Intranight variability of 3C 454.3 during its 2010 November outburst

Context. 3C 454.3 is a very active flat spectrum radio quasar (blazar) that has undergone a recent outburst in all observed bands, including the optical. Aims. In this work we explore the short-term optical variability of 3C 454.3 during its outburst by searching for time delays between different optical bands. Finding one would be important for understanding the evolution of the spectrum of the relativistic electrons, which generate the synchrotron jet emission. Methods. We performed photometric monitoring of the object by repeating exposures in different optical bands (BVRI). Occasionally, different telescopes were used to monitor the object in the same band to verify the reliability of the smallest variations we observed. Results. Except on one occasion, where we found indications of a lag of the blue wavelengths behind the red ones, the results are inconclusive for most of the other cases. There were either no structures in the light curves to be able to search for patterns, or else different approaches led to different conclusions.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. Accepted for publication in A&

Properties of the Young Milky Way Globular Cluster Whiting 1 from Near-Infrared Photometry

Whiting 1 is a member of the fast-growing group of young globular clusters in the Milky Way halo. Preliminary estimates of its fundamental parameters have been provided using optical photometry and low resolution spectroscopy. In an attempt to strengthen our knowledge of Whiting 1, in this study we employ a complementary approach. Isochrone fitting method was applied on the Near-Infrared Color-Magnitude Diagram and yields an age t=5.7$\pm$0.3 Gyr, metallicity $z$=0.006$\pm$0.001 ([Fe/H]=$-$0.5$\pm$0.1) and distance modulus $(m-M)_0$=17.48$\pm$0.10. Our results confirm that Whiting 1 is a young and moderately metal-rich globular cluster. It is one of the youngest from the Sgr dSph. We fitted an Elson, Fall and Freeman (EFF) profile to the near-infrared number counts, and measured cluster core radius $r_c$=9.1${\prime\prime}$$\pm$3.9${\prime\prime}$. Two probable eclipsing variables in the cluster were found from multi-epoch $V$ band photometry. Finally, an unknown galaxy cluster was identified on our $K$ vs. $(J-K)$ color-magnitude diagram. It has a redshift z$\sim$1, and it is located at about 1${\prime}$ from the center of Whiting 1 at $\alpha_{J2000}=02^{h} 02^{m} 56.6^{s}$, $\delta_{J2000}=-03^{\circ} 16{\prime} 09{\prime\prime}$, contaminating the cluster photometry.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 6 pages, 8 figure

PARTICIPATION OF Hi- AND H 3-RECEPTORS IN THE REGULATION OF GUINEA-PIG TRACHEAL TONE - INFLUENCE OF INDOMETHACIN

The tracheal tone is influenced by histaminergic receptors and by the epithelium derived relaxing factor (EpDRF) which contains metabolites of arachidonic acid. The aims of the present study were the following: 1) to investigate the role of Hi- and Нз-receptors in the tracheal tone regulation using as test substances histamine (H), the Hi-receptor antagonist mepyramine and the Нз-receptor agonist (R)a-methylhistamine [(R)a -MHA]; 2) to study the influence of the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin on the tracheal responsiveness to the examined substances. The experiments were carried out on isolated guinea-pig tracheal rings. Histamine at cumulative concentrations contracts the trachea. In the presence of mepyramine the concentration- response curves to H are shifted to the right that proves the concept of the Hi-receptor mediated tracheal contraction. In the presence of indomethacin the concentration-response curves to H are shifted to the left and the maximal contraction is significantly increased due to the inhibition of the COX pathway. (R)oc-MHA at concentrations up to lxlfH M leads to a slight tracheal contraction, which is probably Hi-receptor mediated as it is reduced in the presence of mepyramine. The ЗхКИ M concentration of (R)a-MHA relaxes the trachea probably due to its Нз-receptor agonistic activity. In the presence of indomethacin this relaxation is turned to a further contraction. After tracheal precontraction by H, (R)a-MHA concentration dependently relaxes the trachea. This spasmolytic effect is insignificantly influenced by mepyramine and is almost completely abolished in the presence of indomethacin, which shows that it is probably due to an increased production of metabolites of arachidonic acid

Study of Natural Aronia Melanocarpa Fruit Juice for Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity

Natural Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMFJ) is rich in polyphenols most of which are anthocyanins. These compounds and other natural plant products are recently evaluated for their anti-infectious activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial and antiviral activity of AMFJ. AMFJ bacteriostatic activity on referent strains of S. aureus ATCC 25923, E. coli ATCC 25922 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was assessed by counting the number of colonies after 24h incubation at 37°C using the microbial number method. AMFJ was not bacteriostatic for P. aeruginosa. The microbial number for E. coli was 0 ,3 6xl02 CFU/ml AMFJ and for N. aureus 0,87x10s CFU/ml AMFJ. Gram-positive bacteria should mainly be used as a test for further investigation of the bacteriostatic activity of AMFJ. AMFJ antiviral activity directed to the reproduction in ovo of influenza virus type A (H3N2) was investigated. AMFJ inhibited the reproduction of influenza virus in its initial stages, most probably, due to the formation of complex compounds between the virion, on one hand, and the polyphenols, on the other hand, which influenced the adsorption of the influenza virus on the cell surface

Influence of Fruit Juice From Aronia Melanocarpa on the Process of Lipid Peroxidation in a Model of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The fruit juice from Aronia melanocarpa (FJAM) is rich in anthocyanins. We studied the effect of FJAM on the process of lipid peroxidation in a model of carbon tetrachloride (CCI4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in plasma and liver homogenate. CCU induced a significant elevation of MDA levels in the plasma (p<0,05) and in the homogenate (p<0,01) in comparison with distilled water-treated controls. FJAM applied alone did not significantly influence on the MDA levels. The pretreatment of the rats with FJAM before their treatment with CCI4 lead dose-dependently to MDA levels in the plasma and homogenate which did not differ in most animal groups from the controls and were significantly lower from those of the CCI4-treated rats

Optical monitoring of the z=4.40 quasar Q 2203+292

We report Cousins R-band monitoring of the high-redshift (z=4.40) radio quiet quasar Q 2203+292 from May 1999 to October 2007. The quasar shows maximum peak-to-peak light curve amplitude of ~0.3 mag during the time of our monitoring, and ~0.9 mag when combined with older literature data. The rms of a fit to the light curve with a constant is 0.08 mag and 0.2 mag, respectively. The detected changes are at ~3-sigma level. The quasar was in a stable state during the recent years and it might have undergone a brightening event in the past. The structure function analysis concluded that the object shows variability properties similar to those of the lower redshift quasars. We set a lower limit to the Q 2203+292 broad line region mass of 0.3-0.4 M_odot. Narrow-band imaging search for redshifted Ly_alpha from other emission line objects at the same redshift shows no emission line objects in the quasar vicinity.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Changes in the function of the anal sphincter complex and generated anal pressure at different anatomical levels after elastic ligature application in patients with anal fistula

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to measure by means of especially developed apparatus the anal and intrarectal pressure before and after different operations for perianal fistulas as well as to correlate the degree of incontinence evaluated by Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) with changes in the measured pressures and type of operation used.Material and methods: The study covered 311 patients with perianal fistulas who were operated with several methods. Anal canal pressures at 5 different levels were measured by the especially developed apparatus at rest, squeezing and cough, before and after 6 months of operation. FISI form was used for incontinence detection.Results: Resting, squeezing and cough pressures were higher in men before and after operations. Average reduction of anal rest pressure by 10-15%, at contraction by 20-25% and at cough by 5-10% resulted in mild incontinence according to FISI score. Average reduction of anal rest pressure by 20-25%, at contraction by 30-40% and at cough by 20-25% correlated with postoperative moderate degree of incontinence according to FISI score. No severe incontinence was registered by FISI examination. Usage of the method of elastic ligation of perianal fistulas, i.e. the method of Hippocrates-Thoma Junescu caused the highest percentage of postoperative mild degree incontinence (15,9%) and moderate one (4,3%) by FISI. No patients presented with severe degree of incontinence.Conclusion: The method of anal sphincter tonometry demonstrated a significant reduction of anal pressure after surgery for anal fistulas. This objective decrease of anal sphincter tone correlated with the higher FISI score arguing of postoperative incontinence. The method of Hippocrates-Thoma-Junescu resulted in the highest rate of incontinence (around 20%) and anal pressure reduction

The application of ultrasound examination in the treatment of Acute Sinusitis. Comparing X-ray to ultrasound of paranasal sinuses

Background: Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is one of the most common diseases encountered in the out-patient setting. X-ray of the paranasal sinuses is the gold standard in the diagnosis of ARS with its accessibility and accuracy. Ultrasound examination of the paranasal sinuses is a noninvasive diagnostic method which is an acceptable alternative in the follow-up of the treatment.Aim: To present the application of portable sinuson in the out-patient setting on patients with ARS and its effectiveness.Materials and Methods: 22 patients (12m/10f) underwent X-ray of the paranasal sinuses, which resulted in ARS. The results of the X-rays were compared with the ultrasound examination of the paranasal sinuses with a portable sinuson (SINUSULTRA ULTRAMAX). The examination was repeated on the 1-st and 2-nd week and 2 months after the treatment for ARS.Results: From the 22 patients – 10 were with unilateral maxillary sinusitis, 7 with bilateral sinusitis and 5 with pansinusitis. 5 (22%) false positives were registered from the ultrasound examination on the initial check-up, 3 (13%) false negatives were registered on the follow-ups on the 1-st and the 2-nd week, 2 (9%) false negatives were registered 2 months after the treatment for ARS.Conclusion: Ultrasound examination of the paranasal sinuses is a noninvasive, painless, fast and with an adequate degree of accuracy. It is a good alternative for children and pregnant women. Ultrasound examination can be applied in the follow-up of ARS