Simulation and Analysis Chain for Acoustic Ultra-high Energy Neutrino Detectors in Water

Acousticneutrinodetectionisapromisingapproachforlarge-scaleultra-highenergyneutrinodetectorsinwater.In this article, a Monte Carlo simulation chain for acoustic neutrino detection devices in water will be presented. The simulation chain covers the generation of the acoustic pulse produced by a neutrino interaction and its propagation to the sensors within the detector. Currently, ambient and transient noise models for the Mediterranean Sea and simulations of the data acquisition hardware, equivalent to the one used in ANTARES/AMADEUS, are implemented. A pre-selection scheme for neutrino-like signals based on matched filtering is employed, as it is used for on-line filtering. To simulate the whole processing chain for experimental data, signal classification and acoustic source reconstruction algorithms are integrated in an analysis chain. An overview of design and capabilities of the simulation and analysis chain will be presented and preliminary studies will be discussed.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures, ARENA 2012. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1304.057

Development of Combined Opto-Acoustical Sensor Modules

The faint fluxes of cosmic neutrinos expected at very high energies require large instrumented detector volumes. The necessary volumes in combination with a sufficient shielding against background constitute forbidding and complex environments (e.g. the deep sea) as sites for neutrino telescopes. To withstand these environments and to assure the data quality, the sensors have to be reliable and their operation has to be as simple as possible. A compact sensor module design including all necessary components for data acquisition and module calibration would simplify the detector mechanics and ensures the long term operability of the detector. The compact design discussed here combines optical and acoustical sensors inside one module, therefore reducing electronics and additional external instruments for calibration purposes. In this design the acoustical sensor is primary used for acoustic positioning of the module. The module may also be used for acoustic particle detection and marine science if an appropriate acoustical sensor is chosen. First tests of this design are promising concerning the task of calibration. To expand the field of application also towards acoustic particle detection further improvements concerning electromagnetic shielding and adaptation of the single components are necessary.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, ARENA2010 proceeding

Reconstruction methods for acoustic particle detection in the deep sea using clusters of hydrophones

This article focuses on techniques for acoustic noise reduction, signal filters and source reconstruction. For noise reduction, bandpass filters and cross correlations are found to be efficient and fast ways to improve the signal to noise ratio and identify a possible neutrino-induced acoustic signal. The reconstruction of the position of an acoustic point source in the sea is performed by using small-volume clusters of hydrophones (about 1 cubic meter) for direction reconstruction by a beamforming algorithm. The directional information from a number of such clusters allows for position reconstruction. The algorithms for data filtering, direction and position reconstruction are explained and demonstrated using simulated data.Comment: 7 pages, 13 figure

Intimate partner violence is a barrier to antiretroviral therapy adherence among HIV - positive women: Evidence from government facilities in Kenya

Introduction: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is linked to low engagement with HIV management services and adverse clinical outcomes, including poor ART adherence. In sub-Saharan Africa, studies on pregnant/postpartum women and transactional sex workers have produced divergent evidence regarding IPV’s association with poor ART adherence. We investigate this association among a broad group of women. Methods: We sampled 408 HIV-positive women receiving free ART from different types of HIV clinics at government health facilities, assessing for IPV exposure by a current partner, ART adherence rate, and other factors that affect ART adherence (e.g. education, disclosure). ART adherence rates were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); responses were dichotomised at a �95% cut-off. Multiple logistic regression models assessed the association between the independent variables and ART adherence. Results: The participants’ mean age was 38.6 (range: 18–69 years). The majority had ever attended school (94%, n = 382), were in monogamous marriages (70%, n = 282), and had disclosed status to partners (94%, n = 380). Overall, 60% (n = 242) reported optimal ART adherence (� 95%) in the previous 30 days. The prevalence of IPV by the current partner was 76% (CI95 = 72–80%). Experiencing physical IPV (AOR 0.57, CI95: 0.34–0.94, p = .028), sexual IPV (AOR 0.50, CI95: 0.31–0.82, p = .005), or controlling behaviour (AOR 0.56, CI95: 0.34– 0.94, p = .027) reduced the odds of achieving optimal adherence, while a higher education level and having an HIV-positive partner increased the odds. Conclusion: IPV is common and is associated with suboptimal ART adherence rates among a broad group of HIV-positive women. ART programs could consider incorporating basic IPV interventions into regular clinic services to identify, monitor and support exposed women, as they might be at risk of poor ART adherence. Still, there is need for more research on how IPV affects ART adherence

Psychotherapy in dizziness: a systematic review

About 30-50% of complex dizziness disorders are organically not sufficiently explained or related to a psychiatric disorder. Of patients with such dizziness disorders, 80% are severely impaired by dizziness in their daily and working lives; nevertheless, they are often not diagnosed or treated adequately

Measurements and Simulation Studies of Piezoceramics for Acoustic Particle Detection

Calibration sources are an indispensable tool for all detectors. In acoustic particle detection the goal of a calibration source is to mimic neutrino signatures as expected from hadronic cascades. A simple and promising method for the emulation of neutrino signals are piezo ceramics. We will present results of measruements and simulations on these piezo ceramics.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Position reconstruction of acoustic sources with the AMADEUS Detector

This article focuses on techniques for position reconstruction of acoustic point sources with the AMADEUS setup consisting of 36 acoustic sensors in the Mediterranean Sea. The direction reconstruction of an acoustic point source utilizes the information of the 6 small-volume hydrophone clusters of AMADEUS individually. Source position reconstruction is then done by combining the directional information of each cluster. The algorithms for direction and position reconstruction are explained and demonstrated using data taken in the deep sea.Comment: 4 pages, 7 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the 3rd International Workshop on the Acoustic and Radio EeV Neutrino detection Activities, Rome, Ital

eNOS-NO-induced small blood vessel relaxation requires EHD2-dependent caveolae stabilization

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-related vessel relaxation is a highly coordinated process that regulates blood flow and pressure and is dependent on caveolae. Here, we investigated the role of caveolar plasma membrane stabilization by the dynamin-related ATPase EHD2 on eNOS-nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vessel relaxation. Loss of EHD2 in small arteries led to increased numbers of caveolae that were detached from the plasma membrane. Concomitantly, impaired relaxation of mesenteric arteries and reduced running wheel activity were observed in EHD2 knockout mice. EHD2 deletion or knockdown led to decreased production of nitric oxide (NO) although eNOS expression levels were not changed. Super-resolution imaging revealed that eNOS was redistributed from the plasma membrane to internalized detached caveolae in EHD2-lacking tissue or cells. Following an ATP stimulus, reduced cytosolic Ca(2+) peaks were recorded in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) lacking EHD2. Our data suggest that EHD2-controlled caveolar dynamics orchestrates the activity and regulation of eNOS/NO and Ca(2+) channel localization at the plasma membrane