Intrinsic quark transverse momentum in the nucleon from lattice QCD

A better understanding of transverse momentum (k_T-) dependent quark distributions in a hadron is needed to interpret several experimentally observed large angular asymmetries and to clarify the fundamental role of gauge links in non-abelian gauge theories. Based on manifestly non-local gauge invariant quark operators we introduce process-independent k_T-distributions and study their properties in lattice QCD. We find that the longitudinal and transverse momentum dependence approximately factorizes, in contrast to the behavior of generalized parton distributions. The resulting quark k_T-probability densities for the nucleon show characteristic dipole deformations due to correlations between intrinsic k_T and the quark or nucleon spin. Our lattice calculations are based on N_f=2+1 mixed action propagators of the LHP collaboration.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Sivers and Boer-Mulders observables from lattice QCD

We present a first calculation of transverse momentum dependent nucleon observables in dynamical lattice QCD employing non-local operators with staple-shaped, "process-dependent" Wilson lines. The use of staple-shaped Wilson lines allows us to link lattice simulations to TMD effects determined from experiment, and in particular to access non-universal, naively time-reversal odd TMD observables. We present and discuss results for the generalized Sivers and Boer-Mulders transverse momentum shifts for the SIDIS and DY cases. The effect of staple-shaped Wilson lines on T-even observables is studied for the generalized tensor charge and a generalized transverse shift related to the worm gear function g_1T. We emphasize the dependence of these observables on the staple extent and the Collins-Soper evolution parameter. Our numerical calculations use an n_f = 2+1 mixed action scheme with domain wall valence fermions on an Asqtad sea and pion masses 369 MeV as well as 518 MeV.Comment: 25 pages, 13 figures; version accepted by journal. Contains additional section explaining and summarizing the methodolog

Transverse momentum distributions inside the nucleon from lattice QCD

We study transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs) with non-local operators in lattice QCD, using MILC/LHPC lattices. Results obtained with a simplified operator geometry show visible dipole deformations of spin-dependent quark momentum densities.United States. Dept. of Energy (grant DE-FG02-94ER40818

Transverse momentum dependent quark densities from Lattice QCD

We study transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs) with non‐local operators in lattice QCD, using MILC∕LHPC lattices. We discuss the basic concepts of the method, including renormalization of the gauge link. Results obtained with a simplified operator geometry show visible dipole deformations of spin‐dependent quark momentum densities.United States. Dept. of Energy (grant DEFG02- 94ER40818

Transverse-momentum-dependent parton distributions at the edge of the lightcone

We present a completely gauge-invariant operator definition of transverse-momentum-dependent parton densities (TMD), supplied with longitudinal lightlike gauge links as well as transverse gauge links at lightcone infinity. Within this framework, we consider the consistent treatment of specific divergences, emerging in the "unsubtracted" TMD beyond the tree approximation, and construct the soft factors to cancel unphysical singularities. We confront this approach with factorization schemes, which make use of covariant gauges with off-the-lightcone gauge links, and discuss their mutual connection.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures; needs ws-ijmpcs.cls (supplied). Invited talk presented at Workshop "QCD evolution of parton distributions: from collinear to non-collinear case", 8 - 9 Apr 2011, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News (VA), US

Chiral extrapolation of g_A with explicit Delta(1232) degrees of freedom

An updated and extended analysis of the quark mass dependence of the nucleon's axial vector coupling constant g_A is presented in comparison with state-of-the-art lattice QCD results. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the Delta(1232) isobar. It is pointed out that standard chiral perturbation theory of the pion-nucleon system at order p^4 fails to provide an interpolation between the lattice data and the physical point. In constrast, a version of chiral effective field theory with explicit inclusion of the Delta(1232) proves to be successful. Detailed error analysis and convergence tests are performed. Integrating out the Delta(1232) as an explicit degree of freedom introduces uncontrolled errors for pion masses m_pi >~ 300 MeV.Comment: 25 pages, 12 figures, 2 tables; v2: minor change

To defer or not to defer? A German longitudinal multicentric assessment of clinical practice in urology during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction After the outbreak of COVID-19 unprecedented changes in the healthcare systems worldwide were necessary resulting in a reduction of urological capacities with postponements of consultations and surgeries. Material and methods An email was sent to 66 urological hospitals with focus on robotic surgery (RS) including a link to a questionnaire (e.g. bed/staff capacity, surgical caseload, protection measures during RS) that covered three time points: a representative baseline week prior to COVID-19, the week of March 16th-22nd and April 20th-26th 2020. The results were evaluated using descriptive analyses. Results 27 out of 66 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate: 41%). We found a decrease of 11% in hospital beds and 25% in OR capacity with equal reductions for endourological, open and robotic procedures. Primary surgical treatment of urolithiasis and benign prostate syndrome (BPS) but also of testicular and penile cancer dropped by at least 50% while the decrease of surgeries for prostate, renal and urothelial cancer (TUR-B and cystectomies) ranged from 15 to 37%. The use of personal protection equipment (PPE), screening of staff and patients and protection during RS was unevenly distributed in the different centers\u2013however, the number of COVID-19 patients and urologists did not reach double digits. Conclusion The German urological landscape has changed since the outbreak of COVID-19 with a significant shift of high priority surgeries but also continuation of elective surgical treatments. While screening and staff protection is employed heterogeneously, the number of infected German urologists stays low