Cosmic-ray energy spectrum and composition up to the ankle - the case for a second Galactic component

We have carried out a detailed study to understand the observed energy spectrum and composition of cosmic rays with energies up to ~10^18 eV. Our study shows that a single Galactic component with subsequent energy cut-offs in the individual spectra of different elements, optimised to explain the observed spectra below ~10^14 eV and the knee in the all-particle spectrum, cannot explain the observed all-particle spectrum above ~2x10^16 eV. We discuss two approaches for a second component of Galactic cosmic rays -- re-acceleration at a Galactic wind termination shock, and supernova explosions of Wolf-Rayet stars, and show that the latter scenario can explain almost all observed features in the all-particle spectrum and the composition up to ~10^18 eV, when combined with a canonical extra-galactic spectrum expected from strong radio galaxies or a source population with similar cosmological evolution. In this two-component Galactic model, the knee at ~ 3x10^15 eV and the second knee at ~10^17 eV in the all-particle spectrum are due to the cut-offs in the first and second components, respectively. We also discuss several variations of the extra-galactic component, from a minimal contribution to scenarios with a significant component below the ankle (at ~4x10^18 eV), and find that extra-galactic contributions in excess of regular source evolution are neither indicated nor in conflict with the existing data. Our main result is that the second Galactic component predicts a composition of Galactic cosmic rays at and above the second knee that largely consists of helium or a mixture of helium and CNO nuclei, with a weak or essentially vanishing iron fraction, in contrast to most common assumptions. This prediction is in agreement with new measurements from LOFAR and the Pierre Auger Observatory which indicate a strong light component and a rather low iron fraction between ~10^17 and 10^18 eV.Comment: Added Table 4; Published in A&A, 595 (2016) A33 (Highlight paper

Observations of the J = 2→1 transitions of ¹²C¹⁶O and ¹²C¹⁸O towards galactic H II regions

Observations are reported of the J = 2→1 transitions of CO and 12C18O at 230 and 219 GHz respectively from a number of galactic sources. A map of the central 1/2° × 1/2° of the Orion A molecular cloud is presented. The spectra are interpreted to derive molecular densities and abundance ratios in the molecular clouds observed

The peri-urbanization of Europe:A systematic review of a multifaceted process

Urbanisation patterns in Europe since the 1950s have resulted in a swath of low-density discontinuous development, commonly called peri-urban areas. These areas are characterised by a mixed rural-urban character, are highly dynamic in nature, and are expected to continue growing rapidly in the next few decades. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature on changes in peri-urban areas in Europe. We analysed 142 cases from 121 studies that are spread across Europe, representing a wide range of peri-urban processes. Land cover changes were the most reported changes, followed by socioeconomic changes, land use changes, planning process changes, land management changes, and environmental changes. Over half of the cases reported co-occurring land-cover and socioeconomic processes of change. In addition, we analysed sequential and causal relations between these processes. In this analysis we found that peri-urbanization cannot be conceptualized as driver – land change – impact, because often relations between processes pointed in different directions. Therefore, we characterize peri-urbanization as a multifaceted process that can manifest itself differently in different case study areas. In addition, we found that planning precedes land change processes about as often as it follows these processes, illustrating the specific challenge for planners and policy makers in managing peri-urban areas

The influence of uterine abnormalities on uterine peristalsis in the non-pregnant uterus:A systematic review

Uterine peristalsis is the rhythmic wave-like motion of the subendometrial layer of the uterus. These contractions change throughout the menstrual cycle in terms of direction, frequency and amplitude, and can be analysed with various methods. Not much is known about uterine peristalsis in patients with uterine abnormalities. To that end, we decided to systematically review the available studies for evidence on the influence of uterine abnormalities, including leiomyomas, endometriosis, adenomyosis and congenital uterine anomalies, on uterine peristalsis. After a systematic search of relevant databases, sixteen eligible studies were included in this review; eight case-control studies and eight controlled prospective cohort studies. The sample sizes ranged from twelve to 205 participants. Various methods of analysing uterine contractions were used, including transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosalpingo-radionuclide scintigraphy, cine MRI and intrauterine pressure measurement. Studies varied in their design, uterine contraction measurement method and patient groups. Generally however, uterine abnormalities do seem to have an influence on uterine peristalsis. Compared to healthy controls, the specific phase of the menstrual cycle (namely the periovulatory and luteal phases) seems to play a major role in the observed effect on uterine contractions. The included studies were difficult to compare directly due to heterogeneity however, and sample sizes were relatively small. Despite these limitations, it can be concluded that uterine abnormalities likely have a menstrual phase-dependent effect on uterine peristalsis and contraction features. These aberrant contractions potentially play a role in the relationship between (benign) uterine abnormalities and infertility, along with other associated symptoms (i.e., dysmenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding). It is not yet possible to make a definite conclusion on the nature of this effect however. Further research is needed on objective measurement tools, treatment and clinical consequences of abnormal uterine peristalsis in patients with uterine abnormalities

Polyphony in Architecture

Based on interviews with a number of architects and managers from a wide range of organizations, we characterize how architecture is perceived in practice. We identify three groups of organizations that differ with respect to their level of architectural thinking and the alignment of business and IT on architectural issues. Analysis of the interviews further indicates that these three groups differ in the architecture aspects and critical success factors they emphasize. Our results provide a starting point for assessing architecture maturity and alignment within organizations, and can be used to help harmonize different architectural tunes played within organizations

Surface-Soil Aggregation and Organic C and N Fractions Under Paired Grassland and Cropland Sites in the Southeastern USA

Grasslands are expected to deliver ecosystem services by sequestering soil organic C, improving soil health and water quality, and minimizing soil erosion. Data to support these ecosystem services from contemporary managed grasslands are relatively scant, and so on-farm measurements would help bolster assessment across more diverse environmental settings. This study was conducted to compare soil properties from paired landuse of croplands and grasslands in a diversity of Major Land Resource Areas – the Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Blackland Prairie of the southeastern USA. Four separate pastures on three collaborating farms were sampled at depth of 0-10 cm. Four samples from a neighboring cropland field were paired with these pastures. A variety of soil chemical, physical, and biological properties were determined. Soil chemical properties were occasionally different between land management systems on one of the three farms, but few consistent differences occurred across farms. Dry-stable mean-weight diameter (MWD) was not different between paired land management systems, but water-stable MWD was dramatically reduced at all three locations with cropland compared with pasture. Soil stability index (water-stable MWD divided by dry-stable MWD) averaged 0.64 mm mm-1 under cropland and 0.91 mm mm-1 under pasture, suggesting that pastures had a highly stable soil surface that was resistant to erosion and likely contributed to high water infiltration. Soil organic C and N fractions (i.e., total, particulate, and mineralizable) were all significantly greater under pasture than under cropland, indicating that these pastures were indeed storing more C and N, and contributing to greater soil biological activity. This study provides evidence that well-managed grasslands can sequester soil organic C and N, improve soil surface stability conditions to foster water infiltration and reduced runoff, and may have important implications for habit development for soil-dwelling organisms

Allogeneic NK cells induce the <i>in vitro</i> activation of monocyte-derived and conventional type-2 dendritic cells and trigger an inflammatory response under cancer-associated conditions

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes capable to recognize and kill virus-infected and cancer cells. In the past years, the use of allogeneic NK cells as anti-cancer therapy gained interest due to their ability to induce graft-versus-cancer responses without causing graft-versus-host disease and multiple protocols have been developed to produce high numbers of activated NK cells. While the ability of these cells to mediate tumor kill has been extensively studied, less is known about their capacity to influence the activity of other immune cells that may contribute to a concerted anti-tumor response in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we analyzed how an allogeneic off-the-shelf cord blood stem cell-derived NK-cell product influenced the activation of dendritic cells (DC). Crosstalk between NK cells and healthy donor monocyte-derived DC (MoDC) resulted in the release of IFNγ and TNF, MoDC activation, and the release of the T-cell-recruiting chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10. Moreover, in the presence of prostaglandin-E2, NK cell/MoDC crosstalk antagonized the detrimental effect of IL-10 on MoDC maturation leading to higher expression of multiple (co-)stimulatory markers. The NK cells also induced activation of conventional DC2 (cDC2) and CD8 + T cells, and the release of TNF, GM-CSF, and CXCL9/10 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The activated phenotype of MoDC/cDC2 and the increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and T-cell-recruiting chemokines resulting from NK cell/DC crosstalk should contribute to a more inflamed TME and may thus enhance the efficacy of T-cell-based therapies.</p

Observations of the J = 2 → 1 line of carbon monoxide in the NGC 2024 nebula

Observations have been made of the J = 2 → 1 transition of 12CO and 13CO in the molecular cloud near NGC 2024. The most intense emission comes from the central regions of the nebula close to areas of high optical extinction. The source contains two hotspots, but no significant velocity gradient or line-broadening was observed. This is consistent with a model in which the emission arises mainly from the high-density interface between the expanding HII region and a neutral cloud. Measurements of the 13CO isotope indicates that τ13 > 1.7, but there is insufficient information to derive the density in the region. Analysis of data for Mon R2, however, using the radially collapsing cloud model, indicates a hydrogen density of ~2 × 104 cm-3 for that source