49 research outputs found
G345.45+1.50: An expanding ring-like structure with massive star formation
Ring-like structures in the ISM are commonly associated with high-mass stars.
Kinematic studies of large structures in GMCs toward these ring-like structures
may help us to understand how massive stars form. The origin and properties of
the ring-like structure G345.45+1.50 is investigated through observations of
the 13CO(3-2) line. The aim of the observations is to determine the kinematics
in the region and to compare physical characteristics estimated from gas
emission with those previously determined using dust continuum emission. The
13CO(3-2) line was mapped toward the whole ring using the APEX telescope. The
ring is found to be expanding with a velocity of 1.0 km/s, containing a total
mass of 6.9e3 Msun, which agrees well with that determined using 1.2 mm dust
continuum emission. An expansion timescale of 3e6 yr and a total energy of 7e46
erg are estimated. The origin of the ring might have been a supernova
explosion, since a 35.5 cm source, J165920-400424, is located at the center of
the ring without an infrared counterpart. The ring is fragmented, and 104
clumps were identified with diameters of between 0.3 and 1.6 pc, masses of
between 2.3 and 7.5e2 Msun, and densities of between 1.0e2 and 1.0e4 cm^-3. At
least 18% of the clumps are forming stars, as is shown in infrared images.
Assuming that the clumps can be modeled as Bonnor-Ebert spheres, 13 clumps are
collapsing, and the rest of them are in hydrostatic equilibrium with an
external pressure with a median value of 4e4 K cm^-3. In the region, the
molecular outflow IRAS 16562-3959 is identified, with a velocity range of 38.4
km/s, total mass of 13 Msun, and kinematic energy of 7e45 erg. Finally, five
filamentary structures were found at the edge of the ring with an average size
of 3 pc, a width of 0.6 pc, a mass of 2e2 Msun, and a column density of 6e21
cm^-2
Persistent organic pollutants have dose and CAG repeat length dependent effects on androgen receptor activity in vitro.
Recently, the effect of exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on sperm concentration was only seen in men with a short androgen receptor (AR) gene CAG repeat. In order to investigate whether these effects could be observed also in vitro, we tested the impact of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and 1,1-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene (4,4'-DDE) on 5α-dihydrotestosterone activated ARs containing 16, 22 and 28 CAG repeats, respectively. Single exposure to 4,4'-DDE had the most pronounced effect on the AR activity containing 16 CAG repeats, whereas 28 CAG was the most sensitive variant when a mixture of the two compounds was added. Thus, our in vitro results have confirmed the in vivo data indicating a CAG repeat length dependent effect of endocrine disrupters on the AR activity
Odin observations of H2O in the Galactic Centre
The Odin satellite has been used to detect emission and absorption in the
557-GHz H2O line in the Galactic Centre towards the Sgr A* Circumnuclear Disk
(CND), and the Sgr A +20 km/s and +50 km/s molecular clouds. Strong broad H2O
emission lines have been detected in all three objects. Narrow H2O absorption
lines are present at all three positions and originate along the lines of sight
in the 3-kpc Spiral Arm, the -30 km/s Spiral Arm and the Local Sgr Spiral Arm.
Broad H2O absorption lines near -130 km/s are also observed, originating in the
Expanding Molecular Ring. A new molecular feature (the ``High Positive Velocity
Gas'' - HPVG) has been identified in the positive velocity range of ~ +120 to
+220 km/s, seen definitely in absorption against the stronger dust continuum
emission from the +20 km/s and +50 km/s clouds and possibly in emission towards
the position of Sgr A* CND. The 548-GHz H2_18O isotope line towards the CND is
not detected at the 0.02 K (rms) level.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, accepted by A&A, special Odin Letters issu
The COVID-19 pandemic and global environmental change: Emerging research needs.
The outbreak of COVID-19 raised numerous questions on the interactions between the occurrence of new infections, the environment, climate and health. The European Union requested the H2020 HERA project which aims at setting priorities in research on environment, climate and health, to identify relevant research needs regarding Covid-19. The emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 appears to be related to urbanization, habitat destruction, live animal trade, intensive livestock farming and global travel. The contribution of climate and air pollution requires additional studies. Importantly, the severity of COVID-19 depends on the interactions between the viral infection, ageing and chronic diseases such as metabolic, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and obesity which are themselves influenced by environmental stressors. The mechanisms of these interactions deserve additional scrutiny. Both the pandemic and the social response to the disease have elicited an array of behavioural and societal changes that may remain long after the pandemic and that may have long term health effects including on mental health. Recovery plans are currently being discussed or implemented and the environmental and health impacts of those plans are not clearly foreseen. Clearly, COVID-19 will have a long-lasting impact on the environmental health field and will open new research perspectives and policy needs