String Network and U-Duality

We discuss the generalization of recently discovered BPS configurations, corresponding to the planar string networks, to non-planar ones by considering the U-duality symmetry of type II string theory in various dimensions. As an explicit example, we analyze the string solutions in 8-dimensional space-time, carrying SL(3) charges, and show that by aligning the strings along various directions appropriately, one can obtain a string network which preserves 1/8 supersymmetry.Comment: 8 pages, latex, references added, minor modification

A variant of Peres-Mermin proof for testing noncontextual realist models

For any state in four-dimensional system, the quantum violation of an inequality based on the Peres-Mermin proof for testing noncontextual realist models has experimentally been corroborated. In the Peres-Mermin proof, an array of nine holistic observables for two two-qubit system was used. We, in this letter, present a new symmetric set of observables for the same system which also provides a contradiction of quantum mechanics with noncontextual realist models in a state-independent way. The whole argument can also be cast in the form of a new inequality that can be empirically tested.Comment: 3 pages, To be published in Euro. Phys. Let

CP asymmetry in the decays B --> (X_s, X_d) mu+ mu- with four generations

We estimate the CP asymmetry A_{CP}(q^2) in the decays B --> X_s mu+ mu- and B --> X_d mu+ mu- in the standard model (SM) with an additional fourth generation. We use a parametrization that allows us to explore the complete parameter space of the 4X4 quark mixing matrix, and constrain these parameters from the current data on B decays. We find that the enhancement in A_{CP}(q^2) depends strongly on the mass of the t', the up-type quark in the fourth generation. For m_t' around 400 GeV, the CP asymmetry in the high-q^2 region (q^2 > 14.4 GeV^2) can be enhanced by more than an order of magnitude for B --> X_s mu+ mu- and up to a factor of 6 for B --> X_d mu+ mu-. There is no enhancement in the low-q^2 region (1< q^2 <6 GeV^2). With increasing m_t', the A_{CP}(q^2) in the high-q^2 (low-q^2) region first decreases (increases) and then saturates at a value a few times the SM prediction. In the high-q^2 region of B --> X_s mu+ mu-, this saturation value may be up to 25 times the SM expectation.Comment: 22 pages, 4 figures; corrected typos, added reference

Predicting hedge fund performance when fund returns are skewed

We show that fund-specific return skewness is associated with managerial skill and future hedge fund performance. Specifically, skewness in fund returns reflects managerial skill in avoiding large drawdowns. Using a new measure of investment skill that accounts for this managerial ability, we demonstrate that traditional performance measures under-estimate (over-estimate) managerial performance when returns exhibit positive (negative) fund-specific skewness. Our new measure is particularly valuable during periods of economic crisis, when the annual risk-adjusted out-performance is 5.5%