Albedo and atmospheric constraints of dwarf planet Makemake from a stellar occultation.

Pluto and Eris are icy dwarf planets with nearly identical sizes, comparable densities and similar surface compositions as revealed by spectroscopic studies. Pluto possesses an atmosphere whereas Eris does not; the difference probably arises from their differing distances from the Sun, and explains their different albedos. Makemake is another icy dwarf planet with a spectrum similar to Eris and Pluto, and is currently at a distance to the Sun intermediate between the two. Although Makemake's size (1,420 ± 60 km) and albedo are roughly known, there has been no constraint on its density and there were expectations that it could have a Pluto-like atmosphere. Here we report the results from a stellar occultation by Makemake on 2011 April 23. Our preferred solution that fits the occultation chords corresponds to a body with projected axes of 1,430 ± 9 km (1σ) and 1,502 ± 45 km, implying a V-band geometric albedo p(V) = 0.77 ± 0.03. This albedo is larger than that of Pluto, but smaller than that of Eris. The disappearances and reappearances of the star were abrupt, showing that Makemake has no global Pluto-like atmosphere at an upper limit of 4-12 nanobar (1σ) for the surface pressure, although a localized atmosphere is possible. A density of 1.7 ± 0.3 g cm(-3) is inferred from the data.

[Structure and localization of sensilla on antennas of caddisflies (insecta: trichoptera)].

The structures of antennal segments and ultrastructures of antennal sensilla were studied in representatives of 28 families of caddisflies from both extant suborders by the methods of light and scanning electron microscopy. Sixteen types of the sensilla have been found to occur on the antenna in Trichoptera; some of them were found for the first time. Morphological characters of the cuticular structures on the antennal surface demonstrate the significant structural differences both in various families and in the lower taxonomy levels. Specialized sensory fields differing structurally from the rest of the flagellomer surface have been found on the antennas in the suborder Phryganeina. A modified classification of sensilla based on the cuticular structures is proposed.

[Risk factors of allergopathy].

This review contains a detailed description of factors which determine the allergic danger in a region, the sources of allergens entering the environment, and classification of allergens according to their origin and ecological significance. The authors draw attention to the existing criteria of allergopathic conditions, which may serve as an important diagnostic index when establishing sensitization and performing specific diagnostics of allergic diseases. The article covers a complex of laboratory diagnostic methods, directed towards timely detection of allergopathology and its prevention.

[Hygienic aspects of human sensitization under the influence of biological factors of the dwelling environment].

The paper deals with the risk of occurrence and development of allergic diseases under the influence of biological housing factors, such as molds, staphylococci, ticks, and insects. It shows that biological domestic allergens are of high importance in human sensitization. There is evidence that supports the allergic hazard of the above factors to children and adults.

[Insect allergens in the human dwelling].

The paper considers the insect fauna of a human dwelling as a risk factor for patients with respiratory allergic diseases with domestic dust hypersensitivity. It shows that cockroaches, moths, domestic dust ticks, and molds may be additional sources of allergens within the human dwelling. The paper also lends support of an important role of cockroaches and their vital activity in the development of respiratory allergy and shows their implication as inhalation allergens.