Opacity Index Research Articles

PROTOPLANETARY DISK MASSES FROM STARS TO BROWN DWARFS

We present SCUBA-2 850um observations for 7 very low mass stars (VLMS) and brown dwarfs (BDs): 3 in Taurus, 4 in the TWA, and all classical T Tauri (cTT) analogs. We detect 2 of the 3 Taurus disks, but none of the TWA ones. Our 3sigma limits correspond to a dust mass of 1.2 MEarth in Taurus and a mere 0.2 MEarth in the TWA (3--10x deeper than previous work). We combine our data with other sub-mm/mm surveys of Taurus, rho Oph and the TWA to investigate trends in disk mass and grain growth during the cTT phase. We find : (1) The minimum disk outer radius required to explain the upper envelope of sub-mm/mm fluxes is 100 AU for intermediate-mass stars, solar-types and VLMS, and 20 AU for BDs. (2) While the upper envelope of disk masses increases with Mstar from BDs to VLMS to solar-types, no increase is seen from solar-type to intermediate-mass stars. We propose this is due to enhanced photoevaporation around intermediate masses. (3) Many disks around Taurus and rho Oph intermediate-mass and solar-type stars evince an opacity index beta of 0--1, indicating large grains. Of the only four VLMS/BDs in these regions with multi-wavelength data, three are consistent with large grains, though optically thick disks are not ruled out. (4) For the TWA VLMS (TWA 30A, B), combining our fluxes with Mdot and ages suggests substantial grain growth by 10 Myr. The degree of grain growth in the TWA BDs (2M1207A, SSPM1102) remains largely unknown. (5) A Bayesian analysis shows that mean(log[Mdisk/Mstar]) = -2.4, roughly constant all the way from intermediate-mass stars to VLMS/BDs, and (6) the disk mass in close solar-type Taurus binaries is significantly lower than in singles (by a factor of 10), while that in wide solar-type Taurus binaries is closer to that in singles (lower by a factor of 3). (7) We discuss the implications for planet formation, and for the dependence of Mdot on Mstar.

Credit and bank opaqueness: How to avoid financial crises?

This study makes a contribution to the literature on bank opaqueness and bank credit through empirical evidence gathered from data of 310 NYSE and NASDAQ banks for the period 1Q1990 to 4Q2009. In addition to developing an opacity index based on bank risk information, the empirical analysis identifies and considers events of credit sudden stops. The main conclusion is that a decrease in bank opaqueness fosters an environment favorable to the development of a sound banking system, which, in turn, facilitates the strengthening of the credit chain and the avoidance of financial crises.

Safety and Efficacy of Topical Infliximab in a Mouse Model of Ocular Surface Scarring

To evaluate the safety/efficacy of topical infliximab, an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody, in a mouse model of ocular surface scarring. Twenty alkali burn mice were treated with infliximab (10 mg/mL) topically 6 times a day, while 20 alkali burn mice received saline for 7 days. Corneal opacity, epithelial wound healing, and ocular phimosis were examined at the slit-lamp. Tear production was quantified with phenol red thread test. Immunofluorescence for infliximab penetration, TNF-α localization, CD45+ cell infiltration, PAS, and Masson's trichrome staining were evaluated on ocular globes and eyelids. TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels were measured on treated murine corneas and eyelids. Finally, quantification of corneal CD31+ blood vessels and LYVE1+ lymphatic vessels were evaluated on 10 additional alkali burn mice receiving either infliximab or saline, after 14 days. Topical infliximab penetrated the cornea and the conjunctiva and was not toxic (negative fluorescein stain). Its molecular target, TNF-α, was detected in the cornea after injury. Infliximab significantly reduced corneal perforation, opacity index, phimosis, leukocyte infiltration, and fibrosis in the eyelids. It also significantly prevented goblet cell infiltration in epithelial cornea and loss in the conjunctiva (P < 0.05), improved tear secretion and epithelial healing (P < 0.05). Finally, it significantly reduced both corneal hem- (P < 0.05) and lymphangiogenesis (P < 0.01). Infliximab penetrates the cornea and is safe to the ocular surface in an animal model of ocular surface scarring. We suggest that topical application of infliximab may be a useful treatment in ocular caustications.

Effects of magnesium taurate on the onset and progression of galactose-induced experimental cataract: In vivo and in vitro evaluation

Cataract, a leading cause of blindness, is characterized by lenticular opacities resulting from denaturation of lens proteins due to activation of calcium-dependent enzyme, calpain. Magnesium (Mg2+) plays an important role not only in maintaining a low lenticular calcium (Ca2+) and sodium concentration but also in preserving the lens redox status. Taurine has also been shown to reduce lenticular oxidative stress. Present study evaluated the anticataract effects of magnesium taurate in vivo and in vitro. Among the five groups of 9 Sprague Dawley rats each, two groups received 30% galactose diet with topical (GDMT) or oral treatment (GDMO) with magnesium taurate. Two groups received 30% galactose diet with topical (GDT) or oral vehicle (GDO). Remaining 1 group received normal diet (ND). Weekly slit lamp examination was done during 21 days experimental period and then all rats were sacrificed; Ca/Mg ratio and antioxidant parameters including reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in the isolated lenses using ELISA. In the in vitro study, 2 groups of 10 normal rat lenses were incubated in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) with galactose while 1 similar group was incubated in DMEM without galactose. In one of the groups, galactose containing medium was supplemented with magnesium taurate. After 48 h of incubation, lenses were photographed and Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio and antioxidant parameters were measured as for in vivo study. The in vivo study, at the end of experimental period, demonstrated delay in the development of cataract with a mean opacity index of 0.53 ± 0.04 and 0.51 ± 0.03 in GDMO (p < 0.05 versus GDO) and GDMT (p < 0.01 versus GDT) respectively. Histopathological grading showed a lower mean value in treated groups, however, the differences from corresponding controls were not significant. Lenticular Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio with a mean value of 1.20 ± 0.26 and 1.05 ± 0.26 in GDMO and GDMT was significantly lower than corresponding controls (p < 0.05) and in GDMT no significant difference was observed from ND. Lenticular GSH and catalase activities were significantly lower and SOD activity was significantly higher in all galactose fed groups. However, in GDMT, GSH and catalase were significantly higher than corresponding control with mean values of 0.96 ± 0.30 μmol/gm lens weight and 56.98 ± 9.86 μmol/g lens protein respectively (p < 0.05 for GSH and p < 0.01 for catalase). SOD activity with mean values of 13.05 ± 6.35 and 13.27 ± 7.61 units/mg lens protein in GDMO and GDMT respectively was significantly lower compared to corresponding controls (p < 0.05) signifying lesser upregulation of SOD due to lesser oxidative stress in treated groups. In the in vitro study, lenses incubated in magnesium taurate containing medium showed less opacity and a lower mean Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio of 1.64 ± 0.03, which was not significantly different from lenses incubated in DMEM without galactose. Lens GSH and catalase activities were restored to normal in lenses incubated in magnesium taurate containing medium. Both in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that treatment with magnesium taurate delays the onset and progression of cataract in galactose fed rats by restoring the lens Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio and lens redox status.

Investigation of dust properties of the proto-planetary nebula IRAS 18276−1431

We investigate the circumstellar dust properties of the oxygen-rich bipolar proto-planetary nebula (PPN) IRAS 18276−1431 by means of two-dimensional radiative transfer simulations of the circumstellar dust shell. The model geometry is assumed to have a torus and an envelope which consists of a pair of bipolar lobes and a spherical asymptotic giant branch shell. The parameters of the dust and the dust shell are constrained by comparing the spectral energy distribution (SED) and near-infrared intensity and polarization data with the models. The polarization in the envelope reaches 50–60 per cent and is nearly constant in the H and KS bands in the observations. This weak wavelength dependence of the polarization can be reproduced with a grain-size distribution function for the torus: 0.05 μm ≤ a with n(a)∝a− (p = 5.5)exp ( − a/ac = 0.3 μm). The power index p is significantly steeper than that for interstellar dust (p ∼ 3). Similar results have also been found in some other PPNs and suggest that mechanisms that grind down large particles, such as sputtering, may also have acted when the dust particles formed. The spectral opacity index β is found to be 0.6 ± 0.5 from the 760 μm to 2.6 mm fluxes, which is characterized by the dust in the torus. This low value (<2) indicates the presence of large dust grains in the torus. We discuss two possible dust models for the torus. One has a size distribution function of 1.0 ≤ a ≤ amax = 5 000.0 μm with n(a) ∝ a−(p = 2.5) and the other is 1.0 μm ≤ a ≤ amax = 10 000.0 μm with n(a) ∝ a−(p = 3.5). The former has β of 0.633, but we are not able to find reasonable geometry parameters to fit the SED in the infrared. The latter has β of 1.12, but reproduces the SED better over a wide wavelength range. With this dust model, the geometric parameters are estimated as follows: the inner and outer radii are 30 and 1000 au and the torus mass is 3.0 M⊙. Given that the torii are generally not found to be rotating, a large fraction of the torus material is likely to be expanding. Assuming an expansion velocity of 15 km s−1, the torus formation time and mass-loss rate are found to be ∼300 yr and ∼10−2 M⊙ yr−1, respectively.

Anti-diabetic and anti-cataract effects of Chromolaena odorata Linn., in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceChromolaena odorata Linn., is used in traditional Indian medicine in the treatment of diabetes and eye problems. Aim of the studyThe present study was designed to investigate the effect of the ethanol extract Chromolaena odorata leaves (ACO) in streptozotocin (STZ; 45mg/kg, i.v) induced diabetes and cataract in rats. Materials and methodsDifferent doses of ACO (200 and 400mg/kg) was administered once daily for eight weeks to STZ-induced diabetic rats. To know the mechanism of action of title plant, AUCglucose, AUCinsulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA), insulin tolerance test (ITT) and glucose uptake by rat hemi-diaphragms were carried out. Further, cataract score was taken once in a week upto eight weeks and opacity index was measured. HPLC fingerprinting profiling of ACO was also carried out. ResultsAdministration of ACO exhibited significant reduction in glucose, HOMA, lipid profiles and significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance, glycogen content, glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, serum insulin and HDL-c levels. In addition, ACO also decreased oxidative stress by improving endogenous antioxidants. Further, treatment of ACO showed significantly reduced onset and extent of cataract. ConclusionThe present data suggested that the treatment of ACO reversed the STZ-induced diabetes and cataract in rats. The observed beneficial effects may be mediated by interacting with multiple targets operating in diabetes mellitus and its complication. Taken together, this study provided the scientific evidence for the traditional use of Chromolaena odorata.

Grain growth signatures in the protoplanetary discs of Chamaeleon and Lupus

We present ATCA results of a 3 and 7 mm continuum survey of 20 T Tauri stars in the Chamaeleon and Lupus star forming regions. This survey aims to identify protoplanetary discs with signs of grain growth. We detected 90% of the sources at 3 and 7 mm, and determined the spectral slopes, dust opacity indices and dust disc masses. We also present temporal monitoring results of a small sub-set of sources at 7, 15 mm and 3+6 cm to investigate grain growth to cm sizes and constrain emission mechanisms in these sources. Additionally, we investigated the potential correlation between grain growth signatures in the infrared (10 \mu m silicate feature) and millimetre (1-3 mm spectral slope, {\alpha}). Eleven sources at 3 and 7 mm have dominant thermal dust emission up to 7 mm, with 7 of these having a 1-3 mm dust opacity index less than unity, suggesting grain growth up to at least mm sizes. The Chamaeleon sources observed at 15 mm and beyond show the presence of excess emission from an ionised wind and/or chromo- spheric emission. Long-timescale monitoring at 7 mm indicated that cm-sized pebbles are present in at least four sources. Short-timescale monitoring at 15 mm suggests the excess emission is from thermal free-free emission. Finally, a weak correlation was found between the strength of the 10 \mum feature and {\alpha}, suggesting simultaneous dust evolution of the inner and outer parts of the disc. This survey shows that grain growth up to cm-sized pebbles and the presence of excess emission at 15 mm and beyond are common in these systems, and that temporal monitoring is required to disentangle these emission mechanisms.

Influence of palm oil biodiesel on the chemical and morphological characteristics of particulate matter emitted by a diesel engine

The influence on the chemical composition of the particle matter (PM) produced in an automotive diesel engine operated with palm biodiesel (PB) and its blends with diesel fuel were studied. The opacity index showed a decrease on the PM emitted by the engine when palm biodiesel amount increased in the fuel, a result that also agrees with the amount of PM collected in filters. Similarly, the PB concentration did not affect the average size of PM emitted compared to diesel. But, it seems to be that biodiesel and its blends tend to produce PM with a higher number of small particles. The chemical composition of PM obtained from PB blends and pure PB were similar to those reported before; however no correlation with biodiesel concentration was found, except for the evident reduction on sulfur content in particle matter, a fact that can be associated with a fuel dilution effect.

Chemical Characteristics of the Soot Produced in a High-Speed Direct Injection Engine Operated with Diesel/Biodiesel Blends

The aim of this work is to study the influence of the molecular structure of fatty acid esters present in biodiesel and their blends with diesel on the chemical characteristics of the emitted particulate matter. Biodiesel produced from palm oil, jatropha, castor oil and sachainchi was blended at 5% and 20% by volume with diesel. These fuels were used for the operation of a four-cylinder direct injection automotive diesel engine. The equivalent ratio was kept between 0.36 and 0.40, and the engine was operated at the point of minimum air–fuel ratio and maximum smoke opacity. The amount of particulate matter emitted was evaluated by opacity index. A marked reduction in soot formation was observed when the concentration of unsaturated methyl esters in the fuel was at low concentrations. This was accompanied by a reduction of the aliphatic carbon content in the particulate matter.

Effect of organoclay content and molecular weight on cellulose acetate nanocomposites properties

Nanocomposites based on cellulose acetate (CA), a commercial organoclay (Cloisite30B) and triethyl citrate (TEC) were obtained using a solution casting method. Different nanocomposites were prepared according to different organoclay contents (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 wt.%) and molecular weight of cellulose acetate (Mn 30,000 and 50,000). The properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated by means of opacity index, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical (modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and elongation at break), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) measurements. All obtained nanocomposites showed the intercalation of polymer inside the clay structure which was slightly favored for nanocomposites with CA 30,000. Important changes on the opacity index, mechanical properties, glass transition and melting temperatures, crystalline fraction, oxygen permeability and fracture morphology of nanocomposite films were observed according to the increase of organoclay content. On the other hand, intercalation level and oxygen permeability showed some differences with the molecular weight of cellulose acetate.

AMI radio continuum observations of young stellar objects with known outflows★

We present 16 GHz (1.9 cm) deep radio continuum observations made with the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager (AMI) of a sample of low-mass young stars driving jets. We combine these new data with archival information from an extensive literature search to examine spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for each source and calculate both the radio and sub-mm spectral indices in two different scenarios: (1) fixing the dust temperature (Td) according to evolutionary class; and (2) allowing Td to vary. We use the results of this analysis to place constraints on the physical mechanisms responsible for the radio emission. From AMI data alone, as well as from model fitting to the full SED in both scenarios, we find that 80 per cent of the objects in this sample have spectral indices consistent with free–free emission. We find an average spectral index in both Td scenarios, consistent with free–free emission. We examine correlations of the radio luminosity with bolometric luminosity, envelope mass and outflow force, and find that these data are consistent with the strong correlation with envelope mass seen in lower luminosity samples. We examine the errors associated with determining the radio luminosity and find that the dominant source of error is the uncertainty on the opacity index, β. We examine the SEDs for variability in these young objects, and find evidence for possible radio flare events in the histories of L1551 IRS 5 and Serpens SMM 1.

Mechanical and microstructural properties of milk whey protein/espina corona gum mixed gels

Mechanical and microstructural properties of gels composed of whey protein isolate (WPI) and Espina Corona Gum (ECG) were studied. WPI gels were made varying the protein concentration from 12 to 16g/100g while mixed gels were obtained at 12g/100g protein and varying ECG concentration from 0.12 to 0.60g/100g. All gels were obtained by heat treatment (30min, at 80°C). Mechanical properties were studied by uniaxial compression and stress relaxation test and gelling properties were discussed in terms of pore size, opacity index, colour parameters and microstructure. Stress (maximum stress) and deformability (Henky’s strain) of mixed gels were seen to increase with the increase in WPI and ECG concentration, thus revealing a higher solid character. This behaviour was consistent with a reduced pore size and increased opacity index of the gel matrix. Microstructure of WPI/ECG mixed gels revealed the existence of a biomacromolecule segregative phenomenon which could promote a greater local protein concentration in separated microdomains.

Fluorescence diagnosis of the status of the human lens in vivo

We have studied fluorescence spectra of the human lens in vivo for healthy eyes and in different stages of senile cataract development. We propose a spectral criterion, the lens opacity index, allowing us to differentiate between stages of cataract development. We show a high correlation between the stage of cataract development and the opacity index. We propose an empirical expression for determining the stage of senile cataract development from the value of the lens opacity index. The technique has been clinically tested.

Radio continuum observations of Class I protostellar discs in Taurus: constraining the greybody tail at centimetre wavelengths★

We present deep 1.8 cm (16 GHz) radio continuum imaging of seven young stellar objects in the Taurus molecular cloud. These objects have previously been extensively studied in the sub-mm to NIR range and their SEDs modelled to provide reliable physical and geometrical parametres.We use this new data to constrain the properties of the long-wavelength tail of the greybody spectrum, which is expected to be dominated by emission from large dust grains in the protostellar disk. We find spectra consistent with the opacity indices expected for such a population, with an average opacity index of beta = 0.26+/-0.22 indicating grain growth within the disks. We use spectra fitted jointly to radio and sub-mm data to separate the contributions from thermal dust and radio emission at 1.8 cm and derive disk masses directly from the cm-wave dust contribution. We find that disk masses derived from these flux densities under assumptions consistent with the literature are systematically higher than those calculated from sub-mm data, and meet the criteria for giant planet formation in a number of cases.

Tax Avoidance, Corporate Transparency, and Firm Value

Tax avoidance that reduces transfers from shareholders to the government is traditionally viewed as value enhancing to shareholders. The agency perspective of tax avoidance, however, suggests that opportunistic managers may exploit the obfuscatory nature of tax avoidance to mask rent extraction. To shed light on these conflicting views, I use a self-constructed opacity index and multiple measures of tax avoidance to examine how corporate transparency relates to tax avoidance. I find that transparent firms, which potentially have less severe agency problems, avoid more tax relative to their opaque counterparts. This result suggests that managers engage in tax avoidance transactions mainly to enhance shareholder wealth. Further, I find that investors place a value premium on tax avoidance, but the premium decreases with corporate opacity. This is consistent with the notion that corporate transparency facilitates the monitoring of managerial actions and thus alleviates outside investors’ concern about the hidden agency costs associated with tax avoidance.

Convective cloud discrimination using multi-frequency microwave signatures of the AMSR-E sensor: evaluation over the Tibetan Plateau

Multi-frequency passive microwave remote sensing affords a unique opportunity to understand various phenomena; low-frequency microwaves penetrate clouds and are able to observe Earth surface conditions (∼6–18 GHz), while the higher frequencies are strongly impacted by prevailing atmospheric conditions. By using these relationships, an atmospheric opacity index (AOI) using Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer on Earth Observing Satellite (AMSR-E) multi-frequency data is proposed. This index utilizes four AMSR-E frequencies spanning both high- and low-microwave frequency. This AOI can be used to discriminate cloudy atmosphere from clear-sky conditions. This index shows good agreement with current cloud indices. In this research, it is compared against the Moderate Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 9th series (GOES-9) atmosphere products. It offers the possibility of detecting convective clouds at all times (day and night) due to the advantage of the independence of the microwave sensors on the Sun for illumination.

Interannual pteropod variability in sediment traps deployed above and below the aragonite saturation horizon in the Sub-Antarctic Southern Ocean

Anthropogenic inputs of CO2 are altering ocean chemistry and may alter the role of marine calcifiers in ocean ecosystems. Laboratory research and ocean models suggest calcifiers in polar waters are especially at risk, particularly pteropods: pelagic aragonite-shelled molluscs. However, baseline data for natural populations of pteropods are limited, especially for polar and sub-polar waters. In order to establish baseline data on diversity, preservation state and shell flux of in situ populations of Sub-Antarctic Southern Ocean pteropods, we deployed sediment traps above (1,000 m) and below (2,000 m) the aragonite saturation horizon (ASH) (currently at 1,200 m) from 1997 to 2006 at 47°S, 142°E. We identified seven pteropod taxa. We applied a shell opacity index to each shell collected and found 50% of shells collected above the ASH to be in pristine condition but only 3% of the shells collected below the ASH showed such a high degree of preservation. We estimated pteropod shell mass fluxes for the region (0.17–4.99 mg m−2 day−1), and we identified significant reductions in shell flux for Limacina helicina antarctica forma rangi and Clio recurva to the trap series above the ASH and for Limacina helicina antarctica forma rangi and Limacina helicina antarctica forma antarctica to the trap series below the ASH over the interval 1997–2006. Our data establish a temporal and vertical snapshot of the current Sub-Antarctic pelagic pteropod community and provide a baseline against which to monitor Southern Ocean pteropods responses, if any, to changing ocean conditions projected for the region in the coming decades.

MUSTANG 3.3 mm CONTINUUM OBSERVATIONS OF CLASS 0 PROTOSTARS

We present observations of six Class 0 protostars at 3.3 mm (90 GHz) using the 64 pixel MUSTANG bolometer camera on the 100 m Green Bank Telescope. The 3.3 mm photometry is analyzed along with shorter wavelength observations to derive spectral indices (Sν ∝ να) of the measured emission. We utilize previously published dust continuum radiative transfer models to estimate the characteristic dust temperature within the central beam of our observations. We present constraints on the millimeter dust opacity index β between 0.862 mm, 1.25 mm, and 3.3 mm. βmm typically ranges from 1.0 to 2.4 for Class 0 sources. The relative contributions from disk emission and envelope emission are estimated at 3.3 mm. L483 is found to have negligible disk emission at 3.3 mm, while L1527 is dominated by disk emission within the central beam. The βdiskmm ⩽ 0.8–1.4 for L1527 indicates that grain growth is likely occurring in the disk. The photometry presented in this paper may be combined with future interferometric observations of Class 0 envelopes and disks.

Anticataract activity of Erythrina stricta against naphthalene-induced cataractogenesis in rats

The anticataract activity of Erythrina stricta leaves against naphthalene-induced cataractogenesis was studied in Wistar albino rats. The various fractions of the leaf extract were administered orally (200 mg/kg) simulta-neously with naphthalene (1 g/kg) for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, levels of malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides, carbonyl and sulfhydryl content, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in lens homogenate were measured. Administration of naphthalene produced a mature cataract and an increase in the opacity index. There was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes when compared to normal control. Ophthalmoscopic observation indicated that simultaneous administration of the fractions delayed the onset and maturation of cataract. All the fractions (except the residual fraction) prevented the peroxidative damage caused by naphthalene. The leaves of E. stricta protected the lens against naphthalene damage which may be due to its antioxidant activity.

APERTURE SYNTHESIS IMAGING OF V892 Tau AND PV Cep: DISK EVOLUTION

I present a study of two Herbig Ae stars that are in completely different evolutionary stages: V892 Tau and PV Cep. Using sub arc-second interferometric observations obtained with the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA) at the 1.3 and 2.7 mm wavelengths, I have for the first time resolved their disks. I deduce that the 5 Myr old V892 Tau has a low dust opacity index $\beta$=1.1 and a disk mass of 0.03 $\msun$. These values correspond to the growth of its dust into large up to centimeters size structures. In contrast, the very young (a few 10$^5$yrs) PV Cep has a quite high opacity index $\beta$ =1.75 and a more massive disk 0.8 $\msun$. PV Cep has the youngest resolved disk around any Herbig Ae star. Unlike the youngest T Tauri and Class 0 stars, which contain large and processed grains, the young Herbig Ae star, PV Cep, disk contains ISM-like unprocessed dust. This suggests that PV Cep's dust evolution is slower than T Tauri stars'. I also present high spatial resolution interferometric observations of the PV Cep outflow. The outflow inclination is consistent with the orientation of the known Herbig-Haro flow in that region, HH315.