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A linearly polarized photon can be quantized from the Lorentz-boosted electromagnetic field of a nucleus traveling at ultrarelativistic speed. When two relativistic heavy nuclei pass one another at a distance of a few nuclear radii, the photon from one nucleus may interact through a virtual quark-antiquark pair with gluons from the other nucleus, forming a short-lived vector meson (e.g., ρ0). In this experiment, the polarization was used in diffractive photoproduction to observe a unique spin interference pattern in the angular distribution of ρ0 → π+π− decays. The observed interference is a result of an overlap of two wave functions at a distance an order of magnitude larger than the ρ0 travel distance within its lifetime. The strong-interaction nuclear radii were extracted from these diffractive interactions and found to be 6.53 ± 0.06 fm (197Au) and 7.29 ± 0.08 fm (238U), larger than the nuclear charge radii. The observable is demonstrated to be sensitive to the nuclear geometry and quantum interference of nonidentical particles. Polarized photon-gluon fusion reveals quantum wave interference of non-identical particles and shape of high-energy nuclei.
Measurements of mass and Λ binding energy of 4ΛH and 4ΛHe in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√=3 GeV are presented, with an aim to address the charge symmetry breaking (CSB) problem in hypernuclei systems with atomic number A = 4. The Λ binding energies are measured to be 2.22±0.06(stat.)±0.14(syst.) MeV and 2.38±0.13(stat.)±0.12(syst.) MeV for 4ΛH and 4ΛHe, respectively. The measured Λ binding-energy difference is 0.16±0.14(stat.)±0.10(syst.) MeV for ground states. Combined with the γ-ray transition energies, the binding-energy difference for excited states is −0.16±0.14(stat.)±0.10(syst.) MeV, which is negative and comparable to the value of the ground states within uncertainties. These new measurements on the Λ binding-energy difference in A = 4 hypernuclei systems are consistent with the theoretical calculations that result in ΔB4Λ(1+exc)≈−ΔB4Λ(0+g.s.)<0 and present a new method for the study of CSB effect using relativistic heavy-ion collisions.
Particulate matter (PM) largely consists of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) that is formed via oxidation of biogenic and anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Unambiguous identification of SOA molecules and their assignment to their precursor vapors is a challenge that has so far only succeeded for a few SOA marker compounds, which are now well characterized and (partly) available as authentic standards. In this work, we resolve the complex composition of SOA by a top-down approach based on a newly created aerosolomics database, which is fed by non-target analysis results of filter samples from oxidation flow reactor experiments. We investigated the oxidation products from the five biogenic VOCs α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, 3-carene, and trans-caryophyllene and from the four anthropogenic VOCs toluene, o-xylene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and naphthalene. Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a high-resolution (Orbitrap) mass spectrometer, we determine the molecular formula of 596 chromatographically separated compounds based on exact mass and isotopic pattern. We utilize retention time and fragmentation mass spectra as a basis for unambiguous attribution of the oxidation products to their parent VOCs. Based on the molecular-resolved application of the database, we are able to assign roughly half of the total signal of oxygenated hydrocarbons in ambient suburban PM2.5 to one of the nine studied VOCs. The application of the database enabled us to interpret the appearance of diurnal compound clusters that are formed by different oxidation processes. Furthermore, the application of a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) on the same set of filter samples enabled us to identify compound clusters that depend on sulfur dioxide mixing ratio and temperature. This study demonstrates how aerosolomics tools (database and HCA) applied on PM filter samples can improve our understanding of SOA sources, their formation pathways, and temperature-driven partitioning of SOA compounds.
The acceptance-corrected dielectron excess mass spectra, where the known hadronic sources have been subtracted from the inclusive dielectron mass spectra, are reported for the first time at mid-rapidity |yee|<1 in minimum-bias Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−−√ = 19.6 and 200 GeV. The excess mass spectra are consistently described by a model calculation with a broadened ρ spectral function for Mee<1.1 GeV/c2. The integrated dielectron excess yield at sNN−−−−√ = 19.6 GeV for 0.4<Mee<0.75 GeV/c2, normalized to the charged particle multiplicity at mid-rapidity, has a value similar to that in In+In collisions at sNN−−−−√ = 17.3 GeV. For sNN−−−−√ = 200 GeV, the normalized excess yield in central collisions is higher than that at sNN−−−−√ = 17.3 GeV and increases from peripheral to central collisions. These measurements indicate that the lifetime of the hot, dense medium created in central Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−−√ = 200 GeV is longer than those in peripheral collisions and at lower energies.
Partons traversing the strongly interacting medium produced in heavy-ion collisions are expected to lose energy depending on their color charge and mass. We measure the nuclear modification factors for charm- and bottom-decay electrons, defined as the ratio of yields, scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, in sNN−−−√ = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions to p+p collisions (RAA), or in central to peripheral Au+Au collisions (RCP). We find the bottom-decay electron RAA and RCP to be significantly higher than that of charm-decay electrons. Model calculations including mass-dependent parton energy loss in a strongly coupled medium are consistent with the measured data. These observations provide clear evidence of mass ordering of charm and bottom quark energy loss when traversing through the strongly coupled medium created in heavy-ion collisions.
Particulate matter (PM) largely consists of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) that is formed via oxidation of biogenic and anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Unambiguous identification of SOA molecules and their assignment to their precursor vapors are challenges that have so far only succeeded for a few SOA marker compounds, which are now well characterized and (partly) available as authentic standards. In this work, we resolve the complex composition of SOA by means of a top-down approach based on the newly created Aerosolomics database, which is fed by non-target analysis results of filter samples from oxidation flow reactor experiments. We investigated the oxidation products from the five biogenic VOCs α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, 3-carene, and trans-caryophyllene and from the four anthropogenic VOCs toluene, o-xylene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and naphthalene. Using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a high-resolution (Orbitrap) mass spectrometer, we determine the molecular formula of 596 chromatographically separated compounds based on exact mass and isotopic pattern. We utilize retention time and fragmentation mass spectra as a basis for unambiguous attribution of the oxidation products to their parent VOCs. Based on the molecular-resolved application of the database, we are able to assign roughly half of the total signal of oxygenated hydrocarbons in ambient suburban PM2.5 to one of the nine studied VOCs. The application of the database enabled us to interpret the appearance of diurnal compound clusters that are formed by different oxidation processes. Furthermore, by performing a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) on the same set of filter samples, we identified compound clusters that depend on sulfur dioxide mixing ratio and temperature. This study demonstrates how Aerosolomics tools (database and HCA) applied to PM filter samples can improve our understanding of SOA sources, their formation pathways, and temperature-driven partitioning of SOA compounds.
Adaptive teaching is considered fundamental to teaching quality and student learning. It describes teachers’ practices of adjusting their instruction to students’ diverse needs and levels of understanding. Adaptive teaching on a micro level has also been labeled as contingent support and has been shown to be effective in one-to-one and small-group settings. In the literature, the interplay of teachers’ diagnostic strategies and instructional prompts aiming at tailored support are emphasized. Our study adds to this research by presenting a reliable measurement approach to adaptive classroom discourse in elementary science which includes a global index and the single indices of diagnostic strategies, instructional support, and student understanding. Applying this coding scheme, we investigate whether N = 17 teachers’ adaptive classroom discourse predicts N = 341 elementary school students’ conceptual understanding of “floating and sinking” on two posttests. In multilevel regression analyses, adaptive classroom discourse was shown to be effective for long-term student learning in the final posttest, while no significant effects were found for the intermediate posttest. Further, the single index of diagnostic strategies in classroom discourse contributed to long-term conceptual restructuring. Overall, teachers rarely acted adaptively which points to the relevance of teacher professional development.
This article attempts to read the Transcendental Dialectic through Meillassoux’s model of the absolute contingency of being in order to rethink some of its central difficulties. Specifically, this concerns better understanding the role played by the categories of relation and modality in the empirical use of the ideas of reason, which underlies their regulative use that is directed at an absolute unity of reason. It will be discussed which questions are implied in the central claim of Meillassoux’s ontology, i.e., that it is possible to derive from the necessity of contingency the existence and noncontradictory being of the thing in itself. First, I will retrace basic points of Meillassoux’s critique of “correlationism”, by means of which he reconfigures the divisions between metaphysics, physics, and ontology. Second, against the background of the Kantian concept of hope, I will examine a relation between the Transcendental Dialectic and ethics, as, respectively, conceived of in Kant and in Meillassoux’s reinterpretation. Third, I will critically ask in how far absolute contingency can be understood as grounding a concept of experience and in which sense the idea of the antinomy chapter in the Transcendental Dialectic contains an argument more complex than Meillassoux’s model suggests.
We fabricated memristive devices using focused electron beam-induced deposition (FEBID) as a direct-writing technique employing a Pt/TiO2/Pt sandwich layer device configuration. Pinching in the measured current-voltage characteristics (i-v), the characteristic fingerprint of memristive behavior was clearly observed. The temperature dependence was measured for both high and low resistive states in the range from 290 K down to about 2 K, showing a stretched exponential behavior characteristic of Mott-type variable-range hopping. From this observation, a valence change mechanism of the charge transport inside the TiO2 layer can be deduced.
Di-hadron correlations with identified leading hadrons in 200 GeV Au+Au and d+Au collisions at STAR
(2015)
The STAR collaboration presents for the first time two-dimensional di-hadron correlations with identified leading hadrons in 200 GeV central Au+Au and minimum-bias d+Au collisions to explore hadronization mechanisms in the quark gluon plasma. The enhancement of the jet-like yield for leading pions in Au+Au data with respect to the d+Au reference and the absence of such an enhancement for leading non-pions (protons and kaons) are discussed within the context of a quark recombination scenario. The correlated yield at large angles, specifically in the \emph{ridge region}, is found to be significantly higher for leading non-pions than pions. The consistencies of the constituent quark scaling, azimuthal harmonic model and a mini-jet modification model description of the data are tested, providing further constraints on hadronization.
A decisive experimental test of the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) is considered one of the major scientific goals at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) towards understanding the nontrivial topological fluctuations of the Quantum Chromodynamics vacuum. In heavy-ion collisions, the CME is expected to result in a charge separation phenomenon across the reaction plane, whose strength could be strongly energy dependent. The previous CME searches have been focused on top RHIC energy collisions. In this Letter, we present a low energy search for the CME in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√=27 GeV. We measure elliptic flow scaled charge-dependent correlators relative to the event planes that are defined at both mid-rapidity |η|<1.0 and at forward rapidity 2.1<|η|<5.1. We compare the results based on the directed flow plane (Ψ1) at forward rapidity and the elliptic flow plane (Ψ2) at both central and forward rapidity. The CME scenario is expected to result in a larger correlation relative to Ψ1 than to Ψ2, while a flow driven background scenario would lead to a consistent result for both event planes. In 10-50\% centrality, results using three different event planes are found to be consistent within experimental uncertainties, suggesting a flow driven background scenario dominating the measurement. We obtain an upper limit on the deviation from a flow driven background scenario at the 95\% confidence level. This work opens up a possible road map towards future CME search with the high statistics data from the RHIC Beam Energy Scan Phase-II.
We report on the first measurements of J/ψ production at very low transverse momentum (pT< 0.2 GeV/c) in hadronic Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV and U+U collisions at √sNN = 193 GeV. Remarkably, the inferred nuclear modification factor of J/ψ at mid-rapidity in Au+Au (U+U) collisions reaches about 24 (52) for pT< 0.05 GeV/c in the 60-80% collision centrality class. This noteworthy enhancement cannot be explained by hadronic production accompanied by cold and hot medium effects. In addition, the dN/dt distribution of J/ψ for the very low pT range is presented for the first time. The distribution is consistent with that expected from the Au nucleus and shows a hint of interference. Comparison of the measurements to theoretical calculations of coherent production shows that the excess yield can be described reasonably well and reveals a partial disruption of coherent production in semi-central collisions, perhaps due to the violent hadronic interactions. Incorporating theoretical calculations, the results strongly suggest that the dramatic enhancement of J/ψ yield observed at extremely low pT originates from coherent photon-nucleus interactions. In particular, coherently produced J/ψ's in violent hadronic collisions may provide a novel probe of the quark-gluon-plasma.
We present measurements of the differential cross sections of inclusive J/ψ meson production as a function of transverse momentum (pJ/ψT) using the μ+μ− and e+e− decay channels in proton+proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 510 and 500 GeV, respectively, recorded by the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The measurement from the μ+μ− channel is for 0 <pJ/ψT< 9 GeV/c and rapidity range |yJ/ψ|< 0.4, and that from the e+e− channel is for 4 <pJ/ψT< 20 GeV/c and |yJ/ψ|< 1.0. The ψ(2S) to J/ψ ratio is also measured for 4 <pmesonT< 12 GeV/c through the e+e− decay channel. Model calculations, which incorporate different approaches toward the J/ψ production mechanism, are compared with experimental results and show reasonable agreement within uncertainties.
The first evaluation of an ultra-high granularity digital electromagnetic calorimeter prototype using 1.0–5.8 GeV/c electrons is presented. The 25 × 106 pixel detector consists of 24 layers of ALPIDE CMOS MAPS sensors, with a pitch of around 30 μm, and has a depth of almost 20 radiation lengths of tungsten absorber. Ultra-thin cables allow for a very compact design. The properties that are critical for physics studies are measured: electromagnetic shower response, energy resolution and linearity. The stochastic energy resolution is comparable with the state-of-the art resolution for a Si-W calorimeter, with data described well by a simulation model using Geant4 and Allpix2. The performance achieved makes this technology a good candidate for use in the ALICE FoCal upgrade, and in general demonstrates the strong potential for future applications in high-energy physics.
Using (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, numerous Ξ− and Λ decay asymmetry parameters are simultaneously determined from the process J/ψ→Ξ−Ξ¯+→Λ(pπ−)π−Λ¯(n¯π0)π+ and its charge-conjugate channel. The precisions of α0 for Λ→nπ0 and α¯0 for Λ¯→n¯π0 compared to world averages are improved by factors of 4 and 1.7, respectively. The ratio of decay asymmetry parameters of Λ→nπ0 to that of Λ→pπ−, ⟨α0⟩/⟨αΛ−⟩, is determined to be 0.873±0.012+0.011−0.010, where the first and the second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The ratio is smaller than unity more than 5σ, which signifies the existence of the ΔI=3/2 transition in Λ for the first time. Beside, we test for CP violation in Ξ−→Λπ− and in Λ→nπ0 with the best precision to date.
Using e+e− collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 892pb−1 collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.84 to 4.95\,GeV with the BESIII detector, we search for the process e+e−→K+K−ψ(3770) by reconstructing two charged kaons and one D meson from ψ(3770). No significant signal of e+e−→K+K−ψ(3770) is found and the upper limits of the Born cross sections are reported at 90\% confidence level.
Understanding how epigenetic variation in non-coding regions is involved in distal gene-expression regulation is an important problem. Regulatory regions can be associated to genes using large-scale datasets of epigenetic and expression data. However, for regions of complex epigenomic signals and enhancers that regulate many genes, it is difficult to understand these associations. We present StitchIt, an approach to dissect epigenetic variation in a gene-specific manner for the detection of regulatory elements (REMs) without relying on peak calls in individual samples. StitchIt segments epigenetic signal tracks over many samples to generate the location and the target genes of a REM simultaneously. We show that this approach leads to a more accurate and refined REM detection compared to standard methods even on heterogeneous datasets, which are challenging to model. Also, StitchIt REMs are highly enriched in experimentally determined chromatin interactions and expression quantitative trait loci. We validated several newly predicted REMs using CRISPR-Cas9 experiments, thereby demonstrating the reliability of StitchIt. StitchIt is able to dissect regulation in superenhancers and predicts thousands of putative REMs that go unnoticed using peak-based approaches suggesting that a large part of the regulome might be uncharted water.
Highlights
• Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) may affect transcription factor (TF) binding
• Fast statistical approach to assess significance of differential TF binding for SNVs
• Validate new approach on in vitro and in vivo TF binding assays
• Applications on GWAS SNVs and large eQTL studies illustrate utility
Summary
Non-coding variants located within regulatory elements may alter gene expression by modifying transcription factor (TF) binding sites, thereby leading to functional consequences. Different TF models are being used to assess the effect of DNA sequence variants, such as single nucleotide variants (SNVs). Often existing methods are slow and do not assess statistical significance of results. We investigated the distribution of absolute maximal differential TF binding scores for general computational models that affect TF binding. We find that a modified Laplace distribution can adequately approximate the empirical distributions. A benchmark on in vitro and in vivo datasets showed that our approach improves upon an existing method in terms of performance and speed. Applications on eQTLs and on a genome-wide association study illustrate the usefulness of our statistics by highlighting cell type-specific regulators and target genes. An implementation of our approach is freely available on GitHub and as bioconda package.
Human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) is the key enzyme of leukotriene biosynthesis, mostly expressed in leukocytes and thus a crucial component of the innate immune system.
In this study, we show that 5-LO, besides its canonical function as an arachidonic acid metabolizing enzyme, is a regulator of gene expression associated with euchromatin. By Crispr-Cas9-mediated 5-LO knockout (KO) in MonoMac6 (MM6) cells and subsequent RNA-Seq analysis, we identified 5-LO regulated genes which could be clustered to immune/defense response, cell adhesion, transcription and growth/developmental processes. Analysis of differentially expressed genes identified cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2, PTGS2) and kynureninase (KYNU) as strongly regulated 5-LO target genes. 5-LO knockout affected MM6 cell adhesion and tryptophan metabolism via inhibition of the degradation of the immunoregulator kynurenine. By subsequent FAIRE-Seq and 5-LO ChIP-Seq analyses, we found an association of 5-LO with euchromatin, with prominent 5-LO binding to promoter regions in actively transcribed genes. By enrichment analysis of the ChIP-Seq results, we identified potential 5-LO interaction partners. Furthermore, 5-LO ChIP-Seq peaks resemble patterns of H3K27ac histone marks, suggesting that 5-LO recruitment mainly takes place at acetylated histones.>
In summary, we demonstrate a noncanonical function of 5-LO as transcriptional regulator in monocytic cells.
Samples of Crustacea and Annelida (Polychaeta, Sipuncula, and Hirudinea) were collected in the Bering Sea and the northwestern Pacific Ocean during scientific cruise SO-249 BERING in 2016. Biological samples were collected from 32 locations by the team on-board RV Sonne using a chain bag dredge at depths ranging between 330–5,070 m, and preserved in 96% ethanol. Specimens were morphologically identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible using a Leica M60 stereomicroscope. The generated data here comprise taxonomic information as well as annotated bathymetric and biogeographic information from a total of 78 samples (26 Crustacea, 47 Polychaeta, 4 Sipuncula, and 1 Hirudinea). The dataset was prepared following Darwin Core Biodiversity standards for FAIR data sharing based on Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) and Global Biodiversity Facility (GBIF) guidelines. The standardised digitised data were then mobilised to both OBIS and GBIF under CC BY 4.0 licence to publicly share and adopt the data. As records of these important marine taxa from bathyal and abyssal depths are sparse, especially from the deep Bering Sea, the herein generated and digitised data aid in filling existing knowledge gaps on their diversity and distribution in that region. As part of the “Biogeography of the NW Pacific deep-sea fauna and their possible future invasions into the Arctic Ocean” (BENEFICIAL) project, this dataset thus not only increases our knowledge in re-assessing and uncovering the deep-sea diversity of these taxa, but also serves policy and management sectors by providing first-hand data for global report assessments.
Discoveries of new species often depend on one or a few specimens, leading to delays as researchers wait for additional context, sometimes for decades. There is currently little professional incentive for a single expert to publish a stand-alone species description. Additionally, while many journals accept taxonomic descriptions, even specialist journals expect insights beyond the descriptive work itself. The combination of these factors exacerbates the issue that only a small fraction of marine species are known and new discoveries are described at a slow pace, while they face increasing threats from accelerating global change. To tackle this challenge, this first compilation of Ocean Species Discoveries (OSD) presents a new collaborative framework to accelerate the description and naming of marine invertebrate taxa that can be extended across all phyla. Through a mode of publication that can be speedy, taxonomy-focused and generate higher citation rates, OSD aims to create an attractive home for single species descriptions. This Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance (SOSA) approach emphasises thorough, but compact species descriptions and diagnoses, with supporting illustrations and with molecular data when available. Even basic species descriptions carry key data for distributions and ecological interactions (e.g., host-parasite relationships) besides universally valid species names; these are essential for downstream uses, such as conservation assessments and communicating biodiversity to the broader public.This paper presents thirteen marine invertebrate taxa, comprising one new genus, eleven new species and one re-description and reinstatement, covering wide taxonomic, geographic, bathymetric and ecological ranges. The taxa addressed herein span three phyla (Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata), five classes, eight orders and twelve families. Apart from the new genus, an updated generic diagnosis is provided for four other genera. The newly-described species of the phylum Mollusca are Placiphorella methanophila Vončina, sp. nov. (Polyplacophora, Mopaliidae), Lepetodrilus marianae Chen, Watanabe & Tsuda, sp. nov. (Gastropoda, Lepetodrilidae), Shinkailepas gigas Chen, Watanabe & Tsuda, sp. nov. (Gastropoda, Phenacolepadidae) and Lyonsiella illaesa Machado & Sigwart, sp. nov. (Bivalvia, Lyonsiellidae). The new taxa of the phylum Arthropoda are all members of the subphylum Crustacea: Lepechinella naces Lörz & Engel, sp. nov. (Amphipoda, Lepechinellidae), Cuniculomaera grata Tandberg & Jażdżewska, gen. et sp. nov. (Amphipoda, Maeridae), Pseudionella pumulaensis Williams & Landschoff, sp. nov. (Isopoda, Bopyridae), Mastigoniscus minimus Wenz, Knauber & Riehl, sp. nov. (Isopoda, Haploniscidae), Macrostylis papandreas Jonannsen, Riehl & Brandt, sp. nov. (Isopoda, Macrostylidae), Austroniscus indobathyasellus Kaiser, Kniesz & Kihara, sp. nov. (Isopoda, Nannoniscidae) and Apseudopsis daria Esquete & Tato, sp. nov. (Tanaidacea, Apseudidae). In the phylum Echinodermata, the reinstated species is Psychropotes buglossa E. Perrier, 1886 (Holothuroidea, Psychropotidae).The study areas span the North and Central Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the North, East and West Pacific Ocean and depths from 5.2 m to 7081 m. Specimens of eleven free-living and one parasite species were collected from habitats ranging from an estuary to deep-sea trenches. The species were illustrated with photographs, line drawings, micro-computed tomography, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images. Molecular data are included for nine species and four species include a molecular diagnosis in addition to their morphological diagnosis.The five new geographic and bathymetric distribution records comprise Lepechinella naces Lörz & Engel, sp. nov., Cuniculomaera grata Tandberg & Jażdżewska, sp. nov., Pseudionella pumulaensis Williams & Landschoff, sp. nov., Austroniscus indobathyasellus Kaiser, Kniesz & Kihara, sp. nov. and Psychropotes buglossa E. Perrier, 1886, with the novelty spanning from the species to the family level. The new parasite record is Pseudionella pumulaensis Williams & Landschoff, sp. nov., found in association with the hermit crab Pagurus fraserorum Landschoff & Komai, 2018.
Osteocalcin (auch Bone 6 la Protein [B G P] genannt), ein 49 Aminosäuren enthaltendes Knochenmatrixprotein, wird in den Osteoblasten synthetisiert und bei gesteigertem Knochenumsatz im Serum erhöht gefunden. Osteocalcin im Serum kann mittels eines Hadioimmunoassays gemessen werden. Die Werte steigen mit dem Lebensalter an und zeigen einen zirkadianen Rhythmus. Beim primären Hyperparathyreoidismus sind die Osteocalcinwerte erhöht. Bei Patienten mit Mammacarcinom zeigt ein Osteocalcinanstieg stets eine Metastasierung im Knochen an. Die Hyperthyreose geht mit erhöhten Osteocalcinwerten einher. Über den diagnostischen Wert einer Osteocalcinbestimmung beim Plasmozytom läßt sich zur Zeit noch keine sichere Aussage machen. Patienten mit einer histomorphometrisch gesicherten „low-turnover'"Osteoporose weisen niedrige Osteocalclnspiegel auf. Die stark erhöhten Osteocalcinwerte bei der renalen Osteopathie (sekundärer Hyperparathyreoidismus, Osteomalazie) sind z.T. auch au feine verminderte renale Elimination von Osteocalcin bei eingeschränkter glomerulärer Filtrationsrate zurückzuführen. Zusammenfassend stellt die Osteocalcinbestimmung eine Bereicherung der diagnostischen Möglichkeiten zur Beurteilung des Knochenumsatzes darf sollte vorerst jedoch noch vorwiegend wissenschaftlichen Fragestellungen vorbehalten sein.
Im Zeitraum von 1991 - 1992 wurden 2000 Stuhlproben von a) Tropenreisenden (n = 600), b) Patienten mit Durch fall (n = 500) und c) Patienten mit gastrointestinalen Symptomen, jedoch ohne Durchfall (n = 900) auf Campylobacter spp. untersucht Hierfür wurden drei Kultivierungsmethoden parallel eingesetzt: 7. eine Filtermembranmethode, 2. ein blutfreies Campylobacter-Selektivmedium und 3. ein Blutmedium mit Butzler-Supplement Zusätzlich wurde der Einfluß von Transportbedingungen untersucht mittels Vergleiches zwischen Nativ-Stuhlproben versus Stühlen, die in ein Transportnährmedium (Cary-Blair-Medium) gegeben worden waren (n = 517).
Insgesamt waren 54/2000 (2,7%) Stuhlproben positiv. Die Campylobacter-Auffindungsrate in flüssigen Stühlen (Gruppe B) lag dreifach höher im Vergleich zu nicht-durchfälligen Proben (p < 0.01). In den Gruppen b) und c) waren Patienten, die älter als 40 Jahre waren, signifikant seltener mit Campylobacter infiziert als jüngere Personen, während es bei den Tropenreisenden keinen Alterseffekt gab. Unter den drei Kultivierungsmethoden war das Filtermembranverfahren dasjenige mit der besten Campylobacter-Ausbeute (p < 0.01): Methode 1 ergab 57,5%, Methode 2 50% und Methode 3 40,7% positive Isolate. Durch den Einsatz von Cary-Blair-Transportmedium konnte die Campylobacter-Isolierungsrate um 25% gesteigert werden. Die am häufigsten isolierten Spezies waren C. jejuni und C. coli.
Das neue immunoluminometrische BeriLux® PSA - ein Test für das Routinelabor. Ein Methodenvergleich
(1993)
In dieser Studie wurde der immunoluminometrische BeriLux® PSA-Test mit zwei radio-immunologischen und einem fluorometrischen Verfahren verglichen. Für den BeriLux® PSA wurden an 150 gesunden Probanden (100 Männer und 50 Frauen) die Referenzbereiche ermittelt. Bei Männern lag die 95%-Perzentile bei 3,77 ng/ml, für Frauen lag die 95%-Perzentile bei0,1 ng/ml. Der Korrelationskoeffizient zwischen der immunoluminometrischen Methode und radioimmunologischen Methode liegt bei r = 0,99, die analytische Sensitivität von BeriLux9 PSA liegt bei 0,03 ng/ml. Die Stabilität der Serumproben bei Lagerungstemperaturen zwischen 2°C und 8°C ist über einen Tag garantiert. Über diesen Zeitraum hinaussollten Serumproben bei -20° C gelagert werden.
Purpose: To assess the diagnostic precision of three different workstations for measuring thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) in vivo and ex vivo using either pre-interventional computed tomography angiography scans (CTA) or a specifically designed phantom model.
Methods: This retrospective study included 23 patients with confirmed TAA on routinely performed CTAs. In addition to phantom tube diameters, one experienced blinded radiologist evaluated the dimensions of TAAs on three different workstations in two separate rounds. Precision was assessed by calculating measurement errors. In addition, correlation analysis was performed using Pearson correlation.
Results: Measurements acquired at the Siemens workstation deviated by 3.54% (range, 2.78–4.03%; p = 0.14) from the true size, those at General Electric by 4.05% (range, 1.46–7.09%; p < 0.0001), and at TeraRecon by 4.86% (range, 3.22–6.45%; p < 0.0001). Accordingly, Siemens provided the most precise workstation at simultaneously most fluctuating values (scattering of 4.46%). TeraRecon had the smallest fluctuation (scattering of 2.83%), but the largest deviation from the true size of the phantom. The workstation from General Electric showed a scattering of 2.94%. The highest overall correlation between the 1st and 2nd rounds was observed with measurements from Siemens (r = 0.898), followed by TeraRecon (r = 0.799), and General Electric (r = 0.703). Repetition of measurements reduced processing times by 40% when using General Electric, by 20% with Siemens, and by 18% with TeraRecon.
Conclusions: In conclusion, all three workstations facilitated precise assessment of dimensions in the majority of cases at simultaneously high reproducibility, ensuring accurate pre-interventional planning of thoracic endovascular aortic repair.
This study evaluates whether the short version of the German LITMUS quasi-universal nonword repetition task (LITMUS-QU-NWR) can be used as an index test for monolingual and early second language learners (eL2) of German aged 8 to 10 years. The NWR taps into quasi-universal phonological knowledge via the so-called language-independent part and into language-specific phonological knowledge via the language-dependent part. Thirty-six monolingual and thirty-three eL2 learners of German, typically developing (TD) and diagnosed as language-impaired (DLD), participated in the study. The effects of the language group (Mo vs. eL2) and the clinical status (TD vs. DLD) on repetition accuracy are investigated by a logistic mixed-model analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and likelihood ratios are calculated to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the two parts. The group comparisons showed significant effects of the clinical status but not of the language group. The ROC analyses and the likelihood ratios reveal better diagnostic values for the language-dependent compared to the language-independent part and almost similar diagnostic values for the monolingual and the eL2 group. The results indicate that the LITMUS-QU-NWR helps to disentangle DLD and DLD in monolingual children and eL2 learners aged 8 to 10 years.
Background: Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare, immune-mediated neurological disorder. In adults, the pathogenesis can be idiopathic, post-infectious or paraneoplastic, the latter etiology belonging to the ever-expanding group of defined paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS). In contrast to other phenotypes of PNS, OMS cannot be ascribed to a single pathogenic autoantibody. Here, we report the first detailed case of paraneoplastic, antibody-negative OMS occurring in association with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET).
Case presentation: A 33-year-old female presented with a two-week history of severe ataxia of stance and gait, dysarthria, head tremor, myoclonus of the extremities and opsoclonus. Her past medical history was notable for a metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, and she was subsequently diagnosed with paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. Further workup did not reveal a paraneoplastic autoantibody. She responded well to plasmapheresis, as she was refractory to the first-line therapy with corticosteroids.
Conclusions: This case expands current knowledge on tumors associated with paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome and the age group in which it can occur. It further adds evidence to the effectiveness of plasmapheresis in severe cases of opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome with a lack of response to first-line therapy.
The ALICE Collaboration measures the production of low-mass dielectrons in pp, p-Pb and Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC. The main detectors used in the analyses are the Inner Tracking System, Time Projection Chamber and Time-Of-Flight detector, all located around mid-rapidity. The production of virtual photons relative to the inclusive yield in pp collisions is determined by analyzing the dielectron excess with respect to the expected hadronic sources. The direct photon cross section is then calculated and found to be in agreement with NLO pQCD calculations. Results from the invariant mass analysis in p-Pb collisions show an overall agreement between data and hadronic cocktail. In Pb-Pb collisions, uncorrected background-subtracted yields have been extracted in two centrality classes. A feasibility study for LHC run 3 after the ALICE upgrade indicates the possibility for a future measurement of the early effective temperature.
Structured management programs have been developed for single diseases but rarely for patients with multiple medications. We conducted a qualitative study to investigate the views of stakeholders on the development and implementation of a polypharmacy management program in Germany. Overall, we interviewed ten experts in the fields of health policy and clinical practice. Using content analysis, we identified inclusion criteria for the selection of suitable patients, the individual elements that should make up such a program, healthcare providers and stakeholders that should be involved, and factors that may support or hinder the program’s implementation. All stakeholders were well aware of polypharmacy-related risks and challenges, as well as the urgent need for change. Intervention strategies should address all levels of care and include all concerned patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and stakeholders, and involved parties should agree on a joint approach.
We investigate the thermodynamic geometry of the quark-meson model at finite temperature, T, and quark number chemical potential, μ. We extend previous works by the inclusion of fluctuations exploiting the functional renormalization group approach. We use recent developments to recast the flow equation into the form of an advection-diffusion equation. We adopt the local potential approximation for the effective average action. We focus on the thermodynamic curvature, R, in the (μ,T) plane, in proximity of the chiral crossover, up to the critical point of the phase diagram. We find that the inclusion of fluctuations results in a smoother behavior of R near the chiral crossover. Moreover, for small μ, R remains negative, signaling the fact that bosonic fluctuations reduce the capability of the system to completely overcome the fermionic statistical repulsion of the quarks. We investigate in more detail the small μ region by analyzing a system in which we artificially lower the pion mass, thus approaching the chiral limit in which the crossover is actually a second order phase transition. On the other hand, as μ is increased and the critical point is approached, we find that R is enhanced and a sign change occurs, in agreement with mean field studies. Hence, we completely support the picture that R is sensitive to a crossover and a phase transition, and provides information about the effective behavior of the system at the phase transition.
Zielsetzung: Ziel der Studie ist die Frage, ob es möglich ist, einen Kommunikationskurs für ca. 400 Studierende erfolgreich in ein Blended Learning-Format (asynchrone Theorievermittlung/digitaler synchroner Praxisteil) umzustellen. Hauptfokus war dabei die Beurteilung des subjektiven Lernzuwachses und die Frage, inwiefern die Bedeutung des Themas Kommunikation und Gesprächsführung online abgebildet werden kann. Die Betrachtung erfolgt auf Basis von Evaluationsergebnissen der Studierenden und Dozierenden dieses Kurses.
Methodik: Die Studierenden des vierten vorklinischen Semesters aus dem Jahr 2020 wurden durch einen Selbsteinschätzungsbogen zu Beginn sowie durch eine Evaluation nach Abschluss des Kurses befragt. Zusätzlich wurden die Rückmeldungen der Dozierenden zum Kurs ausgewertet. Um die Ergebnisse vergleichen und mögliche Unterschiede feststellen zu können, wurden die entsprechenden Selbsteinschätzungs- und Evaluationsergebnisse der vorangegangenen zehn Jahre (in Form von Präsenzkursen) herangezogen.
Ergebnisse: Im Onlineformat wurde ein deutlicher subjektiver Lernzuwachs angegeben, der höher ausfiel als in den Vorjahren in Präsenz. Die Eignung des Onlineformats wurde von Studierenden sowie Dozierenden eher kritisch bewertet, während die Kursatmosphäre positiv gesehen wurde. Die Relevanz ärztlicher Gesprächsführung wurde im Onlineformat insgesamt besonders gut bewertet.
Schlussfolgerung: Aufgrund der Evaluationsergebnisse werden die Erfahrungen mit dem Blended Learning-Format auch in Zukunft in das Kommunikations-Curriculum des Medizinstudiums der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt einfließen. Die Ergebnisse haben gezeigt, dass das Erlernen ärztlicher Gesprächsführung online gut möglich ist. Daher kann dieses Format für zukünftige neue Konzepte empfohlen werden.
The photoelectric effect describes the ejection of an electron upon absorption of one or several photons. The kinetic energy of this electron is determined by the photon energy reduced by the binding energy of the electron and, if strong laser fields are involved, by the ponderomotive potential in addition. It has therefore been widely taken for granted that for atoms and molecules, the photoelectron energy does not depend on the electron’s emission direction, but theoretical studies have questioned this since 1990. Here, we provide experimental evidence that the energies of photoelectrons emitted against the light propagation direction are shifted toward higher values, while those electrons that are emitted along the light propagation direction are shifted to lower values. We attribute the energy shift to a nondipole contribution to the ponderomotive potential that is due to the interaction of the moving electrons with the incident photons.
The ALICE experiment at the LHC investigates the properties of the hot and dense nuclear matter created in heavy-ion collisions. By comparing the particle production in pp and p-Pb collisions, possible nuclear initial state effects can be isolated. Measurements of the ω meson pT-spectra in pp and p-Pb collisions not only allow for a determination of the nuclear modification factor RpPb, but also provide insight into the fragmentation process and serve as vital input for decay background simulations for direct photons. In this contribution, measurements of the ω meson production in pp and p-Pb collisions at √sNN=5.02 TeV are presented. This includes the signal extraction and various corrections of the ω meson yields, leading to their production cross sections and the first measured nuclear modification factor RpPb of the ω meson at LHC energies.
Objectives: To assess the impact of noise-optimised virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI+) on image quality and diagnostic evaluation in abdominal dual-energy CT scans with impaired portal-venous contrast.
Methods: We screened 11,746 patients who underwent portal-venous abdominal dual-energy CT for cancer staging between 08/2014 and 11/2019 and identified those with poor portal-venous contrast.
Standard linearly-blended image series and VMI+ image series at 40, 50, and 60 keV were reconstructed. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of abdominal organs and vascular structures were calculated. Image noise, image contrast and overall image quality were rated by three radiologists using 5-point Likert scale.
Results: 452 of 11,746 (4%) exams were poorly opacified. We excluded 190 cases due to incomplete datasets or multiple exams of the same patient with a final study group of 262. Highest CNR values in all abdominal organs (liver, 6.4 ± 3.0; kidney, 17.4 ± 7.5; spleen, 8.0 ± 3.5) and vascular structures (aorta, 16.0 ± 7.3; intrahepatic vein, 11.3 ± 4.7; portal vein, 15.5 ± 6.7) were measured at 40 keV VMI+ with significantly superior values compared to all other series. In subjective analysis, highest image contrast was seen at 40 keV VMI+ (4.8 ± 0.4), whereas overall image quality peaked at 50 keV VMI+ (4.2 ± 0.5) with significantly superior results compared to all other series (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Image reconstruction using VMI+ algorithm at 50 keV significantly improves image contrast and image quality of originally poorly opacified abdominal CT scans and reduces the number of non-diagnostic scans.
Advances in knowledge: We validated the impact of VMI+ reconstructions in poorly attenuated DECT studies of the abdomen in a big data cohort.
In the deep-sea, the interaction between benthic fauna and substrate mainly occurs through bioturbational processes which can be preserved as traces (i.e., lebensspuren). Lebensspuren are common features of deep seafloor landscapes and usually more abundant than the organism that produce them (i.e., tracemakers), rendering them promising proxies to infer biodiversity. The density and diversity relationships between lebensspuren and benthic fauna are to the present day unclear and contradicting hypotheses have been proposed suggesting negative, positive, or even null correlations. To test these hypotheses, in this study lebensspuren, tracemakers (specific epibenthic fauna that produce these traces), degrading fauna (benthic fauna that can erase lebensspuren), and fauna in general were characterized taxonomically at eight deep-sea stations in the Kuril Kamchatka Trench area. No general correlation (over-all study area) could be observed between diversities of lebensspuren, tracemakers, degrading fauna and fauna. However, a diversity correlation was observed between specific stations, showing both negative and positive correlations depending on: 1) the number of unknown tracemakers (especially significant for dwelling lebensspuren); and 2) the lebensspuren with multiple origins; and 3) tracemakers that can produce different lebensspuren. Lebensspuren and faunal density were not correlated. However, lebensspuren density was either positively or negatively correlated with tracemaker densities, depending on the lebensspuren morphotypes. A positive correlation was observed for resting lebensspuren (e.g., ophiuroid impressions, Actinaria circular impressions), while negative correlations were observed for locomotion-feeding lebensspuren (e.g., echinoid trails). In conclusion, lebensspuren diversity may be a good proxy for tracemaker biodiversity when the lebensspuren-tracemaker tandem can be reliable characterized; and lebensspuren-density correlations vary depending the specific lebensspuren residence time, tracemaker density and associated behaviour (rate of movement), but on a global scale abiotic and other biotic 42 factors may also play an important role.
In the deep sea, interactions between benthic fauna and seafloor sediment primarily occur through bioturbation that can be preserved as traces (i.e. lebensspuren). Lebensspuren are common features of deep-sea landscapes and are more abundant than the organisms that produce them (i.e. tracemakers), rendering lebensspuren promising proxies for inferring biodiversity. The density and diversity relationships between lebensspuren and benthic fauna remain unclear, and contradicting correlations have been proposed (i.e. negative, positive, or even null correlations). To approach these variable correlations, lebensspuren and benthic fauna were characterized taxonomically at eight deep-sea stations in the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench area, together with two novel categories: tracemakers (specific epibenthic fauna that produce these traces) and degrading fauna (benthic fauna that can erase lebensspuren). No general correlation (overall study area) was observed between diversities of lebensspuren, tracemakers, degrading fauna, and fauna. However, a diversity correlation was observed at specific stations, showing both negative and positive correlations depending on: (1) the number of unknown tracemakers (especially significant for dwelling lebensspuren); (2) the lebensspuren with multiple origins; and (3) tracemakers that can produce different lebensspuren. Lebensspuren and faunal density were not correlated. However, lebensspuren density was either positively or negatively correlated with tracemaker densities, depending on the lebensspuren morphotypes. A positive correlation was observed for resting lebensspuren (e.g. ophiuroid impressions, Actiniaria circular impressions), while negative correlations were observed for locomotion-feeding lebensspuren (e.g. echinoid trails). In conclusion, lebensspuren diversity may be a good proxy for tracemaker biodiversity when the lebensspuren–tracemaker relationship can be reliable characterized. Lebensspuren–density correlations vary depending on the specific lebensspuren residence time, tracemaker density, and associated behaviour (rate of movement). Overall, we suggest that lebensspuren density and diversity correlations should be studied with tracemakers rather than with general benthic fauna. On a global scale, abiotic (e.g. hydrodynamics, substrate consistency) and other biotic factors (e.g. microbial degradation) may also play an important role.
Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die unterschiedlichen Sammlungsbestände von Comics, Graphic Novels und Manga in wissenschaftlichen Bibliotheken in Deutschland. Im weiteren Verlauf wird ein Schwerpunkt auf die Herausforderungen und Probleme in Bezug auf Bestandsaufbau, Erschließung, Archivierung bzw. Verfügbarmachung sowie Findmittel gelegt.
Observation of χcJ → 3(K⁺K⁻)
(2024)
By analyzing (27.12±0.14)×108 𝜓(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, the decay processes 𝜒𝑐𝐽→3(𝐾+𝐾−) (𝐽=0, 1, 2) are observed for the first time with statistical significances of 8.2𝜎, 8.1𝜎, and 12.4𝜎, respectively. The product branching fractions of 𝜓(3686)→𝛾𝜒𝑐𝐽, 𝜒𝑐𝐽→3(𝐾+𝐾−) are presented and the branching fractions of 𝜒𝑐𝐽→3(𝐾+𝐾−) decays are determined to be ℬ𝜒𝑐0→3(𝐾+𝐾−)=(10.7±1.8±1.1)×10−6, ℬ𝜒𝑐1→3(𝐾+𝐾−)=(4.2±0.9±0.5)×10−6, and ℬ𝜒𝑐2→3(𝐾+𝐾−)=(7.2±1.1±0.8)×10−6, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.
Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 6.4~fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, the process of e+e−→γϕJ/ψ is studied. The processes of e+e−→ϕχc1,c2, χc1,c2→γJ/ψ are observed with a significance of more than 10σ. The s√-dependent cross section of e+e−→ϕχc1,c2 is measured between 4.600 and 4.951~GeV, and evidence of a resonance structure is found for the first time in the ϕχc2 process. We also search for the processes of e+e−→γX(4140), γX(4274) and γX(4500) via the γϕJ/ψ final state, but no obvious structures are found. The upper limits on the production cross section times the branching fraction for these processes at the 90% confidence level are reported.
The cross section of the process e+e−→K+K− is measured at a number of center-of-mass energies s√ from 2.00 to 3.08 GeV with the BESIII detector at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider (BEPCII). The results provide the best precision achieved so far. A resonant structure around 2.2 GeV is observed in the cross section line shape. A Breit-Wigner fit yields a mass of M=2239.2±7.1±11.3~and a width of Γ=139.8±12.3±20.6 MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. In addition, the time-like electromagnetic form factor of the kaon is determined at the individual center-of-mass energy points.
Using a 3.19 fb−1 data sample collected at an 𝑒+𝑒− center-of-mass energy of 𝐸cm=4.178 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of the leptonic decay 𝐷+𝑠→𝜇+𝜈𝜇 to be ℬ𝐷+𝑠→𝜇+𝜈𝜇=(5.49±0.16stat±0.15syst)×10−3. Combining our branching fraction with the masses of the 𝐷+𝑠 and 𝜇+ and the lifetime of the 𝐷+𝑠, we determine 𝑓𝐷+𝑠|𝑉𝑐𝑠|=246.2±3.6stat±3.5syst MeV. Using the 𝑐→𝑠 quark mixing matrix element |𝑉𝑐𝑠| determined from a global standard model fit, we evaluate the 𝐷+𝑠 decay constant 𝑓𝐷+𝑠=252.9±3.7stat±3.6syst MeV. Alternatively, using the value of 𝑓𝐷+𝑠 calculated by lattice quantum chromodynamics, we find |𝑉𝑐𝑠|=0.985±0.014stat±0.014syst. These values of ℬ𝐷+𝑠→𝜇+𝜈𝜇, 𝑓𝐷+𝑠|𝑉𝑐𝑠|, 𝑓𝐷+𝑠 and |𝑉𝑐𝑠| are each the most precise results to date.
Using a data sample of 448.1×106 𝜓(3686) events collected at √𝑠=3.686 GeV with the BESIII detector at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider II, we search for the rare decay 𝐽/𝜓→𝜙𝑒+𝑒− via 𝜓(3686)→𝜋+𝜋−𝐽/𝜓. No signal events are observed and the upper limit on the branching fraction is set to be ℬ(𝐽/𝜓→𝜙𝑒+𝑒−)<1.2×10−7 at the 90% confidence level, which is still about one order of magnitude higher than the Standard Model prediction.
Members of the arginine–serine-rich protein family (SR proteins) are multifunctional RNA-binding proteins that have emerged as key determinants for mRNP formation, identity and fate. They bind to pre-mRNAs early during transcription in the nucleus and accompany bound transcripts until they are translated or degraded in the cytoplasm. SR proteins are mostly known for their essential roles in constitutive splicing and as regulators of alternative splicing. However, many additional activities of individual SR proteins, beyond splicing, have been reported in recent years. We will summarize the different functions of SR proteins and discuss how multifunctionality can be achieved. We will also highlight the difficulties of studying highly versatile SR proteins and propose approaches to disentangle their activities, which is transferrable to other multifunctional RBPs.
Cell-free (CF) synthesis with highly productive E. coli lysates is a convenient method to produce labeled proteins for NMR studies. Despite reduced metabolic activity in CF lysates, a certain scrambling of supplied isotope labels is still notable. Most problematic are conversions of 15N labels of the amino acids L-Asp, L-Asn, L-Gln, L-Glu and L-Ala, resulting in ambiguous NMR signals as well as in label dilution. Specific inhibitor cocktails suppress most undesired conversion reactions, while limited availability and potential side effects on CF system productivity need to be considered. As alternative route to address NMR label conversion in CF systems, we describe the generation of optimized E. coli lysates with reduced amino acid scrambling activity. Our strategy is based on the proteome blueprint of standardized CF S30 lysates of the E. coli strain A19. Identified lysate enzymes with suspected amino acid scrambling activity were eliminated by engineering corresponding single and cumulative chromosomal mutations in A19. CF lysates prepared from the mutants were analyzed for their CF protein synthesis efficiency and for residual scrambling activity. The A19 derivative “Stablelabel” containing the cumulative mutations asnA, ansA/B, glnA, aspC and ilvE yielded the most useful CF S30 lysates. We demonstrate the optimized NMR spectral complexity of selectively labeled proteins CF synthesized in “Stablelabel” lysates. By taking advantage of ilvE deletion in "Stablelabel", we further exemplify a new strategy for methyl group specific labeling of membrane proteins with the proton pump proteorhodopsin.
Measurements of vertical velocity from vertically pointing Doppler lidars are used to derive the profiles of vertical velocity variance. Observations were taken during the FESSTVaL (Field Experiment on Submesoscale Spatio-Temporal Variability in Lindenberg) campaign during the warm seasons of 2020 and 2021. Normalized by the square of convective velocity scale, the average vertical velocity variance profile follows the universal profile of Lenschow et al. (1980), however, daily profiles still show a high day-to-day variability. We found that moisture transport and the content of moisture in the boundary layer could explain the remaining variability of the normalized vertical velocity variance. The magnitude of the normalized vertical velocity variance is highest on clear-sky days, and decreases as the relative humidity increase and surface latent heat flux decrease in cloud-topped and rainy days. This suggests that moisture content and moisture transport are limiting factors for the intensity of turbulence in the convective boundary layer. We also found that the intensity of turbulence decreases with an increase in boundary layer cloud fraction during FESSTVaL, while the latent heating in the cloud layer was not a relevant source of turbulence in this case. We conclude that a new vertical velocity scale has to be defined that would take into account the moist processes in the convective boundary layer.
Measurements of vertical velocity from vertically pointing Doppler lidars are used to derive the profiles of normalized vertical velocity variance. Observations were taken during the FESSTVaL (Field Experiment on Submesoscale Spatio-Temporal Variability in Lindenberg) campaign during the warm seasons of 2020 and 2021. Normalized by the square of the convective velocity scale, the average vertical velocity variance profile follows the universal profile of Lenschow et al. (1980). However, daily profiles still show a high day-to-day variability. We found that moisture transport and the content of moisture in the boundary layer could explain the remaining variability of the normalized vertical velocity variance. The magnitude of the normalized vertical velocity variance is highest on clear-sky days and decreases as the absolute humidity increases and surface latent heat flux decreases on cloud-topped days. This suggests that moisture content and moisture transport are limiting factors for the intensity of turbulence in the convective boundary layer. We also found that the intensity of turbulence decreases with an increase in the boundary layer cloud fraction during FESSTVaL, while the latent heating in the cloud layer was not a relevant source of turbulence in this case. We conclude that a new vertical velocity scale has to be defined that would take into account the moist processes in the convective boundary layer.
Highlights
• Linking ecological and ecotoxicological data from 30 river sites.
• Bioassays indicate complex mixture of chemicals with different modes of action.
• Macroinvertebrate community deteriorates along a toxicity gradient.
• Macroinvertebrate response has low potential for toxicity-specific bioindicators.
• Effect-based methods could isolate toxicity effects from multiple stressors.
Abstract
Chemical pollution is one of the most important threats to freshwater ecosystems. The plethora of potentially occurring chemicals and their effects in complex mixtures challenge standard monitoring methods. Effect-based methods (EBMs) are proposed as complementary tools for the assessment of chemical pollution and toxic effects. To investigate the effects of chemical pollution, the ecological relevance of EBMs and the potential of macroinvertebrates as toxicity-specific bioindicators, ecological and ecotoxicological data were linked. Baseline toxicity, mutagenicity, dioxin-like and estrogenic activity of water and sediment samples from 30 river sites in central Germany were quantified with four in vitro bioassays. The responses of macroinvertebrate communities at these sites were assessed by calculating 16 taxonomic and functional metrics and by investigating changes in the taxonomic and trait composition. Principal component analysis revealed an increase in toxicity along a joint gradient of chemicals with different modes of action. This toxicity gradient was associated with a decrease in biodiversity and ecological quality, as well as significant changes in taxonomic and functional composition. The strength of the effects suggested a strong impact of chemical pollution and underlined the suitability of EBMs in detecting ecological relevant effects. However, the metrics, taxa, and traits associated with vulnerability or tolerance to toxicity were found to also respond to other stressors in previous studies and thus may have only a low potential as toxicity-specific bioindicators. Because macroinvertebrates respond integratively to all present stressors, linking both ecological and environmental monitoring is necessary to investigate the overall effects but also isolate individual stressors. EBMs have a high potential to separate the toxicity of chemical mixtures from other stressors in a multiple stressor scenario, as well as identifying the presence of chemical groups with specific modes of action.
We investigate the early time dynamics of heavy ion collisions studying the time evolution of the energy-momentum tensor as well as energy-momentum correlations within a uniformly thermalizing holographic QGP. From these quantities, we suggest a far-from equilibrium definition of shear viscosity, which is a crucial property of QCD matter as it significantly determines the generation of elliptic flow already at early times. During an exemplary initial heating phase of the holographic QGP the shear viscosity of entropy density ratio decreases down to 60%, followed by an overshoot to 110% of the near-equilibrium value, η/s=1/(4π). Implications for the QCD QGP are discussed. Subsequently, we consider a holographic QGP which is Bjorken-expanding. Its energy-momentum tensor components have a known hydrodynamic attractor to which all time evolutions collapse independent of the initial conditions. Based on this, we propose a definition for a far from equilibrium speed of sound, and analytically compute its hydrodynamic attractor. Subjecting this Bjorken-expanding plasma to an external magnetic field and an axial chemical potential, we study the chiral magnetic effect far from equilibrium.
Heavy quarks are useful probes to investigate the properties of the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) produced in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC, since they are produced in initial hard scattering processes. To single out the signals that are characteristic of the QGP, it is nevertheless crucial to understand the primordial heavy-quark production in vacuum, and to disentangle hot from cold nuclear matter effects. Moreover, observations of collective effects in high-multiplicity pp and p-Pb collisions show surprising similarities with those in heavy-ion collisions. Heavy-flavour production in such collisions could give further insight into the underlying processes. The heavy-flavour production can be studied with e+e− pairs from correlated semileptonic decays of heavy-flavour hadrons. Compared to single heavy-flavour measurements, the dielectron yield contains information about the initial kinematical correlations between the charm and anti-charm quarks, which is otherwise not accessible, and is sensitive to soft heavy-flavour production. We report results on correlated e+e− pairs in pp collisions recorded by the ALICE detector at different collision energies. The production of heavy quarks is discussed by comparing the yield of dielectrons from heavy-flavour hadron decays as a function of invariant mass, pair transverse momentum and distance of closest approach to the primary vertex with different Monte Carlo event generators. The heavy-flavour production cross sections are also presented. Results from high-multiplicity pp collisions at √s=13 TeV and the status of the p-Pb analysis at √sNN=5.02 TeV are reported as well.
Electromagnetic probes such as photons and dielectrons (e+e− pairs) are a unique tool to study the space-time evolution of the hot and dense matter created in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions. At low dielectron invariant mass (mee), thermal radiation from the hot hadronic phase contributes to the dielectron spectrum via decays of ρ mesons, whose spectral function is sensitive to chiral-symmetry restoration. At larger mee, thermal radiation from the quark–gluon plasma carries information about the early temperature of the medium. At LHC energies, it is nevertheless dominated by a large background from correlated heavy-flavor hadron decays affected by energy loss and flow in the medium. Complementary to the real photon measurements, dielectron data also allow the extraction of the real direct photon fraction, including thermal photons at low pair transverse momentum pT,ee. The latest ALICE results on dielectron studies in Pb-Pb, and in inelastic and high-multiplicity pp collisions, at √sNN = 5.02 TeV and at √s = 13 TeV, respectively, are presented and compared to simulations and expectations from theory. The status of the Run 3 analysis is also reported.
We reanalyze some critical exponents of the 𝑂(𝑁) model within the functional renormalization group (FRG) approach in the local potential approximation (LPA). We use recent advances which are based on the observation that the FRG flow equation in LPA can be put into the form of an advection-diffusion equation. This allows to employ well-tested hydrodynamical algorithms for its solution to better estimate various sources of errors. Our results complement previous results for the critical exponents obtained within the FRG approach in LPA and compare favorably with those obtained via other methods.
Highlights
• We propose a framework to address landscape effects on ecosystem services.
• We expect ecosystem service flows to be modulated by the amount and configuration of supply and demand areas.
• We stress the role of neutral areas in facilitating or hindering ecosystem service flows.
• Supply/demand ratios, spatial overlap, and ES characteristics need to be accounted for when assessing flows.
• We propose a research agenda with challenges to couple the effects of landscape configuration on ES flow.
Abstract
Despite advances in understanding the effects of landscape structure on ecosystem services (ES), many challenges related to these complex spatial interactions remain. In particular, the integration of landscape effects on different components of the service provision chain (supply, demand, and flow) remains poorly understood and conceptualized. Here we propose a theoretical framework to further explore how the spatial flow of ES can vary according to landscape structure (i.e. composition and configuration) emphasizing the role played by the configuration of supply, demand, and neutral areas, as well as individual characteristics of ES (e.g., service rivalry). For this, we expand the discussion on how landscape changes can affect ES flows and propose a theoretical representation of ES flows variation led by different supply-demand ratios. Additionally, we expand this discussion by integrating the potential effects of neutral areas in the landscape as well as of supply/demand spatial overlap. This novel approach links the spatial arrangement (e.g. fragmentation, network complexity, matrix resistance) usually captured by landscape metrics, and ratios of ES supply and demand areas to potential effects on spatial flows of ES. We discuss the application of this model using widely studied ES, such as pollination, pest control by natural enemies, and microclimate regulation. Finally, we propose a research agenda to connect the presented ideas with other prominent research topics that must be further developed to support landscape management targeting ES provision. The prominence of ES science calls for contributions such as this to give the scientific community the opportunity to reflect on the underlying mechanisms of ES and avoid oversimplified spatial assessments.
A comprehensive study of sillenite Bi12SiO20 single-crystal properties, including elastic stiffness and piezoelectric coefficients, dielectric permittivity, thermal expansion and molar heat capacity, is presented. Brillouin-interferometry measurements (up to 27 GPa), which were performed at high pressures for the first time, and ab initio calculations based on density functional theory (up to 50 GPa) show the stability of the sillenite structure in the investigated pressure range, in agreement with previous studies. Elastic stiffness coefficients c11 and c12 are found to increase continuously with pressure while c44 increases slightly for lower pressures and remains nearly constant above 15 GPa. Heat-capacity measurements were performed with a quasi-adiabatic calorimeter employing the relaxation method between 2 K and 395 K. No phase transition could be observed in this temperature interval. Standard molar entropy, enthalpy change and Debye temperature are extracted from the data. The results are found to be roughly half of the previous values reported in the literature. The discrepancy is attributed to the overestimation of the Debye temperature which was extracted from high-temperature data. Additionally, Debye temperatures obtained from mean sound velocities derived by Voigt-Reuss averaging are in agreement with our heat-capacity results. Finally, a complete set of electromechanical coefficients was deduced from the application of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy between 103 K and 733 K. No discontinuities in the temperature dependence of the coefficients are observed. High-temperature (up to 1100 K) resonant ultrasound spectra recorded for Bi12MO20 crystals revealed strong and reversible acoustic dissipation effects at 870 K, 960 K and 550 K for M = Si, Ge and Ti, respectively. Resonances with small contributions from the elastic shear stiffness c44 and the piezoelectric stress coefficient e123 are almost unaffected by this dissipation.
A search for a massless dark photon 𝛾′ is conducted using 4.5 fb−1 of 𝑒+𝑒− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII. No significant signal is observed, and the upper limit on the branching fraction ℬ(Λ+𝑐→𝑝𝛾′) is determined to be 8.0×10−5 at 90% confidence level.
We report the first observation of the decay Λ+c→Σ−π+π+π0, based on data obtained in e+e− annihilations with an integrated luminosity of 567~pb−1 at s√=4.6~GeV. The data were collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage rings. The absolute branching fraction B(Λ+c→Σ−π+π+π0) is determined to be (2.11±0.33(stat.)±0.14(syst.))%. In addition, an improved measurement of B(Λ+c→Σ−π+π+) is determined as (1.81±0.17(stat.)±0.09(syst.))%.
Measurement of the absolute branching fraction of the singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λc⁺ → pη′
(2022)
The singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λ+𝑐→𝑝𝜂′ is measured using 4.5 fb−1 of 𝑒+𝑒− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII. Evidence for Λ+𝑐→𝑝𝜂′ with a statistical significance of 3.6𝜎 is reported with a double-tag approach. The Λ+𝑐→𝑝𝜂′ absolute branching fraction is determined to be (5.62+2.46−2.04±0.26)×10−4, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Our result is consistent with the branching fraction obtained by the Belle collaboration within the uncertainty of 1𝜎.
Based on 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 experimental studies of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays 𝐷+𝑠→𝐾+𝐾+𝜋− and 𝐷+𝑠→𝐾+𝐾+𝜋−𝜋0 are reported. We determine the absolute branching fraction of 𝐷+𝑠→𝐾+𝐾+𝜋− to be (1.24+0.28−0.26(stat)±0.06(syst))×10−4. No significant signal of 𝐷+𝑠→𝐾+𝐾+𝜋−𝜋0 is observed and the upper limit on its decay branching fraction at 90% confidence level is set to be 1.7×10−4.
Using 5.9 pb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at center-of-mass energies from 3.640 to 3.701 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII Collider, we measure the observed cross sections of e+e−→K0SX (where X=anything). From a fit to these observed cross sections with the sum of continuum and ψ(3686) and J/ψ Breit-Wigner functions and considering initial state radiation and the BEPCII beam energy spread, we obtain for the first time the inclusive decay branching fraction B(ψ(3686)→K0SX)=(16.04±0.29±0.90)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.
We report the first measurements of absolute branching fractions for the W -exchange-only processes + c → 0K + and + c → (1530)0K + with the double-tag technique, by analyzing an e+e− collision data sample, that corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 567 pb−1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of 4.6 GeV by the BESIII detector. The branching fractions are measured to be B(+c → 0K +) = (5.90 ± 0.86 ± 0.39) × 10−3 and B(+c → (1530)0K +) = (5.02 ± 0.99 ± 0.31) × 10−3, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. Our results are more precise than the previous relative measurements.
Using 2.93 fb−1 of 𝑒+𝑒− annihilation data collected at a center-of-mass energy √𝑠=3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, we search for the semileptonic 𝐷0(+) decays into a 𝑏1(1235)−(0) axial-vector meson for the first time. No significant signal is observed for either charge combination. The upper limits on the product branching fractions are ℬ𝐷0→𝑏1(1235)−𝑒+𝜈𝑒·ℬ𝑏1(1235) −→ 𝜔𝜋−<1.12×10−4 and ℬ𝐷+→𝑏1(1235)0𝑒+𝜈𝑒·ℬ𝑏1(1235)0→𝜔𝜋0<1.75×10−4 at the 90% confidence level.
Using a data sample of (1.0087±0.0044)×1010 𝐽/𝜓 decay events collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energy of √𝑠=3.097 GeV, we present a search for the hyperon semileptonic decay Ξ0→Σ−𝑒+𝜈𝑒 which violates the Δ𝑆=Δ𝑄 rule. No significant signal is observed, and the upper limit on the branching fraction ℬ(Ξ0→Σ−𝑒+𝜈𝑒) is determined to be 1.6×10−4 at the 90% confidence level. This result improves the previous upper limit result by about one order of magnitude.
Utilizing the data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.19 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 4.178 GeV, we perform an amplitude analysis of the 𝐷+
𝑠→𝜋+𝜋−𝜋+ decay. The sample contains 13,797 candidates with a signal purity of ∼80%. The amplitude and phase of the contributing 𝜋𝜋 𝒮 wave are measured based on a quasi-model-independent approach, along with the amplitudes and phases of the 𝒫 and 𝒟 waves parametrized by Breit-Wigner models. The fit fractions of different intermediate decay channels are also reported.
Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 19 fb−1 at twenty-eight center-of-mass energies from 3.872 GeV to 4.700 GeV collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII electron-positron collider, the process e+e− → ηπ+π− and the intermediate process e+e− → ηρ0 are studied for the first time. The Born cross sections are measured. No significant resonance structure is observed in the cross section lineshape.
We report a measurement of the cross section for the process e+e−→π+π−J/ψ around the X(3872) mass in search for the direct formation of e+e−→X(3872) through the two-photon fusion process. No enhancement of the cross section is observed at the X(3872) peak and an upper limit on the product of electronic width and branching fraction of X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ is determined to be Γee×B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ)<7.5×10−3eV at 90% confidence level under an assumption of total width of 1.19±0.21 MeV. This is an improvement of a factor of about 17 compared to the previous limit. Furthermore, using the latest result of B(X(3872)→π+π−J/ψ), an upper limit on the electronic width Γee of X(3872) is obtained to be <0.32eV at the 90% confidence level.
If service providers can identify reasons users are in favor of or against a service, they have insightful information that can help them understand user behavior and what they need to do to change such behavior. This article argues that the novel text-mining technique referred to as information-seeking argument mining (IS-AM) can identify these reasons. The empirical study applies IS-AM to news articles and reviews about electric scooter-sharing systems (i.e., a service enabling the short-term rentals of electric motorized scooters). Its results point to IS-AM as a promising technique to improve service; the data enable the authors to identify 40 reasons to use or not use electric scooter-sharing systems, as well as their importance to users. Furthermore, the results show that news articles are better data sources than reviews because they are longer and contain more arguments and, thus, reasons.
The archaeal ATP synthase is a multisubunit complex that consists of a catalytic A(1) part and a transmembrane, ion translocation domain A(0). The A(1)A(0) complex from the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus was isolated. Mass analysis of the complex by laser-induced liquid bead ion desorption (LILBID) indicated a size of 730 +/- 10 kDa. A three-dimensional map was generated by electron microscopy from negatively stained images. The map at a resolution of 2.3 nm shows the A(1) and A(0) domain, connected by a central stalk and two peripheral stalks, one of which is connected to A(0), and both connected to A(1) via prominent knobs. X-ray structures of subunits from related proteins were fitted to the map. On the basis of the fitting and the LILBID analysis, a structural model is presented with the stoichiometry A(3)B(3)CDE(2)FH(2)ac(10).
The properties of compact stars and in particular the existence of twin star solutions are investigated within an effective model that is constrained by lattice QCD thermodynamics. The model is modified at large baryon densities to incorporate a large variety of scenarios of first order phase transitions to a phase of deconfined quarks. This is achieved by matching two different variants of the bag model equation of state, in order to estimate the role of the Bag model parameters on the appearance of a second family of neutron stars. The produced sequences of neutron stars are compared with modern constrains on stellar masses, radii, and tidal deformability from astrophysical observations and gravitational wave analyses. It is found that those scenarios in our analysis, in which a third family of stars appeared due to the deconfinement transition, are disfavored from astrophysical constraints.
The thermodynamic properties of the interacting particle–antiparticle boson system at high temperatures and densities were investigated within the framework of scalar and thermodynamic mean-field models. We assume isospin (charge) density conservation in the system. The equations of state and thermodynamic functions are determined after solving the self-consistent equations. We study the relationship between attractive and repulsive forces in the system and the influence of these interactions on the thermodynamic properties of the bosonic system, especially on the development of the Bose–Einstein condensate. It is shown that under “weak” attraction, the boson system has a phase transition of the second order, which occurs every time the dependence of the particle density crosses the critical curve or even touches it. It was found that with a “strong” attractive interaction, the system forms a Bose condensate during a phase transition of the first order, and, despite the finite value of the isospin density, these condensate states are characterized by a zero chemical potential. That is, such condensate states cannot be described by the grand canonical ensemble since the chemical potential is involved in the conditions of condensate formation, so it cannot be a free variable when the system is in the condensate phase.
An independent Taiwanese lineage of powdery mildew on the endemic host species Koelreuteria henryi
(2024)
Background: Powdery mildews (Erysiphaceae, Ascomycota) are common plant disease agents and also cause stress for forest and fruit trees worldwide as well as in Taiwan. The powdery mildew Erysiphe bulbouncinula on Koelreuteria host trees was considered an endemic species in China. While in China the host was K. paniculata and only the teleomorph stage found, the anamorph and the teleomorph were both recorded for the host in Taiwan, K. henryi. We aimed to clarify the relationship of the powdery mildews recorded under E. bulbouncinula with an apparently disjunct distribution.
Results: Specimens of powdery mildew on K. henryi from Taiwan were characterized based on the anamorph morphology and DNA sequences. They revealed a new record of Sawadaea koelreuteriae for this host species and Taiwan and a new species of Erysiphe, E. formosana, sister to E. bulbouncinula from China.
Conclusions: In Erysiphe on Koelreuteria hosts, speciation of plant parasitic fungi seems to be correlated with disjunct host and geographic distribution possibly shaped by extinction of potential host species which are known only as fossils. Two of the three extant East Asian species of Koelreuteria are now known as hosts of specific Erysiphe species. We may predict a further not yet discovered Erysiphe species on the third East Asian species, K. bipinnata, in South and Southwest China. In the speciation in Sawadaea, the extinction events in Koelreuteria can be excluded from being involved.
Purpose: The stomachs and spiral valves of sharks and rays were examined for their trypanorhynch (Cestoda) parasite fauna and dietary items to infer feeding ecology. In Indonesia, sharks and rays have been experiencing increasing awareness and conservation in the recent years due to high fisheries activities and to avoid future species extinction.
Methods: The samples were collected in 2009 from two different sampling sites at the southern coasts of Java and Bali in Indonesia. The parasite fauna was studied for 41 elasmobranch fishes. Amongst these, three shark species, Carcharhinus sorrah, Carcharhinus sp. I and Squalus megalops and seven ray species, Brevitrygon heterura, B. cf. heterura, Gymnura zonura, Maculabatis gerrardi, Mobula kuhlii, Neotrygon cauruleopuncatata and Rhinobatos penggali were studied. Four additional specimens, belonging to the shark species Carcharhinus sp. II and Mustelus cf. manazo and the ray species Maculabatis gerrardi were studied from the waters of South Bali.
Results: Analyses of the feeding ecology of the ray M. gerrardi revealed distinct differences between both sampling sites, indicating the presence of ecological differences between the geographically independent regions. A total of 11 different trypanorhynch species/taxa belonging to the five families Eutetrarhynchidae (5), Gilquiniidae (1), Lacistorhynchidae (1), Pterobothriidae (1) and Tentaculariidae (3) were found. Ten trypanorhynch species from Penyu Bay and four species from South Bali could be identified. Two taxa that might represent new species were collected: Dollfusiella sp. from Brevitrygon heterura and Prochristianella sp. from Maculabatis gerrardi.
Conclusions: The present paper gives insights in using the trypanorhynch cestode community in combination with feeding ecology analyses to support conservation of elasmobranchs in Indonesian waters.
One like all? Behavioral response range of native and invasive amphipods to neonicotinoid exposure
(2024)
Highlights
• Short-time neonicotinoid exposure causes behavioral responses in non-target species.
• Environmentally relevant concentrations can induce changes in invertebrate behavior.
• Different baseline activity of ecological similar crustacean amphipods.
• Species respond specifically to thiacloprid exposure.
• Acantocephalan infection affects locomotion of intermediate host Gammarus roeselii.
Abstract
Native and invasive species often occupy similar ecological niches and environments where they face comparable risks from chemical exposure. Sometimes, invasive species are phylogenetically related to native species, e.g. they may come from the same family and have potentially similar sensitivities to environmental stressors due to phylogenetic conservatism and ecological similarity. However, empirical studies that aim to understand the nuanced impacts of chemicals on the full range of closely related species are rare, yet they would help to comprehend patterns of current biodiversity loss and species turnover. Behavioral sublethal endpoints are of increasing ecotoxicological interest. Therefore, we investigated behavioral responses (i.e., change in movement behavior) of the four dominant amphipod species in the Rhine-Main area (central Germany) when exposed to the neonicotinoid thiacloprid. Moreover, beyond species-specific behavioral responses, ecological interactions (e.g. parasitation with Acanthocephala) play a crucial role in shaping behavior, and we have considered these infections in our analysis. Our findings revealed distinct baseline behaviors and species-specific responses to thiacloprid exposure. Notably, Gammarus fossarum exhibited biphasic behavioral changes with hyperactivity at low concentrations that decreased at higher concentrations. Whereas Gammarus pulex, Gammarus roeselii and the invasive species Dikerogammarus villosus, showed no or weaker behavioral responses. This may partly explain why G. fossarum disappears in chemically polluted regions while the other species persist there to a certain degree. But it also shows that potential pre-exposure in the habitat may influence behavioral responses of the other amphipod species, because habituation occurs, and potential hyperactivity would be harmful to individuals in the habitat. The observed responses were further influenced by acanthocephalan parasites, which altered baseline behavior in G. roeselii and enhanced the behavioral response to thiacloprid exposure. Our results underscore the intricate and diverse nature of responses among closely related amphipod species, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities in anthropogenically impacted freshwater ecosystems.
Highlights
• The higher the extinction risk, the fewer exposure-effect data are available.
• Lack of studies in the Southern Hemisphere shows a spatial bias in the literature.
• Commonly studied pollutants are persistent organic pollutants, metals, pesticides.
• Pollution-effect studies focus on molecular and cellular levels.
• In silico and in vitro approaches aid in assessing in vivo effects.
Abstract
Marine mammals, due to their long life span, key position in the food web, and large lipid deposits, often face significant health risks from accumulating contaminants. This systematic review examines published literature on pollutant-induced adverse health effects in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red-listed marine mammal species. Thereby, identifying gaps in literature across different extinction risk categories, spatial distribution and climatic zones of studied habitats, commonly used methodologies, researched pollutants, and mechanisms from cellular to population levels. Our findings reveal a lower availability of exposure-effect data for higher extinction risk species (critically endangered 16%, endangered 15%, vulnerable 66%), highlighting the need for more research. For many threatened species in the Southern Hemisphere pollutant-effect relationships are not established. Non-destructively sampled tissues, like blood or skin, are commonly measured for exposure assessment. The most studied pollutants are POPs (31%), metals (30%), and pesticides (17%). Research on mixture toxicity is scarce while pollution-effect studies primarily focus on molecular and cellular levels. Bridging the gap between molecular data and higher-level effects is crucial, with computational approaches offering a high potential through in vitro to in vivo extrapolation using (toxico-)kinetic modelling. This could aid in population-level risk assessment for threatened marine mammals.
Beside mosquitoes, ticks are well-known vectors of different human pathogens. In the Northern Hemisphere, Lyme borreliosis (Eurasia, LB) or Lyme disease (North America, LD) is the most commonly occurring vector-borne infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia which are transmitted by hard ticks of the genus Ixodes. The reported incidence of LB in Europe is about 22.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants annually with a broad range depending on the geographical area analyzed. However, the epidemiological data are largely incomplete, because LB is not notifiable in all European countries. Furthermore, not only differ reporting procedures between countries, there is also variation in case definitions and diagnostic procedures. Lyme borreliosis is caused by several species of the Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex which are maintained in complex networks including ixodid ticks and different reservoir hosts. Vector and host influence each other and are affected by multiple factors including climate that have a major impact on their habitats and ecology. To classify factors that influence the risk of transmission of B. burgdorferi s.l. to their different vertebrate hosts as well as to humans, we briefly summarize the current knowledge about the pathogens including their astonishing ability to overcome various host immune responses, regarding the main vector in Europe Ixodes ricinus, and the disease caused by borreliae. The research shows, that a higher standardization of case definition, diagnostic procedures, and standardized, long-term surveillance systems across Europe is necessary to improve clinical and epidemiological data.
Highlights
• Stomach content analyses, parasitological and fecal examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany.
• 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasitic species could be identified of which 6 endoparasitic species have a human pathogenic potential.
• Stomach content was composed of one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components.
• Invasive alien species can have negative impact on native animal species and can act as a carrier of various parasites.
Abstract
Originally from Asia, the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides is an invasive alien species in Europe, listed since 2019 on the List of invasive alien species of Union concern. The raccoon dog is considered to have negative impact on native biodiversity, as well as a crucial role in hosting and transmitting diverse parasites and pathogens of human and veterinary importance. In the present study, stomach content analyses and parasitological examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany. In addition, fecal samples were analyzed. The results of the study confirm the assumption that the examined raccoon dogs were infested with a various ecto- and endoparasite fauna. A total of 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasites were detected, with 6 of the endoparasites having human pathogenic potential. Trichodectes canis (P = 53.42%), Toxocara canis (P = 50.68%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (P = 68.49%) were the most abundant parasite species. The stomach contents consisted of approximately one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components, composed of various species of amphibians, fish, insects, mammals and birds. Among them were specially protected or endangered species such as the grass frog Rana temporaria. The study shows that the raccoon dog exerts predation pressure on native species due to its omnivorous diet and, as a carrier of various parasites, poses a potential risk of infection to wild, domestic and farm animals and humans.
Evidence of predation pressure on sensitive species by raccoons based on parasitological studies
(2024)
Highlights
• Parasitological analyses were carried out on 108 free-ranging raccoons in Germany.
• Three endoparasite species were newly discovered, alongside 13 parasites already known.
• A high prevalence of the pathogenic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis was identified.
• Uncovering endoparasites provides insights into predation events from the past.
• Stomach contents show serious negative impact of raccoons on native amphibians.
Abstract
To demonstrate predation and potential impacts of raccoons on various species, a total of 108 raccoons from aquatic-associated nature reserves and natural areas in three federal states of Germany, Hesse (n = 36), Saxony-Anhalt (n = 36) and Brandenburg (n = 36), were investigated from a dietary ecological perspective in the present study. Fecal analyses and stomach content examinations were conducted for this purpose. Additionally, as a supplementary method for analyzing the dietary spectrum of raccoons, the parasite fauna was considered, as metazoan parasites, in particular, can serve as indicators for the species and origin of food organisms. While stomach content analyses allow for a detailed recording of trophic relationships solely at the time of sampling, parasitological examinations enable inferences about more distant interaction processes. With their different developmental stages and heteroxenous life cycles involving specific, sometimes obligate, intermediate hosts, they utilize the food web to reach their definitive host. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that spawning areas of amphibians and reptiles were predominantly utilized as food resources by raccoons in the study areas. Thus, common toad (Bufo bufo), common newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), grass frog (Rana temporaria), and grass snake (Natrix natrix) were identified as food organisms for raccoons. The detection of the parasite species Euryhelmis squamula, Isthmiophora melis, and Physocephalus sexalatus with partially high infestation rates also suggests that both amphibians and reptiles belong to the established dietary components of raccoons from an ecological perspective, as amphibians and reptiles are obligate intermediate hosts in the respective parasitic life cycles of the detected parasites. The study clearly demonstrates that raccoons have a significant impact on occurrence-sensitive animal species in certain areas and, as an invasive species, can exert a negative influence on native species and ecosystems.
Highlights
• 234 raccoons were dissected, 23 parasite species could be detected.
• 14 new parasite species have been identified for raccoons in Europe.
• Compared to literature, a very high prevalence (95%) of B. procyonis was detected.
• The human pathogenic trematode P. muris was detected in raccoons for the first time.
Abstract
The invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an abundant carnivore and considered as an important potential vector of infectious diseases and parasites in Europe. Raccoons show a broad, opportunistic, omnivorous food spectrum. Food supply and habitat quality in urban areas are very attractive for the generalist raccoon. This inevitably leads to increased interaction with humans, domestic animals and livestock, making the raccoon a potentially suitable zoonosis vector. In its autochthonous range, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the raccoon has been studied very intensively since the beginning of the 20th century. Whereas, basic field biology and parasitology studies in Germany and Europe are lacking and have only been conducted sporadically, regionally and on small sample sizes. In the presented study 234 raccoons from central Germany were comprehensively examined for their metazoan parasite fauna. The present study shows for the first time an extremely diverse parasite fauna in raccoons outside their native range and proves their essential role as intermediate hosts and hosts for ecto- and endoparasites. A total of 23 different parasite species were identified, five of which are human pathogens, 14 of which are new for the parasite fauna of raccoons in Europe. The human pathogenic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis is the most common parasite species in this study, with a prevalence of up to 95%. The digenetic trematode Plagiorchis muris, another human pathogenic parasite species, was detected for the first time in raccoons. The ongoing spread of invasive carnivores and the associated spread and transmission of their parasites and other pathogens increases the potential health risk of wild and farmed animals as well as humans. An increase in parasitic diseases in humans (e.g. raccoon roundworm) is to be expected, especially in urban areas, where raccoons are becoming more and more abundant.
Highlights
• Floating ability facilitates water dispersal.
• Hydrochorous seed dispersal is more effective than wind dispersal.
• Storage in water induced germination rate.
Abstract
In many Central European countries Fraxinus pennsylvanica is an invasive species that spreads rapidly in floodplain forests. The aim of this study was to analyse anemochorous and hydrochorous dispersal distances and to compare the findings with dispersal data for the native Fraxinus excelsior. A simulation revealed that wind dispersal distances are similar for both species, reaching to 120–250 m. By contrast, the mean floating time (50% floating samaras) measured in an experiment was 2 days in the case of F. pennsylvanica and 0.5 days for F. excelsior. This high floating ability facilitates water dispersal over several kilometres in both species, but for the invasive species the modelled mean dispersal distance was 3.7 times higher. A germination test of F. pennsylvanica seeds revealed that the rate, onset and speed of germination increase with the duration of the inundation. After a maximum storage time in water of about 15 days the germination rate amounts to 78%, which was higher than the germination rate of seeds without storage in water (53%). We also found that regeneration was enhanced in flooded areas. Hydrochory, therefore, may be viewed as an important factor explaining the successful invasion of F. pennsylvanica in floodplain forests in Central Europe.
Seed dispersal is hard to measure, and there is still a lack of knowledge about dispersal-related traits of plant species. Therefore, we developed D3, the Dispersal and Diaspore Database (available at
www.seed-dispersal.info), which aims at simplifying ecological and evolutionary analyses by providing and integrating various items related to seed dispersal: empirical studies, functional traits, image analyses and ranking indices (quantifying the adaptation to dispersal modes).
Currently, the database includes data for more than 5000 taxa and 33 items as well as digital images of diaspores (i.e. the dispersal units), seeds, fruits and infructescences. The included items cover common traits like diaspore mass, size, shape, terminal velocity and seed number per diaspore. Furthermore, we present newly or further developed items like ecomorphological categorizations of the diaspore and fruit as well as information from literature on prevailing dispersal modes. Finally, we introduce several items which are not covered in other databases yet: surface structure and form of the diaspore, the exposure of the diaspores in the infructescence and dispersal rankings. Dispersal rankings allow estimations of how well certain species are adapted to a specific dispersal mode in comparison to a larger species set. They are calculated as the percentile rank of an indicator of species’ dispersal potential in relation to a larger species set.
Especially for the new and further developed items we outline the basic concepts in detail, describe the measurement and categorization methods and show how to interpret and integrate these data for single species as well as for larger species sets. Thereby, we calculate baseline statistics of seed dispersal of the Central European flora. We found that diaspores of 72% of the taxa show specializations related to long-distance dispersal, i.e. most often elongated appendages or nutrient-rich tissues. Diaspore masses, sizes and terminal velocities vary over several orders of magnitude and can be approximated by lognormal distributions.
The raccoon is listed among the invasive alien species of EU concern requiring management actions. Projections of its global distribution have been mainly based on climatic variables so far. In this study, we aim to address the impact of land cover (LC) on the raccoon distribution in North America and Europe. First, we identified the LC types in which the observation sites are predominantly located to derive preferred LC types. Second, we used an ecological niche modelling (ENM) approach to evaluate the predictive power of climatic and LC information on the current distribution patterns of raccoons in both ranges. Raccoons seem to be more often associated to forested areas and mixed landscapes, including cropland and urban areas, but underrepresented in vegetation-poor areas, with patterns largely coinciding in both ranges. In order to compare the predictive power of climate variables and land cover variables, we conducted principal component analyses of all variables in the respective variable sets (climate variables and land cover variables) and used all PC variables that together explain 90% of the total variance in the respective set as predictors. Land cover only models resulted in patchy patterns in the projected habitat suitabilities and showed a higher performance compared to the climate only models in both ranges. In Europe, the land cover habitat suitability seems to exceed the current observed occurrences, which could indicate a further spread potential of the raccoon in Europe. We conclude that information on land cover types are important drivers, which explain well the spatial patterns of the raccoon. Consideration of land cover could benefit efforts to control invasive carnivores and contribute to better management of biodiversity, but also human and animal health.
A modification of the Einstein–Hilbert theory, the Covariant Canonical Gauge Gravity (CCGG), leads to a cosmological constant that represents the energy of the space–time continuum when deformed from its (A)dS ground state to a flat geometry. CCGG is based on the canonical transformation theory in the De Donder–Weyl (DW) Hamiltonian formulation. That framework modifies the Einstein–Hilbert Lagrangian of the free gravitational field by a quadratic Riemann–Cartan concomitant. The theory predicts a total energy-momentum of the system of space–time and matter to vanish, in line with the conjecture of a “Zero-Energy-Universe” going back to Lorentz (1916) and Levi-Civita (1917). Consequently, a flat geometry can only exist in presence of matter where the bulk vacuum energy of matter, regardless of its value, is eliminated by the vacuum energy of space–time. The observed cosmological constant Λobs is found to be merely a small correction attributable to deviations from a flat geometry and effects of complex dynamical geometry of space–time, namely torsion and possibly also vacuum fluctuations. That quadratic extension of General Relativity, anticipated already in 1918 by Einstein, thus provides a significant and natural contribution to resolving the “cosmological constant problem”.
This short paper gives a brief overview of the manifestly covariant canonical gauge gravity (CCGG) that is rooted in the De Donder-Weyl Hamiltonian formulation of relativistic field theories, and the proven methodology of the canonical transformation theory. That framework derives, from a few basic physical and mathematical assumptions, equations describing generic matter and gravity dynamics with the spin connection emerging as a Yang Mills-type gauge field. While the interaction of any matter field with spacetime is fixed just by the transformation property of that field, a concrete gravity ansatz is introduced by the choice of the free (kinetic) gravity Hamiltonian. The key elements of this approach are discussed and its implications for particle dynamics and cosmology are presented. New insights: Anomalous Pauli coupling of spinors to curvature and torsion of spacetime, spacetime with (A)dS ground state, inertia, torsion and geometrical vacuum energy, Zero-energy balance of the Universe leading to a vanishing cosmological constant and torsional dark energy.
An extension to the Einstein–Cartan (EC) action is discussed in terms of cosmological solutions. The torsion incorporated in the EC Lagrangian is assumed to be totally anti-symmetric, represented by a time-like axial vector Sμ. The dynamics of torsion is invoked by a novel kinetic term. Here we show that this kinetic term gives rise to dark energy, while the quadratic torsion term, emanating from the EC part, represents a stiff fluid that leads to a bouncing cosmology solution. A constraint on the bouncing solution is calculated using cosmological data from different epochs.
A partial-wave analysis of the decay 𝐽/𝜓→𝐾+𝐾−𝜋0 has been made using (223.7±1.4)×106 𝐽/𝜓 events collected with the BESIII detector in 2009. The analysis, which is performed within the isobar-model approach, reveals contributions from 𝐾*2(1430)±, 𝐾*2(1980)± and 𝐾*4(2045)± decaying to 𝐾±𝜋0. The two latter states are observed in 𝐽/𝜓 decays for the first time. Two resonance signals decaying to 𝐾+𝐾− are also observed. These contributions cannot be reliably identified and their possible interpretations are discussed. The measured branching fraction 𝐵(𝐽/𝜓→𝐾+𝐾−𝜋0) of (2.88±0.01±0.12)×10−3 is more precise than previous results. Branching fractions for the reported contributions are presented as well. The results of the partial-wave analysis differ significantly from those previously obtained by BESII and BABAR.
We study the hadronic decays of Λ+c to the final states Σ+η and Σ+η′, using an e+e− annihilation data sample of 567 pb−1 taken at a center-of-mass energy of 4.6 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. We find evidence for the decays Λ+c→Σ+η and Σ+η′ with statistical significance of 2.5σ and 3.2σ, respectively. Normalizing to the reference decays Λ+c→Σ+π0 and Σ+ω, we obtain the ratios of the branching fractions B(Λ+c→Σ+η)B(Λ+c→Σ+π0) and B(Λ+c→Σ+η′)B(Λ+c→Σ+ω) to be 0.35±0.16±0.03 and 0.86±0.34±0.07, respectively. The upper limits at the 90\% confidence level are set to be B(Λ+c→Σ+η)B(Λ+c→Σ+π0)<0.58 and B(Λ+c→Σ+η′)B(Λ+c→Σ+ω)<1.2. Using BESIII measurements of the branching fractions of the reference decays, we determine B(Λ+c→Σ+η)=(0.41±0.19±0.05)% (<0.68%) and B(Λ+c→Σ+η′)=(1.34±0.53±0.21)% (<1.9%). Here, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The obtained branching fraction of Λ+c→Σ+η is consistent with the previous measurement, and the branching fraction of Λ+c→Σ+η′ is measured for the first time.
Neutron star mergers (NSMs) are one of the astrophysical sites for the occurrence of the rapid neutron capture process (r-process). After a merger, the ejected neutron-rich matter hosts the production of radioactive heavy nuclei located far from the stability valley. Their nuclear physics properties are key inputs for r-process nucleosynthesis calculations. Here, we focus on the importance of neutron-capture rates and perform a sensitivity study for typical outflows from NSMs. We identify the rates with the highest impact on the final r-process abundance pattern and the nuclear energy release, therefore determining the nucleosynthesis in NSMs. A list of major n-capture rates affecting individual isotopes and elements production is also provided.
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a major regulatory mediator connecting the brain and the immune system that influences accordingly inflammatory processes within the entire body. In the periphery, the SNS exerts its effects mainly via its neurotransmitters norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E), which are released by peripheral nerve endings in lymphatic organs and other tissues. Depending on their concentration, NE and E bind to specific α- and β-adrenergic receptor subtypes and can cause both pro- and anti-inflammatory cellular responses. The co-transmitter neuropeptide Y, adenosine triphosphate, or its metabolite adenosine are also mediators of the SNS. Local pro-inflammatory processes due to injury or pathogens lead to an activation of the SNS, which in turn induces several immunoregulatory mechanisms with either pro- or anti-inflammatory effects depending on neurotransmitter concentration or pathological context. In chronic inflammatory diseases, the activity of the SNS is persistently elevated and can trigger detrimental pathological processes. Recently, the sympathetic contribution to mild chronic inflammatory diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) has attracted growing interest. OA is a whole-joint disease and is characterized by mild chronic inflammation in the joint. In this narrative article, we summarize the underlying mechanisms behind the sympathetic influence on inflammation during OA pathogenesis. In addition, OA comorbidities also accompanied by mild chronic inflammation, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and depression, will be reviewed. Finally, the potential of SNS-based therapeutic options for the treatment of OA will be discussed.
The dynamics of the torsion field is analyzed in the framework of the Covariant Canonical Gauge Theory of Gravity (CCGG), a De Donder–Weyl Hamiltonian formulation of gauge gravity. The action is quadratic in both, the torsion and the Riemann–Cartan tensor. Since the latter adds the derivative of torsion to the equations of motion, torsion is no longer identical to spin density, as in the Einstein–Cartan theory, but an additional propagating degree of freedom. As torsion turns out to be totally anti-symmetric, it can be parametrised via a single axial vector. It is shown in this paper that, in the weak torsion limit, the axial vector obeys a wave equation with an effective mass term which is partially dependent on the scalar curvature. The source of torsion is thereby given by the fermion axial current which is the net fermionic spin density of the system. Possible measurable effects and approaches to experimental analysis are addressed. For example, neutron star mergers could act as a dipoles or quadrupoles for torsional radiation, and an analysis of radiation of pulsars could lead to a detection of torsion wave background radiation.
We introduce a Cannings model with directional selection via a paintbox construction and establish a strong duality with the line counting process of a new Cannings ancestral selection graph in discrete time. This duality also yields a formula for the fixation probability of the beneficial type. Haldane’s formula states that for a single selectively advantageous individual in a population of haploid individuals of size N the probability of fixation is asymptotically (as N→∞) equal to the selective advantage of haploids sN divided by half of the offspring variance. For a class of offspring distributions within Kingman attraction we prove this asymptotics for sequences sN obeying N−1≪sN≪N−1/2, which is a regime of “moderately weak selection”. It turns out that for sN≪N−2/3 the Cannings ancestral selection graph is so close to the ancestral selection graph of a Moran model that a suitable coupling argument allows to play the problem back asymptotically to the fixation probability in the Moran model, which can be computed explicitly.
Highlights
• Reduced evoked theta activity in the deaf.
• Reduced theta-gamma and alpha-gamma cross-frequency couplings in the deaf.
• Stronger delta-alpha coupling in the deaf.
Abstract
Neurons within a neuronal network can be grouped by bottom-up and top-down influences using synchrony in neuronal oscillations. This creates the representation of perceptual objects from sensory features. Oscillatory activity can be differentiated into stimulus-phase-locked (evoked) and non-phase-locked (induced). The former is mainly determined by sensory input, the latter by higher-level (cortical) processing. Effects of auditory deprivation on cortical oscillations have been studied in congenitally deaf cats (CDCs) using cochlear implant (CI) stimulation. CI-induced alpha, beta, and gamma activity were compromised in the auditory cortex of CDCs. Furthermore, top-down information flow between secondary and primary auditory areas in hearing cats, conveyed by induced alpha oscillations, was lost in CDCs. Here we used the matching pursuit algorithm to assess components of such oscillatory activity in local field potentials recorded in primary field A1. Additionally to the loss of induced alpha oscillations, we also found a loss of evoked theta activity in CDCs. The loss of theta and alpha activity in CDCs can be directly related to reduced high-frequency (gamma-band) activity due to cross-frequency coupling. Here we quantified such cross-frequency coupling in adult 1) hearing-experienced, acoustically stimulated cats (aHCs), 2) hearing-experienced cats following acute pharmacological deafening and subsequent CIs, thus in electrically stimulated cats (eHCs), and 3) electrically stimulated CDCs. We found significant cross-frequency coupling in all animal groups in > 70% of auditory-responsive sites. The predominant coupling in aHCs and eHCs was between theta/alpha phase and gamma power. In CDCs such coupling was lost and replaced by alpha oscillations coupling to delta/theta phase. Thus, alpha/theta oscillations synchronize high-frequency gamma activity only in hearing-experienced cats. The absence of induced alpha and theta oscillations contributes to the loss of induced gamma power in CDCs, thereby signifying impaired local network activity.
Libra — a global virtual currency project initiated by Facebook — has been the subject of many controversial discussions since its announcement in June 2019. This paper provides a differentiated view on Libra, recognising that different development scenarios of Libra are conceivable. Libra could serve purely as an alternative payment system in combination with a dedicated payment token, the Libra coin. Alternatively, the Libra project could develop into a broader financial infrastructure for advanced financial services such as savings and loan products operating on the Libra Blockchain. Based on a comparison of the Libra architecture with other cryptocurrencies, the opportunities and challenges for the development of the respective Libra ecosystems are investigated from a commercial, regulatory and monetary policy perspective.
The importance of agile methods has increased in recent years, not only to manage IT projects but also to establish flexible and adaptive organisational structures, which are essential to deal with disruptive changes and build successful digital business strategies. This paper takes an industry-specific perspective by analysing the dissemination, objectives and relative popularity of agile frameworks in the German banking sector. The data provides insights into expectations and experiences associated with agile methods and indicates possible implementation hurdles and success factors. Our research provides the first comprehensive analysis of agile methods in the German banking sector. The comparison with a selected number of fintechs has revealed some differences between banks and fintechs. We found that almost all banks and fintechs apply agile methods in IT projects. However, fintechs have relatively more experience with agile methods than banks and use them more intensively. Scrum is the most relevant framework used in practice. Scaled agile frameworks are so far negligible in the German banking sector. Acceleration of projects is apparently the most important objective of deploying agile methods. In addition, agile methods can contribute to cost savings and lead to improved quality and innovation performance, though for banks it is evidently more challenging to reach their respective targets than for fintechs. Overall our findings suggest that German banks are still in a maturing process of becoming more agile and that there is room for an accelerated adoption of agile methods in general and scaled agile frameworks in particular.
The financial sector plays an important role in financing the green transformation. Various regulatory initiatives in the EU aim to improve transparency in relation to the sustainability of financial products and the sustainability of economic activities of non-financial and financial undertakings. For credit institutions, the Green Asset Ratio (GAR) has been established by the European regulatory authorities as a key performance indicator (KPI) for measuring the proportion of Taxonomy-aligned on-balance-sheet exposure in relation to the total assets. The breakdown of the total GAR by type of counterparty, environmental objective and type of asset provides in-depth information about the sustainability profile of a credit institution. This information, which has not been available to date, may also initiate discussions between management and shareholders or other stakeholders regarding the future sustainability strategy of credit institutions. This paper provides an overview of the regulatory background and the method of calculating the GAR along different dimensions. Finally, the potential benefits and limitations of the GAR are discussed.
Advances in distributed ledger technology are leading to a growing decentralisation of financial services (“decentralised finance”) that can be offered largely without intermediation by financial institutions. An important driver for this development is the ongoing tokenisation of assets, payments and rights, which enables the digital encryption of “crypto assets” on distributed ledgers. This article elaborates the foundations and fields of application of decentralised financial services with crypto assets that could challenge the established business models of financial institutions. This trend not only affects payment systems based on controversial crypto currencies such as Bitcoin, but also exchange platforms, capital markets solutions and corporate financing. A rapidly growing ecosystem of start-ups, tech companies and financial institutions is emerging, yet this ecosystem lacks a consistent regulatory framework. The European initiative MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets) points in the right direction but needs to be adopted soon to ensure the future competitiveness of the European financial sector.
The financial sector plays an important role in supporting the green transformation of the European economy. A critical assessment of the current regulatory framework for sustainable finance in Europe leads to ambiguous results. Although the level of transparency on environmental, social and governance aspects of financial products has improved significantly, it is questionable whether the complex, mainly disclosure-oriented architecture is sufficient to mobilise more private capital into sustainable investments. It should be discussed whether a minimum taxonomy ratio or Green Asset Ratio has to be fulfilled to market a financial product as “green”. Furthermore, because of the high complexity of the regulation, it could be helpful for private investors to establish a simplified green rating, based on the taxonomy ratio, to facilitate the selection of green financial products.
With a notional amount outstanding of more than USD 500 trillion, the market for OTC derivatives is of vital importance for global financial stability. A growing proportion of these contracts are cleared via central counterparties (CCPs), which means that CCPs are gaining in importance as critical financial market infrastructures. At the same time, there is growing concern that a new „too big to fail" problem could arise, as the CCP industry is highly concentrated due to economies of scale. From a European perspective, it should be noted that the clearing of euro-denominated OTC derivatives mainly takes place in London, hence outside the EU in the foreseeable future. For some time there has been a controversial discussion as to whether this can remain the case post Brexit. CCPs, which clear a significant proportion of euro OTC derivatives and are systemically relevant from an EU perspective, should be subject to direct supervision by EU authorities and should be established in the EU. This would represent an important building block for a future Capital Markets Union in Europe, as regulatory or supervisory arbitrage in favour of systemically important third-country CCPs could be prevented. In addition, if a systemically relevant CCP handling a considerable portion of the euro OTC derivatives business were to run into serious difficulties, this may impact ECB monetary policy. This applies both to demand for central bank money and to the transmission of monetary policy measures, which can be significantly impaired, particularly in the event that the repo market or payment systems are disrupted. It is therefore essential for the ECB to be closely involved in the supervision of CCPs. Against this background, the draft amendment of EMIR (European Market Infrastructure Regulation) presented on 13 June 2017 is a step in the right direction. In addition, there is an urgent need to introduce a recovery and resolution mechanism for CCPs in the EU to complement the existing single resolution mechanism (SRM) for banks in the eurozone. Only then can the diverse interdependencies between banks and CCPs be adequately taken into account in the recovery and resolution programmes required in a financial crisis.
The German federal government intended to alleviate the burden of increasing fuel prices by introducing a temporary reduction of energy taxes on gasoline and diesel. In order to evaluate the impact of this measure on consumer prices at the filling stations the development of procurement costs for crude oil as well as the downstream development of refinery and distribution margins have to be taken into account. It turns out that about 80 % of the tax reduction has been passed on to end consumers on and around the effective date of the tax relief. However, within the first month the impact of the tax reduction has been wiped out for diesel completely as the gross margin of the mineral oil groups have substantially improved since then. On the other hand, for gasoline (E10) at least part of the impact can still be observed as the initial margin improvement has come down in the meantime. For a detailed analysis the German antitrust authority should look into the pricing algorithms of all 14,000 filling stations in Germany.
Mehr Nachhaltigkeit im deutschen Leitindex DAX : Reformvorschläge im Lichte des Wirecard-Skandals
(2020)
Im Rahmen der Aufarbeitung des Wirecard-Skandals wird auch eine Änderung der Kriterien zur Aufnahme in den deutschen Leitindex DAX diskutiert. Die bislang von der Deutschen Börse vorgesehenen Maßnahmen gehen in die richtige Richtung, sind aber nicht weitreichend genug. Es bedarf eines deutlichen Zeichens, dass sich künftig nur solche Unternehmen für den DAX qualifizieren können, die ein zumindest befriedigendes Maß an Nachhaltigkeit gemessen durch einen ESG-Risk-Score (Environment, Social, Governance) in ihrer Geschäftstätigkeit erreichen. Eine Simulation verdeutlicht, dass nach ESG-Kriterien seit langem kritisch betrachtete Unternehmen dem DAX nicht mehr angehören würden. Damit könnte mehr Kapital in nachhaltig wirtschaftende Unternehmen und Sektoren fließen.