Jet grooming through reinforcement learning

We introduce a novel implementation of a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm which is designed to find an optimal jet grooming strategy, a critical tool for collider experiments. The RL agent is trained with a reward function constructed to optimize the resulting jet properties, using both signal and background samples in a simultaneous multi-level training. We show that the grooming algorithm derived from the deep RL agent can match state-of-the-art techniques used at the Large Hadron Collider, resulting in improved mass resolution for boosted objects. Given a suitable reward function, the agent learns how to train a policy which optimally removes soft wide-angle radiation, allowing for a modular grooming technique that can be applied in a wide range of contexts. These results are accessible through the corresponding GroomRL framework.Comment: 11 pages, 10 figures, code available at https://github.com/JetsGame/GroomRL, updated to match published versio

Fully differential Vector-Boson Fusion Higgs Pair Production at Next-to-Next-to-Leading Order

We calculate the fully differential next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) QCD corrections to vector-boson fusion (VBF) Higgs pair production. This calculation is achieved in the limit in which there is no colored cross-talk between the colliding protons, using the projection-to-Born method. We present differential cross sections of key observables, showing corrections of up to 3-4% at this order after typical VBF cuts, with the total cross section receiving contributions of about 2%. In contrast to single Higgs VBF production, we find that the NNLO corrections are for the most part within the next-to-leading order scale uncertainty bands.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, updated to match published versio

North Slope Borough water study: a background for planning

The Planning and Research Section of Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources initiated this pilot water study with the North Slope Borough and the University of Alaska's Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center and Institute of Water Resources. Traditional and present water uses in the eight North Slope Borough villages are examined to assist in evaluating and planning for present and future water use, treatment, and disposal requirements.Prepared for Alaska Department of Natural Resources Planning and Research Sectio

Step-Indexed Logical Relations for Probability (long version)

It is well-known that constructing models of higher-order probabilistic programming languages is challenging. We show how to construct step-indexed logical relations for a probabilistic extension of a higher-order programming language with impredicative polymorphism and recursive types. We show that the resulting logical relation is sound and complete with respect to the contextual preorder and, moreover, that it is convenient for reasoning about concrete program equivalences. Finally, we extend the language with dynamically allocated first-order references and show how to extend the logical relation to this language. We show that the resulting relation remains useful for reasoning about examples involving both state and probabilistic choice.Comment: Extended version with appendix of a FoSSaCS'15 pape

On selection criteria for problems with moving inhomogeneities

We study mechanical problems with multiple solutions and introduce a thermodynamic framework to formulate two different selection criteria in terms of macroscopic energy productions and fluxes. Studying simple examples for lattice motion we then compare the implications for both resting and moving inhomogeneities.Comment: revised version contains new introduction, numerical simulations of Riemann problems, and a more detailed discussion of the causality principle; 18 pages, several figure

Inclusive jet spectrum for small-radius jets

Following on our earlier work on leading-logarithmic (LLR) resummations for the properties of jets with a small radius, R, we here examine the phenomenological considerations for the inclusive jet spectrum. We discuss how to match the NLO predictions with small-R resummation. As part of the study we propose a new, physically-inspired prescription for fixed-order predictions and their uncertainties. We investigate the R-dependent part of the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) corrections, which is found to be substantial, and comment on the implications for scale choices in inclusive jet calculations. We also examine hadronisation corrections, identifying potential limitations of earlier analytical work with regards to their $p_t$-dependence. Finally we assemble these different elements in order to compare matched (N)NLO+LLR predictions to data from ALICE and ATLAS, finding improved consistency for the R-dependence of the results relative to NLO predictions.Comment: 42 pages, 24 figures, additional material at http://microjets.hepforge.org/, updated to match published versio

Automated mass spectrometer/analysis system: A concept

System performs rapid multiple analyses of entire compound classes or individual compounds on small amounts of sample and reagent. Method will allow screening of large populations for metabolic disorders and establishment of effective-but-safe levels of therapeutic drugs in body fluids and tissues