Limits to Gauge Coupling in the Dark Sector Set by the Nonobservation of Instanton-Induced Decay of Super-Heavy Dark Matter in the Pierre Auger Observatory Data.

Instantons, which are nonperturbative solutions to Yang-Mills equations, provide a signal for the occurrence of quantum tunneling between distinct classes of vacua. They can give rise to decays of particles otherwise forbidden. Using data collected at the Pierre Auger Observatory, we search for signatures of such instanton-induced processes that would be suggestive of super-heavy particles decaying in the Galactic halo. These particles could have been produced during the post-inflationary epoch and match the relic abundance of dark matter inferred today. The nonobservation of the signatures searched for allows us to derive a bound on the reduced coupling constant of gauge interactions in the dark sector: α_{X}≲0.09, for 10^{9}≲M_{X}/GeV<10^{19}. Conversely, we obtain that, for instance, a reduced coupling constant α_{X}=0.09 excludes masses M_{X}≳3×10^{13} GeV. In the context of dark matter production from gravitational interactions alone, we illustrate how these bounds are complementary to those obtained on the Hubble rate at the end of inflation from the nonobservation of tensor modes in the cosmological microwave background.

Measurement of the Fluctuations in the Number of Muons in Extensive Air Showers with the Pierre Auger Observatory.

We present the first measurement of the fluctuations in the number of muons in extensive air showers produced by ultrahigh energy cosmic rays. We find that the measured fluctuations are in good agreement with predictions from air shower simulations. This observation provides new insights into the origin of the previously reported deficit of muons in air shower simulations and constrains models of hadronic interactions at ultrahigh energies. Our measurement is compatible with the muon deficit originating from small deviations in the predictions from hadronic interaction models of particle production that accumulate as the showers develop.

Features of the Energy Spectrum of Cosmic Rays above 2.5×10

We report a measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic rays above 2.5×10^{18} eV based on 215 030 events. New results are presented: at about 1.3×10^{19} eV, the spectral index changes from 2.51±0.03(stat)±0.05(syst) to 3.05±0.05(stat)±0.10(syst), evolving to 5.1±0.3(stat)±0.1(syst) beyond 5×10^{19} eV, while no significant dependence of spectral features on the declination is seen in the accessible range. These features of the spectrum can be reproduced in models with energy-dependent mass composition. The energy density in cosmic rays above 5×10^{18} eV is [5.66±0.03(stat)±1.40(syst)]×10^{53} erg Mpc^{-3}.

Testing Hadronic Interactions at Ultrahigh Energies with Air Showers Measured by the Pierre Auger Observatory.

Ultrahigh energy cosmic ray air showers probe particle physics at energies beyond the reach of accelerators. Here we introduce a new method to test hadronic interaction models without relying on the absolute energy calibration, and apply it to events with primary energy 6-16 EeV (E_{CM}=110-170 TeV), whose longitudinal development and lateral distribution were simultaneously measured by the Pierre Auger Observatory. The average hadronic shower is 1.33±0.16 (1.61±0.21) times larger than predicted using the leading LHC-tuned models EPOS-LHC (QGSJetII-04), with a corresponding excess of muons.

Measurement of the Radiation Energy in the Radio Signal of Extensive Air Showers as a Universal Estimator of Cosmic-Ray Energy.

We measure the energy emitted by extensive air showers in the form of radio emission in the frequency range from 30 to 80 MHz. Exploiting the accurate energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory, we obtain a radiation energy of 15.8±0.7(stat)±6.7(syst) MeV for cosmic rays with an energy of 1 EeV arriving perpendicularly to a geomagnetic field of 0.24 G, scaling quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy. A comparison with predictions from state-of-the-art first-principles calculations shows agreement with our measurement. The radiation energy provides direct access to the calorimetric energy in the electromagnetic cascade of extensive air showers. Comparison with our result thus allows the direct calibration of any cosmic-ray radio detector against the well-established energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory.

Search for patterns by combining cosmic-ray energy and arrival directions at the Pierre Auger Observatory.

Energy-dependent patterns in the arrival directions of cosmic rays are searched for using data of the Pierre Auger Observatory. We investigate local regions around the highest-energy cosmic rays with [Formula: see text] eV by analyzing cosmic rays with energies above [Formula: see text] eV arriving within an angular separation of approximately 15[Formula: see text]. We characterize the energy distributions inside these regions by two independent methods, one searching for angular dependence of energy-energy correlations and one searching for collimation of energy along the local system of principal axes of the energy distribution. No significant patterns are found with this analysis. The comparison of these measurements with astrophysical scenarios can therefore be used to obtain constraints on related model parameters such as strength of cosmic-ray deflection and density of point sources.

Cerebral excitability and the mechanisms of blood transportation of sodium.

The basic, fundamental property of living structures is excitability. This process defines how an organism responds to both internal and external stimuli. Previous studies have indicated the existence of physical and chemical interactions between cations and anions sites of proteins within the extracellular environment that have a specific functional importance. However, it is not well understood whether specific cations may alter the function of specific proteins. We report here the results of studies that indicate interaction of specific cations such as sodium may alter the physico-chemical action of heparin. The importance of these interactions is discussed.

Histopathological and enzymological liver alterations in rat liver in the napthol intoxication.

The study was performed on Wistar adult rats divided in 4 experimental and 2 control groups. In the 4 experimental groups, we used the oral naphtol administration in two doses: 15 mg/kg body-weight and 1.5 mg/kg body-weight. The rats were sacrificed 3 months, respectively 10 months later. Some liver parenchyma dystrophic lesions were noticed. In the subacute test group and using high drug doses the lesions were more severe, especially in the female rats. In the chronic test groups, the lesion area was decreased and in the female rats the liver showed normal histological patterns; in this test groups we also noticed a marked hepatocyte regenerative tendency. Histoenzymatically, a decrease of SDH and ATP-ase activity was recorded. The marked decrease of the hepatocyte glycogen content correspond to an increase of the G-6-P activity.

Experimental studies on the dynamics of the scaring effect of some ointments.

The ointment studied is made by us in the laboratory. He includes the following ingredients: a bee-keeping product soved in sunflower oil, an antioxidant, hexestrole, and a proper preserving medium. The idea was to create a product which is capable to accelerate the scarring process of the plague produced by burns. Thus, after 10-12 days we can observe a favourable clinical evolution. Anatomo-microscopy is obvious a gradually regenerating epithelium and the subjacent dermis remains slightly infiltrated. The final result is an aesthetic scar.

Influence of increased sodium intake on cerebral excitability.

The purpose of the study has been to observe the influence of an increased dietary sodium intake over cerebral excitability in rats. Research was conducted on two lots of animals: the first lot (PSA) was maintained under the influence of an increased intake of sodium given in the form of physiologic solution, instead of water. That regimen was started during gestation and continued after birth for another 12-14 months before the rats were sacrified. The second lot was given distilled water (DWA) in an identical manner. In other respects, the diet was similar for both lots We compared the following parameters: a) Electrophysiological (electrocorticogram); b) Hydroelectrolytic balance; c) Sodium concentration capacity of the kidney; d) Mineral-corticoid response; e) Motor and motivational behaviour. The data we obtained point to: 1. A shifting of the ECG frequency spectrum towards higher frequency in rats that consumed NaCl in excess. 2. PSA consume significantly more saline solution than DWA, therefore liquid consumption is also greater. Renal elimination of water, Na and K is significantly greater is PSA compared to DWA. Moreover, DWA conserve sodium while PSA conserve water, the respective values being different in a considerable degree in the two lots. 3. The value of the (urinary Na/urinary K) ratio is double in PSA compared to DWA, pointing to a decrease in mineral-corticoid secretion. 5. The animals that have chronically consumed a hypersaline diet show a significantly greater motor agitation compared to the DWA. When free to choose from among physiological solution, water and glucose solution, PSA show no preference for sodium: this points to the absence of obtained motivation for the saline solution The data support the idea that a chronically increased content of dietary NaCl stimulates cerebral excitability.

On some electrolytic and water metabolism modifications in rats susceptible to audiogenic convulsions.

Following our research in the relationship between mechanisms of blood transportation of sodium and cerebral excitability, we studied adult rats (males-180-230 gm), divided into two groups according to their level of excitability to noise: 1. Rats susceptible to audiogenic convulsions and, 2. Rats with normal response to acoustic stimulation. In the two groups we determined the following parameters: 1. mechanisms of blood transportation of sodium; 2. general free motor behaviour; oriented behaviour (to satisfy motivation for sodium or water); nature and intensity of motivation expressed as milliliters of liquid and grams of sodium consumed; 3. influence of the variable sodium intake on the renal elimination of sodium, potassium and water. Also the influence of the variable water intake on the renal elimination of water. Results obtained show that: cerebral hyperexcitability manifested as susceptibility to audiogenic convulsions is associated with several modifications expressed as follows: 1) Sodium transportation in blood serum occurs in a free state in rats susceptible to audiogenic convulsions, while in normal rats it occurs in a state of interaction with serum proteins; 2) In animals susceptible to audiogenic convulsions one can notice significant hypermotricity in the behaviour cage; 3) Hyperexcitable animals consume significantly more sodium chloride solution which they freely choose, in a motivational manner, than animals with a normal excitability; 4) Increased, motivational consumption of sodium chloride is associated with increased renal elimination of sodium in animals susceptible to audiogenic convulsions. Increased renal elimination of sodium is accompanied by increased elimination of water, therefore with the protection of renal concentration mechanisms; 5) If we take the Na/K ratio as an indicator for the function of the corticosuprarenal and represent it as a function of the sodium intake, the data presented show that ratio is greater in animals with cerebral hyperexcitability, which is in concordance with the data presented, also involving the mineralcorticoid hormones in this response, a similar picture to that of loading the body with sodium; 6) The data presented seem to advocate once more for the idea that normal cerebral excitability is compatible with the existence of mechanisms that transport sodium in a state of oligoenergetic interaction with blood proteins.

[Metabolic and cardiovascular changes in experimental diabetes, stress and orchiectomy]. / Modificari metabolice si cardiovasculare in conditii de diabet experimental, stres si orhiectomie.

When Aloran (Al) was administered to normal or orchiectomized animals, the adult ones proved to be more sensitive, most normal animals (77.7%) developing a DAla and the remainder (22.3%) a DAlc, while of the orchiectomized animals 66.6 developed a DAlc and 33.4% presented a decreased glucose tolerance. 33.4% of the young normal developed a DAla and 66.7% a DAlc, while of the young orchiectomized ones 33.4% presented a DAlc and 66.7% a STG. No matter of age, orchiectomy induced an increased resistance to the various action of Al. Glycemia and lipid fractions, especially LT and TG were significantly elevated in the normal animals with DAla and in the young orchiectomized animals with DAlc. Insulinemia was elevated in most young animals, except for the orchiectomized ones with DAlc, in which it decreased. Serum cholesterol was the most markedly elevated in the adult animals belonging to the group ACTH + D2 + Al, form DAlc. Histopathologically, in this last group degenerative lesions and microcalcifications in aorta and interstitial infiltrate and homogenization of myocardial fibres in the myocardium were found.

[Hypophysary and ovarian anatomopathological alterations in menopause]. / Modificari anatomopatologice hipofizare si ovariene în climacteriu.

A simultaneous hystopatological investigation of hypophysis and ovary in 80 women aged between 48 and 60 years was carried out. The obtained data pointed out that about menopause the hypophysis increases its activity and the ovaries present important pIenomena of sclerosis which could be determined by the hypersecretion of gonadotropic hormones. The decrease in sensitivity of the hormone-sensitive areas to the negative feed-back of estrogens would contribute to the setting up of the hypothalamic hypertonia on gonadotropic axis. The hypothesis is suggested, on one hand, by the fact that the degenerative ovarian insufficiency and the ovarian vascular alterations in menopause represent singular phenomena in the constellation of all the other endocrine glands and, on the other hand, by the fact that hypophysis, in menopause, increases its activity.

Histochemical and histoenzymatic liver changes in Guérin tumour-grafted rats.

In order to follow up the morphological changes of the rat liver as a reaction to the tumour graft, three groups of Guérin tumour-grafted animals were used: a first control group, a second one treated with leucotrophine (LT) and a third one treated with LT and thiamine diphosphate (TDP). The tumour-grafted rats showed hepatic changes affecting mainly the organelles involved in cellular respiration and synthesis, as well as some morphological changes of Kupffer cells expressing an increased endocytosis. The protection by immunostimuli determined the diminution of histochemical and histoenzymatic changes both in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells.

Retrospective data on the pituitary gland response during immune and neoplastic processes.

A synthesis of many experimental works performed during the last ten years regarding the nonspecific response of the pituitary gland during some immune and neoplastic processes is presented. Different modalities of the response of pituitary gland cell that vary depending on the antigen type were observed. The TAB vaccine inducing a humoral immune response determined an increased secretory activity of STH and FSH cells which are involved by their secretions in the activation of protein synthesis also including antibodies. The tumoral antigens also representing a stressing factor brought about a more intense activity besides the FSH cells, the ACTH and TSH cells.