bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifurcation Study on Fractional-Order Cohen–Grossberg Neural Networks Involving Delays
Authors: Tang Bingnan
Published: October 2020

This work is chiefly concerned with the stability behavior and the appearance of Hopf bifurcation of fractional-order delayed Cohen–Grossberg neural networks. Firstly, we study the stability and the appearance of Hopf bifurcation of the involved neural networks with identical delayϑ1=ϑ2=ϑ. Secondly, the sufficient criterion to guarantee the stability and the emergence of Hopf bifurcation for given neural networks with the delayϑ2=0is set up. Thirdly, we derive the sufficient condition ensuring the stability and the appearance of Hopf bifurcation for given neural networks with the delayϑ1=0. The investigation manifests that the delay plays a momentous role in stabilizing networks and controlling the Hopf bifurcation of the addressed fractional-order delayed neural networks. At last, software simulation results successfully verified the rationality of the analytical results. The theoretical findings of this work can be applied to design, control, and optimize neural networks.
Posner-Schlossman Syndrome in Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Huq Madiha , Sanan Neha , Daniels Phuong , Hostoffer Robert
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) is a rare glaucomatocyclitic crisis with clinical features including recurrent episodes of unilateral elevated intraocular pressure. Autoimmune and infectious causes have been proposed as potential etiologies of PSS. We report the first case of PSS in the setting of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Case Report. A sixty-two-year-old Caucasian female with a medical history of CVID and ulcerative colitis presented to the emergency room with complaints of acute right-sided vision changes. She reported image distortion, blurriness, and loss of central vision. Physical exam was significant for mildly injected right conjunctiva, visual acuity of 20/70 in right eye, and 20/25 in left eye. The right intraocular pressure was measured at 34 mmHg and left at 12 mmHg. The gonioscopy and dilated fundus examination were unremarkable. Cup to disc ratio was within normal limits, and no afferent pupillary defects were recorded. The patient was acutely treated with three rounds of dorzolamide/timolol and 0.2% brimonidine which decreased the right eye intraocular pressure to 24 mmHg. On follow-up exam with an ophthalmologist, anterior uveitis including an elevated pressure of 41 mmHg on the right and 18 mmHg on the left eye was noted and a PSS diagnosis was confirmed. Conclusion. PSS remains a rare condition with uncertain etiology and no associated systemic conditions. PSS has been postulated to be linked to autoimmune conditions. CVID is associated with many autoimmune disorders including Sjogren’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and colitis. There have been a few reported CVID-associated ocular diseases including granulomatous uveitis and conjunctivitis, chronic anterior uveitis, and birdshot retinopathy. We describe the first case of PSS in a patient with CVID.
Study on Concrete Pier Impact Performance after Implementing Equal Cross-Section Stainless Steel with Protection from Closed-Cell Aluminum Foam
Authors: Zhou Xiwu , Zhang Honglong , Zhang Wenchao , Zhang Guoxue
Published: October 2020

In the present study, in order to examine the impact performances of ordinary reinforced concrete bridge piers which have been replaced by stainless-steel bars of equal cross-sections under the protective condition of anticollision material, the impact dynamic responses of the ordinary reinforced concrete bridge piers, with replacements under the protection of closed-cell aluminum foam, were compared and analyzed using an ultrahigh drop hammer impact test system. The results showed that when the impact velocity was small (for example, less than 1.42 M/s), after the implementation of equal cross-sectional replacements, the closed-cell aluminum foam had been in an elastic or yield stage. During that stage, the impact forces of the stainless-steel reinforced concrete piers were larger than those of the ordinary reinforced concrete piers, and the relative ratios were stable at approximately 28 to 34%. In addition, the relative ratios of the displacements at the tops of the components were also found to be stable at approximately 22%, and the change rates of the concrete ultrasonic damages were approximately the same. However, when the impact forces had increased (for example, more than 1.67 m/s), the closed-cell aluminum foam entered a densification stage, and the peak impact force ratios decreased sharply. It was also observed that the relative peak displacement ratios at the tops of the components displayed increasing trends, and the change rates of the concrete ultrasonic damages had displayed major flux. Therefore, the replacement of the ordinary piers with stainless-steel bars had increased the possibility of shear failures.
The Prevalence of Metabolic Acidosis in Patients with Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease: Single-Centre Study
Authors: Kuczera Piotr , Ciaston-Mogilska Dorota , Oslizlo Barbara , Hycki Anna , Wiecek Andrzej , Adamczak Marcin
Published: October 2020

Background: Metabolic acidosis (MA) is one of the most common consequences of CKD. MA is also a risk factor of CKD progression and increased mortality in these patients. Aim: The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of MA in different stages of CKD and renal replacement therapy (RRT) modalities – haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Additionally, the relationship between the prevalence of MA and aetiology of kidney disease was analysed. Methods: One thousand five patients in different stages of CKD, or modalities of RRT were enrolled into this single-centre cross-sectional study. Forty-one patients were ruled out because of oral bicarbonate supplementation. In the remaining 964 patients (698 CKD stages 1–5, 226 HD, 40 PD), venous blood HCO3− concentration, as well as serum Cr and urea concentrations were assessed. MA was diagnosed when blood HCO3− concentration was below 22 mmol/L. Results: The prevalence of MA increased among all stages of CKD. Patients on HD had lower prevalence of MA in comparison with CKD 5 patients with no RRT (38.5 vs. 56.0%; p = 0.02) In PD patients, the prevalence of MA was significantly lower than in HD patients (2.5 vs. 38.5%; p < 0.001). In the whole study group, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of MA between different aetiologies of CKD (glomerulonephritis 24%, hypertension 23%, diabetes 25%, and tubule-interstitial diseases 24%). Also, when only patients in stages CKD 3–5 were compared, no significant differences in the prevalence of acidosis were found (glomerulonephritis 28%, hypertension 22%, diabetes 24%, and tubule-interstitial 21%). Conclusions: (1) MA is more frequent in patients with more advanced stages of CKD. (2) RRT reduces the prevalence of MA. (3) In PD patients, MA is rare. (4) Aetiology of CKD seems not to have a significant impact on MA prevalence.
Relationship between Serum Uric Acid and Mortality Risk in Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Yaya , Qin Xianhui , Li Yumin , Yang Shenglin , Chen Junzhi , He Yanhuan , Huang Yan , Lin Zizhen , Li Youbao , Kong Yaozhong , Lu Yongxin , Zhao Yanhong , Wan Qijun , Wang Qi , Huang Sheng , Liu Yan , Liu Aiqun , Liu Fanna , Hou Fan Fan , Liang Min
Published: October 2020

Background: Several studies have reported that low serum uric acid (SUA) levels are related to increased risk of mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, the possible detrimental effects of high SUA on the mortality risk have not been well examined. Moreover, the possible effect modifiers for the SUA-mortality association have not been fully investigated. To address the aforementioned gap, we aimed to explore the nonlinear relationship between SUA levels and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk, and to examine any possible effect modifiers in MHD patients. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, prospective cohort study among 1,018 MHD patients from 8 hemodialysis centers. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were CVD mortality and non-CVD mortality. Results: The mean value for SUA in the total population was 8.5 ± 1.9 mg/dL. The lowest and highest quintiles of SUA were <7.0 and >10.1 mg/dL, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 45.6 months, 343 deaths were recorded, of which 202 (58.9%) were due to CVD. When SUA was assessed as quintiles, a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality was found in patients in quintile 1 (<7.0 mg/dL; hazard ratio [HR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.73) or quintile 5 (≥10.1 mg/dL; HR, 1.47; 95% CI: 1.09–2.00), compared to those in quintiles 2–4 (7–10.1 mg/dL). Moreover, the U-shaped SUA-mortality association was mainly found in those with lower C-reactive protein levels (<3 compared with ≥3 mg/L; p for interaction = 0.018). Similar trends were found for CVD mortality and non-CVD mortality. Conclusion: There was a U-shaped relationship between SUA levels and the risk of all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and non-CVD mortality in MHD patients.
Spontaneous Regression of Delayed Pulmonary and Mediastinal Metastases from Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shields Lisa B.E. , Rezazadeh Kalebasty Arash
Published: October 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is often metastatic at diagnosis. Conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy have generally proven ineffective in the treatment of RCC. The abscopal effect, specifically, the ability of localized radiation to trigger systemic antitumor effects, has been reported to lead to regression of non-irradiated distant tumor lesions. Herein, we report 3 patients with non-metastatic clear cell RCC (CCRCC) who underwent a nephrectomy and experienced metachronous pulmonary/mediastinal metastases confirmed as CCRCC. No patients underwent radiation post-nephrectomy or pulmonary metastasectomy. The mean duration was 7.24 weeks from the last negative chest CT prior to the nephrectomy and 96.2 weeks post-nephrectomy. All patients achieved durable complete response by RECIST criteria, with a mean follow-up duration of 115 months. Our case series represents the largest in the literature of patients who underwent a nephrectomy for CCRCC with no pre-existing pulmonary/mediastinal metastatic disease confirmed by chest CT, did not undergo radiotherapy, and developed significantly delayed CCRCC pulmonary/mediastinal metastases. We highlight the spontaneous regression of delayed metastatic disease and the role of immune responses in curtailing the growth of pulmonary metastasis in CCRCC.
Pre- and Post-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Serum Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and All-Cause Mortality
Authors: Elbaz-Greener Gabby , Ghanim Diab , Kusniec Fabio , Rabin Asaf , Sudarsky Doron , Carasso Shemy , Czeiger Tal , Shoan-Dayan Mirit , Sakhnini Ali , Grosman-Rimon Liza , Strauss Bradley H. , Wijeysundra Harindra C. , Amir Offer
Published: October 2020

Background: Risk stratification in patients post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is limited to and is based on clinical judgment and surgical scoring systems. Serum natriuretic peptides are used for general risk stratification in patients with aortic stenosis, reflecting the increase in their afterload and thereby stressing the need for valve intervention. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of pre- and post-procedural serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on 1-year all-cause mortality in patients who underwent TAVR. Methods: In this population-based study, we included 148 TAVR patients treated at the Poriya Medical Center between June 1, 2015, and May 31, 2018. Routine blood samples for serum BNP levels (pg/mL) were taken just before the TAVR and 24 h post-TAVR. Our primary clinical outcome was defined as 1-year all-cause mortality. We used backward regression models and included all variables that had a p value <0.1 in the univariable analysis. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was calculated for the prediction of all-cause mortality by serum BNP levels using the median as the cut-off point. Results: In this study cohort, BNP levels 24 h post-TAVR higher than the cohort median versus lower than the cohort median (387.5 pg/mL; IQR 195–817.6) were the strongest predictor of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 9; 95% CI 2.72–30.16; p < 0.001). The statistically significant relationship was seen in the unadjusted regression model as well as after the adjustment for clinical variables. Conclusions: Serum BNP levels 24 h post-procedure were found to be a meaningful marker in predicting 1-year all-cause mortality in patients after TAVR procedure.
Deep Brain Stimulation Generator Failure due to External Defibrillation in a Patient with Essential Tremor
Authors: Davis Gregory , Levine Zachary
Published: October 2020

There exist only two case reports to date of open cardiac defibrillation with deep brain stimulator system (DBS) implantation. We report a 64-year-old male with DBS system in place for essential tremor who underwent cardiac defibrillation after cardiac arrest. Afterwards, his device impedances were all high and his tremor symptoms returned. Both problems resolved with implantation of a new generator and required no changes to the intracranial leads or extension cables. This is significantly different from the two previous reports. One included a significantly different DBS system relying on transcutaneous RF transmission and reported a lesioning effect after cardioversion. The other utilized a modern DBS system but reported damage to the generator and intracranial leads. We report that only the generator sustained damage, and that there were no intracranial changes that occurred.
Multifocal Intraretinal Tumour Deposits following Treatment of an Ipsilateral Choroidal Melanoma
Authors: Jamison Aaron , Connolly Julie , Cauchi Paul , Thum Chee , Chadha Vikas
Published: October 2020

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to report a patient who, following plaque brachytherapy for a choroidal melanoma, developed two separate retinal foci of malignant melanoma in the same eye, and suggest possible mechanisms that might explain such an occurrence. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case report. Results: A 79-year-old Caucasian male developed a left inferotemporal choroidal melanoma in 2016 and subsequently underwent ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy under the care of the Scottish Ocular Oncology Service. Serial B-scan ultrasonography demonstrated a post-treatment reduction in tumour height to <2 mm. In 2018, 27 months after the treatment, the patient complained of a “black spot” in the centre of his left eye vision. His visual acuity had reduced to counting fingers from 6/24 (corrected Snellen visual acuity). Several new areas of pigmentation and elevation were observed, and uveal melanoma recurrence was initially suspected. Given the multifocal nature of the presentation, the multi-disciplinary team recommended enucleation. Histological examination of the enucleated eye revealed three discrete foci of malignant melanoma – the previously treated choroidal malignant melanoma, and two solitary deposits of malignant melanoma within the retina. Conclusion: Retinoinvasive melanoma is a rare subtype of uveal melanoma, characterised by transvitreal melanoma invasion of the retina at a site non-contiguous with the uveal tumour, which may explain the clinical and pathological findings of the reported case.
Effects of Practice Variability on Second-Language Speech Production Training
Authors: Bu Lindsay , Nagano Marisa , Harel Daphna , McAllister Tara
Published: October 2020

Background: Mastering the phonetics of a second language (L2) involves a component of speech-motor skill, and it has been suggested that L2 learners aiming to achieve a more native-like pronunciation could benefit from practice structured in accordance with the principles of motor learning. Participants and Methods: This study investigated the influence one such principle, high versus low variability in practice, has on speech-motor learning for Korean adults seeking to acquire native-like production of English rhotics. Practice incorporated a commercially available intraoral placement device (“R Buddy,” Speech Buddies Inc.). In a single-subject across-behaviors design, 8 participants were pseudorandomly assigned to practice rhotic targets in a low-variability (single word) or high-variability (multiple words) practice condition. Results: The hypothesized advantage for high-variability over low-variability practice was observed in the short-term time frame. However, long-term learning was limited in nature for both conditions. Conclusion: These results suggest that future research should incorporate high-variability practice while identifying additional manipulations to maximize the magnitude of long-term generalization learning.
Clinical Features and Mortality of Nosocomial Candidemia in Very Old Patients: A Multicentre Italian Study
Authors: Zatta Marta , Di Bella Stefano , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Del Puente Filippo , Merelli Maria , Azzini Anna Maria , Brugnaro Pierluigi , Vedovelli Claudio , Cattelan Anna Maria , Busetti Marina , Gatti Giuseppe , Bassetti Matteo , Luzzati Roberto
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Being elderly is a well-known risk factor for candidemia, but few data are available on the prognostic impact of candidemia in the very old (VO) subjects, as defined as people aged ≥75 years. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for nosocomial candidemia in two groups of candidemia patients, consisting of VO patients (≥75 years) and adult and old (AO) patients (18–74 years). In addition, risk factors for death (30-day mortality) were analysed separately in the two groups. Methods: We included all consecutive candidemia episodes from January 2011 to December 2013 occurring in six referral hospitals in north-eastern Italy. Results: A total of 683 nosocomial candidemia episodes occurred. Of those, 293 (42.9%) episodes were in VO and 390 (57.1%) in AO patients. Hospitalization in medical wards, chronic renal failure, urinary catheter, and peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) were more common in VO than in AO patients. In the former patient group, adequate antifungal therapy (73.2%) and central venous catheter (CVC) removal (67.6%) occurred less frequently than in AO patients (82.5 and 80%, p < 0.002 and p < 0.004, respectively). Thirty-day mortality was higher in VO compared to AO patients (47.8 vs. 23.6%, p < 0.0001). In AO patients, independent risk factors for death were age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.09, p = 0.038), recent history of chemotherapy (OR 22.01, 95% CI 3.12–155.20, p = 0.002), and severity of sepsis (OR 40.68, 95% CI 7.42–223.10, p < 0.001); CVC removal was associated with higher probability of survival (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.03–0.33, p < 0.001). In VO patients, independent risk factors for death were PPN (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.17–10.47, p = 0.025) and hospitalization in medical wards (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.02–6.53, p = 0.046), while CVC removal was associated with improved survival (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.16–1.00, p = 0.050). Conclusion: Thirty-day mortality was high among VO patients and was associated with inadequate management of candidemia, especially in medical wards.
Maternal Immune Activation with H1N1 or Toxoplasma gondii Antigens Induces Behavioral Impairments Associated with Mood Disorders in Rodents
Authors: Spini Vanessa B.M.G. , Ferreira Frederico Rogério , Gomes Angelica Oliveira , Duarte Rener Matheus Francisco , Oliveira Vitor Hélio Santos , Costa Noemi Borges , Ferreira Ana Flávia Fernandes , Dourado Mirella De Piemonte Borges , Ribeiro-Barbosa Erika R.
Published: October 2020

Introduction:Epidemiological studies revealed that maternal exposure to influenza A (H1N1) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection during pregnancy may increase the risk for mood disorders of the offspring. However, the impact of maternal infections in different stages of neural development and the nature of antigens remain to be elucidated. Objective: This study investigated behavioral impairments induced by maternal immune activation (MIA) due to H1N1 or T. gondii infection during preborn neurodevelopment. Methods: Maternal infection with influenza or toxoplasma was mimicked by administration of influenza vaccine antigens or suspension of soluble T. gondii antigen (STAg) in pregnant Balb/c mice at E6 or E16. Adult male offspring were evaluated for anxiety-like and depressive-like behavior in elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swimming test (FST). Results: In FST, immobility time at E6 and E16 increased when the mothers were treated with both antigen solutions. There was increased immobility in the pups whose mothers were treated with STAg at E16. MIA with influenza antigens reduced the exploration of the open arms of EPM for the pups whose progenitors received treatment at E6 and E16. The animals at E6 exhibited a greater number of stretch-attend postures compared with the saline group. STAg at E6 reduced the time of exploration in the open arms and increased the number of stretch-attend postures compared with the saline group. Conclusion: These results suggest that immunological responses to H1N1 or T. gondii during pregnancy may impact differently the susceptibility of adult offspring to mood disorder.
Efficacy of Xyloglucan against Escherichia coli Extraintestinal Urinary Tract Infection: An in vivo Study
Authors: Esposito Emanuela , Campolo Michela , Casili Giovanna , Lanza Marika , Franco Domenico , Fazio Enza , Filippone Alessia , Paterniti Irene , Cuzzocrea Salvatore
Published: October 2020

Natural approaches to conventional pharmaceutical treatments for urinary tract infections (UTIs) have focused attention toward reducing the colonization of intestinal Escheri­chia coli reservoirs, the cause of ascending and hematogenous UTIs. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of xyloglucan and xyloglucan plus gelose on intestinal and urinary epithelia in an in vivo E. coli infection model. Preventative xyloglucan and xyloglucan plus gelose oral treatments were performed by gavage 2 days before E. coli administration and every day until day 7. In vitro, xyloglucan had no effect on bacterial growth, cell morphology, or integrity. The results clearly demonstrated the protective barrier effect of xyloglucan in the bladder and intestine, as evidenced by a reduction in histological changes, neutrophil infiltration, and tight junction permeability in the intestine following E. coli infection. The potential beneficial effect of xyloglucan in preventing UTIs was supported by a reduction of E. coli-positive colony-forming units in the urinary tract. We consider xyloglucan in association with gelose to be an effective oral medical device for the prevention of extraintestinal UTIs.
Breast Metastasis from Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Lung: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Economopoulou Panagiota , Chrysikopoulou Athena , Goula Kalliroi , Papiri Ilectra , Psyrri Amanda , Kotsantis Ioannis , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Michalopoulos Nikolaos V.
Published: October 2020

Breast metastasis originating from non-mammary tumors is an uncommon event accounting for 0.5–6.6% of all breast neoplasms. The primary malignancies that reportedly metastasize to the breast most frequently are hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma and malignant melanoma. Breast cancer metastasis resulting from a primary lung neoplasm is significantly less commonly described in the literature. Herein, we present the unusual case of a patient with metastatic disease to the breast from a primary lung tumor.
Transarterial Embolization in the Management of Intractable Haemorrhage
Authors: Comploj Evi , Pycha Alexander , Trenti Emanuela , Palermo Salvatore , Bonatti Matteo , Krause Philipp , Folchini Decio Maria , Pycha Armin
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term results of selective transarterial iliac embolization (STIE) in patients with intractable bladder haemorrhage (IBH). Methods: Twenty-five patients with a median age of 84 (range 65–94) years underwent STIE because of IBH between 2002 and 2020. The median follow-up time was 3 (mean 13.9) months. Patients were treated because of bleeding bladder or prostate cancer, radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis, and other conditions. Success was defined as technical success (feasibility to embolize bilateral hypogastric arteries or neoplastic arteries) and as clinical success (absence of further or additional therapy). Results: Twenty-five patients with a median age of 84 years with a median hospital stay of 7 days were embolized at our institution. In total, 60% required additional therapy. Only 20% had minor complications, but no complication major was seen; 60% needed an additional therapy because of continuous bleeding. Our 30-day, 90-day, 6-month, and 12-month mortality rates were 28, 44, 64, and 76%, respectively. Conclusions: STIE in IBH is a safe, well-tolerated, and feasible procedure for palliating haematuria patients in poor general condition. Major complications are very rarely seen. However, patients often need additional therapy after STIE.
A Stormy Debate
Authors: Demerre Olivier
Published: October 2020

This article aims at a better understanding of the trial scene in Longus’ novel Daphnis and Chloe (2.12-19). It argues that Longus capitalises on contemporary rhetorical debates to elaborate on his own literary project. The insertion in Philetas’ verdict of a debated point (the storm) in stasis-theory aims at underlining the discrepancy between the means of persuasion mastered by an uneducated cowherd and by an educated reader. This allows a reflection on the incidence of the displacement of an elite social practice, the trial, into the rustic world of Daphnis and Chloe. This displacement is further emphasised in the trial itself by the juxtaposition of two speeches, one that is artificially simple (the Methymnaians’), and another naturally simple (that of Daphnis). Through this, Longus promotes his own stylistic project. I eventually contend that this scene explores the notion of credibility within Longus’ fictional world.
Epicurus’ Divine Hedonism
Authors: Hahmann Andree , Robitzsch Jan Maximilian
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we show how the Epicureans are part of and transform the originally Platonic ethical tradition of the assimilation to the divine (ὁμοίωσις θεῷ). We argue that a proper understanding of this tradition helps us to understand better the role that thinking plays in Epicurean ethics: Epicurus’ emphasis on and reinterpretation of thinking allows him to reject more forcefully the claim that the best life is a life of unreflective pleasure (βίος ἀπολαυστικός).
A Note on Cleanthes and Early Stoic Cosmogony
Authors: Harriman Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Our primary evidence for the contribution of Cleanthes, the second Stoic scholarch, to the school’s distinctive theory of cyclical ekpyrosis (conflagration) is limited to a single difficult passage found in Stobaeus attributed to Arius Didymus. Interpretations of this text have largely proceeded by emendation (von Arnim, Meerwaldt) or claims of misconstrual or misunderstanding (Hahm). In recent studies, Salles and Hensley have taken the passage at face value and reconstructed opposed interpretations of Cleanthes’ position. The former suggests that it differs significantly from that of Zeno and Chrysippus. Both the sequence of elemental transformation and its scope are said to be challenged by Cleanthes, suggesting cosmogony was a deeply controversial area in the early Stoa. I resist this interpretation of the evidence while also attempting to read the text without textual correction. Hensley, on the other hand, finds all three to be in strict harmony. Here I advocate for a middle ground where Cleanthes is closer to the positions of both Zeno and Chrysippus, but I also find room for his development of Stoic cosmogony as composed of a series of discrete stages radiating outwards from the middle. We are left with a clearer, more nuanced picture of how Stoic natural philosophy develops in its early period.
The Mother of Decimus Brutus and the Wife of Gaius Gracchus
Authors: Liubimova Olga V.
Published: October 2020

The article deals with several problems concerning the parentage of D. Brutus Albinus, one of the leaders of the conspiracy against Caesar: the identity of his adoptive father, his relationship with Sempronia mentioned by Sallust and the lineage of this Sempronia. The results of the research make it possible to advance a hypothesis on the source of Cornelius Nepos’ problematic evidence about Gaius Gracchus’ relationship with Junii Bruti.
Understanding Ammianus Marcellinus, Book by Book
Authors: Kulikowski Michael
Published: October 2020

This article examines the now complete Philological and Historical Commentary on Ammianus Marcellinus, begun in the 1930s by Pieter de Jonge and completed in 2018 by J. den Boeft, J.W. Drijvers, D. den Hengst and H.C. Teitler. It starts with a detailed consideration of the final volume, the commentary on Book 31, and addresses aspects of it that reflect both the strengths and the weaknesses of the whole commentary series. From there, it concludes by surveying the most significant historical insights and the most essential historiographical discussions in the volumes produced by the final team of four editors, the so-called quadriga Batavorum.
Four new records of crabs (Brachyura, Dorippidae, Galenidae, Portunidae, Xanthidae) from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Akash Muntasir , Tabassum Anika , Shafi S. M. , Biswas Joyanto
Published: October 2020

Charybdis lucifera (Fabricius, 1798), Demania reynaudii (H. Milne Edwards, 1834), Galene bispinosa (Herbst, 1783), and Neodorippe callida (Fabricius, 1798) are documented for the first time from the territorial waters of Bangladesh. Before this account, the families Dorippidae MacLeay, 1838 and Galenidae Alcock, 1898 were also unknown to the country. All specimens but Neodorippe callida were sampled from St. Martin’s Island, a sedimentary island on the continental shelf. We encountered N. callida from Dublar Char Island, a mangrove block extending into the Bay of Bengal. We collected D. reynaudii from a beach food stall, being displayed apparently unaware of the species’ toxicity, which seems not to be known in the region; the other species were sourced from artisanal seining activities. Here, taxonomic traits of these species are discussed respective to close congeners, and with necessary remarks on their locality.
Descartes sceptique malgré lui?
Authors: de Peretti François-Xavier
Published: October 2020

Descartes a adopté envers le scepticisme une attitude que d’aucuns parmi ses adversaires ont jugée ambiguë voire coupable. Il a recouru à des arguments sceptiques pour mettre en œuvre son célèbre doute qu’il concevait néanmoins comme l’acte inaugural d’une philosophie en quête de certitude scientifique. Descartes rejetait ainsi la fin poursuivie par les sceptiques et entendait user du doute contre le doute. Cette stratégie fondée sur un scepticisme des moyens pour combattre la fin et l’esprit même du scepticisme s’est-elle révélée pertinente? Richard Popkin a pensé que non, dans son histoire du scepticisme, et conclu à l’échec d’un Descartes « sceptique malgré lui ». Je me propose de nuancer cette thèse de manière significative, suggérant que Descartes, sceptique à un second degré, était bien conscient de la finitude de l’esprit humain et des limites assignables à la recherche de la vérité des choses telles qu’elles sont en soi.
Lepidagathis sabui (Acanthaceae), a new species from the lateritic plateaus of Konkan region of Maharashtra, India

Authors: CHANDORE ARUN NIVRUTTI , BORUDE DEVIDAS BHAUSAHEB , MADHAV NILESH APPASO , YADAV SHRIRANG RAMACHANDRA
Published: October 2020

Lepidagathis sabui, a new species of Acanthaceae is described and illustrated from the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. It is closely related to L. prostrata, but differs by linear, spinulose, glabrous leaves, axillary spikes, recurved bracts and 5–7-nerved outer sepals. Coloured photographs and illustrations of new species and key to the Indian species having spinescent bracts, 5-partite calyx and 2-seeded capsule are provided to facilitate the identification.
Peniophorella cremea sp. nov. from China

Authors: XU JIN , GUAN QIAN-XIN , ZHAO CHANG-LIN
Published: October 2020

A new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Peniophorella cremea sp. nov. is proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Peniophorella cremea is characterized by an annual growth habit, resupinate basidiomata with odontioid hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with generative hyphae bearing clamp connections and ellipsoid, hyaline, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores measuring as 7–9.5 × 2.7–3.3 µm. The phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences showed that P. cremea forms a monophyletic lineage with high statistical supports (100% BS, 100% BP and 1.00 BPP).
×Senecurio, a new nothogenus for the hybrid ×S. kleiniiformis (Asteraceae subfam. Asteroideae tr. Senecioneae)

Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA
Published: October 2020

As comprehensively argued by Ozerova et al. (2017), commonly cultivated South African material widely known as Senecio kleiniiformis Suessenguth (1937: 45), (Asteraceae subfam. Asteroideae tr. Senecioneae) (Fig. 1) represents an intergeneric hybrid derived from a species of Curio Heath (1997: 136) and Senecio tropaeolifolius MacOwan ex Mueller (1867: 242).
A review of the South American species of Heilus Kuschel, 1955 (Curculionidae: Molytinae: Molytini: Hylobiina) with emphasis on those from Brazil
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA LIRA ALINE , DE SOUSA WESLEY OLIVEIRA , ROSADO-NETO GERMANO HENRIQUE , DOS SANTOS GEANE BRIZZOLA , MARQUES MARINÊZ ISAAC
Published: October 2020

The fourteen described South American species of Heilus (Curculionidae, Molytinae, Molytini, Hylobiina) are reviewed for the first time. Eleven species are redescribed based on specimens (almost exclusively from Brazil) examined by us: H. bistigma (Hustache, 1938), H. faldermanni (Boheman, 1836), H. fasciculatus (Boheman, 1843), H. freyreissi (Boheman, 1836), H. inaequalis (Boheman, 1836) [= type species of the genus], H. iniquus (Kirsch, 1874), H. myops (Boheman, 1836), H. ochrifer (Boheman, 1843), H. pupillatus (Olivier, 1790), H. rufescens (Boheman, 1836), and H. tuberculosus (Perty, 1832). Diagnoses of one additional Brazilian species, Heilus admixtus (Hustache, 1938), and two additional South American species, H. asperulus (Erichson, 1847), and H. inornatus (Kirsch, 1874), are presented based on the literature and by examination of images of the type material. Integument texture and the variations in the patterns of maculation are the main characteristics used for species identification. Geographic distribution, descriptions of male and female genitalia are provided for eleven redescribed species, together with habitus photographs, and an identification key to the fourteen described South American species.
The order Tethyida (Porifera) in California: taxonomy, systematics, and the first member of the family Hemiasterellidae in the Eastern Pacific
Authors: TURNER THOMAS L.
Published: October 2020

Sponges (phylum Porifera) are ubiquitous inhabitants of marine ecosystems and have been shown to provide substantial ecosystem services. Despite this ecological importance, the sponge fauna in California has received little study. Here I use a collection of kelp forest sponges to describe the diversity of the order Tethyida in California. This order contains the genus Tethya, which has been included in long-term ecological monitoring projects. I show that Tethya vacua is a junior synonym of Tethya californiana, and thus all Tethya populations known in California belong to a single species. Genetic data from California's only Timeidae, Timea authia, indicate that this species is in fact in the Tethyidae and is the third known member of the genus Tethytimea. I also describe the first member of the family Hemiasterellidae from the Eastern Pacific, Galaxia gaviotensis gen. nov. sp. nov. By combining field photographs, morphological taxonomy, and phylogenetic analysis of these samples, this work will facilitate future efforts to understand the evolution of this order and the ecological role of sponges in the California kelp forest.
Adolescent Achievement: Relative Contributions of Social Emotional Learning, Self-efficacy, and Microsystem Supports
Authors: Fairless Meghan E. , Somers Cheryl L. , Goutman Rachel L. , Kevern Carla A. , Pernice Francesca M. , Barnett Douglas
Published: October 2020

This study examined the role of select intrapersonal and microsystem factors in high school adolescents’ academic achievement. A combination of factors, derived from an ecological framework, were hypothesized to be unique in their ability to explain greater proportions of variance in academic achievement in adolescents. Participants included 379 high school students (176 males, 193 females) from a mid-western high school in a large metropolitan area with a 53% poverty rate that enrolls approximately 1,500 students. A variety of variables emerged as significant predictors of academic achievement, with social emotional learning, self-efficacy, socio-economic status, parental involvement, peer support, and teacher support all explaining significant proportions of variance in achievement, and some to stronger degrees than others. This lends support to the notion that learning is shaped by a myriad of ecological factors. These findings are discussed with regard to their usefulness in understanding ways in which to target each of the investigated variables to ultimately increase academic achievement in adolescents.
Nonlinear coordinated control design of generator excitation and static var compensator for power system via input-output linearization
Authors: Keskes Salma , Sallem Souhir , Kammoun Mohamed Ben Ali
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a nonlinear coordinated controller for a single machine infinite bus power system. The later consists of a synchronous generator connected to the infinite bus via transmission lines, which are equipped with a static var compensator. The proposed control strategy aims to control simultaneously the excitation system of the synchronous generator and the static var compensator in order to improve transient stability and voltage regulation. The input output linearization theory and pole-assignment technique are employed to design the nonlinear controller. The controller’s performance in single machine infinite bus power system is then examined using simulation studies when the studied power system is subjected to three-phase short circuit with a 100ms duration. The results validate the efficiency of the proposed controller, which is based mainly on the good regulation of the static var compensator voltage with removing the static error after fault elimination.
A Community of Judges
Authors: Baxi Upendra
Published: October 2020

Kalindi Kokal, State Law, Dispute Processing, and Legal Pluralism: Unspoken Dialogues from Rural India (London and New York: Routledge, 2019), xi + 191 pp.
Book review: Tripurdaman Singh, Sixteen Stormy Days: The Story of the First Amendment to the Constitution of India
Authors: Gaur Ratika
Published: October 2020

Tripurdaman Singh, Sixteen Stormy Days: The Story of the First Amendment to the Constitution of India (New Delhi: Vintage, Penguin Random House, 2020), xx + 268 pp.
A Genealogy of Faith and Freedom
Authors: Kögler Hans-Herbert
Published: October 2020

The review highlights how Habermas reconstructs the historically constitutive function of religious thought regarding essential categories through which to appropriate our practical freedom. It articulates the three essential bifurcations taken along the way: to opt for Judeo-Christian dialogism versus other axial age world religions; for a Lutheran Kantianism of an unconditional normativity versus an empiricist naturalism; and for the hermeneutic discovery of a validity-oriented communicative agency versus a Hegelian metaphysics. Recognizing our normative indebtedness to religious roots in modernity is to enable the renewal of an unabashed commitment to 'rational freedom,' thus serving as a bulwark against currently fashionable scientistic worldviews. Such a hermeneutic genealogy may also provide one promising resource to reconstruct shared normative ideals in a cross-cultural dialogue.
Exploring the associations between unwanted affection, stress, and anxiety
Authors: van Raalte Lisa J. , Floyd Kory , Kloeber Dayna , Veluscek Alaina M.
Published: October 2020

Although giving and receiving affection are beneficial, the benefits often depend on who is providing the affection and in what context. Some affectionate expressions may even reduce well-being. This mixed-method study examined perceptions of unwanted affection and its relationship to stress and anxiety. Participants described a memory of unwanted affection and their reactions to it. Additionally, participants reported on their stress, somatic anxiety, and cognitive anxiety. Thematic analyses revealed that expressions of unwanted affection ranged in verbal (e.g., disclosure rate, saying “I love you”) or nonverbal (e.g., hugs, handholding) behaviors and participants responded by explicit rejecting the affection, reduced/stopped contact with the person, and ignoring the affection. Feelings reflecting the perceived negativity of the event were related to higher stress, somatic, and cognitive anxiety. Generally, results indicated that retrospective cognitive anxiety and stress were worse when experiencing unwanted affection from well-known partners (e.g., romantic partners) than from strangers. Conversely, the perceived negativity of the recalled unwanted affectionate event tended to worsen with lesser known partners (e.g., strangers, acquaintances).
Political Prisoners of the Italian Mezzogiorno: A Transnational Question of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Bacchin Elena
Published: October 2020

Through a case study of a group of Neapolitan political activists incarcerated in Naples after the 1848 Revolution, this article aims to rescue the Italian convicts’ experience from its subsidiary status, presenting the prisons as a site of struggle and in particular highlighting the international, European dimension of political imprisonment in the nineteenth century. I argue that together with the exiled, political prisoners also acted as transnational actors of the Risorgimento; they aroused the interest of both public opinion and the world of diplomacy and were perceived as a humanitarian cause. Neapolitan political prisoners became spokespersons of their national and political cause abroad, had a clear agency and exploited European public opinion.

This study will thus explore the dynamics of the Risorgimento from a transnational perspective, as well as in relation to British and French imperialistic policies in the Mediterranean, the international de-legitimization of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and more generally in terms of foreign humanitarian interventions in the nineteenth century and the role of political prisoners. The Neapolitan dungeons were not significantly different from those of other European states; however, they became the target of international diplomacy showing how Naples was considered somewhat in between European and non-European states.
Prevalence of burnout in healthcare professionals providing palliative care and the effect of interventions to reduce symptoms: A systematic literature review
Authors: Dijxhoorn Anne-Floor Q , Brom Linda , van der Linden Yvette M , Leget Carlo , Raijmakers Natasja JH
Published: October 2020

Background:

In recent years there has been increasing attention for the prevalence and prevention of burnout among healthcare professionals. There is unclarity about prevalence of burnout in healthcare professionals providing palliative care and little is known about effective interventions in this area.

Aim:

To investigate the prevalence of (symptoms of) burnout in healthcare professionals providing palliative care and what interventions may reduce symptoms of burnout in this population.

Design:

A systematic literature review based on criteria of the PRISMA statement was performed on prevalence of burnout in healthcare professionals providing palliative care and interventions aimed at preventing burnout.

Data sources:

PubMed, PsycInfo and Cinahl were searched for studies published from 2008 to 2020. Quality of the studies was assessed using the method of Hawkers for systematically reviewing research.

Results:

In total 59 studies were included. Burnout among healthcare professionals providing palliative care ranged from 3% to 66%. No major differences in prevalence were found between nurses and physicians. Healthcare professionals providing palliative care in general settings experience more symptoms of burnout than those in specialised palliative care settings. Ten studies reported on the effects of interventions aimed at preventing burnout. Reduction of one or more symptoms of burnout after the intervention was reported in six studies which were aimed at learning meditation, improving communication skills, peer-coaching and art-therapy based supervision.

Conclusion:

The range of burnout among healthcare professionals providing palliative care varies widely. Interventions based on meditation, communication training, peer-coaching and art-therapy based supervision have positive effects but long-term outcomes are not known yet.
Investigating the Influential Factors for Practical Application of Multi-Class Vehicle Detection for Images from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle using Deep Learning Models
Authors: Ham Seung Woo , Park Ho-Chul , Kim Eui-Jin , Kho Seung-Young , Kim Dong-Kyu
Published: October 2020

Traffic density, which is a critical measure in traffic operations, should be collected precisely at various locations and times to reflect site-specific spatiotemporal characteristics. For detailed analysis, heavy vehicles have to be separated from ordinary vehicles, since heavy vehicles have a significant effect on traffic flow as well as traffic safety. With unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), it is easy to acquire video for vehicle detection by collecting images from above the traffic without any disturbances. Despite previous studies on vehicle detection, there is still a lack of research on real-world applications in estimating traffic density. This study investigates the effects of several influential factors: the size of objects, the number of samples, and a combination of datasets, on detecting multi-class vehicles using deep learning models in various UAV images. Three detection models are compared: faster region-based convolutional neural networks (faster R-CNN), region-based fully convolutional network (R-FCN), and single-shot detector (SSD), to suggest guidelines for model selection. The results provided several findings: (i) vehicle detection from UAV images showed sufficient performance with a small number of samples and small objects; (ii) deep learning-based multi-class vehicle detectors can have advantages compared with single-class detectors; (iii) among all the models, SSD showed the best performance because of its algorithmic structure; (iv) simply combining datasets in different environments cannot guarantee performance improvement. Based on these findings, practical guidelines are offered for estimating multi-class traffic density using UAV.