Search

Roghayeh Samadi,1 Zohreh Ghalavand,1 Reza Mirnejad,2 Bahram Nikmanesh,3 Gita Eslami1 1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisoning Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranCorrespondence: Gita EslamiDepartment of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranTel +98-2123872556Email g_eslami@yahoo.comIntroduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes high rates of mortality and a substantial burden to health systems worldwide. Here, we investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular characteristics of MRSA isolated from children referred to Children’s Medical Center in Tehran.Materials and methods: A total of 98 MRSA isolates were collected from children. Antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined using the disk diffusion and E-test methods. The presence of biofilm encoding genes and the pvl gene were determined by PCR. We used the microtiter plate method to assess the ability of biofilm formation. The MRSA isolates were further analyzed using PFGE and SCCmec typing.Results: Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that the highest and the lowest antibiotic resistance percentage were related to erythromycin (62%) and minocycline (10%), respectively. Overall, 63% of MRSA isolates were biofilm producers. Resistance to two antibiotics such as erythromycin (72% vs 28%, P=0.01) and clindamycin (71% vs 29%, P=0.04) was higher among biofilm producers than non-biofilm producers. All strains had biofilm-forming genes and the prevalence of pvl gene was 41%. Most MRSA isolates belonged to SCCmec IVa (75%) and SCCmec III (18%). In PFGE technique, 5 common types and 2 single types were identified; Common type 1 with 37 isolates was dominant clone.Conclusion: We thus report preliminary data on the prevalence and distribution of MRSA genotypes in Tehran Children’s Hospital. These findings characterize the MRSA colonization dynamics in child patients in Iran and may aid the design of strategies to prevent MRSA infection and dissemination.Keywords: MRSA, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, SCCmec typing, PFGE

Determining stellar characteristics such as the radius, mass or age is crucial and asteroseismology is currently the most promising tool to provide these results accurately. We extend the SOLA inversion technique to new global characteristics in addition to the mean density [2] and apply our methodology to the acoustic radius and an age indicator based on the sound speed derivative. The results from SOLA inversions are compared with estimates based on the small and large frequency separations for several test cases. We show that SOLA inversions yield more accurate results than other techniques which are more sensitive to surface effects.

The PLATO space mission is designed to detect telluric planets in the habitable zone of solar type stars, and simultaneously characterise the host star using ultra high precision photometry. The photometry will be performed on board using weighted masks. However, to reach the required precision, corrections will have to be performed by the ground segment and will rely on precise knowledge of the instrument PSF (Point Spread Function). We here propose to model the PSF using a microscanning method.

In the framework of the data base project SSI (Stellar Seismic Indicesb), we have developed and tested a new method aiming at optimizing the simultaneous measurement of both the seismic indices characterizing the oscillations (Δν, νmax) and the indices characterizing the granulation signature. Here, we describe this method which is intended to take advantage of the MLE (maximum likelihood estimate) algorithm combined with the parametrized representation of the red giants pulsation spectrum following the Universal Pattern [6]. We report its performances tested on Monte Carlo simulations.

Solar analogues are important stars to study for understanding the properties of the Sun. Combined with seismic and spectroscopic analysis, evolutionary modelling becomes a powerful method to characterize stellar intrinsic parameters, such as mass, radius, metallicity and age. However, these characteristics, relevant for other aspects of astrophysics or exoplanetary system physics, for example, are difficult to obtain with high precision and/or accuracy. The goal of this study is to characterize the two solar analogues, HD 42618 and HD 43587, observed by CoRoT. In particular, we aim to infer their precise mass, radius and age, using evolutionary modelling constrained by spectroscopic, photometric and seismic analysis. These stars show evidence of being older than the Sun but with a relatively large lithium abundance. We present the seismic analysis of HD 42618, and the modelling of the two solar analogues, HD 42618 and HD 43587 using the cestam stellar evolution code. Models were computed to reproduce the spectroscopic (effective temperature and metallicity) and seismic (mode frequency) data, and the luminosity of the stars, based on Gaia parallaxes. We infer very similar values of mass and radius for both stars compared with the literature, within the uncertainties, and we reproduce correctly the seismic constraints. The modelling shows that HD 42618 is slightly less massive and older than the Sun, and that HD 43587 is more massive and older than the Sun, in agreement with previous results. The use of chemical clocks improves the reliability of our age estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoRoT and Kepler observations of red giants reveal rich spectra of non-radial solar-like oscillations allowing to probe their internal structure. We compare the theoretical spectrum of two red giants in the same region of the HR diagram but in different evolutionary phases. We present here our first results on the inertia, lifetimes and amplitudes of the oscillations and discuss the differences between the two stars.

CoRoT and Kepler measurements reveal us that the amplitudes of solar-like oscillations detected in red giant stars scale from stars to stars in a characteristic way. This observed scaling relation is not yet fully understood but constitutes potentially a powerful diagnostic about mode physics. Quasi-adiabatic theoretical scaling relations in terms of mode amplitudes result in systematic and large differences with the measurements performed for red giant stars. The use of a non-adiabatic intensity-velocity relation derived from a non-adiabatic pulsation code significantly reduces the discrepancy with the CoRoT measurements. The origin of the remaining difference is still unknown. Departure from adiabatic eigenfunction is a very likely explanation that is investigated in the present work using a 3D hydrodynamical model of the surface layers of a representative red giant star.

Thanks to the CoRoT and Kepler spacecrafts, scaling relations (linking seismic indices and global stellar parameters) are becoming the cornerstone of ensemble asteroseismology. Among them, the relation between the cut-off frequency and the frequency of the maximum in the power spectrum of solar-like pulsators as well as the relation between mode lifetime and the effective temperature remain poorly understood. However, a solid theoretical background is essential to assess the accuracy of those relations and subsequently of the derived stellar parameters. We will thus present recent advances on the understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing those relations and show that the physics of mode lifetime (thus of mode damping) plays a major role.

The development of space-borne missions has significantly improved the quality of the measured spectra of solar-like oscillators. Their p-mode line profiles can now be resolved, and the asymmetries inferred for a variety of stars other than the Sun. However, it has been known for a long time that the asymmetries of solar p-modes are reversed between the velocity and the intensity spectra. Understanding the origin of this reversal is necessary in order to use asymmetries as a tool for seismic diagnosis. For stars other than the Sun, only the intensity power spectrum is sufficiently resolved to allow for an estimation of mode asymmetries. We recently developed an approach designed to model and predict these asymmetries in the velocity power spectrum of the Sun and to successfully compare them to their observationally derived counterpart. In this paper we expand our model and predict the asymmetries featured in the intensity power spectrum. We find that the shape of the mode line profiles in intensity is largely dependent on how the oscillation-induced variations of the radiative flux are treated, and that modelling it realistically is crucial to understanding asymmetry reversal. Perturbing a solar-calibrated grey atmosphere model, and adopting the quasi-adiabatic framework as a first step, we reproduce the asymmetries observed in the solar intensity spectrum for low-frequency modes. We conclude that, unlike previously thought, it is not necessary to invoke an additional mechanism (e.g. non-adiabatic effects, coherent non-resonant background signal) to explain asymmetry reversal. This additional mechanism is necessary, however, to explain asymmetry reversal for higher-order modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The advent of space-borne missions has substantially increased the number and quality of the measured power spectrum of solar-like oscillators. It now allows for the p-mode line profiles to be resolved and facilitates an estimation of their asymmetry. The fact that this asymmetry can be measured for a variety of stars other than the Sun calls for a revisiting of acoustic mode asymmetry modelling. This asymmetry has been shown to be related to a highly localised source of stochastic driving in layers just beneath the surface. However, existing models assume a very simplified, point-like source of excitation. Furthermore, mode asymmetry could also be impacted by a correlation between the acoustic noise and the oscillating mode. Prior studies have modelled this impact, but only in a parametrised fashion, which deprives them of their predictive power. Aims. In this paper, we aim to develop a predictive model for solar radial p-mode line profiles in the velocity spectrum. Unlike the approach favoured by prior studies, this model is not described by free parameters and we do not use fitting procedures to match the observations. Instead, we use an analytical turbulence model coupled with constraints extracted from a 3D hydrodynamic simulation of the solar atmosphere. We then compare the resulting asymmetries with their observationally derived counterpart. Methods. We model the velocity power spectral density by convolving a realistic stochastic source term with the Green's function associated with the radial homogeneous wave equation. We compute the Green's function by numerically integrating the wave equation and we use theoretical considerations to model the source term. We reconstruct the velocity power spectral density and extract the line profile of radial p-modes as well as their asymmetry. Results. We find that stochastic excitation localised beneath the mode upper turning point generates negative asymmetry for v < vmax and positive asymmetry for v > vmax. On the other hand, stochastic excitation localised above this limit generates negative asymmetry throughout the p-mode spectrum. As a result of the spatial extent of the source of excitation, both cases play a role in the total observed asymmetries. By taking this spatial extent into account and using a realistic description of the spectrum of turbulent kinetic energy, both a qualitative and quantitative agreement can be found with solar observations performed by the GONG network. We also find that the impact of the correlation between acoustic noise and oscillation is negligible for mode asymmetry in the velocity spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The ESA PLATO space mission is devoted to unveiling and characterizing new extrasolar planets and their host stars. This mission will encompass a very large (>2100 deg2) field of view, granting it the potential to survey up to one million stars depending on the final observation strategy. The telemetry budget of the spacecraft cannot handle transmitting individual images for such a huge stellar sample at the right cadence, so the development of an appropriate strategy to perform on-board data reduction is mandatory. Aims. We employ mask-based (aperture) photometry to produce stellar light curves in flight. Our aim is thus to find the mask model that optimizes the scientific performance of the reduced data. Methods. We considered three distinct aperture models: binary mask, weighted Gaussian mask, and weighted gradient mask giving lowest noise-to-signal ratio, computed through a novel direct method. Each model was tested on synthetic images generated for 50 000 potential PLATO targets. We extracted the stellar population from the Gaia DR2 catalogue. An innovative criterion was adopted for choosing between different mask models. We designated as optimal the model providing the best compromise between sensitivity to detect true and false planet transits. We determined the optimal model based on simulated noise-to-signal ratio and frequency of threshold crossing events. Results. Our results show that, although the binary mask statistically presents a few percent higher noise-to-signal ratio compared to weighted masks, both strategies have very similar efficiency in detecting legitimate planet transits. When it comes to avoiding spurious signals from contaminant stars however the binary mask statistically collects considerably less contaminant flux than weighted masks, thereby allowing the former to deliver up to ∼30% less false transit signatures at 7.1σ detection threshold. Conclusions. Our proposed approach for choosing apertures has been proven to be decisive for the determination of a mask model capable to provide near maximum planet yield and substantially reduced occurrence of false positives for the PLATO mission. Overall, this work constitutes an important step in the design of both on-board and on-ground science data processing pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. ESA's PLATO space mission, to be launched by the end of 2026, aims to detect and characterise Earth-like planets in their habitable zone using asteroseismology and the analysis of the transit events. The preparation of science objectives will require the implementation of hare-and-hound exercises relying on the massive generation of representative simulated light-curves. Aims. We developed a light-curve simulator named the PLATO Solar-like Light-curve Simulator (PSLS) in order to generate light-curves representative of typical PLATO targets, that is showing simultaneously solar-like oscillations, stellar granulation, and magnetic activity. At the same time, PSLS also aims at mimicking in a realistic way the random noise and the systematic errors representative of the PLATO multi-telescope concept. Methods. To quantify the instrumental systematic errors, we performed a series of simulations at pixel level that include various relevant sources of perturbations expected for PLATO. From the simulated pixels, we extract the photometry as planned on-board and also simulate the quasi-regular updates of the aperture masks during the observations. The simulated light-curves are then corrected for instrumental effects using the instrument point spread functions reconstructed on the basis of a microscanning technique that will be operated during the in-flight calibration phases of the mission. These corrected and simulated light-curves are then fitted by a parametric model, which we incorporated in PSLS. Simulation of the oscillations and granulation signals rely on current state-of-the-art stellar seismology. Results. We show that the instrumental systematic errors dominate the signal only at frequencies below ∼20 μHz. The systematic errors level is found to mainly depend on stellar magnitude and on the detector charge transfer inefficiency. To illustrate how realistic our simulator is, we compared its predictions with observations made by Kepler on three typical targets and found a good qualitative agreement with the observations. Conclusions. PSLS reproduces the main properties of expected PLATO light-curves. Its speed of execution and its inclusion of relevant stellar signals as well as sources of noises representative of the PLATO cameras make it an indispensable tool for the scientific preparation of the PLATO mission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Asteroseismology is a unique tool that can be used to study the interior of stars and hence deliver unique information for the studiy of stellar physics, stellar evolution, and Galactic archaeology. Aims. We aim to develop a simple model of the information content of asteroseismology and to characterize the ability and precision with which fundamental properties of stars can be estimated for different space missions. Methods. We defined and calibrated metrics of the seismic performance. The metrics, expressed by a seismic index ℰ defined by simple scaling relations, are calculated for an ensemble of stars. We studied the relations between the properties of mission observations, fundamental stellar properties, and the performance index. We also defined thresholds for asteroseismic detection and measurement of different stellar properties. Results. We find two regimes of asteroseismic performance: the first where the signal strength is dominated by stellar properties and not by observational noise; and the second where observational properties dominate. Typically, for evolved stars, stellar properties provide the dominant terms in estimating the information content, while main sequence stars fall in the regime where the observational properties, especially stellar magnitude, dominate. We estimate scaling relations to predict ℰ with an intrinsic scatter of around 21%. Incidentally, the metrics allow us to distinguish stars burning either hydrogen or helium. Conclusions. Our predictions will help identify the nature of the cohort of existing and future asteroseismic observations. In addition, the predicted performance for PLATO will help define optimal observing strategies for defined scientific goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Space observations by the CoRoT and Kepler missions have provided a wealth of high-quality seismic data for a large number of stars from the main sequence to the red giant phases. One main goal of these missions is to take advantage of the rich spectra of solar-like oscillations to perform precise determinations of stellar characteristic parameters. To make the best of such data, we need theoretical stellar models with a precise near-surface structure since a near-surface structure of a solar-like star has significant influence on solar-like oscillation frequencies. The mixing-length parameter is a key factor to determine the near-surface structure of stellar models. In current versions of the convection formulations used in stellar evolution codes, the mixing-length parameter is a free parameter that needs to be properly specified. Aims. We aim at determining appropriate values of the mixing-length parameter, α, to be used consistently with the adopted convection formulation when computing stellar evolution models across the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. This determination is based on 3D hydrodynamical simulation models. Methods. We calibrated α values by matching entropy profiles of 1D envelope models with those of hydrodynamical 3D models of solar-like stars produced by the CO5BOLD code. For such calibration, previous works concentrated on the classical mixing-length theory (MLT). We also analyzed full spectrum turbulence (FST) models. To construct the atmosphere in the 1D models, we used the Eddington gray T(τ) relation and that with the solar-calibrated Hopf-like function. Results. For both MLT and FST models with a mixing length l = αHp, calibrated α values increase with increasing surface gravity or decreasing effective temperature. For the FST models, we carried out an additional calibration using an α* value defined as l = rtop − r + α*Hp, top, where α* is found to increase with surface gravity and effective temperature. We provide tables of the calibrated α values across the Teff–log g plane for solar metallicity. By computing stellar evolution with varying α based on our 3D α calibration, we find that the change from solar α to varying α shifts evolutionary tracks particularly for the FST model. As for the correspondence to the 3D models, the solar Hopf-like function generally gives a photospheric-minimum entropy closer to a 3D model than the Eddington T(τ). The structure below the photosphere depends on the adopted convection model. However, we cannot obtain a definitive conclusion about which convection model gives the best correspondence to the 3D models. This is because each 1D physical quantity is related via an equation of state (EoS), but it is not the case for the averaged 3D quantities. Although the FST models with l = rtop − r + α*Hp, top are found to give the oscillation frequencies closest to the solar observed frequencies, their acoustic cavities are formed with compensatory effects between deviating density and temperature profiles near the top of the convective envelope. In future work, an appropriate treatment of the top part of the 1D convective envelope is necessary, for example, by considering turbulent pressure and overshooting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The space-borne missions CoRoT and Kepler have provided a wealth of highly accurate data. However, our inability to properly model the upper-most region of solar-like stars prevents us from making the best of these observations. This problem is called "surface effect" and a key ingredient to solve it is turbulent pressure for the computation of both the equilibrium models and the oscillations. While 3D hydrodynamic simulations help to include properly the turbulent pressure in the equilibrium models, the way this surface effect is included in the computation of stellar oscillations is still subject to uncertainties. Aims. We aim at determining how to properly include the effect of turbulent pressure and its Lagrangian perturbation in the adiabatic computation of the oscillations. We also discuss the validity of the gas-gamma model and reduced gamma model approximations, which have been used to compute adiabatic oscillations of equilibrium models including turbulent pressure. Methods. We use a patched model of the Sun with an inner part constructed by a 1D stellar evolution code (CESTAM) and an outer part by the 3D hydrodynamical code (CO5BOLD). Then, the adiabatic oscillations are computed using the ADIPLS code for the gas-gamma and reduced gamma model approximations and with the MAD code imposing the adiabatic condition on an existing time-dependent convection formalism. Finally, all those results are compared to the observed solar frequencies. Results. We show that the computation of the oscillations using the time-dependent convection formalism in the adiabatic limit improves significantly the agreement with the observed frequencies compared to the gas-gamma and reduced gamma model approximations. Of the components of the perturbation of the turbulent pressure, the perturbation of the density and advection term is found to contribute most to the frequency shift. Conclusions. The turbulent pressure is certainly the dominant factor responsible for the surface effects. Its inclusion into the equilibrium models is thus necessary but not sufficient. Indeed, the perturbation of the turbulent pressure must be properly taken into account for computing adiabatic oscillation frequencies. We propose a formalism to evaluate the frequency shift due to the inclusion of the term with the turbulent pressure perturbation in the variational principle in order to extrapolate our result to other stars at various evolutionary stages. Although this work is limited to adiabatic oscillations and the inclusion of the turbulent pressure, future works will have to account for the nonadiabatic effect and convective backwarming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A leap forward has been performed due to the space-borne missions, MOST, CoRoT and Kepler. They provided a wealth of observational data, and more precisely oscillation spectra, which have been (and are still) exploited to infer the internal structure of stars. While an adiabatic approach is often sufficient to get information on the stellar equilibrium structures it is not sufficient to get a full understanding of the physics of the oscillation. Indeed, it does not permit one to answer some fundamental questions about the oscillations, such as: What are the physical mechanisms responsible for the pulsations inside stars? What determines the amplitudes? To what extent the adiabatic approximation is valid? All these questions can only be addressed by considering the energy exchanges between the oscillations and the surrounding medium. This lecture therefore aims at considering the energetical aspects of stellar pulsations with particular emphasis on the driving and damping mechanisms. To this end, the full non-adiabatic equations are introduced and thoroughly discussed. Two types of pulsation are distinguished, namely the self-excited oscillations that result from an instability and the solar-like oscillations that result from a balance between driving and damping by turbulent convection. For each type, the main physical principles are presented and illustrated using recent observations obtained with the ultra-high precision photometry spaceborne missions (MOST, CoRoT and Kepler). Finally, we consider in detail the physics of scaling relations, which relates the seismic global indices with the global stellar parameters and gave birth to the development of statistical (or ensemble) asteroseismology. Indeed, several of these relations rely on the same cause: the physics of non-adiabatic oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The space-borne missions CoRoT and Kepler have provided a large amount of precise photometric data. Among the stars observed, red giants show a rich oscillation pattern that allows their precise characterization. Long-duration observations allow for investigating the fine structure of this oscillation pattern Aims. A common pattern of oscillation frequency was observed in red giant stars, which corresponds to the second-order development of the asymptotic theory. This pattern, called the universal red giant oscillation pattern, describes the frequencies of stellar acoustic modes. We aim to investigate the deviations observed from this universal pattern, thereby characterizing them in terms of the location of the second ionization zone of helium. We also show how this seismic signature depends on stellar evolution. Methods. We measured the frequencies of radialmodes with a maximum likelihood estimator method, then we identified a modulation corresponding to the departure from the universal oscillation pattern. Results. We identify the modulation component of the radial mode frequency spacings in more than five hundred red giants. The variation in the modulation that we observe at different evolutionary states brings new constraints on the interior models for these stars. We also derive an updated form of the universal pattern that accounts for the modulation and provides highly precise radial frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Determining stellar characteristics such as the radius, mass or age is crucial when studying stellar evolution or exoplanetary systems, or when characterising stellar populations in the Galaxy. Asteroseismology is the golden path to accurately obtain these characteristics. In this context, a key question is how to make these methods less model-dependent. Aims. Building on the previous work of Daniel Reese, we wish to extend the Substractive Optimally Localized Averages (SOLA) inversion technique to new stellar global characteristics beyond the mean density. The goal is to provide a general framework in which to estimate these characteristics as accurately as possible in low-mass main-sequence stars. Methods. First, we describe our framework and discuss the reliability of the inversion technique and possible sources of error. We then apply this methodology to the acoustic radius, an age indicator based on the sound speed derivative and the mean density, and compare it to estimates based on the average large and small frequency separations. These inversions are carried out for several test cases including various metallicities, different mixing-lengths, non-adiabatic effects, and turbulent pressure. Results. We observe that the SOLA method yields accurate results in all test cases whereas results based on the large and small frequency separations are less accurate and more sensitive to surface effects and structural differences in the models. If we include the surface corrections of Kjeldsen et al. (2008, ApJ, 683, L175), we obtain results of comparable accuracy for the mean density. Overall, the mean density and acoustic radius inversions are more robust than the inversions for the age indicator. Moreover, the current approach is limited to relatively young stars with radiative cores. Increasing the number of observed frequencies improves the reliability and accuracy of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The effects of antidepressants on mood, cognition and the daily activities of Alzheimer patients are ambiguous. The effects of antidepressants SSRIs (serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors), TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), in particular, are unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of sertraline, venlafaxine and desipramine on depression, cognition and the daily activities of Alzheimer patients. Methods: This randomized double-blind trial was approved by the Research and Ethics Committees of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. 59 moderate Alzheimer patients with major depressive disorder were randomly divided into 3 groups (sertraline, venlafaxine and desipramine), treated for 12 weeks (150 mg maximum dose) and assessed by the Hamilton Depression Test (HRSD), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Barthel index at the week 0 and the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th weeks thereafter. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, using ANOVA and paired t-tests. Results: In the sertraline group, the results of all 3 tests, HRSD, MMSE and Barthel, in the 12th week showed significant improvements in comparison to the baseline (P < 0.05 in all 3 tests). In the venlafaxine group, the results of MMSE and Barthel revealed significant improvements (P < 0.05 in both tests). In the desipramine group, there was a significant improvement only in the Barthel test at the 12 th week (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In this trial, sertraline treatment was associated with superior effectiveness in relation to depressive, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Many aspects of the design trade-off of a space-based instrument and its performance can best be tackled through simulations of the expected observations. The complex interplay of various noise sources in the course of the observations make such simulations an indispensable part of the assessment and design study of any space-based mission. Aims. We present a formalism to model and simulate photometric time series of CCD images by including models of the CCD and its electronics, the telescope optics, the stellar field, the jitter movements of the spacecraft, and all of the important natural noise sources. Methods. This formalism has been implemented in a versatile end-to-end simulation software tool, specifically designed for the PLATO (Planetary Transists and Oscillations of Stars) space mission to be operated from L2, but easily adaptable to similar types of missions. We call this tool Plato Simulator. Results. We provide a detailed description of several noise sources and discuss their properties in connection with the optical design, the allowable level of jitter, the quantum efficiency of the detectors, etc. The expected overall noise budget of generated light curves is computed, as a function of the stellar magnitude, for different sets of input parameters describing the instrument properties. The simulator is offered to the scientific community for future use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Solar granulation has been known for a long time to be a surface manifestation of convection. The space-borne missions CoRoT and Kepler enable us to observe the signature of this phenomena in disk-integrated intensity on a large number of stars. Aims. The space-based photometric measurements show that the global brightness fluctuations and the lifetime associated with granulation obeys characteristic scaling relations. We thus aimed at providing simple theoretical modeling to reproduce these scaling relations, and subsequently at inferring the physical properties of granulation across the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Methods. We developed a simple 1D theoretical model. The input parameters were extracted from 3D hydrodynamical models of the surface layers of stars, and the free parameters involved in the model were calibrated with solar observations. Two different prescriptions for representing the Fourier transform of the time-correlation of the eddy velocity were compared: a Lorentzian and an exponential form. Finally, we compared our theoretical prediction with 3D radiative hydrodynamical (RHD) numerical modeling of stellar granulation (hereafter ab initio approach). Results. Provided that the free parameters are appropriately adjusted, our theoretical model reproduces the observed solar granulation spectrum quite satisfactorily; the best agreement is obtained for an exponential form. Furthermore, our model results in granulation spectra that agree well with the ab initio approach using two 3D RHD models that are representative of the surface layers of an F-dwarf and a red-giant star. Conclusions. We have developed a theoretical model that satisfactory reproduces the solar granulation spectrum and gives results consistent with the ab initio approach. The model is used in a companion paper as theoretical framework for interpretating the observed scaling relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. A large set of stars observed by CoRoT and Kepler shows clear evidence for the presence of a stellar background, which is interpreted to arise from surface convection, i.e., granulation. These observations show that the characteristic time-scale (teff) and the root-mean-square (rms) brightness fluctuations (σ) associated with the granulation scale as a function of the peak frequency (vmax) of the solar-like oscillations. Aims. We aim at providing a theoretical background to the observed scaling relations based on a model developed in Paper I. Methods. We computed for each 3D model the theoretical power density spectrum (PDS) associated with the granulation as seen in disk-integrated intensity on the basis of the theoretical model published in Paper I. For each PDS we derived the associated characteristic time (teff) and the rms brightness fluctuations (σ) and compared these theoretical values with the theoretical scaling relations derived from the theoretical model and the measurements made on a large set of Kepler targets. Results. We derive theoretical scaling relations for teff and σ, which show the same dependence on vmax as the observed scaling relations. In addition, we show that these quantities also scale as a function of the turbulent Mach number (Ma) estimated at the photosphere. The theoretical scaling relations for teff and σ match the observations well on a global scale. Quantitatively, the remaining discrepancies with the observations are found to be much smaller than previous theoretical calculations made for red giants. Conclusions. Our modelling provides additional theoretical support for the observed variations of σ and teff with vmax. It also highlights the important role of Ma in controlling the properties of the stellar granulation. However, the observations made with Kepler on a wide variety of stars cannot confirm the dependence of our scaling relations on Ma. Measurements of the granulation background and detections of solar-like oscillations in a statistically sufficient number of cool dwarf stars will be required for confirming the dependence of the theoretical scaling relations with Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Solar-like oscillations in red giants have been investigated with the space-borne missions CoRoT and Kepler, while pulsations in more evolved M giants have been studied with ground-based microlensing surveys. After 3.1 years of observation with Kepler, it is now possible to link these different observations of semi-regular variables. Aims. We aim to identify period-luminosity sequences in evolved red giants identified as semi-regular variables and to interpret them in terms of solar-like oscillations. Then, we investigate the consequences of the comparison of ground-based and space-borne observations. Methods. We first measured global oscillation parameters of evolved red giants observed with Kepler with the envelope autocorrelation function method. We then used an extended form of the universal red giant oscillation pattern, extrapolated to very low frequency, to fully identify their oscillations. The comparison with ground-based results was then used to express the period-luminosity relation as a relation between the large frequency separation and the stellar luminosity. Results. From the link between red giant oscillations observed by Kepler and period-luminosity sequences, we have identified these relations in evolved red giants as radial and non-radial solar-like oscillations. We were able to expand scaling relations at very low frequency (periods as long as 100 days and large frequency separation less than 0.05 μHz). This helped us identify the different sequences of period-luminosity relations, and allowed us to propose a calibration of the K magnitude with the observed large frequency separation. Conclusions. Interpreting period-luminosity relations in red giants in terms of solar-like oscillations allows us to investigate the time series obtained from ground-based microlensing surveys with a firm physical basis. This can be done with an analytical expression that describes the low-frequency oscillation spectra. The different behavior of oscillations at low frequency, with frequency separations scaling only approximately with the square root of the mean stellar density, can be used to precisely address the physics of the semi-regular variables. This will allow improved distance measurements and opens the way to extragalactic asteroseismology with the observations of M giants in the Magellanic Clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The CoRoT short asteroseismic runs give us the opportunity to observe a large variety of late-type stars through their solarlike oscillations. We report the observation and modeling of the F5V star HD175272. Aims. Our aim is to define a method for extracting as much information as possible from a noisy oscillation spectrum. Methods. We followed a differential approach that consists of using a well-known star as a reference to characterize another star. We used classical tools such as the envelope autocorrelation function to derive the global seismic parameters of the star. We compared HD175272 with HD181420 through a linear approach, because they appear to be asteroseismic twins. Results. The comparison with the reference star enables us to substantially enhance the scientific output for HD175272. First, we determined its global characteristics through a detailed seismic analysis of HD181420. Second, with our differential approach, we measured the difference of mass, radius and age between HD175272 and HD181420. Conclusions. We have developed a general method able to derive asteroseismic constraints on a star even in case of low-quality data. This method can be applied to stars with interesting properties but low signal-to-noise ratio oscillation spectrum, such as stars hosting an exoplanet or members of a binary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We aim to detect and interpret photometric and spectroscopic variability of the bright CoRoT B-type supergiant target HD46769 (V = 5.79). We also attempt to detect a magnetic field in the target. Methods. We analyse a 23-day oversampled CoRoT light curve after detrending and spectroscopic follow-up data using standard Fourier analysis and phase dispersion minimization methods. We determine the fundamental parameters of the star, as well as its abundances from the most prominent spectral lines. We perform a Monte Carlo analysis of spectropolarimetric data to obtain an upper limit of the polar magnetic field, assuming a dipole field. Results. In the CoRoT data, we detect a dominant period of 4.84 d with an amplitude of 87 ppm and some of its (sub-)multiples. Given the shape of the phase-folded light curve and the absence of binary motion, we interpret the dominant variability in terms of rotational modulation, with a rotation period of 9.69 d. Subtraction of the rotational modulation signal does not reveal any sign of pulsations. Our results are consistent with the absence of variability in the Hipparcos light curve. The spectroscopy leads to a projected rotational velocity of 72 ± 2 kms-1 and does not reveal periodic variability or the need to invoke macroturbulent line broadening. No signature of a magnetic field is detected in our data. A field stronger than ~500 G at the poles can be excluded, unless the possible non-detected field were more complex than dipolar. Conclusions. The absence of pulsations and macroturbulence of this evolved B-type supergiant is placed into the context of instability computations and of observed variability of evolved B-type stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. With the space-borne missions CoRoT and Kepler, a large amount of asteroseismic data is now available and has led to a variety of work. So-called global oscillation parameters are inferred to characterize the large sets of stars, perform ensemble asteroseismology, and derive scaling relations. The mean large separation is such a key parameter, easily deduced from the radial-frequency differences in the observed oscillation spectrum and closely related to the mean stellar density. It is therefore crucial to measure it with the highest accuracy in order to obtain the most precise asteroseismic indices. Aims. As the conditions of measurement of the large separation do not coincide with its theoretical definition, we revisit the asymptotic expressions used for analyzing the observed oscillation spectra. Then, we examine the consequence of the difference between the observed and asymptotic values of the mean large separation. Methods. The analysis is focused on radial modes. We use series of radial-mode frequencies in published analyses of stars with solarlike oscillations to compare the asymptotic and observational values of the large separation. This comparison relies on the proper use of the second-order asymptotic expansion. Results. We propose a simple formulation to correct the observed value of the large separation and then derive its asymptotic counterpart. The measurement of the curvature of the radial ridges in the échelle diagram provides the correcting factor. We prove that, apart from glitches due to stellar structure discontinuities, the asymptotic expansion is valid from main-sequence stars to red giants. Our model shows that the asymptotic offset is close to 1/4, as in the theoretical development, for low-mass, main-sequence stars, subgiants and red giants. Conclusions. High-quality solar-like oscillation spectra derived from precise photometric measurements are definitely better described with the second-order asymptotic expansion. The second-order term is responsible for the curvature observed in the échelle diagrams used for analyzing the oscillation spectra, and this curvature is responsible for the difference between the observed and asymptotic values of the large separation. Taking it into account yields a revision of the scaling relations, which provides more accurate asteroseismic estimates of the stellar mass and radius. After correction of the bias (6% for the stellar radius and 3% for the mass), the performance of the calibrated relation is about 4% and 8% for estimating, respectively, the stellar radius and the stellar mass for masses less than 1.3 M☉; the accuracy is twice as bad for higher mass stars and red giants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asteroseismology based on observations from the space-borne missions CoRoT and Kepler provides a powerful means of testing the modeling of transport processes in stars. Rotational splittings are currently measured for a large number of red giant stars and can provide stringent constraints on the rotation profiles. The aim of this paper is to obtain a theoretical framework for understanding the properties of the observed rotational splittings of red giant stars with slowly rotating cores. This allows us to establish appropriate seismic diagnostics for the rotation of these evolved stars. Rotational splittings were computed for stochastically excited dipolar modes by adopting a first-order perturbative approach for two 1.3 M⊙ benchmark models that assume slowly rotating cores. For red giant stars with slowly rotating cores, we show that the variation in the rotational splittings of ℓ = 1 modes with frequency depends only on the large frequency separation, the g-mode period spacing, and the ratio of the average envelope to core rotation rates (R). This led us to propose a way to infer directly R from the observations. This method is validated using the Kepler red giant star KIC 5356201. Finally, we provide theoretical support for using a Lorentzian profile to measure the observed splittings for red giant stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The results obtained by asteroseismology with data from space missions such as CoRoT and Kepler are providing new insights into stellar evolution. After five years of observations, CoRoT is continuing to provide high-quality data and we here present an analysis of the CoRoT observations of the double star HD 169392, complemented by ground-based spectroscopic observations. Aims. This work aims at characterising the fundamental parameters of the two stars, their chemical composition, the acoustic-mode global parameters including their individual frequencies, and their dynamics. Methods. We analysed HARPS observations of the two stars to derive their chemical compositions. Several methods were used and compared to determine the global properties of stars' acoustic modes and their individual frequencies from the photometric data of CoRoT. Results. The new spectroscopic observations and archival astrometric values suggest that HD 169392 is a weakly bound wide binary system. We obtained spectroscopic parameters for both components which suggest that they originate from the same interstellar cloud. However, only the signature of oscillation modes of HD 169392 A was measured; the signal-to-noise ratio of the modes in HD 169392B is too low to allow any confident detection. For HD 169392 A we were able to extract parameters of modes for ℓ = 0, 1, 2, and 3. The analysis of splittings and inclination angle gives two possible solutions: one with with splittings and inclination angles of 0.4-1.0 μHz and 20-40°, the other with 0.2-0.5 μHz and 55-86°. Modelling this star using the Asteroseismic Modeling Portal (AMP) gives a mass of 1.15 ± 0:01 M⊙, a radius of 1.88 ± 0:02 R⊙, and an age of 4.33 ± 0:12 Gyr. The uncertainties come from estimated errors on the observables but do not include uncertainties on the surface layer correction or the physics of stellar models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The space mission Kepler provides us with long and uninterrupted photometric time series of red giants. We are now able to probe the rotational behaviour in their deep interiors using the observations of mixed modes. Aims. We aim to measure the rotational splittings in red giants and to derive scaling relations for rotation related to seismic and fundamental stellar parameters. Methods. We have developed a dedicated method for automated measurements of the rotational splittings in a large number of red giants. Ensemble asteroseismology, namely the examination of a large number of red giants at different stages of their evolution, allows us to derive global information on stellar evolution. Results. We have measured rotational splittings in a sample of about 300 red giants. We have also shown that these splittings are dominated by the core rotation. Under the assumption that a linear analysis can provide the rotational splitting, we observe a small increase of the core rotation of stars ascending the red giant branch. Alternatively, an important slow down is observed for red-clump stars compared to the red giant branch. We also show that, at fixed stellar radius, the specific angular momentum increases with increasing stellar mass. Conclusions. Ensemble asteroseismology indicates what has been indirectly suspected for a while: our interpretation of the observed rotational splittings leads to the conclusion that the mean core rotation significantly slows down during the red giant phase. The slow-down occurs in the last stages of the red giant branch. This spinning down explains, for instance, the long rotation periods measured in white dwarfs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. A growing number of solar-like oscillations has been detected in red giant stars thanks to the CoRoT and Kepler space-crafts. In the same way as for main-sequence stars, mode driving is attributed to turbulent convection in the uppermost convective layers of those stars. Aims. The seismic data gathered by CoRoT on red giant stars allow us to test the mode driving theory in physical conditions different from main-sequence stars. Methods. Using a set of 3D hydrodynamical models representative of the upper layers of sub- and red giant stars, we computed the acoustic mode energy supply rate (). Assuming adiabatic pulsations and using global stellar models that assume that the surface stratification comes from the 3D hydrodynamical models, we computed the mode amplitude in terms of surface velocity. This was converted into intensity fluctuations using either a simplified adiabatic scaling relation or a non-adiabatic one. Results. From L and M (the luminosity and mass), the energy supply rate is found to scale as (L/M)2.6 for both main-sequence and red giant stars, extending previous results. The theoretical amplitudes in velocity under-estimate the Doppler velocity measurements obtained so far from the ground for red giant stars by about 30%. In terms of intensity, the theoretical scaling law based on the adiabatic intensity-velocity scaling relation results in an under-estimation by a factor of about 2.5 with respect to the CoRoT seismic measurements. On the other hand, using the non-adiabatic intensity-velocity relation significantly reduces the discrepancy with the CoRoT data. The theoretical amplitudes remain 40% below, however, the CoRoT measurements. Conclusions. Our results show that scaling relations of mode amplitudes cannot be simply extended from main-sequence to red giant stars in terms of intensity on the basis of adiabatic relations because non-adiabatic effects for red giant stars are important and cannot be neglected. We discuss possible reasons for the remaining differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. B-type stars are promising targets for asteroseismic modelling, since their frequency spectrum is relatively simple. Aims. We deduce and summarise observational constraints for the hybrid pulsator, HD 50230, earlier reported to have deviations from a uniform period spacing of its gravity modes. The combination of spectra and a high-quality light curve measured by the CoRoT satellite allow a combined approach to fix the position of HD 50230 in the HR diagram. Methods. To describe the observed pulsations, classical Fourier analysis was combined with short-time Fourier transformations and frequency spacing analysis techniques. Visual spectra were used to constrain the projected rotation rate of the star and the fundamental parameters of the target. In a first approximation, the combined information was used to interpret multiplets and spacings to infer the true surface rotation rate and a rough estimate of the inclination angle. Results. We identify HD 50230 as a spectroscopic binary and characterise the two components. We detect the simultaneous presence of high-order g modes and low-order p and g-modes in the CoRoT light curve, but were unable to link them to line profile variations in the spectroscopic time series. We extract the relevant information from the frequency spectrum, which can be used for seismic modelling, and explore possible interpretations of the pressure mode spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. OB stars are important building blocks of the Universe, but we have only a limited sample of them well understood enough from an asteroseismological point of view to provide feedback on the current evolutionary models. Our study adds one special case to this sample, with more observational constraints than for most of these stars. Aims. Our goal is to analyse and interpret the pulsational behaviour of the B3?IV star HD?43317 using the CoRoT light curve along with the ground-based spectroscopy gathered by the HARPS instrument. This way we continue our efforts to map the β?Cep and SPB instability strips. Methods. We used different techniques to reveal the abundances and fundamental stellar parameters from the newly-obtained high-resolution spectra. We used various time-series analysis tools to explore the nature of variations present in the light curve. We calculated the moments and used the pixel-by-pixel method to look for line profile variations in the high-resolution spectra. Results. We find that HD?43317 is a single fast rotator (vrot ≈ 50% ? vcrit) and hybrid SPB/β?Cep-type pulsator with Solar metal abundances. We interpret the variations in photometry and spectroscopy as a result of rotational modulation connected to surface inhomogeneities, combined with the presence of both g and p mode pulsations. We detect a series of ten consecutive frequencies with an almost constant period spacing of 6339?s as well as a second shorter sequence consisting of seven frequencies with a spacing of 6380?s. The dominant frequencies fall in the regime of gravito-inertial modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We present the results obtained with the CoRoT satellite for HD 50870, a δ Sct star which was observed for 114.4 d. The aim of these observations was to evaluate the results obtained for HD 50844, the first S Sct star monitored with CoRoT, on a longer time baseline. Methods. The 307,570 CoRoT datapoints were analysed with different techniques. The photometric observations were complemented over 15 nights of high-resolution spectroscopy with HARPS on a baseline of 25 d. These spectra were analysed to study the line profile variations and to derive the stellar physical parameters. Some uvby photometric observations were also obtained to better characterize the pulsation modes. Results. HD 50870 proved to be a low-amplitude, long-period spectroscopic binary system seen almost pole-on (i ≃ 21°). The brighter component, which also has the higher rotational velocity (v sin i = 37.5 km s-1), is a δ Sct-type variable with a full light amplitude variation of about 0.04 mag. There is a dominant axisymmetric mode (17.16 d-1). Moreover, there are two groups of frequencies (about 19) in the intervals 6-9 and 13-18 d-1, with amplitudes ranging from a few mmag to 0.3 mmag. After the detection of about 250 terms (corresponding to an amplitude of about 0.045 mmag) a flat plateau appears in the power spectrum in the low-frequency region up to about 35 d-1 We were able to detect this plateau only thanks to the short cadence sampling of the CoRoT measurements (32 s). The density distribution vs. frequency of the detected frequencies seems to rule out the possibility that this plateau is the result of a process with a continuum power spectrum. The spacings of the strongest modes suggest a quasi-periodic pattern. We failed to find a satisfactory seismic model that simultaneously matches the frequency range, the position in the HR diagram, and the quasi-periodic pattern interpreted as a large separation. Nineteen modes were detected spectroscopically from the line profile variations and associated to the photometric ones. Tentative l, m values have been attributed to the modes detected spectroscopically. Prograde as well as retrograde modes are present with C values up to 9. There are no traces of variability induced by solar-like oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The advent of space-borne photometers such as CoRoT and Kepler has opened up new fields in asteroseismology. This is especially true for red giants as only a few of these stars were known to oscillate with small amplitude, solar-like oscillations before the launch of CoRoT. Aims. The G6 giant HR2582 (HD50890) was observed by CoRoT for approximately 55 days. We present here the analysis of its light curve and the characterisation of the star using different observables, such as its location in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and seismic observables. Methods. Mode frequencies are extracted from the observed Fourier spectrum of the light curve. Numerical stellar models are then computed to determine the characteristics of the star (mass, age, etc.) from the comparison with observational constraints. Results. We provide evidence for the presence of solar-like oscillations at low frequency, between 10 and 20 μHz, with a regular spacing of (1.7±0.1) μHz between consecutive radial orders. Only radial modes are clearly visible. From the models compatible with the observational constraints used here,We find that HR2582 (HD50890) is a massive star with a mass in the range (3-5 M☉), clearly above the red clump. It oscillates with rather low radial order (n = 5-12) modes. Its evolutionary stage cannot be determined with precision: the star could be on the ascending red giant branch (hydrogen shell burning) with an age of approximately 155 Myr or in a later phase (helium burning). In order to obtain a reasonable helium amount, the metallicity of the star must be quite subsolar. Our best models are obtained with a mixing length significantly smaller than that obtained for the Sun with the same physical description (except overshoot). The amount of core overshoot during the main-sequence phase is found to be mild, of the order of 0.1 Hp. Conclusions. HR 2582 (HD50890) is an interesting case as only a few massive stars can be observed due to their rapid evolution compared to less massive red giants. HR2582 (HD50890) is also one of the few cases that can be used to validate the scaling relations for massive red giants stars and its sensitivity to the physics of the star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The space mission Kepler provides us with long and uninterrupted photometric time series of red giants. This allows us to examine their seismic global properties and to compare these with theoretical predictions. Aims. We aim to describe the oscillation power excess observed in red giant oscillation spectra with global seismic parameters, and to investigate empirical scaling relations governing these parameters. From these scalings relations, we derive new physical properties of red giant oscillations. Methods. Various different methods were compared in order to validate the processes and to derive reliable output values. For consistency, a single method was then used to determine scaling relations for the relevant global asteroseismic parameters: mean mode height, mean height of the background signal superimposed on the oscillation power excess, width of the power excess, bolometric amplitude of the radial modes and visibility of non-radial modes. A method for deriving oscillation amplitudes is proposed, which relies on the complete identification of the red giant oscillation spectrum. Results. The comparison of the different methods has shown the important role of the way the background is modelled. The convergence reached by the collaborative work enables us to derive significant results concerning the oscillation power excess. We obtain several scaling relations, and identify the influence of the stellar mass and the evolutionary status. The effect of helium burning on the red giant interior structure is confirmed: it yields a strong mass-radius relation for clump stars. We find that none of the amplitude scaling relations motivated by physical considerations predict the observed mode amplitudes of red giant stars. In parallel, the degree-dependent mode visibility exhibits important variations. Both effects seem related to the significant influence of the high mode mass of non-radial mixed modes. A family of red giants with very weak dipole modes is identified, and its properties are analyzed. Conclusions. The clear correlation between the power densities of the background signal and of the stellar oscillation induces important consequences to be considered for deriving a reliable theoretical relation of the mode amplitude. As a by-product of this work, we have verified that red giant asteroseismology delivers new insights for stellar and Galactic physics, given the evidence for mass loss at the tip of the red giant branch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of electricity for promotion of people's welfares is inevitable. There are about 54000 MW of various power plants in Iran. The type of power plants includes gas, steam, combined, hydro and a very minute amount of wind mills. The per capita electricity production is about 2200 Kwh. Power plants can impose adverse environmental impacts during construction and utilization phases. Environmental monitoring plan (EMP) can continuously examine the effects of power plants on the surrounding environment. In the present investigation, we have carefully examined the steam power plants of the country to develop appropriate EMP for the utilization phase. Results of study show that while emissions from stack need continuous monitoring, the other part of power plants can be monitored on monthly, seasonally or even yearly basis. Further, preparation of appropriate log sheets to record the results of EMP for the necessary action plans by authorities can lead to environmental monitoring program. The comparison amongst log sheets of various years may eventually provide environmental monitoring performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excitation of solar-like oscillations is attributed to turbulent convection and takes place at the upper-most part of the outer convective zones. Amplitudes of these oscillations depend on the efficiency of the excitation processes as well as on the properties of turbulent convection. We present past and recent improvements on the modeling of those processes. We show how the mode amplitudes and mode line-widths can bring information about the turbulence in the specific cases of the Sun and α Cen A. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: We sought to investigate what aspects of the stillbirth evaluation are considered to be essential and what tests can potentially be eliminated.Study Design: A retrospective analysis of 745 stillbirths occurring from January 1990 to December 1994 was conducted. A stillbirth was defined by an estimated gestational age >20 weeks' gestational age or fetal weight >500 gm. We attempted to arrive at an apparent cause for each stillbirth after evaluation of genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, obstetric history, maternal medical illnesses, laboratory tests, autopsy findings, and placental pathologic conditions.Results: We found that the most important aspects of stillbirth evaluation were placental pathologic conditions and autopsy. When the placenta was examined, a significant abnormality was detected in 30% (160 of 529) of the cases. When autopsy was performed, only 31% of fetal deaths (142 of 462) were unexplained; however, when no autopsy was performed, 44% (125 of 283) were unexplained (p = 0.0002). The following laboratory evaluations that were routinely performed were found to yield little definitive information: antinuclear antibody testing, Kleihauer-Betke test, and screening for congenital infections (toxoplasmosis, other viruses, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus). Overall, 36% (267 of 745) of stillbirths still remained unexplained despite a thorough evaluation in most cases.Conclusion: The causes of stillbirth are many and varied, with a large proportion having no obvious cause. As this study demonstrates, certain laboratory tests can be eliminated in the workup of fetal death. In the evaluation of stillbirth a complete systematic method that incorporates placental pathologic conditions, as well as autopsy findings, should prove to be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oscillations of stellar p modes excited by turbulent convection are investigated. In the uppermost part of the solar convection zone, radiative cooling is responsible for the formation of turbulent plumes, hence the medium is characterized with downdrafts and updrafts. The motivation is to take the asymmetry of up- and downflows created by turbulent plumes into account through an adapted closure model. We built a generalized two-scale mass-flux model (GTFM) that considers both the skew introduced by the presence of two flows and the effect of turbulence onto each flow. In order to apply the GTFM to the solar case, we introduce the plume dynamics as modelled by Rieutord & Zahn (1995) and construct a closure model with plumes (CMP). The CMP enables to express third- and fourth-order velocity correlation products in terms of the second-order ones. When comparing with 3D numerical simulation results, the CMP improves the agreement for the fourth order moments in comparison with the quasi-normal approximation (QNA) or the classical mass-flux model (MFM). This excitation model reproduces the maximum of the power supplied to solar p modes, when compared with GOLF observations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]