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Using a total of 9.0 fb−1 of e+e− collision data with center-of-mass energies between 4.15 and 4.30 GeV collected by the BESIII detector, we search for the processes e+e−→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π0χcJ for J=0,1,2. We report the first observation of X(3872)→π0χc1, a new decay mode of the X(3872), with a statistical significance of more than 5σ. Normalizing to the previously established process e+e−→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ, we find B(X(3872)→π0χc1)/B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)=0.88+0.33−0.27±0.10, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. We set 90% confidence level upper limits on the corresponding ratios for the decays to π0χc0 and π0χc2 of 19 and 1.1, respectively.
The measurement of the Cabibbo-favored semileptonic decay Λ+c→Λμ+νμ is reported using 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.600~GeV to 4.699~GeV. The branching fraction of the decay is measured to be B(Λ+c→Λμ+νμ)=(3.48±0.14stat.±0.10syst.)%, three times more precise than the prior world average result. Tests of lepton flavor universality using Λ+c→Λℓ+νℓ (ℓ=e,μ) decays are reported for the first time, based on measurements of the differential decay rates and the forward-backward asymmetries in separate four-momentum transfer regions. The results are compatible with Standard Model predictions. Furthermore, we improve the determination of the form-factor parameters in Λ+c→Λℓ+νℓ decays, which provide stringent tests and calibration for lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD) calculations.
We present measurements of the Born cross sections for the processes e+e−→ωχc1 and ωχc2 at center-of-mass energies s√ from 4.308 to 4.951 GeV. The measurements are performed with data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.0 fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Assuming the e+e−→ωχc2 signals come from a single resonance, the mass and width are determined to be M=(4413.6±9.0±0.8) MeV/c2 and Γ=(110.5±15.0±2.9) MeV, respectively, which is consistent with the parameters of the well-established resonance ψ(4415). In addition, we also use one single resonance to describe the e+e−→ωχc1 lineshape, and determine the mass and width to be M=(4544.2±18.7±1.7) MeV/c2 and Γ=(116.1±33.5±1.7) MeV, respectively. The structure of this lineshape, observed for the first time, requires further understanding.
Using a total of 11.0 fb−1 of e+e− collision data with center-of-mass energies between 4.009 GeV and 4.6 GeV and collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we measure fifteen exclusive cross sections and effective form factors for the process e+e−→Ξ−Ξ¯+ by means of a single baryon-tag method. After performing a fit to the dressed cross section of e+e−→Ξ−Ξ¯+, no significant ψ(4230) or ψ(4260) resonance is observed in the Ξ−Ξ¯+ final states, and upper limits at the 90\% confidence level on ΓeeB for the processes ψ(4230)/ψ(4260)→Ξ−Ξ¯+ are determined. In addition, an excited Ξ baryon at 1820 MeV/c2 is observed with a statistical significance of 6.2 ∼ 6.5σ by including the systematic uncertainty, and the mass and width are measured to be M=(1825.5±4.7±4.7)~MeV/c2 and Γ=(17.0±15.0±7.9)~MeV, which confirms the existence of the JP=32− state Ξ(1820).
The SU(3)-flavor violating decay J/ψ→Ξ(1530)−Ξ¯++c.c. is studied using (1310.6±7.0)×106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII and the branching fraction is measured to be B(J/ψ→Ξ(1530)−Ξ¯++c.c.) = (3.17±0.02stat.±0.08syst.)×10−4. This is consistent with previous measurements with an improved precision. The angular parameter for this decay is measured for the first time and is found to be α=−0.21±0.04stat.±0.06syst.. In addition, we report evidence for the radiative decay Ξ(1530)−→γΞ− with a significance of 3.9σ, including the systematic uncertainties. The 90\% confidence level upper limit on the branching fraction is determined to be B(Ξ(1530)−→γΞ−)≤3.7\%.
Using 9.0 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.178 to 4.278 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we perform the first search for the radiative transition χc1(3872)→γψ2(3823). No χc1(3872)→γψ2(3823) signal is observed. The upper limit on the ratio of branching fractions B(χc1(3872)→γψ2(3823), ψ2(3823)→γχc1)/B(χc1(3872)→π+π−J/ψ) is set as 0.075 at the 90\% confidence level. Our result contradicts theoretical predictions under the assumption that the χc1(3872) is the pure charmonium state χc1(2P).
We perform a study of the X(3872) lineshape using the data samples of e+e−→γX(3872), X(3872)→D0D¯0π0 and π+π−J/ψ collected with the BESIII detector. The effects of the coupled-channels and the off-shell D∗0 are included in the parameterization of the lineshape. The lineshape mass parameter is obtained to be MX=(3871.63±0.13+0.06−0.05) MeV. Two poles are found on the first and second Riemann sheets corresponding to the D∗0D¯0 branch cut. The pole location on the first sheet is much closer to the D∗0D¯0 threshold than the other, and is determined to be 7.04±0.15+0.07−0.08 MeV above the D0D¯0π0 threshold with an imaginary part −0.19±0.08+0.14−0.19 MeV.
A transformational measurement model for structural equation modeling (SEM) of asymmetric non-normal data is proposed. This measurement model aligns with the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm of the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method, creating adaptability to data that deviate from normality. Distinctive properties of the connection of the measurement model and EM algorithm are maintenance of the normality assumption, which is at the core of EM algorithm, and applicability to asymmetric non-normality of observed data mediated by distortion coefficients. An evaluation using a mixture of normal and severely asymmetric non-normal data analyzed by MLE for asymmetric non-normal data (MLE for ASN) demonstrated efficiency of the model. Comparisons with robust DWLS and WLS yielded better fit results under MLE for ASN estimation.
In spite of the increasing number of biologics license applications, the development of covalent inhibitors is still a growing field within drug discovery. The successful approval of some covalent protein kinase inhibitors, such as ibrutinib (BTK covalent inhibitor) and dacomitinib (EGFR covalent inhibitor), and the very recent discovery of covalent inhibitors for viral proteases, such as boceprevir, narlaprevir, and nirmatrelvir, represent a new milestone in covalent drug development. Generally, the formation of covalent bonds that target proteins can offer drugs diverse advantages in terms of target selectivity, drug resistance, and administration concentration. The most important factor for covalent inhibitors is the electrophile (warhead), which dictates selectivity, reactivity, and the type of protein binding (i.e., reversible or irreversible) and can be modified/optimized through rational designs. Furthermore, covalent inhibitors are becoming more and more common in proteolysis, targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for degrading proteins, including those that are currently considered to be ‘undruggable’. The aim of this review is to highlight the current state of covalent inhibitor development, including a short historical overview and some examples of applications of PROTAC technologies and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
In the first two decades, when cinema was developing worldwide from a novelty into an entertainment industry, Warsaw belonged to the multinational Romanov empire. Located at its western borders, this Polish city was an important transportation and trade hub and became also a site of the domestic film industry with all its branches – production, distribution, and exhibition. The new medium had a special appeal, and it has always been assumed that the cinema was a social place where people of different classes and ethnicities came together. This article looks at the development of the local cinema market and explores the participations of the local Russian, Polish and Jewish populations. Inspired by the New Cinema History (NCH), it takes its contraposition from the traditional film historiography that uses a top-down approach as a method and the national paradigm as a defining category. Instead, it gives a three-perspectival view utilising a variety of sources including a collection of cinema programmes in three languages from 1913. Based on that, it maps screening venues with QGIS and analysis of cinema programmes, shedding new light onto the complex cinema culture of the city that was called Varshava (Варшава) in Russian, Warszawa in Polish, and Varshe (ווארשע) in Yiddish.
Objectives: Patients with open pulmonary tuberculosis (opTB) are subject to strict isolation rules. Sputum smear microscopy is used to determine infectivity, but sensitivity is lower than for culture. This study aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of this mismatch in contemporary settings.
Methods: Differential results between microscopy and culture were determined at the time of microscopic sputum conversion, from all patients with opTB between 01/2013 and 12/2017. In addition, data on HIV, multi/extensive drug-resistant TB status, time to smear- and cultural-negativity conversion were analyzed; and a Kaplan-Meier curve was developed.
Results: Of 118 patients with opTB, 58 had demographic data available for microbiological and clinical follow-up analysis; among these, 26 (44.8%) had still at least one positive culture result. Median time from opTB-treatment initiation to full microscopic sputum- or culture conversion, was 16.5 days (range 2-105), and 20 days (1-105), respectively (median difference: +3.5 days). Sixteen days after de-isolation, >90% had converted culturally. HIV- or multi/extensive drug-resistant TB status did not impact conversion time.
Conclusion: When patients with opTB were de-isolated after 3 negative sputum smear microscopy tests, a substantial part still revealed cultural growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, but it remains unclear, whether smear-negative and culturally-positive individuals on therapy are really infective. Thus, the clinical relevance of this finding warrants further investigation.
In this case report, we present a rare case of a female patient who developed pain and swelling after a total knee arthroplasty. An extensive diagnostic workup including serum and synovial testing to rule out infection was performed in addition to advanced imaging including an MRI of the knee, but it was only after an arthroscopic synovectomy that the diagnosis of secondary synovial chondromatosis was confirmed. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the occurrence of secondary synovial chondromatosis as a rare cause of pain and swelling after total knee arthroplasty, thereby assisting clinicians in providing prompt diagnosis, surgical treatment, and efficient recovery in the setting of secondary synovial chondromatosis after total knee arthroplasty.
With the technological advancements over the past years, structure determination and prediction for membrane proteins have become easier. While those approaches give snapshots of one or more conformational states of the protein, complementary techniques are necessary to elucidate the conformational space and transition between states during function. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for addressing these aspects. In this thesis, site-directed spin labeling and pulsed electron-electron double resonance (PELDOR) spectroscopy combined with various biochemical tools were used to explore the conformational heterogeneity of the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex under in vitro and in situ conditions. The BAM complex present in the outer membrane (OM) of gram-negative bacteria is responsible for the folding and insertion of the outer membrane proteins (OMPs). As the majority of OMPs depend on the BAM complex for their biogenesis, it is one of the most essential components for the cell and hence a potential target for new antibiotics. BAM is a heterooligomeric complex composed of BamA, BamB, BamC, BamD, and BamE subunits. BamA is the central transmembrane protein directly involved in the folding and insertion process. The periplasmic regions of BamA are scaffolded by BamB-E lipoproteins. Available structures of the BAM complex reveal a highly dynamic behaviour. BAM complex is also highly intertwined with the complex membrane environment and is hypothesized to be dependent on the asymmetric bilayer for its function. The functional relevance of the accessory lipoproteins or how BAM recruits and folds diverse OMPs remains elusive.
The thesis examines the membrane bilayer dependence of the BAM complex and the role of the lipoproteins in the conformational cycling of BamA. By comparing the conformational states of the central component BamA in detergent micelles and isolated native outer membranes, it is demonstrated that the native bilayer helps BamA attain multiple conformational states. In the native outer membrane environment, BamA exhibits greater flexibility than observed in the detergent micelles. Further, the conformational dynamics of BamA were explored in different subcomplexes in detergent micelles. The binding of BamCDE subcomplex creates specific changes in BamA at the lateral gate, periplasmic regions, and extracellular loops leading to a lateral-open state. BamB alone does not induce any changes in BamA, revealing that it might play an accessory role in the function of the complex. The results demonstrate that BamCDE plays a key regulatory role in the lateral gating mechanism of BamA. Additionally, the spin labeling and PELDOR spectroscopy were optimized for the extracellular loops of the full complex in intact E. coli cells. The data validates the conformational states of the complex observed in the detergent micelles. However, the distance distributions show increased dynamics, especially at the lateral gate region in the cellular environments. The increased heterogeneity might be due to the presence of the asymmetric membrane, lipopolysaccharides, or substrate interactions. Overall, the thesis answers key questions on the conformational dynamics of BamA and delineates the role of lipoproteins in the folding mechanism. It also provides new opportunities to study the functional mechanism of BAM under physiologically relevant conditions by performing experiments in native outer membranes and intact E. coli cells.
This study compares the performance of various machine learning methods in predicting the outcomes of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), with application in merger arbitrage. Merger arbitrage capitalizes on price inefficiencies around merger announcements, empirically offering consistent, near-market-neutral returns with Sharpe ratios around 1.20 and a beta of 0.14. Leveraging logistic regression, random forest, gradient boosting machine, and neural network, I analyse 21,020 M&A deals with up to 522 predictors from 1999 to 2023. I examine two datasets: one with all features available prior to deal resolution, serving as an upper bound for predictability, and another with only features available on the announcement. Among the applied methods, XGBoost outperforms in predicting deal closure probabilities, with pseudo-out-of-sample receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) scores of 0.99 and 0.81 for the full-feature and announcement-date-only sets, respectively.
I apply these predictions to cash-only merger arbitrage from 2021 to 2023, using a classification method and testing a promising fair value investment criterion. I find that equal-weighted portfolios perform best, driven by diversification and small-size premia, achieving annualized alphas of 10 to 20% against the Fama-French five-factor model. XGBoost’s superior predictive power translates into the best merger arbitrage performance, delivering Sharpe ratios of up to 1.57 for long-only portfolios and 0.60 for zero-net-investment long-short strategies, with the latter maintaining market neutrality. I confirm these results during a second trading period from 2018 to 2020, revealing different market dynamics and similar or better model performance, with Sharpe ratios as high as 2.15.
These findings establish new benchmarks for M&A deal closure prediction, highlight the value of machine learning-driven strategies in enhancing merger arbitrage performance, and offer valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners.
Die Zustandsbeschreibung der aktuellen gesellschaftlichen und wirtschaftlichen Lage als geprägt durch multiple Schocks und Krisen erscheint heutzutage redundant, nahezu banal. Umso wichtiger ist es aber für politische Entscheider einen Umgang mit der sich daraus ergebenden Unsicherheit zu finden, der weder der Komplexität der Probleme mit immer komplexeren Modellen beikommen möchte noch sich durch die Größe der Krise zur übergroßen vermeintlichen politischen Lösung verleiten lässt. Stattdessen täte die Politik gut daran, die beschränkten Möglichkeiten und die ungewissen Folgen ihrer Handlungen klar zu kommunizieren, qualitative wie quantitative Bewertungen in Entscheidungen einfließen zu lassen und in diesem Sinne wirtschaftspolitische Interventionen zurückhaltend vorzunehmen.
Banking Union is crucial for European integration, ensuring financial stability in the single market for financial services. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) plays an essential role in interpreting and enforcing the legal framework of the Banking Union, especially regarding the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM). This in-depth analysis scrutinises the pertinent CJEU case law and highlights its implications for the Banking Union and the EU legal order.
This document was provided/prepared by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the ECON Committee.
We provide empirical evidence that the pricing of green bonds tends to be highly sophisticated and based on a two-tiered approach. When buying a green bond, investors do not look only at the green label of the bond but also consider additional characteristics that involve the soundness of the underlying project and the environmental score of the issuer. By comparing the yields at issuance of green bonds to those of a matched control sample of conventional bonds, we identify a premium of 16 basis points for the green label alone. However, when the environmental score of the issuer is in the top tercile of the cross-sectional distribution, the greenium increases up to doubling. Green certification and periods of heightened climate uncertainty also significantly influence the size of the greenium. Additionally, we find that this pricing mechanism fully emerged only after the Paris Agreement came into force in late 2016.
Die Charakterisierung reaktiver Intermediate ist experimentell äußerst anspruchsvoll und häufig nicht eindeutig möglich. Die chemische Fachliteratur ist daher durchzogen von Arbeiten, in denen Intermediate anhand chemischer Intuition oder aufgrund spekulativer Interpretationen experimenteller Daten postuliert werden. Auch wenn es die Chemie wie kaum eine andere wissenschaftliche Disziplin geschafft hat, naturgegebene Zusammenhänge intuitiv erfassbar zu machen und es Chemikern somit möglich ist, mit Zettel und Stift Moleküle mit gewünschten Eigenschaften zu designen und komplexe Reaktionen zu planen, so ist doch davon auszugehen, dass zahlreiche in der Literatur postulierte Intermediate nicht korrekt zugeordnet wurden. Durch die massive Steigerung der Leistungsfähigkeit von Computern und Software in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten lassen sich quantenchemisch immer größere Systeme mit hinreichender Genauigkeit behandeln, sodass es in vielen Fällen möglich ist, experimentelle Untersuchungen theoretisch zu evaluieren und auch experimentell nicht nachweisbare Moleküle detailliert zu untersuchen. Insbesondere durch kombinierte experimentelle und quantenchemische Studien können komplexe chemische Zusammenhänge detailliert verstanden werden. Dadurch lassen sich neue Konzepte entwickeln, die eine Weiterentwicklung chemischer Intuition ermöglichen. Anhand dieses Leitbilds wurde in dieser Arbeit die Stoffklasse der Metallopniktinidene sowie daraus abgeleitete Verbindungen quantenchemisch untersucht.
Using 9.0 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.178 to 4.278 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we perform the first search for the radiative transition χc1(3872)→γψ2(3823). No χc1(3872)→γψ2(3823) signal is observed. The upper limit on the ratio of branching fractions B(χc1(3872)→γψ2(3823), ψ2(3823)→γχc1)/B(χc1(3872)→π+π−J/ψ) is set as 0.075 at the 90\% confidence level. Our result contradicts theoretical predictions under the assumption that the χc1(3872) is the pure charmonium state χc1(2P).
We perform a study of the X(3872) lineshape using the data samples of e+e−→γX(3872), X(3872)→D0D¯0π0 and π+π−J/ψ collected with the BESIII detector. The effects of the coupled-channels and the off-shell D∗0 are included in the parameterization of the lineshape. The lineshape mass parameter is obtained to be MX=(3871.63±0.13+0.06−0.05) MeV. Two poles are found on the first and second Riemann sheets corresponding to the D∗0D¯0 branch cut. The pole location on the first sheet is much closer to the D∗0D¯0 threshold than the other, and is determined to be 7.04±0.15+0.07−0.08 MeV above the D0D¯0π0 threshold with an imaginary part −0.19±0.08+0.14−0.19 MeV.
This paper describes a new genus and species of Achilidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) Achiplecton stilleri gen. et sp. nov from the newly established tribe Achiplectini trib. nov. This tribe belongs to one of three Achilidae subfamilies, Myconinae, and is found solely in the West Cape of Southern Africa. The whole region is thought to be one the of the Earths most biologically diverse areas, also characterized by the phylogenetic antiquity of its invertebrates. Morphological peculiarities of the new achilids are discussed, especially modification of the head capsule presenting the ‘laternarisation syndrome’, which is unique in Achilidae, and tegmina modifications, without the postclaval lobe overlapping.
Four new species of Zanna Kirkaldy, 1902 are described: two from Cambodia, Z. chartieri Constant sp. nov. from Tatai in Koh Kong Province and Z. limbourgi Constant sp. nov. from Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary in Kampong Speu Province and Kbal Spean in Siem Reap Province, and two from Vietnam: Z. bidoupana sp. nov. from Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park in Lam Dong Province and Z. kusamae sp. nov. from Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve in Dong Nai Province. Illustrations of the holotypes and male genitalia, photographs of live specimens and nymphs, a distribution map and host plants records are provided. The type of Zanna chinensis (Distant, 1893) is also illustrated for comparison. The genus Zanna now contains 37 species.
The identification of females of Agapostemon angelicus Cockerell and A. texanus Cresson has been a longstanding problem, with females of the two species considered morphologically indistinguishable. Prompted by recent collections in Minnesota that unexpectedly revealed the presence of A. angelicus as well as a cryptic form of A. texanus, we reassess the taxonomy of the “doubly punctate” Agapostemon species in both Minnesota and the broader United States. Examination of both new and old specimens has allowed us to identify A. angelicus females morphologically, and we reinstate A. subtilior Cockerell stat. rev. from synonymy with A. texanus. We recognize a number of new synonyms of A. subtilior that were formerly considered synonyms of A. texanus: A. borealis Crawford syn. nov., A. californicus Crawford syn. nov., A. texanus vandykei Cockerell syn. nov., A. californicus psammobius syn. nov., A. angelicus idahoensis syn. nov., and A. californicus clementinus syn. nov. We provide keys and diagnoses to allow for morphological identification of A. angelicus, A. subtilior, and A. texanus. We show that A. texanus s. s. has a relatively restricted range in the prairie region of the United States, with A. subtilior making up the bulk of what was formerly considered A. texanus. We further show that A. angelicus has a more extensive range than previously thought. Additional work remains, as there are a number of gaps in the known ranges of these species and more taxonomic work is required in the A. texanus complex south of the United States.
Apoidea, cryptic species, identification key, Halictinae, America
The poorly studied orthocentrine genus Stenomacrus Förster, 1869 is reported from Kenya and Burundi for the first time. Eight new species are described and illustrated: S. clypeatus sp. nov. from Burundi as well as S. communis sp. nov., S. glabratus sp. nov., S. luteus sp. nov., S. pronotalis sp. nov., S. scutellaris sp. nov., S. valvator sp. nov., and S. vuriaensis sp. nov. from Kenya. An identification key to species occurring in Africa and adjacent territories is provided.
The limno-terrestrial tardigrade fauna of Argentina has been investigated methodically and with modern criteria just in the last two decades, but current knowledge is still incomplete. So far, about 119 limno-terrestrial species are known for the country, of which only 6 belong to the genus Minibiotus R.O. Schuster, 1980. Until 1988, this genus was monotypic, with only Minibiotus intermedius (Plate, 1888), but today the number of species of the genus has risen to 55. In the present contribution, we describe with an integrated approach (PCM, SEM, morphometry and DNA analysis with COI, ITS2, 18S and 28S genes) a new species of Minibiotus from Salta City (Argentina). Minibiotus dispositus sp. nov. has ten transverse bands of variously shaped cuticular pores, arranged in transverse rows, with differences between smaller and larger specimens. Three macroplacoids and a microplacoid are present in the pharynx. The eggs have small conical processes and granulated chorion. The new species is morphologically and morphometrically well differentiated from all other species of the genus, and genetically from the up to date sequenced species. The new species description gave the occasion to broaden knowledge on taxonomy, morphology and faunistics of the genus Minibiotus, and on the tardigrade fauna of Argentina and the Neotropical region.
Within the leaf-beetle subfamily Cassidinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Aproida Pascoe, 1863 (Aproidini) from Australia has been considered a transitional genus between mining cassidines (“hispines”) and exophagous cassidines (“tortoise beetles”). To illuminate this transition, a detailed study was conducted over one year of the biology of Aproida balyi Pascoe, 1863 on the host plant, Eustrephus latifolius R. Br. ex Ker-Gawl (Asparagaceae). Distribution maps of the host plant and three Aproida species are provided. The life cycle of A. balyi comprises single eggs in a foamy ootheca, three larval instars that feed openly, a pupa suspended from the larva III exuvia, and sexually dimorphic adults. The larva’s green color resembling the host and the narrow body fitted to the narrowed leaf blade allow them to camouflage. They possess a single long caudal process, unlike the paired processes of most other tortoise beetles. Fecal pellets are observed sometimes on this process, but accumulation is rare and lacks the permanent structure of exuvio-fecal shields that distinguishes the ten tribes of tortoise beetles. The larvae exhibit adhesive lobes on the abdominal sternites that appear to help their locomotion, a novel feature in Cassidinae. The pupa is suspended from the larva III exuviae and together they resemble the host’s pendant flower buds, suggesting mimicry. Males have the profemora and protibiae toothed. Both sexes can fly, unlike flightless Aproida cribrata Lea, 1929. These many morphological and behavioral findings contribute potential novel characters that underscore the aberrant nature of Aproidini within Cassidinae and point to another Australian evolutionary oddity.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:025EBD5A-4914-47FE-A33C-1A668B2F440C
Two new species of Agrilus Curtis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), A. botzi Woodley, new species and A. vachellia Woodley new species, both from southeastern Arizona, are described. Agrilus barri Hespenheide and Westcott and Taphrocerus leoni Dugès are recorded from Arizona and represent new U.S. records. Sixteen new state distributional records are presented, along with a few other significant records.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A187E9C8-5BB0-4F70-BA66-27233387504C
The Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests was published in 2022 by CABI Publishing. Some errors and omissions in Chapter 2, Table 2 have been brought to the attention of the Encyclopedia editors; since some of them have plant quarantine implications, they are corrected in this article.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:0D4F6D41-B8F8-4FB8-B002-609FA838C817
The invasive armored scale, Lepidosaphes laterochitinosa Green 1925 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae), was found in the Florida landscape for the first time in November 2022 and is now known from two south Florida counties: Broward and Miami-Dade. In Florida thus far, this polyphagous species has been found on Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl. (Araceae), Dracaena Vand. ex. L. (Asparagaceae), and Breynia disticha J.R.Forst. and G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae), all common landscape ornamentals. New parasitoid host records are provided for Encarsia lounsburyi (Berlese and Paoli), Encarsia citrina (Craw), and Aphytis lingnanensis Compere (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) that emerged from L. laterochitinosa in Broward County, Florida, USA. A key to slide-mounted adult females of the 12 species of Lepidosaphes Shimer present or commonly intercepted in Florida is provided, together with an illustration of each species, and plant host records for these species from the Florida State Collection of Arthropods.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1F9EE396-B0B9-4FF6-BC12-D8477154546B
The impact of 2-desaza-annomontine on processes of inflammation and its resolution in leukocytes
(2024)
This present study investigated the effects of the b-carboline derivative C81, also called 2-desaza-annomontine, on the inflammatory response and resolution processes in vivo and in vitro. The study focused on leukocytes and on the elucidation of the underlying pharmacological mode of action. C81 potently reduced the inflammatory response in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model and additionally resolved the inflammation more quickly. In a CNV model, C81 significantly decreased the microglial infiltration in the inflamed laser lesion in vivo. In vitro experiments revealed that C81 inhibits the migration of macrophages and leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction by reducing the activation of integrins on leukocytes, in particular LFA-1, without affecting the total protein level on the cell surface.
Further experiments revealed that C81 inhibited the expression of EPAC-1, required for Rap1 activation. Consequently, C81 reduced the LPS/PMA-induced Rap1 activity, which is responsible for integrin activation. Moreover, C81 potently reduced the LPS-induced formation of pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and eicosanoids, in macrophages. The C81-derived inhibition of eicosanoid release was surprisingly potent, probably due to the C81-evoked inhibition of cPLA2 expression, resulting in less liberated arachidonic acid, the precursor for eicosanoids. At the same time, C81 only delayed COX-2 expression, but completely diminished LPS-induced mPGES-1 expression. In addition to the potent anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, C81-derived impact was complemented with promising pro-resolving effects. Hence, C81 significantly induced neutrophil apoptosis without affecting the cell viability of other leukocytes, such as macrophages. Accordingly, the caspase 3 activity in neutrophils increased upon C81 treatment. The underlying mechanism altered by C81 was the expression of the anti-apoptotic mediator Mcl-1, which is required for the survival of neutrophils, but not macrophages. Furthermore, neutrophils treated with C81 were significantly better efferocytosed by macrophages. Analyzes of the pharmacological mode of action of C81 revealed DYRK1B as the key target kinase in inflammatory processes in leukocytes. Of note, experiments with pharmacological inhibition of DYRK1B by C81 or the ‘selective’ DYRK1B inhibitor AZ-DYRK1B-33, could not completely exclude the involvement of the CLKs and other DYRKs. Therefore, DYRK1B knockdown and overexpression experiments were conducted to elucidate the impact of DYRK1B alone. Pharmacological inhibition of DYRK1B and DYRK1B knockdown phenocopied the inhibitory effect of C81 on leukocyte adhesion. In parallel, DYRK1B overexpression mitigated the C81-evoked effect, supporting the hypothesis that C81 inhibits DYRK1B to mediate its effects on leukocytes. Furthermore, DYRK1B inhibition and DYRK1B knockdown resulted in depletion of STAT3 phosphorylation. In addition, C81-evoked STAT3 inhibition was again mitigated by DYRK1B overexpression, suggesting a link or even an interaction between DYRK1B and STAT3. Indeed, direct interaction between DYRK1B and STAT3 was confirmed by a NanoBRET assay. Importantly, in vitro experiments demonstrated, that C81 did not affect LPS recognition mechanisms, investigated by TLR-4 and CD14 expression, and other important inflammatory signaling pathways. Although C81 inhibited the regeneration of IkBa, this had no effect on the translocation of the NFkB subunit p65. Furthermore, C81 did not alter the activation of MAPK pathways, including p38, JNK and ERK. As a result, the focus was on the potent inhibition of LPS-nduced STAT3 activation mediated by DYRK1B, which was shown to be IL-6 independent. Indeed, direct STAT3 inhibition by Stattic phenocopied all tested C81-derived effects on leukocytes, including migration, adhesion, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, eicosanoid formation and cell type specific induction of neutrophil apoptosis. The underlying mechanisms altered by Stattic in terms of migration/adhesion and lipid mediator formation were the same as for C81. STAT3 inhibition led to decreased EPAC1 expression and accordingly to reduced Rap1 activation. In addition, inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation resulted in reduced cPLA2 expression and also in attenuated mPGES-1 expression.
Finally, the C81-derived depleted Mcl-1 expression was linked to reduced STAT3 inhibition. As C81 abolished STAT3 phosphorylation, less STAT3 was translocated into the nucleus upon LPS stimulation and less STAT3 enrichment at the MCL1 promoter was observed, leading to reduced gene expression and consequently protein levels.
In summary, using the natural product-derived compound C81, the DYRK1B/STAT3 axis was identified as a novel key regulator of inflammatory processes in human leukocytes. This present study revealed that interfering with the DYRK1B-STAT3 signaling can address essential cell functions including leukocyte extravasation, pro-inflammatory mediator release, neutrophil apoptosis and efferocytosis (Figure 1). Furthermore, two different mouse models demonstrated the in vivo relevance of this signaling axis and highlight DYRK1B as an important kinase modulating inflammation and resolution.
K + is the most abundant cytosolic cation in bacteria, and its homeostasis is vital for bacterial survival, playing roles in many essential processes like pH homeostasis, protein synthesis and osmoregulation. When surrounding K + concentrations become very low, bacteria require an active high-affinity uptake system to ensure sufficient cellular K + levels. In many prokaryotes, this system is the K + pump KdpFABC. Peculiarly, KdpFABC forms a functional chimera between a channel-like subunit (KdpA) and a P-type ATPase (KdpB), and for a long time, the mechanism of how transport and ATP hydrolysis between these subunits are coordinated remained unclear. By applying a combination of cryo-EM, biochemical assays, and MD simulations, we have been able to shed light on a unique transport mechanism that combines both the channel and P-type ATPase subunits.
At high K + levels, KdpFABC needs to be inhibited to prevent excessive K + accumulation. This is achieved by a phosphorylation of the serine residue in the TGES 162 motif in the A domain of the pump subunit KdpB, which was shown to stall the complex in the E1P intermediate. Using cryo-EM studies under turnover conditions, we illuminated how stalling in this high-energy intermediate is possible.
Furthermore, we identify a previously uncharacterized atypical serine kinase domain in the sensor histidine kinase KdpD as the responsible kinase for KdpB phosphorylation, giving it a dual role in transcriptional and post-translational regulation of the Kdp system.
Using an e+e− annihilation data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93fb−1 collected at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773\,GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fractions of D+→ηηπ+, D+→ηπ+π0, and D0→ηπ+π− to be (2.96±0.24±0.13)×10−3, (2.23±0.15±0.11)×10−3, and (1.20±0.07±0.04)×10−3, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones systematic. The D+→ηηπ+ decay is observed for the first time and the branching fractions of D+(0)→ηπ+π0(−) are measured with much improved precision. In addition we test for CP asymmetries in the separated charge-conjugate branching fractions; no evidence of CP violation is found.
Based on 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− collision data accumulated at center-of-mass energies between 4.600GeV and 4.699GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the absolute branching fraction of the Cabibbo-favored decay Λ+c→nK0Sπ+ with the precision improved by a factor of 2.8 and report the first evidence for the singly-Cabibbo-suppressed decay Λ+c→nK0SK+. The branching fractions for Λ+c→nK0Sπ+ and Λ+c→nK0SK+ are determined to be (1.86±0.08±0.04)×10−2 and (4.3+1.9−1.5±0.3)×10−4, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic.
By analyzing 7.33\,fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we search for the semileptonic decays D+s→K1(1270)0e+νe and D+s→b1(1235)0e+νe for the first time. No significant signals are observed for either decay mode. The upper limits on the (product) branching fractions are determined to be B[D+s→K1(1270)0e+νe]<4.1×10−4 and B[D+s→b1(1235)0e+νe]⋅B[b1(1235)0→ωπ0]<6.4×10−4 at 90\% confidence level.
Using a data sample of (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) decays collected by the BESIII detector at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider (BEPCII), we observe the decays χcJ→ϕϕη (J=0, 1, 2), where the χcJ are produced via the radiative processes ψ(3686)→γχcJ. The branching fractions are measured to be B(χc0→ϕϕη)=(8.41±0.74±0.62)×10−4, B(χc1→ϕϕη)=(2.96±0.43±0.22)×10−4, and B(χc2→ϕϕη)=(5.33±0.52±0.39)×10−4, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. We also search for intermediate states in the ϕϕ or ηϕ combinations, but no significant structure is seen due to the limited statistics.
We present the first search for the leptonic decays D∗+→e+νe and D∗+→μ+νμ by analyzing a data sample of electron-positron collisions recorded with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.226 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.32~fb−1. No significant signal is observed. The upper limits on the branching fractions for D∗+→e+νe and D∗+→μ+νμ are set to be 1.1×10−5 and 4.3×10−6 at 90\% confidence level, respectively.
We present a study of the process e+e−→ηϕ using data samples collected with the BESIII detector corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 15.03 fb−1 at 23 center-of-mass energies from 3.773 to 4.600 GeV. The Born cross sections are measured at each energy and a coherent fit to cross-section lineshape is performed using a Breit-Wigner parametrization to search for charmonium-like vector states. No significant signals of the Y(4230) and Y(4360) resonances are observed.
Production of the doubly charged Δ baryon in e⁺e⁻ annihilation at energies from 2.3094 to 2.6464 GeV
(2023)
The processes e+e−→Δ++Δ¯−− and e+e−→Δ++p¯π−+c.c. are studied for the first time with 179 pb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies from 2.3094 GeV to 2.6464 GeV. No significant signal for the e+e−→Δ++Δ¯−− process is observed and the upper limit of the Born cross section is estimated at each energy point. For the process e+e−→Δ++p¯π−+c.c., a significant signal is observed at center-of-mass energies near 2.6454 GeV and the corresponding Born cross section is reported.
Based on (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, a partial wave analysis of the decay J/ψ→γK0SK0Sη′ is performed. The mass and width of the X(2370) are measured to be 2395±11(stat)+26−94(syst) MeV/c2 and 188+18−17(stat)+124−33(syst) MeV, respectively. The corresponding product branching fraction is B[J/ψ→γX(2370)]×B[X(2370)→f0(980)η′]×B[f0(980)→K0SK0S]=(1.31±0.22(stat)+2.85−0.84(syst))×10−5. The statistical significance of the X(2370) is greater than 11.7σ and the spin-parity is determined to be 0−+ for the first time. The measured mass and spin-parity of the X(2370) are consistent with the predictions of the lightest pseudoscalar glueball.
Observation of ψ(3686) → 3ϕ
(2024)
Using (2.712±0.014)×109 ψ(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, we report the first observation of ψ(3686)→3ϕ decay with a significance larger than 10σ. The branching fraction of this decay is determined to be (1.46±0.05±0.17)×10−5, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. No significant structure is observed in the ϕϕ invariant mass spectra.
Using 2.93fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773\,GeV with the BESIII detector, we present a measurement of the branching fraction of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed (DCS) decay D0→K+π−π0 and a search for the DCS decay D0→K+π−π0π0. The branching fraction of D0→K+π−π0 is determined to be [3.13+0.60−0.56(stat)±0.09(syst)]×10−4. No signal is observed for D0→K+π−π0π0 and an upper limit of 3.6×10−4 is set on the branching fraction at the 90\% C.L. We combine these results with the world-average branching fractions of their counterpart Cabibbo-favored decays to determine the ratios of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed over the Cabibbo-favored branching fractions, B(D0→K+π−π0)/B(D0→K−π+π0)=(0.22±0.04)%~and B(D0→K+π−π0π0)/B(D0→K−π+π0π0)<0.40% at the 90\% C.L., which correspond to (0.75±0.14)tan4θC~and 1.37×tan4θC, respectively, where θC is the Cabibbo angle.
Measurement of e⁺e⁻ → ΛΛ¯η from 3.5106 to 4.6988 GeV and study of ΛΛ¯ mass threshold enhancement
(2022)
Using data samples with a total integrated luminosity of approximately 18 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII, the process e+e−→ΛΛ¯η is studied at center-of-mass energies between 3.5106 and 4.6988 GeV. The Born cross section for the process e+e−→ΛΛ¯η is measured. No significant structure is observed in the Born cross section line shape. An enhancement near the ΛΛ¯ mass threshold is observed for the first time in the process. The structure can be described by an S-wave Breit-Wigner function. Neglecting contribution of excited Λ states and potential interferences, the mass and width are determined to be (2356±7±17) MeV/c2 and (304±28±54) MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.
Measurement of e⁺e⁻ → ΛΛ¯η from 3.5106 to 4.6988 GeV and study of ΛΛ¯ mass threshold enhancement
(2022)
Using data samples with a total integrated luminosity of approximately 18 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII, the process e+e−→ΛΛ¯η is studied at center-of-mass energies between 3.5106 and 4.6988 GeV. The Born cross section for the process e+e−→ΛΛ¯η is measured. No significant structure is observed in the Born cross section line shape. An enhancement near the ΛΛ¯ mass threshold is observed for the first time in the process. The structure can be described by an S-wave Breit-Wigner function. Neglecting contribution of excited Λ states and potential interferences, the mass and width are determined to be (2356±7±17) MeV/c2 and (304±28±54) MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.