Abstract: A general method for classifying the possible quark models of a multi-Higgs-doublet model, in the presence of Abelian symmetries, is presented. All the possible sets of textures that can be present in a given sector are shown, thus turning the determination of the flavor models into a combinatorial problem. Several symmetry implementations are studied for two and three Higgs doublet models. Some models' implementations are explored in great detail, with a particular emphasis on models known as Branco-Grimus-Lavoura and nearest-neighbor-interaction. Several considerations on the flavor changing neutral currents of multi-Higgs models are also given.

Abstract: AX-PET is a novel PET detector based on axially oriented crystals and orthogonal wavelength shifter (WLS) strips, both individually read out by silicon photo-multipliers. Its design decouples sensitivity and spatial resolution, by reducing the parallax error due to the layered arrangement of the crystals. Additionally the granularity of AX-PET enhances the capability to track photons within the detector yielding a large fraction of inter-crystal scatter events. These events, if properly processed, can be included in the reconstruction stage further increasing the sensitivity. Its unique features require dedicated Monte-Carlo simulations, enabling the development of the device, interpreting data and allowing the development of reconstruction codes. At the same time the non-conventional design of AX-PET poses several challenges to the simulation and modeling tasks, mostly related to the light transport and distribution within the crystals and WLS strips, as well as the electronics readout. In this work we present a hybrid simulation tool based on an analytical model and a Monte-Carlo based description of the AX-PET demonstrator. It was extensively validated against experimental data, providing excellent agreement.

Abstract: A state-of-the-art analysis of the pion-photon transition form factor is presented based on an improved theoretical calculation that includes the effect of a finite virtuality of the quasireal photon in the method of light-cone sum rules. We carry out a detailed statistical analysis of the existing experimental data using this method and by employing pion distribution amplitudes with up to three Gegenbauer coefficients a(2), a(4), a(6). Allowing for an error range in the coefficient a(6) approximate to 0, the theoretical predictions for gamma*gamma -> pi(0) obtained with nonlocal QCD sum rules are found to be in good agreement with all data that support a scaling behavior of the transition form factor at higher Q(2), like those of the Belle Collaboration. The data on gamma*gamma -> eta/eta' from CLEO and BABAR are also reproduced, while there is a strong conflict with the auxetic trend of the BABAR data above 10 GeV2. The broader implications of these findings are discussed.

Abstract: Silicon based devices can extend PET-MR and SPECT-MR imaging to applications, where their advantages in performance outweigh benefits of high statistical counts. Silicon is in many ways an excellent detector material with numerous advantages, among others: excellent energy and spatial resolution, mature processing technology, large signal to noise ratio, relatively low price, availability, versatility and malleability. The signal in silicon is also immune to effects of magnetic field at the level normally used in MR devices. Tests in fields up to 7 T were performed in a study to determine effects of magnetic field on positron range in a silicon PET device. The curvature of positron tracks in direction perpendicular to the field's orientation shortens the distance between emission and annihilation point of the positron. The effect can be fully appreciated for a rotation of the sample for a fixed field direction, compressing range in all dimensions. A popular Ga-68 source was used showing a factor of 2 improvement in image noise compared to zero field operation. There was also a little increase in noise as the reconstructed resolution varied between 2.5 and 1.5 mm. A speculative applications can be recognized in both emission modalities, SPECT and PET. Compton camera is a subspecies of SPECT, where a silicon based scatter as a MR compatible part could inserted into the MR bore and the secondary detector could operate in less constrained environment away from the magnet. Introducing a Compton camera also relaxes requirements of the radiotracers used, extending the range of conceivable photon energies beyond 140.5 keV of the Tc-99m. In PET, one could exploit the compressed sub-millimeter range of positrons in the magnetic field. To exploit the advantage, detectors with spatial resolution commensurate to the effect must be used with silicon being an excellent candidate. Measurements performed outside of the MR achieving spatial resolution below 1 mm are reported.

Abstract: Neutron-rich chlorine isotopes were populated in the Ar-40 + Pb-208 multiple transfer reaction via the -1p channels in a fragment-gamma coincident measurement employing the Prisma-Clara setup. New gamma transitions have been identified and, together with already available data, level schemes have been revised and compared with the results of large-scale sd-pf shell-model calculations. The evolution of the energy splitting between the s(1/2) and d(3/2) orbitals and the increased mixing of different proton configurations in the populated Cl isotopic chain have been deduced by inspecting the shell-model wave functions.