Multiwavelength variability of the radio quasar J2042+7508

In this paper, we present our results of study on the long term multiwavelength variability properties of the quasar J2042+7508 (4C +74.26) – a giant radio source located at the redshift of 0.104. This source exhibits interesting emission and structural properties when observed in various wavelengths, including X-ray, optical and radio frequencies. Therefore, exploring these properties through multifrequency variability studies presents a great importance to our understanding of the evolution of quasars and radio-loud unification schemes. We found a trend of anticorrelation with time lag of about three months between optical and radio light curves. A weak correlation with a longer time lag of about 230 days might also exist. Using the structure function method, applied to our six years long, optical data, we arrived at a conclusion that the quasar variability with amplitude of about 0.3 magnitude, is likely caused by an accretion disk instability

Can the Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score predict postoperative complications other than mortality?

Introduction : Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are bariatric procedures with acceptable risk of postoperative morbidities and mortalities, but identification of high-risk patients is an ongoing issue. DeMaria et al. introduced the Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score (OS-MRS), which was designed for mortality risk assessment but not perioperative morbidity risk. Aim : To assess the possibility to use the OS-MRS to predict the risk of perioperative complications related to LSG and LRYGB. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of patients operated on for morbid obesity was performed. Patients were evaluated before and after surgery. We included 408 patients (233 LSG, 175 LRYGB). Perioperative complications were defined as adverse effects in the 30-day period. The Clavien-Dindo scale was used for description of complications. Patients were assigned to five grades and three classes according to the OS-MRS results, then risk of morbidity was analyzed. Results: Complications were observed in 30 (7.35%) patients. Similar morbidity was related to both procedures (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.53–2.44, p = 0.744). The reoperation and mortality rates were 1.23% and 0.49% respectively. There were no significant differences in median OS-MRS value between the group without and the group with perioperative complications. There were no significant differences in OS-MRS between groups (p = 0.091). Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score was not related to Clavien-Dindo grades (p = 0.800). Conclusions : It appears that OS-MRS is not useful in predicting risk of perioperative morbidity after bariatric procedures

Constraining the degree of the dominant mode in QQ Vir

We present early results of the application of a method which uses multicolor photometry and spectroscopy for \ell discrimination. This method has been successfully applied to the pulsating hot subdwarf Balloon 090100001. Here we apply the method to QQ Vir (PG1325+101). This star was observed spectroscopically and photometrically in 2008. Details on spectroscopy can be found in Telting et al. (2010) while photometry and preliminary results on \ell discrimination are provided here. The main aim of this work was to compare the value of the \ell parameter derived for the main mode in QQ Vir to previously published values derived by using different methods.Comment: Proceedings of The Fourth Meeting on Hot Subdwarf Stars and Related Objects held in China, 20-24 July 2009. Accepted for publication in Astrophysics and Space Scienc

Short hospital stays after laparoscopic gastric surgery under an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway : experience at a single center

INTRODUCTION: Recently, first reports on benefits from Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway in patients undergoing gastric surgery have appeared. It seems that maximal reduction of unfavorable surgery-induced trauma in patients with gastric malignancy via ERAS protocol combined with minimally invasive techniques can improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of laparoscopic surgery and ERAS protocol in oncological gastric surgery on early outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective analysis involved 28 patients (18 female and 10 male) with gastric malignancy who underwent laparoscopic gastric resection between 2009 and 2013. Gastric tumors (gastrointestinal stromal tumors or adenocarcinoma) were the indication for the surgery. A total of 17 patients underwent laparoscopic local excision, and 11 patients with adenocarcinoma or multiple neuroendocrine tumors underwent laparoscopic D2 total gastrectomy. Perioperative care was based on ERAS principles. Length of hospital stay, postoperative course, perioperative complications, and readmission rates were analyzed. RESULTS: There was one conversion in the gastrectomy group. All patients were mobilized on the day of surgery. Oral fluids were introduced on day 0 and were well tolerated. Full hospital diet was started on day 2 in all patients, but was well tolerated in only 18 of them. One postoperative complication requiring reoperation was noted. The length of stay after gastrectomy and gastric wedge resection was 4.6 (2–6) and 3.3 (2–6) days, respectively. No readmissions were noted in the entire group. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of ERAS protocol to clinical practice in combination with laparoscopy in patients with gastric tumors can result in improved postoperative care quality, shortening of hospital stay, and quicker return to normal activity

Changes in levels of selected incretins and appetite-controlling hormones following surgical treatment for morbid obesity

INTRODUCTION: The hormonal brain-gut axis is a crucial element in appetite control and the response to surgical treatment for super obesity. However, mechanisms underlying the metabolic response to surgical treatment for morbid obesity are still not clearly specified. AIM: To evaluate and compare the effects of surgical treatment for super obesity by laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and by laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on selected incretins and appetite-controlling hormones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled in a prospective study. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed in 45.8% of patients, and LRYGB in the remaining 54.2% of patients. Before the procedure fasting blood serum was collected from patients and preserved, to determine levels of selected incretins and brain-gut hormones: glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), leptin, and ghrelin. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients came to a follow-up visit 12 months after the surgery. In these patients selected parameters were determined again. The percentage weight loss was 58.8%. The ghrelin levels had decreased, and no statistically significant difference was observed between the two procedures. After both surgical procedures a statistically significant reduction in the leptin level was also observed. Peptide YY levels statistically significantly increased in the whole studied group. The GLP-1 level increased after the surgical procedure. However, the observed change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment methods result in modification of secretion patterns for selected gastrointestinal hormones, and this was considered to be a beneficial effect of bariatric treatment. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, being a procedure resulting in a metabolic response, seems to be an equally effective method for treatment of super obesity and comorbidities as the laparoscopic gastric bypass

Optical monitoring of FRII-type radio quasars

We present preliminary results of optical monitoring of sample of FRII-type radio quasars. The optical observations were made with three telescopes, among them one robotic, spanning a time interval longer than two years. Variability in the range of a fraction of a magnitude was observed for all eight targets. We applied the structure function to analyse the brightness changes. The slope of the structure function is only consistent with the disk instability model for two sources; the other sources show values between of the disk instability and starburst models. Finally we argue that such monitoring would be most suitable as a long-term, complementary program for robotic telescopes

Insights into the inner regions of the FU Orionis disc

Context. We investigate small-amplitude light variations in FU Ori occurring in timescales of days and weeks. Aims. We seek to determine the mechanisms that lead to these light changes. Methods. The visual light curve of FU Ori gathered by the MOST satellite continuously for 55 days in the 2013-2014 winter season and simultaneously obtained ground-based multi-colour data were compared with the results from a disc and star light synthesis model. Results. Hotspots on the star are not responsible for the majority of observed light variations. Instead, we found that the long periodic family of 10.5-11.4 d (presumably) quasi-periods showing light variations up to 0.07 mag may arise owing to the rotational revolution of disc inhomogeneities located between 16-20 solar radii. The same distance is obtained by assuming that these light variations arise because of a purely Keplerian revolution of these inhomogeneities for a stellar mass of 0.7 solar mass. The short-periodic (3-1.38 d) small amplitude (0.01 mag) light variations show a clear sign of period shortening, similar to what was discovered in the first MOST observations of FU Ori. Our data indicate that these short-periodic oscillations may arise because of changing visibility of plasma tongues (not included in our model), revolving in the magnetospheric gap and/or likely related hotspots as well. Conclusions. Results obtained for the long-periodic 10-11 d family of light variations appear to be roughly in line with the colour-period relation, which assumes that longer periods are produced by more external and cooler parts of the disc. Coordinated observations in a broad spectral range are still necessary to fully understand the nature of the short-periodic 1-3 d family of light variations and their period changes.Comment: Accepted to A&

Assessment of a steel bridge corrosion degree

The subject of this analysis is connected with the verification of the load capacity of the span structure taking into account the degree of corrosion of the railway viaduct components located at 41.446 km, on the railway line no. 301 of "Kotlarnia" SA Sand Mine built over the national road DK88 and railway tracks PKP-PLK near T. Kościuszki street in Zabrze The general condition of the structure with regard to the corrosion assessment of structural steel is presented in the paper. Static and strength calculations were carried out to determine the load capacity class, and as a result of the analysis it was found that the technical condition of the facility steel girders is suitable for repair