Quark-Model Identification of Baryon Ground and Resonant States

We present a new classification scheme of baryon ground states and resonances into SU(3) flavor multiplets. The scheme is worked out along a covariant formalism with relativistic constituent quark models and it relies on detailed investigations of the baryon spectra, the spin-flavor structure of the baryon eigenstates, the behaviour of their probability density distributions as well as covariant predictions for mesonic decay widths. The results are found to be quite independent of the specific types of relativistic constituent quark models employed. It turns out that a consistent classification requires to include also resonances that are presently reported from experiment with only two-star status.Comment: 24 pages, 20 Fig

Covariant calculation of mesonic baryon decays

We present covariant predictions for pi and eta decay modes of N and Delta resonances from relativistic constituent-quark models based on one-gluon-exchange and Goldstone-boson-exchange dynamics. The results are calculated within the point-form approach to Poincare-invariant relativistic quantum mechanics applying a spectator-model decay operator. The direct predictions of the constituent-quark models for covariant pi and eta decay widths show a behaviour completely different from previous ones calculated in nonrelativistic or so-called semirelativistic approaches. It is found that the present theoretical results agree with experiment only in a few cases but otherwise always remain smaller than the experimental data (as compiled by the Particle Data Group). Possible reasons for this behaviour are discussed with regard to the quality of both the quark-model wave functions and the mesonic decay operator.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Electroweak properties of baryons in a covariant chiral quark model

The proton and neutron electromagnetic form factors and the nucleon axial form factor have been calculated in the Goldstone-boson exchange constituent-quark model within the point-form approach to relativistic quantum mechanics. The results, obtained without any adjustable parameter nor quark form factors, are, due to the dramatic effects of the boost required by the covariant treatment, in striking agreement with the data.Comment: Proceedings of the Conference N*2001, Mainz; 4 pages, 3 figures included in eps format; World Scientific style file include

Covariant baryon charge radii and magnetic moments in a chiral constituent quark model

The charge radii and magnetic moments of all the light and strange baryons are investigated within the framework of a constituent quark model based on Goldstone-boson-exchange dynamics. Following the point-form approach to relativistic quantum mechanics, the calculations are performed in a manifestly covariant manner. Relativistic (boost) effects have a sizeable influence on the results. The direct predictions of the constituent quark model are found to fall remarkably close to the available experimental data.Comment: 6 pages, 4 table

Covariant electroweak nucleon form factors in a chiral constituent quark model

Results for the proton and neutron electric and magnetic form factors as well asthe nucleon axial and induced pseudoscalar form factors are presented for the chiral constituent quark model based on Goldstone-boson-exchange dynamics. The calculations are performed in a covariant framework using the point-form approach to relativistic quantum mechanics. The direct predictions of the model yield a remarkably consistent picture of the electroweak nucleon structure.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures revte

Covariant axial form factor of the nucleon in a chiral constituent quark model

The axial form factor G_A of the nucleon is investigated for the Goldstone-boson-exchange constituent quark model using the point-form approach to relativistic quantum mechanics. The results, being covariant, show large contributions from relativistic boost effects. The predictions are obtained directly from the quark-model wave functions, without any further input such as vertex or constituent-quark form factors, and fall remarkably close to the available experimental data.Comment: 10 pages, 1 figure in .eps format, typeset with Elsevier elsart style files included. Revised version with a newly added section about discussion of results. To appear in Phys. Lett.

Nucleon electromagnetic and axial form factors in point-form relativistic quantum mechanics

Results for the proton and neutron electric and magnetic form factors as well as the nucleon axial form factor are presented for constituent quark models, based on either one-gluon-exchange and Goldstone-boson-exchange dynamics. The calculations are performed in a covariant framework using the point-form approach to relativistic quantum mechanics. The only input to the calculations is the nucleon wave function of the corresponding constituent quark model. A comparison is given to results of the instanton-induced constituent quark model treated with the Bethe-Salpeter equation.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figures, contribution to XVIII European Conference on Few-Body Problems in Physics, September 2002, Bled, Sloveni

Electromagnetic nucleon form factors in instant and point form

We present a study of the electromagnetic structure of the nucleons with constituent quark models in the framework of relativistic quantum mechanics. In particular, we address the construction of spectator-model currents in the instant and point forms. Corresponding results for the elastic nucleon electromagnetic form factors as well as charge radii and magnetic moments are presented. We also compare results obtained by different realistic nucleon wave functions stemming from alternative constituent quark models. Finally, we discuss the theoretical uncertainties that reside in the construction of spectator-model transition operators.Comment: 13 pages, 9 figures, updated and extended version for publicatio

MRI efficacy in diagnosing internal lesions of the knee: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: Many surgeons tend to believe that MRI is an accurate, non invasive diagnostic method, enough to lead to decisions for conservative treatment and save a patient from unnecessary arthroscopy. We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the accuracy of the MRI of the knee for the detection of injuries of the meniscus, cruciate ligaments and articular cartilage, in comparison with the preoperative clinical examination and intraoperative findings. Between May 2005 and February 2006 102 patients after clinical examination were diagnosed with meniscal or cruciate injury and underwent definitive treatment with arthroscopy. 46 of these patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of the MRI findings were correlated with the lesions identified during arthroscopy. The diagnostic performance of the initial clinical examination was also calculated for the meniscal and cruciate ligament injuries. RESULTS: The accuracy for tears of the medial, lateral meniscus, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and articular cartilage was 81%, 77%, 86%, 98% and 60% respectively. The specificity was 69%, 88%, 89%, 98% and 73% respectively. The positive predictive value was 83%, 81%, 90%, 75% and 53% respectively. Finally, the clinical examination had significant lower reliability in the detection of these injuries. CONCLUSION: MRI is very helpful in diagnosing meniscal and cruciate ligament injuries. But in a countable percentage reports with false results and in chondral defects its importance is still vague. The arthroscopy still remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis