bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

PurposeThis 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/approachUsing 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.FindingsThe 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/valueOverall, 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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractFirst 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

AbstractMechanisms 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

AbstractThe 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 ApplicationAlthough 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

Summary‘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

BackgroundUniportal 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.MethodsAll consecutive patients undergoing uniportal VATS anatomical lung resection between June 2012 and February 2020 were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsWe 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.ConclusionsUniportal 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

AbstractBackgroundAs 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsFamitinib 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.ConclusionsCollectively, 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

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

AbstractAlthough 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.
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 PurposeVEGF‐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 ApproachReceptor 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 ResultsCell 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 ImplicationsThis 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

AbstractDivision‐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.