bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Mental Health Representation in the Technical Standards of Physician Assistant Programs
Authors: Calhoun Bridget , Swift Matthew , Baney Jordan
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this descriptive research project was to examine the technical standards of physician assistant (PA) programs for mental health keywords, phrases, and themes. Each program’s standards were analyzed, and keywords, phrases, and major themes were extracted and compared. The results demonstrate that most US PA programs include language related to mental health in their technical standards including theme areas of emotional health, emotional stability, mental health, emotional well-being, and stress management. No patterns between the wording of mental health content and accreditation status emerged. Given the increasing proportion of mental health diagnoses among the general population, and, by extension, applicants to PA training programs, institutions are encouraged to re-evaluate their technical standards to ensure they remain current and appropriate and contain language inclusive of mental health domains such as emotional stability, emotional health, and stress management.
CRISPR/Cas9: an overview of recent developments and applications in cancer research
Authors: Shamjetsabam Nandibala Devi , Rana Rashmi , Malik Priyanka , Ganguly Nirmal Kumar
Published: February 2024

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) has risen as a potent gene editing method with vast potential across numerous domains, including its application in cancer research and therapy. This review article provides an extensive overview of the research that has been done so far on CRISPR-Cas9 with an emphasis on how it could be utilized in the treatment of cancer. The authors go into the underlying ideas behind CRISPR-Cas9, its mechanisms of action, and its application for the study of cancer biology. Furthermore, the authors investigate the various uses of CRISPR-Cas9 in cancer research, spanning from the discovery of genes and the disease to the creation of novel therapeutic approaches. The authors additionally discuss the challenges and limitations posed by CRISPR-Cas9 technology and offer insights into the potential applications and future directions of this cutting-edge field of research. The article intends to consolidate the present understanding and stimulate more research into CRISPR-Cas9’s promise as a game-changing tool for cancer research and therapy.
Trust Your Fingers: Determining the Reliability and Validity of the Measurement of the Diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle by Palpation and Tape Measure
Authors: Zavagni Käthi , Stauffer Mirjam , Meier Hannah , Knols Rudolf H. , Kimmich Nina
Published: February 2024

Background:

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle (DRAM) occurs in about 60% of pregnant women and often persists after delivery. Currently, the reference standard to measure DRAM is ultrasonography, and physiotherapy is considered first-line treatment. Most physiotherapists do not base their DRAM assessment on ultrasonography but instead on palpatory evaluation with tape measures. This method is neither standardized nor has been tested for its reliability or validity in women with interrectus distance (IRD) of 30 mm and greater.

Objectives:

To assess the reliability of the measurements of DRAM by palpation with tape measure and to evaluate its validity compared with ultrasonography.

Study Design:

Prospective observational study.

Methods:

Two physiotherapists assessed test-retest, intra- and interrater reliability of this method in 20 women with IRD of 30 mm and greater, using intraclass correlations (ICC) and compared the values with ultrasonography to establish its validity using Spearman ρ and Bland-Altman plots. The interval between the 2 sessions was 7 days and greater.

Results:

The ICC values for test-retest reliability ranged from 0.67 to 0.95 and between 0.40 and 0.85 for intrarater reliability. The ICC values for interrater reliability ranged from 0.13 to 0.29. In terms of validity, correlations were inconsistent with Spearman ρ ranging from −0.24 to 0.74.

Conclusion:

Single palpatory measurement with tape above the umbilicus and during partial curl-up might detect changes in IRD of 15.5 mm and greater over time in women with IRD of 30 mm and greater. It cannot replace ultrasonographic measurements in accuracy but might be the only available option for IRDs larger than the ultrasonographic probe.
Managing Pelvic Floor Functional Roles of Stability and Respiration: Part of the Job for All Physical Therapists
Authors: Nelson Patricia R. , Durant Kim McCole , Ziehme Dylan , Hammerich Amy
Published: February 2024

All patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions managed by a physical therapist (PT) could have pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction contributing to their condition. Yet many PTs do not include assessment and management of the PF and pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in their practice. While complex primary disorders of the PF, including continence and sexual function, are appropriately managed by pelvic health specialists, these specialists are few in numbers and availability across the country. This leaves patients with secondary PF involvement, specifically related to PF roles of stability and respiration, undermanaged. Lack of assessment of PFM contributions to respiration and stability leaves a practice gap for PTs and patient care across populations and settings. Clinicians, educators, and administrators are invited to join together to solve this practice gap. The purpose of this article is a call to action for PTs across all practice settings to address the PF functional roles in stability and respiration critical for neuromuscular function in our patients (see the Supplemental Digital Content Video Abstract, available at: http://links.lww.com/JWHPT/A114).
Executive Functioning in Females Living With Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Pilot Study
Authors: Guitar Nicole A. , Connelly Denise M. , Murray Laura L. , Hunter Susan W.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a musculoskeletal condition that is treated by physiotherapists. CPP refers to constant or intermittent pain in the pelvic region lasting at least 6 months in duration. Despite links between other chronic pain conditions and impaired executive functioning (EF), the relationship between CPP and EF has not been examined.

Objectives:

To examine (1) the feasibility of recruitment, retention of potential participants, and virtual data collection to discover; (2) whether EF assessment measures suggest the presence of EF impairment in participants living with CPP; and (3) how self-reported scores on pain catastrophizing, central sensitization, depression, anxiety, and stress among those living with CPP compare with normative data.

Study Design:

In this cross-sectional pilot study, participants were included if they self-identified as a female, reported living with CPP, and were 18 to 40 years of age.

Method:

Virtual interviews were conducted to administer the Central Sensitization Inventory, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, short version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, Oral Trail-Making Test, a phonemic verbal fluency FAS test, and the Executive Skills Questionnaire-Revised.

Results:

A total of 35 people participated in the study (60.34% of all interested potential participants). When compared with normative data, participants displayed difficulties on the verbal fluency FAS test and the Executive Skills Questionnaire-Revised.

Conclusion:

It is feasible to recruit and retain participants using virtual interviews to study EF in females living with CPP. Some assessment measures of EF indicated the presence of impairment. Central sensitization, catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, and stress scores were high.
An Improved Definition and SAFE Rule for Predicting Difficult Intravascular Access (DIVA) in Hospitalized Adults
Authors: Bahl Amit , Alsbrooks Kimberly , Zazyczny Kelly Ann , Johnson Steven , Hoerauf Klaus
Published: February 2024

Patients with difficult intravascular access (DIVA) are common, yet the condition is often ignored or poorly managed, leading to patient dissatisfaction and misuse of health care resources. This study sought to assess all published risk factors associated with DIVA in order to promote prospective identification and improved management of patients with DIVA. A systematic literature review on risk factors associated with DIVA was conducted. Risk factors published in ≥4 eligible studies underwent a multivariate meta-analysis of multiple factors (MVMA-MF) using the Bayesian framework. Of 2535 unique publications identified, 20 studies were eligible for review. In total, 82 unique DIVA risk factors were identified, with the 10 factors found in ≥4 studies undergoing MVMA-MF. Significant predictors of DIVA included vein visibility, vein palpability, history of DIVA, obesity (body mass index [BMI] >30), and history of intravenous (IV) drug abuse, which were combined to create the mnemonic guideline, SAFE: See, Ask (about a history of DIVA or IV drug abuse), Feel, and Evaluate BMI. By recognizing patients with DIVA before the first insertion attempt and treating them from the outset with advanced vein visualization techniques, patients with DIVA could be subject to less frequent painful venipunctures, fewer delays in treatment, and a reduction in other DIVA-associated burdens.
Building Leaders for an Equitable and Inclusive Future
Authors: Bacon Cynthia Thornton , Caramanica Laura , Prestia Angela , Snow Francine
Published: February 2024

The Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN) 2023 International Conference was held on October 28 to 30 in Birmingham, Alabama, and sponsored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. ALSN is dedicated to uniting academic and practice leaders to shape leadership science, education in nursing, and the practice of nursing leadership. The theme for the conference was Building Leaders for an Equitable and Inclusive Future. Nurse leaders from the United States, Canada, and Brazil gathered to discuss leadership science.
Evaluating a Workplace Violence Management Program and Nurses' Confidence in Coping With Patient Aggression
Authors: Emmerling Sheryl A. , McGarvey Jeremy S. , Burdette Kaitlyn S.
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate nurse confidence in coping with patient aggression after implementing a workplace violence prevention program that includes management and postevent support.

BACKGROUND

Patient aggression toward nurses is increasing, leading many healthcare organizations to develop workplace violence prevention programs.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a large healthcare system in the Midwestern United States. Clinical nurses caring for adult patients across the care continuum ≥51% of the time were invited to participate.

RESULTS

In situ simulation plus standard training did not have a significant impact on confidence after controlling for the year education occurred; however, nurses completing training in 2022 had significantly higher confidence than nurses completing training in 2019. Use of the Violence Assessment Tool and participating in a post–control alert debriefing were also associated with significantly higher confidence.

CONCLUSION

Factors other than education may influence nurses' confidence in coping with patient aggression.
The Level of Political Astuteness in Nursing Leaders
Authors: O'Hanlon Curry Joan , Fitzpatrick Joyce J.
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

To assess the baseline knowledge of nursing leaders regarding political advocacy and healthcare policy.

BACKGROUND

Although there has been considerable attention to the need for nurses' involvement in health policy, there has not been a prior assessment of the political astuteness of nursing leaders.

METHODS

Researchers analyzed self-reported data from 101 nursing leaders collected via electronic survey from American Organization for Nursing Leadership members. Descriptive, correlational analysis of data assessing political astuteness and background information was completed.

RESULTS

Half of the nurse leader participants demonstrated slight political astuteness. Nurse executives, including those in chief nursing officer, chief nurse executive, and vice president positions, had higher levels of political astuteness than those in nurse director and manager positions.

CONCLUSION

Nursing leaders have beginning levels of political astuteness. Formal education is recommended to increase the knowledge base of nurse leaders in the areas of understanding the political and legislative process and the skills needed to advocate regarding healthcare policy, thus increasing their level of political astuteness.
The Promise of Endovascular Neurotechnology: A Brain-Computer Interface to Restore Autonomy to People with Motor Impairment
Authors: Oxley Thomas J.
Published: February 2024

This Joel A. DeLisa Lecture on endovascular brain-computer interfaces was presented by Dr. Thomas Oxley on February 23, 2023, at the Association of Academic Physiatrists Annual Scientific Meeting. The lecture described how brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) replace lost physiological function to enable direct communication between the brain and external digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and robotic limbs. Specifically, the potential of a novel endovascular BCI technology was discussed. The BCI uses a stent-electrode array delivered via the jugular vein and is permanently implanted in a vein adjacent to the motor cortex. In a first-in-human clinical trial, participants with upper limb paralysis who received the endovascular BCI could use the system independently and at home to operate laptop computers for various instrumental activities of daily living. An FDA-approved trial of the endovascular BCI in the United States is in progress. Future development of the system will provide recipients with continuous autonomy through digital access with minimal caregiver assistance. Physiatrists and occupational therapists will have a vital role in helping people with paralysis achieve the potential of implantable BCIs.
High-Volume Drainless Lipoabdominoplasty with Progressive Tension Sutures: UK Experience
Authors: Bendon Charlotte L. , Marsh Dan , Akhavani Mo
Published: February 2024

Background:

Lipoabdominoplasty is an established technique, but outcomes of high lipoaspirate volumes in large series are lacking. The authors present the UK experience of high-volume, drainless lipoabdominoplasty using progressive deep tension sutures.

Methods:

A total of 286 consecutive patients at a single center underwent drainless lipoabdominoplasty with a lipoaspirate volume of 500 mL or greater between 2017 and 2023. Surgery was performed under total intravenous anesthesia with SAFELipo, MicroAire, and a superwet technique. Abdominoplasty was commenced through a low convex abdominal incision with multilayer rectus plication, and abdominal closure was undertaken with progressive tension sutures. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between lipoaspirate volume and 4 primary outcomes: all complications, delayed healing, seroma, and need for revision.

Results:

The mean lipoaspirate volume was 2392.4 mL (range, 500 to 5900 mL), and the abdominal tissue resection weight was 1392.0 g (range, 346 to 3802 g). One-third of patients had local complications (minor irregularities, 14.0%; abdominal scar problems, 12.9%; umbilical shape or scar, 4.5%; localized infection, 4.2%; and delayed healing, 3.8%). One patient (0.3%) had a small area of localized necrosis that was managed successfully by further tissue advancement. There was 1 abdominal hematoma and 2 systemic complications (venous thromboembolism, 0.3%; and drug-induced hepatitis, 0.3%). The seroma rate was 3.1%. A total of 16.0% of patients required revision under general anesthesia, and 6.6% under a local anesthetic. There was no significant relationship between the lipoaspirate volume and any of the 4 primary outcome measures.

Conclusions:

High-volume liposuction can be performed safely simultaneously with abdominoplasty. The authors’ complication rates are equivalent to or lower than other published data on lipoabdominoplasty, challenging current concepts in body sculpting.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Contemporary management of open extremity fractures: What you need to know
Authors: Stahel Philip F. , Kaufman Adam M.
Published: February 2024

Open extremity fractures are high-risk injuries prone to significant complications, including soft tissue loss, bone defects, infection, infected nonunion, and the necessity for limb amputation. Large-scale multicenter prospective studies from the Lower Extremity Assessment Project and the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium have provided novel scientific insights pertinent to the timeliness and appropriateness of specific treatment modalities aimed at improving outcomes of patients with open extremity injuries. These include the imperative for early administration of intravenous antibiotics within 3 hours of injury, preferably within 1 hour of hospital admission. Unlike the proven value of early antibiotics, the time to initial surgical debridement does not appear to affect infection rates and patient outcomes. Recent evidence-based consensus guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons provide scientific guidance for preventing surgical site infections in patients with open extremity fractures and support the decision making of limb salvage versus amputation in critical open extremity injuries. Patient survival represents the overarching priority in the management of any trauma patient with associated orthopedic injuries. Therefore, the timing and modality of managing open fractures must take into account the patient's physiology, response to resuscitation, and overall injury burden. The present review was designed to provide a state-of-the-art overview on the recommended diagnostic workup and management strategies for patients with open extremity fractures, based on the current scientific evidence.
Stimulation-Induced Seizures in Children Undergoing Stereo-EEG Evaluation
Authors: Manokaran Ranjith Kumar , Ochi Ayako , Weiss Shelly , Yau Ivanna , Sharma Rohit , Otsubo Hiroshi , Ibrahim George M. , Donner Elizabeth J. , Jain Puneet
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

This study reports our center's initial experience with the use of low-frequency stimulation in provoking stimulation-induced seizures (SIS) in children with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing stereo-EEG evaluations.

Methods:

This retrospective study enrolled children aged 2 to 18 years with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who underwent stereo-EEG evaluation and extraoperative direct electrical cortical stimulation to elicit seizures. The low-frequency stimulation parameters consisted of biphasic square waveforms at frequency of 1 Hz, pulse width 1 millisecond, current 1 to 3 mA, and train duration of 20 seconds. Various epilepsy-related, imaging, neurophysiology, and surgery-related variables were collected and summarized.

Results:

Fourteen children (mean age 13 years; 57.1% girls) were included, 10 of whom had unilateral stereo-EEG coverage. Cortical stimulation for provoking seizures was performed after a median of 5 days after electrode implantation. The median number of electrode-contacts stimulated per patient was 42. Four patients (28.6%) experienced habitual SIS (all extratemporal). The etiology in three patients was focal cortical dysplasia. Interictal high-frequency oscillations at electrode-contacts provoking SIS were observed in three cases (75%). Two of these individuals (50%) had class 1 International League Against Epilepsy seizure outcome at last follow-up, after the resection of the brain regions generating SIS.

Conclusions:

Low-frequency (1-Hz) stimulation could provoke habitual SIS in nearly one-fourth of children with focal epilepsy undergoing stereo-EEG monitoring. This study provides a limited pediatric experience with the low-frequency cortical stimulation and SIS.
Metagenome-assembled genomes of three Hepatoplasmataceae provide insights into isopod-mollicute symbiosis
Authors: Kawato Satoshi , Nozaki Reiko , Kondo Hidehiro , Hirono Ikuo
Published: February 2024

The digestive organs of terrestrial isopods harbour bacteria of the recently proposed mollicute family Hepatoplasmataceae. The only complete genome available so far for Hepatoplasmataceae is that of ‘Candidatus Hepatoplasma crinochetorum’. The scarcity of genome sequences has hampered our understanding of the symbiotic relationship between isopods and mollicutes. Here, we present four complete metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of uncultured Hepatoplasmataceae members identified from shotgun sequencing data of isopods. We propose genomospecies names for three MAGs that show substantial sequence divergence from any previously known Hepatoplamsataceae members: ‘Candidatus Tyloplasma litorale’ identified from the semiterrestrial isopod Tylos granuliferus, ‘Candidatus Hepatoplasma vulgare’ identified from the common pill bug Armadillidium vulgare, and ‘Candidatus Hepatoplasma scabrum’ identified from the common rough woodlouse Porcellio scaber. Phylogenomic analysis of 155 mollicutes confirmed that Hepatoplasmataceae is a sister clade of Metamycoplasmataceae in the order Mycoplasmoidales. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences and phylogenomic analysis showed that ‘Candidatus Tyloplasma litorale’ and other semiterrestrial isopod-associated mollicutes represent the placeholder genus ‘g_Bg2’ in the r214 release of the Genome Taxonomy Database, warranting their assignment to a novel genus. Our analysis also revealed that Hepatoplasmataceae lack major metabolic pathways but has a likely intact type IIA CRISPR-Cas9 machinery. Although the localization of the Hepatoplasmatacae members have not been verified microscopically in this study, these genomic characteristics are compatible with the idea that these mollicutes have an ectosymbiotic lifestyle with high nutritional dependence on their host, as has been demonstrated for other members of the family. We could not find evidence that Hepatoplasmataceae encode polysaccharide-degrading enzymes that aid host digestion. If they are to provide nutritional benefits, it may be through extra-copy nucleases, peptidases, and a patatin-like lipase. Exploration of potential host-symbiont interaction-associated genes revealed large, repetitive open reading frames harbouring beta-sandwich domains, possibly involved with host cell adhesion. Overall, genomic analyses suggest that isopod-mollicute symbiosis is not characterized by carbohydrate degradation, and we speculate on their potential role as defensive symbionts through spatial competition with pathogens to prevent infection.
To 200,000 m/z and beyond: native electron capture charge reduction mass spectrometry deconvolves heterogeneous signals in large biopharmaceutical analytes
Authors: Le Huray Kyle I. P. , Woerner Tobias P. , Moreira Tiago , Reinhardt-Szyba Maria , Devine Paul W. A. , Bond Nicholas J. , Fort Kyle L. , Makarov Alexander A , Sobott Frank
Published: February 2024

Great progress has been made in the detection of large biomolecular analytes by native mass spectro-metry, however characterizing highly heterogeneous samples remains challenging due to the presence of many overlapping signals from complex ion distributions. Electron-capture charge reduction (ECCR), in which a protein cation captures free electrons without apparent dissociation, can dealign overlapping signals by shifting the ions to lower charge states. The concomitant shift to higher m/z also facilitates the exploration of instrument upper m/z limits if large complexes are used. Here we perform native ECCR on the bacterial chaperonin GroEL and megadalton scale adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid assemblies on the Q Exactive UHMR mass spectrometer. Charge reduction of AAV8 capsids by up to 90% pushes signals well above 100,000 m/z and enables charge state resolution and mean mass determination of these highly heterogeneous samples, even for capsids loaded with genetic cargo. With minor instrument modifications the UHMR can detect charge reduced ion signals beyond 200,000 m/z. This work demonstrates the utility of ECCR for deconvolving heterogeneous signals in native mass spectrometry and presents the highest m/z signals ever recorded on an Orbitrap instrument, opening up the use of Orbitrap native mass spectrometry for heavier analytes than ever before.
Mean transverse energy, surface chemical and physical characterization of CERN-made Cs-Te photocathodes
Authors: Jones L. B. , Panuganti H. , Benjamin C. , Chevallay E. , Churn H. M. , Fedosseev V. , Noakes T. C. Q. , Soomary L. A. J. , Welsch C. P.
Published: February 2024

Cesium telluride photocathodes are known to offer high quantum efficiencies under UV illumination combined with good lifetimes compared to other semiconductor photocathodes, making them very popular electron sources for particle accelerator applications. The development of photocathode preparation, characterization, and related expertise at a single accelerator laboratory can be challenging, expensive, and time consuming. Recognizing this, we explored the use of a custom-designed ultrahigh vacuum suitcase for transportation of CERN-made (Switzerland) cesium telluride photocathodes to Daresbury Laboratory (UK) for characterization. We report the synthesis and characterization of a batch of four cesium telluride photocathodes corresponding to our second attempt of transport, following design and process improvements through lessons learned from our first attempt. The photocathode characterization involved, where possible, measurements of the surface elemental composition using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface roughness with an in-vacuum scanning tunneling microscope (STM), and quantum efficiency (QE) measurements. Transverse energy distribution curves were obtained over a wide range of illumination wavelengths using the transverse energy spread spectrometer (TESS) at room- and cryogenic temperatures, and the values for mean transverse energy (MTE) were extracted. The photocathodes exhibited distinct thicknesses ranging from ∼50 to ∼120  nm and significant MTE beyond the photoemission threshold which is attributed to the presence of CsxO and Cs phases, as confirmed by XPS analysis. The photocathode that exhibited no carbon or oxygen contamination was measured to have the highest QE of 2.9% at a wavelength of 265 nm at the end of the performance characterization process. The results presented herein offer an insight into the achievements possible through international collaborations by successfully utilizing long-distance transportation of photocathodes by land under ultrahigh vacuum conditions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamical subset sampling of quantum error-correcting protocols
Authors: Heußen Sascha , Winter Don , Rispler Manuel , Müller Markus
Published: February 2024

Quantum error-correcting (QEC) stabilizer codes enable protection of quantum information against errors during storage and processing. Simulation of noisy QEC codes is used to identify the noise parameters necessary for advantageous operation of logical qubits in realistic quantum computing architectures. Typical quantum error-correction techniques contain intermediate measurements and classical feedback that determine the actual noisy circuit sequence in an instance of performing the protocol. Dynamical subset sampling enables efficient simulation of such nondeterministic quantum error-correcting protocols for any type of quantum circuit and incoherent noise of low strength. As an importance sampling technique, dynamical subset sampling allows one to effectively make use of computational resources to only sample the most relevant sequences of quantum circuits in order to estimate a protocol's logical failure rate with well-defined error bars. We demonstrate the capabilities of dynamical subset sampling with examples from fault-tolerant (FT) QEC. We show that, in a typical stabilizer simulation with incoherent Pauli noise of strength p=10−3, our method can reach a required sampling accuracy on the logical failure rate with two orders of magnitude fewer samples than direct Monte Carlo simulation. Furthermore, dynamical subset sampling naturally allows for efficient simulation of realistic multi-parameter noise models describing faulty quantum processors. It can be applied not only for QEC in the circuit model but any noisy quantum computing framework with incoherent fault operators including measurement-based quantum computation and quantum networks.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Topotaxis of active particles across long distances by sliding along obstacles
Authors: Sadjadi Zeinab , Rieger Heiko
Published: February 2024

Many biological active agents respond to gradients of environmental cues by redirecting their motion. In addition to the well-studied prominent examples such as phototaxis and chemotaxis, there has been considerable recent interest in topotaxis, i.e., the ability to sense and follow topographic environmental cues. A trivial topotaxis is achievable through a spatial gradient of obstacle density, though over limited length scales. Here, we introduce a type of topotaxis based on sliding of particles along obstacles—as observed, e.g., in bacterial dynamics near surfaces. We numerically demonstrate how imposing a gradient in the angle of sliding along pillars breaks the spatial symmetry and biases the direction of motion, resulting in an efficient topotaxis in a uniform pillar park. By repeating blocks of pillars with a strong gradient of sliding angle, we propose an efficient method for guiding particles over arbitrary long distances. We provide an explanation for this spectacular phenomenon based on effective reflection at the borders of neighboring blocks. Our results are of technological and medical importance for design of efficient taxis devices for living agents.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Three-dimensional harmonic oscillator as a quantum Otto engine
Authors: Rodin A.
Published: February 2024

A quantum Otto engine based on a three-dimensional harmonic oscillator is proposed. One of the modes of this oscillator functions as the working fluid, while the other two play the role of baths. The coupling between the working fluid and the baths is controlled using an external central potential. All four strokes of the engine are simulated numerically, exploring the nonadiabatic effects in the compression and expansion phases, as well as the energy transfer during the working fluid's contact with the baths. The efficiency and power of several realizations of the proposed engine are also computed with the former agreeing well with the theoretical predictions for the quantum Otto cycle.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
DISCOVER: Deep identification of symbolically concise open-form partial differential equations via enhanced reinforcement learning
Authors: Du Mengge , Chen Yuntian , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: February 2024

The working mechanisms of complex natural systems tend to abide by concise partial differential equations (PDEs). Methods that directly mine equations from data are called PDE discovery, which reveals consistent physical laws and facilitates our interactions with the natural world. In this paper, an enhanced deep reinforcement-learning framework is proposed to uncover symbolically concise open-form PDEs with little prior knowledge. Particularly, based on a symbol library of basic operators and operands, a PDE can be represented by a tree structure. A structure-aware recurrent neural network agent is designed to capture structured information, and is seamlessly combined with the sparse regression method to generate open-form PDE expressions. All of the generated PDEs are evaluated by a meticulously designed reward function by balancing fitness to data and parsimony, and updated by the model-based reinforcement learning. Customized constraints and regulations are formulated to guarantee the rationality of PDEs in terms of physics and mathematics. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our framework is capable of mining open-form governing equations of several dynamic systems, even with compound equation terms, fractional structure, and high-order derivatives. This method is also applied to a real-world problem of the oceanographic system and demonstrates great potential for knowledge discovery in more complicated circumstances with exceptional efficiency and scalability.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Single-Molecule Morphology of Topologically Digested Olympic Networks
Authors: Ramakrishnan Saminathan , Chen Zihao , Fosado Yair Augusto Gutierrez , Tubiana Luca , Vanderlinden Willem , Savill Nicholas Jon , Schnaufer Achim , Michieletto Davide
Published: February 2024

The kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) is the archetype of a two-dimensional Olympic network, composed of thousands of DNA minicircles and found in the mitochondrion of certain parasites. The evolution, replication, and self-assembly of this structure are fascinating open questions in biology that can also inform us how to realize synthetic Olympic networks . To obtain a deeper understanding of the structure and assembly of kDNA networks, we sequenced the kDNA genome and performed high-resolution atomic force microscopy and analysis of kDNA networks that had been partially digested by selected restriction enzymes. We discovered that these topological perturbations lead to networks with significantly different geometrical features and morphologies with respect to the unperturbed kDNA, and that these changes are strongly dependent on the class of DNA circles targeted by the restriction enzymes. Specifically, cleaving maxicircles leads to a dramatic reduction in network size once adsorbed onto the surface, while cleaving both maxicircles and a minor class of minicircles yields noncircular and deformed structures. We argue that our results are a consequence of a precise positioning of the maxicircles at the boundary of the network, and we discuss our findings in the context of kDNA biogenesis, design of artificial Olympic networks, and detection of perturbations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystallization and biochemical studies of the NYN domain of human KHNYN
Authors: Hong Sunho , Choe Jungwoo
Published: February 2024

KHNYN is composed of an N-terminal KH-like RNA-binding domain and a C-terminal PIN/NYN endoribonuclease domain. It forms a complex with zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP), leading to the degradation of viral or cellular RNAs depending on the ZAP isoform. Here, the production, crystallization and biochemical analysis of the NYN domain (residues 477–636) of human KHNYN are presented. The NYN domain was crystallized with a heptameric single-stranded RNA from the AU-rich elements of the 3′-UTR of interferon lambda 3. The crystal belonged to space group P4132, with unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 111.3 Å, and diffacted to 1.72 Å resolution. The RNase activity of the NYN domain was demonstrated using different single-stranded RNAs, together with the binding between the NYN domain of KHNYN and the zinc-finger domain of ZAP.
Structure of the GDP-bound state of the SRP GTPase FlhF
Authors: Dornes Anita , Mais Christopher-Nils , Bange Gert
Published: February 2024

The GTPase FlhF, a signal recognition particle (SRP)-type enzyme, is pivotal for spatial–numerical control and bacterial flagella assembly across diverse species, including pathogens. This study presents the X-ray structure of FlhF in its GDP-bound state at a resolution of 2.28 Å. The structure exhibits the classical N- and G-domain fold, consistent with related SRP GTPases such as Ffh and FtsY. Comparative analysis with GTP-loaded FlhF elucidates the conformational changes associated with GTP hydrolysis. These topological reconfigurations are similarly evident in Ffh and FtsY, and play a pivotal role in regulating the functions of these hydrolases.
Crystal structure and characterization of a new one-dimensional copper(II) coordination polymer containing a 4-aminobenzoic acid ligand
Authors: Gogia Alisha , Novikov Egor M. , Guzei Ilia A. , Fonari Marina S. , Timofeeva Tatiana V.
Published: February 2024

A CuII coordination polymer, catena-poly[[[aquacopper(II)]-bis(μ-4-aminobenzoato)-κ2
N:O;κ2
O:N] monohydrate], {[Cu(pABA)2(H2O)]·H2O}
n
(pABA = p-aminobenzoate, C7H4NO2
−), was synthesized and characterized. It exhibits a one-dimensional chain structure extended into a three-dimensional supramolecular assembly through hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions. While the twinned crystal shows a metrically orthorhombic lattice and an apparent space group Pbcm, the true symmetry is monoclinic (space group P2/c), with disordered Cu atoms and mixed roles of water molecules (aqua ligand/crystallization water). The luminescence spectrum of the complex shows an emission at 345 nm, cf. 349 nm for pABAH.
Subsistence entrepreneurship and intersectional inequalities: a case study of women from Pakistani urban-poor districts
Authors: Shah Uzair , Hayes Niall , Obaid Asfia
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The study adopts an intersectional approach to identify the key dimension(s) that reproduce inequalities in women's subsistence entrepreneurship within urban-poor settings in the global south.

Design/methodology/approach

The in-depth case study is based on 44 semi-structured interviews and four focus-group discussions with women entrepreneurs based within urban-poor dwellings in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Findings

The authors contribute to the literature by identifying how intersecting socio-class and socioeconomic inequalities, and patriarchal norms of izzat (meaning: honour, respect) and purdah (or veil), perpetuate disadvantage for women entrepreneurs producing and/or selling business goods and services.

Originality/value

The findings challenge the view of entrepreneurship as a meritocratic and neutral activity for social emancipation. The authors argue that multiple social hierarchies and inequalities operate simultaneously, but how these are understood, exercised and reproduce disadvantage for women entrepreneurs, depends on their social class. The authors propose a triple bind of domestic, market and societal inequalities as a heuristic framework for understanding intersecting inequalities, patriarchy and subsistence entrepreneurship in Pakistan, specifically the global south.
Understanding the multifunctional role of entrepreneurial coaching through a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Marras Giammarco , Opizzi Matteo , Loi Michela
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to systematise the entrepreneurial coaching (EC) literature by understanding how the phenomenon has been investigated along four dimensions inspired by Gartner’s (1985) conceptualisation of entrepreneurship: entrepreneurial process, context, target and outcomes. In so doing, this study will provide a frame of its multifunctional role and identify relevant gaps and suggestions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a systematic literature review to collect existing works on EC. We analysed 85 selected papers with a qualitative content analysis that allowed us to highlight relevant research themes for the entrepreneurial process, context, outcomes and target.

Findings

Our results demonstrate that EC has a multifunctional role in entrepreneurship that can be summarised in five different typologies, depending on the stage of the entrepreneurial process in which it is applied, the context, the target and the outcomes.

Originality/value

As one of the first attempts to systematise studies on EC, this work extends previous conceptualisation of EC by detailing different typologies of this intervention, thereby contributing to reduced fragmentation and conceptual ambiguity.
Attaining global peace and tourism competitiveness: linkages between tourism, security measures and economic stability
Authors: Liu Xiaoying , Ali Qamar , Yaseen Muhammad Rizwan , Sarkodie Samuel Asumadu , Makhdum Muhammad Sohail Amjad , Khan Muhammad Tariq Iqbal
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 outlines sustainability as associated with peace, good governance and justice. The perception of international tourists about security measures and risks is a key factor affecting destination choices, tourist flow and overall satisfaction. Thus, we investigate the impact of armed forces personnel, prices, economic stability, financial development and infrastructure on tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used data from 130 countries from 1995 to 2019, which were divided into four income groups. This study employs a two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) technique and a novel tourism index comprising five relevant indicators of tourism.

Findings

A 1% increase in armed forces personnel expands tourism in all income groups – 0.369% High Income Countries (HICs), 0.348% Upper Middle Income Countries (UMICs), 0.247% Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs) and 0.139% Low Income Countries (LICs). The size of the tourism-safety coefficient decreases from high to low-income groups. The impact of inflation is significantly negative in all panels, excluding LICs. The reduction in tourism was 0.033% in HICs, 0.049% in UMICs and 0.029% in LMICs for a 1% increase in prices. The increase in the global tourism index is more in LICs (0.055%), followed by LMICs (0.024%), UMICs (0.009%) and HICs (0.004%) for a 1% expansion in the gross domestic product (GDP)/capita growth. However, the magnitude of the growth-led tourism impact is greater in developing countries. A positive impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow was found in all panels like 0.016% in HICs, 0.050% in UMICs and 0.119% in LMICs for a 1% increase in FDI inflow. The rise in the global tourism index is 0.097% (HICs), 0.124% (UMICs) and 0.310% (LMICs) for a 1% rise in the financial development index. The increase in the global tourism index is 0.487% (HICs), 0.420% (UMICs) and 0.136% (LICs) for a 1% rise in the infrastructure index.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical analysis infers important policy implications such as (a) establishment of a peaceful environment via recruitment of security personnel, use of safe city cameras, modern technology and law enforcement; (b) provision of basic facilities to tourists like sanitation, drinking water, electricity, accommodation, quality food, fuel and communication network and (c) price stability through different tools of monetary and fiscal policy.

Originality/value

First, it explains the effect of security personnel on a comprehensive index of tourism instead of a single variable of tourism. Second, it captures the importance of economic stability (i.e., economic growth, financial development and FDI inflow) in the tourism–peace nexus.
Barriers and strategies for green investments in environmental, social and governance: a seaport companies' study
Authors: Villabruna Vinicius Elias , Hluszko Cleiton , Rossi Daiane , Barros Murillo Vetroni , Lam Jasmine Siu Lee , Lermen Fernando Henrique
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Seaports are vital in facilitating sustainable development, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors significantly impact an organization’s performance. Therefore, this study aims to identify and evaluate barriers and strategies of green investments to promote ESG practices within the seaport sector.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfill this aim, a systematic literature review, interpretive structural modeling and the matrix of cross-impact multiplications were applied to classification analysis.

Findings

12 barriers were prioritized and categorized by experts in a focus group to optimize efforts and define the materiality of these barriers in implementing ESG strategies within seaport companies.

Practical implications

The implications of this study provide an alternative approach for ESG management in the context of seaports that can be applied in different regions by experts' opinion assessment.

Originality/value

No prior studies assessed the barriers and strategies for green investments in ESG from the port sector perspective.
Tourism crowding and resident approach/avoidance reactions through sustainable tourism: moderating role of proenvironmental behavior
Authors: Ud Din Nizam , Nazneen Shama , Jamil Barkat
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In line with the stimulus overload theory, this study seeks a comprehensive understanding of tourism crowding by examining residents’ perceived tourism crowding and their corresponding avoidance and approach reactions through sustainable tourism. In addition, the study aims to investigate whether residents’ proenvironmental behavior moderates’ tourism’s negative impacts on the local ecosystem, delving into its potential mitigating role.

Design/methodology/approach

Using purposive sampling, the authors engaged residents associated with government and nongovernment organizations, universities, colleges and schools, as well as individuals from the business sector encompassing hotels, restaurants and cafeterias, markets and dedicated social activists actively involved in community affairs.

Findings

The analysis, conducted on 920 questionnaires using structural equation modeling, demonstrates that tourism crowding exhibits a negative correlation with sustainable tourism and approach reactions but a positive correlation with avoidance reactions. Furthermore, the moderation analysis suggests that as residents’ proenvironmental behavior improves, the detrimental effect of tourism crowding on sustainable tourism diminishes.

Practical implications

The study presents numerous implications for policymakers and the tourism industry, emphasizing the need to comprehend residents’ perceptions of tourism crowding and sustainable tourism. It underscores the importance of engaging residents in the tourism process to achieve sustainability goals.

Originality/value

The novel theoretical contribution lies in applying the stimulus overload theory to examine tourism crowding and sustainable tourism, specifically from the residents’ perspectives.
Improving homology‐directed repair by small molecule agents for genetic engineering in unconventional yeast?—Learning from the engineering of mammalian systems
Authors: Lu Min , Billerbeck Sonja
Published: February 2024

The ability to precisely edit genomes by deleting or adding genetic information enables the study of biological functions and the building of efficient cell factories. In many unconventional yeasts, such as those promising new hosts for cell factory design but also human pathogenic yeasts and food spoilers, this progress has been limited by the fact that most yeasts favour non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) over homologous recombination (HR) as a DNA repair mechanism, impairing genetic access to these hosts. In mammalian cells, small molecules that either inhibit proteins involved in NHEJ, enhance protein function in HR, or arrest the cell cycle in HR‐dominant phases are regarded as promising agents for the simple and transient increase of HR‐mediated genome editing without the need for a priori host engineering. Only a few of these chemicals have been applied to the engineering of yeast, although the targeted proteins are mostly conserved, making chemical agents a yet‐underexplored area for enhancing yeast engineering. Here, we consolidate knowledge of the available small molecules that have been used to improve HR efficiency in mammalian cells and the few ones that have been used in yeast. We include available high‐throughput‐compatible NHEJ/HR quantification assays that could be used to screen for and isolate yeast‐specific inhibitors.