Variable Flavor Number Scheme for Final State Jets

We discuss a variable flavor number scheme (VFNS) for final state jets which can account for the effects of arbitrary finite quark masses in inclusive jet observables. The scheme is a generalization of the VFNS scheme for PDFs applied to setups with additional dynamical scales and relies on appropriate renormalization conditions for the matrix elements in the factorization theorem. We illustrate general properties by means of the example of deep-inelastic scattering (DIS) in the endpoint region $x\rightarrow 1$ and event shapes in the dijet limit, in particular the calculations of threshold corrections, consistency conditions and relations to mass singularities found in fixed-order massive calculations.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, Proceedings of the XXII. International Workshop on Deep-Inelastic Scattering and Related Subjects, 28 April - 2 May 2014, Warsaw, Polan

Factorization and Resummation for Massive Quark Effects in Exclusive Drell-Yan

Exclusive differential spectra in color-singlet processes at hadron colliders are benchmark observables that have been studied to high precision in theory and experiment. We present an effective-theory framework utilizing soft-collinear effective theory to incorporate massive (bottom) quark effects into resummed differential distributions, accounting for both heavy-quark initiated primary contributions to the hard scattering process as well as secondary effects from gluons splitting into heavy-quark pairs. To be specific, we focus on the Drell-Yan process and consider the vector-boson transverse momentum, $q_T$, and beam thrust, $\mathcal T$, as examples of exclusive observables. The theoretical description depends on the hierarchy between the hard, mass, and the $q_T$ (or $\mathcal T$) scales, ranging from the decoupling limit $q_T \ll m$ to the massless limit $m \ll q_T$. The phenomenologically relevant intermediate regime $m \sim q_T$ requires in particular quark-mass dependent beam and soft functions. We calculate all ingredients for the description of primary and secondary mass effects required at NNLL$'$ resummation order (combining NNLL evolution with NNLO boundary conditions) for $q_T$ and $\mathcal T$ in all relevant hierarchies. For the $q_T$ distribution the rapidity divergences are different from the massless case and we discuss features of the resulting rapidity evolution. Our results will allow for a detailed investigation of quark-mass effects in the ratio of $W$ and $Z$ boson spectra at small $q_T$, which is important for the precision measurement of the $W$-boson mass at the LHC.Comment: 42 pages + appendices, 21 figures; v2: journal versio

Domains of physical activity and all-cause mortality: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies

Background The dose-response relation between physical activity and all-cause mortality is not well defined at present. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association with all-cause mortality of different domains of physical activity and of defined increases in physical activity and energy expenditure. Methods MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched up to September 2010 for cohort studies examining all-cause mortality across different domains and levels of physical activity in adult general populations. We estimated combined risk ratios (RRs) associated with defined increments and recommended levels, using random-effects meta-analysis and dose-response meta-regression models. Results Data from 80 studies with 1 338 143 participants (118 121 deaths) were included. Combined RRs comparing highest with lowest activity levels were 0.65 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.60-0.71] for total activity, 0.74 (95% CI 0.70-0.77) for leisure activity, 0.64 (95% CI 0.55-0.75) for activities of daily living and 0.83 (95% CI 0.71-0.97) for occupational activity. RRs per 1-h increment per week were 0.91 (95% CI 0.87-0.94) for vigorous exercise and 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.98) for moderate-intensity activities of daily living. RRs corresponding to 150 and 300 min/week of moderate to vigorous activity were 0.86 (95% CI 0.80-0.92) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.65-0.85), respectively. Mortality reductions were more pronounced in women. Conclusion Higher levels of total and domain-specific physical activity were associated with reduced all-cause mortality. Risk reduction per unit of time increase was largest for vigorous exercise. Moderate-intensity activities of daily living were to a lesser extent beneficial in reducing mortalit

Relationships between physical activity across lifetime and health outcomes in older adults: Results from the NuAge cohort

Abstract: Objectives: This study aims to (1) describe participation in four physical activity (PA) domains across life and (2) examine the influence of PA during adolescence, early, mid-life, and later adulthood on health variables at older age. Design: Retrospective, observational, population-based cohort. Setting: Longitudinal study Nutrition as a Determinant of Successful Aging study ParticipantS: 1 378 healthy older adults (667 men; 711 women; aged 67-84 yrs at baseline) Measurements: Using a modified version of the interviewer-administered Lifetime Total Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTPAQ) and life events calendar to facilitate the recall, participants reported the frequency, duration, and intensity of occupational (OPA), commuting (CPA), household (HPA), and leisure time (LTPA) they participated in at the ages of 15, 25, 45, and 65 years and at the first follow-up (aged 68-85 yrs at follow-up). Fat mass, lean body mass, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, fasting glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, self-reported chronic diseases, and socio-demographic were assessed at baseline. Results: Changes in PA differed across sex and PA domain. However, there was a general decline in all PA domains among both sexes after the age of 65. In multiple regression analyses, current LTPA was systematically associated with more favorable waist to hip ratio and fat mass in both sexes, whereas CPA, OPA, and HPA across life were not consistently associated with health variables. Conclusion: PA domains during adolescence, early adulthood, and mid-life were not directly related to health variables at older age, while current LTPA was, suggesting it is never too late to start

On the Cutoff Dependence of the Quark Mass Parameter in Angular Ordered Parton Showers

We show that the presence of an infrared cutoff $Q_0$ in the parton shower (PS) evolution for massive quarks implies that the generator quark mass corresponds to a $Q_0$-dependent short-distance mass scheme and is therefore not the pole mass. Our analysis considers an angular ordered parton shower based on the coherent branching formalism for quasi-collinear stable heavy quarks and splitting functions at next-to-leading logarithmic (NLL) order, and it is based on the analysis of the peak of hemisphere jet mass distributions. We show that NLL shower evolution is sufficient to describe the peak jet mass at full next-to-leading order (NLO). We determine the relation of this short-distance mass to the pole mass at NLO. We also show that the shower cut $Q_0$ affects soft radiation in a universal way for massless and quasi-collinear massive quark production. The basis of our analysis is (i) an analytic solution of the PS evolution based on the coherent branching formalism, (ii) an implementation of the infrared cut $Q_0$ of the angular ordered shower into factorized analytic calculations in the framework of Soft-Collinear-Effective-Theory (SCET) and (iii) the dependence of the peak of the jet mass distribution on the shower cut. Numerical comparisons to simulations with the HERWIG 7 event generator confirm our findings. Our analysis provides an important step towards a full understanding concerning the interpretation of top quark mass measurements based on direct reconstruction.Comment: 110 pages, 23 figures; v2: improved version, references updated, typos eliminate

Using affective judgement to increase physical activity in British adults.

Mobile phone apps have been shown to increase physical activity (PA), but existing apps fail to target the emotional aspects of PA, which influence whether individuals are active. We developed an app that encourages individuals to focus on the emotional aspects of PA. We aimed to assess the acceptability of this app, and conduct a preliminary evaluation of efficacy. The app was developed in collaboration with users through focus groups. Seven users tested the app over 4 months and provided feedback on acceptability, aesthetics and functionality in a follow-up focus group. Results were summarized descriptively. Before testing the app, participants completed a questionnaire assessing their current PA and psychological antecedents of PA. A second questionnaire was completed at the follow-up focus group. Change scores are reported for each participant and overall. The social and reminder aspects facilitated motivation to be active and many found it easy to integrate into their lives. Most suggested modifications. Small improvements in number of minutes spent walking per week were observed (overall mean change +25 min) and some psychological antecedents of PA (overall mean change for social support for PA +0.14, self-efficacy for PA +0.17, outcome expectations about PA +0.20; all five-point scales), but reductions were seen in other domains. The app was acceptable to users, although developments are required. Testing with a small number of individuals, offering preliminary evidence of efficacy of this app, provides justification for further evaluation on a larger scale

Die Einführung der Dekaproten und Eikosaproten in den Städten Kleinasiens und Griechenlands

Die Dekaproten und Eikosaproten, die für die Einhebung römischer Steuern verantwortlich waren, erscheinen in griechischen Städten ab dem späten 1. Jh. Der Artikel befasst sich in erster Linie mit der Frage nach der Entstehung und der Verbreitung dieses Amtes, die wahrscheinlich auf Anregung römischer Behörden geschah. Die Dekaprotie ist in den verschiedenen Städten und Provinzen des Reiches unterschiedlich gut bezeugt. Die konkrete Ausgestaltung des Amtes scheint lokalen und regionalen Besonderheiten unterworfen gewesen zu sein. In Kleinasien lässt sich vor allem in Lykien eine frühe und wohl flächendeckende Einführung des Amtes nachweisen, möglicherweise gleichzeitig mit der Provinzgründung, während das Amt in anderen Regionen vielleicht erst später eingeführt wurde und nicht überall die gleiche Bedeutung erlangte.The dekaprotoi and the eikosaprotoi, who were responsible for collecting imperial taxes, appeared in the Greek cities at the end of the Ist century. This article primarily examines the establishment of these officials and their dispersion, which probably occurred at the suggestion of the Roman administration. The dekaprotia is unequally well-attested in the different cities and provinces of the Empire. Its organization seemed to have followed the local and regional characteristics. In Asia Minor, Lycia received the office early, possibly simultaneously with the creation of the province, while the dekaprotia was perhaps established later in the other regions, and did not have the same significance everywhere.Les dekaprotoi et les eikosaprotoi, responsables du prélèvement des impôts impériaux, apparurent dans les cités grecques à la fin du Ier siècle. Cet article se penche essentiellement sur la question de l’apparition et de la diffusion de ces fonctions, qui se produisit probablement sous l’instigation de l’administration romaine. La dekaprotia est inégalement attestée dans les cités et provinces de l’Empire. L’organisation concrète de cette charge semble avoir été soumise aux particularités locales et régionales. En Asie Mineure, la Lycie connut une introduction précoce et généralisée de cette fonction, possiblement simultanément à la création de la province, alors que la charge fut peut-être instaurée plus tard dans les autres régions et sa signification différait probablement selon les endroits

Depression in medical students: insights from a longitudinal study

Background: Factors associated with depression of medical students are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of depression in medical students, its change during the course, if depression persists for affected students, what are the factors associated with depression and how these factors change over time. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal observational study was conducted at the Medical School of the University of Minho, Portugal, between academic years 2009-2010 to 2012-2013. We included students who maintained their participation by annually completing a questionnaire including Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Anxiety and burnout were assessed using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Surveys on socio-demographic variables were applied to evaluate potential predictors, personal and academic characteristics and perceived difficulties. ANOVA with multiple comparisons were used to compare means of BDI score. The medical students were organized into subgroups by K-means cluster analyses. ANOVA mixed-design repeated measurement was performed to assess a possible interaction between variables associated with depression. Results: The response rate was 84, 92, 88 and 81% for academic years 2009-2010, 2010-2011,2011-2012 and 2012/2013, respectively. Two hundred thirty-eight medical students were evaluated longitudinally. For depression the prevalence ranged from 21.5 to 12.7% (academic years 2009/2010 and 2012/2013). BDI scores decreased during medical school. 19.7% of students recorded sustained high BDI over time. These students had high levels of trait-anxiety and choose medicine for anticipated income and prestige, reported more relationship issues, cynicism, and decreased satisfaction with social activities. Students with high BDI scores at initial evaluation with low levels of trait-anxiety and a primary interest in medicine as a career tended to improve their mood and reported reduced burnout, low perceived learning problems and increased satisfaction with social activities at last evaluation. No difference was detected between men and women in the median BDI score over time. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that personal factors (anxiety traits, medicine choice factors, relationship patterns and academic burnout) are relevant for persistence of high levels of BDI during medical training. Medical schools need to identity students who experience depression and support then, as early as possible, particularly when depression has been present over time.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Un decreto dalla Licia (Antiphellos) a Lemnos: la riscoperta di una pietra errante.

Una stele frammentaria, la cui presenza è ricordata a Καστελλόριζο (antica Megiste) nel 1907, fu trasferita insieme ad altre iscrizioni a Mytilene (Lesbos) e di qui a Lemnos, dove è tuttora conservata presso il Museo Archeologico di Myrina. Il testo, che era noto solo da una approssimativa edizione del 1917, è qui pubblicato per la prima volta secondo i moderni canoni scientifici. Esso conserva un decreto onorario di età ellenistica per un benefattore locale del ginnasio. Il presente contributo intende inoltre ricostruire le vicende erranti della pietra e stabilire la sua provenienza originaria. Identifica in particolare la comunità committente con la polis di Antiphellos (Lycia), che accoglie una precedente iniziativa onoraria deliberata da un raggruppamento interno del locale ginnasio. Sottolinea inoltre la volontà della città di confermare gli onori e di assicurare la loro attuazione nel tempo attraverso il riferimento a specifici garanti. Propone infine di riconoscere nell’anonimo onorato un benefattore che potrebbe aver costituito una fondazione per i neoi o per altro gruppo ginnasiale. A fragmentary stele, which was recorded at Καστελλόριζο (ancient Megiste) in 1907, was transferred along with other inscriptions to Mytilene (Lesbos) and from there to Lemnos, where it is still preserved at the Archaeological Museum of Myrina. The text, which was so far only known from an unsatisfying edition of 1917, is for the first time published according to modern standards. It contains a Hellenistic honorary decree for a local benefactor of the gymnasium. The present paper further intends to reconstruct the wanderings of the stone and establish its original provenance. It identifies in particular the committing community with the polis of Antiphellos (Lycia), which ratifies a previous honorary initiative deliberated by an inner group of the local gymnasium. It also underlines the city’s commitment to confirm the honors and to ensure their implementation in the future by referring to specific guarantees. Finally, it proposes to recognize in the anonymous honorand a benefactor who could have constituted a foundation for the neoi or for another gymnasium group