Tunneling-Induced Restoration of the Degeneracy and the Time-Reversal Symmetry Breaking in Optical Lattices

We study the ground-state properties of bosons loaded into the $p$-band of a one dimensional optical lattice. We show that the phase diagram of the system is substantially affected by the anharmonicity of the lattice potential. In particular, for a certain range of tunneling strength, the full many-body ground state of the system becomes degenerate. In this region, an additional symmetry of the system, namely the parity of the occupation number of the chosen orbital, is spontaneously broken. The state with nonvanishing staggered angular momentum, which breaks the time-reversal symmetry, becomes the true ground state of the system.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figure

Efficacy of samarium 153 and strontium 89 treatment for bone metastases in prostate cancer patients: monotherapy vs. treatment combined with external beam radiotherapy. Preliminary report

BackgroundApproximately 60–80% of metastatic prostate cancer patients suffer from pain caused by bone metastases. Bone metastases have a negative impact on patient performance status.AimThe aim of study was to compare the efficacy of treatment with strontium 89 or samarium 153 in monotherapy vs. radioisotope treatment combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases.Materials/MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed one hundred (n=100) metastatic prostate cancer patients aged between 53 and 84 years, who we divided into four treatment groups: 30 pts received Sr-89 monotherapy; 30 patients received Sm-153 monotherapy; 20 pts received Sr-89 combined with EBRT; and 20 pts received Sm-153 combined with EBRT. Follow-up was 4 months. All patients prior to therapy had their bone metastases confirmed by bone scan examination. Pathologic fractures were excluded and the nature of metastases (osteoblastic/mixed) was evaluated with X-ray films and/or CT and/or MRI. Sr-89 therapy consisted of a standard dose of 150MBq, while Sm-153 was administered proportionally to body weight (37MBq/kg). In combined treatment groups EBRT was given to the dominant metastatic site with 8Gy in one fraction or 20Gy in five daily fractions. Treatment efficacy was determined by change in pain intensity evaluated according to visual analogue scale (VAS), changes in Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and in the use of analgesics.ResultsComplete pain relief (VAS5) was noted in 20% of patients in both monotherapy groups and in 10% and 15% of patients in Sm-153 and Sr-89 combined with EBRT, respectively. Decrease in pain intensity and in the use of analgesics as well as improvement in performance status were statistically significant for combined therapy vs. monotherapy (

Multi-Domain Named Entity Recognition for Robotic Process Automation

To make Robotic Process Automation more attractive, it needs to become more ``intelligent''. In this context, a modification of the Form-to-Rule approach, based on identifying data types of form fields, is proposed. Moreover, multi-domain named entity recognition is used, for field value identification. These techniques, used jointly, allow software robots to adapt to interface changes. Experimental results are reported and verify viability of the proposed approach

The effectiveness of strontium 89 in the treatment of pain caused by bone metastases in patients with prostate cancer

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of strontium 89 (Metastron) therapy in the group of prostate cancer patients with multiple bone metastases. Material and methods. The study included 70 patients (aged 53&#8211;84) with prostate cancer and multiple bone metastases detected by scintigraphy and by radiogram - type of metastases (osteoblastic - 55 patients, osteolytic-osteoblastic - 15 patients). Before strontium therapy 34 out of 70 patients received radiotherapy to the spine to prevent spinal cord compression. For assessment of therapy effectiveness; pain relief (VAS scale), a reduction in analgesic use and motor activity (ECOG and Karnofsky scale) were evaluated. Results. We have observed statistically significant pain relief and that the analgesic use decreased to 50% of dose on average. The motor activity of the points evaluated according to ECOG scale and Karnofsky scale was much better (p < 0.05). Conclusions. We conclude that palliative therapy using strontium 89 is effective (88% "good" and "moderate" response rate) and safe for bone pain palliation in patients with multiple prostate cancer bone metastases; it may also improve quality of life.Wstęp. Celem badań była ocena skuteczności leczenia przeciwbólowego przerzutów nowotworowych do kości za pomocą izotopu 89Sr. Materiał i metody. Badaniem objęto 70 pacjentów w zaawansowanym stadium raka stercza z przerzutami do kości. Średnia wieku badanych wynosiła 67 lat. U wszystkich chorych za pomocą metody scyntygraficznej potwierdzono obecność licznych przerzutów nowotworowych do kości; w 55 przypadkach wykazywały one radiologicznie typowe cechy przerzutów osteoblastycznych, w 15 przypadkach miały charakter mieszany. U 34 osób leczenie izotopem strontu skojarzono z radioterapią zmian w kręgosłupie, zagrażających kompresją rdzenia. Efekt leczenia oceniano na podstawie zmiany stanu pacjentów w skali VAS, ECOG, Karnofsky&#8217;ego oraz wielkością przyjmowanych dawek leków przeciwbólowych. Wyniki. Stwierdzono znamienny statystycznie spadek natężenia bólu i o 50% mniejsze zużycie leków przeciwbólowych, a także poprawę stanu w skali ECOG i Karnofsky&#8217;ego (p < 0,05). Wnioski. Paliatywna terapia przerzutów raka stercza do kości prowadzona z zastosowaniem strontu 89 jest skuteczna w 88% przypadków - zmniejsza dolegliwości bólowe oraz istotnie podnosi jakość życia pacjentów

Immunohistochemical and hybridocytochemical study on ghrelin signalling in the rat seminiferous epithelium.

The results of presented study demonstrate expression of ghrelin, its functional receptor GHSR-1a and their genes in spermatogenic cells of rat testis suggesting their functioning within seminiferous epithelium. The immunohistochemical and hybrydocytochemical expression, of proteins and transcripts, was estimated taking into account the cycle of seminiferous epithelium and phases of spermatogenesis. Both transcripts and ghrelin was found to show nuclear expression and scarcely cytoplasmic. Expression of genes for ghrelin and GHSR-1a was shown in early spermatocytes and round spermatids representing transcriptional phases of meiosis and spermiogenesis. Ghrelin was evidenced to show nuclear expression in two stage-specific windows, in late spermatogonia, in spermatocytes up to early pachytenes, and again in spermatids of acrosome and early maturation phase of spermiogenesis. In late pachytenes, secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids, maturing spermatids and spermatozoa the reaction is lacking. With two types of antibodies against the GHSR-1a used the two different patterns of immunostaining was evidenced suggesting two isoforms of GHSR-1a. The first evidenced GHSR-1a in cytoplasm of spermatocytes, cell membrane and acrosomes of spermatids, Sertoli cell processes and heads of spermatozoa. With second type of antibodies the immunostaining marks all steps of evolution of acrosome in spermatids. It is believed that site of ghrelin expression in seminiferous epithelium may indicate its role in local regulations, not excepting the intracellular signalling. Immunostaining pattern for GHSR-1a seems to suggest both its participation in the cross-talk among the cells and also process of furnishing gametes with GHSR-1a for its response to ghrelin in seminal plasma or female reproductive tract

GO-QOL — kwestionariusz oceny jakości życia pacjentów z orbitopatią tarczycową

  The main goal of therapy for Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is to restore visual function and to improve quality of life (QOL); therefore, the idea of self-assessment of eye changes by the patient has been developed. We developed a validated Polish version of the GO-QOL questionnaire (GO-QOLpl). As an original version we used the English version of GO-QOL, which consists of 15 questions summarised in two subscales. GO-QOLpl was translated and validated in accordance with standard principles for translation of patient-reported outcomes (PRO). GO-QOLpl is a linguistically validated version of the original GO-QOL questionnaire, which is recommended by the European Group of Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO). We strongly support the use of GO-QOLpl for the assessment of QOL among Polish patients with GO in clinical practice. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (4): 362–366)    Głównym celem terapeutycznym w orbitopatii tarczycowej jest zarówno przywrócenie funkcji wzrokowych, jak i poprawa jakości życia. Przeprowadzono walidowane tłumaczenie kwestionariusza GO-QOL na język polski z wersji anglojęzycznej, która składa się z 15 pytań zgrupowanych w dwóch podskalach. Tłumaczenie GO-QOL przeprowadzono zgodnie z regułami translacyjnymi oceny pacjentów. Autorzy zalecają użycie GO-QOLpl do ewaluacji jakości życia wśród polskich pacjentów z orbitopatią tarczycową. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (4): 362–366)

Polish Soil Classification, 6th edition – principles, classification scheme and correlations

The sixth edition of the Polish Soil Classification (SGP6) aims to maintain soil classification in Poland as a modern scientific system that reflects current scientific knowledge, understanding of soil functions and the practical requirements of society. SGP6 continues the tradition of previous editions elaborated upon by the Soil Science Society of Poland in consistent application of quantitatively characterized diagnostic horizons, properties and materials; however, clearly referring to soil genesis. The present need to involve and name the soils created or naturally developed under increasing human impact has led to modernization of the soil definition. Thus, in SGP6, soil is defined as the surface part of the lithosphere or the accumulation of mineral and organic materials permanently connected to the lithosphere (through buildings or permanent constructions), coming from weathering or accumulation processes, originated naturally or anthropogenically, subject to transformation under the influence of soilforming factors, and able to supply living organisms with water and nutrients. SGP6 distinguishes three hierarchical categories: soil order (nine in total), soil type (basic classification unit; 30 in total) and soil subtype (183 units derived from 62 unique definitions; listed hierarchically, separately in each soil type), supplemented by three non-hierarchical categories: soil variety (additional pedogenic or lithogenic features), soil genus (lithology/parent material) and soil species (soil texture). Non-hierarchical units have universal definitions that allow their application in various orders/types, if all defined requirements are met. The paper explains the principles, classification scheme and rules of SGP6, including the key to soil orders and types, explaining the relationships between diagnostic horizons, materials and properties distinguished in SGP6 and in the recent edition of WRB system as well as discussing the correlation of classification units between SGP6, WRB and Soil Taxonomy

Soil sequences atlas. 2

TäistekstThis is the second book in the series of Soil Sequence Atlases. The first volume was published in 2014. Main pedogeographic features are presented in the form of sequences to give a comprehensive picture of soils - their genesis and correlations with the environment in typical landscapes of Central Europe from Estonia furthest north, through Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary to the southernmost Slovenia. Soils of natural landscapes - loess and sand (continental dunes) - are presented, as well as those of plains of various origin, karst lands, low mountains, and anthropically modified soils. Each chapter presents soil profiles supplemented by landscape information and basic analytical data. Then, genetic interpretations of soil properties related to soil forming agents are given as schematic catenas. When one factor changes while the others are more or less stable, the soil sequence can be recognised. Depending on the dominant soil-forming factor affecting repeated soil patterns, different types can be distinguished. Chapters are arranged roughly in accordance with the main soil-forming process in sequences, and referring to the WRB key (peat formation, vertic and gleyic process, podzolisation, humus accumulation, clay illuviation), with one small exception - the Technosols have been placed at the end of book. The main objective of this book is to present the diversity of relations between soil and landscape, climate, hydrology and human relations, and to present interpretations reflecting the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (2015) classification with comments on the choice of qualifiers. Sixteen Reference Soil Groups are featured, and represented by 67 soil profiles. The secondary objective is pedological education. One of the aims of soil science education is to explain to students the relations between landscape and soil cover. The patterns of soil units within landscapes are to some extent predictable. The collected data is intended as a useful educational tool in teaching soil science, supporting understanding of the reasons for the variability of soil cover, and also as a WRB classification guideline. The Atlas was developed as part of the EU Erasmus+ FACES project (Freely Accessible Central European Soil). Marcin Šwitoniak, Przemyslaw Charzynsk