bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La pasión narrativa de Luis Berenguer.
Authors: J. Ríos Félix
Published: December 2024

: Con este trabajo se pretende describir y valorar la producción narrativa
de uno de los principales novelistas andaluces de los años setenta en España: Luis
Berenguer. Para alcanzar estos objetivos se contextualiza la vida y la obra del escritor
dentro del agitado panorama literario de su época. Se revisan las opiniones que en aquellos
años se hicieron sobre la llamada Nueva Narrativa Andaluza o generación de los narraluces
y se analizan, de manera sucinta, las seis novelas del escritor afincado en Cádiz. Las
conclusiones principales a las que llegamos son, fundamentalmente, que no se puede hablar
de una novela andaluza con rasgos particulares, nacionalistas o regionalistas, que la separen
del resto de la creación narrativa española de aquellos años y que Luis Berenguer es, sin
ninguna duda, un referente ineludible de la literatura española de los últimos decenios del
siglo XX, por la riqueza estilística de su prosa y por su profundidad compositiva.
El género criminal en la trayectoria de Josefina y Claudio de la Torre: su colaboración teatral El enigma (1939).
Authors: García-Aguilar Alberto , Coello Hernández Alejandro
Published: December 2024

A lo largo de su trayectoria creativa, Josefina y Claudio de la Torre
crearon numerosas obras, en distintos ámbitos artísticos, que reflejaron su interés por el
género criminal. Entre ellas destaca la obra teatral El enigma, que se ha atribuido a Claudio
de la Torre y en la que se adapta la novela El enigma de los ojos grises (1938), de Josefina
de la Torre. Al igual que la novela, la versión teatral ofrece una trama de aventuras
policiacas que respeta, en gran medida, el argumento original. En su estreno el 18 de marzo
de 1939, en el Cine Cuyás de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, la obra obtuvo un éxito notable.
De hecho, incluso se retransmitió, en la misma ciudad, una versión radiofónica de algunas
escenas de la obra. Sin embargo, El enigma aún no se ha analizado. Por este motivo, en el presente trabajo se intentará realizar un estudio detenido del texto. Para ello, al comienzo se
establecerá cómo el género criminal se manifestó en la trayectoria artística de Josefina y
Claudio de la Torre. Después, se explicarán las principales diferencias entre la versión
teatral y la novela, así como entre el texto teatral y el radiofónico. Por último, se
examinarán los rasgos policiacos que se advierten en la obra. De este modo, se pretende
mostrar cómo el bagaje sobre el género criminal que poseían los hermanos De la Torre se
manifiesta en El enigma
«Un mundo de basaltos encendidos». Procesos de creación literaria a partir de la correspondencia entre María Cegarra y Carmen Conde desde 1932 hasta 1935.
Authors: Hernández Gómez Raquel
Published: December 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es el estudio de las cartas intercambiadas
entre María Cegarra y Carmen Conde durante el periodo de 1932 a 1935 con la intención
de caracterizar la poética desplegada por Cegarra en Cristales míos, cuya gestación se está
produciendo en estos años. En segundo lugar, mostraremos la importancia de las
valoraciones de Carmen Conde sobre ese proceso de composición, determinantes en la
forma final del poemario en diferentes aspectos. Por último, veremos cómo el intercambio
epistolar nos ofrece un magma literario que se va formando al calor del diálogo permanente
entre las dos autoras y que, finalmente, da lugar a productos artísticos de diversa naturaleza
Cautivar al oyente: teatro, música y publicaciones en el dial uruguayo.
Authors: Maronna Mónica
Published: December 2024

Este artículo se ubica dentro de los estudios de historia cultural de los medios de comunicación.
Se propone analizar de qué modo la radiodifusión articuló y conectó con los diarios, revistas,
folletines, música, fotografía y cine durante las dos primeras décadas de la radiodifusión en
Uruguay, es decir, entre 1922 y 1940.
En Montevideo, cuyas principales ondas se expandían por todo el territorio, se configuró
un tipo de radio ligada a las experiencias culturales urbanas y tributaria de los fluidos vínculos
con Buenos Aires. El espacio cultural común del Río de la Plata, ambientaba un tránsito de
músicos, compositores, cantantes, autores, artistas, discos y toda clase de obras de una orilla a
otra. Y es que Uruguay formaba parte del amplio mercado de la industria cultural argentina; se
beneficiaba de su riqueza, variedad y alto grado de profesionalización. Los músicos uruguayos
debían ir a Argentina a grabar sus discos, los libretistas o escritores que aspiraban al éxito
comercial de sus obras debían publicar en aquel mercado amplio y poderoso desde el punto de
vista económico.
Los usos posibles del nuevo medio se fueron construyendo progresivamente a partir de
un paisaje conocido. Pasado el primer tiempo de ensayos e improvisaciones, la radiodifusión
fue configurando sus rasgos más perdurables. Una década después de aquellos comienzos, era
posible identificar una muy nutrida programación que abarcaba una multiplicidad de
expresiones. Su éxito y popularidad residió precisamente en el rasgo de proximidad y cercanía
que ofrecía al asociarse a actividades muy populares: la música, el teatro, la ficción, los
folletines, el fútbol, el carnaval y la política, entre tantas dimensiones que abarcaba el nutrido
dial.
Melodía en palabras. El enfoque musical de Gerardo Diego en su poesía.
Authors: García Andúgar Paula
Published: December 2024

La poesía sonora es un fenómeno especialmente influyente en el desarrollo de las
representaciones artísticas del siglo XX vinculadas a la exploración y re-representación de la
sonoridad. Estas creaciones poéticas se han expandido notablemente, ampliando sus campos
de representación desde la poesía sonora, el radio-arte, el arte sonoro interactivo o el arte
sónico, entre otras nuevas manifestaciones integradas en el amplio campo del arte sonoro. La
poesía sonora constituye un género del arte acústico o arte sonoro que habita la frontera
intermedia entre la poesía y la música, movilizando numerosos órganos del lenguaje: la
oralidad, la respiración, el cuerpo y todas las dimensiones sonoras del aparato fonador usado
como materia para la creación artística.
El presente trabajo establece cuáles fueron los supuestos que antecedieron a la
configuración de esta disciplina, al mismo tiempo que presta atención a sus principales
características y sus primeros pasos en el terreno español. El objetivo que se persigue es
vincular cómo estas nuevas experiencias interartísticas encuentran un correlativo en los
poemas-partituras del santanderino Gerardo Diego. Para ello se procederá al análisis
interdisciplinar de cuatro poemas de su etapa ultraísta para adentrarnos en la plasmación del
análisis del mundo sonoro en la poesía de este miembro del grupo poético del 27.
Effects of abdominal muscle strengthening and pelvic control exercises on trunk control and pelvic movement in children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Ha Sun-Young , Kim Yong-Hun , Sung Yun-Hee
Published: December 2024

Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit abnormal movements due to atypical pelvic movements and weakness of trunk muscles. We investigated the effects of abdominal muscle strengthening and pelvic control exercises on trunk control, abdominal muscle thickness change rate, and pelvic movement in children with unilateral CP. Fourteen children with unilateral CP were randomly divided into two groups, and abdominal muscle strengthening and pelvic control exercises were applied to the experimental group, and general physical therapy was applied to the control group, 30 min per session, twice a week, for a total of 8 weeks, respectively. The trunk control measurement scale (TCMS) was used to measure trunk control, ultrasonography was used to measure abdominal muscle thickness change rate, and a wearable gait analysis system was used to measure pelvic movement. As a result, in the experimental group, TCMS showed a significant increase within the group, and the rotation range of the pelvis significantly decreased within the group on the affected and nonaffected sides. There was a significant difference between the groups in the abdominal muscle thickness change rate of the internal oblique on the affected side. Improving trunk control through abdominal strengthening and pelvic control exercises affected the deep muscles on the affected side and contributed to a reduction in excessive pelvic rotation range. Therefore, abdominal muscle strengthening and pelvic control exercises may be suggested as intervention methods to improve function in unilateral CP.
The effects of weight- and non–weight-bearing exercise on corticospinal axon sprouting, regeneration-related proteins and functional recovery after spinal cord contusion
Authors: Yu Joo-In , Seo Tae-Beom
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of weight- and non–weight-bearing exercises on the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, corticospinal axon regrowth and regeneration-related proteins following spinal cord injury (SCI). Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (n= 6), SCI+sedentary group (SED, n= 6), SCI+treadmill exercise group (TREAD, n= 6), and SCI+swimming exercise group (SWIM, n= 6). All rats in the SCI group were given the rest for 2 weeks after SCI, and then they were allowed to engage in low-intensity exercise for 6 weeks on treadmill device. Motor function (BBB score) was improved more in the SWIM group compared to the SED group at 3 and 6 weeks after SCI. The SWIM group also showed higher levels of axonal outgrowth in corticospinal tract and increased expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, a marker of axonal regeneration in the dorsal horn of the caudal region, compared to the TREAD group. Additionally, the SWIM group significantly upregulated the expression of regeneration-related proteins. Our findings suggest that non–weight-bearing exercise may be one of several rehabilitation methods for improving locomotor function and corticospinal axon regeneration after SCI.
Effects of the music tempo during walking exercise on heart rate variation, lactic acid, and aerobic variables in male college students
Authors: Jeong Se-Young , Yu Joo-In , Seo Tae-Beom , Kim Young-Pyo
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of music tempo on heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), lactate levels, and aerobic capacity during walking exercise in male college students. Ten male college students randomly participated in three experiments using various music tempos on a treadmill device to prevent data contamination between measurements by allowing a 2-week interval. Walking exercise was performed at a moderate intensity of 60%–70% maximum HR for 30 min, with participants divided into three groups based on music tempo: exercise group with fast tempo music (ExF, 120–160 bpm), exercise group with slow tempo music (ExS, 60–70 bpm), and exercise group without music (Ex). The study was designed using a randomized crossover method. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed group-by-time interactions, and one-way ANOVA was used to compare differences between groups. Post hoc analysis was performed using Tukey honestly significant difference. As a result, the ExF group had higher HR, ventilation, metabolic equivalent, and oxygen uptake during treadmill exercise than the ExS or Ex group. But there was no significant interaction of HR and HRV during recovery according to music tempo. HRV was significantly higher in the ExF group during exercise when compared to other groups. Blood lactate concentration was significantly decreased in the ExS group. These findings provide new information that music tempo type applied during treadmill exercise might have a positive effect on the maximum oxygen intake and lactate accumulation in the recovery phase.
Effects of foam roller-based combined exercise on functional fitness, balance, and gait in older women
Authors: Ryu Ha-Rin , Kim Min-Ji , Yoon Eun-Sun , Kim Dae-Young
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a foam roller-based combined exercise program on functional fitness, balance ability, and gait in women aged 65 years and older. Using a 2× 2 mixed design, the study compared variables measured before and after a 6-week foam roller-based combined exercise program. A total of 32 old women were randomly assigned to either the foam roller-based exercise group or the control group. The intervention was conducted 3 times a week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting 60 min. The senior fitness test, gait test, Fullerton advanced balance test, and Y-balance test were performed at baseline and postintervention. Participants in the combined exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in upper and lower-body strength, lower extremity flexibility, agility, walking speed, stability, and balance ability. These findings confirm that a foam roller-based combined exercise program incorporating stretching, strength training, and aerobic components is effective in enhancing functional fitness, balance, and gait in older women. The inclusion of props such as foam rollers may help facilitate proper exercise form and activate diverse muscle groups, thereby augmenting the overall efficacy of exercise interventions.
The effect of treadmill exercise on memory function and gut microbiota composition in old rats
Authors: Park Sang-Seo , Park Si-Hyeon , Jeong Hyun-Tae , Shin Mal-Soon , Kim Myung-Ki , Kim Bo-Kyun , Yoon Hye-Sun , Kim Sang-Hoon , Kim Tae-Woon
Published: December 2024

Aging is associated with declines in memory function and significant change in gut microbiota. In this study, we investigated how exercise affects age-related memory decline and inflammation, and gut microbiota diversity. Bl6 mice were divided into control, control and exercise, old, and old and exercise groups. Treadmill exercise was performed once a day, 5 days a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Short-term memory was assessed using step-through test and spatial learning memory was assessed using Morris water maze task. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed for the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, in the hippocampus. Western blot analysis was conducted for the neurotrophic factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), in the hippocampus. In addition, fecal samples were collected for sequencing and metagenomic analysis. Old rats showed decline in short-term memory and spatial learning memory. Increment of TNF-α and IL-6 concentration with decrement of BDNF and TrkB expression were observed in the old rats. Decreased diversity of gut microbiota composition and decreased beneficial gut microbiota were found in the old rats. However, treadmill exercise improved short-term memory, decreased TNF-α and IL-6 concentration, and increased BDNF and TrkB expression in the old rats. Treadmill exercise also increased the diversity of gut microbiota composition and affected the increase of beneficial gut microbiota in the old rats. In conclusion, treadmill exercise reduced age-related inflammatory markers and effectively improved memory decline while enhancing the diversity and abundance of beneficial gut microbiota.
Students’ Perceptions of ChatGPT in Higher Education: A Study of Academic Enhancement, Procrastination, and Ethical Concerns
Authors: Uppal Komal , Hajian Shiva
Published: December 2024

The integration of AI tools in education is reshaping how students view and interact with their learning experiences. As AI usage continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to understand how students' perceptions of these technologies impact their academic performance and learning behaviours. To investigate these effects, we conducted a correlational study with a sample of 44 students to examining the relationship between students' perceptions of ChatGPT’s utility—focusing on usage frequency, perceived usefulness, accuracy, reliability, and time efficiency—and key academic outcomes, including content mastery, confidence in knowledge, and grade improvement. Additionally, we explored how these perceptions influence student behaviours, such as reliance on ChatGPT, procrastination tendencies, and the potential risk of plagiarism. The canonical correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between students' perceptions of ChatGPT's utility and their academic outcomes. Students who viewed ChatGPT as reliable and efficient tended to report higher grades, improved understanding of the material, and greater confidence in their knowledge. Furthermore, the bivariate correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between dependency on ChatGPT and procrastination (r = 0.546, p < 0.001), indicating that a higher reliance on AI tools may contribute to increased procrastination. No statistically significant association was identified between ChatGPT dependency and the risk of plagiarism. Future research should prioritize the development of strategies that promote effective use of AI while minimizing the risk of overreliance. Such efforts can enhance academic integrity and support independent learning. Educators play a critical role in this process by guiding students to balance the advantages of AI with the cultivation of critical thinking skills and adherence to ethical academic practices.
A new record of Scytinopteridae from the Middle Triassic Tongchuan entomofauna of China
Authors: HAKIM MARINA , FU YAN-ZHE
Published: December 2024

A new species of the extinct hemipteran family Scytinopteridae, Scytinoptera minusculata sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on a forewing specimen from the Middle to Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation of Tongchuan, northern China. The new fossil differs from Scytinoptera tongchuanensis by its extremely short common stem MP+CuA, strongly curved R vein, and distinct colour pattern. This finding represents the third record of Scytinopteridae in the Tongchuan entomofauna, enhancing the species richness of cicadomorphan insects in the fauna. Additionally, the diagnosis of Scytinoptera tongchuanensis is emended, with a supplemental description provided based on seven new specimens from the same locality of the Yanchang Formation as S. minusculata.
Özdemir Asaf’ın Mum Aleviyle Oynayan Kedinin Öyküsü Adlı Şiirinde Kendilik ve Nesne Dünyası
Authors: Özkara Okan
Published: December 2024

Bireyin varoluşunda önemli bir durak olan kendiliğin keşfi ve ötekinin tanımlanması eylemi, çeşitli evrelerde farklı görünümlere bürünür. Ruhbilimcilerin ağırlıklı olarak çocukluk dönemine odaklandığı bu süreç, şairlerin usdışı kurgu evrenlerinde yansız, özgür ve kuralsızlıkla var olan metafor dünyalarında çocuk düşleriyle varlık bulur. Kendiliğini keşfetmek için ötekinin varlığına ihtiyaç duyan özne, her eyleminin bir karşılığı olduğunu ve evrende bu karşılığın süreğen bir dönüşümle tamamlanacağını öğrenir.
Özdemir Asaf, modern Türk şiirinin özgün kalemlerindendir. Kendine özgü imgelemiyle dünyayı ve düşsel olanı tanımladığı, aktardığı şiirlerinde yaşama tüm varlığıyla tutunan bireyin iç dünyasını yansıtır. Yalnızlık, aşk, düş kırıklıkları ve bunaltının ördüğü dizeleri insanın iç dünyasına tutulmuş bir ayna niteliğindedir. Özdemir Asaf, “Mum Aleviyle Oynayan Kedinin Öyküsü” adlı şiirinde metaforik bir söylem katmanı kurgulayarak ben’i/özne’yi kedi metaforuyla imler. Bunu yaparken bireyin kendilik dünyasının nesneler dünyası ile olan ilişkisini irdeler. Kapalı bir anlatımın hâkim olduğu şiirinde yaşam-benlik ve yalnızlık konularını sorgular. Mum ve alev imgelerinin yoğun olduğu şiirde yaşam serüvenini çeşitli benzetmelerin ışığında dizelere aktaran şair, kelimeleri gündelik anlamlarından kurtararak imgesel bir söyleyişe kavuşturur ve dizeler arasındaki anlamsal bütünlüğü yakalar.
Bu çalışmada Özdemir Asaf’ın “Mum Aleviyle Oynayan Kedinin Öyküsü” adlı şiiri, izleksel bakımdan incelenecek; şiirdeki kendilik ve nesne dünyasına dair imgeler açıklanmaya çalışılacaktır.
Refractive epitrochoids sampling for light field measurement using wedge prisms
Authors: Higaki Akihiro , Kitano Kazuya , Fujimura Yuki , Kushida Takahiro , Funatomi Takuya , Mukaigawa Yasuhiro
Published: December 2024

Conventional light field measurement using a micro-lens array suffers from grid-like artifacts in the refocused image because the sub-aperture images are sampled at linear and equal intervals like a grid pattern. In this study, we propose a method for measuring light field using a pair of wedge prisms and a method for calibrating the sub-aperture position. The epitrochoids trajectory of rays generated by rotating prisms yields unequal intervals and variable sampling of the sub-aperture position. We designed and calibrated the optical system, and verified the effectiveness of the proposed method on refocused images using the measured light field.
Accurate equivalent circuit design of an ultra-broadband composite absorber
Authors: Wen Kaihuai , Yue Xiuli , Nangong Junyi , Xie Zixuan , Zhou Peiheng , Liang Difei , Han Tiancheng
Published: December 2024

The combination of circuit analog absorber (CAA) and honeycomb absorbing material (HAM) has the advantages of lower profile, wider absorption bandwidth, and strong absorption performance. However, the increase in the number of CAA interlaced with various dielectric spacers makes the design and optimization of this complex multi-layer structure more difficult. Here, an accurate equivalent circuit model (ECM) of the multi-layer lossy single-square loop (SSL) metal-grounded is developed, which can be used to quickly design and optimize absorbers with the aid of genetic algorithm (GA). Based on the guideline, a lightweight composite absorber consisting of a double-layer impedance-sheet CAA at the top and a HAM at the bottom is developed. It covers an ultra-wideband -10 dB reflection reduction in the frequency band of 0.83 to 18 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 182% in a total thickness of 35 mm and only 4% over the minimum thickness calculated by the Rozanov limit. The CAA is responsible for the absorption at a lower frequency, while the HAM absorbs the incident electromagnetic waves at the higher end of the frequency spectrum. The agreement between the experimental and simulated results verifies the viability of our design approach.
Over 100-kW peak power picosecond pulse generation at 2924 nm via efficient single-pass optical parametric generation with broadband tunability
Authors: Xiong Xianwei , Zhao Junqing , Xu Sizhi , Mo Liqiang , Chen Yewang , Ouyang Deqin , Liu Minqiu , Liu Xing , Wu Xu , Guo Chunyu , Lue Qitao , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: December 2024

We report a high peak power mid-infrared (MIR) source via efficient optical parametric generation (OPG) in a piece of 50-mm-long MgO: PPLN crystal pumped by using a near-infrared (NIR) narrow-band picosecond laser source. The highest peak power of the idler pulse can reach ∼109.86 kW with a duration of ∼7.3 ps and wavelength of ∼2924 nm. Both the signal and idler pulses can be agilely tunable in repetition rate, from 500 kHz to 4 MHz, depending on the pump pulses. Through adjusting the operation temperature and switching the applied grating of the MgO: PPLN crystal, the emission wavelengths of the signal and idler can be broadband-tunable across the NIR range of 1430-1741nm and the MIR range of 2773-4156 nm, respectively. The root-mean-square errors of the delivered signal and idler average power are less than 1% for all operational parameters. Our result provides a simplified yet agile solution of a coherent MIR source featuring a high pulse peak power, customizable emission wavelength, exceptional operation stability, etc.
Tailoring second harmonic generation in a multilayer WS2 flake via a silicon circular Bragg grating
Authors: Cai Lin , Mao Yuheng , Zhou Lidan , Luo Jinshan , Liu Shimei , Li Shulei , Deng Fu , Lan Sheng
Published: December 2024

Nonlinear emission phenomena observed in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have significantly advanced the development of robust nonlinear optical sources within two-dimensional materials. However, the intrinsic emission characteristics of TMDCs are inherently dependent on the specific material, which constrains their tunability for practical applications. In this study, we propose a strategy for the selective enhancement and modification of second-harmonic generation (SHG) emission in a multilayer WS2 flake through the implementation of a silicon (Si)-based circular Bragg grating (CBG) structure positioned on an Au/SiO2 substrate. By selectively exciting the region of the circular Bragg grating with the grating oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the linearly polarized pump beam, we successfully achieved wavelength-tunable SHG intensity peaks at 402.5 nm and 425 nm for the respective alignments. Our experimental findings, corroborated by numerical simulations, indicate that the enhancement of SHG intensity is highly sensitive to the orientation of the grating region of the CBG. Power-dependent SHG spectra further validate the quadratic dependence of SHG, while comparative analysis with WS2 flakes on a bare Si/Au/SiO2 substrate highlights the critical role of the CBG structure in modulating SHG. This research underscores the potential of CBG-augmented TMDCs for the control of nonlinear optical emissions, suggesting promising applications in photonic devices and selective emission technologies.
Electrically tunable InAs/GaAs QD in a nanocavity with a transfer-printed ITO electrode
Authors: Pholsen Natthajuks , Fujita Akinari , Kakuda Masahiro , Arakawa Yasuhiko , Ikeda Kenji , Kobayashi Nobukiyo , Ota Yasutomo , Iwamoto Satoshi
Published: December 2024

We demonstrate the electrical tuning of InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded in a photonic-crystal (PhC) cavity with transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes hybrid-integrated by transfer printing. The design includes spacer layers between the cavity and the electrodes to reduce absorption loss while still maintaining a significant bias field. The bottom electrode, PhC cavity, and top electrode were fabricated independently and integrated by transfer printing, and an electrical connection was made by inkjet printing, both implemented locally without affecting the entire chip. We observed the electrical tuning of QD emissions into the cavity mode and Purcell enhancement. This work paves the way for utilizing multiple hybrid-integrated QDs on the same chip.
Model of anisotropic ring resonator based on coupled mode theory
Authors: Moskalev Dmitrii , Voblikov Evgenii , Kozlov Andrei , Salgaeva Uliana , Maximenko Vitaliy , Krishtop Victor
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an anisotropic ring resonator model based on coupled mode theory. The developed model was validated using experimental data presented in Opt. Express 27, 35659 (2019)10.1364/OE.27.035659 for the ring resonator made of X-cut thin film lithium niobate. A good agreement between the model and experimental results for the free spectral range is observed beyond the hybridisation region while in the hybridisation region there is a notable discrepancy between the obtained results and the literature data. This paper proposes a possible explanation for the observed discrepancy, which may be the subject of a separate experimental study.
RcsF-independent mechanisms of signaling within the Rcs phosphorelay
Authors: Petchiappan Anushya , Majdalani Nadim , Wall Erin , Gottesman Susan
Published: December 2024

The Rcs (regulator of capsule synthesis) phosphorelay is a conserved cell envelope stress response mechanism in enterobacteria. It responds to perturbations at the cell surface and the peptidoglycan layer from a variety of sources, including antimicrobial peptides, beta-lactams, and changes in osmolarity. RcsF, an outer membrane lipoprotein, is the sensor for this pathway and activates the phosphorelay by interacting with an inner membrane protein IgaA. IgaA is essential; it negatively regulates the signaling by interacting with the phosphotransferase RcsD. We previously showed that RcsF-dependent signaling does not require the periplasmic domain of the histidine kinase RcsC and identified a dominant negative mutant of RcsD that can block signaling via increased interactions with IgaA. However, how the inducing signals are sensed and how signal is transduced to activate the transcription of the Rcs regulon remains unclear. In this study, we investigated how the Rcs cascade functions without its only known sensor, RcsF, and characterized the underlying mechanisms for three distinct RcsF-independent inducers. Previous reports showed that Rcs activity can be induced in the absence of RcsF by a loss of function mutation in the periplasmic oxidoreductase DsbA or by overexpression of the DnaK cochaperone DjlA. We identified an inner membrane protein, DrpB, as a multicopy RcsF-independent Rcs activator in E. coli. The loss of the periplasmic oxidoreductase DsbA and the overexpression of the DnaK cochaperone DjlA each trigger the Rcs cascade in the absence of RcsF by weakening IgaA-RcsD interactions in different ways. In contrast, the cell-division associated protein DrpB uniquely requires the RcsC periplasmic domain for activation; this domain is not needed for RcsF-dependent signaling. This suggests the possibility that the RcsC periplasmic domain acts as a sensor for some Rcs signals. Overall, the results add new understanding to how this complex phosphorelay can be activated by diverse mechanisms.
Inhibitory KIRs decrease HLA class II-mediated protection in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Mora-Bitria Laura , Debebe Bisrat J. , Miners Kelly L. , Ladell Kristin , Kaur Charandeep , Traherne James A. , Jiang Wei , Price David A. , Hadcocks Linda , McQuibban Nicholas A. R. , Trowsdale John , Wong F Susan , Pontikos Nikolas , Niederalt Christoph , Asquith Becca
Published: December 2024

Inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (iKIRs) are a family of inhibitory receptors that are expressed by natural killer (NK) cells and late-stage differentiated T cells. There is accumulating evidence that iKIRs regulate T cell-mediated immunity. Recently, we reported that T cell-mediated control was enhanced by iKIRs in chronic viral infections. We hypothesized that in the context of autoimmunity, where an enhanced T cell response might be considered detrimental, iKIRs would have an opposite effect. We studied Type 1 diabetes (T1D) as a paradigmatic example of autoimmunity. In T1D, variation in the Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) genes explains up to 50% of the genetic risk, indicating that T cells have a major role in T1D etiopathogenesis. To investigate if iKIRs affect this T cell response, we asked whether HLA associations were modified by iKIR genes. We conducted an immunogenetic analysis of a case-control T1D dataset (N = 11,961) and found that iKIR genes, in the presence of genes encoding their ligands, have a consistent and significant effect on protective HLA class II genetic associations. Our results were validated in an independent data set. We conclude that iKIRs significantly decrease HLA class II protective associations and suggest that iKIRs regulate CD4+ T cell responses in T1D.
Decreased Hsp90 activity protects against TDP-43 neurotoxicity in a C. elegans model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Garcia-Toscano Laura , Currey Heather N. , Hincks Joshua C. , Stair Jade G. , Lehrbach Nicolas J. , Liachko Nicole F.
Published: December 2024

Neuronal inclusions of hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 are hallmarks of disease for most patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutations in TARDBP, the gene coding for TDP-43, can cause some cases of familial inherited ALS (fALS), indicating dysfunction of TDP-43 drives disease. Aggregated, phosphorylated TDP-43 may contribute to disease phenotypes; alternatively, TDP-43 aggregation may be a protective cellular response sequestering toxic protein away from the rest of the cell. The heat shock responsive chaperone Hsp90 has been shown to interact with TDP-43 and stabilize its normal conformation; however, it is not known whether this interaction contributes to neurotoxicity in vivo. Using a C. elegans model of fALS mutant TDP-43 proteinopathy, we find that loss of function of HSP-90 protects against TDP-43 neurotoxicity and subsequent neurodegeneration in adult animals. This protection is accompanied by a decrease in both total and phosphorylated TDP-43 protein. We also find that hsp-90 mutation or inhibition upregulates key stress responsive heat shock pathway gene expression, including hsp-70 and hsp-16.1, and we demonstrate that normal levels of hsp-16.1 are required for hsp-90 mutation effects on TDP-43. We also observe that the neuroprotective effect due to HSP-90 dysfunction does not involve direct regulation of proteasome activity in C. elegans. Our data demonstrate for the first time that Hsp90 chaperone activity contributes to adverse outcomes in TDP-43 proteinopathies in vivo using a whole animal model of ALS.
Estimating the proportion of beneficial mutations that are not adaptive in mammals
Authors: Latrille Thibault , Joseph Julien , Hartasánchez Diego A. , Salamin Nicolas
Published: December 2024

Mutations can be beneficial by bringing innovation to their bearer, allowing them to adapt to environmental change. These mutations are typically unpredictable since they respond to an unforeseen change in the environment. However, mutations can also be beneficial because they are simply restoring a state of higher fitness that was lost due to genetic drift in a stable environment. In contrast to adaptive mutations, these beneficial non-adaptive mutations can be predicted if the underlying fitness landscape is stable and known. The contribution of such non-adaptive mutations to molecular evolution has been widely neglected mainly because their detection is very challenging. We have here reconstructed protein-coding gene fitness landscapes shared between mammals, using mutation-selection models and a multi-species alignments across 87 mammals. These fitness landscapes have allowed us to predict the fitness effect of polymorphisms found in 28 mammalian populations. Using methods that quantify selection at the population level, we have confirmed that beneficial non-adaptive mutations are indeed positively selected in extant populations. Our work confirms that deleterious substitutions are accumulating in mammals and are being reverted, generating a balance in which genomes are damaged and restored simultaneously at different loci. We observe that beneficial non-adaptive mutations represent between 15% and 45% of all beneficial mutations in 24 of 28 populations analyzed, suggesting that a substantial part of ongoing positive selection is not driven solely by adaptation to environmental change in mammals.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dengue in Brazil: Interrupted time series analysis of changes in surveillance and transmission
Authors: Oliveira Roster Kirstin , Martinelli Tiago , Connaughton Colm , Santillana Mauricio , Rodrigues Francisco A.
Published: December 2024

Measures to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 impacted not only COVID-19 dynamics, but also other infectious diseases, such as dengue in Brazil. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted not only transmission dynamics due to changes in mobility patterns, but also several aspects of surveillance, such as care seeking behavior and clinical capacity. However, we lack a clear understanding of the overall impact on dengue in different parts of Brazil and the contribution of individual causal drivers. In this study, we estimated the gap between expected and observed dengue cases in each Brazilian state from March to April 2020 using an interrupted time series design with forecasts from machine learning models. We then decomposed the gap into the contributions of pandemic-induced changes in disease surveillance and transmission dynamics, using proxies for care availability and care seeking behavior. Of 25 states in the analysis, 19 reported fewer dengue cases than predicted and the gap between expected and observed cases was largely explained by excess under-reporting, as illustrated by a reduction in observed cases below expected levels in early March 2020 in several states. A notable exception is the experience in the Southern states, which reported unusually large dengue outbreaks in 2020. These estimates of dengue case counts adjusted for under-reporting help mitigate some of the data gaps from 2020. Reliable estimates of changes in the disease burden are critical for anticipating future outbreaks.
Molecular Xenomonitoring (MX) allows real-time surveillance of West Nile and Usutu virus in mosquito populations
Authors: Bigeard Clément , Pezzi Laura , Klitting Raphaelle , Ayhan Nazli , L’Ambert Grégory , Gomez Nicolas , Piorkowski Géraldine , Amaral Rayane , Durand Guillaume André , Colmant Agathe M. G. , Giraud Cynthia , Ramiara Katia , Migné Camille , Grard Gilda , Touzet Thierry , Zientara Stéphan , Charrel Rémi , Gonzalez Gaëlle , Duvignaud Alexandre , Malvy Denis , de Lamballerie Xavier , Fontaine Albin
Published: December 2024

West Nile Virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) circulate through complex cryptic transmission cycles involving mosquitoes as vectors, birds as amplifying hosts and several mammal species as dead-end hosts. Both viruses can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, which can lead to neuroinvasive and potentially fatal disease. Notably, WNV can also be transmitted through blood donations and organ transplants. The high proportion of asymptomatic infections caused by these viruses and their cryptic enzootic circulation make their early detection in the environment challenging. Viral surveillance in France still heavily relies on human and animal surveillance, i.e. late indicators of viral circulation. Entomological surveillance is a method of choice for identifying virus circulation ahead of the first human and animal cases and to reveal their genetic identity, but performing molecular screening of vectors is expensive, and time-consuming. Here we show substantial WNV and USUV co-circulation in Atlantic seaboard of France between July and August 2023 using a non-invasive MX (Molecular Xenomonitoring) method that use trapped mosquito excreta. MX offers significant advantages over traditional entomological surveillance: it is cost-effective and efficient, enabling viral RNA screening from a community of trapped mosquitoes via their excreta, which can be transported at room temperature. Additionally, MX extends the longevity of trapped mosquitoes, enhancing virus detection and simplifying logistics, and is easy to implement without requiring specialized skills. At the crossroads between entomological and environmental surveillance, MX can detect the circulation of zoonotic pathogens in the environment before cases are observed in humans and horses, enabling the timely alerts to health policy makers, allowing them to take suitable control measures.
Geographic risk assessment of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans invasion in Costa Rica as a means of informing emergence management and mitigation
Authors: Adams Henry C. , Markham Katherine E. , Madden Marguerite , Gray Matthew J. , Bolanos Vives Federico , Chaves Gerardo , Hernandez Sonia M.
Published: December 2024

Remotely-sensed risk assessments of emerging, invasive pathogens are key to targeted surveillance and outbreak responses. The recent emergence and spread of the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), in Europe has negatively impacted multiple salamander species. Scholars and practitioners are increasingly concerned about the potential consequences of this lethal pathogen in the Americas, where salamander biodiversity is higher than anywhere else in the world. Although Bsal has not yet been detected in the Americas, certain countries have already proactively implemented monitoring and detection plans in order to identify areas of greatest concern and enable efficient contingency planning in the event of pathogen detection. To predict areas in Costa Rica with a high Bsal transmission risk, we employed ecological niche modeling combined with biodiversity and tourist visitation data to ascertain the specific risk to a country with world renowned biodiversity. Our findings indicate that approximately 23% of Costa Rica’s landmass provides suitable conditions for Bsal, posing a threat to 37 salamander species. The Central and Talamanca mountain ranges, in particular, have habitats predicted to be highly suitable for the pathogen. To facilitate monitoring and mitigation efforts, we identified eight specific protected areas that we believe are at the greatest risk due to a combination of high biodiversity, tourist visitation, and suitable habitat for Bsal. We advise regular monitoring utilizing remotely-sensed data and ecological niche modeling to effectively target in-situ surveillance and as places begin implementing educational efforts.
A cost-effective adaptive repair strategy to mitigate DDoS-capable IoT botnets
Authors: Hu Jiamin , Yang Xiaofan
Published: December 2024

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) is a type of cyberattack in which multiple compromised systems flood the bandwidth or resources of a single system, making the flooded system inaccessible to legitimate users. Since large-scale botnets based on the Internet of Things (IoT) have been hotbeds for launching DDoS attacks, it is crucial to defend against DDoS-capable IoT botnets effectively. In consideration of resource constraints and frequent state changes for IoT devices, they should be equipped with repair measures that are cost-effective and adaptive to mitigate the impact of DDoS attacks. From the mitigation perspective, we refer to the collection of repair costs at all times as a repair strategy. This paper is then devoted to studying the problem of developing a cost-effective and adaptive repair strategy (ARS). First, we establish an IoT botware propagation model that fully captures the state evolution of an IoT network under attack and defense interventions. On this basis, we model the ARS problem as a data-driven optimal control problem, aiming to realize both learning and prediction of propagation parameters based on network traffic data observed at multiple discrete time slots and control of IoT botware propagation to a desired infection level. By leveraging optimal control theory, we propose an iterative algorithm to solve the problem, numerically obtaining the learned time-varying parameters and a repair strategy. Finally, the performance of the learned parameters and the resulting strategy are examined through computer experiments.
The impact of coarse aggregate mineral compositions on skid resistance performance of asphalt pavement: A comprehensive study
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zeng Lihao , Wang Huimin , Qu Xin
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the influence of different coarse aggregate mineral compositions on the skid resistance performance of asphalt pavement. The imprint method was utilized to assess the contact probability between various graded asphalt surface aggregates and tires. Additionally, macroscopic adhesive friction coefficients between polished surfaces of three types of rock slabs (basalt, limestone, granite) and rubber were determined using a pendulum friction tester. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to model the main aggregate minerals and rubber, and a “sandwich” type constrained shear model was constructed to evaluate micro-scale adhesive friction coefficients. Results indicated a 40% contact probability between aggregate and tire in a unit area of the road surface, highlighting the importance of studying adhesive friction between minerals and rubber. Macroscopically, basalt exhibited the highest adhesive friction coefficient, followed by limestone and granite. At the molecular level, feldspar showed the highest micro-scale friction coefficient with rubber, while quartz exhibited the lowest. The micro-scale adhesive friction coefficients correlated well with the macroscopic findings (correlation coefficient of 0.81), providing theoretical support for optimizing coarse aggregate selection to enhance skid resistance in road applications.
A cell-based Papain-like Protease (PLpro) activity assay for rapid detection of active SARS-CoV-2 infections and antivirals
Authors: Jimenez-Campos Anahi G. , Maestas Lucas I. , Velappan Nileena , Beck Brian , Ye Chunyan , Wernsing Keith , Mata-Solis Yaniksa , Bruno William J. , Bussmann Silas C. , Bradfute Steven , Baca Justin T. , Rininsland Frauke H.
Published: December 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants are a continuous threat to human life. An urgent need remains for simple and fast tests that reliably detect active infections with SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in the early stage of infection. Here we introduce a simple and rapid activity-based diagnostic (ABDx) test that identifies SARS-CoV-2 infections by measuring the activity of a viral enzyme, Papain-Like protease (PLpro). The test system consists of a peptide that fluoresces when cleaved by SARS PLpro that is active in crude, unprocessed lysates from human tongue scrapes and saliva. Test results are obtained in 30 minutes or less using widely available fluorescence plate readers, or a battery-operated portable instrument for on-site testing. Proof-of-concept was obtained in a study on clinical specimens collected from patients with COVID-19 like symptoms who tested positive (n = 10) or negative (n = 10) with LIAT RT-PCR using nasal mid turbinate swabs. When saliva from these patients was tested with in-house endpoint RT-PCR, 17 were positive and only 5 specimens were negative, of which 2 became positive when tested 5 days later. PLpro activity correlated in 17 of these cases (3 out of 3 negatives and 14 out of 16 positives, with one invalid specimen). Despite the small number of samples, the agreement was significant (p value = 0.01). Two false negatives were detected, one from a sample with a late Ct value of 35 in diagnostic RT-PCR, indicating that an active infection was no longer present. The PLpro assay is easily scalable and expected to detect all viable SARS-CoV-2 variants, making it attractive as a screening and surveillance tool. Additionally, we show feasibility of the platform as a new homogeneous phenotypic assay for rapid screening of SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drugs and neutralizing antibodies.
Orbital and suborbital temperature variability in the central Mediterranean across the Pliocene/Pleistocene transition
Authors: Zanola Elena , Rodrigues Teresa , Bonomo Sergio , Ferretti Patrizia , Fornaciari Eliana , Di Stefano Agata , Incarbona Alessandro , Preto Nereo , Raffi Isabella , Capraro Luca
Published: December 2024

A high-resolution record of central Mediterranean Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) based on the alkenone UK’37 index and planktic δ18O values for the surface-dweller G. ruber has been reconstructed across the Pliocene/Pleistocene transition at Monte San Nicola (Sicily), reference area for the GSSP (Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point) of the Gelasian Stage. Spectral analyses indicate that the SST record is predominantly paced by a cyclicity in the ~47 kyr time domain, consistent with the obliquity driven glacial-interglacial variability that is expected to dominate in the interval of relevance. In addition, two suborbital periodicities in the ~5 kyr and ~8 kyr time domains provide a pervasive spectral signal that proves to be especially strong during the MIS (Marine Isotope Stage) 100 glacial, at the inception of the Northern Hemisphere Glaciation. This high frequency climatic instability, a prominent feature of the early Gelasian, might reflect episodic events of massive disruption of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation with increased production of cold, low-salinity water masses in the North Atlantic. Alternatively, it may be interpreted as the resonance (i.e., harmonics) of the low-latitude precessional forcing in mid-latitude regions. Although the driving mechanisms of these processes remain largely unconstrained, our study emphasizes the role of the central Mediterranean as the main reference for high-resolution paleoclimatic studies in the Neogene and the Quaternary.