bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures With a Thoracolumbar Injury Classification Score (TLICS) of 4 Treated With Surgery Versus Initial Conservative Management
Authors: Nataraj Andrew , Jack Andrew S. , Ihsanullah Ihsan , Nomani Shawn , Kortbeek Frank , Fox Richard
Published: May 2018

Study Design:

This is a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study.

Objective:

To determine whether surgery or nonoperative treatment has better clinical outcomes in neurologically intact patients with an intermediate severity thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Summary of Background Data:

Optimal management, whether initial operative or nonoperative treatment, for thoracolumbar injury classification score (TLICS) 4 burst fractures remains controversial. Better insight into the treatment which affords patients a better clinical outcome could significantly affect patient care.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included consecutive cases of TLICS 4 burst fracture patients from 2007 to 2013 and minimum 6-month follow-up. Potential confounders examined included age, sex, injury severity score, initial kyphotic angle, injured facets, and interspinous widening. Outcomes were determined by standardized questionnaires [Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 12-item Short Form Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS), and back pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)] and analyzed using regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 230 patients with burst fractures were identified, of which 67/230 (29%) were TLICS 4 and 47/67 (70%) had completed follow-up. No difference on univariate analysis was found between nonsurgical and surgical groups in mean ODI scores (P=0.27, t test), nor mean time to return to work (P=0.10, t test).

Regarding outcomes, linear regression analysis revealed no association between having surgery and ODI (P=0.29), SF-12 PCS (P=0.59), or VAS (P=0.33). Furthermore, no difference was found between groups for employed patients working versus not working (P=0.09, the Fisher test), nor in mean time to return to work (P=0.30, Cox regression).

Conclusions:

This is one of the largest studies examining TLICS 4 burst fracture patients, adjusting for both clinical and radiologic confounders and reporting patient outcomes with minimum 6-month follow-up. No differences were found in outcomes between patients treated either surgically or nonsurgically. Studies focusing on early postoperative differences or cost-effectiveness might help in decision making.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Modic Changes in the Lumbar Spine are Common Aging-related Degenerative Findings that Parallel With Disk Degeneration
Authors: Chen Lunhao , Hu Xiaojian , Zhang Jingfeng , Battié Michele C. , Lin Xiangjin , Wang Yue
Published: May 2018

Study Design:

This is a cross-sectional study.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and distribution patterns of Modic changes (MCs) in the lumbar spine and their associations with disk degeneration in mainland Chinese using a sample of general population.

Summary of Background Data:

Previous studies reported that the prevalence of MCs in Hong Kong Chinese was much lower than in other populations. Moreover, their associations with disk degeneration need further study.

Materials and Methods:

The study sample consisted of 442 subjects (53.6±14.9 y; range, 20–88 y) randomly selected from a typical Chinese community. Lumbar spines were imaged using a 3.0 T magnetic resonance scanner. Eleven endplates (L1–S1) in the lumbar spine were evaluated for the presence of MCs, type, location, and size to determine MCs prevalence and distribution patterns. Disk degeneration was graded using a Pfirrmann scale.

Results:

MCs were present in 209 (47.3%) subjects and 593 (12.2%) endplates. Among these endplates, 84.1% (499) were type II, 9.1% (54) were type I, and 6.4% (38) were mixed MCs. Approximately 2/3 MCs were present in the lower lumbar spine and 44.9% of MCs were at the L5/S1 disk level. Most MCs (73.9%) involved both endplates of a disk. Greater age [odds ratio (OR)=2.44 for each 10-year increase, P<0.001] and body mass index (OR=1.07, P=0.016) were associated with the presence of MCs, as was adjacent disk degeneration (OR=6.00, P<0.001), controlling for age and other covariates. Greater age, body mass index, and adjacent disk degeneration were also associated with greater MCs size.

Conclusions:

MCs are common in mainland Chinese, with type II predominating. MCs mainly present in the lower lumbar region and tend to occur in pairs. MCs were strongly associated with age and disk degeneration, suggesting MCs may be aging-related degenerative findings that parallel disk degeneration.

Level of Evidence:

Level II.
External Distraction for Treatment of Rigid Sharp-angled Myelomeningocele-related Kyphosis With Skin Ulceration: Case Report
Authors: Ryabykh Sergey O. , Pavlova Olga M. , Savin Dmitry M. , Kolchin Sergey N. , Gubin Alexander V.
Published: May 2018

Objectives of our research: tо follow long-term results of staged surgical treatment of a patient with sharp-angled myelomeningocele-related rigid kyphosis, back skin scarring, and skin ulceration on top of gibbous; to assess efficiency and safety of using external distraction method as a preparatory stage for kyphectomy in such patients. Usage of external distraction with subsequent kyphectomy in patient with sharp-angled myelomeningocele-related kyphosis and skin ulceration led to satisfactory long-term results.
Enhancement of Lymphatic Vessels in the Superficial Layer in a Rat Model of a Lymphedematous Response
Authors: Matsumoto Kumiko , Kosaka Jun , Suami Hiroo , Kimata Yoshihiro
Published: May 2018

Background:

The morphologic and histologic behavior of lymphatic vessels in lymphedema has not been well analyzed using laboratory animals. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the regeneration process of lymphatic vessels after acute lymphedema in a rat model.

Methods:

The acute lymphedema was induced by an amputation and a replantation surgery on a rat hind limb. Recovery of lymphatic flow was traced using fluorescent lymphography with dye injection. The morphology and number of lymphatic vessels were immunohistochemically detected and quantified in both superficial and deep layers.

Results:

The swelling was the most severe, and the number of lymphatic vessels in the superficial layer was significantly and maximally increased on postoperative day 3. Backflows and overflows were also detectable in the superficial layer on postoperative day 3. The number of lymphatic vessels had decreased but remained significantly higher than that in the controls on postoperative day 14, when the swelling decreased to the levels in the controls. In contrast, the number of lymphatic vessels in the deep layer showed a tendency toward increased numbers; however, it was not statistically significant on postoperative day 3, 7, or 14.

Conclusions:

We have obtained solid evidence showing the differential potency of lymphatic vessels between the superficial and the deep layers after temporal lymphedematous induction. Further analysis of lymphedematous responses in animal models could provide new insights into the challenges associated with the clinical treatment of lymphedema.
Tissue-selective Estrogen Complex for Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Authors: PINKERTON JOANN V.
Published: May 2018

The first approved tissue-selective estrogen complex is a pairing of conjugated estrogen combined with the selective estrogen-receptor modulator, bazedoxifene. Advantages include relief of menopausal symptoms without the increased chance of bleeding or breast tenderness unlike with traditional estrogen-progestin therapy, which is associated with both bleeding and breast tenderness. Tissue-selective estrogen complex effects on relief of vasomotor symptoms, prevention of bone loss, improvement in vaginal symptoms, lack of significant cardiovascular effects beyond the expected 2-fold increase in venous thrombosis, neutral effect on breast, and protective effects on the endometrium are discussed.
Chelation therapy to prevent diabetes-associated cardiovascular events
Authors: Diaz Denisse , Fonseca Vivian , Aude Yamil W. , Lamas Gervasio A.
Published: May 2018

Purpose of review

For over 60 years, chelation therapy with disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA, edetate) had been used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite lack of scientific evidence for efficacy and safety. The Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) was developed and received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ascertain the safety and efficacy of chelation therapy in patients with CVD.

Recent findings

This pivotal trial demonstrated an improvement in outcomes in postmyocardial infarction (MI) patients. Interestingly, it also showed a particularly large reduction in CVD events and all-cause mortality in the prespecified subgroup of patients with diabetes. The TACT results may support the concept of metal chelation to reduce metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions that promote the formation of advanced glycation end products, a precursor of diabetic atherosclerosis.

In this review, we summarize the epidemiological and basic evidence linking toxic metal accumulation and diabetes-related CVD, supported by the salutary effects of chelation in TACT. If the ongoing NIH-funded TACT2, in diabetic post-MI patients, proves positive, this unique therapy will enter the armamentarium of endocrinologists and cardiologists seeking to reduce the atherosclerotic risk of their diabetic patients.
Adenovirus infection in pediatric transplant recipients: are effective antiviral agents coming our way?
Authors: Lopez Santiago M.C. , Michaels Marian G. , Green Michael
Published: May 2018

Purpose of review

Adenoviruses (AdVs) infection is a self-limited disease in the majority of immunocompetent children and adults, but can cause disseminated and life-threatening illness in immunocompromised hosts. This article will discuss therapeutic strategies for AdV infection in the pediatrics transplant recipient.

Recent findings

Currently, there is no FDA approved antiviral therapy for AdV infection. Accordingly, the primary initial therapy would be decreasing immunosuppression, whenever possible. Cidofovir (CDV) is an antiviral drug whose use has been associated with significant reductions of AdV viral load and, in some series improved survival in recipients of solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). However, its use is also associated with significant toxicity. Brincidofovir (BCV) is a lipid formulation of CDV, which has an improved oral bioavailability and favorable toxicity profile compared with CDV. However, studies have only shown modest benefit from BCV for AdV disease or viremia. Immunotherapy is a growing field in the management of this virus infection on HSCT patients with promising results.

Current evidence support the use of CDV and BCV, as rescue therapy, on SOT and HSCT transplant patients. Immunotherapy had only been proven successful in HSCT patients, as an option for refractory cases or rescue therapy for AdV infection.
Identification of a Novel Mutation in the SEC23B Gene Associated With Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type II Through the Use of Next-generation Sequencing Panel in an Undiagnosed Case of Nonimmune Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Aydin Koker Sultan , Karapinar Tuba H. , Oymak Yeşim , Bianchi Paola , Fermo Elisa , Gozmen Salih , Vergin Canan
Published: May 2018

Congenital dyserythropoietic anemias (CDAs) are rare hereditary blood disorders characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolysis, and erythroblast morphologic abnormalities in the bone marrow. The 3 main types of CDA, I to III, and variant types of CDA, IV-VIII, have been described. The causative genes have been identified asCDAN1,C15ORF41,SEC23B,KIF23,KLF1, andGATA1. CDA type II is the most frequent form. Typical symptoms are jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, mild-to-severe normocytic anemia, and inadequate reticulocyte response. We report an 18-year-old boy who had chronic mild congenital anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly mimicking nonautoimmune hemolytic anemia since 18 months of age. Compound heterozygous mutations inSEC23Bgene were detected by the use of a gene-targeted next-generation sequencing panel: the already reported missense mutation c.40C>T (p.Arg14Trp), and a new frameshift deletion (c.489_489delG, p.Val164Trpfs*3), confirming the diagnosis of CDA type II. The study underlines the molecular heterogeneity of CDA II and the importance of a precise diagnosis in rare congenital diseases such as CDA II. In consequence, it can be difficult to diagnose because of limited resources, financial constraint, and rarity of disease in the developing country. Advanced laboratories and new molecular approaches may help in diagnosing rare anemias.
The Influence of Daily Stress on Sedentary Behavior: Group and Person (N of 1) Level Results of a 1-Year Observational Study
Authors: Diaz Keith M. , Thanataveerat Anusorn , Parsons Faith E. , Yoon Sunmoo , Cheung Ying Kuen , Alcántara Carmela , Duran Andrea T. , Ensari Ipek , Krupka David J. , Schwartz Joseph E. , Burg Matthew M. , Davidson Karina W.
Published: May 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study, which used mobile technologies to continuously collect data for 1 year, was to examine the association of psychological stress with objectively measured sedentary behavior in adults at both the group (e.g., nomothetic approach) and individual (e.g., idiographic approach) level.

Methods

Data were collected in an observational study of healthy adults (n = 79) residing in the New York City metro area who were studied for 365 days from 2014 to 2015. Sedentary behavior was objectively measured via accelerometry. A smartphone-based electronic diary was used to assess level of stress (“Overall, how stressful was your day?” 0–10 scale) and sources of stress.

Results

The end-of-day stress rating was not associated with total sedentary time (B = −1.34, p = .767) at the group level. When specific sources of stress were evaluated at the group level, argument-related stress was associated with increased sedentariness, whereas running late- and work-related stress were associated with decreased sedentariness. There was a substantial degree of interindividual variability in the relationship of stress with sedentary behavior. Both the level and sources of stress were associated with increased sedentariness for some, decreased sedentariness for others, and had no effect for many (within-person variance p < .001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the influence of stress on sedentary behavior varies by source of stress and from person to person. A precision medicine approach may be warranted to target reductions in sedentary time, although further studies are needed to confirm the observed findings in light of study limitations including a small sample size and enrollment of participants from a single, urban metropolitan area.
Planning for the Rheumatologist Workforce
Authors: Barber Claire E. H. , Nasr Mina , Barnabe Cheryl , Badley Elizabeth M. , Lacaille Diane , Pope Janet , Cividino Alfred , Yacyshyn Elaine , Baillie Cory , Mosher Dianne , Thomson John G. , Charnock Christine , Thorne J. Carter , Zummer Michel , Brophy Julie , Ruban Thanu Nadarajah , Ahluwalia Vandana , McDougall Robert , Marshall Deborah A.
Published: May 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with rheumatologists' clinical work hours and patient volumes based on a national workforce survey in rheumatology.

Methods

Adult rheumatologists who participated in a 2015 workforce survey were included (n = 255). Univariate analysis evaluated the relationship between demographics (sex, age, academic vs. community practice, billing fee for service vs. other plan, years in practice, retirement plans) and workload (total hours and number of ½-day clinics per week) or patient volumes (number of new and follow-up consults per week). Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between practice type, sex, age, and working hours or clinical volumes.

Results

Male rheumatologists had more ½-day clinics (p = 0.05) and saw more new patients per week (p = 0.001) compared with females. Community rheumatologists had more ½-day clinics and new and follow-up visits per week (all p < 0.01). Fee-for-service rheumatologists reported more ½-day clinics per week (p < 0.001) and follow-ups (p = 0.04). Workload did not vary by age, years in practice, or retirement plans. In multivariate analysis, community practice remained independently associated with higher patient volumes and more clinics per week. Female rheumatologists reported fewer clinics and fewer follow-up patients per week than males, but this did not affect the duration of working hours or new consultations. Age was not associated with work volumes or hours.

Conclusions

Practice type and rheumatologist sex should be considered when evaluating rheumatologist workforce needs, as the proportion of female rheumatologists has increased over time and alternative billing practices have been introduced in many centers.
Glucocorticoid Regulation of Ependymal Glia and Regenerative Potential after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Nelson Craig M. , Lee Han , Krug Randall G. , Kamalova Aichurok , Madigan Nicolas N. , Clark Karl J. , Lennon Vanda A. , Windebank Anthony J. , Henley John R.
Published: May 2018

Following injury, the mammalian spinal cord forms a glial scar and fails to regenerate. In contrast, spinal cord tissue of vertebrate fish regenerates and restores function. Cord transection in zebrafish (Danio rerio) initially causes paralysis and neural cell death, with subsequent ependymal glial proliferation, extension of bipolar glia across the lesion, and neurogenesis. Axons extending from spared and nascent neurons along trans-lesional glial bridges restore functional connectivity. Here we report that glucocorticoids directly target the regeneration supporting changes in ependymal glia to inhibit neural repair. This effect is independent of hematogenic immune cells or microglia. Furthermore, glucocorticoid receptor signaling in ependymal glia is inversely regulated in rat models of spinal cord injury compared to zebrafish. The blockade of neural regeneration by glucocorticoids via a direct effect on ependymal glia has important clinical implications concerning the putative therapeutic benefit of corticosteroids in early management of spinal cord injury.
Porcine Parvovirus VP1/VP2 on a Time Series Epitope Mapping: exploring the effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the immune recognition of antigens
Authors: de Souza Ancelmo Rabelo , Yamin Marriam , Gava Danielle , Ciacci Zanella Janice Reis , Viccari Gatti Maria Sílvia , Sampaio Bonafe Carlos Francisco , Lima Neto Daniel Ferreira de
Published: May 2018

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a DNA virus that causes reproductive failure in gilts and sows, resulting in embryonic and fetal losses worldwide. Epitope mapping of PPV is important for developing new vaccines. In this study, we used spot synthesis analysis for epitope mapping of the capsid proteins of PPV (NADL-2 strain) and correlated the findings with predictive data from immunoinformatics. The virus was exposed to three conditions prior to inoculation in pigs: native (untreated), high hydrostatic pressure (350 MPa for 1 h) at room temperature and high hydrostatic pressure (350 MPa for 1h) at −18 °C, compared with a commercial vaccine produced using inactivated PPV. The screening of serum samples detected 44 positive spots corresponding to 20 antigenic sites. Each type of inoculated antigen elicited a distinct epitope set.In silicoprediction located linear and discontinuous epitopes in B cells that coincided with several epitopes detected in spot synthesis of sera from pigs that received different preparations of inoculum. The approach used here provided important information on the antibody/antigen interactions required to improve B cell responses to PPV and may be useful in developing novel strategies for producing new vaccines.

Abbreviations

3D, three dimensional; HHP, high hydrostatic pressure; ID, identification; IEDB, Immune Epitope Database; ORFs, open reading frames; p.i., post-infection; PPV, porcine parvovirus; RMSD, root-mean-square deviation of atomic positions; R(g), radius of gyration. RMSF, root-mean-square fluctuation; SK6, Swine kidney cell; SPF, specific pathogen free; TCID50/mL, Median Tissue Culture Infectious Dose; HI, Hemagglutination Inhibition.
Quasi-neutral molecular evolution — When positive and negative selection cancel out
Authors: Chen Bingjie , Shi Zongkun , Chen Qingjian , Shibata Darryl , Wen Haijun , Wu Chung-I
Published: May 2018

In the absence of both positive and negative selection, DNA sequences evolve at the neutral rate, R = 1. Due to the prevalence of negative selection, R∼1 is rarely achieved in organismal evolution. However, when R ∼ 1 is observed, it does not necessarily indicate neutral evolution because positive and negative selection could be equally strong but in opposite directions - hereby referred to as quasi-neutrality. We now show that somatic-cell evolution could be the paradigm of quasi-neutral evolution for these reasons: 1) Quasi-neutrality is much more likely in small populations (size N < 50) than in large ones; 2) Stem cell population sizes in single niches of normal tissues, from which tumors likely emerges, have small N’s (usually < 50); 3) the genome-wide evolutionary rate across tissue types is close to R = 1; 4) Relative to the average of R ∼ 1, many genes evolve at a much higher or lower rate, thus hinting both positive and negative selection; 5) When N < 50, selection efficacy decreases rapidly as N decreases even when the selection intensity stays constant; 6) Notably, N is smaller in the small intestine (SmI) than in the colon (CO); hence, the ∼ 70 fold higher rate of phenotypic evolution (observed as cancer risk) in the latter can be explained by the greater efficacy of selection, which then leads to the fixation of more advantageous mutations and fewer deleterious ones in the CO. Under quasineutrality, positive and negative selection can be measured in the same system as the two forces are simultaneously present or absent.
iSEE: Interface Structure, Evolution and Energy-based machine learning predictor of binding affinity changes upon mutations
Authors: Geng Cunliang , Vangone Anna , Folkers Gert E. , Xue Li C. , Bonvina Alexandre M.J.J.
Published: May 2018

Quantitative evaluation of binding affinity changes upon mutations is crucial for protein engineering and drug design. Machine learning-based methods are gaining increasing momentum in this field. Due to the limited number of experimental data, using a small number of sensitive predictive features is vital to the generalization and robustness of such machine learning methods. Here we introduce a fast and reliable predictor of binding affinity changes upon single point mutation, based on a random forest approach. Our method, iSEE, uses a limited number of interface Structure, Evolution and Energy-based features for the prediction. iSEE achieves, using only 31 features, a high prediction performance with a Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) of 0.80 and a root mean square error of 1.41 kcal mol-1 on a diverse training dataset consisting of 1102 mutations in 57 protein-protein complexes. It competes with existing state-of-the-art methods on two blind test datasets. Predictions for a new dataset of 540 mutations in 58 protein complexes from the recently published SKEMPI 2.0 database reveals that none of the current methods perform well (PCC<0.4), although their combination does improve the predictions. Feature analysis for iSEE underlines the significance of evolutionary conservations for quantitative prediction of mutation effects.
Predicting natural language descriptions of smells
Authors: Gutiérrez E. Darío , Dhurandhar Amit , Keller Andreas , Meyer Pablo , Cecchi Guillermo A.
Published: May 2018

There has been recent progress in predicting whether common verbal descriptors such as “fishy”, “floral” or “fruity” apply to the smell of odorous molecules. However, the number of descriptors for which such a prediction is possible to date is very small compared to the large number of descriptors that have been suggested for the profiling of smells. We show here that the use of natural language semantic representations on a small set of general olfactory perceptual descriptors allows for the accurate inference of perceptual ratings for mono-molecular odorants over a large and potentiallyarbitrary set of descriptors. This is a noteworthy approach given that the prevailing view is that human’s capacity to identify or characterize odors by name is poor [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Our methods, when combined with a molecule-to-ratings model using chemoinformatic features, also allow for the zero-shot learning inference [6, 7] of perceptual ratings forarbitrary molecules. We successfully applied our semantics-based approach to predict perceptual ratings with an accuracy higher than 0.5 for up to 70 olfactory perceptual descriptors in a well-known dataset, a ten-fold increase in the number of descriptors from previous attempts. Moreover we accurately predict paradigm odors of four common families of molecules with an AUC of up to 0.75. Our approach solves the need for the consuming task of handcrafting domain specific sets of descriptors in olfaction and collecting ratings for large numbers of descriptors and odorants [8, 9, 10, 11] while establishing that the semantic distance between descriptors defines the equivalent of an odorwheel.
Integrating genotype and weather variables for soybean yield prediction using deep learning
Authors: Shook Johnathon , Wu Linjiang , Gangopadhyay Tryambak , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Sarkar Soumik , Singh Asheesh K.
Published: May 2018

Realized performance of complex traits is dependent on both genetic and environmental factors, which can be difficult to dissect due to the requirement for multiple replications of many genotypes in diverse environmental conditions. To mediate these problems, we present a machine learning framework in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) to analyze historical performance records from Uniform Soybean Tests (UST) in North America, with an aim to dissect and predict genotype response in multiple envrionments leveraging pedigree and genomic relatedness measures along with weekly weather parameters. The ML framework of Long Short Term Memory - Recurrent Neural Networks works by isolating key weather events and genetic interactions which affect yield, seed oil, seed protein and maturity enabling prediction of genotypic responses in unseen environments. This approach presents an exciting avenue for genotype x environment studies and enables prediction based systems. Our approaches can be applied in plant breeding programs with multi-environment and multi-genotype data, to identify superior genotypes through selection for commercial release as well as for determining ideal locations for efficient performance testing.
Mind the gap – Assessing maturity of demand planning, a cornerstone of S&OP
Authors: Vereecke Ann , Vanderheyden Karlien , Baecke Philippe , Van Steendam Tom
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically validate a model for assessing demand planning maturity in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a maturity assessment model for demand planning through iterations of theoretical and empirical work, combining insights from literature and practitioners. An online survey is developed to validate the model using data from different industries.

Findings

The authors identify six dimensions of demand planning maturity: data management, the use of forecasting methods, the forecasting system, performance management, the organisation and people management. The empirical study indicates that demand data are well managed and organisation readiness is high, yet improvements in the forecasting system and the management of forecast performance are needed. The results show a positive relationship between the size of an organisation and its demand planning maturity.

Practical implications

The contribution of this work is to propose an assessment model and survey instrument for demand planning maturity. This will help the practitioner to understand the current level of maturity of the demand planning process, reflect on the desired level and develop action plans to close the gap.

Originality/value

There is broad literature on process maturity assessment in general and on sales and operations planning (S&OP) maturity in particular. However, there is no comprehensive model for assessing the maturity of demand planning, which is a specific and critical process within the overall S&OP process. The authors fill this gap by offering a demand planning maturity model.
Learning analytics to improve writing skills for young children – an holistic approach
Authors: Steinhauer Nina , Gros Michael , Ebner Martin , Ebner Markus , Huppertz Anneliese , Cormann Mike , Biermeier Susanne , Burk Lena , Edtstadler Konstanze , Gabriel Sonja , Wintschnig Martina , Aspalter Christian , Martich Susanne
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Due to the important role of orthography in society, the project called IDeRBlog presented in this paper created a web-based tool to motivate pupils to write text as well as to read and to comment on texts written by fellow students. In addition, IDeRBlog aims to improve student’s German orthography skills and supports teachers and parents with training materials for their students. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

With the aid of learning analytics, the submitted text is analyzed and special feedback is given to the students so that they can try to correct the misspelled words themselves. The teachers as well as the parents are benefiting from the analysis and exercises suggested by the system.

Findings

A recent study showed the efficiency of the system in form of an improvement of the students’ orthographic skills. Over a period of four months 70 percent of the students achieved a significant reduction of their spelling mistakes.

Originality/value

IDeRBlog is an innovative approach to improving orthography skills combining blogging and new media with writing and practice.
To quit or not to quit
Authors: Joe Sheng-Wuu , Hung Wei-Ting , Chiu Chou-Kang , Lin Chieh-Peng , Hsu Ya-Chu
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To deepen our understanding about the development of turnover intention, the purpose of this paper is to develop a model that explains how ethical climate influences turnover intention based on the ethical climate theory and social identity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses of this study were statistically tested using a survey of working professionals from Taiwan’s high-tech industry. Of the 400 questionnaires distributed to the working professionals from five large high-tech firms in a well-known science park in Northern Taiwan, 352 usable questionnaires were returned for a questionnaire response rate of 88 percent.

Findings

The test results of this study first show that all three dimensions of ethical climate (i.e. instrumental, benevolent, and principled) are indirectly related to turnover intention via the mediation of firm attractiveness. Moreover, instrumental and benevolent climate directly relate to turnover intention, whereas benevolent climate negatively moderates the relationship between principled climate and firm attractiveness.

Originality/value

This study finds that benevolent climate plays a dual role as an antecedent and a moderator in the formation of turnover intention, complementing prior studies that merely concentrate on the single role of benevolent climate as either an antecedent or a moderator. The effect of principled climate on organizational identification complements the theoretical discussion by Victor and Cullen (1987) about deontology in which an ethical workplace climate (such as legitimacy) drives employees to invest in identity attachments to the organization and influences their future career decision (e.g. turnover).
Landscape context and farm uptake limit effects of bird conservation in the Swedish Volunteer & Farmer Alliance
Authors: Josefsson Jonas , Pärt Tomas , Berg Åke , Lokhorst Anne Marike , Eggers Sönke
Published: May 2018

In Europe, agri‐environmental schemes (AES) have been unsuccessful in halting biodiversity declines to any great extent. Two shortcomings of AES include the low farm uptake and the modest efficacy of many AES options. Partly in response to these shortcomings, initiatives encouraging farmers to take an active role in biodiversity conservation have gained in popularity. However, almost no evaluations of such initiatives exist.

We evaluated uptake of conservation advice on farms in the Swedish Volunteer & Farmer Alliance, a BirdLife Sweden‐coordinated project aimed at farmland bird conservation, and the response of farmland birds to those actions using farm‐level survey data, in a before‐after implementation assessment.

Uptake was higher for unsubsidised (i.e. non‐AES) measures than for AES options, and depended mainly on farmers’ interest in nature, with farm size and production type having less importance.

In general, abundances of non‐crop nesting and field‐nesting bird species declined between inventory years (median interval 3 years). Decreases were more marked in agriculturally marginal regions than in more arable‐dominated regions, and declines were stronger on organic than on conventional farms.

Negative abundance trends among non‐crop nesting species were reduced by an increasing number of conservation measures at the farm, but only in the more arable‐dominated landscapes. Changes in field‐nesting species, or at species level, did not significantly relate to implemented measures, but the power to detect such effects was generally small due to the small sample size of high‐uptake farms as well as high inter‐farm variability.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that volunteer farmer alliances and the addition of unsubsidised measures may be successful in changing the local number of non‐crop nesting farmland birds, at the farm level, particularly in intensively managed agricultural landscapes. Thus, unsubsidised measures can be a useful addition to the set of agri‐environment tools, although their effects on breeding bird numbers are (as with agri‐environmental schemes) dependent on landscape context, as well as on ensuring high on‐farm uptake of different interventions.
Pathogen dynamics under both bottom‐up host resistance and top‐down hyperparasite attack
Authors: Parratt Steven R. , Laine Anna‐Liisa
Published: May 2018

The relative importance of bottom‐up versus top‐down control of population dynamics has been the focus of much debate. In infectious disease biology, research is typically focused on the bottom‐up process of host resistance, wherein the direction of control flows from the lower to the higher trophic level to impact on pathogen population size and epidemiology. However, the importance of top‐down control by a pathogen's natural enemies has been mostly overlooked.

Here, we explore the effects of, and interaction between, host genotype (i.e., genetic susceptibility to pathogen infection) and infection by a hyperparasitic fungus, Ampelomyces spp., on the establishment and early epidemic growth and transmission of a powdery mildew plant pathogen (Podosphaera plantaginis). We used a semi‐natural field experiment to contrast the impacts of hyperparasite infection, host‐plant resistance and spatial structure to reveal the key factors that determine pathogen spread. We then used a laboratory‐based inoculation approach to test whether the field experiment results hold across multiple pathogen–host genetic combinations and to explore hyperparasite effects on the pathogen's later life‐history stages.

We found that hyperparasite infection had a negligible effect on within‐host infection development and between‐host spread of the pathogen during the onset of epidemics. In contrast, host‐plant resistance was the major determinant of whether plants became infected, and host genotype and proximity to an infection source determined infection severity.

Our laboratory study showed that, while the interaction between host and pathogen genotypes was the key determinant of infection outcome, hyperparasitism did, on average, reduce the severity of infection. Moreover, hyperparasite infection negatively influenced the production of the pathogen's overwintering structures.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that bottom‐up host resistance affects pathogen spread, but top‐down control of powdery mildew pathogens is likely more effective against later life‐history stages. Further, while hyperparasitism in this system can reduce early pathogen growth under stable laboratory conditions, this effect is not detectable in a semi‐natural environment. Considering the effects of hyperparasites at multiple points in pathogen's life history will be important when considering hyperparasite‐derived biocontrol measures in other natural and agricultural systems.
Banding age ratios reveal prairie waterfowl fecundity is affected by climate, density dependence and predator–prey dynamics
Authors: Specht Hannah M. , Arnold Todd W.
Published: May 2018

Fecundity estimates for demographic modelling are difficult to acquire at the regional spatial scales that correspond to climate shifts, land use impacts or habitat management programmes. Yet they are important for evaluating such effects. While waterfowl managers have historically used harvest‐based age ratios to assess fecundity at continental scales, widely available age ratios from late summer banding (ringing) data present an underutilized opportunity to examine a regional fecundity index with broad temporal replication.

We used age ratios from banding data and hierarchical mixed‐effect models to examine how fecundity of five North American dabbling duck species was affected by temporal variation in hydrological cycles, intra‐ and interspecific density dependence and alternate prey availability, and whether those relationships were consistent across a broad geographic area.

Model‐estimated fecundity was within the range of traditional harvest‐based fecundity estimates for each species. Ecological covariates explained between 16% and 53% of the temporal variation in fecundity, dependent on species. Increasing wetland inundation and an indicator of vole population irruptions were consistent predictors of increasing fecundity across all species. Species exhibited mixed positive and negative responses to interspecific and intraspecific breeding pair densities hypothesized to affect nest and brood survival respectively, highlighting the importance of integrating brood survival into fecundity metrics for precocial species.

Declines in fecundity over time and across space at more northern latitudes may reflect stronger policies for grassland and wetland protection in the U.S. versus Canadian portions of the prairies over the time period of our study. Maintaining the capacity of less permanent basins to rehydrate in wetter periods through easement protection benefits fecundity, particularly for late‐nesting species that acquire a greater proportion of their reproductive energy on the breeding grounds.

Synthesis and applications. Age ratios derived from postbreeding banding operations allowed us to attribute variation in waterfowl fecundity to temporal ecological variables. Effects of habitat management for waterfowl may be masked unless analysts account for this temporal variation. Postbreeding‐pulse age ratios at capture could be useful as fecundity metrics in integrated population models and for evaluating population dynamics of extensively banded nongame species, especially if adjusted for capture vulnerability using within‐season recapture data.
The Benefits of Farm Animal Welfare Legislation: The Case of the EU Broiler Directive and Truthful Reporting
Authors: Bennett Richard , Balcombe Kelvin , Jones Philip , Butterworth Andrew
Published: May 2018

The EU Broiler Directive came into force in the UK in June 2010 with the aim of setting new minimum standards, monitoring broiler welfare and addressing any welfare problems. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit information from a stratified sample of citizens in England and Wales regarding their willingness to pay for the provisions of the Directive, as an estimate of the consumer surplus associated with the legislation. We also explore the usefulness of Prelec's () Bayesian Truth Serum (BTS) in promoting respondents’ truthful reporting. A median willingness to pay of £21.50 per household per year (corrected for sample bias and possible ‘yea saying’) was estimated from 665 responses. This provides an estimated benefit of the legislation to citizens of over £503 million per year, equivalent to 5.3% of current consumer expenditure on chicken. This compares to an estimated £22 million per year cost of producers’ compliance and government enforcement associated with the legislation. No statistically significant differences in responses between respondents that did and did not have a BTS incentive to answer questions truthfully were found, which might reflect apparently truthful answers in this case, an insufficiently strong financial incentive or a weakened effect due to an element of disbelief in the BTS amongst the sample. The analysis suggests that the benefits of the Broiler Directive to citizens greatly outweigh the additional costs to producers, making a case for the legislation to be retained.
Agricultural Trade Liberalisation in the 21st Century: Has It Done the Business?
Authors: Bureau Jean‐Christophe , Guimbard Houssein , Jean Sébastien
Published: May 2018

Based on a novel, detailed, time‐consistent tariff database taking account of import protection developments in the agricultural sector since 2001, we propose a statistical decomposition of the changes in the various types of tariffs. The results show that the multilateral system has played a limited role in trade liberalisation over the period. Many countries have continued to apply much lower tariffs on agricultural products than their WTO ceilings. Moreover, there has been substantial unilateral dismantling of tariffs over the period, so that much of the liberalisation took place outside WTO and regional agreements. The number of regional trade agreements has surged, but their impact on applied agricultural tariffs has been limited. Finally, we investigate the tariffs, trade and production implications for food and agricultural products of two extreme scenarios in the future development of trade negotiations: an ambitious surge of regional agreements and a trade war within the WTO context.
DNA Profiles from Fingerprint Lifts—Enhancing the Evidential Value of Fingermarks Through Successful DNA Typing
Authors: Subhani Zuhaib , Daniel Barbara , Frascione Nunzianda
Published: May 2018

This study evaluated the compatibility of the most common enhancement methods and lifting techniques with DNA profiling. Emphasis is placed on modern lifting techniques (i.e., gelatin lifters and Isomark™) and historical fingerprint lifts for which limited research has been previously conducted. A total of 180 fingerprints were deposited on a glass surface, enhanced, lifted, and processed for DNA typing. DNA could be extracted and profiled for all the powders and lifts tested and from both groomed fingerprints and natural prints with no significant difference in the percentage of profile recovered. DNA profiles could also be obtained from historical fingerprint lifts (79.2% of 72 lifts) with one or more alleles detected. These results demonstrate the compatibility between different powder/lift combinations and DNA profiling therefore augmenting the evidential value of fingerprints in forensic casework.
Immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Perlite Beads for the Decontamination of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk
Authors: Foroughi Marjan , Sarabi Jamab Mahboobe , Keramat Javad , Foroughi Mahsa
Published: May 2018

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination presents one of the most serious concerns in milk safety. In this study, the immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to detoxify AFM1‐contaminated milk. The yeasts were immobilized on perlite for 24 and 48 hr, and the best immobilization time was achieved at 48 hr. Microscopic examination confirmed successful immobilization. The milk samples with 0.08, 0.13, 0.18, and 0.23 ppb AFM1 contamination were passed through the biofilter for 20, 40, and 80 min. The results showed a significant reduction in AFM1 concentration for all the milk samples with various initial AFM1 contents. The contaminated milk with 0.08 ppb AFM1 was completely cleared after 40 min of circulation while for the milk solution with 0.23 ppb, the highest AFM1 reduction was obtained at about 81.3% after 80 min circulation. In addition, the biofilter was saturated after the third step of milk circulation, containing 0.23 ppb AF, in which each step duration was 20 min. This study showed the excellent capability of the immobilized cells on the perlite beads to detoxify the AFM1‐contaminated milk without any side effects on its physicochemical properties.

Practical Application

The immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells on perlite beads can be used to detoxify AFM1‐contaminated milk. The perlite can provide a perfect support for immobilization. With respect to qualitative properties, 20 min, was suggested as the optimum time for milk decontamination. This study indicated that the detoxification of contaminated milk using immobilized S. cerevisiae cells on the perlite support did not affect the different properties of detoxified milk. This method can lead to a practical solution to address aflatoxin contamination in dairy products considered high‐risk foods.
Surface Modification Mechanism of Cross‐Linking and Acetylation, and Their Influence on Characteristics of High Amylose Corn Starch
Authors: Tang Hongbo , Qu Yefang , Li Yanping , Dong Siqing
Published: May 2018

Through dual modification of high amylose corn starch (HACS), the surface modification mechanism of cross‐linking and acetylation was mainly studied, and their effect on the physicochemical properties of HACS was further investigated. The variation in surface hydroxyl numbers showed that the influence of acetylation on the structure of particles was obviously different from cross‐linking. Cross‐linking was carried out only on the granule surface, whereas acetylation was finished not only on the surface but also in the interior of grains. Cross‐linking could unevenly produce many micropores on the particle surface. The destruction level of HACS granules caused by acetylation was greater than that of cross‐linking according to XRD. The surface hydroxyl groups were not distributed evenly on HACS particles. Cross‐linking did not improve the freeze‐thaw stability of HACS, but acetylation could improve its freeze‐thaw stability. The variation in the blue value caused by cross‐linking was more than by acetylation.

Practical Application

The surface modification mechanism of cross‐linking and acetylation will provide the theoretical basis for industrial production of cross‐linked starch, acetylated starch, and cross‐linked acetylated starch. For the surface modification, the cross‐linking degree was better evaluated by the surface hydroxyl group numbers than the conventional sedimentation volume method. The development of cross‐linked acetylated high amylose corn starch as a new additive will further enlarge the application of high amylose corn starch in food, textile, medicine, and so on.