Abstract: We evaluate the polarization observables I-S and I-C for the reaction gamma p -> pi(0)eta p, using a chiral unitary framework developed earlier. The I-S and I-C observables have been recently measured for the first time by the CBELSA/TAPS Collaboration. The theoretical predictions of I-S and I-C, given for altogether 18 angle-dependent functions, are in good agreement with the measurements. Also, the asymmetry d Sigma/dcos theta evaluated here agrees with the data. We show the importance of the Delta(1700) D-33-resonance and its S-wave decay into eta Delta(1232). The result can be considered as a further confirmation of the dynamical nature of this resonance. At the highest energies, deviations of the predictions from the data start to become noticeable, which leaves room for additional processes and resonances such as a Delta(1940) D-33. We also point out how to further improve the calculation.

Abstract: We report a search for single top quark production with the CDF II detector using 2: 1 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity of p (p) over bar collisions at root s = 1.96 TeV. The data selected consist of events characterized by large energy imbalance in the transverse plane and hadronic jets, and no identified electrons and muons, so the sample is enriched in W -> tau nu decays. In order to suppress backgrounds, additional kinematic and topological requirements are imposed through a neural network, and at least one of the jets must be identified as a b quark jet. We measure an excess of signal-like events in agreement with the standard model prediction, but inconsistent with a model without single top quark production by 2.1 standard deviations (sigma), with a median expected sensitivity of 1.4 sigma. Assuming a top quark mass of 175 GeV/c(2) and ascribing the excess to single top quark production, the cross section is measured to be 4.9(-2.2)(+2.5) (stat + syst) pb, consistent with measurements performed in independent data sets and with the standard model prediction.

Abstract: We calculate the scattering lengths of Nambu-Goldstone bosons interacting with D mesons in a covariant formulation of chiral perturbation theory, which satisfies heavy-quark spin symmetry and analytical properties of loop amplitudes. We compare our results with previous studies performed using heavy-meson chiral perturbation theory and show that recoil corrections are sizable in most cases.

Abstract: Using a sample of 471 x 10(6) B (B) over bar events collected with the BABAR detector, we study the sum of seven exclusive final states B -> X-s(d)gamma, where X-s(d) is a strange (nonstrange) hadronic system with a mass of up to 2.0 GeV/c(2). After correcting for unobserved decay modes, we obtain a branching fraction for b -> d gamma of (9.2 +/- 2.0(stat) +/- 2.3(syst) x 10(-6) in this mass range, and a branching fraction for b -> s gamma of (23.0 +/- 0.8(stat) +/- 3.0(syst) x 3.0(syst) x 10(-5) in the same mass range. We find B(b -> d gamma)/B(b -> s gamma) = 0.040 +/- 0.009(stat) +/- 0.010(syst), from which we determine vertical bar Vtd/Vts vertical bar = 0.199 +/- 0.022(stat) +/- 0.024(syst) +/- 0.002(th).

Abstract: Measurements of the double-differential proton production cross-section d(2 sigma)/dpd Omega in the range of momentum 0.5 GeV/c <= p < 8.0 GeV/c and angle 0.05 rad <= theta < 0.25 rad in collisions of charged pions and protons on beryllium, carbon, aluminium, copper, tin, tantalum, and lead are presented. The data were taken with the large acceptance HARP detector in the T9 beam line of the CERN Proton Synchrotron. Incident particles were identified by an elaborate system of beam detectors and impinged on a target of 5% of a nuclear interaction length. The tracking and identification of the produced particles was performed using the forward spectrometer of the HARP experiment. Results are obtained for the double-differential cross-sections mainly at four incident beam momenta (3, 5, 8, and 12 GeV/c). Measurements are compared with predictions of the GEANT4 and MARS Monte Carlo generators.