bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of control strategies using the benchmark simulation model No1 (BSM1)
Authors: Flores-Alsina Xavier , Rodriguez-Roda Ignasi , Sin Gürkan , Gernaey Krist V.
Published: February 2009

The objective of this paper is to perform an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of the predictions of the Benchmark Simulation Model (BSM) No. 1, when comparing four activated sludge control strategies. The Monte Carlo simulation technique is used to evaluate the uncertainty in the BSM1 predictions, considering the ASM1 bio-kinetic parameters and influent fractions as input uncertainties while the Effluent Quality Index (EQI) and the Operating Cost Index (OCI) are focused on as model outputs. The resulting Monte Carlo simulations are presented using descriptive statistics indicating the degree of uncertainty in the predicted EQI and OCI. Next, the Standard Regression Coefficients (SRC) method is used for sensitivity analysis to identify which input parameters influence the uncertainty in the EQI predictions the most. The results show that control strategies including an ammonium (SNH) controller reduce uncertainty in both overall pollution removal and effluent total Kjeldahl nitrogen. Also, control strategies with an external carbon source reduce the effluent nitrate (SNO) uncertainty increasing both their economical cost and variability as a trade-off. Finally, the maximum specific autotrophic growth rate (μA) causes most of the variance in the effluent for all the evaluated control strategies. The influence of denitrification related parameters, e.g. ηg (anoxic growth rate correction factor) and ηh (anoxic hydrolysis rate correction factor), becomes less important when a SNO controller manipulating an external carbon source addition is implemented.
Longitudinal Construct Validity of the GMFM-88 Total Score and Goal Total Score and the GMFM-66 Score in a 5-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Lundkvist Josenby Annika , Jarnlo Gun-Britt , Gummesson Christina , Nordmark Eva
Published: February 2009

Background

The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is the instrument most commonly used to measure gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Different scoring options have been developed, and their measurement properties have been assessed. Limited information is available regarding longitudinal construct validity.

Objective

The objective of this research was to study the longitudinal construct validity of 3 scoring options: the 88-item GMFM (GMFM-88) total, the GMFM-88 goal total, and the 66-item GMFM (GMFM-66).

Design

A clinical measurement design was used in this study.

Methods

Forty-one children with CP diplegia who were undergoing selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) were monitored with the GMFM for 5 years. The mean age at SDR was 4.4 years (range=2.5–6.6). Two subgroups for gross motor function before surgery were created according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS): GMFCS levels I to III and GMFCS levels IV and V. This study included results obtained before SDR and at 6, 12, and 18 months and 3 and 5 years after SDR. The effect size (ES) and the standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated.

Results

At 6 months postoperatively, ES and SRM values were small (≤0.5) for all GMFM scoring options. The GMFM-88 total and goal total scores showed large changes in ES values (range=0.8–0.9) and SRM values (range=0.9–1.3) at 12 months postoperatively, whereas the GMFM-66 scores showed lower ES values (range=0.3–0.4) and SRM values (range=0.7–0.8) for both subgroups. Later postoperatively, larger values for longitudinal construct validity were found. The ES and SRM values generally were lower for the GMFM-66 scores than for the GMFM-88 total and goal total scores.

Limitations

All children underwent an extensive intervention, and changes in gross motor function were expected.

Conclusion

All 3 scoring options showed large longitudinal construct validity in the long-term follow-up. The GMFM-88 total and goal total scores revealed large changes in gross motor function earlier postoperatively than the GMFM-66 scores.
Reversal of neurological deficit after chemotherapy in BCL-6–positive neurolymphomatosis
Authors: Peruzzi Pierpaolo , Ray-Chaudhuri Abhik , Slone Wayne H. , Mekhjian Hagop S. , Porcu Pierluigi , Chiocca E. Antonio
Published: February 2009

Neurolymphomatosis, the infiltration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) by malignant lymphatic cells, is a rare condition whose prognosis and treatment are not fully characterized. The authors report the case of a 69-year-old, previously healthy man who had a 1-month history of progressive pain in his right arm and associated weakness of several muscles of the right upper extremity when they first examined him. Initial MR imaging of the right brachial plexus showed no abnormalities, but over 3 months, symptoms gradually progressed to almost complete plegia of his right upper extremity. Subsequent MR imaging of his right brachial plexus showed an enhancing mass of the posterior cord of the plexus that encroached on the other cords. Positron emission tomography confirmed the presence of a hypermetabolic lesion in the right axillary region and also detected an asymptomatic hot spot in the gastric wall. Biopsy of the gastric lesion demonstrated a CD20+, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that was immunohistochemically positive for BCL-6 and negative for p16. The patient underwent 6 cycles of dose-adjusted etoposide-vincristine-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide-prednisone (EPOCH) and rituximab, intermixed with 3 cycles of high-dose intravenous and intrathecal methotrexate, and followed by 6 monthly doses of rituximab for consolidation. Follow-up MR imaging and PET of the plexus showed complete radiological response after 3 months of treatment, as demonstrated by normalization of brachial plexus caliber, contrast enhancement, and metabolic activity.

Twenty-eight months after symptom onset and 20 months after beginning therapy, the patient was disease-free, had recovered most upper extremity neurological function, and had only minimal remaining weakness of the right wrist and finger extension.
Characterization of functional outcome and quality of life following subarachnoid hemorrhage in patients treated with and without nicardipine prolonged-release implants
Authors: Barth Martin , Thomé Claudius , Schmiedek Peter , Weiss Christel , Kasuya Hidetoshi , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: February 2009

Object

The use of nicardipine prolonged-release implants (NPRIs) is associated with a significant improvement in the therapy of patients suffering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) regarding the occurrence and severity of cerebral vasospasm, new infarcts, and functional outcome (FO). Because quality of life (QOL) measurements more reliably seem to describe the patient's true condition, the present study was conducted to assess FO and QOL 1 year after aneurysm rupture in patients with and without NPRIs.

Methods

From the initial series of 32 patients, 18 were assessed 1 year after aSAH (7 of the control and 11 of the NPRI group). The patients underwent neurological investigation, a structured interview followed by a measurement of QOL (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]; 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]; and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). There were no intergroup differences in the patient characteristics (that is, localization of aneurysm, initial Hunt and Hess grade, or age).

Results

In addition to the previously reported improvement of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale scores, the NPRI group's Karnofsky Performance Scale and the MMSE scores were markedly to significantly improved (p < 0.05 [Karnofsky Performance Scale] and p = 0.053 [MMSE]). In contrast, anxiety, oblivion, and mild symptoms of depression were equally present in both study groups (p = 0.607 [anxiety]; p = 0.732 [oblivion]; and p = 0.509 [Hamilton Depression Rating Scale]). Furthermore, no intergroup differences were observed in any of the SF-36 domains. The scores in the SF-36 domains of Role-Physical, Vitality, and Role-Emotional were significantly reduced in the NRPI group compared with those observed in an age-matched control population (p < 0.001 [Role-Physical]; p = 0.001 [vitality]; and p = 0.01 [Role-Emotional]). Considering consequent costs, no difference was detectable regarding the duration of in- and outpatient rehabilitation (p = 0.135 and 0.171, respectively) or the Prolo score (p = 0.094).

Conclusions

Despite FO improvement in terms of a lower incidence of cerebral vasospasm, new infarcts, morbidity in the treatment of aSAH in patients with NPRIs, a patient's QOL seems to be related to the severity of the aSAH itself.
Parasite Zoonoses and Wildlife: Emerging Issues
Authors: Thompson R.C. Andrew , Kutz Susan J. , Smith Andrew
Published: February 2009

The role of wildlife as important sources, reservoirs and amplifiers of emerging human and domestic livestock pathogens, in addition to well recognized zoonoses of public health significance, has gained considerable attention in recent years. However, there has been little attention given to the transmission and impacts of pathogens of human origin, particularly protozoan, helminth and arthropod parasites, on wildlife. Substantial advances in molecular technologies are greatly improving our ability to follow parasite flow among host species and populations and revealing valuable insights about the interactions between cycles of transmission. Here we present several case studies of parasite emergence, or risk of emergence, in wildlife, as a result of contact with humans or anthropogenic activities. For some of these parasites, there is growing evidence of the serious consequences of infection on wildlife survival, whereas for others, there is a paucity of information about their impact.
Methyl Carbonium Ion Migration during the Reaction of 4-Chloro-5-methoxyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone with Trifluoroethylation Agents
Authors: Li Qin , Lin Guichun , Liu Li , Yang Zhenjun , Zhang Li-He
Published: February 2009

To synthesize 4-chloro-5-methoxy-2-(b-trifluoroethyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone (4), the reactions of 4-chloro-5-methoxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone (5) with RCH2CF3 (R = I, TsO, MsO, TfO) in different solvents were studied. It was found that methyl group migration took place during this reaction. An oxonium salt 9 was suggested as the active intermediate for the formation of the byproduct4-chloro-5-methoxy-2-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone (7) and 4-chloro-2-methyl-5-(b-trifluoroethoxy)-3(2)-pyridazinone(8).
Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks Using an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) Router Chip
Authors: Okdem Selcuk , Karaboga Dervis
Published: February 2009

Wireless Sensor Networks consisting of nodes with limited power are deployed to gather useful information from the field. In WSNs it is critical to collect the information in an energy efficient manner. Ant Colony Optimization, a swarm intelligence based optimization technique, is widely used in network routing. A novel routing approach using an Ant Colony Optimization algorithm is proposed for Wireless Sensor Networks consisting of stable nodes. Illustrative examples, detailed descriptions and comparative performance test results of the proposed approach are included. The approach is also implemented to a small sized hardware component as a router chip. Simulation results show that proposed algorithm provides promising solutions allowing node designers to efficiently operate routing tasks.
Passive and Self-Powered Autonomous Sensors for Remote Measurements
Authors: Sardini Emilio , Serpelloni Mauro
Published: February 2009

Autonomous sensors play a very important role in the environmental, structural, and medical fields. The use of this kind of systems can be expanded for several applications, for example in implantable devices inside the human body where it is impossible to use wires. Furthermore, they enable measurements in harsh or hermetic environments, such as under extreme heat, cold, humidity or corrosive conditions. The use of batteries as a power supply for these devices represents one solution, but the size, and sometimes the cost and unwanted maintenance burdens of replacement are important drawbacks. In this paper passive and self-powered autonomous sensors for harsh or hermetical environments without batteries are discussed. Their general architectures are presented. Sensing strategies, communication techniques and power management are analyzed. Then, general building blocks of an autonomous sensor are presented and the design guidelines that such a system must follow are given. Furthermore, this paper reports different proposed applications of autonomous sensors applied in harsh or hermetic environments: two examples of passive autonomous sensors that use telemetric communication are proposed, the first one for humidity measurements and the second for high temperatures. Other examples of self-powered autonomous sensors that use a power harvesting system from electromagnetic fields are proposed for temperature measurements and for airflow speeds.
A Contextual Fire Detection Algorithm for Simulated HJ-1B Imagery
Authors: Qian Yonggang , Yan Guangjian , Duan Sibo , Kong Xiangsheng
Published: February 2009

The HJ-1B satellite, which was launched on September 6, 2008, is one of the small ones placed in the constellation for disaster prediction and monitoring. HJ-1B imagery was simulated in this paper, which contains fires of various sizes and temperatures in a wide range of terrestrial biomes and climates, including RED, NIR, MIR and TIR channels. Based on the MODIS version 4 contextual algorithm and the characteristics of HJ-1B sensor, a contextual fire detection algorithm was proposed and tested using simulated HJ-1B data. It was evaluated by the probability of fire detection and false alarm as functions of fire temperature and fire area. Results indicate that when the simulated fire area is larger than 45 m2 and the simulated fire temperature is larger than 800 K, the algorithm has a higher probability of detection. But if the simulated fire area is smaller than 10 m2, only when the simulated fire temperature is larger than 900 K, may the fire be detected. For fire areas about 100 m2, the proposed algorithm has a higher detection probability than that of the MODIS product. Finally, the omission and commission error were evaluated which are important factors to affect the performance of this algorithm. It has been demonstrated that HJ-1B satellite data are much sensitive to smaller and cooler fires than MODIS or AVHRR data and the improved capabilities of HJ-1B data will offer a fine opportunity for the fire detection.
The Aerobic Oxidative Cleavage of Lignin to Produce Hydroxyaromatic Benzaldehydes and Carboxylic Acids via Metal/Bromide Catalysts in Acetic Acid/Water Mixtures
Authors: Partenheimer Walt
Published: February 2009

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Roughly 30% of all woody plants is composed of lignin. Five different lignin samples, from wood and bagasse, were oxidized in air with a cobalt/manganese/zirconium/bromide (Co/Mn/Zr/Br) catalyst in acetic acid as a function of time, temperature, pressure, and lignin and catalyst concentrations. 18 products were identified via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The most valuable products from lignin were 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin), 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzoic acid (vanillic acid), 4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxybenzaldehyde (syringaldehyde) and 4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxybenzoic acid (syringic acid). 10.9 wt% of the lignin was converted to the aromatic products. By the use of model compounds we demonstrate that 1) the presence of the phenolic functionality on an aromatic ring does inhibit the rate of reaction but that the alkyl group on the ring still does oxidize to the carboxylic acid, 2) that the masking of phenol by acetylation occurs at a reasonable rate in acetic acid, 3) that the alkyl group of the masked phenol does very readily oxidize, 4) that an acetic anhydride/acetic acid mixture is a good oxidation solvent and 5) that a two‐step acetylation/oxidation to the carboxylic acid is feasible.
Atypical X‐chromosome inactivation in an X;1 translocation patient demonstrating Xq28 functional disomy
Authors: Cottrell Catherine E. , Sommer Annemarie , Wenger Gail D. , Bullard Steven , Busch Tamara , Krahn Katherine Nash , Lidral Andrew C. , Gastier‐Foster Julie M.
Published: February 2009

X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an epigenetic process used to regulate gene dosage in mammalian females by silencing genes on one X‐chromosome. While the pattern of XCI is typically random in normal females, abnormalities of the X‐chromosome may result in skewing due to disadvantaged cell growth. We describe a female patient with an X;1 translocation [46,X,t(X;1)(q28;q21)] and unusual pattern of XCI who demonstrates functional disomy of the Xq28 region distal to the translocation breakpoint. There was complete skewing of XCI in the patient, along with the atypical findings of an active normal X chromosome and an inactive derivative X. Characterization of the translocation revealed that the patient's Xq28 breakpoint interrupts the DKC1 gene. Molecular analysis of the breakpoint region revealed functional disomy of Xq28 genes distal to DKC1. We propose that atypical XCI occurred in the patient due to a post‐inactivation cell selection mechanism likely initiated by disruption of DKC1. As a result, the pattern of XCI is opposite that of the expected for an X;autosome translocation. Therefore, we suggest the phenotypic abnormalities found in the patient are a result of functional disomy in the Xq28 region. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic association studies of methamphetamine use disorders: A systematic review and synthesis
Authors: Bousman Chad A. , Glatt Stephen J. , Everall Ian P. , Tsuang Ming T.
Published: February 2009

Efforts to understand the biological processes that increase susceptibility to methamphetamine (METH) use disorders (i.e., abuse, dependence, and psychosis) have uncovered several putative genotypic variants. However, to date a synthesis of this information has not been conducted. Thus, systematic searches of the current literature were undertaken for genetic‐association studies of METH use disorders. Each gene's chromosomal location, function, and examined polymorphic markers were extracted. Frequencies, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for risk alleles, as well as sample size and power, were calculated. We uncovered 38 studies examining 39 genes, of which 18 were found to have a significant genotypic, allelic, and/or haplotypic association with METH use disorders. Three genes (COMT,DRD4, andGABRA1) were associated with METH abuse, nine (ARRB2,BDNF,CYP2D6,GLYT1,GSTM1,GSTP1,PDYN,PICK1, andSLC22A3) with METH dependence, two (AKT1andGABRG2) with METH abuse/dependence, and four (DTNBP1,OPRM1,SNCA, andSOD2) with METH psychosis. Limitations related to phenotypic classification, statistical power, and potential publication bias in the current literature were noted. Similar to other behavioral, psychiatric, and substance use disorders, the genetic epidemiology of METH use disorders is complex and likely polygenic. National and international collaborative efforts are needed to increase the availability of large population‐based samples and improve upon the power to detect genetic associations of small magnitude. Further, replication of the findings reviewed here along with further development of more rigorous methodologies and reporting protocols will aid in delineating the complex genetic epidemiology of METH use disorders. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Highly Sensitive Determination of microRNA Using Target‐Primed and Branched Rolling‐Circle Amplification
Authors: Cheng Yongqiang , Zhang Xian , Li Zhengping , Jiao Xiaoxia , Wang Yucong , Zhang Yali
Published: February 2009

Schon ein unterschiedliches Nucleotid in Mikro‐RNAs (miRNAs) wird in einem Assay erfasst, der auf verzweigter Rolling‐Circle‐Amplifizierung (BRCA) und einer Fluoreszenzquantifizierungstechnik beruht. Die Methode diskriminiert miRNA schon ab Konzentrationen von 10 fM und kann miRNA in RNA‐Proben von wenigen Nanogramm bestimmen.

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Suboxide mit komplexen Anionen: das Suboxoindat Cs9InO4
Authors: Hoch Constantin , Bender Johannes , Simon Arndt
Published: February 2009

Gesalzenes Metall: Im Suboxometallat Cs9InO4 liegen metallische Caesium‐Säulen (im Bild blau) neben ionischen Oxoindat(III)‐Säulen vor. Die Chemie der Suboxide ist damit um Strukturen mit komplexen Anionen erweitert.

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Controlled release of naproxen from sodium alginate and poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate blend beads crosslinked with glutaraldehyde
Authors: Şanlı Oya , Solak Ebru Kondolot
Published: February 2009

In this study, polymeric beads of sodium alginate (NaAlg) and its blend with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (2.5% v/v) and hydrochloric acid (3% v/v) for the release of naproxen sodium (NS). The prepared beads were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and pictures of the beads were determined with an optic microscope. The release studies were carried out at three pH values (1.2, 6.8, and 7.4) for 2 h. The effects of the preparation conditions, including the PVA/NaAlg (w/w) ratio, drug/polymer (w/w) ratio, and time of exposure to the crosslinker, on the release of NS were investigated for 10 h at 37°C. The release of NS decreased with the PVA/NaAlg (w/w) ratio and drug/polymer ratio increasing. At the end of 10 h, the highest release of NS was found to be 84% for the 1/2 PVA/NaAlg (w/w) ratio. The swelling measurements of the beads supported the release results. The release kinetics were described with Fickian and non‐Fickian approaches. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
New fluorene–pyrazino[2,3‐g]quinoxaline‐conjugated copolymers: Synthesis, optoelectronic properties, and electroluminescence characteristics
Authors: Cheng Kai‐Fang , Lai Mei‐Hsiu , Wang Chih‐Feng , Wu Wen‐Chung , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: February 2009

New donor–acceptor conjugated copolymers called poly}2,7‐(9,9′‐dihexylfluorene)‐co‐5,10‐[pyrazino(2,3‐g)quinoxaline]{s or PFPQs [where F represents the 2,7‐(9,9′‐dihexylfluorene) moiety and PQ represents the 5,10‐(pyrazino[2,3‐g]quinoxaline) moiety], synthesized by the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction, are reported. The PQ contents in the PFPQ copolymers were 0.3, 1, 5, and 50 mol %, and the resulting copolymers were named PFPQ0.3, PFPQ01, PFPQ05, and PFPQ50, respectively. Absorption spectra showed a progressive redshift as the PQ acceptor content increased. The relatively small optical band gap of 2.08 eV for PFPQ50 suggested strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) between the F and PQ moieties. The photoluminescence emission peaks of the PFPQ copolymer films also exhibited a large redshift with enhanced PQ contents, ranging from 551 nm for PFPQ0.3 to 592 nm for PFPQ50. However, the PFPQ copolymer based electroluminescence (EL) devices showed poor device performances probably due to the strong confinement of the electrons in the PQ moiety or significant ICT. This problem was resolved with a binary blend of poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)] (PF) and PFPQ with a volume ratio of 95/5 (BPQ05). Multiple emission peaks were observed at 421, 444, 480, 516, and 567 nm in the BPQ05‐based EL devices because the low PQ content led to incomplete energy transfer. The Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage 1931 coordinates of the BPQ05‐based EL device were (0.31, 0.32), which were very close to the standard white emission of (0.33, 0.33). Furthermore, the maximum luminescence intensity and luminescence yield were 524 cd/m2 and 0.33 cd/A, respectively. This study suggested that a pure white light emission was achieved with the PFPQ copolymers or PF/PFPQ blends through the control of the energy transfer between F and PQ. Such PFPQ copolymers or PF/PFPQ blends would be interesting for electronic and optoelectronic devices. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of polymerized soybean oil and soy‐based polyols
Authors: Lozada Zuleica , Suppes Galen J. , Hsieh Fu‐Hung , Lubguban Arnold , Tu Yuan‐Chan
Published: February 2009

In the absence of polymerization, soy‐based polyols tend to have inadequate hydroxyl equivalent molecular weights for many critical urethane applications. In this article, the polymerization (bodying) of soybean oil is presented as an effective method to increase the molecular weight of soy‐based polyols. When bodying is combined with reaction steps for alcohol addition and acid reduction, soy‐based polyols suitable for urethane applications can be synthesized. Two different heat‐polymerization approaches, catalyzed‐ and noncatalyzed‐bodied soybean oil (BSBO) were evaluated in continuous and batch processing. The catalyzed‐BSBO has lower iodine numbers and high viscosities than the noncatalyzed‐BSBO. This approach represents one of the least‐costly means to increase the hydroxyl equivalent weights of soy‐based polyols. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis of some new 2‐[(2,3‐dihydroinden‐1‐ylidene) hydrazinyl]‐4‐methylthiazole derivatives for simultaneous dyeing and finishing for UV protective cotton fabrics
Authors: Abdel‐Wahab Bakr F. , Gaffer H. E. , Fouda Moustafa M. G. , Osman E. M. , Fahmy H. M.
Published: February 2009

Several 2‐[1‐(1,2‐dihydroinden‐3‐ylidene) hydrazono]‐5‐aryldiazo‐4‐methyl‐1,3‐thiazoles were synthesized by reaction of 1‐(1,2‐Dihydroinden‐3‐ylidene) thiosemicarbazide with different hydrazonyl chlorides. The products are water insoluble and UV absorbers, expressed UPF‐rating values, and their H2O/DMF solutions were used in simultaneous dyeing and resin finishing of cotton fabrics. Results obtained show that finishing of cotton samples in presence of any of that dyes, irrespective of dye concentration, brings about an improvement in percent nitrogen, wrinkle recovery angle (WRA), dyeability, and UV protection rating values along with slight decrease of tensile strength (TS) compared with the untreated samples. Irrespective of dye structure, increasing the dye concentration from 0.5 and up to 1.7% results in an improvement in the percent nitrogen, TS and a remarkable improvement in both the dyeability, UPF‐rating values along with slight decrease in WRA and lower fastness properties of the treated fabrics. The treated fabrics was characterized using energy dispersive X‐ray analysis indicating the entrapped dye within the fabric structure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thermal and fire degradation of recycled and polluted polypropylene‐based materials
Authors: Delaval Damien , Casetta Mathilde , Delobel Rene , Traisnel Michel , Guillet Jacques , Raveyre Claude , Bourbigot Serge
Published: February 2009

In this study, the effect of processing cycles and two pollutants (engine oil (HM) and ethylene glycol (EG)) on the thermal and rheological properties of polypropylene‐based materials (108MF97 and 7510) has been studied. It was investigated if polymers coming from bumper face bar could keep their properties and can be reused after recycling. The different results demonstrate that the two polymers that were polluted and recycled do not show any decrease of their intrinsic properties. Moreover, for one of the two polymers (108MF97), the presence of engine oil enables to increase the thermal stability and reaction to fire. Finally, it appears that the reuse of such polymers is possible. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Dynamic mechanical properties and morphological structure of PS/EPDM blends prepared by in situ‐polymerization of styrene
Authors: Lourenço Emerson , Gonçalves Maria do Carmo , Felisberti Maria Isabel
Published: February 2009

PS/EPDM blends prepared by in situ‐polymerization of styrene in the presence of EPDM are immiscible and show two phases. Furthermore, the dynamic mechanical behavior of injected specimens is quite different from that of noninjected blends. This is attributed to the differences in morphology before and after injection molding. The morphology of the noninjected blends consists of PS spherical domains covered by a thin layer of EPDM, whereas the injected blends show elastomeric dispersed phase morphology in a rigid matrix. SEM analysis was important to elucidate the changes in the dynamic mechanical behavior of PS/EPDM blends, but TEM analysis is more precise for morphological characterization and yielded the real average diameter of EPDM particles. Comparing the average diameters for the PS/EPDM blends obtained from SEM and TEM analyses, the diameters obtained from the SEM analysis are wider than those of TEM which is due to the solvent extraction effect on the blend morphology. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Are circle hooks effective in reducing incidental captures of loggerhead sea turtles in a Mediterranean longline fishery?
Authors: Piovano Susanna , Swimmer Yonat , Giacoma Cristina
Published: February 2009

A known fishing hot spot for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean Sea is in the waters of the Strait of Sicily where interactions with fish hooks and branchlines are believed to be a major cause of mortality for sea turtles.

Hooks with different shapes but a similar gape width (circle hook size 16/0 vs J hook size 2) were tested in order to determine the potential effectiveness of the hook design to both reduce sea turtle capture as well as to maintain acceptable levels of target species capture rates in a shallow‐set longline swordfish fishery in the Mediterranean.

Seven experimental fishing trips, 30 000 hooks total, were conducted on a single commercial fishing vessel (18 m in length) in the Strait of Sicily during the months of July through October over a period of three years from 2005 to 2007. Circle and J hooks were alternated along the mainline.

A total of 26 sea turtles were hooked, all immature‐size Caretta caretta. Turtles were caught at a statistically greater frequency on J hooks than on circle hooks. The capture rate, weight, and upper jaw fork length of the target species were not significantly different between the two types of hooks employed.

Five sea turtles swallowed the hook and in all such cases these were J type. Circle hooks tended to be located externally and were more easily detected by fishermen, and could be removed with the correct dehooking action before returning the turtle to the sea.

These findings suggest that 16/0 circle hooks can effectively reduce the incidental capture of immature loggerhead sea turtles in a Mediterranean swordfish longline fishery without affecting the catch size of the target species.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trend estimation of financial time series
Authors: Guerrero Víctor M. , Galicia‐Vázquez Adriana
Published: February 2009

We propose to decompose a financial time series into trend plus noise by means of the exponential smoothing filter. This filter produces statistically efficient estimates of the trend that can be calculated by a straightforward application of the Kalman filter. It can also be interpreted in the context of penalized least squares as a function of a smoothing constant has to be minimized by trading off fitness against smoothness of the trend. The smoothing constant is crucial to decide the degree of smoothness and the problem is how to choose it objectively. We suggest a procedure that allows the user to decide at the outset the desired percentage of smoothness and derive from it the corresponding value of that constant. A definition of smoothness is first proposed as well as an index of relative precision attributable to the smoothing element of the time series. The procedure is extended to series with different frequencies of observation, so that comparable trends can be obtained for say, daily, weekly or intraday observations of the same variable. The theoretical results are derived from an integrated moving average model of order (1, 1) underlying the statistical interpretation of the filter. Expressions of equivalent smoothing constants are derived for series generated by temporal aggregation or systematic sampling of another series. Hence, comparable trend estimates can be obtained for the same time series with different lengths, for different time series of the same length and for series with different frequencies of observation of the same variable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expansion velocities and kinematic ages of Compact Symmetric Objects
Authors: Polatidis A.G.
Published: February 2009

The measurement of expansion velocities in Compact Symmetric Objects, and the calculation of their kinematic ages, showed that the age of these radio sources was of the order of a few hundred to a few thousand years. Further monitoring has proven this trait, but there are also indications of recurrent activity in some CSOs. However, there are many cases where accurate kinematic measurements are not easy to obtain (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transverse motions in CSOs?
Authors: Stanghellini C. , Dallacasa D. , Venturi T. , An T. , Hong X.Y.
Published: February 2009

The measurement of proper motions in CSOs is a powerful tool to determine the dynamical evolution of the newly born extragalactic radio sources.We observed 3 CSOs with the VLBA in 2004 and in 2006 to monitor changes in their structure and measure the separation velocity of the hot spots. It is important to increase the size of the samples of CSOs with measured expansion velocity to test the existence of frustrated objects, and put stringent constraints on the current models. We found for all the three objects observed a transverse motion of the hot‐spots, and we suggest as the more likely explanation a precession in the jet axis. This behaviour likely inhibits or at least slows down the radio source growth because the head of the hot‐spot continuously hits new regions of the ISM. Therefore these radio sources may represent an old population of GPS/CSOs (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Are radio‐loud Broad Absorption Line Quasars young sources?
Authors: Montenegro‐Montes F.M. , Mack K.‐H. , Benn C.R. , Carballo R. , González‐Serrano J.I. , Holt J. , Jiménez‐Luján F.
Published: February 2009

Studying Broad Absorption Line Quasars (BAL QSOs) is interesting because they probe the physics of the AGN environment, and because AGN outflows are important ingredients in many recent astrophysical puzzles. In the last decade, a substantial population of radio BAL QSOs was discovered and we have started a characterisation of the radio‐loud BAL QSO population studying their radio spectra, radio morphology and polarisation properties. Our high‐resolution radio maps show that BAL QSOs are compact radio sources with projected linear sizes below 1 kpc. Most BAL QSOs in our sample are unpolarised or weakly polarised at 8.4 GHz. They display convex radio spectra which typically flatten at low frequencies and become steeper at high frequencies, i.e. above 20 GHz. Many of these characteristics are common to the population of young radio sources, like Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS) or Gigahertz‐Peaked Spectrum (GPS) sources. The above supports the hypothesis that BAL QSOs might be related to the initial stages in the AGN evolution (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Probing the nature of multiple lobe‐like emissions in 3C 84
Authors: Nagai H. , Asada K. , Doi A. , Kameno S. , Inoue M.
Published: February 2009

The bright radio source 3C 84 has a CSO‐like feature in the central 10‐pc scale with extended emissions on scale up to kpc. Our kinematic and synchrotron age measurements support that the innermost feature is a CSO formed by recent restarted activity before the radio emission that originated in the earlier activities has completely faded. The average rate of the jet power of the innermost feature over the source age is at least ∼1044 erg s–1. Synchrotron age constraint for an outer lobe‐like feature beyond the central CSO indicates that this feature originates in the outburst from ∼1.3×105 years ago. Inferred duty cycle of the jet ejection is much shorter than the time scale expected from microquasars (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Radio source populations: Results from SDSS
Authors: Best P.N.
Published: February 2009

This contribution provides a review of our current understanding of radio source populations and their host galaxies, as derived from studies of the local Universe, in particular using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Evidence is presented that low luminosity radio sources are fundamentally distinct objects to high radio luminosity sources and optically or X‐ray selected AGN, suggesting that these are fuelled by a different mechanism. The low‐luminosity radio sources are argued to be fuelled by the accretion of hot gas from their surrounding X‐ray haloes, and this offers a potential feedback loop via which the radio‐loud AGN can control the cooling of the hot gas, and thus the growth of their host galaxy. The energetic output of the radio sources is derived in order to show that this is indeed feasible. It is emphasised that the difference between these two modes of AGN fuelling is distinct from that of the two different radio morphological classes of radioloud AGN (Fanaroff‐Riley classes 1 and 2). The origin of the FR‐dichotomy is investigated using Sloan data, and argued to be associated with the environment and evolution of the radio sources. Finally, the role of CSS and GPS sources within this picture is discussed (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A survey of Low Luminosity Compact sources
Authors: Kunert‐Bajraszewska M. , Thomasson P.
Published: February 2009

Based on the FIRST and SDSS catalogues a flux density limited sample of weak Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS) sources with radio luminosity below 1026WHz–1 at 1.4 GHz has been constructed. Our previous multifrequency observations of CSS sources have shown that low luminosity small‐scale objects can be strong candidates for compact faders. This finding supports the idea that some small‐size radio sources are short‐lived phenomena because of a lack of significant fuelling. They never ‘grow up’ to become FRI or FRII objects. This new sample marks the start of a systematic study of the radio properties and morphologies of the population of low luminosity compact (LLC) objects. An investigation of this new sample should also lead to a better understanding of compact faders. In this paper, the results of the first stage of the new project – the L‐band MERLIN observations of 44 low luminosity CSS sources are presented (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An “incomplete sample” of CSSs observed with the VLA
Authors: Rossetti A. , Mantovani F. , Junor W. , Saikia D.J. , Salter C.
Published: February 2009

A sample of 26 Compact Steep Spectrum sources selected from the original list drawn up by Dallacasa & Stanghellini (1990) have been observed with the VLA A‐array at X, U, and K bands. Images have been produced in both total intensity and polarisation at four widely‐spaced frequencies with the aim of deriving linear polarisation parameters. We present preliminary polarisation results on source fractional polarisation and electric vector angle at X and U bands. These new information will be completed with available archive data in order to perform a polarimetric analysis of a complete CSS sample (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High Frequency Peakers: The faint sample
Authors: Stanghellini C. , Dallacasa D. , Orienti M.
Published: February 2009

We present a sample of sources with convex radio spectra peaking at frequencies above a few GHz, known as “High Frequency Peakers” (HFPs). A “bright” sample with a flux density limit of 300 mJy at 5 GHz has been presented by Dallacasa et al. (2000). Here we present the “faint” sample with flux density between 50 and 300 mJy at 5 GHz, restricted to the area around the North Galactic Cap, where the FIRST catalogue is available. The candidates have been observed with the VLA at several frequencies ranging from 1.4 to 22 GHz, in order to derive a simultaneous radio spectrum. The final list of confirmed HFP sources consists of 61 objects (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical spectra of 15 Low Luminosity Compact Sources and the formation of jets
Authors: Buttiglione S. , Celotti A. , Capetti A. , Dallacasa D. , D'Odorico V. , Giovannini G.
Published: February 2009

We present the results of optical spectroscopy of 15 compact radio sources, selected to be among the lowest luminosity objects and expected to evolve into FR I radio galaxies. The aim of the work is to exploit the emission line characteristics as indicators of the nuclear activity – in terms of accretion properties – during the early stages of the production of jets. The emission line ratios identify most Low Luminosity Compact Sources (LLCSs) as low excitation galaxies, similar to evolved FR I. Also in terms of their optical – radio properties they appear to be indistinguishable from FR I. These findings support the view that jets could be produced by nuclei accreting both at high and low rates (and/or radiatively efficient and inefficient discs). They also argue against the idea that FRI represent a late stage after a powerful FR II phase (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Interferometer observations of molecular gas in radio galaxies
Authors: García‐Burillo S. , Combes F. , Usero A. , Fuente A.
Published: February 2009

We present the first results of a high‐resolution study of the distribution and kinematics of molecular gas in two nearby radio galaxies, 4C 31.04 and 3C 293, representative of two different stages of evolution in radio‐loud active galactic nuclei (AGN). These observations, conducted with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer (PdBI), map with unprecedented spatial resolution (∼0.5′–1′) and sensitivity the emission and absorption of key molecular species such as CO, HCN and HCO+. We report on the detection of a kinematically disturbed and massive (Mgas ∼ 1010 M⊙) molecular/dusty disk of ∼1.4 kpc‐size fueling the central engine of the compact symmetric object (CSO) 4C 31.04.We also report on the detection of a massive (Mgas ∼ 1010 M⊙) regularly rotating ∼7 kpc‐size disk in the FR II radio galaxy 3C 293. A complex system of molecular line absorptions is detected against the mm‐continuum source of this galaxy (AGN and jet). We compare the properties of the molecular disks in the two sources and discuss them in the light of the different theories describing the evolution of radio galaxies (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
H2O maser and a plasma obscuring torus in the radio galaxy NGC 1052
Authors: Sawada‐Satoh S. , Kameno S. , Nakamura K. , Namikawa D. , Shibata K. M. , Inoue M.
Published: February 2009

We present multi‐frequency simultaneous VLBA observations at 15, 22 and 43 GHz towards the nucleus of the nearby radio galaxy NGC 1052. These three continuum images reveal a double‐sided jet structure, whose relative intensity ratios imply that the jet axis is oriented close to the sky plane. The steeply rising spectra at 15–43 GHz at the inner edges of the jets strongly suggest that synchrotron emission is absorbed by foreground thermal plasma. We detected H2O maser emission in the velocity range of 1550–1850 km s–1, which is redshifted by 50–350 km s–1 with respect to the systemic velocity of NGC 1052. The redshifted maser gas appears projected against both sides of the jet, similar to the H I seen in absorption. The H2O maser gas is located where the free‐free absorption opacity is large. This probably implies that the masers in NGC 1052 are associated with a circumnuclear torus or disk as in the nucleus of NGC 4258. Such circumnuclear structure can be the sense of accreting onto the central engine (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Estimating black hole masses in young radio sources using CFHT spectroscopy
Authors: Gu M.F. , Pak S. , Ho L.C.
Published: February 2009

The correlation between black hole masses and stellar velocity dispersions provides an efficient method to determine the masses of black holes in active galaxies. We obtained optical spectra of a Compact‐Steep‐Spectrum (CSS) galaxy 4C +29.70, using the Canada‐France‐Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) equipped with OSIS, in 2003 August 6. Several stellar absorption features, such asMg I (5175 Å), Ca E band (5269 Å) and Na D (5890 Å), were detected in the spectra. The stellar velocity dispersion, σ, of the host galaxy, measured from absorption features is ≈250 km s–1. If 4C +29.70 follows the MBH‐σ relation established for nearby galaxies, then its central black hole has a mass of ≈3.3 × 108 M⊙. In combination with the black hole masses of seven GPS galaxies in Snellen et al. (2003), we find that the average black hole mass of these eight young radio sources is smaller than that of the Bettoni et al. (2003) sample of extended radio galaxies. This may indicate that young radio sources are likely at the early evolutionary stage of radio galaxies, at which the central black holes may still undergo rapid growth. However, this needs further investigations (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High energy emission from AGN cocoons in clusters of galaxies
Authors: Kino M. , Kawakatu N. , Ito H. , Nagai H.
Published: February 2009

Gamma‐ray emission from cocoons of young radio galaxies is predicted. Considering the process of adiabatic injection of the shock dissipation energy and mass of the relativistic jet into the cocoon, we find that the thermal electron temperature of the cocoon is typically predicted to be of the order of ∼MeV, and is determined only by the bulk Lorentz factor of the jet. Together with the time‐dependent dynamics of the cocoon expansion, we find that young cocoons can yield thermal bremsstrahlung emissions at energies ∼MeV. Hotter cocoons (i.e., GeV) for younger sources are also discussed (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A multi‐wavelength view of the archetypical CSS radio galaxy 3C303.1: Evidence for shocks and induced star formation
Authors: O'Dea C.P.
Published: February 2009

I discuss multi‐wavelength data on the archetypal CSS radio galaxy 3C303.1. The radio source is sub‐galactic in scale where it can directly affect the ISM of the host galaxy. The emission line kinematics and ionization diagnostics are consistent with energy input from shocks driven by the radio source. The Spitzer IRS spectrum indicates that star formation is occurring in the host galaxy. The HST/ACS/HRC UV image shows UV light which is aligned with the radio source axis. I suggest that the UV light is from young stars which have been triggered by the radio lobes. XMM observations detect the ISM of the host galaxy with a temperature of 0.8 keV plus an additional component whose properties are not well defined. I suggest the second component is a hot shocked gas (T = 45 keV) consistent with a Mach number of 13 for the expanding bow shock. Thus, the multi‐wavelength data give a consistent picture in which the radio source drives shocks into the ISM which ionize dense clouds, trigger star formation, and shock heat the hot component of the ISM to very high temperature. These observations demonstrate that radio sources can provide significant feedback to their host galaxy (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
X‐ray emission from GPS and CSS sources
Authors: Siemiginowska A.
Published: February 2009

Many X‐ray observations of GigaHertz Peaked Spectrum and Compact Steep Spectrum sources have been made with Chandra X‐ray Observatory and XMM‐Newton Observatory over the last few years. The X‐ray spectra contribute the important information to the total energy distribution of the compact radio sources. In addition the spatial resolution of Chandra allows for studies of the X‐ray morphology of these sources on arcsec scales and provide a direct view of their environments. This paper gives a review of the current status of the X‐ray observations and their contribution to our understanding of the nature of these compact radio sources. It also describes primary physical processes that lead to the observed X‐ray emission and summarize X‐ray emission properties expected from interactions between an expanding radio source and the intergalactic environment (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)