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Using a data sample of e+e− collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of s=3.773GeV, we search for the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays D0→π0π0π0, π0π0η, π0ηη and ηηη using the double tag method. The absolute branching fractions are measured to be B(D0→π0π0π0)=(2.0±0.4±0.3)×10−4, B(D0→π0π0η)=(3.8±1.1±0.7)×10−4 and B(D0→π0ηη)=(7.3±1.6±1.5)×10−4 with the statistical significances of 4.8σ, 3.8σ and 5.5σ, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones systematic. No significant signal of D0→ηηη is found, and the upper limit on its decay branching fraction is set to be B(D0→ηηη)<1.3×10−4 at the 90% confidence level.
Measurement of branching fractions for D meson decaying into ϕ meson and a pseudoscalar meson
(2019)
The four decay modes D0 → φπ0, D0 → φη, D+ → φπ+, and D+ → φK + are studied by using a data sample taken at the centre-of-mass energy √s = 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1. The branching fractions of the first three decay modes are measured to be B(D0 → φπ0) = (1.168 ± 0.028 ± 0.028) × 10−3, B(D0 → φη) = (1.81 ± 0.46 ± 0.06) × 10−4, and B(D+ → φπ+) = (5.70 ± 0.05 ± 0.13) × 10−3, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. In addition, the upper limit of the branching fraction for D+ → φK+ is given to be 2.1 × 10−5 at the 90% confidence level. The ratio of B(D0 → φπ0) to B(D+ → φπ+) is calculated to be (20.49 ± 0.50 ± 0.45)%, which is consistent with the theoretical prediction based on isospin symmetry between these two decay modes.
There has recently been a dramatic renewal of interest in hadron spectroscopy and charm physics. This renaissance has been driven in part by the discovery of a plethora of charmonium-like XYZ states at BESIII and B factories, and the observation of an intriguing proton-antiproton threshold enhancement and the possibly related X(1835) meson state at BESIII, as well as the threshold measurements of charm mesons and charm baryons.
We present a detailed survey of the important topics in tau-charm physics and hadron physics that can be further explored at BESIII during the remaining operation period of BEPCII. This survey will help in the optimization of the data-taking plan over the coming years, and provides physics motivation for the possible upgrade of BEPCII to higher luminosity.
Using 16 energy points of e+e− annihilation data collected in the vicinity of the J/ψ resonance with the BESIII detector and with a total integrated luminosity of around 100 pb−1, we study the relative phase between the strong and electromagnetic amplitudes of J/ψ decays. The relative phase between J/ψ electromagnetic decay and the continuum process (e+e− annihilation without the J/ψ resonance) is confirmed to be zero by studying the cross section lineshape of μ+μ− production. The relative phase between J/ψ strong and electromagnetic decays is then measured to be (84.9 ± 3.6)◦ or (−84.7 ± 3.1)◦ for the 2(π+π−)π0 final state by investigating the interference pattern between the J/ψ decay and the continuum process. This is the first measurement of the relative phase between J/ψ strong and electromagnetic decays into a multihadron final state using the lineshape of the production cross section. We also study the production lineshape of the multihadron final state ηπ+π− with η → π+π−π0, which provides additional information about the phase between the J/ψ electromagnetic decay amplitude and the continuum process. Additionally, the branching fraction of J/ψ → 2(π+π−)π0 is measured to be (4.73 ± 0.44)% or (4.85 ± 0.45)%, and the branching fraction of J/ψ → ηπ+π− is measured to be (3.78 ± 0.68) × 10−4. Both of them are consistent with the world average values. The quoted uncertainties include both statistical and systematic uncertainties, which are mainly caused by the low statistics.
The cross section of the process e+e−→K+K− is measured at a number of center-of-mass energies s√ from 2.00 to 3.08 GeV with the BESIII detector at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider (BEPCII). The results provide the best precision achieved so far. A resonant structure around 2.2 GeV is observed in the cross section line shape. A Breit-Wigner fit yields a mass of M=2239.2±7.1±11.3~and a width of Γ=139.8±12.3±20.6 MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. In addition, the time-like electromagnetic form factor of the kaon is determined at the individual center-of-mass energy points.
A partial-wave analysis of the decay 𝐽/𝜓→𝐾+𝐾−𝜋0 has been made using (223.7±1.4)×106 𝐽/𝜓 events collected with the BESIII detector in 2009. The analysis, which is performed within the isobar-model approach, reveals contributions from 𝐾*2(1430)±, 𝐾*2(1980)± and 𝐾*4(2045)± decaying to 𝐾±𝜋0. The two latter states are observed in 𝐽/𝜓 decays for the first time. Two resonance signals decaying to 𝐾+𝐾− are also observed. These contributions cannot be reliably identified and their possible interpretations are discussed. The measured branching fraction 𝐵(𝐽/𝜓→𝐾+𝐾−𝜋0) of (2.88±0.01±0.12)×10−3 is more precise than previous results. Branching fractions for the reported contributions are presented as well. The results of the partial-wave analysis differ significantly from those previously obtained by BESII and BABAR.
We report the first observation of the decay Λ+c→Σ−π+π+π0, based on data obtained in e+e− annihilations with an integrated luminosity of 567~pb−1 at s√=4.6~GeV. The data were collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage rings. The absolute branching fraction B(Λ+c→Σ−π+π+π0) is determined to be (2.11±0.33(stat.)±0.14(syst.))%. In addition, an improved measurement of B(Λ+c→Σ−π+π+) is determined as (1.81±0.17(stat.)±0.09(syst.))%.
We report the first measurements of absolute branching fractions for the W -exchange-only processes + c → 0K + and + c → (1530)0K + with the double-tag technique, by analyzing an e+e− collision data sample, that corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 567 pb−1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of 4.6 GeV by the BESIII detector. The branching fractions are measured to be B(+c → 0K +) = (5.90 ± 0.86 ± 0.39) × 10−3 and B(+c → (1530)0K +) = (5.02 ± 0.99 ± 0.31) × 10−3, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. Our results are more precise than the previous relative measurements.
Using a data sample of 448.1 × 106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we report the first observation of the electromagnetic Dalitz decay ψ(3686) → η e+e−, with significances of 7.0σ and 6.3σ when reconstructing the η meson via its decay modes η → γπ+π− and η → π+π−η (η → γγ ), respectively. The weighted average branching fraction is determined to be B(ψ(3686) → η e+e−) = (1.90 ± 0.25 ± 0.11) × 10−6, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.
Based on an 𝑒+𝑒− collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 567 pb−1 taken at the center-of-mass energy of √𝑠=4.6 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fraction of the inclusive decay Λ+𝑐→Λ+𝑋 to be ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ+𝑋)=(38.2+2.8−2.2±0.9)% using the double-tag method, where 𝑋 refers to any possible final state particles. In addition, we search for direct 𝐶𝑃 violation in the charge asymmetry of this inclusive decay for the first time, and obtain 𝒜𝐶𝑃≡[ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ+𝑋)−ℬ(¯Λ−𝑐 → ¯Λ+𝑋)]/[ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ+𝑋)+ℬ(¯Λ−𝑐 → ¯Λ+𝑋)]=(2.1+7.0−6.6±1.6)%, a statistically limited result with no evidence of 𝐶𝑃 violation.
Using an 𝑒+𝑒− collision data sample of 2.93 fb−1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV by the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we report the observation of 𝐷0→𝑎0(980)−𝑒+𝜈𝑒 and evidence for 𝐷+→𝑎0(980)0𝑒+𝜈𝑒 with significances of 6.4𝜎 and 2.9𝜎, respectively. The absolute branching fractions are determined to be ℬ(𝐷0→𝑎0(980)−𝑒+𝜈𝑒)×ℬ(𝑎0(980)−→𝜂𝜋−) = [1.33+0.33−0.29(stat)±0.09(syst)]×10−4 and ℬ(𝐷+→𝑎0(980)0𝑒+𝜈𝑒)×ℬ(𝑎0(980)0→𝜂𝜋0)=[1.66+0.81
−0.66(stat)±0.11(syst)]×10−4. This is the first time the 𝑎0(980) meson has been measured in a 𝐷0 semileptonic decay, which would open one more interesting page in the investigation of the nature of the puzzling 𝑎0(980) states.
Using a sample of 4.48×108 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we study the two-photon decays of the pseudoscalar mesons π0, η, η′, η(1405), η(1475), η(1760), and X(1835) in J/ψ radiative decays using ψ(3686)→π+π−J/ψ events. The π0, η and η′ mesons are clearly observed in the two-photon mass spectra, and the branching fractions are determined to be B(J/ψ→γπ0→3γ)=(3.57±0.12±0.16)×10−5, B(J/ψ→γη→3γ)=(4.42±0.04±0.18)×10−4, and B(J/ψ→γη′→3γ)=(1.26±0.02±0.05)×10−4, where the first errors are statistical and the second systematic. No clear signal for η(1405), η(1475), η(1760) or X(1835) is observed in the two-photon mass spectra, and upper limits at the 90% confidence level on the product branching fractions are obtained.
We study the electromagnetic Dalitz decay 𝐽/𝜓→𝑒+𝑒−𝜂 and search for dielectron decays of a dark gauge boson (𝛾′) in 𝐽/𝜓→𝛾′𝜂 with the two 𝜂 decay modes 𝜂→𝛾𝛾 and 𝜂→𝜋+𝜋−𝜋0 using (1310.6±7.0)×106 𝐽/𝜓 events collected with the BESIII detector. The branching fraction of 𝐽/𝜓→𝑒+𝑒−𝜂 is measured to be (1.43±0.04(stat)±0.06(syst))×10−5, with a precision that is improved by a factor of 1.5 over the previous BESIII measurement. The corresponding dielectron invariant mass dependent modulus square of the transition form factor is explored for the first time, and the pole mass is determined to be Λ=2.84±0.11(stat)±0.08(syst) GeV/𝑐2. We find no evidence of 𝛾′ production and set 90% confidence level upper limits on the product branching fraction ℬ(𝐽/𝜓→𝛾′𝜂)×ℬ(𝛾′→𝑒+𝑒−) as well as the kinetic mixing strength between the standard model photon and 𝛾′ in the mass range of 0.01≤𝑚𝛾′≤2.4 GeV/𝑐2.
We report on new measurements of Cabibbo-suppressed semileptonic D+s decays using 3.19 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data sample collected at a center-of-mass energy of 4.178~GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. Our results include branching fractions B(D+s→K0e+νe)=(3.25±0.38(stat.)±0.16(syst.))×10−3 and B(D+s→K∗0e+νe)=(2.37±0.26(stat.)±0.20(syst.))×10−3 which are much improved relative to previous measurements, and the first measurements of the hadronic form-factor parameters for these decays. For D+s→K0e+νe, we obtain f+(0)=0.720±0.084(stat.)±0.013(syst.), and for D+s→K∗0e+νe, we find form-factor ratios rV=V(0)/A1(0)=1.67±0.34(stat.)±0.16(syst.) and r2=A2(0)/A1(0)=0.77±0.28(stat.)±0.07(syst.).
Using 𝑒+𝑒−→Λ+𝑐¯Λ−𝑐 production from a 567 pb−1 data sample collected by BESIII at 4.6 GeV, a full angular analysis is carried out simultaneously on the four decay modes of Λ+𝑐→𝑝𝐾0𝑆, Λ𝜋+, Σ+𝜋0, and Σ0𝜋+. For the first time, the Λ+𝑐 transverse polarization is studied in unpolarized 𝑒+𝑒− collisions, where a nonzero effect is observed with a statistical significance of 2.1𝜎. The decay asymmetry parameters of the Λ+𝑐 weak hadronic decays into 𝑝𝐾0𝑆, Λ𝜋+, Σ+𝜋0 and Σ0𝜋+ are measured to be 0.18±0.43(stat)±0.14(syst), −0.80±0.11(stat)±0.02(syst), −0.57±0.10(stat)±0.07(syst), and −0.73±0.17(stat)±0.07(syst), respectively. In comparison with previous results, the measurements for the Λ𝜋+ and Σ+𝜋0 modes are consistent but with improved precision, while the parameters for the 𝑝𝐾0𝑆 and Σ0𝜋+ modes are measured for the first time.
Using a data sample of 448.1×106 ψ(3686) events collected at s√= 3.686 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII, we search for the rare decay J/ψ→ϕe+e− via ψ(3686)→π+π−J/ψ. No signal events are observed and the upper limit on the branching fraction is set to be B(J/ψ→ϕe+e−)<1.2×10−7 at the 90\% confidence level, which is still about one order of magnitude higher than the Standard Model prediction.
Using a 3.19 fb−1 data sample collected at an 𝑒+𝑒− center-of-mass energy of 𝐸cm=4.178 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of the leptonic decay 𝐷+𝑠→𝜇+𝜈𝜇 to be ℬ𝐷+𝑠→𝜇+𝜈𝜇=(5.49±0.16stat±0.15syst)×10−3. Combining our branching fraction with the masses of the 𝐷+𝑠 and 𝜇+ and the lifetime of the 𝐷+𝑠, we determine 𝑓𝐷+𝑠|𝑉𝑐𝑠|=246.2±3.6stat±3.5syst MeV. Using the 𝑐→𝑠 quark mixing matrix element |𝑉𝑐𝑠| determined from a global standard model fit, we evaluate the 𝐷+𝑠 decay constant 𝑓𝐷+𝑠=252.9±3.7stat±3.6syst MeV. Alternatively, using the value of 𝑓𝐷+𝑠 calculated by lattice quantum chromodynamics, we find |𝑉𝑐𝑠|=0.985±0.014stat±0.014syst. These values of ℬ𝐷+𝑠→𝜇+𝜈𝜇, 𝑓𝐷+𝑠|𝑉𝑐𝑠|, 𝑓𝐷+𝑠 and |𝑉𝑐𝑠| are each the most precise results to date.
We report new measurements of the cross sections for the production of Dbar D final states at the ψ(3770) resonance. Our data sample consists of an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data produced by the BEPCII collider and collected and analyzed with the BESIII detector. We exclusively reconstruct three D0 and six D+ hadronic decay modes and use the ratio of the yield of fully reconstructed Dbar D events ("double tags") to the yield of all reconstructed D or bar D mesons ("single tags") to determine the number of D0bar D0 and D+D− events, benefiting from the cancellation of many systematic uncertainties. Combining these yields with an independent determination of the integrated luminosity of the data sample, we find the cross sections to be σ(e+e− → D0bar D0) nb and σ(e+e− → D+D−) = (2.830 ± 0.011 ± 0.026) nb, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.
We measure the Born cross sections of the process 𝑒+𝑒−→𝐾+𝐾−𝐾+𝐾− at center-of-mass (c.m.) energies, √𝑠, between 2.100 and 3.080 GeV. The data were collected using the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. An enhancement at √𝑠=2.232 GeV is observed, very close to the 𝑒+𝑒−→Λ¯Λ production threshold. A similar enhancement at the same c.m. energy is observed in the 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜙𝐾+𝐾− cross section. The energy dependence of the 𝐾+𝐾−𝐾+𝐾− and 𝜙𝐾+𝐾− cross sections differs significantly from that of 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜙𝜋+𝜋−.
Using a data sample of 𝑒+𝑒− collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 567 pb−1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of √𝑠=4.6 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fraction of the inclusive semileptonic Λ+𝑐 decay with a double-tag method. We obtain ℬ(Λ+𝑐→𝑋𝑒+𝜈𝑒)=(3.95±0.34±0.09)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Using the known Λ+𝑐 lifetime and the charge-averaged semileptonic decay width of nonstrange charmed mesons (𝐷0 and 𝐷+), we obtain the ratio of the inclusive semileptonic decay widths Γ(Λ+𝑐→𝑋𝑒+𝜈𝑒)/¯Γ(𝐷→𝑋𝑒+𝜈𝑒)=1.26±0.12.
An amplitude analysis of the 𝐾𝑆𝐾𝑆 system produced in radiative 𝐽/𝜓 decays is performed using the (1310.6±7.0)×106 𝐽/𝜓 decays collected by the BESIII detector. Two approaches are presented. A mass-dependent analysis is performed by parametrizing the 𝐾𝑆𝐾𝑆 invariant mass spectrum as a sum of Breit-Wigner line shapes. Additionally, a mass-independent analysis is performed to extract a piecewise function that describes the dynamics of the 𝐾𝑆𝐾𝑆 system while making minimal assumptions about the properties and number of poles in the amplitude. The dominant amplitudes in the mass-dependent analysis include the 𝑓0(1710), 𝑓0(2200), and 𝑓′2(1525). The mass-independent results, which are made available as input for further studies, are consistent with those of the mass-dependent analysis and are useful for a systematic study of hadronic interactions. The branching fraction of radiative 𝐽/𝜓 decays to 𝐾𝑆𝐾𝑆 is measured to be (8.1±0.4)×10−4, where the uncertainty is systematic and the statistical uncertainty is negligible.
Using a data sample with an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 taken at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, we search for the Majorana neutrino (𝜈𝑚) in the lepton number violating decays 𝐷→𝐾𝜋𝑒+𝑒+. No significant signal is observed, and the upper limits on the branching fraction at the 90% confidence level are set to be ℬ(𝐷0→𝐾−𝜋−𝑒+𝑒+)<2.8×10−6, ℬ(𝐷+→𝐾0𝑆𝜋−𝑒+𝑒+)<3.3×10−6 and ℬ(𝐷+→𝐾−𝜋0𝑒+𝑒+)<8.5×10−6. The Majorana neutrino is searched for with different mass assumptions ranging from 0.25 to 1.0 GeV/𝑐2 in the decays 𝐷0→𝐾−𝑒+𝜈𝑚,𝜈𝑚→𝜋−𝑒+ and 𝐷+→𝐾0𝑆𝑒+𝜈𝑚,𝜈𝑚→𝜋−𝑒+, and the upper limits on the branching fraction at the 90% confidence level are at the level of 10−7∼10−6, depending on the mass of the Majorana neutrino. The constraints on the mixing matrix element |𝑉𝑒𝜈𝑚|2 are also evaluated.
We study the hadronic decays of Λ+c to the final states Σ+η and Σ+η′, using an e+e− annihilation data sample of 567 pb−1 taken at a center-of-mass energy of 4.6 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. We find evidence for the decays Λ+c→Σ+η and Σ+η′ with statistical significance of 2.5σ and 3.2σ, respectively. Normalizing to the reference decays Λ+c→Σ+π0 and Σ+ω, we obtain the ratios of the branching fractions B(Λ+c→Σ+η)B(Λ+c→Σ+π0) and B(Λ+c→Σ+η′)B(Λ+c→Σ+ω) to be 0.35±0.16±0.03 and 0.86±0.34±0.07, respectively. The upper limits at the 90\% confidence level are set to be B(Λ+c→Σ+η)B(Λ+c→Σ+π0)<0.58 and B(Λ+c→Σ+η′)B(Λ+c→Σ+ω)<1.2. Using BESIII measurements of the branching fractions of the reference decays, we determine B(Λ+c→Σ+η)=(0.41±0.19±0.05)% (<0.68%) and B(Λ+c→Σ+η′)=(1.34±0.53±0.21)% (<1.9%). Here, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The obtained branching fraction of Λ+c→Σ+η is consistent with the previous measurement, and the branching fraction of Λ+c→Σ+η′ is measured for the first time.
The process 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜙𝜂′ has been studied for the first time in detail using data sample collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider at center of mass energies from 2.05 to 3.08 GeV. A resonance with quantum numbers 𝐽𝑃𝐶=1−− is observed with mass 𝑀=(2177.5±4.8(stat)±19.5(syst))MeV/𝑐2 and width Γ=(149.0±15.6(stat)±8.9(syst)) MeV with a statistical significance larger than 10𝜎, including systematic uncertainties. If the observed structure is identified with the 𝜙(2170), then the ratio of partial width between the 𝜙𝜂′ by BESIII and 𝜙𝜂 by BABAR is (ℬ𝑅𝜙𝜂Γ𝑅𝑒𝑒)/(ℬ𝑅𝜙𝜂′Γ𝑅𝑒𝑒)=0.23±0.10(stat)±0.18(syst), which is smaller than the prediction of the 𝑠¯𝑠𝑔 hybrid models by several orders of magnitude.
he process e+e−→pK0Sn¯K−+c.c. and its intermediate processes are studied for the first time, using data samples collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII at center-of-mass energies of 3.773, 4.008, 4.226, 4.258, 4.358, 4.416, and 4.600 GeV, with a total integrated luminosity of 7.4 fb−1. The Born cross section of e+e−→pK0Sn¯K−+c.c. is measured at each center-of-mass energy, but no significant resonant structure in the measured cross-section line shape between 3.773 and 4.600 GeV is observed. No evident structure is detected in the pK−, nK0S, pK0S, nK+, pn¯, or K0SK− invariant mass distributions except for Λ(1520). The Born cross sections of e+e−→Λ(1520)n¯K0S+c.c. and e+e−→Λ(1520)p¯K++c.c. are measured, and the 90\% confidence level upper limits on the Born cross sections of e+e−→Λ(1520)Λ¯(1520) are determined at the seven center-of-mass energies.
Search for the reaction channel e⁺e⁻ → ηcηπ⁺π⁻ at center-of-mass energies from 4.23 to 4.60 GeV
(2021)
Using data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider, we search for the process 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜂𝑐𝜂𝜋+𝜋−. The search is performed using five large datasets recorded at center-of-mass energies of 4.23, 4.26, 4.36, 4.42, and 4.60 GeV. The 𝜂𝑐 meson is reconstructed in 16 exclusive decay modes. No signal is observed in the 𝜂𝑐 mass region at any center-of-mass energy. The upper limits on the reaction cross sections are determined to be 6.2, 10.8, 27.6, 22.6 and 23.7 pb at the 90% confidence level at the center-of-mass energies listed above.
Using a data sample of 448.1×106 𝜓(3686) events collected at √𝑠=3.686 GeV with the BESIII detector at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider II, we search for the rare decay 𝐽/𝜓→𝜙𝑒+𝑒− via 𝜓(3686)→𝜋+𝜋−𝐽/𝜓. No signal events are observed and the upper limit on the branching fraction is set to be ℬ(𝐽/𝜓→𝜙𝑒+𝑒−)<1.2×10−7 at the 90% confidence level, which is still about one order of magnitude higher than the Standard Model prediction.
This paper compares two approaches to computational semantics, namely semantic unification in Lexicalized Tree Adjoining Grammars (LTAG) and Lexical Resource Semantics (LRS) in HPSG. There are striking similarities between the frameworks that make them comparable in many respects. We will exemplify the differences and similarities by looking at several phenomena. We will show, first of all, that many intuitions about the mechanisms of semantic computations can be implemented in similar ways in both frameworks. Secondly, we will identify some aspects in which the frameworks intrinsically differ due to more general differences between the approaches to formal grammar adopted by LTAG and HPSG.
The frequency of intensional and non-first-order definable operators in natural languages constitutes a challenge for automated reasoning with the kind of logical translations that are deemed adequate by formal semanticists. Whereas linguists employ expressive higher-order logics in their theories of meaning, the most successful logical reasoning strategies with natural language to date rely on sophisticated first-order theorem provers and model builders. In order to bridge the fundamental mathematical gap between linguistic theory and computational practice, we present a general translation from a higher-order logic frequently employed in the linguistics literature, two-sorted Type Theory, to first-order logic under Henkin semantics. We investigate alternative formulations of the translation, discuss their properties, and evaluate the availability of linguistically relevant inferences with standard theorem provers in a test suite of inference problems stated in English. The results of the experiment indicate that translation from higher-order logic to first-order logic under Henkin semantics is a promising strategy for automated reasoning with natural languages.
In den vergangenen Jahrzehnten bereicherten neben vielen Einzelbeiträgen zur regionalen Verbreitung von Gefäßpflanzen- und Kryptogamenarten vor allem auch systematische Kartierungsprojekte den aktuellen Kenntnisstand über die Flora des Bundeslandes Sachsen-Anhalt. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse konnten nur durch die engagierte Mitarbeit ehrenamtlicher Spezialisten erzielt werden. Daran wird sich auch künftig nichts ändern, denn individuelle Verbundenheit mit der heimatlichen Landschaft, besondere Ortskenntnis und gediegene Kenntnis der Organismen sowie langjähriger, kontinuierlicher persönlicher Einsatz lassen sich durch eine kurzzeitige professionelle Erfassung nicht ersetzen.
The identification of inhibitors of eukaryotic protein biosynthesis, which are targeting single translation factors, is highly demanded. Here we report on a small molecule inhibitor, gephyronic acid, isolated from the myxobacterium Archangium gephyra that inhibits growth of transformed mammalian cell lines in the nM range. In direct comparison, primary human fibroblasts were shown to be less sensitive to toxic effects of gephyronic acid than cancer-derived cells. Gephyronic acid is targeting the protein translation system. Experiments with IRES dual luciferase reporter assays identified it as an inhibitor of the translation initiation. DARTs approaches, co-localization studies and pull-down assays indicate that the binding partner could be the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 subunit alpha (eIF2α). Gephyronic acid seems to have a different mode of action than the structurally related polyketides tedanolide, myriaporone, and pederin and is a valuable tool for investigating the eukaryotic translation system. Because cancer derived cells were found to be especially sensitive, gephyronic acid could potentially find use as a drug candidate.
Die Zusammenstellung der Liste der charakteristischen Tierarten erfolgte analog der vom LAU (2002) geschilderten Vorgehensweise. Inzwischen konnten durch die vom LAU in den FFH-LRT Sachsen-Anhalts durchgeführten intensiven faunistischen Untersuchungen ein besseres Bild der charakteristischen und regional typischen Artengemeinschaften vermittelt werden. Allerdings stehen für einige der neu aufgenommenen FFH-LRT solche Untersuchungen noch aus. Deshalb werden hier in naher Zukunft verstärkte Anstrengungen nötig sein, die Wissenslücken zu schließen.
Die Verlandungsvegetation des Dümmers wurde seit Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts mehrfach untersucht. 2006 erfolgte erstmals eine flächendeckende Kartierung der gesamten Verlandungszone. Seit der 1953 abgeschlossenen Eindeichung war diese massiven Veränderungen unterworfen. Bereits kurz nach Deichschluss kam es zu einer massiven Reduktion der seeseitigen, durchfluteten Schilfbestände (Phragmites australis). Weite Röhrichtpartien entwickelten sich zunächst zu Wasserschwaden-Beständen (Glyceria maxima), dann wieder zu Schilfröhrichten. Nach einer zwischenzeitlichen Stagnation der Röhrichtabbrüche in den 1980er Jahren kam es in den letzten 15-20 Jahren zu erneuten erheblichen Flächenverlusten. Die ehemals typischen Teichbinseninseln (Schoenoplectus spp.) sind inzwischen weitestgehend verschwunden. Die Wasserrosenfelder (Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea alba) verloren seit den 1990er Jahren erheblich an Fläche. Alle Verluste an der Verlandungsvegetation dürften zunächst durch die Gewässerbelastung, in neuerer Zeit vor allem durch zu hoch gehaltene Sommerwasserstände verursacht sein. Die ehemals üppige und artenreiche submerse Vegetation starb nach der Eindeichung vollständig ab. Nach einer unerwartet eingetretenen Klarwasserphase wurde 2001 erstmals wieder Potamogeton pectinatus nachgewiesen, seitdem wurden weitere Laichkraut-Arten, zwei Arten der Armleuchteralgen (Chara fragilis, Nitella mucronata) und weitere Tauch- und Schwimmblattpflanzen nachgewiesen. Die voraussichtlich 2009 erfolgende Umleitung des Bornbaches, über den ein Großteil der heutigen Nährstofffracht in den Dümmer gelangt, dürfte die Bedingungen für die submerse Vegetation entscheidend verbessern.
The ongoing pandemic caused by the Betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) demonstrates the urgent need of coordinated and rapid research towards inhibitors of the COVID-19 lung disease. The covid19-nmr consortium seeks to support drug development by providing publicly accessible NMR data on the viral RNA elements and proteins. The SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes for approximately 30 proteins, among them are the 16 so-called non-structural proteins (Nsps) of the replication/transcription complex. The 217-kDa large Nsp3 spans one polypeptide chain, but comprises multiple independent, yet functionally related domains including the viral papain-like protease. The Nsp3e sub-moiety contains a putative nucleic acid-binding domain (NAB) with so far unknown function and consensus target sequences, which are conceived to be both viral and host RNAs and DNAs, as well as protein-protein interactions. Its NMR-suitable size renders it an attractive object to study, both for understanding the SARS-CoV-2 architecture and drugability besides the classical virus’ proteases. We here report the near-complete NMR backbone chemical shifts of the putative Nsp3e NAB that reveal the secondary structure and compactness of the domain, and provide a basis for NMR-based investigations towards understanding and interfering with RNA- and small-molecule-binding by Nsp3e.
The SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes for approximately 30 proteins. Within the international project COVID19-NMR, we distribute the spectroscopic analysis of the viral proteins and RNA. Here, we report NMR chemical shift assignments for the protein Nsp3b, a domain of Nsp3. The 217-kDa large Nsp3 protein contains multiple structurally independent, yet functionally related domains including the viral papain-like protease and Nsp3b, a macrodomain (MD). In general, the MDs of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV were suggested to play a key role in viral replication by modulating the immune response of the host. The MDs are structurally conserved. They most likely remove ADP-ribose, a common posttranslational modification, from protein side chains. This de-ADP ribosylating function has potentially evolved to protect the virus from the anti-viral ADP-ribosylation catalyzed by poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs), which in turn are triggered by pathogen-associated sensing of the host immune system. This renders the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3b a highly relevant drug target in the viral replication process. We here report the near-complete NMR backbone resonance assignment (1H, 13C, 15N) of the putative Nsp3b MD in its apo form and in complex with ADP-ribose. Furthermore, we derive the secondary structure of Nsp3b in solution. In addition, 15N-relaxation data suggest an ordered, rigid core of the MD structure. These data will provide a basis for NMR investigations targeted at obtaining small-molecule inhibitors interfering with the catalytic activity of Nsp3b.
The catalytic mechanism, electron transfer coupled to proton pumping, of heme-copper oxidases is not yet fully understood. Microsecond freeze-hyperquenching single turnover experiments were carried out with fully reduced cytochrome aa(3) reacting with O(2) between 83 micros and 6 ms. Trapped intermediates were analyzed by low temperature UV-visible, X-band, and Q-band EPR spectroscopy, enabling determination of the oxidation-reduction kinetics of Cu(A), heme a, heme a(3), and of a recently detected tryptophan radical (Wiertz, F. G. M., Richter, O. M. H., Cherepanov, A. V., MacMillan, F., Ludwig, B., and de Vries, S. (2004) FEBS Lett. 575, 127-130). Cu(B) and heme a(3) were EPR silent during all stages of the reaction. Cu(A) and heme a are in electronic equilibrium acting as a redox pair. The reduction potential of Cu(A) is 4.5 mV lower than that of heme a. Both redox groups are oxidized in two phases with apparent half-lives of 57 micros and 1.2 ms together donating a single electron to the binuclear center in each phase. The formation of the heme a(3) oxoferryl species P(R) (maxima at 430 nm and 606 nm) was completed in approximately 130 micros, similar to the first oxidation phase of Cu(A) and heme a. The intermediate F (absorbance maximum at 571 nm) is formed from P(R) and decays to a hitherto undetected intermediate named F(W)(*). F(W)(*) harbors a tryptophan radical, identified by Q-band EPR spectroscopy as the tryptophan neutral radical of the strictly conserved Trp-272 (Trp-272(*)). The Trp-272(*) populates to 4-5% due to its relatively low rate of formation (t((1/2)) = 1.2 ms) and rapid rate of breakdown (t((1/2)) = 60 micros), which represents electron transfer from Cu(A)/heme a to Trp-272(*). The formation of the Trp-272(*) constitutes the major rate-determining step of the catalytic cycle. Our findings show that Trp-272 is a redox-active residue and is in this respect on an equal par to the metallocenters of the cytochrome c oxidase. Trp-272 is the direct reductant either to the heme a(3) oxoferryl species or to Cu (2+)(B). The potential role of Trp-272 in proton pumping is discussed.
Protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) and protein-tyrosine kinases co-regulate cellular processes. In pathogenic bacteria, they are frequently exploited to act as key virulence factors for human diseases. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative organism of tuberculosis, secretes a low molecular weight PTP (LMW-PTP), MptpA, which is required for its survival upon infection of host macrophages. Although there is otherwise no sequence similarity of LMW-PTPs to other classes of PTPs, the phosphate binding loop (P-loop) CX5R and the loop containing a critical aspartic acid residue (D-loop), required for the catalytic activity, are well conserved. In most high molecular weight PTPs, ligand binding to the P-loop triggers a large conformational reorientation of the D-loop, in which it moves ∼10 Å, from an “open” to a “closed” conformation. Until now, there have been no ligand-free structures of LMW-PTPs described, and hence the dynamics of the D-loop have remained largely unknown for these PTPs. Here, we present a high resolution solution NMR structure of the free form of the MptpA LMW-PTP. In the absence of ligand and phosphate ions, the D-loop adopts an open conformation. Furthermore, we characterized the binding site of phosphate, a competitive inhibitor of LMW-PTPs, on MptpA and elucidated the involvement of both the P- and D-loop in phosphate binding. Notably, in LMW-PTPs, the phosphorylation status of two well conserved tyrosine residues, typically located in the D-loop, regulates the enzyme activity. PtkA, the kinase complementary to MptpA, phosphorylates these two tyrosine residues in MptpA. We characterized the MptpA-PtkA interaction by NMR spectroscopy to show that both the P- and D-loop form part of the binding interface.
The current outbreak of the highly infectious COVID-19 respiratory disease is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). To fight the pandemic, the search for promising viral drug targets has become a cross-border common goal of the international biomedical research community. Within the international Covid19-NMR consortium, scientists support drug development against SARS-CoV-2 by providing publicly available NMR data on viral proteins and RNAs. The coronavirus nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is an RNA-binding protein involved in viral transcription and replication. Its primary function is the packaging of the viral RNA genome. The highly conserved architecture of the coronavirus N protein consists of an N-terminal RNA-binding domain (NTD), followed by an intrinsically disordered Serine/Arginine (SR)-rich linker and a C-terminal dimerization domain (CTD). Besides its involvement in oligomerization, the CTD of the N protein (N-CTD) is also able to bind to nucleic acids by itself, independent of the NTD. Here, we report the near-complete NMR backbone chemical shift assignments of the SARS-CoV-2 N-CTD to provide the basis for downstream applications, in particular site-resolved drug binding studies.
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.
As a surrogate of live cells, proteo-lipobeads are presented, encapsulating functional membrane proteins in a strict orientation into a lipid bilayer. Assays can be performed just as on live cells, for example using fluorescence measurements. As a proof of concept, we have demonstrated proton transport through cytochrome c oxidase.
CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling controls multiple physiological processes and its dysregulation is associated with cancers and inflammatory diseases. To discover as-yet-unknown endogenous ligands of CXCR4, we screened a blood-derived peptide library for inhibitors of CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 strains. This approach identified a 16 amino acid fragment of serum albumin as an effective and highly specific CXCR4 antagonist. The endogenous peptide, termed EPI-X4, is evolutionarily conserved and generated from the highly abundant albumin precursor by pH-regulated proteases. EPI-X4 forms an unusual lasso-like structure and antagonizes CXCL12-induced tumor cell migration, mobilizes stem cells, and suppresses inflammatory responses in mice. Furthermore, the peptide is abundant in the urine of patients with inflammatory kidney diseases and may serve as a biomarker. Our results identify EPI-X4 as a key regulator of CXCR4 signaling and introduce proteolysis of an abundant precursor protein as an alternative concept for chemokine receptor regulation.
In this paper we will explore the similarities and differences between two feature logic-based approaches to the composition of semantic representations. The first approach is formulated for Lexicalized Tree Adjoining Grammar (LTAG, Joshi and Schabes 1997), the second is Lexical Ressource Semantics (LRS, Richter and Sailer 2004) and was first defined in Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar. The two frameworks have several common characteristics that make them easy to compare: 1 They use languages of two sorted type theory for semantic representations. 2. They allow underspecification. LTAG uses scope constraints while LRS provides component-of contraints. 3 They use feature logics for computing semantic representations. 4. they are designed for computational applications. By comparing the two frameworks we will also point outsome characteristics and advantages of feature logic-based semantic computation in genereal.
The project focuses on the efficiency of combined technologies to reduce the release of micropollutants and bacteria into surface waters via sewage treatment plants of different size and via stormwater overflow basins of different types. As a model river in a highly populated catchment area, the river Schussen and, as a control, the river Argen, two tributaries of Lake Constance, Southern Germany, are under investigation in this project. The efficiency of the different cleaning technologies is monitored by a wide range of exposure and effect analyses including chemical and microbiological techniques as well as effect studies ranging from molecules to communities.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the cause of the respiratory disease COVID-19. As of today, therapeutic interventions in severe COVID-19 cases are still not available as no effective therapeutics have been developed so far. Despite the ongoing development of a number of effective vaccines, therapeutics to fight the disease once it has been contracted will still be required. Promising targets for the development of antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2 can be found in the viral RNA genome. The 5′- and 3′-genomic ends of the 30 kb SCoV-2 genome are highly conserved among Betacoronaviruses and contain structured RNA elements involved in the translation and replication of the viral genome. The 40 nucleotides (nt) long highly conserved stem-loop 4 (5_SL4) is located within the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) important for viral replication. 5_SL4 features an extended stem structure disrupted by several pyrimidine mismatches and is capped by a pentaloop. Here, we report extensive 1H, 13C, 15N and 31P resonance assignments of 5_SL4 as the basis for in-depth structural and ligand screening studies by solution NMR spectroscopy.
The highly infectious disease COVID-19 caused by the Betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 poses a severe threat to humanity and demands the redirection of scientific efforts and criteria to organized research projects. The international COVID19-NMR consortium seeks to provide such new approaches by gathering scientific expertise worldwide. In particular, making available viral proteins and RNAs will pave the way to understanding the SARS-CoV-2 molecular components in detail. The research in COVID19-NMR and the resources provided through the consortium are fully disclosed to accelerate access and exploitation. NMR investigations of the viral molecular components are designated to provide the essential basis for further work, including macromolecular interaction studies and high-throughput drug screening. Here, we present the extensive catalog of a holistic SARS-CoV-2 protein preparation approach based on the consortium’s collective efforts. We provide protocols for the large-scale production of more than 80% of all SARS-CoV-2 proteins or essential parts of them. Several of the proteins were produced in more than one laboratory, demonstrating the high interoperability between NMR groups worldwide. For the majority of proteins, we can produce isotope-labeled samples of HSQC-grade. Together with several NMR chemical shift assignments made publicly available on covid19-nmr.com, we here provide highly valuable resources for the production of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in isotope-labeled form.
The current pandemic situation caused by the Betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV2) highlights the need for coordinated research to combat COVID-19. A particularly important aspect is the development of medication. In addition to viral proteins, structured RNA elements represent a potent alternative as drug targets. The search for drugs that target RNA requires their high-resolution structural characterization. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, a worldwide consortium of NMR researchers aims to characterize potential RNA drug targets of SCoV2. Here, we report the characterization of 15 conserved RNA elements located at the 5′ end, the ribosomal frameshift segment and the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of the SCoV2 genome, their large-scale production and NMR-based secondary structure determination. The NMR data are corroborated with secondary structure probing by DMS footprinting experiments. The close agreement of NMR secondary structure determination of isolated RNA elements with DMS footprinting and NMR performed on larger RNA regions shows that the secondary structure elements fold independently. The NMR data reported here provide the basis for NMR investigations of RNA function, RNA interactions with viral and host proteins and screening campaigns to identify potential RNA binders for pharmaceutical intervention.
The stem-loop (SL1) is the 5'-terminal structural element within the single-stranded SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. It is formed by nucleotides 7–33 and consists of two short helical segments interrupted by an asymmetric internal loop. This architecture is conserved among Betacoronaviruses. SL1 is present in genomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA as well as in all subgenomic mRNA species produced by the virus during replication, thus representing a ubiquitous cis-regulatory RNA with potential functions at all stages of the viral life cycle. We present here the 1H, 13C and 15N chemical shift assignment of the 29 nucleotides-RNA construct 5_SL1, which denotes the native 27mer SL1 stabilized by an additional terminal G-C base-pair.