pursue IJVs and the factors which affect their performance. In view of this, the present paper seeks to identify the motives of Malaysian firms for engaging in offshore IJVs, and analyze the interplay among four key variables – motive, strategic fit, knowledge transfer and innovation performance – from the perspective of Malaysian IJVs.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature review, theoretical linkages among the variables and relevant hypotheses were developed; then subsequently tested using bootstrap analysis. A total of 234 questionnaires were sent to managers of Malaysian IJVs abroad and 74 usable responses were returned, yielding a response rate of 31.62 percent.FindingsThe results suggest that Malaysian firms pursue IJVs abroad mainly to expedite profit generation and market penetration, while acquiring knowledge is considered only as a secondary motive. At the same time the results affirm that knowledge transfer mediates the effect of strategic fit on the innovative capacity of the IJVs. This implies that although knowledge transfer is very important to IJV innovation performance, that importance is seriously underestimated by Malaysian businesses.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights the need to incorporate moderating factors in the future when examining the effect of motive and strategic fit on innovation. Results of the reliability tests also question the generalizability of existing strategic fit and knowledge transfer scales in a Malaysian setting.Practical implicationsThe findings provide lessons for foreign businesses by improving understanding of what Malaysian businesses seek most in an IJV, which in turn will help foster better strategic fit between partners. For Malaysian firms and policy makers, the study should serve as a reminder that knowledge transfer is very important in improving innovativeness and deserves greater attention and commitment.Originality/valueResearch on IJV suggests interesting differences between firms from developed and developing nations. The current paper helps to enrich the literature on IJVs, particularly from the perspective of knowledge and learning orientation in developing nations.
Information sources for environmental scanning: do industry and firm size matter?
Authors: Haase Heiko , Franco Mário 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to enhance the knowledge about environmental scanning at the corporate level. It seeks an answer to the research question: Is there an influence of industry sector and firm size on the use of external information sources?Design/methodology/approachTo verify three research hypotheses, the authors performed a cross‐sectional study among 165 Portuguese firms. The explorative data analyses consisted of multivariate analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference test.FindingsOverall, the range of frequently used external information sources is relatively limited, consisting of both personal and impersonal sources. Results suggest a certain “industry effect” and indicate above all a “size effect”. Besides this, the service sector possesses most sourcing peculiarities, and smaller firms underuse some relevant sources.Research limitations/implicationsThe research design applied limits the sample to Portuguese firms and their environment. This geographically circumscribed approach may limit the extent to which the conclusions and implications can be generalised and universally applied.Originality/valueDespite the importance of environmental scanning, little research has hitherto been conducted to analyse variances across industry sectors and firm size. This paper is one of the first attempts to study their joint effects on the use of scanning information sources.