Towards next-to-next-to-leading-log accuracy for the width difference in the Bs−BˉsB_s-\bar{B}_s system: fermionic contributions to order (mc/mb)0(m_c/m_b)^0 and (mc/mb)1(m_c/m_b)^1

We calculate a class of three-loop Feynman diagrams which contribute to the next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic approximation for the width difference $\Delta\Gamma_{s}$ in the $B_s-\bar{B}_s$ system. The considered diagrams contain a closed fermion loop in a gluon propagator and constitute the order $\alpha_s^2 N_f$, where $N_f$ is the number of light quarks. Our results entail a considerable correction in that order, if $\Delta\Gamma_{s}$ is expressed in terms of the pole mass of the bottom quark. If the $\overline{MS}$ scheme is used instead, the correction is much smaller. As a result, we find a decrease of the scheme dependence. Our result also indicates that the usually quoted value of the NLO renormalization scale dependence underestimates the perturbative error.Comment: We corrected a typographical mistake in Eq. (4.18), made larger axis labels in Fig.2. Version accepted by JHE

Towards the NNLL precision in Bˉ→Xsγ\bar B \to X_s \gamma

The present NLL prediction for the decay rate of the rare inclusive process $\bar B \to X_s \gamma$ has a large uncertainty due to the charm mass renormalization scheme ambiguity. We estimate that this uncertainty will be reduced by a factor of 2 at the NNLL level. This is a strong motivation for the on-going NNLL calculation, which will thus significantly increase the sensitivity of the observable $\bar B \to X_s \gamma$ to possible new degrees of freedom beyond the SM. We also give a brief status report of the NNLL calculation.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, contribution to the proceedings of EPS-HEP 200

Reduction of Charm Quark Mass Scheme Dependence in Bˉ→Xsγ\bar B \to X_s \gamma at the NNLL Level

The uncertainty of the theoretical prediction of the $\bar B \to X_s \gamma$ branching ratio at NLL level is dominated by the charm mass renormalization scheme ambiguity. In this paper we calculate those NNLL terms which are related to the renormalization of $m_c$, in order to get an estimate of the corresponding uncertainty at the NNLL level. We find that these terms significantly reduce (by typically a factor of two) the error on ${BR}(\bar B \to X_s \gamma)$ induced by the definition of $m_c$. Taking into account the experimental accuracy of around 10% and the future prospects of the $B$ factories, we conclude that a NNLL calculation would increase the sensitivity of the observable $\bar B \to X_s \gamma$ to possible new degrees of freedom beyond the SM significantly.Comment: 13 pages including 3 figure

Characterization of sequences and mechanisms through which ISE/ISS-3 regulates FGFR2 splicing

Alternative splicing of fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2) mutually exclusive exons IIIb and IIIc results in highly cell-type-specific expression of functionally distinct receptors, FGFR2-IIIb and FGFR2-IIIc. We previously identified an RNA cis-element, ISE/ISS-3, that enhanced exon IIIb splicing and silenced exon IIIc splicing. Here, we have performed comprehensive mutational analysis to define critical sequence motifs within this element that independently either enhance splicing of upstream exons or repress splicing of downstream exons. Such analysis included use of a novel fluorescence-based splicing reporter assay that allowed quantitative determination of relative functional activity of ISE/ISS-3 mutants using flow cytometric analysis of live cells. We determined that specific sequences within this element that mediate splicing enhancement also mediate splicing repression, depending on their position relative to a regulated exon. Thus, factors that bind the element are likely to be coordinately involved in mediating both aspects of splicing regulation. Exon IIIc silencing is dependent upon a suboptimal branchpoint sequence containing a guanine branchpoint nucleotide. Previous studies of exon IIIc splicing in HeLa nuclear extracts demonstrated that this guanine branchsite primarily impaired the second step of splicing suggesting that ISE/ISS-3 may block exon IIIc inclusion at this step. However, results presented here that include use of newly developed in vitro splicing assays of FGFR2 using extracts from a cell line expressing FGFR2-IIIb strongly suggest that cell-type-specific silencing of exon IIIc occurs at or prior to the first step of splicing

Spectrum of surface-mode contributions to the excitation probability for electron beam interacting with sharp-edged dielectric wedges

The interaction of a nonrelativistic charged particle beam, travelling parallel to the surface of a sharp-edged dielectric wedge is analyzed. The general expressions for excitation probability are obtained for a beam moving along the direction of a symmetry axis, either outside or inside the dielectric wedge. The dielectric function of the medium is assumed to be isotropic, and numerical results are given for the materials of experimental interest.Comment: LaTeX 2.09, 15 pages, 10 figure