X- and gamma-ray studies of HESS J1731-347 coincident with a newly discovered SNR

In the survey of the Galactic plane conducted with H.E.S.S., many VHE gamma-ray sources were discovered for which no clear counterpart at other wavelengths could be identified. HESS J1731-347 initially belonged to this source class. Recently however, the new shell-type supernova remnant (SNR) G353.6-0.7 was discovered in radio data, positionally coinciding with the VHE source. We will present new X-ray observations that cover a fraction of the VHE source, revealing nonthermal emission that most likely can be interpreted as synchrotron emission from high-energy electrons. This, along with a larger H.E.S.S. data set which comprises more than twice the observation time used in the discovery paper, allows us to test whether the VHE source may indeed be attributed to shell-type emission from that new SNR. If true, this would make HESS J1731-347 a new object in the small but growing class of non-thermal shell-type supernova remnants with VHE emission.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, to appear in proceedings of the 31st ICRC, Lodz, Polan

Microstructure of Mealy and Vitreous Wheat Endosperms (Triticum durum L.) with Special Emphasis on Location and Polymorphic Behaviour of Lipids

Dark inclusions observed in osmiophilic zones, already described in mature wheat endosperm using transmission electron microscopy, were confirmed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy to be lipids. The polar lipids (glycolipids, phospholipids, free fatty acides, monoglycerides) were organized in a liquid crystalline phase. The reversed hexagonal or HII phase should be the main lattice which might arise from the transition of lipids present in membranous structures as a lamellar phase. This transition was caused by dehydration occurring during maturation. It is suggested that the water-dependent lamellar hexagonal phase transitions are of considerable importance in cereal food technology

Ultrastructure of Cooked Spaghetti

Several electron microscopy (EM) complementary techniques (scanning electron microscopy, freeze-fracturing and thin-sectioning) have been applied in the ultrastructural study of spaghetti. Experimental spaghetti have been produced starting from two semolinas from the same wheat cultivar and using a low temperature (LT) and very high temperature (VHT) drying schemes. Cooking quality of these products was not related to the quantity of the main components present in semolina. however, the drying conditions (temperature and humidity) and the nature of the cooking water greatly influenced cooking characteristics. The three EM techniques were used to detected differences in protein and starch organization in relationship to spaghetti quality. Structural differences present in the uncooked product were more evident after cooking. in particular, in each high quality spaghetti, interesting macromolecular arrangements were always found inside starch granules. These new structures, which were dramatically promoted by VHT drying, exhibited an exceptional resistance to alpha-amylase digestion

Extinction of the N=20 neutron-shell closure for 32Mg examined by direct mass measurements

The 'island of inversion' around $^{32}$Mg is one of the most important paradigm for studying the disappearance of the stabilizing 'magic' of a shell closure. We present the first Penning-trap mass measurements of the exotic nuclides $^{29-31}$Na and $^{30-34}$Mg, which allow a precise determination of the empirical shell gap for $^{32}$Mg. The new value of 1.10(3) MeV is the lowest observed shell gap for any nuclide with a canonical magic number.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Physical Review

Low-Background In-Trap Decay Spectroscopy with TITAN at TRIUMF

An in-trap decay spectroscopy setup has been developed and constructed for use with the TITAN facility at TRIUMF. The goal of this device is to observe weak electron-capture (EC) branching ratios for the odd-odd intermediate nuclei in the $\beta\beta$ decay process. This apparatus consists of an up-to 6 Tesla, open-access spectroscopy ion-trap, surrounded radially by up to 7 planar Si(Li) detectors which are separated from the trap by thin Be windows. This configuration provides a significant increase in sensitivity for the detection of low-energy photons by providing backing-free ion storage and eliminating charged-particle-induced backgrounds. An intense electron beam is also employed to increase the charge-states of the trapped ions, thus providing storage times on the order of minutes, allowing for decay-spectroscopy measurements. The technique of multiple ion-bunch stacking was also recently demonstrated, which further extends the measurement possibilities of this apparatus. The current status of the facility and initial results from a $^{116}$In measurement are presented.Comment: Proceedings for the 2nd International Conference on Advances in Radioactive Isotope Science (ARIS2014

Trapped-ion decay spectroscopy towards the determination of ground-state components of double-beta decay matrix elements

A new technique has been developed at TRIUMF's TITAN facility to perform in-trap decay spectroscopy. The aim of this technique is to eventually measure weak electron capture branching ratios (ECBRs) and by this to consequently determine GT matrix elements of $\beta\beta$ decaying nuclei. These branching ratios provide important input to the theoretical description of these decays. The feasibility and power of the technique is demonstrated by measuring the ECBR of $^{124}$Cs.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figure

MtDNA Analyses on Hair Samples Confirm Cougar, Puma concolor, Presence in Southern New Brunswick, Eastern Canada

For the last 40 years, the presence of Cougars (Puma concolor) in eastern Canada has been highly controversial. The purpose of this study was to collect physical evidence of Cougars using a passive detection method. Baited hair-traps combined with camera-traps were installed in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada. DNA analyses on two hair samples confirmed that the species was present in southern New Brunswick in 2003. A footprint photographed after an observation of a Cougar by reliable observers was examined by experts and was consistent with a Cougar footprint. Additional data are required to determine the status of Cougars in the northeastern part of its historical range