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We study the decays of J/ψ and ψ(3686) to the final states Σ(1385)0Σ¯(1385)0 and Ξ0Ξ¯0 based on a single baryon tag method using data samples of (1310.6±7.0)×106 J/ψ and (447.9±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The decays to Σ(1385)0Σ¯(1385)0 are observed for the first time. The measured branching fractions of J/ψ and ψ(3686)→Ξ0Ξ¯0 are in good agreement with, and much more precise, than the previously published results. The angular parameters for these decays are also measured for the first time. The measured angular decay parameter for J/ψ→Σ(1385)0Σ¯(1385)0, α=−0.64±0.03±0.10, is found to be negative, different to the other decay processes in this measurement. In addition, the "12\% rule" and isospin symmetry in the J/ψ and ψ(3686)→ΞΞ¯ and Σ(1385)Σ¯(1385) systems are tested.
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.
During the 2016-17 and 2018-19 running periods, the BESIII experiment collected 7.5 fb -1 of e+e− collision data at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.13 to 4.44 GeV. These data samples are primarily used for the study of excited charmonium and charmoniumlike states. By analyzing the di-muon process e+e− (γISR/FSR)µ -> +µ-, we measure the center-of-mass energies of the data samples with a precision of 0.6 MeV. Through a run-by-run study, we find that the center-of-mass energies were stable throughout most of the data-collection period.
Observation of η_(c)(1S, 2S) and χ_(cJ) decays to 2(π⁺π^(−))η via ψ(3686) radiative transitions
(2024)
Based on 2.7×109 ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector, the radiative decay ψ(3686)→γ2(π+π−)η is investigated to measure properties of S- and P-wave charmonium states. The branching fraction of the decay ηc(1S)→2(π+π−)η, which is found to have a strong dependence on the interference pattern between ηc(1S) and non-ηc(1S) processes, is measured in both destructive and constructive interference scenarios for the first time. The mass and width of the ηc(1S) are measured to be M=(2984.14±0.13±0.38) MeV/c2 and Γ=(28.82±0.11±0.82) MeV, respectively. Clear signals for the decays of the χcJ(J=0,1,2) and the ηc(2S) to 2(π+π−)η are also observed for the first time, and the corresponding branching fractions are measured. The ratio of the branching fractions between the ηc(2S) and ηc(1S) decays is significantly lower than the theoretical prediction, which might suggest different dynamics in their decays.
Based on (2712.4±14.3)×106 ψ(3686) events, we investigate four hadronic decay modes of the P-wave charmonium spin-singlet state hc(1P1)→h+h−π0/η (h=π or K) via the process ψ(3686)→π0hc at BESIII. The hc→π+π−π0 decay is observed with a significance of 9.6σ after taking into account systematic uncertainties. Evidences for hc→K+K−π0 and hc→K+K−η are found with significances of 3.5σ and 3.3σ, respectively, after considering the systematic uncertainties. The branching fractions of these decays are measured to be B(hc→π+π−π0)=(1.36±0.16±0.14)×10−3, B(hc→K+K−π0)=(3.26±0.84±0.36)×10−4, and B(hc→K+K−η)=(3.13±1.08±0.38)×10−4, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. No significant signal of hc→π+π−η is found, and the upper limit of its decay branching fraction is determined to be B(hc→π+π−η)<4.0×10−4 at 90% confidence level.
Improved measurement of the branching fractions of the inclusive decays D⁺ → Kₛ⁰X and D⁰ → Kₛ⁰X
(2023)
By analyzing 2.93 fb−1 of e+e− collision data taken at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, the branching fractions of the inclusive decays D+→K0SX and D0→K0SX are measured to be (32.78±0.13±0.27)% and (20.54±0.12±0.18)%, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. These results are consistent with the world averages of previous measurements, but with improved precision.
We report a measurement of the cross section for the process e+e−→π+π−J/ψ around the X(3872) mass in search for the direct formation of e+e−→X(3872) through the two-photon fusion process. No enhancement of the cross section is observed at the X(3872) peak and an upper limit on the product of electronic width and branching fraction of X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ is determined to be Γee×B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<7.5×10−3eV at 90% confidence level under an assumption of total width of 1.19±0.21 MeV. This is an improvement of a factor of about 17 compared to the previous limit. Furthermore, using the latest result of B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ), an upper limit on the electronic width Γee of X(3872) is obtained to be <0.32eV at the 90% confidence level.
Using a sample of (10.09 ± 0.04) × 109 J/ψ decays collected with the BESIII detector, partial wave analyses of the decay J/ψ → γK0SK0Sπ0 are performed within the K0SK0Sπ0 invariant mass region below 1.6 GeV/c2. The covariant tensor amplitude method is used in both mass independent and mass dependent approaches. Both analysis approaches exhibit dominant pseudoscalar and axial vector components, and show good consistency for the other individual components. Furthermore, the mass dependent analysis reveals that the K0SK0 Sπ0 invariant mass spectrum for the pseudoscalar component can be well described with two isoscalar resonant states using relativistic Breit-Wigner model, i.e., the η(1405) with a mass of 1391.7±0.7+11.3 −0.3 MeV/c 2 and a width of 60.8±1.2+5.5 −12.0 MeV, and the η(1475) with a mass of 1507.6±1.6+15.5−32.2 MeV/c2 and a width of 115.8±2.4 +14.8 −10.9 MeV. The first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Alternate models for the pseudoscalar component are also tested, but the description of the K0SK0Sπ0invariant mass spectrum deteriorates significantly.
Based on e+e− collision samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.4 fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.6GeV and 4.7GeV, a partial wave analysis of the charmed baryon hadronic decay Λ+c→Λπ+π0 is performed, and the decays Λ+c→Λρ(770)+ and Λ+c→Σ(1385)π are studied for the first time. Making use of the world-average branching fraction B(Λ+c→Λπ+π0), their branching fractions are determined to be B(Λ+c→Λρ(770)+)=B(Λ+c→Σ(1385)+π0)=B(Λ+c→Σ(1385)0π+)=(4.06±0.30±0.35±0.23)×10−2,(5.86±0.49±0.52±0.35)×10−3,(6.47±0.59±0.66±0.38)×10−3, where the first uncertainties are statistical, the second are systematic, and the third are from the uncertainties of the branching fractions B(Λ+c→Λπ+π0) and B(Σ(1385)→Λπ). In addition, %according to amplitudes determined from the partial wave analysis, the decay asymmetry parameters are measured to be αΛρ(770)+=−0.763±0.053±0.039, αΣ(1385)+π0=−0.917±0.069±0.046, and αΣ(1385)0π+=−0.789±0.098±0.056.
Using a data set of electron-positron collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 taken with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, a search for the baryon (B) and lepton (L) number violating decays D±→n(n¯)e± is performed. No signal is observed and the upper limits on the branching fractions at the 90% confidence level are set to be 1.43×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n¯(n)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=0, and 2.91×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n(n¯)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=2 , where Δ|B−L| denotes the change in the difference between baryon and lepton numbers.
Using a data set of electron-positron collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 taken with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, a search for the baryon (B) and lepton (L) number violating decays D±→n(n¯)e± is performed. No signal is observed and the upper limits on the branching fractions at the 90% confidence level are set to be 1.43×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n¯(n)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=0, and 2.91×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n(n¯)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=2 , where Δ|B−L| denotes the change in the difference between baryon and lepton numbers.
Using a data set of electron-positron collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 taken with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, a search for the baryon (B) and lepton (L) number violating decays D±→n(n¯)e± is performed. No signal is observed and the upper limits on the branching fractions at the 90% confidence level are set to be 1.43×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n¯(n)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=0, and 2.91×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n(n¯)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=2 , where Δ|B−L| denotes the change in the difference between baryon and lepton numbers.
Using a data sample of (448.1±2.9)×106 𝜓(3686) decays collected at an 𝑒+𝑒− center-of-mass energy of 3.686 GeV by the BESIII detector at Beijing Electron Positron Collider II, we report an observation of the hindered electromagnetic Dalitz decay 𝜓(3686)→𝑒+𝑒−𝜂𝑐 with a significance of 7.9𝜎. The branching fraction is determined to be ℬ(𝜓(3686)→𝑒+𝑒−𝜂𝑐)=(3.77±0.40stat±0.18syst)×10−5, agreeing well with the prediction of the vector meson dominance model. This is the first measurement of the electromagnetic Dalitz transition between the 𝜓(3686) and the 𝜂𝑐, which provides new insight into the electromagnetic properties of this decay, and offers new opportunities to measure the absolute branching fractions of 𝜂𝑐 decays.
A measurement of the 𝐶𝑃-even fraction of the decay 𝐷0→𝜋+𝜋−𝜋+𝜋− is performed with a quantum-correlated 𝜓(3770)→𝐷¯𝐷 data sample collected by the BESIII experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1. Using a combination of 𝐶𝑃 eigenstates, 𝐷→𝜋+𝜋−𝜋0 and 𝐷→𝐾0𝑆,𝐿𝜋+𝜋− as tagging modes, the 𝐶𝑃-even fraction is measured to be 𝐹4𝜋+=0.735±0.015±0.005, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This is the most precise determination of this quantity to date. It provides valuable model-independent input for the measurement of the angle 𝛾 of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix with 𝐵±→𝐷𝐾± decays, and for time-dependent studies of 𝐶𝑃 violation and mixing in the 𝐷0−¯𝐷0 system.
A measurement of the CP-even fraction of the decay D0→π+π−π+π− is performed with a quantum-correlated ψ(3770)→DD¯ data sample collected by the BESIII experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1. Using a combination of CP eigenstates, D→π+π−π0 and D→K0S,Lπ+π− as tagging modes, the CP-even fraction is measured to be F4π+=0.735±0.015±0.005, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This is the most precise determination of this quantity to date. It provides valuable model-independent input for the measurement of the CKM angle γ with B±→DK± decays, and for time-dependent studies of CP violation and mixing in the D0-D¯0 system.
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.
Based on electron positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, the differential cross sections of inclusive π0 and K0S production as a function of hadron momentum, normalized by the total cross section of the e+e−→ hadrons process, are measured at six center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. Our results with a relative hadron energy coverage from 0.1 to 0.9 significantly deviate from several theoretical calculations based on existing fragmentation functions, especially at lower energies.
Using 7.93 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fractions of D0→K−e+νe, D0→K−μ+νμ, D+→K¯0e+νe, and D+→K¯0μ+νμ to be (3.509±0.009stat.±0.013syst.)%, (3.408±0.011stat.±0.013syst.)%, (8.856±0.039stat.±0.078syst.)%, and (8.661±0.046stat.±0.080syst.)%, respectively. By performing a simultaneous fit to the partial decay rates of these four decays, the product of the hadronic form factor fK+(0) and the modulus of the c→s CKM matrix element |Vcs| is determined to be fK+(0)|Vcs|=0.7162±0.0011stat.±0.0012syst.. Taking the value of |Vcs|=0.97349±0.00016 from the standard model global fit or that of fK+(0)=0.7452±0.0031 from the LQCD calculation as input, we derive the results fK+(0)=0.7357±0.0011stat.±0.0012syst. and |Vcs|=0.9611±0.0015stat.±0.0016syst.±0.0040LQCD.
We measure the Born cross section for the reaction e+e−→ηhc from s√=4.129 to 4.600~GeV using data sets collected by the BESIII detector running at the BEPCII collider. A resonant structure in the cross section line shape near 4.200~GeV is observed with a statistical significance of 7σ. The parameters of this resonance are measured to be \MeasMass\ and \MeasWidth, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.
A search for the charged lepton flavor violating decay 𝐽/𝜓→𝑒±𝜏∓ with 𝜏∓→𝜋∓𝜋0𝜈𝜏 is performed with about 10×109 𝐽/𝜓 events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII. No significant signal is observed, and an upper limit is set on the branching fraction ℬ(𝐽/𝜓→𝑒±𝜏∓)<7.5×10−8 at the 90% confidence level. This improves the previously published limit by two orders of magnitude.
Using a data sample of (1.0087±0.0044)×1010 𝐽/𝜓 decay events collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energy of √𝑠=3.097 GeV, we present a search for the hyperon semileptonic decay Ξ0→Σ−𝑒+𝜈𝑒 which violates the Δ𝑆=Δ𝑄 rule. No significant signal is observed, and the upper limit on the branching fraction ℬ(Ξ0→Σ−𝑒+𝜈𝑒) is determined to be 1.6×10−4 at the 90% confidence level. This result improves the previous upper limit result by about one order of magnitude.
By analyzing an e+e− annihilation data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of the D0→ρ−μ+νμ decay for the first time. We obtain BD0→ρ−μ+νμ=(1.35±0.09stat±0.09syst)×10−3. Using the world average of BD0→ρ−e+νe, we find a branching fraction ratio of BD0→ρ−μ+νμ/BD0→ρ−e+νe=0.90±0.11, which agrees with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within the uncertainty. Combining the world average of BD+→ρ0μ+νμ and the lifetimes of D0(+), we obtain a partial decay width ratio of ΓD0→ρ−μ+νμ/(2ΓD+→ρ0μ+νμ)=0.71±0.14, which is consistent with the isospin symmetry expectation of one within 2.1σ. For the reported values of BD0→ρ−μ+νμ/BD0→ρ−e+νe and ΓD0→ρ−μ+νμ/2ΓD+→ρ0μ+νμ, the uncertainty is the quadratic sum of the statistical and systematic uncertainties.
By analyzing an e+e− annihilation data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of the D0→ρ−μ+νμ decay for the first time. We obtain BD0→ρ−μ+νμ=(1.35±0.09stat±0.09syst)×10−3. Using the world average of BD0→ρ−e+νe, we find a branching fraction ratio of BD0→ρ−μ+νμ/BD0→ρ−e+νe=0.90±0.11, which agrees with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within the uncertainty. Combining the world average of BD+→ρ0μ+νμ and the lifetimes of D0(+), we obtain a partial decay width ratio of ΓD0→ρ−μ+νμ/(2ΓD+→ρ0μ+νμ)=0.71±0.14, which is consistent with the isospin symmetry expectation of one within 2.1σ. For the reported values of BD0→ρ−μ+νμ/BD0→ρ−e+νe and ΓD0→ρ−μ+νμ/2ΓD+→ρ0μ+νμ, the uncertainty is the quadratic sum of the statistical and systematic uncertainties.
By analyzing an e+e− annihilation data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of the D0→ρ−μ+νμ decay for the first time. We obtain BD0→ρ−μ+νμ=(1.35±0.09stat±0.09syst)×10−3. Combining with theoretical predictions, we extract the CKM matrix element |Vcd|=0.204±0.007stat±0.007syst±0.014theory. Using the world average of BD0→ρ−e+νe, we find a branching fraction ratio of BD0→ρ−μ+νμ/BD0→ρ−e+νe=0.90±0.11, which agrees with the theoretical expectation of lepton flavor universality within the uncertainty. Combining the world average of BD+→ρ0μ+νμ and the lifetimes of D0(+), we obtain a partial decay width ratio of ΓD0→ρ−μ+νμ/(2ΓD+→ρ0μ+νμ)=0.71±0.14, which is consistent with the isospin symmetry expectation of one within 2.1σ. For the reported values of BD0→ρ−μ+νμ/BD0→ρ−e+νe and ΓD0→ρ−μ+νμ/2ΓD+→ρ0μ+νμ, the uncertainty is the quadratic sum of the statistical and systematic uncertainties.
Cross sections of the process 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜋0𝜋0𝐽/𝜓 at center-of-mass energies between 3.808 and 4.600 GeV are measured with high precision by using 12.4 fb−1 of data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider facility. A fit to the measured energy-dependent cross sections confirms the existence of the charmoniumlike state 𝑌(4220). The mass and width of the 𝑌(4220) are determined to be (4220.4±2.4±2.3) MeV/𝑐2 and (46.2±4.7±2.1) MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The mass and width are consistent with those measured in the process 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜋+𝜋−𝐽/𝜓. The neutral charmonium-like state 𝑍𝑐(3900)0 is observed prominently in the 𝜋0𝐽/𝜓 invariant-mass spectrum, and, for the first time, an amplitude analysis is performed to study its properties. The spin-parity of 𝑍𝑐(3900)0 is determined to be 𝐽𝑃=1+, and the pole position is (3893.1±2.2±3.0)−𝑖(22.2±2.6±7.0) MeV/𝑐2, which is consistent with previous studies of electrically charged 𝑍𝑐(3900)±. In addition, cross sections of 𝑒+𝑒− → 𝜋0𝑍𝑐(3900)0 → 𝜋0𝜋0𝐽/𝜓 are extracted, and the corresponding line shape is found to agree with that of the 𝑌(4220).
Conclusion Scale Integration Based on the results of spike-field coherence, the underlying process of shortterm memory seems to involve networks of different sizes within and, most probably, beyond prefrontal cortex. Spikes, which were generated by single neurons, cooperate with local field potentials, which were the slower fluctuations of the environment. Although differences among behavioral conditions appear to be based on rather few instances of phase-locked spikes, the task-related effects on spike-field coherence are highly reliable and cannot be explained by chance, as the comparison of results from experimental and simulated data shows. The differential locking of prefrontal neuron populations with two different frequency bands in their input signals suggests that neuronal activity underlying short-term memory in prefrontal cortex transiently engages cortical circuits on different spatial scales, probably in order to coordinate distributed processes. NeuroXidence method and Synchronizedfiring Based on the results of the calibration datasets, for bi- and multi-variate cases, the extension of NeuroXidence remains its sensitivity and reliability of detecting coordinate firing events for different processes. Based on this extension of NeuroXidence, we demonstrated that in monkey’s prefrontal cortex during short-term memory task, encoding and maintenance of the information rely on the formation of neuronal assemblies characterized by precise and reliable synchronization of spiking activity on a millisecond time scale, which is consistent with the results from spike-spike coherence. The task and performance dependent modulation of synchrony reflects the dynamic formation of group of neurons has large effect on short-term-memory.
We study the effects of isovector-scalar meson delta on the equation of state (EOS) of neutron star matter in strong magnetic fields. The EOS of neutron-star matter and nucleon effective masses are calculated in the framework of Lagrangian field theory, which is solved within the mean-field approximation. From the numerical results one can find that the delta-field leads to a remarkable splitting of proton and neutron effective masses. The strength of delta-field decreases with the increasing of the magnetic field and is little at ultrastrong field. The proton effective mass is highly influenced by magnetic fields, while the effect of magnetic fields on the neutron effective mass is negligible. The EOS turns out to be stiffer at B < 10^15G but becomes softer at stronger magnetic field after including the delta-field. The AMM terms can affect the system merely at ultrastrong magnetic field(B > 10^19G). In the range of 10^15 G - 10^18 G the properties of neutron-star matter are found to be similar with those without magnetic fields.
The specimens which form the basis of the following notes and descriptions were received by the writer from Mr. Ch'i Ho, Asistant Entomologist of Fan Memorial Institute of Biology, who collected thern either in Peiping or Eastern Tomb (40.2 N, 117.0 E), Hopei Province. They belong to nineteen species and are included in fifteen genera. Two of the species are believed to be new to science.
On object specificity
(2001)
[W]e have demonstrated that the object specificity follows from the same principle as the subject specificity under the EMH. Furthermore, the semantic discrepancy between the realis and irrealis object shift constructions turns out to be a subcase of the more general indicative-modal asymmetry. Although our analysis presented here is nothing but conclusive, it does suggest that the EMH is a potent candidate for explaining the indicative-modal asymmetry, as well as for building a general theory of the specificity effects in question.
Background: Gan–Dou–Fu–Mu decoction (GDFMD) improves liver fibrosis in experimental and clinical studies including those on toxic mouse model of Wilson disease (Model). However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of GDFMD have not been characterized. Herein, we deciphered the potential therapeutic targets of GDFMD using transcriptome analysis.
Methods: We constructed a tx-j Wilson disease (WD) mouse model, and assessed the effect of GDFMD on the liver of model mice by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining. Subsequently, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were upregulated in the Model (Model vs. control) and those that were downregulated upon GDFMD treatment (compared to the Model) using RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq). Biological functions and signaling pathways in which the DEGs were involved were determined by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and the modules were identified using MCODE plugin with the Cytoscape software. Several genes identified in the RNA-Seq analysis were validated by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: Total of 2124 DEGs were screened through the Model vs. control and Model vs. GDFMD comparisons, and dozens of GO and KEGG pathway terms modulated by GDFMD were identified. Dozens of pathways involved in metabolism (including metabolic processes for organic acids, carboxylic acids, monocarboxylic acids, lipids, fatty acids, cellular lipids, steroids, alcohols, eicosanoids, long-chain fatty acids), immune and inflammatory response (such as complement and coagulation cascades, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, antigen processing and presentation, T-cell receptor signaling pathway), liver fibrosis (such as ECM-receptor interactions), and cell death (PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, apoptosis, TGF-beta signaling pathway, etc.) were identified as potential targets of GDFMD in the Model. Some hub genes and four modules were identified in the PPI network. The results of real-time quantitative PCR analysis were consistent with those of RNA-Seq analysis. Conclusions: We performed gene expression profiling of GDFMD-treated WD model mice using RNA-Seq analysis and found the genes, pathways, and processes effected by the treatment. Our study provides a theoretical basis to prevent liver fibrosis resulting from WD using GDFMD.
Orangutans (Pongo) are the only great ape genus with a substantial Pleistocene and Holocene fossil record, demonstrating a much larger geographic range than extant populations. In addition to having an extensive fossil record, Pongo shows several convergent morphological similarities with Homo, including a trend of dental reduction during the past million years. While studies have documented variation in dental tissue proportions among species of Homo, little is known about variation in enamel thickness within fossil orangutans. Here we assess dental tissue proportions, including conventional enamel thickness indices, in a large sample of fossil orangutan postcanine teeth from mainland Asia and Indonesia. We find few differences between regions, except for significantly lower average enamel thickness (AET) values in Indonesian mandibular first molars. Differences between fossil and extant orangutans are more marked, with fossil Pongo showing higher AET in most postcanine teeth. These differences are significant for maxillary and mandibular first molars. Fossil orangutans show higher AET than extant Pongo due to greater enamel cap areas, which exceed increases in enamel-dentine junction length (due to geometric scaling of areas and lengths for the AET index calculation). We also find greater dentine areas in fossil orangutans, but relative enamel thickness indices do not differ between fossil and extant taxa. When changes in dental tissue proportions between fossil and extant orangutans are compared with fossil and recent Homo sapiens, Pongo appears to show isometric reduction in enamel and dentine, while crown reduction in H. sapiens appears to be due to preferential loss of dentine. Disparate selective pressures or developmental constraints may underlie these patterns. Finally, the finding of moderately thick molar enamel in fossil orangutans may represent an additional convergent dental similarity with Homo erectus, complicating attempts to distinguish these taxa in mixed Asian faunas.
The genus Afronurus has several very common mayfly species in China and they are widely distributed in this country. Some of them are quite similar to each other in both imaginal and nymphal stages. However, these species have not been systematically compared and reviewed so far. In this study, six species are recognized. All nymphs of them share the following characters: gills V–VI with additional arrow-like accessory lobes, branched dentisetae, two rows of bristles and setae on hindtibiae and spotted abdominal terga. The males have divergent penes and clearly expressed titillators. The nymphs of the new species A. drepanophyllus sp. nov. have sickle-like gills I, spotted and striped body color, and males have unique genitalia. The nymphal stages of A. furcatus and A. hunanensis, which are associated and described for the first time, have similar body color to A. drepanophyllus sp. nov., but their pale dots on the head capsules and the shape of the hypopharynx are different. Keys to males and nymphs of the six species are provided.
Communication with the hematopoietic system is a vital component of regulating brain function in health and disease. Traditionally, the major routes considered for this neuroimmune communication are by individual molecules such as cytokines carried by blood, by neural transmission, or, in more severe pathologies, by the entry of peripheral immune cells into the brain. In addition, functional mRNA from peripheral blood can be directly transferred to neurons via extracellular vesicles (EVs), but the parameters that determine their uptake are unknown. Using varied animal models that stimulate neuronal activity by peripheral inflammation, optogenetics, and selective proteasome inhibition of dopaminergic (DA) neurons, we show that the transfer of EVs from blood is triggered by neuronal activity in vivo. Importantly, this transfer occurs not only in pathological stimulation but also by neuronal activation caused by the physiological stimulus of novel object placement. This discovery suggests a continuous role of EVs under pathological conditions as well as during routine cognitive tasks in the healthy brain.
ANGIOGENES : knowledge database for protein-coding and noncoding RNA genes in endothelial cells
(2016)
Increasing evidence indicates the presence of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is specific to various cell types. Although lncRNAs are speculated to be more numerous than protein-coding genes, the annotations of lncRNAs remain primitive due to the lack of well-structured schemes for their identification and description. Here, we introduce a new knowledge database “ANGIOGENES” (http://angiogenes.uni-frankfurt.de) to allow for in silico screening of protein-coding genes and lncRNAs expressed in various types of endothelial cells, which are present in all tissues. Using the latest annotations of protein-coding genes and lncRNAs, publicly-available RNA-seq data was analyzed to identify transcripts that are expressed in endothelial cells of human, mouse and zebrafish. The analyzed data were incorporated into ANGIOGENES to provide a one-stop-shop for transcriptomics data to facilitate further biological validation. ANGIOGENES is an intuitive and easy-to-use database to allow in silico screening of expressed, enriched and/or specific endothelial transcripts under various conditions. We anticipate that ANGIOGENES serves as a starting point for functional studies to elucidate the roles of protein-coding genes and lncRNAs in angiogenesis.
Background: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the major causative agents of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which is sometimes associated with severe central nervous system disease in children. There is currently no specific medication for EV71 infection. Quercetin, one of the most widely distributed flavonoids in plants, has been demonstrated to inhibit various viral infections. However, investigation of the anti-EV71 mechanism has not been reported to date.
Methods: The anti-EV71 activity of quercetin was evaluated by phenotype screening, determining the cytopathic effect (CPE) and EV71-induced cells apoptosis. The effects on EV71 replication were evaluated further by determining virus yield, viral RNA synthesis and protein expression, respectively. The mechanism of action against EV71 was determined from the effective stage and time-of-addition assays. The possible inhibitory functions of quercetin via viral 2Apro, 3Cpro or 3Dpol were tested. The interaction between EV71 3Cpro and quercetin was predicted and calculated by molecular docking.
Results: Quercetin inhibited EV71-mediated cytopathogenic effects, reduced EV71 progeny yields, and prevented EV71-induced apoptosis with low cytotoxicity. Investigation of the underlying mechanism of action revealed that quercetin exhibited a preventive effect against EV71 infection and inhibited viral adsorption. Moreover, quercetin mediated its powerful therapeutic effects primarily by blocking the early post-attachment stage of viral infection. Further experiments demonstrated that quercetin potently inhibited the activity of the EV71 protease, 3Cpro, blocking viral replication, but not the activity of the protease, 2Apro, or the RNA polymerase, 3Dpol. Modeling of the molecular binding of the 3Cpro-quercetin complex revealed that quercetin was predicted to insert into the substrate-binding pocket of EV71 3Cpro, blocking substrate recognition and thereby inhibiting EV71 3Cpro activity.
Conclusions: Quercetin can effectively prevent EV71-induced cell injury with low toxicity to host cells. Quercetin may act in more than one way to deter viral infection, exhibiting some preventive and a powerful therapeutic effect against EV71. Further, quercetin potently inhibits EV71 3Cpro activity, thereby blocking EV71 replication.
AIM: To evaluate and compare the effect of combined transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and arterial administration of Bletilla striata (a Chinese traditional medicine against liver tumor) versus TACE alone for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in ACI rats.
METHODS: Subcapsular implantation of a solid Morris hepatoma 3 924A (2 mm3) in the liver was carried out in 30 male ACI rats. Tumor volume (V1) was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on day 13 after implantation. The following different agents of interventional treatment were injected after retrograde catheterization via gastroduodenal artery (on day 14), namely, (A) TACE (0.1 mg mitomycin + 0.1 ml Lipiodol) + Bletilla striata (1.0 mg) (n=10); (B) TACE + Bletilla striata (1.0 mg) + ligation of hepatic artery (n=10), (C) TACE alone (control group, n=10). Tumor volume (V2) was assessed by MRI (on day 13 after treatment) and the tumor growth ratio (V2/V1) was calculated.
RESULTS: The mean tumor volume before (V1) and after (V2) treatment was 0.0355 cm3 and 0.2248 cm3 in group A, 0.0374 cm3 and 0.0573 cm3 in group B, 0.0380 cm3 and 0.3674 cm3 in group C, respectively. The mean ratio (V2/V1) was 6.2791 in group A, 1.5324 in group B and 9.1382 in group C. Compared with the control group (group C), group B showed significant inhibition of tumor growth (P<0.01), while group A did not (P>0.05). None of the animals died during implantation or in the postoperative period.
CONCLUSION: Combination of TACE and arterial administration of Bletilla striata plus ligation of hepatic artery is more effective than TACE alone in the treatment of HCC in rats.
We study the charmonium coherent photoproduction and hadroproduction consistently with modifications from both cold and hot nuclear matters. The strong electromagnetic fields from fast moving nucleus interact with the other target nucleus, producing abundant charmonium in the extremely low transverse momentum region pT<0.1 GeV/c. This results in significative enhancement of J/ψ nuclear modification factor in semi-central and peripheral collisions. In the middle pT region such as pT<3∼5 GeV/c, J/ψ final yield is dominated by the combination process of single charm and anti-charm quarks moving in the deconfined matter, c+c¯→J/ψ+g. In the higher pT region, J/ψ production are mainly from parton initial hard scatterings at the beginning of nucleus–nucleus collisions and decay of B hadrons. We include all of these production mechanisms and explain the experimental data well in different colliding centralities and transverse momentum regions.
Poster presentation: Background To test the importance of synchronous neuronal firing for information processing in the brain, one has to investigate if synchronous firing strength is correlated to the experimental subjects. This requires a tool that can compare the strength of the synchronous firing across different conditions, while at the same time it should correct for other features of neuronal firing such as spike rate modulation or the auto-structure of the spike trains that might co-occur with synchronous firing. Here we present the bi- and multivariate extension of previously developed method NeuroXidence [1,2], which allows for comparing the amount of synchronous firing between different conditions. ...
Synchronous neuronal firing has been proposed as a potential neuronal code. To determine whether synchronous firing is really involved in different forms of information processing, one needs to directly compare the amount of synchronous firing due to various factors, such as different experimental or behavioral conditions. In order to address this issue, we present an extended version of the previously published method, NeuroXidence. The improved method incorporates bi- and multivariate testing to determine whether different factors result in synchronous firing occurring above the chance level. We demonstrate through the use of simulated data sets that bi- and multivariate NeuroXidence reliably and robustly detects joint-spike-events across different factors.
Cells respond to protein misfolding and aggregation in the cytosol by adjusting gene transcription and a number of post-transcriptional processes. In parallel to functional reactions, cellular structure changes as well; however, the mechanisms underlying the early adaptation of cellular compartments to cytosolic protein misfolding are less clear. Here we show that the mammalian ubiquitin ligase C-terminal Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP), if freed from chaperones during acute stress, can dock on cellular membranes thus performing a proteostasis sensor function. We reconstituted this process in vitro and found that mainly phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate enhance association of chaperone-free CHIP with liposomes. HSP70 and membranes compete for mutually exclusive binding to the tetratricopeptide repeat domain of CHIP. At new cellular locations, access to compartment-specific substrates would enable CHIP to participate in the reorganization of the respective organelles, as exemplified by the fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus (effector function).
GABARAP belongs to an evolutionary highly conserved gene family that has a fundamental role in autophagy. There is ample evidence for a crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis as well as the immune response. However, the molecular details for these interactions are not fully characterized. Here, we report that the ablation of murine GABARAP, a member of the Atg8/LC3 family that is central to autophagosome formation, suppresses the incidence of tumor formation mediated by the carcinogen DMBA and results in an enhancement of the immune response through increased secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2 and IFN-γ from stimulated macrophages and lymphocytes. In contrast, TGF-β1 was significantly reduced in the serum of these knockout mice. Further, DMBA treatment of these GABARAP knockout mice reduced the cellularity of the spleen and the growth of mammary glands through the induction of apoptosis. Gene expression profiling of mammary glands revealed significantly elevated levels of Xaf1, an apoptotic inducer and tumor-suppressor gene, in knockout mice. Furthermore, DMBA treatment triggered the upregulation of pro-apoptotic (Bid, Apaf1, Bax), cell death (Tnfrsf10b, Ripk1) and cell cycle inhibitor (Cdkn1a, Cdkn2c) genes in the mammary glands. Finally, tumor growth of B16 melanoma cells after subcutaneous inoculation was inhibited in GABARAP-deficient mice. Together, these data provide strong evidence for the involvement of GABARAP in tumorigenesis in vivo by delaying cell death and its associated immune-related response.
The Chinese fauna of the pselaphine genus Sathytes Westwood (Batrisitae: Batrisini) currently includes 20 species. In this paper, 15 new species from various provinces of the country are described: S. alpicola sp. nov. (Xizang), S. australis sp. nov. (Guangdong, Guangxi), S. chayuensis sp. nov. (Xizang), S. chengzhifeii sp. nov. (Yunnan), S. huapingensis sp. nov. (Guangxi), S. linzhiensis sp. nov. (Xizang), S. maoershanus sp. nov. (Guangxi), S. nujiangensis sp. nov. (Yunnan), S. panzhaohuii sp. nov. (Xizang), S. shennong sp. nov. (Hubei), S. tianquanus sp. nov. (Sichuan), S. transversus sp. nov. (Xizang), S. valentulus sp. nov. (Guangxi), S. xingdoumontis sp. nov. (Hubei) and S. xizangensis sp. nov. (Xizang). New collection records are provided for S. longitrabis Yin & Li, 2012, S. tangliangi Yin & Li, 2012 and S. yunnanicus Yin & Li, 2012. Maps showing the distribution of the genus in China, and an updated checklist of the world species are provided.
Pancreatic cancer is a common malignant tumor with a high incidence and mortality rate. The prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer is considerably poor due to the lack of effective treatment in clinically. Despite numerous studies have revealed that baicalein, a natural product, is responsible for suppressing multiple cancer cells proliferation, motility and invasion. The mechanism by which baicalein restraining pancreatic cancer progression remains unclear. In this study, we firstly verified that baicalein plays a critical role in inhibiting pancreatic tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Then we analyzed the alteration of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression levels in Panc-1 cells incubated with DMSO, 50 and 100 μM baicalein by High-Throughput sequencing. Intriguingly, we observed that 20 and 39 miRNAs were accordingly up- and down-regulated through comparing Panc-1 cells exposed to 100 μM baicalein with the control group. Quantitative PCR analysis confirmed that miR-139-3p was the most up-regulated miRNA after baicalein treatment, while miR-196b-5p was the most down-regulated miRNA. Further studies showed that miR-139-3p induced, miR-196b-5p inhibited the apoptosis of Panc-1 cells via targeting NOB1 and ING5 respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrated that baicalein is a potent inhibitor against pancreatic cancer by modulating the expression of miR-139-3p or miR-196b-5p.
Alterations in dendritic spine numbers are linked to deficits in learning and memory. While we previously revealed that postsynaptic plasticity-related gene 1 (PRG-1) controls lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling at glutamatergic synapses via presynaptic LPA receptors, we now show that PRG-1 also affects spine density and synaptic plasticity in a cell-autonomous fashion via protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)/β1-integrin activation. PRG-1 deficiency reduces spine numbers and β1-integrin activation, alters long-term potentiation (LTP), and impairs spatial memory. The intracellular PRG-1 C terminus interacts in an LPA-dependent fashion with PP2A, thus modulating its phosphatase activity at the postsynaptic density. This results in recruitment of adhesome components src, paxillin, and talin to lipid rafts and ultimately in activation of β1-integrins. Consistent with these findings, activation of PP2A with FTY720 rescues defects in spine density and LTP of PRG-1-deficient animals. These results disclose a mechanism by which bioactive lipid signaling via PRG-1 could affect synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
After five years of running at RHIC, and on the eve of the LHC heavy-ion program, we highlight the status of femtoscopic measurements. We emphasize the role interferometry plays in addressing fundamental questions about the state of matter created in such collisions, and present an enumerated list of measurements, analyses and calculations that are needed to advance the field in the coming years.
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed to treat acid-related disorders. Some direct-acting antiviral regimens for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have reduced efficacy in patients taking concomitant acid-reducing agents, including PPIs, due to interactions between drugs. We analyzed data from 9 multicenter, phase 2 and 3 trials to determine the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of an HCV therapeutic regimen comprising glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) in patients taking concomitant acid-reducing agents.
METHODS: We analyzed data from 2369 patients infected with HCV genotypes 1-6 and compensated liver disease treated with an all-oral regimen of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for 8-16 weeks. We compared efficacy and pharmacokinetics among patients receiving at least 1 dose of an acid-reducing agent (a PPI, an H2 blocker, or antacid). High-dose PPI was defined as daily dose greater than 20 mg omeprazole dose equivalent. The objectives were to evaluate rate of sustained virologic response 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) and to assess steady-state glecaprevir and pibrentasvir exposures in patients on acid-reducing agents.
RESULTS: Of the 401 patients (17%) who reported use of acid-reducing agents, 263 took PPIs (11%; 109 patients took a high-dose PPI and 154 patients took a low-dose PPI). Rates of SVR12 were 97.0% among patients who used acid-reducing agents and 97.5% among those not using acid-reducing agents (P = .6). An SVR12 was achieved in 96.3% taking a high-dose PPI and 97.4% taking a low-dose PPI, with no virologic failures in those receiving a high-dose PPI (P = .7). Glecaprevir, but not pibrentasvir, bioavailability was affected; its exposure decreased by 41% in patients taking a high-dose PPI.
CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of data from 9 clinical trials, we observed a high rate of SVR12 (approximately 97%) among patients treated with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for HCV infection-even among patients taking concomitant ARA or high-dose PPI. This was despite decreased glecaprevir exposures in patients when on high-dose PPIs. ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT02243280 (SURVEYOR-I), NCT02243293 (SURVEYOR-II), NCT02604017 (ENDURANCE-1), NCT02640482 (ENDURANCE-2), NCT02640157 (ENDURANCE-3), NCT02636595 (ENDURANCE-4), NCT02642432 (EXPEDITION-1), NCT02651194 (EXPEDITION-4), NCT02446717 (MAGELLAN-I).
Big and beautiful: the Megaxyela species (Hymenoptera, Xyelidae) of East Asia and North America
(2017)
Megaxyela Ashmead, 1898 comprises 13 species, four of which are described as new and one is removed from synonymy: Megaxyela euchroma Blank, Shinohara & Wei sp. nov. from China (Zheijang), M. fulvago Blank, Shinohara & Wei sp. nov. from China (Hunan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang), M. inversa Blank & D.R. Smith sp. nov. from the USA (West Virginia), M. langstoni Ross, 1936 sp. rev. from the eastern USA, and M. pulchra Blank, Shinohara & Sundukov sp. nov. from China (Hubei, Jilin, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Tibet), South Korea (Kangwon-do) and Russia (Primorskiy Kray). The male of M. parki Shinohara, 1992 is described for the first time. A lectotype is designated for M. gigantea Mocsáry, 1909. A cladogram, based on COI sequences of seven species, is presented and interpreted in view of selected morphological characters. Records of M. fulvago sp. nov. from Hunan and of M. pulchra sp. nov. from Tibet extend the known distribution of Megaxyela in the Old World 600 kilometers farther south and 2500 kilometers farther west than previous records.
Heart valve disease is a major clinical problem worldwide. Cardiac valve development and homeostasis need to be precisely controlled. Hippo signaling is essential for organ development and tissue homeostasis, while its role in valve formation and morphology maintenance remains unknown. VGLL4 is a transcription cofactor in vertebrates and we found it was mainly expressed in valve interstitial cells at the post-EMT stage and was maintained till the adult stage. Tissue specific knockout of VGLL4 in different cell lineages revealed that only loss of VGLL4 in endothelial cell lineage led to valve malformation with expanded expression of YAP targets. We further semi-knockout YAP in VGLL4 ablated hearts, and found hyper proliferation of arterial valve interstitial cells was significantly constrained. These findings suggest that VGLL4 is important for valve development and manipulation of Hippo components would be a potential therapy for preventing the progression of congenital valve disease.
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.