Grain size limits derived from 3.6 {\mu}m and 4.5 {\mu}m coreshine

Recently discovered scattered light from molecular cloud cores in the wavelength range 3-5 {\mu}m (called "coreshine") seems to indicate the presence of grains with sizes above 0.5 {\mu}m. We aim to analyze 3.6 and 4.5 {\mu}m coreshine from molecular cloud cores to probe the largest grains in the size distribution. We analyzed dedicated deep Cycle 9 Spitzer IRAC observations in the 3.6 and 4.5 {\mu}m bands for a sample of 10 low-mass cores. We used a new modeling approach based on a combination of ratios of the two background- and foreground-subtracted surface brightnesses and observed limits of the optical depth. The dust grains were modeled as ice-coated silicate and carbonaceous spheres. We discuss the impact of local radiation fields with a spectral slope differing from what is seen in the DIRBE allsky maps. For the cores L260, ecc806, L1262, L1517A, L1512, and L1544, the model reproduces the data with maximum grain sizes around 0.9, 0.5, 0.65, 1.5, 0.6, and > 1.5 {\mu}m, respectively. The maximum coreshine intensities of L1506C, L1439, and L1498 in the individual bands require smaller maximum grain sizes than derived from the observed distribution of band ratios. Additional isotropic local radiation fields with a spectral shape differing from the DIRBE map shape do not remove this discrepancy. In the case of Rho Oph 9, we were unable to reliably disentangle the coreshine emission from background variations and the strong local PAH emission. Considering surface brightness ratios in the 3.6 and 4.5 {\mu}m bands across a molecular cloud core is an effective method of disentangling the complex interplay of structure and opacities when used in combination with observed limits of the optical depth.Comment: 23 pages, 18 figures, accepted for publication in A&

Probing the dynamics of quasicrystal growth using synchrotron live imaging

The dynamics of quasicrystal growth remains an unsolved problem in condensed matter. By means of synchrotron live imaging, facetted growth proceeding by the tangential motion of ledges at the solid-melt interface is clearly evidenced all along the solidification of icosahedral AlPdMn quasicrystals. The effect of interface kinetics is significant so that nucleation and free growth of new facetted grains occur in the melt when the solidification rate is increased. The evolution of these grains is explained in details, which reveals the crucial role of aluminum rejection, both in the poisoning of grain growth and driving fluid flow

The Comparison of Characteristics in Tin Doped Indium Oxide (ITO) Synthesized via Nonaqueous Sol-Gel and Solvothermal Process

Tin doped indium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by nonaqueous sol-gel method and solvothermal process from indium acetylacetonate (In(acac)3) and tin bis(acetylacetonate)dichloride (Sn(acac)2Cl2) in oleyamine as the starting materials. The structure and morphology of ITO samples were analyzed by XRD and TEM. The electrical conductivy and specific surface area of both ITO samples were also determined and compared to each other. The ITO prepared via solvothermal method showed better results that prepared by nonaqueous sol-gel method

On some multiplicity and mixed multiplicity formulas (Forum Math. 26(2014), 413-442)

This paper gives the additivity and reduction formulas for mixed multiplicities of multi-graded modules $M$ and mixed multiplicities of arbitrary ideals, and establishes the recursion formulas for the sum of all the mixed multiplicities of $M.$ As an application of these formulas we get the recursion formulas for the multiplicity of multi-graded Rees modules

Mapping for engagement: setting up a community based participatory research project to reach underserved communities at risk for Hepatitis C in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Background: Approximately 1. 07 million people in Vietnam are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). To address this epidemic, the South East Asian Research Collaborative in Hepatitis (SEARCH) launched a 600-patient cohort study and two clinical trials, both investigating shortened treatment strategies for chronic HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral drugs. We conducted ethnographic research with a subset of trial participants and found that the majority were aware of HCV infection and its implications and were motivated to seek treatment. However, people who inject drugs (PWID), and other groups at risk for HCV were under-represented, although injecting drug use is associated with high rates of HCV. Material and Methods: We designed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study to engage in dialogues surrounding HCV and other community-prioritized health issues with underserved groups at risk for HCV in Ho Chi Minh City. The project consists of three phases: situation analysis, CBPR implementation, and dissemination. In this paper, we describe the results of the first phase (i.e., the situation analysis) in which we conducted desk research and organized stakeholder mapping meetings with representatives from local non-government and community-based organizations where we used participatory research methods to identify and analyze key stakeholders working with underserved populations. Results: Twenty six institutions or groups working with the key underserved populations were identified. Insights about the challenges and dynamics of underserved communities were also gathered. Two working groups made up of representatives from the NGO and CBO level were formed. Discussion: Using the information provided by local key stakeholders to shape the project has helped us to build solid relationships, give the groups a sense of ownership from the early stages, and made the project more context specific. These steps are not only important preliminary steps for participatory studies but also for other research that takes place within the communities

DNA metabarcoding unveils multiscale trophic variation in a widespread coastal opportunist

A thorough understanding of ecological networks relies on comprehensive information on trophic relationships among species. Since unpicking the diet of many organisms is unattainable using traditional morphology‐based approaches, the application of high‐throughput sequencing methods represents a rapid and powerful way forward. Here, we assessed the application of DNA metabarcoding with nearly universal primers for the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase I in defining the trophic ecology of adult brown shrimp, Crangon crangon, in six European estuaries. The exact trophic role of this abundant and widespread coastal benthic species is somewhat controversial, while information on geographical variation remains scant. Results revealed a highly opportunistic behaviour. Shrimp stomach contents contained hundreds of taxa (>1,000 molecular operational taxonomic units), of which 291 were identified as distinct species, belonging to 35 phyla. Only twenty ascertained species had a mean relative abundance of more than 0.5%. Predominant species included other abundant coastal and estuarine taxa, including the shore crab Carcinus maenas and the amphipod Corophium volutator. Jacobs’ selectivity index estimates based on DNA extracted from both shrimp stomachs and sediment samples were used to assess the shrimp's trophic niche indicating a generalist diet, dominated by crustaceans, polychaetes and fish. Spatial variation in diet composition, at regional and local scales, confirmed the highly flexible nature of this trophic opportunist. Furthermore, the detection of a prevalent, possibly endoparasitic fungus (Purpureocillium lilacinum) in the shrimp's stomach demonstrates the wide range of questions that can be addressed using metabarcoding, towards a more robust reconstruction of ecological networks

Microwave-assisted flow synthesis of multicore iron oxide nanoparticles

Coprecipitation is by far the most common synthesis method for iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). However, reproducibility and scalability represent a major challenge. Therefore, innovative processes for scalable production of IONPs are highly sought after. Here, we explored the combination of microwave heating with a flow reactor producing IONPs through coprecipitation. The synthesis was initially studied in a well-characterised microwave-heated flow system, enabling the synthesis of multicore IONPs, with control over both the single core size and the multicore hydrodynamic diameter. The effect of residence time and microwave power was investigated, enabling the synthesis of multicore nanostructures with hydrodynamic diameter between ∼35 and 70 nm, with single core size of 3–5 nm. Compared to particles produced under conventional heating, similar single core sizes were observed, though with smaller hydrodynamic diameters. The process comprised of the initial IONP coprecipitation followed by the addition of the stabiliser (citric acid and dextran). The ability of precisely controlling the stabiliser addition time (distinctive of flow reactors), contributed to the synthesis reproducibility. Finally, scale-up by increasing the reactor length and using a different microwave cavity was demonstrated, producing particles of similar structure as those from the small scale system, with a throughput of 3.3 g/h

H_2 Emission From Disks Around Herbig Ae and T Tauri Stars

We present the initial results of a deep ISO-SWS survey for the low J pure rotational emission lines of H2 toward a number of Herbig Ae and T Tauri stars. The objects are selected to be as isolated as possible from molecular clouds, with a spectral energy distribution characteristic of a circumstellar disk. For most of them the presence of a disk has been established directly by millimeter interferometry. The S (1) line is detected in most sources with a peak flux of 0.3-1 Jy. The S(0) line is definitely seen in 2 objects: GG Tau and HD 163296. The observations suggest the presence of "warm" gas at T_(kin) ≈ 100 K with a mass of a few % of the total gas+ dust mass, derived assuming a gas-to-dust ratio of 100:1. The S(1) peak flux does not show a strong correlation with spectral type of the central star or continuum flux at 1.3 millimeter. Possible origins for the warm gas seen in H_2 are discussed, and comparisons with model calculations are made

The influence of human genetic variation on early transcriptional responses and protective immunity following immunization with Rotarix vaccine in infants in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam : a study protocol for an open single-arm interventional trial [awaiting peer review]

Background: Rotavirus (RoV) remains the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and children aged under five years in both high- and low-middle-income countries (LMICs). In LMICs, RoV infections are associated with substantial mortality. Two RoV vaccines (Rotarix and Rotateq) are widely available for use in infants, both of which have been shown to be highly efficacious in Europe and North America. However, for unknown reasons, these RoV vaccines have markedly lower efficacy in LMICs. We hypothesize that poor RoV vaccine efficacy across in certain regions may be associated with genetic heritability or gene expression in the human host. Methods/design: We designed an open-label single-arm interventional trial with the Rotarix RoV vaccine to identify genetic and transcriptomic markers associated with generating a protective immune response against RoV. Overall, 1,000 infants will be recruited prior to Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) vaccinations at two months of age and vaccinated with oral Rotarix vaccine at two and three months, after which the infants will be followed-up for diarrheal disease until 18 months of age. Blood sampling for genetics, transcriptomics, and immunological analysis will be conducted before each Rotarix vaccination, 2-3 days post-vaccination, and at each follow-up visit (i.e. 6, 12 and 18 months of age). Stool samples will be collected during each diarrheal episode to identify RoV infection. The primary outcome will be Rotarix vaccine failure events (i.e. symptomatic RoV infection despite vaccination), secondary outcomes will be antibody responses and genotypic characterization of the infection virus in Rotarix failure events. Discussion: This study will be the largest and best powered study of its kind to be conducted to date in infants, and will be critical for our understanding of RoV immunity, human genetics in the Vietnam population, and mechanisms determining RoV vaccine-mediated protection. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03587389. Registered on 16 July 2018

Организация логистических операций при перевозке электронных бытовых отходов в городах

The paper presents the methodological provisions for the organization of logistics operations during the transportation of household electronic waste in large cities. Human activity is accompanied by the formation of waste, the amount of which has recently increased. In modern conditions, households actively use electronic and electrical devices. Therefore, a lot of household electronic and electrical waste is generated, which is hazardous to the environment and must be disposed of in accordance with legal requirements. The efficiency of disposal of household electronic waste depends on the organization of logistics operations for the collection, accumulation and removal of such waste. The main methodological stages of logistical support for the recycling process include the formation of a hierarchy of territorial formations (taxons), standardization of waste generation indicators for taxa of each level in the hierarchy, designing the configuration of a network of collection points for acceptance and temporary storage of waste within the boundaries of the service area, substantiating the rational storage capacity of each point and deadlines for waste storage; planning the transportation of waste from accumulation points to objects of their further processing. When planning the transportation of waste, the actual volume of waste accumulation at each collection point is taken into account, transportation routes are designed for the shortest distances, taking into account the capacity of vehicles. The main feature of the developed method of waste removal is the operational adjustment of routes so that the car drives only to those accumulation points where the actual volume of waste has reached the maximum storage capacity. This approach ensures timely waste collection and lower transportation costs compared to existing methods that organize waste collection at a specified frequency. The developed methodology was tested on the basis of statistical data from Hanoi (Vietnam). The results of numerical experiments show that the application of methods provides a reduction in transport costs for the removal of household electronic waste, and also increases the level of their collection and disposal.В статье представлены методические положения организации логистических операций при перевозке электронных бытовых отходов в крупных городах. Жизнедеятельность человека сопровождается формированием отходов, количество которых в последнее время возрастает. В современных условиях домохозяйства активно используют электронные и электрические устройства. Поэтому образуется много электронных и электрических бытовых отходов, которые представляют опасность для окружающей среды и должны быть утилизированы с соблюдением законодательных требований. Эффективность утилизации электронных бытовых отходов зависит от организации логистических операций по сбору, накоплению и вывозу таких отходов. Основные методические этапы логистической поддержки процесса утилизации включают: формирование иерархии территориальных образований (таксонов), нормирование показателей генерации отходов для таксонов каждого уровня в иерархии, проектирование конфигурации сети сборных пунктов для приемки и временного хранения отходов в границах обслуживаемой территории, обоснование рациональной складской емкости каждого пункта и предельных сроков хранения отходов, планирование перевозки отходов от пунктов накопления до объектов их последующей обработки. При планировании перевозки отходов учитывается фактический объем накопления отходов в каждом пункте сбора, проектируются маршруты перевозок по кратчайшим расстояниям с учетом вместимости транспортных средств. Главная особенность разработанной методики вывоза отходов заключается в оперативной корректировке маршрутов, чтобы автомобиль заезжал только в те пункты накопления, в которых фактический объем отходов достиг предельной емкости складирования. Данный подход обеспечивает своевременный вывоз отходов и снижение затрат на перевозку по сравнению с существующими методами, которые организуют вывоз отходов с установленной периодичностью. Разработанная методика апробирована на основе статистических данных г. Ханой (Вьетнам). Результаты численных экспериментов показывают, что применение методик обеспечивает снижение транспортных затрат на вывоз электронных бытовых отходов, а также повышает уровень их собираемости и утилизации