Justus Liebig University Giessen

Spatial context is critical for telling how big a visual object is, although it may also cause the perceived size to diverge dramatically from the true dimensions. Interestingly, responses in the primary visual cortex (V1) mirror such illusory perception; however, the stage of processing that leads to such neural correlates remains unknown. Here, we tested the involvement of higher level processing in a Ponzo-like illusion, by quantifying the effect of manipulating depth cues and inversion of the whole scene. We report a stronger illusion for realistic compared with simpler backgrounds, and for upright compared with inverted scenes (except for scenes where the target objects appeared on the ceiling or in the sky). Next, using functional MRI, we tested the effect of inversion on V1 responses. Inverted scenes elicited a smaller extent of activation in V1 compared with upright scenes, consistent with their perceived sizes. Taken together, since the inversion should disrupt the high-level processing while keeping the low-level features intact, our findings demonstrate that Ponzo-like illusions involve high-level processes that integrate contextual depth cues and visual experience, thereby modulating the object’s neural representation in V1.

Cathode active material (CAM) particles and solid electrolyte (SE) – CAM composites for solid‐state batteries (SSBs) are often subjected to elevated temperatures during annealing or co‐sintering. This thermal treatment can affect the material's structure and induce degradation processes, particularly at the SE – CAM interface. To better understand these phenomena and improve material stability and performance, investigations by (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) under realistic processing conditions, i.e., in an oxygen atmosphere, are desirable. However, preparing electron‐transparent TEM lamellae of SE – CAM composites with intact interfaces is highly challenging. Therefore, an in situ heating methodology is first established using LiNiO2 (LNO) particles as a model system. In this study, the morphological and structural evolution of thinned LNO particles during heating in an oxygen atmosphere is investigated, employing in situ 4D nanobeam STEM. The in situ observations are complemented with postmortem electron diffraction and spectroscopy measurements. These findings indicate that LNO undergoes structural degradation at temperatures ≈350 °C, transitioning from the layered (R3¯m$R\bar 3m$) structure to a NiO‐type rock‐salt phase (Fm3¯m$Fm\bar 3m$). This onset temperature is significantly higher than that observed in comparable in situ heating experiments conducted in vacuum, highlighting the importance of an oxygen atmosphere for replicating real‐world processing conditions.

Ultrasound diagnostics is a widely used, radiation-free, cost-effective, and bedside-applicable imaging technique. Given its numerous advantages and broad application, it appears reasonable to integrate practical use and theory into medical education at an early stage. Since the content of student ultrasound courses varies significantly on an international scale, the aim of this paper is to establish foundations for a more standardized approach to student’s ultrasound education (SUSE) especially with focus on abdominal ultrasound. This review examines to what extent measurements can be effectively incorporated into student ultrasound training and under which conditions the teaching of pathologies should be included in these courses. Additionally, the handling of false-positive and false-negative findings in student training is discussed. Considering the growing relevance of interventional ultrasound (INVUS), the paper further explores the extent to which interventional procedures should already be taught during SUSE.

Background Left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) is a common type of colic in horses. Different risk factors for developing LDDLC have already been established. To prevent recurrence of the pathology, multiple laparoscopic nephrosplenic space closing techniques have been developed. However, the correlation between the configuration of the nephrosplenic space (NSS), which is visible through laparoscopy, and LDDLC has not been examined. Objectives To examine whether the NSS configuration, among other possible risk factors, is correlated with the development of LDDLC. Study design Retrospective case–control study. Methods Horses that underwent a laparoscopic procedure were divided into cases (treated with NSS closure due to putative LDDLC) and controls (without history of LDDLC and laparoscopically treated for another indication). The shape and size of the NSS were evaluated via laparoscopic images and/or videos by three evaluators who were blinded to the origin of the images. These results, together with data on other possible risk factors, were compared between the two groups by multivariable statistical analysis. Results Eighty‐two horses were included in the study: 28 cases and 54 controls. The multivariable analysis revealed that cases had significantly more cribbing behaviour [ p = 0.032; odds ratio (OR) = 0.070 (0.006–0.798)] and taller heights at the withers [ p = 0.014; OR = 0.856 (0.756–0.969)] than the controls. No significant differences in terms of NSS configuration were found between the two groups. Main limitations Retrospective nature of the study and the diagnosis of LDDLC being putative. Conclusions Results suggest that cribbing behaviour and height at the withers are contributing factors to the development of LDDLC. However, NSS configuration could not be linked to LDDLC.

Background Complex post‐traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a severely disabling mental health condition, frequently observed in survivors of prolonged, repeated or multiple traumatic stressors. While studies indicate that engaging in psychotherapy can reduce CPTSD symptom severity, data on long‐term effectiveness of interventions is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate long‐term CPTSD trajectories of affected individuals after a 6‐week multimodal psychodynamic inpatient rehabilitation treatment. Methods In this observational single center study participants completed questionnaires on CPTSD symptoms (ITQ), anxiety, depression, and somatization (BSI‐18), functional impairment (WHODAS‐12), mentalizing (MZQ‐6) and epistemic trust, mistrust and credulity (ETMCQ) before (T1) and at the end of treatment (T2) as well as > 12 months after treatment. Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and reliable change index (RCIs) for the ITQ as primary outcome variable were calculated to evaluate mean symptom change. The influence of a range of potential factors affecting change was evaluated using correlation coefficients and ANOVAs. Results A total of n = 38 individuals diagnosed with CPTSD completed the questionnaires 14−28 (median: 21.2) months after treatment. Participants reported a significant reduction of CPTSD symptoms with large effect sizes at follow‐up ( p < 0.001, d = 1.70) as well as reduced symptoms of depression ( p = 0.009, d = 0.84) and anxiety ( p = 0.009, d = 0.1.24) and improved social participation ( p = 0.012, d = 1.06). At follow‐up, 59% of participants no longer fulfilled CPTSD criteria. Improved epistemic trust ( r = −0.43, p = 0.007), and reduced epistemic credulity ( r = 0.44, p = 0.006) were associated with reduced CPTSD symptoms. Discussion To the authors knowledge, this is the first study to report long‐term CPTSD symptom trajectories after psychodynamic inpatient treatment. The results indicate lasting symptom change and identify improvements in epistemic trust as associated with symptom change. Due to the observational nature of the study, no causal attributions as to the effectiveness of the treatment can be drawn.

This study presents the development of biodegradable and recyclable mixed‐matrix‐membranes (MMMs), hydrogels, and freeze‐dried cryogels based on luminescent nanoscale metal‐organic frameworks (nMOFs) and biopolymers agar and gelatine. Modified synthesis routes provide alternatives to membranes, particularly luminescent hydrogels and cryogels. Nanoscale MOFs are integrated to form stable composite materials keeping the matrix functional while the nMOF ([Eu2(bdc)3(H2O)4]: nEu‐bdc, with bdc²⁻ = benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate) functions as a luminescent optical probe indicating the status of the hybrid material (bio‐nMOF‐MMMs). This research focuses on sustainability by utilizing biopolymers, such as agar and gelatine, instead of anthropogenic polymers to get bio‐nMOF‐MMMs. Analysis of two red luminescent bio‐nMOF‐MMMs, nEu‐bdc@agar and nEu‐bdc@gelatine, allow for synthesis and handling in non‐inert and even aqueous environments, including characterization in terms of the constitution, photophysical properties, and recyclability. In response to a range of environmental stresses, the materials demonstrate a high capacity for regeneration and the capability to minimize waste in membrane technology, supporting circular economic principles. The bio‐nMOF MMMs remain stable over multiple regeneration cycles of high‐quality recycling leading back to the original bio‐nMOF‐MMMs. Altogether, luminescent bio‐nMOF‐MMM films, hydrogels, and cryogels offer alternatives to conventional membranes, with an inherent function to detect changes in the material's condition.

Genetic sexing strains (GSS) are important tools for the sterile insect technique (SIT), an environmentally friendly and species‐specific insect pest control method. GSS feature sex‐specific phenotypes, enabling sex sorting in mass‐rearing facilities and male‐only releases, which significantly improve the cost‐effectiveness and efficiency of SIT programs. In classical GSS, sex linkage of marker gene(s), such as white pupae ( wp ), is achieved through an irradiation‐induced translocation between the marker‐carrying autosome and the Y chromosome. However, this approach may render GSS males semisterile. The recently proposed neo‐classical GSS concept suggests using genome editing to achieve sex linkage by directly inserting the wild‐type marker allele onto the Y chromosome, potentially yielding GSS males with higher fertility. In this study, we examined the Ceratitis capitata wp gene as a genetic marker for the neo‐classical GSS concept and developed a minimal, intronless version of this gene, termed mini‐ wp . We demonstrate that a single copy of mini‐ wp is sufficient to restore the wild‐type brown puparium phenotype and is functional when integrated at various positions within the C. capitata genome, including the X chromosome. Due to its smaller size (4689 bp, including 2000 bp of putative promoter region) relative to the full wild‐type wp allele (20868 bp), mini‐ wp may facilitate its precise insertion into the Y chromosome, representing an important step toward realizing neo‐classical GSS. Furthermore, the methodology developed for designing and testing mini‐ wp in medfly may be adapted to other Tephritid species with an identified wp gene.

Key message We link key aspects of land plant reproductive evolution and detail how successive molecular changes leading to novel tissues and organs require co-evolution of communication systems between tissues. Abstract The transition of water-dependent reproduction of algae to mechanisms with very limited water dependence in many land plant lineages allowed plants to colonize diverse terrestrial environments, leading to the vast variety of extant plant species. The emergence of modified cell types, novel tissues, and organs enabled this transition; their origin is associated with the co-evolution of novel or adapted molecular communication systems and gene regulatory networks. In the light of an increasing number of genome sequences in combination with the establishment of novel genetic model organisms from diverse green plant lineages, our knowledge and understanding about the origin and evolution of individual traits that arose in a concerted way increases steadily. For example, novel members of gene families in signaling pathways emerged for communication between gametes and gametophytes with additional tissues surrounding the gametes. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the origin and evolution of reproductive novelties such as pollen grains, immobile sperms, ovules and seeds, carpels, gamete/gametophytic communication systems, double fertilization, and the molecular mechanisms that have arisen anew or have been co-opted during evolution, including but not limited to the incorporation of phytohormones, reactive oxygen species and redox signaling as well as small RNAs in regulatory modules that contributed to the evolution of land plant sexual reproduction.

Most daily tasks require using our hands. Whether taking a sip from a glass or throwing a ball, we effortlessly select appropriate grasps. Yet, despite many possible hand configurations, most grasping research has focused on the finger‐and‐thumb ‘precision grip’. We thus questioned whether findings on precision grip—such as sensitivity to object mass and material configuration—hold under unconstrained grasping conditions. To test this, we compared how participants grasped 3D objects made of brass and wood, with both precision grip and unconstrained grasps. When unconstrained, participants rarely selected precision grips, favoring multi‐digit grasps. Nevertheless, in both conditions, participants shifted grasps towards the objects’ center of mass and, when grasp factors conflicted, the variability in their selections increased, indicating greater uncertainty about the optimal strategy. Further, despite favoring multidigit grasps, participants consistently placed the thumb and index finger on the same positions on the objects, suggesting that in multidigit grasps, the additional fingers primarily provided support. Our findings thus reveal that object material affects unconstrained grasping similarly to precision grip and imply that previous precision grip research may extend to unconstrained, multidigit conditions.

Using a questionnaire and open questions, with the data compiled in SPSS and MS Excel, this study analyzes the perception, significance, and understanding of animal welfare in dogs in animal-assisted services from the perspective of animal-assisted professionals in Germany. The general findings show that the professionals attach great importance to animal welfare in animal-assisted services and ensure this by paying attention to the physiological and psychological needs of their dogs by observing their body language. Their replies about knowledge can be linked to ethological research. Inductive categories from analyzing the open questions offer inductive categories like expressions, physical or body symptoms, posture and body movements, restlessness or nervousness, contact with caregivers, refusal of food, withdrawal or leaving the situation, and vocalization. The results indicate the necessity of noticing the potential suffering or pain signals of dogs in animal-assisted services. Recognition of and reflection on these aspects ensures animal welfare and well-being.

The critically endangered kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) has suffered population declines due to habitat loss, hunting, and predation. Conservation efforts, including translocation to predator-free islands, have helped increase numbers of this flightless parrot from 51 individuals in 1995–142 in 2019. However, low fertility and high embryo mortality, likely due to genetic bottlenecks continue to hinder population growth. This is further aggravated by the kākāpō’s lek mating system, which allows only a minority of males to father a disproportionate number of offspring, resulting in 21% of non-reproductive males. The study aimed to enhance assisted reproduction techniques to assess male fertility, increase egg fertility, and ensure genetic diversity. Artificial insemination (AI) was used to mimic a second copulation, as females mating with multiple males show higher fertility rates. During the 2019 breeding season, semen collection was successful in 20 males and in 93.5% of 46 attempts using abdominal massage method and electric stimulation technique. Semen volume, colour, consistency, contamination, pH and the motility, concentration, viability and morphology of spermatozoa were analysed. Ejaculate volume ranged between 0.1 and 210 µl and the mean pH was 7.5 ± 0.4 ( ± SD). Average sperm viability was 87.4 ± 10.0% with a total motility of 60.9 ± 22.0% and a progressive motility of 28.3 ± 19.8%. AI was performed 15 times in 12 females, improving second clutch fertility (70% vs. 29.4% without AI). Egg fertility in the second clutch without AI was 29.41% (5/17) compared to 70% (14/20) after AI. Paternity testing confirmed AI offspring (four chicks of three females), including from two previously non-reproductive males, enriching the gene pool with rare alleles (e.g., genes from Fiordland founding population). This study demonstrates the value of assisted reproduction in conserving endangered avian species by improving reproductive success and preserving genetic diversity.