bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical phase evaluation approach for defect phase diagrams
Authors: Yang Jing , Abdelkawy Ahmed , Todorova Mira , Neugebauer Jörg
Published: February 2025

We propose an analytical thermodynamic model for describing defect phase transformations, which we term the statistical phase evaluation approach (SPEA). The SPEA model assumes a Boltzmann distribution of finite-size phase fractions and calculates their statistical average. To benchmark the performance of the model, we apply it to construct binary surface phase diagrams of metal alloys. Two alloy systems are considered: a Mg surface with Ca substitutions and a Ni surface with Nb substitutions. To construct a firm basis against which the performance of the analytical model can be leveled, we first perform Monte Carlo (MC) simulations coupled with cluster expansion of a density functional theory dataset. We then demonstrate that the SPEA model reproduces the MC results accurately. Specifically, it correctly predicts the surface order-disorder transitions as well as the coexistence of the 1/3 ordered phase and the disordered phase. Finally, we compare the SPEA method to the sublattice model commonly used in the CALPHAD approach to describe ordered and random solution phases and their transitions. The proposed SPEA model provides a highly efficient approach for modeling defect phase transformations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Roles of the
N(1535)
and
a0(980)
in the process
Λc+→π+ηn
Authors: Li Meng-Yuan , Lyu Wen-Tao , Liu Li-Juan , Wang En
Published: February 2025

We have investigated the process Λc+→π+ηn by taking into account the contributions from the nucleon resonance N(1535) and the scalar meson a0(980), which could be dynamically generated by the interaction of the S-wave pseudoscalar meson-octet baryon and the S-wave pseudoscalar meson-pseudoscalar meson, respectively. Our results show that, in ηn invariant mass distribution, there is a significant near-threshold enhancement structure, which could be associated with N(1535). On the other hand, one can find a clear cusp structure of a0(980) in π+η invariant mass distribution. We further estimate the ratio R=B(Λc+→a0(980)+n)/B(Λc+→π+ηn)≈0.313. Our results can be tested by BESIII, Belle II, and the proposed Super Tau-Charm Facility experiments in the future.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quantum stresses in the hydrogen atom
Authors: Freese Adam
Published: February 2025

Gravitational form factors are often interpreted as providing access to stresses inside hadrons, in particular through Fourier transforms of the form factors D and c¯. Some researchers, however, have expressed skepticism of this interpretation. I revisit the question, and argue that it is indeed appropriate to interpret these quantities as stress distributions. I consider the hydrogen atom’s ground state as a familiar example, and use the pilot wave interpretation of quantum mechanics to give the distributions a clear meaning. A striking result is that c¯—rather than D—quantifies the force law binding the system, which can be understood through Cauchy’s first law of motion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Panorama of new-physics explanations to the MiniBooNE excess
Authors: Abdullahi Asli M. , Hoefken Zink Jaime , Hostert Matheus , Massaro Daniele , Pascoli Silvia
Published: February 2025

The MiniBooNE low-energy excess stands as an unexplained anomaly in short-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments. It has been shown that it can be explained in the context of dark sector models. Here, we provide an overview of the possible new-physics solutions based on electron, photon, and dilepton final states. We systematically discuss the various production mechanisms for dark particles in neutrino-nucleus scattering. Our main result is a comprehensive fit to the MiniBooNE energy spectrum in the parameter space of dark neutrino models, where short-lived heavy neutral leptons are produced in neutrino interactions and decay to e+e− pairs inside the detector. For the first time, other experiments will be able to directly confirm or rule out dark neutrino interpretations of the MiniBooNE low-energy excess.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Dielectric haloscopes as gravitational wave detectors
Authors: Domcke Valerie , Ellis Sebastian A. R. , Kopp Joachim
Published: February 2025

We argue that dielectric haloscopes like MADMAX, originally designed for detecting axion dark matter, are also very promising gravitational wave detectors. Operated in resonant mode at frequencies around O(10  GHz), these detectors benefit from enhanced gravitational wave to photon conversion at the surfaces of a stack of thin dielectric disks. Since the gravitational wave is relativistic, there is an additional enhancement of the signal compared to the axion case due to increased conversion probability of gravitational waves to photons in the vacuum between the disks. A gravitational wave search using a dielectric haloscope imposes stringent requirements on the disk thickness and placement, but relaxed requirements on the disk smoothness. An advantage is the possibility of a broadband or hybrid resonant/broadband operation mode, which extends the frequency range down to O(100  MHz). We show that strain sensitivities down to 10−21  Hz−1/2×(10  GHz/f) will be possible in the coming years for the broadband setup, while a resonant setup optimized for gravitational waves could even reach 3×10−23  Hz−1/2×(10  GHz/f) with current technology.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Partial entanglement entropy threads in the island phase
Authors: Wen Qiang , Xu Mingshuai , Zhong Haocheng
Published: February 2025

In the context of the AdS/CFT, it was recently proposed that the boundary partial entanglement entropy structure can be represented by the so-called partial entanglement entropy (PEE) threads in the AdS bulk, which are bulk geodesics with the density determined by the boundary PEE structure [. and .]. In Poincaré anti–de Sitter (AdS) space, it was shown that the PEE threads cover the AdS space uniformly, such that the number of intersections between any bulk surface and the bulk PEE threads is always given by the area of the surface divided by 4G. In this paper, we investigate the configurations of PEE threads when the boundary state is in the island phase. The island phase was studied in the context of the holographic Weyl transformed CFT2, which has been shown to capture all the main features of AdS/BCFT (Boundary Conformal Field Theory). Compared with AdS3/CFT2, in the island phase instead of modifying the distribution of the bulk PEE threads, we should replace the boundary points with the corresponding cutoff spheres. Then the two-point functions and the four-point functions of twist operators can be reproduced by identifying the bulk homologous surfaces anchored on the corresponding cutoff spheres that has the minimal number of intersections with the bulk PEE threads. This gives us a better understanding about the PEE structure in the island phase and reproduces the island formula for entanglement entropy by allowing homologous surfaces to anchor on any cutoff spheres. Furthermore, it gives a demonstration for the two basic proposals and a better understanding for the entanglement contribution that makes the foundation to compute the balanced partial entanglement entropy [.], which reproduces the entanglement wedge cross section in the island phase.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Speeding Up Quantum Measurement Using Space-Time Trade-Off
Authors: Corlett Christopher , Čepaitė Ieva , Daley Andrew J. , Gustiani Cica , Pelegrí Gerard , Pritchard Jonathan D. , Linden Noah , Skrzypczyk Paul
Published: February 2025

We present a scheme for speeding up quantum measurement. The scheme builds on previous protocols that entangle the system to be measured with ancillary systems. In the idealized situation of perfect entangling operations and no decoherence, it gives an exact space-time trade-off meaning the readout speed increases linearly with the number of ancilla. We verify this scheme is robust against experimental imperfections through numerical modeling of gate noise and readout errors, and under certain circumstances our scheme can even lead to better than linear improvement in the speed of measurement with the number of systems measured. This hardware-agnostic approach is broadly applicable to a range of quantum technology platforms and offers a route to accelerate midcircuit measurement as required for effective quantum error correction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Numerical investigation of quantum phases and phase transitions in a two-leg ladder of Rydberg atoms
Authors: Soto-Garcia Jose , Chepiga Natalia
Published: February 2025

Experiments on chains of Rydberg atoms appear as a playground to study quantum phase transitions in 1D. As a natural extension, we report a quantitative ground-state phase diagram of Rydberg atoms arranged in a two-leg ladder interacting via van der Waals potential. We address this problem numerically, using the density matrix renormalization group algorithm. Our results suggest that, quite remarkably, Zk crystalline phases, with the exception of the checkerboard phase, appear in pairs characterized by the same pattern of occupied rungs but distinguishable by a spontaneously broken Z̃2 symmetry between the two legs of the ladder. Within each pair, the two phases are separated by a continuous transition in the Ising universality class, which eventually fuses with the Zk transition, whose nature depends on k. According to our results, the transition into the Z2⊗Z̃2 phase changes its nature multiple times, including an Ashkin-Teller transition that is surprisingly stable over an extended interval, followed by the Z4-chiral transition, and finally in a two step-process mediated melting via the floating phase. The transition into the Z3 phase with resonant states on the rungs belongs to the three-state Potts universality class at the commensurate point, to the Z3-chiral Huse-Fisher universality class away from it, and eventually it is through an intermediate floating phase. The Ising transition between Z3 and Z3⊗Z̃2 phases, entering the floating phase, opens the possibility to realize lattice supersymmetry in Rydberg quantum simulators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Electrodynamics of vortices in quasi-two-dimensional scalar Bose-Einstein condensates
Authors: Shinn Seong-Ho , del Campo Adolfo
Published: February 2025

In two spatial dimensions, vortex-vortex interactions approximately vary with the logarithm of the inter-vortex distance, making it possible to describe an ensemble of vortices as a Coulomb gas. We introduce a duality between vortices in a quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) scalar Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) and effective Maxwell's electrodynamics. Specifically, we address the general scenario of inhomogeneous, time-dependent BEC number density with dissipation or rotation. Starting from the Gross-Pitaevskii equation (GPE), which describes the mean-field dynamics of a quasi-2D scalar BEC without dissipation, we show how to map vortices in a quasi-2D scalar BEC to 2D electrodynamics beyond the point-vortex approximation, even when dissipation is present or in a rotating system. The physical meaning of this duality is discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Curved-edge vertex models and increased tissue fluidity
Authors: Staddon Michael F. , Modes Carl D.
Published: February 2025

The vertex model for epithelia models the apical surface of a tissue by a tiling, with polygons representing cells and edges representing cell-cell junctions. The mechanics are described by an energy governed by deviations from a target area and target perimeter for each cell. It has been shown that the target perimeter p0 governs a solid-to-fluid phase transition: when the target perimeter is low, there is an energy barrier to rearrangement, and when it is high, cells may rearrange for free and the tissue can flow like a liquid. One simplification often made is modeling junctions using straight edges. However, the Young-Laplace equation states that interfaces should be circular arcs, with the curvature being equal to the pressure difference between the neighboring cells divided by the interfacial tension. Here, we investigate how including curved edges alters the mechanical properties of the vertex model and the equilibrium shape of individual cells. Importantly, we show how curved edges shift the solid-to-fluid transition point, from p0=3.81 to p0=3.73, allowing tissues to fluidize sooner than in the traditional model with straight edges.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Feynman path integrals for discrete-variable systems: Walks on Hamiltonian graphs
Authors: Kalev Amir , Hen Itay
Published: February 2025

We propose a natural, parameter-free, discrete-variable formulation of Feynman path integrals. We show that for discrete-variable quantum systems, Feynman path integrals take the form of walks on the graph whose weighted adjacency matrix is the Hamiltonian. By working out expressions for the partition function and transition amplitudes of discretized versions of continuous-variable quantum systems, and then taking the continuum limit, we explicitly recover Feynman's continuous-variable path integrals. We also discuss the implications of our result.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Chern Insulators at Integer and Fractional Filling in Moiré Pentalayer Graphene
Authors: Waters Dacen , Okounkova Anna , Su Ruiheng , Zhou Boran , Yao Jiang , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Xu Xiaodong , Zhang Ya-Hui , Folk Joshua , Yankowitz Matthew
Published: February 2025

The advent of moiré platforms for engineered quantum matter has led to discoveries of integer and fractional quantum anomalous Hall effects, with predictions for correlation-driven topological states based on electron crystallization. Here, we report an array of trivial and topological insulators formed in a moiré lattice of rhomobohedral pentalayer graphene (R5G). At a doping of one electron per moiré unit cell (ν=1), we see a correlated insulator with a Chern number that can be tuned between C=0 and +1 by an electric displacement field. This is accompanied by a series of additional Chern insulators with C=+1 originating from fractional fillings of the moiré lattice—ν=1/4, 1/3, and 2/3—associated with the formation of moiré-driven topological electronic crystals. At ν=2/3 the system exhibits an integer quantum anomalous Hall effect at zero magnetic field, but further develops hints of an incipient C=2/3 fractional Chern insulator in a modest field. Our results establish moiré R5G as a fertile platform for studying the competition and potential intertwining of integer and fractional Chern insulators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Opening the black box of entrepreneurial team conflict: how does entrepreneurial team conflict affect entrepreneurial performance?
Authors: Li Bao , Chen Wanming , He Changqing , Xu Yongli , Liu Chunyan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Compared to the occurrence of conflict in general teams in organizations, conflict occurrence in entrepreneurial teams is more prevalent and intense. However, previous studies have found inconsistent relationships between entrepreneurial team conflict and performance, and the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain in the “black box.” Drawing on the motivated information processing in groups theory, this study aims to investigate how and when entrepreneurial team conflict influences entrepreneurial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected survey data from 190 entrepreneurs across 58 entrepreneurial teams in China. The hypothesized relationships were examined through path analysis using the Mplus7.0 program.

Findings

Entrepreneurial team relationship conflict is negatively related to entrepreneurial performance mediated through team behavioral integration. Conversely, there exists a curvilinear (U-shaped) relationship between entrepreneurial team task conflict and entrepreneurial performance, also mediated through team behavioral integration. Furthermore, the curvilinear relationship between entrepreneurial team task conflict and team behavioral integration is strengthened by team contractual governance, whereas the relationship between entrepreneurial team relationship conflict and team behavioral integration is not moderated by team contractual governance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between entrepreneurial team conflict and performance by identifying the mediating mechanism and boundary condition. The finding of a U-shaped relationship between entrepreneurial team task conflict and entrepreneurial performance underscores the uniqueness of the entrepreneurial team context, offering new empirical insights for future conflict research.
Do camouflage signals impact performance in reward-based crowdfunding?
Authors: Arroteia Nuno , Bhatta Bibek , Quinn Martin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Reward-based crowdfunding is vital for entrepreneurs who cannot raise funds, but the failure rate to meet funding goals in reward-based crowdfunding is high. Consequently, entrepreneurs try to get backers’ attention and persuade them to pledge funds for their campaigns. Entrepreneurs can provide misleading information in their crowdfunding campaign descriptions, distorting the signals sent to backers. This paper examines how camouflage signals mitigate information asymmetry and its impact on the fundraising ability in reward-based crowdfunding.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns (n = 100,522) using six established dictionaries for linguistic hedging as proxies for camouflage signals.

Findings

The results reveal a significant and varied impact of camouflage signals on mitigating information asymmetry and, consequently, on the performance of crowdfunding campaigns; these findings are robust to alternative, independent variables and different econometric techniques.

Originality/value

This study contributes to signalling theory literature through its novel study of camouflage signals. It also contributes to the reward-based crowdfunding literature and provides new insights into how camouflage signals mitigate information asymmetry, thereby persuading or deterring backers from pledging funds.
Leveraging platform-based technologies to mitigate product returns in E-commerce: an affordance actualization perspective
Authors: Zhou Yang , Li Huifang , Yin Pengzhen
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study investigates how online sellers can leverage platform-based technologies to mitigate product returns through the lens of affordance actualization theory. We conceptualize four categories of platform-based technologies and theorize how their affordances influence consumer perceptions and behaviors, leading to reduced return rates.

Design/methodology/approach

We develop a research model grounded in affordance actualization theory and test our hypotheses using a unique longitudinal dataset from a leading e-commerce platform. We employ panel data analysis with seller fixed effects and conduct various robustness checks to ensure the reliability of our findings. We also examine the synergistic effects among different platform-based technologies and explore their varying impacts across product types and seller characteristics.

Findings

The strategic actualization of pricing, marketing, product presentation and customer service technology affordances significantly reduces product return rates. The return-mitigating effects are stronger for low-reputation sellers and high-price, high-complexity products, highlighting the contingent value of technology affordances in managing returns. Besides, we find evidence of synergistic effects among different platform-based technologies, particularly for complex products and less reputable sellers.

Originality/value

This study extends affordance actualization theory to the e-commerce context and uncovers the mechanisms and boundary conditions for platform-based technologies to mitigate product returns. We contribute to the literature by offering a novel theoretical perspective and granular insights into the role of technology in shaping a critical operational outcome in online retailing.
Stigma within families: impact of parental attitudes on youth’s mental health
Authors: Ranwa Ruchika , Arora Richa
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the experiences of mental health-related stigma among youth in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, particularly emerging in the context of families through parental attitudes. Although the existing research has focused on families as victim or recipient of stigma related to mental health, the role of families in perpetuating this stigma remains under-researched. This study investigates origins of such stigma operating within families and its impact on youth.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 youth participants in Dubai. Thematic analysis was used as method of analysis.

Findings

Findings show that parental attitudes or beliefs towards mental health are predominantly stigmatizing in nature that discourages disclosure and open dialogue among youth and renders them vulnerable to self-stigmatization. Stigma internalized by the youth manifests in the form of their low self-worth, negative self-perception and worsening their mental health challenges.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to nuanced understanding of stigma operating in informal settings such as families and establishes family as a site of intervention to mitigate stigma towards mental health of youth in early stages.
Factors influencing property valuation models development and application as decision support systems
Authors: Kasim Iddrisu , Amidu Abdul-Rasheed , Levy Deborah
Published: February 2025

Purpose

There is a shift in the traditional professional practice approaches to information search and processing. As a result, this review paper examines emerging property valuation models in property literature and the factors affecting their application in professional practice. It advocates for a new or extended paradigm for developing models that align with industry regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review approach was adopted to explore property valuation models, the factors influencing their development and their application in professional practice. We summarise the extant literature to understand the concepts, current debates and research trends. A snowball technique using an author citation search was undertaken to ensure that relevant studies were not excluded.

Findings

The findings indicate that challenges in decision-making with traditional valuation methods have led to the creation of advanced valuation models and spatial/database systems. However, technological challenges have hindered the adoption and implementation of these advanced valuation approaches. The study also points out an overemphasis on model development in current property research, neglecting impact assessment and widening the research-practice gap in the property sector.

Originality/value

This study underscores the need for impact analysis to understand the challenges in adopting and engaging with property innovations. We recommend developing industry-specific advanced property valuation models collaboratively through research–practice partnerships. This collaborative approach would help align advanced property valuation models with existing regulations, established standards and practices, ultimately facilitating the institutionalisation and normalisation of innovations within the property industry.
Leadership-competences in the era of artificial intelligence – a structured review
Authors: Bock Tobias , von der Oelsnitz Dietrich
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) will transform various processes by utilizing and sharing data and information. This transformation brings new opportunities and challenges to organizations. Effective leadership is essential to handle these changes. However, there is no scientific research on how AI affects the everyday lives of managers. Therefore, this paper aims to identify how AI can affect changes in the skills and personality traits of managers using AI.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured literature review identified leadership competencies relevant to the AI era. Three scientific databases were included in the search: (I) Scopus, (II) EBSCO Business Source Complete, and (III) Web of Science. A total of 730 articles were identified from the three databases under the topics “Digital Leadership,” “Leadership” AND “Artificial Intelligence,” “Future Leadership,” “Algorithm Leadership,” “AI Leadership,” “Artificial Leadership,” and “Data-driven Leadership.”

Findings

A total of 24 leadership competencies, including 12 personality traits and 12 skills, were identified from the literature. To adapt effectively to AI, leaders should focus on developing communication skills and forming high-performance teams working cross-functionally and in a symbiosis of humans and machines.

Originality/value

The article adds knowledge to leadership theories and provides a basis for future management education.
Children's Risky Play and Resilience: Perspectives of Emergency Care Practitioners
Authors: Bauer Michelle E. E. , Cunningham Laura , Gilley Meghan , Pike Ian
Published: February 2025

Background

Parents' perspectives on children's risky play can provide researchers with insight into their injury prevention and safety needs and support researchers in understanding how challenging and exciting play may positively shape children's physical, cognitive, and social development. To date, however, the perspectives of parents who witness severe injuries as part of occupational experiences, and who have medical training, are lacking within this scholarship. In this study, we worked with emergency room practitioners to understand their perspectives on children's risky play and resilience.

Methods

A risk and sociocultural theoretical lens informed our approach and we conducted semi‐structured interviews with doctors and nurses (n = 56) across Canada who had children between the ages of 4 and 13.

Results

Findings from a thematic analysis were threefold: (1) learning to persevere through failure, (2) developing distress tolerance, and (3) supporting child autonomy and independence.

Conclusion

Findings indicate doctors and nurses can perceive children as more emotionally and physically equipped to cope with stressful and potentially injurious situations across their lifespan if they are exposed to challenging and exciting play during childhood. Further, while the practitioners believed it was important to intervene in play which could result in children experiencing severe injuries, they believed adults should support children in testing their physical and cognitive boundaries during risky play without adult interference.
Functional exploration of the Sex combs reduced gene in Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: Chen Rong‐Han , Bai Yun , Shi Li‐Dong , Liu Xing‐Yu , Li Dong‐Liang , Di Mi , Duan Jia‐Xin , Zhang Zi‐Heng , Xu Jin‐Li , He Zhu‐Qing , Li Kai
Published: February 2025

The Hox gene Sex combs reduced (Scr) is recognized as a key factor in the development of the head and thorax in insects. However, its function in the growth, development and morphogenesis of Gryllus bimaculatus remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the function of the Scr gene in G. bimaculatus by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate an Scr gene knock‐out strain. Intercrossing the G0 generation knock‐out individuals with wild‐type individuals yielded the G1 generation to screen the mutant strain. It was found that the knock‐out of the Scr gene had a severe impact on the growth and development of G. bimaculatus, resulting in high mortality and making it difficult to obtain Scr−/− mutants. Therefore, heterozygous individuals (Scr+/−) with 1 bp deleted were obtained for investigation. The results showed that the Scr deletion led to ectopic segment formation in the G0 generation. In the G2 generation, it was observed that stable Scr−/− strains displayed abnormal embryonic development, characterized by enlarged, blackened and lethal eggs during embryogenesis. During the post‐embryonic stage, Scr−/− mutants exhibited abnormalities in body segmentation, particularly in the head‐thorax region, resulting in a dorsal ridge structure. Furthermore, some Scr+/− individuals exhibited a dorsal ridge during the nymphal stage. Notably, this characteristic did not persist into the adult stage. Our findings highlight the distinct but crucial roles of the Scr gene in both embryonic and post‐embryonic growth and development of G. bimaculatus.
Horizontal Violence or Workplace Bullying Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses: A Mixed Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Guolei , Zou Tianchang , Zhang Menghua
Published: February 2025

Aims

To synthesise literature about horizontal violence or workplace bullying among Intensive Care Unit nurses, exploring its awareness, factors, impacts, and strategies.

Design

Following PRISMA standards, a mixed systematic review using a narrative synthesis approach and thematic analysis design of the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Data Sources

Four electronic databases from 2013 to 2023 studies published were searched.

Results

Eight studies were included: three qualitative and five quantitative. Four key themes emerged: (i) awareness and understanding of horizontal violence or workplace bullying, (ii) factors affecting horizontal violence or workplace bullying, (iii) impacts of horizontal violence or workplace bullying, and (iv) strategies to address horizontal violence or workplace bullying.

Conclusion

Addressing horizontal violence or workplace bullying requires hospitals should adopt conflict resolution policies, stress management programs, and supportive supervision to improve nurse retention. Nurse management should establish confidential reporting mechanisms, provide training on interpersonal respect, and implement supportive structures to promote psychological safety. Intensive care unit nurses are encouraged to take proactive steps to address workplace bullying, ensuring improved staff well‐being and care quality.

Impact

This paper addresses a significant gap in the literature regarding horizontal violence or workplace bullying among Intensive Care Unit nurses.

The findings will impact on healthcare administrators, policymakers, and educators. By understanding horizontal violence or workplace bullying, strategies can be implemented to improve workplace environment, support nurses' well‐being, increase nurse retention, and improve the quality of patient care.

Reporting Method

This systematic review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review methodology, including data selection, extraction, and synthesis, follows PRISMA standards to ensure clarity, transparency, and reproducibility.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.

Trial Registration

There is a protocol that does not require registration, it made accessible at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/CFNEJ.
Vertical Separation With Split‐Off Under Passive Ownership
Authors: Zhang Chuyuan , Lee Sang‐Ho
Published: February 2025

This study examines a vertical structure model where an integrated firm sells intermediate goods to downstream firms and produces final goods while a rival firm holds partial passive ownership (PPO) of the integrated firm. We investigate the effects of vertical separation with a split‐off under a downstream PPO when the integrated firm competes with both the rival firm and downstream firms in the final goods market. We find that separation decreases input price and final goods production by the split‐offed firm while increases consumer surplus and domestic welfare if the downstream firms are competitive, or when the degree of PPO is not sufficiently low. We also demonstrate that a split‐off under downstream PPO is more profitable but socially undesirable than the other separation types, including split‐off under upstream PPO and spin‐off. Finally, we provide some discussions on the variant scenarios and show that our main findings are robust.
Effect of heated pneumoperitoneum on body temperature in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ferreira Regiane F. , Damasceno‐Ferreira José A. , da Silva Paulo C. A. R. , Abílio Edmundo J. , Benchimol de Souza Diogo
Published: February 2025

Objective

To compare the temperatures of dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy with insufflation using heated or nonheated CO2.

Study design

Randomized controlled trial.

Animals

Fifteen female dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy.

Methods

The animals were randomly distributed into groups: NH—insufflated with nonheated CO2 (n = 8), or H—insufflated with 36.5°C heated CO2 (n = 7). Body weight, anesthetic time, surgical time, insufflation time, initial esophageal temperature, and final temperature were compared.

Results

All animals completed the study and recovered well from the surgery. The groups had similar values for body weight, age, initial temperature, and anesthetic, surgical, and insufflation times. The final temperature of the H group was 1.1°C higher than the NH group (p = .0026). In the NH group, correlations between final temperature and anesthetic time (p = .016), surgical time (p = .011), and insufflation time (p = .033) were observed. For the H group, no correlations among these parameters were identified.

Conclusion

Carbon dioxide insufflation ameriorated the temperature reduction during laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs.

Clinical significance

The results can be applied directly to prevent hypothermia during laparoscopic procedures in dogs.
Agresores sexuales encarcelados: ¿qué piensan y sienten acerca de sus víctimas infantiles?
Authors: Lellis Irani Lauer , De Oliveira Narjara Dantas , Cordeiro Amanda Morais , Carlos Jaqueline Soares
Published: February 2025

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer las cogniciones de las personas privadas de libertad por delitos sexuales contra menores de edad. específicamente, describir las características sociodemográficas de los participantes; identificar las cogniciones de los reclusos sobre lo que significa ser un niño; conocer sus cogniciones sobre el abuso sexual infantil y comprender el sentimiento de los agresores sobre el abuso sexual que llevaron a cabo. Participaron veinte internos del sistema penitenciario, quienes respondieron un cuestionario sociodemográfico y una entrevista. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el software Iramuteq. Los resultados mostraron distorsiones cognitivas sobre la percepción infantil y el abuso sexual. Los participantes verbalizaron su sentimiento de atracción por los niños y lo que los atraía. El conocimiento adquirido sobre el tema podrá contribuir a la construcción de instrumentos y estrategias más efectivas en relación a la prevención de la violencia.
Hydro-locking in hydrogel for extreme temperature tolerance
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Li Dong , Yang Xuxu , Wang Lei , Li Guo , Wong Tuck-Whye , Li Tiefeng , Yang Wei , Luo Zisheng
Published: February 2025

Hydrogels consist of cross-linked polymers that are highly swollen with water. Water evaporation or freezing during temperature changes may lead to stiff and brittle hydrogels. We introduce a strategy called “hydro-locking,” which involves immobilizing the water molecules within the polymer network of the hydrogel. This is accomplished by establishing robust connections between water molecules and the polymer by using sulfuric acid. A sacrificial network is introduced to shield the prime polymer network from collapsing. Under the hydro-locking mode, an alginate-polyacrylamide double-network hydrogel remains soft and stretchable within a temperature range that spans from –115° to 143°C. The strategy works with a range of hydrogels and solutions and may enable the preservation and observation of materials or even living organisms at extreme temperatures.
TIGR-Tas: A family of modular RNA-guided DNA-targeting systems in prokaryotes and their viruses
Authors: Faure Guilhem , Saito Makoto , Wilkinson Max E. , Quinones-Olvera Natalia , Xu Peiyu , Flam-Shepherd Daniel , Kim Stephanie , Reddy Nishith , Zhu Shiyou , Evgeniou Lilia , Koonin Eugene V. , Macrae Rhiannon K. , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2025

RNA-guided systems provide remarkable versatility, enabling diverse biological functions. Through iterative structural and sequence homology-based mining starting with a guide RNA-interaction domain of Cas9, we identified a family of RNA-guided DNA-targeting proteins in phage and parasitic bacteria. Each system consists of a Tandem Interspaced Guide RNA (TIGR) array and a TIGR-associated (Tas) protein containing a Nop domain, sometimes fused to HNH (TasH) or RuvC (TasR) nuclease domains. We show that TIGR arrays are processed into 36-nt RNAs (tigRNAs) that direct sequence-specific DNA binding through a tandem-spacer targeting mechanism. TasR can be reprogrammed for precise DNA cleavage, including in human cells. The structure of TasR reveals striking similarities to box C/D snoRNPs and IS110 RNA-guided transposases, providing insights into the evolution of diverse RNA-guided systems.
Facing the past
Authors: Karáth Kata
Published: February 2025

Researchers and an Indigenous Amazon nation team up to study charged ritual objects: shrunken heads
Tracking the toll of Sudan’s forgotten war from afar
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: February 2025

Barred from the country, researchers use satellite imagery and models to assess destruction and death
Molecular piracy in deep-sea hydrothermal vent: phage-plasmid interactions revealed by phage-FISH in
Marinitoga piezophila
Authors: Jin Min , Rouxel Ouafae , Quintin Nadège , Geslin Claire
Published: February 2025

Prokaryotes and mobile genetic elements (MGEs, such as viruses and plasmids) interact extensively, leading to horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and consequent microbial evolution and diversity. However, our knowledge of the interactions between MGEs in deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystems is limited. In this study, we adapted a phage-fluorescence
in situ
hybridization (phage-FISH) approach to visualize and quantify the dynamics of phage–plasmid interactions in an anaerobic, thermophilic deep-sea bacterium,
Marinitoga piezophila
. Notably, our results revealed that plasmid signals were detected in viral particles released from lysed cells, indicating that mitomycin C not only induced plasmid replication but also its packaging into phage particles. Further analysis of the DNA content in purified virions showed that the phage capsids incorporated plasmid DNA even without induction, and the majority of capsids (up to 70%) preferentially packaged plasmid DNA rather than viral DNA after induction. Therefore, this study provided direct evidence of molecular piracy in the deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystem, highlighting the important roles of selfish MGEs in virus–host interactions and HGT in extreme marine environments.

IMPORTANCE

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are hotspots for microbes. Several studies revealed that virus-mediated horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems may be crucial to the survival and stability of prokaryotes in these extreme environments. However, little is known about the interaction between viruses and other mobile genetic elements (MGEs, such as plasmids), and how their interactions influence virus-mediated HGT in these ecosystems. In this study, we adapted a phage-fluorescence
in situ
hybridization approach to directly monitor the dynamics of phage–plasmid–host interactions at the single-cell level in the
Marinitoga piezophila
model. Interestingly, our results indicate that plasmid DNA could not only be induced by mitomycin C to a great extent but also hijacked viral assembly machinery to facilitate its propagation and spread. Therefore, the data presented here imply that the interaction between the viruses and other MGEs could play profound roles in virus–host interaction and virus-mediated HGT in the deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystem.
Insights into the mechanism of substrate specificity in a novel PL15_3 subfamily oligo-alginate lyase VBAly15A
Authors: Tang Yongqi , Song Ziyan , Xu Xiaodong , Li Yingjie , Wang Lushan
Published: February 2025

Alginate is a major component of brown algae cell walls and can be degraded via β-elimination by alginate lyases. These enzymes are classified into polysaccharide lyases and oligo-alginate lyases (Oals), with Oals mainly represented by the PL15 and PL17 families. Unlike PL17 Oals, which are widely present in alginate-degrading microorganisms, PL15 enzymes are only identified in a limited number of microorganisms, and their biochemical characteristics remain poorly understood. In this research, a novel PL15 alginate lyase, VBAly15A, from the marine bacterium,
Vibrio
sp. B1Z05, was identified and characterized. It belongs to a new PL15_3 subfamily and exhibits high activity toward polyM substrates. VBAly15A is thermostable in medium temperatures, tolerant to alkaline up to 11.0, and polyM-specific Oal, and it can first degrade alginate polymers into disaccharides and subsequently catalyze disaccharides into monomers via an exolytic mode. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that Arg
114
, Tyr
470
, and Arg
110
in the active groove are essential for the stable binding of the substrate. In addition, the amino acid His
226
in VBAly15A, previously suggested to act as a catalytic base, is not essential for catalysis, whereas Tyr
280
, previously proposed to act as a catalytic acid, is required for enzyme activity. Structural bioinformatic and biochemical analyses revealed that His
226
functions as a catalytic base, specifically abstracting protons from G-type substrates, while Tyr
280
acts as both a catalytic acid and a base. This catalytic mechanism is likely conserved in PL15 family alginate lyases.

IMPORTANCE

Alginate, as a renewable resource for sustainability, has great application prospects. In addition to polysaccharide lyases, Oals are critical for the full degradation of alginate, a key prerequisite for biorefinery. So far, most identified and well-characterized Oals belong to the PL17 family. However, the catalytic mechanism of PL15 Oals is limited, and even the catalytic base and acid are not fully elucidated. The significance of this study lies in discovering and characterizing a novel Oal VBAly15A that divides into a new PL15 subfamily, PL15_3. Not only are key amino acid residues involved in enzyme activity identified, but residues acting as the catalytic base and acid are also demonstrated. The distance of the catalytic residues His and Tyr to the C5 proton of the sugar ring determines the substrate specificity. Therefore, this work provides new insights into the mechanism of substrate specificity in alginate lyases.
Rho-dependent termination and RNase E-mediated cleavage: dual pathways for RNA 3′ end processing in polycistronic mRNA
Authors: Jeon Heung Jin , N Monford Paul Abishek , Wang Xun , Lim Heon M.
Published: February 2025

“Pre-full-length” transcripts are produced at the end of the polycistronic galactose (
gal
) operon, 5′
galE-galT-galK-galM 3′
, via Rho-dependent transcription termination (RDT) and -independent transcription termination. The 3′ end of the full-length
galETKM
mRNA is acquired by exonucleolytic processing of the 3′-OH ends of the pre-full-length transcripts. However, the
gal
operon produces an mRNA termed
galE
whose 3′ end forms approximately 120 nucleotides downstream of the
galE
stop codon, within the subsequent gene,
galT
, thereby establishing polarity in gene expression. In this study, we investigated the molecular processes that generate the 3′ end of
galE
mRNA. We discovered that the 3′ ends of pre-galE mRNA are produced in the middle of
galT
as a result of the combination of two separate molecular processes—one previously reported as RDT and the other as unreported RNase E-mediated transcript cleavage. The 3′ ends of pre-
galE
mRNA undergo exonucleolytic processing to the 3′ end of
galE
mRNA observed
in vivo
. A hairpin structure containing an 8 bp stem and a 4-nucleotide loop, located 5–10 nucleotides upstream of the 3′ ends of
galE
mRNA, blocks exoribonuclease digestion and renders transcript stability. These findings demonstrate that RNase E—contrary to its general role in mRNA degradation—produces RNA 3′ ends that regulate polarity in gene expression.

IMPORTANCE

This study reports the findings of two molecular mechanisms that generate the 3′ ends of pre-
galE
mRNA in the
gal
operon, viz., Rho-dependent transcription termination and RNase E-mediated cleavage. These 3′ ends are subsequently processed to produce stable
galE
mRNA with a hairpin structure that prevents exoribonuclease degradation. This mechanism establishes gene expression polarity by generating the 3′ end of
galE
mRNA within
galT
in contrast to the usual mRNA degradation role of RNase E. The study reveals a unique role of RNase E in mRNA processing and stability.
Germination of
Bacillus
spores by LiCl
Authors: Wicander James , Gorsuch John , Chen Longjiao , Caldbeck Rebecca , Korza George , Brul Stanley , Christie Graham , Setlow Peter
Published: February 2025

Spores of
Bacillus subtilis
have been found to germinate when incubated with LiCl, but not with other monovalent or divalent metal cations.
Bacillus megaterium
spores also germinated with LiCl, but
B. cereus
spores did not. In
B. subtilis
, the LiCl germination was via the activation of spores’ GerA germinant receptor (GR), and in
B. megaterium,
it was the GerU GR. Notably, LiCl germination was much slower than normal physiological germinant triggered GR germination. In
B. subtilis
spores, rates of LiCl germination were increased in spores with a more fluid IM and decreased in spores with a less fluid IM. Analyses of the GerA germinant binding site suggested that Li
+
could bind in a specific site in the
B. subtilis
GerAB subunit where normally a Na
+
likely binds. Importantly, NaCl strongly inhibited LiCl germination of
B. subtilis
spores, much more so than the larger cation in KCl, although neither salt inhibited L-alanine germination via the GerA GR. These findings increase the understanding of features of mechanisms of germination of
Bacillus
spores.

IMPORTANCE

The ability of some bacteria to form spores upon nutrient starvation confers properties of metabolic dormancy and enhanced resistance to environmental stressors that would otherwise kill vegetative cells. Since spore-forming bacteria include several notable pathogens and economically significant spoilage organisms, insight into how spores are stimulated to germinate and form new vegetative cells is important. Here, we reveal that relatively high concentrations of the inorganic salt lithium chloride trigger the germination of
Bacillus subtilis
and
Bacillus megaterium
spores by stimulating one of the spores of each species cohort of nutrient germinant receptors. This is significant since novel germinants and increased knowledge of the germination process should provide opportunities for improved control of spores in healthcare, food, and environmental sectors.