bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validation of an instrument for measuring problems with performance appraisal of automotive parts manufacturing employees
Authors: Na-Nan Khahan , Joungtrakul Jamnean , Smith Ian David , Sanamthong Ekkasit
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To develop and validate an instrument to measure the problems associated with performance appraisal.

Design/methodology/approach

The implementation was in two phases. Phase 1 involved the development and validation of an instrument to measure the problems with performance appraisal. Phase 2 involved the exploration and confirm the construct measurement. Data used in Phase 1 were collected from interviews with administrators and employees in the automotive parts manufacturing industry and five experts. In Phase 2, data were derived from questionnaires sent to 320 employees of automotive parts manufacturers in the Eastern Region of Thailand.

Findings

Problems concerning performance appraisals were classified into two components as problems with the appraisal process and problems with the appraising person. The concepts, theories and interview results that were used to develop the instrument and assess problems with performance appraisals were consistent with the empirical evidence.

Practical implications

The developed instrument may be used to measure problem levels of performance appraisals in organizations with high accuracy and reliability. Findings may be used as guidelines for management to effectively reduce problems with performance appraisals. The instrument may also be used for research measurement of organizational problems concerning performance appraisal.

Social implications

Fairness, transparency and testability are aspects of effective management. Ignorance of problems in performance appraisals may have negative effects on a conducive working atmosphere and behaviors at the personal, group and organizational levels. Therefore, the findings of this study have social implications for the capability to examine fairness in employees' performance appraisals.

Originality/value

The instrument for measuring problems with performance appraisal was developed based on the combination of concepts, theories and interview and questionnaire data. This instrument facilitates human resource officers, managers and organizations in measuring the levels of problems with performance appraisals.
How to leverage manufacturing digitalization for green process innovation: an information processing perspective
Authors: Wei Zelong , Sun Lulu
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine how manufacturing digitalization can be leveraged to promote green innovation in the digital era by investigating the effects of manufacturing digitalization on green process innovation, and thus firm performance. The authors also explored how the role of manufacturing digitalization varies with horizontal information sharing, vertical bottom-up learning and technological modularization.

Design/methodology/approach

Five hypotheses were examined by performing regression analyses on survey data from 334 manufacturing firms in China.

Findings

Manufacturing digitalization positively affects green process innovation, and thus firm performance. Furthermore, this positive effect is strengthened by horizontal information sharing and technological modularization and weakened by vertical bottom-up learning.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature rooted in the natural-resource-based view by identifying the crucial role of green process innovation and investigating the value of manufacturing digitalization for developing green capabilities in the digital era. It also contributes to this line of research by revealing contingent factors to leverage manufacturing digitalization from the information processing perspective. Furthermore, this study extends information processing theory to the digital context and identifies the interaction of organizational design (vertical bottom-up learning and horizontal information sharing) and digital investment (manufacturing digitalization).
Impact of workplace frustration on online gamer loyalty
Authors: Liao Gen-Yih , Pham Thi Tuan Linh , Huang Tzu-Ling , Cheng T.C.E. , Teng Ching-I
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Online games are prevalent internet applications and are known for satisfying the various needs of users. Nonetheless, little is known about whether online games could be a resort for users encountering workplace frustration. Explaining how workplace frustration and users' need satisfaction affect loyalty of online gamers, this study aims to formulate hypotheses and develop a framework based on the self-determination theory (SDT).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an online survey to collect 848 responses and use structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that workplace frustration, autonomy need satisfaction and competence need satisfaction are positively related to online gamer loyalty. Moreover, workplace frustration enhances the link between competence need satisfaction and online gamer loyalty.

Originality/value

The authors are the first to use SDT to identify the three antecedents and the moderator of online gamer loyalty. Our findings offer a key message that game providers could design effective means to retain their gamers by understanding their gamers' workplace frustration and informing them that playing games could alleviate the associated negative feelings.
Understanding the effects of personality traits on solver engagement in crowdsourcing communities: a moderated mediation investigation
Authors: Shi Xiaoxiao , Evans Richard , Pan Wei , Shan Wei
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Crowdsourcing communities enable companies to post challenges that are completed by solvers (workers); their success depends on engagement, requiring both creativity and effort. This study explores solver engagement in online crowdsourcing communities, advancing the theory of trait engagement by investigating the mediating roles of: (a) task-related self-efficacy in linking conscientiousness, neuroticism and extraversion, with solver engagement, and (b) task complexity in influencing the mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

215 valid responses were obtained from solvers engaged in the popular Chinese crowdsourcing community, Epwk.com, using an online questionnaire. PLS was then used to analyze the data.

Findings

Results show that self-efficacy mediates the relationships for conscientiousness, neuroticism and extraversion, with solver engagement. Moderated mediation analysis revealed that self-efficacy mediates the relationships for: (a) conscientiousness and extraversion, for only solvers with high task complexity; and (b) neuroticism, for only solvers with low task complexity.

Originality/value

The authors’ findings underscore the importance of accounting for solvers' situational contexts when examining the relationships between personality, self-efficacy and solver engagement in online crowdsourcing communities.
Top management support and knowledge sharing: the strategic role of affiliation and trust in academic environment
Authors: Lo Man Fung , Tian Feng , Ng Peggy Mei Lan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Knowledge sharing, the most important process in knowledge management, enables knowledge-intensive organizations to foster innovations and to gain competitiveness. Universities, the best contemporary embodiments of knowledge-intensive organizations, nowadays face fiercer competition in the changing world. Knowledge sharing is the key for academic departments to gain competitive advantages through innovation. However, limited studies examined the relationships between top management support, knowledge sharing and affiliation and trust. Based on the literature review, this study developed a research model which aims to examine the relationship between top management support and knowledge sharing, and the mediating role played by affiliation and trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted in eight universities in Hong Kong. Data gathered from 109 professoriate staff (including chairs, professors and [research] associate/assistant professors) were used to test the four hypotheses in the research model with partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results showed that top management support has a positive impact on affiliation and trust, and that affiliation and trust also have a positive impact on knowledge sharing. However, this study showed an insignificant linkage between top management support and knowledge sharing. Therefore, this study confirmed the mediating role played by affiliation and trust.

Practical implications

Based on the results, this study provided recommendations on how academic management and knowledge management consultants increase the faculty members’ affiliation and trust, for instance, mentoring, performance appraisal system, social interactions and communication pathways.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the literature in two ways. First, affiliation and trust are two interplayed elements of team climate that should be considered together. Second, this study validates affiliation and trust as a full mediator between top management support and knowledge sharing.
Does engaging in corporate social responsibility activities influence firm performance? The moderating effects of risk preferences and performance measurement systems
Authors: Ho Joanna , Lu Cody , Lucianetti Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether and how two firm-level factors jointly moderate the relation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and firm performance: (1) the “alignment” between a firm's CSR activities and risk preferences and (2) performance measurement systems (PMS).

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey responses from top managers of private Italian companies and matching archival data on the financial performance of these companies, the authors show that the positive effect of CSR activities on firm performance is contingent upon CSR–risk alignment, which creates competitive advantages, and the extent to which the firm's PMS are supportive of its strategic initiatives.

Findings

The findings suggest that to extract economic benefits from CSR activities, firms must align CSR activities with their risk preferences and rely on PMS to overcome the causal ambiguity between CSR activities and competitive advantage.

Originality/value

Overall, this study contributes to both the CSR–firm performance and consequences of PMS literature and holds significant practical implications.
Ambient nitrogen deposition drives plant‐diversity decline by nitrogen accumulation in a closed grassland ecosystem
Authors: Lu Peng , Hao Tianxiang , Li Xin , Wang Hong , Zhai Xiufeng , Tian Qiuying , Bai Wenming , Stevens Carly , Zhang Wen‐Hao
Published: March 2021

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, climatic variables and anthropogenic management affect grassland‐ecosystem stability by driving changes in plant community and loss of plant diversity. Determination of their influences on plant composition and diversity is essential for predicting ecosystem response to future global changes and for making policies of sustainable grassland management.

We evaluated the relative contributions of atmospheric N deposition, climatic variables and grassland management to plant diversity and N accumulation by temporally monitoring the changes in plant community and N status in a temperate grassland ecosystem.

Ambient low‐level N deposition combined with long‐term grassland enclosure led to increases in above‐ground biomass and abundance of grasses and sedges, and decreases in those of forbs. The dominant species of perennial forbs and grasses also displayed divergence in their biomass and abundance over time. Nitrogen deposition made greater contributions to the divergent changes in perennial forbs and grasses. However, air temperature and precipitation fluctuations mainly contributed to the annual fluctuations in annual and biennial species. Long‐term enclosure aggravated the cumulative effects of soil inorganic N on plant‐diversity loss while mowing had opposite effects on the N accumulation.

Synthesis and applications. Ambient low‐level N deposition can drive loss of plant diversity due to N accumulation in grassland ecosystem under long‐time enclosure. Therefore, appropriate grassland management, such as rationally grazing and/or mowing, may be effective practices in terms of maintenance of plant biodiversity under the scenario of enhanced atmospheric N deposition.
Physiological responses to light explain competition and facilitation in a tree diversity experiment
Authors: Kothari Shan , Montgomery Rebecca A. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine
Published: March 2021

Ecologists often invoke interspecific facilitation to help explain positive biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships in plant communities, but seldom test how it occurs. One mechanism through which one species may facilitate another is by ameliorating abiotic stress. Physiological experiments show that a chronic excess of light can cause stress that depresses carbon assimilation. If shading by a plant's neighbours reduces light stress enough, it may facilitate that plant's growth. If light is instead most often a limiting factor for photosynthesis, shading may have an adverse, competitive effect.

In a temperate tree diversity experiment, we measured stem growth rates and photosynthetic physiology in broadleaf trees across a gradient of light availability imposed by their neighbours. At the extremes, trees experienced nearly full sun (monoculture), or were shaded by nearby fast‐growing conifers (shaded biculture).

Most species had slower growth rates with larger neighbours, implying a net competitive effect. On the other hand, the two most shade‐tolerant species (Tilia americana and Acer negundo) and the most shade‐intolerant one (Betula papyrifera) had faster stem growth rates with larger neighbours. The two shade‐tolerant species had the greatest increases in photoinhibition (reduced dark‐acclimated Fv/Fm) across the gradient of increasing light availability, which suggests they are more vulnerable to chronic light stress. While most species had lower carbon assimilation rates in the shaded biculture treatment, T. americana had rates up to 25% higher. T. americana also dropped its leaves 3–4 weeks earlier in monocultures, curtailing its growing season.

We conclude that although large neighbours can cause light limitation in shade‐intolerant species, they can also increase growth through abiotic stress amelioration in shade‐tolerant species. Finally, in shade‐intolerant B. papyrifera, we find a pattern of stem elongation in trees with larger neighbours, which suggests that a shade avoidance response may account for the apparent positive trend in stem volume.

Synthesis. Both positive and negative species interactions in our experiment can be explained in large part by the photosynthetic responses of trees to the light environment created by their neighbours. We show that photosynthetic physiology can help explain the species interactions that underlie biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships. The insights that ecologists gain by searching for such physiological mechanisms may help us forecast species interactions under environmental change.
Phenotypic changes in Daphnia pulex under oxygen deficiency, resource limitation and predation risk
Authors: Oda Yusuke , Nakamura Hitomi , Tokishita Shinichi , Mano Hiroyuki , Chang Kwang‐Hyeon , Sakamoto Masaki
Published: March 2021

In natural systems, a multitude of environmental stressors can interactively influence wildlife phenotypes. Understanding the patterns in phenotypic changes under multiple stressors is key to identify the principles in relationships between traits and phenotype–environment associations. In the present study, we examined the changes in fitness‐related parameters (somatic growth, fecundity, survival and population growth), and expression patterns of three phenotypic responses (hemoglobin production, enlargement of filter‐screen area and neck teeth formation) in the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia pulex, by rearing their individuals under factorial combinations of three environmental stressors (oxygen deficiency, food limitation and presence of kairomones released from Chaoborus spp.). Changes in the fitness parameters indicated the presence of trade‐offs with energy allocation between life‐history traits and phenotypic changes. The hemoglobin expression level was enhanced not only by low oxygen conditions but also by presence of the kairomones, however, it was reduced under low food conditions. Interactive effects of multiple stressors on morphological changes were also detected: the development level of neck teeth was reduced under low oxygen conditions, and the filter‐screen adaptation under low food conditions was also slightly suppressed by exposure to the kairomones. Various ecological situations can interactively determine the phenotypes, affecting population dynamics and consequent community structures through the modification of biological interactions.
Forgotten first responders: Australian surf lifesavers and lifeguards
Authors: Fien Samantha , Lawes Jasmin C , de Terte Ian , Simon Pamela , Joseph Nancy , Daw Shane , Drummond Murray , Best Talitha , Stanton Robert
Published: March 2021

First responders often face traumatic and emotionally‐taxing incidents in their role. Understanding their mental health and coping capacity is important for wellbeing and continued service delivery. Surf lifesavers and lifeguards are an under researched yet a vital part of the first responder workforce. The recent Senate Report on first responders explored mental health in the leading emergency services personnel in Australia and found a high incidence of mental health difficulties in those who worked or volunteered as emergency responders. However, a significant literature gap exists regarding mental health of surf lifesavers and lifeguards in both the international and Australian context. Here we propose a strategy to address this gap, at the individual, organisational and community level.
Serum carnitine concentration and the acyl to free carnitine ratio in nondialysis chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis patients
Authors: Daimon Shoichiro , Yasuda Miyuki , Nishitani Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2021

Mechanisms of impaired fatty acid metabolism may not be the same in nondialysis and hemodialysis patients. Correlations between the serum‐free carnitine concentration (FC), acylcarnitine concentration (AC), acyl to free carnitine ratio (AC/FC), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the nondialysis population and the duration of hemodialysis in hemodialysis patients were investigated. As the eGFR decreased, the FC and AC increased, and as the duration of hemodialysis became longer, the FC and AC decreased. The AC/FC increased consistently as the eGFR decreased and the duration of hemodialysis increased. As an exception, the AC/FC decreased in the patients with a hemodialysis duration less than 90 days, which was not explained by carnitine removal by hemodialysis. In nondialysis patients, a functional, rather than an absolute, carnitine deficiency is a main cause of impaired fatty acid metabolism. Long‐term hemodialysis exacerbates absolute carnitine deficiency, whereas hemodialysis treatment may improve impaired fatty acid metabolism.
Effects of glass transition and hydration on the biological stability of dry yeast
Authors: Kawai Kiyoshi , Sato Kyoya , Lee Kyeongmin , Koseki Shigenobu
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of glass transition and hydration on the storage stability of baker's dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the yeast decreased with increase in water activity (aw), and aw at which glass transition occurs at 25 °C was determined as the critical aw (awc). From mechanical relaxation measurements at 25 °C, the yeast exhibited a large mechanical relaxation above the awc, and the degree of mechanical relaxation increased gradually with increasing aw. This behavior corresponded to a gradual increase in molecular mobility with increasing aw in the rubbery liquid state. Freezable water was observed from aw ≥0.810, and the proportion of freezable water increased with increasing aw. Examination of the effect of aw on the residual biological activity of yeast samples stored at 25 °C for 30 days revealed maximum residual biological activity at aw = 0.225 to 0.432. In the lower aw range, the residual biological activity decreased because of oxidation of lipids. In the higher aw range, the residual biological activity decreased gradually with increasing aw. The yeast samples maintained a relatively high residual biological activity, because they could maintain relatively low molecular mobility even in the rubbery liquid state, as suggested by their mechanical relaxation behavior. At aw ≥0.809, residual activity decreased to a negligible value. This could be explained by the appearance of secondary hydrate water (freezable water). Hydrate water protects yeast cells from lipid oxidation but reduces the Tg. As a result, the yeast cells are stabilized maximally only at the awc.

Practical Application

Although the growth rate of yeast cells becomes negligible below a certain aw, the biological activity of dry yeast decreases gradually during storage. The fact that dry yeast can be maximally stabilized at the awc is practically useful as a criterion for controlling storage stability. In addition, it was found that a remarkable reduction in the molecular mobility, which is otherwise ordinarily increased due to the glass‐to‐rubber transition, is prevented in yeast. It is possible that the crystallization of amorphous sugar can be prevented by yeast extract. The suggested effect is expected to result in enhanced quality of carbohydrate‐based foods.
Establishment of a Cuscuta campestris‐mediated enrichment system for genomic and transcriptomic analyses of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Ling , Deng Yunshuang , Deng Xiaoling , Zheng Zheng
Published: March 2021

‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas) is a phloem‐limited non‐culturable α‐proteobacterium associated with citrus Huanglongbing, a highly destructive disease threatening global citrus industry. Research on CLas is challenging due to the current inability to culture CLas in vitro and the low CLas titre in citrus plant. Here, we develop a CLas enrichment system using the holoparasitic dodder plant (Cuscuta campestris) as an amenable host to acquire and enrich CLas from CLas‐infected citrus shoots maintained hydroponically. Forty‐eight out of fifty‐five (87%) dodder plants successfully parasitized CLas‐infected citrus shoots with detectable CLas by PCR. Among 48 dodders cultures, 30 showed two‐ to 419‐fold CLas titre increase as compared to the corresponding citrus hosts. The CLas population rapidly increased and reached the highest level in dodder tendrils at 15 days after parasitizing citrus shoot. Genome sequencing and assembly derived from CLas‐enriched dodder DNA samples generated a higher resolution than those obtained for CLas from citrus hosts. No genomic variation was detected in CLas after transmission from citrus to dodder during short‐term parasitism. Dual RNA‐Seq experiments showed similar CLas gene expression profiles in dodder and citrus samples, yet dodder samples generated a higher resolution of CLas transcriptome data. The ability of dodder to support CLas multiplication to high levels, as well as its advantage in CLas genomic and transcriptomic analyses, make it an optimal model for further studies on CLas–host interaction.
Single center experience of uniportal VATS anatomical lung resections: Mid‐term oncological outcomes
Authors: Kang Do Kyun , Kang Min Kyun , Heo Woon , Hwang Youn‐Ho
Published: March 2021

Background

Uniportal video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) anatomical lung resection has become widely accepted for its favorable outcomes with regard to pain. However, oncological outcomes, especially mid‐ or long‐term outcomes, are still lacking. The objective of this study was to present our eight‐year experience of uniportal VATS anatomical lung resection, including mid‐term oncological outcomes.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing uniportal VATS anatomical lung resection between June 2012 and February 2020 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

We analyzed data of 170 patients (100 male and 70 female), with a median age of 67 years. The median follow‐up time was 21 months (range 11–41). The DFS of the entire cohort was 66.3 months. Stage‐correlated DFS was 73.1 months for stage I, 42.6 months for stage II, 30.6 months for stage III and 12.5 months for stage IV. The OS of the entire court was 67 months. Stage‐correlated OS was 75.6 months for stage I, 50.2 months for stage II, 31.7 months for stage III and 12.5 months for stage IV.

Conclusions

Uniportal VATS anatomical lung resection for lung cancer can be performed with satisfactory mid‐term histology‐ and stage‐related outcomes, which is consistent with prior results of traditional VATS or thoracotomy.
Third‐generation EGFR inhibitor HS‐10296 in combination with famitinib, a multi‐targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, exerts synergistic antitumor effects through enhanced inhibition of downstream signaling in EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Mi , Quan Haitian , Fu Li , Li Yun , Fu Haoyu , Lou Liguang
Published: March 2021

Background

As a highly heterogeneous disease, lung cancer has a multitude of cellular components and patterns of gene expression which are not dependent on a single mutation or signaling pathway. Thus, using combined drugs to treat lung cancer may be a practical strategy.

Methods

The combined antitumor effects of HS‐10296, a third‐generation EGFR inhibitor targeting EGFR T790M mutation, with the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) famitinib in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were evaluated by in vitro methods such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis assays, and in vivo animal efficacy studies.

Results

Famitinib strengthened the effects of HS‐10296 on inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of NSCLC cells, possibly by synergistic inhibition of AKT and ERK phosphorylation. Meanwhile, HS‐10296 significantly potentiated the effects of famitinib on inhibiting the proliferation and migration of HUVEC, which may be through synergistic inhibition of ERK phosphorylation in HUVEC, suggesting that HS‐10296 may improve the inhibition of angiogenesis by famitinib. Moreover, combination of HS‐10296 and famitinib exerted synergistic antitumor activity in NCI‐H1975 and PC‐9 xenograft models, and this effect may be accomplished by synergistic inhibition of phosphorylation of AKT and ERK and tumor angiogenesis in tumor tissues.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results indicate that HS‐10296 and famitinib exhibit significant synergistic antitumor activity, suggesting that the third‐generation EGFR inhibitor combined with VEGFR inhibitor provides a promising strategy in the treatment of EGFR‐mutant NSCLC.
Clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with pregnancy‐associated breast cancer: A matched case control study
Authors: Zhang Ruyan , Liu Xiaoran , Huang Wenfa , Shao Bin , Yan Ying , Liang Xu , Ran Ran , Song Guohong , Di Lijun , Jiang Hanfang , Li Huiping
Published: March 2021

Aim

We aimed to clarify tumor features and prognosis of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer (PABC) among Chinese women.

Methods

PABC was defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within a year after delivery. Patients with PABC were selected from breast cancer cases of women ≤45 years treated at our institution between December 2012 and December 2017, and one non‐PABC control was matched for stage, age, and year of diagnosis for each case.

Results

Forty‐one women with PABC were identified (22 diagnosed during pregnancy and 19 within 1 year of delivery). There were significantly more progesterone receptor (PR)‐ and triple‐negative tumors in the PABC (56.1% and 24.4%, respectively) than in the non‐PABC group (31.7% and 4.9%, respectively) (P = .045 and .026, respectively). Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity was the same in both groups (31.7%). Median disease‐free survival (DFS) was 29.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.5‐51.5 months) in the PABC and 40.9 months (95% CI, 22.8‐58.8 months) in the non‐PABC group (P = .167). Median overall survival (OS) was 82.8 months in the PABC (95% CI, 39.3‐126.5 months) versus 80.1 months (95% CI, 56.7‐103.6 months) in the non‐PABC group (P = .131).

Conclusion

Histological features were similar in both groups, except that PR‐ and triple‐negative tumors were more frequent in the PABC group. Survival analyses show similar OS for patients with PABC and non‐PABC. DFS tended to be shorter in the PABC group; however, this difference was not statistically significant.
Public Infrastructure and Economic Development: Evidence from Postal Systems
Authors: Rogowski Jon C. , Gerring John , Maguire Matthew , Cojocaru Lee
Published: March 2021

Although postal systems have been central to statebuilding efforts around the globe, their contributions to development are largely unclear. We argue that the post office affected economic development in both the short and long terms. To test our argument, we combine original data on the cross‐national distribution of postal systems from 1875 to 2007 with granular county‐level data in the United States from 1850 to 2000. In both country‐ and county‐level analyses, we show that the spread of postal systems affected economic outcomes in the short and long terms. The results are robust across dependent variables, model specifications, and estimation strategies. We provide additional evidence that suggests these effects were generated by reducing transaction costs and strengthening social capital. Our findings highlight the role of public infrastructure in promoting economic growth, documenting a channel through which state institutions precede growth, and suggest that statebuilding efforts have longstanding effects on relevant communities.
The Dual Effect of Corporatism: The Control and Strengthening of Civil Society in Brazil, 1930–1945
Authors: Vannucchi Marco Aurélio
Published: March 2021

This article examines the relationship between state and civil society in the first Vargas administration (1930–1945). It looks at a type of corporatist political incorporation of the business class and urban workers, especially the professions, and seeks to highlight the dynamic and class‐based nature of this process. Furthermore, it demonstrates that, in spite of the predominance of the state in relation to civil society, corporatism implied gains and losses (in different qualities and quantities) for both. Finally, it argues that in a general form in the period studied corporatism resulted in the increase of state control over social groups, but it points to an undesired effect for the state: the contribution of corporatist organisation to the (partial) autonomisation of civil society at the end of the Estado Novo.
Use of NanoBiT and NanoBRET to monitor fluorescent VEGF‐A binding kinetics to VEGFR2/NRP1 heteromeric complexes in living cells
Authors: Peach Chloe J. , Kilpatrick Laura E. , Woolard Jeanette , Hill Stephen J.
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

VEGF‐A is a key mediator of angiogenesis, primarily signalling via VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Endothelial cells also express the co‐receptor neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) that potentiates VEGF‐A/VEGFR2 signalling. VEGFR2 and NRP1 had distinct real‐time ligand binding kinetics when monitored using BRET. We previously characterised fluorescent VEGF‐A isoforms tagged at a single site with tetramethylrhodamine (TMR). Here, we explored differences between VEGF‐A isoforms in living cells that co‐expressed both receptors.

Experimental Approach

Receptor localisation was monitored in HEK293T cells expressing both VEGFR2 and NRP1 using membrane‐impermeant HaloTag and SnapTag technologies. To isolate ligand binding pharmacology at a defined VEGFR2/NRP1 complex, we developed an assay using NanoBiT complementation technology whereby heteromerisation is required for luminescence emissions. Binding affinities and kinetics of VEGFR2‐selective VEGF165b‐TMR and non‐selective VEGF165a‐TMR were monitored using BRET from this defined complex.

Key Results

Cell surface VEGFR2 and NRP1 were co‐localised and formed a constitutive heteromeric complex. Despite being selective for VEGFR2, VEGF165b‐TMR had a distinct kinetic ligand binding profile at the complex that largely remained elevated in cells over 90 min. VEGF165a‐TMR bound to the VEGFR2/NRP1 complex with kinetics comparable to those of VEGFR2 alone. Using a binding‐dead mutant of NRP1 did not affect the binding kinetics or affinity of VEGF165a‐TMR.

Conclusion and Implications

This NanoBiT approach enabled real‐time ligand binding to be quantified in living cells at 37°C from a specified complex between a receptor TK and its co‐receptor for the first time.
Linear Polarization Demosaicking for Monochrome and Colour Polarization Focal Plane Arrays
Authors: Qiu Simeng , Fu Qiang , Wang Congli , Heidrich Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Division‐of‐focal‐plane (DoFP) polarization image sensors allow for snapshot imaging of linear polarization effects with inexpensive and straightforward setups. However, conventional interpolation based image reconstruction methods for such sensors produce unreliable and noisy estimates of quantities such as Degree of Linear Polarization (DoLP) or Angle of Linear Polarization (AoLP). In this paper, we propose a polarization demosaicking algorithm by inverting the polarization image formation model for both monochrome and colour DoFP cameras. Compared to previous interpolation methods, our approach can significantly reduce noise induced artefacts and drastically increase the accuracy in estimating polarization states. We evaluate and demonstrate the performance of the methods on a new high‐resolution colour polarization dataset. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed reconstruction and analysis tools offer an effective solution to polarization imaging.
GATA‐3 expression in a de‐differentiated chondrosarcoma with cutaneous iatrogenic implantation: a diagnostic pitfall with important clinical implications
Authors: Henning Ania , Banks Mackenzie , Korman Abraham M. , Iwenofu I. Hans , Chung Catherine G.
Published: March 2021

De‐differentiated chondrosarcoma (DDCS) is an extremely aggressive tumor of the bone characterized by a high‐grade, non‐chondroid sarcoma adjacent to a low‐ or intermediate‐grade chondrosarcoma. Adequate tumor sampling demonstrating the biphasic features is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis may be challenging as histopathology may mimic other neoplasms. We present a case of a 76‐year‐old woman with a history of breast cancer who presented with a pathologic non‐displaced fracture. A bone biopsy demonstrated a high‐grade neoplasm composed of pleomorphic spindled and epithelioid cells with focal expression of AE1/3 and GATA3, most likely consistent with metastatic breast carcinoma. After a difficult clinical course, the tumor was resected demonstrating a similar morphology to her prior biopsy, as well as an area of a low‐grade cartilaginous neoplasm consistent with chondrosarcoma. The biphasic tumor alongside a low‐grade chondrosarcoma allowed for a diagnosis of DDCS. Several days after her procedure, the patient developed violaceous nodules overlying and surrounding the surgical site. Skin biopsy demonstrated a malignant epithelioid neoplasm with identical histomorphologic features identical to her prior bone resection. Given the location of the skin lesions directly within the surgical site right after resection, the clinical‐pathological picture was that of sarcomatosis cutis by iatrogenic cutaneous implantation.
Efficacy of entomopathogens against Thaumatotibia leucotreta under laboratory conditions
Authors: Steyn Vernon M. , Malan Antoinette P. , Addison Pia
Published: March 2021

False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a priority pest on citrus, stone fruit, and table grapes. Current control focuses on the adult stage; however, each stage of the life cycle of the insect should be targeted. The potential of local biocontrol agents against FCM immature stages was investigated. Several entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) and entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) species were identified from soil samples collected from orchards and vineyards throughout the Western Cape province in South Africa. The eggs were proven to be susceptible (30–65%) to several EPN species, at 200 infective juveniles (IJs) per 50 µl. Xenorhabdus indica, the symbiotic bacterium of Steinernema yirgalemense Nguyen et al., caused significantly more mortality than the control. The EPNs were highly virulent against the FCM larvae, with S. yirgalemense causing 100% mortality in all trials. Metarhizium robertsii (78%), M. anisopliae (50%), and Beauveria bassiana (75%) caused high mortality in FCM larvae. The fully formed pupae were the most resistant of the immature stages, with the EPNs causing low mortality at 100 IJs per insect. As the FCM larvae were highly susceptible to S. yirgalemense and M. robertsii under laboratory conditions, they should be further tested, separately and in combination, in field conditions to illustrate the benefits of including them in a FCM‐IPM programme.
Impact of hypoalbuminemia on the prognosis of relapsed/refractory B‐cell lymphoma treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel
Authors: Melody Megan , Gandhi Sangeetha , Rahman Zaid Abdel , Lengerke‐Diaz Paula , Gannon Nicole , Rosenthal Allison , Truong Tuan , Novo Mattia , Brandes Eva , Lange Gina , Estby Breana , Johnston Patrick , Ansell Steve , Bennani N. Nora , Paludo Jonas , Bisneto Jose Villasboas , Ayala Ernesto , Tun Han W. , Murthy Hemant S. , Roy Vivek , Foran James , Castro Januario , Lin Yi , Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohamed A.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Hypoalbuminemia is a known adverse prognostic factor in lymphomas. Yet, it is unknown if axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi‐cel) overcomes the adverse prognostic impact of hypoalbuminemia in relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphoma.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis across three Mayo Clinic centers to assess the relationship of hypoalbuminemia (defined as a serum albumin (SA) levels ≤ 3.5 g/dL) on outcomes of patients treated with axi‐cel.

Results

This analysis included 81 patients. Two patients had no available SA levels preceding axi‐cel infusion. Eighteen patients (22.8%) had hypoalbuminemia with a median SA of 3.3 g/dL. Patients with normal SA had a statistically higher ORR than those without hypoalbuminemia (P = .018). There was no difference in 1‐year PFS and OS between the group with hypoalbuminemia and the group with normal SA levels (48% vs 49%, P = .81) and (74% vs 73%, P = .97), respectively. There was no difference in the severity or median duration of cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity between the two groups.

Conclusion

Notwithstanding the limitations related to the relatively small sample size, axi‐cel therapy appears to overcome the adverse effect of hypoalbuminemia on OS and PFS. Large multicenter clinical studies are certainly needed to validate these findings.
Enhanced light interception and light use efficiency explain overyielding in young tree communities
Authors: Williams Laura J. , Butler Ethan E. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Stefanski Artur , Rice Karen E. , Messier Christian , Paquette Alain , Reich Peter B.
Published: March 2021

Diverse plant communities are often more productive than mono‐specific ones. Several possible mechanisms underlie this phenomenon but their relative importance remains unknown. Here we investigated whether light interception alone or in combination with light use efficiency (LUE) of dominant and subordinate species explained greater productivity of mixtures relative to monocultures (i.e. overyielding) in 108 young experimental tree communities. We found mixed‐species communities that intercepted more light than their corresponding monocultures had 84% probability of overyielding. Enhanced LUE, which arose via several pathways, also mattered: the probability of overyielding was 71% when, in a mixture, species with higher ‘inherent’ LUE (i.e. LUE in monoculture) intercepted more light than species with lower LUE; 94% when dominant species increased their LUE in mixture; and 79% when subordinate species increased their LUE. Our results suggest that greater light interception and greater LUE, generated by inter and intraspecific variation, together drive overyielding in mixed‐species forests.
Phylogeny and biogeography of arctic‐alpine butterflies of the genusOeneis(Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)
Authors: Usami Shin‐ichi , Isaka Yuichi , Nishio Shin‐ya , Nakatani Takatoshi , Itoh Tateo
Published: March 2021

Arctic‐alpine butterflies of the genusOeneisare adapted to a cold climate and distributed across arctic areas and high‐altitude alpine habitats in Eurasia and North America. Due to their morphological similarities, species‐level boundaries in some groups have been extremely vague. To clarify the relationships amongOeneisspecies, the phylogenetic analyses of 28 of the 32 knownOeneisspecies and closely related genusDavidinawere carried out using mitochondrialCOI, the nuclear geneEF‐1αandwinglesssequences. Furthermore, divergence time estimation and ancestral area reconstruction analysis were applied to clarify the processes of distribution of each species among the genusOeneis. The present comprehensive molecular phylogeny indicated that the traditionally classifiedOeneisgroup can be divided into two major clades, clade A, thetarpejagroup ofOeneisand the genusDavidina; and clade B, the other groups ofOeneisand the genusNeominos, and indicated that the genusOeneiscan be divided into four major clades,tarpeja,bore,buddhaand the complex comprisingnorna,horaandjutta. Based on updated fossil‐based calibrations, the two major clades were divided approximately 10.86 million years ago in the Miocene. Ancestral area reconstruction analysis indicated that thetarpejagroup ofOeneisand the genusDavidinaoriginated and diversified mainly within the Eastern Palearctic, whereas it is highly possible that several lineages of the other groups ofOeneisoriginated in the Nearctic region.
Comparison of minimally invasive and traditional surgical approaches for refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of outcomes
Authors: Kohlhase Konstantin , Zöllner Johann Philipp , Tandon Nitin , Strzelczyk Adam , Rosenow Felix
Published: March 2021

Magnetic resonance‐guided laser interstitial laser therapy (MRgLITT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) represent two minimally invasive methods for the treatment of drug‐refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). We performed a systematic review and a meta‐analysis to compare outcomes and complications between MRgLITT, RFA, and conventional surgical approaches to the temporal lobe (i.e., anterior temporal lobe resection [ATL] or selective amygdalohippocampectomy [sAHE]). Forty‐three studies (13 MRgLITT, 6 RFA, and 24 surgery studies) involved 554, 123, 1504, and 1326 patients treated by MRgLITT, RFA, ATL, or sAHE, respectively. Engel Class I (Engel‐I) outcomes were achieved after MRgLITT in 57% (315/554, range = 33.3%–67.4%), RFA in 44% (54/123, range = 0%–67.2%), ATL in 69% (1032/1504, range = 40%–92.9%), and sAHE in 66% (887/1326, range = 21.4%–93.3%). Meta‐analysis revealed no significant difference in seizure outcome between MRgLITT and RFA (Q = 2.74, p = .098), whereas ATL and sAHE were both superior to MRgLITT (ATL: Q = 8.92, p = .002; sAHE: Q = 4.33, p = .037) and RFA (ATL: Q = 6.42, p = .0113; sAHE: Q = 5.04, p = .0247), with better outcome in patients at follow‐up of 60 months or more. Mesial hippocampal sclerosis (mTLE + hippocampal sclerosis) was associated with significantly better outcome after MRgLITT (Engel‐I outcome in 64%; Q = 8.55, p = .0035). The rate of major complications was 3.8% for MRgLITT, 3.7% for RFA, 10.9% for ATL, and 7.4% for sAHE; the differences did not show statistical significance. Neuropsychological deficits occurred after all procedures, with left‐sided surgeries having a higher rate of verbal memory impairment. Lateral functions such as naming or object recognition may be more preserved in MRgLITT. Thermal therapies are effective techniques but show a significantly lower rate of Engel‐I outcome in comparison to ATL and sAHE. Between MRgLITT and RFA there were no significant differences in Engel‐I outcome, whereby the success of treatment seems to depend on the approach used (e.g., occipital approach). MRgLITT shows a similar rate of complications compared to RFA, whereas patients undergoing MRgLITT may experience fewer major complications compared to ATL or sAHE and might have a more beneficial neuropsychological outcome.
Are foreign companies a blessing or a curse for local development in Brazil? It depends on the home country and host region's institutions
Authors: Polloni‐Silva Eduardo , Moralles Herick Fernando , Rebelatto Daisy Aparecida do Nascimento , Hartmann Dominik
Published: March 2021

Latin America is an important destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). The debate on whether FDI is beneficial or harmful to the region is ongoing. Our study investigates how institutions from the home country and the host region affect the FDI‐human development nexus in Brazil. Specifically, we employ a unique data set comprising 92 municipalities and companies from 52 countries. We use threshold regressions to scrutinize the heterogeneous effects of FDI on the municipalities' income, education, health, and productivity levels. Our results indicate that locations with a high concentration of companies from countries with well‐developed institutions tend to experience a more positive effect of FDI on local development than regions with a high concentration of companies from emerging economies with less developed institutions. This effect is nonlinear, though, and more significant in institutionally weak regions. Our findings suggest that the FDI‐human development nexus is neither always positive or negative. Instead, it varies depending on which human development aspect is being analyzed and on institutions. Finally, we discuss policy implications for Brazil and Latin America.