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Men and women differ substantially regarding height, weight, and body fat. Interestingly, previous work detecting genetic effects for waist-to-hip ratio, to assess body fat distribution, has found that many of these showed sex-differences. However, systematic searches for sex-differences in genetic effects have not yet been conducted. Therefore, we undertook a genome-wide search for sexually dimorphic genetic effects for anthropometric traits including 133,723 individuals in a large meta-analysis and followed promising variants in further 137,052 individuals, including a total of 94 studies. We identified seven loci with significant sex-difference including four previously established (near GRB14/COBLL1, LYPLAL1/SLC30A10, VEGFA, ADAMTS9) and three novel anthropometric trait loci (near MAP3K1, HSD17B4, PPARG), all of which were significant in women, but not in men. Of interest is that sex-difference was only observed for waist phenotypes, but not for height or body-mass-index. We found no evidence for sex-differences with opposite effect direction for men and women. The PPARG locus is of specific interest due to its link to diabetes genetics and therapy. Our findings demonstrate the importance of investigating sex differences, which may lead to a better understanding of disease mechanisms with a potential relevance to treatment options.
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly heritable neuropsychiatric disease characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. BD shows substantial clinical and genetic overlap with other psychiatric disorders, in particular schizophrenia (SCZ). The genes underlying this etiological overlap remain largely unknown. A recent SCZ genome wide association study (GWAS) by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium identified 128 independent genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The present study investigated whether these SCZ-associated SNPs also contribute to BD development through the performance of association testing in a large BD GWAS dataset (9747 patients, 14278 controls). After re-imputation and correction for sample overlap, 22 of 107 investigated SCZ SNPs showed nominal association with BD. The number of shared SCZ-BD SNPs was significantly higher than expected (p = 1.46x10-8). This provides further evidence that SCZ-associated loci contribute to the development of BD. Two SNPs remained significant after Bonferroni correction. The most strongly associated SNP was located near TRANK1, which is a reported genome-wide significant risk gene for BD. Pathway analyses for all shared SCZ-BD SNPs revealed 25 nominally enriched gene-sets, which showed partial overlap in terms of the underlying genes. The enriched gene-sets included calcium- and glutamate signaling, neuropathic pain signaling in dorsal horn neurons, and calmodulin binding. The present data provide further insights into shared risk loci and disease-associated pathways for BD and SCZ. This may suggest new research directions for the treatment and prevention of these two major psychiatric disorders.
Dieser Artikel beschreibt die Inverted-Classroom-Methode(ICM) im Sinne einer Einführung in die Thematik und soll als Praxisleitleitfaden für diejenigen dienen, die diese Methode in der medizinischen Aus-, Fort- und Weiterbildung einsetzen möchten. Es handelt sich bei der ICM um einen Blended-Learning-Methode, bei dem eine Selbstlernphase (individuelle Phase) vor die Präsenzunterrichtsphase gesetzt wird. In der Online-Phase wird Faktenwissen vermittelt, das als Grundlage für die Präsenzphase dient. Die Präsenzphase soll anschließend dafür genutzt werden, das erlernte Wissen zu vertiefen und anzuwenden. Dem gegenüber stehen die traditionellen Kurskonzepte, in denen das Faktenwissen beispielsweise in Vorlesungen oder in anderen Präsenzunterricht-Formaten vermittelt wird und die Vertiefung dieses Wissens durch die Studierenden im Anschluss daran im Selbststudium stattfinden soll. Das Ziel der ICM ist die Verschiebung des passiven Lernens hin zum aktivierenden Lernen, um das Lernen auf kognitiv anspruchvollen Ebenen wie Analyse, Synthese und Evaluation zu unterstützen. Dabei haben die gestiegene Produktion und Nutzung von Screencasts und Lernvideos, die „Bewegung“ der „Open Educational Resources“ und die verbreitete Nutzung von „Massive Open Online Courses“ (MOOCs) zu einer gestiegenen Verbreitung der Inverted-Classroom-Methode beigetragen. Der Artikel soll als Einführung in die Thematik dienen und dabei eine kurze Übersicht über wichtige Projekte und Forschungsergebnisse in der medizinischen Ausbildung und in weiteren Gesundheitsberufen geben. Außerdem werden die Vor- und Nachteile der Methode und ihr potentieller Nutzen für die zukünftige medizinische Aus- und Weiterbildung dargestellt.
In light of increasing division of labour in healthcare, the training and acquisition of both profession-specific and interprofessional competencies have been attributed growing significance, creating the need to test and establish specific teaching formats. Despite ever more complex and interconnected healthcare systems, an increase in patients’ active self-responsibility and innumerable pedagogical and technological innovations, educational systems have not reacted adequately to these new demands. Many authors, not lease the German Council of Science and Humanities, have therefore urged a rethinking of traditional medical education. Student-centred learning activities, such as problem-based and research-based learning, are becoming increasingly significant in view of the numbers of students achieving unsatisfactory levels of competence in critical thinking, communication and writing abilities and complex clinical decision making, for example. The Council of Science and Humanities arrived at a positive evaluation of the various model and reformed courses of study attempting to effectuate a comprehensive reorganisation of medical studies in content and structure as well as methods and didactics. The persistent pervasiveness of instructor-centred learning formats is not only to be found in medical education but in all of the health professions. Although alternative teaching and instruction formats have already been designed and their effectiveness deemed positive in empirical evaluation, the lecture remains the most practised means of transmitting knowledge. In its essence, however, learning is not a question of transmitting information but, moreover, a question of processing information. In traditional instruction units, referred to as “chalk and talk classes” by Becker and Watts, the teaching party presents material in the form of a lecture. As appropriate, questions may be permitted or short processing periods for the students may be integrated into the lecture. The knowledge-assimilating and most essential analysis of the lecture’s contents takes place in the subsequent self-instruction phase, in which the student works alone on concrete tasks. It is during the transfer of knowledge conveyed in the lectures, however, that most questions arise. Of further disadvantage in the traditional lecture is the low level of motivation among students to attend lectures as well as their often heterogeneous knowledge. The Inverted Classroom Model seems to be an eligible instrument for greater facilitation of student-centred and interprofessional learning.
We have developed and characterized the novel PTR3, a proton transfer reaction-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF) using a new gas inlet and an innovative reaction chamber design. The reaction chamber consists of a tripole operated with rf voltages generating an electric field only in the radial direction. An elevated electrical field is necessary to reduce clustering of primary hydronium (H3O+) and product ions with water molecules present in the sample gas. The axial movement of the ions is achieved by the sample gas flow only. Therefore, the new design allows a 30-fold longer reaction time and a 40-fold increase in pressure compared to standard PTR-TOF-MS. First calibration tests show sensitivities of up to 18000 counts per second/parts per billion and volume (cps/ppbv) at a mass resolution of >8000 m/Δm (fwhm). The new inlet using center-sampling through a critical orifice reduces wall losses of low volatility compounds. Therefore, the new PTR3 instrument is sensitive to VOC typically present in the ppbv range as well as to semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC) and even highly oxidized organic molecules (HOMs) present in the parts per quadrillion per volume (ppqv) range in the atmosphere.
Apheresis therapies for NMOSD attacks : a retrospective study of 207 therapeutic interventions
(2018)
Objective: To analyze whether 1 of the 2 apheresis techniques, therapeutic plasma exchange (PE) or immunoadsorption (IA), is superior in treating neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) attacks and to identify predictive factors for complete remission (CR).
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was based on the registry of the German Neuromyelitis Optica Study Group, a nationwide network established in 2008. It recruited patients with neuromyelitis optica diagnosed according to the 2006 Wingerchuk criteria or with aquaporin-4 (AQP4-ab)-antibody–seropositive NMOSD treated at 6 regional hospitals and 16 tertiary referral centers until March 2013. Besides descriptive data analysis of patient and attack characteristics, generalized estimation equation (GEE) analyses were applied to compare the effectiveness of the 2 apheresis techniques. A GEE model was generated to assess predictors of outcome.
Results: Two hundred and seven attacks in 105 patients (87% AQP4-ab-antibody seropositive) were treated with at least 1 apheresis therapy. Neither PE nor IA was proven superior in the therapy of NMOSD attacks. CR was only achieved with early apheresis therapy. Strong predictors for CR were the use of apheresis therapy as first-line therapy (OR 12.27, 95% CI: 1.04–144.91, p = 0.047), time from onset of attack to start of therapy in days (OR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89–0.99, p = 0.014), the presence of AQP4-ab-antibodies (OR 33.34, 95% CI: 1.76–631.17, p = 0.019), and monofocal attack manifestation (OR 4.71, 95% CI: 1.03–21.62, p = 0.046).
Conclusions: Our findings suggest early use of an apheresis therapy in NMOSD attacks, particularly in AQP4-ab-seropositive patients. No superiority was shown for one of the 2 apheresis techniques.
Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with NMOSD, neither PE nor IA is superior in the treatment of attacks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused strains on health systems worldwide disrupting routine hospital services for all non-COVID patients. Within this retrospective study, we analyzed inpatient hospital admissions across 18 German university hospitals during the 2020 lockdown period compared to 2018. Patients admitted to hospital between January 1 and May 31, 2020 and the corresponding periods in 2018 and 2019 were included in this study. Data derived from electronic health records were collected and analyzed using the data integration center infrastructure implemented in the university hospitals that are part of the four consortia funded by the German Medical Informatics Initiative. Admissions were grouped and counted by ICD 10 chapters and specific reasons for treatment at each site. Pooled aggregated data were centrally analyzed with descriptive statistics to compare absolute and relative differences between time periods of different years. The results illustrate how care process adoptions depended on the COVID-19 epidemiological situation and the criticality of the disease. Overall inpatient hospital admissions decreased by 35% in weeks 1 to 4 and by 30.3% in weeks 5 to 8 after the lockdown announcement compared to 2018. Even hospital admissions for critical care conditions such as malignant cancer treatments were reduced. We also noted a high reduction of emergency admissions such as myocardial infarction (38.7%), whereas the reduction in stroke admissions was smaller (19.6%). In contrast, we observed a considerable reduction in admissions for non-critical clinical situations, such as hysterectomies for benign tumors (78.8%) and hip replacements due to arthrosis (82.4%). In summary, our study shows that the university hospital admission rates in Germany were substantially reduced following the national COVID-19 lockdown. These included critical care or emergency conditions in which deferral is expected to impair clinical outcomes. Future studies are needed to delineate how appropriate medical care of critically ill patients can be maintained during a pandemic.
Nucleation and growth of aerosol particles from atmospheric vapors constitutes a major source of global cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The fraction of newly formed particles that reaches CCN sizes is highly sensitive to particle growth rates, especially for particle sizes <10 nm, where coagulation losses to larger aerosol particles are greatest. Recent results show that some oxidation products from biogenic volatile organic compounds are major contributors to particle formation and initial growth. However, whether oxidized organics contribute to particle growth over the broad span of tropospheric temperatures remains an open question, and quantitative mass balance for organic growth has yet to be demonstrated at any temperature. Here, in experiments performed under atmospheric conditions in the Cosmics Leaving Outdoor Droplets (CLOUD) chamber at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), we show that rapid growth of organic particles occurs over the range from −25 ∘C to 25 ∘C. The lower extent of autoxidation at reduced temperatures is compensated by the decreased volatility of all oxidized molecules. This is confirmed by particle-phase composition measurements, showing enhanced uptake of relatively less oxygenated products at cold temperatures. We can reproduce the measured growth rates using an aerosol growth model based entirely on the experimentally measured gas-phase spectra of oxidized organic molecules obtained from two complementary mass spectrometers. We show that the growth rates are sensitive to particle curvature, explaining widespread atmospheric observations that particle growth rates increase in the single-digit-nanometer size range. Our results demonstrate that organic vapors can contribute to particle growth over a wide range of tropospheric temperatures from molecular cluster sizes onward.
Introduction: Evidence from a number of open-label, uncontrolled studies has suggested that rituximab may benefit patients with autoimmune diseases who are refractory to standard-of-care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of rituximab in several standard-of-care-refractory autoimmune diseases (within rheumatology, nephrology, dermatology and neurology) other than rheumatoid arthritis or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a real-life clinical setting.
Methods: Patients who received rituximab having shown an inadequate response to standard-of-care had their safety and clinical outcomes data retrospectively analysed as part of the German Registry of Autoimmune Diseases. The main outcome measures were safety and clinical response, as judged at the discretion of the investigators.
Results: A total of 370 patients (299 patient-years) with various autoimmune diseases (23.0% with systemic lupus erythematosus, 15.7% antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated granulomatous vasculitides, 15.1% multiple sclerosis and 10.0% pemphigus) from 42 centres received a mean dose of 2,440 mg of rituximab over a median (range) of 194 (180 to 1,407) days. The overall rate of serious infections was 5.3 per 100 patient-years during rituximab therapy. Opportunistic infections were infrequent across the whole study population, and mostly occurred in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. There were 11 deaths (3.0% of patients) after rituximab treatment (mean 11.6 months after first infusion, range 0.8 to 31.3 months), with most of the deaths caused by infections. Overall (n = 293), 13.3% of patients showed no response, 45.1% showed a partial response and 41.6% showed a complete response. Responses were also reflected by reduced use of glucocorticoids and various immunosuppressives during rituximab therapy and follow-up compared with before rituximab. Rituximab generally had a positive effect on patient well-being (physician's visual analogue scale; mean improvement from baseline of 12.1 mm).
Conclusions: Data from this registry indicate that rituximab is a commonly employed, well-tolerated therapy with potential beneficial effects in standard of care-refractory autoimmune diseases, and support the results from other open-label, uncontrolled studies.
The formation of secondary particles in the atmosphere accounts for more than half of global cloud condensation nuclei. Experiments at the CERN CLOUD (Cosmics Leaving OUtdoor Droplets) chamber have underlined the importance of ions for new particle formation, but quantifying their effect in the atmosphere remains challenging. By using a novel instrument setup consisting of two nano-particle counters, one of them equipped with an ion filter, we were able to further investigate the ion-related mechanisms of new particle formation. In autumn 2015, we carried out experiments at CLOUD on four systems of different chemical compositions involving monoterpenes, sulfuric acid, nitrogen oxides, and ammonia. We measured the influence of ions on the nucleation rates under precisely controlled and atmospherically relevant conditions. Our results indicate that ions enhance the nucleation process when the charge is necessary to stabilize newly formed clusters, i.e. in conditions where neutral clusters are unstable. For charged clusters that were formed by ion-induced nucleation, we were able to measure, for the first time, their progressive neutralization due to recombination with oppositely charged ions. A large fraction of the clusters carried a charge at 1.2 nm diameter. However, depending on particle growth rates and ion concentrations, charged clusters were largely neutralized by ion–ion recombination before they grew to 2.2 nm. At this size, more than 90 % of particles were neutral. In other words, particles may originate from ion-induced nucleation, although they are neutral upon detection at diameters larger than 2.2 nm. Observations at Hyytiälä, Finland, showed lower ion concentrations and a lower contribution of ion-induced nucleation than measured at CLOUD under similar conditions. Although this can be partly explained by the observation that ion-induced fractions decrease towards lower ion concentrations, further investigations are needed to resolve the origin of the discrepancy.
We present the first measurement of fluctuations from event to event in the production of strange particles in collisions of heavy nuclei. The ratio of charged kaons to charged pions is determined for individual central Pb+Pb collisions. After accounting for the fluctuations due to detector resolution and finite number statistics we derive an upper limit on genuine non-statistical fluctuations, perhaps related to a first or second order QCD phase transition. Such fluctuations are shown to be very small.
Megasynthases are large multienzyme proteins that produce a plethora of important natural compounds by catalyzing the successive condensation and modification of precursor units. Within the class of megasynthases, polyketide synthases (PKS) are responsible for the production of a large spectrum of bioactive polyketides (PK), which have frequently found their way into therapeutic applications. Rational engineering approaches have been performed during the last 25 years that seek to employ the "assembly-line synthetic concept" of megasynthases in order to deliver new bioactive compounds. Here, we highlight PKS engineering strategies in the light of the newly emerging structural information on megasynthases, and argue that fatty acid synthases (FAS) are and will be valuable objects for further developing this field.
Intensive land use is a driving force for biodiversity decline in many ecosystems. In semi-natural grasslands, land-use activities such as mowing, grazing and fertilization affect the diversity of plants and arthropods, but the combined effects of different drivers and the chain of effects are largely unknown. In this study we used structural equation modelling to analyse how the arthropod communities in managed grasslands respond to land use and whether these responses are mediated through changes in resource diversity or resource quantity (biomass). Plants were considered resources for herbivores which themselves were considered resources for predators. Plant and arthropod (herbivores and predators) communities were sampled on 141 meadows, pastures and mown pastures within three regions in Germany in 2008 and 2009. Increasing land-use intensity generally increased plant biomass and decreased plant diversity, mainly through increasing fertilization. Herbivore diversity decreased together with plant diversity but showed no response to changes in plant biomass. Hence, land-use effects on herbivore diversity were mediated through resource diversity rather than quantity. Land-use effects on predator diversity were mediated by both herbivore diversity (resource diversity) and herbivore quantity (herbivore biomass), but indirect effects through resource quantity were stronger. Our findings highlight the importance of assessing both direct and indirect effects of land-use intensity and mode on different trophic levels. In addition to the overall effects, there were subtle differences between the different regions, pointing to the importance of regional land-use specificities. Our study underlines the commonly observed strong effect of grassland land use on biodiversity. It also highlights that mechanistic approaches help us to understand how different land-use modes affect biodiversity.
Fatty acids (FAs) are considered strategically important platform compounds that can be accessed by sustainable microbial approaches. Here we report the reprogramming of chain-length control of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fatty acid synthase (FAS). Aiming for short-chain FAs (SCFAs) producing baker’s yeast, we perform a highly rational and minimally invasive protein engineering approach that leaves the molecular mechanisms of FASs unchanged. Finally, we identify five mutations that can turn baker’s yeast into a SCFA producing system. Without any further pathway engineering, we achieve yields in extracellular concentrations of SCFAs, mainly hexanoic acid (C6-FA) and octanoic acid (C8-FA), of 464 mg l−1 in total. Furthermore, we succeed in the specific production of C6- or C8-FA in extracellular concentrations of 72 and 245 mg l−1, respectively. The presented technology is applicable far beyond baker’s yeast, and can be plugged into essentially all currently available FA overproducing microorganisms.
Background: The ideal biofuel should not only be a regenerative fuel from renewable feedstocks, but should also be compatible with the existing fuel distribution infrastructure and with normal car engines. As the so-called drop-in biofuel, the fatty alcohol 1-octanol has been described as a valuable substitute for diesel and jet fuels and has already been produced fermentatively from sugars in small amounts with engineered bacteria via reduction of thioesterase-mediated premature release of octanoic acid from fatty acid synthase or via a reversal of the β-oxidation pathway.
Results: The previously engineered short-chain acyl-CoA producing yeast Fas1R1834K/Fas2 fatty acid synthase variant was expressed together with carboxylic acid reductase from Mycobacterium marinum and phosphopantetheinyl transferase Sfp from Bacillus subtilis in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Δfas1 Δfas2 Δfaa2 mutant strain. With the involvement of endogenous thioesterases, alcohol dehydrogenases, and aldehyde reductases, the synthesized octanoyl-CoA was converted to 1-octanol up to a titer of 26.0 mg L−1 in a 72-h fermentation. The additional accumulation of 90 mg L−1 octanoic acid in the medium indicated a bottleneck in 1-octanol production. When octanoic acid was supplied externally to the yeast cells, it could be efficiently converted to 1-octanol indicating that re-uptake of octanoic acid across the plasma membrane is not limiting. Additional overexpression of aldehyde reductase Ahr from Escherichia coli nearly completely prevented accumulation of octanoic acid and increased 1-octanol titers up to 49.5 mg L−1. However, in growth tests concentrations even lower than 50.0 mg L−1 turned out to be inhibitory to yeast growth. In situ extraction in a two-phase fermentation with dodecane as second phase did not improve growth, indicating that 1-octanol acts inhibitive before secretion. Furthermore, 1-octanol production was even reduced, which results from extraction of the intermediate octanoic acid to the organic phase, preventing its re-uptake.
Conclusions: By providing chain length control via an engineered octanoyl-CoA producing fatty acid synthase, we were able to specifically produce 1-octanol with S. cerevisiae. Before metabolic engineering can be used to further increase product titers and yields, strategies must be developed that cope with the toxic effects of 1-octanol on the yeast cells.
Purpose: To determine the value of the 2D multiple-echo data image combination (MEDIC) sequence relative to the short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence regarding the depiction of chondral lesions in the patellofemoral joint.
Materials and methods: During a period of 6 month patients with acute pain at the anterior aspect of the knee, joint effusion and suspected chondral lesion defect in the patellofemoral joint underwent MRI including axial MEDIC and STIR imaging. Patients with chondral lesions in the patellofemoral joint on at least one sequence were included. The MEDIC and STIR sequence were quantitatively compared regarding the patella cartilage-to-effusion contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and qualitatively regarding the depiction of chondral lesions independently scored by two radiologists on a 3-point scale (1 = not depicted; 2 = blurred depicted; 3 = clearly depicted) using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-Test. For the analysis of inter-observer agreement the Cohen's Weighted Kappa test was used.
Results: 30 of 58 patients (male: female, 21:9; age: 44 ± 12 yrs) revealed cartilage lesions (fissures, n = 5 including fibrillation; gaps, n = 15; delamination, n = 7; osteoarthritis, n = 3) and were included in this study. The STIR-sequence was significantly (p < 0.001) superior to the MEDIC-sequence regarding both, the patella cartilage-to-effusion CNR (mean CNR: 232 ± 61 vs. 40 ± 16) as well as the depiction of chondral lesion (mean score: 2.83 ± 0.4 vs. 1.75 ± 0.7) with substantial inter-observer agreement in the rating of both sequences (κ = 0.76–0.89).
Conclusion: For the depiction of chondral lesions in the patellofemoral joint, the axial STIR-sequence should be chosen in preference to the axial MEDIC-sequence.
The interaction of microplastics with freshwater biota and their interaction with other stressors is still not very well understood. Therefore, we investigated the ingestion, excretion and toxicity of microplastics in the freshwater gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis.
MP ingestion was analyzed as tissues levels in L. stagnalis after 6–96 h of exposure to 5–90 μm spherical polystyrene (PS) microplastics. To understand the excretion, tissue levels were determined after 24 h of exposure followed by a 12 h–7 d depuration period. To assess the toxicity, snails were exposed for 28 d to irregular PS microplastics (<63 μm, 6.4–100,000 particles mL−1), both alone and in combination with copper as additional stressor. To compare the toxicity of natural and synthetic particles, we also included diatomite particles. Microplastics ingestion and excretion significantly depended on the particle size and the exposure/depuration duration. An exposure to irregular PS had no effect on survival, reproduction, energy reserves and oxidative stress. However, we observed slight effects on immune cell phagocytosis. Exposure to microplastics did not exacerbate the reproductive toxicity of copper. In addition, there was no pronounced difference between the effects of microplastics and diatomite. The tolerance towards microplastics may originate from an adaptation of L. stagnalis to particle-rich environments or a general stress resilience. In conclusion, despite high uptake rates, PS fragments do not appear to be a relevant stressor for stress tolerant freshwater gastropods considering current environmental levels of microplastics.
Two-particle correlation functions of negative hadrons over wide phase space, and transverse mass spectra of negative hadrons and deuterons near mid-rapidity have been measured in central Pb+Pb collisions at 158 GeV per nucleon by the NA49 experiment at the CERN SPS. A novel Coulomb correction procedure for the negative two-particle correlations is employed making use of the measured oppositely charged particle correlation. Within an expanding source scenario these results are used to extract the dynamic characteristics of the hadronic source, resolving the ambiguities between the temperature and transverse expansion velocity of the source, that are unavoidable when single and two particle spectra are analysed separately. The source shape, the total duration of the source expansion, the duration of particle emission, the freeze-out temperature and the longitudinal and transverse expansion velocities are deduced.
We report measurements of Xi and Xi-bar hyperon absolute yields as a function of rapidity in 158 GeV/c Pb+Pb collisions. At midrapidity, dN/dy = 2.29 +/- 0.12 for Xi, and 0.52 +/- 0.05 for Xi-bar, leading to the ratio of Xi-bar/Xi = 0.23 +/- 0.03. Inverse slope parameters fitted to the measured transverse mass spectra are of the order of 300 MeV near mid-rapidity. The estimated total yield of Xi particles in Pb+Pb central interactions amounts to 7.4 +/- 1.0 per collision. Comparison to Xi production in properly scaled p+p reactions at the same energy reveals a dramatic enhancement (about one order of magnitude) of Xi production in Pb+Pb central collisions over elementary hadron interactions.
The directed and elliptic flow of protons and charged pions has been observed from the semi-central collisions of a 158 GeV/nucleon Pb beam with a Pb target. The rapidity and transverse momentum dependence of the flow has been measured. The directed flow of the pions is opposite to that of the protons but both exhibit negative flow at low pt. The elliptic flow of both is fairly independent of rapidity but rises with pt. PACS numbers: 25.75.-q, 25.75.Ld
Using the NA49 main TPC, the central production of hyperons has been measured in CERN SPS Pb - Pb collisions at 158 GeV c-1. The preliminary ratio, studied at 2.0 < y < 2.6 and 1 < pT < 3 GeV c-1, equals ~ (13 ± 4)% (systematic error only). It is compatible, within errors, with the previously obtained ratios for central S + S [1], S + W [2], and S + Au [3] collisions. The fit to the transverse momentum distribution resulted in an inverse slope parameter T of 297 MeV. At this level of statistics we do not see any noticeable enhancement of hyperon production with the increased volume (and, possibly, degree of equilibration) of the system from S + S to Pb + Pb. This result is unexpected and counterintuitive, and should be further investigated. If confirmed, it will have a significant impact on our understanding of mechanisms leading to the enhanced strangeness production in heavy-ion collisions.
Preliminary data on phi production in central Pb + Pb collisions at 158 GeV per nucleon are presented, measured by the NA49 experiment in the hadronic decay channel phi - K+K-. At mid-rapidity, the kaons were separated from pions and protons by combining dE/dx and time-of-flight information; in the forward rapidity range only dE/dx identification was used to obtain the rapidity distribution and a rapidity-integrated mt-spectrum. The mid-rapidity yield obtained was dN/dy = 1.85 ± 0.3 per event; the total phi multiplicity was estimated to be 5.0 ± 0.7 per event. Comparison with published pp data shows a slight, but not very significant strangeness enhancement.
The large acceptance TPCs of the NA49 spectrometer allow for a systematic multidimensional study of two-particle correlations in different part of phase space. Results from Bertsch-Pratt and Yano-Koonin-Podgoretskii parametrizations are presented differentially in transverse pair momentum and pair rapidity. These studies give an insight into the dynamical space-time evolution of relativistic Pb+Pb collisions, which is dominated by longitudinal expansion.
Lambda and Antilambda reconstruction in central Pb+Pb collisions using a time projection chamber
(1997)
The large acceptance time projection chambers of the NA49 experiment are used to record the trajectory of charged particles from Pb + Pb collisions at 158 GeV per nucleon. Neutral strange hadrons have been reconstructed from their charged decay products. To obtain distributions of Λ, and Ks0 in discrete bins of rapidity, y, and transverse momentum, pT, calculations have been performed to determine the acceptance of the detector and the efficiency of the reconstruction software as a function of both variables. The lifetime distributions obtained give values of cτ = 7.8 ± 0.6 cm for Λ and cτ = 2.5 ± 0.3 cm for Ks0, consistent with data book values.
The yeast fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a barrel-shaped 2.6 MDa complex. Upon barrel-formation, two multidomain subunits, each more than 200 kDa large, intertwine to form a heterododecameric complex that buries 170,000 Å2 of protein surface. In spite of the rich knowledge about yeast FAS in structure and function, its assembly remained elusive until recently, when co-translational interaction of the β-subunit with the nascent α-subunit was found to initiate assembly. Here, we characterize the co-translational assembly of yeast FAS at a molecular level. We show that the co-translationally formed interface is sensitive to subtle perturbations, so that the exchange of two amino acids located in the emerging interface can prevent assembly. On the other hand, assembly can also be initiated via the co-translational interaction of the subunits at other sites, which implies that this process is not strictly site or sequence specific. We further highlight additional steps in the biogenesis of yeast FAS, as the formation of a dimeric subunit that orchestrates complex formation and acts as platform for post-translational phosphopantetheinylation. The presented data supports the understanding of the recently discovered prevalence of eukaryotic complexes for co-translational assembly, and is valuable for further harnessing FAS in the biotechnological production of aliphatic compounds.
Consensus on definition and severity grading of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation
(2020)
Background: The incidence of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation varies considerably in the literature. This is partly because a universally accepted definition has not been established. This study aimed to propose an acceptable definition and severity grading system for lymphatic complications based on their management strategy.
Methods: Relevant literature published in MEDLINE and Web of Science was searched systematically. A consensus for definition and a severity grading was then sought between 20 high-volume transplant centres.
Results: Lymphorrhoea/lymphocele was defined in 32 of 87 included studies. Sixty-three articles explained how lymphatic complications were managed, but none graded their severity. The proposed definition of lymphorrhoea was leakage of more than 50 ml fluid (not urine, blood or pus) per day from the drain, or the drain site after removal of the drain, for more than 1 week after kidney transplantation. The proposed definition of lymphocele was a fluid collection of any size near to the transplanted kidney, after urinoma, haematoma and abscess have been excluded. Grade A lymphatic complications have a minor and/or non-invasive impact on the clinical management of the patient; grade B complications require non-surgical intervention; and grade C complications require invasive surgical intervention.
Conclusion: A clear definition and severity grading for lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation was agreed. The proposed definitions should allow better comparisons between studies.
Background: According to current taxonomy only three out of 27 Sinohimalayan leaf warbler species (Phylloscopidae) are considered genetically uniform across their entire breeding range along the Southeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the Buff-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus pulcher) being one of them. Because marked differentiation among Himalayan and Chinese populations has been recently demonstrated for a number of Phylloscopus species (or sister species) we investigated the intraspecific variation of a mitochondrial gene, songs and morphology of P. pulcher in a phylogeographic approach.
Methods: We sequenced a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b, reconstructed haplotype networks and analyzed DNA polymorphism among Himalayan and Chinese populations. We measured time and frequency parameters of two distinct song types and analyzed among population-differentiation in a principal component analysis and a discriminant analysis. We also compared measurements of body size dimensions taken from museum specimens.
Results: The mitochondrial haplotype network (cytb) was divided into two distinct clusters corresponding to geographic origin of samples. Pairwise genetic distances among Himalayan and Chinese mtDNA lineages account for 1.3% which coincides with Pleistocene lineage separation at roughly 650,000 years ago. Genetic diversity is slightly higher in the Chinese part of the species’ range with respect to haplotype and nucleotide diversity while the less diversified Himalayan population lineage shows signs of recent range expansion. The vocal repertoire of P. pulcher comprises two distinct verse types that are combined with short interspersed click notes to long continuous song displays. Trill verse types showed significant differences among regions in almost all measured frequency and time parameters: Chinese males displayed more rapid and more broad-banded trills at a lower pitch. In contrast, warbling verse types showed a distinctively different structure among regions: Himalayan songs consisted of repeated syllables while Chinese songs comprised repetitions of single, long and strongly modulated elements. Subtle morphological differences among specimens from the two study regions could only be confirmed for plumage coloration but not for metric characters.
Conclusions: Based on the genetic and bioacoustic distinctiveness of Chinese Buff-barred Warbler populations, we recommend that the name Phylloscopus pulcher vegetus Bangs, 1913 should be re-validated for this taxon.
Songs in passerine birds are important for territory defense and mating. Speciation rates in oscine passerines are so high, due to cultural evolution, that this bird lineage makes up half of the extant bird species. Leaf warblers are a speciose Old-World passerine family of limited morphological differentiation, so that songs are even more important for species delimitation. We took 16 sonographic traits from song recordings of 80 leaf warbler taxa and correlated them with 15 potentially explanatory variables, pairwise, and in linear models. Based on a well-resolved molecular phylogeny of the same taxa, all pairwise correlations were corrected for relatedness with phylogenetically independent contrasts and phylogenetic generalized linear models were used. We found a phylogenetic signal for most song traits, but a strong one only for the duration of the longest and of the shortest element, which are presumably inherited instead of learned. Body size of a leaf warbler species is a constraint on song frequencies independent of phylogeny. At least in this study, habitat density had only marginal impact on song features, which even disappeared through phylogenetic correction. Maybe most leaf warblers avoid the deterioration through sound propagation in dense vegetation by singing from exposed perches. Latitudinal (and longitudinal) extension of the breeding ranges was correlated with most song features, especially verse duration (longer polewards and westwards) and complexity (lower polewards). Climate niche or expansion history might explain these correlations. The number of different element types per verse decreases with elevation, possibly due to fewer resources and congeneric species at higher elevations.
Ice-nucleating particle concentrations of the past: insights from a 600-year-old Greenland ice core
(2020)
Ice-nucleating particles (INPs) affect the microphysics in cloud and precipitation processes. Hence, they modulate the radiative properties of clouds. However, atmospheric INP concentrations of the past are basically unknown. Here, we present INP measurements from an ice core in Greenland, which dates back to the year 1370. In total 135 samples were analyzed with the FRIDGE droplet freezing assay in the temperature range from −14 to −35 ∘C. The sampling frequency was set to 1 in 10 years from 1370 to 1960. From 1960 to 1990 the frequency was increased to one sample per year. Additionally, a few special events were probed, including volcanic episodes. The typical time coverage of a sample was on the order of a few months. Historical atmospheric INP concentrations were estimated with a conversion factor, which depends on the snow accumulation rate of the ice core, particle dry deposition velocity, and wet scavenging ratio. Typical atmospheric INP concentrations were on the order of 0.1 L−1 at −25 ∘C. The INP variability was found to be about 1–2 orders of magnitude. Yet, the short-term variability from samples over a seasonal cycle was considerably lower. INP concentrations were significantly correlated to some chemical tracers derived from continuous-flow analysis (CFA) and ion chromatography (IC) over a broad range of nucleation temperatures. The highest correlation coefficients were found for the particle concentration (spherical diameter dp > 1.2 µm). The correlation is higher for a time period of seasonal samples, where INP concentrations follow a clear annual pattern, highlighting the importance of the annual dust input in Greenland from East Asian deserts during spring. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of selected samples found mineral dust to be the dominant particle fraction, verifying their significance as INPs. Overall, the concentrations compare reasonably well to present-day INP concentrations, albeit they are on the lower side. However, we found that the INP concentration at medium supercooled temperatures differed before and after 1960. Average INP concentrations at −23, −24, −25, −26, and −28 ∘C were significantly higher (and more variable) in the modern-day period, which could indicate a potential anthropogenic impact, e.g., from land-use change.
Ice nucleating particle concentrations of the past: insights from a
600 year old Greenland ice core
(2020)
Ice nucleating particles (INPs) affect the microphysics in cloud and precipitation processes. Hence, they modulate the radiative properties of clouds. However, atmospheric INP concentrations of the past are basically unknown. Here, we present INP measurements from an ice core in Greenland, which dates back to the year 1370. In total 135 samples were analyzed with the FRIDGE droplet freezing assay in the temperature range from −14 ◦C to −35 ◦C. The sampling frequency was set to 1 in 10 years from 1370 to 1960. From 1960 to 1990 the frequency was increased to 1 sample per year. Additionally, a number of special events were probed, including volcanic episodes. The typical time coverage of a sample was on the order of a few months. Historical atmospheric INP concentrations were estimated with a conversion factor, which depends on the snow accumulation rate of the ice core, particle dry deposition velocity and the wet scavenging ratio. Typical atmospheric INP concentrations were on the order of 0.1 L -1 at −25 ◦C. The INP variability was found to be about 1 – 2 orders of magnitude. Yet, the short-term variability from samples over a seasonal cycle was considerably lower. INP concentrations were significantly correlated to chemical tracers derived from continuous flow analysis (CFA) and ion chromatography (IC) over a broad range of nucleation temperatures. The highest correlation coefficients were found for the particle concentration (dp > 1.2 µm). The correlation is higher for the seasonal samples, where INP concentrations follow a clear annual pattern, highlighting the importance of the annual dust input in Greenland from East Asian deserts during spring. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of single particles retrieved from selected samples found particles of soil origin to be the dominant fraction, verifying the significance of mineral dust particles as INPs. Overall, the concentrations compare reasonably well to present day INP concentrations, albeit they are on the lower side. However, we found that the INP concentration at medium supercooled temperatures differed before and after 1960. Average INP concentrations at −23 ◦C, −24 ◦C, −25 ◦C, −26 ◦C and −28 ◦C were significantly higher (and more variable) in the modern day period, which could indicate a potential anthropogenic impact or some post-coring contamination of the topmost, very porous firn.
The transverse mass mt distributions for deuterons and protons are measured in Pb+Pb reactions near midrapidity and in the range 0<mt–m<1.0 (1.5) GeV/c2 for minimum bias collisions at 158A GeV and for central collisions at 40 and 80 A GeV beam energies. The rapidity density dn/dy, inverse slope parameter T and mean transverse mass <mt> derived from mt distributions as well as the coalescence parameter B2 are studied as a function of the incident energy and the collision centrality. The deuteron mt spectra are significantly harder than those of protons, especially in central collisions. The coalescence factor B2 shows three systematic trends. First, it decreases strongly with increasing centrality reflecting an enlargement of the deuteron coalescence volume in central Pb+Pb collisions. Second, it increases with mt. Finally, B2 shows an increase with decreasing incident beam energy even within the SPS energy range. The results are discussed and compared to the predictions of models that include the collective expansion of the source created in Pb+Pb collisions.
Leukotrienes constitute a group of bioactive lipids generated by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway. An increasing body of evidence supports an acute role for 5-LO products already during the earliest stages of pancreatic, prostate, and colorectal carcinogenesis. Several pieces of experimental data form the basis for this hypothesis and suggest a correlation between 5-LO expression and tumor cell viability. First, several independent studies documented an overexpression of 5-LO in primary tumor cells as well as in established cancer cell lines. Second, addition of 5-LO products to cultured tumor cells also led to increased cell proliferation and activation of anti-apoptotic signaling pathways. 5-LO antisense technology approaches demonstrated impaired tumor cell growth due to reduction of 5-LO expression. Lastly, pharmacological inhibition of 5-LO potently suppressed tumor cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and triggering cell death via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. However, the documented strong cytotoxic off-target effects of 5-LO inhibitors, in combination with the relatively high concentrations of 5-LO products needed to achieve mitogenic effects in cell culture assays, raise concern over the assignment of the cause, and question the relationship between 5-LO products and tumorigenesis. Keywords: leukotriene, apoptosis, cell proliferation, mitogenic effects, cytotoxicity
Hintergrund: Die staatlichen Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung des Coronavirus SARS-CoV‑2 im Jahr 2020 brachten den Trainings- und Wettkampfbetrieb im professionellen Fußball in vielen Ländern zum zeitweiligen Erliegen. In Folge des Lockdowns waren die Trainingsmöglichkeiten zumeist auf unspezifische heimbasierte Trainingsmethoden begrenzt. Es ist unklar, ob sich die fehlenden sportspezifischen Belastungsreize negativ auf die physische Leistungsfähigkeit der Fußballspielenden auswirkten.
Methodik: Im Rahmen eines narrativen Reviews wurde mittels einer selektiven Literaturrecherche in den Datenbanken PubMed, Google Scholar und BISp-Surf nach Studien gesucht, welche die Auswirkungen des Lockdowns auf physische Leistungsparameter bei erwachsenen professionellen Fußballspielenden untersuchten.
Ergebnisse: In die Übersichtsarbeit wurden sechs prospektive Längsschnittstudien eingeschlossen. In allen Studien kam während der Quarantäne ein heimbasiertes Ersatztraining zum Einsatz. Vier Studien verglichen die Leistungsfähigkeit der Fußballer/-innen mit Leistungsdaten aus vorherigen Spielzeiten. Zwei Studien ermittelten die Leistungsfähigkeit der Sportler/-innen unmittelbar vor und nach der Lockdownperiode.
Diskussion: Während die allgemeine Kraft- und Ausdauerleistung durch heimbasierte Ersatztrainingsprogramme erhalten werden kann, weisen die Studien darauf hin, dass sich die fehlenden spezifischen Belastungsreize vor allem negativ auf die Schnelligkeits- und Schnellkraftleistung der Fußballspielenden auswirken könnten. Bei Rückkehr in den regulären Trainingsbetrieb sollte daher auf eine progressive Belastungssteuerung insbesondere im Schnelligkeitstraining geachtet werden, um das Risiko für Verletzungen zu senken.
The Kinase Chemogenomic Set (KCGS): an open science resource for kinase vulnerability identification
(2021)
We describe the assembly and annotation of a chemogenomic set of protein kinase inhibitors as an open science resource for studying kinase biology. The set only includes inhibitors that show potent kinase inhibition and a narrow spectrum of activity when screened across a large panel of kinase biochemical assays. Currently, the set contains 187 inhibitors that cover 215 human kinases. The kinase chemogenomic set (KCGS), current Version 1.0, is the most highly annotated set of selective kinase inhibitors available to researchers for use in cell-based screens.
Mobilität ist eine Grundvoraussetzung, um am gesellschaftlichen Leben teilhaben zu können. Ist der Möglichkeitsraum potenzieller Ortsveränderungen eingeschränkt – beispielsweise durch räumliche, finanzielle oder körperliche Barrieren oder Ängste –, wird von Mobilitätsarmut gesprochen. Wie Mobilitätsarmut auf der Verwaltungsebene verhindert werden kann, zeigt dieser Policy Brief des Projektes Social2Mobility. Diese Handlungsempfehlungen basieren auf Erkenntnissen des Projektes Social2Mobility und adressieren insbesondere Verwaltungsmitarbeitende der Fachplanungen Verkehrs-, Raum- und Sozialplanung von der Kommunal- bis zur Landes- und Bundesebene. Ziel des Projektes Social2Mobility war es, die soziale Teilhabe armutsgefährdeter Personen durch eine Steigerung ihrer Mobilitätsoptionen zu stärken. Der Policy Brief erläutert die Problematik von Mobilitätsarmut, thematisiert deren Relevanz und zeigt verschiedene Facetten von Mobilitätsarmut auf. Er beinhaltet fünf verschiedene Handlungsfelder zur Verhinderung von Mobilitätsarmut. Der Policy Brief soll zu einer dezernats- und abteilungsübergreifenden Zusammenarbeit der Fachplanungen Sozial-, Raum- und Verkehrsplanung zur Lösung von Mobilitätsarmut anregen. Synergieeffekte und gegenseitige Potentiale bei einer Zusammenarbeit werden dabei herausgestellt. Hierzu gehören beispielsweise die Anwendung von Verkehrsnachfragemodellen in der Sozialplanung oder die Berücksichtigung vielfältiger unterschiedlicher Lebenslagen und der daraus hervorgehenden Mobilitätsbedarfe in der Verkehrsplanung.
A non-monotonic energy dependence of the K + / pi + ratio with a sharp maximum close to 30 A GeV is observed in central Pb+Pb collisions. Within a statistical model of the early stage, this is interpreted as a sign of the phase transition to a QGP, which causes a sharp change in the energy dependence of the strangeness to entropy ratio. This observation naturally motivates us to study the production of multistrange hyperons (Xi, Omega) as a function of the beam energy. Furthermore it was suggested that the kinematic freeze-out of Omega takes place directly at QGP hadronization. If this is indeed the case, the transverse momentum spectra of the Omega directly reflect the transverse expansion velocity of a hadronizing QGP. In this report we show preliminary NA49 results on Omega - and Omega + production in central Pb+Pb collisions at 40 and 158 A GeV and compare them to measurements of Xi - and Xi + production in central Pb+Pb collisions at 30, 40, 80 and 158 A GeV.
A series of derivatives of the potent dual soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH)/5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor diflapolin was designed, synthesized, and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. These novel compounds were biologically evaluated for their inhibitory activity against sEH and FLAP. Molecular modeling tools were applied to analyze structure–activity relationships (SAR) on both targets. Results show that even small modifications on the lead compound diflapolin markedly influence the inhibitory potential, especially on FLAP, suggesting very narrow SAR.
Background: While recent data show that crizotinib is highly effective in patients with ROS1 rearrangement, few data is available about the prognostic impact, the predictive value for different treatments, and the genetic heterogeneity of ROS1- positive patients.
Patients and methods: 1137 patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung were analyzed regarding their ROS1 status. In positive cases, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed. Clinical characteristics, treatments and outcome of these patients were assessed. Overall survival (OS) was compared with genetically defined subgroups of ROS1-negative patients.
Results: 19 patients of 1035 evaluable (1.8%) had ROS1-rearrangement. The median OS has not been reached. Stage IV patients with ROS1-rearrangement had the best OS of all subgroups (36.7 months, p < 0.001). 9 of 14 (64.2%) patients had at least one response to chemotherapy. Estimated mean OS for patients receiving chemotherapy and crizotinib was 5.3 years. Ten patients with ROS1-rearrangement (52.6%) harbored additional aberrations.
Conclusion: ROS1-rearangement is not only a predictive marker for response to crizotinib, but also seems to be the one of the best prognostic molecular markers in NSCLC reported so far. In stage IV patients, response to chemotherapy was remarkable high and overall survival was significantly better compared to other subgroups including EGFR-mutated and ALK-fusion-positive NSCLC.
Knowledge about the biogeographic affinities of the world’s tropical forests helps to better understand regional differences in forest structure, diversity, composition, and dynamics. Such understanding will enable anticipation of region-specific responses to global environmental change. Modern phylogenies, in combination with broad coverage of species inventory data, now allow for global biogeographic analyses that take species evolutionary distance into account. Here we present a classification of the world’s tropical forests based on their phylogenetic similarity. We identify five principal floristic regions and their floristic relationships: (i) Indo-Pacific, (ii) Subtropical, (iii) African, (iv) American, and (v) Dry forests. Our results do not support the traditional neo- versus paleotropical forest division but instead separate the combined American and African forests from their Indo-Pacific counterparts. We also find indications for the existence of a global dry forest region, with representatives in America, Africa, Madagascar, and India. Additionally, a northern-hemisphere Subtropical forest region was identified with representatives in Asia and America, providing support for a link between Asian and American northern-hemisphere forests.
In Eurotransplant kidney allocation system (ETKAS), candidates can be considered unlimitedly for repeated re‐transplantation. Data on outcome and benefit are indeterminate. We performed a retrospective 15‐year patient and graft outcome data analysis from 1464 recipients of a third or fourth or higher sequential deceased donor renal transplantation (DDRT) from 42 transplant centers. Repeated re‐DDRT recipients were younger (mean 43.0 vs. 50.2 years) compared to first DDRT recipients. They received grafts with more favorable HLA matches (89.0% vs. 84.5%) but thereby no statistically significant improvement of patient and graft outcome was found as comparatively demonstrated in 1st DDRT. In the multivariate modeling accounting for confounding factors, mortality and graft loss after 3rd and ≥4th DDRT (P < 0.001 each) and death with functioning graft (DwFG) after 3rd DDRT (P = 0.001) were higher as compared to 1st DDRT. The incidence of primary nonfunction (PNF) was also significantly higher in re‐DDRT (12.7%) than in 1st DDRT (7.1%; P < 0.001). Facing organ shortage, increasing waiting time, and considerable mortality on dialysis, we question the current policy of repeated re‐DDRT. The data from this survey propose better HLA matching in first DDRT and second DDRT and careful selection of candidates, especially for ≥4th DDRT.
Using e+e− collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, the Born cross sections of e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2595)−+c.c. and e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2625)−+c.c. are measured for the first time at center-of-mass energies of s√=4918.0 and 4950.9 MeV. Non-zero cross sections are observed very close to the production threshold. The measured Born cross sections of e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2625)−+c.c. are about 2∼3 times greater than those of e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2595)−+c.c., thereby indicating that the exotic structure potentially exists in the excited charmed baryons. The Born cross sections are 15.6±3.1±0.9 pb and 29.4±3.7±2.7 pb for e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2595)−+c.c., and are 43.4±4.0±4.1 pb and 76.8±6.5±4.2 pb for e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2625)−+c.c. at s√=4918.0 and 4950.9 MeV, respectively. Based on the polar angle distributions of the Λ¯c(2625)− and Λc(2625)+, the form-factor ratios |GE|2+3|GM|2−−−−−−−−−−−−√/|GC| are determined for e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2625)−+c.c. for the first time, which are 5.95±4.07±0.15 and 0.94±0.32±0.02 at s√=4918.0 and 4950.9 MeV, respectively. All of these first uncertainties are statistical and second systematic.
Using a sample of (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events, which is about fifty times larger than that was previously analyzed, a further investigation on the J/ψ→γ3(π+π−) decay is performed. A significant distortion at 1.84 GeV/c2 in the line-shape of the 3(π+π−) invariant mass spectrum is observed for the first time, which is analogous to the behavior of X(1835) and could be resolved by two overlapping resonant structures, X(1840) and X(1880). The new state X(1880) is observed with a statistical significance of 14.7σ. The mass and width of X(1880) are determined to be 1882.1±1.7±0.7 MeV/c2 and 30.7±5.5±2.4 MeV, respectively, which indicates the existence of a pp¯ bound state.
Using a sample of (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events, which is about 45 times larger than that was previously analyzed, a further investigation on the J/ψ→γ3(π+π−) decay is performed. A significant distortion at 1.84 GeV/c2 in the line-shape of the 3(π+π−) invariant mass spectrum is observed for the first time, which could be resolved by two overlapping resonant structures, X(1840) and X(1880). The new state X(1880) is observed with a statistical significance larger than 10σ. The mass and width of X(1880) are determined to be 1882.1±1.7±0.7 MeV/c2 and 30.7±5.5±2.4 MeV, respectively, which indicates the existence of a pp¯ bound state.
Using e+e− collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, the Born cross sections of e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2595)−+c.c. and e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2625)−+c.c. are measured for the first time at center-of-mass energies of s√=4918.0 and 4950.9 MeV. Non-zero cross sections are observed very close to the production threshold. The measured Born cross sections of e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2625)−+c.c. are about 2∼3 times greater than those of e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2595)−+c.c., thereby indicating that the exotic structure potentially exists in the excited charmed baryons. The Born cross sections are 15.6±3.1±0.9 pb and 29.4±3.7±2.7 pb for e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2595)−+c.c., and are 43.4±4.0±4.1 pb and 76.8±6.5±4.2 pb for e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2625)−+c.c. at s√=4918.0 and 4950.9 MeV, respectively. Based on the polar angle distributions of the Λ¯c(2625)− and Λc(2625)+, the form-factor ratios |GE|2+3|GM|2−−−−−−−−−−−−√/|GC| are determined for e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯c(2625)−+c.c. for the first time, which are 5.95±4.07±0.15 and 0.94±0.32±0.02 at s√=4918.0 and 4950.9 MeV, respectively. All of these first uncertainties are statistical and second systematic.
Using 9.9 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.15 and 4.30 GeV, we search for the processes e+e−→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π0χc0 and X(3872)→ππχc0. Depending on the fitting model, the statistical significance for X(3872)→π0χc0 ranges from 1.3σ to 2.8σ. We set upper limits (at 90\% C.L.) of B(X(3872)→π0χc0)B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<3.6, B(X(3872)→π+π−χc0)B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<0.68, and B(X(3872)→π0π0χc0)B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<1.7. Combined with the BESIII measurement of X(3872)→π0χc1, we also set an upper limit of B(X(3872)→π0χc0)B(X(3872)→π0χc1)<4.4.
Using 9.9 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.15 and 4.30 GeV, we search for the processes e+e−→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π0χc0 and X(3872)→ππχc0. Depending on the fitting model, the statistical significance for X(3872)→π0χc0 ranges from 1.3σ to 2.8σ. We set upper limits (at 90\% C.L.) of B(X(3872)→π0χc0)B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<3.6, B(X(3872)→π+π−χc0)B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<0.68, and B(X(3872)→π0π0χc0)B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<1.7. Combined with the BESIII measurement of X(3872)→π0χc1, we also set an upper limit of B(X(3872)→π0χc0)B(X(3872)→π0χc1)<4.4.
Using 9.9 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.15 and 4.30 GeV, we search for the processes e+e−→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π0χc0 and X(3872)→ππχc0. Depending on the fitting model, the statistical significance for X(3872)→π0χc0 ranges from 1.3σ to 2.8σ. We set upper limits (at 90\% C.L.) of B(X(3872)→π0χc0)B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<3.6, B(X(3872)→π+π−χc0)B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<0.68, and B(X(3872)→π0π0χc0)B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<1.7. Combined with the BESIII measurement of X(3872)→π0χc1, we also set an upper limit of B(X(3872)→π0χc0)B(X(3872)→π0χc1)<4.4.
We search for the semi-leptonic decays Λ + c → Λπ+π−e+νe and Λ + c → pK0 Sπ−e+νe in a sample of 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected in the center-of-mass energy region between 4.600 GeV and 4.699 GeV by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII. No significant signals are observed, and the upper limits on the decay branching fractions are set to be B(Λ+c → Λπ+π−e+νe ) < 3.9 × 10−4 and B(Λ + c → pK0Sπ−e+νe ) < 3.3 × 10−4 at the 90% confidence level, respectively.
The transcription factor ∆Np63 is a master regulator of epithelial cell identity and essential for the survival of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of lung, head and neck, oesophagus, cervix and skin. Here, we report that the deubiquitylase USP28 stabilizes ∆Np63 and maintains elevated ∆NP63 levels in SCC by counteracting its proteasome‐mediated degradation. Impaired USP28 activity, either genetically or pharmacologically, abrogates the transcriptional identity and suppresses growth and survival of human SCC cells. CRISPR/Cas9‐engineered in vivo mouse models establish that endogenous USP28 is strictly required for both induction and maintenance of lung SCC. Our data strongly suggest that targeting ∆Np63 abundance via inhibition of USP28 is a promising strategy for the treatment of SCC tumours.
Using 7.33 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226~GeV, we observe for the first time the decay D±s→ωπ±η with a statistical significance of 7.6σ. The measured branching fraction of this decay is (0.54±0.12±0.04)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.
The Kinase Chemogenomic Set (KCGS): An open science resource for kinase vulnerability identification
(2019)
We describe the assembly and annotation of a chemogenomic set of protein kinase inhibitors as an open science resource for studying kinase biology. The set only includes inhibitors that show potent kinase inhibition and a narrow spectrum of activity when screened across a large panel of kinase biochemical assays. Currently, the set contains 187 inhibitors that cover 215 human kinases. The kinase chemogenomic set (KCGS) is the most highly annotated set of selective kinase inhibitors available to researchers for use in cell-based screens.
Encouraging clinical results were reported on a novel cone-in-cone coupling for the fixation of dental implant-supported crowns (Acuris, Dentsply Sirona Implants, Mölndal, Sweden). However, the presence or absence of a microgap and a potential bacterial leakage at the conometric joint has not yet been investigated. A misfit and a resulting gap between the conometric components could potentially serve as a bacterial reservoir that promotes plaque formation, which in turn may lead to inflammation of the peri-implant tissues. Thus, a two-fold study set-up was designed in order to evaluate the bidirectional translocation of bacteria along conometrically seated single crowns. On conometric abutments filled with a culture suspension of anaerobic bacteria, the corresponding titanium nitride-coated (TiN) caps were fixed by friction. Each system was sterilized and immersed in culture medium to provide an optimal environment for microbial growth. Positive and negative controls were prepared. Specimens were stored in an anaerobic workstation, and total and viable bacterial counts were determined. Every 48 h, samples were taken from the reaction tubes to inoculate blood agar plates and to isolate bacterial DNA for quantification using qrt-PCR. In addition, one Acuris test system was subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the precision of fit of the conometric coupling and marginal crown opening. Throughout the observational period of one week, blood agar plates of the specimens showed no viable bacterial growth. qrt-PCR, likewise, yielded a result approaching zero with an amount of about 0.53 × 10−4 µg/mL DNA. While the luting gap/marginal opening between the TiN-cap and the ceramic crown was within the clinically acceptable range, the SEM analysis failed to identify a measurable microgap at the cone-in-cone junction. Within the limits of the in-vitro study it can be concluded that the Acuris conometric interface does not allow for bacterial translocation under non-dynamic loading conditions.
Measurement of e⁺e⁻ → π⁺π⁻D⁺D⁻ cross sections at center-of-mass energies from 4.190 to 4.946 GeV
(2022)
Using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, we measure the cross sections of the e+e−→π+π−D+D− process at center-of-mass energies from 4.190 to 4.946 GeV with a partial reconstruction method. Two resonance structures are seen and the resonance parameters are determined from a fit to the cross section line shape. The first resonance we observe has a mass of (4373.1 ± 4.0 ± 2.2) MeV/c2 and a width of (146.5 ± 7.4 ± 1.3) MeV, in agreement with those of the Y(4390) state; the other resonance has a mass of (4706 ± 11 ± 4) MeV/c2, a width of (45 ± 28 ± 9) MeV, and a statistical significance of 4.1 standard deviations (σ). This is the first evidence for a vector state at this mass value. The spin-3 D-wave charmonium state X(3842) is searched for through the e+e−→π+π−X(3842)→π+π−D+D− process, and evidence with a significance of 4.2σ is found in the data samples with center-of-mass energies from 4.600 to 4.700 GeV.
The decays J/ψ→ηΣ+Σ¯− and ψ(3686)→ηΣ+Σ¯− are observed for the first time, using (10087±44)×106 J/ψ and (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. We determine the branching fractions of these two decays to be B(J/ψ→ηΣ+Σ¯−)=(6.34±0.21±0.37)×10−5 and B(ψ(3686)→ηΣ+Σ¯−)=(9.59±2.37±0.61)×10−6, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The ratio of these two branching fractions is determined to be B(ψ(3686)→ηΣ+Σ¯−)B(J/ψ→ηΣ+Σ¯−)=(15.1±3.8)%, which is in agreement with the "12\% rule."
Using a data sample of e+e− collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19 fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we search for the production of deuterons and antideuterons via e+e−→ppπ−d¯+c.c. for the first time at center-of-mass energies between 4.13 and 4.70 GeV. No significant signal is observed and the upper limit of the e+e−→ppπ−d¯+c.c. cross section is determined to be from 9.0 to 145 fb depending on the center-of-mass energy at the 90% confidence level.
Quantum-correlated 𝐷¯𝐷 pairs collected by the BESIII experiment at the 𝜓(3770) resonance corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 are used to study the 𝐷0→𝐾0𝑆𝜋+𝜋−𝜋0 decay mode. The 𝐶𝑃-even fraction of 𝐷0→𝐾0𝑆𝜋+𝜋−𝜋0 decays is determined to be 0.235±0.010±0.002, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.
Quantum-correlated DD¯ pairs collected by the BESIII experiment at the ψ(3770) resonance, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1, are used to study the D0→K0Sπ+π−π0 decay mode. The CP-even fraction of D0→K0Sπ+π−π0 decays is determined to be 0.235±0.010±0.002, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.
he decay D→K−π+ is studied in a sample of quantum-correlated DD¯ pairs, based on a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93\,fb−1 collected at the ψ(3770) resonance by the BESIII experiment. The asymmetry between CP-odd and CP-even eigenstate decays into K−π+ is determined to be AKπ=0.132±0.011±0.007, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This measurement is an update of an earlier study exploiting additional tagging modes, including several decay modes involving a K0L meson. The branching fractions of the K0L modes are determined as input to the analysis in a manner that is independent of any strong phase uncertainty. Using the predominantly CP-even tag D→π+π−π0 and the ensemble of CP-odd eigenstate tags, the observable Aπππ0Kπ is measured to be 0.130±0.012±0.008. The two asymmetries are sensitive to rKπDcosδKπD, where rKπD and δKπD are the ratio of amplitudes and phase difference, respectively, between the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed and Cabibbo-favoured decays. In addition, events containing D→K−π+ tagged by D→K0S,Lπ+π− are studied in bins of phase space of the three-body decays. This analysis has sensitivity to both rKπDcosδKπD and rKπDsinδKπD. A fit to AKπ, Aπππ0Kπ and the phase-space distribution of the D→K0S,Lπ+π− tags yields δKπD=(187.5+8.9−9.7+5.4−6.4) degrees, where external constraints are applied for rKπD and other relevant parameters. This is the most precise measurement of δKπD in quantum-correlated DD¯ decays.
The decay D→K−π+ is studied in a sample of quantum-correlated DD¯ pairs, based on a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93\,fb−1 collected at the ψ(3770) resonance by the BESIII experiment. The asymmetry between CP-odd and CP-even eigenstate decays into K−π+ is determined to be AKπ=0.132±0.011±0.007, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This measurement is an update of an earlier study exploiting additional tagging modes, including several decay modes involving a K0L meson. The branching fractions of the K0L modes are determined as input to the analysis in a manner that is independent of any strong phase uncertainty. Using the predominantly CP-even tag D→π+π−π0 and the ensemble of CP-odd eigenstate tags, the observable Aπππ0Kπ is measured to be 0.130±0.012±0.008. The two asymmetries are sensitive to rKπDcosδKπD, where rKπD and δKπD are the ratio of amplitudes and phase difference, respectively, between the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed and Cabibbo-favoured decays. In addition, events containing D→K−π+ tagged by D→K0S,Lπ+π− are studied in bins of phase space of the three-body decays. This analysis has sensitivity to both rKπDcosδKπD and rKπDsinδKπD. A fit to AKπ, Aπππ0Kπ and the phase-space distribution of the D→K0S,Lπ+π− tags yields δKπD=(187.6+8.9−9.7+5.4−6.4) degrees, where external constraints are applied for rKπD and other relevant parameters. This is the most precise measurement of δKπD in quantum-correlated DD¯ decays.
Using 𝑒+𝑒− collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.33 fb−1 recorded by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV, we present an analysis of the decay 𝐷+𝑠→𝜋+𝜋−𝑒+𝜈𝑒, where the 𝐷+𝑠 is produced via the process 𝑒+𝑒−→𝐷*±𝑠𝐷∓𝑠. We observe the 𝑓0(980) in the 𝜋+𝜋− system and the branching fraction of the decay 𝐷+𝑠→𝑓0(980)𝑒+𝜈𝑒 with 𝑓0(980)→𝜋+𝜋− measured to be (1.72±0.13stat±0.10syst)×10−3, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The dynamics of the 𝐷+𝑠→𝑓0(980)𝑒+𝜈𝑒 decay are studied with the simple pole parametrization of the hadronic form factor and the Flatté formula describing the 𝑓0(980) in the differential decay rate, and the product of the form factor 𝑓𝑓0+(0) and the 𝑐→𝑠 Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |𝑉𝑐𝑠| is determined for the first time to be 𝑓𝑓0+(0)|𝑉𝑐𝑠|=0.504±0.017stat±0.035syst. Furthermore, the decay 𝐷+
𝑠→𝑓0(500)𝑒+𝜈𝑒 is searched for the first time but no signal is found. The upper limit on the branching fraction of 𝐷+𝑠→𝑓0(500)𝑒+𝜈𝑒, 𝑓0(500)→𝜋+𝜋− decay is set to be 3.3×10−4 at 90% confidence level.
Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 10.9 fb−1 collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.16 to 4.34 GeV with the BESIII detector, we search for the decay χc1(3872)→π+π−χc1 in the radiative production e+e−→γχc1(3872). No significant signal is observed, and the ratio for the branching fraction of χc1(3872)→π+π−χc1 to χc1(3872)→π+π−J/ψ is measured as R≡B[χc1(3872)→π+π−χc1]B[χc1(3872)→π+π−J/ψ]<0.18 at 90% confidence level. The upper limit on the product of the cross section σ[e+e−→γχc1(3872)] and the branching fraction B[χc1(3872)→π+π−χc1] at each center-of-mass energy is also given. These measurements favor the non-conventional charmonium nature of the χc1(3872) state.
A narrow structure in the pΛ¯ system near the mass threshold, named as X(2085), is observed in the process e+e−→pK−Λ¯ with a statistical significance greater than 20σ. Its spin and parity are determined for the first time to be JP=1+ in an amplitude analysis, with statistical significance greater than 5σ over other quantum numbers. The pole positions of X(2085) are measured to be Mpole=(2086±4±6)~MeV and Γpole=(56±5±16) MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The analysis is based on the study of the process e+e−→pK−Λ¯ and uses the data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energies s√=4.008, 4.178, 4.226, 4.258, 4.416, and 4.682 GeV with a total integrated luminosity of 8.35 fb−1.
Based on a sample of 448.1×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector, a study of ψ(3686)→ΛΛ¯π0 and ψ(3686)→ΛΛ¯η is performed. Evidence of the isospin-violating decay ψ(3686)→ΛΛ¯π0 is found for the first time with a statistical significance of 3.7σ, the branching fraction B(ψ(3686)→ΛΛ¯π0) is measured to be (1.42±0.39±0.59)×10−6, and its corresponding upper limit is determined to be 2.47×10−6 at 90\% confidence level. A partial wave analysis of ψ(3686)→ΛΛ¯η shows that the peak around Λη invariant mass threshold favors a Λ∗ resonance with mass and width in agreement with the Λ(1670). The branching fraction of the ψ(3686)→ΛΛ¯η is measured to be (2.34±0.18±0.52)×10−5. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.
Based on e+e− collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.5 fb−1 collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the absolute branching fraction of the inclusive decay Λ+c→n+X, where X refers to any possible final state particles, is measured. The absolute branching fraction is determined to be B(Λ+c→n+X)=(32.4±0.7±1.5)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Assuming CP symmetry, the measurement indicates that about one-fourth of Λ+c (Λ¯−c) decay modes with a neutron (an anti-neutron) in the final state have not been observed.
Based on e+e− collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.5 fb−1 collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.699 Gev with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the absolute branching fraction of the inclusive decay Λ¯−c→n¯+X, where X refers to any possible final state particles, is measured. The absolute branching fraction is determined to be B(Λ¯−c→n¯+X)=(33.5±0.7±1.2)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Neglecting the effect of CP violation, the measurement indicates that about one-fourth of Λ+c decay modes with a neutron in the final state have not been observed.
Using data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider at center-of-mass energies ranging from 3.80 to 4.95 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20 fb−1, a measurement of Born cross sections for the e+e−→D0D¯0 and D+D− processes is presented with unprecedented precision. Many clear peaks in the line shape of e+e−→D0D¯0 and D+D− around the mass range of G(3900), ψ(4040), ψ(4160), Y(4260), and ψ(4415), etc., are foreseen. These results offer crucial experimental insights into the nature of hadron production in the open-charm region.
First study of reaction Ξ⁰n → Ξ⁻ p using Ξ⁰-nucleus scattering at an electron-positron collider
(2023)
Using ð1.0087 0.0044Þ × 1010 J=ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, the process Ξ0n → Ξ−p is studied, where the Ξ0 baryon is produced in the process J=ψ → Ξ0Ξ¯ 0 and the neutron is a component of the 9 Be, 12C, and 197Au nuclei in the beam pipe. A clear signal is observed with a statistical significance of 7.1σ. The cross section of the reaction Ξ0 þ 9 Be → Ξ− þ p þ 8 Be is determined to be σðΞ0 þ 9 Be → Ξ− þ p þ 8 BeÞ¼ð22.1 5.3stat 4.5sysÞ mb at the Ξ0 momentum of 0.818 GeV=c, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. No significant H-dibaryon signal is observed in the Ξ−p final state. This is the first study of hyperon-nucleon interactions in electron-positron collisions and opens up a new direction for such research.
Based on a data sample of (27.08±0.14)×108 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the M1 transition ψ(3686)→γηc(2S) with ηc(2S)→KK¯π is studied, where KK¯π is K+K−π0 or K0SK±π∓. The mass and width of the ηc(2S) are measured to be (3637.8±0.8(stat)±0.2(syst)) MeV/c2 and (10.5±1.7(stat)±3.5(syst)) MeV, respectively. The product branching fraction B(ψ(3686)→γηc(2S))×B(ηc(2S)→KK¯π) is determined to be (0.97±0.06(stat)±0.09(syst))×10−5. Using BR(ηc(2S)→KK¯π)=(1.86+0.68−0.49)%, we obtain the branching fraction of the radiative transition to be BR(ψ(3686)→γηc(2S))=(5.2±0.3(stat)±0.5(syst)+1.9−1.4(extr))×10−4, where the third uncertainty is due to the quoted BR(ηc(2S)→KK¯π).
The J/ψ→Ξ0Ξ¯0 process and subsequent decays are investigated using (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected at the BESIII experiment. The decay parameters of Ξ0 and Ξ¯0 are measured with greatly improved precision over previous measurements to be αΞ=−0.3750±0.0034±0.0016, α¯Ξ=0.3790±0.0034±0.0021, ϕΞ=0.0051±0.0096±0.0018~rad, ϕ¯Ξ=−0.0053±0.0097±0.0019~rad, where the first and the second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. From these measurements, precise CP symmetry tests in Ξ0 decay are performed, and AΞCP=(−5.4±6.5±3.1)×10−3 and ΔϕΞCP=(−0.1±6.9±0.9)×10−3~rad are consistent with CP conservation. The sequential decay also enables a separation of weak and strong phase differences, which are found for the first time to be ξP−ξS=(0.0±1.7±0.2)×10−2~rad and δP−δS=(−1.3±1.7±0.4)×10−2~rad, respectively. In addition, we measure the Λ decay parameters and test CP symmetry in Λ decays.
Based on (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, the decay ψ(3686)→ϕK0SK0S is observed for the first time. Taking the interference between ψ(3686) decay and continuum production into account, the branching fraction of this decay is measured to be B(ψ(3686)→ϕK0SK0S) = (3.53 ± 0.20 ± 0.21)×10−5, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. Combining with the world average value for B(J/ψ→ϕK0SK0S), the ratio B(ψ(3686)→ϕK0SK0S)/B(J/ψ→ϕK0SK0S) is determined to be (6.0±1.6)%, which is suppressed relative to the 12% rule.
Using data samples collected at center-of-mass energies between 2.000 and 3.080 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, a partial-wave analysis is performed on the process e+e−→ηπ+π−. In addition to the dominant e+e−→ρη component, the e+e−→a2(1320)π process is also sizeable, contributing up to 24% of the total reaction. The measured cross sections of the process e+e−→ηπ+π− are systematically higher than those of BaBar by more than 3σ at center-of-mass energies between 2.000 and 2.300 GeV. In the cross section lineshape for e+e−→a2(1320)π, a resonant structure is observed with a significance of 5.5σ, with M=(2044±31±4) MeV/c2, Γ=(163±69±24) MeV and BR⋅ΓRe+e−=(34.6±17.1±6.0) eV or (137.1±73.3±2.1) eV. In the cross section lineshape for e+e−→ρη, an evidence of a dip structure around 2180 MeV/c2 is observed with statistical significance of 3.0σ.
The Cabbibo-favored decay Λ+c→Ξ0K+π0 is studied for the first time using 6.1 fb−1 of e+e− collision data at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.840 GeV, collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. With a double-tag method, the branching fraction of the three-body decay Λ+c→Ξ0K+π0 is measured to be (7.79±1.46±0.71)×10−3, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The branching fraction of the two-body decay Λ+c→Ξ(1530)0K+ is (5.99±1.04±0.29)×10−3, which is consistent with the previous result of (5.02±0.99±0.31)×10−3. In addition, the upper limit on the branching fraction of the doubly Cabbibo-suppressed decay Λ+c→nK+π0 is 7.1×10−4 at the 90% confidence level. The upper limits on the branching fractions of Λ+c→Σ0K+π0 and ΛK+π0 are also determined to be 1.8×10−3 and 2.0×10−3, respectively.
Using initial-state radiation events from a total integrated luminosity of 11.957 fb−1 of 𝑒+𝑒− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 3.773 and 4.258 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the cross section for the process 𝑒+𝑒−→Λ¯Λ is measured in 16 Λ¯Λ invariant mass intervals from the production threshold up to 3.00 GeV/𝑐2. The results are consistent with previous results from BABAR and BESIII, but with better precision and with narrower Λ¯Λ invariant mass intervals than BABAR.
The process e+e−→D∗+sD∗−s is studied with a semi-inclusive method using data samples at center-of-mass energies from threshold to 4.95 GeV collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections of the process are measured for the first time with high precision in this energy region. Two resonance structures are observed in the energy-dependent cross sections around 4.2 and 4.4 GeV. By fitting the cross sections with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner amplitudes and one phase-space amplitude, the two significant structures are assigned masses of (4186.5±9.0±30) MeV/c2 and (4414.5±3.2±6.0) MeV/c2, widths of (55±17±53) MeV and (122.6±7.0±8.2) MeV, where the first errors are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The inclusion of a third Breit-Wigner amplitude is necessary to describe a structure around 4.79 GeV.
The measurement of the Cabibbo-favored semileptonic decay Λ+c→Λμ+νμ is reported using 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.600~GeV to 4.699~GeV. The branching fraction of the decay is measured to be B(Λ+c→Λμ+νμ)=(3.48±0.14stat.±0.10syst.)%, three times more precise than the prior world average result. Tests of lepton flavor universality using Λ+c→Λℓ+νℓ (ℓ=e,μ) decays are reported for the first time, based on measurements of the differential decay rates and the forward-backward asymmetries in separate four-momentum transfer regions. The results are compatible with Standard Model predictions. Furthermore, we improve the determination of the form-factor parameters in Λ+c→Λℓ+νℓ decays, which provide stringent tests and calibration for lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD) calculations.
The radiative hyperon decay Λ→𝑛𝛾 is studied using (10087±44)×106 𝐽/𝜓 events collected with the BESIII detector operating at BEPCII. The absolute branching fraction of the decay Λ→𝑛𝛾 is determined to be (0.832±0.038stat±0.054syst)×10−3, which is a factor of 2.1 lower and 5.6 standard deviations different than the previous measurement. By analyzing the joint angular distribution of the decay products, the first determination of the decay asymmetry 𝛼𝛾 is reported with a value of −0.16±0.10stat±0.05syst.
Measurement of e⁺e⁻ → π⁺π⁻D⁺D⁻ cross sections at center-of-mass energies from 4.190 to 4.946 GeV
(2022)
Using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, we measure the cross sections of the e+e−→π+π−D+D− process at center-of-mass energies from 4.190 to 4.946 GeV with a partial reconstruction method. Two resonance structures are seen and the resonance parameters are determined from a fit to the cross section line shape. The first resonance we observe has a mass of (4373.1 ± 4.0 ± 2.2) MeV/c2 and a width of (146.5 ± 7.4 ± 1.3) MeV, in agreement with those of the Y(4390) state; the other resonance has a mass of (4706 ± 11 ± 4) MeV/c2, a width of (45 ± 28 ± 9) MeV, and a statistical significance of 4.1 standard deviations (σ). This is the first evidence for a vector state at this mass value. The spin-3 D-wave charmonium state X(3842) is searched for through the e+e−→π+π−X(3842)→π+π−D+D− process, and evidence with a significance of 4.2σ is found in the data samples with center-of-mass energies from 4.600 to 4.700 GeV.
Using a sample of 448.1×106 ψ(2S) events collected with the BESIII detector, we perform a study of the decay J/ψ→K+K− via ψ(2S)→π+π−J/ψ.
The branching fraction of J/ψ→K+K− is determined to be BK+K−=(3.072±0.023(stat.)±0.050(syst.))×10−4, which is consistent with previous measurements but with significantly improved precision.
Cross sections for the process e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.128 to 4.950 GeV are measured using data samples with a total integrated luminosity of 21.2 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. The Y(4230) state is observed in the energy dependence of the e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ cross section for the first time with a statistical significance of 26.0σ. In addition, an enhancement around 4.710 GeV, called the Y(4710), is seen with a statistical significance of 4.2σ. There is no clear structure around 4.484 GeV. Using a fit with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner functions, we determine the mass and width of the Y(4230) state to be 4226.9±6.6±21.9 MeV/c2 and 71.7±16.2±31.4 MeV, respectively, and the mass and width of the Y(4710) state to be 4704.0±52.3±69.5 MeV/c2 and 183.2±114.0±90.8 MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. In addition, the average Born cross section ratio of e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ to e+e−→K+K−J/ψ is measured to be 0.388+0.035−0.028±0.016, or 0.426+0.038−0.031±0.018 if three-body phase space is considered.
Using 4.5fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data samples collected at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.600 to 4.698 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we measured the absolute branching fraction for the inclusive semileptonic decay Λ+c→Xe+νe, where X refers to any possible particle system. The branching fraction of the decay is determined to be B(Λ+c→Xe+νe)=(4.06±0.10stat.±0.09syst.)%. Our result improves the precision of previous measurement of B(Λ+c→Xe+νe) by more than threefold. Using the known Λ+c lifetime and the charge-averaged semileptonic decay width of nonstrange charmed mesons, we measure the ratio of inclusive semileptonic decay widths Γ(Λ+c→Xe+νe)/Γ¯(D→Xe+νe)=1.28±0.05, where statistical and systematic uncertainties are combined.
Based on 7.33 fb−1 of e+e− collision data taken at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of D∗+s→D+sπ0 relative to that of D∗+s→D+sγ to be (6.16±0.43±0.19)%. The first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. By using the world average value of the branching fraction of D∗+s→D+se+e−, we determine the branching fractions of D∗+s→D+sγ and D∗+s→D+sπ0 to be (93.57±0.44±0.19)% and (5.76±0.44±0.19)%, respectively.
A precision measurement of the matrix elements for η→π+π−π0 and η→π0π0π0 decays is performed using a sample of (10087±44)×106 J/ψ decays collected with the BESIII detector. The decay J/ψ→γη is used to select clean samples of 631,686 η→π+π−π0 decays and 272,322 η→π0π0π0 decays. The matrix elements for both channels are in reasonable agreement with previous measurements. The non-zero gX2Y term for the decay mode η→π+π−π0 is confirmed, as reported by the KLOE Collaboration, while the other higher-order terms are found to be insignificant. Dalitz plot asymmetries in the η→π+π−π0 decay are also explored and are found to be consistent with charge conjugation invariance. In addition, a cusp effect is investigated in the η→π0π0π0 decay, and no obvious structure around the π+π− mass threshold is observed.
Cross sections for the process e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.128 to 4.950 GeV are measured using data samples with a total integrated luminosity of 21.2 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. The Y(4230) state is observed in the energy dependence of the e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ cross section for the first time with a statistical significance of 26.0σ. In addition, an enhancement around 4.710 GeV, called the Y(4710), is seen with a statistical significance of 4.2σ. There is no clear structure around 4.484 GeV. Using a fit with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner functions, we determine the mass and width of the Y(4230) state to be 4226.9±6.6±21.9 MeV/c2 and 71.7±16.2±31.4 MeV, respectively, and the mass and width of the Y(4710) state to be 4704.0±52.3±69.5 MeV/c2 and 183.2±114.0±90.8 MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. In addition, the average Born cross section ratio of e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ to e+e−→K+K−J/ψ is measured to be 0.388+0.035−0.028±0.016, or 0.426+0.038−0.031±0.018 if three-body phase space is considered.
We report the measurement of the inclusive cross sections for e+e−→nOCH (where nOCH denotes non-open charm hadrons) with improved precision at center-of-mass (c.m.) energies from 3.645 to 3.871 GeV. We observe three resonances: R(3760), R(3780), and R(3810) with significances of 8.1σ, 13.7σ, and 8.8σ, respectively. The R(3810) state is observed for the first time, while the R(3760) and R(3780) states are observed for the first time in the nOCH cross sections. Two sets of resonance parameters describe the energy-dependent line shape of the cross sections well. In set I [set II], the R(3810) state has mass (3805.7±1.1±2.7) [(3805.7±1.1±2.7)] MeV/c2, total width (11.6±2.9±1.9) [(11.5±2.8±1.9)] MeV, and an electronic width multiplied by the nOCH decay branching fraction of (10.9±3.8±2.5) [(11.0±3.4±2.5)] eV. In addition, we measure the branching fractions B[R(3760)→nOCH]=(25.2±16.1±30.4)%[(6.4±4.8±7.7)%] and B[R(3780)→nOCH]=(12.3±6.6±8.3)%[(10.4±4.8±7.0)%] for the first time. The R(3760) state can be interpreted as an open-charm (OC) molecular state, but containing a simple four-quark state component. The R(3810) state can be interpreted as a hadrocharmonium state.
Using 7.33 fb−1 of e+e− collision data taken with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we report the first experimental study of the purely leptonic decay D∗+s→e+νe. A signal for the decay D∗+s→e+νe is observed with a statistical significance of 2.9σ. The branching fraction of D∗+s→e+νe is measured to be (2.1+1.2−0.9stat.±0.2syst.)×10−5, corresponding to an upper limit of 4.0×10−5 at the 90\% confidence level. Taking the total width of the D∗+s~((0.070±0.028) keV) predicted by lattice quantum chromodynamics as input, the decay constant of the D∗+s is determined to be fD∗+s=(213.6+61.0−45.8stat.±43.9syst.) MeV, corresponding to an upper limit of 353.8 MeV at the 90\% confidence level.
Using 7.33 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226~GeV, we observe for the first time the decay D±s→ωπ±η with a statistical significance of 7.6σ. The measured branching fraction of this decay is (0.54±0.12±0.04)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.
Using a sample of about 10 billion J/ψ events with the BESIII detector, we search for the weak decays of J/ψ→D¯0π0+c.c., J/ψ→D¯0η+c.c., J/ψ→D¯0ρ0+c.c., J/ψ→D−π++c.c., and J/ψ→D−ρ++c.c.. Since no significant signal is observed, we set the upper limits of the branching fractions of these decays to be B(J/ψ→D¯0π0+c.c.)<4.7×10−7, B(J/ψ→D¯0η+c.c.)<6.8×10−7, B(J/ψ→D¯0ρ0+c.c.)<5.2×10−7, B(J/ψ→D−π++c.c.)<7.0×10−8, and B(J/ψ→D−ρ++c.c.)<6.0×10−7 at the 90\% confidence level.
Measurements of the electric and magnetic form factors of the neutron for timelike momentum transfer
(2023)
We present the first measurements of the electric and magnetic form factors of the neutron in the time-like (positive q2) region as function of four-momentum transfer. We explored the differential cross sections of the reaction e+e−→n¯n with data collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII accelerator, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 354.6 pb−1 in total at twelve center-of-mass energies between s√=2.0−2.95 GeV. A relative uncertainty of 18% and 12% for the electric and magnetic form factors, respectively, is achieved at s√=2.3935 GeV. Our results are comparable in accuracy to those from electron scattering in the comparable space-like (negative q2) region of four-momentum transfer. The electromagnetic form factor ratio Rem≡|GE|/|GM| is within the uncertainties close to unity. We compare our result on |GE| and |GM| to recent model predictions, and the measurements in the space-like region to test the analyticity of electromagnetic form factors.
Based on 4.4 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the pure \textit{W}-boson-exchange decay Λ+c→Ξ0K+ is studied with a full angular analysis. The corresponding decay asymmetry is measured for the first time to be αΞ0K+=0.01±0.16(stat.)±0.03(syst.). This result reflects the non-interference effect between the S- and P-wave amplitudes. The phase shift between S- and P-wave amplitudes has two solutions, which are δp−δs=−1.55±0.25(stat.)±0.05(syst.) rad or 1.59±0.25(stat.)±0.05(syst.) rad.
Based on a data sample of 10 billion J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, improved measurements of the Dalitz decays η/η′→γe+e− are performed, where the η and η′ are produced through the radiative decays J/ψ→γη/η′. The branching fractions of η→γe+e− and η′→γe+e− are measured to be (7.07±0.05±0.23)×10−3 and (4.83±0.07±0.14)×10−4, respectively. Within the single pole model, the parameter of electromagnetic transition form factor for η→γe+e− is determined to be Λη=(0.749±0.027±0.007) GeV/c2. Within the multi-pole model, we extract the electromagnetic transition form factors for η′→γe+e− to be Λη′=(0.802±0.007±0.008) GeV/c2 and γη′=(0.113±0.010±0.002) GeV/c2. The results are consistent with both theoretical predictions and previous measurements. The characteristic sizes of the interaction regions for the η and η′ are calculated to be (0.645±0.023±0.007) fm and (0.596±0.005±0.006) fm, respectively. In addition, we search for the dark photon in η/η′→γe+e−, and the upper limits of the branching fractions as a function of the dark photon are given at 90\% confidence level.
Improved measurement of the decays η′ → π⁺π⁻π⁺⁽⁰⁾π⁻⁽⁰⁾ and search for the rare decay η′ → 4π⁰
(2024)
Using a sample of 10 billion J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the decays η′→π+π−π+π−, η′→π+π−π0π0 and η′→4π0 are studied via the process J/ψ→γη′. The branching fractions of η′→π+π−π+π− and η′→π+π−π0 π0 are measured to be (8.56±0.25(stat.)±0.23(syst.))×10−5 and (2.12±0.12(stat.)±0.10(syst.))×10−4, respectively, which are consistent with previous measurements but with improved precision. No significant η′→4π0 signal is observed, and the upper limit on the branching fraction of this decay is determined to be less than 1.24×10−5 at the 90% confidence level. In addition, an amplitude analysis of η′→π+π−π+π− is performed to extract the doubly virtual isovector form factor α for the first time. The measured value of α=1.22±0.33(stat.)±0.04(syst.), is in agreement with the prediction of the VMD model.
Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the process e+e−→Σ+Σ¯− is studied at center-of-mass energies s√ = 2.3960, 2.6454, and 2.9000 GeV. Using a fully differential angular description of the final state particles, both the relative magnitude and phase information of the Σ+ electromagnetic form factors in the timelike region are extracted. The relative phase between the electric and magnetic form factors is determined to be sinΔΦ = -0.67~±~0.29~(stat)~±~0.18~(syst) at s√ = 2.3960 GeV, ΔΦ = 55∘~±~19∘~(stat) ±~14∘~(syst) at s√ = 2.6454 GeV, and 78∘~±~22∘~(stat) ±~9∘~(syst) at s√ = 2.9000 GeV. For the first time, the phase of the hyperon electromagnetic form factors is explored in a wide range of four-momentum transfer. The evolution of the phase along with four-momentum transfer is an important input for understanding its asymptotic behavior and the dynamics of baryons.
Based on 4.4 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the pure \textit{W}-boson-exchange decay Λ+c→Ξ0K+ is studied with a full angular analysis. The corresponding decay asymmetry is measured for the first time to be αΞ0K+=0.01±0.16(stat.)±0.03(syst.). This result reflects the non-interference effect between the S- and P-wave amplitudes. The phase shift between S- and P-wave amplitudes has two solutions, which are δp−δs=−1.55±0.25(stat.)±0.05(syst.) rad or 1.59±0.25(stat.)±0.05(syst.) rad.
Based on 4.4 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the pure W-exchange decay Λ+c→Ξ0K+ is studied with a full angular analysis. The corresponding decay asymmetry is measured for the first time to be αΞ0K+=0.01±0.16(stat.)±0.03(syst.). This result reflects the interference between the S- and P-wave amplitudes. The phase shift between S- and P-wave amplitudes is δp−δs=−1.55±0.25(stat.)±0.05(syst.) rad.
The singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay Λ+𝑐→Σ−𝐾+𝜋+ is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 5.4𝜎 by using 4.5 fb−1 of 𝑒+𝑒− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII. The absolute branching fraction of Λ+𝑐→Σ−𝐾+𝜋+ is measured to be (3.8±1.2stat±0.2syst)×10−4 in a model-independent approach. This is the first observation of a Cabibbo-suppressed Λ+𝑐 decay involving Σ− in the final state. The ratio of branching fractions between Λ+𝑐→Σ−𝐾+𝜋+ and the Cabibbo-favored decay Λ+𝑐→Σ−𝜋+𝜋+ is observed to be (0.4±0.1)𝑠2𝑐, where 𝑠𝑐≡sin𝜃𝑐=0.2248 with 𝜃𝑐 the Cabibbo mixing angle.
Using e+e− annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the first measurements of the branching fractions of the inclusive decays D0→π+π+π−X and D+→π+π+π−X, where pions from K0S decays have been excluded from the π+π+π− system and X denotes any possible particle combination. The branching fractions of D0(D+)→π+π+π−X are determined to be B(D0→π+π+π−X)=(17.60±0.11±0.22)% and B(D+→π+π+π−X)=(15.25±0.09±0.18)%, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.
Using a data sample of e+e− collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19 fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we search for the production of deuterons and antideuterons via e+e−→ppπ−d¯+c.c. for the first time at center-of-mass energies between 4.13 and 4.70 GeV. No significant signal is observed and the upper limit of the e+e−→ppπ−d¯+c.c. cross section is determined to be from 9.0 to 145 fb depending on the center-of-mass energy at the 90% confidence level.
Using a data sample of (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected by the BESIII detector in 2009, 2012, 2018 and 2019, the electromagnetic Dalitz process J/ψ→e+e−η(1405) is observed via the decay η(1405)→π0f0(980), f0(980)→π+π−, with a significance of about 9.6σ. The branching fraction of this decay is measured to be B(J/ψ→e+e−π0η(1405)→e+e−π0f0(980)→e+e−π0π+π−)=(2.02±0.24(stat.)±0.09(syst.))×10−7. The branching-fraction ratio B(J/ψ→e+e−η(1405))/B(J/ψ→γη(1405)) is determined to be (1.35±0.19(stat.)±0.06(syst.))×10−2. Furthermore, an e+e− invariant-mass dependent transition form factor of J/ψ→e+e−η(1405) is presented for the first time. The obtained result provides input for different theoretical models, and is valuable for the improved understanding the intrinsic structure of the η(1405) meson.
We perform for the first time an amplitude analysis of the decay D+→K0Sπ+η and report the observation of the decay D+→K0Sa0(980)+ using 2.93 fb−1 of e+e− collision data taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector. As the only W-annihilation free decay among D to a0(980)-pseudoscalar, D+→K0Sa0(980)+ is the ideal decay to extract the contributions of the external and internal W-emission amplitudes involving a0(980) and study the final-state interactions. The absolute branching fraction of D+→K0Sπ+η is measured to be (1.27±0.04stat.±0.03syst.)%. The product branching fractions of D+→K0Sa0(980)+ with a0(980)+→π+η and D+→π+K∗0(1430)0 with K∗0(1430)0→K0Sη are measured to be (1.33±0.05stat.±0.04syst.)% and (0.14±0.03stat.±0.01syst.)%, respectively.