Higgs field in cosmology

The accelerated expansion of the early universe is an integral part of modern cosmology and dynamically realized by the mechanism of inflation. The simplest theoretical description of the inflationary paradigm is based on the assumption of an additional propagating scalar degree of freedom which drives inflation - the inflaton. In most models of inflation the fundamental nature of the inflaton remains unexplained. In the model of Higgs inflation, the inflaton is identified with the Standard Model Higgs boson and connects cosmology with elementary particle physics. A characteristic feature of this model is a non-minimal coupling of the Higgs boson to gravity. I review and discuss several phenomenological and fundamental aspects of this model, including the impact of quantum corrections and the renormalization group, the derivation of initial conditions for Higgs inflation in a quantum cosmological framework and the classical and quantum equivalence of different field parametrizations.Comment: 36 pages, 9 figures; references added, typos corrected. Invited contribution to the Heraeus-Seminar "Hundred Years of Gauge Theory", 30 July - 3 August 2018, Physikzentrum Bad Honnef, organized by Silvia De Bianchi and Claus Kiefer. To appear in the proceedings "100 Years of Gauge Theory. Past, present and future perspectives" in the series `Fundamental Theories of Physics' (Springer

Oncoplastic breast consortium recommendations for mastectomy and whole breast reconstruction in the setting of post-mastectomy radiation therapy

Aim Demand for nipple- and skin- sparing mastectomy (NSM/SSM) with immediate breast reconstruction (BR) has increased at the same time as indications for post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) have broadened. The aim of the Oncoplastic Breast Consortium initiative was to address relevant questions arising with this clinically challenging scenario. Methods A large global panel of oncologic, oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeons, patient advocates and radiation oncologists developed recommendations for clinical practice in an iterative process based on the principles of Delphi methodology. Results The panel agreed that surgical technique for NSM/SSM should not be formally modified when PMRT is planned with preference for autologous over implant-based BR due to lower risk of long-term complications and support for immediate and delayed-immediate reconstructive approaches. Nevertheless, it was strongly believed that PMRT is not an absolute contraindication for implant-based or other types of BR, but no specific recommendations regarding implant positioning, use of mesh or timing were made due to absence of high-quality evidence. The panel endorsed use of patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice. It was acknowledged that the shape and size of reconstructed breasts can hinder radiotherapy planning and attention to details of PMRT techniques is important in determining aesthetic outcomes after immediate BR. Conclusions The panel endorsed the need for prospective, ideally randomised phase III studies and for surgical and radiation oncology teams to work together for determination of optimal sequencing and techniques for PMRT for each patient in the context of BR