Novel Approach to Confront Electroweak Data and Theory

A novel approach to study electroweak physics at one-loop level in generic ${\rm SU(2)_L \times U(1)_Y}$ theories is introduced. It separates the 1-loop corrections into two pieces: process specific ones from vertex and box contributions, and universal ones from contributions to the gauge boson propagators. The latter are parametrized in terms of four effective form factors $\bar{e}^2(q^2)$, $\bar{s}^2(q^2)$, $\bar{g}_Z^2(q^2)$ and $\bar{g}_W^2 (q^2)$ corresponding to the $\gamma\gamma$, $\gamma Z$, $ZZ$ and $WW$ propagators. Under the assumption that only the Standard Model contributes to the process specific corrections, the magnitudes of the four form factors are determined at $q^2=0$ and at q^2=\mmz by fitting to all available precision experiments. These values are then compared systematically with predictions of ${\rm SU(2)_L \times U(1)_Y}$ theories. In all fits \alpha_s(\mz) and \bar{\alpha}(\mmz) are treated as external parameters in order to keep the interpretation as flexible as possible. The treatment of the electroweak data is presented in detail together with the relevant theoretical formulae used to interpret the data. No deviation from the Standard Model has been identified. Ranges of the top quark and Higgs boson masses are derived as functions of \alpha_s(\mz) and \bar{\alpha}(\mmz). Also discussed are consequences of the recent precision measurement of the left-right asymmetry at SLC as well as the impact of a top quark mass and an improved $W$ mass measurement.Comment: 123 pages, LaTeX (33 figures available via anonymous ftp), KEK-TH-375, KEK preprint 93-159, KANAZAWA-94-19, DESY 94-002, YUMS 94-22, SNUTP 94-82, to be published in Z.Phys.

Grambank reveals the importance of genealogical constraints on linguistic diversity and highlights the impact of language loss

While global patterns of human genetic diversity are increasingly well characterized, the diversity of human languages remains less systematically described. Here we outline the Grambank database. With over 400,000 data points and 2,400 languages, Grambank is the largest comparative grammatical database available. The comprehensiveness of Grambank allows us to quantify the relative effects of genealogical inheritance and geographic proximity on the structural diversity of the world's languages, evaluate constraints on linguistic diversity, and identify the world's most unusual languages. An analysis of the consequences of language loss reveals that the reduction in diversity will be strikingly uneven across the major linguistic regions of the world. Without sustained efforts to document and revitalize endangered languages, our linguistic window into human history, cognition and culture will be seriously fragmented.Genealogy versus geography Constraints on grammar Unusual languages Language loss Conclusio

Fibre Ropes for Taut Mooring Lines for Marine Energy Converters (Fibre Taut 2)

PublishedOne immediate challenge for the Marine Energy Converters (MECs) industry is solving the cost and weight problems of mooring lines in deepwater (>75m). Fibre rope taut mooring lines represent a new and interesting option for the mooring of MECs in deepwater. Synthetic fibre ropes offer a solution to the weight problems of using steel lines in deepwater as they have a very low weight in water. Also, compared to steel, there are a large number of synthetic fibre material compositions with a wide range of material properties. A synthetic rope can therefore be designed to have properties that match the mooring requirements. Several materials have potential for mooring line application. Yarns of these synthetic materials can be made into ropes using a number of constructions, some of which are suited to particular fibres. As with any new application, research must be conducted to determine how well the fibre ropes satisfy the performance requirements. The effects of aging of fibre ropes will be characterized in the proposed tests. Test facilities at the University of Exeter are unique in the MARINET consortium, as they allow the extensive testing of mooring lines in water. Their testing infrastructure will help us to determine which prospective innovative fibre rope mooring line is best suited for deepwater MECs. Also, the technological and scientific support offered by the well experienced staff is another reason to propose the access to these two tests facilities.The work described in this publication has received support from MARINET, a European Community - Research Infrastructure Action under the FP7 “Capacities” Specific Programme

Fibre Ropes for Taut Mooring Lines for Marine Energy Converters (FibreTaut1)

PublishedOne immediate challenge for the Marine Renewable Energy Converters (MRECs) ind ustry is solving the cost and weight problems of mooring lines in deep water (>75m). Synthetic fibre ropes already offer a solution to the weight problems of using steel lines in deep water offshore oil and gas installations as they hav e a very low weight in water. Also, compared to steel, there are a large number of synthetic fibre material compo sitions with a wide range of material properties. A synthetic rope can therefore be designed to have properti es that match the mooring requirements. Several materials have potential for mooring line application. Yarns of t hese synthetic materials may be built into ropes using a number of constructions, some of which are suited to particular fibres. As with any new application, research must be performance conducted to determine how well the fibre ropes satisfy the performance requirements. The testing infrastructures at the University of Exeter (UoE) are unique in the MARINET consortium, as it allows for extensive testing of mooring lines in sea water. Its testing infrastructure will help the consortium to determine which prospective innovative fibre rope mooring line is best suited for deep water MECs. Also, the technological andscientific support offered by the well experienced staff is another reason to propose the access to this kind of facilities. The present study of international partners, WireCo WorldGroup (Lankhorst‐Euronete Portugal), Fundación Centro Tecnológico de Componentes ‐ CTC (Spain), and University of Exeter ‐ UoE (UK) as facility provider, focuses on obtaining knowledge of the applicability of fibre ropes in Marine Energy Converters ( MEC), both in laboratory and sea conditions.The work described in this publication has received support from MARINET, a European Community - Research Infrastructure Action under the FP7 “Capacities” Specific Programme

Determinants of Second-Order Bile Duct Visualization at CT Cholangiography in Potential Living Liver Donors

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to investigate the determinants of second-order bile duct visualization at CT cholangiography in living potential liver donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 143 potential living liver donors (83 men and 60 women; mean age, 37 years) evaluated with CT cholangiography, which included a slow infusion of iodipamide meglumine with CT acquisition 15 minutes after biliary contrast agent administration. Two readers independently scored the visualization of the second-order bile duct branches on a previously established 4-point scale (0 = not seen, 1 = faintly seen, 2 = well seen, and 3 = excellent visualization). Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the correlation between visualization scores and potential determinants of second-order bile duct opacification, specifically age, body mass index, creatinine level, total and direct bilirubin levels, alkaline phosphatase level, aspartate aminotransferase level, alanine aminotransferase level, patient maximum linear width, CT noise, and hepatosplenic attenuation difference at unenhanced CT. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) second-order bile duct visualization scores were 2.35 ± 0.66 and 2.55 ± 0.60 for readers 1 and 2, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the only independent predictors of reduced second-order bile duct visualization were higher alkaline phosphatase level (p = 0.01) and higher CT noise (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Higher serum alkaline phosphatase level and higher CT noise in potential living liver donors indicate a higher risk of poor second-order bile duct visualization at CT cholangiography