Correlation Functions of Harish-Chandra Integrals over the Orthogonal and the Symplectic Groups

The Harish-Chandra correlation functions, i.e. integrals over compact groups of invariant monomials prod tr{X^{p_1} Omega Y^{q_1} Omega^dagger X^{p_2} ... with the weight exp tr{X Omega Y Omega^dagger} are computed for the orthogonal and symplectic groups. We proceed in two steps. First, the integral over the compact group is recast into a Gaussian integral over strictly upper triangular complex matrices (with some additional symmetries), supplemented by a summation over the Weyl group. This result follows from the study of loop equations in an associated two-matrix integral and may be viewed as the adequate version of Duistermaat-Heckman's theorem for our correlation function integrals. Secondly, the Gaussian integration over triangular matrices is carried out and leads to compact determinantal expressions.Comment: 58 pages; Acknowledgements added; small corrections in appendix A; minor changes & Note Adde

The Levi Problem On Strongly Pseudoconvex GG-Bundles

Let $G$ be a unimodular Lie group, $X$ a compact manifold with boundary, and $M$ the total space of a principal bundle $G\to M\to X$ so that $M$ is also a strongly pseudoconvex complex manifold. In this work, we show that if $G$ acts by holomorphic transformations satisfying a local property, then the space of square-integrable holomorphic functions on $M$ is infinite $G$-dimensional.Comment: 19 pages--Corrects earlier version

Production of Medical Radioisotopes with High Specific Activity in Photonuclear Reactions with γ\gamma Beams of High Intensity and Large Brilliance

We study the production of radioisotopes for nuclear medicine in $(\gamma,x{\rm n}+y{\rm p})$ photonuclear reactions or ($\gamma,\gamma'$) photoexcitation reactions with high flux [($10^{13}-10^{15}$)$\gamma$/s], small diameter $\sim (100 \, \mu$m$)^2$ and small band width ($\Delta E/E \approx 10^{-3}-10^{-4}$) $\gamma$ beams produced by Compton back-scattering of laser light from relativistic brilliant electron beams. We compare them to (ion,$x$n$+ y$p) reactions with (ion=p,d,$\alpha$) from particle accelerators like cyclotrons and (n,$\gamma$) or (n,f) reactions from nuclear reactors. For photonuclear reactions with a narrow $\gamma$ beam the energy deposition in the target can be managed by using a stack of thin target foils or wires, hence avoiding direct stopping of the Compton and pair electrons (positrons). $(\gamma,\gamma')$ isomer production via specially selected $\gamma$ cascades allows to produce high specific activity in multiple excitations, where no back-pumping of the isomer to the ground state occurs. We discuss in detail many specific radioisotopes for diagnostics and therapy applications. Photonuclear reactions with $\gamma$ beams allow to produce certain radioisotopes, e.g. $^{47}$Sc, $^{44}$Ti, $^{67}$Cu, $^{103}$Pd, $^{117m}$Sn, $^{169}$Er, $^{195m}$Pt or $^{225}$Ac, with higher specific activity and/or more economically than with classical methods. This will open the way for completely new clinical applications of radioisotopes. For example $^{195m}$Pt could be used to verify the patient's response to chemotherapy with platinum compounds before a complete treatment is performed. Also innovative isotopes like $^{47}$Sc, $^{67}$Cu and $^{225}$Ac could be produced for the first time in sufficient quantities for large-scale application in targeted radionuclide therapy.Comment: submitted to Appl. Phys.

Narrow genetic base in forest restoration with holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) in Sicily

In order to empirically assess the effect of actual seed sampling strategy on genetic diversity of holm oak (Quercus ilex) forestations in Sicily, we have analysed the genetic composition of two seedling lots (nursery stock and plantation) and their known natural seed origin stand by means of six nuclear microsatellite loci. Significant reduction in genetic diversity and significant difference in genetic composition of the seedling lots compared to the seed origin stand were detected. The female and the total effective number of parents were quantified by means of maternity assignment of seedlings and temporal changes in allele frequencies. Extremely low effective maternity numbers were estimated (Nfe $\approx$ 2-4) and estimates accounting for both seed and pollen donors gave also low values (Ne $\approx$ 35-50). These values can be explained by an inappropriate forestry seed harvest strategy limited to a small number of spatially close trees

Development of a dynamic energy-partitioning model for enteric methane emissions and milk production in goats using energy balance data from indirect calorimetry studies

[EN] The main objective of this study was to develop a dynamic energy balance model for dairy goats to describe and quantify energy partitioning between energy used for work (milk) and that lost to the environment. Increasing worldwide concerns regarding livestock contribution to global warming underscore the importance of improving energy efficiency utilization in dairy goats by reducing energy losses in feces, urine and methane (CH4). A dynamic model of CH(4)emissions from experimental energy balance data in goats is proposed and parameterized (n= 48 individual animal observations). The model includes DM intake, NDF and lipid content of the diet as explanatory variables for CH(4)emissions. An additional data set (n= 122 individual animals) from eight energy balance experiments was used to evaluate the model. The model adequately (root MS prediction error,RMSPE) represented energy in milk (E-milk;RMSPE = 5.6%), heat production (HP;RMSPE = 4.3%) and CH(4)emissions (E-CH4; RMSPE = 11.9%). Residual analysis indicated that most of the prediction errors were due to unexplained variations with small mean and slope bias. Some mean bias was detected for HP (1.12%) and E-CH4(1.27%) but was around zero for E-milk (0.14%). The slope bias was zero for HP (0.01%) and close to zero for E-milk (0.10%) and E-CH4(0.22%). Random bias was >98% for E-CH4, HP and E-milk, indicating non-systematic errors and that mechanisms in the model are properly represented. As predicted energy increased, the model tended to underpredict E-CH(4)and E-milk. The model is a first step toward a mechanistic description of nutrient use by goats and is useful as a research tool for investigating energy partitioning during lactation. The model described in this study could be used as a tool for making enteric CH(4)emission inventories for goats.This study was supported by LOW CARBON FEED Project reference LIFE2016/CCM/ES/000088.Fernández Martínez, CJ.; Hernando, I.; Moreno-Latorre, E.; Loor, J. (2020). Development of a dynamic energy-partitioning model for enteric methane emissions and milk production in goats using energy balance data from indirect calorimetry studies. Animal. 14:s382-s395. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731120001470Ss382s39514Agricultural and Food Research Council (AFRC) 1997. The nutrition of goats. Nutrition Abstract and Reviews (Series B) 67, 776–861.Aguilera, J. F., Prieto, C., & FonollÁ, J. (1990). Protein and energy metabolism of lactating Granadina goats. British Journal of Nutrition, 63(2), 165-175. doi:10.1079/bjn19900104Bannink, A., France, J., Lopez, S., Gerrits, W. J. J., Kebreab, E., Tamminga, S., & Dijkstra, J. (2008). Modelling the implications of feeding strategy on rumen fermentation and functioning of the rumen wall. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 143(1-4), 3-26. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2007.05.002Bava, L., Rapetti, L., Crovetto, G. M., Tamburini, A., Sandrucci, A., Galassi, G., & Succi, G. (2001). Effects of a Nonforage Diet on Milk Production, Energy, and Nitrogen Metabolism in Dairy Goats throughout Lactation. Journal of Dairy Science, 84(11), 2450-2459. doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(01)74695-4Beauchemin K, McAllister T and McGinn S 2009. Dietary mitigation of enteric CH4 from cattle. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources 4, 035.Blaxter, K. L., & Clapperton, J. L. (1965). Prediction of the amount of methane produced by ruminants. British Journal of Nutrition, 19(1), 511-522. doi:10.1079/bjn19650046Brouwer E 1965. Report of sub-committee on constants and factors. In Proceeding of the 3th EAAP Symposium on Energy Metabolism (ed. KL Blaxter ), pp. 441–443. Academic Press, London, UK.Criscioni, P., Marti, J. V., Pérez-Baena, I., Palomares, J. L., Larsen, T., & Fernández, C. (2016). Replacement of alfalfa hay ( Medicago sativa ) with maralfalfa hay ( Pennisetum sp.) in diets of lactating dairy goats. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 219, 1-12. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.05.020Ellis, J. L., Kebreab, E., Odongo, N. E., McBride, B. W., Okine, E. K., & France, J. (2007). Prediction of Methane Production from Dairy and Beef Cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 90(7), 3456-3466. doi:10.3168/jds.2006-675Statistical data base Food and Agriculture Organization (FAOSTAT) 2018. FAO Statistical data base Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Retrieved on 25 June 2018 from http://faostat.fao.org/FERNÁNDEZ, C., LÓPEZ, M. C., & LACHICA, M. (2015). Low-cost mobile open-circuit hood system for measuring gas exchange in small ruminants: from manual to automatic recording. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 153(7), 1302-1309. doi:10.1017/s0021859615000416Fernández, C., Martí, J. V., Pérez-Baena, I., Palomares, J. L., Ibáñez, C., & Segarra, J. V. (2018). Effect of lemon leaves on energy and C–N balances, methane emission, and milk performance in Murciano-Granadina dairy goats. Journal of Animal Science, 96(4), 1508-1518. doi:10.1093/jas/sky028Fernández, C. (2018). Dynamic model development of enteric methane emission from goats based on energy balance measured in indirect open circuit respiration calorimeter. Global Ecology and Conservation, 15, e00439. doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00439Fernández, C., Pérez-Baena, I., Marti, J. V., Palomares, J. L., Jorro-Ripoll, J., & Segarra, J. V. (2019). Use of orange leaves as a replacement for alfalfa in energy and nitrogen partitioning, methane emissions and milk performance of murciano-granadina goats. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 247, 103-111. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2018.11.008Fernández, C., Gomis-Tena, J., Hernández, A., & Saiz, J. (2019). An Open-Circuit Indirect Calorimetry Head Hood System for Measuring Methane Emission and Energy Metabolism in Small Ruminants. Animals, 9(6), 380. doi:10.3390/ani9060380Grainger, C., & Beauchemin, K. A. (2011). Can enteric methane emissions from ruminants be lowered without lowering their production? Animal Feed Science and Technology, 166-167, 308-320. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2011.04.021Howarth, R. (2015). Methane emissions and climatic warming risk from hydraulic fracturing and shale gas development: implications for policy. Energy and Emission Control Technologies, 45. doi:10.2147/eect.s61539Hristov, A. N., Kebreab, E., Niu, M., Oh, J., Bannink, A., Bayat, A. R., … Yu, Z. (2018). Symposium review: Uncertainties in enteric methane inventories, measurement techniques, and prediction models. Journal of Dairy Science, 101(7), 6655-6674. doi:10.3168/jds.2017-13536Ibáñez, C., López, M. C., Criscioni, P., & Fernández, C. (2015). Effect of replacing dietary corn with beet pulp on energy partitioning, substrate oxidation and methane production in lactating dairy goats. Animal Production Science, 55(1), 56. doi:10.1071/an13119Institute Nationale Recherche Agronomique (INRA) 2017. Feeding system for ruminants. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, the Netherlands.Jørgensen, S. E. (2015). New method to calculate the work energy of information and organisms. Ecological Modelling, 295, 18-20. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.09.001Kebreab, E., Johnson, K. A., Archibeque, S. L., Pape, D., & Wirth, T. (2008). Model for estimating enteric methane emissions from United States dairy and feedlot cattle1. Journal of Animal Science, 86(10), 2738-2748. doi:10.2527/jas.2008-0960Knapp, J. R., Laur, G. L., Vadas, P. A., Weiss, W. P., & Tricarico, J. M. (2014). Invited review: Enteric methane in dairy cattle production: Quantifying the opportunities and impact of reducing emissions. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(6), 3231-3261. doi:10.3168/jds.2013-7234Lin, L. I.-K. (1989). A Concordance Correlation Coefficient to Evaluate Reproducibility. Biometrics, 45(1), 255. doi:10.2307/2532051López, M. C., Estellés, F., Moya, V. J., & Fernández, C. (2014). Use of dry citrus pulp or soybean hulls as a replacement for corn grain in energy and nitrogen partitioning, methane emissions, and milk performance in lactating Murciano-Granadina goats. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(12), 7821-7832. doi:10.3168/jds.2014-8424López, M. C., & Fernández, C. (2013). Energy partitioning and substrate oxidation by Murciano-Granadina goats during mid lactation fed soy hulls and corn gluten feed blend as a replacement for corn grain. Journal of Dairy Science, 96(7), 4542-4552. doi:10.3168/jds.2012-6473Martí JV, Pérez-Baena I and Fernández C 2012. Replacement of barley grain with lemon pulp on energy partitioning in lactating goats. Unpublished.Merino, P., Ramirez-Fanlo, E., Arriaga, H., del Hierro, O., Artetxe, A., & Viguria, M. (2011). Regional inventory of methane and nitrous oxide emission from ruminant livestock in the Basque Country. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 166-167, 628-640. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2011.04.081Mills, J. A. N., Kebreab, E., Yates, C. M., Crompton, L. A., Cammell, S. B., Dhanoa, M. S., … France, J. (2003). Alternative approaches to predicting methane emissions from dairy cows1. Journal of Animal Science, 81(12), 3141-3150. doi:10.2527/2003.81123141xMoorby, J. M., Fleming, H. R., Theobald, V. J., & Fraser, M. D. (2015). Can live weight be used as a proxy for enteric methane emissions from pasture-fed sheep? Scientific Reports, 5(1). doi:10.1038/srep17915Niu, M., Kebreab, E., Hristov, A. N., Oh, J., Arndt, C., Bannink, A., … Yu, Z. (2018). Prediction of enteric methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle using an intercontinental database. Global Change Biology, 24(8), 3368-3389. doi:10.1111/gcb.14094Patra, A. K., & Lalhriatpuii, M. (2016). Development of statistical models for prediction of enteric methane emission from goats using nutrient composition and intake variables. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 215, 89-99. doi:10.1016/j.agee.2015.09.018Pérez-Baena I, Martí JV and Fernández C 2012. Effect of replace barley grain with beet pulp in lactating goats diet; energy balance and milk performance. Unpublished.R Core Team 2016. R: A language and environment for statistical computing. Version 1.1.447. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. Retrieved from https://www.R-project.org/Ramin, M., & Huhtanen, P. (2013). Development of equations for predicting methane emissions from ruminants. Journal of Dairy Science, 96(4), 2476-2493. doi:10.3168/jds.2012-6095Tovar-Luna, I., Puchala, R., Sahlu, T., Freetly, H. C., & Goetsch, A. L. (2010). Effects of stage of lactation and dietary concentrate level on energy utilization by Alpine dairy goats. Journal of Dairy Science, 93(10), 4818-4828. doi:10.3168/jds.2010-3315United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015. UN Climate Change Newsroom. Historic Paris agreement on climate change. 195 nations set path to keep temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius. Retrieved on 1 July 2018 from http://newsroom.unfccc.int/unfccc-newsroom/finale-cop21/Yan, T., Porter, M. G., & Mayne, C. S. (2009). Prediction of methane emission from beef cattle using data measured in indirect open-circuit respiration calorimeters. Animal, 3(10), 1455-1462. doi:10.1017/s175173110900473

Reproducing subgroups of Sp(2,R)Sp(2,\mathbb{R}). Part I: algebraic classification

We classify the connected Lie subgroups of the symplectic group $Sp(2,\mathbb{R})$ whose elements are matrices in block lower triangular form. The classification is up to conjugation within $Sp(2,\mathbb{R})$. Their study is motivated by the need of a unified approach to continuous 2D signal analyses, as those provided by wavelets and shearlets.Comment: 26 page

Update on the correlation of the highest energy cosmic rays with nearby extragalactic matter

Data collected by the Pierre Auger Observatory through 31 August 2007 showed evidence for anisotropy in the arrival directions of cosmic rays above the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuz'min energy threshold, \nobreak{$6\times 10^{19}$eV}. The anisotropy was measured by the fraction of arrival directions that are less than $3.1^\circ$ from the position of an active galactic nucleus within 75 Mpc (using the V\'eron-Cetty and V\'eron $12^{\rm th}$ catalog). An updated measurement of this fraction is reported here using the arrival directions of cosmic rays recorded above the same energy threshold through 31 December 2009. The number of arrival directions has increased from 27 to 69, allowing a more precise measurement. The correlating fraction is $(38^{+7}_{-6})$, compared with $21$ expected for isotropic cosmic rays. This is down from the early estimate of $(69^{+11}_{-13})$. The enlarged set of arrival directions is examined also in relation to other populations of nearby extragalactic objects: galaxies in the 2 Microns All Sky Survey and active galactic nuclei detected in hard X-rays by the Swift Burst Alert Telescope. A celestial region around the position of the radiogalaxy Cen A has the largest excess of arrival directions relative to isotropic expectations. The 2-point autocorrelation function is shown for the enlarged set of arrival directions and compared to the isotropic expectation.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physics on 31 August 201

Atmospheric effects on extensive air showers observed with the Surface Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory

Atmospheric parameters, such as pressure (P), temperature (T) and density, affect the development of extensive air showers initiated by energetic cosmic rays. We have studied the impact of atmospheric variations on extensive air showers by means of the surface detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory. The rate of events shows a ~10% seasonal modulation and ~2% diurnal one. We find that the observed behaviour is explained by a model including the effects associated with the variations of pressure and density. The former affects the longitudinal development of air showers while the latter influences the Moliere radius and hence the lateral distribution of the shower particles. The model is validated with full simulations of extensive air showers using atmospheric profiles measured at the site of the Pierre Auger Observatory.Comment: 24 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physic

The exposure of the hybrid detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Pierre Auger Observatory is a detector for ultra-high energy cosmic rays. It consists of a surface array to measure secondary particles at ground level and a fluorescence detector to measure the development of air showers in the atmosphere above the array. The "hybrid" detection mode combines the information from the two subsystems. We describe the determination of the hybrid exposure for events observed by the fluorescence telescopes in coincidence with at least one water-Cherenkov detector of the surface array. A detailed knowledge of the time dependence of the detection operations is crucial for an accurate evaluation of the exposure. We discuss the relevance of monitoring data collected during operations, such as the status of the fluorescence detector, background light and atmospheric conditions, that are used in both simulation and reconstruction.Comment: Paper accepted by Astroparticle Physic

The Fluorescence Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Pierre Auger Observatory is a hybrid detector for ultra-high energy cosmic rays. It combines a surface array to measure secondary particles at ground level together with a fluorescence detector to measure the development of air showers in the atmosphere above the array. The fluorescence detector comprises 24 large telescopes specialized for measuring the nitrogen fluorescence caused by charged particles of cosmic ray air showers. In this paper we describe the components of the fluorescence detector including its optical system, the design of the camera, the electronics, and the systems for relative and absolute calibration. We also discuss the operation and the monitoring of the detector. Finally, we evaluate the detector performance and precision of shower reconstructions.Comment: 53 pages. Submitted to Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section