Determining the gluonic gravitational form factors of the proton

The proton is one of the main building blocks of all visible matter in the Universe¹. Among its intrinsic properties are its electric charge, mass and spin². These properties emerge from the complex dynamics of its fundamental constituents-quarks and gluons-described by the theory of quantum chromodynamics^3-5. The electric charge and spin of protons, which are shared among the quarks, have been investigated previously using electron scattering². An example is the highly precise measurement of the electric charge radius of the proton⁶. By contrast, little is known about the inner mass density of the proton, which is dominated by the energy carried by gluons. Gluons are hard to access using electron scattering because they do not carry an electromagnetic charge. Here we investigated the gravitational density of gluons using a small colour dipole, through the threshold photoproduction of the J/ψ particle. We determined the gluonic gravitational form factors of the proton^7,8 from our measurement. We used a variety of models^9-11 and determined, in all cases, a mass radius that is notably smaller than the electric charge radius. In some, but not all cases, depending on the model, the determined radius agrees well with first-principle predictions from lattice quantum chromodynamics¹². This work paves the way for a deeper understanding of the salient role of gluons in providing gravitational mass to visible matter.

Measured proton electromagnetic structure deviates from theoretical predictions

The visible world is founded on the proton, the only composite building block of matter that is stable in nature. Consequently, understanding the formation of matter relies on explaining the dynamics and the properties of the proton's bound state. A fundamental property of the proton involves the response of the system to an external electromagnetic field. It is characterized by the electromagnetic polarizabilities¹ that describe how easily the charge and magnetization distributions inside the system are distorted by the electromagnetic field. Moreover, the generalized polarizabilities² map out the resulting deformation of the densities in a proton subject to an electromagnetic field. They disclose essential information about the underlying system dynamics and provide a key for decoding the proton structure in terms of the theory of the strong interaction that binds its elementary quark and gluon constituents. Of particular interest is a puzzle in the electric generalized polarizability of the proton that remains unresolved for two decades². Here we report measurements of the proton's electromagnetic generalized polarizabilities at low four-momentum transfer squared. We show evidence of an anomaly to the behaviour of the proton's electric generalized polarizability that contradicts the predictions of nuclear theory and derive its signature in the spatial distribution of the induced polarization in the proton. The reported measurements suggest the presence of a new, not-yet-understood dynamical mechanism in the proton and present notable challenges to the nuclear theory.

Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering Cross Section at High Bjorken x_{B}

We report high-precision measurements of the deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) cross section at high values of the Bjorken variable x_{B}. DVCS is sensitive to the generalized parton distributions of the nucleon, which provide a three-dimensional description of its internal constituents. Using the exact analytic expression of the DVCS cross section for all possible polarization states of the initial and final electron and nucleon, and final state photon, we present the first experimental extraction of all four helicity-conserving Compton form factors (CFFs) of the nucleon as a function of x_{B}, while systematically including helicity flip amplitudes. In particular, the high accuracy of the present data demonstrates sensitivity to some very poorly known CFFs.

Measurement of the Nucleon F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p} Structure Function Ratio by the Jefferson Lab MARATHON Tritium/Helium-3 Deep Inelastic Scattering Experiment

The ratio of the nucleon F_{2} structure functions, F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p}, is determined by the MARATHON experiment from measurements of deep inelastic scattering of electrons from ^{3}H and ^{3}He nuclei. The experiment was performed in the Hall A Facility of Jefferson Lab using two high-resolution spectrometers for electron detection, and a cryogenic target system which included a low-activity tritium cell. The data analysis used a novel technique exploiting the mirror symmetry of the two nuclei, which essentially eliminates many theoretical uncertainties in the extraction of the ratio. The results, which cover the Bjorken scaling variable range 0.19<x<0.83, represent a significant improvement compared to previous SLAC and Jefferson Lab measurements for the ratio. They are compared to recent theoretical calculations and empirical determinations of the F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p} ratio.

Form Factors and Two-Photon Exchange in High-Energy Elastic Electron-Proton Scattering

We present new precision measurements of the elastic electron-proton scattering cross section for momentum transfer (Q^{2}) up to 15.75  (GeV/c)^{2}. Combined with existing data, these provide an improved extraction of the proton magnetic form factor at high Q^{2} and double the range over which a longitudinal or transverse separation of the cross section can be performed. The difference between our results and polarization data agrees with that observed at lower Q^{2} and attributed to hard two-photon exchange (TPE) effects, extending to 8  (GeV/c)^{2} the range of Q^{2} for which a discrepancy is established at >95% confidence. We use the discrepancy to quantify the size of TPE contributions needed to explain the cross section at high Q^{2}.

Deep Exclusive Electroproduction of π^{0} at High Q^{2} in the Quark Valence Regime

We report measurements of the exclusive neutral pion electroproduction cross section off protons at large values of x_{B} (0.36, 0.48, and 0.60) and Q^{2} (3.1 to 8.4  GeV^{2}) obtained from Jefferson Lab Hall A experiment E12-06-014. The corresponding structure functions dσ_{T}/dt+εdσ_{L}/dt, dσ_{TT}/dt, dσ_{LT}/dt, and dσ_{LT^{'}}/dt are extracted as a function of the proton momentum transfer t-t_{min}. The results suggest the amplitude for transversely polarized virtual photons continues to dominate the cross section throughout this kinematic range. The data are well described by calculations based on transversity generalized parton distributions coupled to a helicity flip distribution amplitude of the pion, thus providing a unique way to probe the structure of the nucleon.

The effects of the age of male early life circumcision on sexual functions later in life

Introduction

According to psychoanalytic theory performing circumcision on a boy in phallic phase may aggravate this fear and cause sexual dysfunctions later in life. However this hypothesis is an unverified common-view rather than a scientifically proven conclusion.

Objectives

We hypothesized that being circumcised during phallic phase is not a risk factor for sexual dysfunction. We also took a peak at how the experience of circumcision is being perceived and its psychological effects. Our secondary hypothesis was, sexual dysfunctions are more frequent among men who had a traumatic circumcision experience.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, a total of 2768 sexually active, circumcised and voluntary men were recruited from 20 different urology outpatient clinics around Turkey.

Results

There was no significant difference for PEDT and IIEF scores between participants who were circumcised at different ages (Graph-1,2). When participants were divided into 3 groups according to their circumcision age in accordance with psychoanalytic theory (before, after and during phallic phase) mean IIEF and PEDT scores did not differ. PEDT scores did not differ either by which emotion the participant describe their experience of circumcision or how vividly he remembered it. However participants who remembered their circumcision experience more vividly and had who describe their circumcision experience with fear/anxiety had a higher IIEF score (Graph-3).

Conclusions

The age of circumcision does not affect the risk of PE. This is one of the very few studies that challenges psychoanalytic theory with a scientific method. Remembering the circumcision experience with fear or anxiety did not increase the risk of sexual dysfunctions.

Ruling out Color Transparency in Quasielastic ^{12}C(e,e^{'}p) up to Q^{2} of 14.2 (GeV/c)^{2}

Quasielastic ^{12}C(e,e^{'}p) scattering was measured at spacelike 4-momentum transfer squared Q^{2}=8, 9.4, 11.4, and 14.2  (GeV/c)^{2}, the highest ever achieved to date. Nuclear transparency for this reaction was extracted by comparing the measured yield to that expected from a plane-wave impulse approximation calculation without any final state interactions. The measured transparency was consistent with no Q^{2} dependence, up to proton momenta of 8.5  GeV/c, ruling out the quantum chromodynamics effect of color transparency at the measured Q^{2} scales in exclusive (e,e^{'}p) reactions. These results impose strict constraints on models of color transparency for protons.

115 Presynchronization and reutilization of progesterone devices during a 6-day CO-Synch protocol for fixed-time artificial insemination in beef heifers

Ovulatory response to the initial gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) of the CO-Synch protocol is affected by circulating progesterone (P4) and follicle size. In addition, heifers that ovulate to initial GnRH treatment have greater fertility after AI. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of (1) presynchronization (Presynch) before a 6-day CO-Synch protocol and (2) P4 device reuse (new vs. second use) on ovulatory response, oestrous expression, and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in beef heifers. Yearling beef heifers (n=233) were randomly assigned in a 2×2 factorial design to the following treatments: (1) Treatment (Presynch): (1a) Presynch+6-day CO-Synch with new P4 device; (1b) Presynch+6-days CO-Synch with a once-used P4 device; (2) Control (no Presynch): (2a) 6-day CO-Synch with new P4 device; (2b) 6-day CO-synch with once-used P4 device. Presynch consisted of insertion of a new P4 intravaginal device (CIDR, 1.38g of P4; Zoetis) on Day −17 and removal of the CIDR on Day −11 concurrently with 500µg of cloprostenol sodium. On Day −9, all heifers received either a new or once-used (used) CIDR and 100µg of gonadorelin acetate (GnRH, Parnell Inc.). Six days later (Day −3) CIDRs were removed, 1000µg of PGF was administered, and an oestrous detection patch applied (Estrotect, Rockway Inc.). At 72h after CIDR removal, 100µg of GnRH and AI using 3 different sires was performed. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography 31 days after AI. A subset of heifers (n=151) were examined on Day −9 and Day −3 by ultrasonography to assess ovulation to Day −9 GnRH. Data were analysed using GLIMMIX (SAS 9.4; SAS Institute Inc.). Presynch heifers had larger follicle diameter on Day −9 (12.7±0.3 vs. 10.4±0.3 mm; P&lt;0.0001), greater ovulatory response (84.6%; 66/78 vs. 52.05%; 38/73; P&lt;0.0001), greater oestrus expression (90.6%; 106/117 vs. 78.4%; 91/116; P=0.03), and expressed oestrus earlier (49.8±1.0 vs. 53.1±1.1 h; P=0.01) compared with controls. There was an interaction for treatment and CIDR on oestrous expression, whereas a lesser (P=0.003) percentage of control heifers with new CIDR showed oestrus compared with all other groups (Table 1). Heifers treated with a used P4 device tended (P=0.08) to have greater P/AI (52.1%; 61/117) than those with a new CIDR (40.5%; 47/116). In conclusion, presynchronization before initiation of a 6-day CO-Synch increased follicle diameter, ovulatory response, and oestrous expression, but did not affect fertility. The earlier onset of oestrus in Presynch heifers warrants further study on timing of AI. Table 1. Oestrous expression and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in beef heifers with or without presynchronization and treated with a new or used CIDR Treatment CIDR Oestrus (%; n/n) Time of oestrus (h) P/AI (%; n/n) Control New 67.8a (40/59) 53.7±1.5a 33.9 (20/59) Used 89.5b (51/57) 52.7±1.6a 50.9 (29/57) Presynch New 94.7b (54/57) 50.9±1.4b 47.4 (27/57) Used 86.7b (52/60) 48.7±1.3b 53.3 (32/60) P-value Treatment 0.03 0.01 0.21 CIDR 0.62 0.18 0.08 Interaction 0.003 0.78 0.38 a,bValues with different superscripts differ (P &lt; 0.05).

Probing the Deuteron at Very Large Internal Momenta

We measure ^{2}H(e,e^{'}p)n cross sections at 4-momentum transfers of Q^{2}=4.5±0.5  (GeV/c)^{2} over a range of neutron recoil momenta p_{r}, reaching up to ∼1.0  GeV/c. We obtain data at fixed neutron recoil angles θ_{nq}=35°, 45°, and 75° with respect to the 3-momentum transfer q[over →]. The new data agree well with previous data, which reached p_{r}∼500  MeV/c. At θ_{nq}=35° and 45°, final state interactions, meson exchange currents, and isobar currents are suppressed and the plane wave impulse approximation provides the dominant cross section contribution. We compare the new data to recent theoretical calculations, where we observe a significant discrepancy for recoil momenta p_{r}>700  MeV/c.

Probing Few-Body Nuclear Dynamics via ^{3}H and ^{3}He (e,e^{'}p)pn Cross-Section Measurements

We report the first measurement of the (e,e^{'}p) three-body breakup reaction cross sections in helium-3 (^{3}He) and tritium (^{3}H) at large momentum transfer [⟨Q^{2}⟩≈1.9  (GeV/c)^{2}] and x_{B}>1 kinematics, where the cross section should be sensitive to quasielastic (QE) scattering from single nucleons. The data cover missing momenta 40≤p_{miss}≤500  MeV/c that, in the QE limit with no rescattering, equals the initial momentum of the probed nucleon. The measured cross sections are compared with state-of-the-art ab initio calculations. Overall good agreement, within ±20%, is observed between data and calculations for the full p_{miss} range for ^{3}H and for 100≤p_{miss}≤350  MeV/c for ^{3}He. Including the effects of rescattering of the outgoing nucleon improves agreement with the data at p_{miss}>250  MeV/c and suggests contributions from charge-exchange (SCX) rescattering. The isoscalar sum of ^{3}He plus ^{3}H, which is largely insensitive to SCX, is described by calculations to within the accuracy of the data over the entire p_{miss} range. This validates current models of the ground state of the three-nucleon system up to very high initial nucleon momenta of 500  MeV/c.

Comparison of the Petrifilm Dry Rehydratable Film and Conventional Culture Methods for Enumeration of Yeasts and Molds in Foods: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was performed involving 18 laboratories and 6 food types to compare 3M Petrifilm yeast and mold count plates with the method described in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual. Four species of mold and 2 species of yeast were used to inoculate the following foods: hot dogs, corn meal, ketchup, orange juice, yogurt, and cake mix. Each collaborator received 15 samples of each food type: 5 low-level inoculations, 5 high- level inoculations, and 5 uninoculated samples. There was no significant difference between the means of the 2 methods for any product or inoculation level. The Petrifilm yeast and mold count plate method for enumeration of yeasts and molds in foods has been adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.

First Measurements of the Double-Polarization Observables F, P, and H in ω Photoproduction off Transversely Polarized Protons in the N^{*} Resonance Region

First measurements of double-polarization observables in ω photoproduction off the proton are presented using transverse target polarization and data from the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) FROST experiment at Jefferson Lab. The beam-target asymmetry F has been measured using circularly polarized, tagged photons in the energy range 1200-2700 MeV, and the beam-target asymmetries H and P have been measured using linearly polarized, tagged photons in the energy range 1200-2000 MeV. These measurements significantly increase the database on polarization observables. The results are included in two partial-wave analyses and reveal significant contributions from several nucleon (N^{*}) resonances. In particular, contributions from new N^{*} resonances listed in the Review of Particle Properties are observed, which aid in reaching the goal of mapping out the nucleon resonance spectrum.

The effect of surgical menopause on the intima-media thickness of the carotid and coronary arteries

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of prior bilateral oophorectomy on the intima-media thickness (IMT) of coronary and carotid arteries.

METHODS

A total of 25 Wistar albino rats, aged 8-10 weeks, were assigned to three groups: ovariectomized (n = 10), control (n = 10) and sham (n = 5). The rats in the sham group only underwent midline laparotomy, while the other rats' ovaries were removed by the same type of laparotomy. All rats were sacrificed to evaluate microscopically the impact of a prolonged 26-week surgical menopause (menopausal period) on the IMT of the carotid and coronary arterial structure.

RESULTS

The mean IMTs of both the carotid and coronary arteries in the ovariectomized group were significantly thicker than those of the control and sham groups (carotid arteries: 268.69 ± 53.67, 195.61 ± 47.60 and 193.86 ± 75.01 μm, p = 0.014; coronary arteries: 182.40 ± 30.22, 136.00 ± 35.82 and 165.24 ± 40.68 μm, p = 0.022, respectively).

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, surgical menopause results in a noteworthy increase in the IMT of the carotid and coronary arteries when compared with the controls. This interventional effect may have a significant role in accelerating the process of atherosclerosis.

The comparison of EMG-biofeedback and extracorporeal magnetic innervation treatments in women with urinary incontinence

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of EMG-biofeedback (EMG-BF), extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI), and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) treatments on women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and Meth- ods: The study included 67 women with SUI. Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) were evaluated with electromyography and the quality of life (QoL) with Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QoL) questionnaire; afterwards, the subjects were divided into three groups; EMG-BF group (n=23), ExMI group (n=20), and PFMT group (n=24). EMG-BF group and ExMI group were given training in urogynecologi- cal physiotherapy clinic. PFMT group were given eight-week home exercises. Each group was assessed before training and after eight weeks.

RESULTS

All three groups showed a significant improvement in EMG activity values and average QoL scores. The greatest im- provement was observed in the EMG-BF training group for QoL scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that all of the three methods performed with the purpose of increasing PFM strength were effective. The increase in PFM strength reduces incontinence associated symptoms and thus improves Qol.

Community-Based Participatory Research Conceptual Model: Community Partner Consultation and Face Validity

A national community-based participatory research (CBPR) team developed a conceptual model of CBPR partnerships to understand the contribution of partnership processes to improved community capacity and health outcomes. With the model primarily developed through academic literature and expert consensus building, we sought community input to assess face validity and acceptability. Our research team conducted semi-structured focus groups with six partnerships nationwide. Participants validated and expanded on existing model constructs and identified new constructs based on "real-world" praxis, resulting in a revised model. Four cross-cutting constructs were identified: trust development, capacity, mutual learning, and power dynamics. By empirically testing the model, we found community face validity and capacity to adapt the model to diverse contexts. We recommend partnerships use and adapt the CBPR model and its constructs, for collective reflection and evaluation, to enhance their partnering practices and achieve their health and research goals.

Antiemetic effects of dexamethasone and ondansetron combination during cesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Nausea and vomiting are frequently seen in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) under regional anesthesia. We aimed to compare the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron and dexamethasone combination with that of the use of each agent alone to decrease the incidence of post-delivery intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV) during CS under spinal anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron and dexamethasone combination with that of the single use of each agent to decrease the incidence of postdelivery IONV during CS under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

A randomized, prospective, double blind study was performed on 90 patients undergoing planned CS under spinal anesthesia. Patients received 4mg ondansetron in Group O, 8mg dexamethasone in GroupD, 4mg ondansetron+8mg dexamethasone in Group OD intravenously within 1-2 minutes after the umbilical cord was clamped. Frequency of postdelivery IONV episodes was recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 86 eligible patients were included in the study. There were 29 patients in Group O, 29 patients in Group D and 28 patients in Group OD. There were no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics and intraoperative managements. Frequency of intraoperative nausea, retching and vomiting experiences were similar between the groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Single dose 4mg ondansetron, 8mg dexamethasone, or combined use of 8mg dexamethasone+4mg ondansetron, given intravenously is all effective agents for the control of postdelivery IONV. Combined use of dexamethasone and ondansetron for the same indication does not seem to increase the antiemetic efficacy.

The prolonged effect of pneumoperitoneum on cardiac autonomic functions during laparoscopic surgery; are we aware?

BACKGROUND

The gynecological laparoscopic surgery requires pneumoperitoneum (PP) with CO2 gas insufflation. CO2 PP may influence cardiac automic function (CAF). This study was conducted to assess its significance and the prolonged effects of CO2 PP on the activity of the cardiac autonomic function 24 hours after the operation by heart rate turbulence (HRT) and heart rate variability (HRV), first time in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients scheduled for elective gynecologic laparoscopy were evaluated. The patients had no preexisting lung or heart disease or pathologic lung function. Conventional general anesthesia with midazolam, propofol, fentanyl, rocuronium, and sevoflurane was administered. ECG recordings were carried out between before 4 h from surgery and the beginning of anesthesia (T1), induction of PP and CO2 evacuation (T2) and a 24-h period postoperatively (T3). The Holter recordings of all patients were analyzed by HRT and HRV.

RESULTS

There were significant reductions in in HRV and HRT parameters peri-op period compared to the pre-op values (p < 0.05). In the first 3 h of post-op period, were calculated all HRT and some HRV (SDNN, LF) parameters were also found to be significantly reduced than the values of pre-op period (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study described adverse effects of CO2 PP on cardiac autonomic regulation in the early postoperative period according to the long-term HRV and HRT frequency analysis, for the first time in the literature. The early postoperative monitorization may supply efficacious information for arrhythmic complications.

Abstract P6-05-07: Molecular Classification of Breast Cancer: Clinical Correlation and Outcome in a Venezuelan Population

Background: Gene expression analysis has defined several subtypes of breast cancer that differ in prognosis and response to therapy. Distribution of clinical, pathological features and outcome was performed among Venezuelan women diagnosed with breast cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical features and outcome. Material and Methods Of 1004 women treated at the BCTC between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2010, 624 patients had assessable data for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER 2/neu). Molecular subtypes were defined as Luminal A (ER+, PR+, HER 2-), Luminal B (ER+, PR+, HER 2+), Basal Like (ER-, PR-, HER 2-) and HER 2/neu (ER+, PR+, HER 2+). Clinical and Pathologic features were available for all 624 patients. Follow-up (FU) for distant recurrence (D.R.) and deaths were available for 514 patients (survival and distant disease free survival). Data was compared for women younger than 50 years with those 50 and older

Results Median FU was 33 months. 268 patients (43%) were 49 years or younger and 356 were 50 years (57%) or older.

Discussion: Distribution of molecular subtypes in Venezuelan women is different than other ethnicities. This study also revealed that both age subgroups in the HER2/neu subtype had the worst outcome followed by patients under 50 in the Basal subtype.

Persistent hepatic venous plexus in a patient with Sturge-Weber syndrome

A patient with extensive facial and intracranial features of Sturge-Weber syndrome was found to have a persistent primitive hepatic venous plexus, characterized by three additional vessels arising from the inferior vena cava, circulating between liver segments, which formed a common trunk in the supra-hepatic region that flowed into the right atrium. To the best of our knowledge, this hepatic finding has not been previously described in association with Sturge-Weber syndrome.

American Indians with HIV/AIDS: health and social service needs, barriers to care, and satisfaction with services among a Western tribe

This study investigated the health care and social service needs, barriers to care and satisfaction with services among American Indians with HIV/AIDS in a western tribe. Individual interviews were conducted with 28 respondents, which constituted nearly the entire population obtaining HIV/AIDS medical services from the IHS in the target area. The survey found that expressed need for services in this frontier rural area were lower than urban counterparts, but that access to needed services was lower. Common unmet medical needs include mental health services, eye and dental care, traditional Native medicine, and substance abuse treatment. Common unmet social service needs include housing assistance, help obtaining food and clothing, and transportation. Limited access to essential services impedes the ability of American Indians with HIV/AIDS to maintain effective medical regimens.

Choriocarcinoma associated with ectopic pregnancy after tubal sterilisation

A 33-year-old highly parous woman developed severe abdominal pain and signs of circulatory collapse 10 months after tubal sterilisation in the absence of symptoms of pregnancy. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy sited interstitially in the right tube and extending into the myometrium and parametrium was found at laparotomy. Histopathologic examination revealed an ectopic pregnancy consisting of choriocarcinoma--a rare but life-threatening combination in a sterilised woman.