Classification of Generalized Symmetries for the Vacuum Einstein Equations

A generalized symmetry of a system of differential equations is an infinitesimal transformation depending locally upon the fields and their derivatives which carries solutions to solutions. We classify all generalized symmetries of the vacuum Einstein equations in four spacetime dimensions. To begin, we analyze symmetries that can be built from the metric, curvature, and covariant derivatives of the curvature to any order; these are called natural symmetries and are globally defined on any spacetime manifold. We next classify first-order generalized symmetries, that is, symmetries that depend on the metric and its first derivatives. Finally, using results from the classification of natural symmetries, we reduce the classification of all higher-order generalized symmetries to the first-order case. In each case we find that the generalized symmetries are infinitesimal generalized diffeomorphisms and constant metric scalings. There are no non-trivial conservation laws associated with these symmetries. A novel feature of our analysis is the use of a fundamental set of spinorial coordinates on the infinite jet space of Ricci-flat metrics, which are derived from Penrose's ``exact set of fields'' for the vacuum equations.Comment: 57 pages, plain Te

Mild parenchymal lung disease and/or low diffusion capacity impacts survival and treatment response in patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

There are limited published data defining survival and treatment response in patients with mild lung disease and/or reduced gas transfer who fulfil diagnostic criteria for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Patients diagnosed with IPAH between 2001–19 were identified in the ASPIRE registry. Using pre-specified criteria based on CT imaging and spirometry, patients with a diagnosis of IPAH and no lung disease were termed IPAHno-LD (n=303), and those with minor-mild emphysema or fibrosis were described as IPAHmild-LD (n=190). Survival was significantly better in IPAHno-LD than in IPAHmild-LD (1 and 5-year survival 95% and 70% versus 78% and 22% respectively, p<0.0001). In the combined group of IPAHno-LD and IPAHmild-LD, independent predictors of higher mortality were increasing age, lower DLCO, lower exercise capacity and a diagnosis of IPAHmild-LD (p all <0.05). Exercise capacity and quality of life improved (p both <0.0001) following treatment in patients with IPAHno-LD but not IPAHmild-LD. A proportion of patients with IPAHno-LD had a DLCO <45%; these patients had poorer survival than patients with DLCO ≥45% although demonstrated improved exercise capacity following treatment. The presence of even mild parenchymal lung disease in patients who would be classified as IPAH according to current recommendations has a significant adverse effect on outcomes. This phenotype can be identified using lung function testing and clinical CT reports. Patients with IPAH, no lung disease and severely reduced DLCO may represent a further distinct phenotype. These data suggest that RCTs of targeted therapies in patients with these phenotypes are required

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in patients presenting with suspected pulmonary hypertension: A series of 90 patients from the ASPIRE registry

Background and objective There are limited data regarding patients with PAPVD with suspected and diagnosed PH. Methods Patients with PAPVD presenting to a large PH referral centre during 2007–2017 were identified from the ASPIRE registry. Results Ninety patients with PAPVD were identified; this was newly diagnosed at our unit in 71 patients (78%), despite 69% of these having previously undergone CT. Sixty‐seven percent had a single right superior and 23% a single left superior anomalous vein. Patients with an SV‐ASD had a significantly larger RV area, pulmonary artery and L‐R shunt and a higher % predicted DLCO (all P  3 WU. Seven of these patients had isolated PAPVD, five of whom (8% of those patients with PH) had anomalous drainage of a single pulmonary vein. Conclusion Undiagnosed PAPVD with or without ASD may be present in patients with suspected PH; cross‐sectional imaging should therefore be specifically assessed whenever this diagnosis is considered. Radiological and physiological markers of L‐R shunt are higher in patients with an associated SV‐ASD. Although many patients with PAPVD and PH may have other potential causes of PH, a proportion of patients diagnosed with PAH have isolated PAPVD in the absence of other causative conditions

Identification of cardiac MRI thresholds for risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Rationale: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-shortening condition. The European Society of Cardiology and European Respiratory Society and the REVEAL (North American Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management) risk score calculator (REVEAL 2.0) identify thresholds to predict 1-year mortality. Objectives: This study evaluates whether cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) thresholds can be identified and used to aid risk stratification and facilitate decision-making. Methods: Consecutive patients with PAH (n = 438) undergoing cardiac MRI were identified from the ASPIRE (Assessing the Spectrum of Pulmonary Hypertension Identified at a Referral Center) MRI database. Thresholds were identified from a discovery cohort and evaluated in a test cohort. Measurements and Main Results: A percentage-predicted right ventricular end-systolic volume index threshold of 227% or a left ventricular end-diastolic volume index of 58 ml/m2 identified patients at low (10%) risk of 1-year mortality. These metrics respectively identified 63% and 34% of patients as low risk. Right ventricular ejection fraction >54%, 37–54%, and <37% identified 21%, 43%, and 36% of patients at low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively, of 1-year mortality. At follow-up cardiac MRI, patients who improved to or were maintained in a low-risk group had a 1-year mortality <5%. Percentage-predicted right ventricular end-systolic volume index independently predicted outcome and, when used in conjunction with the REVEAL 2.0 risk score calculator or a modified French Pulmonary Hypertension Registry approach, improved risk stratification for 1-year mortality. Conclusions: Cardiac MRI can be used to risk stratify patients with PAH using a threshold approach. Percentage-predicted right ventricular end-systolic volume index can identify a high percentage of patients at low-risk of 1-year mortality and, when used in conjunction with current risk stratification approaches, can improve risk stratification. This study supports further evaluation of cardiac MRI in risk stratification in PAH

Anthropogenic Space Weather

Anthropogenic effects on the space environment started in the late 19th century and reached their peak in the 1960s when high-altitude nuclear explosions were carried out by the USA and the Soviet Union. These explosions created artificial radiation belts near Earth that resulted in major damages to several satellites. Another, unexpected impact of the high-altitude nuclear tests was the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that can have devastating effects over a large geographic area (as large as the continental United States). Other anthropogenic impacts on the space environment include chemical release ex- periments, high-frequency wave heating of the ionosphere and the interaction of VLF waves with the radiation belts. This paper reviews the fundamental physical process behind these phenomena and discusses the observations of their impacts.Comment: 71 pages, 35 figure

Express: The incremental shuttle walk test predicts mortality in non-group 1 pulmonary hypertension: results from the ASPIRE Registry.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is classified into 5 groups based on disease etiology but there is only limited information on the prognostic value of exercise testing in non-Group 1 PH. In Group 1 PH the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) distance has been shown to correlate with pulmonary hemodynamics and predict survival without a ceiling-effect. This study assessed the ISWT in non-group 1 PH. Data were retrieved from the ASPIRE registry (Assessing the Spectrum of Pulmonary hypertension Identified at a REferral centre) for consecutive patients diagnosed with PH. Patients were required to have been systematically assessed as Group 2-5 PH and to have a baseline ISWT within 3 months of cardiac catheterization. Patients were stratified according to incremental shuttle walk test distance (ISWD) and ISWT distance percent predicted (ISWD%pred). 479 patients with non-Group 1 PH were identified. ISWD and ISWD%pred correlated significantly with symptoms and hemodynamic severity. ISWD and ISWD%pred predicted survival with no ceiling-effect. The test was prognostic in Groups 2, 3 and 4. ISWD and ISWD%pred and change in ISWD and ISWD%pred at 1 year were all significant predictors of outcome. In patients with non-Group 1 PH the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test is a simple non-invasive test that is easy to perform, is predictive of survival at baseline and follow-up, reflects change and can be used in the assessment of PH of any etiology

Incremental Shuttle Walking Test Distance and Autonomic Dysfunction Predict Survival in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background To ensure effective monitoring of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a simple, reliable assessment of exercise capacity applicable over a range of disease severity is needed. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) to correlate with disease severity, measure sensitivity to change, and predict survival in PAH. Methods We enrolled 418 treatment-naïve patients with PAH with baseline ISWT within 3 months of cardiac catheterization. Clinical validity and prognostic value of ISWT distance were assessed at baseline and 1 year. Results ISWT distance was found to correlate at baseline with World Health Organization functional class, Borg score, and hemodynamics without a ceiling effect (all p 18 beats/min, highest SBP, change in SBP, and 3-minute SBP ratio) were significant predictors of survival (all p < 0.05). Conclusions In patients with PAH, the ISWT is simple to perform, allows assessment of maximal exercise capacity, is sensitive to treatment effect, predicts outcome, and has no ceiling effect. Also, measures of autonomic function made post-exercise predict survival in PAH

Maximal exercise testing using the incremental shuttle walking test can be used to risk stratify patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Rationale: Exercise capacity predicts mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension but limited data exist on the routine use of maximal exercise testing. Objectives: This study evaluates a simple to perform maximal test, the incremental shuttle walking test, and its utility in risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: Consecutive patients with pulmonary hypertension were identified from the ASPIRE registry (2001-2018). Thresholds for levels of risk were identified at baseline, tested at follow-up and incorporation into current risk stratification approaches assessed. Results: Of 4524 treatment-naïve patients with pulmonary hypertension who underwent maximal exercise testing 1,847 patients had PAH. A step-wise reduction in one-year-mortality was seen between levels 1 (≤30m; 32% mortality) and 7 (340-420m; 1% mortality) with no mortality for levels 8-12 (≥430m) in idiopathic and connective tissue disease related PAH. Thresholds derived at baseline of ≤180m (>10%; high-risk), 190-330m (5-10%; intermediate-risk) and ≥340m (<5%; low-risk of one-year mortality) were applied at follow-up and also accurately identified levels of risk. Thresholds were incorporated into the REVEAL 2.0 risk score calculator and French low-risk approach to risk stratification and distinct categories of risk remained. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that maximal exercise testing in PAH stratifies mortality-risk at baseline and follow-up. This study highlights the potential value of the incremental shuttle walking test as an alternative to the 6-minute-walk-test, combining some of the advantages of maximal exercise testing whilst maintaining the simplicity of a simple to perform field test

Measurement of the branching ratio Γ(Λb⁰ → ψ(2S)Λ0)/Γ(Λb⁰ → J/ψΛ0) with the ATLAS detector

An observation of the $\Lambda_b^0 \rightarrow \psi(2S) \Lambda^0$ decay and a comparison of its branching fraction with that of the $\Lambda_b^0 \rightarrow J/\psi \Lambda^0$ decay has been made with the ATLAS detector in proton--proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=8\,$TeV at the LHC using an integrated luminosity of $20.6\,$fb$^{-1}$. The $J/\psi$ and $\psi(2S)$ mesons are reconstructed in their decays to a muon pair, while the $\Lambda^0\rightarrow p\pi^-$ decay is exploited for the $\Lambda^0$ baryon reconstruction. The $\Lambda_b^0$ baryons are reconstructed with transverse momentum $p_{\rm T}>10\,$GeV and pseudorapidity $|\eta|<2.1$. The measured branching ratio of the $\Lambda_b^0 \rightarrow \psi(2S) \Lambda^0$ and $\Lambda_b^0 \rightarrow J/\psi \Lambda^0$ decays is $\Gamma(\Lambda_b^0 \rightarrow \psi(2S)\Lambda^0)/\Gamma(\Lambda_b^0 \rightarrow J/\psi\Lambda^0) = 0.501\pm 0.033 ({\rm stat})\pm 0.019({\rm syst})$, lower than the expectation from the covariant quark model.Comment: 12 pages plus author list (28 pages total), 5 figures, 1 table, published on Physics Letters B 751 (2015) 63-80. All figures are available at https://atlas.web.cern.ch/Atlas/GROUPS/PHYSICS/PAPERS/BPHY-2013-08

Measurement of the View the tt production cross-section using eμ events with b-tagged jets in pp collisions at √s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper describes a measurement of the inclusive top quark pair production cross-section (σtt¯) with a data sample of 3.2 fb−1 of proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of √s = 13 TeV, collected in 2015 by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. This measurement uses events with an opposite-charge electron–muon pair in the final state. Jets containing b-quarks are tagged using an algorithm based on track impact parameters and reconstructed secondary vertices. The numbers of events with exactly one and exactly two b-tagged jets are counted and used to determine simultaneously σtt¯ and the efficiency to reconstruct and b-tag a jet from a top quark decay, thereby minimising the associated systematic uncertainties. The cross-section is measured to be: σtt¯ = 818 ± 8 (stat) ± 27 (syst) ± 19 (lumi) ± 12 (beam) pb, where the four uncertainties arise from data statistics, experimental and theoretical systematic effects, the integrated luminosity and the LHC beam energy, giving a total relative uncertainty of 4.4%. The result is consistent with theoretical QCD calculations at next-to-next-to-leading order. A fiducial measurement corresponding to the experimental acceptance of the leptons is also presented