bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing a stretcher artificial insemination, collection and transfer of embryos goats
Authors: García-León R A , Flórez-Solano E , Santiago-Bayona B D
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this work is to build a stretcher for artificial insemination, collection and transfer of embryos in goats taking into account the losses that have been identified in the population of these animals, where the female is injured in the process of attachment, generating losses of time by the operator trying to control the animal and this in turn leads to costs for the breeding laboratory. This is why, with the development of this work, the construction of a stretcher with pneumatic lift that mitigates the existing problem in goat production, which will allow the veterinarian to perform the process properly, achieving a practical adjustment in the height during the intervention.
Optimal thermobaric parameters determination of natural gas dehydration in LNG production
Authors: Fedorova E B , Mel’nikov V B , Gafarova E B , Fedorova V A
Published: November 2019

Gas dehydration is one of the main technological processes in natural gas treatment for pipeline transportation and LNG production. The main task of this research is to increase the efficiency of adsorption gas dehydration. This report presents the results of a comparative assessment and determination of the optimal thermobaric parameters of the process of natural gas dehydration with KSMG type of silica gel and NaA-BS type of zeolite-containing adsorbent. It has been shown that reducing the temperature of the natural gas before dehydration reduces the mass of loaded adsorbent, the mass of adsorber, the consumption of regeneration gas, cooling gases, and fuel gas for heating regeneration gas. Recommendations on the dehydration unit placement after pre-cooling stage in order to reduce capital and operating costs are given at the end of the article. The results are important in the design and modernization of technological processes of the LNG production.
Fretting fatigue and wear of mechanical joints: Literature study
Authors: Karlsen Ø , Lemu H G
Published: November 2019

Most mechanical connections are in one way or another exposed to some form of tear, wear, corrosion and fatigue, and likely to fail over time. If the contacting surfaces in a connection are exposed to tangential loading due to vibrations, small amplitude displacements called fretting can be induced at the surface, and might result in crack nucleation and possible propagation. The review and analysis reported herein are based on review of a wide range of studies reported in the literature during the last 25 years, which look into earlier studies around fretting fatigue in interference fit connections. In addition, a new method on how to obtain an interference fit is being mentioned as a possible way of increasing the joints fretting fatigue life. Previous investigations show clearly positive effects of finding and operating with the correct combinations of interference fit levels, palliative treatments and material choices to increase the fretting fatigue life.
Brief review on the limit state function of dynamic scour protections
Authors: Fazeres-Ferradosa T , Welzel M , Taveira-Pinto F , Rosa-Santos P , Chambel J
Published: November 2019

Offshore foundations, namely for offshore wind, wave and tidal applications, often require the use of scour protections. Rip-rap scour protections are an important element of the foundation to ensure that the natural frequency stays within the design limits. Scour protection design still presents a remarkable empirical nature, which typically leads to uncertainty on their behaviour under extreme met-ocean conditions. Therefore, reliability assessment of scour protections has been seen as a possibility to account for design uncertainty and to optimise the scour protections. However, the definition of a suitable limit state function is still a matter of research focus, namely, regarding the proper definition of the acceptable damage level for dynamic scour protections. This research provides a brief review on the recent studies related to both the limit state function and the calculation of damage numbers through bathymetric data. A discussion is raised on how the methodologies for calculating the damage number may influence the limit state function and a theoretical example is given to assess the effects on the probability of failure. Results have shown that the acceptable damage number requires a clearer definition, which should be based on the number of layers of rock material and the area of filter exposure. In addition, this research highlights the need for alternative ways to assess damage.
Investigation of updating methods for probability-informed inspection planning for offshore structures
Authors: Ersdal G , Oma N
Published: November 2019

The paper presents a novel process for probability-informed inspection planning based on the following principles. 1) A description of the strength of knowledge about a problem shall be included and be accounted for in the decision making, 2) Probabilistic methods should be used to predict quantities expressing the physical reality of nature (observable quantities) and their uncertainty, and 3) Any update of the probabilistic model should be limited to the actually observed quantities. The process for updating the probability of failure after inspection is programmed in accordance with these principles based on Monte-Carlo simulations and Bayesian parameter updating. The application of these principles and the proposed process is illustrated by an example calculation resulting in an example of inspection intervals for a jacket structure.
Time-variant rule-based reliability of corroded structures by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Neumann K M , Leira B , Vårdal O T , Ehlers S
Published: November 2019

General widespread corrosion is of increasing concern for structural reliability of ageing marine structures, particularly for semi-submersible pontoons. Conditional failure rate, also termed hazard function is sought to describe the increasing maintenance required with age. Literature is reviewed connecting corrosion degradation to hazard rate, either through a time degrading limit state function, or statistical data for time to failure. Here, a rule based failure definition is applied based on corrosion tolerance levels, together with a linear corrosion degradation model to make a time variant limit state function. Monte Carlo simulation is applied based on statistical models for the basic variables including importance sampling, to obtain the time to failure distribution from which the hazard curve is deduced. A more realistic hazard function is also produced, requiring average of 3 simulations to exceed the tolerance in order to fail. It is seen that this approach delays the increase of the hazard curve, at the expense of higher failure rates.
Survival in cold waters - learnings from participation in cold water exercises - a regulatory perspective related to the Norwegian offshore industry
Authors: Jensen J E , Solberg K E , Gudmestad O T
Published: November 2019

Participation in exercises lead by the University of Stavanger, the SARex 1 in 2016 and SARex 2 in 2017, provided valuable lessons related to survival in a cold maritime environment. The scenario of the exercises was a mass evacuation from a stranded cruise ship in Arctic waters but provided experiences relevant beyond the cruise industry. This article focuses on the relevance for the oil and gas industry in the Norwegian sector. SARex 1 and 2 were rescue exercises carried out north of Spitzbergen by industry, regulators and academia during the spring of 2016 and 2017. The Norwegian Coast Guard, the University of Stavanger and GMC, Stavanger, organized the exercises. The Petroleum Safety Authority found it important to participate in SARex 1 and 2, to better understand the factors enabling success in a cold climate survival situation. The survival tests in lifeboats and life rafts during SARex 1 and 2 showed the necessity of having trained and competent leadership on board. This issue has perhaps been neglected, compared to the development of equipment to ensure successful evacuation and avoid hypothermia. Some key factors for survival success were (1) Functioning of emergency equipment (2) Organising and teaching the function of various items of safety equipment (3) Operating evacuation means at sea, e.g. watch routines, operating hatches/venting routines and (4) Activities and maintaining mental awareness and motivation. The overall learning from SARex 1 and 2 is that survival is dependent on active participation from the survivors. There is a need for sufficient competence amongst personnel to micro-manage all the details required for survival. The mental factors following fatigue and seasickness, in addition to hypothermia, make leadership and competence in a cold maritime climate essential for survival.
Coupling well hydrodynamic tests data with results of digital simulation for better identification of reservoir properties
Authors: Khaydina M , Latysheva A
Published: November 2019

In the study the existing approaches for stabilization time estimation are given and compared with the results of hydrodynamic simulation. A deviation from an assumed ellipsoid shape of drainage area has been observed for a horizontal well based on the simulation results. Then this geometrical definite form was taken into account in the gas influx equation. On its basis the time period of pseudo-steady state was estimated. As a result, stabilized horizontal gas well tests are considered to be not effective as the time period is too long when pseudo-steady state is reached and it’s impossible to carry out the test in reality. However, it is suggested to continue a well test for a reduced period by adapting well tests on the model and matching simulation output with gauge measurements.
Anatomical Dissection of the Dorsal Nerve of the Clitoris
Authors: Kelling Joseph A , Erickson Cameron R , Pin Jessica , Pin Paul G
Published: November 2019

Background

The clitoris is the primary somatosensory organ of female sexual response. Knowledge of its neural anatomy and related landmarks is essential for safe genital surgery.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the distal course of the dorsal nerves of the clitoris and associated structures.

Methods

Clitorises of 10 fresh cadavers were dissected. Measurements of the dorsal nerves, suspensory ligament, clitoral body, clitoral hood, and clitoral glans were obtained. The course of the dorsal nerves was examined.

Results

The dorsal nerves of the clitoris were larger than expected, ranging from 2.0 to 3.2 mm in diameter, on average, along their course in the clitoral body. In 9 of 10 specimens, the dorsal nerves could be traced to within 6 mm of the glans. They traveled deep to a superficial clitoral fascia but superficial to the tunica albuginea, were variably located between 10 and 2 o’clock, and were separated by the deep suspensory ligament (DSL) of the clitoris. The mean length of the descending clitoral body, from the angle to the base of the glans, was 37.0 mm. The mean distance from the pubic rim to the DSL was 37.7 mm.

Conclusions

The clitoral body is substantial in length, mostly lying superficially under the clitoral hood and mons pubis. The dorsal nerves of the clitoris are large and superficial, terminating at or near the base of the clitoral glans. Knowledge of this anatomy is critical prior to performing surgery near the clitoris.
Genome-wide analysis and functional prediction of the estrogen-regulated transcriptional response in the mouse uterus†
Authors: Vasquez Yasmin M , Nandu Tulip S , Kelleher Andrew M , Ramos Enrique I , Gadad Shrikanth S , Kraus W Lee
Published: November 2019

The ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone orchestrate the transcriptional programs required to direct functions of the uterus for initiation and maintenance of pregnancy. Estrogen, acting via estrogen receptor alpha, regulates gene expression by activating and repressing distinct genes involved in signaling pathways that regulate cellular and physiological responses including cell division, water influx, and immune cell recruitment. Historically, these transcriptional responses have been postulated to reflect a biphasic physiological response. In this study, we explored the transcriptional responses of the ovariectomized mouse uterus to 17β-estradiol (E2) by RNA-seq to obtain global expression profiles of protein-coding transcripts (mRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) following 0.5, 1, 2, and 6 hours of treatment. The E2-regulated mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in the mouse uterus indicate an association between lncRNAs and mRNAs that regulate E2-driven pathways and reproductive phenotypes in the mouse. The transient E2-regulated transcriptome is reflected in the time-dependent shifting of biological processes regulated in the uterus in response to E2. Moreover, high expression of some conserved lncRNAs that are E2 regulated in the mouse uterus are predictive of low overall survival in endometrial carcinoma patients (e.g., H19, KCNQ1OT1, MIR17HG, and FTX). Collectively, this study (1) describes a genomic approach for identifying E2-regulated lncRNAs that may serve critical function in the uterus and (2) provides new insights into our understanding of the regulation of hormone-regulated transcriptional responses with implications in pregnancy and endometrial pathologies.
Microelectrode array analysis of mouse uterine smooth muscle electrical activity†
Authors: Ma Xiaofeng , Zhao Peinan , Wakle-Prabagaran Monali , Amazu Chinwendu , Malik Manasi , Wu Wenjie , Wang Hui , Wang Yong , England Sarah K
Published: November 2019

Uterine contractions are important for various functions of the female reproductive cycle. Contractions are generated, in part, by electrical coupling of smooth muscle cells of the myometrium, the main muscle layer of the uterus. Aberrant myometrial electrical activity can lead to uterine dysfunction. To better understand and treat conditions associated with aberrant activity, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms that underlie normal activity. Here, we used microelectrode array (MEA) to simultaneously record and characterize myometrial electrical activities at high spatial and temporal resolution. Mouse myometrial longitudinal muscle tissue was isolated at different stages throughout the estrous cycle and placed on an 8×8 MEA. Electrical activity was recorded for 10 min at a sampling rate of 12.5 kHz. We used a spike-tracking algorithm to independently analyze each channel and developed a pipeline to quantify the amplitude, duration, frequency, and synchronicity of the electrical activities. Electrical activities in estrous were more synchronous, and had shorter duration, higher frequency, and lower amplitude than electrical activities in non-estrous. We conclude that MEA can be used to detect differential patterns of myometrial electrical activity in distinct estrous cycle stages. In the future, this methodology can be used to assess different physiological and pathological states and evaluate therapeutic agents that regulate uterine function.
Lassoing eigenvalues
Authors: Tyler David E , Yi Mengxi
Published: November 2019

The properties of penalized sample covariance matrices depend on the choice of the penalty function. In this paper, we introduce a class of nonsmooth penalty functions for the sample covariance matrix and demonstrate how their use results in a grouping of the estimated eigenvalues. We refer to the proposed method as lassoing eigenvalues, or the elasso.
On the use of approximate Bayesian computation Markov chain Monte Carlo with inflated tolerance and post-correction
Authors: Vihola Matti , Franks Jordan
Published: November 2019

Approximate Bayesian computation enables inference for complicated probabilistic models with intractable likelihoods using model simulations. The Markov chain Monte Carlo implementation of approximate Bayesian computation is often sensitive to the tolerance parameter: low tolerance leads to poor mixing and large tolerance entails excess bias. We propose an approach that involves using a relatively large tolerance for the Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler to ensure sufficient mixing and post-processing the output, leading to estimators for a range of finer tolerances. We introduce an approximate confidence interval for the related post-corrected estimators and propose an adaptive approximate Bayesian computation Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, which finds a balanced tolerance level automatically based on acceptance rate optimization. Our experiments show that post-processing-based estimators can perform better than direct Markov chain Monte Carlo targeting a fine tolerance, that our confidence intervals are reliable, and that our adaptive algorithm leads to reliable inference with little user specification.
Ovid’s debut in Chinese: translating the Ars amatoria into the Republican discourse of love
Authors: Xiao Xinyao , Bao Yumiao
Published: November 2019

The first complete Chinese translation of Ovid’s poem was Dai Wangshu’s (1905–50) 1929 Ai jing (Ars amatoria). Dai, as translator-cum-publisher, produced a serious translation with thorough footnotes and a scholarly preface (later added). Yet in a newspaper advertisement, he also marketed the book in sensational language as a pragmatic love manual that could help Chinese ‘men and women of sentiment’ master the art of courting. Focusing on Dai’s seemingly conflicting marketing approaches, this article locates the production and reception of Dai’s translation of the Ars amatoria in its socio-cultural and ideological contexts. Dai adapted his Chinese Ars amatoria to an emerging Chinese discourse of love in the 1920s, when love remained at the centre of many literary, social, and political debates. It also further demonstrates how Ovid’s Ars amatoria, in Dai’s translation, animated sustained discussions of love, marriage, and gender in China in the early 1930s. Re-interpreted and re-appropriated, a classic Latin text extended Republican China’s quest for modernization and Westernization to the most intimate realms of ordinary experience.
EuroCMR 2019 highlights
Authors: Rodriguez-Palomares Jose F , Edvardsen Thor , Almeida Ana G , Petersen Stephen E
Published: November 2019

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has become one of the main imaging techniques for the diagnosis and prognostic stratification of the different cardiovascular diseases. Proof of this is the growing interest in training in this imaging technique which was evident in the past EuroCMR 2019 where 1379 specialists (26.5% more than in the previous edition) met in Lido (Venice) to discuss the latest scientific advances in the CMR field. In this review, we will discuss the most recent research presented during this congress that aroused maximum interest.
Factor endowments and international trade: a study of land embodied in trade on the Baltic Sea region, 1750–1856
Authors: Theodoridis Dimitrios , Rönnbäck Klas , Scheltjens Werner
Published: November 2019

Baltic trade is one of the key examples of flourishing economic activity in early modern European history. This study empirically outlines the role of comparative resource advantages between 1750 and 1856, using trade data from the Sound Toll Registers Online. On the one hand, the results show the significance of relative land abundance for trade patterns between the Baltic Sea region and North-Western Europe: the land abundant Baltic Sea region was overall exporting more land-intensive commodities. On the other hand, however, the results also show a seeming paradox: increasing trade openness during the nineteenth century was not associated with a higher degree of specialization along these comparative advantages.
Diversity of cyanobacteria at the Alaska North Slope with description of two new genera: Gibliniella and Shackletoniella
Authors: Strunecky Otakar , Raabova Lenka , Bernardova Alexandra , Ivanova Anna Pavlovna , Semanova Alexandra , Crossley Joel , Kaftan David
Published: November 2019

The diversity of cyanobacteria along the Alaskan North Slope was investigated. We isolated and cultivated 57 strains of cyanobacteria and sequenced a section of their rRNA operon containing a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. Here, we describe 17 found species belonging mainly to families Coleofasciculaceae, Microcoleaceae, Oculatellaceae, Leptolyngbyaceae and to the order Synechococcales. In pursuing a conservative polyphasic approach, we utilized suggested thresholds in 16S rRNA gene differences in parallel with morphological differences between new and already described taxa for the description of new species and genera. Based on a combination of morphological, molecular and ecological analysis of collected and cultured strains we describe two genera Gibliniella and Shackletoniella as well as six cyanobacterial species; Cephalothrix alaskaensis, Tildeniella alaskaensis, Pseudophormidium americanum, Leptodesmis alaskaensis, Albertania alaskaensis and Nodosilinea alaskaensis. Here, a polyphasic approach was used to identify eight novel and nine established cyanobacterial taxa from a previously non–investigated region that uncovered a high degree of biodiversity in extreme polar environments.
Senescent Stem and Transient Amplifying Cells in Crohn’s Disease Intestine
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Bootsma Hendrika , Kroese Frans , Dijkstra Gerard , Pringle Sarah
Published: November 2019

We demonstrate presence of senescent (p16+, p21+) epithelial cells in the stem and transient amplifying cell niches of the intestine in Crohn’s disease. This may explain why Crohn’s lesions recur in the same places.
Off-pump tricuspid valve repair by automated sutured tricuspid annular plication via transatrial cannulation: preclinical ex vivo and in vivo results
Authors: Werner Paul , Russo Marco , Sauer Jude , Zilberszac Robert , Rath Claus , Kocher Alfred , Laufer Guenther , Andreas Martin
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVES

Surgical repair is considered the gold standard treatment for severe symptomatic tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation. However, patients undergoing isolated surgical tricuspid repair face a high perioperative mortality while long-term data on interventional treatment options are currently missing. We investigated a novel, minimally invasive approach for transatrial off-pump beating-heart tricuspid annular plication based on the surgical Hetzer repair.

METHODS

TV annular plication for the creation of a double-orifice valve using novel devices for automated annular suturing was performed in 10 human heart specimens in an ex vivo perfusion model under endoscopic guidance. Additionally, the technique was tested in an in vivo porcine model using the transatrial access under echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance.

RESULTS

Endoscopically guided conduction of the procedure was successful in all 10 human heart specimens in the ex vivo perfusion model with 1 observed suture pull-through of 60 sutures placed (1.7%). TV measurements yielded significant reductions of the TV septal–lateral diameter (50.9 ± 7.3 vs 42.6 ± 7.9 mm; P = 0.015) and the TV area (1208 ± 399 vs 193 ± 122 mm2; P < 0.0001). TV plication without direct vision using device-embedded intracardiac echocardiography, epicardial echocardiography and fluoroscopy was feasible in both acute animals with no observed device-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful plication was completed in 10 ex vivo human hearts, additionally proof-of-concept was conducted in 2 animals. We herein present encouraging early preclinical results of a novel minimally invasive technique for TV repair, which warrants further investigation.
Genome-wide association study for carcass quality traits and growth in purebred and crossbred pigs1
Authors: Bergamaschi Matteo , Maltecca Christian , Fix Justin , Schwab Clint , Tiezzi Francesco
Published: November 2019

Carcass quality traits such as back fat (BF), loin depth (LD), and ADG are of extreme economic importance for the swine industry. This study aimed to (i) estimate the genetic parameters for such traits and (ii) conduct a single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS) to identify genomic regions that affect carcass quality and growth traits in purebred (PB) and three-way crossbred (CB) pigs. A total of 28,497 PBs and 135,768 CBs pigs were phenotyped for BF, LD, and ADG. Of these, 4,857 and 3,532 were genotyped using the Illumina PorcineSNP60K Beadchip. After quality control, 36,328 SNPs were available and were used to perform an ssGWAS. A bootstrap analysis (n = 1,000) and a signal enrichment analysis were performed to declare SNP significance. Genome regions were based on the variance explained by significant 10-SNP sliding windows. Estimates of PB heritability (SE) were 0.42 (0.019) for BF, 0.39 (0.020) for LD, and 0.35 (0.021) for ADG. Estimates of CB heritability were 0.49 (0.042) for BF, 0.27 (0.029) for LD, and 0.12 (0.021) for ADG. Genetic correlations (SE) across the two populations were 0.81 (0.02), 0.79 (0.04), and 0.56 (0.05), for BF, LD, and ADG, respectively. The variance explained by significant regions for each trait in PBs ranged from 1.51% to 1.35% for BF, from 4.02% to 3.18% for LD, and from 2.26% to 1.45% for ADG. In CBs, the variance explained by significant regions ranged from 1.88% to 1.37% for BF, from 1.29% to 1.23% for LD, and from 1.54% to 1.32% for ADG. In this study, we have described regions of the genome that determine carcass quality and growth traits of PB and CB pigs. These results provide evidence that there are overlapping and nonoverlapping regions in the genome influencing carcass quality and growth traits in PBs and three-way CB pigs.
Clinical Impact of Cryopreservation on Split Thickness Skin Grafts in the Porcine Model
Authors: Holzer Paul W , Lellouch Alexandre G , Moulton Krysta , Zhu Laurence , Ng Zhi Yang , Overschmidt Bo , Gama Amon-Ra , Leto Barone Angelo A , Rosales Ivy , Monroy Rod , Cetrulo Curtis L
Published: November 2019

Vital, genetically engineered, porcine xenografts represent a promising alternative to human cadaveric allografts (HCA) in the treatment of severe burns. However, their clinical value would be significantly enhanced if preservation and long-term storage—without the loss of cellular viability—were feasible. The objective of this study was to examine the direct impact of cryopreservation and the length of storage on critical in vivo and in vitro parameters, necessary for a successful, potentially equivalent substitute to HCA. In this study, vital, porcine skin grafts, continuously cryopreserved for more than 7 years were compared side-by-side to otherwise identically prepared skin grafts stored for only 15 minutes. Two major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-controlled donor–recipient pairs received surgically created deep-partial wounds and subsequent grafting with split-thickness porcine skin grafts, differentiated only by the duration of storage. Clinical and histological outcomes, as well as quantification of cellular viability via a series of 3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, were assessed. No statistically significant differences were observed between skin grafts cryopreserved for 15 minutes vs 7 years. Parametric distinctions between xenografts stored for short- vs long-term durations could not be ascertained across independent clinical, histological, or in vitro evaluative methods. The results of this study validate the ability to reliably preserve, store, and retain the essential metabolic activity of porcine tissues after cryopreservation. Plentiful, safe, and readily accessible inventories of vital xenografts represent an advantageous solution to numerous limitations associated with HCA, in the treatment of severe burns.
Italian authorities seize Prosecco-flavoured Pringles: does the seizure contradict the CJEU’s decision in Champagner Sorbet?
Authors: Bonadio Enrico , Weissenberger Natalie
Published: November 2019

Seizure of Prosecco-flavoured Pringles by Italian authorities—October 2019

In October 2019, Italian authorities seized Prosecco-flavoured Pringles crisps in Italy.
Delhi High Court on applicability of DNA test as evidence to prove infringement of IP rights in plant varieties
Authors: Bhattacharya Shuvam
Published: November 2019

Pioneer Overseas Corporation v Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights and Ors, W.P.(C) 6470/2013 and CM No 14085/2013, Delhi High Court, 1 July 2019

In this case, the Delhi High Court held that mere conformity to the distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test by a plant variety cannot be a ground to disallow a DNA test to prove infringement of another plant variety.
There is no hope in inventive step
Authors: Wooden Gemma , Blaseby Matthew , Visser Derk
Published: November 2019

Guidelines for Examination in the European Patent Office, November 2019 edition

The European Patent Office’s Guidelines have been updated to clarify that the approach for assessing inventive step involves determining whether a skilled person would have modified the closest prior art in an expectation of some advantage or improvement. A hope of solving the objective technical problem is insufficient for a modification of the closest prior art to be considered obvious.
Pituitary Adenomas in Transgender Individuals?
Authors: Kleinschmidt-DeMasters Bette K
Published: November 2019

Transgender individuals may receive long-term hormonal treatment as part of their sexual transition; limited literature has suggested that they consequently may be predisposed to development of prolactinomas. We questioned whether we had encountered such cases. Pathology databases were searched for the years 2000–2019 for tissue specimens from transgender individuals; Sixty surgical specimens from 58 individuals and 8 cytology specimens were identified. Two of these 60 were pituitary adenomas, neither of which were lactotroph adenomas (prolactinomas).The first occurred in a 71-year-old transgender male-to-female who had undergone high-dose hormone therapy, followed by orchiectomy 30 years prior. Chronic hypertension, dizziness, and vertigo prompted an endocrine workup which revealed elevated IGF-1 and prolactin; The pituitary mass proved to be a mixed somatotroph/lactotroph adenoma. The second occurred in a 53-year-old transgender male-to-female who was being evaluated by an endocrinologist prior to initiating hormone therapy for transition when a slightly elevated prolactin level was discovered. This pituitary macroadenoma proved to be a gonadotroph adenoma. The most common surgical specimens were 33 bilateral mastectomies, 13 hysterectomies, and 4 orchiectomies, almost all for gender transition purposes rather than medical conditions. Pathologists may wish to be aware of the occurrence of pituitary adenomas in transgender individuals, although the incidence is quite low.
Same fold, different properties: polarizable molecular dynamics simulations of telomeric and TERRA G-quadruplexes
Authors: Lemkul Justin A
Published: November 2019

DNA and RNA sequences rich in guanine can fold into noncanonical structures called G-quadruplexes (GQs), which exhibit a common stem structure of Hoogsteen hydrogen-bonded guanine tetrads and diverse loop structures. GQ sequence motifs are overrepresented in promoters, origins of replication, telomeres, and untranslated regions in mRNA, suggesting roles in modulating gene expression and preserving genomic integrity. Given these roles and unique aspects of different structures, GQs are attractive targets for drug design, but greater insight into GQ folding pathways and the interactions stabilizing them is required. Here, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to study two bimolecular GQs, a telomeric DNA GQ and the analogous telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) GQ. We applied the Drude polarizable force field, which we show outperforms the additive CHARMM36 force field in both ion retention and maintenance of the GQ folds. The polarizable simulations reveal that the GQs bind bulk K+ ions differently, and that the TERRA GQ accumulates more K+ ions, suggesting different ion interactions stabilize these structures. Nucleobase dipole moments vary as a function of position and also contribute to ion binding. Finally, we show that the TERRA GQ is more sensitive than the telomeric DNA GQ to water-mediated modulation of ion-induced dipole-dipole interactions.
Apuleius's Platonism
Authors: Hoenig Christina
Published: November 2019

Lucius Apuleius (c. 125–after 170 ce), of the North African city Madaura, was a Roman philosophical writer of the 2nd century ce. Apuleius’s identity is thrown into an interesting light by his notorious description of the narrator of his comic novel Metamorphoses, perhaps his most famous work, as a relative of Sextus of Chaeronea, who, in turn, was a relation of the Middle Platonist Plutarch. It is possible that this reference indicates merely an intellectual affiliation with Sextus and the Platonic school. From Apuleius’s Florida, a collection of epideictic orations, we learn that he undertook philosophical studies, broadly construed, during a sojourn in Athens that lasted several years and that may have been spent in the intellectual vicinity of the Middle Platonist Calvenus Taurus. Apuleius is thus commonly grouped with the Middle Platonists (see also the separate Oxford Bibliographies article “Middle Platonism” for a general discussion and various Greek and Roman representatives), a label that has become rather problematic, since it appears to streamline intellectual currents of Platonism that have been shown to vary significantly. Alternative terms, such as “post-Hellenistic” philosophy, have been suggested, but the term “Middle Platonism” is still widely used, with the caveat, however, that it ought to refer to a chronological timeframe, roughly the 1st century bce until Plotinus, rather than a homogenous philosophical outlook. The most conspicuous element in Apuleius’s own philosophical output is a rather complex demonology, designed to ensure that divine providential care permeates the entire cosmos. Other features of his writings are what may be regarded as trademark attributes of his time: a tendency to fit Plato’s thought into a digestible, handbook-style system, instead of practicing critical inquiry or exegesis; a religious interpretation of philosophical doctrine, no doubt informed by his close affiliation with various mystery cults contemporary with him; and an emphasis on rhetoric as a suitable means of conveying philosophical wisdom, a feature in line with the literary and cultural taste of the Second Sophistic. Reluctance to accept Apuleius’s standing as a philosopher is a modern phenomenon. He was held in high esteem for his role as a Platonic philosopher already during his lifetime, and St. Augustine would later single him out, in Book 8 of his City of God against the Pagans, as one of the noblest disciples of Plato—a description that is then followed, it is true, by a devastating critique of Apuleius’s doctrine on demons.
European Institutions and Social Work
Authors: Huegler Nathalie , Jones David N. , Lyons Karen
Published: November 2019

This bibliography examines the influence of the formal pan-European political and economic structures on the practice and development of social work, social services, and social care in Europe, with particular reference to human rights, social welfare policy, and the practice of social work. Europe as a continent stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural Mountains, from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, from Portugal to Russia (beyond the Urals), and from Finland to Greece, while also including island states such as Cyprus, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, and the United Kingdom. The continent includes not only some of the most economically and socially developed countries in the world, but also some of the poorest. It comprises the forty-seven democratic countries that are members of the Council of Europe (CE), with a total population of around 740 million. All the member states have ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (also known as the European Convention on Human Rights, or ECHR), including respect for its legal institutions. Belarus, Kosovo, and the Holy See (in Rome) are also within the region but are not members of the Council. Twenty-eight of these countries are also members of the European Union (EU), a political union with common institutions and legal frameworks that have supremacy over national parliaments. Social work as a profession has been well established in Europe for over a hundred years within a variety of social welfare models; the countries in central and eastern Europe have reestablished social work since the 1990s, following the ending of the Communist political systems. The practice of social work has evolved differently in each country, but it shares common characteristics. The main political and social structures of Europe—the Council of Europe (CE) and the European Union (EU)—have a significant influence on the development of national social policies through EU Directives (laws), the human rights principles, and the conventions of the Council of Europe and convergent visions. The key instruments that impact on social work policy and practice are identified alongside analysis of their significance.
Patriotism
Authors: Miscevic Nenad
Published: November 2019

Patriotism, love for or devotion to one’s country, as the dictionary definition has it, is a popular topic in the literature on political theory and philosophy. One reason for its popularity is probably the preponderance of conceptions that see it as moderate, in contrast to nationalism. As George Orwell wrote in his 1945 book Notes on Nationalism, “patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power.” The other contrast, the one between attachment to one’s country (patriotism) versus attachment to one’s people and its traditions (nationalism), has also played a role. Together, they are often taken as the defining features of patriotism. Of course, the actual use of the term in political discourse is much less regimented than the one standard in theoretical writings. In the United States, “patriotism” is often used for attitude(s) that would in the theoretical literature be described as “nationalistic”; see the newspaper debates on Donald Trump’s self-alleged patriotism. The contrast is strengthened by the need of theoreticians to have a concept-term that could be used for moderate attachment to one’s country. The other problem, right around the corner, so to speak, is that love for a country is not really just love of a piece of land; normally it involves attachment to the community of its inhabitants, and this introduces “nation” into the conception of patriotism. After a brief discussion of anthologies and general overviews of the area, this article focuses on particular topics. It starts with writings dedicated to the very concept of patriotism, and to the descriptive-explanatory issues—the central one being, “What is patriotism?” Next come normative issues, focusing on the morality of patriotism; it presents moderate and more radical defenses, and then passes to the relations of patriotism to its “relatives.” This section begins with relation between patriotism and cosmopolitanism, followed by the relation between patriotism and communitarianism, and ends with the one between patriotism and multiculturalism. The article concludes with two “hot topics,” first, populism, and second, migration.
France and the British Isles from 1640 to 1789
Authors: Jettot Stéphane , Meyzie Vincent
Published: November 2019

Among many, one the Atlantic history’s achievements has been to reconnect the metropolis to their colonial territories. There is still much work to be done, notably in France where the scholarship has for long been divided between the ancient regime specialists and the colonial historians. John Pocock’s Atlantic Archipelago has been instrumental in the creation of a new British history, which looks out to the open seas. But in retrospect, the Atlantic turn also helps to form a new understanding of the relations between France and Britain. The notion of otherness that has been famously used by Linda Colley to describe the Anglo-British enmities was first used to describe relations between the Europeans and non-Europeans in a colonial context. Furthermore, connected and transnational histories that have been applied to the Atlantic are now put to good use to Franco-British case. Comparisons between bordering regions appear to be at least as significant as national entities. The growth of a more European outlook is also having an impact on the old Franco-British couple. Relocated in a wider continental context, their relations are no longer described as the long and straight duel dating back from the Middle Age. As the limits of a strictly national approach became more apparent, more attention has been dedicated to the cultural transfers and the multifaceted circulation of individuals and knowledge. While the existence of hostile sentiments was beyond doubt, there was a wide gamut of transactions that united the French, the English, the Irish, and the Scottish in one way or another. As for the large time span, it starts with two major political upheavals, the first British Revolution and the Fronde and ends with the Industrial and the French Revolutions, the famous “dual Revolution” vindicated by E. Hobsbawm, which could be felt from both sides of the English Channel up to the French Revolution. Although 1640 and 1789 are no longer seen as definitive watershed, they still constitute a convenient time frame to elaborate on a very dynamic subject.
Sinophone and Japanese International Relations Theory
Authors: Chen Ching-Chang
Published: November 2019

By “Sinophone and Japanese International Relations Theory,” this article means nascent theoretical constructs about the “international” in Sinophone and Japanese International Relations (IR) epistemic communities that draw mainly on their local ideas, experiences, and practices. “Sinophone IR” here is not limited to the community of IR researchers in the People’s Republic of China (PRC); it also includes that of Taiwan and other overseas Chinese-speaking researchers, including non-ethnic-Chinese academics who substantially engage with “Chinese” thought and traditions in their own right, i.e., not for testing established, mainstream IR theories. Similarly, “Japanese IR” is not narrowly defined as a group of IR scholars with Japanese citizenship. Rather, it includes IR researchers based in Japan and their overseas colleagues who take “Japanese” ideas and history seriously. It is thus possible to research and write from these two epistemic communities simultaneously; so to speak, their boundaries are neither fixed nor immutable. The majority of the IR academics in these communities are not concerned with, or involved in, homegrown theorizing, and scholars associated with the “Chinese School of IR” have not engaged with ostensibly Japanese resources for inspiration. However, some homegrown theorists have started drawing on ideas and practices from the other side or shared resources, e.g., Buddhism. Such theorizing synergy and cross-fertilization are likely to continue, especially over such notions as ontology and relationality. This article maps out the literature on homegrown knowledge production in Japanese and Sinophone IR communities and their theorizing endeavors. It will assist readers in comparing and evaluating the originality and contribution of Sinophone and Japanese IR scholarship to global IR knowledge, as well as their shortcomings. Following this introduction, the second section locates the interests of constructing alternative theories in Japanese and Sinophone IR in the wider context of ongoing debates on how to make the theory and practice of global politics more diverse and equitable. The third section introduces key journals and reference resources, followed by the fourth covering the state of the field in Japanese and Sinophone IR. The fifth reviews the debates over the creation of a “national school of IR” in their respective epistemic communities. The last four sections focus on theorizing efforts in Japanese and Sinophone IR as well as their uses of local resources in academic and policy discourses. For the sake of stylistic clarity, surname precedes given name for all East Asian individuals mentioned in the following commentary paragraphs and annotations.
World-System Theory
Authors: Chase-Dunn Christopher , Grell-Brisk Marilyn
Published: November 2019

The world-system perspective emerged during the world revolution of 1968 when social scientists contemplated the meaning of Latin American dependency theory for Africa. Immanuel Wallerstein, Terence Hopkins, Samir Amin, Andre Gunder Frank, and Giovanni Arrighi developed slightly different versions of the world-system perspective in interaction with each other. The big idea was that the global system had a stratified structure on inequality based on institutionalized exploitation. This implied that the whole system was the proper unit of analysis, not national societies, and that development and underdevelopment had been structured by global power relations for centuries. The modern world-system is a self-contained entity based on a geographically differentiated division of labor and bound together by a world market. In Wallerstein’s version capitalism had become predominant in Europe and its peripheries in the long 16th century and had expanded and deepened in waves. The core states were able to concentrate the most profitable economic activities and they exploited the semi-peripheral and peripheral regions by means of colonialism and the emergent international division of labor, which relies on unequal exchange. The world-system analysts all focused on global inequalities, but their terminologies were somewhat different. Amin and Frank talked about center and periphery. Wallerstein proposed a three-tiered structure with an intermediate semiperiphery between the core and the periphery, and he used the term core to suggest a multicentric region containing a group of states rather than the term center, which implies a hierarchy with a single peak. When the world-system perspective emerged, the focus on the non-core (periphery and semiperiphery) was called Third Worldism. Current terminology refers to the Global North (the core) and the Global South (periphery and semiperiphery).