Natural coordinates for a class of Benenti systems

We present explicit formulas for the coordinates in which the Hamiltonians of the Benenti systems with flat metrics take natural form and the metrics in question are represented by constant diagonal matrices.Comment: LaTeX 2e, 8 p., no figures; extended version with enlarged bibliograph

Effective Thermal Conductivity of SrBi4_4Ti4_4O15_{15}-La0.7_{0.7}Sr0.3_{0.3}MnO3_3 Oxide composite: Role of Particle Size and Interface Thermal Resistance

We present a novel approach to reduce the thermal conductivity ($\kappa$) in thermoelectric composite materials using acoustic impedance mismatch and the Debye model. Also, the correlation between interface thermal resistance (R$_{int}$) and the particle size of the dispersed phase on the k of the composite is discussed. In particular, the $\kappa$ of an oxide composite which consists of a natural superlattice Aurivillius phase (SrBi$_4$Ti$_4$O$_{15}$) as a matrix and perovskite (La$_{0.7}$Sr$_{0.3}$MnO$_3$) as a dispersed phase is investigated. A significant reduction in the $\kappa$ of composite, even lower than the $\kappa$ of the matrix when the particle size of La$_{0.7}$Sr$_{0.3}$MnO$_3$ is smaller than the Kapitza radius (a$_K$) is observed, depicting that R$_{int}$ dominates for particle size lower than a$_K$ due to increased surface to volume ratio. The obtained results have the potential to provide new directions for engineering composite thermoelectric systems with desired thermal conductivity and promising in the field of energy harvesting.Comment: 21 pages, 8 Figures, 5 Table

Effect of accelerated electron beam on mechanical properties of human cortical bone: influence of different processing methods

Accelerated electron beam (EB) irradiation has been a sufficient method used for sterilisation of human tissue grafts for many years in a number of tissue banks. Accelerated EB, in contrast to more often used gamma photons, is a form of ionizing radiation that is characterized by lower penetration, however it is more effective in producing ionisation and to reach the same level of sterility, the exposition time of irradiated product is shorter. There are several factors, including dose and temperature of irradiation, processing conditions, as well as source of irradiation that may influence mechanical properties of a bone graft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect e-beam irradiation with doses of 25 or 35 kGy, performed on dry ice or at ambient temperature, on mechanical properties of non-defatted or defatted compact bone grafts. Left and right femurs from six male cadaveric donors, aged from 46 to 54 years, were transversely cut into slices of 10 mm height, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone. Compact bone rings were assigned to the eight experimental groups according to the different processing method (defatted or non-defatted), as well as e-beam irradiation dose (25 or 35 kGy) and temperature conditions of irradiation (ambient temperature or dry ice). Axial compression testing was performed with a material testing machine. Results obtained for elastic and plastic regions of stress–strain curves examined by univariate analysis are described. Based on multivariate analysis, including all groups, it was found that temperature of e-beam irradiation and defatting had no consistent significant effect on evaluated mechanical parameters of compact bone rings. In contrast, irradiation with both doses significantly decreased the ultimate strain and its derivative toughness, while not affecting the ultimate stress (bone strength). As no deterioration of mechanical properties was observed in the elastic region, the reduction of the energy absorption capacity of irradiated bone rings apparently resulted from changes generated by irradiation within the plastic strain region

Diagnostic techniques in breast cancer detection. Part II: Physical and Biopsy Methods

This publication contains an overview of methods based on the principles of physics applied in breast cancer diagnosis. It refers both to those created de novo and those that have recently been updated, thanks to the revolutionary progress in digital, computer and information technologies. It also contains an overview of the biopsy techniques considered to be “the golden standard” in breast cancer diagnoses, as well as the latest ones, allowing to obtain ductal cells. An effort to develop new diagnostic methods, based on various fields of physics and integration of various diagnostic methods, needs to be made in order for medicine to cope with the requirements of early detection of breast tumours

Diagnostic techniques in breast cancer detection. Part I: Imaging methods and their modifications

This publication contains an overview of the imaging techniques and the related technologies utilized in breast cancer diagnosis. It describes both those known for tens of years as well as the ones developed recently thanks to the new technological developments. An integration and coexistence of the diagnostic methods from classical mammography to the computerized laser mammography has become essential in order to cope with the requirements of early detection of breast tumours, which is a precondition of successful treatment and longer survival periods upon which patients rely

Diagnostic techniques in breast cancer detection. Part III. The New Cytobiological Methods

This publication contains an overview of the cyto-biological technologies utilized in breast cancer diagnosis. It refers to technologies created de novo and heralded as a breakthrough ones, as well as to those existing for years. An integration of new diagnostic biogenetic methods, with imaging techniques such as mammography, have become essential in order to cope with the requirements of early detection of breast tumours. Apart from the new and innovative diagnostic techniques, this publication also presents an outline of recommendations for genetic diagnostics as well as cooperative and multidisciplinary integrative activities, which are prerequisites for successful diagnosis and treatment and, consequently, longer survival periods upon which patients rely

Assesment of selected parameters depending on the size of abdominal wall incision in patients subjected to minilaparotomy due to benign gynaecological diseases

Abstract Objectives: Considering the enormous advantages of minimally invasive surgery, attempts to introduce less invasive trans-abdominal incisions might represent an alternative to classic gynecologic surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and clinical outcome of minilaparotomy in patients operated due to benign gynecological diseases and to analyze selected parameters with regard to the abdominal wall incision size. Design: In this retrospective study, we have described our experience with 26 patients, undergoing minilaparotomy for benign adnexal or uterine diseases. Material and methods: 26 patients with benign uterine or adnexal diseases, hospitalized from November 2003 until March 2006 at the Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology at the Polish Mother‘s Memorial Hospital – Research Institute in ¸ode, had undergone successful surgical treatment by means of minilaparotomy. The following procedures were included in the analysis: myomectomy (17 patients), ovarian cystectomy (3 patients), myomectomy and ovarian cystectomy at the same time (3 patients), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (1 patient), supracervical hysterectomy (1 patient) and total abdominal hysterectomy with salpingo – oophorectomy (1 patient). Results: The patients’ mean age and BMI were 33.85 years (14 – 50) and 22.95 (18.73 – 45.17), respectively. The mean operative time was 72.69 min (45 – 120). The diameter of trans-abdominal incision was 3 – 6cm and the mean diameter of removed lesions was 76.88 mm (47 – 200). The mean intraoperative decrease of haematocrit and haemoglobin value was 4,8% (0.2 – 12.4) and 1,4 g/dl (0.2 – 3.7), respectively. Blood transfusion was required in case of 3 patients but only in one case it was caused by intraoperative blood loss. There were no significant intra- or postoperative complications. 16 patients needed analgesics for 2.33 days after surgery. Body temperature up to 38°C was observed in 4 patients for 2.5 days. The average time of hospitalization after the surgery was 4.58 days. We have noted a negative correlation between the size of trans-abdominal incision and several factors: operative time, intraoperative blood loss, period of analgesic therapy and time of hospitalization after the surgery. None of these factors was correlated with patients’ age or BMI. One-month follow up after the surgery revealed satisfactory wound healing and no complains in case of all patients. All patients deemed the cosmetic effect of the surgery very good. Conclusion: Minilaparotomy seems to be a very simple, useful and safe surgical technique, which might be an alternative to laparotomy in the management of benign gynecologic diseases. Minilaparotomy is of great value, especially in situations when laparoscopic or vaginal approach is too complicated or too dangerous due to technical reasons

Assesment of selected parameters depending on the size of abdominal wall incision in patients subjected to minilaparotomy due to benign gynaecological diseases

Abstract Objectives: Considering the enormous advantages of minimally invasive surgery, attempts to introduce less invasive trans-abdominal incisions might represent an alternative to classic gynecologic surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and clinical outcome of minilaparotomy in patients operated due to benign gynecological diseases and to analyze selected parameters with regard to the abdominal wall incision size. Design: In this retrospective study, we have described our experience with 26 patients, undergoing minilaparotomy for benign adnexal or uterine diseases. Material and methods: 26 patients with benign uterine or adnexal diseases, hospitalized from November 2003 until March 2006 at the Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology at the Polish Mother‘s Memorial Hospital – Research Institute in ¸ode, had undergone successful surgical treatment by means of minilaparotomy. The following procedures were included in the analysis: myomectomy (17 patients), ovarian cystectomy (3 patients), myomectomy and ovarian cystectomy at the same time (3 patients), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (1 patient), supracervical hysterectomy (1 patient) and total abdominal hysterectomy with salpingo – oophorectomy (1 patient). Results: The patients’ mean age and BMI were 33.85 years (14 – 50) and 22.95 (18.73 – 45.17), respectively. The mean operative time was 72.69 min (45 – 120). The diameter of trans-abdominal incision was 3 – 6cm and the mean diameter of removed lesions was 76.88 mm (47 – 200). The mean intraoperative decrease of haematocrit and haemoglobin value was 4,8% (0.2 – 12.4) and 1,4 g/dl (0.2 – 3.7), respectively. Blood transfusion was required in case of 3 patients but only in one case it was caused by intraoperative blood loss. There were no significant intra- or postoperative complications. 16 patients needed analgesics for 2.33 days after surgery. Body temperature up to 38°C was observed in 4 patients for 2.5 days. The average time of hospitalization after the surgery was 4.58 days. We have noted a negative correlation between the size of trans-abdominal incision and several factors: operative time, intraoperative blood loss, period of analgesic therapy and time of hospitalization after the surgery. None of these factors was correlated with patients’ age or BMI. One-month follow up after the surgery revealed satisfactory wound healing and no complains in case of all patients. All patients deemed the cosmetic effect of the surgery very good. Conclusion: Minilaparotomy seems to be a very simple, useful and safe surgical technique, which might be an alternative to laparotomy in the management of benign gynecologic diseases. Minilaparotomy is of great value, especially in situations when laparoscopic or vaginal approach is too complicated or too dangerous due to technical reasons

Nowe dane o występowaniu mszyc (Hemiptera: Aphidomorpha)

The paper presents data on the occurrence of 113 aphids species, including 50 species for the first time recorded from the territory of the zoogeographical region of Eastern Beskidy Mountains. This gives a total number of 169 aphid taxa known from this region. Among the identified specimens such rare species as Myzocallis walshii, Aulacorthum palustre and Uroleucon inulicola deserve a special interest