bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on rolling bearing fault diagnosis technology based on singular value decomposition
Authors: Ji Jingfang , Ge Jingmin
Published: August 2024

To solve the difficulty of selecting the number of effective singular values in Singular Value Decomposition denoising, a new method to determine the number of effective singular values is proposed. The proposed method to determine the number of effective singular values is based on the non-zero singular value distribution law of the Hankel matrix constructed by the signal. Specifically, the number of effective singular values in the Hankel matrix is twice the number of frequencies contained in the signal, and the difference between the effective singular values of the noisy signal and the non-zero singular values of the pure signal is very small. The proposed method for determining the number of effective singular values is to perform differential processing on the singular values of the signal and normalize the difference obtained. An empirical parameter T is provided, and the number of effective singular values is determined by comparing them with the normalized results. The proposed method is applied to the simulated and measured rolling bearing signals, and the results are compared with the wavelet threshold denoising method. The results show that the proposed method for determining the number of singular values can effectively filter out the noise frequency contained in the signal while maintaining the characteristic frequency of the signal and achieving the purpose of mechanical equipment fault diagnosis.
Leveraging a large language model to predict protein phase transition: A physical, multiscale, and interpretable approach
Authors: Frank Mor , Ni Pengyu , Jensen Matthew , Gerstein Mark B.
Published: August 2024

Protein phase transitions (PPTs) from the soluble state to a dense liquid phase (forming droplets via liquid–liquid phase separation) or to solid aggregates (such as amyloids) play key roles in pathological processes associated with age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Several computational frameworks are capable of separately predicting the formation of droplets or amyloid aggregates based on protein sequences, yet none have tackled the prediction of both within a unified framework. Recently, large language models (LLMs) have exhibited great success in protein structure prediction; however, they have not yet been used for PPTs. Here, we fine-tune a LLM for predicting PPTs and demonstrate its usage in evaluating how sequence variants affect PPTs, an operation useful for protein design. In addition, we show its superior performance compared to suitable classical benchmarks. Due to the “black-box” nature of the LLM, we also employ a classical random forest model along with biophysical features to facilitate interpretation. Finally, focusing on Alzheimer’s disease-related proteins, we demonstrate that greater aggregation is associated with reduced gene expression in Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a natural defense mechanism.
Maternal manipulation of offspring size can trigger the evolution of eusociality in promiscuous species
Authors: Rees-Baylis Ella , Pen Ido , Kreider Jan J.
Published: August 2024

Eusocial organisms typically live in colonies with one reproductive queen supported by thousands of sterile workers. It is widely believed that monogamous mating is a precondition for the evolution of eusociality. Here, we present a theoretical model that simulates a realistic scenario for the evolution of eusociality. In the model, mothers can evolve control over resource allocation to offspring, affecting offspring’s body size. The offspring can evolve body-size-dependent dispersal, by which they disperse to breed or stay at the nest as helpers. We demonstrate that eusociality can evolve even if mothers are not strictly monogamous, provided that they can constrain their offspring’s reproduction through manipulation. We also observe the evolution of social polymorphism with small individuals that help and larger individuals that disperse to breed. Our model unifies the traditional kin selection and maternal manipulation explanations for the evolution of eusociality and demonstrates that—contrary to current consensus belief—eusociality can evolve despite highly promiscuous mating.
Role of RNA structural plasticity in modulating HIV-1 genome packaging and translation
Authors: Yasin Saif , Lesko Sydney L. , Kharytonchyk Siarhei , Brown Joshua D. , Chaudry Issac , Geleta Samuel A. , Tadzong Ndeh F. , Zheng Mei Y. , Patel Heer B. , Kengni Gabriel , Neubert Emma , Quiambao Jeanelle Mae C. , Becker Ghazal , Ghinger Frances Grace , Thapa Sreeyasha , Williams A’Lyssa , Radov Michelle H. , Boehlert Kellie X. , Hollmann Nele M. , Singh Karndeep , Bruce James W. , Marchant Jan , Telesnitsky Alice , Sherer Nathan M. , Summers Michael F.
Published: August 2024

HIV-1 transcript function is controlled in part by twinned transcriptional start site usage, where 5′ capped RNAs beginning with a single guanosine (1G) are preferentially packaged into progeny virions as genomic RNA (gRNA) whereas those beginning with three sequential guanosines (3G) are retained in cells as mRNAs. In 3G transcripts, one of the additional guanosines base pairs with a cytosine located within a conserved 5′ polyA element, resulting in formation of an extended 5′ polyA structure as opposed to the hairpin structure formed in 1G RNAs. To understand how this remodeling influences overall transcript function, we applied in vitro biophysical studies with in-cell genome packaging and competitive translation assays to native and 5′ polyA mutant transcripts generated with promoters that differentially produce 1G or 3G RNAs. We identified mutations that stabilize the 5′ polyA hairpin structure in 3G RNAs, which promote RNA dimerization and Gag binding without sequestering the 5′ cap. None of these 3G transcripts were competitively packaged, confirming that cap exposure is a dominant negative determinant of viral genome packaging. For all RNAs examined, conformations that favored 5′ cap exposure were both poorly packaged and more efficiently translated than those that favored 5′ cap sequestration. We propose that structural plasticity of 5′ polyA and other conserved RNA elements place the 5′ leader on a thermodynamic tipping point for low-energetic (~3 kcal/mol) control of global transcript structure and function.
A modified capacitance tomography image reconstruction approach based on iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm combined with deep networks
Authors: Xu Yi , Ma Zhiyang , Li Yi , Yang Wuqiang , Wang Haigang
Published: August 2024

Due to the ‘soft-field’ effect and the challenges posed by ill-posed and ill-conditioned inverse problems, it is difficult to obtain high quality images from an electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) system. To achieve both high-quality images and fast imaging speed with limited measurement data, an image reconstruction algorithm, which was initially proposed for compressive sensing, is adapted for ECT image reconstruction to optimize the ill-posed nature of its inverse problem. The proposed algorithm leverages deep learning networks inspired by the iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm (ISTA), thereby creating a model that is both mathematically interpretable and endowed with trainable parameters. Building upon this foundation, the conventional Landweber iteration is integrated with the ISTA-Net to refine the optimization process for ECT image reconstruction. In order to propose an effective model adapting to the actual multiphase flow characteristics and complex flow pattern changes, the training and test process is driven by a comprehensive dataset generated from dynamic simulations, rather than artificial samples of multiphase distributions. This numerical methodology simulates the dynamic measurement process of a virtual ECT sensor by coupling the gas–liquid two-phase flow field and the ECT electrostatic field. The results of the testing phase indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms traditional ECT image reconstruction methods. Compared with the linear back projection algorithm, the average image error and gas fraction error have been reduced by 20.44% and 16.74%, respectively, while maintaining a computational speed comparable to that of the Landweber iteration. The accuracy of the new algorithm in reconstructing the two-phase interface and estimating the gas fraction has been validated by static experimental tests, showing its potential for practical application in online gas–liquid two-phase flow measurement scenarios.
A multi-channel fusion variational autoencoder-based RUL prediction approach for multi-sensor systems
Authors: Wang Yuxiao , Suo Chao , Zhao Yuyu
Published: August 2024

Deep learning (DL)-based approaches have demonstrated remarkable performance in predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of complex systems, which is beneficial for making timely maintenance decisions. However, the majority of these DL methods suffer from a lack of interpretability, and it is difficult to mine the degradation features in the presence of significant measurement noises. To remedy the deficiency, a multi-channel fusion variational autoencoder (MCFVAE)-based approach is proposed. A feature fusion module is designed to capture and fuse the multi-channel features, which facilitates the disclosure of the degradation information from the multi-sensor data. A variational inference module is further introduced to generate the compressive representations and project them into a latent space as an interpretable component, which can display the degradation degree of the multi-sensor systems. A regressor module is finally utilized to establish the relationship between the compressive representations and the RUL. The superior feature fusion and distribution characteristics learning abilities of the MCFVAE contribute to achieving robust and interpretable RUL prediction. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are experimentally validated through a publicly available Commercial modular aero propulsion system simulation dataset and compared with the existing methods.
Intelligent fault diagnosis of multi-source cross-machine bearings based on center-weighted optimal transport and class-level alignment domain adaptation
Authors: Shang Zhiwu , Wu Changchao , Liu Fei , Pan Cailu , Cheng Hongchuan
Published: August 2024

Most of the current domain adaptation research primarily focuses on the single-source or multi-source domain transfer constructed under different working conditions of the same machine. However, when faced with cross-machine tasks with significant domain discrepancies, forcing the direct feature alignment between source and target domain samples may lead to negative transfer, thereby reducing the model’s diagnostic performance. To overcome the above limitations, this paper proposes a multi-source deep transfer model based on center-weighted optimal transport (CWOT) and class-level alignment domain adaptation. Firstly, to enhance the representation capability of deep features, a multi-structure feature representation network is constructed to enrich the information capacity embedded within the deep features, thereby achieving better domain adaptation capabilities. Then, the local maximum mean discrepancy is introduced to fully exploit fine-grained information and discriminative features among different source domains, minimizing the distribution differences among the source domains to the greatest extent, thus capturing reliable and highly generalized multi-source domain invariant features. On this basis, a CWOT strategy is designed, which comprehensively considers the transport cost of intra-domain uncertainty and inter-domain correlation among samples, establishing a more effective transport between source and target domains, alleviating the problem of sample negative transfer, and improving the model’s cross-machine diagnostic performance. Finally, instance studies are conducted through multiple cross-machine transfer diagnostic tasks, demonstrating that the proposed method outperforms existing domain adaptation methods in terms of diagnostic accuracy and fault transfer capability. This research provides a reliable fault diagnosis method for detecting the health status of rotating machinery equipment, promoting the application of domain adaptation technology in practical industry.
Shuffle-fusion pyramid network for bearing fault diagnosis under noisy environments
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Deng Linfeng , Zhang Yuanwen , Wang Guojun
Published: August 2024

Recent advancements in deep learning have driven the development of big data-driven fault diagnosis techniques. However, traditional models often face significant computational challenges, making them impractical for on-site deployment in rolling bearing fault diagnosis. To address this issue, we introduce the Shuffle-Fusion Pyramid Network (Shuffle-FPN), a novel lightweight fault diagnosis model with a pyramid architecture. Shuffle-FPN enhances fault diagnosis by integrating fault signals across various scales through its pyramid structure, expanding the network’s scope while reducing its depth. The use of depth-wise separable convolutions streamlines network parameters, and channel shuffling ensures comprehensive information fusion across convolutional channels. Additionally, a global representation module compensates for the loss of global context due to increased convolutional depth. These enhancements enable Shuffle-FPN to extract nuanced fault features amidst noise and operate efficiently on devices with limited memory, ensuring real-time fault diagnosis even in complex environments. Rigorous experiments on public dataset from the Paderborn University and our research group’s dataset demonstrate that Shuffle-FPN excels in fault identification under noisy environments and significantly reduces the memory footprint.
Application of N-doped NiCo2O4/NiO/Co3O4 composites rich in oxygen vacancies in electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Li Junkang , Yang Yiqing , Ma Yongqing , Zhu Chuhong , Wang Meiling , Dai Zhenxiang , Zheng Ganhong , Ding Wei , Sheng Zhigao
Published: August 2024

In this work, N-doped and oxygen vacancy-rich NiCo2O4/NiO/Co3O4 composites are synthesized by the direct calcination method. Noticeably, by changing the additive concentrations of urea dissolved in DMF (N–N dimethylformamide), the electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption abilities of NiCo2O4/NiO/Co3O4 composite effectively. A maximum reflection loss (RLmax) value at 12.94 GHz for a 2.8 mm thick sheet is −29.76 dB, while its effective absorption bandwidth (RL < −10 dB) reaches 4.21 GHz. In-depth research of possible mechanisms of EMW absorption enhancement. Owing to its simple preparation method and superb EMW absorption properties, the NiCo2O4/NiO/Co3O4 composites have a chance to be suitable candidates for high-property EMW absorbers.
The Lorenz system as a gradient-like system
Authors: Parker Jeremy P
Published: August 2024

We formulate, for continuous-time dynamical systems, a sufficient condition to be a gradient-like system, i.e. that all bounded trajectories approach stationary points and therefore that periodic orbits, chaotic attractors, etc do not exist. This condition is based upon the existence of an auxiliary function defined over the state space of the system, in a way analogous to a Lyapunov function for the stability of an equilibrium. For polynomial systems, Lyapunov functions can be found computationally by using sum-of-squares optimisation. We demonstrate this method by finding such an auxiliary function for the Lorenz system. We are able to show that the system is gradient-like for

0
⩽
ρ
⩽
12

when σ = 10 and

β
=
8

/

3

, significantly extending previous results. The results are rigorously validated by a novel procedure: First, an approximate numerical solution is found using finite-precision floating-point sum-of-squares optimisation. We then prove that there exists an exact solution close to this using interval arithmetic.
Axions and primordial magnetogenesis: the role of initial axion inhomogeneities
Authors: Anzuini Filippo , Maggi Angelo
Published: August 2024

The relic density of dark matter in the ΛCDM model restricts the parameter space for a cosmological axion field, constraining the axion decay constant, the initial amplitude of the axion field and the axion mass. It is shown via lattice simulations how the relic density of axion-like particles with masses close to the one of the QCD axion is affected by axion-gauge field interactions and by initial axion inhomogeneities. For pre-inflationary axions, once the Hubble parameter becomes smaller than the axion mass, the latter starts to oscillate, and part of its energy density is spent producing gauge fields via parametric resonance. If the gauge fields are dark photons and Standard Model photons, the energy density of dark photons becomes higher than the one of the axion, while the high conductivity of the primordial plasma damps the oscillations of the photon field. Such a scenario allows for the production of small-scale, primordial magnetic fields, and it is found that the relic density of axions with a low decay constant are within the bounds set by the ΛCDM model, while GUT-scale axions are far too abundant. It is also shown that initial inhomogeneities of the axion field can change substantially the gauge field production, boosting or suppressing (depending on the axion parameters and couplings) the magnetogenesis mechanism with respect to an homogeneous axion field. It is found that when the axion mass is far lighter than the QCD axion model and the initial axion field is inhomogeneous, weak but cosmologically relevant magnetic field seeds can be generated on scales of the order of 0.1 kpc.
On the Relation Between Symmetry of Radio Galaxies and Their Physical Parameters
Authors: Javaherian Mohsen , Miraghaei Halime , Moradpour Hooman
Published: August 2024

Gravity as a fundamental force plays a dominant role in the formation and evolution of cosmic objects and leaves its effect in the emergence of symmetric and asymmetric structures. Thus, analyzing the symmetry criteria allows us to uncover mechanisms behind the gravity interaction and understand the underlying physical processes that contribute to the formation of large-scale structures such as galaxies. We use a segmentation process using intensity thresholding and the k-means clustering algorithm to analyze radio galaxy images. We employ a symmetry criterion and explore the relation between morphological symmetry in radio maps and host galaxy properties. Optical properties (stellar mass, black hole mass, optical size (R
50), concentration, stellar mass surface density (μ
50), and stellar age) and radio properties (radio flux density, radio luminosity, and radio size) are considered. We found that there is a correlation between symmetry and radio size, indicating larger radio sources have smaller symmetry indices. Therefore, size of radio sources should be considered in any investigation of symmetry. Weak correlations are also observed with other properties, such as R
50 for FRI galaxies and stellar age. We compare the symmetry differences between FRI and FRII radio galaxies. FRII galaxies show higher symmetry in 1.4 GHz and 150 MHz maps. Investigating the influence of radio source sizes, we discovered that this result is independent of the sizes of radio sources. These findings contribute to our understanding of the morphological properties and analyses of radio galaxies.
Semi-analytical modeling of prompt redeposition in a steady-state plasma
Authors: Cappelli L. , Fedorczak N. , Serre E.
Published: August 2024

A steady-state, 1D semi-analytical model for prompt redeposition based on the separation between redeposition caused by the electric field in the sheath and redeposition related to gyromotion is here described. The model allows for the estimation of not only the fraction of promptly redeposited flux but also the energy and angular distribution of the non-promptly redeposited population, along with their average charge state. Thus, the temperature and mean parallel-to-B velocity of the non-promptly redeposited flux are also available. The semi-analytical model was validated against equivalent Monte Carlo simulations across a broad range of input parameters. In this paper the eroded material under exam was tungsten (W) for which the code demonstrated consistent agreement with respect to numerical results, within its defined validity limits. The model can theoretically provide a solution for any material, temperature and electron density profile in the sheath, monotonic potential drop profile, and sputtered particles energy and angular distribution at the wall. As such, this code emerges as a potential tool for addressing the boundary redeposition phenomenon in fluid impurity transport simulations.
Expulsion of runaway electrons using ECRH in the TCV tokamak
Authors: Decker J. , Hoppe M. , Sheikh U. , Duval B.P. , Papp G. , Simons L. , Wijkamp T. , Cazabonne J. , Coda S. , Devlaminck E. , Ficker O. , Hellinga R. , Kumar U. , Savoye-Peysson Y. , Porte L. , Reux C. , Sommariva C. , Tema Biwolé A. , Vincent B. , Votta L. , Team the TCV ,   the EUROfusion Tokamak Exploitation Team
Published: August 2024

Runaway electrons (REs) are a concern for tokamak fusion reactors from discharge startup to termination. A sudden localized loss of a multi-megaampere RE beam can inflict severe damage to the first wall. Should a disruption occur, the existence of a RE seed may play a significant role in the formation of a RE beam and the magnitude of its current. The application of central electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) in the Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV) reduces an existing RE seed population by up to three orders of magnitude within only a few hundred milliseconds. Applying ECRH before a disruption can also prevent the formation of a post-disruption RE beam in TCV where it would otherwise be expected. The RE expulsion rate and consequent RE current reduction are found to increase with applied ECRH power. Whereas central ECRH is effective in expelling REs, off-axis ECRH has a comparatively limited effect. A simple 0-D model for the evolution of the RE population is presented that explains how the effective ECRH-induced RE expulsion results from the combined effects of increased electron temperature and enhanced RE transport.
Batch VUV4 characterization for the SBC-LAr10 scintillating bubble chamber
Authors: Hawley-Herrera H. , Alfonso-Pita E. , Behnke E. , Bressler M. , Broerman B. , Clark K. , Corbett J. , Dahl C.E. , Dering K. , Croix A.de St. , Durnford D. , Giampa P. , Hall J. , Harris O. , Lamb N. , Laurin M. , Levine I. , Lippincott W.H. , Liu X. , Moss N. , Neilson R. , Piro M.-C. , Pyda D. , Sheng Z. , Sweeney G. , Vázquez-Jáuregui E. , Westerdale S. , Whitis T.J. , Wright A. , Wyman E. , Zhang R.
Published: August 2024

The Scintillating Bubble Chamber (SBC) collaboration
purchased 32 Hamamatsu VUV4 silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) for use
in SBC-LAr10, a bubble chamber containing 10 kg of liquid argon. A
dark-count characterization technique, which avoids the use of a
single-photon source, was used at two temperatures to measure the
VUV4 SiPMs breakdown voltage (VBD), the SiPM gain
(g
SiPM), the rate of change of g
SiPM with
respect to voltage (m), the dark count rate (DCR), and the
probability of a correlated avalanche (PCA) as well as
the temperature coefficients of these parameters. A Peltier-based
chilled vacuum chamber was developed at Queen's University to cool
down the Quads to 233.15 ± 0.2 K and 255.15 ± 0.2 K with
average stability of ±20 mK. An analysis framework was
developed to estimate VBD to tens of mV precision and
DCR close to Poissonian error. The temperature dependence of
VBD was found to be 56 ± 2 mV K-1, and m on
average across all Quads was found to be
(459 ± 3(stat.)±23(sys.))×
103 e- PE-1 V-1. The average DCR temperature
coefficient was estimated to be 0.099 ± 0.008 K-1
corresponding to a reduction factor of 7 for every 20 K drop in
temperature. The average temperature dependence of PCA
was estimated to be 4000 ± 1000 ppm K-1. PCA
estimated from the average across all SiPMs is a better estimator
than the PCA calculated from individual SiPMs, for all
of the other parameters, the opposite is true. All the estimated
parameters were measured to the precision required for SBC-LAr10,
and the Quads will be used in conditions to optimize the
signal-to-noise ratio.
How much symmetry do symmetric measurements need for efficient operational applications?
Authors: Siudzińska Katarzyna
Published: August 2024

We introduce a generalization of symmetric measurements to collections of unequinumerous positive, operator-valued measures (POVMs). This provides a uniform description of objects that are more general than symmetric, informationally complete POVMs and mutually unbiased bases, but at the same time less destructive and more noise tolerant. For informationally complete sets, we propose construction methods from orthonormal Hermitian operator bases. The correspondence between operator bases and measurements can be as high as one-to-four, with a one-to-one correspondence following only under additional assumptions. Importantly, it turns out that some of the symmetry properties, lost in the process of generalization, can be recovered without fixing the same number of elements for all POVMs. In particular, for a wide class of unequinumerous symmetric measurements that are conical 2-designs, we derive the index of coincidence, entropic uncertainty relations, and separability criteria for bipartite quantum states.
Extreme Overvalued Beliefs
Authors: Rahman Tahir , Abugel Jeffrey
Published: August 2024

Psychiatrist Dr. Tahir Rahman of Washington University in St. Louis describes in the simplest terms what drives most terrorists, assassins, and mass shooters—beliefs shared by others in a person’s culture, religion, or subculture. While many people ascribe the terms delusion or obsession to account for the fixations seen in individuals that commit acts of targeted violence, the new term extreme overvalued beliefs has invigorated forensic and threat assessment professionals. This seminal book provides the framework to direct the future of psychiatric classification as it relates to targeted violence. In vivid detail, Rahman applies concise definitions of obsessions, delusions, and extreme overvalued beliefs to well-known historical cases.
Red Flags
Authors: Rahman Tahir , Abugel Jeffrey
Published: August 2024

The Terrorism Radicalization Assessment Protocol (TRAP-18), was developed by psychologist and FBI consultant Dr. J. Reid Meloy. The TRAP-18 is a structured and validated approach for threat assessment which has undoubtedly been responsible for saving numerous lives. Proximal warning signs (pathway, fixation, identification, novel aggression, energy burst, leakage, last resort, and directly communicated threat) and distal characteristics (personal grievance and moral outrage, framed by an ideology, failure to affiliate with a group, dependence on the virtual community, thwarting of occupational goals, changes in thinking and emotion, failure of sexually intimate pair bonding, mental disorder, creativity and innovation, and criminal violence) are described with case examples (extreme overvalued beliefs, delusions, and obsessions).
Anorexia Nervosa, Querulants, and Others
Authors: Rahman Tahir , Abugel Jeffrey
Published: August 2024

Anorexia hysterique (anorexia nervosa) was first described by Sir William Gull. Variations in various disorders involving appearance, weight, and physical attributes are categorized by psychiatrists as distinct disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, purging disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, orthorexia, and bigorexia. Paul E. Mullen has discussed querulants; the term querulous itself describes a pattern of behavior involving the unusually persistent pursuit of a personal grievance in a manner seriously damaging to the individual’s own economic, social, and personal interests. They will often seek compensation or retribution for a grievance by utilizing the legal system, often as a pro se litigant. Sovereign Citizens are anti-government extremists who claim to be above the law; they attribute their authority to Posse Comitatus. The U.S. Capitol attack and Stephen Paddock cases are also discussed.
Lee Harvey Oswald
Authors: Rahman Tahir , Abugel Jeffrey
Published: August 2024

While conspiracy theories still abound, the conclusion drawn in the Warren Commission report is that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was the sole perpetrator of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. (Oswald was later murdered by Jack Ruby.) A notable group of authors and academic scholars were listed as sponsors of a Fair Play for Cuba advertisement, including Truman Capote, Norman Mailer, James Baldwin, and Simone de Beauvoir. Lee Harvey Oswald exhibited five proximal warning signs and eight distal characteristics of lone-actor terrorism. A self-described Marxist-Leninist, Oswald expected fame and notoriety when he defected to the Soviet Union, but the KGB became highly suspicious of him and turned him away. The work of Vincent Bugliosi (Reclaiming History) and Gerald Posner (Case Closed) are applied to the TRAP-18 (Terrorism Radicalization Assessment Protocol) developed by Reid Meloy. His failure to affiliate was a red flag that could have prevented JFK’s assassination.
Black Voices in Early Modern Spanish Literature, 1500-1750
Authors: Berruezo-Sánchez Diana
Published: August 2024

This book recovers a missing chapter in the history of Afro-Iberian diasporas. From the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, black women and men—enslaved, free(d), and half-manumitted—resided in the Iberian peninsula, particularly as a result of the transatlantic slave trade. This renovated the period’s human, urban, and social landscapes. In exploring Spain’s role in the Atlantic slave trade, and the cultural forms of the period, the book pictures the black African diaspora’s broad yet unexplored literary impact. It transforms our understanding of blackness in early modern Spanish literary activities by providing new readings of the era’s literary texts, unearthing new documents about black communities, and creating a space for black poets in the literary cannon of early modernity. This book stands at the crossroads between the history of Spanish literature in Spain and that of black African diasporas, two disciplines that have not fully entered into dialogue before. While the study of Spanish literature in Spain has disregarded the black African presence or seen it as merely echoing the voices of white poets of early modernity, the studies of black African diasporas have focused on more recent times and on different geographical areas such as English- and French-speaking countries, and the Caribbean where the Hispanic world is concerned. Black Voices builds a bridge between these two fields and promote a lively scholarly debate in an area that clearly merits academic study. The archaeological explorations of all manners of archives that form the research behind this book bring to the fore a meaningful Black archive long forgotten.
Introduction
Authors: Berruezo-Sánchez Diana
Published: August 2024

This introductory chapter contributes several key ideas that frame Black Voices. It lays out the book’s main argument: black women and men were cultural agents; they were both contributors to and consumers of cultural forms and practices. The introduction also offers a summary of what the book does: delving into early modern literary archives and providing close readings of new and known texts in order to establish the legacy of black women and men and discuss its implication for early modern Spanish culture and the formation of the era’s racial thinking. Importantly, it highlights the book’s main intervention in the field of Early Modern Black Hispanic Studies: the recognition of the tension between black agency and its limits in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Spanish literary texts. Last but not least, it reflects on the terminology used to describe a complex reality involving a range of people from different generations, some born in Spain, some coming directly or indirectly from a variety of sub-Saharan territories, and collectively embodying a virtually endless number of skin tones.
Beyond the Eye of the Beholder
Authors: Berruezo-Sánchez Diana
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores the cultural impact of the black African diaspora, particularly in one hundred literary texts published in Spain between 1510 and 1694. By juxtaposing historical records and literary representations, it shows how these literary texts spread narratives on blackness that were influenced and shaped by the concerns of black women and men, not just the prerogatives of white writers. Pushing back on traditional scholarly interpretations of stereotypical images of black characters, this chapter takes literary texts to be the product of a receiving culture in need of othering the black African presence in Spain. The complicated dynamics of race and power are manifested in representations of idealised relationships between enslavers and enslaved black characters, as well as in sexualised black bodies.
Performing Blackness
Authors: Berruezo-Sánchez Diana
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores the influence of black Africans on the early modern literary, musical, and theatrical genre of villancicos de negros. It argues that black churchgoers and audience members helped to popularise villancicos, and that black performers likely contributed to lyrics. A case in point are the villancicos de negros performed in Seville, which encompassed a range of issues directly concerning the city’s black confraternity. More generally, the corpus is read in light of the broader context of fiestas in which they were performed, and which figured large in the lives of the black population in urban Spain. Also, villancicos functioned propagandistically, circulating early modern ideas of nation and race. In looking at villancicos de negros from these multiple viewpoints, the chapter expands our understanding of both villancicos and the cultural engagement of black Africans.
A Catalogue of Black Stereotypes and Images in Seventeenth-Century Villancicos de Negros Performed in Spain
Authors: Berruezo-Sánchez Diana
Published: August 2024

This Appendix provides a framework for considering the prejudiced image that emerges from more than three hundred known villancicos de negros performed in seventeenth-century Spain. This overriding representation was based on a vested (white) interest in establishing a hierarchy of peoples living in the Iberian peninsula; but it was also an idea with which black Africans themselves had to contend in order to negotiate their own blackness. The significance of the Appendix is not so much the use of particular images by single villancico authors but rather the repeated collective reliance on a small number of simplistic, formulaic ideas to represent blackness, which reinforced the hegemonic, anti-black ethos in early modern Iberia. Alongside stereotyped tropes and images, villancicos included some distinctive manifestations of black pride and a sense of black community. The Appendix shows traces of egalitarian messages about race and notable depictions of black Africans’ common-day activities.
Jácara de sucesos about Francisco de Meneses (1687)
Authors: Berruezo-Sánchez Diana
Published: August 2024

This Appendix includes a full edition of the jácara de sucesos about Francisco de Meneses thoroughly discussed in chapter 4, section 4. A translation into English follows. This jácara de sucesos recounts the story of Francisco de Meneses, a black man who was convicted of rape and murder in the city of Ciudad Real in 1687. Importantly, it recounts his success in negotiating his manumission with the money earned while dancing. As part of a genre based on historical events, the details in Meneses’s story constitute valuable data for understanding the lives, and in particular, the cultural agency of individuals like Francisco de Meneses, whose depiction differs markedly from the stereotypical images of black characters in literary texts of the same period.
Evaluation of Lyme serologic quantitative test indexes: High first-tier test index values predict positive second-tier result in standard and modified 2-tier Lyme testing algorithms
Authors: Lewandrowski Elizabeth Lee , Branda John A , Klontz Erik , Nigrovic Lise E , Lewandrowski Kent
Published: August 2024

Objectives

In this study, we evaluated the potential utility of reporting a quantitative Lyme serologic test index to improve the utility of results from first-tier Lyme assays.

Methods

Serum from consecutive samples sent to our laboratory for Lyme testing were tested on 2 commercial first-tier Lyme assays and evaluated to determine the probability of second-tier confirmation based on the serologic index value.

Results

For both assays, we identified an index value above which 100% of samples confirmed on second-tier testing using both standard and modified 2-tier testing algorithms. Lower rates of confirmation were observed for positive or equivocal samples with lower index values.

Conclusion

The use of a Lyme test index value may eliminate the need for confirmatory testing on many positive first-tier samples, providing more rapid turnaround time to a definitive result. This practice would also increase efficiency in the clinical laboratory.
Between Authority and Usurpation? Common Good and Constitutional Government
Authors: Ekins Richard
Published: August 2024

The classical tradition of law and government supports lawful authority and condemns usurpation. But the common good sometimes provides a reason to sweep aside existing constitutional arrangements. This article considers the way in which authority and usurpation feature in Adrian Vermeule’s recent book, Common Good Constitutionalism, and thus reflects on the nature of constitutional government. Vermeule’s work combines a commendable philosophy of government with a questionable philosophy of legal reasoning, which weakens the force of Vermeule’s account of American constitutional law and practice. Reflection on the scope of the common good—on whose common good counts—has important implications for how, and for whom, authority should be exercised. Collective agency is important in securing the common good and representative democracy is an important means to unite a people in common action for their good. Constitutional government should aim to command popular support. Forms of constitutional government are contingent, but usurpation of lawful public authority is an evil that should be avoided.
Processing Pronouns of Address in a Job Interview in French and German
Authors: den Hartog Maria , Sánchez Carrasco Patricia , Schoenmakers Gert-Jan , Hogeweg Lotte , de Hoop Helen
Published: August 2024

Does it matter whether applicants are addressed with formal or informal pronouns in online job interviews? This study shows that it does indeed, at least for speakers of French and German. Both French (n = 171) and German (n = 198) participants were more positive about a recruiter who addressed them with formal pronouns. The use of informal pronouns led to negative ratings of that recruiter by French participants, and to lower ratings of the recruiter, the company, and lower salary expectations by German participants. German men were found to be more sensitive than women to the use of formal pronouns, which had positive effects on their attitudes towards the job, company, and their salary expectations. Despite a general trend towards more use of informal pronouns in German workplaces, our study shows that using them in an online job interview has negative outcomes for companies. French participants react even more negatively to the use of informal pronouns, but these mainly have negative effects on their judgment of the recruiter rather than the company for which the recruiter is acting.
Impact of small-bite (5 mm) fascial closure on the incidence of incisional hernia following open colorectal cancer surgery: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ozcan Cumhur , Colak Tahsin , Turkmenoglu Ozgur , Berkesoglu Mustafa , Ertas Elif
Published: August 2024

Background

Incisional hernia is frequently observed after open colorectal cancer surgery, and should be considered a serious short- and long-term health issue. The present study evaluated the efficacy of small-bite abdominal closure in reducing the incidence of incisional hernia in this patient group.

Methods

An RCT was conducted between June 2019 and June 2022. A total of 173 patients who underwent open colorectal cancer surgery were assigned randomly to one of two groups to undergo fascial closure with either small bites (87) or conventional bites (86). The incisional hernia rate was accepted as the primary outcome, and surgical-site infection as the secondary outcome.

Results

The incisional hernia rates at 1 year were 7 and 27% in the small- and conventional-bite groups respectively (P < 0.001). This rate increased to 9 and 31% at the end of the second year (P < 0.001). Surgical-site infections occurred in 18% of the small-bite group and 31% of the conventional-bite group (P = 0.03). Compared with the conventional-bite group, the small-bite group had higher suture/wound length ratios (mean(s.d.) 5.18(0.84) versus 3.67(0.57); P < 0.001) and a longer fascial closure time 14.1(4.64) versus 12.9(2.39) min; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Small-bite closure with 5-mm tissue bites placed 5 mm apart reduced the incidence of incisional hernia and surgical-site infection after open colorectal cancer surgery.
Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia in a family: expanding spectrum of LEF1-related disorders
Authors: Hassan Ali , Morice-Picard Fanny , Marin Victor , Lasseaux Robine Eulalie , Lebreton Louis , Davaze-Schneider Julie
Published: August 2024

We report a novel heterozygous loss-of-function LEF1 variant in a 3-year-old girl and her mother, both diagnosed with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The patients presented with sparse hair, dry skin and oligodontia but lacked limb or mammary malformations, expanding the clinical spectrum of LEF1-related disorders. The study provides new insights into the variability and management of ectodermal dysplasias related to LEF1.
Anthracycline-induced cardiovascular toxicity: validation of the Heart Failure Association and International Cardio-Oncology Society risk score
Authors: Rivero-Santana Borja , Saldaña-García Jesús , Caro-Codón Juan , Zamora Pilar , Moliner Pedro , Martínez Monzonis Amparo , Zatarain Eduardo , Álvarez-Ortega Carlos , Gómez-Prieto Pilar , Pernas Sonia , Rodriguez Isabel , Buño Soto Antonio , Cadenas Rosalía , Palacios Ozores Patricia , Pérez Ramírez Sara , Merino Salvador María , Valbuena Silvia , Fernández Gasso Lucía , Juárez Victor , Severo Andrea , Terol Belén , de Soto Álvarez Teresa , Rodríguez Olaia , Brion María , González-Costello José , Canales Albendea Miguel , González-Juanatey José R , Moreno Raúl , López-Sendón José , López-Fernández Teresa
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Baseline cardiovascular toxicity risk stratification is critical in cardio-oncology. The Heart Failure Association (HFA) and International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS) score aims to assess this risk but lacks real-life validation. This study validates the HFA-ICOS score for anthracycline-induced cardiovascular toxicity.

Methods

Anthracycline-treated patients in the CARDIOTOX registry (NCT02039622) were stratified by the HFA-ICOS score. The primary endpoint was symptomatic or moderate to severe asymptomatic cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD), with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality as secondary endpoints.

Results

The analysis included 1066 patients (mean age 54 ± 14 years; 81.9% women; 24.5% ≥65 years). According to the HFA-ICOS criteria, 571 patients (53.6%) were classified as low risk, 333 (31.2%) as moderate risk, 152 (14.3%) as high risk, and 10 (0.9%) as very high risk. Median follow-up was 54.8 months (interquartile range 24.6–81.8). A total of 197 patients (18.4%) died, and 718 (67.3%) developed CTRCD (symptomatic: n = 45; moderate to severe asymptomatic: n = 24; and mild asymptomatic: n = 649). Incidence rates of symptomatic or moderate to severe symptomatic CTRCD and all-cause mortality significantly increased with HFA-ICOS score [hazard ratio 28.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.33–88.5; P < .001, and hazard ratio 7.43, 95% CI 3.21–17.2; P < .001) for very high-risk patients. The predictive model demonstrated good calibration (Brier score 0.04, 95% CI 0.03–0.05) and discrimination (area under the curve 0.78, 95% CI 0.70–0.82; Uno’s C-statistic 0.78, 95% CI 0.71–0.84) for predicting symptomatic or severe/moderate asymptomatic CTRCD at 12 months.

Conclusions

The HFA-ICOS score effectively categorizes patients by cardiovascular toxicity risk and demonstrates strong predictive ability for high-risk anthracycline-related cardiovascular toxicity and all-cause mortality.
Associations between psychosocial burden and prognostic biomarkers in patients with chronic coronary syndrome: a STABILITY substudy
Authors: Wassberg Charlotte , Batra Gorav , Hadziosmanovic Nermin , Hagström Emil , White Harvey D , Stewart Ralph A H , Siegbahn Agneta , Wallentin Lars , Held Claes
Published: August 2024

Aims

To investigate associations between psychosocial (PS) burden and biomarkers reflecting pathophysiological pathways in patients with chronic coronary syndrome.

Methods and results

Psychosocial factors were collected from self-assessed questionnaires and biomarkers representing inflammation [high-sensitivity (hs)-C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2)] and cardiac injury/stress [hs-troponin T (hs-TnT), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] were measured in 12 492 patients with chronic coronary syndrome in the STABILITY trial. Associations between level of each PS factor [never–rarely (reference), sometimes, often–always] and biomarkers were evaluated using linear models with adjusted geometric mean ratios (GMR). A score comprising four factors (‘feeling down’, ‘loss of interest’, financial stress’, and ‘living alone’) that previously demonstrated association with cardiovascular (CV) outcome was created, and categorized into three levels: low, moderate, and high PS burden. Associations between PS score and biomarkers were evaluated similarly. Greater PS burden was significantly associated with a gradual increase in inflammatory biomarkers [GMR (95% confidence interval) for moderate vs. low PS burden; and high vs. low PS burden]: hs-CRP [1.09 (1.04–1.14); 1.12 (1.06–1.17)], IL-6 [1.05 (1.02–1.07); 1.08 (1.05–1.11)], LpPLA2 [1.01 (1.00–1.02); 1.02 (1.01–1.04)], and cardiac biomarkers hs-TnT [1.03 (1.01–1.06); 1.06 (1.03–1.09)] and NT-proBNP [1.09 (1.04–1.13); 1.21 (1.15–1.27)].

Conclusion

In patients with chronic coronary syndrome, greater PS burden was associated with increased levels of inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers. While this observational study does not establish causal nature of these associations, the findings suggest inflammation and cardiac injury/stress as plausible pathways linking PS burden to an elevated CV risk that needs to be further explored.