AMS Observations of Light Cosmic Ray Isotopes and Implications for their Production in the Galaxy

Observations of light isotopes in cosmic rays provide information on their origin and propagation in the Galaxy. Using the data collected by AMS-01 in the STS- 91 space mission, we compare the measurements on 1H, 2H, 3He and 4He with calculations for interstellar propagation and solar modulation. These data are described well by a diffusive-reacceleration model with parameters that match the B/C ratio data. Close comparisons are made within the astrophysical con- straints provided by the B/C data and within the nuclear uncertainties arising from the production cross sections. Astrophysical uncertainties are expected to be dramatically reduced by future data, but nuclear uncertainties may rep- resent a serious limitation of the model predictions. A diagnostic test for the reliability of the models is given by ratios such as 2H/3He, 6Li/7Li or 10B/11B.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, Proceedings of the 13th ICATPP Conferenc

Origin of the Cosmic Ray Spectral Hardening

Recent data from ATIC, CREAM and PAMELA indicate that the cosmic ray energy spectra of protons and nuclei exhibit a remarkable hardening at energies above 100 GeV per nucleon. We propose that the hardening is an interstellar propagation effect that originates from a spatial change of the cosmic-ray transport properties in different regions of the Galaxy. The key hypothesis is that the diffusion coefficient is not separable into energy and space variables as usually assumed. Under this scenario, we can reproduce the observational data well. Our model has several implications for the cosmic-ray acceleration/propagation physics and can be tested by ongoing experiments such as the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer or Fermi/LAT.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, matches the published versio

Light Nuclei and Isotope Abundances in Cosmic Rays. Results from AMS-01

Observations of the chemical and isotopic composition of light cosmic-ray nuclei can be used to constrain the astrophysical models of cosmic-ray transport and interactions in the Galaxy. Nearly 200,000 light nuclei (Z>2) have been observed by AMS-01 during the 10-day flight STS-91 in June 1998. Using these data, we have measured the relative abundance of light nuclei Li, Be, B and C in the kinetic energy range 0.35 - 45 GeV/nucleon.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures. Proceedings of the ICATPP 2010 - Como, Ital

Experimental study of vapor-cell magneto-optical traps for efficient trapping of radioactive atoms

We have studied magneto-optical traps (MOTs) for efficient on-line trapping of radioactive atoms. After discussing a model of the trapping process in a vapor cell and its efficiency, we present the results of detailed experimental studies on Rb MOTs. Three spherical cells of different sizes were used. These cells can be easily replaced, while keeping the rest of the apparatus unchanged: atomic sources, vacuum conditions, magnetic field gradients, sizes and power of the laser beams, detection system. By direct comparison, we find that the trapping efficiency only weakly depends on the MOT cell size. It is also found that the trapping efficiency of the MOT with the smallest cell, whose diameter is equal to the diameter of the trapping beams, is about 40% smaller than the efficiency of larger cells. Furthermore, we also demonstrate the importance of two factors: a long coated tube at the entrance of the MOT cell, used instead of a diaphragm; and the passivation with an alkali vapor of the coating on the cell walls, in order to minimize the losses of trappable atoms. These results guided us in the construction of an efficient large-diameter cell, which has been successfully employed for on-line trapping of Fr isotopes at INFN's national laboratories in Legnaro, Italy.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures, submitted to Eur. Phys. J.

Applications of biopolymers to processes of environmental control

Two new methods of insolubilizing in cellulose triacetate membranes, natural or synthetic polyelectrolytes, able to bind heavy metal ions, were experimented and discussed. The efficiency of the obtained membranes was tested by monitoring the cupric ion adsorption with a copper ion selective electrode (ISE

Secondary Cosmic Ray Nuclei from Supernova Remnants and Constraints to the Propagation Parameters

The secondary-to-primary B/C ratio is widely used to study the cosmic ray (CR) propagation processes in the Galaxy. It is usually assumed that secondary nuclei such as Li-Be-B are entirely generated by collisions of heavier CR nuclei with the interstellar medium (ISM). We study the CR propagation under a scenario where secondary nuclei can also be produced or accelerated from galactic sources. We consider the processes of hadronic interactions inside supernova remnants (SNRs) and re-acceleration of background CRs in strong shocks. Thus, we investigate their impact in the propagation parameter determination within present and future data. The spectra of Li-Be-B nuclei emitted from SNRs are harder than those due to CR collisions with the ISM. The secondary-to-primary ratios flatten significantly at ~TeV/n energies, both from spallation and re-acceleration in the sources. The two mechanisms are complementary to each other and depend on the properties of the local ISM around the expanding remnants. The secondary production in SNRs is significant for dense background media, n ~1 cm^-3, while the amount of re-accelerated CRs is relevant for SNRs expanding into rarefied media, n ~0.1 cm-3. Due to these effects, the the diffusion parameter 'delta' may be misunderstood by a factor of ~5-15%. Our estimations indicate that an experiment of the AMS-02 caliber can constrain the key propagation parameters while breaking the source-transport degeneracy, for a wide class of B/C-consistent models. Given the precision of the data expected from on-going experiments, the SNR production/acceleration of secondary nuclei should be considered, if any, to prevent a possible mis-determination of the CR transport parameters.Comment: 13 pages, 9 figures; matches the published versio

Penetrating particle ANalyzer (PAN)

PAN is a scientific instrument suitable for deep space and interplanetary missions. It can precisely measure and monitor the flux, composition, and direction of highly penetrating particles ($> \sim$100 MeV/nucleon) in deep space, over at least one full solar cycle (~11 years). The science program of PAN is multi- and cross-disciplinary, covering cosmic ray physics, solar physics, space weather and space travel. PAN will fill an observation gap of galactic cosmic rays in the GeV region, and provide precise information of the spectrum, composition and emission time of energetic particle originated from the Sun. The precise measurement and monitoring of the energetic particles is also a unique contribution to space weather studies. PAN will map the flux and composition of penetrating particles, which cannot be shielded effectively, precisely and continuously, providing valuable input for the assessment of the related health risk, and for the development of an adequate mitigation strategy. PAN has the potential to become a standard on-board instrument for deep space human travel. PAN is based on the proven detection principle of a magnetic spectrometer, but with novel layout and detection concept. It will adopt advanced particle detection technologies and industrial processes optimized for deep space application. The device will require limited mass (~20 kg) and power (~20 W) budget. Dipole magnet sectors built from high field permanent magnet Halbach arrays, instrumented in a modular fashion with high resolution silicon strip detectors, allow to reach an energy resolution better than 10\% for nuclei from H to Fe at 1 GeV/n

Computed Tomography Predictors of Mortality or Disease Progression in Systemic Sclerosis–Interstitial Lung Disease: A Systematic Review

Objective: Although interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc), its prognostication remains challenging. Given that CT represents the gold standard imaging technique in ILD assessment, a systematic review on chest CT findings as predictors of mortality or ILD progression in SSc-ILD was performed. Materials and Methods: Three databases (Medline, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched to identify all studies analyzing CT mortality or ILD progression predictors in SSc-ILD, from inception to December 2020. ILD progression was defined by worsening of forced vital capacity and/or CT ILD findings. Manuscripts not written in English, with not available full-text, not focusing on SSc-ILD or with SSc-ILD not extrapolated, otherwise with overlap syndromes, pediatric patients, <10 cases or predictors other than CT features were excluded. Results: Out of 3,513 citations, 15 full-texts (2,332 patients with SSc-ILD) met the inclusion criteria. ILD extent and extensive ILD, ILD densitometric analysis parameters, fibrotic extent and reticulation extent resulted as independent mortality predictors. Extensive ILD is also an independent predictor of death, need for supplemental oxygen or lung transplantation. Honeycombing extent is an independent risk factor for respiratory mortality. Independent predictors of ILD progression were not identified. Conclusions: ILD extent and extensive ILD independently predict mortality in SSc-ILD on CT, as well as ILD densitometric analysis, fibrotic extent and reticulation extent. Extensive ILD is also a predictor of death, need for supplemental oxygen, or lung transplantation. Honeycombing extent predicts respiratory mortality. CT predictors of ILD progression need to be further investigated. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, PROSPERO, identifier: CRD420202005001