bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competition, the State, and Public Undertakings: Article 106 TFEU
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This chapter examines how competition law applies to the actions of the State when it intervenes in the market through undertakings which it controls or owns or which it places in a privileged position. The discussion includes the principle of Union loyalty in Article 4(3) TEU; Article 106(1); Article 106(2); and the Commission’s supervisory and policing powers in Article 106(3). Article 106(1) is a prohibition addressed to Member States against enacting or maintaining in force any measure in relation to public undertakings or undertakings to which they have granted special or exclusive rights which are contrary to the Treaty rules. The chapter discusses what is meant by ‘public undertakings’ and ‘special or exclusive rights’ and examines in the light of the case law what measures are forbidden by Article 106(1), including those involving the cumulation of rights, the extension of a dominant position from one market to another, and the creation of situations of inequality of opportunity. Article 106(2) gives a limited derogation from Article 106(2) to undertakings entrusted with the operation of services of general economic interest (SGEIs). The chapter discusses the concept of ‘services of general economic interest’ and examines the cases in which the derogation has been applied or not applied, including the application of Article 106(2) to compensation for the provision of SGEIs which constitutes State aid. The chapter also considers Article 106(3) and the question of the direct effect of Article 106(1) and (2).
Horizontal Cooperation Agreements
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses EU competition policy towards horizontal cooperation agreements. It covers joint ventures; the contents of the 2010 Guidelines; the general approach to horizontal cooperation agreements in the Guidelines; information agreements; research and development agreements, including the block emption, Regulation 1217/2010; production agreements, including the block exemption on specialisation agreements, Regulation 1218/2010 ; purchasing agreements; commercialisation agreements; standardisation agreements; and agreements in particular sectors, such as the joint buying or selling of media rights to sports events.
Vertical Agreements
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This chapter, which discusses EU competition policy towards vertical agreements, begins by outlining the choices available to a supplier when deciding how best to market and sell its products or services to customers, and the impact that the competition rules may have on a supplier's choice, including the treatment of agency agreements. It then discusses the EU approach to vertical agreements, in the light of the Commission’s Verticals Guidelines of 2010, including exclusive dealing, single branding, franchising andselective distribution agreements, and the review of the 2010 regime. It considers the importance in EU law of parallel trade between Member States and how this has influenced policy towards vertical restraints. It analyses the application of Article 101(1) and Article 101(3) to vertical agreements, including the Verticals block exemption of 2010; sub-contracting agreements; and the possible application of Article 102 to distribution agreements.
Mergers
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda , Dunne Niamh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses the regime for controlling mergers which have an ‘EU dimension’ under the European Union Merger Regulation (EUMR). The chapter examines: the purposes of merger control; the history of the EUMR; the scheme of the EUMR and the concept of the ‘one-stop shop’; jurisdiction under the EUMR, including the definition of a ‘concentration’ and what amounts to an ‘EU dimension’; procedure, including Phase I and Phase II proceedings; the substantive appraisal of horizontal, and non-horizontal mergers under the EUMR and the test of significantly impeding effective competition (SIEC); EUMR statistics; appeals; and international issues.
Quasars with flare/eclipse-like variability identified in ZTF
Authors: Zheng Zhiyuan , Shi Yong , Jin Shuowen , Dannerbauer H , Gu Qiusheng , Li Xin , Yu Xiaoling 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are known to exhibit optical/ultraviolet variability and most of them can be well modelled by the damped random walks. Physical processes that are not related to the accretion disc, such as tidal disruption events (TDEs) or moving foreground dusty clouds, can cause flare-like and eclipse-like features in the optical light curve. Both long-term and high-cadence monitoring are needed to identify such features. By combining the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, and the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) survey, we are able to identify a rare sample (11) out of the SDSS quasar catalogue ($\sim\!\! 83\, 000$). These quasars exhibit more or less constant brightness but show rapid optical variation in the epochs of ZTF Public Data Release 2. To investigate the possible origins of these flare/eclipse-like variabilities, we propose the second-epoch spectroscopic observations with the Gran Telescopio CANARIAS. We find that the change in accretion rate plays a significant role in these quasar variabilities. Among them, we identify two changing-look AGN candidates: SDSS J1427+2930 and SDSS J1420+3757. The luminosity change of the former may be caused by the enhanced supermassive black hole’s accretion or the TDE, while the latter is more related to the change in the accretion rate.
The Pristine Inner Galaxy Survey – VIII. Characterizing the orbital properties of the ancient, very metal-poor inner Milky Way
Authors: Ardern-Arentsen Anke , Monari Giacomo , Queiroz Anna B A , Starkenburg Else , Martin Nicolas F , Chiappini Cristina , Aguado David S , Belokurov Vasily , Carlberg Ray , Monty Stephanie , Myeong GyuChul , Schultheis Mathias , Sestito Federico , Venn Kim A , Vitali Sara , Yuan Zhen , Zhang Hanyuan , Buder Sven , Lewis Geraint F , Oliver William H , Wan Zhen , Zucker Daniel B 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
The oldest stars in the Milky Way (born in the first few billion years) are expected to have a high density in the inner few kpc, spatially overlapping with the Galactic bulge. We use spectroscopic data from the Pristine Inner Galaxy Survey (PIGS) to study the dynamical properties of ancient, metal-poor inner Galaxy stars. We compute distances using starhorse, and orbital properties in a barred Galactic potential. With this paper, we release the spectroscopic AAT/PIGS catalogue (13 235 stars). We find that most PIGS stars have orbits typical for a pressure-supported population. The fraction of stars confined to the inner Galaxy decreases with decreasing metallicity, but many very metal-poor stars (VMP; [Fe/H] &lt;−2.0) stay confined ($\sim 60~{{\ \rm per \, cent}}$ stay within 5 kpc). The azimuthal velocity vϕ also decreases between [Fe/H] = −1.0 and −2.0, but is constant for VMP stars (at ∼+40 km s−1). The carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars in PIGS appear to have similar orbital properties compared to normal VMP stars. Our results suggest a possible transition between two spheroidal components – a more metal-rich, more concentrated, faster rotating component, and a more metal-poor, more extended and slower/non-rotating component. We propose that the former may be connected to pre-disc in-situ stars (or those born in large building blocks), whereas the latter may be dominated by contributions from smaller galaxies. This is an exciting era where large metal-poor samples, such as in this work (as well as upcoming surveys, e.g. 4MOST), shed light on the earliest evolution of our Galaxy.
Apparent correlation between extrinsic and intrinsic flux variations in the first gravitationally lensed quasar
Authors: Goicoechea L J , Shalyapin V N , Oscoz A 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
To better understand which sources contribute to optical passband fluxes of Q0957+561, we present and analyse light curves of the doubly imaged gravitationally lensed quasar from its discovery to 2023. After an early microlensing event, the difference light curves (describing delay-corrected flux ratios between the two quasar images) only show prominent microlensing gradients over the last 17 yr. In addition to these long time-scale gradients in the gr bands, we detect short time-scale, extrinsically induced differential variations that are highly correlated with the short time-scale intrinsic variability of the quasar in those bands. Both the accretion disc and the broad emission-line region (BELR) contribute to optical passband fluxes, and we also show that realistic contributions of the BELR account for the observed correlations in the gr bands. We would like to highlight that the BELR sources of optical passband fluxes of Q0957+561 should be taken into account when measuring accretion-disc source sizes from microlensing simulations.
Polarized radio emission of RRAT J1854+0306
Authors: Guo Qi , Kong Minzhi , Wang P F , Yan Y , Zhou D J 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Polarized radio emission of RRAT J1854+0306 is investigated with single pulses using Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope. Its emission is characterized by nulls, narrow and weak pulses, and occasional wide and intense bursts with a nulling fraction of 53.2 per cent. Its burst emission is typically of one rotation, and occasionally of two or three or even five rotations at the most, but without significant periodicity. The integrated pulse profile has an ‘S’-shaped position angle curve that is superposed with orthogonal modes, from which geometry parameters are obtained. Individual pulses exhibit diverse profile morphology with single, double, or multiple peaks. The intensity and width of these pulses are highly correlated, and bright pulses generally have wide profiles with multiple peaks. These nulling behaviours, profile morphology, and polarization demonstrate that a rotating radio transient has the same physical origins as the normal pulsars.
Caspase-mediated processing of TRBP regulates apoptosis during viral infection
Authors: Shibata Keiko , Moriizumi Harune , Onomoto Koji , Kaneko Yuka , Miyakawa Takuya , Zenno Shuhei , Tanokura Masaru , Yoneyama Mitsutoshi , Takahashi Tomoko , Ui-Tei Kumiko 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
RNA silencing is a post-transcriptional gene-silencing mechanism mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the regulatory mechanism of RNA silencing during viral infection is unclear. TAR RNA-binding protein (TRBP) is an enhancer of RNA silencing that induces miRNA maturation by interacting with the ribonuclease Dicer. TRBP interacts with a virus sensor protein, laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2), in the early stage of viral infection of human cells. Next, it induces apoptosis by inhibiting the maturation of miRNAs, thereby upregulating the expression of apoptosis regulatory genes. In this study, we show that TRBP undergoes a functional conversion in the late stage of viral infection. Viral infection resulted in the activation of caspases that proteolytically processed TRBP into two fragments. The N-terminal fragment did not interact with Dicer but interacted with type I interferon (IFN) signaling modulators, such as protein kinase R (PKR) and LGP2, and induced ER stress. The end results were irreversible apoptosis and suppression of IFN signaling. Our results demonstrate that the processing of TRBP enhances apoptosis, reducing IFN signaling during viral infection.
Voters’ Expectations in Constituency Elections without Local Polls
Authors: Stoetzer Lukas F , Kayser Mark A , Leininger Arndt , Murr Andreas E 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
How do voters form accurate expectations about the strength of political candidates in constituency elections if there are no reliable constituency polls available? We argue that voters can use national election polls and past election results to increase the accuracy of their expectations. A survey experiment during the German federal election of 2021 confirms that the provision of national election polls and past results increases the accuracy of voters’ expectations. The analysis further shows that voters leverage the information to update their beliefs. The results have relevant implications for debates about belief formation in low-information environments.
Following a Child’s Lead and Setting Kids Up for Success: Convergence and Divergence in Parenting Ideologies on the Political Right and Left
Authors: Rees Mallory E , Saguy Abigail C 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Public discourse has become more polarized, especially when it comes to moral issues. Moral issues related to gender and sexuality—particularly concerning children—are politically fraught. To assess the extent to which ideologies about gender and parenting are polarized, we interviewed eighty-five gender activists from diverse political orientations. Surprisingly, we found some convergence in how activists on the political left and right discussed gender and parenting. Specifically, those on the right endorsed some traditionally progressive ideas, including that girls should be able to play with “boy toys” and to aspire to traditionally male pursuits. Meanwhile, in affirming children’s right to express their gender identity, those on the left treated gender identity as innate, an idea traditionally associated with conservatives, while saying little about sexism. These similarities, notwithstanding, we also found important differences between how these two groups discussed gender socialization. We discuss the implications of these different approaches and how caregivers and other adults can reconcile a commitment to affirming children’s gender identity while also addressing gender inequalities.
The Efficacy of Systemic Transdermal Diclofenac Patch for Postoperative Pain After Lumbar Spinal Surgery
Authors: Uematsu Masato , Tamai Koji , Hyakutake Hiroshi , Suzuki Hisataka , Tachi Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Yoko , Kokabu Terufumi , Yanagibashi Yasushi , Terai Hidetomi , Nakamura Hiroaki , Hyakumachi Takahiko 
Published: April 2024

Study Design.
A single-center, prospective, comparative study.

Objective.
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the systemic transdermal diclofenac patch (DP) for immediate postoperative analgesia after lumbar spinal surgery.

Summary of Background Data.
Effective wound pain control after spinal surgery has been shown to lead to favorable outcomes. Using multimodal analgesia may decrease opioid use for postoperative pain.

Materials and Methods.
Patients who underwent posterior lumbar spinal surgery between August 2022 and January 2023 were divided into 2 groups: patients who underwent surgery on even months and were treated with DP (DP [+] group) and those who underwent surgery on odd months and were not treated with DP (DP [−] group). The demographic data, morphine milligram equivalent (MME) within 24 hours, duration of hospitalization, number of rescue analgesics used, visual analog scale (VAS) scores of wound pain, deterioration in renal function, and other complications were compared. Subgroup analysis consisted of subgroups categorized based on surgical procedure (nonfusion or fusion surgery).

Results.
In total, 111 and 113 patients were enrolled in the DP (+) and DP (−) groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the deterioration of renal function in the DP (+) group. Overall comparisons demonstrated a significant difference between the DP (+) and DP (−) groups in the number of rescue analgesics used within 1 hour (P=0.046). In the nonfusion surgery subgroups, the MMEs within 24 hours, the number of rescue analgesics used within 1 and 3 hours, as well as the wound pain VAS at 1 and 3 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in the DP (+) group than in the DP (−) group (P=0.010, 0.015, 0.029, 0.005, and 0.048, respectively).

Conclusion.
Systemic transdermal DP may potentially offer safe and effective postoperative analgesia, especially in less invasive procedures, such as nonfusion lumbar spinal surgery.

Level of Evidence.
Level III.
Cervical Spine Surgery Following COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Chan Justin P. , Hoang Henry , Wu Hao-Hua , Park Don Y. , Lee Yu-Po , Bhatia Nitin , Hashmi Sohaib Z. ,   on behalf of the N3C Consortium
Published: April 2024

Study Design:
Retrospective.

Objective:
We utilized the NIH National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) database to characterize the risk profile of patients undergoing spine surgery during multiple time windows following the COVID-19 infection.

Summary of Background Data:
While the impact of COVID-19 on various organ systems is well documented, there is limited knowledge regarding its effect on perioperative complications following spine surgery or the optimal timing of surgery after an infection.

Methods:
We asked the National COVID Cohort Collaborative for patients who underwent cervical spine surgery. Patients were stratified into those with an initial documented COVID-19 infection within 3 time periods: 0–2 weeks, 2–6 weeks, or 6–12 weeks before surgery.

Results:
A total of 29,449 patients who underwent anterior approach cervical spine surgery and 46,379 patients who underwent posterior approach cervical spine surgery were included. Patients who underwent surgery within 2 weeks of their COVID-19 diagnosis had a significantly increased risk for venous thromboembolic events, sepsis, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality, irrespective of the anterior or posterior approach. Among patients undergoing surgery between 2 and 6 weeks after COVID-19 infection, the 30-day mortality risk remained elevated in patients undergoing a posterior approach only. Patients undergoing surgery between 6 and 12 weeks from the date of the COVID-19 infection did not show significantly elevated rates of any complications analyzed.

Conclusions:
Patients undergoing either anterior or posterior cervical spine surgery within 2 weeks from the initial COVID-19 diagnosis are at increased risk for perioperative venous thromboembolic events, sepsis, and mortality. Elevated perioperative complication risk does not persist beyond 2 weeks, except for 30-day mortality in posterior approach surgeries. On the basis of these results, it may be warranted to postpone nonurgent spine surgeries for at least 2 weeks following a COVID-19 infection and advise patients of the increased perioperative complication risk when urgent surgery is required.
Comparison of Postoperative Complications and Outcomes in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Hashimoto Motonori , Hirai Takashi , Sakai Kenichiro , Yamada Kentaro , Sakaeda Kentaro , Hashimoto Jun , Egawa Satoru , Morishita Shingo , Matsukura Yu , Inose Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Yutaka , Onuma Hiroaki , Sakaki Kyohei , Tomori Masaki , Torigoe Ichiro , Ochi Miharu , Ishiguro Hiroki , Tamura Satoshi , Ushio Shuta , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Miyake Norihiko , Kusano Kazuo , Otani Kazuyuki , Shindo Shigeo , Arai Yoshiyasu , Okawa Atsushi , Yoshii Toshitaka 
Published: April 2024

Study Design:
Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:
To compare the frequency of complications and outcomes between patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine and those with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) who underwent anterior surgery.

Summary of Background Data:
Anterior cervical spine surgery for OPLL is an effective surgical procedure; however, it is complex and technically demanding compared with the procedure for CSM. Few reports have compared postoperative complications and clinical outcomes after anterior surgeries between the 2 pathologies.

Methods:
Among 1434 patients who underwent anterior cervical spine surgery at 3 spine centers within the same spine research group from January 2011 to March 2021, 333 patients with OPLL and 488 patients with CSM were retrospectively evaluated. Demographics, postoperative complications, and outcomes were reviewed by analyzing medical records. In-hospital and postdischarge postoperative complications were investigated. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated 1 year after the surgery using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score.

Results:
Patients with OPLL had more comorbid diabetes mellitus preoperatively than patients with CSM (P<0.001). Anterior cervical corpectomies were more often performed in patients with OPLL than in those with CSM (73.3% and 14.5%). In-hospital complications, such as reoperation, cerebrospinal fluid leak, C5 palsy, graft complications, hoarseness, and upper airway complications, occurred significantly more often in patients with OPLL. Complications after discharge, such as complications of the graft bone/cage and hoarseness, were significantly more common in patients with OPLL. The recovery rate of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score 1 year postoperatively was similar between patients with OPLL and those with CSM.

Conclusion:
The present study demonstrated that complications, both in-hospital and after discharge following anterior spine surgery, occurred more frequently in patients with OPLL than in those with CSM.
Modified S1 Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy
Authors: Oyem Precious C. , Greenberg Jacob K. , Rhoads Colin R. , Spiessberger Alexander 
Published: April 2024

Study Design:
Surgical technique video.

Objective:
To report a surgical technique to revise patients with previous fusions at L4–S1 leading to an iatrogenic flat back and sagittal imbalance using L5–S1 transforaminal interbody fusion combined with a small S1 corner osteotomy.

Background:
This is a case of a woman (51 y old) with a history of multiple lumbar surgeries, severe back pain, sagittal imbalance, and loss of lordosis.

Methods:
We describe a feasible revision technique in a complex patient with the goal of attaining optimal distribution of lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance through a modified S1 pedicle subtraction osteotomy, and the use of an interbody cage to enhance the fusion rate and facilitate closure of the 3-column osteotomy.

Results:
The preoperative patient lordosis angle of 31 degrees at L1–L4 and 16 degrees at L4–S1 became 12 degrees at L1–L4 and 44 degrees at L4–S1 postoperatively.

Conclusion:
The combination of L5–S1 transforaminal interbody fusion and S1 corner osteotomy is a feasible technique for the restoration of lumbar lordosis in patients with previous fusion and consequent loss of lordosis.