B Physics on the Lattice: Λ‾\overline{\Lambda}, λ1\lambda_{1}, m‾b(m‾b)\overline{m}_{b}(\overline{m}_{b}), λ2\lambda_2, B0−Bˉ0B^{0}-\bar{B}^{0} mixing, \fb and all that

We present a short review of our most recent high statistics lattice determinations in the HQET of the following important parameters in B physics: the B--meson binding energy, $\overline{\Lambda}$ and the kinetic energy of the b quark in the B meson, $\lambda_1$, which due to the presence of power divergences require a non--perturbative renormalization to be defined; the $\overline{MS}$ running mass of the b quark, $\overline{m}_{b}(\overline{m}_{b})$; the $B^{*}$--$B$ mass splitting, whose value in the HQET is determined by the matrix element of the chromo--magnetic operator between B meson states, $\lambda_2$; the B parameter of the $B^{0}$--$\bar{B}^{0}$ mixing, $B_{B}$, and the decay constant of the B meson, $f_{B}$. All these quantities have been computed using a sample of $600$ gauge field configurations on a $24^{3}\times 40$ lattice at $\beta=6.0$. For $\overline{\Lambda}$ and $\overline{m}_{b}(\overline{m}_{b})$, we obtain our estimates by combining results from three independent lattice simulations at $\beta=6.0$, $6.2$ and $6.4$ on the same volume.Comment: 3 latex pages, uses espcrc2.sty (included). Talk presented at LATTICE96(heavy quarks

DEPENDENCE OF THE CURRENT RENORMALISATION CONSTANTS ON THE QUARK MASS

We study the behaviour of the vector and axial current renormalisation constants $Z_V$ and $Z_A$ as a function of the quark mass, $m_q$. We show that sizeable $O(am_q)$ and $O(g_0^2 a m_q)$ systematic effects are present in the Wilson and Clover cases respectively. We find that the prescription of Kronfeld, Lepage and Mackenzie for correcting these artefacts is not always successful.Comment: Contribution to Lattice'94, 3 pages PostScript, uuencoded compressed

Semileptonic Decays of Heavy Mesons: A Status Report

We present intermediate results on our ongoing investigation concerning semileptonic decays of heavy pseudoscalar mesons into pseudoscalar and vector mesons. The corresponding formfactors are evaluated at several momenta and appropriate combinations of four light and four heavy quarks, which are chosen to allow for an extrapolation into the B Meson region. In order to obtain clear groundstate signals we apply gauge invariant ``Wuppertal'' smearing to the quarks. The analysis is based on 32 quenched gauge configurations of size $24^3 \times 64$ at $\beta=6.3$, with Wilson fermions.Comment: 3 pages, uuencoded, contribution to Lat 9

Non-perturbative Renormalization of the Complete Basis of Four-fermion Operators and B-parameters

We present results on the B-parameters $B_K$, $B^{3/2}_7$ and $B^{3/2}_8$, at $\beta=6.0$, with the tree-level Clover action. The renormalization of the complete basis of dimension-six four-fermion operators has been performed non-perturbatively. Our results for $B_K$ and $B^{3/2}_7$ are in reasonable agreement with those obtained with the (unimproved) Wilson action. This is not the case for $B^{3/2}_8$. We also discuss some subtleties arising from a recently proposed modified definition of the B-parameters.Comment: Talk presented at Lattice '97, Edinburgh (UK), July 1997. LaTeX 3 pages, uses espcrc

Theoretical and experimental analysis of dissipative buckling restrained barces

Buckling restrained braces are passive energy dissipators used for seismic protection of building frames; such devices consist of slender steel bars connected usually to the frame to be protected either like conventional (concentric) diagonal braces or like chevron braces. Under horizontal seismic motions, the interstory drifts generate axial strains in the steel bars beyond their yielding points; such tension-compression cycles constitute the hysteresis loops. The buckling of the steel bars (core) is prevented by embedding them in a stockiest encasing; it consists usually of a steel tube filled with mortar. A crucial issue is to allow sliding between the core and the encasing to prevent relevant shear stress transfer. This work aims to contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of buckling restrained braces; the final objective is to foster its mass use in developing countries (in earthquake prone regions), particularly for reinforced concrete building frames. The research approach consists of designing, producing and testing (in Argentina) five reduced scale dissipators (about 400 mm long) and of taking profit of the gained experience to design, to produce and to test (in Spain) four full size (near 3000 mm long) prototype devices. All these tests are individual, i.e. no subassemblies (accounting for the building frames) are considered. The main conclusion is that it is possible to obtain a reasonably cheap (about 1000 US$ per unit; this amount corresponds to production in Spain (summer 2006) without optimizing the fabrication process), efficient, robust, low maintenance and durable prototype device requiring only a low-tech production process (suitable for developing countries). Moreover, the results show that the fatigue life of buckling restrained braces, even highly uncertain, can be significantly bigger than expected (according to some previously published results); it might allow extending the life of these devices after a number of strong seismic inputs. A numerical analysis of the buckling behavior of these devices is performed; it allows formulating some design recommendations. Further research needs are identified

Theoretical and experimental analysis of dissipative buckling restrained braces

Buckling restrained braces are passive energy dissipators used for seismic protection of building frames; such devices consist of slender steel bars connected usually to the frame to be protected either like conventional (concentric) diagonal braces or like chevron braces. Under horizontal seismic motions, the interstory drifts generate axial strains in the steel bars beyond their yielding points, such tension-compresssion cycles constitute the hysteresis loops. Thebuckling of the steel bars (core) is prevented by embedding them in a stockiest encasing; it consists usually of a steel tube filled with mortar. A crucial issue is to allow sliding between the core and the encasing to prevent relevant shear stress transfer. This work aims to contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of buckling restrained braces, the final objective is to foster its mass use in developing countries (in earthquake prone regions), particulary for reinforced concrete building frames. The research approach consists of designing, producing and testing (in Argentina) five reduced scale dissipators (about 400 mm long) and of taking profit of the gained experience to design, to produce and to test (in Spain) four full size (near 3000 mm long) prototype devices. All these tests are a individual, i.e. no subassemblies (accounting for the building frames) are considered. The main conclusion is that it is possible to obtain a reasonably cheap (about 1000 US$ per unit; this amount corresponds to production in Spain (summer 2006) without optimizing the fabrication process), efficient, robust, low maintenance and durable prototype device requiring only a low-tech production process (suitable for developing countries). Moreover, the results show that the fatigue life of buckling restrained braces, even highly uncertain, can be significantly bigger than expected (according to some previously published results); it might allow extending the life of these devices after a number of strong seismic inputs. A numerical analysis of the buckling behavior of these devices is performed; it allows formulating some design recommendations. Further research needs are identified.Postprint (published version

RESULTS FOR THE B-MESON DECAY CONSTANT FROM THE APE COLLABORATION

The decay constant for the B-meson in the static limit is calculated using the Wilson and clover actions at various lattice spacings. We show that both the contamination of our results by excited states and the effects finite lattice spacing are at most the order of the statistical uncertainties. A comparison is made of our results and those obtained in other studies. Values for $f^{stat}_{B_S}/f^{stat}_B$ and $M_{B_S} - M_B$ are also given.Comment: Contribution to Lattice'94, 3 pages PostScript, uuencoded compresse

Non-perturbative renormalization in kaon decays

We discuss the application of the MPSTV non-perturbative method \cite{NPM} to the operators relevant to kaon decays. This enables us to reappraise the long-standing question of the $\Delta I=1/2$ rule, which involves power-divergent subtractions that cannot be evaluated in perturbation theory. We also study the mixing with dimension-six operators and discuss its implications to the chiral behaviour of the $B_K$ parameter.Comment: Talk presented at LATTICE96(improvement), LaTeX 3 pages, uses espcrc2, 2 postscript figure

Do Patients with Bronchiectasis Have an Increased Risk of Developing Lung Cancer? A Systematic Review

Background: Initial evidence supports the hypothesis that patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) have a higher risk of lung cancer. We systematically reviewed the available literature to define the characteristics of lung malignancies in patients with bronchiectasis and the characteristics of patients who develop bronchiectasis-associated lung cancer. Method: This study was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Results: The frequency rates of lung cancer in patients with NCFB ranged from 0.93% to 8.0%. The incidence rate was 3.96. Cancer more frequently occurred in the elderly and males. Three studies found an overall higher risk of developing lung cancer in the NCFB population compared to the non-bronchiectasis one, and adenocarcinoma was the most frequently reported histological type. The effect of the co-existence of NCFB and COPD was unclear. Conclusions: NCFB is associated with a higher risk of developing lung cancer than individuals without NCFB. This risk is higher for males, the elderly, and smokers, whereas concomitant COPD’s effect is unclear

Computation of the b-quark Mass with Perturbative Matching at the Next-to-Next-to-Leading Order

We compute the two-loop term in the perturbation series for the quark-mass in the lattice Heavy Quark Effective Theory. This is an ingredient in the matching factor required to obtain the $b$-quark mass from lattice simulations of the HQET. Combining our calculations with numerical results from the APE collaboration, we find, at two-loop order, $\bar m_b \equiv m_b^{\bar{MS}}(m_b^{\bar{MS}}) =4.41\pm 0.05\pm 0.10$GeV. It was expected that the two-loop term would have a significant effect and this is indeed what we find. Depending on the choice of "reasonable" coupling constant in the one-loop estimates the result for $\bar m_b$ can change by several hundred MeV when the two-loop terms are included.Comment: 24 Pages, 1 Figur