Photoelectron spectroscopy of NpPd3 and PuPd3

We present the results of x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy of NpPd3 and PuPd3. The spectra indicate that for both compounds, the 5f electrons are well localized on the actinide sites. Comparison with bulk measurements indicates that for NpPd3 the electrons have a valence of Np3+ and thus a ground state 5f4 with a Hund's rules 5I4 configuration. Similarly for PuPd3, we find a Pu3+ valence, 5f5 ground state and a Hund's rules 6H5/2 configuration

Strength in diversity: enhancing learning in vocationally-orientated, master's level courses

Postgraduate education in geography, especially at the Master’s level, is undergoing significant changes in the developed world. There is an expansion of vocationally-oriented degree programmes, increasing recruitment of international students, integration of work place skills, and the engagement of non-traditional postgraduate students as departments respond to policies for a more ‘inclusive’ higher education. This paper sets the context by outlining some programmatic changes in selected countries (Australia, the UK, and the USA). We briefly reflect on how postgraduate ‘bars’ or ‘levels’ are defined and explore in detail what ‘diversity’ or ‘heterogeneity’ means in these new postgraduate settings. The paper then explores some examples of practice drawn from our own experiences, whilst recognising that relevance will vary in other contexts. Finally we consider how diversity can be harnessed as a strength that has potential to enhance taught elements of contemporary postgraduate education in and beyond the discipline

Religion, Gender and Sexuality Workshop Report: 1–5 June 2015, Garden Court Hotel, Eastgate, Johannesburg

Religious doctrine shapes and informs decision-making at the individual and collective levels, and sexuality and gender rights advocates must therefore work with faith-based organisations and religious activists to challenge harmful and discriminatory sexuality and gender norms and practices. The Religion, Gender and Sexuality workshop provided a space for faith leaders and those engaging with faith institutions to discuss successes, challenges and learning around sexual diversity and gender justice. In sharing their knowledge and experience, and through a range of facilitated discussions on the themes discussed in this report, the participants were able to collectively build on their knowledge, skills and awareness linked to gender and sexuality. Given the rise of religious activism in civil society, the political arena and in law- and policymaking, it has become imperative to offer training to organisations and individuals who work in the religious/faith-based sector on issues of gender and human rights-based approaches. With the support of Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and the University of Witwatersrand’s Wits Centre for Diversity Studies (WiCDS) the workshop sought to provide members of faith communities across Africa with the knowledge to advocate for sexuality and gender equality and human rights. The workshop was hosted by: Sonke Gender Justice, MenEngage Africa, Institute of Development Studies and Wits Centre for Diversity Studies.UK Department for International Developmen

Magnetic structure, phase diagram, and a new type of spin-flop transition dominated by higher order interaction in a localized 5f system U3Pd20Si6

The magnetic structure of the localized-5f uranium intermetallic compound U3Pd20Si6 has been determined by means of a neutron diffraction experiment. Our data demonstrate that this compound has a collinear coupling of the sublattice ordering of the uranium spins on the 4a and 8c sites. We conclude that higher-order exchange and/or quadrupole interactions are necessary to stabilize this unique collinear structure. We discovered a new type of spin-flop transition against the uniaxial anisotropy induced by this collinear coupling

Morphology of Weak Lensing Convergence Maps

We study the morphology of convergence maps by perturbatively reconstructing their Minkowski Functionals (MFs). We present a systematics study using a set of three generalised skew-spectra as a function of source redshift and smoothing angular scale. Using an approach based on pseudo-$S_{\ell}$s (PSL) we show how these spectra will allow reconstruction of MFs in the presence of an arbitrary mask and inhomogeneous noise in an unbiased way. Our theoretical predictions are based on a recently introduced fitting function to the bispectrum. We compare our results against state-of-the art numerical simulations and find an excellent agreement. The reconstruction can be carried out in a controlled manner as a function of angular harmonics $\ell$ and source redshift $z_s$ which allows for a greater handle on any possible sources of non-Gaussianity. Our method has the advantage of estimating the topology of convergence maps directly using shear data. We also study weak lensing convergence maps inferred from Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) observations; and we find that, though less significant at low redshift, the post-Born corrections play an important role in any modelling of the non-Gaussianity of convergence maps at higher redshift. We also study the cross-correlations of estimates from different tomographic bins

Physical properties of noncentrosymmetric superconductor LaIrSi3: A {\mu}SR study

The results of heat capacity C_p(T, H) and electrical resistivity \rho(T,H) measurements down to 0.35 K as well as muon spin relaxation and rotation (\muSR) measurements on a noncentrosymmetric superconductor LaIrSi3 are presented. Powder neutron diffraction confirmed the reported noncentrosymmetric body-centered tetragonal BaNiSn3-type structure (space group I4\,mm) of LaIrSi3. The bulk superconductivity is observed below T_c = 0.72(1) K. The intrinsic \Delta C_e/\gamma_n T_c = 1.09(3) is significantly smaller than the BCS value of 1.43, and this reduction is accounted by the \alpha-model of BCS superconductivity. The analysis of the superconducting state C_e(T) data by the single-band \alpha-model indicates a moderately anisotropic order parameter with the s-wave gap \Delta(0)/k_B T_c = 1.54(2) which is lower than the BCS value of 1.764. Our estimates of various normal and superconducting state parameters indicate a weakly coupled electron-phonon driven type-I s-wave superconductivity in LaIrSi3. The \muSR results also confirm the conventional type-I superconductivity in LaIrSi3 with a preserved time reversal symmetry and hence a singlet pairing superconducting ground state.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, 2 table

Correction: Incorporating patient perspectives in the development of a core outcome set for reproductive genetic carrier screening: a sequential systematic review.

In Fig. 2 of this article, there is no references included; the figure should have appeared as shown below

Systematic review of outcomes in studies of reproductive genetic carrier screening: Towards development of a core outcome set.

PURPOSE: Current practice recommendations support the widespread implementation of reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS). These consensus-based recommendations highlight a research gap, with findings from current studies being insufficient to meet the standard required for more rigorous evidence-based recommendations. This systematic review assessed methodological aspects of studies on RGCS to inform the need for a core outcome set. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search to identify peer-reviewed published studies offering population-based RGCS. Study designs, outcomes, and measurement methods were extracted. A narrative synthesis was conducting using an existing outcome taxonomy and criteria used in the evaluation of genetic screening programs as frameworks. RESULTS: Sixty-five publications were included. We extracted 120 outcomes representing 24 outcome domains. Heterogeneity in outcome selection, measurement methods and time points of assessment was extensive. Quality appraisal raised concerns for bias. We found that reported outcomes had limited applicability to criteria used to evaluate genetic screening programs. CONCLUSION: Despite a large body of literature, diverse approaches to research have limited the conclusions that can be cumulatively drawn from this body of evidence. Consensus regarding meaningful outcomes for evaluation of RGCS would be a valuable first step in working towards evidence-based practice recommendations, supporting the development of a core outcome set