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Based on electron-positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider II storage rings, the value of R≡σ(e+e−→hadrons)/σ(e+e−→μ+μ−) is measured at 14 center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. The resulting uncertainties are less than 3.0%, and are dominated by systematic uncertainties.
Based on electron-positron collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, the value of R≡σ(e+e−→hadrons)/σ(e+e−→μ+μ−) is measured at 14 center-of-mass energies from 2.2324 to 3.6710 GeV. The resulting uncertainties are less than 3.0%, and are dominated by systematic uncertainties.
Acute brain injuries such as intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke have been reported in critically ill COVID-19 patients as well as in patients treated with veno-venous (VV)-ECMO independently of their COVID-19 status. The purpose of this study was to compare critically ill COVID-19 patients with and without VV-ECMO treatment with regard to acute neurological symptoms, pathological neuroimaging findings (PNIF) and long-term deficits. The single center study was conducted in critically ill COVID-19 patients between February 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were extracted from the hospital’s databases. Retrospective imaging modalities included head computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Follow-up MRI and neurological examinations were performed on survivors > 6 months after the primary occurrence. Of the 440 patients, 67 patients received VV-ECMO treatment (15%). Sixty-four patients (24 with VV-ECMO) developed acute neurological symptoms (pathological levels of arousal/brain stem function/motor responses) during their ICU stay and underwent neuroimaging with brain CT as the primary modality. Critically ill COVID-19 patients who received VV-ECMO treatment had a significantly lower survival during their hospital stay compared to those without (p < 0.001). Among patients treated with VV-ECMO, 10% showed acute PNIF in one of the imaging modalities during their ICU stay (vs. 4% of patients in the overall COVID-19 ICU cohort). Furthermore, 9% showed primary or secondary ICH of any severity (vs. 3% overall), 6% exhibited severe ICH (vs. 1% overall) and 1.5% were found to have non-hemorrhagic cerebral infarctions (vs. < 1% overall). There was a weak, positive correlation between patients treated with VV-ECMO and the development of acute neurological symptoms. However, the association between the VV-ECMO treatment and acute PNIF was negligible. Two survivors (one with VV-ECMO-treatment/one without) showed innumerable microhemorrhages, predominantly involving the juxtacortical white matter. None of the survivors exhibited diffuse leukoencephalopathy. Every seventh COVID-19 patient developed acute neurological symptoms during their ICU stay, but only every twenty-fifth patient had PNIF which were mostly ICH. VV-ECMO was found to be a weak risk factor for neurological complications (resulting in a higher imaging rate), but not for PNIF. Although logistically complex, repeated neuroimaging should, thus, be considered in all critically ill COVID-19 patients since ICH may have an impact on the treatment decisions and outcomes.
Sex differences in psychiatric comorbidity and clinical presentation in youths with conduct disorder
(2021)
Background: Conduct disorder (CD) rarely occurs alone but is typically accompanied by comorbid psychiatric disorders, which complicates the clinical presentation and treatment of affected youths. The aim of this study was to investigate sex differences in comorbidity pattern in CD and to systematically explore the ‘gender paradox’ and ‘delayed-onset pathway’ hypotheses of female CD.
Methods: As part of the FemNAT-CD multisite study, semistructured clinical interviews and rating scales were used to perform a comprehensive phenotypic characterization of 454 girls and 295 boys with CD (9–18 years), compared to 864 sex- and age-matched typically developing controls.
Results: Girls with CD exhibited higher rates of current major depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder, whereas boys with CD had higher rates of current attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In line with the ‘gender paradox’ hypothesis, relative to boys, girls with CD showed significantly more lifetime psychiatric comorbidities (incl. Alcohol Use Disorder), which were accompanied by more severe CD symptoms. Female and male youths with CD also differed significantly in their CD symptom profiles and distribution of age-of-onset subtypes of CD (i.e. fewer girls with childhood-onset CD). In line with the ‘delayed-onset pathway’ hypothesis, girls with adolescent-onset CD showed similar levels of dimensional psychopathology like boys with childhood-onset CD, while boys with adolescent-onset CD had the lowest levels of internalizing psychopathology.
Conclusions: Within the largest study of CD in girls performed to date, we found compelling evidence for sex differences in comorbidity patterns and clinical presentation of CD. Our findings further support aspects of the ‘gender paradox’ and ‘delayed-onset pathway’ hypotheses by showing that girls with CD had higher rates of comorbid lifetime mental disorders and functional impairments, and they usually developed CD during adolescence. These novel data on sex-specific clinical profiles of CD will be critical in informing intervention and prevention programmes.
Non-forest ecosystems, dominated by shrubs, grasses and herbaceous plants, provide ecosystem services including carbon sequestration and forage for grazing, yet are highly sensitive to climatic changes. Yet these ecosystems are poorly represented in remotely-sensed biomass products and are undersampled by in-situ monitoring. Current global change threats emphasise the need for new tools to capture biomass change in non-forest ecosystems at appropriate scales. Here we assess whether canopy height inferred from drone photogrammetry allows the estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) across low-stature plant species sampled through a global site network. We found mean canopy height is strongly predictive of AGB across species, demonstrating standardised photogrammetric approaches are generalisable across growth forms and environmental settings. Biomass per-unit-of-height was similar within, but different among, plant functional types. We find drone-based photogrammetry allows for monitoring of AGB across large spatial extents and can advance understanding of understudied and vulnerable non-forested ecosystems across the globe.
The more difficult it is to access a research field, the more substantial the need to develop creative methodological models. Investigating the psychosocial impact of migration-related carceral spaces constitutes one such research field. To shed light on these spaces and counter the challenges of opacity, harm, and power asymmetries, we propose a psycho-geographical counter-mapping as a mixed methods approach based on grounded theory (MM-GT). Applying it to immigration detention and refugee confinement sites in Mexico and Samos, our analysis proposes a fully integrated and sequential design that can be adapted to a range of carceral spaces and subjectivation in transdisciplinary research.
Analyzing (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the ψ(3686)→ωK0SK0S decay is observed for the first time. The branching fraction for this decay is determined to be Bψ(3686)→ωK0SK0S=(7.04±0.39±0.36)×10−5, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.
Intermediate Mass Ratio Inspirals (IMRIs) will be observable with space-based gravitational wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). To this end, the environmental effects in such systems have to be modeled and understood. These effects can include (baryonic) accretion disks and dark matter (DM) overdensities, so called spikes. For the first time, we model an IMRI system with both an accretion disk and a DM spike present and compare their effects on the inspiral and the emitted gravitational wave signal. We study the eccentricity evolution, employ the braking index and derive the dephasing index, which turn out to be complementary observational signatures. They allow us to disentangle the accretion disk and DM spike effects in the IMRI system.
Intermediate Mass Ratio Inspirals (IMRIs) will be observable with space-based gravitational wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). To this end, the environmental effects in such systems have to be modeled and understood. These effects can include (baryonic) accretion disks and dark matter (DM) overdensities, so called spikes. For the first time, we model an IMRI system with both an accretion disk and a DM spike present and compare their effects on the inspiral and the emitted gravitational wave signal. We study the eccentricity evolution, employ the braking index and derive the dephasing index, which turn out to be complementary observational signatures. They allow us to disentangle the accretion disk and DM spike effects in the IMRI system.
Schülerlabor Künstliche Intelligenz – Verhaltensforschung im Biologieunterricht mit neuen Methoden
(2023)
Die Verhaltensbiologie ist ein wichtiger Inhalt im Biologieunterricht. Das zielgerichtete, forschende Beobachten bereitet den Schüler/-innen jedoch häufg Schwierigkeiten und sollte vor allem praktisch eingeübt werden. Das Schülerlabor KILab bietet dafür eine innovative Möglichkeit.
Manipulation of neuronal or muscular activity by optogenetics or other stimuli can be directly linked to the analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) body length. Thus, WormRuler was developed as an open-source video analysis toolbox that offers video processing and data analysis in one application. Utilizing this novel tool, the super red-shifted channelrhodopsin variant, ChrimsonSA, was characterized in C. elegans. Expression and activation of ChrimsonSA in GABAergic motor neurons results in their depolarization and therefore elongation of body length, the extent of which providing information about the strength of neuronal transmission.
The relationship between external and internal load parameters in 3 × 3 basketball tournaments
(2022)
Purpose: 3 × 3 basketball games are characterized by high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, and a high number of changes of direction and jumps. It is played in tournament form with multiple games per day. Therefore, optimal regeneration is crucial for maintaining a high performance level over the course of the tournament. To elucidate how load of a match affects the athletes' bodies (i.e., internal load), muscular responses to the load of 3 × 3 games were analyzed. We aimed to investigate changes in contractility of the m. rectus femoris (RF) and m. gastrocnemius medialis (GC) in response to the load of single 3 × 3 games and a 3 × 3 tournament.
Methods: Inertial movement analysis was conducted to capture game load in 3 × 3. Changes in contractility were measured using tensiomyography (TMG). During a two-day tournament, TMG measurements were conducted in the morning and after each game. Additionally, off-game performance analysis consisting of jump and change-of-direction (COD) tests was conducted the day before the tournament.
Results: Significant changes of the muscle contractility were found for GC with TMG values being higher in the baseline than in the post-game measurements. In contrast to athletes of the GC group, athletes of the RF group responded with either decreased or increased muscle contractility after a single 3 × 3 game. A significant correlation between external and internal load parameters could not be shown. Concerning off-game performance, significant correlations can be reported for COD test duration, CMJ height and ∆Vc as well as COD test duration and ∆Dm. No systematic changes in muscle contractility were found over the course of the tournament in RF and GC.
Conclusion: The athletes' external 3 × 3 game load and their performance level did not seem to affect muscular contractility after a single 3 × 3 game or a complete 3 × 3 tournament within this investigation. This might indicate that elite athletes can resist external load without relevant local muscular fatigue. With respect to the course of the tournament, it can therefore be concluded that the breaks between games seem to be sufficient to return to the initial level of muscle contractility.
Significant progress has been made in the management of Wilms tumor (WT) in recent years, mostly as a result of collaborative efforts and the implementation of protocol-driven, multimodal therapy. This article offers a comprehensive overview of current multidisciplinary treatment strategies for WT, whilst also addressing recent technical innovations including nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) and minimally invasive approaches. In addition, surgical concepts for the treatment of metastatic disease, advances in tumor imaging technology and potentially prognostic biomarkers will be discussed. Current evidence suggests that, in experienced hands and selected cases, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and laparoscopic-assisted partial nephrectomy for WT may offer the same outcome as the traditional open approach. While NSS is the standard procedure for bilateral WT, NSS has evolved as an alternative technique in patients with smaller unilateral WT and in cases with imminent renal failure. Metastatic disease of the lung or liver that is associated with WT is preferably treated with a three-drug chemotherapy and local radiation therapy. However, surgical sampling of lung nodules may be advisable in persistent nodules before whole lung irradiation is commenced. Several tumor markers such as loss of heterozygosity of chromosomes 1p/16q, 11p15 and gain of function at 1q are associated with an increased risk of recurrence or a decreased risk of overall survival in patients with WT. In summary, complete resection with tumor-free margins remains the primary surgical aim in WT, while NSS and minimally invasive approaches are only suitable in a subset of patients with smaller WT and low-risk disease. In the future, advances in tumor imaging technology may assist the surgeon in defining surgical resection margins and additional biomarkers may emerge as targets for development of new diagnostic tests and potential therapies.
Objectiv:e To explore the association of physical activity (PA) with musculoskeletal pain (MSK pain).
Design: Cross-sectional study
Setting: 14 countries (Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the USA).
Participants: Individuals aged 18 or older.
Primary and secondary outcome measures: PA volumes were assessed with an adapted version of the Nordic Physical Activity Questionnaire-short. Prevalence of MSK pain was captured by means of a 20-item checklist of body locations. Based on the WHO recommendation on PA, participants were classified as non-compliers (0–150 min/week), compliers (150–300 min/week), double compliers (300–450 min/week), triple compliers (450–600 min/week), quadruple compliers (600–750 min/week), quintuple compliers (750–900 min/week) and top compliers (more than 900 min/week). Multivariate logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted ORs of the association between PA and MSK pain for each body location, correcting for age, sex, employment status and depression risk.
Results: A total of 13 741 participants completed the survey. Compared with non-compliers, compliers had smaller odds of MSK pain in one location (thoracic pain, OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.93). Double compliance was associated with reduced pain occurrence in six locations (elbow, OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.98; forearm, OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.99; wrist, OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.98; hand, OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.79; fingers, OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.99; abdomen, OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.91). Triple to top compliance was also linked with lower odds of MSK pain (five locations in triple compliance, three in quadruple compliance, two in quintuple compliance, three in top compliance), but, at the same time, presented increased odds of MSK pain in some of the other locations.
Conclusion: A dose of 300–450 min WHO-equivalent PA/week was associated with lower odds of MSK pain in six body locations. On the other hand, excessive doses of PA were associated with higher odds of pain in certain body locations.
The international system of states displays an inherent drive to territorialize the global commons. But territorialization is not a continuous process—it occurs in episodes. In this article, I use one case from ocean governance, the expansion of territory into near‐shore areas of the seas, to advance a twofold argument about the nature of these episodes. First, I argue that the root causes of this drive to territorialize “empty space” are located in global politics, norms, and economics. Second, a territorializing episode occurs when there are impelling economic incentives, and when great powers are unable or unwilling to oppose territorialization. However, this can lead to different outcomes: sovereign territories, functional territories, or internationalized territories. Oceanic space has seen a series of these territorializing episodes since the end of the Second World War and functional territorialization has become more prevalent over time.
Social identification is health-beneficial as social groups provide social support (i.e., the social cure effect). We study this social cure effect in diabetes patients by focusing on two relevant sources of social support, namely medical practitioners (MP) and fellow patients. As both groups have diabetes-specific knowledge, we predict that sharing an identity with them provides access to specific support, which, in turn, optimizes individuals’ diabetes management and reduces diabetes-related stress. We further predict that identifying with their MP or fellow patients will be more strongly related to perceived social support among individuals with lower diabetes-specific resilience because they pay more attention to supportive cues. We tested this moderated mediation model in a two-wave study with n = 200 diabetes patients. Identification with the MP related to more support, which, in turn, was related to better diabetes management and less diabetes-specific stress. Identification with fellow patients related to more support; however, social support was unrelated to diabetes management and stress. Resilience only moderated the relationship between MP identification and support, as people with lower resilience levels reported more support from their MP. This study shows the importance of social identification with the MP and other diabetes patients, especially for people with lower resilience levels.
Based on (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the process J/ψ→γπ+π−η′ is studied using two dominant decay channels of the η′ meson, η′→γπ+π− and η′→ηπ+π−,η→γγ. The X(2600) is observed with a statistical significance larger than 20σ in the π+π−η′ invariant mass spectrum, and it has a strong correlation to a structure around 1.5 GeV/{\it c}2 in the π+π− invariant mass spectrum. A simultaneous fit on the π+π−η′ and π+π− invariant mass spectra with the two η′ decay modes indicates that the mass and width of the X(2600) state are 2617.8±2.1+18.2−1.9 MeV/{\it c}2 and 200±8+20−17 MeV, respectively. The corresponding branching fractions are measured to be B(J/ψ→γX(2600))⋅B(X(2600)→f0(1500)η′)⋅B(f0(1500)→π+π−) = (3.39±0.18+0.91−0.66)×10−5 and B(J/ψ→γX(2600))⋅B(X(2600)→f′2(1525)η′)⋅B(f′2(1525)→π+π−) = (2.43±0.13+0.31−1.11)×10−5, where the first uncertainties are statistical, and the second systematic.
Based on a sample of (10.09±0.04)×109 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, a partial wave analysis of the decay J/ψ→γηη′ is performed. An isoscalar state with exotic quantum numbers JPC=1−+, denoted as η1(1855), has been observed for the first time with statistical significance larger than 19σ. Its mass and width are measured to be (1855±9+6−1)~MeV/c2 and (188±18+3−8)~MeV, respectively. The product branching fraction B(J/ψ→γη1(1855)→γηη′) is measured to be (2.70±0.41+0.16−0.35)×10−6. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. In addition, an upper limit on the branching ratio B(f0(1710)→ηη′)/B(f0(1710)→ππ) is determined to be 1.61×10−3 at 90\% confidence level, which lends support to the hypothesis that the f0(1710) has a large glueball component.
Study of ψ(3686) → ΛΛ¯ω
(2022)
Based on a data sample of (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the branching fraction of ψ(3686)→ΛΛ¯ω is measured to be (3.30±0.34(stat.)±0.29(syst.))×10−5 for the first time. In addition, the Λω (or Λ¯ω) invariant mass spectra is studied and the potential presence of excited Λ states has been investigated.
The study of the Cabibbo-favored semileptonic decay Λ+𝑐→Λ𝑒+𝜈𝑒 is reported using a 4.5 fb−1 data sample of 𝑒+𝑒− annihilations collected at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.600 GeV to 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The branching fraction of the decay is measured to be ℬ(Λ+𝑐→Λ𝑒+𝜈𝑒)=(3.56±0.11stat±0.07syst)%, which is the most precise measurement to date. Furthermore, we perform an investigation of the internal dynamics in Λ+𝑐→Λ𝑒+𝜈𝑒. We provide the first direct comparisons of the differential decay rate and form factors with those predicted from lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD) calculations. Combining the measured branching fraction with a 𝑞2-integrated rate predicted by LQCD, we determine 𝑉𝑐𝑠|=0.936±0.017ℬ±0.024LQCD±0.007𝜏Λ𝑐.
Based on a sample of 4.4 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected in the energy region between 4.6 GeV and 4.7 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, two singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays Λ+c→Σ0K+ and Λ+c→Σ+K0S are studied. The ratio of the branching fraction B(Λ+c→Σ0K+) relative to B(Λ+c→Σ0π+) is measured to be 0.0361±0.0073(stat.)±0.0005(syst.), and the ratio of B(Λ+c→Σ+K0S) relative to B(Λ+c→Σ+π+π−) is measured to be 0.0106±0.0031(stat.)±0.0004(syst.). After taking the world-average branching fractions of the reference decay channels, the branching fractions B(Λ+c→Σ0K+) and B(Λ+c→Σ+K0S) are determined to be (4.7±0.9(stat.)±0.1(syst.)±0.3(ref.))×10−4 and (4.8±1.4(stat.)±0.2(syst.)±0.3(ref.))×10−4, respectively. The branching fraction of the Λ+c→Σ+K0S decay is measured for the first time.
Using 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data samples collected at the center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.600~GeV to 4.699~GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, a first study of the semileptonic decays Λ+c→pK−e+νe, Λ+c→Λ(1520)e+νe and Λ+c→Λ(1405)e+νe is performed. The Λ+c→pK−e+νe decay is observed with a significance of 8.2σ and the branching fraction is measured to be B(Λ+c→pK−e+νe)=(0.88±0.17stat.±0.07syst.)×10−3. We also report evidence of Λ+c→Λ(1520)e+νe and Λ+c→Λ(1405)e+νe with significances of 3.3σ and 3.2σ, respectively, and measure B(Λ+c→Λ(1520)e+νe)=(1.02±0.52stat.±0.11syst.)×10−3 and B(Λ+c→Λ(1405)[→pK−]e+νe)=(0.42±0.19stat.±0.04syst.)×10−3. Combining these with the inclusive semileptonic Λ+c branching fraction measured by BESIII, the relative fraction is determined to be [B(Λ+c→pK−e+νe)/B(Λ+c→Xe+νe)]=(2.1±0.4stat.±0.2syst.)%, which provides a clear confirmation that semileptonic Λ+c decays are not saturated by the Λℓ+νℓ final state.
Using (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector, we perform the first search for the weak baryonic decay ψ(3686)→Λ+cΣ¯−+c.c.. The analysis procedure is optimized using a blinded method. No significant signal is observed, and the upper limit on the branching fraction (B) of ψ(3686)→Λ+cΣ¯−+c.c. is set to be 1.4×10−5 at the 90\% confidence level.
Using (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector, we perform the first search for the weak baryonic decay ψ(3686)→Λ+cΣ¯−+c.c.. The analysis procedure is optimized using a blinded method. No significant signal is observed, and the upper limit on the branching fraction (B) of ψ(3686)→Λ+cΣ¯−+c.c. is set to be 1.4×10−5 at the 90\% confidence level.
Using (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector, we perform the first search for the weak baryonic decay ψ(3686)→Λ+cΣ¯−+c.c.. The analysis procedure is optimized using a blinded method. No significant signal is observed, and the upper limit on the branching fraction (B) of ψ(3686)→Λ+cΣ¯−+c.c. is set to be 1.4×10−5 at the 90\% confidence level.
Based on 7.33 fb−1 of e+e− collision data taken at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of D∗+s→D+sπ0 relative to that of D∗+s→D+sγ to be (6.16±0.43±0.19)%. The first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. By using the world average value of the branching fraction of D∗+s→D+se+e−, we determine the branching fractions of D∗+s→D+sγ and D∗+s→D+sπ0 to be (93.57±0.44±0.19)% and (5.76±0.44±0.19)%, respectively.
Based on 7.33 fb−1 of e+e− collision data taken at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of D∗+s→D+sπ0 relative to that of D∗+s→D+sγ to be (6.16±0.43±0.19)%. The first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. By using the world average value of the branching fraction of D∗+s→D+se+e−, we determine the branching fractions of D∗+s→D+sγ and D∗+s→D+sπ0 to be (93.57±0.44±0.19)% and (5.76±0.44±0.19)%, respectively.
Based on 7.33 fb−1 of e+e− collision data taken at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fraction of D∗+s→D+sπ0 relative to that of D∗+s→D+sγ to be (6.16±0.43±0.19)%. The first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. By using the world average value of the branching fraction of D∗+s→D+se+e−, we determine the branching fractions of D∗+s→D+sγ and D∗+s→D+sπ0 to be (93.57±0.44±0.19)% and (5.76±0.44±0.19)%, respectively.
The Born cross sections of the process e+e−→D∗0D∗−π+ at center-of-mass energies from 4.189 to 4.951 GeV are measured for the first time. The data samples used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 17.9fb−1 and were collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Three enhancements around 4.20, 4.47 and 4.67 GeV are visible. The resonances have masses of 4209.6±4.7±5.9MeV/c2, 4469.1±26.2±3.6MeV/c2 and 4675.3±29.5±3.5MeV/c2 and widths of 81.6±17.8±9.0MeV, 246.3±36.7±9.4MeV, and 218.3±72.9±9.3MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The first and third resonances are consistent with the ψ(4230) and ψ(4660) states, respectively, while the second one is compatible with the ψ(4500) observed in the e+e−→K+K−J/ψ process. These three charmoniumlike ψ states are observed in e+e−→D∗0D∗−π+ process for the first time.
The Born cross sections of the process e+e−→D∗0D∗−π+ at center-of-mass energies from 4.189 to 4.951 GeV are measured for the first time. The data samples used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 17.9fb−1 and were collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Three enhancements around 4.20, 4.47 and 4.67 GeV are visible. The resonances have masses of 4209.6±4.7±5.9MeV/c2, 4469.1±26.2±3.6MeV/c2 and 4675.3±29.5±3.5MeV/c2 and widths of 81.6±17.8±9.0MeV, 246.3±36.7±9.4MeV, and 218.3±72.9±9.3MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The first and third resonances are consistent with the ψ(4230) and ψ(4660) states, respectively, while the second one is compatible with the ψ(4500) observed in the e+e−→K+K−J/ψ process. These three charmoniumlike ψ states are observed in e+e−→D∗0D∗−π+ process for the first time.
Observation of three charmonium-like states with JPC = 1⁻⁻ in e⁺e⁻− → D*⁰D*⁻π⁺ + c.c. process
(2023)
The Born cross sections of the process e+e−→D∗0D∗−π++c.c. at center-of-mass energies from 4.189 to 4.951 GeV are measured for the first time. The data samples used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 17.9fb−1 and were collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Three enhancements around 4.20, 4.47 and 4.67 GeV are visible. The resonances have masses of 4209.6±4.7±5.9MeV/c2, 4469.1±26.2±3.6MeV/c2 and 4675.3±29.5±3.5MeV/c2 and widths of 81.6±17.8±9.0MeV, 246.3±36.7±9.4MeV and 218.3±72.9±9.3MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The first and third resonances are consistent with the Y(4230) and Y(4660) states, respectively, while the second one is compatible with the Y(4500) observed in the e+e−→K+K−J/ψ process. These three Y states are observed in e+e−→D∗0D∗−π++c.c. process for the first time.
A precision measurement of the matrix elements for η→π+π−π0 and η→π0π0π0 decays is performed using a sample of (10087±44)×106 J/ψ decays collected with the BESIII detector. The decay J/ψ→γη is used to select clean samples of 631,686 η→π+π−π0 decays and 272,322 η→π0π0π0 decays. The matrix elements for both channels are in reasonable agreement with previous measurements. The non-zero gX2Y term for the decay mode η→π+π−π0 is confirmed, as reported by the KLOE Collaboration, while the other higher-order terms are found to be insignificant. Dalitz plot asymmetries in the η→π+π−π0 decay are also explored and are found to be consistent with charge conjugation invariance. In addition, a cusp effect is investigated in the η→π0π0π0 decay, and no obvious structure around the π+π− mass threshold is observed.
Using (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the radiative hyperon decay Σ→pγ is studied at an electron-positron collider experiment for the first time. The absolute branching fraction is measured to be (0.996±0.021stat.±0.018syst.)×10−3, which is lower than its world average value by 4.2 standard deviations. Its decay asymmetry parameter is determined to be −0.652±0.056stat.±0.020syst.. The branching fraction and decay asymmetry parameter are the most precise to date, and the accuracies are improved by 78% and 34%, respectively.
Using (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the radiative hyperon decay Σ→pγ is studied at an electron-positron collider experiment for the first time. The absolute branching fraction is measured to be (0.996±0.021stat.±0.018syst.)×10−3, which is lower than its world average value by 4.2 standard deviations. Its decay asymmetry parameter is determined to be −0.652±0.056stat.±0.020syst.. The branching fraction and decay asymmetry parameter are the most precise to date, and the accuracies are improved by 78% and 34%, respectively.
Using (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the radiative hyperon decay Σ→pγ is studied at an electron-positron collider experiment for the first time. The absolute branching fraction is measured to be (0.996±0.021stat.±0.018syst.)×10−3, which is lower than its world average value by 4.2 standard deviations. Its decay asymmetry parameter is determined to be −0.652±0.056stat.±0.020syst.. The branching fraction and decay asymmetry parameter are the most precise to date, and the accuracies are improved by 78% and 34%, respectively.
Based on e+e− collision samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.4 fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.6GeV and 4.7GeV, a partial wave analysis of the charmed baryon hadronic decay Λ+c→Λπ+π0 is performed, and the decays Λ+c→Λρ(770)+ and Λ+c→Σ(1385)π are studied for the first time. Making use of the world-average branching fraction B(Λ+c→Λπ+π0), their branching fractions are determined to be B(Λ+c→Λρ(770)+)=B(Λ+c→Σ(1385)+π0)=B(Λ+c→Σ(1385)0π+)=(4.06±0.30±0.35±0.23)×10−2,(5.86±0.49±0.52±0.35)×10−3,(6.47±0.59±0.66±0.38)×10−3, where the first uncertainties are statistical, the second are systematic, and the third are from the uncertainties of the branching fractions B(Λ+c→Λπ+π0) and B(Σ(1385)→Λπ). In addition, %according to amplitudes determined from the partial wave analysis, the decay asymmetry parameters are measured to be αΛρ(770)+=−0.763±0.053±0.039, αΣ(1385)+π0=−0.917±0.069±0.046, and αΣ(1385)0π+=−0.789±0.098±0.056.
Using a data set of electron-positron collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 taken with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, a search for the baryon (B) and lepton (L) number violating decays D±→n(n¯)e± is performed. No signal is observed and the upper limits on the branching fractions at the 90% confidence level are set to be 1.43×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n¯(n)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=0, and 2.91×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n(n¯)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=2 , where Δ|B−L| denotes the change in the difference between baryon and lepton numbers.
Using a data set of electron-positron collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 taken with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, a search for the baryon (B) and lepton (L) number violating decays D±→n(n¯)e± is performed. No signal is observed and the upper limits on the branching fractions at the 90% confidence level are set to be 1.43×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n¯(n)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=0, and 2.91×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n(n¯)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=2 , where Δ|B−L| denotes the change in the difference between baryon and lepton numbers.
Using a data set of electron-positron collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 taken with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, a search for the baryon (B) and lepton (L) number violating decays D±→n(n¯)e± is performed. No signal is observed and the upper limits on the branching fractions at the 90% confidence level are set to be 1.43×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n¯(n)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=0, and 2.91×10−5 for the decays D+(−)→n(n¯)e+(−) with Δ|B−L|=2 , where Δ|B−L| denotes the change in the difference between baryon and lepton numbers.
Using a sample of 4.3×105 η′→ηπ0π0 events selected from the ten billion J/ψ event dataset collected with the BESIII detector, we study the decay η′→ηπ0π0 within the framework of nonrelativistic effective field theory. Evidence for a structure at π+π− mass threshold is observed in the invariant mass spectrum of π0π0 with a statistical significance of around 3.5σ, which is consistent with the cusp effect as predicted by the nonrelativistic effective field theory. After introducing the amplitude for describing the cusp effect, the ππ scattering length combination a0−a2 is determined to be 0.226±0.060stat±0.013syst, which is in good agreement with theoretical calculation of 0.2644±0.0051.
Using a sample of 4.3×105 η′→ηπ0π0 events selected from the 10 billion J/ψ event data set collected with the BESIII detector, we study the decay η′→ηπ0π0 within the framework of non-relativistic effective field theory. Evidence for a structure at π+π− mass threshold is observed in the invariant mass spectrum of π0π0 with a statistical significance of around 3.5σ, which is consistent with the cusp effect as predicted by the non-relativistic effective field theory. After introducing the amplitude for describing the cusp effect, the ππ scattering length combination a0−a2 is determined to be 0.226±0.060stat.±0.012syst., which is in good agreement with theoretical calculation of 0.2644±0.0051.
Using a sample of 4.3×105 η′→ηπ0π0 events selected from the ten billion J/ψ event dataset collected with the BESIII detector, we study the decay η′→ηπ0π0 within the framework of nonrelativistic effective field theory. Evidence for a structure at π+π− mass threshold is observed in the invariant mass spectrum of π0π0 with a statistical significance of around 3.5σ, which is consistent with the cusp effect as predicted by the nonrelativistic effective field theory. After introducing the amplitude for describing the cusp effect, the ππ scattering length combination a0−a2 is determined to be 0.226±0.060stat±0.013syst, which is in good agreement with theoretical calculation of 0.2644±0.0051.
Using e+e− annihilation data corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 6.32 fb−1 collected at the center-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we perform an amplitude analysis of the decay D+s→K−K+π+π+π− and determine the relative fractions and phases of different intermediate processes. Absolute branching fraction of D+s→K−K+π+π+π− decay is measured to be (6.60±0.47stat.±0.35syst.)×10−3. The dominant intermediate process is D+s→a1(1260)+ϕ,ϕ→K−K+,a1(1260)+→ρπ+,ρ→π+π−, with a branching fraction of (5.16±0.41stat.±0.27syst.)×10−3.
Using e+e− annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.32 fb−1 collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.178 GeV and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, we perform the first amplitude analysis of the decay D+s→K0SK+π0 and determine the relative branching fractions and phases for intermediate processes. We observe the a0(1710)+, the isovector partner of the f0(1710) and f0(1770) mesons, in its decay to K0SK+ for the first time. In addition, we measure the ratio B(D+s→K¯∗(892)0K+)B(D+s→K¯0K∗(892)+) to be 2.35+0.42−0.23stat.±0.10syst.. Finally, we provide a precision measurement of the absolute branching fraction B(D+s→K0SK+π0)=(1.46±0.06stat.±0.05syst.)%.
Using 448 million ψ(2S) events, the spin-singlet P-wave charmonium state hc(11P1) is studied via the ψ(2S)→π0hc decay followed by the hc→γηc transition. The branching fractions are measured to be BInc(ψ(2S)→π0hc)×BTag(hc→γηc)=(4.22+0.27−0.26±0.19)×10−4 , BInc(ψ(2S)→π0hc)=(7.32±0.34±0.41)×10−4, and BTag(hc→γηc)=(57.66+3.62−3.50±0.58)%, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The hc(11P1) mass and width are determined to be M=(3525.32±0.06±0.15) MeV/c2 and Γ=(0.78+0.27−0.24±0.12) MeV. Using the center of gravity mass of the three χcJ(13PJ) mesons (M(c.o.g.)), the 1P hyperfine mass splitting is estimated to be Δhyp=M(hc)−M(c.o.g.)=(0.03±0.06±0.15) MeV/c2, which is consistent with the expectation that the 1P hyperfine splitting is zero at the lowest-order.
Using 448 million ψ(2S) events, the spin-singlet P-wave charmonium state hc(11P1) is studied via the ψ(2S)→π0hc decay followed by the hc→γηc transition. The branching fractions are measured to be BInc(ψ(2S)→π0hc)×BTag(hc→γηc)=(4.17+0.27−0.25±0.19)×10−4 , BInc(ψ(2S)→π0hc)=(7.23±0.33±0.38)×10−4, and BTag(hc→γηc)=(57.66+3.62−3.50±0.58)%, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The hc(11P1) mass and width are determined to be M=(3525.32±0.06±0.15) MeV/c2 and Γ=(0.78+0.27−0.24±0.12) MeV. Using the center of gravity mass of the three χcJ(13PJ) mesons (M(c.o.g.)), the 1P hyperfine mass splitting is estimated to be Δhyp=M(hc)−M(c.o.g.)=(0.03±0.06±0.15) MeV/c2, which is consistent with the expectation that the 1P hyperfine splitting is zero at the lowest-order.
Using 448 million ψ(2S) events, the spin-singlet P-wave charmonium state hc(11P1) is studied via the ψ(2S)→π0hc decay followed by the hc→γηc transition. The branching fractions are measured to be BInc(ψ(2S)→π0hc)×BTag(hc→γηc)=(4.22+0.27−0.26±0.19)×10−4 , BInc(ψ(2S)→π0hc)=(7.32±0.34±0.41)×10−4, and BTag(hc→γηc)=(57.66+3.62−3.50±0.58)%, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The hc(11P1) mass and width are determined to be M=(3525.32±0.06±0.15) MeV/c2 and Γ=(0.78+0.27−0.24±0.12) MeV. Using the center of gravity mass of the three χcJ(13PJ) mesons (M(c.o.g.)), the 1P hyperfine mass splitting is estimated to be Δhyp=M(hc)−M(c.o.g.)=(0.03±0.06±0.15) MeV/c2, which is consistent with the expectation that the 1P hyperfine splitting is zero at the lowest-order.
Nowadays, teachers are facing a more and more digitized world, as digital tools are being used by their students on a daily basis. This requires digital competencies in order to react in a professional manner to individual and societal challenges and to teach the students a purposeful use of those tools. Regarding the subject (e.g., STEM), this purpose includes specific content aspects, like data processing, or modeling and simulations of complex scientific phenomena. Yet, both pre-service and experienced teachers often consider their digital teaching competencies insufficient and wish for guidance in this field. Especially regarding immersive tools like augmented reality (AR), they do not have a lot of experience, although their willingness to use those modern tools in their lessons is high. The digital tool AR can target another problem in science lessons: students and teachers often have difficulties with understanding and creating scientific models. However, these are a main part of the scientific way of acquiring knowledge and are therefore embedded in curricula. With AR, virtual visualizations of model aspects can be superimposed on real experimental backgrounds in real time. It can help link models and experiments, which usually are not part of the same lesson and are perceived differently by students. Within the project diMEx (digital competencies in modeling and experimenting), a continuing professional development (CPD) for physics teachers was planned and conducted. Secondary school physics educators were guided in using AR in their lessons and their digital and modeling competencies for a purposeful use of AR experiments were promoted. To measure those competencies, various instruments with mixed methods were developed and evaluated. Among others, the teachers’ digital competencies have been assessed by four experts with an evaluation matrix based on the TPACK model. Technological, technical and design aspects as well as the didactical use of an AR experiment were assessed. The teachers generally demonstrate a high level of competency, especially in the first-mentioned aspects, and have successfully implemented their learnings from the CPD in the (re)design of their AR experiments.
Based on 586 pb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at a center-of-mass energy of s√=4.6 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the absolute branching fraction of Λ+c→pK0Sη decays is measured for the first time to be B(Λ+c→pK0Sη)=(0.414±0.084±0.028)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The result is compatible with a previous CLEO result on the relative branching fraction B(Λ+c→pK0Sη)B(Λ+c→pK−π+), and consistent with theoretical predictions of SU(3) flavor symmetry.
Focused electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID) is a highly versatile direct-write approach with particular strengths in the 3D nanofabrication of functional materials. Despite its apparent similarity to other 3D printing approaches, non-local effects related to precursor depletion, electron scattering and sample heating during the 3D growth process complicate the shape-true transfer from a target 3D model to the actual deposit. Here, we describe an efficient and fast numerical approach to simulate the growth process, which allows for a systematic study of the influence of the most important growth parameters on the resulting shape of the 3D structures. The precursor parameter set derived in this work for the precursor Me3PtCpMe enables a detailed replication of the experimentally fabricated nanostructure, taking beam-induced heating into account. The modular character of the simulation approach allows for additional future performance increases using parallelization or drawing on the use of graphics cards. Ultimately, beam-control pattern generation for 3D FEBID will profit from being routinely combined with this fast simulation approach for optimized shape transfer.
The correction of valgus leg malalignment in children using implant-mediated growth guidance is widely used and effective. Despite the minimal invasive character of the procedure, a relevant number of patients sustain prolonged pain and limited mobility after temporary hemiepiphysiodesis. Our aim was to investigate implant-associated risk factors (such as implant position and screw angulation), surgical- or anesthesia-related risk factors (such as type of anesthesia, use, and duration), and pressure of tourniquet or duration of surgery for these complications. Thirty-four skeletally immature patients with idiopathic valgus deformities undergoing hemiepiphysiodesis plating from October 2018–July 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Participants were divided into groups with and without prolonged complications (persistent pain, limited mobility of the operated knee between five weeks and six months) after surgery. Twenty-two patients (65%) had no notable complications, while twelve patients (35%) had prolonged complications. Both groups differed significantly in plate position relative to physis (p = 0.049). In addition, both groups showed significant differences in the distribution of implant location (p = 0.016). Group 1 had a shorter duration of surgery than group 2 (32 min vs. 38 min, p = 0.032) and a lower tourniquet pressure (250 mmHg vs. 270 mmHg, p = 0.019). In conclusion, simultaneous plate implantation at the femur and tibia and metaphyseal plate positioning resulted in prolonged pain and a delay of function. In addition, the amplitude of tourniquet pressure or duration of surgery could play a factor.
We derive an expression for the tensor polarization of a system of massive spin-1 particles in a hydrodynamic framework. Starting from quantum kinetic theory based on the Wigner-function formalism, we employ a modified method of moments which also takes into account all spin degrees of freedom. It is shown that the tensor polarization of an uncharged fluid is determined by the shear-stress tensor. In order to quantify this novel polarization effect, we provide a formula which can be used for numerical calculations of vector-meson spin alignment in relativistic heavy-ion collisions.
Background: Malalignments of the lower extremity are common reasons for orthopedic consultation because it may lead to osteoarthritis in adulthood. An accurate and reliable radiological assessment of lower limb alignment in children and adolescents is essential for clinical decision-making on treatment of limb deformities and for regular control after a surgical intervention.
Objective: First, does the analysis of full-length standing anteroposterior radiographs show a good intra- and interobserver reliability? Second, which parameter is most susceptible to observer-dependent errors? Third, what is the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM95%) of the absolute femoral and tibial length?
Methods: Two observers evaluated digital radiographs of 144 legs from 36 children and adolescents with pathological valgus alignment before a temporary hemiepiphysiodesis and before implant removal. Parameters included Mechanical Femorotibial Angle (MFA), Mechanical Axis Deviation (MAD), mechanical Lateral Distal Femoral Angle (mLDFA), mechanical Medial Proximal Tibial Angle (mMPTA), mechanical Lateral Proximal Femoral Angle (mLPFA), mechanical Lateral Distal Tibial Angle (mLDTA), Joint Line Convergence Angle (JLCA), femur length, tibial length. Intra- and interobserver reliability (ICC2,1), SEM95% and proportional errors were calculated.
Results: The intra- and interobserver reliability for almost all measurements was found to be good to excellent (Intra-ICC2,1: 0.849–0.999; Inter-ICC2,1: 0.864–0.996). The SEM95% of both observers was found to be ± 1.39° (MFA), ± 3.31 mm (MAD), ± 1.06° (mLDFA) and ± 1.29° (mMPTA). The proportional error of MAD and MFA is comparable (47.29% vs. 46.33%). The relevant knee joint surface angles show a lower proportional error for mLDFA (42.40%) than for mMPTA (51.60%). JLCA has a proportional error of 138%. Furthermore, the SEM95% for the absolute values of the femoral and tibial length was 4.53 mm for the femur and 3.12 mm for the tibia.
Conclusions: In conclusion, a precise malalignment measurement and the knowledge about SEM95% of the respective parameters are crucial for correct surgical or nonsurgical treatment. The susceptibility to error must be considered when interpreting malalignment analysis and must be considered when planning a surgical intervention. The results of the present study elucidate that MAD and MFA are equally susceptible to observer-dependent errors. This study shows good to excellent intra- and interobserver ICCs for all leg alignment parameters and joint surface angles, except for JLCA.
Trial registration: This study was registered with DRKS (German Clinical Trials Register) under the number DRKS00015053.
Level of evidence
I, Diagnostic Study.
Background: Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy with multiple seizure types starting in childhood, a typical slow spike-wave pattern on electroencephalogram, and cognitive dysfunction.
Methods: We performed a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines to identify, synthesize and appraise the burden of illness in LGS (including “probable” LGS). Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase and APA PsychInfo, Cochrane’s database of systematic reviews, and Epistemonikos. The outcomes were epidemiology (incidence, prevalence or mortality), direct and indirect costs, healthcare resource utilization, and patient and caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Results: The search identified 22 publications evaluating the epidemiology (n = 10), direct costs and resource (n = 10) and/or HRQoL (n = 5). No studies reporting on indirect costs were identified. With no specific ICD code for LGS in many regions, several studies had to rely upon indirect methods to identify their patient populations (e.g., algorithms to search insurance claims databases to identify “probable” LGS). There was heterogeneity between studies in how LGS was defined, the size of the populations, ages of the patients and length of the follow-up period. The prevalence varied from 4.2 to 60.8 per 100,000 people across studies for probable LGS and 2.9–28 per 100,000 for a confirmed/narrow definition of LGS. LGS was associated with high mortality rates compared to the general population and epilepsy population. Healthcare resource utilization and direct costs were substantial across all studies. Mean annual direct costs per person varied from $24,048 to $80,545 across studies, and home-based care and inpatient care were significant cost drivers. Studies showed that the HRQoL of patients and caregivers was adversely affected, although only a few studies were identified. In addition, studies suggested that seizure events were associated with higher costs and worse HRQoL. The risk of bias was low or moderate in most studies.
Conclusions: LGS is associated with a significant burden of illness featuring resistant seizures associated with higher costs and worse HRQoL. More research is needed, especially in evaluating indirect costs and caregiver burden, where there is a notable lack of studies.
Cone photoreceptor cells are wavelength-sensitive neurons in the retinas of vertebrate eyes and are responsible for color vision. The spatial distribution of these nerve cells is commonly referred to as the cone photoreceptor mosaic. By applying the principle of maximum entropy, we demonstrate the universality of retinal cone mosaics in vertebrate eyes by examining various species, namely, rodent, dog, monkey, human, fish, and bird. We introduce a parameter called retinal temperature, which is conserved across the retinas of vertebrates. The virial equation of state for two-dimensional cellular networks, known as Lemaître’s law, is also obtained as a special case of our formalism. We investigate the behavior of several artificially generated networks and the natural one of the retina concerning this universal, topological law.
Rationale: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Continuous performance tests (CPTs) allow to measure ADHD related deficits in a laboratory setting. Most studies on this topic focused on CPTs measuring inattention or impulsivity, disregarding hyperactivity as one of the core symptoms of ADHD.
Methods: We examined N = 47 in three groups (ADHD N = 19; AUD N = 16; ADHD + AUD N = 12) with questionnaires on ADHD core symptoms, executive functioning (EF), mind wandering, and quality of life (QoL). N = 46 (ADHD N = 16; AUD N = 16; ADHD + AUD N = 14) were examined with a CPT (QbTest®) that also measures motor activity objectively.
Results: Inattention and impulsivity were significantly increased in AUD vs. ADHD and in AUD vs. ADHD + AUD. Hyperactivity was significantly higher in ADHD + AUD vs. ADHD and ADHD + AUD vs. AUD, but not in ADHD vs. AUD. EF was lower in both ADHD groups vs. AUD. Mind wandering was increased in both ADHD groups vs. AUD. QoL was significantly lower in ADHD + AUD compared to AUD. In contrast, results of the QbTest were not significantly different between groups.
Conclusion: Questionnaires are more useful in assessing ADHD core symptoms than the QbTest®. Hyperactivity appears to be a relevant symptom in ADHD + AUD, suggesting a possible pathway from ADHD to AUD. The lower QoL in ADHD + AUD emphasizes the need for routine screening, diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies for this patient group.
The Cabibbo-allowed weak radiative decay Λ+c→Σ+γ has been searched for in a sample of Λ+cΛ¯−c pairs produced in e+e− annihilations, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.5fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV. No excess of signal above background is observed, and we set an upper limit on the branching fraction of this decay to be B(Λ+c→Σ+γ)<4.4×10−4 at a confidence level of 90\%, which is in agreement with Standard Model expectations.
The Cabibbo-allowed weak radiative decay Λ+c→Σ+γ has been searched for in a sample of Λ+cΛ¯−c pairs produced in e+e− annihilations, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.5fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV. No excess of signal above background is observed, and we set an upper limit on the branching fraction of this decay to be B(Λ+c→Σ+γ)<4.4×10−4 at a confidence level of 90\%, which is in agreement with Standard Model expectations.
The Cabibbo-allowed weak radiative decay Λ+c→Σ+γ has been searched for in a sample of Λ+cΛ¯−c pairs produced in e+e− annihilations, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.5fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.60 and 4.70 GeV. No excess of signal above background is observed, and we set an upper limit on the branching fraction of this decay to be B(Λ+c→Σ+γ)<4.4×10−4 at a confidence level of 90\%, which is in agreement with Standard Model expectations.
Using a data sample collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, the Born cross section of the process 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜂𝐽/𝜓 at a center-of-mass energy √𝑠=3.773 GeV is measured to be (8.88±0.87±0.42) pb. We fit the cross section line shape before correcting for the initial state radiation from √𝑠=3.773 to 4.600 GeV to obtain the branching fraction ℬ(𝜓(3770)→𝜂𝐽/𝜓). We obtain ℬ(𝜓(3770)→𝜂𝐽/𝜓)=(11.3±5.9±1.1)×10−4 when the 𝜓(3770) decay amplitude is added coherently to the other contributions, and (8.7±1.0±0.8)×10−4 when it is added incoherently. Here the quoted uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. In both cases, the statistical significance of 𝜓(3770) resonance is above 7𝜎. This is the first time the decay 𝜓(3770)→𝜂𝐽/𝜓 is observed with a statistical significance greater than 5𝜎.
The Born cross section of the process e+e−→ηJ/ψ at a center-of-mass energy s√=3.773 GeV is measured to be (8.89±0.88±0.42) pb, using a data sample collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. The decay ψ(3770)→ηJ/ψ is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 7.4σ. From a fit to the dressed cross-section line-shape of e+e−→ηJ/ψ from s√=3.773 to 4.600 GeV we obtain the branching fraction of the decay ψ(3770)→ηJ/ψ to be (11.6±6.1±1.0)×10−4 when the ψ(3770) decay amplitude is added coherently to the other contributions, and (7.9±1.0±0.7)×10−4 when it is added incoherently. Here the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.
Observation of a vector charmoniumlike state at 4.7 GeV/c² and search for Zcₛ in e⁺e⁻ → K⁺K⁻J/ψ
(2023)
Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 5.85~fb−1 collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.61 to 4.95 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, we measure the cross section for the process e+e−→K+K−J/ψ. A new resonance with a mass of M=4708+17−15±21 MeV/c2 and a width of Γ=126+27−23±30 MeV is observed in the energy-dependent line shape of the e+e−→K+K−J/ψ cross section with a significance over 5σ. The K+J/ψ system is also investigated to search for charged charmoniumlike states, but no significant Z+cs states are observed. Upper limits on the Born cross sections for e+e−→K−Zcs(3985)+/K−Zcs(4000)++c.c. with Zcs(3985)±/Zcs(4000)±→K±J/ψ are reported at 90\% confidence levels. The ratio of branching fractions B(Zcs(3985)+→K+J/ψ)B(Zcs(3985) +→ (D¯0D∗+s+D¯∗0D+s)) is measured to be less than 0.03 at 90\% confidence level.
Cross sections for the process e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.128 to 4.950 GeV are measured using data samples with a total integrated luminosity of 21.2 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. The Y(4230) state is observed in the energy dependence of the e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ cross section for the first time with a statistical significance of 26.0σ. In addition, an enhancement around 4.710 GeV, called the Y(4710), is seen with a statistical significance of 4.2σ. There is no clear structure around 4.484 GeV. Using a fit with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner functions, we determine the mass and width of the Y(4230) state to be 4226.9±6.6±21.9 MeV/c2 and 71.7±16.2±31.4 MeV, respectively, and the mass and width of the Y(4710) state to be 4704.0±52.3±69.5 MeV/c2 and 183.2±114.0±90.8 MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. In addition, the average Born cross section ratio of e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ to e+e−→K+K−J/ψ is measured to be 0.388+0.035−0.028±0.016, or 0.426+0.038−0.031±0.018 if three-body phase space is considered.
Cross sections for the process e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.128 to 4.950 GeV are measured using data samples with a total integrated luminosity of 21.2 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. The Y(4230) state is observed in the energy dependence of the e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ cross section for the first time with a statistical significance of 26.0σ. In addition, an enhancement around 4.710 GeV, called the Y(4710), is seen with a statistical significance of 4.2σ. There is no clear structure around 4.484 GeV. Using a fit with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner functions, we determine the mass and width of the Y(4230) state to be 4226.9±6.6±21.9 MeV/c2 and 71.7±16.2±31.4 MeV, respectively, and the mass and width of the Y(4710) state to be 4704.0±52.3±69.5 MeV/c2 and 183.2±114.0±90.8 MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. In addition, the average Born cross section ratio of e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ to e+e−→K+K−J/ψ is measured to be 0.388+0.035−0.028±0.016, or 0.426+0.038−0.031±0.018 if three-body phase space is considered.
Cross sections for the process e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.128 to 4.950 GeV are measured using data samples with a total integrated luminosity of 21.2 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. The Y(4230) state is observed in the energy dependence of the e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ cross section for the first time with a statistical significance of 26.0σ. In addition, an enhancement around 4.710 GeV, called the Y(4710), is seen with a statistical significance of 4.2σ. There is no clear structure around 4.484 GeV. Using a fit with a coherent sum of three Breit-Wigner functions, we determine the mass and width of the Y(4230) state to be 4226.9±6.6±21.9 MeV/c2 and 71.7±16.2±31.4 MeV, respectively, and the mass and width of the Y(4710) state to be 4704.0±52.3±69.5 MeV/c2 and 183.2±114.0±90.8 MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. In addition, the average Born cross section ratio of e+e−→K0SK0SJ/ψ to e+e−→K+K−J/ψ is measured to be 0.388+0.035−0.028±0.016, or 0.426+0.038−0.031±0.018 if three-body phase space is considered.
Using 4.5fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data samples collected at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.600 to 4.698 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we measured the absolute branching fraction for the inclusive semileptonic decay Λ+c→Xe+νe, where X refers to any possible particle system. The branching fraction of the decay is determined to be B(Λ+c→Xe+νe)=(4.06±0.10stat.±0.09syst.)%. Our result improves the precision of previous measurement of B(Λ+c→Xe+νe) by more than threefold. Using the known Λ+c lifetime and the charge-averaged semileptonic decay width of nonstrange charmed mesons, we measure the ratio of inclusive semileptonic decay widths Γ(Λ+c→Xe+νe)/Γ¯(D→Xe+νe)=1.28±0.05, where statistical and systematic uncertainties are combined.
Highlights:
• Assessment of body composition parameters in a large cohort of patients with HCC undergoing TACE.
• Fully automated artificial intelligence-based quantitative 3D volumetry of abdominal cavity tissue composition.
• Skeletal muscle volume and related parameters were independent prognostic factors in patients with HCC undergoing TACE.
Background & Aims: Body composition assessment (BCA) parameters have recently been identified as relevant prognostic factors for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of BCA parameters for prognosis prediction in patients with HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).
Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included a total of 754 treatment-naïve patients with HCC who underwent TACE at six tertiary care centers between 2010–2020. Fully automated artificial intelligence-based quantitative 3D volumetry of abdominal cavity tissue composition was performed to assess skeletal muscle volume (SM), total adipose tissue (TAT), intra- and intermuscular adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) on pre-intervention computed tomography scans. BCA parameters were normalized to the slice number of the abdominal cavity. We assessed the influence of BCA parameters on median overall survival and performed multivariate analysis including established estimates of survival.
Results: Univariate survival analysis revealed that impaired median overall survival was predicted by low SM (p <0.001), high TAT volume (p = 0.013), and high SAT volume (p = 0.006). In multivariate survival analysis, SM remained an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.039), while TAT and SAT volumes no longer showed predictive ability. This predictive role of SM was confirmed in a subgroup analysis of patients with BCLC stage B.
Conclusions: SM is an independent prognostic factor for survival prediction. Thus, the integration of SM into novel scoring systems could potentially improve survival prediction and clinical decision-making. Fully automated approaches are needed to foster the implementation of this imaging biomarker into daily routine.
Impact and implications: Body composition assessment parameters, especially skeletal muscle volume, have been identified as relevant prognostic factors for many diseases and treatments. In this study, skeletal muscle volume has been identified as an independent prognostic factor for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization. Therefore, skeletal muscle volume as a metaparameter could play a role as an opportunistic biomarker in holistic patient assessment and be integrated into decision support systems. Workflow integration with artificial intelligence is essential for automated, quantitative body composition assessment, enabling broad availability in multidisciplinary case discussions.
Using 6.32~fb−1 of e+e− collision data recorded by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.178 to 4.226 GeV, we present the first measurement of the decay D+s→f0(980)e+νe,f0(980)→π0π0. The product branching fraction of D+s→f0(980)e+νe,f0(980)→π0π0 is measured to be (7.9±1.4stat±0.3syst)×10−4, with a statistical significance of 7.8σ. Furthermore, the upper limits on the product branching fractions of D+s→f0(500)e+νe with f0(500)→π0π0 and the branching fraction of D+s→K0SK0Se+νe are set to be 7.3×10−4 and 3.8×10−4 at 90\% confidence level, respectively. Our results provide valuable inputs to the understanding of the structures of light scalar mesons.
A search for invisible decays of the Λ baryon is carried out in the process 𝐽/𝜓→Λ¯Λ based on (1.0087±0.0044)×1010 𝐽/𝜓 events collected with the BESIII detector located at the BEPCII storage ring. No signals are found for the invisible decays of Λ baryon, and the upper limit of the branching fraction is determined to be 7.4×10−5 at the 90% confidence level. This is the first search for invisible decays of baryons; such searches will play an important role in constraining dark sector models related to the baryon asymmetry.
By analyzing e+e− annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93fb−1 collected at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773\,GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the first observations of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays D+→K+π0π0 and D+→K+π0η. The branching fractions of D+→K+π0π0 and D+→K+π0η are measured to be (2.1±0.4stat±0.1syst)×10−4 and (2.1±0.6stat±0.1syst)×10−4 with statistical significances of 8.0σ and 5.0σ, respectively. In addition, we search for the subprocesses D+→K∗(892)+π0 and D+→K∗(892)+η with K∗(892)+→K+π0. The branching fraction of D+→K∗(892)+η is determined to be (4.7+1.9−1.6stat±0.2syst)×10−4, with a statistical significance of 3.3σ. No significant signal for D+→K∗(892)+π0 is found and we set an upper limit on the branching fraction of this decay at the 90\% confidence level to be 4.5×10−4.
By analyzing e+e− annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93fb−1 collected at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773\,GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the first observations of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays D+→K+π0π0 and D+→K+π0η. The branching fractions of D+→K+π0π0 and D+→K+π0η are measured to be (2.1±0.4stat±0.1syst)×10−4 and (2.1±0.5stat±0.1syst)×10−4 with statistical significances of 8.8σ and 5.5σ, respectively. In addition, we search for the subprocesses D+→K∗(892)+π0 and D+→K∗(892)+η with K∗(892)+→K+π0. The branching fraction of D+→K∗(892)+η is determined to be (4.4+1.8−1.5stat±0.2syst)×10−4, with a statistical significance of 3.2σ. No significant signal for D+→K∗(892)+π0 is found and we set an upper limit on the branching fraction of this decay at the 90\% confidence level to be 5.4×10−4.
By analyzing e+e− annihilation data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93fb−1 collected at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773\,GeV with the BESIII detector, we report the first observations of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays D+→K+π0π0 and D+→K+π0η. The branching fractions of D+→K+π0π0 and D+→K+π0η are measured to be (2.1±0.4stat±0.1syst)×10−4 and (2.1±0.5stat±0.1syst)×10−4 with statistical significances of 8.8σ and 5.5σ, respectively. In addition, we search for the subprocesses D+→K∗(892)+π0 and D+→K∗(892)+η with K∗(892)+→K+π0. The branching fraction of D+→K∗(892)+η is determined to be (4.4+1.8−1.5stat±0.2syst)×10−4, with a statistical significance of 3.2σ. No significant signal for D+→K∗(892)+π0 is found and we set an upper limit on the branching fraction of this decay at the 90\% confidence level to be 5.4×10−4.
Highlights
• A proteomic analysis of the mandibular glands of Shinisaurius crocodilurus and Corucia zebrata, was performed.
• Scanning electron microscopy of S. crocodilurus' teeth revealed a sharp ridge on the anterior surface, but no grooves.
• Scanning electron microscopy of C. zebrata teeth showed a flattened crown with a pointed cusp.
• Proteomic analysis of gland extracts of S. crocodilurus and C. zebrata showed absence of venom-derived peptides or proteins.
• Our results strongly support the non-venomous character of both S. crocodilurus and C. zebrata.
Abstract
Based on its phylogenetic relationship to monitor lizards (Varanidae), Gila monsters (Heloderma spp.), and the earless monitor Lanthanotus borneesis, the Chinese crocodile lizard, Shinisaurus crocodilurus, has been assigned to the Toxicofera clade, which comprises venomous reptiles. However, no data about composition and biological activities of its oral secretion have been reported. In the present study, a proteomic analysis of the mandibular gland of S. crocodilurus and, for comparison, of the herbivorous Solomon Island skink Corucia zebrata, was performed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the teeth from S. crocodilurus revealed a sharp ridge on the anterior surface, but no grooves, whereas those of C. zebrata possess a flattened crown with a pointed cusp. Proteomic analysis of their gland extracts provided no evidence of venom-derived peptides or proteins, strongly supporting the non-venomous character of these lizards. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD039424.
Highlights
• Proteomic analyses of submandibular gland extracts of two alligator lizards of the Anguidae family are reported.
• A conserved set of putative toxins was found in the submandibular gland extracts of Abronia lythrochila and A. graminea.
• Toxins evolved in oral secretions of paleo- and neoanguimorpha over more than 100 million years of Anguimorpha cladogenesis.
• Electron microscopy of pleurodont teeth of A. lythrochila showed no sign of groove, external opening or striations.
• Assessing the role toxins play in the ecology of extant anguimorph lizards deserves functional studies in natural prey.
Abstract
A useful approach to deepen our knowledge about the origin and evolution of venom systems in Reptilia has been exploring the vast biodiversity of this clade of vertebrates in search of orally produced proteins with toxic actions, as well as their corresponding delivery systems. The occurrence of toxins in anguimorph lizards has been demonstrated experimentally or inferred from reports of the toxic effects of the oral secretions of taxa within the Varanidae and Helodermatidae families. In the present study, we have focused on two alligator lizards of the Anguidae family, the Mexican alligator lizard, Abronia graminea, and the red-lipped arboreal alligator lizard, A. lythrochila. In addition, the fine morphology of teeth of the latter species is described. The presence of a conserved set of proteins, including B-type natriuretic peptides, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, group III phospholipase A2, and kallikrein, in submandibular gland extracts was demonstrated for both Abronia species. These proteins belong to toxin families found in oral gland secretions of venomous reptile species. This finding, along with previous demonstration of toxin-producing taxa in both paleo- and neoanguimorpha clades, provides further support for the existence of a handful of conserved toxin families in oral secretions across the 100+ million years of Anguimorpha cladogenesis.
Introduction: Patients undergoing left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) are often severly anemic and close to the transfusion threshold. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of severe anemia in this cohort and if procedural safety is compromised compared with non-anemic patients.
Methods and results: Comparison of severly anemic patients (Hb < 80 g/l) vs. non-severly anemic patients in the prospective, multicentre observational LAARGE registry of patients undergoing LAAC. A total of 638 patients (anemia 22.3% vs non-anemic 77.7%) were included. Anemic patients were older (77.1 years ± 7.9 vs 75.6 years ± 7.9, p = 0.014), had more comorbidities, higher CHA2DS2-VASc (4.8 vs 4.4, p = 0.017) and higher HAS-BLED (4.3 vs 3.8, p < 0.001) scores. Implant success was not influenced by anemia (99.3% vs 97.2%). Severe in-hospital (0.7% vs 5.6%, p = 0.01) and overall complications (8.5% vs 13.7%, p = 0.11) were less common in patients with anemia, driven by fewer pericardial effusions. Mortality was higher in anemic patients and associated with an increased hazard ratio, albeit not significantly (16.0% vs 10.3%, HR 1.61 (95%-CI: 0.97–2.67), p = 0.06). In the one-year follow-up, composite outcome of death, stroke or systemic embolism occurred in 22/142 anemic and in 54/496 non-anemic patients with an adjusted HR of 1.04 (95%-CI 0.62–1.73, p = 0.89).
Conclusion: Severe anemia close to the transfusion threshold is common in patients undergoing LAAC. However, this does not influence in-hospital complications or implant success. One-year mortality is higher in anemic patients, mainly driven by co-morbidities.
Key Teaching Points
• Wearables such as smartwatches can monitor beyond heart rate and heart rhythm.
• Specific smartwatches provide reliable measurements of electrocardiographic intervals (eg, QT interval).
• Correct analysis and interpretation of the QT interval in an individual with previously unknown long QT syndrome facilitated the diagnosis.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between coronary artery calcification (CAC) assessed by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and myocardial perfusion assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in a group of symptomatic patients.
Method: Retrospective analysis of 120 patients (age 65.1 ± 8.9 years, 88 males) who presented with atypical chest pain to Bethanien Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany, between 2007 and 2010 and who underwent CAC scoring using MDCT, CMR, and conventional coronary angiography. Patients were divided into those with high-grade (HG) stenosis (n = 67, age 65.1 ± 9.4 years) and those with no-HG stenosis (n = 53, age 65.1 ± 8.6 years).
Results: There were more males with HG stenosis (82.1% vs. 62.3%, p = 0.015), in whom the percentage and number of abnormal perfusion segments were higher at rest (37.3% vs. 17%, p = 0.014) but not different with stress (p = 0.83) from those with no-HG stenosis. Thirty-four patients had myocardial perfusion abnormalities at rest and 26 patients developed perfusion defects with stress. Stress-induced myocardial perfusion defects were 22.4% sensitive and 79.2% specific for detecting HG stenosis. The CAC score was lower in patients with no-HG stenosis compared to those with HG stenosis (p < 0.0001). On the ROC curve, a CAC score of 293 had a sensitivity of 71.6% and specificity of 83% in predicting HG stenosis [(AUC 0.80 (p < 0.0001)]. A CAC score of 293 or the presence of at least 1 segment myocardial perfusion abnormality was 74.6% sensitive and 71.7% specific in detecting HG stenosis, the respective values for the 2 abnormalities combined being 19.4% and 90.6%. The severity of CAC correlated with the extent of myocardial perfusion in the patient group as a whole with stress (r = 0.22, p = 0.015), particularly in those with no-HG stenosis (r = 0.31, p = 0.022). A CAC score of 293 was 31.6% sensitive and 87.3% specific in detecting myocardial perfusion abnormalities.
Conclusion: In a group of patients with exertional angina, coronary calcification is more accurate in detecting high-grade luminal stenosis than myocardial perfusion defects. In addition, in patients with no stenosis, the incremental relationship between coronary calcium score and the extent of myocardial perfusion suggests coronary wall hardening as an additional mechanism for stress-induced angina other than luminal narrowing. These preliminary findings might have a clinical impact on management strategies of these patients other than conventional therapy.
Rationale and Objectives: Lumbar disk degeneration is a common condition contributing significantly to back pain. The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential of dual-energy CT (DECT)-derived collagen maps for the assessment of lumbar disk degeneration.
Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 127 patients who underwent dual-source DECT and MRI of the lumbar spine between 07/2019 and 10/2022. The level of lumbar disk degeneration was categorized by three radiologists as follows: no/mild (Pfirrmann 1&2), moderate (Pfirrmann 3&4), and severe (Pfirrmann 5). Recall (sensitivity) and accuracy of DECT collagen maps were calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate inter-reader reliability. Subjective evaluations were performed using 5-point Likert scales for diagnostic confidence and image quality.
Results: We evaluated a total of 762 intervertebral disks from 127 patients (median age, 69.7 (range, 23.0–93.7), female, 56). MRI identified 230 non/mildly degenerated disks (30.2%), 484 moderately degenerated disks (63.5%), and 48 severely degenerated disks (6.3%). DECT collagen maps yielded an overall accuracy of 85.5% (1955/2286). Recall (sensitivity) was 79.3% (547/690) for the detection of no/mild lumbar disk degeneration, 88.7% (1288/1452) for the detection of moderate disk degeneration, and 83.3% (120/144) for the detection of severe disk degeneration (ICC = 0.9). Subjective evaluations of DECT collagen maps showed high diagnostic confidence (median 4) and good image quality (median 4).
Conclusion: The use of DECT collagen maps to distinguish different stages of lumbar disk degeneration may have clinical significance in the early diagnosis of disk-related pathologies in patients with contraindications for MRI or in cases of unavailability of MRI.
Highlights
• Early reconstruction of injured cruciate ligaments improves functional outcomes.
• Modern CT imaging can be used to rapidly identify patients with injury to the cruciate ligaments and streamline therapeutic pathways.
• Dual-energy CT demonstrates superior diagnostic accuracy compared to single-energy CT.
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of modern single and dual-energy computed tomography (CT) for assessing the integrity of the cruciate ligaments in patients that sustained acute trauma.
Methods: Patients who underwent single- or dual-energy CT followed by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or knee joint arthroscopy between 01/2016 and 12/2022 were included in this retrospective, monocentric study. Three radiologists specialized in musculoskeletal imaging independently evaluated all CT images for the presence of injury to the cruciate ligaments. An MRI consensus reading of two experienced readers and arthroscopy provided the reference standard. Diagnostic accuracy parameters and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were the primary metrics for diagnostic performance.
Results: CT images of 204 patients (median age, 49 years; IQR 36 – 64; 113 males) were evaluated. Dual-energy CT yielded significantly higher diagnostic accuracy and AUC for the detection of injury to the anterior (94% [240/255] vs 75% [266/357] and 0.89 vs 0.66) and posterior cruciate ligaments (95% [243/255] vs 87% [311/357] and 0.90 vs 0.61) compared to single-energy CT (all parameters, p <.005). Diagnostic confidence and image quality were significantly higher in dual-energy CT compared to single-energy CT (all parameters, p <.005).
Conclusions: Modern dual-energy CT is readily available and can serve as a screening tool for detecting or excluding cruciate ligament injuries in patients with acute trauma. Accurate diagnosis of cruciate ligament injuries is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes, including delayed treatment, chronic instability, or long-term functional limitations.
Highlights
• Assessment of coronary artery plaque burden according to the CAC-DRS Score correlated well with pulmonary involvement of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (min. r=0.81, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.86).
• Visual and quantitative CAC-DRS Score of coronary artery plaque burden provided independent prognostic information on all-cause mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (p=0.0016 and p<0.0001, respectively).
• Incorporating CAC-DRS Score and pulmonary involvement into clinical decision making revealed great potential to discriminate patients with fatal outcomes from a mild course of disease (AUC 0.938, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.97) and the need for intensive care treatment (AUC 0.801, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.83).
Purpose: To assess and correlate pulmonary involvement and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with the degree of coronary plaque burden based on the CAC-DRS classification (Coronary Artery Calcium Data and Reporting System).
Methods: This retrospective study included 142 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (58 ± 16 years; 57 women) who underwent non-contrast CT between January 2020 and August 2021 and were followed up for 129 ± 72 days. One experienced blinded radiologist analyzed CT series for the presence and extent of calcified plaque burden according to the visual and quantitative HU-based CAC-DRS Score. Pulmonary involvement was automatically evaluated with a dedicated software prototype by another two experienced radiologists and expressed as Opacity Score.
Results: CAC-DRS Scores derived from visual and quantitative image evaluation correlated well with the Opacity Score (r=0.81, 95% CI 0.76-0.86, and r=0.83, 95% CI 0.77-0.89, respectively; p<0.0001) with higher correlation in severe than in mild stage SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (p<0.0001). Combined, CAC-DRS and Opacity Scores revealed great potential to discriminate fatal outcomes from a mild course of disease (AUC 0.938, 95% CI 0.89-0.97), and the need for intensive care treatment (AUC 0.801, 95% CI 0.77-0.83). Visual and quantitative CAC-DRS Scores provided independent prognostic information on all-cause mortality (p=0.0016 and p<0.0001, respectively), both in univariate and multivariate analysis.
Conclusions: Coronary plaque burden is strongly correlated to pulmonary involvement, adverse outcome, and death due to respiratory failure in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, offering great potential to identify individuals at high risk.
Background: Dual-energy CT (DECT)-derived bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal radius and other CT-derived metrics related to bone health have been suggested for opportunistic osteoporosis screening and risk evaluation for sustaining distal radius fractures (DRFs).
Methods: The distal radius of patients who underwent DECT between 01/2016 and 08/2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Cortical Hounsfield Unit (HU), trabecular HU, cortical thickness, and DECT-based BMD were acquired from a non-fractured, metaphyseal area in all examinations. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to determine the area under the curve (AUC) values for predicting DRFs based on DECT-derived BMD, HU values, and cortical thickness. Logistic regression models were then employed to assess the associations of these parameters with the occurrence of DRFs.
Results: In this study, 263 patients (median age: 52 years; interquartile range: 36–64; 132 women; 192 fractures) were included. ROC curve analysis revealed a higher area under the curve (AUC) value for DECT-derived BMD compared to cortical HU, trabecular HU, and cortical thickness (0.91 vs. 0.61, 0.64, and 0.69, respectively; p <.001). Logistic regression models confirmed the association between lower DECT-derived BMD and the occurrence of DRFs (Odds Ratio, 0.83; p <.001); however, no influence was observed for cortical HU, trabecular HU, or cortical thickness.
Conclusions: DECT can be used to assess the BMD of the distal radius without dedicated equipment such as calibration phantoms to increase the detection rates of osteoporosis and stratify the individual risk to sustain DRFs. In contrast, assessing HU-based values and cortical thickness does not provide clinical benefit.
Rationale and Objectives: Bone non-union is a serious complication of distal radius fractures (DRF) that can result in functional limitations and persistent pain. However, no accepted method has been established to identify patients at risk of developing bone non-union yet. This study aimed to compare various CT-derived metrics for bone mineral density (BMD) assessment to identify predictive values for the development of bone non-union.
Materials and Methods: CT images of 192 patients with DRFs who underwent unenhanced dual-energy CT (DECT) of the distal radius between 03/2016 and 12/2020 were retrospectively identified. Available follow-up imaging and medical health records were evaluated to determine the occurrence of bone non-union. DECT-based BMD, trabecular Hounsfield unit (HU), cortical HU and cortical thickness ratio were measured in normalized non-fractured segments of the distal radius.
Results: Patients who developed bone non-union were significantly older (median age 72 years vs. 54 years) and had a significantly lower DECT-based BMD (median 68.1 mg/cm3 vs. 94.6 mg/cm3, p < 0.001). Other metrics (cortical thickness ratio, cortical HU, trabecular HU) showed no significant differences. ROC and PR curve analyses confirmed the highest diagnostic accuracy for DECT-based BMD with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 for the ROC curve and an AUC of 0.46 for the PR curve. In logistic regression models, DECT-based BMD was the sole metric significantly associated with bone non-union.
Conclusion: DECT-derived metrics can accurately predict bone non-union in patients who sustained DRF. The diagnostic performance of DECT-based BMD is superior to that of HU-based metrics and cortical thickness ratio.
We can see an increasing consumption of meat together with the corresponding behavioral adaptations in early hominins, such as Homo erectus. This new development was driven by one or more behavioral adaptations, such as a shift to a higher-quality diet, increased social interactions and/or changes in the life history strategies. The methods by which these hominins obtained meat—through scavenging the carcasses of large herbivores or hunting themselves—remain a topic of debate. They seem to have thrived in expanding grasslands, which offered few resources except for herds of large, gregarious mammals. In our study, we developed an agent-based model that simulates the behavior of a group of hunter-gatherers foraging in a reconstructed tropical grassland environment. The environmental parameters, including plant availability and prey population densities, are derived from the Serengeti National Park. In this model, agents gather or hunt various species either alone or as a group, using strategies early hominins may already have access to. The basic behavior and the implemented hunting strategies are based on data from recent hunter-gatherer societies living in tropical grasslands. Our model demonstrates how foragers may have thrived in tropical grasslands by either adopting fast hunting strategies, which often require access to sophisticated hunting tools, or by cooperating extensively, which would rely on an enhanced social structure to promote cooperative behavior. Our model can be used to study other scenarios by offering the option to change the environmental conditions and aspects of the agent behavior.
Abstract
In serial dependence, perceptual decisions are biased towards stimuli encountered in the recent past. Here, we investigate whether and how serial dependence is affected by the availability of visual working memory (VWM) resources. In two experiments, participants reproduced the orientation of a series of stimuli. On alternating trials, we included an additional VWM task with randomly varying levels of load. Serial dependence was not only affected by the additional load task but also clearly modulated by the level of load: a high load in the previous trial reduced serial dependence while a high load in the present increased it. These results were independent of the effects of VWM load on the precision of reproduction responses. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms that may regulate serial dependence, revealing its intimate link with VWM resources.
Significance statement
Our perception, thoughts, and behavior are continuously influenced by recent events. For instance, the way we process and understand current visual information depends on what we have seen in the preceding seconds, a phenomenon known as serial dependence. The precise mechanisms and factors involved in serial dependence are still unclear. Here, we demonstrated that working memory resources are a crucial component. Specifically, when we are currently experiencing a heavy memory load, the influence of prior stimuli becomes stronger. Conversely, when prior stimuli were shown under a high memory load, their influence was reduced. These findings highlight the importance of working memory resources in shaping our interpretation of the present based on the recent past.
The branching fraction of D+→K0Sπ0e+νe is measured for the first time using 7.93 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at the center-of-mass energy s√=3.773~GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, and is determined to be B(D+→K0Sπ0e+νe) = (0.881 ± 0.017stat. ± 0.016syst.)\%. Based on an analysis of the D+→K0Sπ0e+νe decay dynamics, we observe the S-wave and P-wave components with fractions of fS-wave = (6.13 ± 0.27stat. ± 0.30syst.)% and fK¯∗(892)0 = (93.88 ± 0.27stat. ± 0.29syst.)\%, respectively. From these results, we obtain the branching fractions B(D+→(K0Sπ0)S-wave e+νe) = (5.41 ± 0.35stat. ± 0.37syst.)×10−4 and B(D+→K¯∗(892)0e+νe) = (4.97 ± 0.11stat. ± 0.12syst.)\%. In addition, the hadronic form-factor ratios of D+→K¯∗(892)0e+νe at q2=0, assuming a single-pole dominance parameterization, are determined to be rV=V(0)A1(0)=1.43 ± 0.07stat. ± 0.03syst. and r2=A2(0)A1(0)=0.72 ± 0.06stat. ± 0.02syst.
In this paper, we construct a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model to examine the implications of dual rates for green lending. We demonstrate that implementing a distinct interest rate for banks engaged in green lending can effectively mitigate transition risks while channeling more capital towards green production sectors and firms for an immediate cut of emissions and net zero emission economy targets.
Biological drug substance (DS) is typically stored frozen to increase stability. However, freezing and thawing (F/T) of DS can impact product quality and therefore F/T processes need to be controlled. Because active F/T systems for DS bottles are lacking, freezing is often performed uncontrolled in conventional freezers, and thawing at ambient temperature or using water baths.
In this study, we evaluated a novel device for F/T of DS in bottles, which can be operated in conventional freezers, generating a directed air stream around bottles. We characterized the F/T geometry and process performance in comparison to passive F/T using temperature mapping and analysis of concentration gradients. The device was able to better control the F/T process by inducing directional bottom-up F/T. As a result, it reduced cryo-concentration during freezing as well as ice mound formation. However, freezing with the device was dependent on freezer performance, i.e. prolonged process times in a highly loaded freezer were accompanied by increased cryo-concentrations. Thawing was faster compared to without the device, but had no impact on concentration gradients and was slower compared to thawing in a water bath.
High-performance freezers might be required to fully exploit the potential of directional freezing with this device and allow F/T process harmonization and scaling across sites.
Using (2712±14) × 106 ψ(2S) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we search for the decays ηc(2S)→ωω and ηc(2S)→ωϕ via the process ψ(2S)→γηc(2S). Evidence of ηc(2S)→ωω is found with a statistical significance of 3.2σ. The branching fraction is measured to be B(ηc(2S)→ωω)=(5.65±3.77(stat.)±5.32(syst.))×10−4. No statistically significant signal is observed for the decay ηc(2S)→ωϕ. The upper limit of the branching fraction at the 90\% confidence level is determined to be B(ψ(2S)→γηc(2S),ηc(2S)→ωϕ)<2.24×10−7. We also update the branching fractions of χcJ→ωω and χcJ→ωϕ decays via the ψ(2S)→γχcJ transition. The branching fractions are determined to be B(χc0→ωω)=(10.63±0.11±0.46)×10−4, B(χc1→ωω)=(6.39±0.07±0.29)×10−4, B(χc2→ωω)=(8.50±0.08±0.38)×10−4, B(χc0→ωϕ)=(1.18±0.03±0.05)×10−4, B(χc1→ωϕ)=(2.03±0.15±0.12)×10−5, and B(χc2→ωϕ)=(9.37±1.07±0.59)×10−6, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.
Highlights
• Piriform cortex and amgydala can be separated based on their distinct structural connectivity.
• Similar to histological findings, the connectivity of the piriform cortex suggests posterior frontal and temporal subregions.
• Subregions of the piriform cortex have distinct connectivity profiles.
• Anterior PC extended into ventrotemporal PC posteriorly, which has not been described before, requiring further investigation.
• All parcellations were made publicly available.
Abstract
The anatomy of the human piriform cortex (PC) is poorly understood. We used a bimodal connectivity-based-parcellation approach to investigate subregions of the PC and its connectional differentiation from the amygdala.
One hundred (55 % female) genetically unrelated subjects from the Human Connectome Project were included. A region of interest (ROI) was delineated bilaterally covering PC and amygdala, and functional and structural connectivity of this ROI with the whole gray matter was computed. Spectral clustering was performed to obtain bilateral parcellations at granularities of k = 2–10 clusters and combined bimodal parcellations were computed. Validity of parcellations was assessed via their mean individual-to-group similarity per adjusted rand index (ARI).
Individual-to-group similarity was higher than chance in both modalities and in all clustering solutions. The amygdala was clearly distinguished from PC in structural parcellations, and olfactory amygdala was connectionally more similar to amygdala than to PC. At higher granularities, an anterior and ventrotemporal and a posterior frontal cluster emerged within PC, as well as an additional temporal cluster at their boundary. Functional parcellations also showed a frontal piriform cluster, and similar temporal clusters were observed with less consistency. Results from bimodal parcellations were similar to the structural parcellations. Consistent results were obtained in a validation cohort.
Distinction of the human PC from the amygdala, including its olfactory subregions, is possible based on its structural connectivity alone. The canonical fronto-temporal boundary within PC was reproduced in both modalities and with consistency. All obtained parcellations are freely available.
Highlights
• Northern and eastern grassland-savanna boundary defined by minimum temperature.
• Dynamics of fire, frost and growing season temperatures combine to produce this limit.
• Western limit is related to moisture availability.
• Modern, high-resolution climate data enables refinement of bioclimatic limits.
• Reparameterisation improves global model performance at regional scale.
Abstract
Understanding the controls of biome distributions is crucial for assessing terrestrial ecosystem functioning and its response to climate change. We analysed to what extent differences in climate factors (minimum temperatures, water availability, and growing season temperatures (degree days above 5 °C (GDD5)) might explain the poorly understood borders between grasslands, savannas and shrublands in eastern South Africa. The results were used to improve bioclimatic limits in the dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM) LPJ-GUESS. The vegetation model was also used to explore the role of fire in the biome borders. Results show no clear differences between the adjacent biomes in water availability. Treeless grasslands primarily occur in areas with minimum temperatures and GDD5 values below that of savannas. The standard fire module in LPJ-GUESS is not able to reproduce observed burned area patterns in the study region, but simulations with prescribed fire return intervals show that a combination of low temperatures and fire can explain the treeless state of the grassland biome. These results confirm earlier hypotheses that a combination of low winter temperatures, causing frost damage to trees, and low growing season temperatures that impede tree sapling growth and recruitment, particularly under re-occurring fires, drive the grassland-savanna border. With these insights implemented, the LPJ-GUESS simulation results substantially improved grass distribution in the grassland biome, but challenges remain concerning the grassland-shrubland boundary, tree-grass competition and prognostic fire modelling.
Purpose: To describe a novel surgical technique of a combined implantation of an artificial iris and a scleral fixated intraocular lens (IOL) using flanged IOL haptics (“Yamane” technique).
Observations: The suturelessly implanted artificial iris-IOL-sandwich was stable with good functional as well as aesthetic results. However, our case showed a postoperative intraocular pressure rise.
Conclusions: The presented case demonstrates that a visual as well as cosmetical rehabilitation seems to be possible even after severe, penetrating ocular trauma with profound iris defects.
Importance: The sutureless IOL scleral fixation technique can also be used in combination with a sutureless artificial iris implantation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety profile and rates of postoperative complications.
Purpose: The IC-8® Apthera™ (AcuFocus Inc.™, Irvine, California, USA) is the first small aperture intraocular lens (IOL) to receive FDA approval for presbyopia correction in the summer of 2022. It is a single-piece hydrophobic acrylic monofocal lens, which is placed in the capsular bag. In its center it carries a black circular mask (FilterRing™) with a diameter of 3.23 mm consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride and carbon black nanoparticles. In the center of this mask sits a 1.36 mm wide aperture. Thanks to this pinhole effect the IC-8® serves as an extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOL and can be used in presbyopia correction.
This report describes the case of a patient with an IC-8® implant who underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The post laser checkup showed a dark central optical change within the IOL and the patient described optical phenomena as well as blurred central vision, which is why he received IOL exchange. The explanted IC-8® was sent to the Intermountain Ocular Research Center at the University of Utah for further analysis.
Observations: A 56-year-old male underwent cataract surgery with implantation of a non-diffractive EDOF-IOL on the right and the IC-8® small aperture IOL on the left eye. On the left eye, the patient had received penetrating keratoplasty seven years prior to the cataract operation due to posttraumatic corneal scarring. The early checkups after cataract surgery showed a corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in the left eye of +0.1 logMAR in the first month. About 5 months after the operation, PCO was first described on the left eye leading to a decrease in visual acuity to +0.4 logMAR (CDVA). Due to PCO, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was conducted 5 months after the cataract operation on the left eye. 12 shots were applied at 2.7 mJ. The following appointments showed a continuously reduced visual acuity of +1.3 logMAR (uncorrected) on the left eye and the patient described blurry and ‘swirled’ central vision. By slightly tilting his head and thus not using the center of his optic axis, he would be able to see sharper. Slit lamp examination showed a small optical change inside the IC-8® IOL not resembling a pit but believed to be a small pocket of air. Due to the ongoing symptoms as well as the reduced VA, the seemingly damaged small aperture IOL was exchanged for a three-piece hydrophobic acrylic monofocal lens, which was also placed in the posterior chamber. The explanted IC-8® was sent to the Intermountain Ocular Research Center at the University of Utah for further analysis. Results from gross and light microscopic analysis showed that the change caused by the Nd:YAG laser application consisted of a localized optical area containing carbon black nanoparticles used for the circular mask within the IOL.
Conclusions and importance: When dealing with PCO and performing Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in eyes with an IC-8® IOL implant, the laser shots should be applied either inside the aperture or outside of the black circular mask of the IOL. Otherwise, the Nd:YAG laser can lead to bursts of carbon nanoparticles within the IOL which may cause optical phenomena as well as decreased visual acuity possibly resulting in an IOL exchange.
Using 𝑒+𝑒− collision data with an integrated luminosity of 7.33 fb−1 collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, the branching fraction of the leptonic decay 𝐷+ 𝑠→𝜇+𝜈𝜇 is measured to be (0.5294±0.0108stat±0.0085syst)%. Based on this, the product of the 𝐷+ 𝑠 decay constant 𝑓𝐷+ 𝑠 and the magnitude of the 𝑐→𝑠 quark mixing matrix element |𝑉𝑐𝑠| is determined to be 𝑓𝐷+ 𝑠|𝑉𝑐𝑠| = 241.8±2.5stat±2.2syst MeV. Using the value of |𝑉𝑐𝑠| given by the global standard model fit, 𝑓𝐷+ 𝑠 is found to be 248.4±2.5stat±2.2syst MeV. Alternatively, using the value of 𝑓𝐷+ 𝑠 from a recent lattice quantum chromodynamics calculation, |𝑉𝑐𝑠| is determined to be 0.968±0.010stat±0.009syst.
The processes hc→γP(P=η′, η, π0) are studied with a sample of (27.12±0.14)×108 ψ(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The decay hc→γη is observed for the first time with the significance of 9.0σ, and the branching fraction is determined to be (3.77±0.55±0.13±0.26)×10−4, while B(hc→γη′) is measured to be (1.40±0.11±0.04±0.10)×10−3, where the first uncertainties are statistical, the second systematic, and the third from the branching fraction of ψ(3686)→π0hc. The combination of these results allows for a precise determination of Rhc=B(hc→γη)B(hc→γη′), which is calculated to be (27.0±4.4±1.0)%. The results are valuable for gaining a deeper understanding of η−η′ mixing, and its manifestation within quantum chromodynamics. No significant signal is found for the decay hc→γπ0, and an upper limit is placed on its branching fraction of B(hc→γπ0)<5.0×10−5, at the 90% confidence level.
Based on 368.5 pb−1 of 𝑒+𝑒− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies 4.914 and 4.946 GeV by the BESIII detector, the 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜙𝜒𝑐1(3872) process is searched for the first time. No significant signal is observed and the upper limits at the 90% confidence level on the product of the Born cross section 𝜎(𝑒+𝑒−→𝜙𝜒𝑐1(3872)) and the branching fraction ℬ[𝜒𝑐1(3872)→𝜋+𝜋−𝐽/𝜓] at 4.914 and 4.946 GeV are set to be 0.85 and 0.96 pb, respectively. These measurements provide useful information for the production of the 𝜒𝑐1(3872) at 𝑒+𝑒− colliders and deepen our understanding about the nature of this particle.
Using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, the cross section of the inclusive process e+e−→η+X, normalized by the total cross section of e+e−→hadrons, is measured at eight center-of-mass energy points from 2.0000 GeV to 3.6710 GeV. These are the first measurements with momentum dependence in this energy region. Our measurement shows a significant discrepancy from calculations with the existing fragmentation functions. To address this discrepancy, a new QCD analysis is performed at the next-to-next-to-leading order with hadron mass corrections and higher twist effects, which can explain both the established high-energy data and our measurements reasonably well.
Using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, the cross section of the inclusive process e+e−→η+X, normalized by the total cross section of e+e−→hadrons, is measured at eight center-of-mass energy points from 2.0000 GeV to 3.6710 GeV. These are the first measurements with momentum dependence in this energy region. Our measurement shows a significant discrepancy from calculations with the existing fragmentation functions. To address this discrepancy, a new QCD analysis is performed at the next-to-next-to-leading order with hadron mass corrections and higher twist effects, which can explain both the established high-energy data and our measurements reasonably well.