Search for Gamma-Ray Spectral Lines from Dark Matter Annihilation up to 100 TeV toward the Galactic Center with MAGIC

Linelike features in TeV γ rays constitute a "smoking gun" for TeV-scale particle dark matter and new physics. Probing the Galactic Center region with ground-based Cherenkov telescopes enables the search for TeV spectral features in immediate association with a dense dark matter reservoir at a sensitivity out of reach for satellite γ-ray detectors, and direct detection and collider experiments. We report on 223 hours of observations of the Galactic Center region with the MAGIC stereoscopic telescope system reaching γ-ray energies up to 100 TeV. We improved the sensitivity to spectral lines at high energies using large-zenith-angle observations and a novel background modeling method within a maximum-likelihood analysis in the energy domain. No linelike spectral feature is found in our analysis. Therefore, we constrain the cross section for dark matter annihilation into two photons to ⟨σv⟩≲5×10^{-28}  cm^{3} s^{-1} at 1 TeV and ⟨σv⟩≲1×10^{-25}  cm^{3} s^{-1} at 100 TeV, achieving the best limits to date for a dark matter mass above 20 TeV and a cuspy dark matter profile at the Galactic Center. Finally, we use the derived limits for both cuspy and cored dark matter profiles to constrain supersymmetric wino models.

Bounds on Lorentz Invariance Violation from MAGIC Observation of GRB 190114C

On January 14, 2019, the Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov telescopes detected GRB 190114C above 0.2 TeV, recording the most energetic photons ever observed from a gamma-ray burst. We use this unique observation to probe an energy dependence of the speed of light in vacuo for photons as predicted by several quantum gravity models. Based on a set of assumptions on the possible intrinsic spectral and temporal evolution, we obtain competitive lower limits on the quadratic leading order of speed of light modification.

[Documentation Time and Effort and Associated Resources for Patients with Primary Breast Cancer from Diagnosis to End of Follow-Up - Results of a Multicentre Validation]

INTRODUCTION

Tumour documentation is essential for quality assurance of oncological therapies and as a source of reliable information about the in- and outpatient care. The documentation effort and the associated resource consumption were analysed for the example of breast cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The different steps in the care of patients with primary breast cancer in a standardised disease situation were defined from initial diagnosis to the end of the follow-up. After the pilot phase, a multicentre validation (n=7 centres) was performed with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health. The documentation time points were horizontally collected and analysed with regard to amount, duration and personnel expenses.

RESULTS

57% of the documentation costs are caused by the physicians. Regarding the different centres, documentation costs were calculated between € 352.82 and € 1 084.08 per patient from diagnosis to completion of aftercare. Non-certified centres had a reduced documentation effort and thus lower costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate the need for a reduction of the documentation effort - particularly for physicians - the most expensive profession in the health system. A quality improvement is expected from the certification with its special requirements. In this context, there is a justified demand for an adequate remuneration of the documentation effort for certified centres. Furthermore, it is necessary to reduce the number of variables for quality assurance and to define them centrally. A comprehensive multi-disciplinary documentation should be achieved. Investments in a single data set and interface enhancements of existing documentation systems should be realised.

The Importance of Different Paternity Guards in the Polygynandrous Penduline Tit (Remiz Pendulinus)

Abstract

It is well documented that extra-pair copulations are a strategy by which males can increase their reproductive success and females may obtain genetic benefits. Whereas in monogamous species extra-pair copulations are the only way for both sexes to increase their reproductive success, in polygamous systems both partners can benefit from mating with several individuals. Here we examine the intensity of sperm competition and the rate of extra-pair fertilizations in relation to male anti-cuckoldry tactics in a small passerine, the polygynandrous penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus), where both sexes have the opportunity to become polygamous. The results revealed rather low rates of extra-pair paternity for this species: 6.9% (14 out of 201) of young being sired by an extra-pair male. Males build elaborate nests to attract females and because of this high initial investment, one would expect males to evolve anti-cuckoldry tactics to ensure paternity. However, male mate guarding intensity as well as within-pair copulation frequency were rather low in comparison to other polygynandrous species, and hence both strategies are unlikely to ensure paternity. In fact our results show that those males which deserted their females early in their fertile cycle (already before the second egg is laid) did not lose paternity, whereas those males which tended to guard their females throughout their whole fertile period were more likely to be cuckolded. Thus, although no obvious anti-cuckoldry tactics exist in this species, extra-pair paternity is very low. This indicates a tendency in females to cooperate with their pair-males rather than seek extra-pair copulations.

[Benign placental trophoblast nodule. Case report with overview of proliferative diseases of the intermediate stage trophoblast]

This report reviews proliferative diseases of intermediate trophoblast cells and summarises clinical findings and pathohistological and immunohistochemical features of a placental site nodule. This recently described entity is an endometrial or endocervical benign proliferation of intermediate trophoblast cells occurring after intrauterine gestation. Patients usually present with a history of abnormal vaginal bleeding and frequently cells that are present in their cervical smears are misinterpreted as squamous dysplasia. In such cases it is important to distinguish the placental site nodule from squamous lesions or decidual polyps; this is possible by means of immunohistochemistry.