Abstract: We study the D-s(+)-> pi(+) pi(+) pi(-) and D-s(+) -> pi(+) K+ K- decays adopting a mechanism in which the D-s(+) meson decays weakly into a pi+ and a q (q) over bar component, which hadronizes into two pseudoscalar mesons. The final state interaction between these two pseudoscalar mesons is taken into account by using the chiral unitary approach in coupled channels, which gives rise to the f(0)(980) resonance. Hence, we obtain the invariant mass distributions of the pairs pi(+) pi(-) and K+ K- after the decay of that resonance and compare our theoretical amplitudes with those available from the experimental data. Our results are in a fair agreement with the shape of these data, within large experimental uncertainty, and a f(0)(980) signal is seen in both the pi(+) pi(-) and K+ K- distributions. Predictions for the relative size of pi(+) pi(-) and K+ K- distributions are made.

Abstract: We perform a low-mass dark matter search using an exposure of 30 kg x yr with the XENON100 detector. By dropping the requirement of a scintillation signal and using only the ionization signal to determine the interaction energy, we lowered the energy threshold for detection to 0.7 keV for nuclear recoils. No dark matter detection can be claimed because a complete background model cannot be constructed without a primary scintillation signal. Instead, we compute an upper limit on the WIMP-nucleon scattering cross section under the assumption that every event passing our selection criteria could be a signal event. Using an energy interval from 0.7 keV to 9.1 keV, we derive a limit on the spin-independent WIMP-nucleon cross section that excludes WIMPs with a mass of 6 GeV/c(2) above 1.4 x 10(-41) cm(2) at 90% confidence level.

Abstract: We have analyzed the singularities of a triangle loop integral in detail and derived a formula for an easy evaluation of the triangle singularity on the physical boundary. It is applied to the Lambda(b) -> J/psi K(-)p process via Lambda*-charmonium-proton intermediate states. Although the evaluation of absolute rates is not possible, we identify the chi(c1) and the psi(2S)as the relatively most relevant states among all possible charmonia up to the psi(2S). The Lambda(1890)chi(c1)p loop is very special, as its normal threshold and triangle singularities merge at about 4.45 GeV, generating a narrow and prominent peak in the amplitude in the case that the chi(c1)p is in an S wave. We also see that loops with the same charmonium and other Lambda* hyperons produce less dramatic peaks from the threshold singularity alone. For the case of chi(c1)p -> J/psi p and quantum numbers 3/2(-) or 5/2(+), one needs P and D waves, respectively, in the chi(c1)p, which drastically reduce the strength of the contribution and smooth the threshold peak. In this case, we conclude that the singularities cannot account for the observed narrow peak. In the case of 1/2(+), 3/2(-) quantum numbers, where chi(c1)p -> J/psi p can proceed in an S wave, the Lambda(1890)chi(c1)p triangle diagram could play an important role, though neither can assert their strength without further input from experiments and lattice QCD calculations.