bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of initial goodwill overstatement in affiliated and non‐affiliated mergers
Authors: Ahn Sunghee , Cheon Youngsoon S. , Kim Moonchul 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study examines the determinants of goodwill overstatement at the time of mergers in a Korean setting. In the Korean M&A market, there are two types of mergers: mergers between independent companies (non‐affiliated mergers) and mergers between companies under common control (affiliated mergers). This study extends the literature by examining the factors likely to cause goodwill overstatement in both types of mergers. The results reveal that in affiliated mergers, goodwill at the time of a merger tends to be overstated when controlling owners have higher equity ownership in the target than in the acquirer. By contrast, information uncertainty in the target value causes initial goodwill overstatement in non‐affiliated mergers. We also find that monitoring of independent institutional investors with concentrated holdings against overpaying for the target is more pronounced when controlling owners in affiliated mergers have incentives to overpay for the target. In affiliated mergers, acquirers tend to write off goodwill more frequently when controlling owners have higher equity ownership in the target than in the acquirer. In non‐affiliated mergers, information uncertainty in the target value is significantly associated with subsequent goodwill write‐offs. These results suggest that the type of merger has important consequences for initial goodwill recognition and subsequent impairment.
The expression and biological function of chemokine CXCL12 and receptor CXCR4/CXCR7 in placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Long Yu , Jiang Yonghua , Zeng Jingjing , Dang Yiwu , Chen Yue , Lin Jueying , Wei Hongwei , Xia Hongwei , Long Junqing , Luo Cuizhen , Chen Zhiwei , Huang Yaling , Li MuJun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesInvestigation of mechanism related to excessive invasion of trophoblast cells in placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) provides more strategies and ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Materials and MethodsBlood and placental samples were collected from included patients. The distribution and expression of CXCL12, CXCR4 and CXCR7 proteins in the paraffin of placental tissue in the included cases were analysed, and we analyse the downstream pathways or key proteins involved in cell invasion.ResultsFirstly, our results determined that CXCL12 and CXCR4/CXCR7 were increased in extravillous trophoblastic cell (CXCL12: P < .001; CXCR4: P < .001; CXCR7: P < .001), and the expression levels were closely related to the invasion depth of trophoblastic cells. Secondly, CXCL12 has the potential to become a biochemical indicator of PAS since the high expression of placental trophoblast CXCL12 may be an important source of blood CXCL12. Using lentivirus‐mediated RNA interference and overexpression assay, it was found that both chemokine CXCL12 and receptor CXCR4/CXCR7 are associated with regulation of trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Further results proved that through the activating the phosphorylation and increasing the expression of MLC and AKT proteins in the Rho/rock, PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, CXCL12, CXCR4 and CXCR7 could up‐regulate the expression of RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 proteins to promote the migration and invasion of extravillous trophoblastic cell and ultimately formate the placenta accrete compare to the normal placenta.ConclusionsOur research proved that trophoblasts may contribute to a PAS‐associated increase in CXCL12 levels in maternal blood. CXCL12 is not only associated with biological roles of PAS, but may also be potential for prediction of PAS.
Increased risk of major depressive disorder among probands with psoriasis and unaffected siblings: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Dai Y.‐X. , Chen C.‐C. , Tai Y.‐H. , Chang Y.‐T. , Chen T.‐J. , Chen M.‐H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown that patients with psoriasis have a higher risk of depression. However, the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) among unaffected siblings of psoriasis probands remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the risk of MDD among probands with psoriasis and unaffected siblings.MethodsWe selected subjects from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Subjects were followed up from 01 January 1996 until a diagnosis of MDD, death or 31 December 2011. The Breslow–Cox model was used to calculate the adjusted relative risk (aRR).ResultsThis study included 1094 probands with psoriasis, 1202 unaffected siblings and 4808 matched controls. Overall, 11.9% of the psoriasis probands (n = 130) and 2.5% of the unaffected siblings (n = 30) developed MDD, as compared with 1.1% of the controls (n = 52). Compared with controls, probands with psoriasis and unaffected siblings had aRRs of 10.60 [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.73–14.52] and 2.17 (95% CI: 1.44–3.28), respectively, for MDD.ConclusionsProbands with psoriasis and unaffected siblings have an increased risk of subsequently developing MDD. Further studies are needed to investigate the shared familial mechanisms underlying psoriasis and MDD.
Filaggrin loss‐of‐function mutations and levels of filaggrin degradation products in adult patients with atopic dermatitis in Croatia
Authors: Jurakic Toncic R. , Kezic S. , Jakasa I. , Ljubojevic Hadzavdic S. , Balic A. , Petkovic M. , Pavicic B. , Zuzul K. , Marinovic B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundFLG loss‐of‐function mutations (FLG LOF) represent the strongest genetic risk factor for atopic dermatitis (AD) and are associated with early‐onset and more severe disease. The prevalence of FLG mutations varies greatly across Europe. At present, there are no data on FLG mutation prevalence in Croatian AD patients.ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of FLG LOF mutations in adult patients with AD and healthy controls. Next to measure the stratum corneum (SC) levels of filaggrin degradation products (NMF), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pH in lesional and non‐lesional skin.MethodsWe recruited 100 AD patients with moderate to severe disease and 50 healthy controls. They were screened for three FLG mutations (R501X, 2282del4 and R2447X). Samples of the SC for NMF analysis were collected by adhesive tapes. TEWL and skin surface pH levels were determined on the lesional and non‐lesional skin.ResultsThe combined mutation frequency was 4% in the AD group, and all patients with FLG mutations were homozygous carriers. In the control group, no mutations were found. The most common FLG mutation in AD patients was 2282del4 (3%), followed by R501X (1%). As compared to healthy controls, NMF values were strongly reduced in lesional skin; however, no significant difference was found for non‐lesional skin. AD patients had elevated TEWL in both lesional and non‐lesional skin. The same pattern was observed for pH.ConclusionsOur study expands understanding of the landscape of FLG mutations in the European population. The low frequency of FLG mutations and similar levels of filaggrin degradation products in healthy controls and in non‐lesional skin of AD patients suggest that filaggrin deficiency does not confer a major risk for AD in the Croatian population.
High‐resolution imaging of the human incudostapedial joint using synchrotron‐radiation phase‐contrast imaging
Authors: ROHANI S.A. , ALLEN D. , GARE B. , ZHU N. , AGRAWAL S. , LADAK H. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe incudostapedial joint (ISJ) of the middle ear is important for proper transmission of sound energy to the cochlea. Recently, the biomechanics of the ISJ have been investigated using finite‐element (FE) modelling, using simplified geometry. The objective of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of synchrotron‐radiation phase‐contrast imaging (SR‐PCI) in visualising the ISJ ultrastructure. Three human cadaveric ISJs were dissected and scanned using SR‐PCI at 0.9 µm isotropic voxel size. One of the samples was previously scanned at 9 µm voxel size. The images were visually compared and contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated (of both bone and soft tissues) for quantitative comparisons. The ISJ ultrastructure as well as adjacent bone and soft tissues were clearly visible in images with a 0.9 µm voxel size. The CNRs of the 0.9 µm images were relatively lower than those of the 9 µm scans, while the ratio of bone to soft tissue CNRs were higher, indicating better discernibility of bone from soft tissue in the 0.9 µm scans. This study was the first known attempt to image the ISJ ultrastructure using an SR‐PCI scanner at submicron voxel size and results suggest that this method was successful. Future studies are needed to optimise the contrast and test the feasibility of imaging the ISJ in situ.Lay DescriptionThe human middle ear consists of the eardrum, three small bones (the malleus, incus and stapes) and two joints connecting the bones (the incudostapedial joint and the incudomallear joint). The role of the middle ear is to amplify and transfer sound energy to the cochlea, the end organ of hearing. The incudostapedial joint (ISJ) of the middle ear is a synovial joint which is important for proper transmission of sound energy to the cochlea. Similar to other synovial joints it consists of meniscus, fluid and articulating surfaces. Recently, the biomechanics of the ISJ have been investigated using computational models, using grossly simplified geometry. Synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR‐PCI) is a high‐resolution imaging technique used to visualise small structures in three dimensions. The objective of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of using SR‐PCI in visualising the ISJ ultrastructure. Three human cadaveric ISJs were dissected and scanned using SR‐PCI at 0.9 µm isotropic voxel size. One of the samples was previously scanned at 9 µm voxel size. The images were both qualitatively and quantitatively compared. This study was the first known attempt to image the ISJ ultrastructure using an SR‐PCI scanner at submicron voxel size and results suggest that this method was successful. Future studies are needed to optimise the contrast and feasibility of imaging the ISJ in situ.
Subcision: Indications, adverse reactions, and pearls
Authors: Dadkhahfar Sahar , Robati Reza M. , Gheisari Mehdi , Moravvej Hamideh 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundSubcision, also known as subcutaneous incisionless surgery, is a surgical intervention used to treat a variety of skin conditions including atrophic acne scars, depressed scars, cellulite, and wrinkles.AimsWe plan to prepare a review article about the indications of subcision, its adverse reactions, and pearls.Patients/MethodsWe searched the literature for the information about subcision and its applications from papers published up to March 2019. The search was performed through the databases of the National Library of Medicine.ResultsAfter a thorough review of the published papers about subcision, we finally chose to review 40 articles that had proper sample size and design to prepare this review article. Twenty‐one papers were related to the application of subcision in the treatment of acne scar and other scars. Four articles were about the application of subcision to treat cellulite, and eight articles were related to other applications of subcision such as the treatment of striae or nasolabial fold. The remaining seven articles include published review papers about subcision or acne scar classification.ConclusionSubcision seems to be effective on various skin conditions including acne scar, other depressed scars, and cellulite. It is easy to apply and inexpensive with short downtime and no significant complications. Subcision needs proper technique and adequate experience.
Pain relief from nonpharmacological interventions in the intensive care unit: A scoping review
Authors: Sandvik Reidun K. , Olsen Brita F. , Rygh Lars‐Jørgen , Moi Asgjerd Litlere 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo describe what is known from the existing literature on nonpharmacological interventions targeting pain in patients admitted to the ICU.BackgroundPatients receiving intensive care nursing are exposed to a wide range of pain provoking tissue damage, diseases, surgery and other medical procedures in addition to the pain caused by nursing care procedures. The present shift to light sedation to improve patient outcomes and comfort underscores the need for effective pain management. Opioids are the mainstay for treating pain in the ICUs, whereas nonpharmacological treatments are understudied and possibly under‐used.MethodA scoping review was undertaken using five of the six steps in the Arksey and O´Malley framework: (a) identification of the research question, (b) identification of relevant studies, (c) study selection, (d) charting the data and (e) collating, summarising and reporting the results. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, BMJ Best Practice, British Nursing Index and AMED databases were searched using relevant keywords to capture extensive evidence. Data were analysed using the six‐step criteria for scoping reviews suggested by Arksey and O´Malley for data extraction. To ensure quality and transparency, we enclosed the relevant Equator checklist PRISMA.ResultsOur search yielded 10,985 articles of which 12 studies were included. Tools for pain assessments were VAS, NRS, ESAS and BPS. Interventions explored were hypnosis, simple massage, distraction, relaxation, spiritual care, harp music, music therapy, listening to natural sounds, passive exercise, acupuncture, ice packs and emotional support. Reduction in pain intensity was conferred for hypnosis, acupuncture and natural sounds.ConclusionThe findings support further investigations of acupuncture, hypnosis and listening to natural sounds.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThe main finding suggests the use of comprehensive multimodal interventions to investigate the effects of nonpharmacological treatment protocols on pain intensity, pain proportion and the impact on opioid consumption and sedation requirements.
Sunk exporting costs and export market coverage
Authors: Fichera Eleonora , Shevtsova Yevgeniya 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper provides evidence on the role of sunk costs in the market expansion of continuing exporters, explicitly accounting for the number of target export destinations. We use dynamic count data models to address the discrete non‐negative nature and skewed distribution of the dependent variable, the number of export markets. By examining the trade patterns of individual firms, we find that past export market coverage significantly improves the ability of Ukrainian exporters for further expansion. The results also indicate that information spillovers from neighbouring firms and foreign ownership are not important factors for the market expansion of incumbent exporters.
Is the central‐marginal hypothesis a general rule? Evidence from three distributions of an expanding mangrove species, Avicennia germinans (L.) L
Authors: Kennedy John Paul , Preziosi Richard F. , Rowntree Jennifer K. , Feller Ilka C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe central‐marginal hypothesis (CMH) posits that range margins exhibit less genetic diversity and greater inter‐population genetic differentiation compared to range cores. CMH predictions are based on long‐held “abundant‐centre” assumptions of a decline in ecological conditions and abundances towards range margins. Although much empirical research has confirmed CMH, exceptions remain almost as common. We contend that mangroves provide a model system to test CMH that alleviates common confounding factors and may help clarify this lack of consensus. Here, we document changes in black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) population genetics with 12 nuclear microsatellite loci along three replicate coastlines in the United States (only two of three conform to underlying “abundant‐centre” assumptions). We then test an implicit prediction of CMH (reduced genetic diversity may constrain adaptation at range margins) by measuring functional traits of leaves associated with cold tolerance, the climatic factor that controls these mangrove distributional limits. CMH predictions were confirmed only along the coastlines that conform to “abundant‐centre” assumptions and, in contrast to theory, range margin A. germinans exhibited functional traits consistent with greater cold tolerance compared to range cores. These findings support previous accounts that CMH may not be a general rule across species and that reduced neutral genetic diversity at range margins may not be a constraint to shifts in functional trait variation along climatic gradients.
Structural evolution drives diversification of the large LRR‐RLK gene family
Authors: Man Jarrett , Gallagher Joseph P. , Bartlett Madelaine 
Published: January 2020

Summary

Cells are continuously exposed to chemical signals that they must discriminate between and respond to appropriately. In embryophytes, the leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases (LRR‐RLKs) are signal receptors critical in development and defense. LRR‐RLKs have diversified to hundreds of genes in many plant genomes. Although intensively studied, a well‐resolved LRR‐RLK gene tree has remained elusive.

To resolve the LRR‐RLK gene tree, we developed an improved gene discovery method based on iterative hidden Markov model searching and phylogenetic inference. We used this method to infer complete gene trees for each of the LRR‐RLK subclades and reconstructed the deepest nodes of the full gene family.

We discovered that the LRR‐RLK gene family is even larger than previously thought, and that protein domain gains and losses are prevalent. These structural modifications, some of which likely predate embryophyte diversification, led to misclassification of some LRR‐RLK variants as members of other gene families. Our work corrects this misclassification.

Our results reveal ongoing structural evolution generating novel LRR‐RLK genes. These new genes are raw material for the diversification of signaling in development and defense. Our methods also enable phylogenetic reconstruction in any large gene family.
GsSnRK1 interplays with transcription factor GsERF7 from wild soybean to regulate soybean stress resistance
Authors: Feng Xu , Feng Peng , Yu Huilin , Yu Xingyu , Sun Qi , Liu Siyu , Minh Thuy Nguyen , Chen Jun , Wang Di , Zhang Qing , Cao Lei , Zhou Changmei , Li Qiang , Xiao Jialei , Zhong Shihua , Wang Aoxue , Wang Lijuan , Pan Hongyu , Ding Xiaodong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlthough the function and regulation of SnRK1 have been studied in various plants, its molecular mechanisms in response to abiotic stresses are still elusive. In this work, we identified an AP2/ERF domain‐containing protein (designated GsERF7) interacting with GsSnRK1 from a wild soybean cDNA library. GsERF7 gene expressed dominantly in wild soybean roots and was responsive to ethylene, salt, and alkaline. GsERF7 bound GCC cis‐acting element and could be phosphorylated on S36 by GsSnRK1. GsERF7 phosphorylation facilitated its translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus and enhanced its transactivation activity. When coexpressed in the hairy roots of soybean seedlings, GsSnRK1(wt) and GsERF7(wt) promoted plants to generate higher tolerance to salt and alkaline stresses than their mutated species, suggesting that GsSnRK1 may function as a biochemical and genetic upstream kinase of GsERF7 to regulate plant adaptation to environmental stresses. Furthermore, the altered expression patterns of representative abiotic stress‐responsive and hormone‐synthetic genes were determined in transgenic soybean hairy roots after stress treatments. These results will aid our understanding of molecular mechanism of how SnRK1 kinase plays a cardinal role in regulating plant stress resistances through activating the biological functions of downstream factors.
Far‐red photons have equivalent efficiency to traditional photosynthetic photons: Implications for redefining photosynthetically active radiation
Authors: Zhen Shuyang , Bugbee Bruce 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFar‐red photons (701–750 nm) are abundant in sunlight but are considered inactive for photosynthesis and are thus excluded from the definition of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400–700 nm). Several recent studies have shown that far‐red photons synergistically interact with shorter wavelength photons to increase leaf photochemical efficiency. The value of far‐red photons in canopy photosynthesis has not been studied. Here, we report the effects of far‐red photons on single leaf and canopy photosynthesis in 14 diverse crop species. Adding far‐red photons (up to 40%) to a background of shorter wavelength photons caused an increase in canopy photosynthesis equal to adding 400–700 nm photons. Far‐red alone minimally increased photosynthesis. This indicates that far‐red photons are equally efficient at driving canopy photosynthesis when acting synergistically with traditionally defined photosynthetic photons. Measurements made using LEDs with peak wavelength of 711, 723, or 746 nm showed that the magnitude of the effect was less at longer wavelengths. The consistent response among diverse species indicates that the mechanism is common in higher plants. These results suggest that far‐red photons (701–750 nm) should be included in the definition of PAR.
Sumca: Simple, Unified, Monte-Carlo-assisted Approach to Second-Order Unbiased Mean-Squared Prediction Error Estimation
Authors: Jiang Jiming , Torabi Mahmoud 
Published: January 2020

SummaryWe propose a simple, unified, Monte-Carlo-assisted approach (called ‘Sumca’) to second-order unbiased estimation of the mean-squared prediction error (MSPE) of a small area predictor. The MSPE estimator proposed is easy to derive, has a simple expression and applies to a broad range of predictors that include the traditional empirical best linear unbiased predictor, empirical best predictor and post-model-selection empirical best linear unbiased predictor and empirical best predictor as special cases. Furthermore, the leading term of the MSPE estimator proposed is guaranteed positive; the lower order term corresponds to a bias correction, which can be evaluated via a Monte Carlo method. The computational burden for the Monte Carlo evaluation is much less, compared with other Monte-Carlo-based methods that have been used for producing second-order unbiased MSPE estimators, such as the double bootstrap and Monte Carlo jackknife. The Sumca estimator also has a nice stability feature. Theoretical and empirical results demonstrate properties and advantages of the Sumca estimator.