Abstract: Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) and Array Pixel Sensors (APS) can be used to image radiation-induced energy deposition. The high sensitivity of depleted silicon to ionizing radiation constitutes an opportunity to investigate radiation effects while it is a nuisance to astronomer activities. CCD and APS provide a better combination of spatial and intensity resolution for radiation events than other available types of detector. This paper proposes to analyze radiation events observed in the CCD camera and more specifically analyses of charge deposition spectra and spatially extensive events. Measurements were performed in the Pic du Midi from 2011 to 2015 and in the Concordia Antarctica station since 2018. Coupled transport models (i.e. particle transport and charge transport in semiconductors) allow investigating contributions to charge collection spectra as a function of the particle nature, i.e. neutron, proton and muon. Coupled measurements and simulations allow to access to the detected secondary CR flux and the charge deposition pattern. Results showed that high charge level events seen on atmospheric sites can be considered as hadronic component (mainly neutrons and protons) while low charge levels and punctual events are induced by muons which are able to generate up to 3 fC in the CCD camera. Hence, thanks to double level of measurement sites, muon discrimination from other secondary particles has been investigated. Cross-comparison analyses based on CCD and neutron spectrometers operated in both station/observatory investigate secondary CR dynamic.

Abstract: Stress exposure and stress response are likely to vary according to life history strategies and environmental contexts. Although the acute release of glucocorticoids in response to unpredictable environmental conditions may lead to adaptative behavioral and physiological responses, exposure to high glucocorticoid levels on the long-term usually leads to deleterious cascading effects on animal’s physiology, behavior and fitness. Yet, some species may be more adapted to cope with challenging events than others and might naturally possess protective mechanisms limiting the adverse consequences of prolonged exposure to high glucocorticoid levels. King penguin chicks being naturally exposed to harsh weather, prolonged fasting and constant predation pressure, we investigated the life-history, behavioral and physiological consequences of an experimental increase in corticosterone levels on the medium and long-term (after removing implants), predicting to find relatively few costs associated with such treatment. Although non-significant, CORT-treated chicks were slightly larger, fledged slightly earlier and had slightly higher survival chances than placebo chicks. CORT-treated chicks were significantly more aggressive and displayed lower corticosterone response to acute stress on the medium term, while their physical activity and whole-body energetics were not significantly affected. While mitochondrial density was not significantly affected by the CORT treatment, CORT-treated chicks had lower oxidative stress levels on the long-term than placebo ones, and no significant impact was observed on telomere shortening. Finally, the expression of several genes (i.e. CORT receptor, HSP90, mTOR, NRF2 and TERF2) was up regulated in treated chicks, which could potentially mediate the apparent ‘stress’ resistance we observed at the phenotypic level.

Abstract: Bio-logging is a methodological approach in which miniature data recording devices are temporarily attached to free-ranging animals to monitor their movement, behaviour and physiology, as well as the physical parameters of the environment directly surrounding the animals, turning them into bio-plateformes. Unsurprisingly bio-logging emerged from marine and polar studies where the monitoring of individuals in these harsh and remote places cannot be done using traditional approaches. Miniaturization and technological advances has meant that the range of species that can be instrumented, as well as the diversity of the questions that can be sought through bio-logging, are expanding fast. New sensors are constantly being developed, pushing further the limits of this field. Instrumented animals deliver information not only on their activities but also on the physical characteristics of the environments they go through. For instance, over the last two decades, loggers attached to deep diving seals have supplemented physical oceanographic measurements with hydrographic profiles from CTD loggers but also with new series of biological measurements. For examples, fluorescence and light sensors provided information on the concentration of phytoplankton in the euphotic layer; miniature echo sounders together with high sensitivity and fast responding light sensor to detect bioluminescence, brought considerable progress in detecting small size particles (>1-2 mm) such as marine snow, zooplankton, but also fish and squids and estimate their abundance.