Second harmonic generation in monolithic gallium phosphide metasurfaces.

Gallium phosphide (GaP) offers unique opportunities for nonlinear and quantum nanophotonics due to its wide optical transparency range, high second-order nonlinear susceptibility, and the possibility to tailor the nonlinear response by a suitable choice of crystal orientation. However, the availability of single crystalline thin films of GaP on low index substrates, as typically required for nonlinear dielectric metasurfaces, is limited. Here we designed and experimentally realized monolithic GaP metasurfaces for enhanced and tailored second harmonic generation (SHG).

Ultrafast Q-boosting in semiconductor metasurfaces.

All-optical tunability of semiconductor metasurfaces offers unique opportunities for novel time-varying effects, including frequency conversion and light trapping. However, the all-optical processes often induce optical absorption that fundamentally limits the possible dynamic increase of their quality factor (Q-boosting). Here, we propose and numerically demonstrate the concept of large Q-boosting in a single-material metasurface by dynamically reducing its structural anisotropy on a femtosecond timescale.

Toward robust electronic coupling predictions in redox-active TEMPO/TEMPO+ systems.

This research elucidates the intricate nature of electronic coupling in the redox-active (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO), commonly utilized in organic radical batteries. This study employs a combination of classical molecular dynamics and various electronic coupling calculation schemes. Within the context of the generalized Mulliken-Hush method, the electronic couplings are investigated via the complete active space self-consistent field approach, in combination with n-electron valence state perturbation theory, to provide an accurate description of both static and dynamic electron correlation as well as using (time-dependent) density functional theory simulations.

Automated in-situ monitoring of accelerated crystallization processes of nifedipine using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

We developed and tested an automated measurement platform which can fit multiple samples for their investigation in transmission mode using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The temperature inside the platform can be varied to simulate different storage conditions of the samples, in our case, pharmaceuticals. As a proof-of-concept, the setup was successfully tested to monitor the crystallization process of amorphous nifedipine, as a model drug, at 24 °C, 30 °C and 35 °C for over 144 h.

Overall Accuracy of the Modified Duke Criteria-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background:  Rapid and accurate diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) allows timely management of this life-threatening disease and improves outcome. The Duke criteria have traditionally been the clinical method for diagnosing IE. These criteria were reformulated at different timepoints.

Freshwater fish in mid and northern German rivers - Long-term trends and associated species traits.

To understand biodiversity change and support conservation decision-making, estimates of species' long-term population trends at regional and national scales are essential. However, such estimates are missing for many freshwater taxa, despite the diverse range of threats that they face. For this study, we mobilised monitoring data on riverine freshwater fish abundance collected across different regions of Germany.

Cyclooctyne End-Functionalized Poly(morpholine-2,5-dione)s.

The cyclooctyne-functionalized alcohol (1R,8S,9S)-bicyclo-[6.1.0]non-4-yn-9-ylmethanol (BCN-OH) is applied as initiator for the organo-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of morpholine-2,5-diones based on the l-amino acids valine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine.

Electrospinning of Cellulose Benzyl Carbamates for Enantioselective Membrane Filtration.

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes made of chiral selectors (CSs) have shown their potential for efficient chiral resolutions via filtrations. It is thus of great importance to expand the number of electrospun membranes made of various CSs for the resolution of a wide range of chiral compounds. Here, the electrospinning of two benzyl carbamate derivatives of cellulose, namely cellulose benzyl carbamate (CBzC) and cellulose 4-chlorobenzyl carbamate (CCBzC), to form a new type of enantioselective membranes for chiral resolutions of racemic compounds, is reported.

Livin' La Vida Sola: Network Diversity and Well-Being in Middle-Aged Adults Living Alone.

Background: For individuals living alone, having a diverse personal network is considered crucial for mitigating the risk of social isolation and enhancing well-being. Although a reciprocal dynamic between network diversity and well-being is likely, longitudinal evidence supporting reciprocal effects is limited. This study investigates dynamic transactions between network diversity and well-being (life satisfaction, loneliness, and depressiveness) in a community-based sample of middle-aged adults from Germany.

Metagenomic Analyses of Water Samples of Two Urban Freshwaters in Berlin, Germany, Reveal New Highly Diverse Invertebrate Viruses.

In an attempt to explore the RNA viromes of two German rivers, we searched the virus particle contents of one 50 L water sample each from the Teltow Canal and the Havel River for viruses assumed to infect invertebrates. More than 330 complete and partial virus genomes up to a length of 37 kb were identified, with noda-like and reo-like viruses being most abundant, followed by bunya-like and birna-like viruses. Viruses related to the , , , as well as the unclassified Jῑngmén virus and Negev virus groups were also present.

Werner Nachtigall (1934-2024).

On September 5th, 2024, Werner Nachtigall (born July 6, 1934) passed away. Nachtigall is a pioneer in biomechanics, a founder of biomimetics (bionics), and a relentless advocate for his field in Germany. He conducted broad-ranging and innovative work on biomechanics in insects, birds, and fishes.