Uncertainties in determining parton distributions at largex

We critically examine uncertainties in parton distribution functions (PDFs) at large x arising from nuclear effects in deuterium F₂ structure function data. Within a global PDF analysis, we assess the impact on the PDFs from uncertainties in the deuteron wave function at short distances and nucleon off-shell effects, from the use of relativistic kinematics, and from the use of a less restrictive parametrization of the $d/u$ ratio. We find, in particular, that the d-quark and gluon PDFs vary significantly with the choice of nuclear model. We highlight the impact of these uncertainties on the determination of the neutron structure functions, and on W boson production and parton luminosity at the Tevatron and the LHC. Finally, we discuss prospects for new measurements sensitive to the d-quark and gluon distributions but insensitive to nuclear corrections.