Computing cournot equilibrium through maximization over prices

This paper presents an alternative characterization of internal Cournot equilibrium based on the first-order conditions corresponding to profit maximization over prices. This characterization is particularly useful when the market is described in terms of demand functions (rather than inverse-demand functions). A significant computational advantage is gained in homogeneous good cases as demand functions need not be inverted and simple first order conditions are obtained. In addition, this approach mimics price setting behavior and thus suggests a price competition interpretation of the Cournot game

Computing Cournot Equilibrium through Maximization over Prices

This paper presents an alternative characterization of internal Cournot equilibrium based on the first-order conditions corresponding to profit maximization over prices. This characterization is particularly useful when the market is described in terms of demand functions (rather than inverse-demand functions). A significant computational advantage is gained in homogeneous good cases as demand functions need not be inverted and simple first order conditions are obtained. In addition, this approach mimics price setting behavior and thus suggests a price competition interpretation of the Cournot game

Corporate governance in Turkey: implications for investments and growth

Background Paper for Turkey’s Investment Climate Assessment 200

Sterile acellular dermal collagen as a treatment for rippling deformity of breast.

Prosthetic implants are frequently used for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Unfortunately, long-term aesthetic results of prosthetic breast restoration may be hindered by complications such as rippling, capsular contracture, and implant malposition. The advent of use of acellular dermal matrices has greatly improved the outcomes of prosthetic breast reconstruction. We describe a case of rippling deformity of breast that was treated using an acellular dermal matrix product, AlloMax. The patient presented with visible rippling of bilateral prosthetic breast implants as well as significant asymmetry of the breasts after multiple excisional biopsies for right breast ductal carcinoma in situ. A 6 × 10 cm piece of AlloMax was placed on the medial aspect of each breast between the implant and the skin flap. Follow-up was performed at 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year following the procedure. The patient recovered well from the surgery and there were no complications. At her first postoperative follow-up the patient was extremely satisfied with the result. At her 3-month and 1-year follow-up she had no recurrence of her previous deformity and no new deformity

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Adipose and Other Tissues: Basic Biological Properties and Clinical Applications

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that were initially isolated from bone marrow. However, subsequent research has shown that other adult tissues also contain MSCs. MSCs originate from mesenchyme, which is embryonic tissue derived from the mesoderm. These cells actively proliferate, giving rise to new cells in some tissues, but remain quiescent in others. MSCs are capable of differentiating into multiple cell types including adipocytes, chondrocytes, osteocytes, and cardiomyocytes. Isolation and induction of these cells could provide a new therapeutic tool for replacing damaged or lost adult tissues. However, the biological properties and use of stem cells in a clinical setting must be well established before significant clinical benefits are obtained. This paper summarizes data on the biological properties of MSCs and discusses current and potential clinical applications

The Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Differentiated Into Endothelial Cells and Osteoblasts on Healing of Critical Size Calvarial Defects.

Delayed vascularization and resultant resorption limits the clinical use of tissue engineered bony constructs. The objective of this study is to develop a strategy to accelerate the neovascularization of tissue-engineered bony constructs using endothelial differentiated adipose-derived stem cells (ASC). The authors harvested ASC from inguinal fat pads of male Lewis rats (n = 5) and induced toward endothelial and osteoblastic lineages. The authors created critical size calvarial defects on male Lewis rats (n = 30) and randomized the animals into 4 groups. For the repair of the defects the authors used hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) [HA-PLG] scaffolds in group I, HA-PLG scaffolds seeded with ASC in group II, HA-PLG scaffolds seeded with ASC-derived endothelial cells in group III, and HA-PLG scaffolds seeded with ASC-derived osteoblasts in group IV. The authors evaluated the bone healing histologically and with micro-computed tomography (CT) scans 8 weeks later. Adipose-derived stem cells exhibited the characteristics of endothelial and osteogenic lineages, and attached on HA-PLG scaffolds after differentiation. Micro-CT analysis revealed that highest bone mineral density was in group IV (1.46 ± 0.01 g/cm) followed by groups III (1.43 ± 0.05 g/cm), I (1.42 ± 0.05 g/cm), and II (1.3 ± 0.1 g/cm). Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson Trichrome staining revealed similar results with the highest bone regeneration in group IV followed by groups II, III, and I. Regenerated bone in group IV also had the highest vascular density, but none of these differences achieved statistical significance (P > 0.05). The ASC-derived endothelial cells and osteoblasts provide a limited increase in calvarial bone healing when combined with HA-PLG scaffolds

Differences in Complication Rates of Gluteoplasty Procedures That Utilize Autologous Fat Grafting, Implants, or Local Flaps.

BACKGROUND:Gluteoplasty (gluteal augmentation) procedures are increasing in popularity, but there is not a universally accepted technique to produce optimal outcomes while minimizing risk. In this systematic review, we perform a meta-analysis to evaluate rates of complication from autologous fat grafting, implants, and local flaps, which are the three most common gluteoplasty operations. METHODS:A search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database for articles including the terms "gluteoplasty" OR "gluteal augmentation" OR "buttock augmentation" OR "Brazilian butt lift" OR "gluteal autologous fat graft" OR "buttock autologous fat graft" OR "gluteal implant" OR "buttock implant" OR "gluteal flap" OR "buttock flap" generated 229 articles. This number was brought down to 134 after initial screening by title. Inclusion criteria then removed those not written in English, those without access to the full text, those without extractable data on complications, and duplicates, leaving 46 articles to examine. RESULTS:A total of 4362 patients who underwent gluteoplasty between 1992 and 2017 were found. The overall complication rate was 12.4%. Implants had the highest rate (31.4%), whereas fat grafting had the lowest (6.8%); flaps were intermediate (23.1%). A χ test yielded a statistically significant (P < 0.001) nonindependent relationship between combined complication rate and type of surgery. Individual complications, such as asymmetry, capsular contracture, fat embolism, hematoma, infection, necrosis, pain, seroma, wide scar formation, and wound dehiscence, were also analyzed. CONCLUSIONS:Fat grafting by plastic surgeons might be the best option for gluteoplasty with regard to complications. In certain cases, however, there may only exist one choice for an operation because of anatomical limitations, which predisposes patients to those associated complications

Irradiated superficial femoral artery rupture after free flap: a case report and review of the literature.

Radical oncologic resection can result in large soft tissue defects with exposure of underlying vessels. Unless immediately covered with viable soft tissue, these vessels are vulnerable to desiccation from air exposure and mechanical trauma. Local radiation treatment also contributes to a decline in vessel wall strength. We present an index case of a patient with prolonged exposure of her femoral bone and superficial femoral artery after an initial failed reconstruction of a soft tissue sarcoma resection defect. We provided coverage using a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap. Two weeks after the initial free flap operation, the patient was readmitted to emergency service with profuse bleeding from beneath the free flap. Intraoperative inspection revealed a 2-cm defect of the irradiated superficial femoral artery. The defect was repaired with cryopreserved human arterial graft, and the flap was reset. This case highlights the importance of immediate coverage of soft tissue defects after oncologic resection. If any vessels are left exposed, they should be closely inspected before a delayed flap coverage to rule out future sources of bleeding that may jeopardize the outcomes of an otherwise successful free flap operation