bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co‐treatment with ginsenoside Rh2 and betulinic acid synergistically induces apoptosis in human cancer cells in association with enhanced capsase‐8 activation, bax translocation, and cytochrome c release
Authors: Li Qing , Li Yang , Wang Xiaoyu , Fang Xuexun , He Kan , Guo Xiaoxi , Zhan Zhuo , Sun Chao , Jin Ying‐Hua
Published: July 2011

We provide evidence for the first time, that two natural compounds ginsenoside Rh2 (G‐Rh2) and betulinic acid (Bet A) synergistically induce apoptosis in human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human lung cancer A549, and human hepatoma HepG2 cells. G‐Rh2 and Bet A cooperated to induce Bax traslocation to mitochondria and cytochrome c release. Co‐treatment of G‐Rh2 and Bet A resulted in enhanced cleavage of caspase‐8 and Bid. Moreover, specific inhibition of caspase‐8 by siRNA technology effectively reduced caspase‐9 processing, poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, caspase‐3 activation, and apoptosis in co‐treated cells, which indicated that the caspase‐8 feedback amplification pathway may have been involved in the apoptosis process. A previous study has shown that G‐Rh2 induces cancer cell apoptosis via a Bcl‐2 and/or Bcl‐xL‐independent mechanism, and Bet A induces apoptosis mainly through a mitochondrial pathway with tumor specificity. Since the antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL are frequently overexpressed in human cancer cells, combined treatment with G‐Rh2 and Bet A may be a novel strategy to enhance efficacy of anticancer therapy. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interpretation of QSAR Models Based on Random Forest Methods
Authors: Kuz'min Victor E. , Polishchuk Pavel G. , Artemenko Anatoly G. , Andronati Sergey A.
Published: July 2011

A new algorithm for the interpretation of Random Forest models has been developed. It allows to calculate the contribution of each descriptor to the calculated property value. In case of the simplex representation of a molecular structure, contributions of individual atoms can be calculated, and thus it becomes possible to estimate the influence of separate molecular fragments on the investigated property. Such information can be used for the design of new compounds with a predefined property value. The proposed measure of descriptor contributions is not an alternative to the importance of Breiman’s variable, but it characterizes the contribution of a particular explanatory variable to the calculated response value.
Spectral–spatial excitation for rapid imaging of DNP compounds
Authors: Lau Angus Z. , Chen Albert P. , Hurd Ralph E. , Cunningham Charles H.
Published: July 2011

Dynamic nuclear polarization and dissolution offer the exciting possibility of imaging biochemical reactions in vivo, including some of the key enzymatic reactions involved in cellular metabolism. The development of new pulse sequence strategies has been motivated by demanding applications, such as the imaging of hyperpolarized metabolite distributions in the heart. In this article, the key considerations surrounding the application of spectral–spatial imaging pulse sequences for hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging in cardiac and cancer applications are explored. Spiral pulse sequences for multislice imaging of [1‐13C]pyruvate in the heart were developed, as well as time‐resolved, three‐dimensional, echo‐planar imaging sequences for the imaging of [1‐13C]pyruvate–lactate exchange in cancer. The advantages and challenges associated with these sequences were determined by testing in pig and rat models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of water exchange kinetics for targeted PARACEST perfluorocarbon nanoparticles
Authors: Cai Kejia , Kiefer Garry E. , Caruthers Shelton D. , Wickline Samuel A. , Lanza Gregory M. , Winter Patrick M.
Published: July 2011

PARACEST (PARAmagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer) agents offer the ability to generate “contrast on demand”, negating the need to image before contrast agent injection. Perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoparticles can deliver very large payloads of PARACEST agents, lowering the effective detection limit for molecular imaging of sparse biomarkers. Also, the PFC core provides a quantitative 19F signal for measuring particle binding with high signal intensity and no background signal. 19F quantization coupled with mathematical modeling of the PARACEST signal showed that incorporating PARACEST chelates onto the nanoparticle surface reduces the bound water lifetime and diminishes the available contrast to noise ratio compared to the parent small molecule PARACEST chelate. PARACEST nanoparticles were targeted to fibrin, an early biomarker for atherosclerotic plaque rupture, and bound to the surface of in vitro clots, yielding a detection limit of 2.30 nM at 11.7T. When the particles bind to a target surface, the image contrast is higher than predicted from phantom experiments, perhaps due to improved water exchange kinetics. We demonstrated that PARACEST PFC nanoparticles can provide two unique signatures, 19F and PARACEST, for quantitative targeted molecular imaging of fibrin. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of Musculoskeletal Stress Marker Development in the Hand
Authors: Cashmore L. A. , Zakrzewski S. R.
Published: July 2011

The analysis of musculoskeletal stress marker (MSM) development is a commonly employed tool in osteological surveys and is used to infer patterns of occupational activity and societal organisation in archaeological populations. Although the majority of research into upper limb MSMs has focused on the bones of the arm, the bones of the hand have been conspicuous by their absence. This is likely to be due to methodological issues surrounding the study of hand bones and a presumed lack of variation in MSM development in this area. To date, there have been no systematic studies investigating the presence and variation in MSM morphology for the muscles of the human hand. To address this issue, a presence/absence scoring system was developed for twelve sites of muscle origin and insertion in the metacarpals and phalanges, which was used to determine bilateral asymmetry in the hands of 31 individuals from the Naval Hospital Cemetery site in Greenwich, London. Analysis found observable variation in MSM development between and within the hands, which could be used to determine patterns of asymmetry within the sample. Comparisons with MSM scores from the humeri of these individuals indicate a differentiation in MSM development and asymmetry between these anatomical regions. Levels of asymmetry in the hands and humeri were generally low, with only the dorsal interossei displaying statistically significant asymmetry. Subsequent upper limb MSM research will benefit from the inclusion of data from the hands. These results do not support the continued use of the humerus as a proxy for MSM expression across the upper limb as a whole and suggest that important information regarding behavioural asymmetry in the hands is being lost because of the continual exclusion of this anatomical unit from MSM research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thorn Lesions in a Modern Osteological Collection of Guanaco (Lama guanicoe): A New Paleoenviromental Proxy and Its Implications for Archaeofaunal Assemblages
Authors: Rafuse D. J. , Kaufmann C. A. , Flensborg G. A.
Published: July 2011

This paper provides a detailed analysis of thorn lesions found in lower limb elements of a modern osteological collection of guanaco (Lama guanicoe). Four types of lesions were recorded: (1) thorns visible on the bone surface, (2) bony reaction with relief, (3) small negative scars and (4) medium negative scars. The methods used to recognise, record and quantify these lesions are presented. As a result, 35 of the 36 individuals analyzed contained one or more types of lesions. The highest concentrations of lesions were recorded on the anterior view of the metacarpal shafts. All the age ranges were affected by lesions; however, individuals between the ages of 1 and 3 years were the most affected, whereas those between the ages of 0 and 1 year contained the least amount of lesions. To provide examples of how thorn lesions can be identified and used as a paleoenvironmental proxy in the fossil record, we analyzed two archaeological sites from different phytogeographic provinces: Bajo de la Quinta (Monte phytogeographic province) and Calera (Pampa phytogeographic province). Results found that 25% of the elements from the Bajo de la Quinta site contained lesions, whereas none of the elements from the Calera site showed evidence of lesions. When detectable in the fossil record, thorn lesions can provide an indirect approximation of the paleoenvironment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioinspired core‐crosslinked micelles from thymine‐functionalized amphiphilic block copolymers: Hydrogen bonding and photo‐crosslinking study
Authors: Kaur Gagan , Chang Shery L. Y. , Bell Toby D. M. , Hearn Milton T. W. , Saito Kei
Published: July 2011

Bioinspired core‐bound polymeric micelles, based on hydrogen bonding and photo‐crosslinking, of thymine have been prepared from poly(vinylbenzylthymine)‐b‐poly(vinylbenzyltriethylammonium chloride). The amphiphilic block copolymer was synthesized by 2,2‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl‐mediated living radical polymerization in water/ethylene glycol solution. Micelle characterization and critical micelle concentration measurements demonstrated that the hydrogen bonding of the attached thymine units stabilizes the micelles. Further, core‐crosslinked polymeric micelles were formed by ultraviolet (UV) radiation showing that the stability of the micelle could be controlled by the UV crosslinking of the attached thymines. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Telephone peer support for women with gynaecological cancer: recipients' perspectives
Authors: Pistrang Nancy , Jay Zara , Gessler Sue , Barker Chris
Published: July 2011

Objective

Peer support is much valued by cancer patients. Previous research has focused on support groups, typically for women with breast cancer; little has addressed one‐to‐one support. This qualitative study examined a telephone‐delivered one‐to‐one peer support intervention for women with gynaecological cancer, focusing on recipients' experiences of process and outcome.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 24 women recently treated for gynaecological cancer who had received peer support for up to a 3‐month period. Transcripts were analysed thematically using the ‘Framework’ approach.

Results

Six key components of the peer support process were identified: an emotional bond, empathy, talking openly, reciprocity, information and guidance, and humour. Their importance was highlighted by cases in which they were absent or problematic. Participants described several benefits, for example hope and confidence, making sense of the illness experience and rebuilding one's life. However, one‐third reported limited or no benefits, although there was no evidence of adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

One‐to‐one telephone peer support shares common features with support groups but is uniquely dependent on an effective working relationship between the support provider and recipient. Peer support can address the disease‐ and treatment‐specific concerns of women with gynaecological cancer, as well as the adaptive tasks of recovery faced by cancer survivors. Further research needs to examine who is more or less likely to benefit from one‐to‐one peer support and which parameters of the intervention, such as duration and matching, influence its effectiveness. Patient‐relevant outcomes should be included in future controlled trials. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors associated with attrition from a randomized controlled trial of meaning‐centered group psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Applebaum Allison J. , Lichtenthal Wendy G. , Pessin Hayley A. , Radomski Julia N. , Simay Gökbayrak N. , Katz Aviva M. , Rosenfeld Barry , Breitbart William
Published: July 2011

Objective

The generalizability of palliative care intervention research is often limited by high rates of study attrition. This study examined factors associated with attrition from a randomized controlled trial comparing meaning‐centered group psychotherapy (MCGP), an intervention designed to help advanced cancer patients sustain or enhance their sense of meaning to the supportive group psychotherapy (SGP), a standardized support group.

Methods

Patients with advanced solid tumor cancers (n = 153) were randomized to eight sessions of either the MCGP or SGP. They completed assessments of psychosocial, spiritual, and physical well‐being pretreatment, midtreatment, and 2 months post‐treatment. Attrition was assessed in terms of the percent of participants who failed to complete these assessments, and demographic, psychiatric, medical, and study‐related correlates of attrition were examined for the participants in each of these categories.

Results

The rates of attrition at these time points were 28.1%, 17.7%, and 11.1%, respectively; 43.1% of the participants (66 of 153) completed the entire study. The most common reason for dropout was patients feeling too ill. Attrition rates did not vary significantly between study arms. The participants who dropped out pretreatment reported less financial concerns than post‐treatment dropouts, and the participants who dropped out of the study midtreatment had poorer physical health than treatment completers. There were no other significant associations between attrition and any demographic, medical, psychiatric, or study‐related variables.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the challenge of maintaining advanced cancer patients in longitudinal research and suggest the need to consider alternative approaches (e.g., telemedicine) for patients who might benefit from group interventions but are too ill to travel. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Systemic and Dermal Toxicity and Dermal Photoprotection by Sour Cherry Kernels
Authors: Bak Istvan , Czompa Attila , Csepanyi Evelin , Juhasz Bela , Kalantari Heibatullah , Najm Khadija , Aghel Nasreen , Varga Balazs , Haines David D. , Tosaki Arpad
Published: July 2011

The present report describes outcomes of animal studies conducted to determine the systemic and dermal toxicity of Prunus cerasus (sour cherry) seed kernel contents; and a separate evaluation of the photoprotective capacity of the kernel oil fraction. B6 mice and Hartley guinea‐pigs were used for these experiments. Dosage groups of 6–8 animals were administered whole kernel meal in a dose range of 0–3000 mg/kg by gavage for 8 days, following which they were killed. The liver and kidney weights were recorded and histological examination performed on sections of these organs. Kidney function was assessed as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and liver function by measurement of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase.

Dermal toxicity was evaluated in a Hartley guinea‐pig model by comparing UVB‐irradiated shaved skin to which the kernel oil had been applied with distilled water controls.

In conclusion, no evidence of toxicity was observed to result from the consumption or dermal application of sour cherry seed kernel in the dose range at which it is likely to be used in foods or healthcare. Moreover, it was shown to have a powerful capacity to protect skin from UV damage. These results suggest it will prove to be a highly safe and effective addition to a wide range of products for general use. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
COMPARISON OF INTERANNUAL VARIABILITY MODES AND TRENDS OF SEASONAL PRECIPITATION AND STREAMFLOW IN SOUTHERN QUEBEC (CANADA)
Authors: Assani A. A. , Landry R. , Laurencelle M.
Published: July 2011

The interactions between precipitation, streamflow and groundwater are very complex. In cold temperate regions characterized by harsh winters, winter streamflow is mainly derived from aquifers that are recharged in the spring, during snowmelt, and in the fall, when evapotranspiration is subdued. Despite this complexity, the modes and trends in the interannual variability of spring (April, May, June and July) streamflow and fall (August, September, October and November) precipitation and streamflow were compared to the modes and trends in the interannual variability of winter (December, January, February and March) streamflow in southern Quebec from 1950 to 2000. Results indicate that the variability modes are identical for all four of these hydro‐climatic variables: two modes (south‐east and east modes) on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River on either side of the 47°N and a single mode (south‐west mode) on the north shore. As for the trend, a significant increase in winter streamflow was observed on the north shore. This increase is comparable to that observed in spring streamflow, which suggests that winter streamflow on the north shore is mainly derived from groundwater recharge during the spring. Moreover, both spring and winter streamflows are positively correlated to the North Atlantic Oscillation climate index. On the south shore, south of the 47°N, a significant decrease was observed in the trend of the interannual variability of winter streamflow, this in spite of a significant increase in fall precipitation and streamflow. An increase in evaporation (decreased infiltration) due to a shift from forest cover to agricultural land cover in this region could account for this. However, fall precipitation and streamflow and winter streamflow are significantly correlated to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation winter index. This correlation is negative with the first two variables but positive with the third. This study suggests that, in southern Quebec, the interannual variability of winter streamflow is mainly affected by spring recharge in non‐agricultural catchments (east and south‐west modes) and by farming in agricultural catchments (south‐east mode). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SELECTING HYDROLOGIC INDICES FOR THE PRAIRIE PROVINCES
Authors: Beveridge D. , A. Curry R. , St‐Hilaire A.
Published: July 2011

The large and accumulating body of evidence for both the controlling effect of the flow regime on river ecology and for the dependence of river health on the natural flow regime has led to the increasing use of hydrologic indices in instream flow studies. The myriad of collinear hydrologic indices present a daunting challenge to water managers trying to select a manageable number of indices for use in a hydrology‐based environmental flow framework.

In this study, a large number of hydrologic indices were calculated from gauging sites in the prairie provinces of Canada. Principal component analysis (PCA) and two rank‐based non‐parametric techniques are compared in their ability to select a small number of statistically informative indices. Despite the data being skewed and far from normal, PCA and the non‐parametric technique called BioEnv + stepwise (BEST) both led to similar interpretations and could identify a small number of indices that capture a majority of the statistical variability. BEST selected indices more evenly from among conceptual categories of flow than PCA. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anharmonic molecular force fields
Authors: Császár Attila G.
Published: July 2011

An anharmonic force field is defined as a higher‐order Taylor‐series expansion of the molecular potential energy surface (PES) around a reference geometry, usually chosen to be an equilibrium structure. Force field expansions provide excellent local approximations to PESs, one of the most important theoretical constructs of chemistry. This review deals principally with the definition and physical interpretation of anharmonic molecular force fields, their determination via techniques of electronic structure theory, their transformation among different rectilinear and curvilinear representations, and their utilization. Physical and technical factors leading to more precise and more accurate force fields are also discussed. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Reliability of Determining and Measuring Acromial Enthesophytes
Authors: Baumgarten Keith M. , Carey James L. , Abboud Joseph A. , Jones Grant L. , Kuhn John E. , Wolf Brian R. , Brophy Robert H. , Cox Charles L. , Wright Rick W. , Vidal Armando F. , Ma C. Benjamin , McCarty Eric C. , Holloway G. Brian , Spencer Edwin E. , Dunn Warren R.
Published: July 2011

Background

Although the reliability of determining acromial morphology has been examined, to date, there has not been an analysis of interobserver and intraobserver reliability on determining the presence and measuring the size of an acromial enthesophyte.

Questions/Purposes

The hypothesis of this study was that there will be poor intraobserver and interobserver reliability in the (1) determination of the presence of an acromial enthesophyte, (2) determination of the size of an acromial enthesophyte, and (3) determination of acromial morphology.

Patients and Methods

Fifteen fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder surgeons reviewed the radiographs of 15 patients at two different intervals. Measurement of acromial enthesophytes was performed using two techniques: (1) enthesophyte length and (2) enthesophyte–humeral distance. Acromial morphology was also determined. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement was determined using intraclass correlation and kappa statistical methods.

Results

The interobserver reliability was fair to moderate and the intraobserver reliability moderate for determining the presence of an acromial enthesophyte. The measurement of the enthesophyte length showed poor interobserver and intraobserver reliability. The measurement of the enthesophyte–humeral distance showed poor interobserver reliability and moderate intraobserver reliability. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability in determining acromial morphology was found to be moderate and good, respectively.

Conclusions

There is fair to moderate reliability among fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons in determining the presence of an acromial enthesophyte. However, there is poor reliability among observers in measuring the size of the enthesophyte. This study suggests that the enthesophyte–humeral distance may be more reliable than the enthesophyte length when measuring the size of the enthesophyte.
Use of the Universal Clamp in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis for deformity correction and as an adjunct to fusion: 2-year follow-up
Authors: Sale de Gauzy Jérôme , Jouve Jean-Luc , Accadbled Franck , Blondel Benjamin , Bollini Gérard
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Among posterior surgical techniques for treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), hybrid constructs with pedicle-screw fixation in the lumbar spine and other anchors in the thoracic spine have been reported to provide to be of more physiological value in postoperative thoracic kyphosis than all-screw constructs. The Universial Clamp (UC) equipped with a soft sublaminar band is a relatively new thoracic anchor that can be used in hybrid constructs. A dedicated reduction tool that applies traction to the sublaminar band permits gentle translation of the thoracic curve to the precontoured fusion rods, which have been previously anchored distally by pedicle screws and proximally by hooks in a claw configuration. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiographic results of AIS treatment using UC hybrid constructs.

Methods

This was a prospective case series in which 29 consecutive patients with Lenke type 1, 2 or 3 AIS operated on by two surgeons in two centers were followed for 24 months. Necessity for anterior release was an exclusion criterion.

Results

A total of 5.4 ± 1.4 UCs were used per patient. The major thoracic curve was reduced from 55 ± 7° to 14 ± 6° at 1 month and 17 ± 6° at 24 months (correction 70%) without complications. In the patients who had less than 20° of T5–T12 kyphosis preoperatively, thoracic kyphosis improved from 14 ± 4° to 20 ± 3° at 3 months and 24 ± 9° at 24 months. In the other patients, preoperative thoracic kyphosis (27° ± 6°) was unchanged by the operation.

Conclusion

UC hybrid constructs appear to safely provide satisfying coronal correction while consistently improving thoracic kyphosis in patients who also have preoperative hypokyphosis. We hypothesize that diminution in thoracic kyphosis was consistently avoided due to the straightforward traction of the spine to the fusion rods into which the chosen kyphosis was contoured by the surgeon before applying the reduction tool to the sublaminar bands.
Gonadotropin stimulation: past, present and future
Authors: Lunenfeld Bruno
Published: July 2011

Gonadotropin therapy is so central to infertility treatment that it is easy to overlook the considerable discovery and research that preceded production of the effective and safe products available today. The history underpinning this development spans over 300 years and provides a splendid example of how basic animal experimentation and technological advances have progressed to clinical application. Following the discovery of germ cells in 1677 and realizing, in 1870, that fertilization involved the merging of two cell nuclei, one from the egg and one from sperm, it took another 40 years to discover the interplay between hypothalamus, pituitary and gonads. The potential roles of gonadotropin regulation were discovered in 1927. Gonadotropin, such as pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG), was first introduced for ovarian stimulation in 1930. However, use of PMSG leads to antibody formation, and had to be withdrawn. Following withdrawal of PMSG, human pituitary gonadotropin (HPG) and urinary menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) appeared on the market, and 50 years ago the first child was delivered by our group in 1961 and opened the path to controlled ovarian stimulation. HPG produced good results, but its use came to an end in the late 1980s when it was linked to the development of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD). HMG preparations containing a high percentage of unknown urinary proteins, making quality control almost impossible, were then the only gonadotropins remaining on the market. With the availability of hMG, clomiphene citrate, ergot derivatives, GnRH agonists and antagonists, as well as metformin, algorithms were developed for their optimal utilization and were used for the next four decades. Following the first human IVF baby in 1978 and ICSI in 1991, such procedures became standard practice. The main agents for controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF were gonadotropins and GnRH analogues, with batch to batch consistent gonadotropic preparations; methods could be developed to predict and select the correct dose and the optimal protocol for each patient. We are now seeing the appearance of gonadotropin with sustained action and orally active GnRH analogues as well as orally active molecules capable to stimulate follicle growth and inducing ovulation. These new developments may one day remove the need for the classical gonadotropin in clinical work.
Lobular capillary haemangioma of the nasal cavity during pregnancy
Authors: Delbrouck C , Chamiec M , Hassid S , Ghanooni R
Published: July 2011

Objective:

We report a pregnant patient with a rapidly growing mass within the nasal cavity, which required pre-operative super-selective embolisation and subsequent removal under general anaesthesia after childbirth. We also discuss the clinical, radiological and histological characteristics of lobular capillary haemangioma, and its treatment.

Method:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

Lobular capillary haemangioma is a benign lesion originating in the vascular tissue of skin, mucosa, muscles, glands and bone. These lesions grow rapidly. Nasal localisation is rare. Microtrauma and pregnancy are the most commonly proposed aetiological factors. Reported incidence during pregnancy ranges from less than 2 per cent to approximately 5 per cent. The management of a pregnant woman with such a lesion may be complex, and depends on the severity of symptoms and the status of the pregnancy. Complete surgical excision, with or without pre-operative embolisation, is the treatment of choice.

Conclusion:

This uncommon lesion should be considered in any pregnant patient with a mass in the mouth or nasal cavity.
The symbolization of central approximants in the IPA
Authors: Ball Martin J. , Rahilly Joan
Published: July 2011

Approximants that can be considered weaker versions of voiced fricatives (termed here ‘frictionless continuants’) are poorly served by the IPA in terms of symbolization as compared to semi-vowel approximants. In this paper we survey the central approximants and the symbols and diacritics used to transcribe them; we focus on evidence for the use of non-rhotic frictionless continuants in both natural language (by which we mean non-clinical varieties) and disordered speech; and we suggest some possible unitary symbols for those that currently require the use of a hard-to-read lowering diacritic beneath the symbol for the corresponding voiced fricative.
On clicks in English talk-in-interaction
Authors: Wright Melissa
Published: July 2011

This paper analyses clicks in naturally-occurring English conversation. It demonstrates that regardless of any paralinguistic functions clicks may undertake, their occurrence is orderly and systematic, and intimately tied to the interactional structure of talk. Specifically, clicks are shown to function alongside the phonetic parameters of pitch, articulatory segmental features and voice quality (and the sequential and lexical organisation of talk) to demarcate the onset of new and disjunctive sequences. The methodology employed combines (i) the sequential analysis techniques of Conversation Analysis with (ii) parametric impressionistic and instrumental phonetic investigations. A key feature of this methodology is the study of naturally-occurring conversation rather than intuited or laboratory speech data. The findings in this paper challenge the traditional view that clicks function only paralinguistically in English. They also highlight the fruitfulness of implementing phonetic investigations alongside interactional analyses since such an approach enables previously unobserved patterns in the phonetics-interaction interface to be identified.
The Vindolanda Writing-Tablets (Tabulae Vindolandenses IV, Part 2)
Authors: Bowman A.K. , Thomas J.D. , Tomlin R.S.O.
Published: July 2011

This article contains full editions with commentaries of the second and final instalment of the approximately 37 ink writing-tablets from Vindolanda discovered in the excavation seasons of 2001, 2002 and 2003. The editions are numbered continuously from 870, following the sequence in Tab. Vindol. IV.1, and are grouped in the following categories: Military Document, Letters, Descripta.
Estimate of 2009 H1N1 influenza cases in Shenzhen – the biggest migratory city in China
Authors: XIE X. , LU S. Q. Y. , CHENG J. Q. , CHENG X. W. , XU Z. H. , MOU J. , MEI S. J. , KONG D. F. , WANG X. , LI Y. , FELLMETH G. , MA H. W.
Published: July 2011

The 2009 novel H1N1 influenza pandemic had a significant impact on Shenzhen's population with 2063 laboratory-confirmed human H1N1 cases and five deaths being reported. We used parameters from two population-based surveys and the Shenzhen Influenza Surveillance System to estimate the total number of H1N1 influenza infections in Shenzhen in the 2009 pandemic. The attack rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) in family households was 11·2% (95% CI 9·4–13·0), with 80·2% (95% CI 77·8–82·5) seeking medical care. The ILI attack rate in workers was 38·1% (95% CI 34·3–41·7) with 72·5% (95% CI 66·9–78·0) seeking medical care. The average H1N1 positive rate in individuals reporting ILI and testing by polymerase chain reaction was 22·7%. A total of 611 000–768 000 people, or 4·7–5·9% of the Shenzhen population, are estimated to have experienced H1N1 influenza. The estimated total number of cases of H1N1 is likely to be 330 times greater than the number of laboratory-confirmed cases.
Mixing of CNO-cycled matter in pulsationally and magnetically active massive stars
Authors: Przybilla Norbert , Nieva Maria-Fernanda
Published: July 2011

We report on the abundances of helium, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in a larger sample of Galactic massive stars of ~7-20 M⊙ near the main sequence, composed of apparently normal objects, pulsators of β-Cephei- and SPB-type, and magnetic stars. High-quality spectra are homogeneously analysed using sophisticated non-LTE line-formation and comprehensive analysis strategies. All the stars follow a previously established tight trend in the N/C-N/O ratio and show normal helium abundances, tracing the nuclear path of the CNO-cycles quantitatively. A correlation of the strength of the mixing signature with the presence of magnetic fields is found. In conjunction with low rotation velocities this implies that magnetic breaking is highly efficient for the spin-down of some massive stars. We suggest several objects for follow-up spectropolarimetry, as the mixing signature indicates a possible magnetic nature of these stars.
Interferometric studies of rapid rotators
Authors: Zhao Ming , Monnier John D. , Che Xiao
Published: July 2011

Stellar rotation, like stellar mass and metallicity, is a fundamental property of stars. Rapid rotation distorts the stellar photosphere and affects a star's luminosity, abundances and evolution. It is also linked to stellar wind and mass loss. The distortion of the stellar photosphere due to rapid rotation causes the stellar surface brightness and effective temperature to vary with latitude, leading to a bright pole and a dark equator - a phenomenon known as ‘Gravity Darkening’. Thanks to the development of long baseline optical interferometry in recent years, optical interferometers have resolved the elongation of rapidly rotating stars, and have even imaged a few systems for the first time, directly confirming the gravity darkening effect. In this paper, we review the recent interferometric studies of rapid rotators, particularly the imaging results from CHARA-MIRC. These sub-milliarcsecond resolution observations permit the determination of the inclination, the polar and equatorial radius and temperature, as well as the fractional rotation speed of several rapid rotators with unprecedented precision. The modeling also allows the determination of the true effective temperatures and luminosities of these stars, permitting the investigation of their true locations on the HR diagram. Discrepancies from standard models were also found in some measurements, suggesting the requirement of more sophisticated mechanisms such as non-uniform rotation in the model. These observations have demonstrated that optical interferometry is now sufficiently mature to provide valuable constraints and even model-independent images to shed light on the basic physics of stars.
Effects of fast rotation on the wind of Luminous Blue Variables
Authors: Groh Jose H.
Published: July 2011

While theoretical studies have long suggested a fast-rotating nature of Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs), observational confirmation of fast rotation was not detected until recently. Here I discuss the diagnostics that have allowed us to constrain the rotational velocity of LBVs: broadening of spectral lines and latitude-dependent variations of the wind density structure. While rotational broadening can be directly detected using high-resolution spectroscopy, long-baseline near-infrared interferometry is needed to directly measure the shape of the latitude-dependent photosphere that forms in a fast-rotating star. In addition, complex 2-D radiative transfer models need to be employed if one's goal is to constrain rotational velocities of LBVs. Here I illustrate how the above methods were able to constrain the rotational velocities of the LBVs AG Carinae, HR Carinae, and Eta Carinae.
Discussion – Rapid rotation and mixing in active OB stars
Authors: Peters Geraldine J. , Meynet Georges
Published: July 2011

The general discussion following Session 1: Rapid Rotation and Mixing in Active OB Stars is summarized. Topics that focus on observational and theoretical issues are included.
Radiation driven winds with rotation: the oblate finite disc correction factor
Authors: Araya Ignacio , Curé Michel , Granada Anahí , Cidale Lydia S.
Published: July 2011

We have incorporated the oblate distortion of the shape of the star due to the stellar rotation, which modifies the finite disk correction factor (fD) in the m-CAK hydrodynamical model. We implement a simplified version for the fD allowing us to solve numerically the non–linear m-CAK momentum equation. We solve this model for a classical Be star in the polar and equatorial directions. The star's oblateness modifies the polar wind, which is now much faster than the spherical one, mainly because the wind receives radiation from a larger (than the spherical) stellar surface. In the equatorial direction we obtain slow solutions, which are even slower and denser than the spherical ones. For the case when the stellar rotational velocity is about the critical velocity, the most remarkable result of our calculations is that the density contrast between the equatorial density and the polar one, is about 100. This result could explain a long-standing problem on Be stars.
Where do Be stars stand in the picture of rotational mixing?
Authors: Dunstall Paul R. , Brott Ines , Dufton Philip L. , Evans Chris J.
Published: July 2011

Atmospheric parameters and photospheric abundances have been estimated for 60 Be-type stars located in 4 fields over the Magellanic Clouds. Particular attention has been given to the absolute nitrogen abundances to test theories of rotational mixing, an important factor in the evolutionary status of B-type stars, Hunter et al. (2008). The analysis used the non-LTE atmospheric code TLUSTY and required the implementation of a procedure to compensate for possible contamination due to the presence of a circumstellar disc. Through comparison with evolutionary models of fast rotating B-type stars and projected rotational velocity distributions our results support the theory that Be-type stars are typically faster rotators than B stars, but the measured nitrogen enhancements appear to be significantly less than expected for Be stars rotating with velocities greater than 70% of their critical velocity
Mass loss in 2D rotating stellar models
Authors: Lovekin Catherine , Deupree Robert G.
Published: July 2011

Radiatively driven mass loss is an important factor in the evolution of massive stars. The mass loss rates depend on a number of stellar parameters, including the effective temperature and luminosity. Massive stars are also often rapidly rotating, which affects their structure and evolution. In sufficiently rapidly rotating stars, both the effective temperature and surface flux vary significantly as a function of latitude, and hence mass loss rates can vary appreciably between the poles and the equator. In this work, we discuss the addition of mass loss to a 2D stellar evolution code (ROTORC) and compare evolution sequences with and without mass loss.
Mixing in two magnetic OB stars discovered by the MiMeS collaboration
Authors: Morel Thierry
Published: July 2011

Recent observational and theoretical arguments suggest that magnetic OB stars may suffer more mixing than their non magnetic analogs. We present the results of an NLTE abundance study revealing a lack of CN-cycled material at the surface of two magnetic stars discovered by the MiMeS project (NGC2244 #201 and HD 57682). The existence of a strong magnetic field is therefore not a sufficient condition for deep mixing in main-sequence OB stars.
Observations of magnetic fields in hot stars
Authors: Petit Véronique
Published: July 2011

The presence of magnetic fields at the surfaces of many massive stars has been suspected for decades, to explain the observed properties and activity of OB stars. However, very few genuine high-mass stars had been identified as magnetic before the advent of a new generation of powerful spectropolarimeters that has resulted in a rapid burst of precise information about the magnetic properties of massive stars. During this talk, I will briefly review modern methods used to diagnose magnetic fields of higher-mass stars, and summarize our current understanding of the magnetic properties of OB stars.
Modeling the magnetosphere of the B2Vp star σ Ori E
Authors: Oksala Mary E. , Wade Gregg A. , Townsend Rich H. D. , Kochukhov Oleg , Owocki Stan P.
Published: July 2011

This paper presents results obtained from Stokes I and V spectra of the B2Vp star sigma Ori E, observed by both the Narval and ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeters. Using Least-Squares Deconvolution, we investigate the longitudinal magnetic field at the current epoch, including period analysis exploiting current and historical data. σ Ori E is the prototypical helium-strong star that has been shown to harbor a strong magnetic field, as well as a magnetosphere, consisting of two clouds of plasma forced by magnetic and centrifugal forces to co-rotate with the star on its 1.19 day period. The Rigidly Rotating Magnetosphere (RRM) model of Townsend & Owocki (2005) approximately reproduces the observed variations in longitudinal field strength, photometric brightness, Hα emission, and various other observables. There are, however, small discrepancies between the observations and model in the photometric light curve, which we propose arise from inhomogeneous chemical abundances on the star's surface. Using Magnetic Doppler Imaging (MDI), future work will attempt to identify the contributions to the photometric variation due to abundance spots and due to circumstellar material.
The rapid magnetic rotator HR 7355
Authors: Rivinius Thomas , Townsend Rich H. D. , Štefl Stanislas , Baade Dietrich
Published: July 2011

For early type magnetic stars slow, at most moderate rotational velocities have been considered an observational fact. The detection of a multi-kilogauss magnetic field in the B2Vpn star with P ≈ 0.52 d and v sin i ≈ 300 km/s has brought down this narrative. We have obtained more than 100 high-resolution, high-S/N echelle spectra in 2009. These spectra provide the most detailed description of the variability of any He-strong star to date. The circumstellar environment is dominated by a rotationally locked magnetosphere out to several stellar radii, causing hydrogen emission. The photosphere is characterized by surface chemical abundance inhomogeneities, with much stronger amplitudes, at least for helium, than slower rotating stars like σ Ori E. The highly complex rotational line profile modulations of metal lines are probably a consequence the equatorial gravity darkening of HR 7355, and thus may offer an independent measurement of the von Zeipel parameter β.
Dynamics of fossil magnetic fields in massive star interiors
Authors: Mathis Stéphane
Published: July 2011

In this talk, I review the different MHD processes, which take place in massive star interiors. First, I describe MHD instabilities, which act on magnetic fields in stellar radiation zones, and the dynamo action in massive stars that give strong indications in favor of a fossil origin of the fields observed at the surface of these stars. Then, I discuss the study of MHD turbulent relaxation processes, which are now examined in stellar interiors, to describe initial conditions for fossil magnetic fields. Finally, I focus on the state of the art of the modeling of the interaction between differential rotation, fossil magnetic field, meridional circulation, and turbulence.
Discussion – Winds and magnetic fields of active OB stars
Authors: Bouret Jean-Claude , Cidale Lydia
Published: July 2011

The discussion on winds and magnetic fields of active OB stars was carried out by S. Owoki, G. Wade, M. Cantiello, O. Kochukhov, M. Smith, C. Neiner, T. Rivinius, H. Henrichs and R. Townsend. The topics were the ability to detect small and large scale magnetic fields in massive stars and the need to consider limits on photometric variability of the star surface brightness.
A family of stable configurations to model magnetic fields in stellar radiation zones
Authors: Duez Vincent , Braithwaite Jonathan , Mathis Stéphane
Published: July 2011

We conduct 3D magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations in order to test the stability of the magnetic equilibrium configuration described by Duez & Mathis (2010). This analytically-derived configuration describes the lowest energy state for a given helicity in a stellar radiation zone. The necessity of taking into account the non force-free property of the large-scale, global field is here emphasized. We then show that this configuration is stable. It therefore provides a useful model to initialize the magnetic topology in upcoming MHD simulations and stellar evolution codes taking into account magneto-rotational transport processes.
The slow winds of A-type supergiants
Authors: Granada Anahí , Curé Michel , Cidale Lydia S.
Published: July 2011

The line driven- and rotation modulated-wind theory predicts an alternative slow solution, besides from the standard m-CAK solution, when the rotational velocity is close to the critical velocity. We study the behaviour of the winds of A-type supergiants (Asg) and show that under particular conditions, e.g., when the δ line-force parameter is about 0.25, the slow solution could exist over the whole star, even for the cases when the rotational speed is slow or zero. We discuss density and velocity profiles as well as possible observational conterparts.
Discovery of the most rapidly-rotating, non-degenerate, magnetic massive star by the MiMeS collaboration
Authors: Grunhut Jason H. , Wade Gregg A. , Rivinius Thomas , Marcolino Wagner L. F. , Townsend Richard H.D. ,   the MiMeS Collaboration
Published: July 2011

We discuss the recent detection of a strong, organized magnetic field in the bright, broad-line B2V star, HD 142184, using the ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter on the CFHT as part of the Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) survey. We find a rotational period of 0.50833 days, making it the fastest-rotating, non-degenerate magnetic star ever detected. Like the previous rapid-rotation record holder HR 7355 (also discovered by MiMeS: Oksala et al. 2010, Rivinius et al. 2010), this star shows emission line variability that is diagnostic of a structured magnetosphere.
Line Profile microvariability and wind structure for OB stars
Authors: Kholtygin Alexander F. , Fabrika Sergei N. , Sudnik Natalia P.
Published: July 2011

We report the results of a search for line profile variability (LPV) in the spectra of OB stars. The wavelets were used for looking for the irregular LPV in spectra of program stars. We connect the appearance of irregular details in the LPV with the formation and dissipation of the small-scale substructures (clumps) in the wind.
The search for magnetic fields in mercury-manganese stars
Authors: Makaganiuk Vitalii , Kochukhov Oleg , Piskunov Nikolai , Jeffers Sandra V. , Johns-Krull Christopher M. , Keller Christoph U. , Rodenhuis Michiel , Snik Frans , Stempels Henricus C. , Valenti Jeff A.
Published: July 2011

Mercury-manganese (HgMn) stars were considered to be non-magnetic, showing no evidence of surface spots. However, recent investigations revealed that some stars in this class possess an inhomogeneous distribution of chemical elements on their surfaces. According to our current understanding, the most probable mechanism of spot formation involves magnetic fields. Taking the advantage of a newly-built polarimeter attached to the HARPS spectrometer at the ESO 3.6m-telescope, we performed a high-precision spectropolarimetric survey of a large group of HgMn stars. The main purpose of this study was to find out how typical it is for HgMn stars to have weak magnetic fields. We report no magnetic field detection for any of the studied objects, with a typical precision of the longitudinal field measurements of 10 G and down to 1 Gauss for some of the stars. We conclude that HgMn stars lack large-scale magnetic fields typical of spotted magnetic Ap stars and probably lack any fields capable of creating and sustaining chemical spots. Our study confirms that alongside the magnetically altered atomic diffusion, there must be other structure formation mechanism operating in the atmospheres of late-B main sequence stars.