Wang, X.G.Ji, C.-R.Melnitchouk, W.Salamu, Y.Thomas, A.W.Wang, P.2021-07-252021-07-252020Physical Review D, 2020; 102(11):1-242470-00102470-0029http://hdl.handle.net/2440/131302We compute the helicity-dependent strange quark distribution in the proton in the framework of chiral effective theory. Starting from the most general chiral SU(3) Lagrangian that respects Lorentz and gauge invariance, we derive the complete set of hadronic splitting functions at the one meson loop level, including the octet and decuplet rainbow, tadpole, Kroll-Ruderman and octet-decuplet transition configurations. By matching hadronic and quark level operators, we obtain generalized convolution formulas for the quark distributions in the proton in terms of hadronic splitting functions and quark distributions in the hadronic configurations, and from these derive model-independent relations for the leading nonanalytic behavior of their moments. Within the limits of parameters of the Pauli-Villars regulators derived from inclusive hyperon production, we find that the polarized strange quark distribution is rather small and mostly negative.enPublished by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI. Funded by SCOAP³.Journal article100003217910.1103/physrevd.102.1160200006028478000052-s2.0-85099143784549737Wang, X.G. [0000-0001-9164-0027]Thomas, A.W. [0000-0003-0026-499X]