Chiral Symmetry and the Parity-Violating NNπNN\pi Yukawa Coupling

We construct the complete SU(2) parity-violating (PV) $\pi, N, \Delta$ interaction Lagrangian with one derivative, and calculate the chiral corrections to the PV Yukawa $NN\pi$ coupling constant $h_\pi$ through ${\cal O}(1/\Lambda_\chi^3)$ in the leading order of heavy baryon expansion. We discuss the relationship between the renormalized \hpi, the measured value of \hpi, and the corresponding quantity calculated microscopically from the Standard Model four-quark PV interaction.Comment: RevTex, 26 pages + 5 PS figure

Subleading corrections to parity-violating pion photoproduction

We compute the photon asymmetry Bγ for near threshold parity-violating (PV) pion photoproduction through subleading order. We show that subleading contributions involve a new combination of PV couplings not included in previous analyses of hadronic PV. We argue that existing constraints on the leading order contribution to Bγ—obtained from the PV γ-decay of 18F—suggest that the impact of the subleading contributions may be more significant than expected from naturalness arguments

Minimal Extension of the Standard Model Scalar Sector

The minimal extension of the scalar sector of the standard model contains an additional real scalar field with no gauge quantum numbers. Such a field does not couple to the quarks and leptons directly but rather through its mixing with the standard model Higgs field. We examine the phenomenology of this model focusing on the region of parameter space where the new scalar particle is significantly lighter than the usual Higgs scalar and has small mixing with it. In this region of parameter space most of the properties of the additional scalar particle are independent of the details of the scalar potential. Furthermore the properties of the scalar that is mostly the standard model Higgs can be drastically modified since its dominant branching ratio may be to a pair of the new lighter scalars.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

How Magnetic is the Dirac Neutrino?

We derive model-independent, "naturalness" upper bounds on the magnetic moments \mu_\nu of Dirac neutrinos generated by physics above the scale of electroweak symmetry breaking. In the absence of fine-tuning of effective operator coefficients, we find that current information on neutrino mass implies that |\mu_\nu | < 10^(-14) Bohr magnetons. This bound is several orders of magnitude stronger than those obtained from analyses of solar and reactor neutrino data and astrophysical observations.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, Majorana case discussion corrected. References updated; replaced to match published versio

Magnetic Moments of Dirac Neutrinos

The existence of a neutrino magnetic moment implies contributions to the neutrino mass via radiative corrections. We derive model-independent "naturalness" upper bounds on the magnetic moments of Dirac neutrinos, generated by physics above the electroweak scale. The neutrino mass receives a contribution from higher order operators, which are renormalized by operators responsible for the neutrino magnetic moment. This contribution can be calculated in a model independent way. In the absence of fine-tuning, we find that current neutrino mass limits imply that $|\mu_\nu| < 10^{-14}$ Bohr magnetons. This bound is several orders of magnitude stronger than those obtained from solar and reactor neutrino data and astrophysical observations.Comment: 3 pages. Talk given at PANIC'0

Global Analysis of Nucleon Strange Form Factors at Low Q2Q^2

We perform a global analysis of all recent experimental data from elastic parity-violating electron scattering at low $Q^2$. The values of the electric and magnetic strange form factors of the nucleon are determined at $Q^2 = 0.1$ GeV/$c^2$ to be $G^s_E = -0.008 \pm 0.016$ and $G^s_M = 0.29 \pm 0.21$.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figur

Lepton Flavor Violation without Supersymmetry

We study the lepton flavor violating (LFV) processes mu -> e gamma, mu -> 3e, and mu -> e conversion in nuclei in the left-right symmetric model without supersymmetry and perform the first complete computation of the LFV branching ratios B(mu -> f) to leading non-trivial order in the ratio of left- and right-handed symmetry breaking scales. To this order, B(mu -> e gamma) and B(mu -> e) are governed by the same combination of LFV violating couplings, and their ratio is naturally of order unity. We also find B(mu -> 3 e)/B(mu -> e) \sim 100 under slightly stronger assumptions. Existing limits on the branching ratios already substantially constrain mass splittings and/or mixings in the heavy neutrino sector. When combined with future collider studies and precision electroweak measurements, improved limits on LFV processes will test the viability of low-scale, non-supersymmetric LFV scenarios.Comment: 24 pages, 7 figures, 2 table

Environmental, developmental, and genetic factors controlling root system architecture

A better understanding of the development and architecture of roots is essential to develop strategies to increase crop yield and optimize agricultural land use. Roots control nutrient and water uptake, provide anchoring and mechanical support and can serve as important storage organs. Root growth and development is under tight genetic control and modulated by developmental cues including plant hormones and the environment. This review focuses on root architecture and its diversity and the role of environment, nutrient, and water as well as plant hormones and their interactions in shaping root architecture