Convolutional neural networks on the HEALPix sphere: a pixel-based algorithm and its application to CMB data analysis

We describe a novel method for the application of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to fields defined on the sphere, using the Hierarchical Equal Area Latitude Pixelization scheme (HEALPix). Specifically, we have developed a pixel-based approach to implement convolutional and pooling layers on the spherical surface, similarly to what is commonly done for CNNs applied to Euclidean space. The main advantage of our algorithm is to be fully integrable with existing, highly optimized libraries for NNs (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.). We present two applications of our method: (i) recognition of handwritten digits projected on the sphere; (ii) estimation of cosmological parameter from simulated maps of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The latter represents the main target of this exploratory work, whose goal is to show the applicability of our CNN to CMB parameter estimation. We have built a simple NN architecture, consisting of four convolutional and pooling layers, and we have used it for all the applications explored herein. Concerning the recognition of handwritten digits, our CNN reaches an accuracy of 95%, comparable with other existing spherical CNNs, and this is true regardless of the position and orientation of the image on the sphere. For CMB-related applications, we tested the CNN on the estimation of a mock cosmological parameter, defining the angular scale at which the power spectrum of a Gaussian field projected on the sphere peaks. We estimated the value of this parameter directly from simulated maps, in several cases: temperature and polarization maps, presence of white noise, and partially covered maps. For temperature maps, the NN performances are comparable with those from standard spectrum-based Bayesian methods. For polarization, CNNs perform about a factor four worse than standard algorithms. Nonetheless, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that CNNs are able to extract information from polarization fields, both in full-sky and masked maps, and to distinguish between E and B-modes in pixel space. Lastly, we have applied our CNN to the estimation of the Thomson scattering optical depth at reionization (\u3c4) from simulated CMB maps. Even without any specific optimization of the NN architecture, we reach an accuracy comparable with standard Bayesian methods. This work represents a first step towards the exploitation of NNs in CMB parameter estimation and demonstrates the feasibility of our approach

Search for evidence of two photon contribution in elastic electron proton data

We reanalyze the most recent data on elastic electron proton scattering. We look for a deviation from linearity of the Rosenbluth fit to the differential cross section, which would be the signature of the presence of two photon exchange. The two photon contribution is parametrized by a one parameter formula, based on symmetry arguments. The present data do not show evidence for such deviation.Comment: 15 pages 3 figures More details on the fitting procedure, more explicit explanation

Cross section and polarization observables for the reaction e++e−→a1(1260)+πe^++e^-\to a_1(1260)+\pi

A model independent formalism for the electron positron annihilation reaction $e^++e^-\to a_1(1260)+\pi$ has been derived. The differential and total cross sections and the elements of the spin--density matrix of the $a_1$-meson were calculated in terms of the electromagnetic form factors of the corresponding $\gamma^*a_1\pi$ current. Simple models of $a_1$ form factors have been fitted to the available cross section data and they allow to give numerical predictions for the different observables.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures Added formulas for axial meson decay in 3 pions Modified version to appear in PR

Helicity amplitudes and crossing relations for antiproton proton reactions

Antiproton proton annihilation reactions allow unique access to the moduli and phases of nucleon electromagnetic form factors in the time like region. We present the helicity amplitudes for the unequal mass single photon reaction $p \bar{p}\to l^+ l^-$ in the s channel including the lepton mass. The relative signs of these amplitudes are determined using simple invariance properties. Helicity amplitudes for the annihilation reaction $p \bar{p} \to N \bar{N}$ are also given, where $N$ is any spinor particle with structure. Crossing relations between the $e p \to e p$ scattering and the $p \bar{p}\to l^+ l^-$ annihilation channels are discussed and the crossing matrix for the helicity amplitudes is given. This matrix may be used to verify known expressions for the space like helicity amplitudes due to one photon exchange.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures, submitted to EPJ

Asymptotics of the deuteron form factors in the nucleon model and JLab experiments

Using the instant form dynamics of Poincar\'e invariant quantum mechanics and the modified relativistic impulse approximation proposed previously we calculate asymptotics of electromagnetic form factors for the deuteron considered as two--nucleon system. We show that today experiment on the elastic $ed$-scattering has reached asymptotic regime. The possible range of momentum transfer when the quark degrees of freedom could be seen in future JLab experiments is estimated. The explicit relation between the behavior of deuteron wave function at $r=0$ and the form factors asymptotics is obtained. The conditions on wave functions to give the asymptotics predicted by QCD and quark counting rules are formulated.Comment: 9 pages, 1 figur

Polarisation observables in lepton antilepton to proton antiproton reactions including lepton mass

General expressions, including the lepton mass, for the spin averaged differential cross section for the annihilation reaction lepton antilepton to proton antiproton are given, as well as general formulae for the single and double spin asymmetries in the centre of mass frame. In particular we discuss the single spin asymmetry, normal to the scattering plane, which measures the relative phase difference between nucleon electromagnetic form factors $G_E$ and $G_M$. Recent experimental investigations of these form factors in the space and time like region are reviewed. It is thought that measurements of the phase of these form factors will provide fundamental information on the internal nucleon structure. The phases between $G_E$ and $G_M$ are accessible through polarisation observables measured in the antiproton proton to lepton antilepton reaction, or in its time reversed process.Comment: 14 pages, to be submitted to EPJ

Humic substances contribute to plant iron nutrition acting as chelators and biostimulants

Improvement of plant iron nutrition as a consequence of metal complexation by humic substances (HS) extracted from different sources has been widely reported. The presence of humified fractions of the organic matter in soil sediments and solutions would contribute, depending on the solubility and the molecular size of HS, to build up a reservoir of Fe available for plants which exude metal ligands and to provide Fe-HS complexes directly usable by plant Fe uptake mechanisms. It has also been shown that HS can promote the physiological mechanisms involved in Fe acquisition acting at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Furthermore, the distribution and allocation of Fe within the plant could be modified when plants were supplied with water soluble Fe-HS complexes as compared with other natural or synthetic chelates. These effects are in line with previous observations showing that treatments with HS were able to induce changes in root morphology and modulate plant membrane activities related to nutrient acquisition, pathways of primary and secondary metabolism, hormonal and reactive oxygen balance. The multifaceted action of HS indicates that soluble Fe-HS complexes, either naturally present in the soil or exogenously supplied to the plants, can promote Fe acquisition in a complex way by providing a readily available iron form in the rhizosphere and by directly affecting plant physiology. Furthermore, the possibility to use Fe-HS of different sources, size and solubility may be considered as an environmental-friendly tool for Fe fertilization of crops

Decreased dopamine activity predicts relapse in methamphetamine abusers.

Studies in methamphetamine (METH) abusers showed that the decreases in brain dopamine (DA) function might recover with protracted detoxification. However, the extent to which striatal DA function in METH predicts recovery has not been evaluated. Here we assessed whether striatal DA activity in METH abusers is associated with clinical outcomes. Brain DA D2 receptor (D2R) availability was measured with positron emission tomography and [(11)C]raclopride in 16 METH abusers, both after placebo and after challenge with 60 mg oral methylphenidate (MPH) (to measure DA release) to assess whether it predicted clinical outcomes. For this purpose, METH abusers were tested within 6 months of last METH use and then followed up for 9 months of abstinence. In parallel, 15 healthy controls were tested. METH abusers had lower D2R availability in caudate than in controls. Both METH abusers and controls showed decreased striatal D2R availability after MPH and these decreases were smaller in METH than in controls in left putamen. The six METH abusers who relapsed during the follow-up period had lower D2R availability in dorsal striatum than in controls, and had no D2R changes after MPH challenge. The 10 METH abusers who completed detoxification did not differ from controls neither in striatal D2R availability nor in MPH-induced striatal DA changes. These results provide preliminary evidence that low striatal DA function in METH abusers is associated with a greater likelihood of relapse during treatment. Detection of the extent of DA dysfunction may be helpful in predicting therapeutic outcomes

Integration of measurements and model simulations to characterize Eyjafjallajökull volcanic aerosols over south-eastern Italy

Abstract. Volcanic aerosols resulting from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption were detected in south-eastern Italy from 20 to 22 April 2010, at a distance of approximately 4000 km from the volcano, and have been characterized by lidar, sun/sky photometer, and surface in-situ measurements. Volcanic particles added to the pre-existing aerosol load and measurement data allow quantifying the impact of volcanic particles on the aerosol vertical distribution, lidar ratios, the aerosol size distribution, and the ground-level particulate-matter concentrations. Lidar measurements reveal that backscatter coefficients by volcanic particles were about one order of magnitude smaller over south-eastern Italy than over Central Europe. Mean lidar ratios at 355 nm were equal to 64 ± 5 sr inside the volcanic aerosol layer and were characterized by smaller values (47 ± 2 sr) in the underlying layer on 20 April, 19:30 UTC. Lidar ratios and their dependence with the height reduced in the following days, mainly because of the variability of the volcanic particle contributions. Size distributions from sun/sky photometer measurements reveal the presence of volcanic particles with radii r > 0.5 μm on 21 April and that the contribution of coarse volcanic particles increased from 20 to 22 April. The aerosol fine mode fraction from sun/sky photometer measurements varied between values of 0.85 and 0.94 on 20 April and decreased to values between 0.25 and 0.82 on 22 April. Surface measurements of particle size distributions were in good accordance with column averaged particle size distributions from sun/sky photometer measurements. PM1/PM2.5 mass concentration ratios of 0.69, 0.66, and 0.60 on 20, 21, and 22 April, respectively, support the increase of super-micron particles at ground. Measurements from the Regional Air Quality Agency show that PM10 mass concentrations on 20, 21, and 22 April 2010 were enhanced in the entire Apulia Region. More specifically, PM10 mass concentrations have on average increased over Apulia Region 22%, 50%, and 28% on 20, 21, and 22 April, respectively, compared to values on 19 April. Finally, the comparison of measurement data with numerical simulations by the FLEXPART dispersion model demonstrates the ability of FLEXPART to model the advection of the volcanic ash over the 4000 km from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano to Southern Italy