Semiclassical treatment of the Dirac sea contribution for finite nuclei

Dirac sea corrections for bulk properties of finite nuclei are computed within a self-consistent scheme in the $\sigma$-$\omega$ model. The valence part is treated in the Hartree approximation whereas the sea contribution is evaluated semiclassically up to fourth order in $\hbar$. Numerically, we find a quick convergence of the semiclassical expansion; the fourth order contributing much less than one percent to the binding energy per nucleon.Comment: LaTeX, 11 page

Impact of indium sulphide based buffer layers on the electrical properties of CIGSSe thin film solar cells

Thin film solar cells on CIGSSe basis require the utilization of a buffer layer between the absorber and the front electrode. Besides the task of the formation of the pn-hetero-junction as well as the electrical and optical alignment between the neighbouring layers, the buffer protects the absorber during subsequent process steps. Commonly, this is accomplished by a wet chemical deposition of CdS onto the absorber. However, the inherent toxicity and the process management diminish the attractiveness of this compound for a commercial application. A promising alternative to CdS is the utilization of In2S3. The present work analyses the structural, chemical and optical properties of InxSy buffer layers as a function of their S/In ratio. The observed changes are associated to the electrical properties of solar cells with the help of the respective diode characteristics and discussed, subsequently. It is shown, that the optimal efficiency is reached at an In-content of about 42 at%. Any deviation from this composition results in a degradation of the efficiency towards both, In- and S-richer films. By evaluating the secondary parameters, a model is developed that explains the observed behaviour, ascribing it to the band alignment at the absorber-buffer-interface. An optimal composition is connected to a slight type inversion of the absorber’s surface. Due to a more pronounced crystallinity for S-rich layers, an increased Cu-diffusion from the absorber is induced, which reduces the charge carrier density inside the buffer. This leads to a loss of the inversion and deteriorates the electrical properties of the solar cells because of enhanced interface recombination. For higher In-contents inside the buffer the proportion of In6S7 and InS phases increases, which also reduces the effective charge carrier density and diminishes the inversion. Since the utilization of a pure InxSy buffer leads to a significant discrepancy in the achievable efficiency compared to CdS, a doping process for the buffer layer has been developed in this work, using Na2S. The structural, optical and electrical properties of the improved buffer allow a considerable increase of the absorber’s type-inversion, enabling a complete closure of the observed efficiency gap on a level of up to 14.9 % for a 10x10 cm² module

Personality and wellbeing in gorillas: captive-wild comparisons and implications for zoos

The One Plan Approach integrates in situ and ex situ strategies for wildlife conservation, emphasizing biodiversity preservation through cross-sector collaboration. Zoos are crucial in this approach, engaging in activities such as ex situ breeding and translocation programs, thus contributing to the conservation of endangered species and promoting individual animal welfare. Understanding personality in animals can significantly enhance these conservation and welfare efforts. This study investigates the personality of Western lowland gorillas (WLGs) using the Hominoid Personality Questionnaire (HPQ) across both ex situ (eWLGs) and in situ (iWLGs) populations. Data were collected from 203 eWLGs (678 ratings, 94 raters, 30 zoos) and 198 iWLGs (501 ratings, 25 raters, 5 African field sites). Key findings reveal distinct personality structures: eWLGs exhibited six factors (Dominance, Openness, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Extraversion) while iWLGs displayed four (Neuroticism, Sociability, Dominance, Self-Control/Tolerance). Demographic variables such as sex and age influenced personality differences in both populations. Comparative analysis with previously published data on Virunga mountain gorillas (iVMGs) highlights the impact of socio-ecological factors like habitat, diet, social structure, and life history on personality development. These differences demonstrate the complex interaction between environmental dynamics, adaptability, and the evolution of personality. Additionally, personality is linked to subjective wellbeing (SWB) and social engagement in gorillas. SWB ratings were analysed for 189 eWLGs (607 ratings, 84 raters, 30 zoos) and 189 iWLGs (499 ratings, 25 raters, 5 field sites), with validation through observed behaviour in 124 iWLGs. Strong correlations between SWB, mood, emotions, and personality factors were found in a subset of 24 eWLGs. The integration of positive welfare and SWB concepts with personality insights offers a novel perspective within the One Plan Approach. This research advocates for a holistic One Welfare Plan to optimize conservation, management, and wellbeing of gorillas, enhancing their overall welfare by fostering positive emotions and social interactions

Axial spondyloarthritis: The role of clinical information in imaging evaluation

Ziel: Röntgen- und Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT)-Aufnahmen der Sakroiliakalgelenke (SIG) sind für die Diagnose und Klassifizierung von Patient*innen mit axialer Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) unerlässlich. Ziel dieser Studie war es, den Einfluss klinischer Informationen auf die Genauigkeit der Bildinterpretation zu untersuchen. Methoden: Die Röntgen- und MRT-Bilder von 109 Patient*innen mit Verdacht auf axSpA wurden separat durch drei Radiolog*innen in vier aufeinanderfolgenden Runden ausgewertet. Dabei wurden zunächst nur die Röntgenaufnahmen, später Röntgen- und MRT-Aufnahmen jeweils ohne und mit klinischer Information (demografische Daten, SpA-Merkmale, körperliche Aktivität, Schwangerschaft) über die Patient*innen analysiert. Die Befundung der Röntgenbilder erfolgte anhand der modifizierten New York Kriterien, die der MRT-Aufnahmen nach entzündlichen und/oder strukturellen Veränderungen der SIG sowohl separat pro Radiolog*in als auch kondensiert nach dem Mehrheitsprinzip (≥2/3 Radiolog*innen). Es wurde die Kompatibilität (Präzision) der radiologischen Befunde mit der klinischen Diagnose durch Rheumatolog*innen (Goldstandard) sowie Sensitivität, Spezifität, PPV, NPV und die Übereinstimmung der Radiolog*innen untersucht. Außerdem wurden die selbst geschätzte diagnostische Sicherheit der Radiolog*innen und der geschätzte Einfluss der klinischen Information auf die Befundung erhoben und in Abhängigkeit von der Bildmodalität und klinischen Information ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Präzision der Röntgen-Befunde ohne bzw. mit klinischer Information stieg von 70 % auf 78 % und für Röntgen und MRT kombiniert von 81 % auf 82 %. Bei alleiniger Befundung der Röntgenaufnahmen betrugen Sensitivität und Spezifität 51 % und 94 % ohne und 60 % und 100 % mit klinischer Information, während für die gemeinsame Beurteilung von Röntgen- und MRT-Aufnahmen 74 % und 90 % bzw. 71 % und 98 % erzielt wurden. Die selbst geschätzte Diagnosesicherheit der Radiolog*innen stieg von 5.2 ± 1.9 auf 6.0 ± 1.7 mit klinischer Information für die Röntgenbefunde bzw. von 6.7 ± 1.6 auf 7.2 ± 1.6 für die Röntgen- und MRT-Auswertung. Die selbst geschätzte diagnostische Sicherheit stieg bei allen Bildmodalitäten durch die klinische Information an, während der Einfluss der klinischen Information auf Röntgen- bzw. Röntgen- und MRT-Befundung kombiniert nicht unterschiedlich eingeschätzt wurde. Schlussfolgerung: Die Präzision, die Spezifität und die diagnostische Sicherheit der radiologischen Auswertung nahm zu, wenn klinische Informationen zur Verfügung gestellt wurden. Diese Daten sprechen für die Bereitstellung klinischer Informationen für Radiolog*innen.Objectives: For the diagnosis and classification of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) imaging (X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) is indispensable. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of clinical information on the radiologists' findings and image interpretation. Methods: X-ray and MRI images of 109 patients with suspected axSpA were analyzed separately by three radiologists in four consecutive rounds. Initially, only the X-ray images were analyzed, later X-ray and MRI images were analyzed without and with clinical information (demographic data, SpA characteristics, physical activity, pregnancy) about the patients. The radiographs were analyzed according to the modified New York criteria, the MRI images according to inflammatory and/or structural changes of the SIJ. Analyzation was performed separately per radiologist and combined according to the majority principle (≥2/3 radiologists). The compatibility (precision) of the radiological findings with the clinical diagnosis by rheumatologists (reference standard) as well as sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and the agreement of the radiologists were examined. In addition, the radiologists' self-estimated diagnostic confidence and the estimated influence of clinical information on the radiologic evaluation were recorded and evaluated regarding imaging method and clinical information. Results: Without clinical information, the precision of X-ray findings was 70% compared to 78% with clinical information, and for X-rays and MRI combined 81% and 82%, respectively. For X-ray alone, the sensitivity and specificity of radiologic findings were 51% and 94% without and 60% and 100 % with clinical information while for X-rays and MRI combined, 74% and 90% vs 71% and 98% were calculated, respectively. The diagnostic confidence of radiologists increased from 5.2 ± 1.9 to 6.0 ± 1.7 with clinical information for X-rays, and from 6.7 ± 1.6 to 7.2 ± 1.6 for X-rays and MRI, respectively. Self-estimated diagnostic confidence increased with clinical information for all imaging modalities, while the influence of clinical information on X-ray alone and X-ray and MRI combined was not assessed differently. Conclusion: With knowledge of clinical information, the precision, specificity, and diagnostic confidence of radiologic evaluation in patient with suggested axSpA improved. These data favor the provision of clinical information to radiologists

Responding to global challenges in food, energy, environment and water: Risks and options assessment for decision-Making

We analyse the threats of global environmental change, as they relate to food security. First, we review three discourses: (i) ‘sustainable intensification’, or the increase of food supplies without compromising food producing inputs, such as soils and water; (ii) the ‘nexus’ that seeks to understand links across food, energy, environment and water systems; and (iii) ‘resilience thinking’ that focuses on how to ensure the critical capacities of food, energy and water systems are maintained in the presence of uncertainties and threats. Second, we build on these discourses to present the causal, risks and options assessment for decision-making process to improve decision-making in the presence of risks. The process provides a structured, but flexible, approach that moves from problem diagnosis to better risk-based decision-making and outcomes by responding to causal risks within and across food, energy, environment and water systems

Nuclear trafficking, histone cleavage and induction of apoptosis by the meningococcal App and MspA autotransporters

Neisseria meningitidis, a major cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, secretes multiple virulence factors, including the adhesion and penetration protein (App) and meningococcal serine protease A (MspA). Both are conserved, immunogenic, type Va autotransporters harbouring S6-family serine endopeptidase domains. Previous work suggested that both could mediate adherence to human cells, but their precise contribution to meningococcal pathogenesis was unclear. Here, we confirm that App and MspA are in vivo virulence factors since human CD46-expressing transgenic mice infected with meningococcal mutants lacking App, MspA or both had improved survival rates compared with mice infected with wild type. Confocal imaging showed that App and MspA were internalized by human cells and trafficked to the nucleus. Cross-linking and enzyme-linked immuno assay (ELISA) confirmed that mannose receptor (MR), transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and histones interact with MspA and App. Dendritic cell (DC) uptake could be blocked using mannan and transferrin, the specific physiological ligands for MR and TfR1, whereas in vitro clipping assays confirmed the ability of both proteins to proteolytically cleave the core histone H3. Finally, we show that App and MspA induce a dose-dependent increase in DC death via caspase-dependent apoptosis. Our data provide novel insights into the roles of App and MspA in meningococcal infection

The Majority of Active Rhodobacteraceae in Marine Sediments Belong to Uncultured Genera: A Molecular Approach to Link Their Distribution to Environmental Conditions

General studies on benthic microbial communities focus on fundamental biogeochemical processes or the most abundant constituents. Thereby, minor fractions such as the Rhodobacteraceae are frequently neglected. Even though this family belongs to the most widely distributed bacteria in the marine environment, their proportion on benthic microbial communities is usually within or below the single digit range. Thus, knowledge on these community members is limited, even though their absolute numbers might exceed those from the pelagic zone by orders of magnitudes. To unravel the distribution and diversity of benthic, metabolically active Rhodobacteraceae, we have now analyzed an already existing library of bacterial 16S rRNA transcripts. The dataset originated from 154 individual sediment samples comprising seven oceanic regions and a broad variety of environmental conditions. Across all samples, a total of 0.7% of all 16S rRNA transcripts was annotated as Rhodobacteraceae. Among those, Sulfitobacter, Paracoccus, and Phaeomarinomonas were the most abundant cultured representatives, but the majority (78%) was affiliated to uncultured family members. To define them, the 45 most abundant Rhodobacteraceae-OTUs assigned as “uncultured” were phylogenetically assembled in new clusters. Their next relatives particularly belonged to different subgroups other than the Roseobacter group, reflecting a large part of the hidden diversity within the benthic Rhodobacteraceae with unknown functions. The general composition of active Rhodobacteraceae communities was found to be specific for the geographical location, exhibiting a decreasing richness with sediment depth. One-third of the Rhodobacteraceae-OTUs significantly responded to the prevailing redox regime, suggesting an adaption to anoxic conditions. A possible approach to predict their physiological properties is to identify the metabolic capabilities of their nearest relatives. Those need to be proven by physiological experiments, as soon an isolate is available. Because many uncultured members of these subgroups likely thrive under anoxic conditions, in future research, a molecular-guided cultivation strategy can be pursued to isolate novel Rhodobacteraceae from sediments