Idealised Antenna Functions for Higher Order QCD Calculations

In this thesis, the infrared structure of squared matrix elements in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is scrutinised. Specifically, the triple-collinear splitting functions are decomposed and improvements to antenna subtraction are sought through the construction of idealised antenna functions. The antenna-subtraction technique has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in handling next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) infrared divergences for a wide range of QCD processes relevant for colliders. However, since antenna functions were historically extracted from matrix elements, they did not have uniform properties, which made the generation of subtraction terms complex. Antenna subtraction up to NNLO is reviewed, including the role of antenna functions. A general algorithm is detailed in order to re-build antenna functions, with idealised features, directly from a specified list of unresolved limits, for any number of real and virtual emissions. Using this general algorithm, together with the decomposition of the triple-collinear splitting functions, all the antenna functions required for NNLO QCD calculations in the final-final configuration are constructed and it is demonstrated that they form a consistent NNLO subtraction scheme. The idealised antenna functions should simplify the generation of subtraction terms and minimise the introduction of spurious limits. Additionally, the general algorithm sets out an initial blueprint for next-to-NNLO (N$^3$LO) idealised antennae for use in N$^3$LO QCD calculations

Factors influencing transfusion-associated HLA sensitization in patients bridged to heart transplantation using ventricular assist device.

BackgroundBridging heart failure patients with mechanical ventricular assist devices (VAD) enables access to transplantation. However, VAD is associated with increased risk for anti-HLA antibodies associated with rejection of subsequent allografts. Factors determining alloantibody formation in these patients remain undefined.MethodsWe performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of 164 patients undergoing heart transplantation from 2014 to 2017. Medical records including use of VAD, transfused blood products, anti-HLA antibody testing, crossmatch, and time to transplant were evaluated.ResultsPatients received an average of 13.8 red blood cell and 1.9 single-donor platelet units associated with VAD. There was a 28.7% increase in the incidence of anti-HLA antibodies after VAD. Development of anti-HLA antibodies did not correlate with volume or type of blood products, but with pre-VAD HLA sensitization status; relative risk of new alloantibodies in patients with pre-VAD antibodies was 3.5-fold higher than those without prior antibodies (P = .008). Development of new anti-HLA antibodies was associated with an increased time to transplant (169 vs 330 days, P = .013).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the presence of anti-HLA antibodies pre-VAD was the most significant risk factor for developing additional antibodies post-VAD, suggesting that a subset of patients may be predisposed to alloantibody formation

Mild hypothermia does not attenuate platelet aggregation and may even increase ADP-stimulated platelet aggregation after clopidogrel treatment

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mild hypothermia is currently standard of care for cardiac arrest patients in many hospitals and a common belief is that hypothermia attenuates platelet aggregation. We wanted to examine the effects of clopidogrel on platelet aggregation during hypothermia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Platelet reactivity at 37°C and 33°C was evaluated by light transmission aggregometry and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) in blood from healthy volunteers before, and 24 hours after, a 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Collagen, 5-HT, epinephrine, U46619 and ADP-induced platelet aggregation was unaltered or even increased by hypothermia. After clopidogrel, there was a significant increase in platelet aggregation for 5 and 20 μM ADP at 33°C compared to 37°C (46 ± 5 vs. 34 ± 5% and 58 ± 4 vs. 47 ± 4%, p < 0.001, n = 8). Hypothermia also increased ADP-induced aggregation after pretreatment with the P2Y₁antagonist MRS2500. The decreased responsiveness to clopidogrel during hypothermia could be overcome by addition of the reversible P2Y₁₂antagonist AZD6140. ADP-induced inhibition of VASP-phosphorylation was unaffected by hypothermia both in the presence and absence of clopidogrel. A dose-response curve for ADP-induced platelet aggregation revealed increased potency for ADP during hypothermia with no difference in efficacy.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Mild hypothermia did not attenuate platelet aggregation, instead it even increased ADP-stimulated platelet aggregation after clopidogrel treatment. Dual platelet inhibition with aspirin and a P2Y₁₂receptor antagonist is probably needed for patients with acute coronary syndromes treated with mild hypothermia, and it is possible that future ADP blockers could be of benefit.</p

Entropic equality for worst-case work at any protocol speed

We derive an equality for non-equilibrium statistical mechanics in finite-dimensional quantum systems. The equality concerns the worst-case work output of a time-dependent Hamiltonian protocol in the presence of a Markovian heat bath. It has has the form "worst-case work = penalty - optimum". The equality holds for all rates of changing the Hamiltonian and can be used to derive the optimum by setting the penalty to 0. The optimum term contains the max entropy of the initial state, rather than the von Neumann entropy, thus recovering recent results from single-shot statistical mechanics. Energy coherences can arise during the protocol but are assumed not to be present initially. We apply the equality to an electron box.Comment: 4 page + 14 page appendix; 8 figures; AA

A general algorithm to build mixed real and virtual antenna functions for higher-order calculations

The antenna-subtraction technique has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in providing next-to-next-to-leading order in αs (NNLO) predictions for a wide range of processes relevant for the Large Hadron Collider. In a previous paper [1], we demonstrated how to build real-radiation antenna functions for any number of real emissions directly from a specified list of unresolved limits. Here, we extend this procedure to the mixed case of real and virtual radiation, for any number of real and virtual emissions. A novel feature of the algorithm is the requirement to match the antenna constructed with the correct unresolved limits to the other elements of the subtraction scheme. We discuss how this can be achieved and provide a full set of real-virtual NNLO antenna functions (together with their integration over the final-final unresolved phase space). We demonstrate that these antennae can be combined with the real-radiation antennae of ref. [1] to form a consistent NNLO subtraction scheme that cancels all explicit and implicit singularities at NNLO. We anticipate that the improved antenna functions should be more amenable to automation, thereby making the construction of subtraction terms for more complicated processes simpler at NNLO

A general algorithm to build real-radiation antenna functions for higher-order calculations

The antenna subtraction method has been successfully applied to a wide range of processes relevant for the Large Hadron Collider at next-to-next-to-leading order in αs (NNLO). We propose an algorithm for building antenna functions for any number of real emissions from an identified pair of hard radiator partons directly from a specified list of unresolved limits. We use the algorithm to explicitly build all single- and double-real QCD antenna functions and compare them to the previous antenna functions, which were extracted from matrix elements. The improved antenna functions should be more easily applicable to NNLO subtraction terms. Finally, we match the integration of the antenna functions over the final-final unresolved phase space to the previous incarnation, serving as an independent check on our results

Modelo de avaliação sistêmica na gestão integral de pequenas e médias empresas suinícolas

El presente artículo de investigación aborda en forma sistémica las problemáticas intrínsecas propias de la gestión cotidiana de las pequeñas y medianas empresas porcinas en la región semiárida de la provincia de La Pampa, Argentina. Mediante la utilización metodológica de un estudio de caso, bajo la óptica del Cuadro de Mando Integral, se construyó un conjunto de cuarenta y dos indicadores agrupados en cuatro perspectivas, los cuales permitieron realizar un adecuado diagnóstico de situación actual y establecer parámetros de mejora continua a mediano y largo plazo, para lograr los diecisiete objetivos estratégicos propuestos. El documento tiene como objeto presentar una metodología de evaluación genérica que pueda replicarse con éxito en otras empresas vinculadas a la cadena agroalimentaria porcina, teniendo en cuenta las particularidades de cualquier organización que desarrolla actividades productivas.This research article aproaches in a systematic way the intrinsic problems typical of the daily management of small and medium-sized pig companies in the semi-arid region of the province of La Pampa, Argentina. Through the methodological use of a case study, from the point of view of the Balanced Scorecard, a set of indicators was constructed, grouped into four perspectives, which allowed to develop an adequate diagnosis of the current situation and to establish parameters for continuous improvement in the medium and long term. deadline to achieve the proposed strategic objectives. The document aims to present a generic evaluation methodology, which can be successfully replicated in other companies related to the pig agrifood chain, taking into account the particularities of any organization that develops productive activities.Este artigo de pesquisa aborda sistematicamente os problemas intrínsecos da gestão cotidiana de pequenas e médias empresas suinícolas do semiárido da província de La Pampa, Argentina. Por meio da utilização metodológica de um estudo de caso, na perspectiva do Balanced Scorecard, foi construído um conjunto de quarenta e dois indicadores agrupados em quatro perspectivas, o que permitiu um diagnóstico adequado da situação atual e estabelecer parâmetros de melhoria contínua para médio e longo prazo, para atingir os dezessete objetivos estratégicos propostos. O objetivo do documento é apresentar uma metodologia de avaliação genérica que possa ser replicada com sucesso em outras empresas vinculadas à cadeia agroalimentar suína, levando em consideração as particularidades de qualquer organização que desenvolva atividades produtivas.Fil: Ghiglione, Franco Alexis. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Braun, Rodolfo Oscar. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentin

La extensión universitaria en el desarrollo de las pymes porcinas

En razón de la naturaleza de los sistemas pecuarios en manos de pequeños y medianos productores, es prioritario que las actividades de extensión universitaria para el desarrollo de pymes porcinas sean realizadas con absoluta seriedad y responsabilidad. La lógica indica que es la investigación quien brinda datos precisos de las variables relevantes en este sector productivo para realizar una correcta intervención en los desarrollos locales. La extensión universitaria debe tener como meta la transformación de realidades. Para que ello suceda resulta necesario mantener un eje coherente de retroalimentación entre la investigación, la extensión y la docencia universitaria. Durante años se vinculó de manera marginal la extensión con respecto a las demás funciones del ámbito universitario, lo que dio como resultado una escasez de recursos para operar esta función básica, una vinculación débil con la docencia y la investigación, y un bajo nivel de calidad en sus productos y servicios.Fil: Braun, Rodolfo Oscar. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Ghiglione, Franco Alexis. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Evaluación de ácidos grasos en las carcasas de cerdos alimentados con sorgo termoprocesado durante el crecimiento y la terminación

The growing interest on meat and fat quality has brought the implicit need to know the content and composition of pig carcass fat, due to probable negative impacts on human health. The greatest challenges are the reduction of saturated fatty acids content in meat, mainly palmitic acid, and the increase of mono- and poli-insaturated fatty acids amount. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of fatty acids in depot tissues of pigs at 90 kg of liveweight, fed on different diets, containing sorghum grains processed in different ways, or ground corn. The samples were obtained in vivo from subcutaneous fat, by biopsy. Once the samples were stabilized, the most abundant fatty acid, and the percentage of relative abundance in each sample were determined by a gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC - MS) coupling technique. From this experience it could be concluded that the pigs fed on sorghum, independently from its presentation, show carcasses higher in mono- and poli-insaturated fatty acids. Those fed on ground and extruded sorghum had linolenic acid in their carcasses. The diets composed by thermo-processed sorghum showed higher meat quality carcassesEl interés creciente por la calidad de la carne y de la grasa, ha traído implícita la necesidad de conocer el contenido y la composición de la grasa de la res porcina por probables impactos negativos sobre la salud humana. El mayor desafío es, la reducción del contenido de ácidos grasos saturados en la carne, principalmente del ácido palmítico, y el incremento de la cantidad de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados y poliinsaturados. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la composición en los distintos ácidos grasos de los tejidos de depósito de cerdos a los 90 kg de peso, expuestos a diferentes dietas compuestas por granos de sorgo sometido a distintos procesamientos en relación al grano de maíz molido, en muestras obtenidas in vivo, de grasa subcutánea mediante una biopsia. Estabilizadas las muestras obtenidas se utilizó una técnica de acoplamiento cromatógrafo de gases – espectrógrafo de masa (CG – EM) con el fin de identificar el ácido graso más abundante de la muestra y el porcentaje de abundancia relativa de otros ácidos grasos componentes de las muestras analizadas. A partir de la experiencia se pudo concluir que los cerdos alimentados con sorgo, independientemente de la forma de presentación del mismo, exponen reses con mayor presencia de ácidos monoinsaturados y poliinsaturados. Los alimentados con sorgo molido, aplastado y extruido presentaron ácido linolénico en sus carcasas. Las dietas compuestas por granos de sorgo tratados presentan carcasas con mejor calidad carnicera

Curtos circuitos de marketing na atividade suína: análise da informalidade

En la provincia de La Pampa, al igual que en gran parte del resto del país, la actividad porcina es desarrollada mayoritariamente a peque- ña y mediana escala productiva. En este contexto, los productores porcinos deben adoptar diferentes estrategias comerciales para nutrirse de los recursos económicos que les permitan que la actividad sea sostenible en términos de rentabilidad y acceso a los insumos esenciales en tiempo y forma. El presente artículo de investigación tuvo como objetivo exponer una primera aproximación a la identificación de las características particulares que inciden en la proliferación de las maniobras implementadas en el mencionado escenario socioeconómico. Desde la óptica de la metodología cualitativa, el estudio de caso, a través de potentes instrumentos de toma de datos como son las entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad, aborda las problemáticas vinculadas a los circuitos cortos de comercialización (CCC) en la actividad porcina; en particular, pone énfasis en el altísimo grado de informalidad y la ausencia de garantías sanitarias. También, a partir de la interpretación de los datos que arrojan, permiten vislumbrar una serie de atributos de decisión que son valoradas positivamente por ambos extremos de la cadena agroalimentaria analizada: el productor y el consumidor. Los resultados obtenidos admiten identificar, en forma preliminar, a la intermediación como un obstáculo, en cuanto se apropia de buena parte de la renta.In the province of La Pampa, as in much of the rest of the country, the swine activity is developed mainly on a small and medium scale production. In this context, pig producers must adopt different commercial strategies to nourish themselves with the economic resources that allow them to make the activity sustainable in terms of profitability and access to essential inputs in a timely manner. The objective of this research article is to present a first approach to the identification of the particular characteristics that influence the proliferation of the maneuvers implemented in the aforementioned socioeconomic scenario. From the perspective of qualitative methodology, the case study, through powerful data collection instruments such as semi-structured in-depth interviews, can address the problems related to short marketing circuits (CCC) in pig activity, in In particular, it emphasizes understanding the very high degree of informality and the absence of sanitary guarantees. Also, from the interpretation of the data they provide, they allow us to glimpse a series of decision attributes that are positively valued by both ends of the analyzed agri-food chain. That is, the producer and the consumer. The results obtained allow us to identify, in a preliminary way, intermediation as an obstacle, as it appropriates a large part of the income.Na província de La Pampa, como em grande parte do país, a atividade suína desenvolve-se principalmente em pequena e média produção. Neste contexto, os suinocultores devem adotar diferentes estratégias comerciais para se alimentarem com os recursos econômicos que lhes permitam tornar a atividade sustentável em termos de rentabilidade e acesso a insumos essenciais em tempo hábil. O objetivo deste artigo de pesquisa é apresentar uma primeira abordagem para a identificação das características particulares que afetam a proliferação das manobras implementadas no referido cenário socioeconômico. Do ponto de vista da metodologia qualitativa, o estudo de caso, por meio de poderosos instrumentos de coleta de dados como entrevistas semiestruturadas em profundidade, pode abordar os problemas relacionados aos curtos-circuitos de marketing (CCC) na atividade suína, em Em particular, enfatiza a compreensão do altíssimo grau de informalidade e da ausência de garantias sanitárias. Além disso, a partir da interpretação dos dados que fornecem, permitem vislumbrar uma série de atributos de decisão valorizados positivamente por ambas as pontas da cadeia agroalimentar analisada. Ou seja, o produtor e o consumidor. Os resultados obtidos permitem identificar, de forma preliminar, a intermediação como um entrave, pois ela se apropria de grande parte da receita.Fil: Ghiglione, Franco Alexis. Universidad Nacional de la Pampa. Facultad de Agronomia. Area Coord.academ.producción Animal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Confluencia; ArgentinaFil: Braun, Rodolfo Oscar. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentin