bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A spectral re-examination of the Markarian AGN
Authors: Winkler Hartmut
Published: July 2014

The recently published ZORROASTER catalogue is being expanded into what will eventually be a complete list of known ‘nearby’ (z< 0.1) AGN, with optical spectral images, detailed spectral descriptors and waveband-specific flux ratios included where available. The first version of ZORROASTER contained 2843 entries characterised by confirmed or previously suspected broad H-beta emission, and 1000 spectral images. The 2nd version of ZORROASTER was released during the conference, and (in addition to serendipitous updates) includes allz< 0.1 objects from the list of Markarian. Activity classes and spectral descriptions of Markarian objects have been reviewed, and comparisons of flux ratios derived from the 100 ZORROASTER wavelength-specific pass bands are presented for those Markarian AGN for which Sloan Digital Sky Survey spectra exist. The value of the improved parameterizations and classifications of the Markarian objects on AGN studies, and the implications on some past investigations based on the Markarian lists, are briefly discussed.
The physical conditions and oxygen and nitrogen abundance of 36 SBS galaxies from the SDSS DR7
Authors: Gyulzadyan M. V. , Adibekyan V. Z.
Published: July 2014

Physical conditions and oxygen and nitrogen abundances in 36 SBS UV-excess and/or emission-line galaxies from the SDSS DR7 were determined. We have found that SBS 0808+578 is AGN. The others are HII galaxies or HII regions in galaxies. For all objects the oxygen abundance 12+log(O/H) lies in the range of 7.85 ÷ 8.61 and log(N/O) ratio in the range of −1.45 ÷ −0.4. They occupy the same area in the diagram N/O O/H as the high-excitation HII regions. We found no extremely metal-deficient galaxy. Using H-alpha fluxes star formation rates (SFR) for our samples galaxies were determined. Determined SFRs, being in the range of 0.001 ÷ 6 o year−1, are similar of that observed in typical star forming regions in spiral and irregular galaxies.
Luminosity-Distances of IUE observed Active Galaxies
Authors: Doddamani Vijayakumar H , Vedavathi P.
Published: July 2014

Active galaxies are the most luminous objects observed in the Universe and are believed to be powered by mass accretion processes taking place in the vicinity of the central Super massive black hole (MBH ≥ 108Msun). However, the details of the power generation mechanisms are not understood well yet. In this paper, we are presenting a comparative study of luminosity-distance estimations for the complete sample of active galaxies observed by IUE satellite by different methods. IUE has made UV spectroscopic observations of nearly 400 active galaxies comprising mostly Seyfert 1 galaxies and quasars. We have chosen all the active galaxies observed by IUE satellite for the study of luminosity-distance with redshift. The luminosity-distances (DL) have been calculated using the Hubbles law under non-relativistic and relativistic limits with H0 = 73 Km/sec/Mpc and Terrell (1979) also. We have found that all DL estimations are consistent with each other for z ≤ 1 and diverge for z ≥ 1. The results of cosmological calulator I and II are found to consistent with each other and higher by several factors over cosmological calculator IV and the predictions of the Hubble's law under relativistic case. We observe a kind bimodal distributions in DL for z ≤ 3.5.
New Spectral Observations of the Variable Galaxy Kaz 163
Authors: Karapetyan Emilia L.
Published: July 2014

Kaz 163 is a close double galaxy. Its southern component S is compact, with a very blue nucleus, in which heated active processes take place. From time to time gas formations are ejected from it, which behave themselves like emission components around the main emission lines Hα and Hβ, around both from their long-wave and short-wave sides. This paper presents the spectral data of new observations, which were carried out with the 2.6m telescope at the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory in September 2011. During the former observation in October 1981, lines [NII] λλ 6584,6548 were not visible in the spectrum of the component S. In 2001 they were already visible on the spectrum, and on the spectrum obtained in 2011 they already surpassed the intensity of Hα. The magnitude of the component S is also changing: its nucleus is very blue and its U-B = −0m.63. In the soft X-ray spectral range (0.1–2 keV) the flux of the radiation changed by 45% during 55,000 sec, and in the hard one (2–10keV) it changed up to 3.4 times. Photoindices Γ for the soft and hard ranges in the spectrum of galaxy S, unlike other objects, do not so much differ from each other. The mean value for the first interval is approximately 2.5 and is equal −2.0 for the second one. On the histogram of redshifts Kaz 163 corresponds to the first big peak of the distribution. It is concluded that the component S of the galaxy Kaz 163 is a NLS1 galaxy, with the development of their evolution, is in the preliminary stage. Component N is a normal elliptical galaxy with no activity.
AGN and Star Formation in HerMES-IRS sources
Authors: Feltre Anna , Hatziminaoglou Evanthia , Hernán-Caballero Antonio , Fritz Jacopo , Franceschini Alberto ,   HerMES
Published: July 2014

One of the remaining open issues in the context of the analysis of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) is the evidence that nuclear gravitational accretion is often accompanied by a concurrent starburst activity. We developed a spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting technique to derive simultaneously the physical properties of active galaxies and coexisting starbursts making the best use of Spitzer and Herschel IR observations. We apply the SED fitting procedure to a large sample of extragalactic sources representing the HerMES (Herschel/Multi-tiered Extragalactic Survey) population with IRS spectra with a plethora of multi-wavelength data in order to study the impact of a possible presence of an AGN on the host galaxy's properties. We analyze the star formation rate (SFR) in conncetion to the presence of an AGN and compared the properties of the hot (AGN) and cold (starburst) dust component. Our findings are consistent with no evidence for the presence of an AGN affecting the star formation processes of the host galaxies.
Redshift Distribution and Luminosity Functions of Obscured and Unobscured Quasars
Authors: Ridgway Susan E. , Lacy M. , Petric A. , Sajina A. , Urrutia T. , Gates E. L.
Published: July 2014

We have undertaken a spectroscopic survey of luminous AGNs and quasars selected in the mid-infrared from Spitzer IRAC surveys. Mid-infrared selection is much less biased with respect to obscuration than optical techniques, and hence enables the discovery of obscured quasars as well as normal, unobscured ones. Our survey is designed to include brighter 24 micron sources over wider areas and also to go to much lower fluxes limits in more limited spatial regions to allow us to disentangle dependences on redshift and luminosity. We have used 4m class telescopes to obtain spectra of the brighter 24 micron targets (targeting high luminosity objects at low z), and 8m class telescopes to identify lower luminosity high-redshift obscured quasars by targeting the fainter 24 micron targets. Fron this survey we have been able to compile a statistically complete sample of ~ 500 AGN, both obscured and unobscured, over a large range of redshift and luminosity. We find that obscured objects outnumber unobscured AGN with an obscured fraction ranging from ~ 90% to ~ 50%. For the most luminous quasars, the number densities of unobscured quasars peaks at z ~ 2.8, and for the obscured objects, the peak may be at slightly higher redshift.
Early results of AGN studies with the space VLB interferometer RadioAstron
Authors: Kovalev Yuri
Published: July 2014

The space element of the ground-space very long baseline (VLB) interferometer RadioAstron is a 10-meter radio telescope Spektr-R which was successfully launched in 2011. It covers four frequency bands from 0.3 to 25 GHz and provides baselines up to 350,000 km. This allows to study space objects with a resolution as high as about 10 microarcseconds. Fringes are found at all four bands of 92, 18, 6, and 1.3 cm. Science observations are ongoing. Early results of the RadioAstron AGN survey at extreme angular resolutions will be presented in the talk. In particular, AGN core emission is successfully detected at interferometer baselines up to 7.6 GLambda (or fringe spacing 27 microarcseconds) which is the current VLBI record. High radio brightness of AGN cores is found significantly above the known inverse-Compton limit. Implications to AGN jet emission models will be discussed. First results of RadioAstron space VLBI imaging of AGN jets will be also presented.
Obscured accretion from AGN surveys
Authors: Vignali Cristian
Published: July 2014

Recent models of super-massive black hole (SMBH) and host galaxy joint evolution predict the presence of a key phase where accretion, traced by obscured Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) emission, is coupled with powerful star formation. Then feedback processes likely self-regulate the SMBH growth and quench the star-formation activity. AGN in this important evolutionary phase have been revealed in the last decade via surveys at different wavelengths. On the one hand, moderate-to-deep X-ray surveys have allowed a systematic search for heavily obscured AGN, up to very high redshifts (z≈5). On the other hand, infrared/optical surveys have been invaluable in offering complementary methods to select obscured AGN also in cases where the nuclear X-ray emission below 10 keV is largely hidden to our view. In this review I will present my personal perspective of the field of obscured accretion from AGN surveys.
The SIX survey: evolution and properties of AGN in the local universe
Authors: Bottacini Eugenio
Published: July 2014

Current most sensitive surveys at soft X-ray (~ 0.5–10 keV) energies by Chandra and XMM-Newton preferably sample AGN at high-redshift (z > 0.5). At low-redshift (z < 0.5), where AGN are supposed to be in their evolution end-stage, these sources are very sparsely sampled. The low-redshift universe is best fathomed at hard X–ray energies (> 15 keV) by the INTEGRAL and the Swift missions with their coded-mask telescopes IBIS/ISGRI and BAT respectively. These instruments have two major advantages: 1) they have a huge field of view, hence allowing to sample a large number of AGN at low-redshift; 2) they operate at energies above 15 keV, hence allowing detecting photons with enough power to efficiently pierce even through the Compton-thick torus of AGN. Estimates based on observations with PDS on board the BeppoSAX satellite predict that Compton-thick AGN should dominate over unabsorbed AGN in the local universe playing an important role in reproducing the shape and intensity of the cosmic X-ray background (CXB). However coded-mask detectors suffer from heavy systematic effects preventing them from reaching their theoretical limiting sensitivity. We overcome this limit with a new and alternative approach, which has been designed ad hoc to improve the sensitivity of hard X–ray surveys by using IBIS/ISGRI and BAT. Both telescopes are so close in design that their observations can be combined to obtain a more sensitive survey. The observations are combined with resampling, merging, and cross-calibration techniques. We are able to sample limiting fluxes of the order of ~3.3 times 10−12 erg cm−2 s−1 in the 18–55 keV energy range. This is called the SIX survey, that stands for Swift-INTEGRAL X-ray survey. The SIX survey extends over a wide sky area of 6200 deg2 and it is used to obtain a persistent sample of faint AGN. The source number density (log N - log S) is a factor of 3 better than current parent surveys of BAT and IBIS/ISGRI alone. I will present a study of the evolution of AGN in the local universe discussing the X-ray luminosity function. The properties of the AGN circum-nuclear environment will be discussed checking the consistency with the AGN unification scheme. Also I will compare the results from the SIX survey to the results predicted for the NuSTAR survey. Finally preliminary results of the all-sky SIX survey are presented.
The Role of the Jet Emission in Young Radio Sources
Authors: Migliori Giulia
Published: July 2014

We investigated the contribution of the jet to the observed high energy emission in a sample of young and compact radio quasars. For the first time, we compared the Fermi-LAT and Chandra observations of the sample to γ-ray and X-ray luminosities predicted assuming a jet synchrotron and inverse Compton radiative model. The simulations performed for a reasonable set of model parameters and assumptions provide constraints on the minimum jet power (Ljet,kin/Ldisk>0.01), on the contribution of the jet to the X-ray emission, and on the particles to magnetic field energy density ratios.
Flat Spectrum Radio Quasar Evolution and the Gamma-ray Background
Authors: Singal Jack , Ko Allan , Petrosian Vahe
Published: July 2014

We discuss an analysis of the redshift evolutions and distributions of the gamma-ray luminosity and photon spectral index of flat spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) type blazars. We utilize data from the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, with redshfits as determined from optical spectroscopy by Shaw et al. We find that FSRQs have evolved significantly in luminosity but negligibly in photon index, and contribute in toto roughly 20% of the total gamma-ray output of the Universe.
The Correlation between the Gamma-Ray Luminosity and the Core-Dominance Parameters for a Fermi Blazar Sample
Authors: Fan J. H. , Yang J. H. , Wu D. X. , Li S. H. , Liu Y. , Ji Z. Y.
Published: July 2014

In this work, we investigated the correlation between the γ-ray luminosity, logLγ and the core-dominance parameter, log (1+R), for a sample of 124 Fermi blazars with available core and extended radio emissions. Our analysis shows that there is no correlation between the γ-ray luminosity, log Lγ and the core-dominance parameter, log (1+R). However, there is a closely linear correlation between log Lγ − log LExt and log (1+R), log Lγ−log LExt = (0.95 ± 0.08) log (1+R) + (2.72 ± 0.11), for the whole sample. The result suggests that the γ-ray emissions are composed of two components, one is beamed, the other is unbeamed.
The De-beamed γ-Ray Emissions in Blazars
Authors: Fan J. H. , Ji Z. Y.
Published: July 2014

Blazars (BL Lacertae objects and flat spectrum radio quasars) are strong γ-ray emitters, the γ-ray emissions are strongly beamed. In this work, we compiled a sample of Fermi blazars with available beaming factors, δR, to investigate the correlation between the γ-ray flux density, logfγ, and redshift, logz for the whole sample and the subclasses of the present sample. The analysis shows that there is no correlation between logfγ and logz for the observed γ-ray flux density, but there are strong correlations between the de-beamed flux densities, logfγdb and logz for the whole sample and the subclasses. Our results confirm that the γ-ray emissions are strongly beamed and imply that it is possible for one to use the radio beaming factor, δR for the beaming effect discussions in the γ-ray bands for Fermi blazars.
The ROSAT/NVSS AGN sample
Authors: Paronyan Gurgen M. , Abrahamyan Hayk V. , Harutyunyan Gohar S. , Mickaelian Areg M.
Published: July 2014

We attempt to create an X-ray/radio AGN catalog and make its multiwavelength studies. ROSAT Bright Source Catalogue (BSC) contains 18,806 and ROSAT Faint Source Catalogue (FSC), 105,922 X-ray sources giving the total number of ROSAT X-ray sources 124,727 (one source is listed twice). On the other hand, NVSS radio catalogue contains 1,773,484 sources. Taking into account that X-ray sources contain AGN, bright stars and galaxies, clusters, white dwarfs (WD), cataclysmic variables (CV), etc., the cross-identification with radio catalogue may distinguish the extragalactic sources. We have cross-correlated ROSAT catalogs with NVSS one with a search radius 30 arcsec. 9,193 associations have been found. To distinguish AGN from the normal bright galaxies and clusters, Veron-Cetty & Veron AGN catalog (v.13, 2010; VCV-13) containing 168,940 objects have been used. A cross-correlation of the 9,193 ROSAT/NVSS sources with the VCV-13 with a search radius 30 arcsec resulted in 3,094 associations. Thus we are left with more 6,099 X-ray/radio sources without an optical identification. Brighter objects are normal bright galaxies, while we believe that all faint ones are candidate AGN with some contamination of distant clusters. SDSS spectroscopic survey allows us classify objects by activity types, and a number of our candidate AGN is found to be present in SDSS. We attempt to find connections between the fluxes in different wavelength ranges, which will allow us to confirm AGN and blazars candidates and in some cases find new ones.
Knowledge Discovery workflows for the classification of AGNs in multi-wavelength spaces: the Blazars case
Authors: D'Abrusco Raffaele , Massaro F. , Paggi A. , Fabbiano G.
Published: July 2014

The development of new AGNs selection techniques based on the massive multi-wavelength datasets that are becoming more and more frequent in astronomy is a crucial task to gather statistically significant samples and shed light on the physical nature of this diverse class of extragalactic sources. Novel characterizations of specific classes of sources from unexplored region of their spectrum and unusual combinations of the observational parameters can translate into new classification criteria. In this innovative data environment, the whole process ranging from the discovery of new patterns to the application of such patters to the selection of new AGNs, has to be tackled using a Knowledge Discovery (KD) workflow. A KD workflows is a combination of different KD methods that automatically extract the more interesting patters from data, reduce the complexity of the dataset and provide astronomers with the simplest possible amount of information to be interpreted. In this talk, I will describe an original KD workflow which, in one of its first applications, has led to the discovery of a previously unknown peculiar pattern followed by blazars in the mid-Infrared color space (the blazars WISE locus), and the development of a new classification criterion based on this pattern and useful to tackle different problems. The comprehensive KD workflow used to derive these results encompasses unsupervised methods for the exploration of the multi-dimensional observable spaces, and supervised method for the training and optimization of classifiers based on the patterns determined in the observable spaces. In particular, I will describe the new methods for the association of unidentified gamma-ray sources and the extraction of candidate blazars from mid-Infrared photometric catalog based on the WISE blazars locus.
Unveiling the high-frequency radio source population with the AT20G survey
Authors: Mahony Elizabeth K.
Published: July 2014

Until recently, the radio sky above 5 GHz was relatively unexplored. This has changed with the completion of the Australia Telescope 20 GHz survey (AT20G; Murphy et al., 2010); a blind survey of the southern sky down to a limiting flux density of 40 mJy. The AT20G survey provides by far the largest and most complete sample of high-frequency radio sources yet obtained, offering new insights into the nature of the high-frequency active galaxy population. Whilst the radio data provides a unique sample of objects, these data alone are insufficient to completely constrain models of radio source properties and the evolution of radio galaxies. Complementary multiwavelength data is vital in understanding the physical properties of the central black hole.

In this talk I will provide a brief overview of the AT20G survey, followed by a discussion of the multiwavelength properties of the high-frequency source population. In particular, I will focus on the optical properties of AT20G sources, which are very different to those of a low-frequency selected sample, along with the gamma-ray properties where we find a correlation between high-frequency radio flux density and gamma-ray flux density. By studying the multiwavelength properties of a large sample of high-frequency radio sources we gain a unique perspective on the inner dynamics of some of the most active AGN.
The evolution of activity in galaxies fromz=0.45 to the present time
Authors: Stasińska Grażyna , Costa-Duarte M. V. , Vale Asari N.
Published: July 2014

We use spectra from the SDSS to study the signatures of nuclear activity over cosmic time, dividing the samples in redshift and mass bins, and using various diagnostic diagrams. A redshift evolution clearly emerges from the analysis of our diagrams.
The sharpest view of the local AGN population at mid-infrared wavelengths
Authors: Asmus Daniel , Hönig Sebastian F. , Gandhi Poshak , Smette Alain , Duschl Wolfgang J.
Published: July 2014

We present the largest mid-infrared (MIR) atlas of active galactic nuclei at sub-arcsec spatial scales containing 253 objects with a median redshift of 0.016. It comprises all available ground-based high-angular resolution MIR observations performed to date with 8-meter class telescopes and includes 895 photometric measurements. All types of AGN are present in the atlas, which also includes 80 per cent of the 9-month BAT AGN sample. Therefore, this atlas and its subsamples are very well-suited for AGN unification studies. A first application of the atlas is the extension of the MIR–X-ray luminosity correlation for AGN.
Fitting Spectral Energy Distributions of AGN A Markov Chain Monte Carlo Approach
Authors: Rivera Gabriela Calistro , Lusso Elisabeta , Hennawi Joseph F. , Hogg David W.
Published: July 2014

We present AGNfitter: a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm developed to fit the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of active galactic nuclei (AGN) with different physical models of AGN components. This code is well suited to determine in a robust way multiple parameters and their uncertainties, which quantify the physical processes responsible for the panchromatic nature of active galaxies and quasars. We describe the technicalities of the code and test its capabilities in the context of X-ray selected obscured AGN using multiwavelength data from the XMM-COSMOS survey.
Chandra Observation of the AKARI NEP Deep Field
Authors: Miyaji Takamitsu , Krumpe M. , Brunner H. ,   AKARI NEP Deep Survey Team
Published: July 2014

The AKARI NEP Deep Field Survey is an international multiwavelength survey over 0.4 deg2 of the sky. This is the deepest survey made by the InfraRed Camera (IRC) of the infrared astronomical satellite AKARI with 9 filters continuously covering the 2-25 μm range. This has been supplemented by other ground-based and space multiwavelength data ranging from X-ray (Chandra), UV (GALEX), Optical-NIR (Subaru Sprime-cam, CFHT/WIRCAM, CFHT/Megacam, KPNO Flamningos among others for imagings as well as Keck Diemos, Subaru Focas, Subaru FMOS, WIYN Hydra, and GTC OSIRIS for spectra), far-infrared (Herschel) and radio (WSRT and e-Merlin). The uniqueness of the field lies in the availability of four filters between 9-18 μm, which fall into the Spitzer gap between the IRAC and MIPS instruments. This made this field one of the deepest at ~ 15 μm and the deepest among those with similar solid angles. This enabled us to make sensitive MIR detection of AGN candidates around z ~ 1. The MIR selection is based on hot dust emission in the AGN torus and is efficient in detecting highly obscured Compton-thick AGN population. A number of team members have worked (e.g. Hanami et al. 2012) or are working on a catalog of AGN candidates in this field. In this presentation, we report the results of the Chandra observations on this field. The field was covered by 15 overlapping Chandra ACIS-I observations (including our own and from archive) with a total exposure of 310 ks, detecting ~ 500 X-ray sources. We explain our improved source detection procedure for highly overlapped Chandra images and results. We utilize the stacking analysis (both in the observed and rest-frame) of the MIR AGN candidates that are not detected individually. The stacking analysis is expected to detect the summed X-ray flux from scattered components and Fe-lines. The results are discussed in terms of quantifying the Compton-thick populations at z ~ 1.
Further determination of interband lags between variations in B, V, R, and I bands in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Sergeev S. G.
Published: July 2014

New estimates of the interband lags between variations in the B band and variations in the V, R, and I bands for three active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are present. In contrast to the previous study by Sergeev et al. (2005), the effect of the contribution of the broad lines to the bands is taken into account.
Multiwavelength Observations of 6 FSRQ in 2008–2012
Authors: Troitskiy I. S. , Morozova D. A. , Jorstad S. G. , Larionov V. M. , Marscher A. P. , Agudo I. , Blinov D. A. , Smith P. S.
Published: July 2014

We present results of 4 years of VLBA monitoring along with γ-ray and optical R-band photometric observations of 6 blazars (0420-014, 1156+295, 1222+216, PKS 1510-089, 1633+382 and CTA 102). We have analyzed total intensity images obtained with the VLBA at 43 GHz and investigated kinematic evolution of the pc-scale jets of the sources. For all sources we compare flux variations in the VLBI core and bright superluminal knots with γ-ray and optical light curves. The majority of γ-ray flares are coincident with the appearance of a new superluminal knot and/or a flare in the millimeter-wave core and at optical wavelengths. These results support the conclusion that for many flares in blazars the region of the enhanced γ-ray and optical emission is located in the vicinity or downstream of the mm-wave VLBI core.
A New Look at Quasar Accretion Disks
Authors: Capellupo Daniel M. , Netzer Hagai , Lira Paulina , Trakhtenbrot Benny , Mejía Julián
Published: July 2014

The physics of active black holes (BHs) is governed by three key parameters: their mass, spin, and accretion rate. Understanding the cosmic evolution of these parameters is crucial for tracing back the growth of the BHs to the epoch of their formation. We have selected a unique AGN sample, in a narrow redshift range around z = 1.55, based on both BH mass and Eddingtion ratio, and we observed them with the X-Shooter instrument on the VLT, covering the rest wavelength range ~1200 to 9800 Å. This wide wavelength range allows us to study, simultaneously, more emission lines (i.e., CIV 1550 Å through H-alpha), and a larger portion of the global AGN SED, than any previous studies. We currently have a sample of 30 quasars already observed and spanning BH masses from ~108to 109Msolarand Eddington ratio from ~0.03 to 0.7. We focus here on our first science goal, comparing the observed AGN SED to thin accretion disk models in order to identify the origin of the SED. We also discuss the unique capability of this sample to identify any emission-line profile dependencies on BH mass and the Eddington ratio, and to compare mass determination methods based on four different emission-line profiles (Hα, Hβ, MgII 2800 Å, and CIV 1550 Å).
X-ray emission from hot accretion flows
Authors: Niedźwiecki Andrzej , Xie Fu-Guo , Stȩpnik Agnieszka
Published: July 2014

Radiatively inefficient, hot accretion flows are widely considered as a relevant accretion mode in low-luminosity AGNs. We study spectral formation in such flows using a refined model with a fully general relativistic description of both the radiative (leptonic and hadronic) and hydrodynamic processes, as well as with an exact treatment of global Comptonization. We find that the X-ray spectral index–Eddington ratio anticorrelation as well as the cut-off energy measured in the best-studied objects favor accretion flows with rather strong magnetic field and with a weak direct heating of electrons. Furthermore, they require a much stronger source of seed photons than considered in previous studies. The nonthermal synchrotron radiation of relativistic electrons seems to be the most likely process capable of providing a sufficient flux of seed photons. Hadronic processes, which should occur due to basic properties of hot flows, provide an attractive explanation for the origin of such electrons.
High Signal-to-Noise Ratio Mid-Infrared Quasar Spectral Templates
Authors: Hill Allison R. , Gallagher S. C. , Deo R. P. , Peeters E. , Richards Gordon T.
Published: July 2014

Mid-infrared (MIR) quasar spectra exhibit a suite of emission features including high ionization coronal lines from the narrow line region (NLR) illuminated by the ionizing continuum, and hot dust features from grains, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) features from star formation in the host galaxy. Few features are detected in most spectra because of typically low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) data. By generating spectral composites in three different luminosity bins from over 180 Spitzer Ifnfrared Spectrograph (IRS) observations, we boost the S/N and reveal important features in the complex spectra. We detect high-ionization, forbidden emission lines in all templates, PAH features in all but the most luminous objects, and broad silicate and graphite features in emission whose strength increases relative to the continuum with luminosity. We find that the intrinsic quasar spectrum for all luminosity templates is consistent, and the differences in the spectra can be explained by host galaxy contamination in the lower luminosity templates. We also posit that star formation may be active in most quasar host galaxies, but the spectral features of star formation are only detectable if the quasar is faint.
Through the kaleidoscope: star formation the host galaxies of radio-AGN
Authors: Karouzos Marios , Im Myungshin , Trichas Markos , Goto Tomo , Malkan Matt , Ruiz Angel , Jeon Yiseul ,   the AKARI NEP team
Published: July 2014

There exist strong evidence supporting the co-evolution of central supermassive black holes and their host galaxies; however it is still under debate how such a relation comes about and whether it is relevant for all or only a subset of galaxies. A rich multi-wavelength dataset is available for the North Ecliptic Pole field, most notably surveyed by the AKARI infrared space telescope. We investigate the star-formation properties of the host galaxies of radio-AGN together with the radio feedback mechanism, potentially responsible for the eventual quenching of star formation. Using broadband SED modelling, the nuclear and host galaxy components of these sources are studied as a function of their radio luminosity. Here we present results concerning the AGN content of the radio sources in this field, while offering evidence supporting a “maintenance” type of feedback from powerful radio-jets.
Evidence of AGN-driven Outflows in Young Radio Quasars Selected from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer
Authors: Kim Minjin , Ho Luis C. , Lonsdale Carol J. , Lacy Mark , Blain Andrew W. , Kimball Amy E.
Published: July 2014

We present near-infrared spectra of young radio quasars selected by cross-correlating the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) all-sky survey catalog with the radio catalog [Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty cm (FIRST) and NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS)]. The objects have typical redshifts of z ≈ 2 and [O III] luminosities of 107 erg s−1 comparable to those of luminous quasars. The observed flux ratios of narrow emission lines indicate that these objects appear to be powered by active galactic nuclei. The [O III] line is broad, with full width at half maximum ~1300 to 2100 km s−1, significantly larger than that of ordinary quasars. These large line widths might be explained by jet-induced outflows.
Supernovae in paired galaxies
Authors: Nazaryan T. A. , Petrosian A. R. , Hakobyan A. A. , Adibekyan V. Zh. , Kunth D. , Mamon G. A. , Turatto M. , Aramyan L. S.
Published: July 2014

We investigate the influence of close neighbor galaxies on the properties of supernovae (SNe) and their host galaxies using 56 SNe located in pairs of galaxies with different levels of star formation (SF) and nuclear activity. The mean distance of type II SNe from nuclei of hosts is greater by about a factor of 2 than that of type Ibc SNe. The distributions and mean distances of SNe are consistent with previous results compiled with the larger sample. For the first time it is shown that SNe Ibc are located in pairs with significantly smaller difference of radial velocities between components than pairs containing SNe Ia and II. We consider this as a result of higher star formation rate (SFR) of these closer systems of galaxies.
AGN and Starbursts in Dusty Galaxy Mergers: Insights from the Great Observatories All-sky LIRG Survey
Authors: Mazzarella Joseph M. ,   the GOALS Team
Published: July 2014

The Great Observatories All-sky LIRG Survey (GOALS) is combining imaging and spectroscopic data from the Herschel, Spitzer, Hubble, GALEX, Chandra, and XMM-Newton space telescopes augmented with extensive ground-based observations in a multiwavelength study of approximately 180 Luminous Infrared Galaxies (LIRGs) and 20 Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxies (ULIRGs) that comprise a statistically complete subset of the 60μm-selected IRAS Revised Bright Galaxy Sample. The objects span the full range of galaxy environments (giant isolated spirals, wide and close pairs, minor and major mergers, merger remnants) and nuclear activity types (Seyfert 1, Seyfert 2, LINER, starburst/HII), with proportions that depend strongly on the total infrared luminosity. I will review the science motivations and present highlights of recent results selected from over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles published recently by the GOALS Team. Statistical investigations include detection of high-ionization Fe K emission indicative of deeply embedded AGN, comparison of UV and far-IR properties, investigations of the fraction of extended emission as a function of wavelength derived from mid-IR spectroscopy, mid-IR spectral diagnostics and spectral energy distributions revealing the relative contributions of AGN and starbursts to powering the bolometric luminosity, and quantitative structure analyses that delineate the evolution of stellar bars and nuclear stellar cusps during the merger process. Multiwavelength dissections of individual systems have unveiled large populations of young star clusters and heavily obscured AGN in early-stage (II Zw 96), intermediate-stage (Mrk 266, Mrk 273), and late-stage (NGC 2623, IC 883) mergers. A recently published study that matches numerical simulations to the observed morphology and gas kinematics in mergers has placed four systems on a timeline spanning 175-260 million years after their first passages, and modeling of additional (U)LIRGs is underway. A very brief description of ongoing work with Herschel and ALMA will be given. The talk will conclude with a discussion of the demographics of dual AGN (kpc-scale orbits) in the GOALS sample, including the difficulty of their detection and confirmation, a proposed sequence representing a progression from dual AGN to binary AGNs (sub-pc scale orbits), and implications for the scarcity of confirmed binary QSOs in recent large surveys. Grant support from NASA is gratefully acknowledged.
Galaxies with Binary Nuclei
Authors: Terzian Yervant , Khachikian Edward
Published: July 2014

It is known that among active galaxies (AG) with strong emission lines (UV-galaxies, Sy1 and Sy2, Markarian and Kazarian galaxies, radio-galaxies, QSOs host galaxies and so on) there is a large percentage of objects with double and multiple (or complex) nuclei. The common sizes of these nuclei are of the order of a few hundred parsecs or kiloparsecs. We shall discuss the results of morphological and spectroscopic observations of a number of “active galaxies” carried out with the 5m Palomar telescope, 2.6m telescope of Ambartsumian Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, 6m telescope of Special Astrophysical Observatory in Russia, and newer Hubble Space Telescope data.
Study of Starburst/Activity/Interaction Phenomena based on the Multiple Byurakan-IRAS Galaxies
Authors: Harutyunyan Gohar S. , Mickaelian Areg M.
Published: July 2014

The Byurakan-IRAS Galaxy (BIG) sample is the result of optical identifications of IRAS PSC sources at high-galactic latitudes using the First Byurakan Survey (FBS) low-dispersion spectra. Among the 1178 objects most are spiral galaxies and many have been proved to be AGN and starburst by spectroscopic observations, as well as there is a number of ULIRGs among these objects. BIG objects contain galaxy pairs, multiples, and small groups that are subject for study on the matter of the real IR-emitter in these systems. Given that these objects are powerful IR sources, they are considered as young systems indicating high rate of evolution and starburst activity exceeding 100 Mo/yr. Spectroscopic observations show that all these systems are physical ones and we were able to measure the mutual distances and sizes for all components. Cross-correlations with the recent more accurate IR catalogues, such as 2MASS and WISE, as well as radio ones (NVSS, FIRST), provided accurate coordinates of the IR source and possibility to find the individual galaxy responsible for the IR. However, in almost half of the cases, IR position indicates the intermediate region between the components, which means that it comes from the system as a whole. Some more MW data have been matched to IR and radio to have an overall understanding on these systems. Given that these systems are mostly interacting/merging ones often containing AGN and most of them may be considered as powerful starbursts, it is possible to study starburst/activity/interaction phenomena and their interrelationship.
Hour-timescale profile variations in the broad Balmer lines of the Seyfert galaxy Hour-timescale profile variations in the broad Balmer lines of the Seyfert galaxy Markarian 6
Authors: Asatrian Norayr S.
Published: July 2014

Part of results of the multi-epoch intranight optical spectroscopic monitoring of the Markarian 6 nucleus carried out at the telescopes of 6-m of the Special Astrophysical Observatory (Russia), 2.6-m of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (Armenia) and 2-m of the Tautenburg Observatory (Germany) is presented.

Observations were made in 1979, 1986, 1988-1991 and 2007-2009 during a total of 33 nights with an average sampling rate of 4 spectra per night. TV-scanner and long-slit spectrographs equipped with Image Tube and CCD detector arrays were used. Altogether we analyzed 110 Hβ and 58 Hα region spectra to search for intranight variability in the broad hydrogen emission line profiles. The typical spectral resolutions were 4 Å for scanner spectra, 6 Å for photographic spectra, and 5 Å and 10 Å for CCD spectra. The S/N ratio at the continuum level near the Hβ and Hα lines was in the range 15–50.

The purpose of the search was to look for the characteristic variability signatures of different kinematical models of the broad emission-line region. We considered the centering and guiding errors which can result in differences between spectra.

We found variations in the broad Balmer line difference profiles on time scale of hour with the level of significance of 3.6 σ to 5.0 σ. Variations take the form of narrow, small bumps located at the blue and red sides or only at the blue side of the lines. In the intermediate level of broad line flux, the Hβ and Hα profiles show fine structure. Detected profile changes occurred at the same radial velocity shifts as the details in the fine structure.

The variability is at least 2 orders of magnitude more rapid than any observed for broad Balmer line profiles in AGNs that we are aware of in the literature.

Discovered extremely rapid line-profile variability may be associated with reverberation effects. Two-sided profile changes may indicate the response of circularly rotating hydrogen clouds in the BLR to a light pulse from a central source. One-sided profile variations may be attributed to a response of a non-disk component: the subarcsec scale region of the jet.
FeLoBAL Outflow Variability Constraints from Multi-Year Observations
Authors: McGraw Sean M. , Shields Joseph C. , Hamann Frederick W. , Capellupo Daniel M. , Gallagher Sarah C. , Brandt William N.
Published: July 2014

The physical properties and dynamical behavior of Broad Absorption Line (BAL) outflows are crucial themes in understanding the connections between galactic centers and their hosts. FeLoBALs (identified with the presence of low-ionization Fe II BALs) are a peculiar class of quasar outflows that constitute ~ 1% of the BAL population. With their large column densities and apparent outflow kinetic luminosities, FeLoBALs appear to be exceptionally powerful and are strong candidates for feedback in galaxy evolution. We conducted variability studies of 12 FeLoBAL quasars with emission redshifts 0.69 ≤ z ≤ 1.93, spanning both weekly and multi-year timescales in the quasar's rest frame. We detected absorption-line variability from low-ionization species (Fe II, Mg II) in four of our objects, with which we established a representative upper limit for the distance of the absorber from the supermassive black hole (SMBH) to be ~20 parsecs. Our goals are to understand the mechanisms producing the variability (e.g. ionization changes or gas traversing our line of sight) and place new constraints on the locations, structure, and kinetic energies of the outflows.
Mapping the active Universe with eROSITA
Authors: Salvato Mara
Published: July 2014

eROSITA (extended Röntgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array) is the core instrument on the Russian Spektrum-Röntgen-Gamma (SRG) mission which is current scheduled for launch in Q4 2014. eROSITA will perform a deep survey of the entire X-ray sky. In the soft band (0.5–2 keV), it will be about 30 times more sensitive than ROSAT, while in the hard band (2–8 keV) it will provide the first ever true imaging survey of the sky. The design driving science is the detection of large samples of galaxy clusters up to redshifts z ~ 1, in order to study the large scale structure in the Universe and test cosmological models including Dark Energy. In addition, eROSITA is expected to yield a sample of about 3 million active galactic nuclei, which is bound to revolutionize our view of the evolution of supermassive black holes and their impact on the process of structure formation in the Universe. The survey will also provide new insights into a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, including isolated Neutron Stars and Black Holes, X-ray binaries, active stars and diffuse emission within the Galaxy, as well as more exotic ones such as gamma-ray bursts, tidal disruption of stars in galactic nuclei and binary black holes. In this talk I presented the main characteristics of the mission and focus on the scientific drivers for extragalactic all-sky surveys of AGN. All what was presented at the Symposium (plots, simulations, expected numbers of various kind of sources –QSO, obscured and CT AGN– their properties and evolution with redshift) can be found in the official eROSITA Science Book (Merloni et al., 2012).
Neurospectral modeling of rectangular patch with rectangular aperture in the ground plane
Authors: Djouane Lotfi , Bedra Sami , Bedra Randa , Fortaki Tarek
Published: July 2014

In this study, we propose an artificial neural network in conjunction with spectral domain approach (SDA), for fast and accurate determination of the resonant frequency and half-power bandwidth of rectangular patch over the ground plane with rectangular aperture. The performances evaluation of the neurospectral method reveals superiority over the conventional SDA model in terms of errors and time. The results obtained from the neurospectral method are in very good agreement with the experimental and theoretical results available in the literature. Finally, numerical results for the effect of rectangular aperture dimensions on the resonant characteristics of the rectangular patch are also investigated.
Italian Validation of Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Pirrotta Fabio , Timpano Francesca , Bonanno Lilla , Nunnari Domenica , Marino Silvia , Bramanti Placido , Lanzafame Pietro
Published: July 2014

Neuropsychological testing is a milestone of good practice to document cognitive deficits in a rapidly aging population. The aim of this paper is to validate the Italian version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). We compared subjects performance at the Italian version of MoCA with performance at standard Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The whole sample is composed of 287 subjects. All participants were administered three MoCA and a standard MMSE within 4 weeks. Through ROC analysis the optimal MoCA cut-off point was identified, showing high levels of sensitivity and specificity and an accuracy of .96, with 95% confidence interval. Intra rater reliability and intra rater reliability are highly significant with respect to the MMSE. Results highlight that MoCA is a valid instrument in clinical and research screening and monitoring of subjects affected by cognitive disorders. Further studies may be directed to the deepening of the reliability and validity of the test.
General and Specific Avoidance
Authors: Stemmet Lehan , Roger Derek , Kuntz Joana , Borrill Jo
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Research on coping has been hampered by psychometric shortcomings in coping scales, which have typically relied on items based on face-value, extracted too many factors or lacked the evidence for the obtained structure from confirmatory factor analysis. The present paper describes the development and concurrent validation of a new three-factor avoidance coping scale, the General and Specific Avoidance Questionnaire (GSAQ), which comprises General Avoidance, Emotional Avoidance, and Conflict Avoidance. In contrast to earlier scales the items were derived from a scenario technique which elicits items from participants’ experience, and the three-factor structure was endorsed by two confirmatory factor analyses on independent samples and a further exploratory factor analysis based on the total pooled sample of participants from all three analyses. Factor correlations indicate that the scales measure discrete facets of the avoidance coping domain, and while concurrent validation showed that General and Conflict Avoidance were related in predictable ways to criterion measures, the pattern for Emotional Avoidance was unexpected.
What’s on Your Mind?
Authors: Verschuere Bruno , Meijer Ewout H.
Published: July 2014

Lie detectors can be applied in a wide variety of settings. But this advantage comes with a considerable cost: False positives. The applicability of the Concealed Information Test (CIT) is more limited, yet when it can be applied, the risk of false accusations can be set a priori at a very low level. The CIT assesses the recognition of critical information that is known only by the examiners and the culprit, for example, the face of an accomplice. Large effects are obtained with the CIT, whether combined with peripheral, brain, or motor responses. We see three important challenges for the CIT. First, the false negative rate of the CIT can be substantial, particularly under realistic circumstances. A possible solution seems to restrict the CIT to highly salient details. Second, there exist effective faking strategies. Future research will tell whether faking can be detected or even prevented (e.g., using covert measures). Third, recognition of critical crime details does not necessarily result from criminal activity. It is therefore important to properly embed the CIT in the investigative process, while taking care when drawing conclusions from the test outcome (recognition, not guilt).