Constraints on the parameters of the CKM matrix by End 1998

A review of the current status of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix (CKM) is presented. This paper is an update of the results published in [1]. The experimental constraints imposed by the measurements of \epsilon_K, V_{ub}/V_{cb}, \Delta m_d and from the limit on \Delta m_d are used. Values of the constraints and of the parameters entering into the constraints, which restrict the range of the \bar{\rho} and \bar{\eta} parameters, include recent measurements presented at 1998 Summer Conferences and progress obtained by lattice QCD collaborations. The results are: \bar{\rho}=0.202 ^{+0.053}_{-0.059},\bar{\eta}=0.340 \pm 0.035, from which the angles \alpha, \beta and \gamma of the unitarity triangle are inferred : \sin 2 \alpha = -0.26 ^{+ 0.29}_{-0.28} ,\sin 2 \beta = 0.725 ^{+0.050}_{-0.060} ,\gamma= (59.5^{+8.5}_{-7.5})^{\circ}. Without using the constraint from \epsilon_K, \sin 2 \beta has been obtained: \sin 2 \beta = 0.72 ^{+0.07}_{-0.11}. Several external measurements or theoretical inputs have been removed, in turn, from the constraints and their respective probability density functions have been obtained. Central values and uncertainties on these quantities have been compared with actual measurements or theoretical evaluations. In this way it is possible to quantify the importance of the different measurements and the coherence of the Standard Model scenario for CP violation. An important result is that \Delta m_s is expected to be between [12.0-17.6] ps^{-1} with 68% C.L. and <20 ps^{-1} at 95% C.L. Finally relations between the CKM parameters and the quark masses are examined within a given model.Comment: 26 page

Glacio and hydro-isostasy in the Mediterranean Sea: Clark’s zones and role of remote ice sheets

Solving the sea-level equation for a spherically symmetric Earth we study the relative sea-level curves in the Mediterranean Sea in terms of Clark’s zones and we explore their sensitivity to the time-history of Late-Pleistocene ice aggregates. Since the Mediterranean is an intermediate field region with respect to the former ice sheets, glacio- and hydro-isostasy both contribute to sea-level variations throughout the Holocene. In the bulk of the basin, subsidence of the sea floor results in a monotonous sea-level rise, whereas along continental margins water loading produces the effect of «continental levering», which locally originates marked highstands followed by a sea-level fall. To describe such peculiar pattern of relative sea-level in this and other mid-latitude closed basins we introduce a new Clark’s zone (namely, Clark’s zone VII). Using a suite of publicly available ice sheet chronologies, we identify for the first time a distinct sensitivity of predictions to the Antarctic ice sheet. In particular, we show that the history of mid to Late Holocene sea-level variations along the coasts of SE Tunisia may mainly reflect the melting of Antarctica, by a consequence of a mutual cancellation of the effects from the Northern Hemisphere ice-sheets at this specific site. Ice models incorporating a delayed melting of Antarctica may account for the observations across the Mediterranean, but fail to reproduce the SE Tunisia highstand

Heavy Quark Parameters and Vcb from Spectral Moments in Semileptonic B Decays

We extract the heavy quark masses and non-perturbative parameters from the Delphi preliminary measurements of the first three moments of the charged lepton energy and hadronic mass distributions in semileptonic B decays, using a multi-parameter fit. We adopt two formalisms, one of which does not rely on a 1/mc expansion and makes use of running quark masses. The data are consistent and the level of accuracy of the experimental inputs largely determines the present sensitivity. The results allow to improve on the uncertainty in the extraction of Vcb.Comment: 13 pages, 2 figure

Constraints on the parameters of the VCKMV_{CKM} matrix at the end of 1997

A review of the current status of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix V_CKM is presented. This paper contains an update of the results published in hep-ph/9711261. Values of the parameters entering into the constraints, which restrict the range for rho and eta parameters, include recent measurements given at 1997 Summer Conferences and progress obtained by lattice QCD collaborations.Experimental constraints imposed by the measurements of epsilon_k,V_ub/V_cb, Delta m_d and by the limit on Delta m_s, are compatible and do not show evidence for New Physics inside measurements errors. Values for the angles alpha, beta and gamma of the C.K.M. triangle have been also obtained: rho=0.156 +- 0.090, eta=0.328 +- 0.054 sin 2alpha = -0.10+-0.40, sin 2beta = 0.68 +- 0.10, gamma= 64+-12 Angles theta,theta_u,theta_d and phi proposed in the parametrisation (Phys. Lett. B5353 (1995) 114.) of the C.K.M. matrix have been also determined. Finally, as there are more constraints than the fitted rho and eta parameters, several external measurements or theoretical inputs have been removed, in turn, from the constraints and their respective values have been fitted simultaneously with rho and eta.Central values and uncertainties on these quantities have been compared with actual measurements or theoretical evaluations. In this way it is possible to quantify the importance of the different measurements and the coherence of the Standard Model scenario for CP violation.Comment: 29 page

A proposal for a comprehensive grading of Parkinson's disease severity combining motor and non-motor assessments: meeting an unmet need.

Non-motor symptoms are present in Parkinson's disease (PD) and a key determinant of quality of life. The Non-motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) is a validated scale that allows quantifying frequency and severity (burden) of NMS. We report a proposal for using NMSS scores to determine levels of NMS burden (NMSB) and to complete PD patient classification

2000 CKM-Triangle Analysis A Critical Review with Updated Experimental Inputs and Theoretical Parameters

Within the Standard Model, a review of the current determination of the sides and angles of the CKM unitarity triangle is presented, using experimental constraints from the measurements of |\epsilon_K|, |V_{ub}/V_{cb}|, \Delta m_d and from the limit on \Delta m_s, available in September 2000. Results from the experimental search for {B}^0_s-\bar{B}^0_s oscillations are introduced in the present analysis using the likelihood. Special attention is devoted to the determination of the theoretical uncertainties. The purpose of the analysis is to infer regions where the parameters of interest lie with given probabilities. The BaBar "95 %, C.L. scanning" method is also commented.Comment: 44 pages (revised version

Determination of the CKM unitarity triangle parameters by end 1999

Within the Standard Model, a review of the current determination of the CKM unitarity triangle parameters is presented, using experimental constraints from the measurements of |epsilon_K|, V_ub/V_cb, Delta m_d and from the limit on Delta m_s, available by end 1999.Comment: Talk given by A. Stocchi at the Third International Conference on B physics and CP violation, National Taiwan Univ., Taipei, Tawain, December 3-7, 199

Post glacial readjustment, sea level variations, subsidence and erosion along the Italian coasts

Ongoing sea level variations and vertical land movements measured by tide gauges and continuous GPS stations along the Italian coasts stem from several factors acting on different spatiotemporal scales. Conversely to tectonics and anthropogenic effects, which are characterized by a heterogeneous signal, the adjustment of solid Earth and geoid to the melting of the late– Pleistocene ice sheets results in a smooth long–wavelength pattern of sea level variation and vertical deformation across the Mediterranean, mostly driven by the melt water load added to the basin. In this work we define upper and lower bounds of the effects of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) on current sea level variations and vertical ground movements along the coasts of Italy. For plausible mantle viscosity profiles we explore to what extent the spatial variability of observed rates may be attributed to delayed isostatic recovery of both solid Earth and geoid. In addition, we show that long–wavelength patterns of sea level change are tuned by the effects of GIA, and that coastal retreat in Italy is broadly correlated with the expected ongoing rates of post–glacial sea level variations