Explanation and prediction of observables using continuum strong QCD

The last five years have brought considerable progress in the study of the bound-state problem in continuum quantum field theory. We highlight a subset of that progress; viz., that made within the context of Dyson-Schwinger equation analyses of cold, sparse hadrons. Our focus is primarily on advances in the reliable computation, explanation and prediction of quantities that are truly measurable; but we also review aspects of a new paradigm that has condensates contained within hadrons, and explain that the asymptotic form of parton distribution amplitudes and functions are practically unreachable with terrestrial facilities. Given the pace of expansion in experiment and improvement in theory, it appears possible that the next five years will bring profound growth in our store of knowledge about hadrons and nuclei. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.