Search for Dark Matter Annihilation Signals in the H.E.S.S. Inner Galaxy Survey

The central region of the Milky Way is one of the foremost locations to look for dark matter (DM) signatures. We report the first results on a search for DM particle annihilation signals using new observations from an unprecedented γ-ray survey of the Galactic Center (GC) region, i.e., the Inner Galaxy Survey, at very high energies (≳100  GeV) performed with the H.E.S.S. array of five ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. No significant γ-ray excess is found in the search region of the 2014-2020 dataset and a profile likelihood ratio analysis is carried out to set exclusion limits on the annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩. Assuming Einasto and Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) DM density profiles at the GC, these constraints are the strongest obtained so far in the TeV DM mass range. For the Einasto profile, the constraints reach ⟨σv⟩ values of 3.7×10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} for 1.5 TeV DM mass in the W^{+}W^{-} annihilation channel, and 1.2×10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} for 0.7 TeV DM mass in the τ^{+}τ^{-} annihilation channel. With the H.E.S.S. Inner Galaxy Survey, ground-based γ-ray observations thus probe ⟨σv⟩ values expected from thermal-relic annihilating TeV DM particles.

Time-resolved hadronic particle acceleration in the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi

Recurrent novae are repeating thermonuclear explosions in the outer layers of white dwarfs, due to the accretion of fresh material from a binary companion. The shock generated when ejected material slams into the companion star's wind can accelerate particles. We report very-high-energy (VHE, [Formula: see text]) gamma rays from the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi, up to a month after its 2021 outburst, observed using the High Energy Stereoscopic System. The VHE emission has a similar temporal profile to lower-energy GeV emission, indicating a common origin, with a two-day delay in peak flux. These observations constrain models of time-dependent particle energization, favoring a hadronic emission scenario over the leptonic alternative. Shocks in dense winds provide favorable environments for efficient acceleration of cosmic-rays to very high energies.

Revealing x-ray and gamma ray temporal and spectral similarities in the GRB 190829A afterglow

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are bright flashes of gamma rays from extragalactic sources followed by fading afterglow emission, are associated with stellar core collapse events. We report the detection of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays from the afterglow of GRB 190829A, between 4 and 56 hours after the trigger, using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.). The low luminosity and redshift of GRB 190829A reduce both internal and external absorption, allowing determination of its intrinsic energy spectrum. Between energies of 0.18 and 3.3 tera-electron volts, this spectrum is described by a power law with photon index of 2.07 ± 0.09, similar to the x-ray spectrum. The x-ray and VHE gamma-ray light curves also show similar decay profiles. These similar characteristics in the x-ray and gamma-ray bands challenge GRB afterglow emission scenarios.

Hexahydroxytriphenylene for the synthesis of group 13 MOFs - a new inorganic building unit in a β-cristobalite type structure

Two new, microporous MOFs of framework composition ((CH3)2NH2)2[M3O(HHTP)(HHTP˙)], M = Al3+, Ga3+, H6HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene, are described. Electron diffraction combined with molecular simulations show that these compounds crystallize in the β-cristobalite structure, containing a new type of trinuclear inorganic building unit for MOFs and radical anions.

Fluorinated MOF platform for selective removal and sensing of SO2 from flue gas and air

Conventional SO₂ scrubbing agents, namely calcium oxide and zeolites, are often used to remove SO₂ using a strong or irreversible adsorption-based process. However, adsorbents capable of sensing and selectively capturing this toxic molecule in a reversible manner, with in-depth understanding of structure–property relationships, have been rarely explored. Here we report the selective removal and sensing of SO₂ using recently unveiled fluorinated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Mixed gas adsorption experiments were performed at low concentrations ranging from 250 p.p.m. to 7% of SO₂. Direct mixed gas column breakthrough and/or column desorption experiments revealed an unprecedented SO₂ affinity for KAUST-7 (NbOFFIVE-1-Ni) and KAUST-8 (AlFFIVE-1-Ni) MOFs. Furthermore, MOF-coated quartz crystal microbalance transducers were used to develop sensors with the ability to detect SO₂ at low concentrations ranging from 25 to 500 p.p.m.

Removal of SO₂ from flue gas is of prime importance to avoid its poisoning of CO₂-seperating agents. Here, the authors demonstrate that two fluorinated metal–organic frameworks selectively remove SO₂ from synthetic flue gas and can sense SO₂ with p.p.m.-level detection using quartz crystal microbalance transducers.

Multimessenger observations of a flaring blazar coincident with high-energy neutrino IceCube-170922A

Previous detections of individual astrophysical sources of neutrinos are limited to the Sun and the supernova 1987A, whereas the origins of the diffuse flux of high-energy cosmic neutrinos remain unidentified. On 22 September 2017, we detected a high-energy neutrino, IceCube-170922A, with an energy of ~290 tera–electron volts. Its arrival direction was consistent with the location of a known γ-ray blazar, TXS 0506+056, observed to be in a flaring state. An extensive multiwavelength campaign followed, ranging from radio frequencies to γ-rays. These observations characterize the variability and energetics of the blazar and include the detection of TXS 0506+056 in very-high-energy γ-rays. This observation of a neutrino in spatial coincidence with a γ-ray–emitting blazar during an active phase suggests that blazars may be a source of high-energy neutrinos.

Search for γ-Ray Line Signals from Dark Matter Annihilations in the Inner Galactic Halo from 10 Years of Observations with H.E.S.S

Spectral lines are among the most powerful signatures for dark matter (DM) annihilation searches in very-high-energy γ rays. The central region of the Milky Way halo is one of the most promising targets given its large amount of DM and proximity to Earth. We report on a search for a monoenergetic spectral line from self-annihilations of DM particles in the energy range from 300 GeV to 70 TeV using a two-dimensional maximum likelihood method taking advantage of both the spectral and spatial features of the signal versus background. The analysis makes use of Galactic center observations accumulated over ten years (2004-2014) with the H.E.S.S. array of ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. No significant γ-ray excess above the background is found. We derive upper limits on the annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩ for monoenergetic DM lines at the level of 4×10^{-28}  cm^{3} s^{-1} at 1 TeV, assuming an Einasto DM profile for the Milky Way halo. For a DM mass of 1 TeV, they improve over the previous ones by a factor of 6. The present constraints are the strongest obtained so far for DM particles in the mass range 300 GeV-70 TeV. Ground-based γ-ray observations have reached sufficient sensitivity to explore relevant velocity-averaged cross sections for DM annihilation into two γ-ray photons at the level expected from the thermal relic density for TeV DM particles.

Thermodynamic insight into stimuli-responsive behaviour of soft porous crystals

Knowledge of the thermodynamic potential in terms of the independent variables allows to characterize the macroscopic state of the system. However, in practice, it is difficult to access this potential experimentally due to irreversible transitions that occur between equilibrium states. A showcase example of sudden transitions between (meta)stable equilibrium states is observed for soft porous crystals possessing a network with long-range structural order, which can transform between various states upon external stimuli such as pressure, temperature and guest adsorption. Such phase transformations are typically characterized by large volume changes and may be followed experimentally by monitoring the volume change in terms of certain external triggers. Herein, we present a generalized thermodynamic approach to construct the underlying Helmholtz free energy as a function of the state variables that governs the observed behaviour based on microscopic simulations. This concept allows a unique identification of the conditions under which a material becomes flexible.

Understanding the origins of metal-organic framework/polymer compatibility

The microscopic interfacial structures for a series of metal-organic framework/polymer composites consisting of the Zr-based UiO-66 coupled with different polymers are systematically explored by applying a computational methodology that integrates density functional theory calculations and force field-based molecular dynamics simulations. These predictions are correlated with experimental findings to unravel the structure-compatibility relationship of the MOF/polymer pairs. The relative contributions of the intermolecular MOF/polymer interactions and the flexibility/rigidity of the polymer with respect to the microscopic structure of the interface are rationalized, and their impact on the compatibility of the two components in the resulting composite is discussed. The most compatible pairs among those investigated involve more flexible polymers, i.e. polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). These polymers exhibit an enhanced contact surface, due to a better adaptation of their configuration to the MOF surface. In these cases, the irregularities at the MOF surface are filled by the polymer, and even some penetration of the terminal groups of the polymer into the pores of the MOF can be observed. As a result, the affinity between the MOF and the polymer is very high; however, the pores of the MOF may be sterically blocked due to the strong MOF/polymer interactions, as evidenced by UiO-66/PEG composites. In contrast, composites involving polymers that exhibit higher rigidity, such as the polymer of intrinsic microporosity-1 (PIM-1) or polystyrene (PS), present interfacial microvoids that contribute to a decrease in the contact surface between the two components, thus reducing the MOF/polymer affinity.

H.E.S.S. Limits on Linelike Dark Matter Signatures in the 100 GeV to 2 TeV Energy Range Close to the Galactic Center

A search for dark matter linelike signals iss performed in the vicinity of the Galactic Center by the H.E.S.S. experiment on observational data taken in 2014. An unbinned likelihood analysis iss developed to improve the sensitivity to linelike signals. The upgraded analysis along with newer data extend the energy coverage of the previous measurement down to 100 GeV. The 18 h of data collected with the H.E.S.S. array allow one to rule out at 95% C.L. the presence of a 130 GeV line (at l=-1.5°, b=0° and for a dark matter profile centered at this location) previously reported in Fermi-LAT data. This new analysis overlaps significantly in energy with previous Fermi-LAT and H.E.S.S.

RESULTS

No significant excess associated with dark matter annihilations was found in the energy range of 100 GeV to 2 TeV and upper limits on the gamma-ray flux and the velocity weighted annihilation cross section are derived adopting an Einasto dark matter halo profile. Expected limits for present and future large statistics H.E.S.S. observations are also given.

Search for Dark Matter Annihilations towards the Inner Galactic Halo from 10 Years of Observations with H.E.S.S

The inner region of the Milky Way halo harbors a large amount of dark matter (DM). Given its proximity, it is one of the most promising targets to look for DM. We report on a search for the annihilations of DM particles using γ-ray observations towards the inner 300 pc of the Milky Way, with the H.E.S.S. array of ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. The analysis is based on a 2D maximum likelihood method using Galactic Center (GC) data accumulated by H.E.S.S. over the last 10 years (2004-2014), and does not show any significant γ-ray signal above background. Assuming Einasto and Navarro-Frenk-White DM density profiles at the GC, we derive upper limits on the annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩. These constraints are the strongest obtained so far in the TeV DM mass range and improve upon previous limits by a factor 5. For the Einasto profile, the constraints reach ⟨σv⟩ values of 6×10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} in the W^{+}W^{-} channel for a DM particle mass of 1.5 TeV, and 2×10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} in the τ^{+}τ^{-} channel for a 1 TeV mass. For the first time, ground-based γ-ray observations have reached sufficient sensitivity to probe ⟨σv⟩ values expected from the thermal relic density for TeV DM particles.

Constraints on an annihilation signal from a core of constant dark matter density around the milky way center with H.E.S.S

An annihilation signal of dark matter is searched for from the central region of the Milky Way. Data acquired in dedicated on-off observations of the Galactic center region with H.E.S.S. are analyzed for this purpose. No significant signal is found in a total of ∼9  h of on-off observations. Upper limits on the velocity averaged cross section, ⟨σv⟩, for the annihilation of dark matter particles with masses in the range of ∼300  GeV to ∼10  TeV are derived. In contrast to previous constraints derived from observations of the Galactic center region, the constraints that are derived here apply also under the assumption of a central core of constant dark matter density around the center of the Galaxy. Values of ⟨σv⟩ that are larger than 3×10^{-24}  cm^{3}/s are excluded for dark matter particles with masses between ∼1 and ∼4  TeV at 95% C.L. if the radius of the central dark matter density core does not exceed 500 pc. This is the strongest constraint that is derived on ⟨σv⟩ for annihilating TeV mass dark matter without the assumption of a centrally cusped dark matter density distribution in the search region.

Search for photon-linelike signatures from dark matter annihilations with H.E.S.S

Gamma-ray line signatures can be expected in the very-high-energy (E(γ)>100 GeV) domain due to self-annihilation or decay of dark matter (DM) particles in space. Such a signal would be readily distinguishable from astrophysical γ-ray sources that in most cases produce continuous spectra that span over several orders of magnitude in energy. Using data collected with the H.E.S.S. γ-ray instrument, upper limits on linelike emission are obtained in the energy range between ∼ 500 GeV and ∼ 25 TeV for the central part of the Milky Way halo and for extragalactic observations, complementing recent limits obtained with the Fermi-LAT instrument at lower energies. No statistically significant signal could be found. For monochromatic γ-ray line emission, flux limits of (2 × 10(-7) -2 × 10(-5)) m(-2) s(-1) sr(-1) and (1 × 10(-8) -2 × 10(-6)) m(-2) s(-1)sr(-1) are obtained for the central part of the Milky Way halo and extragalactic observations, respectively. For a DM particle mass of 1 TeV, limits on the velocity-averaged DM annihilation cross section ⟨σv⟩(χχ → γγ) reach ∼ 10(-27) cm(3)s(-1), based on the Einasto parametrization of the Galactic DM halo density profile.

Porous metal organic framework nanoparticles to address the challenges related to busulfan encapsulation

Busulfan is an alkylating agent widely used in chemotherapy, but with severe side effects. Many attempts have been made to entrap busulfan in nanocarriers to avoid liver accumulation and to protect it against rapid degradation in aqueous media. However, poor loadings (≤5 wt%) and fast release were generally obtained due to the low affinity of busulfan towards the nanocarriers. Moreover, drug crystallization often occurred during nanoparticle preparation. To circumvent these drawbacks, metal organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles, based on crystalline porous iron (III) carboxylates, have shown an unprecedented loading (up to 25 wt%) of busulfan. This was attributed to the high porosity of nanoMOFs as well as to their hydrophilic–hydrophobic internal microenvironment well adapted to the amphiphilic character of busulfan. NanoMOFs formulations have kept busulfan in molecular form, preventing its crystallization and degradation. Indeed, busulfan was released intact, as proved by the maintenance of its pharmacological activity.

Experimental evidence supported by simulations of a very high H2 diffusion in metal organic framework materials

Quasielastic neutron scattering measurements are combined with molecular dynamics simulations to extract the self-diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in the metal organic frameworks MIL-47(V) and MIL-53(Cr). We find that the diffusivity of hydrogen at low loading is about 2 orders of magnitude higher than in zeolites. Such a high mobility has never been experimentally observed before in any nanoporous materials, although it was predicted in carbon nanotubes. Either 1D or 3D diffusion mechanisms are elucidated depending on the chemical features of the MIL framework.

Influence of extra-framework cations on the adsorption properties of X-faujasite systems: microcalorimetry and molecular simulations

Isotherms and differential enthalpies of adsorption are obtained for nitrogen at ambient temperature on monovalent (Li(+), Na(+), K(+)) and divalent (Ca(2+), Ba(2+), Sr(2+), Mn(2+)) substituted X-faujasite systems by microcalorimetry measurements. These experimental data are compared with those obtained by combining grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations and newly derived force fields for describing the interactions between the extra-framework cations and the adsorbates obtained from a simple model based only on the intrinsic properties of the cations. It is the first time that such good qualitative agreement is reported between experiment and simulation for a series of both monovalent and divalent cations.

Use of dielectric relaxation for measurements of surface energy variations during adsorption of water on mordenite

This paper tries to assess simply and quantitatively the link between classical adsorption theories and dielectric spectroscopy, in order to demonstrate that dielectric spectroscopy can be used as a tool of determination of surface energy variations due to movements of charge carriers at the surface of solids. A simple theory is developed to analyze hops of cations at the surface of mordenite, which are detected by complex impedance spectroscopy during adsorption of water. An energy of extraction of the cation can be determined from measurements and its dependence on the quantity of water molecules adsorbed is shown and qualitatively and quantitatively explained, using relationships developed in order to interpret adsorption phenomena generally. The agreement with other determinations of the adsorption energies and solid surface energy is correct.

Charge distribution in metal organic framework materials: transferability to a preliminary molecular simulation study of the CO2adsorption in the MIL-53 (Al) system

Density functional theory calculations have been performed in order to extract the charge distribution in the aluminium-containing MIL-53 structure, to allow further computational studies of adsorption in these materials. Both cluster and periodic methods have been used and the charges calculated for each atom constituting the organic and inorganic part of the material, were discussed. Preliminary grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations, based on a consistent set of potential parameters and this newly derived charge distribution, predicted for enthalpies of adsorption for CO(2) at low coverage in the "large" and "narrow" pore versions of MIL-53 (Al) to be significantly different. These calculated enthalpies reproduced the two distinct ranges of values observed by microcalorimetry on either side of 6 bars quite well. This agreement between experiment and simulation validated our previous assumption, suggesting a structural switching of the hybrid material during the adsorption process. The microscopic mode of interaction between the hybrid porous framework and the CO(2) adsorption was then carefully analysed in both of the MIL-53 (Al) structures.

Fast Variability of Tera–Electron Volt γ Rays from the Radio Galaxy M87

The detection of fast variations of the tera-electron volt (TeV) (10(12) eV) gamma-ray flux, on time scales of days, from the nearby radio galaxy M87 is reported. These variations are about 10 times as fast as those observed in any other wave band and imply a very compact emission region with a dimension similar to the Schwarzschild radius of the central black hole. We thus can exclude several other sites and processes of the gamma-ray production. The observations confirm that TeV gamma rays are emitted by extragalactic sources other than blazars, where jets are not relativistically beamed toward the observer.

Cation Migration upon Adsorption of Methanol in NaY and NaX Faujasite Systems: A Molecular Dynamics Approach

Molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out to address the question of cation migration upon adsorption of methanol in NaY and NaX faujasite systems as a function of the loading. For NaY, it has been shown that, at low and intermediate loadings, SII cations can migrate toward the center of the supercage due to strong interactions with the adsorbates, followed by a hopping of SI' from the sodalite cage into the supercage to fill the vacant SII site. A SI' cation can also migrate across the double six ring and takes a SI' vacant position. SI cations mainly remain trapped in their initial sites whatever the loading. At high loading, only limited motions are observed for SII cations due to steric effects induced by the presence of adsorbates within the supercage. For NaX, the SIII' cations which occupy the most accessible adsorption sites are significantly moving upon coordination to the methanol molecules; the extent of this mobility exhibits a maximum for 48 methanol molecules per unit cell before decreasing at higher loadings due to steric hindrance. In addition, the SI' and SII cations remain almost trapped in their initial sites whatever the loading. Indeed, the most probable migration mechanism involves SIII' cation displacements into nearby SIII' sites.

Modeling the Concentration Dependence of the Methanol Self-Diffusivity in Faujasite Systems: Comparison with the Liquid Phase

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to understand further the concentration dependence of the self-diffusion of methanol in the faujasite zeolite systems. The evolution of the self-diffusivity was investigated as a function of coverage for DAY and NaY systems to study the effect of both the pore confinement and the presence of the extraframework cations within the supercage. It was found that the self-diffusivity decreases with loading for DAY, whereas for NaY it passes through a maximum at intermediate coverage, in agreement with pulse-field gradient NMR and quasi elastic neutron scattering data reported in similar systems. The activation energies of the methanol diffusion corresponding to a combination of both intra- and intercage motions were evaluated as a function of the coverage. The simulated trends are interpreted on the basis of the predominant interactions which take place in both systems. Finally, the preferential arrangement of the adsorbate molecules are provided and compared with those simulated in the liquid phase. For the fully loaded materials, it was seen that the methanol molecules form a one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chain along the channels in DAY whereas only dimers are present in NaY.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Cation Motion upon Adsorption of CO2 in Faujasite Zeolite Systems

Molecular Dynamics simulations have been carried out in NaX and NaY Faujasite systems to deepen understanding of the cation rearrangement during the CO2 adsorption process suggested by our recent diffusivity measurements. This study is a major contribution since the rearrangement of the cations in Faujasite, the most promising adsorbent for CO2 storage, can represent a significant breakthrough in understanding the adsorption and diffusion processes at the mircroscopic scale. For NaY, it has been shown that at low and intermediate loadings, SII cations can migrate toward the center of the supercage due to strong interactions with the adsorbates, followed by a hopping of SI'cation from the sodalite cage into the supercage to fill the vacant SII site. The SI cations are only displaced at a higher loading, leading to cation de-trapping out of the double six rings into the vacant SI' sites. For NaX, the SIII' cations which occupy the most accessible adsorption sites move significantly upon coordination to the carbon dioxide molecules. The SI' and SII cations remain consistently located in their initial sites whatever the loading. Indeed, the most probable migration mechanism involves SIII' cation displacements into nearby vacant SIII' sites.

Adsorption Mechanism of Carbon Dioxide in Faujasites: Grand Canonical Monte Carlo Simulations and Microcalorimetry Measurements

Molecular simulations have been coupled with adsorption microcalorimetry measurements in order to understand more deeply the interactions between carbon dioxide and various types of faujasite surfaces. The modeling studies, based on newly derived interatomic potentials for describing the interactions within the whole system, provide isotherms and evolutions of the differential enthalpy of adsorption as a function of coverage for DAY, NaY, and NaLSX which are in very good accordance with those obtained experimentally. The microscopic mechanism of CO2 adsorption was carefully analyzed, with different behaviors proposed, depending on the energetic characteristics of each faujasite surface, which are consistent with the trends observed for the differential enthalpies of adsorption.

Comparative toxicity and hazards of pesticides to Apis and non-Apis bees. A chemometrical study

The adverse effects of 158 pesticides to the Honey bee (Apis mellifera), the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata) and the alkali bee (Nomia melanderi) were compared by means of various linear and non-linear multivariate analyses. A comparison exercise including the bumble bee (Bombus spp.) was also performed from a more restricted set of 32 pesticides. While no difference of sensitivity was found between A. mellifera and Bombus spp., M. rotundata appeared the most susceptible to pesticides followed by N. melanderi.

Structure-toxicity modeling of pesticides to honey bees

A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was derived for estimating the acute toxicity of pesticides on the honey bee. Chemicals were described by means of autocorrelation descriptors encoding lipophilicity (H), molar refractivity (MR) and the H-bonding acceptor ability (HBA) of the pesticides. A three-layer feedforward neural network trained by the back-propagation algorithm was used as statistical engine for deriving a powerful QSAR model. The root mean square residual (RMSR) values for the training and testing sets were 0.430 and 0.386, respectively. The practical interest of this original model was discussed.