Measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic rays at the highest energies using data from Pierre Auger Observatory

We report a measurement of the flux of cosmic rays with unprecedented precision and statistics using data from the Pierre Auger Observatory. Based on fluorescence observations in coincidence with at least one station of the surface detector we derive a spectrum for energies above 1 EeV. We also report on the energy spectra obtained with the surface detector array. The spectral features are presented in detail and the impact of systematic uncertainties on these features are addressed.Comment: 6 pages, 8 figures, UHECR 2012 Symposium, CERN, Feb. 201

Measurement of the ultra high energy cosmic ray flux using data of the Pierre Auger observatory

Bestimmung des Energiespektrums ultra-hochenergetischer kosmischer Strahlung mit Daten des Pierre-Auger-Observatoriums Das Thema dieser Arbeit ist die Bestimmung des Energiespektrums kosmischer Strahlung bei höchsten Energien unter Verwendung von Daten des Oberflächendetektors des Pierre-Auger-Observatoriums. Ein wichtiger Beitrag zu den Unsicherheiten der Messung der lateralen Verteilung von Teilchen mit dem Oberflächendetektor ist das fehlende Signal der dem Zentrum des Luftschauers am nächsten liegenden Station. Dieses Problem wird hervorgerufen durch die Sättigung der Auslese-Elektronik und den Übergang zu einem nichtlinearen Verhalten der Photovervielfacher-Antwort. Davon betroffen sind 50% der Ereignisse in dem untersuchten Energiebereich. Eine Methode zur Bestimmung dieses Signal wird entwickelt. Die Abschwächung des Signals in der Atmosphäre wird mittels der Annahme räumlich konstanten Intensität der Kosmischen Strahlung abgeleitet. Besonderer Wert wird auf die Energiekonvertierung vermittels Fluoreszenzdetektor gelegt. Dazu werden Luftschauern Daten verwendet, welche so wohl mit dem Fluoreszenz- als auch mit dem Oberflächen-Detektor gemessen wurden. Um den Effekt der Detektor-Auflösung auf den gemessenen Fluss abzuschätzen, werden realistische Simulationen der Detektorantwort durchgeführt. Die Akzeptanz des Oberflächedetektors ist nur aus Daten bestimmt und die systematischen Unsicherheiten sind mit Hilfe von Simulationen berechnet. Dies ermöglicht eine Erweiterung des Energiespektrums aus Oberflächendetektordaten zu niedrigeren Energien hin, außerhalb des Bereiches voller Trigger-Effizienz. Außer dem durch vertikale Ereignisse des Oberflächendetektors erhaltenen Energiespektrum können zwei weitere unabhängige Spektren bestimmt werden: Ein Hybridspektrum, basierend auf Luftschauern, die den Fluoreszenzdetektor und mindestenz eine Station des Oberflächendetektores getriggert haben, und ein Spektrum mit Oberflächendetektor-Ereignissen mit Zenitwinkeln größer als 60Grad. Diese Spektren werden in einem einzigen Spektrum kombiniert, das sich über den breitesten Energiebereich der aktuellen Daten des Pierre-Auger-Observatoriums erstreckt und dabei die kleinsten Unsicherheiten hat. Das daraus resultierende Spektrum wird in einen astrophysikalischen Kontext gesetzt. Die Fortsetzung des Spektrums oberhalb 40EeV als Potenzgesetz wird mit einer Signifikanz von 5.2σ verworfen. Die Anzahl der erwarteten Ereignisse für ein Potenzgesetz ist 167 ± 3 über 40EeV und 35 ± 1 über 100EeV, wobei die Daten nur je 64 Ereignisse beziehungsweise 1 Ereignis im jeweiligen Bereich enthalten

The automotive industri and the Dieselgate case

In the last few years, environmental pollution and especially vehicle pollution has been the subject of numerous debates all over the world. Following the scandal on the handling of emissions from diesel vehicles through the installation of defeat device systems by the Volkswagen Group, the attention on Diesel engines and especially on the severity of the emissions produced by diesel fuel has become more and more remarkable. The aim of this thesis is to explain the differences between the various types of engines on the market, the consequences caused by the polluting substances emitted by the vehicle exhaust pipe and the events that led to the detection of the fraud implemented by the Volkswagen Group. Furthermore, a survey was carried out on with the aim to try to understand consumers' perception of vehicular pollution, propensity to use engines powered by alternative energy sources instead of diesel engines and the grade of awareness regarding the Volkswagen case. Finally, in order to try to get answers on the future of the automotive market and especially on the future of diesel vehicles, an analysis was made of the forecasts and statistics made by automotive industry analysts

Layered water Cherenkov detector for the study of ultra high energy cosmic rays

We present a new design for the water Cherenkov detectors that are in use in various cosmic ray observatories. This novel design can provide a significant improvement in the independent measurement of the muonic and electromagnetic component of extensive air showers. From such multi-component data an event by event classification of the primary cosmic ray mass becomes possible. According to popular hadronic interaction models, such as EPOS-LHC or QGSJetII-04, the discriminating power between iron and hydrogen primaries reaches Fisher values of $\sim$ 2 or above for energies in excess of $10^{19}$ eV with a detector array layout similar to that of the Pierre Auger Observatory.Comment: 17 pages, 15 figures, submitted to Nuclear Instruments and Methods

Origin and physics of the highest energy cosmic rays: What can we learn from Radio Astronomy?

Here in this lecture we will touch on two aspects, one the new radio methods to observe the effects of high energy particles, and second the role that radio galaxies play in helping us understand high energy cosmic rays. We will focus here on the second topic, and just review the latest developments in the first. Radio measurements of the geosynchrotron radiation produced by high energy cosmic ray particles entering the atmosphere of the Earth as well as radio \v{C}erenkov radiation coming from interactions in the Moon are another path; radio observations of interactions in ice at the horizon in Antarctica is a related attempt. Radio galaxy hot spots are prime candidates to produce the highest energy cosmic rays, and the corresponding shock waves in relativistic jets emanating from nearly all black holes observed. We will review the arguments and the way to verify the ensuing predictions. This involves the definition of reliable samples of active sources, such as black holes, and galaxies active in star formation. The AUGER array will probably decide within the next few years, where the highest energy cosmic rays come from, and so frame the next quests, on very high energy neutrinos and perhaps other particles.Comment: 11 pages, To appear in Proceedings of International School of Astrophysics at Ultra-high Energies, 20-27 June, 2006, Erice, Sicily, Ital

Measurement of the Ultra High Energy Cosmic Ray Flux using Data of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The main objective of this thesis is the measurement of the cosmic ray energy spectrum above \unit[1]{EeV} based on the data recorded at the Pierre Auger Observatory. The continuation of the spectrum in the form of a power law is rejected with a 5.2 sigma significance. The number of events expected if a power law holds, above 40 EeV are 167+-3 and 35+- 1 above 100 EeV whereas in the measured flux there are 64 events and 1 event

Protective effects of dietary supplement Spirulina (Spirulinaplatensis) against toxically impacts of monosodium glutamatein blood and behavior of swiss mouse

Background: Well-known monosodium glutamate (E-621, MSG), originally used as a food flavor enhancer, was approved approximately in all countries, but the toxicity versus the safety of (MSG) are still unclear due to variable scientific toxicological reports. Moreover, it was reported to trigger elevated frequencies of nausea and headaches in humans and provide deleterious effects on laboratory animals. The objectives of the present study were to (i) estimate the possible toxic effects of the food additive MSG (ii) and the ameliorating protective effects of the dietary supplement spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on the biochemical parameters of blood and the damage produced in organs of Swiss mice after applying a supplementary daily dose of MSG for 4 weeks. (2) Methods: The present study was conducted on 20 mature Swiss mice, which were randomly organized into four groups of five Swiss mice. The treatments were (I) the control group, in which Swiss mice were fed only animal feed and drinking water; group II MSG1, which received 1 mL of MSG; group III MSG0.5, which was treated with 0.5 mL of MSG; and (IV) the group MSGS, which was treated with 1 mL of monosodium glutamate and 1 mL of spirulina (aiming to reduce the MSG toxicity). (3) Results: At the end of the experiment, Swiss mice treated with MSG demonstrated a passiveness regarding behavioral aspects. As we hypothesized, the parameters of the spirulina group reached similar values to the control group, and no histopathological observations have been found. Altogether, our findings evidenced that monosodium glutamate leads to histopathological changes in Swiss mice kidneys and caused important modifications for all biochemical parameters of the blood serum. Noticeably, the potential protective effect of Spirulina platensis was proved and was described by using the FTIR spectroscopy technique. (4) Conclusions: A diet rich in antioxidants and other plant-derived bioactive compounds may provide healthy nutrition, alleviating the potential side effects of some food additives

Refractory anaphylaxis: Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry

Refractory anaphylaxis (unresponsive to treatment with at least two doses of minimum 300 μg adrenaline) is a rare and often fatal hypersensitivity reaction. Comprehensive data on its definition, prevalence, and risk factors are missing. Using the data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry (11,596 cases in total) we identified refractory anaphylaxis cases (n = 42) and analyzed these in comparison to a control group of severe anaphylaxis cases (n = 4,820). The data show that drugs more frequently elicited refractory anaphylaxis (50% of cases, p < 0.0001) compared to other severe anaphylaxis cases (19.7%). Cases elicited by insects (n = 8) were more often due to bees than wasps in refractory cases (62.5 vs. 19.4%, p = 0.009). The refractory cases occurred mostly in a perioperative setting (45.2 vs. 9.05, p < 0.0001). Intramuscular adrenaline (as a first line therapy) was administered in 16.7% of refractory cases, whereas in 83.3% of cases it was applied intravenously (significantly more often than in severe anaphylaxis cases: 12.3%, p < 0.0001). Second line treatment options (e.g., vasopression with dopamine, methylene blue, glucagon) were not used at all for the treatment of refractory cases. The mortality rate in refractory anaphylaxis was significantly higher (26.2%) than in severe cases (0.353%, p < 0.0001). Refractory anaphylaxis is associated with drug-induced anaphylaxis in particular if allergens are given intravenously. Although physicians frequently use adrenaline in cases of perioperative anaphylaxis, not all patients are responding to treatment. Whether a delay in recognition of anaphylaxis is responsible for the refractory case or whether these cases are due to an overflow with mast cell activating substances—requires further studies. Reasons for the low use of second-line medication (i.e., methylene blue or dopamine) in refractory cases are unknown, but their use might improve the outcome of severe refractory anaphylaxis cases

Oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation in European countries : statutory background, practice, storage and use

STUDY QUESTION: What is known in Europe about the practice of oocyte cryopreservation (OoC), in terms of current statutory background, funding conditions, indications (medical and ‘non-medical’) and specific number of cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER: Laws and conditions for OoC vary in Europe, with just over half the responding countries providing this for medical reasons with state funding, and none providing funding for ‘non-medical’ OoC. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: The practice of OoC is a well-established and increasing practice in some European countries, but data gathering on storage is not homogeneous, and still sparse for use. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OtC) is only practiced and registered in a few countries. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATION: A transversal collaborative survey on OoC and OtC, was designed, based on a country questionnaire containing information on statutory or professional background and practice, as well as available data on ovarian cell and tissue collection, storage and use. It was performed between January and September 2015. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHODS: All ESHRE European IVF Monitoring (EIM) consortium national coordinators were contacted, as well as members of the ESHRE committee of national representatives, and sent a questionnaire. The form included national policy and practice details, whether through current existing law or code of practice, criteria for freezing (age, health status), availability of funding and the presence of a specific register. The questionnaire also included data on both the number of OoC cycles and cryopreserved oocytes per year between 2010 and 2014, specifically for egg donation, fertility preservation for medical disease, ‘other medical’ reasons as part of an ART cycle, as well as for ‘non-medical reasons’ or age-related fertility decline. Another question concerning data on freezing and use of ovarian tissue over 5 years was added and sent after receiving the initial questionnaire. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Out of 34 EIM members, we received answers regarding OoC regulations and funding conditions from 27, whilst 17 countries had recorded data for OoC, and 12 for OtC. The specific statutory framework for OoC and OtC varies from absent to a strict frame. A total of 34 705 OoC cycles were reported during the 5-year-period, with a continuous increase. However, the accurate description of numbers was concentrated on the year 2013 because it was the most complete. In 2013, a total of 9126 aspirations involving OoC were reported from 16 countries. Among the 8885 oocyte aspirations with fully available data, the majority or 5323 cycles (59.9%) was performed for egg donation, resulting in the highest yield per cycle, with an average of 10.4 oocytes frozen per cycle. OoC indication was ‘serious disease’ such as cancer in 10.9% of cycles, other medical indications as ‘part of an ART cycle’ in 16.1%, and a non-medical reason in 13.1%. With regard to the use of OoC, the number of specifically recorded frozen oocyte replacement (FOR) cycles performed in 2013 for all medical reasons was 14 times higher than the FOR for non-medical reasons, using, respectively, 8.0 and 8.4 oocytes per cycle. Finally, 12 countries recorded storage following OtC and only 7 recorded the number of grafted frozen/thawed tissues. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Not all countries have data regarding OoC collection, and some data came from voluntary collaborating centres, rather than a national authority or register. Furthermore, the data related to use of OoC were not included for two major players in the field, Italy and Spain, where numbers were conflated for medical and non-medical reasons. Finally, the number of cycles started with no retrieval is not available. Data are even sparser for OtC. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: There is a need for ART authorities and professional bodies to record precise data for practice and use of OoC (and OtC), according to indications and usage, in order to reliably inform all stakeholders including women about the efficiency of both methods. Furthermore, professional societies should establish professional standards for access to and use of OoC and OtC, and give appropriate guidance to all involved. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The study was supported by ESHRE. There are no conflicts of interest.peer-reviewe