Ruhr University Bochum

The efficiency and repeatability of capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) processes are highly dependent on achieving precise impedance matching between the plasma load and the RF power supply. This paper presents a numerical investigation of the role of frequency modulation in enhancing impedance matching of RF CCPs, a technique that can be critical to maintaining operational efficiency and plasma stability. Through a detailed simulation approach, the research explores how variations in the driving frequency impact plasma characteristics and electrical parameters, particularly focusing on the CCP’s impedance behavior. The simulations demonstrate that when impedance matching is achieved at a fixed fundamental frequency of 13.56 MHz, changes in driving frequency will lead to reduced power coupling efficiency and increased reflection. The study introduces a frequency modulation strategy that allows us to re-establish high-quality impedance matching after changes of the plasma impedance occur, e.g., due to changes of the variable capacitor settings inside the matchbox or gas pressure, thereby improving the CCP’s performance. As the driving frequency can be adjusted electrically, adjusting the impedance matching by frequency modulation is much faster than based on mechanical adjustments of variable capacitors inside the matching and could, thus, allows quicker matching. The findings underscore the impact of frequency modulation on power absorption efficiency and highlight the sensitivity of impedance matching to driving frequency fluctuations. This study provides a foundation for further exploration into the optimization of RF CCP systems with the potential to enhance process control and plasma performance across a range of industrial applications, especially pulsed CCPs.

It is well established that the confinement of reactants to two dimensions influences their reactivity. However, such confinement is often dominated by charge transfer effects between the reactants and the confining walls, in particular if the walls are conductive. Also, the reactivity of carbenes on metal surfaces is significantly affected by the charge transfer between the carbene and the metal, rendering the carbene more nucleophilic or electrophilic. Here, we investigate the geometrical effects of 2D confinement without an influence of the supporting metal for a photoinduced reaction of an aryl carbene on an ionic decoupling layer. We demonstrate the decoupling concept for the C−C coupling of 3‐methoxy‐9‐fluorenylidene (C14H10O) on a NaBr(100) bilayer on Ag(111). We combine scanning tunneling microscopy with infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy to follow the photoinduced C−C coupling of the carbene from its diazo‐protected precursor in two dimensions. Our study demonstrates that the NaBr decoupling bilayer efficiently suppresses the effects of the metal surface, facilitating carbene chemistry under geometrical confinement.

Urethritis is a common condition predominantly caused by sexually transmitted pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis , Neisseria gonorrhoeae , and Mycoplasma genitalium . It is not possible to differentiate with certainty between pathogens on the basis of clinical characteristics alone. However, empirical antibiotic therapy is often initiated in clinical practice. The aim of this clinical practice guideline is to promote an evidence‐based syndrome‐orientated approach to the management of male adolescents and adults with symptoms of urethritis. Besides recommendations for the diagnosis, classification and choice of treatment, this guideline provides recommendations for the indication to empirically treat patients with penile urethritis. A novel feature compared to existing, pathogen‐specific guidelines is the inclusion of a flowchart for the syndrome‐orientated practical management. For suspected gonococcal urethritis requiring empirical treatment, ceftriaxone is recommended. Due to the risk of Chlamydia trachomatis co‐infection, doxycycline should also be prescribed, unless follow‐up for the treatment of possible co‐infections is assured. For suspected non‐gonococcal urethritis, doxycycline is the recommended empirical treatment. In the empiric treatment of both gonococcal and non‐gonococcal penile urethritis, azithromycin is reserved for cases where doxycycline is contraindicated. This guideline also includes detailed recommendations on differential diagnosis, pathogen‐specific treatments and specific situations, as well as patient counselling and follow‐up.

In this study, we explored the biocultural mechanisms underlying ancient craft behaviours. Archaeological methods were integrated with neuroscience techniques to explore the impact on neuroplasticity resulting from the introduction of early pottery techniques. The advent of ceramic marked a profound change in the economy and socio-cultural dynamics of past societies. It may have also played a central role in developing new craft skills that influenced the neural plasticity of the potters. Coiling, one of the most widespread neolithic techniques, requires precise hand movements and the ability to regulate finger pressure to shape the clay without deformation. In a pilot study involving intensive training in neolithic pottery, we used TMS-EEG co-registration to monitor a group of participants and we examined the shape of the artefacts they made before and after training. Our findings suggest changes in the functional properties of the primary motor cortex (M1) responsible for the control and execution of actions. We also observed an improvement in symmetry and consistency of the artefacts and a significant reduction in errors. This multidisciplinary approach sheds light on the mechanisms of material culture’s variation in the archaeological field and provides promising insights into the co-evolution of technology and human skill.

Contemporary migration from the Global South to the Global North is marked by vulnerability, violence, and injustice. These processes give rise to distinct materialities in border regions and transit countries. Although inherently mute, such traces can act as “material witnesses,” testifying to the inequities encountered along these journeys. Contemporary archaeology can apply its research methods to document and analyze these material remains, revealing past instances of injustice and violence. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Turkey and Greece, this paper conceptualizes specific material traces of ongoing migration movements to Europe as material witnesses, shedding light on overlooked stages of migration pathways.

Background This study aims to evaluate the current rates and outcomes of minimally invasive versus open surgery for colonic diverticular disease in Germany, using a nationwide dataset. Methods We analyzed data from 36 hospitals, encompassing approximately 1.25 million hospitalizations from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023. Patients aged 18 years and older with colonic diverticular disease (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10): K57.2 and K57.3) who underwent surgical treatment were included. Surgeries were classified as open or minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic). Outcomes such as in-hospital mortality, complications, and length of stay were assessed using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. Results Out of 1670 patients who underwent surgery for colonic diverticular disease, 63.2% had perforation and abscess. The rate of minimally invasive surgery increased from 34.6% in 2019 to 52.9% in 2023 for complicated cases and from 67.8% to 86.2% for uncomplicated cases. Open surgery was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR): 7.41; 95% CI: 2.86–19.21) and complications compared with minimally invasive surgery. The length of hospital stay was significantly longer for open surgery patients, with an increase of 4.6 days for those with perforation and abscess and 5.0 days for those without. Conclusions Minimally invasive surgery for colonic diverticular disease is increasingly preferred in Germany, especially for uncomplicated cases. However, open surgery remains common for complicated cases, but is associated with higher mortality, more complications, and longer hospital stays.

Concentrations of pollutants like pharmaceuticals in soils typically decrease over time, though it often remains unclear whether this dissipation is caused by the transformation of the pollutant or a decreasing extractability. We developed a mathematical model that (1) explores the plausibility of different dissipation pathways, and (2) allows the quantification of concentration differences between aqueous soil extracts and soil solution. The model considers soil particles as uniform spheres, kinetic sorption towards an equilibrium (Freundlich model), and two dissipation pathways, i.e. irreversible transformation and mineralization (following 1st order kinetics) as well as the formation of non-extractable residues via intraparticle diffusion. Applying the model to 19 published datasets (eight pharmaceuticals, three soils) showed that intraparticle diffusion accounts for approximately two thirds of all simulated mass fluxes. Reversible formation of non-extractable residues could play a major role for dissipation, while irreversible transformation and mineralization cannot be excluded either based on the available datasets. The difference between concentrations in aqueous extracts and soil solution quantified by the model is below typical model and measurement uncertainties for most of the investigated pharmaceuticals. Larger differences might be linked to a positive ionic charge of the pollutant. The model helps in disentangling different dissipation pathways in soils and optimizing experiments elucidating the long-term fate of pollutants in soils.

Advanced training in cardiology faces challenges, such as the shift from inpatient to outpatient treatment, digitalization possibly leading to reduced numbers of investigations and limited diagnostic availability. Conflicts between broad internal medical training and early specialization as well as a lack of flexible working models and integration programs for foreign professionals, complicate the organization of training and the work-life balance. To sustain the appeal of cardiology targeted measures and tips as outlined in this position paper are crucial to address these challenges. These include the careful selection of training facilities, regular mentorship and personnel discussions as well as fostering networking, mentoring and supervision for improvement of the training quality. Flexible training pathways, promotion of gender and family equity and the integration of research and digital technologies are also critical aspects for continued successful training in cardiology in the future and therefore ensuring its attractiveness as a medical discipline .

The sedimentary environment and mechanisms of formation of giant ooids (> 2 mm) are not well understood. Here, we use petrographical, mineralogical and eochemical data of giant ooids from the Lower Triassic Buntsandstein Formation of central Germany to develop a coherent formation model. Structural preservation of calcite crystallites in ooid cortices in combination with comparatively low strontium concentrations (< 545 μg/g) and the absence of dolomite in the cortex suggest a primary low-Mg calcite composition. Shale-normalised rare earth elements plus yttrium (REE + Y) patterns lack a pronounced heavy REE over light REE enrichment and show a positive cerium anomaly (Ce/Ce*SN = 1.9–3.9). Together with a missing yttrium anomaly and low Y/Ho ratios (< 40), these data are largely consistent with ooid formation in a lacustrine environment. Positive cerium and lanthanum anomalies further point to formation and deposition in an alkaline to hypersaline playa-lake environment. Based on our findings, a five-stage formation model is proposed. We suggest nucleus formation by microbial spheres, followed by calcite crystal nucleation on biofilm templates at the sediment–water interface, and crystal/ cortex growth inside the sediment pile. The spherical ooid form is achieved by wave-induced physical rolling motion after exhumation. Ooid growth ceases when the ooid reaches a critical size (here 4 mm), depending on local hydrodynamic properties. Inhomogeneous crystal growth and the inclusion of exogenous particles lead to structural and geochemical anomalies in the ooid cortex. Results presented here have far-reaching implications for the application of REE and other trace elements as environmental proxies in ancient carbonates.

Background Cancer immunotherapy has transformed metastatic cancer treatment, yet challenges persist regarding therapeutic efficacy. RECQL4, a RecQ‐like helicase, plays a central role in DNA replication and repair as part of the DNA damage response, a pathway implicated in enhancing efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies. However, its role in patient response to ICI remains unclear. Methods We analysed whole exome and bulk RNA sequencing data from a pan‐cancer cohort of 25 775 patients and cutaneous melanoma cohorts (untreated: n = 471, anti‐progressive disease [PD]‐1 treated: n = 212). RECQL4 copy number variations and expression levels were assessed for patient outcomes. We performed gene set enrichment analysis to identify RECQL4‐dependent signalling pathways and explored the association between RECQL4 levels and immunoscores. We evaluated the interplay of ICI response and RECQL4 expression in melanoma cohorts of 95 responders and 85 non‐responders prior to and after ICI‐targeted therapy and tested the prognostic power of RECQL4. Finally, we generated genetically engineered RECQL4 variants and conducted comprehensive multi‐omic profiling, employing techniques such as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, to elucidate mechanistic insights. Results We identified RECQL4 as a critical negative regulator of poor prognosis and response to ICI therapy, but also demonstrated its suitability as an independent biomarker in melanoma. High tumour purity and limited signatures of tumour immunogenicity associated with response to anti‐PD‐1 correlated with high RECQL4 activity. We found alterations in the secretion profile of immune regulatory factors and immune‐related pathways robustly suppressed in tumours with high RECQL4 levels, underscoring its crucial role in fostering immune evasion. Mechanistically, we identified RECQL4‐mediated regulation of major histocompatibility complex class II molecule expression and uncovered class II major histocompatibility complex transactivator as a mediator bridging this regulation. Conclusions Our findings unraveled the pivotal role of RECQL4 in immune modulation and its potential as both a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for optimising immunotherapeutic strategies across various cancer types. Highlights High RECQL4 expression limits survival and can act as an independent prognostic factor in melanoma patients. RECQL4 has the potential to act as a negative feedback mediator of immune checkpoint‐targeted therapy by limiting signatures associated with therapeutic efficacy. RECQL4 favours an immune‐evasive phenotype by downregulating major histocompatibility complex class II molecules.

Background Heart failure (HF) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome affecting a growing global population. Due to the high incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, a large proportion of the Western population is at risk for heart failure. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). While previous studies have demonstrated an association between dysfunctional HDL and heart failure, the specific link between oxidized HDL and HF remains unexplored. Methods In this cross-sectional observational study, the antioxidant function of HDL was assessed in 366 patients with suspected heart failure. HFpEF assessment was conducted according to current guidelines. A validated cell-free biochemical assay was used to determine reduced HDL antioxidant function as assessed by increased HDL-lipid peroxide content (HDLox), normalized by HDL-C levels and the mean value of a pooled serum control from healthy participants (nHDLox; no units). Results were expressed as median with interquartile range (IQR). Results Participants with HFpEF (n = 88) had 15% higher mean relative levels of nHDLox than those without heart failure (n = 180). Using a basic multivariate model adjusted for age, sex, eGFR and a full multivariate model (adjusted for diabetes, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, LDL cholesterol, hsCRP, and coronary artery disease), nHDLox was an independent predictor for HFpEF (p < 0.05). An increase in 1-SD in nHDLox was associated with a 67% increased risk for HFpEF if compared with participants without heart failure (p = 0.02). Conclusion HDL antioxidant function is reduced in patients with HFpEF. Improving HDL function is a promising target for early heart failure treatment.

We model the Fed’s decisions about interest rate adjustments via the flexible nonlinear empirical similarity (ES) concept which relies on ideas of case-based reasoning particularly suitable for decision making under uncertainty. We postulate that the Fed’s adjustment decision in a given situation should be close to those in similar economic situations. We evaluate the empirical fit of the ES concept in comparison with the linear reaction function related to the Taylor rule for the period from 1987 till 2008. We identify and analyze critical time points particularly for those Fed decisions which were conducted in rather uncertain economic environments.

Securitization of refugees and migrants is a growing global phenomenon that is well illustrated by how refugee camps have emerged as governmental technologies of control in major host countries across the world. Policymakers and the media prominently feature the migration-security connection and depict refugees as threats to internal security, linking their presence to acts of terrorism and crime. This article examines how the securitization of Somali refugees in Kenya and Ethiopia, the two main host countries for this refugee group, has hindered their formal integration and exacerbated policies of encampment in these countries. Drawing on securitization theory, we highlight the discrimination of Somali refugees in Kenya and Ethiopia by demonstrating how this refugee group is seen as a specific security threat and treated differently from other refugee groups in these countries. A history of border conflicts that shaped the relationship between refugee hosting areas and the national governments long before the advent of camps, coupled with shared Somaliness between locals and refugees in hosting areas, and the back-and-forth refugee movements across international borders have created a confluence of factors that reinforce suspicion and distrust towards Somali refugees. The article adds a normative empirical dimension to securitization theory by providing a nuanced understanding of the concept as it applies to different refugee groups in similar contexts. It also contributes to refugee and migration literature by arguing that although shared Somaliness with locals has strengthened the informal integration of Somali refugees in the two study contexts, the same ties have also provided justification for securitizing this refugee group and denied it from benefitting from progressive laws on formal integration that are being implemented for other refugee groups.

Comprehensive characterization of platelets requires various functional assays and analysis techniques, including omics-disciplines, each requiring an individual aliquot of a given sample. Consequently, the sample material per assay is often highly limited rendering downscaling a prerequisite for effective sample exploitation. Here we present a transfer of our recently introduced 96-well-based proteomics workflow (PF96) into the 384-well format (PF384) allowing for a significant increase in sensitivity when processing minute platelet protein amounts. In addition, the 4-fold higher throughput (1500 samples per lab worker per week) allows to easily meet the throughput capacities of modern LC-MS instruments. We determined optimal sample loads followed by highlighting the strengths in comparison to our previous sample preparation approach by processing only 3 µg of purified platelet protein from 22 healthy donors. Major advantages are: (I) improved identification and analyte recovery, especially of low copy number proteins, with signal intensity gains of +130 % and +107 % (peptide and protein level, respectively) (II) substantial intensity gains for key-players in platelet activation including the membrane receptors PAR4, P2X1, GPVI, GPV, GPIX and the downstream mediators AKT, PKA, Rap1, Lyn (III) improved reproducibility with a reduction of technical variance from 22 / 25 % down to 16 / 19 % for detection of lower / higher abundant disease markers and (IV) a 4-fold increase in sample preparation throughput. Taken together, these advantages render PF384 a promising future in clinical proteomics and might pave the way of platelet proteomics with minute sample amounts into molecular diagnostics.

Objective The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the relationship between the criteria met of the Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) score for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and patient-perceived disease status. Methods We analysed data from the ReFlaP study ( NCT03119805 ), a cross-sectional international study of adult patients with PsA. Patients self-reported if they felt their PsA was in remission (REM), low disease activity (LDA) or neither. The relationship between patient-reported status and MDA domains met was analysed using point biserial correlation, chi-square test (Χ2), odds ratio, and specificity. Results 88.4% of study patients who met MDA reported good disease status (REM/LDA). Pain was the most commonly missed domain for these patients. A moderate to strong correlation was found between meeting more MDA domains and patient-reported good status irrespective of domain missed. On individual domain testing, MDA state and patient-reported REM/LDA were significantly associated irrespective of domain missed with the exception of enthesitis. Specificity of the MDA score irrespective of domain missed was above 90%. The odds of MDA patients reporting poor disease status was significant only for when pain < 1 was the unmet domain. This significance was not supported by sensitivity analysis. Conclusion This study suggests strong agreement between MDA status and patient-reported good status irrespective of domain missed. Pain < 1 or 2 on a 0-10 numerical rating scale was the hardest domain to meet. The high specificity regardless of the unmet domain suggests patients who feel their disease is active are minimally misclassified by the score.

The so-called credibility revolution dominates empirical economics, with its promise of causal identification to improve scientific knowledge and ultimately policy. By examining the case of rural electrification in the Global South, this opinion paper exposes the limits of this evidence-based policy paradigm. The electrification literature boasts many studies using the credibility revolution toolkit, but at the same time, several systematic reviews demonstrate that the evidence is divided between very positive and muted effects. This bifurcation presents a challenge to the science-policy interface, where policymakers, lacking the resources to sift through the evidence, may be drawn to the results that serve their (agency's) interests. The interpretation is furthermore complicated by unresolved methodological debates circling around external validity as well as selective reporting and publication decisions. These features, we argue, are not particular to the electrification literature but inherent to the credibility revolution toolkit.