Anisotropy studies around the galactic centre at EeV energies with the Auger Observatory

Data from the Pierre Auger Observatory are analyzed to search for anisotropies near the direction of the Galactic Centre at EeV energies. The exposure of the surface array in this part of the sky is already significantly larger than that of the fore-runner experiments. Our results do not support previous findings of localized excesses in the AGASA and SUGAR data. We set an upper bound on a point-like flux of cosmic rays arriving from the Galactic Centre which excludes several scenarios predicting sources of EeV neutrons from Sagittarius $A$. Also the events detected simultaneously by the surface and fluorescence detectors (the `hybrid' data set), which have better pointing accuracy but are less numerous than those of the surface array alone, do not show any significant localized excess from this direction.Comment: Matches published versio

FIRST SEARCHES FOR OPTICAL COUNTERPARTS TO GRAVITATIONAL-WAVE CANDIDATE EVENTS

During the LIGO and Virgo joint science runs in 2009-2010, gravitational wave (GW) data from three interferometer detectors were analyzed within minutes to select GW candidate events and infer their apparent sky positions. Target coordinates were transmitted to several telescopes for follow-up observations aimed at the detection of an associated optical transient. Images were obtained for eight such GW candidates. We present the methods used to analyze the image data as well as the transient search results. No optical transient was identified with a convincing association with any of these candidates, and none of the GW triggers showed strong evidence for being astrophysical in nature. We compare the sensitivities of these observations to several model light curves from possible sources of interest, and discuss prospects for future joint GW-optical observations of this type

Ligand assembly and metal ion complexation: synthesis and X-ray structure of Ni(II) and Cu(II) benzoate and 4-tert-butylbenzoate complexes of cyclam

The syntheses and X-ray structures of trans-[Ni(O-benzoato)2(cyclam)], trans-[Cu(H2O)2(cyclam)]-(benzoate)2·2H2O and trans-[Cu(H2O)2(cyclam)](4-t-butyl-benzoate)2 (where cyclam is 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) are described. The nickel complex has a tetragonally distorted octahedral coordination geometry with cyclam occupying the equatorial plane in a stable trans-III arrangement, with benzoate ligands filling the axial positions. The structure closely resembles the arrangement in the previously described hydrogen-bonded (metal-free) ligand assembly [(cyclamH2)·(4-t-butyl benzoate)2]·2(benzoic acid) if the latter benzoic acid moieties, which do not interact directly with the cyclam moiety, are ignored. The 2 : 1 fragment thus may be viewed as a ligand assembly “preorganized” for nickel ion complexation. In contrast to the nickel structure, the two trans-axial sites in both copper structures are occupied by aqua rather than O-carboxylate ligands. Although they do not form part of the inner coordination sphere in either complex, the two carboxylate anions remain hydrogen bound to the (coordinated) cyclam ligand, with the mode of packing being generally similar in each complex

Sea-level changes, river capture and the evolution of populations of the Eastern Cape and fiery redfins (Pseudobarbus afer and Pseudobarbus phlegethon, Cyprinidae) across multiple river systems in South Africa

AIM: The phylogeography of the two closely related species Pseudobarbus afer and Pseudobarbus phlegethon was investigated to assess the association of evolutionary processes, inferred from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation, with hypothetical palaeoriver systems and other climatic and landscape changes. Location One western and several southern river systems in South Africa. METHODS: We sampled known populations and confirmed known distribution gaps. This was followed by an assessment of mtDNA control region sequence variation for 31 localities across 17 river systems across the range of the species complex. A map of possible offshore drainage patterns during the last major regression event was constructed based on bathymetry and geological studies. RESULTS: The genetic distinction of four major lineages of P. afer strongly correspond with proposed palaeoriver systems. However, a western ‘Forest’ lineage, is widespread across two such proposed systems and is closely related to P. phlegethon on the west coast of South Africa. Both the ‘Krom’ and ‘St Francis’ lineages were identified in the single palaeoriver system proposed for St Francis Bay. A fourth ‘Mandela’ lineage is restricted to the one or two palaeoriver systems proposed for Nelson Mandela Bay. Four minor lineages were identified within the Forest lineage and two within the Mandela lineage. Main conclusions The close relationship between P. phlegethon and the Forest lineage of P. afer can only be explained by a series of river captures. We suggest the Gourits River system as a historical link that could account for this relationship. On the south coast, lower sea levels than at present allowed confluence between currently isolated river systems, offering opportunities for dispersal among these populations. At present, isolation between different river systems rather than dispersal appears to have a dominant influence on mtDNA diversity