Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental disorders in parents after birth. To develop tailored preventive programs, it is necessary to identify risk factors for PPD in parents. This study aimed to examine the impact of parental childhood maltreatment (CM) as a risk factor for PPD.

Methods

Data from a German study comprising n = 349 mothers and n = 46 fathers were used. Hierarchical regression models were performed to examine CM, educational background, single parenthood, emotion regulation and attachment style as predictors of symptoms of PPD. In exploratory analyses, potential mediators (i.e., parenting stress and emotion regulation) were investigated via a path model.

Results

CM, low level of education, difficulties in emotion regulation, and attachment anxiety were significant predictors for maternal PPD [R2 = 0.52, F (6, 305) = 57.99, p < .001]. For fathers, difficulties in emotion regulation were identified as a predictor [R2 = 0.43, F (6, 24) = 4.78, p < .01]. In exploratory analyses, emotion regulation served as a mediator for the link between CM and PPD as well as for the link between CM and parenting stress.

Limitations

The study design is cross-sectional and based on self-report questionnaires. Despite our attempts, only few fathers participated in the study, resulting in an underpowered sample for the regression analyses.

Conclusions

The study confirmed the assumption that CM experiences represent a risk factor for the development of maternal PPD. Emotion regulation might provide a pivotal target for interventions with parents at-risk.

Crustal thickening associated with orogenic growth elevates topography, causing orographic enhancement of precipitation, which in turn facilitates local erosion and possibly intensifies localization of deformation. How these three processes—deformation, precipitation, and erosion—coordinate during orogenic growth remains unknown. Here, we present a numerical model where tectonics, surface processes, and orographic precipitation are tightly coupled, and explore the impact on low, intermediate, and high erodibility orogens. We show that, for intermediate erodibility models, rock uplift rates and precipitation rates correlate well with erosion rates during the formation of orogenic plateaus with high correlation coefficients of ~0.9 between rock uplift and erosion rates, and ~0.8 between precipitation and erosion rates. We demonstrate a cyclicity of correlation evolution among uplift, precipitation, and erosion rates through the development of new faults propagating outward. These results shed insights into the relative tectonic or climatic control on erosion in active orogens (e.g., Himalayas, Central Andes, and Southern Alps of New Zealand), and provide a plausible explanation for several conflicting data and interpretations in the Himalayas, which depend on the stage of maturity of the newest fault and the relative locations to old faults.

This study aimed to investigate the presence and diversity of fungal parasites in Arctic coastal microphytobenthic communities. These communities represent a key component in the functioning of Arctic trophic food webs. Fungal parasites, particularly Chytridiomycota (chytrids), play significant roles by controlling microalgal bloom events, impacting genetic diversity, modifying microbial interactions, and accelerating nutrient and energy transfer to higher trophic levels. In the context of rapid Arctic warming and increased glacier meltwater, which significantly affects these communities, we used high-throughput sequencing to explore fungal community composition. Our results show that chytrids dominate fungal communities in Arctic benthic habitats and that the overall fungal diversity is primarily influenced by the salinity gradient. Chytrid representation is positively correlated with the presence of potential benthic diatom (Surirella, Nitzschia, Navicula) and green algae (Ulvophyceae) hosts, while microscopic observations provide further evidence for the presence of active chytrid infections.

Fluid injection can induce seismicity by altering stresses on pre-existing faults. Here, we investigate minimizing induced earthquake potential by optimizing injection operations in a physics-based forecasting framework. We built a 3D finite element model of the poroelastic crust for the Raton Basin, Central US, and used it to estimate time dependent Coulomb stress changes due to ~25 years of wastewater injection in the region. Our finite element model is complemented by a statistical analysis of the seismogenic index (SI), a proxy for critically stressed faults affected by variations in the pore pressure. Forecasts of seismicity rate from our hybrid physics-based statistical model suggest that induced seismicity in the Raton Basin, from 2001 to 2022, is still driven by wastewater injection despite declining injection rates since 2011. Our model suggests that pore pressure diffusion is the dominant cause of Coulomb stress changes at seismogenic depth, with poroelastic stress changes contributing about 5% to the driving force. Linear programming optimization for the Raton Basin reveals that it is feasible to reduce earthquake potential for a given amount of injected fluid (safety objective) or maximize fluid injection for a prescribed earthquake potential (economic objective). The optimization tends to spread out high-rate injectors and shift them to regions of lower SI. The framework has practical importance as a tool to manage injection rate per unit field area to reduce induced earthquake potential. Our optimization framework is both flexible and adaptable to mitigate induced earthquake potential in other regions and for other types of subsurface fluid injection.

Climate change law faces a serious implementation problem. New instruments promoted by states from the Global North to address the implementation gap come from the sphere of trade and supply chain regulation. This article focuses on corporate climate due diligence legislation and its potential contribution to fulfilling the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement. By examining the EU’s legislative process towards adopting a Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), it explores various approaches to regulating the climate impacts of corporations, including along global supply chains. The article critiques both the ultimately adopted climate transition planning requirement and the European Parliament’s alternative proposal, which aimed to incorporate climate mitigation into the general due diligence framework of the Directive but was unsuccessful. It applies two overarching critiques, termed ‘not enough’ and ‘regulatory imperialism’, to the specific context of corporate climate due diligence. Although these critiques may initially appear contradictory, the article endeavours to reconcile them through a compromise approach that fosters greater participation, integrates measures to mitigate impacts on self-determination, and specifies the obligations imposed on corporations regarding climate mitigation. Finally, the article discusses the idea of a decentralised enforcement regime and highlights the importance of regulation in states of the Global South to achieve a truly planetary legal order on corporate climate accountability.

Understanding the intricate dynamics of sediment-mediated microbial interactions and their impact on plant tissue preservation is crucial for unraveling the complexities of leaf decay and preservation processes. To elucidate the earliest stages of leaf preservation, a series of decay experiments was carried out for three months on Nymphaea water lily leaves in aquariums with pond water and one of three distinctly different, sterilized, fine-grained substrates—commercially purchased kaolinite clay or fine sand, or natural pond mud. One aquarium contained only pond water as a control. We use 16S and ITS rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to identify and characterize the complex composition of the bacterial and fungal communities on leaves. Our results reveal that the pond mud substrate produces a unique community composition in the biofilms compared to other substrates. The mud substrate significantly influences microbial communities, as shown by the correlation between high concentrations of minerals in the water and bacterial abundance. Furthermore, more biofilm formers are observed on the leaves exposed to mud after two months, contrasting with declines on other substrates. The mud substrate also enhanced leaf tissue preservation compared to the other sediment types, providing insight into the role of sediment and biofilms in fossilization processes. Notably, leaves on kaolinite clay have the fewest biofilm formers by the end of the experiment. We also identify key biofilm-forming microbes associated with each substrate. The organic-rich mud substrate emerges as a hotspot for biofilm formers, showing that it promotes biofilm formation on leaves and may increase the preservation potential of leaves better than other substrates. The mud’s chemical composition, rich in minerals such as silica, iron, aluminum, and phosphate, may slow or suspend decay and facilitate biomineralization, thus paving the way toward leaf preservation. Our study bridges the information gap between biofilms observed on modern leaves and the mineral encrustation on fossil leaves by analyzing the microbial response in biofilms to substrate types in which fossil leaves are commonly found.

Mn-doped UO2 is considered a potential advanced nuclear fuel due to ameliorated microstructural grain growth compared to non-doped variants. However, recent experimental investigations have highlighted limitations in grain growth apparently arising from misunderstandings of its redox-structural chemistry. To resolve this, we use synchrotron X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy measurements supported by ab initio calculations to cross-examine the redox and structural chemistry of Mn-doped UO2 single crystal grains and ceramic specimens. Measurements reveal Mn enters the UO2 matrix divalently as (Mnx+2U1-x+4)O2-x with the additional formation of fluorite Mn+2O in the bulk material. Extended X-ray absorption near edge structure measurements unveil that during sintering, the isostructural relationship between fluorite UO2 and Mn+2O results in inadvertent interaction and subsequent incorporation of diffusing U species within MnO, rather than neighbouring UO2 grains, inhibiting grain growth. The investigation consequently highlights the significance of considering total redox-structural chemistry of main and minor phases in advanced ceramic material design.

This paper contains a comparison of five modelling approaches for a simplified nuclear waste repository in a domal salt formation. It is the result of a four-year collaboration between five international teams on Task F of the DECOVALEX-2023 project on performance assessment modelling. The primary objectives of Task F are to build confidence in the models, methods, and software used for performance assessment (PA) of deep geologic nuclear waste repositories, and/or to bring to the fore additional research and development needed to improve PA methodologies. This work demonstrates how these objectives are accomplished through staged development and comparison of the models and methods used by participating teams in their PA frameworks. Participating teams made a wide range of model assumptions, ranging from compartmentalized networks to full 3D models of the salt formation and repository. Despite differences in the modelling strategies, all models indicate that salt compaction and diffusion of radionuclides in brine are key processes in the repository. For the isothermal spent nuclear fuel and vitrified waste scenario with multiple early failures considered, all models indicate little of the disposed radionuclides will migrate beyond the repository seal over the 100,000-year simulations. In general, the model output quantities have the largest differences over the short term and near the waste. Disparities between the models are believed to be due to differing simplifications from the conceptual model.

The Black, Azov and Caspian Seas are donor hotspots for non-native species, with many species from the region highly tolerant of abiotic stressors and able to successfully establish, spread and exert impacts around the world. Here we document a new introduction of the bloody red mysid shrimp, Hemimysis anomala G.O. Sars, 1907. Discovered for the first time in January 2023 in Lake Stechlin, Germany, at high densities, many questions surround its potential impacts in this deep, formerly oligotrophic, now meso-eutrophic lake of major geological, cultural and ecological importance. Using molecular and morphological identification, the identity of H. anomala from two sites in the lake was confirmed. Unlike other mysids normally detected over deeper waters in lakes at night, H. anomala has so far only been detected near the surface and at depths shallower than 30 m, but during both night and day, in winter. We outline vital areas for future research and the need for dedicated sampling methods by also highlighting a case study from Lake Müggelsee, Berlin, where the species has been known to exist for over 20 years without being caught in regular plankton tows.

Transferring information using light signals, and detecting these signals, is not only a cornerstone of modern technology, but has been essential for organisms since evolution provided them with proteins - the cell’s custom-built tools - capable of light to energy conversion or photo-sensing. In this study, the use of diverse representatives of the photoactive protein family of microbial rhodopsins as the active material in differential photodetector devices has been investigated. By modifying the internal parameters of the detectors, such as rhodopsin kind, salinity and pH, as well as by tuning the external environment, such as temperature, we could increase the responsivity and speed of our devices by over 2 orders of magnitude, compared to a previously reported proof-of-concept device, to the µA/W and kHz range, respectively. The characteristic differential photodetector transient signal shape could be stably observed for temperatures up to 70°C and related to features in the protein’s cyclic reaction upon light activation, with the changes in photocurrent shape and polarity concomitantly providing information about the protein used in the device. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the use of proteins - the cell’s molecular machines - instead of simple organic semiconductor materials can add secondary sensor functionalities to the device if the stimulus (here through temperature and pH) has sufficient effect on the photocurrent signal to allow calibration.

Introduction

Parental Reflective Functioning describes the parents’ ability to view their child as motivated by mental states. The Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ) represents an 18-item and three-factor self-report measure. Our goal was to conduct the first German validation study.

Method

In a community sample of 378 mothers of children aged 10.2–78.6 months, we used Confirmatory Factor Analysis with a cross-validation approach to assess model fit. Reliability was measured using Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω. Concurrent validity was assessed using correlations with relevant constructs.

Results

The three-factor structure of the original validation could be confirmed. The German model only needed minor modifications: two items had to be removed, and one error covariance was added. The resulting 16-item questionnaire with the three subscales “Pre-mentalizing”, “Interest and Curiosity about Mental States”, and “Certainty about Mental States” was successfully cross-validated (CFI = .94, TLI = .93, SRMR = .07, RMSEA = .04 (CI [.01, .06])). These factors were related in theoretically expected ways to parental attachment dimensions, emotional availability, parenting stress, and infant attachment status.

Conclusion

While reliability could still be improved, the German 16-item version of the PRFQ represents a valid measure of parental reflective functioning.

Green chemistry focuses on designing products and processes that minimize hazardous substances and address pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. Green chemistry products and processes could contribute to the transition to circular economy and reaching Sustainable Development Goals. However, green chemistry philosophy offers none or little guidance on social, ethical, economic, or political aspects that are inherent to complex transition processes. Such broad and future-oriented considerations are at the heart of ‘Responsible Research and Innovation’ (RRI) approach but to date the ideas of RRI and green chemistry remain largely unconnected. This study aims to shed light on how RRI and green chemistry approaches can be combined. A refined responsible roadmapping method is proposed to help researchers to go beyond the 12 principles of green chemistry and develop inter- and transdisciplinary research agendas that address technical, environmental as well as social, ethical, economic and political considerations. The method was piloted in three research projects aspiring to develop sustainable and safe chemical processes and their applications. The study demonstrates that at the early stage of research planning, the responsible roadmapping method can facilitate the integration of RRI and green chemistry practices and the development of interdisciplinary research plans, which address technical, environmental, socio-ethical, economic and political dimensions. The implications of our study for future research on roadmapping methods as well as for policy and innovation practice are discussed.

In topological band theory, phonon boundary modes consequence of a topologically non-trivial band structure feature desirable properties for atomically-precise technologies, such as robustness against defects, waveguiding, and one-way transport. These topological phonon boundary modes remain to be studied both theoretically and experimentally in synthetic materials, such as polymers and supramolecular assemblies at the atomistic level under thermal fluctuations. Here we show by means of molecular simulations, that surface-confined Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) phonon analogue models express robust topological phonon boundary modes at heavy boundaries and under thermal fluctuations. The resulting bulk-heavy boundary correspondence enables patterning of boundary modes in polymer chains and weakly-interacting supramolecular lattices. Moreover, we show that upon excitation of a single molecule, propagation along heavy-boundary modes differs from free boundary modes. Our work is an entry to topological vibrations in supramolecular systems, and may find applications in the patterning of phonon circuits and realization of Hall effect phonon analogues at the molecular scale.

This study investigates gender biases in the evaluation of applicants for assistant professorships in Germany and Italy. Drawing on the justification-suppression model of prejudice expression, we explore whether biases against women are expressed, suppressed, or even reversed in the appointment process, considering the different normative gender climates and gender equality strategies in the two countries. Using harmonized factorial survey experiments with professors of economics, political science, and social sciences, we found that women in Germany have an advantage both in perceived qualification for an assistant professorship and in the propensity to receive an interview invitation. In contrast, women in Italy are neither disadvantaged nor advantaged. We also examine whether gender biases exist when there is ambiguity about applicants' academic performance (co-authorship) and career commitment (parental leave). Our results reveal a co-authorship penalty and a parenthood premium in both countries, with no gender differences observed. Our exploratory country comparison suggests that Germany's proactive gender equality policies may be more effective in reducing the gender gap in assistant professor appointments compared to Italy's gender-neutral approach, by favoring equally qualified female applicants.

Cu-doped LaCuxMn1–xO3 perovskites have been used as a model system for a joint experimental and theoretical assessment of the influence of the Cu doping level on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. The different Cu-doped phases LaCu0.3Mn0.7O3 (LCM37), LaCu0.5Mn0.5O3 (LCM55), and LaCu0.7Mn0.3O3 (LCM73) including the respective Cu- and Mn-free benchmark materials La2CuO4 (LC) and LaMnO3 (LM) have been studied by magnetization measurements and electronic paramagnetic resonance. Ferromagnetic behavior was detected for pure LM and all Cu-doped perovskites, whereas antiferromagnetic behavior was revealed for La2CuO4. Generally, an increased antiferromagnetic contribution was shown for higher Cu doping levels. Equally, magnetization was highlighted to decrease with increasing Cu content. Sophisticated hybrid density functional theory calculations of the electronic and magnetic properties using defect-free, idealized Cu-doped model structures agree well with the experimental results. The findings reveal that copper incorporation influences both the electronic conductivity and the magnetic properties. Notably, the materials exhibit a tunable degree of half-metallicity and significant electronic spin polarization, establishing them as promising candidates for advanced technological applications in spintronics and catalysis. The insights gained from this study contribute to a broader understanding of perovskite materials and their versatile applications.

In this article, we introduce the concept of energy-variational solutions for a class of nonlinear dissipative evolutionary equations, which turns out to be especially suited to treat viscoelastic fluid models. Under certain convexity assumptions, the existence of such solutions can be shown constructively by an adapted minimizing movement scheme in a general framework. Weak-strong uniqueness follows by a suitable relative energy inequality. Our main motivation is to apply the general framework to viscoelastic fluid models. Therefore, we give a short overview on different versions of such models and their derivation. The abstract result is applied to two of these viscoelastic fluid models in full detail. In the conclusion, we comment on further applications of the general theory and its possible impact.

Integral inequalities and the Mittag-Leffler function play a crucial role in many branches of mathematics and applications, including fractional calculus, mathematical physics, and engineering. In this paper, we introduced an extended generalized Mittag-Leffler function that involved several well-known Mittag-Leffler functions as a special case. We also introduced an associated generalized fractional integral to obtain some estimates for fractional integral inequalities of the Hermite-Hadamard and Hermite-Hadamard-Fejér types. This article offered several analytical tools that will be useful to anyone working in this field. To demonstrate the veracity of our findings, we offered a few numerical and graphical examples. A few applications of modified Bessel functions and unitarily invariant norm of matrices were also given.

Social support can benefit its recipients and even its providers and is especially important in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, support from society and personal networks became particularly crucial but individuals greatly differed in their support reception and provision. The Big Five personality traits may be key to explaining these interindividual differences: In this study, we investigated their impact on the support provided, received and additionally needed during the COVID-19 pandemic using data collected in October 2020 in a large German sample (N = 3330). The Big Five personality traits predicted support received from the state, civil society and the social network, with extraversion and openness emerging as positive and conscientiousness and emotional stability as negative predictors. The need for additional support was predicted positively by openness and negatively by conscientiousness, emotional stability and agreeableness. Support provision was predicted by all traits, positively by extraversion and openness and negatively by conscientiousness and emotional stability. Notably, agreeableness showed positive associations with social but negative associations with societal support reception and provision. Our findings highlight the importance of personality in social support processes during crises and the need to distinguish between different support sources. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

The concentration of near-surface Beryllium-7 contains valuable information about the atmosphere, e.g., the tropospheric circulation, precipitation pattern or specific atmospheric phenomena, like the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Here, we modelled the transport and deposition of Beryllium-7 from galactic cosmic rays for 1850–2100, using the ECHAM/MESSy atmospheric chemistry climate model, and analyzed the variability of near-surface Beryllium-7 due to the El Niño Southern Oscillation. We find that our simulated Beryllium-7 time series agree well with Beryllium-7 measurements from the international monitoring system of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization. The analysis of the time series reveals significant Beryllium-7 patterns for El Niño and La Niña in the equatorial Pacific region, controlled by precipitation anomalies and the respective state of the Walker Circulation. Furthermore, our simulations show an intensification of the Beryllium-7 pattern for El Niño and La Niña in the future. Additionally, our findings suggest that near-surface Beryllium-7 could be used as an additional indicator or even predictor of the upcoming phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation.