Color Gauge Invariance in Hard Processes

Within the theoretical framework we apply, a suggested origin for single spin asymmetries is the presence of gauge links in transverse momentum dependent distribution functions. Recently we found new gauge link structures in a number of hard processes. These structures need to be considered in the evolution of parton distribution functions and for establishing factorization.Comment: One reference corrected, 4 pages and 2 figures. Presented at Light-Cone 200

Universality of Single Spin Asymmetries in Hard Processes

We discuss the use of time reversal symmetry in the classification of parton correlators. Specifically, we consider the role of (small) intrinsic transverse momenta in these correlators and the determination of the proper color gauge link. The transverse momentum weighted correlators in hard processes can be expressed as a product of universal gluonic pole matrix elements and gluonic pole cross sections.Comment: Contributed paper at DIS2006, 4 page

Relativistic bound-state calculations in Light Front Dynamics

We calculated bound states in the quantum field theoretical approach. Using the Wick-Cutkosky model and an extended version of this model (in which a particle with finite mass is exchanged) we have calculated the bound states in the scalar case.Comment: 3 pages, proceedings of the Light Cone Meeting Trento 2001, to be published in Nucl. Phys. B - Proceedings Supplement

Gauge Link Structure in Quark-Quark Correlators in hard processes

Distribution functions in hard processes can be described by quark-quark correlators, nonlocal matrix elements of quark fields. Color gauge invariance requires inclusion of appropriate gauge links in these correlators. For transverse momentum dependent distribution functions, in particular important for describing T-odd effects in hard processes, we find that new link structures containing loops can appear in abelian and non-abelian theories. In transverse moments, e.g. measured in azimuthal asymmetries, these loops may enhance the contribution of gluonic poles. Some explicit results for the link structure are given in high-energy leptoproduction and hadron-hadron scattering.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figure

Oxytocin as an indicator of psychological and social well-being in domesticated animals: a critical review

Mini reviewOxytocin is often portrayed as a hormone specific to social behavior, reflective of positive welfare states, and linked to mental states. Research on oxytocin in domesticated animal species has been few to date but is rapidly increasing (in dog, pig, cattle, sheep), with direct implications for animal welfare. This review evaluates the evidence for the specificity of oxytocin as an indicator of: 1. Social, 2. Positive, and 3. Psychological well-being. Oxytocin has most often been studied in socially relevant paradigms, with a lack of non-social control paradigms. Oxytocin research appears biased toward investigating positive valence, with a lack of control in valence or arousal. Oxytocin actions are modulated by the environmental and social contexts, which are important factors to consider. Limited evidence supports that oxytocin's actions are linked to psychological states; nevertheless whether this is a direct effect of oxytocin per se remains to be demonstrated. Overall, it is premature to judge oxytocin's potential as an animal welfare indicator given the few and discrepant findings and a lack of standardization in methodology. We cover potential causes for discrepancies and suggest solutions through appropriate methodological design, oxytocin sampling or delivery, analysis and reporting. Of particular interest, the oxytocinergic system as a whole remains poorly understood. Appreciation for the differences that social contact and group living pose in domesticated species and the way they interact with humans should be key considerations in using oxytocin as a psychosocial indicator of well-being.Jean-Loup Rault, Marleen van den Munkhof and Femke T. A. Buisman-Pijlma

Universality of T-odd effects in single spin and azimuthal asymmetries

We analyze the transverse momentum dependent distribution and fragmentation functions in space-like and time-like hard processes involving at least two hadrons, in particular 1-particle inclusive leptoproduction, the Drell-Yan process and two-particle inclusive hadron production in electron-positron annihilation. As is well-known, transverse momentum dependence allows for the appearance of unsuppressed single spin azimuthal asymmetries, such as Sivers and Collins asymmetries. Recently, Belitsky, Ji and Yuan obtained fully color gauge invariant expressions for the relevant matrix elements appearing in these asymmetries at leading order in an expansion in the inverse hard scale. We rederive these results and extend them to observables at the next order in this expansion. We observe that at leading order one retains a probability interpretation, contrary to a claim in the literature and show the direct relation between the Sivers effect in single spin asymmetries and the Qiu-Sterman mechanism. We also study fragmentation functions, where the process dependent gauge link structure of the correlators is not the only source of T-odd observables and discuss the implications for universality.Comment: 29 pages, Revtex, 26 Postscript figures; abstract, introduction and section VIIC significantly modified and appendix B replace

Implementation of laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer over the past decade

Background: Laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) for the treatment of early-stage endometrial carcinoma/cancer (EC) has demonstrated to be safe in several randomized controlled trials. Yet, data on implementation of LH in clinical practice are limited. In the present study, implementation of LH for EC was evaluated in a large oncology network in the Netherlands. Results: Retrospectively, a total of 556 EC patients with FIGO stage I-II were registered in the selected years. The proportion of LH gradually increased from 11% in 2006 to 85% in 2015. LH was more often performed in patients with low-grade EC and was not related to the studied patient characteristics. The introduction of TLH was frequently preceded by LAVH. Patients treated in teaching hospitals were more likely to undergo a LH compared to patients in non-teaching hospitals. The conversion rate was 7.7%, and the overall complication rates between LH and AH were comparable, but less postoperative complications in LH. Conclusions: Implementation of laparoscopic hysterectomy for early-stage EC increased from 11 to 85% in 10 years. Implementation of TLH was often preceded by LAVH and was faster in teaching hospitals

Substance-Related Health Problems during Rave Parties in the Netherlands (1997–2008)

The objective of this study was to describe a 12-year (1997–2008) observation of substance-related incidents occurring at rave parties in the Netherlands, including length of visits to first-aid stations, substances used, and severity of the incidents. During rave parties, specifically trained medical and paramedical personnel staffed first aid stations. Visitors were diagnosed and treated, and their data were recorded using standardized methods. During the 12-year period with 249 rave parties involving about 3,800,000 visitors, 27,897 people visited a first aid station, of whom 10,100 reported having a substance-related problem. The mean age of these people was 22.3+/−5.4 years; 52.4% of them were male. Most (66.7%) substance-related problems were associated with ecstasy or alcohol use or both. Among 10,100 substance-related cases, 515 required professional medical care, and 16 of these cases were life threatening. People with a substance-related problem stayed 20 min at the first aid station, which was significantly longer than the 5 min that those without a substance-related health problem stayed. These unique data from the Netherlands identify a variety of acute health problems related to the use of alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and GHB. Although most problems were minor, people using GHB more often required professional medical care those using the other substances. We recommended adherence to harm and risk reduction policy, and the use of first aid stations with specially trained staff for both minor and serious incidents