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The solar outer atmosphere is an extremely dynamic environment characterized by the continuous interplay between the plasma and the magnetic field that generates and permeates it. Such interactions play a fundamental role in hugely diverse astrophysical systems, but occur at scales that cannot be studied outside the solar system. Understanding this complex system requires concerted, simultaneous solar observations from the visible to the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and soft X-rays, at high spatial resolution (between 0.1'' and 0.3''), at high temporal resolution (on the order of 10 s, i.e., the time scale of chromospheric dynamics), with a wide temperature coverage (0.01 MK to 20 MK, from the chromosphere to the flaring corona), and the capability of measuring magnetic fields through spectropolarimetry at visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Simultaneous spectroscopic measurements sampling the entire temperature range are particularly important. These requirements are fulfilled by the Japanese Solar-C mission (Plan B), composed of a spacecraft in a geosynchronous orbit with a payload providing a significant improvement of imaging and spectropolarimetric capabilities in the UV, visible, and near-infrared with respect to what is available today and foreseen in the near future. The Large European Module for solar Ultraviolet Research (LEMUR), described in this paper, is a large VUV telescope feeding a scientific payload of high-resolution imaging spectrographs and cameras. LEMUR consists of two major components: a VUV solar telescope with a 30 cm diameter mirror and a focal length of 3.6 m, and a focal-plane package composed of VUV spectrometers covering six carefully chosen wavelength ranges between 170 and 1270 . The LEMUR slit covers 280'' on the Sun with 0.14'' per pixel sampling. In addition, LEMUR is capable of measuring mass flows velocities (line shifts) down to 2 km s (-aEuro parts per thousand 1) or better. LEMUR has been proposed to ESA as the European contribution to the Solar C mission.
We investigate the physical state of H?i absorbing gas at low redshift (z = 0.25) using a subset of cosmological, hydrodynamic simulations from the OverWhelmingly Large Simulations project, focusing in particular on broad (bHI=40 km s-1) H?i Lya absorbers (BLAs), which are believed to originate in shock-heated gas in the warm-hot intergalactic medium (WHIM). Our fiducial model, which includes radiative cooling by heavy elements and feedback by supernovae and active galactic nuclei, predicts that by z = 0.25 nearly 60?per cent of the gas mass ends up at densities and temperatures characteristic of the WHIM and we find that half of this fraction is due to outflows. The standard H?i observables (distribution of H?i column densities NH?I, distribution of Doppler parameters bHI, bHINH?I correlation) and the BLA line number density predicted by our simulations are in remarkably good agreement with observations. BLAs arise in gas that is hotter, more highly ionized and more enriched than the gas giving rise to typical Lya forest absorbers. The majority of the BLAs arise in warm-hot [log?(T/?K) similar to 5] gas at low (log?? < 1.5) overdensities. On average, thermal broadening accounts for at least 60?per cent of the BLA linewidth, which in turn can be used as a rough indicator of the thermal state of the gas. Detectable BLAs account for only a small fraction of the true baryon content of the WHIM at low redshift. In order to detect the bulk of the mass in this gas phase, a sensitivity at least one order of magnitude better than achieved by current ultraviolet spectrographs is required. We argue that BLAs mostly trace gas that has been shock heated and enriched by outflows and that they therefore provide an important window on a poorly understood feedback process.
We experimentally analyze collective dynamics of a population of 20 electronic Wien-bridge limit-cycle oscillators with a nonlinear phase-shifting unit in the global feedback loop. With an increase in the coupling strength we first observe formation and then destruction of a synchronous cluster, so that the dependence of the order parameter on the coupling strength is not monotonic. After destruction of the cluster the ensemble remains nevertheless coherent, i.e., it exhibits an oscillatory collective mode (mean field). We show that the system is now in a self-organized quasiperiodic state, predicted in Rosenblum and Pikovsky [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 064101 (2007)]. In this state, frequencies of all oscillators are smaller than the frequency of the mean field, so that the oscillators are not locked to the mean field they create and their dynamics is quasiperiodic. Without a nonlinear phase-shifting unit, the system exhibits a standard Kuramoto-like transition to a fully synchronous state. We demonstrate a good correspondence between the experiment and previously developed theory. We also propose a simple measure which characterizes the macroscopic incoherence-coherence transition in a finite-size ensemble.
Time-dependent escape of cosmic rays from supernova remnants, and their interaction with dense media
(2012)
Context. Supernova remnants (SNRs) are thought to be the main source of Galactic cosmic rays (CRs) up to the "knee" in CR spectrum. During the evolution of a SNR, the bulk of the CRs are confined inside the SNR shell. The highest-energy particles leave the system continuously, while the remaining adiabatically cooled particles are released when the SNR has expanded sufficiently and decelerated so that the magnetic field at the shock is no longer able to confine them. Particles escaping from the parent system may interact with nearby molecular clouds, producing.-rays in the process via pion decay. The soft gamma-ray spectra observed for a number of SNRs interacting with molecular clouds, however, challenge current theories of non-linear particle acceleration that predict harder spectra.
Aims. We study how the spectrum of escaped particles depends on the time-dependent acceleration history in both Type Ia and core-collapse SNRs, as well as on different assumptions about the diffusion coefficient in the vicinity of the SNR.
Methods. We solve the CR transport equation in a test-particle approach combined with numerical simulations of SNR evolution.
Results. We extend our method for calculating the CR acceleration in SNRs to trace the escaped particles in a large volume around SNRs. We calculate the evolution of the spectra of CRs that have escaped from a SNR into a molecular cloud or dense shell for two diffusion models. We find a strong confinement of CRs in a close region around the SNR, and a strong dilution effect for CRs that were able to propagate out as far as a few SNR radii.
Particle spectra from acceleration at forward and reverse shocks of young Type Ia Supernova Remnants
(2012)
We study cosmic-ray acceleration in young Type Ia Supernova Remnants (SNRs) by means of test-particle diffusive shock acceleration theory and 1-D hydrodynamical simulations of their evolution. In addition to acceleration at the forward shock, we explore the particle acceleration at the reverse shock in the presence of a possible substantial magnetic field, and consequently the impact of this acceleration on the particle spectra in the remnant. We investigate the time evolution of the spectra for various time-dependent profiles of the magnetic field in the shocked region of the remnant. We test a possible influence on particle spectra of the Alfvenic drift of scattering centers in the precursor regions of the shocks. In addition, we study the radiation spectra and morphology in a broad band from radio to gamma-rays. It is demonstrated that the reverse shock contribution to the cosmic-ray particle population of young Type la SNRs may be significant, modifying the spatial distribution of particles and noticeably affecting the volume-integrated particle spectra in young SNRs. In particular spectral structures may arise in test-particle calculations that are often discussed as signatures of non-linear cosmic-ray modification of shocks. Therefore, the spectrum and morphology of emission, and their time evolution, differ from pure forward-shock solutions.
Many agriculture-based economies are increasingly under stress from climate change and socio-economic pressures. The excessive exploitation of natural resources still represents the standard procedure to achieve socio-economic development. In the area of the Moulouya river basin, Morocco, natural water availability represents a key resource for all economic activities. Agriculture represents the most important sector, and frequently occurring water deficits are aggravated by climate change. On the basis of historical trends taken from CRU TS 2.1, this paper analyses the impact of climate change on the per capita water availability under inclusion of population trends. The Climatic Water Balance (CWB) shows a significant decrease for the winter period, causing adverse effects for the main agricultural season. Further, moisture losses due to increasing evapotranspiration rates indicate problems for the annual water budget and groundwater recharge. The per capita blue water availability falls below a minimum threshold of 500 m(3) per year, denoting a high regional vulnerability to increasing water scarcity assuming a no-response scenario. Regional development focusing on the water-intense sectors of agriculture and tourism appears to be at risk. Institutional capacities and policies need to address the problem, and the prompt implementation of innovative water production and efficiency measures is recommended.
The globally threatened Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola is a Palearctic-African long-distance migrant that undergoes a complete moult while wintering in Africa. Little is known about the timing of moult and the birds' mobility during moulting periods. We conducted the first study on the moult of Aquatic Warblers, in the Djoudj area of Senegal, West Africa. Wing moult scores from 36 to 90 and raggedness scores from 0 to 25 were recorded in December and January. No moulting Aquatic Warblers were caught after January. Body-feather moult was observed during and shortly after wing moult until January. We conclude that Aquatic Warblers follow the typical sequence of passerine moult, with remige moult starting in October or November. To find out how moult affects their mobility, we measured the net distance that Aquatic Warblers equipped with radio transmitters travelled in 15-min intervals. In our small sample of eight birds, the mean path length was 34 m, and there was no obvious difference between the path lengths in moulting and non-moulting individuals. We conclude that, possibly, moult does not affect the mobility and flight ability of Aquatic Warblers in general. Further research is needed to locate other wintering grounds, e.g. in the Inner Niger Delta, and reproduce our study in other populations.
The well-known cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a model carrier to study drug-carrier interactions with fluorescence probes (5-hexadecanoylaminofluorescein (HAF) and 2,10-bis-(3-aminopropyloxy)dibenzo[aj]perylene-8,16-dione (NIR 628) by applying ensemble as well as single molecule fluorescence techniques. The impact of the probes on the micelle parameters (critical micelle concentration, average aggregation number, hydrodynamic radius) was investigated under physiological conditions. In the presence of additional electrolytes, such as buffer, the critical micelle concentration decreased by a factor of about 10. In contrast, no influence of the probes on the critical micelle concentration and on average aggregation number was observed. The results show that HAF does not affect the characteristics of CTAB micelles. Analyzing fluorescence correlation spectroscopy data and time-resolved anisotropy decays in terms of the "two-step" in combination with the "wobbling-in-cone" model, it was proven that HAF and NIR 628 are differently associated with the micelles. Based on ensemble and single molecule fluorescence experiments, intra- and intermicellar energy transfer process between the two dyes were probed and characterized.
The sensing potential of CuO nanoparticles synthesized via. precipitation from a water/ionic liquid precursor (ILP) mixture was investigated. The particles have a moderate surface area of 66 m(2)/g after synthesis, which decreases upon thermal treatment to below 5 m(2)/g. Transmission electron microscopy confirms crystal growth upon annealing, likely due to sintering effects. The as-synthesized particles can be used for ethanol sensing. The respective sensors show fast response and recovery times of below 10 s and responses greater than 2.3 at 100 ppm of ethanol at 200 degrees C, which is higher than any CuO-based ethanol sensor described so far.
Background: Triblock copolymers from hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) segment A and oligo(propylene glycol) segment B, providing an ABA structure (OEG-OPG-OEG triblock), are known to be biocompatible and are used as self-solidifying gels in drug depots. A complete removal of these depots would be helpful in cases of undesired side effects of a drug, but this remains a challenge as they liquefy below their transition temperature. Therefore we describe the synthesis of covalently cross-linked hydrogel networks.
Method: Triblock copolymer-based hydrogels were created by irradiating aqueous solutions of the corresponding macro-dimethacrylates with UV light. The degree of swelling, swelling kinetics, mechanical properties and morphology of the networks were investigated.
Results: Depending on precursor concentration, equilibrium degree of swelling of the films ranged between 500% and 880% and was reached in 1 hour. In addition, values for storage and loss moduli of the hydrogel networks were in the 100 Pa to 10 kPa range.
Conclusion: Although OEG-OPG-OEG triblocks are known for their micellization, which could hamper polymer network formation, reactive OEG-OPG-OEG triblock oligomers could be successfully polymerized into hydrogel networks. The degree of swelling of these hydrogels depends on their molecular weight and on the oligomer concentration used for hydrogel preparation. In combination with the temperature sensitivity of the ABA triblock copolymers, it is assumed that such hydrogels might be beneficial for future medical applications -e.g., removable drug release systems.
Neue Forschungen zur japanischen Militärgeschichte des 16. bis zur Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts
(2012)
1. Einleitung: Aspekte der Militärgeschicht 2. Militärgeschichtsforschung zur Sengoku- und Oda-Toyotomi-Zeit (1) Zu den Kriegen in der Sengoku- und Oda-Toyotomi-Zeit (1467/77 bis 1600/03) (2) Feuerwaffen (3) Burgen und Schlösser (4) Militärorganisation und Kriegsdisziplin (5) Proviantlieferung, Rüstungsgüter und Handelsverkehr (6) Krieg und Gesellschaft 3. Militärgeschichtsforschung zur Edo-Zeit (1600/03–1868) (1) Kriegsgeschichtliche Untersuchungen (2) Die Schlosspolitik als Herrschaftsmittel (3) Mobilisierung der Truppen (4) Militär und Gesellschaft (5) Waffenbesitz und -gebrauch (6) Die Einführung der abendländischen Kriegstechnik und die Küstenverteidigung (7) Bauernsoldaten am Ende der Edo-Zeit (8) Gedächtnis des Krieges, Gefallenenkult und Ideologie 4. Schlussbetrachtung: Krieg und Frieden, Ausbau der Staatsgewalt
To identify genetic variants associated with head circumference in infancy, we performed a meta-analysis of seven genome-wide association studies (GWAS) (N = 10,768 individuals of European ancestry enrolled in pregnancy and/or birth cohorts) and followed up three lead signals in six replication studies (combined N = 19,089). rs7980687 on chromosome 12q24 (P = 8.1 x 10(-9)) and rs1042725 on chromosome 12q15 (P = 2.8 x 10(-10)) were robustly associated with head circumference in infancy. Although these loci have previously been associated with adult height(1), their effects on infant head circumference were largely independent of height (P = 3.8 x 10(-7) for rs7980687 and P = 1.3 x 10(-7) for rs1042725 after adjustment for infant height). A third signal, rs11655470 on chromosome 17q21, showed suggestive evidence of association with head circumference (P = 3.9 x 10(-6)). SNPs correlated to the 17q21 signal have shown genome-wide association with adult intracranial volume(2), Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases(3-5), indicating that a common genetic variant in this region might link early brain growth with neurological disease in later life.
Im Juli des Jahres 1841 kommt es zu einem Treffen zwischen zwei Männern, das zunächst belanglos erscheint, sich aber Jahre später als wichtige historische Begebenheit herausstellen wird. In seinem Pariser Büro empfängt der 71jährige Naturforscher Alexander von Humboldt den jungen Preußen Ludwig Leichhardt. Der angehende Naturwissenschaftler erhofft sich Zuspruch und Empfehlung des berühmten Alexander von Humboldts. Die Unterredung ist kurz und verläuft für Leichhardt ergebnislos. Es wird das einzige Treffen der beiden Naturwissenschaftler bleiben. Aus heutiger Sicht unverständlich, da Ludwig Leichhardt und Alexander von Humboldt mehr verband, als ihre Leidenschaft für die Naturwissenschaften. Viel zu wenig ist sich bis jetzt den biographischen Analogien und den vergleichbaren geographischen Leistungen der beiden Preußen gewidmet worden.
The majority of cases of community-acquired pneumonia are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and most studies on pneumococcal host interaction are based on cell culture or animal experiments. Thus, little is known about infections in human lung tissue.
Cyclooxygenase-2 and its metabolites play an important regulatory role in lung inflammation. Therefore, we established a pneumococcal infection model on human lung tissue demonstrating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and its related metabolites.
In addition to alveolar macrophages and the vascular endothelium, cyclooxygenase-2 was upregulated in alveolar type II but not type I epithelial cells, which was confirmed in lungs of patients suffering from acute pneumonia. Moreover, we demonstrated the expression profile of all four E prostanoid receptors at the mRNA level and showed functionality of the E prostanoid(4) receptor by cyclic adenosine monophosphate production. Additionally, in comparison to previous studies, cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E-2 related pro- and anti-inflammatory mediator regulation was partly confirmed in human lung tissue after pneumococcal infection.
Overall, cell type-specific and MAPK-dependent cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandin E-2 formation in human lung tissue may play an important role in the early phase of pneumococcal infections.
In Central and NW Europe, the transition from the Permian to the Triassic (i.e., the Zechstein-Buntsandstein boundary interval) is developed mainly in red bed facies. This continental sedimentary succession is marked by relatively high sedimentation rates providing a high temporal resolution favorable for magnetic polarity stratigraphy. Here, we present a Zechstein to Lower Buntsandstein magnetostratigraphy obtained from the c. 100 m thick Everdingen-1 core from the Netherlands. Seven magnetozones (EV1n to EV4n) and five submagnetozones (EV1n.1r to EV3r.1n) have been delineated. The Everdingen-1 magnetostratigraphy has been integrated into the well-established high-resolution Zechstein-Buntsandstein stratigraphic framework, and verifies the geomagnetic polarity record from Central Germany. This confirms the hypothesis of nearly synchronous base-level cycles within the interior of the Central European Basin. These cycles are related to solar-induced similar to 100 ka eccentricity cycles. The most distinctive feature of the Everdingen-1 magnetostratigraphy is a transition from a thin reverse to a thick dominantly normal magnetic polarity interval. This reversal predates both the terrestrial mass extinction, which is indicated by a palynofloral turnover and a major sediment provenance change at the base of the Buntsandstein, and the marine Permian-Triassic Boundary (PTB). The PTB is located within the lowermost Buntsandstein and is approximated by the last occurrence of the conchostracan Falsisca postera and a negative excursion in the carbon isotope record. According to the Buntsandstein cyclostratigraphy, the R/N reversal predates the marine end-Permian extinction event by about 0.1 Ma and the marine biostratigraphic PTB by about 0.2 Ma. The thick normal magnetozone is estimated to have lasted c. 700 ka, and roughly coincides with the main phase of Siberian Trap volcanism.
Cross-dressing took on new political meanings in Germany's Weimar Republic, with the emergence of organizations and periodicals aimed at promoting the interests of self-identified "transvestites." This new sexological category, developed by Magnus Hirschfeld in 1910, formed the basis for a shared sense of identity and belonging among individuals who identified as members of the "opposite" sex. Drawing on the experiences of the homosexual emancipation movement and discourses of bourgeois respectability, middle-class transvestites came together to demand legal and social recognition, including acknowledgement of "transsexual" desires. Their efforts represent a critical but forgotten moment in the history of transgender political activism.
Context. The true mass-loss rates from massive stars are important for many branches of astrophysics. For the correct modeling of the resonance lines, which are among the key diagnostics of stellar mass-loss, the stellar wind clumping has been found to be very important. To incorporate clumping into a radiative transfer calculation, three-dimensional (3D) models are required. Various properties of the clumps may have a strong impact on the resonance line formation and, therefore, on the determination of empirical mass-loss rates.
Aims. We incorporate the 3D nature of the stellar wind clumping into radiative transfer calculations and investigate how different model parameters influence the resonance line formation.
Methods. We develop a full 3D Monte Carlo radiative transfer code for inhomogeneous expanding stellar winds. The number density of clumps follows the mass conservation. For the first time, we use realistic 3D models that describe the dense as well as the tenuous wind components to model the formation of resonance lines in a clumped stellar wind. At the same time, we account for non-monotonic velocity fields.
Results. The 3D density and velocity wind inhomogeneities show that there is a very strong impact on the resonance line formation. The different parameters describing the clumping and the velocity field results in different line strengths and profiles. We present a set of representative models for various sets of model parameters and investigate how the resonance lines are affected. Our 3D models show that the line opacity is lower for a larger clump separation and shallower velocity gradients within the clumps.
Conclusions. Our model demonstrates that to obtain empirically correct mass-loss rates from the UV resonance lines, the wind clumping and its 3D nature must be taken into account.