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Using the NA49 main TPC, the central production of hyperons has been measured in CERN SPS Pb - Pb collisions at 158 GeV c-1. The preliminary ratio, studied at 2.0 < y < 2.6 and 1 < pT < 3 GeV c-1, equals ~ (13 ± 4)% (systematic error only). It is compatible, within errors, with the previously obtained ratios for central S + S [1], S + W [2], and S + Au [3] collisions. The fit to the transverse momentum distribution resulted in an inverse slope parameter T of 297 MeV. At this level of statistics we do not see any noticeable enhancement of hyperon production with the increased volume (and, possibly, degree of equilibration) of the system from S + S to Pb + Pb. This result is unexpected and counterintuitive, and should be further investigated. If confirmed, it will have a significant impact on our understanding of mechanisms leading to the enhanced strangeness production in heavy-ion collisions.
Preliminary data on phi production in central Pb + Pb collisions at 158 GeV per nucleon are presented, measured by the NA49 experiment in the hadronic decay channel phi - K+K-. At mid-rapidity, the kaons were separated from pions and protons by combining dE/dx and time-of-flight information; in the forward rapidity range only dE/dx identification was used to obtain the rapidity distribution and a rapidity-integrated mt-spectrum. The mid-rapidity yield obtained was dN/dy = 1.85 ± 0.3 per event; the total phi multiplicity was estimated to be 5.0 ± 0.7 per event. Comparison with published pp data shows a slight, but not very significant strangeness enhancement.
Lambda and Antilambda reconstruction in central Pb+Pb collisions using a time projection chamber
(1997)
The large acceptance time projection chambers of the NA49 experiment are used to record the trajectory of charged particles from Pb + Pb collisions at 158 GeV per nucleon. Neutral strange hadrons have been reconstructed from their charged decay products. To obtain distributions of Λ, and Ks0 in discrete bins of rapidity, y, and transverse momentum, pT, calculations have been performed to determine the acceptance of the detector and the efficiency of the reconstruction software as a function of both variables. The lifetime distributions obtained give values of cτ = 7.8 ± 0.6 cm for Λ and cτ = 2.5 ± 0.3 cm for Ks0, consistent with data book values.
We present the first measurement of fluctuations from event to event in the production of strange particles in collisions of heavy nuclei. The ratio of charged kaons to charged pions is determined for individual central Pb+Pb collisions. After accounting for the fluctuations due to detector resolution and finite number statistics we derive an upper limit on genuine non-statistical fluctuations, perhaps related to a first or second order QCD phase transition. Such fluctuations are shown to be very small.
Two-particle correlation functions of negative hadrons over wide phase space, and transverse mass spectra of negative hadrons and deuterons near mid-rapidity have been measured in central Pb+Pb collisions at 158 GeV per nucleon by the NA49 experiment at the CERN SPS. A novel Coulomb correction procedure for the negative two-particle correlations is employed making use of the measured oppositely charged particle correlation. Within an expanding source scenario these results are used to extract the dynamic characteristics of the hadronic source, resolving the ambiguities between the temperature and transverse expansion velocity of the source, that are unavoidable when single and two particle spectra are analysed separately. The source shape, the total duration of the source expansion, the duration of particle emission, the freeze-out temperature and the longitudinal and transverse expansion velocities are deduced.
We report measurements of Xi and Xi-bar hyperon absolute yields as a function of rapidity in 158 GeV/c Pb+Pb collisions. At midrapidity, dN/dy = 2.29 +/- 0.12 for Xi, and 0.52 +/- 0.05 for Xi-bar, leading to the ratio of Xi-bar/Xi = 0.23 +/- 0.03. Inverse slope parameters fitted to the measured transverse mass spectra are of the order of 300 MeV near mid-rapidity. The estimated total yield of Xi particles in Pb+Pb central interactions amounts to 7.4 +/- 1.0 per collision. Comparison to Xi production in properly scaled p+p reactions at the same energy reveals a dramatic enhancement (about one order of magnitude) of Xi production in Pb+Pb central collisions over elementary hadron interactions.
The directed and elliptic flow of protons and charged pions has been observed from the semi-central collisions of a 158 GeV/nucleon Pb beam with a Pb target. The rapidity and transverse momentum dependence of the flow has been measured. The directed flow of the pions is opposite to that of the protons but both exhibit negative flow at low pt. The elliptic flow of both is fairly independent of rapidity but rises with pt. PACS numbers: 25.75.-q, 25.75.Ld
The large acceptance TPCs of the NA49 spectrometer allow for a systematic multidimensional study of two-particle correlations in different part of phase space. Results from Bertsch-Pratt and Yano-Koonin-Podgoretskii parametrizations are presented differentially in transverse pair momentum and pair rapidity. These studies give an insight into the dynamical space-time evolution of relativistic Pb+Pb collisions, which is dominated by longitudinal expansion.
The large acceptance and high momentum resolution as well as the significant particle identification capabilities of the NA49 experiment at the CERN SPS allow for a broad study of fluctuations and correlations in hadronic interactions. In the first part recent results on event-by-event charge and p_t fluctuations are presented. Charge fluctuations in central Pb+Pb reactions are investigated at three different beam energies (40, 80, and 158 AGeV), while for the p_t fluctuations the focus is put on the system size dependence at 158 AGeV. In the second part recent results on Bose Einstein correlations of h-h- pairs in minimum bias Pb+Pb reactions at 40 and 158 AGeV, as well as of K+K+ and K-K- pairs in central Pb+Pb collisions at 158 AGeV are shown. Additionally, other types of two particle correlations, namely pi p, Lambda p, and Lambda Lambda correlations, have been measured by the NA49 experiment. Finally, results on the energy and system size dependence of deuteron coalescence are discussed.
Rapidity distributions for Lambda and anti-Lambda hyperons in central Pb-Pb collisions at 40, 80 and 158 AGeV and for K 0 s mesons at 158 AGeV are presented. The lambda multiplicities are studied as a function of collision energy together with AGS and RHIC measurements and compared to model predictions. A different energy dependence of the Lambda/pi and anti-Lambda/pi is observed. The anti-Lambda/Lambda ratio shows a steep increase with collision energy. Evidence for a anti-Lambda/anti-p ratio greater than 1 is found at 40 AGeV.
The energy dependence of hadron production in central Pb+Pb collisions is presented and discussed. In particular, midrapidity m_T-spectra for pi-, K-, K+, p, bar p, d, phi, Lambda and bar Lambda at 40, 80 and 158 AGeV are shown. In addition Xi and Omega spectra are available at 158 AGeV. The spectra allow to determine the thermal freeze-out temperature T and the transverse flow velocity beta_T at the three energies. We do not observe a significant energy dependence of these parameters; furthermore there is no indication of early thermal freeze-out of Xi and Omega at 158 AGeV. Rapidity spectra for pi-, K-, K+ and phi at 40, 80 and 158 AGeV are shown, as well as first results on Omega rapidity distributions at 158 AGeV. The chemical freeze-out parameters T and mu_B at the three energies are determined from the total yields. The parameters are close to the expected phase boundary in the SPS energy range and above. Using the total yields of kaons and lambdas, the energy dependence of the strangeness to pion ratio is discussed. A maximum in this ratio is found at 40 AGeV. This maximum could indicate the formation of deconfined matter at energies above 40 AGeV. A search for open charm in a large sample of 158 AGeV events is presented. No signal is observed. This result is compared to several model predictions.
During SPURT (Spurenstofftransport in der Tropopausenregion, trace gas transport in the tropopause region) we performed measurements of a wide range of trace gases with different lifetimes and sink/source characteristics in the northern hemispheric upper troposphere (UT) and lowermost stratosphere (LMS). A large number of in-situ instruments were deployed on board a Learjet 35A, flying at altitudes up to 13.7 km, at times reaching to nearly 380 K potential temperature. Eight measurement campaigns (consisting of a total of 36 flights), distributed over all seasons and typically covering latitudes between 35° N and 75° N in the European longitude sector (10° W–20° E), were performed. Here we present an overview of the project, describing the instrumentation, the encountered meteorological situations during the campaigns and the data set available from SPURT. Measurements were obtained for N2O, CH4, CO, CO2, CFC12, H2, SF6, NO, NOy, O3 and H2O. We illustrate the strength of this new data set by showing mean distributions of the mixing ratios of selected trace gases, using a potential temperature – equivalent latitude coordinate system. The observations reveal that the LMS is most stratospheric in character during spring, with the highest mixing ratios of O3 and NOy and the lowest mixing ratios of N2O and SF6. The lowest mixing ratios of NOy and O3 are observed during autumn, together with the highest mixing ratios of N2O and SF6 indicating a strong tropospheric influence. For H2O, however, the maximum concentrations in the LMS are found during summer, suggesting unique (temperature- and convection-controlled) conditions for this molecule during transport across the tropopause. The SPURT data set is presently the most accurate and complete data set for many trace species in the LMS, and its main value is the simultaneous measurement of a suite of trace gases having different lifetimes and physical-chemical histories. It is thus very well suited for studies of atmospheric transport, for model validation, and for investigations of seasonal changes in the UT/LMS, as demonstrated in accompanying and elsewhere published studies.
During SPURT (Spurenstofftransport in der Tropopausenregion, trace gas transport in the tropopause region) we performed measurements of a wide range of trace gases with different lifetimes and sink/source characteristics in the northern hemispheric upper troposphere (UT) and lowermost stratosphere (LMS). A large number of in-situ instruments were deployed on board a Learjet 35A, flying at altitudes up to 13.7 km, at times reaching to nearly 380 K potential temperature. Eight measurement campaigns (consisting of a total of 36 flights), distributed over all seasons and typically covering latitudes between 35° N and 75° N in the European longitude sector (10° W–20° E), were performed. Here we present an overview of the project, describing the instrumentation, the encountered meteorological situations during the campaigns and the data set available from SPURT. Measurements were obtained for N2O, CH4, CO, CO2, CFC12, H2, SF6, NO, NOy, O3 and H2O. We illustrate the strength of this new data set by showing mean distributions of the mixing ratios of selected trace gases, using a potential temperature – equivalent latitude coordinate system. The observations reveal that the LMS is most stratospheric in character during spring, with the highest mixing ratios of O3 and NOy and the lowest mixing ratios of N2O and SF6. The lowest mixing ratios of NOy and O3 are observed during autumn, together with the highest mixing ratios of N2O and SF6 indicating a strong tropospheric influence. For H2O, however, the maximum concentrations in the LMS are found during summer, suggesting unique (temperature- and convection-controlled) conditions for this molecule during transport across the tropopause. The SPURT data set is presently the most accurate and complete data set for many trace species in the LMS, and its main value is the simultaneous measurement of a suite of trace gases having different lifetimes and physical-chemical histories. It is thus very well suited for studies of atmospheric transport, for model validation, and for investigations of seasonal changes in the UT/LMS, as demonstrated in accompanying and elsewhere published studies.
Men and women differ substantially regarding height, weight, and body fat. Interestingly, previous work detecting genetic effects for waist-to-hip ratio, to assess body fat distribution, has found that many of these showed sex-differences. However, systematic searches for sex-differences in genetic effects have not yet been conducted. Therefore, we undertook a genome-wide search for sexually dimorphic genetic effects for anthropometric traits including 133,723 individuals in a large meta-analysis and followed promising variants in further 137,052 individuals, including a total of 94 studies. We identified seven loci with significant sex-difference including four previously established (near GRB14/COBLL1, LYPLAL1/SLC30A10, VEGFA, ADAMTS9) and three novel anthropometric trait loci (near MAP3K1, HSD17B4, PPARG), all of which were significant in women, but not in men. Of interest is that sex-difference was only observed for waist phenotypes, but not for height or body-mass-index. We found no evidence for sex-differences with opposite effect direction for men and women. The PPARG locus is of specific interest due to its link to diabetes genetics and therapy. Our findings demonstrate the importance of investigating sex differences, which may lead to a better understanding of disease mechanisms with a potential relevance to treatment options.
Experiment NA49 at the Cern SPS uses a large acceptance detector for a systematic study of particle yields and correlations in nucleus-nucleus, nucleon-nucleus and nucleon-nucleon collisions. Preliminary results for Pb+Pb collisions at 40, 80 and 158 A*GeV beam energy are shown and compared to measurements at lower and higher energies.
Background: Although anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear-prevention programs may be effective in the (secondary) prevention of a subsequent ACL injury, little is known, yet, on their effectiveness and feasibility. This study assesses the effects and implementation capacity of a secondary preventive motor-control training (the Stop-X program) after ACL reconstruction.
Methods and design: A multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled, prospective, superiority, two-arm design is adopted. Subsequent patients (18–35 years) with primary arthroscopic unilateral ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring graft are enrolled. Postoperative guideline rehabilitation plus Classic follow-up treatment and guideline rehabilitation plus the Stop-X intervention will be compared. The onset of the Stop-X program as part of the postoperative follow-up treatment is individualized and function based. The participants must be released for the training components. The endpoint is the unrestricted return to sport (RTS) decision. Before (where applicable) reconstruction and after the clearance for the intervention (aimed at 4–8 months post surgery) until the unrestricted RTS decision (but at least until 12 months post surgery), all outcomes will be assessed once a month. Each participant is consequently measured at least five times to a maximum of 12 times. Twelve, 18 and 24 months after the surgery, follow-up-measurements and recurrence monitoring will follow. The primary outcome assessement (normalized knee-separation distance at the Drop Jump Screening Test (DJST)) is followed by the functional secondary outcomes assessements. The latter consist of quality assessments during simple (combined) balance side, balance front and single-leg hops for distance. All hop/jump tests are self-administered and filmed from the frontal view (3-m distance). All videos are transferred using safe big content transfer and subsequently (and blinded) expertly video-rated. Secondary outcomes are questionnaires on patient-reported knee function, kinesiophobia, RTS after ACL injury and training/therapy volume (frequency – intensity – type and time). All questionnaires are completed online using the participants’ pseudonym only.
Group allocation is executed randomly. The training intervention (Stop-X arm) consists of self-administered home-based exercises. The exercises are step-wise graduated and follow wound healing and functional restoration criteria. The training frequency for both arms is scheduled to be three times per week, each time for a 30 min duration. The program follows current (secondary) prevention guidelines.
Repeated measurements gain-score analyses using analyses of (co-)variance are performed for all outcomes.
Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register, identification number DRKS00015313. Registered on 1 October 2018.
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency, which is diagnosed in most patients between one and three years of age. Here we report on a boy who presented at birth with extensive skin lesions and lymphadenopathy which were caused by CGD. An analysis of the literature revealed 24 patients with CGD who became symptomatic during the first six weeks of life. Although pulmonary complications and skin lesions due to infection were the leading symptoms, clinical features were extremely heterogenous. As follow-up was not well specified in most patients, the long-term prognosis of children with very early onset of CGD remains unknown.
Global distributions of profiles of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) have been retrieved from limb emission spectra recorded by the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) on Envisat covering the period September 2002 to March 2004. Individual SF6 profiles have a precision of 0.5 pptv below 25 km altitude and a vertical resolution of 4–6 km up to 35 km altitude. These data have been validated versus in situ observations obtained during balloon flights of a cryogenic whole-air sampler. For the tropical troposphere a trend of 0.230±0.008 pptv/yr has been derived from the MIPAS data, which is in excellent agreement with the trend from ground-based flask and in situ measurements from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Earth System Research Laboratory, Global Monitoring Division. For the data set currently available, based on at least three days of data per month, monthly 5° latitude mean values have a 1 o standard error of 1%. From the global SF6 distributions, global daily and monthly distributions of the apparent mean age of air are inferred by application of the tropical tropospheric trend derived from MIPAS data. The inferred mean ages are provided for the full globe up to 90° N/S, and have a 1 o standard error of 0.25 yr. They range between 0 (near the tropical tropopause) and 7 years (except for situations of mesospheric intrusions) and agree well with earlier observations. The seasonal variation of the mean age of stratospheric air indicates episodes of severe intrusion of mesospheric air during each Northern and Southern polar winter observed, long-lasting remnants of old, subsided polar winter air over the spring and summer poles, and a rather short period of mixing with midlatitude air and/or upward transport during fall in October/November (NH) and April/May (SH), respectively, with small latitudinal gradients, immediately before the new polar vortex starts to form. The mean age distributions further confirm that SF6 is destroyed in the mesosphere to a considerable degree. Model calculations with the Karlsruhe simulation model of the middle atmosphere (KASIMA) chemical transport model agree well with observed global distributions of the mean age only if the SF6 sink reactions in the mesosphere are included in the model.
Background: Bidirectional promoters (BPs) are prevalent in eukaryotic genomes. However, it is poorly understood how the cell integrates different epigenomic information, such as transcription factor (TF) binding and chromatin marks, to drive gene expression at BPs. Single-cell sequencing technologies are revolutionizing the field of genome biology. Therefore, this study focuses on the integration of single-cell RNA-seq data with bulk ChIP-seq and other epigenetics data, for which single-cell technologies are not yet established, in the context of BPs.
Results: We performed integrative analyses of novel human single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data with bulk ChIP-seq and other epigenetics data. scRNA-seq data revealed distinct transcription states of BPs that were previously not recognized. We find associations between these transcription states to distinct patterns in structural gene features, DNA accessibility, histone modification, DNA methylation and TF binding profiles.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that a complex interplay of all of these elements is required to achieve BP-specific transcriptional output in this specialized promoter configuration. Further, our study implies that novel statistical methods can be developed to deconvolute masked subpopulations of cells measured with different bulk epigenomic assays using scRNA-seq data.
Knowledge about the biogeographic affinities of the world’s tropical forests helps to better understand regional differences in forest structure, diversity, composition, and dynamics. Such understanding will enable anticipation of region-specific responses to global environmental change. Modern phylogenies, in combination with broad coverage of species inventory data, now allow for global biogeographic analyses that take species evolutionary distance into account. Here we present a classification of the world’s tropical forests based on their phylogenetic similarity. We identify five principal floristic regions and their floristic relationships: (i) Indo-Pacific, (ii) Subtropical, (iii) African, (iv) American, and (v) Dry forests. Our results do not support the traditional neo- versus paleotropical forest division but instead separate the combined American and African forests from their Indo-Pacific counterparts. We also find indications for the existence of a global dry forest region, with representatives in America, Africa, Madagascar, and India. Additionally, a northern-hemisphere Subtropical forest region was identified with representatives in Asia and America, providing support for a link between Asian and American northern-hemisphere forests.
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly heritable neuropsychiatric disease characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. BD shows substantial clinical and genetic overlap with other psychiatric disorders, in particular schizophrenia (SCZ). The genes underlying this etiological overlap remain largely unknown. A recent SCZ genome wide association study (GWAS) by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium identified 128 independent genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The present study investigated whether these SCZ-associated SNPs also contribute to BD development through the performance of association testing in a large BD GWAS dataset (9747 patients, 14278 controls). After re-imputation and correction for sample overlap, 22 of 107 investigated SCZ SNPs showed nominal association with BD. The number of shared SCZ-BD SNPs was significantly higher than expected (p = 1.46x10-8). This provides further evidence that SCZ-associated loci contribute to the development of BD. Two SNPs remained significant after Bonferroni correction. The most strongly associated SNP was located near TRANK1, which is a reported genome-wide significant risk gene for BD. Pathway analyses for all shared SCZ-BD SNPs revealed 25 nominally enriched gene-sets, which showed partial overlap in terms of the underlying genes. The enriched gene-sets included calcium- and glutamate signaling, neuropathic pain signaling in dorsal horn neurons, and calmodulin binding. The present data provide further insights into shared risk loci and disease-associated pathways for BD and SCZ. This may suggest new research directions for the treatment and prevention of these two major psychiatric disorders.
New results from the energy scan programme of NA49, in particular kaon production at 30 AGeV and phi production at 40 and 80 AGeV are presented. The K+/pi+ ratio shows a pronounced maximum at 30 AGeV; the kaon slope parameters are constant at SPS energies. Both findings support the scenario of a phase transition at about 30 AGeV beam energy. The phi/pi ratio increases smoothly with beam energy, showing an energy dependence similar to K-/pi-. The measured particle yields can be reproduced by a hadron gas model, with chemical freeze-out parameters on a smooth curve in the T-muB plane. The transverse spectra can be understood as resulting from a rapidly expanding, locally equilibrated source. No evidence for an earlier kinetic decoupling of heavy hyperons is found.
Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Wasserinsektenfauna Nordwest-Hessens : 1. Köcherfliegen (Trichoptera)
(1992)
The current study tested the assumption that floristic and functional diversity patterns are negatively related to soil nitrogen content. We analyzed 20 plots with soil N-contents ranging from 0.63% to 1.06% in a deciduous forest near Munich (Germany). To describe species adaptation strategies to different nitrogen availabilities, we used a plant functional type (PFT) approach. Each identified PFT represents one realized adaptation strategy to the current environment. These were correlated, next to plant species richness and evenness, to soil nitrogen contents. We found that N-efficient species were typical for low soil nitrogen contents, while N-requiring species occur at high N-contents. In contrast to our initial hypotheses, floristic and functional diversity measures (number of PFTs) were positively related to nitrogen content in the soil. Every functional group has its own adaptation to the prevailing environmental conditions; in consequence, these functional groups can co-exist but do not out-compete one another. The increased number of functional groups at high N-contents leads to increased species richness. Hence, for explaining diversity patterns we need to consider species groups representing different adaptations to the current environmental conditions. Such co-existing ecological strategies may even overcome the importance of competition in their effect on biodiversity.
Background: To identify variables predicting outcome in neuroblastoma patients assigned to the high-risk group solely by the presence of MYCN oncogene amplification (MNA). Methods: Clinical characteristics, genomic information, and outcome of 190 patients solely assigned to high-risk neuroblastoma by MNA were analyzed and compared to 205 patients with stage 4 neuroblastoma aged ≥18 months with MNA (control group). Results: Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) at 10 years were 47% (95%-CI 39–54%) and 56% (95%-CI 49–63%), respectively, which was significantly better than EFS and OS of the control group (EFS 25%, 95%-CI 18–31%, p < 0.001; OS 32% 95%-CI 25–39%, p < 0.001). The presence of RAS-/p53-pathway gene alterations was associated with impaired 10-year EFS and OS (19% vs. 55%, and 19% vs. 67%, respectively; both p < 0.001). In time-dependent multivariable analyses, alterations of RAS-/p53-pathway genes and the extent of the best primary tumor resection were the only independent prognostic variables for OS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions: Neuroblastoma patients attributed to high risk solely by MYCN amplification have generally a more favorable outcome. Mutations of genes of the RAS and/or p53 pathways and incomplete resection are the main risk factors predicting poor outcome.
Intensive land use is a driving force for biodiversity decline in many ecosystems. In semi-natural grasslands, land-use activities such as mowing, grazing and fertilization affect the diversity of plants and arthropods, but the combined effects of different drivers and the chain of effects are largely unknown. In this study we used structural equation modelling to analyse how the arthropod communities in managed grasslands respond to land use and whether these responses are mediated through changes in resource diversity or resource quantity (biomass). Plants were considered resources for herbivores which themselves were considered resources for predators. Plant and arthropod (herbivores and predators) communities were sampled on 141 meadows, pastures and mown pastures within three regions in Germany in 2008 and 2009. Increasing land-use intensity generally increased plant biomass and decreased plant diversity, mainly through increasing fertilization. Herbivore diversity decreased together with plant diversity but showed no response to changes in plant biomass. Hence, land-use effects on herbivore diversity were mediated through resource diversity rather than quantity. Land-use effects on predator diversity were mediated by both herbivore diversity (resource diversity) and herbivore quantity (herbivore biomass), but indirect effects through resource quantity were stronger. Our findings highlight the importance of assessing both direct and indirect effects of land-use intensity and mode on different trophic levels. In addition to the overall effects, there were subtle differences between the different regions, pointing to the importance of regional land-use specificities. Our study underlines the commonly observed strong effect of grassland land use on biodiversity. It also highlights that mechanistic approaches help us to understand how different land-use modes affect biodiversity.
The level of capital tax gains has high explanatory power regarding the question of what drives economic inequality. On this basis, the authors develop a simple, yet micro-founded portfolio selection model to explain the dynamics of wealth inequality given empirical tax series in the US. The results emphasize that the level and the transition of speed of wealth inequality depend crucially on the degree of capital taxation. The projections predict that – continuing on the present path of capital taxation in the US – the gap between rich and poor is expected to shrink whereas “massive” tax cuts will further increase the degree of wealth concentration.
Purpose: To determine the value of the 2D multiple-echo data image combination (MEDIC) sequence relative to the short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence regarding the depiction of chondral lesions in the patellofemoral joint.
Materials and methods: During a period of 6 month patients with acute pain at the anterior aspect of the knee, joint effusion and suspected chondral lesion defect in the patellofemoral joint underwent MRI including axial MEDIC and STIR imaging. Patients with chondral lesions in the patellofemoral joint on at least one sequence were included. The MEDIC and STIR sequence were quantitatively compared regarding the patella cartilage-to-effusion contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and qualitatively regarding the depiction of chondral lesions independently scored by two radiologists on a 3-point scale (1 = not depicted; 2 = blurred depicted; 3 = clearly depicted) using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-Test. For the analysis of inter-observer agreement the Cohen's Weighted Kappa test was used.
Results: 30 of 58 patients (male: female, 21:9; age: 44 ± 12 yrs) revealed cartilage lesions (fissures, n = 5 including fibrillation; gaps, n = 15; delamination, n = 7; osteoarthritis, n = 3) and were included in this study. The STIR-sequence was significantly (p < 0.001) superior to the MEDIC-sequence regarding both, the patella cartilage-to-effusion CNR (mean CNR: 232 ± 61 vs. 40 ± 16) as well as the depiction of chondral lesion (mean score: 2.83 ± 0.4 vs. 1.75 ± 0.7) with substantial inter-observer agreement in the rating of both sequences (κ = 0.76–0.89).
Conclusion: For the depiction of chondral lesions in the patellofemoral joint, the axial STIR-sequence should be chosen in preference to the axial MEDIC-sequence.
Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are causally linked with metabolic comorbidities such as insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and dyslipidemia. However, the clinical impact of HCV eradication achieved by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on glucose and lipid homeostasis is still controversial. The study aimed to prospectively investigate whether antiviral therapy of HCV with DAAs alters glucose and lipid parameters. Methods: 50 patients with chronic HCV who were treated with DAAs were screened, and 49 were enrolled in the study. Biochemical and virological data, as well as noninvasive liver fibrosis parameters, were prospectively collected at baseline, at the end of treatment (EOT) and 12 and 24 weeks post-treatment. Results: 45 of 46 patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). The prevalence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) after HCV clearance was significantly lower, compared to baseline (5.3 ± 6.1 to 2.5 ± 1.9, p < 0.001), which is primarily attributable to a significant decrease of fasting insulin levels (18.9 ± 17.3 to 11.7 ± 8.7; p = 0.002). In contrast to that, HCV eradication resulted in a significant increase in cholesterol levels (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels) and Controlled Attenuated Score (CAP), although BMI did not significantly change over time (p = 0.95). Moreover, HOMA-IR correlated significantly with noninvasive liver fibrosis measurements at baseline und during follow-up (TE: r = 0.45; p = 0.003, pSWE: r = 0.35; p = 0.02, APRI: r = 0.44; p = 0.003, FIB-4: r = 0.41; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Viral eradication following DAA therapy may have beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, whereas lipid profile seems to be worsened.
In non-hadronic axion models, which have a tree-level axion-electron interaction, the Sun produces a strong axion flux by bremsstrahlung, Compton scattering, and axiorecombination, the "BCA processes." Based on a new calculation of this flux, including for the first time axio-recombination, we derive limits on the axion-electron Yukawa coupling gae and axion-photon interaction strength ga using the CAST phase-I data (vacuum phase). For ma <~ 10 meV/c2 we find ga gae < 8.1 × 10−23 GeV−1 at 95% CL. We stress that a next-generation axion helioscope such as the proposed IAXO could push this sensitivity into a range beyond stellar energy-loss limits and test the hypothesis that white-dwarf cooling is dominated by axion emission.
Ein im Jahr 2012 in Bayern verabschiedetes Naturwaldreservats-Forschungskonzept weist 26 der insgesamt 159 Reservate als Schwerpunktreservate für die künftige Dauerbeobachtung aus. 2013 wurden in vier der 26 Schwerpunktreservate erste Dauerbeobachtungsflächen eingerichtet. Alle Probeflächen liegen innerhalb von 1 ha großen Repräsentationsflächen der Schwerpunktreservate und umfassen jeweils 6 Probekreise mit einem Radius von 10 m (314 m2). Der Kreismittelpunkt wurde fest vermarkt; auf jedem der Probekreise wurde eine pflanzensoziologische Aufnahme nach Braun-Blanquet (1964) angefertigt.
Das Konzept des geplanten Langzeit-Monitorings der Waldbestände wird vorgestellt, Auswertungswege werden skizziert und an Hand der ersten in 2013 erhobenen Daten erläutert. Da die erhobenen Daten räumlich stark autokorreliert sind, wurden sie in einen für die Waldfläche Bayerns repräsentativen Referenzdatensatz eingehängt. Dieser besteht aus von Ewald (2009) für die pnV-Einstufung an 313 Probepunkten der nationalen Bodenzustandserhebung (BZE II) im 8 x 8 km Grundraster definierten Partneraufnahmen in den jeweils nächstgelegenen Naturwaldreservaten. Mittels Entzerrter Korrespondenzanalyse (DCA) wurden Aufnahme-Verteilungsmuster ermittelt. Der Referenzdatensatz ermöglichte eine objektive Waldgesellschafts-Zuordnung jeder Vegetationsaufnahme, indem die größte floristische Übereinstimmung zu einer Referenzaufnahme errechnet wurde. Die weitere Charakterisierung erfolgte anschließend über pflanzensoziologische Tabellenarbeit.
Die in je zwei Naturwaldreservaten im Hügelland Nord- und Südbayerns neu erhobenen Daten beinhalten Buchenwälder auf Kalk (Hordelymo-Fagetum) und Silikatstandorten (Galio- und Luzulo-Fagetum), Hangmischwälder (Adoxo-Aceretum) und Auwälder (Pruno-Fraxinetum, Querco-Ulmetum). Der vorherrschende Nährstoff- und Basengradient entspricht dem floristischen Hauptgefälle im gesamtbayerischen Referenzdatensatz. Ebenso wurde ein Gefälle von Wärmezeigern auf der 2. Achse in beiden Datensätzen (Referenzdatensatz und neu erhobene Daten) abgebildet. Im Falle der neu erhobenen Daten erscheint das Temperaturgefälle allerdings als Pseudo-Effekt, der durch Nadelholzanbau (mit-)verursacht ist. Die Möglichkeiten der Datenauswertung werden in den nächsten zwei Jahrzehnten sukzessive ansteigen. In dem bis 2022 vollständig erstinventarisierten Gesamtset der 26 Schwerpunkt-reservate wird künftig die Beobachtung der Dynamik innerhalb der Buchenwälder ebenso möglich sein wie im Randbereich sowie jenseits der Höhen-, Trocken- oder Nässegrenze der Buche.
Alcoholism is one of the leading and increasingly prevalent reasons of liver associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) constitutes a severe disease with currently no satisfying treatment options. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15)-dependent lipid mediator involved in resolution of inflammation, showed promising pre-clinical results in the therapy of several inflammatory diseases. Since inflammation is a main driver of disease progression in alcoholic hepatitis, we investigated the impact of endogenous ALOX15-dependent lipid mediators and exogenously applied LXA4 on AH development. A mouse model for alcoholic steatohepatitis (NIAAA model) was tested in Alox12/15+/+ and Alox12/15−/− mice, with or without supplementation of LXA4. Absence of Alox12/15 aggravated parameters of liver disease, increased hepatic immune cell infiltration in AH, and elevated systemic neutrophils as a marker for systemic inflammation. Interestingly, i.p. injections of LXA4 significantly lowered transaminase levels only in Alox12/15−/− mice and reduced hepatic immune cell infiltration as well as systemic inflammatory cytokine expression in both genotypes, even though steatosis progressed. Thus, while LXA4 injection attenuated selected parameters of disease progression in Alox12/15−/− mice, its beneficial impact on immunity was also apparent in Alox12/15+/+ mice. In conclusion, pro-resolving lipid mediators may be beneficial to reduce inflammation in alcoholic hepatitis.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to cardiac (patho)physiology. Aging is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease with cardiomyocyte apoptosis as one underlying cause. Here, we report the identification of the aging-regulated lncRNA Sarrah (ENSMUST00000140003) that is anti-apoptotic in cardiomyocytes. Importantly, loss of SARRAH (OXCT1-AS1) in human engineered heart tissue results in impaired contractile force development. SARRAH directly binds to the promoters of genes downregulated after SARRAH silencing via RNA-DNA triple helix formation and cardiomyocytes lacking the triple helix forming domain of Sarrah show an increase in apoptosis. One of the direct SARRAH targets is NRF2, and restoration of NRF2 levels after SARRAH silencing partially rescues the reduction in cell viability. Overexpression of Sarrah in mice shows better recovery of cardiac contractile function after AMI compared to control mice. In summary, we identified the anti-apoptotic evolutionary conserved lncRNA Sarrah, which is downregulated by aging, as a regulator of cardiomyocyte survival.
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common cancer of connective tissues in pediatrics, is often resistant to conventional therapies. One underlying mechanism of this resistance is the overexpression of Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) proteins, leading to a dysfunctional cell death program within tumor cells. Smac mimetics (SM) are small molecules that can reactivate the cell death program by antagonizing IAP proteins and thereby compensating their overexpression. Here, we report that SM sensitize two RMS cell lines (RD and RH30) toward natural killer (NK) cell-mediated killing on the one hand, and increase the cytotoxic potential of NK cells on the other. The SM-induced sensitization of RH30 cells toward NK cell-mediated killing is significantly reduced through blocking tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) on NK cells prior to coculture. In addition, the presence of zVAD.fmk, a pancaspase inhibitor, rescues tumor cells from the increase in killing, indicating an apoptosis-dependent cell death. On the NK cell side, the presence of SM in addition to IL-2 during the ex vivo expansion leads to an increase in their cytotoxic activity against RH30 cells. This effect is mainly TNFα-dependent and partially mediated by NK cell activation, which is associated with transcriptional upregulation of NF-κB target genes such as IκBα and RelB. Taken together, our findings implicate that SM represent a novel double-hit strategy, sensitizing tumor and activating NK cells with one single drug.
Objectives: A conometric concept was recently introduced in which conical implant abutments hold the matching crown copings by friction alone, eliminating the need for cement or screws. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the presence of microgap formation and bacterial leakage at the Acuris conometric restorative interface of three different implant abutment systems. Material and methods: A total of 75 Acuris samples of three implant-abutment systems (Ankylos, Astra Tech EV, Xive) were subjected to microbiological (n = 60) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) investigation (n = 15). Bacterial migration into and out of the conical coupling system were analyzed in an anaerobic workstation for 48, 96, 144, and 192 h. Bacterial DNA quantification using qrt-PCR was performed at each time point. The precision of the conometric coupling and internal fit of cemented CAD/CAM crowns on corresponding Acuris TiN copings were determined by means of SEM. Results: qrt-PCR results failed to demonstrate microbial leakage from or into the Acuris system. SEM analysis revealed minute punctate microgaps at the apical aspect of the conometric junction (2.04 to 2.64 µm), while mean cement gaps of 12 to 145 µm were observed at the crown-coping interface. Conclusions: The prosthetic morse taper connection of all systems examined does not allow bacterial passage. Marginal integrity and internal luting gap between the ceramic crown and the coping remained within the clinically acceptable limits. Clinical relevance: Conometrically seated single crowns provide sufficient sealing efficiency, relocating potential misfits from the crown-abutment interface to the crown-coping interface.
This report provides a brief review of the 20th annual meeting of the German Language Branch of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC GLB) held from September 7th to 10th 2015 at ETH (Swiss Technical University) in Zurich, Switzerland. The event was chaired by Inge Werner, Director of the Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology (Ecotox Centre) Eawag-EPFL, and organized by a team from Ecotox Centre, Eawag, Federal Office of the Environment, Federal Office of Agriculture, and Mesocosm GmbH (Germany). Over 200 delegates from academia, public agencies and private industry of Germany, Switzerland and Austria attended and discussed the current state of science and its application presented in 75 talks and 83 posters. In addition, three invited keynote speakers provided new insights into scientific knowledge ‘brokering’, and—as it was the International Year of Soil—the important role of healthy soil ecosystems. Awards were presented to young scientists for best oral and poster presentations, and for best 2014 master and doctoral theses. Program and abstracts of the meeting (mostly in German) are provided as Additional file 1.
Background: According to current taxonomy only three out of 27 Sinohimalayan leaf warbler species (Phylloscopidae) are considered genetically uniform across their entire breeding range along the Southeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the Buff-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus pulcher) being one of them. Because marked differentiation among Himalayan and Chinese populations has been recently demonstrated for a number of Phylloscopus species (or sister species) we investigated the intraspecific variation of a mitochondrial gene, songs and morphology of P. pulcher in a phylogeographic approach.
Methods: We sequenced a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b, reconstructed haplotype networks and analyzed DNA polymorphism among Himalayan and Chinese populations. We measured time and frequency parameters of two distinct song types and analyzed among population-differentiation in a principal component analysis and a discriminant analysis. We also compared measurements of body size dimensions taken from museum specimens.
Results: The mitochondrial haplotype network (cytb) was divided into two distinct clusters corresponding to geographic origin of samples. Pairwise genetic distances among Himalayan and Chinese mtDNA lineages account for 1.3% which coincides with Pleistocene lineage separation at roughly 650,000 years ago. Genetic diversity is slightly higher in the Chinese part of the species’ range with respect to haplotype and nucleotide diversity while the less diversified Himalayan population lineage shows signs of recent range expansion. The vocal repertoire of P. pulcher comprises two distinct verse types that are combined with short interspersed click notes to long continuous song displays. Trill verse types showed significant differences among regions in almost all measured frequency and time parameters: Chinese males displayed more rapid and more broad-banded trills at a lower pitch. In contrast, warbling verse types showed a distinctively different structure among regions: Himalayan songs consisted of repeated syllables while Chinese songs comprised repetitions of single, long and strongly modulated elements. Subtle morphological differences among specimens from the two study regions could only be confirmed for plumage coloration but not for metric characters.
Conclusions: Based on the genetic and bioacoustic distinctiveness of Chinese Buff-barred Warbler populations, we recommend that the name Phylloscopus pulcher vegetus Bangs, 1913 should be re-validated for this taxon.
Songs in passerine birds are important for territory defense and mating. Speciation rates in oscine passerines are so high, due to cultural evolution, that this bird lineage makes up half of the extant bird species. Leaf warblers are a speciose Old-World passerine family of limited morphological differentiation, so that songs are even more important for species delimitation. We took 16 sonographic traits from song recordings of 80 leaf warbler taxa and correlated them with 15 potentially explanatory variables, pairwise, and in linear models. Based on a well-resolved molecular phylogeny of the same taxa, all pairwise correlations were corrected for relatedness with phylogenetically independent contrasts and phylogenetic generalized linear models were used. We found a phylogenetic signal for most song traits, but a strong one only for the duration of the longest and of the shortest element, which are presumably inherited instead of learned. Body size of a leaf warbler species is a constraint on song frequencies independent of phylogeny. At least in this study, habitat density had only marginal impact on song features, which even disappeared through phylogenetic correction. Maybe most leaf warblers avoid the deterioration through sound propagation in dense vegetation by singing from exposed perches. Latitudinal (and longitudinal) extension of the breeding ranges was correlated with most song features, especially verse duration (longer polewards and westwards) and complexity (lower polewards). Climate niche or expansion history might explain these correlations. The number of different element types per verse decreases with elevation, possibly due to fewer resources and congeneric species at higher elevations.
Stem cells are often referred to as potential candidates for the treatment of different pathologies. Their ability to differentiate into various tissue specific cell types offers the possibility to engineer cell systems or organs for replacement. One of the main questions in stem cell biology is how stemness properties are regulated and to what extend this regulation is intrinsic or conveyed by the direct microenvironment (‘niche’). In order to elucidate such regulatory processes, it is informative to analyze processes or molecules that are shared between different stem cell populations.
One such molecule that is expressed on a wide range of different embryonic and adult as well as tumor stem cells is the ABC transporter Abcg2. ABC transporters in general are transmembrane proteins that actively extrude endo- and exotoxins as well as xenobiotics, thereby protecting cells and organs. Additionally, ABC transporters are responsible for drug resistance in many cancers. A well-described characteristic of stem cells expressing Abcg2 is the formation of the ‘side population’ (SP) phenotype: An active Abcg2 transporter mediates the efflux of a particular fluorescent dye that is taken up by all cells, thus leading to a less brightly stained population. This phenomenon is widely used to characterize and isolate the most primitive stem cell subpopulation from embryonic and adult tissues, including tumors. Besides its role as toxin transporter little is known about the function of Abcg2 in stem cells. This is mainly due to the fact that its physiological substrate in stem cells remains unknown. The identification of such substrates is therefore of high interest because it would directly link the activity of ABC transporters to regulatory mechanisms in stem cell biology.
In the present study we wanted to test the hypothesis that the sphingolipid ceramide is a physiological substrate of the ABC transporter Abcg2. Sphingolipids are potent second messengers and are known to have regulatory functions in stem cells. In particular, the sphingolipid ceramide is described as a mediator of controlled cell death and inducer of differentiation. It is suggested that stem cells need to keep their intracellular ceramide content at low levels in order to prevent apoptosis or differentiation. We propose that Abcg2 and ceramide interact and that this interaction leads to changes in the absolute or relative amounts of ceramide. This in turn influences basic stem cell functions such as self renewal and differentiation.
We show that Abcg2 prevents cells from accumulating fluorescence labeled ceramide. Furthermore, exogenously applied ceramides inhibit the transport activity of Abcg2, measured by a decrease of the side population phenotype. This inhibitory effect is consistent with a competitive inhibition mechanism. Additionally, we show that active Abcg2 can increase the ceramide concentration in cell culture supernatant. Finally we demonstrate that Abcg2 protects from ceramide induced cytotoxicity in human cell lines. In summary, these in vitro results strongly suggest that Abcg2 has the ability to regulate ceramide levels.
Murine hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the best characterized adult stem cell system so far. By using 7-colour fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) we established the purification of the most primitive HSCs, reflected by their high engraftment capability when transplanted to lethally irradiated mice. By using this sorted cell populations it was in addition possible to establish a system to reproducibly manipulate HSCs ex vivo. This experimental system will serve in further elucidating the physiological consequences of Abcg2 mediated changes in ceramide levels on stem cells in vivo.
Taken together, this study shows that Abcg2 has the ability to regulate ceramide levels in cells. This in turn can lead to cellular protection from ceramide induced apoptosis. Additionally, the experimental techniques to further analyze the role of Abcg2 and ceramide in the most primitive hematopoietic stem cells were successfully established, enabling more detailed analysis in the future.
Die Arbeit befasst sich mit einer Vereinfachung des von Devroye (1999) geprägten Begriffs der random split trees und verallgemeinert diesen im Sinne von Janson (2019) auf unbeschränkten Verzweigungsgrad. Diese Verallgemeinerung deckt auch preferential attachment trees mit linearen Gewichten ab, wofür ein Beweis von Janson (2019) aufbereitet wird. Zusätzlich bleiben die von Devroye (1999) nachgewiesenen Eigenschaften über die Tiefe der hinzugefügten Knoten erhalten.
Two aircraft instruments for the measurement of total odd nitrogen (NOy) were compared side by side aboard a Learjet A35 in April 2003 during a campaign of the AFO2000 project SPURT (Spurengastransport in der Tropopausenregion). The instruments albeit employing the same measurement principle (gold converter and chemiluminescence) had different inlet configurations. The ECO-Physics instrument operated by ETH-Zürich in SPURT had the gold converter mounted outside the aircraft, whereas the instrument operated by FZ-Jülich in the European project MOZAIC III (Measurements of ozone, water vapour, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides aboard Airbus A340 in-service aircraft) employed a Rosemount probe with 80 cm of FEP-tubing connecting the inlet to the gold converter. The NOy concentrations during the flight ranged between 0.3 and 3 ppb. The two data sets were compared in a blind fashion and each team followed its normal operating procedures. On average, the measurements agreed within 7%, i.e. within the combined uncertainty of the two instruments. This puts an upper limit on potential losses of HNO3 in the Rosemount inlet of the MOZAIC instrument. Larger transient deviations were observed during periods after calibrations and when the aircraft entered the stratosphere. The time lag of the MOZAIC instrument observed in these instances is in accordance with the time constant of the MOZAIC inlet line determined in the laboratory for HNO3.
Two aircraft instruments for the measurement of total odd nitrogen (NOy) were compared side by side aboard a Learjet A35 in April 2003 during a campaign of the AFO2000 project SPURT (Spurengastransport in der Tropopausenregion). The instruments albeit employing the same measurement principle (gold converter and chemiluminescence) had different inlet configurations. The ECO-Physics instrument operated by ETH-Zürich in SPURT had the gold converter mounted outside the aircraft, whereas the instrument operated by FZ-Jülich in the European project MOZAIC III (Measurements of ozone, water vapour, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides aboard Airbus A340 in-service aircraft) employed a Rosemount probe with 80 cm of FEP-tubing connecting the inlet to the gold converter. The NOy concentrations during the flight ranged between 0.3 and 3 ppb. The two data sets were compared in a blind fashion and each team followed its normal operating procedures. On average, the measurements agreed within 6%, i.e. within the combined uncertainty of the two instruments. This puts an upper limit on potential losses of HNO3 in the Rosemount inlet of the MOZAIC instrument. Larger transient deviations were observed during periods after calibrations and when the aircraft entered the stratosphere. The time lag of the MOZAIC instrument observed in these instances is in accordance with the time constant of the MOZAIC inlet line determined in the laboratory for HNO3.
In der vorliegenden Studie wird die Gehölzentwicklung eines Eichen-Hainbuchenwald-Gebietes bei München während der letzten zwei Jahrzehnte untersucht. Eine Vorhersage der künftigen Gehölzartenzusammensetzung kann aus der Entwicklung der Verjüngung abgeleitet werden. Für die Zukunft wird ein Wechsel in der Baumartenzusammensetzung prognostiziert. So wird insbesondere der Berg-Ahorn an Bedeutung gewinnen, als Nebenbaumarten werden Esche, Ulme und Hainbuche vorhanden sein. Die für das Galio-Carpinetum charakteristische Stiel-Eiche kann sich nicht mehr erfolgreich verjüngen. Diese Arbeit gibt für den Münchener Großraum Hinweise, dass das Galio-Carpinetum seine Verbreitung der Nieder- bzw. Mittelwaldwirtschaft verdankt, also nicht in erster Linie Ausdruck der abiotischen Umweltbedingungen im Sinne des PNV-Konzepts ist. Eine syntaxonomische Neubeurteilung (insbesondere zur Abgrenzung vom Adoxo-Aceretum) dieser Pflanzengesellschaft scheint notwendig zu sein.
Introduction: Evidence from a number of open-label, uncontrolled studies has suggested that rituximab may benefit patients with autoimmune diseases who are refractory to standard-of-care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of rituximab in several standard-of-care-refractory autoimmune diseases (within rheumatology, nephrology, dermatology and neurology) other than rheumatoid arthritis or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a real-life clinical setting.
Methods: Patients who received rituximab having shown an inadequate response to standard-of-care had their safety and clinical outcomes data retrospectively analysed as part of the German Registry of Autoimmune Diseases. The main outcome measures were safety and clinical response, as judged at the discretion of the investigators.
Results: A total of 370 patients (299 patient-years) with various autoimmune diseases (23.0% with systemic lupus erythematosus, 15.7% antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated granulomatous vasculitides, 15.1% multiple sclerosis and 10.0% pemphigus) from 42 centres received a mean dose of 2,440 mg of rituximab over a median (range) of 194 (180 to 1,407) days. The overall rate of serious infections was 5.3 per 100 patient-years during rituximab therapy. Opportunistic infections were infrequent across the whole study population, and mostly occurred in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. There were 11 deaths (3.0% of patients) after rituximab treatment (mean 11.6 months after first infusion, range 0.8 to 31.3 months), with most of the deaths caused by infections. Overall (n = 293), 13.3% of patients showed no response, 45.1% showed a partial response and 41.6% showed a complete response. Responses were also reflected by reduced use of glucocorticoids and various immunosuppressives during rituximab therapy and follow-up compared with before rituximab. Rituximab generally had a positive effect on patient well-being (physician's visual analogue scale; mean improvement from baseline of 12.1 mm).
Conclusions: Data from this registry indicate that rituximab is a commonly employed, well-tolerated therapy with potential beneficial effects in standard of care-refractory autoimmune diseases, and support the results from other open-label, uncontrolled studies.
BACKGROUND: In the heart, cytoplasmic actin networks are thought to have important roles in mechanical support, myofibrillogenesis, and ion channel function. However, subcellular localization of cytoplasmic actin isoforms and proteins involved in the modulation of the cytoplasmic actin networks are elusive. Mena and VASP are important regulators of actin dynamics. Due to the lethal phenotype of mice with combined deficiency in Mena and VASP, however, distinct cardiac roles of the proteins remain speculative. In the present study, we analyzed the physiological functions of Mena and VASP in the heart and also investigated the role of the proteins in the organization of cytoplasmic actin networks.
RESULTS: We generated a mouse model, which simultaneously lacks Mena and VASP in the heart. Mena/VASP double-deficiency induced dilated cardiomyopathy and conduction abnormalities. In wild-type mice, Mena and VASP specifically interacted with a distinct αII-Spectrin splice variant (SH3i), which is in cardiomyocytes exclusively localized at Z- and intercalated discs. At Z- and intercalated discs, Mena and β-actin localized to the edges of the sarcomeres, where the thin filaments are anchored. In Mena/VASP double-deficient mice, β-actin networks were disrupted and the integrity of Z- and intercalated discs was markedly impaired.
CONCLUSIONS: Together, our data suggest that Mena, VASP, and αII-Spectrin assemble cardiac multi-protein complexes, which regulate cytoplasmic actin networks. Conversely, Mena/VASP deficiency results in disrupted β-actin assembly, Z- and intercalated disc malformation, and induces dilated cardiomyopathy and conduction abnormalities.
The transverse mass mt distributions for deuterons and protons are measured in Pb+Pb reactions near midrapidity and in the range 0<mt–m<1.0 (1.5) GeV/c2 for minimum bias collisions at 158A GeV and for central collisions at 40 and 80 A GeV beam energies. The rapidity density dn/dy, inverse slope parameter T and mean transverse mass <mt> derived from mt distributions as well as the coalescence parameter B2 are studied as a function of the incident energy and the collision centrality. The deuteron mt spectra are significantly harder than those of protons, especially in central collisions. The coalescence factor B2 shows three systematic trends. First, it decreases strongly with increasing centrality reflecting an enlargement of the deuteron coalescence volume in central Pb+Pb collisions. Second, it increases with mt. Finally, B2 shows an increase with decreasing incident beam energy even within the SPS energy range. The results are discussed and compared to the predictions of models that include the collective expansion of the source created in Pb+Pb collisions.
Aims: Patients with aortic stenosis (AS) may have concomitant heart failure (HF) that determines prognosis despite successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We compared outcomes of TAVI patients with low stroke volume index (SVI) ≤35 ml/m2 body surface area in different HF classes.
Methods and results: Patients treated by transfemoral TAVI at our center (n = 1822) were classified as 1) ‘HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF)’ (HFpEF, EF ≥50%), 2) ‘HF with mid-range EF’ (HFmrEF, EF 40–49%), or 3) ‘HF with reduced EF’ (HFrEF, EF <40%). Patients with SVI >35 ml/m2 served as controls. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and symptoms increased stepwise from controls (n = 968) to patients with HFpEF (n = 591), HFmrEF (n = 97), and HFrEF (n = 166). Mortality tended to be highest in HFrEF patients 30 days post-procedure, and it became significant after one year: 10.2% (controls), 13.5% (HFpEF), 13.4% (HFmrEF), and 23.5% (HFrEF). However, symptomatic improvement in survivors of all groups was achieved in the majority of patients without differences among groups.
Conclusions: Patients with AS and HF benefit from TAVI with respect to symptom alleviation. TAVI in patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF led to an identical, favorable post-procedural prognosis that was significantly better than that of patients with HFrEF, which remains a high-risk population.
Depletion of the enzyme cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), in T-cells was shown to prevent their proliferation upon receptor stimulation in models of allergic inflammation in mice, suggesting that BH4 drives autoimmunity. Hence, the clinically available BH4 drug (sapropterin) might increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. The present study assessed the implications for multiple sclerosis (MS) as an exemplary CNS autoimmune disease. Plasma levels of biopterin were persistently low in MS patients and tended to be lower with high Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Instead, the bypass product, neopterin, was increased. The deregulation suggested that BH4 replenishment might further drive the immune response or beneficially restore the BH4 balances. To answer this question, mice were treated with sapropterin in immunization-evoked autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis. Sapropterin-treated mice had higher EAE disease scores associated with higher numbers of T-cells infiltrating the spinal cord, but normal T-cell subpopulations in spleen and blood. Mechanistically, sapropterin treatment was associated with increased plasma levels of long-chain ceramides and low levels of the poly-unsaturated fatty acid, linolenic acid (FA18:3). These lipid changes are known to contribute to disruptions of the blood–brain barrier in EAE mice. Indeed, RNA data analyses revealed upregulations of genes involved in ceramide synthesis in brain endothelial cells of EAE mice (LASS6/CERS6, LASS3/CERS3, UGCG, ELOVL6, and ELOVL4). The results support the view that BH4 fortifies autoimmune CNS disease, mechanistically involving lipid deregulations that are known to contribute to the EAE pathology.
Recent studies suggest that synaptic lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) augment glutamate-dependent cortical excitability and sensory information processing in mice and humans via presynaptic LPAR2 activation. Here, we studied the consequences of LPAR2 deletion or antagonism on various aspects of cognition using a set of behavioral and electrophysiological analyses. Hippocampal neuronal network activity was decreased in middle-aged LPAR2−/− mice, whereas hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) was increased suggesting cognitive advantages of LPAR2−/− mice. In line with the lower excitability, RNAseq studies revealed reduced transcription of neuronal activity markers in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in naïve LPAR2−/− mice, including ARC, FOS, FOSB, NR4A, NPAS4 and EGR2. LPAR2−/− mice behaved similarly to wild-type controls in maze tests of spatial or social learning and memory but showed faster and accurate responses in a 5-choice serial reaction touchscreen task requiring high attention and fast spatial discrimination. In IntelliCage learning experiments, LPAR2−/− were less active during daytime but normally active at night, and showed higher accuracy and attention to LED cues during active times. Overall, they maintained equal or superior licking success with fewer trials. Pharmacological block of the LPAR2 receptor recapitulated the LPAR2−/− phenotype, which was characterized by economic corner usage, stronger daytime resting behavior and higher proportions of correct trials. We conclude that LPAR2 stabilizes neuronal network excitability upon aging and allows for more efficient use of resting periods, better memory consolidation and better performance in tasks requiring high selective attention. Therapeutic LPAR2 antagonism may alleviate aging-associated cognitive dysfunctions.
Species’ functional traits set the blueprint for pair-wise interactions in ecological networks. Yet, it is unknown to what extent the functional diversity of plant and animal communities controls network assembly along environmental gradients in real-world ecosystems. Here we address this question with a unique dataset of mutualistic bird–fruit, bird–flower and insect–flower interaction networks and associated functional traits of 200 plant and 282 animal species sampled along broad climate and land-use gradients on Mt. Kilimanjaro. We show that plant functional diversity is mainly limited by precipitation, while animal functional diversity is primarily limited by temperature. Furthermore, shifts in plant and animal functional diversity along the elevational gradient control the niche breadth and partitioning of the respective other trophic level. These findings reveal that climatic constraints on the functional diversity of either plants or animals determine the relative importance of bottom-up and top-down control in plant–animal interaction networks.
Background: Since sorafenib has shown activity in different tumour types and gemcitabine regimens improved the outcome for biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients, we evaluated first-line gemcitabine plus sorafenib in a double-blind phase II study.
Patients and methods: 102 unresectable or metastatic BTC patients with histologically proven adenocarcinoma of gallbladder or intrahepatic bile ducts, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0–2 were randomised to gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 once weekly, first 7-weeks + 1-week rest followed by once 3-weeks + 1-week rest) plus sorafenib (400 mg twice daily) or placebo. Treatment continued until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Tumour samples were prospectively stained for sorafenib targets and potential biomarkers. Serum samples (first two cycles) were measured for vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)α by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: Gemcitabine plus sorafenib was generally well tolerated. Four and three patients achieved partial responses in the sorafenib and placebo groups, respectively. There was no difference in the primary end-point, median progression-free survival (PFS) for gemcitabine plus sorafenib versus gemcitabine plus placebo (3.0 versus 4.9 months, P = 0.859), and no difference for median overall survival (OS) (8.4 versus 11.2 months, P = 0.775). Patients with liver metastasis after resection of primary BTC survived longer with sorafenib (P = 0.019) compared to placebo. Patients who developed hand-foot syndrome (HFS) showed longer PFS and OS than patients without HFS. Two sorafenib targets, VEGFR-2 and c-kit, were not expressed in BTC samples. VEGFR-3 and Hif1α were associated with lymph node metastases and T stage. Absence of PDGFRβ expression correlated with longer PFS.
Conclusion: The addition of sorafenib to gemcitabine did not demonstrate improved efficacy in advanced BTC patients. Biomarker subgroup analysis suggested that some patients might benefit from combined treatment.
The transcription factor ∆Np63 is a master regulator of epithelial cell identity and essential for the survival of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of lung, head and neck, oesophagus, cervix and skin. Here, we report that the deubiquitylase USP28 stabilizes ∆Np63 and maintains elevated ∆NP63 levels in SCC by counteracting its proteasome‐mediated degradation. Impaired USP28 activity, either genetically or pharmacologically, abrogates the transcriptional identity and suppresses growth and survival of human SCC cells. CRISPR/Cas9‐engineered in vivo mouse models establish that endogenous USP28 is strictly required for both induction and maintenance of lung SCC. Our data strongly suggest that targeting ∆Np63 abundance via inhibition of USP28 is a promising strategy for the treatment of SCC tumours.
Using 7.33 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226~GeV, we observe for the first time the decay D±s→ωπ±η with a statistical significance of 7.6σ. The measured branching fraction of this decay is (0.54±0.12±0.04)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.
Encouraging clinical results were reported on a novel cone-in-cone coupling for the fixation of dental implant-supported crowns (Acuris, Dentsply Sirona Implants, Mölndal, Sweden). However, the presence or absence of a microgap and a potential bacterial leakage at the conometric joint has not yet been investigated. A misfit and a resulting gap between the conometric components could potentially serve as a bacterial reservoir that promotes plaque formation, which in turn may lead to inflammation of the peri-implant tissues. Thus, a two-fold study set-up was designed in order to evaluate the bidirectional translocation of bacteria along conometrically seated single crowns. On conometric abutments filled with a culture suspension of anaerobic bacteria, the corresponding titanium nitride-coated (TiN) caps were fixed by friction. Each system was sterilized and immersed in culture medium to provide an optimal environment for microbial growth. Positive and negative controls were prepared. Specimens were stored in an anaerobic workstation, and total and viable bacterial counts were determined. Every 48 h, samples were taken from the reaction tubes to inoculate blood agar plates and to isolate bacterial DNA for quantification using qrt-PCR. In addition, one Acuris test system was subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the precision of fit of the conometric coupling and marginal crown opening. Throughout the observational period of one week, blood agar plates of the specimens showed no viable bacterial growth. qrt-PCR, likewise, yielded a result approaching zero with an amount of about 0.53 × 10−4 µg/mL DNA. While the luting gap/marginal opening between the TiN-cap and the ceramic crown was within the clinically acceptable range, the SEM analysis failed to identify a measurable microgap at the cone-in-cone junction. Within the limits of the in-vitro study it can be concluded that the Acuris conometric interface does not allow for bacterial translocation under non-dynamic loading conditions.
A non-monotonic energy dependence of the K + / pi + ratio with a sharp maximum close to 30 A GeV is observed in central Pb+Pb collisions. Within a statistical model of the early stage, this is interpreted as a sign of the phase transition to a QGP, which causes a sharp change in the energy dependence of the strangeness to entropy ratio. This observation naturally motivates us to study the production of multistrange hyperons (Xi, Omega) as a function of the beam energy. Furthermore it was suggested that the kinematic freeze-out of Omega takes place directly at QGP hadronization. If this is indeed the case, the transverse momentum spectra of the Omega directly reflect the transverse expansion velocity of a hadronizing QGP. In this report we show preliminary NA49 results on Omega - and Omega + production in central Pb+Pb collisions at 40 and 158 A GeV and compare them to measurements of Xi - and Xi + production in central Pb+Pb collisions at 30, 40, 80 and 158 A GeV.
We report the first measurements of the absolute branching fractions of D0 → K0 Lϕ, D0 → K0Lη, D0 → K0Lω, and D0 → K0Lη0, by analyzing 2.93 fb−1 of eþe− collision data taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector. Taking the world averages of the branching fractions of D0 → K0Sϕ, D0 → K0Sη, D0 → K0Sω, and D0 → K0Sη0, the K0S − K0L asymmetries RðD0; XÞ in these decay modes are obtained. The CP asymmetries in these decays are also determined. No significant CP violation is observed
We search for an axion-like particle (ALP) a through the process ψ(3686)→π+π−J/ψ, J/ψ→γa, a→γγ in a data sample of (2.71±0.01)×109 ψ(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector. No significant ALP signal is observed over the expected background, and the upper limits on the branching fraction of the decay J/ψ→γa and the ALP-photon coupling constant gaγγ are set at 95% confidence level in the mass range of 0.165≤ma≤2.84GeV/c2. The limits on B(J/ψ→γa) range from 8.3×10−8 to 1.8×10−6 over the search region, and the constraints on the ALP-photon coupling are the most stringent to date for 0.165≤ma≤1.468GeV/c2.
We search for an axion-like particle (ALP) a through the process ψ(3686)→π+π−J/ψ, J/ψ→γa, a→γγ in a data sample of (2.71±0.01)×109 ψ(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector. No significant ALP signal is observed over the expected background, and the upper limits on the branching fraction of the decay J/ψ→γa and the ALP-photon coupling constant gaγγ are set at 95% confidence level in the mass range of 0.165≤ma≤2.84GeV/c2. The limits on B(J/ψ→γa) range from 8.3×10−8 to 1.8×10−6 over the search region, and the constraints on the ALP-photon coupling are the most stringent to date for 0.165 ≤ ma ≤ 1.468GeV/c2.
A search has been performed for the semileptonic decays D0→K0SK−e+νe, D+→K0SK0Se+νe and D+→K+K−e+νe, using 7.9 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at the center-of-mass energy s√=3.773 GeV by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider. No significant signals are observed, and upper limits are set at the 90\% confidence level of 2.13×10−5, 1.54×10−5 and 2.10×10−5 for the branching fractions of D0→K0SK−e+νe, D+→K0SK0Se+νe and D+→K+K−e+νe, respectively.
Background: Despite advances in treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, carriers of certain genetic alterations are prone to failure. One such factor frequently mutated, is the tumor suppressor PTEN. These tumors are supposed to be more resistant to radiation, chemo- and immunotherapy.
Results: We demonstrate that loss of PTEN led to altered expression of transcriptional programs which directly regulate therapy resistance, resulting in establishment of radiation resistance. While PTEN-deficient tumor cells were not dependent on DNA-PK for IR resistance nor activated ATR during IR, they showed a significant dependence for the DNA damage kinase ATM. Pharmacologic inhibition of ATM, via KU-60019 and AZD1390 at non-toxic doses, restored and even synergized with IR in PTEN-deficient human and murine NSCLC cells as well in a multicellular organotypic ex vivo tumor model.
Conclusion: PTEN tumors are addicted to ATM to detect and repair radiation induced DNA damage. This creates an exploitable bottleneck. At least in cellulo and ex vivo we show that low concentration of ATM inhibitor is able to synergise with IR to treat PTEN-deficient tumors in genetically well-defined IR resistant lung cancer models.
Background & Aims: Genetic variations near the interferon lambda 3 gene (IFNL3, IL28B) are the most powerful predictors for sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, compared to other biochemical or histological baseline parameters. We evaluated whether the interplay of both IFNL3 polymorphisms rs12979860 and rs8099917 together with non-genetic clinical factors contributes to the predictive role of these genetic variants.
Methods: The cohort comprised 1,402 patients of European descent with chronic HCV type 1 infection. 1,298 patients received interferon-based antiviral therapy, and 719 (55%) achieved SVR. The IFNL3 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and melting curve analysis.
Results: A significant correlation was found between the IFNL3 polymorphisms and biochemical as well as virologic predictors of treatment outcome such as ALT, GGT, cholesterol, and HCV RNA levels. In multivariate regression analysis, IFLN3 SNPs, HCV RNA levels, and the GGT/ALT ratio were independent predictors of SVR. Dependent on the GGT/ALT ratio and on the HCV RNA concentration, significant variations in the likelihood for achieving SVR were observed in both, carriers of the responder as well as non-responder alleles.
Conclusions: Our data support a clear association between IFNL3 genotypes and baseline parameters known to impact interferon responsiveness. Improved treatment outcome prediction was achieved when these predictors were considered in combination with the IFNL3 genotype.
Background: Point of care devices for performing targeted coagulation substitution in patients who are bleeding have become increasingly important in recent years. New on the market is the Quantra. It is a device that uses sonorheometry, a sonic estimation of elasticity via resonance, which is a novel ultrasound-based technology that measures viscoelastic properties of whole blood. Several studies have already shown the comparability of the Quantra with devices already established on the market, such as the rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) device.
Objective: In contrast to existing studies, this study is the first prospective interventional study using this new system in a cardiac surgical patient cohort. We will investigate the noninferiority between an already existing coagulation algorithm based on the ROTEM/Multiplate system and a new algorithm based on the Quantra system for the treatment of coagulopathic cardiac surgical patients.
Methods: The study is divided into two phases. In an initial observation phase, whole blood samples of 20 patients obtained at three defined time points (prior to surgery, after completion of cardiopulmonary bypass, and on arrival in the intensive care unit) will be analyzed using both the ROTEM/Multiplate and Quantra systems. The obtained threshold values will be used to develop a novel algorithm for hemotherapy. In a second intervention phase, the new algorithm will be tested for noninferiority against an algorithm used routinely for years in our department.
Results: The main objective of the examination is the cumulative loss of blood within 24 hours after surgery. Statistical calculations based on the literature and in-house data suggest that the new algorithm is not inferior if the difference in cumulative blood loss is <150 mL/24 hours.
Conclusions: Because of the comparability of the Quantra sonorheometry system with the ROTEM measurement methods, the existing hemotherapy treatment algorithm can be adapted to the Quantra device with proof of noninferiority.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03902275; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03902275
International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/17206
We search for the semi-leptonic decays Λ + c → Λπ+π−e+νe and Λ + c → pK0 Sπ−e+νe in a sample of 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected in the center-of-mass energy region between 4.600 GeV and 4.699 GeV by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII. No significant signals are observed, and the upper limits on the decay branching fractions are set to be B(Λ+c → Λπ+π−e+νe ) < 3.9 × 10−4 and B(Λ + c → pK0Sπ−e+νe ) < 3.3 × 10−4 at the 90% confidence level, respectively.
Based on 4.5 fb−1 data taken at seven center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.600 to 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we measure the branching fractions of Λ + c → Σ + + hadrons relative to Λ + c → Σ +π +π −. Combining with the world average branching fraction of Λ + c → Σ +π +π −, their branching fractions are measured to be (0.377 ± 0.042 ± 0.020 ± 0.021)% for Λ + c → Σ +K+K−, (0.200 ± 0.023 ± 0.011 ± 0.011)% for Λ + c → Σ+K+π−, (0.414 ± 0.080 ± 0.030 ± 0.023)% for Λ + c → Σ +φ and (0.197 ± 0.036 ± 0.009 ± 0.011)% for Λ + c → Σ +K+K−(non-φ). In all the above results, the first uncertainties are statistical, the second are systematic and the third are from external input of the branching fraction of Λ + c → Σ +π +π −. Since no signal for Λ + c → Σ +K+π−π 0 is observed, the upper limit of its branching fraction is determined to be 0.13% at the 90% confidence level.
With data samples collected with the BESIII detector at seven energy points at √s = 3.68 − 3.71 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 333 pb−1, we present a study of the Λ transverse polarization in the e+e− → ΛΛ¯ reaction. The signifcance of polarization by combining the seven energy points is found to be 2.6σ including the systematic uncertainty, which implies a non-zero phase between the transition amplitudes of the ΛΛ¯ helicity states. The modulus ratio and the relative phase of EM-psionic form factors combined with all energy points are measured to be RΨ = 0.71+0.10−0.10 ± 0.03 and ∆ΦΨ = 23+8.8−8.0 ± 1.6◦, where the frst uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.
The cross sections of the 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜙𝜂′ process at center-of-mass energies from 3.508 to 4.951 GeV are measured with high precision using 26.1 fb−1 data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. The cross sections are of the order of a few picobarn and decrease as the center-of-mass energy increases as 𝑠−𝑛/2 with 𝑛=4.35±0.14. This result is in agreement with the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model prediction of 𝑛=3.5±0.9. In addition, the charmless decay 𝜓(3770)→𝜙𝜂′ is searched for by fitting the measured cross sections, yet no significant signal is observed. The upper limit of ℬ(𝜓(3770)→𝜙𝜂′) at the 90% confidence level is determined to be 2.3×10−5.
The cross sections of e+e−→K+K−J/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.127 to 4.600~GeV are measured based on 15.6 fb−1 data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Two resonant structures are observed in the line shape of the cross sections. The mass and width of the first structure are measured to be (4225.3±2.3±21.5) MeV and (72.9±6.1±30.8)~MeV, respectively. They are consistent with those of the established Y(4230). The second structure is observed for the first time with a statistical significance greater than 8σ, denoted as Y(4500). Its mass and width are determined to be (4484.7±13.3±24.1) MeV and (111.1±30.1±15.2) MeV, respectively. The first presented uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The product of the electronic partial width with the decay branching fraction Γ(Y(4230)→e+e−)B(Y(4230)→K+K−J/ψ) is reported.
Using (1.0087±0.0044)×1010 𝐽/𝜓 events collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we report the first search for the baryon and lepton number violating decays Ξ0→𝐾−𝑒+ with Δ(𝐵−𝐿)=0 and Ξ0→𝐾+𝑒− with |Δ(𝐵−𝐿)|=2, where 𝐵 (𝐿) is the baryon (lepton) number. While no signal is observed, the upper limits on the branching fractions of these two decays are set to ℬ(Ξ0→𝐾−𝑒+)<3.6×10−6 and ℬ(Ξ0→𝐾+𝑒−)<1.9×10−6 at the 90% confidence level, respectively. These results offer a direct probe of baryon number violating interactions involving a strange quark.
We report a search for a heavier partner of the recently observed Zcs(3985)− state, denoted as Z′−cs, in the process e+e−→K+D∗−sD∗0+c.c., based on e+e− collision data collected at the center-of-mass energies of s√=4.661, 4.682 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector. The Z′−cs is of interest as it is expected to be a candidate for a hidden-charm and open-strange tetraquark. A partial-reconstruction technique is used to isolate K+ recoil-mass spectra, which are probed for a potential contribution from Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.). We find an excess of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.) candidates with a significance of 2.1σ, after considering systematic uncertainties, at a mass of (4123.5±0.7stat.±4.7syst.) MeV/c2. As the data set is limited in size, the upper limits are evaluated at the 90\% confidence level on the product of the Born cross sections (σBorn) and the branching fraction (B) of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0, under different assumptions of the Z′−cs mass from 4.120 to 4.140 MeV and of the width from 10 to 50 MeV at the three center-of-mass energies. The upper limits of σBorn⋅B are found to be at the level of O(1) pb at each energy. Larger data samples are needed to confirm the Z′−cs state and clarify its nature in the coming years.
The Cabbibo-favored decay Λ+c→Ξ0K+π0 is studied for the first time using 6.1 fb−1 of e+e− collision data at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.840 GeV, collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. With a double-tag method, the branching fraction of the three-body decay Λ+c→Ξ0K+π0 is measured to be (7.79±1.46±0.71)×10−3, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The branching fraction of the two-body decay Λ+c→Ξ(1530)0K+ is (5.99±1.04±0.29)×10−3, which is consistent with the previous result of (5.02±0.99±0.31)×10−3. In addition, the upper limit on the branching fraction of the doubly Cabbibo-suppressed decay Λ+c→nK+π0 is 7.1×10−4 at the 90% confidence level. The upper limits on the branching fractions of Λ+c→Σ0K+π0 and ΛK+π0 are also determined to be 1.8×10−3 and 2.0×10−3, respectively.
Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 22.42 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, we measure the cross sections of the 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜂𝐽/𝜓 process at center-of-mass energies from 3.808 to 4.951 GeV. Three structures are observed in the line shape of the measured cross sections. A maximum-likelihood fit with 𝜓(4040), two additional resonances, and a nonresonant component are performed. The mass and width of the first additional state are (4219.7±2.5±4.5) MeV/𝑐2 and (80.7±4.4±1.4) MeV, respectively, consistent with the 𝜓(4230). For the second state, the mass and width are (4386±13±17) MeV/𝑐2 and (177±32±13) MeV, respectively, consistent with the 𝜓(4360). The first uncertainties are statistical, and the second ones are systematic. The statistical significance of 𝜓(4040) is 8.0𝜎 and those for 𝜓(4230) and 𝜓(4360) are more than 10.0𝜎.
Evidence for the singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λ+c→pπ0 is reported for the first time with a statistical significance of 3.7σ based on 6.0 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.843 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The absolute branching fraction of Λ+c→pπ0 is measured to be (1.56+0.72−0.58±0.20)×10−4, which distinctly exceeds the upper limit measured by Belle experiment. Combining with the branching fraction of Λ+c→nπ+, (6.6±1.3)×10−4, the ratio of the branching fractions of Λ+c→nπ+ and Λ+c→pπ0 is calculated to be 3.2+2.2−1.2. As an important input for the theoretical models describing the decay mechanisms of charmed baryons, our result indicates that the non-factorizable contributions play an essential role and their interference with the factorizable contributions should not be significant. In addition, the absolute branching fraction of Λ+c→pη is measured to be (1.63±0.31stat±0.11syst)×10−3, which is consistent with previous measurements.
Evidence for the singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λ+c→pπ0 is reported for the first time with a statistical significance of 3.7σ based on 6.0 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.843 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The absolute branching fraction of Λ+c→pπ0 is measured to be (1.56+0.72−0.58±0.20)×10−4. Combining with the branching fraction of Λ+c→nπ+, (6.6±1.3)×10−4, the ratio of the branching fractions of Λ+c→nπ+ and Λ+c→pπ0 is calculated to be 3.2+2.2−1.2. As an important input for the theoretical models describing the decay mechanisms of charmed baryons, our result indicates that the non-factorizable contributions play an essential role and their interference with the factorizable contributions should not be significant. In addition, the absolute branching fraction of Λ+c→pη is measured to be (1.63±0.31stat±0.11syst)×10−3.
Precision measurements of the semileptonic decays 𝐷+𝑠→𝜂𝑒+𝜈𝑒 and 𝐷+𝑠→𝜂′𝑒+𝜈𝑒 are performed with 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. The branching fractions obtained are ℬ(𝐷+𝑠→𝜂𝑒+𝜈𝑒) = (2.255±0.039stat±0.051syst)% and ℬ(𝐷+𝑠→𝜂′𝑒+𝜈𝑒)=(0.810±0.038stat±0.024syst)%. Combining these results with the ℬ(𝐷+→𝜂𝑒+𝜈𝑒) and ℬ(𝐷+→𝜂′𝑒+𝜈𝑒) obtained from previous BESIII measurements, the 𝜂−𝜂′ mixing angle in the quark flavor basis is determined to be 𝜙P=(40.0±2.0stat±0.6syst)°. Moreover, from the fits to the partial decay rates of 𝐷+𝑠→𝜂𝑒+𝜈𝑒 and 𝐷+𝑠→𝜂′𝑒+𝜈𝑒, the products of the hadronic transition form factors 𝑓𝜂(′)+(0) and the modulus of the 𝑐→𝑠 Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |𝑉𝑐𝑠| are determined by using different hadronic transition form factor parametrizations. Based on the two-parameter series expansion, the products 𝑓𝜂+(0)|𝑉𝑐𝑠| = 0.4519±0.0071stat±0.0065syst and 𝑓𝜂′+(0)|𝑉𝑐𝑠| = 0.525±0.024stat±0.009syst are extracted. All results determined in this work supersede those measured in the previous BESIII analyses based on the 3.19 fb−1 subsample of data at 4.178 GeV.
Using about 23 fb−1 of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, a precise measurement of the e+e−→π+π−J/ψ Born cross section is performed at center-of-mass energies from 3.7730 to 4.7008 GeV. Two structures, identified as the Y(4220) and the Y(4320) states, are observed in the energy-dependent cross section with a significance larger than 10σ. The masses and widths of the two structures are determined to be (M,Γ) = (4221.4±1.5±2.0 MeV/c2, 41.8±2.9±2.7 MeV) and (M,Γ) = (4298±12±26 MeV/c2, 127±17±10 MeV), respectively. A small enhancement around 4.5 GeV with a significance about 3σ, compatible with the ψ(4415), might also indicate the presence of an additional resonance in the spectrum. The inclusion of this additional contribution in the fit to the cross section affects the resonance parameters of the Y(4320) state.
Using about 23 fb−1 of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, a precise measurement of the e+e−→π+π−J/ψ Born cross section is performed at center-of-mass energies from 3.7730 to 4.7008 GeV. Two structures, identified as the Y(4220) and the Y(4320) states, are observed in the energy-dependent cross section with a significance larger than 10σ. The masses and widths of the two structures are determined to be (M,Γ) = (4221.4±1.5±2.0 MeV/c2, 41.8±2.9±2.7 MeV) and (M,Γ) = (4298±12±26 MeV/c2, 127±17±10 MeV), respectively. A small enhancement around 4.5 GeV with a significance about 3σ, compatible with the ψ(4415), might also indicate the presence of an additional resonance in the spectrum. The inclusion of this additional contribution in the fit to the cross section affects the resonance parameters of the Y(4320) state.
Using e+e− annihilation data sets collected with the BESIII detector, we measure the cross sections of the processes e+e−→e+e− and e+e−→μ+μ− at fifteen center-of-mass energy points in the vicinity of the J/ψ resonance. By a simultaneous fit to the measured, center-of-mass energy dependent cross sections of the two processes, the combined quantities ΓeeΓee/Γtot and ΓeeΓμμ/Γtot are determined to be (0.346±0.009) and (0.335±0.006) keV, respectively, where Γee, Γμμ, and Γtot are the electronic, muonic, and total decay widths of the J/ψ resonance, respectively. Using the resultant ΓeeΓμμ/Γtot and ΓeeΓee/Γtot, the ratio Γee/Γμμ is calculated to be 1.031±0.015, which is consistent with the expectation of lepton universality within about two standard deviations. Assuming lepton universality and using the branching fraction of the J/ψ leptonic decay measured by BESIII in 2013, Γtot and Γll are determined to be (93.0±2.1) and (5.56±0.11) keV, respectively, where Γll is the average leptonic decay width of the J/ψ resonance.
Evidence for the singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λ+c→pπ0 is reported for the first time with a statistical significance of 3.7σ based on 6.0 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.843 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The absolute branching fraction of Λ+c→pπ0 is measured to be (1.56+0.72−0.58±0.20)×10−4, which distinctly exceeds the upper limit measured by Belle experiment. Combining with the branching fraction of Λ+c→nπ+, (6.6±1.3)×10−4, the ratio of the branching fractions of Λ+c→nπ+ and Λ+c→pπ0 is calculated to be 3.2+2.2−1.2. As an important input for the theoretical models describing the decay mechanisms of charmed baryons, our result indicates that the non-factorizable contributions play an essential role and their interference with the factorizable contributions should not be significant. In addition, the absolute branching fraction of Λ+c→pη is measured to be (1.63±0.31stat±0.11syst)×10−3, which is consistent with previous measurements.
Using 7.33~fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies in the range of s√=4.128−4.226~GeV, we search for the rare decays D+s→h+(h0)e+e−, where h represents a kaon or pion. By requiring the e+e− invariant mass to be consistent with a ϕ(1020), 0.98<M(e+e−)<1.04 ~GeV/c2, the decay D+s→π+ϕ,ϕ→e+e− is observed with a statistical significance of 7.8σ, and evidence for the decay D+s→ρ+ϕ,ϕ→e+e− is found for the first time with a statistical significance of 4.4σ. The decay branching fractions are measured to be B(D+s→π+ϕ,ϕ→e+e−)=(1.17+0.23−0.21±0.03)×10−5, and B(D+s→ρ+ϕ,ϕ→e+e−)=(2.44+0.67−0.62±0.16)×10−5, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. No significant signal for the three four-body decays of D+s→π+π0e+e−, D+s→K+π0e+e−, and D+s→K0Sπ+e+e− is observed. For D+s→π+π0e+e−, the ϕ mass region is vetoed to minimize the long-distance effects. The 90% confidence level upper limits set on the branching fractions of these decays are in the range of (7.0−8.1)×10−5.
The radiative hyperon decay Λ→nγ is studied using (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector operating at BEPCII. The absolute branching fraction of the decay Λ→nγ is determined with a significance of 5.6σ to be [0.832±0.038(stat.)±0.054(syst.)]×10−3, which lies significantly below the current PDG value. By analyzing the joint angular distribution of the decay products, the first determination of the decay asymmetry αγ is reported with a value of −0.16±0.10(stat.)±0.05(syst.).
The Cabbibo-favored decay Λ+c→Ξ0K+π0 is studied for the first time using 6.1 fb−1 of e+e− collision data at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.840 GeV, collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. With a double-tag method, the branching fraction of the three-body decay Λ+c→Ξ0K+π0 is measured to be (7.79±1.46±0.71)×10−3, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The branching fraction of the two-body decay Λ+c→Ξ(1530)0K+ is (5.99±1.04±0.29)×10−3, which is consistent with the previous result of (5.02±0.99±0.31)×10−3. In addition, the upper limit on the branching fraction of the doubly Cabbibo-suppressed decay Λ+c→nK+π0 is 7.1×10−4 at the 90% confidence level. The upper limits on the branching fractions of Λ+c→Σ0K+π0 and ΛK+π0 are also determined to be 1.8×10−3 and 2.0×10−3, respectively.
Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 22.42 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, we measure the cross sections of the $e^{+}e^{-}\rightarrow\etaJ/\psi$ process at center-of-mass energies from 3.808 to 4.951 GeV. Three structures are observed in the line shape of the measured cross sections. A maximum-likelihood fit with ψ(4040), two additional resonances, and a non-resonant component is performed. The mass and width of the first additional state are (4219.7±2.5±4.5)MeV/c2 and (80.7±4.4±1.4)MeV, respectively, consistent with the ψ(4230). For the second state, the mass and width are (4386±13±17)MeV/c2 and (177±32±13)MeV, respectively, consistent with the ψ(4360). The first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The statistical significance of ψ(4040) is 8.0σ and those for ψ(4230) and ψ(4360) are more than 10.0σ.
We present the first observation of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay Λ+c→ΛK+π0 with a significance of 5.7σ and the first evidence of Λ+c→ΛK+π+π− decay with a significance of 3.1σ, based on e+e− annihilation data recorded by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 6.4 fb−1, in the center-of-mass energy range from 4.600 GeV to 4.950 GeV. We determine the branching fractions of Λ+c→ΛK+π0 and Λ+c→ΛK+π+π− relative to their Cabibbo-favored counterparts to be B(Λ+c→ΛK+π0)B(Λ+c→Λπ+π0)=(2.09±0.39stat.±0.07syst.)×10−2 and B(Λ+c→ΛK+π+π−)B(Λ+c→Λπ+π+π−)=(1.13±0.41stat.±0.06syst.)×10−2, respectively. Moreover, by combining our measured result with the world average of B(Λ+c→Λπ+π0), we obtain the branching fraction B(Λ+c→ΛK+π0)=(1.49±0.27stat.±0.05syst.±0.08ref.)×10−3. This result significantly departs from theoretical predictions based on quark SU(3) flavor symmetry, which is underpinned by the presumption of meson pair S-wave amplitude dominance.
We report a search for a heavier partner of the recently observed Zcs(3985)− state, denoted as Z′−cs, in the process e+e−→K+D∗−sD∗0+c.c., based on e+e− collision data collected at the center-of-mass energies of s√=4.661, 4.682 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector. The Z′−cs is of interest as it is expected to be a candidate for a hidden-charm and open-strange tetraquark. A partial-reconstruction technique is used to isolate K+ recoil-mass spectra, which are probed for a potential contribution from Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.). We find an excess of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.) candidates with a significance of 2.9σ, after considering systematic uncertainties, at a mass of (4123.5±0.7stat.±1.1syst.)MeV/c2. As the data set is limited in size, the upper limits are evaluated at the 90% confidence level on the product of the Born cross section and the branching fraction of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0, σBorn⋅B at the three energy points, under different assumptions of the Z′−cs mass from 4.120 to 4.140 MeV and of the width from 10 to 50 MeV. Under various mass and width assumptions, the upper limits of σBorn⋅B are found to lie in the range of 2∼6, 3∼7 and 3∼6 pb at s√=4.661, 4.682 and 4.699 GeV, respectively. The larger data samples that will be collected in the coming years will allow a clearer picture to emerge concerning the existence and nature of the Z′−cs state.
The cross sections of e+e−→K+K−J/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.127 to 4.600 GeV are measured based on 15.6 fb−1 data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Two resonant structures are observed in the line shape of the cross sections. The mass and width of the first structure are measured to be (4225.3 ± 2.3 ± 21.5) MeV and (72.9±6.1±30.8) MeV, respectively. They are consistent with those of the established Y(4230). The second structure is observed for the first time with a statistical significance greater than 8σ, denoted as Y(4500). Its mass and width are determined to be (4484.7 ± 13.3 ± 24.1) MeV and (111.1 ± 30.1 ± 15.2) MeV, respectively. The first presented uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The product of the electronic partial width with the decay branching fraction Γ(Y(4230)→e+e−)B(Y(4230) → K+K−J/ψ) is reported.
The cross sections of e+e−→K+K−J/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.127 to 4.600~GeV are measured based on 15.6 fb−1 data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Two resonant structures are observed in the line shape of the cross sections. The mass and width of the first structure are measured to be (4225.3±2.3±21.5) MeV and (72.9±6.1±30.8)~MeV, respectively. They are consistent with those of the established Y(4230). The second structure is observed for the first time with a statistical significance greater than 8σ, denoted as Y(4500). Its mass and width are determined to be (4484.7±13.3±24.1) MeV and (111.1±30.1±15.2) MeV, respectively. The first presented uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The product of the electronic partial width with the decay branching fraction Γ(Y(4230)→e+e−)B(Y(4230)→K+K−J/ψ) is reported.
The cross sections of e+e−→K+K−J/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.127 to 4.600~GeV are measured based on 15.6 fb−1 data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Two resonant structures are observed in the line shape of the cross sections. The mass and width of the first structure are measured to be (4225.3±2.3±21.5) MeV and (72.9±6.1±30.8)~MeV, respectively. They are consistent with those of the established Y(4230). The second structure is observed for the first time with a statistical significance greater than 8σ, denoted as Y(4500). Its mass and width are determined to be (4484.7±13.3±24.1) MeV and (111.1±30.1±15.2) MeV, respectively. The first presented uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The product of the electronic partial width with the decay branching fraction Γ(Y(4230)→e+e−)B(Y(4230)→K+K−J/ψ) is reported.
Using 2.93 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energy 3.773 GeV, we perform the first amplitude analysis of the decay D+ → π+π0π0 and determine the relative magnitudes and phases of different intermediate processes. The absolute branching fraction of D+ → π+π0π0 is measured to be (2.888 ± 0.058stat. ± 0.069syst.)%. The dominant intermediate processes are D+ → a1(1260)+(→ ρ+π0) and D+ → *0ρ+, with branching fractions of (8.66 ± 1.04stat. ± 1.39syst.) × 10−3 and (9.70 ± 0.81stat. ± 0.53syst.) × 10−3, respectively.
The singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay D+s → K+π+π−π0 is observed by using a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.32 fb−1 recorded by the BESIII detector at the centre-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.226 GeV. The first amplitude analysis of D+s → K+π+π−π0 reveals the sub-structures in this decay and determines the fractions and relative phases of different intermediate processes. The dominant intermediate process is D+s → K∗0ρ+, with a fit fraction of (40.5 ± 2.8stat. ± 1.5syst.)%. With the detection efficiency based on our amplitude analysis, the absolute branching fraction forD+s → K+π+π−π0 is measured to be (9.75 ± 0.54stat. ± 0.17syst.) × 10−3.
First study of reaction Ξ⁰n → Ξ⁻ p using Ξ⁰-nucleus scattering at an electron-positron collider
(2023)
Using ð1.0087 0.0044Þ × 1010 J=ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, the process Ξ0n → Ξ−p is studied, where the Ξ0 baryon is produced in the process J=ψ → Ξ0Ξ¯ 0 and the neutron is a component of the 9 Be, 12C, and 197Au nuclei in the beam pipe. A clear signal is observed with a statistical significance of 7.1σ. The cross section of the reaction Ξ0 þ 9 Be → Ξ− þ p þ 8 Be is determined to be σðΞ0 þ 9 Be → Ξ− þ p þ 8 BeÞ¼ð22.1 5.3stat 4.5sysÞ mb at the Ξ0 momentum of 0.818 GeV=c, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. No significant H-dibaryon signal is observed in the Ξ−p final state. This is the first study of hyperon-nucleon interactions in electron-positron collisions and opens up a new direction for such research.
Observation of resonance structures in e⁺e⁻ → π⁺π⁻ψ₂(3823) and mass measurement of ψ₂(3823)
(2022)
Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.3 fb−1 collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.23 to 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the product of the 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜋+𝜋−𝜓2(3823) cross section and the branching fraction ℬ[𝜓2(3823)→𝛾𝜒𝑐1]. For the first time, resonance structure is observed in the cross section line shape of 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜋+𝜋−𝜓2(3823) with significances exceeding 5𝜎. A fit to data with two coherent Breit-Wigner resonances modeling the √𝑠-dependent cross section yields 𝑀(𝑅1)=4406.9±17.2±4.5 MeV/𝑐2, Γ(𝑅1)=128.1±37.2±2.3 MeV, and 𝑀(𝑅2)=4647.9±8.6±0.8 MeV/𝑐2, Γ(𝑅2)=33.1±18.6±4.1 MeV. Though weakly disfavored by the data, a single resonance with 𝑀(𝑅)=4417.5±26.2±3.5 MeV/𝑐2, Γ(𝑅)=245±48±13 MeV is also possible to interpret data. This observation deepens our understanding of the nature of the vector charmoniumlike states. The mass of the 𝜓2(3823) state is measured as (3823.12±0.43±0.13) MeV/𝑐2, which is the most precise measurement to date.
We present the first observation of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay Λ+𝑐→Λ𝐾+𝜋0 with a significance of 5.7𝜎 and the first evidence of Λ+𝑐→Λ𝐾+𝜋+𝜋− decay with a significance of 3.1𝜎, based on 𝑒+𝑒−annihilation data recorded by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 6.4 fb−1, in the center-of-mass energy range from 4.600 to 4.950 GeV. We determine the branching fractions of Λ+𝑐→Λ𝐾+𝜋0 and Λ+𝑐→Λ𝐾+𝜋+𝜋− relative to their Cabibbo-favored counterparts to be ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ𝐾+𝜋0)ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ𝜋+𝜋0) = (2.09±0.39stat±0.07syst)×10−2 and ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ𝐾+𝜋+𝜋−)ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ𝜋+𝜋+𝜋−) = (1.13±0.41stat±0.06syst)×10−2, respectively. Moreover, by combining our measured result with the world average of ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ𝜋+𝜋0), we obtain the branching fraction ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ𝐾+𝜋0) = (1.49±0.27stat±0.05syst±0.08ref)×10−3. This result significantly departs from theoretical predictions based on quark 𝑆𝑈(3) flavor symmetry, which is underpinned by the presumption of meson pair 𝑆-wave amplitude dominance.
Using (448.1 ± 2.9) × 106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the decay ψ(3686) → Σ⁻Σ‾⁺ is observed for the first time with a branching fraction of (2.82 ± 0.04stat. ± 0.08syst.) × 10−4, and the angular parameter αΣ− is measured to be 0.96 ± 0.09stat. ± 0.03syst..
Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.3 fb−1 collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.23 to 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector, we observe the process e+e− → π0π0ψ2(3823) for the first time with a statistical significance of 6.0 standard deviations. The ratio of average cross sections for e+e− → π0π0ψ2(3823) and π+π−ψ2(3823) is determined to be R = σ[e+e− → π0π0ψ2(3823)] σ[e+e−→π+π−ψ2(3823)] = 0.57 ± 0.14 ± 0.05, which is consistent with expectations from isospin symmetry. Here and below, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The mass of the ψ2(3823) is measured to be M[ψ2(3823)] = 3824.5±2.4±1.0 MeV/c2. Due to the limited data sample, an upper limit of 18.8 MeV at 90% confidence level is set on the intrinsic width of ψ2(3823).
Based on 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− collision data accumulated at center-of-mass energies between 4599.53 MeV and 4698.82 MeV with the BESIII detector, the decay Λ+c→nK0Sπ+π0 is observed for the first time with a significance of 9.2σ. The branching fraction is measured to be (0.85±0.13±0.03)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, which differs from the theoretical prediction based on isospin by 4.4σ. This indicates that there may be resonant contributions or some unknown dynamics in this decay.
We report a search for a dark photon using 14.9~fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data taken at center-of-mass energies from 4.13 to 4.60~GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII storage ring. The dark photon is assumed to be produced in the radiative annihilation process of e+e− and to predominantly decay into light dark matter particles, which escape from the detector undetected. The mass range from 1.5 to 2.9~GeV is scanned for the dark photon candidate, and no significant signal is observed. The mass dependent upper limits at the 90% confidence level on the coupling strength parameter ϵ for a dark photon coupling with an ordinary photon vary between 1.6×10−3 and 5.7×10−3.