bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When Do Independent Distributors Undersupply Promotional Services?
Authors: Zenger Hans 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
In antitrust practice, it is often argued that independent distributors of goods have an incentive to supply lower levels of brand-specific promotional services than a vertically integrated supplier. This paper outlines the conditions under which this claim is correct. Independent distributors have lower incentives to engage in promotion (i) if economies of scale exist in the provision of promotional services and (ii) if consumers with lower willingness to pay over-proportionally respond to promotional activity. When these conditions do not hold, independent distributors may actually supply more promotional services than integrated distributors.
Resolution of Investor-State Controversies in Developing Countries
Authors: Gantz David A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe large volume of literature and commentary on resolution of investor-state disputes tends to focus primarily on the rights of the foreign investor and the process through which the investor may protect her interest through investor-state arbitration, either at the World Bank’s ICSID or in some other forum. Where issues relating to governments-as-respondents have been addressed, the emphasis has often been on nations such as the three NAFTA Parties and other relatively large and affluent nations such as Argentina. Until relatively recently, much less attention has been paid to challenges facing small developing respondents, such as the member nations of CAFTA-DR, Chile, Colombia or Ecuador. How, for example, should such governments respond to and manage claims, some of which in magnitude may represent a significant portion of the annual budget of the respondent government, when there is relatively limited in-house legal expertise and experience in such dispute resolution? Fortunately, UNCTAD and others have begun to take such challenges into account and to provide training for respondent government officials. Still, further actions are needed, including educating policy makers and the public as to the risks that arise in the investor-state dispute context and how best to address them. Changes in BITs and FTA investment provisions are also warranted. This article identifies the nature of the challenges presented to such governments and suggests practical means of dealing with them more effectively. It addresses, inter alia, coordination issues for the national administering authority; means of identifying and resolving such disputes before they reach the arbitration stage; effective use of outside legal advisers at various stages of the process; factors relating to the selection of arbitrators; administration of the arbitral process; and making current and future bilateral investment treaties more responsive to the procedural needs of respondent government. The article also draws on the history of a number of nations with experience in responding to and/or litigating investor state disputes.
On solutions to the exterior Dirichlet problem for the minimal surface
equation with catenoidal ends
Authors: Ripoll Jaime , Tomi Friedrich 
Published: December 2012

Abstract.
In this paper we investigate the Dirichlet problem for the minimal surface
equation on certain nonconvex domains of the plane. In our first result,
we give, by an independent proof, a numerically explicit
version of Williams' existence theorem. Our main result concerns the
Dirichlet problem on exterior domains. It was shown by Krust (1989) and
Kuwert (1993) that between two different solutions with the same normal at
infinity there is a continuum of solutions foliating the space in between. We
investigate the space of solutions further and show that, unless it is empty,
it contains a maximal and a minimal solution if the boundary data is
rectifiable. In the case of sufficiently smooth data we parametrize the set of
solutions in terms of the extremal inclinations which the normal of the graph
of a solution reaches at the boundary. We show that all theoretically possible
values are realized including the horizontal position of the normal for the
minimal and maximal solutions. We moreover give an example where the maximal
and the minimal solution coincide so that there is exactly one with given
normal at infinity. This answers a natural question which has not been touched
in the previous papers.
Prenatal detection of periventricular pseudocysts by ultrasound: diagnosis and outcome
Authors: Zoppi Maria A. , Iuculano Ambra , Peltz Maria T. , Monni Giovanni 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Congenital periventricular pseudocysts are found in about 1–5% of neonates. These pseudocysts originate from the persistence of the germinal matrix and have a good prognosis, disappearing in the first months. Periventricular pseudocysts are rarely detected in the fetus. We describe a case of prenatal detection of periventricular pseudocysts by prenatal transvaginal ultrasound and a three-dimensional technique. Prenatal ultrasound showed partial regression of the pseudocysts. At postnatal ultrasound, the complete disappearance of the pseudocysts was detected.
Maternal hyperinsulinism and glycaemic status in the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes
Authors: Kayemba-Kay's Simon , Peters Catherine , Geary Michael P P , Hill Nathan R , Mathews David R , Hindmarsh Peter C 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationships across a range of glucose and insulin measures at 12 weeks of gestation with the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and birth size.Materials and methodsProspective study of pregnant women booking before 15th week of gestation. At the first antenatal visit, standard measures of height, weight, blood pressure (BP) and social status were recorded, and blood sample was drawn for measurements of fasting glucose and plasma insulin. Oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose load was performed after overnight fast. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were calculated to determine the risk of developing PIH or GDM depending on quartiles of blood glucose or tertiles of plasma insulin levels.ResultsOne thousand six hundred and fifty pregnant women were included in the study. Of them, 1484 delivered a live infant of whom 70 were preterm, 166 did not complete the study, 155 mothers developed PIH (10.4%), 18 were diagnosed with GDM (1.2%) and four had both PIH and GDM. At 12 weeks of gestation, women who became hypertensive were heavier (P<0.001), with higher BMI (P<0.001) than controls. Both systolic (P<0.001) and diastolic BPs (P<0.001) were already higher in women who developed PIH. Fasting insulin concentrations were higher in PIH group (P<0.002). Fasting glucose level >6.8 mmol/l was associated with the likelihood of delivering a macrosomic baby (OR 3.1 (95% CI: 1.21–8.0); P=0.02); the effect was heightened in multiparous mothers (OR 4.0 (95% CI: 1.4–11.1); P=0.01). Fasting plasma insulin had, however, no effect on size at birth in this study.ConclusionsOur data suggest that women who develop PIH may be metabolically challenged at early stages of pregnancy with hyperinsulinism, insulin insensitivity and slightly higher BP.
BMP system expression in GCs from polycystic ovary syndrome women and the in vitro effects of BMP4, BMP6, and BMP7 on GC steroidogenesis
Authors: Khalaf Mohamad , Morera Julia , Bourret Antoine , Reznik Yves , Denoual Christine , Herlicoviez Michel , Mittre Hervé , Benhaim Annie 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundThe bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are growth factors involved in the folliculogenesis. Alteration in their expression may compromise the reproductive process in disease such as the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study investigated the expression and role of granulosa cell (GC) BMP from normal cycling and PCOS women.Methods and resultsThis prospective study was performed in GCs obtained from 14 patients undergoing IVF: i) six women with normal ovulatory cycles and tubal or male infertility and ii) eight women with PCOS. BMP2, BMP4, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, and BMP8A and their receptors BMPR1A, BMPR1B, and BMPR2 were identified by RT-PCR in GCs from normally cycling and PCOS women. BMP4, BMP6, and BMP7 expressions were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative transcript analysis showed the predominant expression of BMP6. In GCs from PCOS women, an overexpression of BMP6 (P<0.01) and BMPR1A mRNA (P<0.05) was observed. GC culture experiments demonstrated that basal estradiol (E2) production was threefold higher but FSH-induced E2 increment was twofold lower in PCOS compared with controls. In PCOS, BMP6 and BMP7 exerted a stimulatory effect on basal E2 production while BMP4 and BMP6 inhibited FSH-induced E2 production. FSH receptor and aromatase expression were not different between both groups.ConclusionThe BMP system is expressed in human GCs from normal cycling and PCOS women. The BMP may be involved in reproductive abnormalities found in PCOS.
Complement Factor H–Related Protein 1 Deficiency and Factor H Antibodies in Pediatric Patients with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Hofer Johannes , Janecke Andreas R. , Zimmerhackl L.B. , Riedl Magdalena , Rosales Alejandra , Giner Thomas , Cortina Gerard , Haindl Carola J. , Petzelberger Barbara , Pawlik Miriam , Jeller Verena , Vester Udo , Gadner Bettina , van Husen Michael , Moritz Michael L. , Würzner Reinhard , Jungraithmayr Therese 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
This study evaluated the relevance of complement factor H (CFH)–related protein (CFHR) 1 deficiency in pediatric patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) by evaluating both the frequency of deletions in CFHR1 and the presence of complement factor H (CFH) antibodies.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A total of 116 patients (mainly from central Europe) and 118 healthy blood donors were included from 2001 to 2012. The presence of CFHR1 gene deletions was determined in 90 pediatric patients with aHUS and 118 controls by an easy, fast, and cheap PCR assay; 100 patients with aHUS and 42 controls were tested for CFH antibodies by ELISA. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the clinical and laboratory data.

Results
Homozygous deletion in CFHR1 was detected in 32% of the patients with aHUS tested, compared with 2.5% of controls (P<0.001). CFH antibodies were present in 25% of the patients and none of the controls. CFH antibodies were detected in 82% of patients with homozygous CFHR1 gene deletion and in 6% of patients without. CFH antibody–positive patients with aHUS showed a significantly lower platelet nadir at disease onset and significantly less frequent involvement of the central nervous system than did antibody-negative patients. Antibody-positive patients also received plasma therapy more often.

Conclusion
Homozygous deletion in CFHR1 is strongly associated with occurrence of CFH antibodies in pediatric patients with aHUS. However, despite this apparent genetic disease predisposition, it cannot be considered an exclusive cause for aHUS. Initial presentation of Shiga toxin–negative HUS with severe thrombocytopenia and no central nervous system complications in pediatric patients is especially suspicious for CFH antibody aHUS.
Peginesatide for Maintenance Treatment of Anemia in Hemodialysis and Nondialysis Patients Previously Treated with Darbepoetin Alfa
Authors: Fishbane Steven , Roger Simon D. , Martin Edouard , Runyan Grant , O’Neil Janet , Qiu Ping , Locatelli Francesco 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Peginesatide (Omontys) is a novel, synthetic, PEGylated, peptide-based erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) that is designed to specifically stimulate the erythropoietin receptor. This study evaluated maintenance of hemoglobin levels in patients after conversion from darbepoetin alfa to once-monthly peginesatide.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This open-label, multicenter study included 101 CKD patients, 52 of whom were receiving dialysis. The duration of the study was 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the mean change in hemoglobin from baseline to the evaluation period (weeks 19–24). The study was conducted during the period from September 22, 2008 to December 24, 2009.

Results
The mean change among hemodialysis patients was –0.42 g/dl (95% confidence interval, –0.65 to –0.19) and the mean change among CKD nondialysis patients was 0.49 g/dl (95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.71). The percentages of patients who maintained hemoglobin levels within ±1.0 g/dl of baseline values were as follows: 80.0% for hemodialysis and 68.1% for nondialysis, and73.3% for hemodialysis and 68.1% for nondialysis within the target range of 10.0–12.0 g/dl. Few patients received red blood cell transfusions (hemodialysis, 5.8%; nondialysis, 2.0%). Seventy-nine patients experienced adverse events, the majority of which were mild or moderate in severity. There were 40 serious adverse events and 2 deaths reported.

Conclusions
In this study, once-monthly peginesatide resulted in a slight decrease in mean hemoglobin levels in individuals on hemodialysis and a small increase in individuals with CKD who were not on dialysis.
Incidence Rate, Clinical Correlates, and Outcomes of AKI in Patients Admitted to a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Salahudeen Abdulla K. , Doshi Simit M. , Pawar Tushar , Nowshad Gul , Lahoti Amit , Shah Pankaj 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Incidence of AKI in hospitalized patients with cancer is increasing, but reports are scant. The objective of this study was to determine incidence rate, clinical correlates, and outcomes of AKI in patients admitted to a cancer center.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Cross-sectional analysis of prospectively collected data on 3558 patients admitted to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center over 3 months in 2006.

Results
Using modified RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, ESRD) criteria, 12% of patients admitted to the hospital had AKI, with severity in the Risk, Injury, and Failure categories of 68%, 21%, and 11%, respectively. AKI occurred in 45% of patients during the first 2 days and in 55% thereafter. Dialysis was required in 4% of patients and nephrology consultation in 10%. In the multivariate model, the odds ratio (OR) for developing AKI was significantly higher for diabetes (OR, 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51–2.36), chemotherapy (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.26–2.05), intravenous contrast (OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 3.51–5.89), hyponatremia (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.57–2.47), and antibiotics (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.15–2.02). In patients with AKI, length of stay (100%), cost (106%), and odds for mortality (4.7-fold) were significantly greater.

Conclusion
The rate of AKI in patients admitted to a comprehensive cancer center was higher than the rate in most noncancer settings; was correlated significantly with diabetes, hyponatremia, intravenous contrast, chemotherapy, and antibiotics; and was associated with poorer clinical outcomes. AKI developed in many patients after admission. Studies are warranted to determine whether proactive measures may limit AKI and improve outcomes.
AKI Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoids
Authors: Bhanushali Gautam Kantilal , Jain Gaurav , Fatima Huma , Leisch Leah J. , Thornley-Brown Denyse 
Published: December 2012

Summary
SPICE, or K2, encompasses preparations of synthetic cannabinoids marketed as incense products, bath additives, and air fresheners and used for recreational purposes. These preparations are usually smoked for their cannabis-like effects and do not appear on routine urine toxicology screens. We report four cases of oliguric AKI associated with SPICE use in previously healthy men. All showed improvement in renal function without need for renal replacement therapy. Renal biopsy, performed in three of the patients, revealed acute tubular necrosis. The close temporal and geographic associations between the clinical presentation and the development of AKI strongly suggest an association between these SPICE preparations and AKI. Further investigations are required to identify the potential nephrotoxic agent(s). Nephrotoxicity from designer drugs should be included in the differential diagnosis of AKI, especially in young adults with negative urine drug screens.
Does Recognition versus Disclosure Affect Value Relevance? Evidence from Pension Accounting
Authors: Yu Kun 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT
This study examines whether institutional ownership and analyst following affect the value relevance of disclosed versus recognized pension liabilities. Using a sample of firms with pension liabilities that were disclosed under SFAS No. 87 and subsequently recognized under SFAS No. 158 from 1999 to 2007, I find that off-balance-sheet pension liabilities are more value relevant for firms with a higher level of institutional ownership or analyst following in the pre-158 period. More importantly, I find that SFAS No. 158 increases the value relevance of previously disclosed off-balance-sheet pension liabilities for firms with a low level of institutional ownership or analyst following, and that the increase in the value relevance becomes less pronounced for firms with a higher level of institutional ownership or analyst following. Overall, the results are consistent with the view that institutional ownership and analyst following affect the value relevance of disclosed information as well as the valuation difference between disclosed and recognized information. This study also highlights the importance of considering institutional ownership and analyst following in the value-relevance research.
Data Availability: All data are publicly available from the sources indicated in the text.
Schur lemma and limit theorems in lattice groups with respect to filters
Authors: Boccuto A. , Dimitriou X. , Papanastassiou N. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Some Schur, Nikodým, Brooks-Jewett and Vitali-Hahn-Saks-type theorems for (ℓ)-group-valued measures are proved in the setting of filter convergence. Finally we pose an open problem.
Circulating epithelial cells in patients with thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Winkens T. , Pachmann K. , Freesmeyer M. 
Published: December 2012

Summary
Goal: To investigate whether circulating epithelial cells (CEC) recognized via the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) can be identified in the blood of patients with thyroid carcinoma, given that CEC have already been detected in other types of carcinoma and are considered a potential marker of tumour dissemination. Patients, methods: Blood samples of patients with active differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) (n = 50) were compared to samples of patients with: a) recent surgical excision of a thyroid carcinoma (postOP-DTC) (n = 16); b) athyreotic, tumour-free status after radioiodine ablation (AT-DTC) (n= 33); and c) benign thyroid diseases (BTD) (n = 51). Samples of volunteers with normal thyroid parameters (NT) (n = 12) were also investigated. Cells from EDTAblood were subjected to erythrocyte lysis, isolated by centrifugation, and incubated with a fluorescence-labeled antibody against EpCAM. The numbers of vital cells were counted via fluorescence microscopy. Results: CEC were identified in all groups, with the postOP-DTC group showing the highest mean CEC numbers of all groups. The DTC group had significantly higher CEC numbers than the NT group, and numerically higher numbers than the other groups, although not reaching statistical significance. Within the DTC group there was a correlation between levels of serum thyroglobulin and numbers of CEC (r = 0.409, p = 0.003). Conclusions: High CEC numbers were not specific to thyroid carcinoma. The methodology used here, based on a single measurement does not allow to identify severe forms of DTC, emphasizing the need of longitudinal measurements throughout therapy. Detection and characterization of tumour thyroid cells in circulation should be based on additiona l consideration of tissue-specific characteristics.
Psychiatric Illness of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Childhood: Spectrum of Clinically Important Manifestations
Authors: Lim Lily Siok Hoon , Lefebvre Arlette , Benseler Susanne , Peralta Michelle , Silverman Earl D. 
Published: December 2012

Objective.To determine the spectrum of manifestations in clinically important (i.e., requiring alterations of immunosuppressive therapy) psychiatric illness of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) and to describe the laboratory and imaging features associated with psychiatric illness of pSLE (psySLE).Methods.This was a single-center cohort study of patients with pSLE followed at a pediatric SLE clinic from August 1985 to July 2009. Patients with organic psychiatric disease due to SLE were included. Data regarding psychiatric features at initial presentation and during followup were obtained from psychiatry and rheumatology visits. Data regarding concomitant SLE disease activity and laboratory results were obtained from the institutional SLE database. Information from imaging studies was abstracted from patients' charts.Results.Our cohort consisted of 53 pediatric patients (87% female) diagnosed with psySLE, representing 12% of the total pSLE cohort of 447 in the same time period. The median age at diagnosis of pSLE was 15.0 years and 16.1 years for psySLE. All patients reported symptoms of cognitive dysfunction and 75% of patients had additional psychotic features. Insight was preserved in 64% of patients with psychosis at diagnosis of psySLE. Visual distortion was observed among 32% of children with psySLE. Eighty-two percent of patients demonstrated clinical response to the institutional protocol of immunosuppression.Conclusion.Cognitive dysfunction was present in all and additional psychosis present in 75% of pediatric patients with psySLE. Visual distortion and early preservation of insight were unique features of psychosis observed in this cohort of children/adolescents with psySLE.
Screening Citrullinated Proteins in Synovial Tissues of Rheumatoid Arthritis Using 2-dimensional Western Blotting
Authors: CHANG XIAOTIAN , ZHAO YAN , WANG YUEJIAN , CHEN YU , YAN XINFENG 
Published: December 2012

Objective.Citrullination, a reaction converting arginine residue into citrulline residue, is essential for autoimmunity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We conducted 2-dimensional Western blot analyses (2-D WB) to screen for novel citrullinated proteins in synovial tissues from patients with RA.Methods.Total proteins were extracted from the synovial membranes of patients with RA (n = 10) and pooled. Four identical 2-D electrophoresis (2-DE) gels were prepared, and 2 gels were transblotted to polyvinylidene fluoride membranes that were separately probed with sera from patients with RA (n = 10) or an anticitrulline antibody. The protein profiles of the 2-DE gels were compared with the hybridization results on a global level. The immunoreactive protein spots were collected from the 2-DE gels and identified using mass spectrometry. Proteins that were detected by both RA sera and anticitrulline antibody were considered citrullinated proteins. The result was confirmed through routine WB, immunoprecipitation, and ELISA. Autoantibodies against these potential antigens were also examined in the blood of patients with RA by ELISA.Results.RA sera and the anticitrulline antibody on 2-D WB detected α-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), dynein heavy-chain 3, fibrinogen β chain, keratin type II cuticular Hb4 (KRT84), lumican, tubulin β-chain (TUBB), and vimentin. A1AT, KRT84, and TUBB had high expression in the synovial membranes (n = 5) of patients with RA and A1AT and KRT84 had high expression in RA synovial fluids (n = 40). A1AT, KRT84, and TUBB immunoprecipitated from synovial tissues showed citrullination. A high level of autoantibodies against KRT84 was detected in the blood of patients with RA (n = 92) compared to that of healthy controls (n = 92).Conclusion.Our study identified some new citrullinated proteins in RA synovial tissues using 2-D WB.