New Lax pair for 2D dimensionally reduced gravity
Using a Lax pair based on the affine SL(2,) Kac-Moody algebra, we solve two-dimensional reduced vacuum Einstein's equations. We obtain explicit determinant formulae for metric coefficients with no quadrature left. This Lax connection also allows a new approach to the Poisson algebra of two-dimensional reduced gravity. In particular, we show that it leads to pure c-number r-matrices and modified Yang-Baxter equations. We explain how one can construct classical observables within this framework.

title: Spin-Charge Separation and the Spin Quantum Hall Effect
abstract: We use quantum field theory methods to study the network model for the spin quantum hall transition. When the couplings are fine tuned in a certain way, the spin and charge degrees of freedom, corresponding to the su-percurrent algebras su(2) 0 and osp(2|2) −2 respectively, completely decouple. This simpler theory is exactly solvable and some critical exponents are computed and shown to agree with the recent predictions based on percolation. The general network model is shown to be in a different universality class by identifying the attractive direction of the renormalization group flow.

title: On Root Multiplicities of Some Hyperbolic Kac–Moody Algebras
abstract: Using the coset construction, we compute the root multiplicities at level-3 for some hyperbolic Kac–Moody algebras including the basic hyperbolic extension of A11 and E10.

title: Logarithmic Yangians in WZW Models
abstract: A new action of the Yangians in the WZW models is displayed. Its structure is generic and level-independent. This Yangian is the natural extension at the conformal point of the one unraveled in massive theories with current algebras. Hopefully, this new symmetry of WZW models will lead to a deeper understanding of the integrable structure of conformal field theories and their deformations.

title: AFFINE SOLITONS: A RELATION BETWEEN TAU FUNCTIONS, DRESSING AND BÄCKLUND TRANSFORMATIONS
abstract: We reconsider the construction of solitons by dressing transformations in the sine-Gordon model. We show that the N-soliton solutions are in the orbit of the vacuum, and we identify the elements in the dressing group which allow us to build the N-soliton solutions from the vacuum solution. The dressed τ functions can be computed in two different ways: either using adjoint actions in the affine Lie algebra , and this gives the relation with the Backlund transformations, or using the level-one representations of the affine Lie algebra , and this directly gives the formulae for the τ functions in terms of vertex operators.

title: Anomalous scaling in the N-point functions of a passive scalar.
abstract: A recent analysis of the 4-point correlation function of the passive scalar advected by a time-decorrelated random flow is extended to the N-point case. It is shown that all stationary-state inertial-range correlations are dominated by homogeneous zero modes of singular operators describing their evolution. We compute analytically the zero modes governing the N-point structure functions and the anomalous dimensions corresponding to them to the linear order in the scaling exponent of the 2-point function of the advecting velocity field. The implications of these calculations for the dissipation correlations are discussed.

title: Precision Measurement of the $B \to X_s \gamma$ Photon Energy Spectrum, Branching Fraction, and Direct CP Asymmetry $A_{CP}(B \to X_{s+d}\gamma)$
abstract: The photon spectrum in the inclusive electromagnetic radiative decays of the B meson, B → X_sγ plus B → X_dγ, is studied using a data sample of (382.8±4.2)×10^6Υ(4S) → BB decays collected by the BABAR experiment at SLAC. The spectrum is used to extract the branching fraction B(B → X_sγ)=(3.21±0.33)×10^(-4) for E_γ > 1.8  GeV and the direct CP asymmetry A_(CP)(B → X_(s+d)γ)=0.057±0.063. The effects of detector resolution and Doppler smearing are unfolded to measure the photon energy spectrum in the B meson rest frame.

title: Hadronic Contributions to R and g-2 from Initial-State-Radiation Data
abstract: I review the recent efforts to improve the precision of the prediction of the anomalous moment of the muon, in particular of the hadronic contribution of the vacuum polarization, which is the contribution with the largest uncertainty. Focus is given to the recent result for e+e- -> pi+pi- by the BaBar collaboration, obtained using events with radiation in the initial state.

title: Comment on : A Proposal to Measure Photon-Photon Scattering
abstract: I comment on a recent preprint "A Proposal to Measure Photon-Photon Scattering" that appeared recently as

title: The BABAR detector: Upgrades, operation and performance
abstract: The BaBar detector operated successfully at the PEP-II asymmetric e +e- collider at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory from 1999 to 2008. This report covers upgrades, operation, and performance of the collider and the detector systems, as well as the trigger, online and offline computing, and aspects of event reconstruction since the beginning of data taking.

title: The laser wakefield acceleration experiment at Ecole Polytechnique
abstract: A laser wakefield electron acceleration experiment has been set-up at Ecole Polytechnique. An electron beam with 3 MeV total energy is injected in a plasma wave generated by laser wakefield using the new LULI CPA laser (400 fs [FWHM], I 17  W/cm 2 ). The first results show an effective acceleration of the order of 1 MeV, with a maximum when the electron density is close to the optimum value for which the laser pulse length is about half the plasma wavelength.