We explore the theoretical feasibility of extracting V_ub from two ratios built from B meson inclusive partial decays, R_1 = Gamma(b-> u cbar s)/3Gamma(b -> c l nu), and R_2 = [Gamma(b -> c X) - Gamma(b -> cbar X)]/Gamma(b -> c ubar d). We discuss contributions to these quantities from perturbative and nonperturbative physics, and show that they can be computed with overall uncertainties at the level of 10%.

Junegone Chay Adam F. Falk Michael Luke Alexey A. Petrov

Molecular-dynamics simulations of fracture in metallic glass-like systems are observed to undergo embrittlement due to a small change in interatomic potential. This change in fracture toughness, however, is not accompanied by a corresponding change in flow stress. Theories of brittle fracture proposed by Freund and Hutchinson indicate that strain rate sensitivity is the controling physical parameter in these cases. A recent theory of viscoplasticity in this class of solids by Falk and Langer further suggests that the change in strain rate sensitivity corresponds to a change in the susceptibility of local shear transformation zones to applied shear stresses. A simple model of these zones is develped in order to quantify the dependence of this sensitivity on the interparticle potential.

M. L. Falk

Individuals react differently to social experiences; for example, people who are more sensitive to negative social experiences, such as being excluded, may be more likely to adapt their behavior to fit in with others. We examined whether functional brain connectivity during social exclusion in the fMRI scanner can be used to predict subsequent conformity to peer norms. Adolescent males (N = 57) completed a two-part study on teen driving risk: a social exclusion task (Cyberball) during an fMRI session and a subsequent driving simulator session in which they drove alone and in the presence of a peer who expressed risk-averse or risk-accepting driving norms. We computed the difference in functional connectivity between social exclusion and social inclusion from each node in the brain to nodes in two brain networks, one previously associated with mentalizing (medial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction, precuneus, temporal poles) and another with social pain (anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula). Using cross-validated machine learning, this measure of global network connectivity during exclusion predicts the extent of conformity to peer pressure during driving in the subsequent experimental session. These findings extend our understanding of how global neural dynamics guide social behavior, revealing functional network activity that captures individual differences.

Nick Wasylyshyn Brett Hemenway Javier O. Garcia Christopher N. Cascio Matthew Brook O'Donnell C. Raymond Bingham Bruce Simons-Morton Jean M. Vettel Emily B. Falk

I discuss the recent controversy over the semileptonic branching ratio of the $B$ meson, pointing out that it is only the combination of this quantity with the reported charm multiplicity in $B$ decays which is in serious conflict with theoretical calculations. I consider possible solutions to the problem. (Invited talk presented at the Eighteenth Johns Hopkins Workshop on Current Problems in Particle Theory, Florence, Italy, August 31--September 2, 1994.)

Adam F. Falk

I discuss the effect of final state interactions on the determination of the CKM angle \gamma from B -> K + pi decays. Using a simple Regge-based model for rescattering processes, I argue that such effects could be substantial enough to make it problematic to obtain reliable limits on \gamma in this way. Fortunately, an analysis of B -> K + K decays may provide model-independent bounds on rescattering contributions.

Adam F. Falk

We propose a novel method of measuring the CKM matrix element V_ub, via inclusive B decays to "wrong sign" charm. This process is mediated by the quark level decay b -> u cbar s'. When normalized to the inclusive semileptonic decay rate, the theoretical expression is very well behaved, with small uncertainties from unknown quark masses and no leading renormalon ambiguity. We compute the decay rate for this process, including the leading perturbative and nonperturbative corrections.

Adam F. Falk Alexey A. Petrov

We study the problem of particle indistinguishability for the three cases known in nature: identical classical particles, identical bosons and identical fermions. By exploiting the fact that different types of particles are associated with Hilbert space vectors with different symmetries, we establish some relations between the expectation value of several different operators, as the particle number one and the interparticle correlation one, evaluated for states of a pair of identical (a) classical particles, (b) bosons and (c) fermions. We find that the quantum behavior of a pair of identical classical particles has exactly half fermionic and half bosonic characteristics.

Falk Töppel Andrea Aiello

We study the interaction between gravitational waves and quantum matter such as Bose-Einstein condensates, super-fluid Helium, or ultra-cold solids, explicitly taking into account the changes of the trapping potential induced by the gravitational wave. As a possible observable, we consider the change of energy due to the gravitational wave, for which we derive rigorous bounds in terms of kinetic energy and particle number. Finally, we discuss implications for possible experimental tests.

Jonathan Gräfe Falk Adamietz Ralf Schützhold

We calculate the one-loop contribution to the bino annihilation rate due to the process $\widetilde B \widetilde B \to Z^*$, which vanishes at tree level.

Toby Falk Richard Madden Keith A. Olive Mark Srednicki

It is usually assumed that the production of baryons in $B$ meson decays is induced primarily by the quark level process $b\to c\bar ud$, where the charm quark hadronizes into a charmed baryon. With this assumption, the $\Lambda_c$ momentum spectrum would indicate that the transition $B\to\Lambda_c X$ is dominated by multi-body $B$ decays. However, a closer examination of the momentum spectrum reveals that the mass $m_X$ against which the $\Lambda_c$ is recoiling almost always satisfies $m_X\agt m_{\Xi_c}$. This fact leads us to examine the hypothesis that the production of charmed baryons in $B$ decays is in fact dominated by the underlying transition $b\to c\bar cs$, and is seen primarily in modes with two charmed baryons in the final state. We propose a number of tests of this hypothesis. If this mechanism is indeed important in baryon production, then there are interesting consequences and applications, including potentially important implications for the ``charm deficit'' in $B$ decays.

Isard Dunietz Peter S. Cooper Adam F. Falk Mark B. Wise