General analysis of scale-setting in classically conformal multiscalar models

In this thesis we investigate the fundamental features of radiatively induced spontaneous symmetry breaking (RSSB) in multiscalar models without classical mass terms. Motivated by addressing the hierarchy problem via the extension of the conformal standard model (cSM) we present a general formalism to analyze the generation of non-trivial minima in the one-loop effective potential via a set of exact criticality equations. Given the intuitive nature of these equations we are able to systematically analyze the RSSB in classically conformal multiscalar models. Specifically, we investigate the interplay of contributions by different particles at the scale of condensation and in the renormalization group running of the coupling parameters. We compare the observed features of RSSB to results obtained when using the commonly used Gildener-Weinberg approximation, which additionally assumes the existence of a flat direction at tree-level. Without making further assumptions to classical scale-invariance we already find cases where one-loop gauge contributions can generally be of the same order of magnitude as the scalar tree-level terms. Thus, allowing for the generation of non-trivial vacua without a tree-level flat direction. The analysis using our approach reveals qualitatively new scenarios of RSSB compared to the Gildener-Weinberg approximation and allows for an intuitive investigation of fundamental properties of scale-setting without making further assumptions to classical scale-invariance

Inflation with Massive Spin-2 Ghosts

We consider a generic model of quadratic gravity coupled to a single scalar and investigate the effects of gravitational degrees of freedom on inflationary parameters. We find that quantum corrections arising from the massive spin-2 ghost generate significant contributions to the effective inflationary potential and allow for a realization of the spontaneous breakdown of global scale invariance without the need for additional scalar fields. We compute inflationary parameters, compare the resulting predictions to well-known inflationary models, and find that they fit well within the Planck collaboration's constraints on inflation

Fungi hijack a ubiquitous plant apoplastic endoglucanase to release a ROS scavenging beta-glucan decasaccharide to subvert immune responses

Plant pathogenic and beneficial fungi have evolved several strategies to evade immunity and cope with host-derived hydrolytic enzymes and oxidative stress in the apoplast, the extracellular space of plant tissues. Fungal hyphae are surrounded by an inner insoluble cell wall layer and an outer soluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) matrix. Here, we show by proteomics and glycomics that these two layers have distinct protein and carbohydrate signatures, and hence likely have different biological functions. The barley (Hordeum vulgare) β-1,3-endoglucanase HvBGLUII, which belongs to the widely distributed apoplastic glycoside hydrolase 17 family (GH17), releases a conserved β-1,3;1,6-glucan decasaccharide (β-GD) from the EPS matrices of fungi with different lifestyles and taxonomic positions. This low molecular weight β-GD does not activate plant immunity, is resilient to further enzymatic hydrolysis by β-1,3-endoglucanases due to the presence of three β-1,6-linked glucose branches and can scavenge reactive oxygen species. Exogenous application of β-GD leads to enhanced fungal colonization in barley, confirming its role in the fungal counter-defensive strategy to subvert host immunity. Our data highlight the hitherto undescribed capacity of this often-overlooked EPS matrix from plant-associated fungi to act as an outer protective barrier important for fungal accommodation within the hostile environment at the apoplastic plant–microbe interface

An alternative application to the portuguese agro-industrial residue : wheat straw

The effects of alkaline treatments of the wheat straw with sodium hydroxide were investigated. The optimal condition for extraction of hemicelluloses was found to be with 0.50 mol/l sodium hydroxide at 55 °C for 2 h. This resulted in the release of 17.3% of hemicellulose (% dry starting material), corresponding to the dissolution of 49.3% of the original hemicellulose. The yields were determined by gravimetric analysis and expressed as a proportion of the starting material. Chemical composition and physico-chemical properties of the samples of hemicelluloses were elucidated by a combination of sugar analyses, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and thermal analysis. The results showed that the treatments were very effective on the extraction of hemicelluloses from wheat straw and that the extraction intensity (expressed in terms of alkali concentration) had a great influence on the yield and chemical features of the hemicelluloses. The FTIR analysis revealed typical signal pattern for the hemicellulosic fraction in the 1,200–1,000 cm−1 region. Bands between 1,166 and 1,000 cm−1 are typical of xylans.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/Brazil (FAPESP)Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BPD/26156/2005, SFRH/BPD/26108/200

Subjektivne stimulacije u funkciji razvoja postularnog refleksnog mehanizma kod djeteta s cerebralnom paralizom

. It is widely accepted that the consistency of adaptive interfaces is crucial for their usability. Many threats for consistency in adaptive applications have been reported in the literature so far (e.g., consistency of adaptation methods and techniques, consistency of the user model). In this paper we argue that many, if not all, user modeling systems that have been developed so far are substantially threatening consistency by offering no adequate means for communicating consistency contexts. This is especially the case for user modeling servers, which are supposed to serve several applications in parallel. In order to prevent consistency problems in user modeling systems, we introduce basic concepts and techniques from transaction management. User modeling systems that adhere to the principles of transaction management can be expected to provide a reliable source of user information for adaptive applications, especially in real world settings. Introduction One of the cen..