Analysis of General Power Counting Rules in Effective Field Theory

We derive the general counting rules for a quantum effective field theory (EFT) in $\mathsf{d}$ dimensions. The rules are valid for strongly and weakly coupled theories, and predict that all kinetic energy terms are canonically normalized. They determine the energy dependence of scattering cross sections in the range of validity of the EFT expansion. We show that the size of cross sections is controlled by the $\Lambda$ power counting of EFT, not by chiral counting, even for chiral perturbation theory ($\chi$PT). The relation between $\Lambda$ and $f$ is generalized to $\mathsf{d}$ dimensions. We show that the naive dimensional analysis $4\pi$ counting is related to $\hbar$ counting. The EFT counting rules are applied to $\chi$PT, low-energy weak interactions, Standard Model EFT and the non-trivial case of Higgs EFT.Comment: V2: more details and examples added; version published in journal. 17 pages, 4 figures, 2 table

El programa de mejora genética de Pinus pinaster en Galicia

El pino marítimo es una de las especies más importantes del sector forestal gallego. Fruto de esta importancia, desde los años 80 se lleva a cabo un programa de mejora cuyo fin último es el abastecimiento de semilla de alta calidad genética pasa su uso en repoblación. En este trabajo se revisan las actuaciones realizadas al respecto tanto en la zona costera como en el interior de Galicia. Se describe el dispositivo experimental del programa, los objetivos y la estrategia de mejora, los resultados más relevantes alcanzados hasta la fecha, así como la planificación de las actuaciones futuras. Aunque el programa se centra en caracteres clásicos como la productividad y la rectitud del fuste, se discuten también los resultados obtenidos y las posibilidades de mejora de otros caracteres de interés como la resistencia a patologías y plagas, la eficiencia nutricional o la calidad de madera._____________________________________Maritime pine is one the most important forest-tree species in Galicia. A breeding program was started in the 80’s with the aim to provide genetic improved seed to be use in reforestation. In the present paper we review all the activities done to date, both in the coastal and interior area of Galicia, describing the experimental device, the breeding objectives and breeding strategy, presenting the main results achieved, and advancing further activities of the program. Although the breeding program was focused on classical traits such productivity and stem straightness, results and breeding possibilities of other traits such as pest and disease resistance, nutritional efficiency and wood quality are also discussed

Stem Cells in Domestic Animals: Applications in Health and Production

In the last decade, researchers described Mesenchymal Stem/stromal cells (MSCs) as a possible population of cells for cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine, both for humans and animals. The aim of this first article (and the aim of the next books in this collection) is to gather high-quality research and review articles that could broaden knowledge regarding the role of MSCs in domestic animals’ health and production

Metabolic modeling and analysis of the metabolic switch in Streptomyces coelicolor

Background The transition from exponential to stationary phase in Streptomyces coelicolor is accompanied by a major metabolic switch and results in a strong activation of secondary metabolism. Here we have explored the underlying reorganization of the metabolome by combining computational predictions based on constraint-based modeling and detailed transcriptomics time course observations. Results We reconstructed the stoichiometric matrix of S. coelicolor, including the major antibiotic biosynthesis pathways, and performed flux balance analysis to predict flux changes that occur when the cell switches from biomass to antibiotic production. We defined the model input based on observed fermenter culture data and used a dynamically varying objective function to represent the metabolic switch. The predicted fluxes of many genes show highly significant correlation to the time series of the corresponding gene expression data. Individual mispredictions identify novel links between antibiotic production and primary metabolism. Conclusion Our results show the usefulness of constraint-based modeling for providing a detailed interpretation of time course gene expression data

Enhancing cognition by affecting memory reconsolidation

Fully consolidated associative memories can undergo a retrieval-dependent reconsolidation process, which allows for the updating and strengthening of the original association. Limiting, or so-called boundary, conditions determine whether a particular retrieval event triggers reconsolidation. Manipulating memories at reconsolidation may offer an opportunity to improve cognitive capacities in humans by increasing memory persistence, specificity and accuracy. Also, preventing the reconsolidation of maladaptive memories that characterize some neuropsychiatric disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or drug addiction may offer a novel approach to treatment. Here we review recent advances in understanding and manipulating memory reconsolidation in both animals and humans, and discuss the potential of such interventions in cognitive enhancement.This work was supported by a UK Medical Research Council Programme Grant (G1002231) to B.J.E. and A.L.M. and was conducted in the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, and the Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (BCNI), an initiative jointly funded by the MRC and the Wellcome Trust.This is the author accepted manuscript. It first appeared at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352154615000273#

Stem cells from foetal adnexa and fluid in domestic animals: An update on their features and clinical application

Over the past decade stem cell research has emerged as an area of major interest for its potential in regenerative medicine applications. This is in constant need of new cell sources to conceive regenerative medicine approaches for diseases that are still without therapy. Scientists drew the attention toward alternative sources such as foetal adnexa and fluid, since these sources possess many advantages: first of all, cells can be extracted from discarded foetal material and it is noninvasive for the patient and inexpensive, secondly abundant stem cells can be obtained and finally, these stem cell sources are free from ethical considerations. Cells derived from foetal adnexa and fluid preserve some of the characteristics of the primitive embryonic layers from which they originate. Many studies have demonstrated the differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo toward mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal cell types; in addition the immune-modulatory properties make these cells a good candidate for allo- and xenotransplantation. Naturally occurring diseases in domestic animals can be more ideal as disease model of human genetic and acquired diseases and could help to define the potential therapeutic use efficiency and safety of stem cells therapies. This review offers an update on the state of the art of characterization of domestic animals MSCs derived from foetal adnexa and fluid and on the latest findings in pre-clinical or clinical setting of the stem cell populations isolated from these sources

The challenge of memory destabilisation: From prediction error to prior expectations and biomarkers

The re-ignition of memory reconsolidation research sparked by Karim Nader in the early 2000s led to great excitement that ‘reconsolidation-based’ interventions might be developed for mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. Two decades on, it is clear that reconsolidation-based interventions have been more challenging to translate to the clinic than initially thought. We argue that this challenge could be addressed with a better understanding of how prior expectations interact with information presented in a putative memory reactivation / cue reminder session, and through the identification of non-invasive biomarkers for memory destabilisation that would allow reminder sessions to be ‘tuned’ to enhance memory lability in an ad hoc manner