Scalar σ meson at a finite temperature in a nonlocal quark model

The properties and temperature behavior of the π and σ bound states are studied in the framework of the nonlocal model with a separable interaction kernel, based on the quark Dyson-Schwinger and meson Bethe-Salpeter equations. M _π(T), f _π(T), M _σ(T), and Γ_{σ → ππ}(T) are considered above and below the deconfinement and chiral restoration transitions. Talk at the Round-Table Discussion “Searching for a Mixed Phase of Strongly Interacting Matter at the JINR Nuclotron,” Dubna, July 7–9, 2005. The text was submitted by the authors in English.