Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) is a sensitive approach to material characterization. It critically relies on a sufficiently large bandwidth, which is not straightforwardly available in typical THz-TDS systems that are often limited to below 3 THz. Here, we introduce a hybrid THz-source concept based on a spintronic THz emitter (STE) deposited onto a thin, free-standing GaSe nonlinear crystal. By tuning the magnetic state and the phase-matching parameters of the hybrid emitter, we generate an ultrabroadband spectrum covering the full range from 1 to 40 THz. We achieve significantly enhanced spectral amplitudes above 10 THz compared to the bare STE, resulting in ultrashort THz-pulse durations down to 32 fs. Finally, we demonstrate the straightforward tunability of the shape of the few-cycle pulse from symmetric to antisymmetric.

The Euphrates-Tigris catchment area is one of the major drainage basins in the Middle East but climate change, overuse of waters and subsequent salinization has brought this region to the brink of ecological devastation. The aim of this study was to investigate the biodiversity of epiphytic diatoms in Iraq, for the first time using a combination of morphological and metabarcoding methods. 47 samples were collected at six sampling sites along the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates in northern Basra, Southern Iraq, during the summer of 2019 (dry season) and winter of 2020 (rainy season). The composition of the epiphytic diatoms in each sample was compared with both methods. The microscopic-morphological analysis of the environmental samples resulted in the identification of 284 infrageneric taxa in 59 genera. For the metabarcoding analysis the V4 region of the 18S marker gene was used and resulted in 1454 ASVs (Amplicon sequence variants) comprising 54 genera and 108 species with several ASVs belonging to the same taxa. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) plots for morphology showed a clear seasonal effect in the diatom community composition, while the NMDS plots for 18SV4 analyses did not show a seasonal effect in community composition for the same samples. The incomplete taxonomic reference database for the studied sites turned out to be the major limitation of the molecular approach. Nevertheless, the combination of morphological and molecular methods increased the detection and identification of the diatom assemblages and laid the foundation for understanding their biodiversity in this region.

Unwetterereignisse führen immer wieder zu einem sprunghaften Anstieg der eingehenden Notrufe in den Leitstellen der Feuerwehr. Die hohe Anzahl der Notrufe und die daraus resultierenden Einsätze stellen eine erhebliche Belastung der Leitstellen und Einsatzkräfte dar. Datenbasierte Vorhersagemodelle für wetterbedingte Feuerwehreinsätze könnten Entscheidungsträgern wertvolle Unterstützung bei der Planung und Umsetzung präventiver Maßnahmen bieten. Zur nutzerzentrierten Entwicklung solcher Modelle wurden Interviews mit Führungskräften verschiedener Leitstellen durchgeführt und ausgewertet. Die Analyse dieser Interviews lieferte zentrale Erkenntnisse, die für die Modellentwicklung relevant sind: Lagedienste und Schichtführung der Leitstellen sind Hauptzielgruppe, da sie in Unwettersituationen die initialen Entscheidungen treffen; Personalverstärkung der Leitstelle und Alarmierung von Abschnittsführungsstellen sind die wesentlichen vorbereitenden Maßnahmen im Unwetterfall und können in der Regel innerhalb von maximal einer Stunde umgesetzt werden; Einsatzvorhersagen für Gewittersituationen bieten den größten Nutzen, weil Gewitter spontan entstehen können und kurzfristige Entscheidungen erforderlich machen; Räumlich differenzierte Einsatzvorhersagen können gezielte Maßnahmen unterstützen, wie die Umstrukturierung Leitstelle und Umdisponierung von Einsatzmitteln; Erfahrungen aus vergangenen Unwettersituationen ist ein wichtiger Faktor bei der Entscheidungsfindung, weshalb gerade jüngere Führungskräfte von datenbasierten Darstellungen vergangener Unwetterereignisse und deren Auswirkungen auf das Einsatzgeschehen profitieren könnten.

In der öffentlichen Diskussion zur PISA-Studie wird vielfach auf andere Teilnehmerländer verwiesen, deren Ergebnisse in Relation zu den eigenen gesetzt werden. Diese Verweise auf andere Bildungssysteme haben jedoch in der Regel mehr mit der von vorexistierenden Stereotypen beeinflussten Beobachter*innenperspektive zu tun als mit den Bildungssystemen, auf die verwiesen wird. »Der Mediendiskurs zu Referenzgesellschaften und PISA« unterzieht diese Verweisungsprozesse in den Mediendiskursen Deutschlands und Festlandchinas (2001–2020) einer genaueren Analyse. Das Buch geht den Fragen nach, inwiefern die Entstehung der hier im Spiel befindlichen Stereotype im Kontext der globalen Kolonialgeschichte zu verstehen ist und welche Funktionen solche Stereotypisierungen in der aktuellen Diskussion über lokale Bildungsreformen sowie die Weltordnung erfüllen.

Mucus is the first defense barrier against viruses in the human immune system. Inspired by the mucus structure, we designed a highly sulfated hydrogel to bind viruses and prevent infection of the underlying cells. The hydrogel was formed by gelation of sulfated cellulose nanofiber (SCNF) with Ca2+. SCNF exhibited a mucin-like nanofiber structure with high numbers of sulfated groups. Based on the electrostatic interactions with a virus, SCNF could efficiently inhibit herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.43 μg/mL, which is comparable to that of heparin (IC50 = 0.30 μg/mL). Benefiting from the multiporous structure and sulfate groups, the Ca2+-SCNF hydrogel could efficiently trap HSV-1 and inhibit the virus from attacking the underlying cells in a transwell model. Furthermore, SCNF also inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection in a similar experimental setting. By integrating the advantages of high and broad-spectrum virus inhibitory activity as well as low toxicity, it is believed that the Ca2+-SCNF hydrogel can promote the development of highly biocompatible and efficient antiviral material with “binding and inhibition” capability and other diverse strategies.

Theory suggests that the response time of alluvial channel long profiles to perturbations in climate is related to the magnitude of the forcing and the length of the system. Shorter systems may record a higher frequency of forcing compared to longer systems. Empirical field evidence that system length plays a role in the climate periodicity preserved within the sedimentary record is, however, sparse. The Toro Basin in the Eastern Cordillera of NW Argentina provides an opportunity to test these theoretical relationships, as this single source-to-sink system contains a range of sediment deposits, located at varying distances from the source. A suite of eight alluvial fan deposits is preserved along the western flanks of the Sierra de Pascha. Farther downstream, a flight of cut-and-fill terraces has been linked to eccentricity-driven (100 kyr) climate cycles since ca. 500 ka. We applied cosmogenic radionuclide ( 10Be) exposure dating to the fan surfaces to explore (1) how channel responses to external perturbations may or may not propagate downstream and (2) the differences in landscape response to forcing frequency as a function of channel length. We identified two generations of fan surfaces: the first (G1) records surface activity and abandonment between ca. 800 and 500 ka, and the second (G2) does so within the last 100 kyr. G1 fans record a prolonged phase of net incision, which has been recognized throughout the central Andes and was likely triggered by enhanced 100 kyrglobal glacial cycles following the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT). Relative fan surface stability followed, while 100 kyrcut-and-fill cycles occurred downstream, suggesting a disconnect in behavior between the two channel reaches. G2 fans record higher-frequency climate forcing, possibly the result of precessional forcing of climate (ca. 21/40 kyrtimescales). The lack of a high-frequency signal farther downstream provides field support for theoretical predictions of a filtering of high-frequency climate forcing with increasing channel length. We show that multiple climate periodicities can be preserved within the sedimentary record of a single basin. Differences in the timing of alluvial fan and fluvial terrace development in the Toro Basin appear to be associated with how channel length affects fluvial response times to climate forcing and local controls on net incision, such as tectonic deformation.

Being romantically partnered is widely seen as a societal norm, and it has been shown to be positively associated with important life outcomes, such as physical and mental health. However, the percentage of singles is steadily increasing, with more people staying single for life. We used the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE; N = 77,064, mainly ≥ 50 years, 27 countries) to investigate Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction in lifelong singles compared with ever-partnered individuals. Specification-curve analyses suggested that lifelong singles were less extraverted, less conscientious, less open to experiences (dependent on singlehood definition), and less satisfied with their lives. Effects were stronger for never-partnered than for never-cohabitating or never-married individuals and were partly moderated by gender, age, country-level singlehood, and gender ratio. Our study provides insights into the characteristics of lifelong singles and has implications for understanding mental health and structures of social support in older individuals.

As a step towards implementing non-aversive handling techniques at a big mouse breeding facility in Germany, tunnel handling was introduced in a breeding unit comprising three inbred mouse strains. To assess whether tunnel handling would be feasible for the animal technicians in their everyday work and beneficial for the mice when being handled during weekly cage change only, the behaviour of tunnel- and tail-handled animals of both sexes was examined before, during and after the handling events over a period of nine weeks. Moreover, the time expenditure was compared between both handling techniques. It was possible to use the tunnel in all three mouse strains. However, the impact of the handling techniques on the behavioural parameters investigated in the present study were strain-specific. All behavioural parameters suggested that NZW mice benefited the most from tunnel handling. The results obtained from Hello Kitty and WNK mice were ambiguous, which may suggest that a brief handling session during the cage clean may have not been sufficient to habituate them to the process of handling. It took the animal technicians approximately 3 seconds longer per mouse when using a tunnel. The strain-specific results should encourage researchers to share their experiences with non-aversive handling techniques in different mouse strains, for example, along with their research articles.

Dieses Handbuch macht queere Zeitgeschichte im deutschsprachigen Raum zum ersten Mal einem breiten Publikum zugänglich. Die Beiträge und Quellen erschließen Dynamiken, die das Leben von Lesben, Schwulen, Bisexuellen, trans* und nicht-binären sowie intergeschlechtlichen Personen (LSBTI) in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz prägen. Im zweiten von drei Bänden stehen Differenzen, Konflikte und Diversität im gesamtgesellschaftlichen Rahmen sowie innerhalb von LSBTI-Communities seit 1945 im Fokus – von A wie »Ableismus« bis U wie »Unsichtbarkeit«.

Modern potential energy surfaces have shifted attention to molecular simulations of chemical reactions. While various methods can estimate rate constants for conformational transitions in molecular dynamics simulations, their applicability to studying chemical reactions remains uncertain due to the high and sharp energy barriers and complex reaction coordinates involved. This study focuses on the thermal cis-trans isomerization in retinal, employing molecular simulations and comparing rate constant estimates based on one-dimensional rate theories with those based on sampling transitions and grid-based models for low-dimensional collective variable spaces. Even though each individual method to estimate the rate passes its quality tests, the rate constant estimates exhibit considerable disparities. Rate constant estimates based on one-dimensional reaction coordinates prove challenging to converge, even if the reaction coordinate is optimized. However, consistent estimates of the rate constant are achieved by sampling transitions and by multi-dimensional grid-based models.

The planetary system K2-24 is composed of two transiting low-density Neptunians locked in an almost perfect 2:1 resonance and showing large transit time variations (TTVs), and it is an excellent laboratory to search for signatures of planetary migration. Previous studies performed with K2, Spitzer, and RV data tentatively claimed a significant non-zero eccentricity for one or both planets, possibly high enough to challenge the scenario of pure disk migration through resonant capture. With 13 new CHEOPS light curves (seven of planet b, six of planet c), we carried out a global photometric and dynamical re-analysis by including all the available literature data as well. We obtained the most accurate set of planetary parameters to date for the K2-24 system, including radii and masses at 1% and 5% precision (now essentially limited by the uncertainty on stellar parameters) and non-zero eccentricities eb = 0.0498−0.0018+0.0011, ec = 0.0282−0.0007+0.0003 detected at very high significance for both planets. Such relatively large values imply the need for an additional physical mechanism of eccentricity excitation during or after the migration stage. Also, while the accuracy of the previous TTV model had drifted by up to 0.5 days at the current time, we constrained the orbital solution firmly enough to predict the forthcoming transits for the next ~15 years, thus enabling efficient follow-up with top-level facilities such as JWST or ESPRESSO.

The CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS) is a partnership between the European Space Agency and Switzerland with important contributions by 10 additional ESA member States. It is the first S-class mission in the ESA Science Programme. CHEOPS has been flying on a Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit since December 2019, collecting millions of short-exposure images in the visible domain to study exoplanet properties. A small yet increasing fraction of CHEOPS images show linear trails caused by resident space objects crossing the instrument field of view. CHEOPS’ orbit is indeed particularly favourable to serendipitously detect objects in its vicinity as the spacecraft rarely enters the Earth's shadow, sits at an altitude of 700 km, and observes with moderate phase angles relative to the Sun. This observing configuration is quite powerful, and it is complementary to optical observations from the ground. To characterize the population of satellites and orbital debris observed by CHEOPS, all and every science images acquired over the past 3 years have been scanned with a Hough transform algorithm to identify the characteristic linear features that these objects cause on the images. Thousands of trails have been detected. This statistically significant sample shows interesting trends and features such as an increased occurrence rate over the past years as well as the fingerprint of the Starlink constellation. The cross-matching of individual trails with catalogued objects is underway as we aim to measure their distance at the time of observation and deduce the apparent magnitude of the detected objects. As space agencies and private companies are developing new space-based surveillance and tracking activities to catalogue and characterize the distribution of small debris, the CHEOPS experience is timely and relevant. With the first CHEOPS mission extension currently running until the end of 2026, and a possible second extension until the end of 2029, the longer time coverage will make our dataset even more valuable to the community, especially for characterizing objects with recurrent crossings.

As humans advance their presence in space and seek to improve the quality of life on Earth, a variety of science questions in support of these two objectives can be answered using the Moon. In this paper, we present a concept for an integrated mission focused on answering fundamental and applied biological questions on the Moon: BioMoon. The mission was designed to investigate the effects of the lunar radiation, gravity, and regolith on biological systems ranging from biomolecules to systems with complex trophic interactions, spanning a range of model organisms. Using common analytical systems and data processing, BioMoon represents a systems-level integrated life sciences mission. It would provide fundamental insights into biological responses to the lunar environment, as well as applied knowledge for In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU), closed-loop life support system development, planetary protection and human health care. The mission was conceived to test biotechnology and sensor technology for lunar and terrestrial application and provide education and outreach opportunities. Although BioMoon was considered in the context of the European Space Agency’s Argonaut (European Large Logistics Lander) concept, the mission design provides a template for any integrated life sciences experimental suite on the Moon and other celestial bodies, implemented either robotically or by human explorers.

Aim

The enemy release hypothesis states that the invasion success of non-native species is partly due to their escape from natural enemies, e.g., herbivores. Large-scale studies of herbivory using multiple species across multiple sites are needed to test the generality of herbivory release in non-native plants.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We carried out leaf-herbivory surveys from 2007 to 2021 in 15 botanical gardens ranging in latitude from 47°N (Switzerland) to 63°N (Norway) to investigate how herbivory levels differed between (i) native and non-native species, and (ii) native and non-naturalised or naturalised species.

Results

Overall, we found that herbivory levels were lower on non-native than native species. In addition, we found that non-naturalised plants suffered less herbivory than natives and that naturalised plants showed similar levels of herbivory to native plants.

Main Conclusions

We find broad support for lower herbivory of non-native plant species compared to natives. However, the stronger reduction in herbivory for non-naturalised plants suggests that herbivore release may be transient and less pronounced for naturalised non-native species that have become abundant and integrated into resident communities. This has implications for the management of naturalised non-native plants, which are performing well in their non-native ranges despite suffering comparable herbivory levels to native species.

In most European countries, findings detected at post-mortem inspection (PMI) of broilers at slaughter are registered using national or regional code systems. The aim of this study was to map and compare existing national broiler PMI code systems in Europe and to suggest a new harmonized and risk-based code set intended to be interpreted in the same way in all countries. Information about the code systems, condemnation criteria, and the proportion of unfit broiler carcasses in 2022, as well as reasons justifying condemnation, were collected from nine European countries through an online survey. The reasons for declaring meat as unfit for human consumption were divided into food safety, meat quality, broiler health, or broiler welfare. The data were analyzed, and a risk-based code set consisting of 13 codes was developed. Ten of these new codes cover 80% of all condemnations listed in the data retrieved from the countries in the study. The remaining three codes are indicators of broiler welfare. The results were presented in the form of spider diagrams, indicating massive differences between the countries. Harmonization of the code list and the associated decision criteria will allow PMI to be conducted in the same way in different abattoirs and countries. This standardization of the PMI of broilers will enable detailed analysis of PMI results for further use in risk-based meat safety assurance systems and the implementation of computer-based vision systems at PMI in the future.

We used electrospray ionization and ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry to detect and characterize the three anticancer drugs palbociclib, copanlisib, and olaparib. Ion mobility–mass spectrometry and density functional theory revealed that these compounds generate isomers during ionization (protomers) due to the presence of multiple protonation sites within their chemical structures. Our work has implications for understanding the solution- and gas-phase chemistry of these molecules during spray-based ionization processes.

Well-defined channels and inert and hydrolyzable structures of covalent organic frameworks make them excellent templates for the construction of polymeric scaffolds with a defined topology and properties. In this work, we report on the synthesis of thermoresponsive PNIPAM scaffolds templated by boronate ester COFs. Polymerization of N -isopropylacrylamide by azobisisobutyronitrile, encapsulated in COF channels, followed by the removal of the host framework resulted in PNIPAM scaffolds. The obtained scaffolds displayed different sizes and morphologies depending on whether polymerization was performed in the presence or absence of a crosslinking agent. In the presence of a crosslinking agent, porous PNIPAM scaffolds retained the size and the morphology of the COF, while without a crosslinking agent spindle-like microstructures were obtained. Constructed scaffolds were highly thermoresponsive and their morphology changed dramatically upon small temperature variations. This property was used for the controlled and selective removal of dye impurities from water. UV/visible absorption spectra showed that the obtained porous PNIPAM scaffold could effectively adsorb cationic and anionic dyes such as methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and fluorescein (FL) from wastewater. FL and RhB were effectively adsorbed by this scaffold, but a lower affinity was observed for MB. The absorption capacity of the PNIPAM1 sponge for FL, RhB and MB was 231 mg g −1 , 245 mg g −1 and 36 mg g −1 , respectively. Taking advantage of the high adsorption capacity and recyclability of the absorbant, it can be used for wastewater treatment.

Knowledge about potential risk factors for animal health is crucial to achieve animal welfare. The aim of this study was to provide practical guidance for farmers to improve the health status of their youngstock by identifying and eliminating risk factors for omphalitis in neonatal calves. A cross-sectional study including 3,445 dairy calves from 567 farms located in three structurally different regions of Germany was performed from December 2016 to July 2019. On each farm calves aged five to 21 days underwent clinical examinations with special consideration of the umbilicus for signs of inflammation. Information regarding animal health, hygiene, and management was obtained via interviews with the farmers. Rearing conditions were recorded following visual inspection using written standard operating procedures. Multifactorial statistical analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for omphalitis on animal and farm level. The overall omphalitis prevalence in calves aged five to 21 days was 30.9%. Across all regions and farms, every fourth calf per farm exhibited signs of omphalitis (median farm prevalence: 25.0%, interquartile range: 0.0–50.0%). According to the farmers, however, only 4.5% of the calves had been treated for omphalitis in the preceding 12 months. Risk factors for omphalitis identified included the dampness of the lying area in the first 2 weeks of life, a body condition score of the dam after calving outside the optimal range, and the time that calves spent with their dam after birth. Calves on farms providing dry lying areas in the first 2 weeks of life had 0.77 times the risk of omphalitis compared to calves on farms with predominantly damp bedding. When the dams were judged under- or over-conditioned after calving, their offspring had a 1.4 times higher omphalitis risk, respectively, compared to calves from dams optimal conditioned. Calves from farms separating calf and dam beyond 12 h after birth were 0.75 times as likely to develop omphalitis than calves from farms performing immediate separation. These results highlight the complexity of multifactorial diseases such as umbilical infection. The evidence presented can help to establish guidelines for dairy farmers to improve the umbilical health of their calves.