Constraining Universal Extra Dimensions through B decays

We analyze the exclusive rare $B \to K^{(*)} \ell^+ \ell^-$, $B \to K^{(*)} \nu \bar \nu$ and $B \to K^* \gamma$ decays in the Applequist-Cheng-Dobrescu model, an extension of the Standard Model in presence of universal extra dimensions. In the case of a single universal extra dimension, we study the dependence of several observables on the compactification parameter 1/R, and discuss whether the hadronic uncertainty due to the form factors obscures or not such a dependence. We find that, using present data, it is possible in many cases to put a sensible lower bound to 1/R, the most stringent one coming from $B \to K^* \gamma$.Comment: Invited talk at "Continuous Advances in QCD 2006", May 11-14 2006, Minneapolis (Minnesota). LaTex, 7 pages, 8 Figure

New Spectroscopy of Heavy Mesons

I discuss the most recently discovered open charm mesons, both with and without strangeness. By exploiting the heavy quark limit, strong decay widths of such mesons are computed. Comparison between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements are useful to assign the right quantum numbers to such states. As for hidden charm mesons, I consider the case of X(3872). Analysis of its radiative decays to $J/\psi \gamma$ and $\psi(2S) \gamma$ shows the plausibility of the identification with $\chi_{c1}(2P)$.Comment: LaTex, 10 pages. Invited talk at Heavy Quarks and Leptons 2012, June 11-15 2012, Pragu

Anomalous AV^*V vertex function in the soft-wall holographic model of QCD

I consider the three-point function of two vector and one axial-vector currents. In the kinematic configuration in which one of the two vector currents corresponds to an on-shell soft photon, such a vertex is described in QCD by two functions, $w_L$ and $w_T$. After reviewing the properties of these functions in QCD, I describe the result obtained using the soft-wall holographic model of QCD with the addition of the Chern-Simons term and I compare it with the QCD outcome. I also discuss a relation, proposed by Son and Yamamoto, that connects $w_L$ and $w_T$ to the two-point functions $\Pi_{VV}$ and $\Pi_{AA}$.Comment: LaTeX, 8 pages. Talk given at the conference "Xth Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum", Munich, 8-12 October 201