Search for exotic decays of the Higgs boson to a pair of pseudoscalars in the μμbb and ττbb final states

A search for exotic decays of the Higgs boson (H ) with a mass of 125Ge V to a pair of light pseudoscalars a 1 is performed in final states where one pseudoscalar decays to two b quarks and the other to a pair of muons or τ leptons. A data sample of proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te V corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 recorded with the CMS detector is analyzed. No statistically significant excess is observed over the standard model backgrounds. Upper limits are set at 95% confidence level (CL ) on the Higgs boson branching fraction to μ μ b b and to τ τ b b , via a pair of a 1 s. The limits depend on the pseudoscalar mass m a 1 and are observed to be in the range (0.17-3.3) × 10 - 4 and (1.7-7.7) × 10 - 2 in the μ μ b b and τ τ b b final states, respectively. In the framework of models with two Higgs doublets and a complex scalar singlet (2HDM+S), the results of the two final states are combined to determine upper limits on the branching fraction B ( H → a 1 a 1 → ℓ ℓ b b ) at 95% CL , with ℓ being a muon or a τ lepton. For different types of 2HDM+S, upper bounds on the branching fraction B ( H → a 1 a 1 ) are extracted from the combination of the two channels. In most of the Type II 2HDM+S parameter space, B ( H → a 1 a 1 ) values above 0.23 are excluded at 95% CL for m a 1 values between 15 and 60Ge V .

Observation of WWγ Production and Search for Hγ Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The observation of WWγ production in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} is presented. The observed (expected) significance is 5.6 (5.1) standard deviations. Events are selected by requiring exactly two leptons (one electron and one muon) of opposite charge, moderate missing transverse momentum, and a photon. The measured fiducial cross section for WWγ is 5.9±0.8(stat)±0.8(syst)±0.7(modeling)  fb, in agreement with the next-to-leading order quantum chromodynamics prediction. The analysis is extended with a search for the associated production of the Higgs boson and a photon, which is generated by a coupling of the Higgs boson to light quarks. The result is used to constrain the Higgs boson couplings to light quarks.

New Structures in the J/ψJ/ψ Mass Spectrum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search is reported for near-threshold structures in the J/ψJ/ψ invariant mass spectrum produced in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV from data collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 135  fb^{-1}. Three structures are found, and a model with quantum interference among these structures provides a good description of the data. A new structure is observed with a local significance above 5 standard deviations at a mass of 6638_{-38}^{+43}(stat)_{-31}^{+16}(syst)  MeV. Another structure with even higher significance is found at a mass of 6847_{-28}^{+44}(stat)_{-20}^{+48}(syst)  MeV, which is consistent with the X(6900) resonance reported by the LHCb experiment and confirmed by the ATLAS experiment. Evidence for another new structure, with a local significance of 4.7 standard deviations, is found at a mass of 7134_{-25}^{+48}(stat)_{-15}^{+41}(syst)  MeV. Results are also reported for a model without interference, which does not fit the data as well and shows mass shifts up to 150 MeV relative to the model with interference.

Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) for post-trauma laparotomy ventral hernia and follow-up assessment of functional quality of life (QOL): experience of a level-1 trauma centre in India

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine the postoperative outcomes and follow-up QOL of patients after AWR at a level-1 trauma centre in India.

METHODS

The study cohort included AWR patients treated between January 2011 and July 2022. The Activities Assessment Scale (AAS) was used to measure QOL, and the Ventral Hernia Recurrence Inventory (VHRI) was used to determine the occurrence of recurrence. In patients suspected of having recurrence, thorough clinical examination and relevant imaging were performed to confirm or rule out recurrence.

RESULTS

Out of 89 patients, 35 patients whose complete perioperative and follow-up data were available were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 28 (SD, 9) years. The mean defect size was 14. 9 (SD, 7) cm. The mean time from laparotomy to AWR surgery was 21 months. During the postoperative course, 37% of patients developed complications, such as SSI and seroma. The mean follow-up time was 53 (SD, 43) months. Upon comparing procedures involving the mesh placed in the sublay position with procedures involving the mesh placed in other positions, no statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate (one in each group, p = 0.99), surgical complication rate (33% v/s 66%, p = 0.6), or mean AAS QOL score (94.7 v/s 98, p = 0.4) was observed. The specificity of the VHRI for diagnosing recurrence was 79%.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the recurrence rate was low in these patients despite the presence of large hernia defects. Long-term QOL was not affected by the specific procedure used. Timely planning and execution are more important than the specific repair approach for post-trauma laparotomy ventral hernia.

Facile Fabrication of Sandalwood Oil-Based Nanoemulsion to Intensify the Fatty Acid Composition in Burned and Rough Skin

The restoration process of burned and rough skin takes a long time and remains a critical challenge. It can be repaired through a combination of proper care, hydration, and topical therapies. In this study, a novel nanoemulsion was synthesized through the high-energy ultrasonication method. A total of five nanoemulsions (NE1-5) were prepared with varying concentrations of sandalwood oil, a nonionic surfactant (polysorbate 80), and water. Among them, NE3 had a number of appropriate physicochemical characteristics, such as physiological pH (5.58 ± 0.09), refractive index (∼1.34), electrical conductivity (115 ± 0.23 mS cm-1), and transmittance (∼96.5%), which were suitable for skin care applications. The NE3 had a strong surface potential of -18.5 ± 0.15 mV and a hydrodynamic size of 61.99 ± 0.22 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.204. The structural integrity and a distinct droplet size range between 50 and 100 nm were confirmed by transmission electron microscopic analysis. The skin regeneration and restoration abilities of synthesized nanoemulsions were examined by conducting an in vivo study on Sprague-Dawley rats. Exposure to NE3 significantly increased the healing process in burned skin as compared to untreated control and nonemulsified sandalwood oil. In another set of experiments, the NE3-treated rough skin became softer, smoother, and less scaly than all other treatments. Enhanced fatty acids, i.e., palmitic acid, stearic acid, and cholesterol, were recorded in NE3-supplemented burned and rough skin compared to the untreated control. The NE3 had outstanding compatibility with key components of skincare products without any stability issues. Its biocompatibility with the cellular system was established by the negligible generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a lack of genotoxicity. Considering these results, NE3 can be used in cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and serums, allowing industries to achieve improved product formulations and provide better healthcare benefits to humanity.

Search for Scalar Leptoquarks Produced via τ-Lepton-Quark Scattering in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first search for scalar leptoquarks produced in τ-lepton-quark collisions is presented. It is based on a set of proton-proton collision data recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. The reconstructed final state consists of a jet, significant missing transverse momentum, and a τ lepton reconstructed through its hadronic or leptonic decays. Limits are set on the product of the leptoquark production cross section and branching fraction and interpreted as exclusions in the plane of the leptoquark mass and the leptoquark-τ-quark coupling strength.

Search for Inelastic Dark Matter in Events with Two Displaced Muons and Missing Transverse Momentum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for dark matter in events with a displaced nonresonant muon pair and missing transverse momentum is presented. The analysis is performed using an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} of proton-proton (pp) collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV produced by the LHC in 2016-2018. No significant excess over the predicted backgrounds is observed. Upper limits are set on the product of the inelastic dark matter production cross section σ(pp→A^{'}→χ_{1}χ_{2}) and the decay branching fraction B(χ_{2}→χ_{1}μ^{+}μ^{-}), where A^{'} is a dark photon and χ_{1} and χ_{2} are states in the dark sector with near mass degeneracy. This is the first dedicated collider search for inelastic dark matter.

Luminosity determination using Z boson production at the CMS experiment

The measurement of Z boson production is presented as a method to determine the integrated luminosity of CMS data sets. The analysis uses proton-proton collision data, recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in 2017 at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . Events with Z bosons decaying into a pair of muons are selected. The total number of Z bosons produced in a fiducial volume is determined, together with the identification efficiencies and correlations from the same data set, in small intervals of 20pb - 1 of integrated luminosity, thus facilitating the efficiency and rate measurement as a function of time and instantaneous luminosity. Using the ratio of the efficiency-corrected numbers of Z bosons, the precisely measured integrated luminosity of one data set is used to determine the luminosity of another. For the first time, a full quantitative uncertainty analysis of the use of Z  bosons for the integrated luminosity measurement is performed. The uncertainty in the extrapolation between two data sets, recorded in 2017 at low and high instantaneous luminosity, is less than 0.5%. We show that the Z boson rate measurement constitutes a precise method, complementary to traditional methods, with the potential to improve the measurement of the integrated luminosity.

Measurement of the production cross section for a W boson in association with a charm quark in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

The strange quark content of the proton is probed through the measurement of the production cross section for a W boson and a charm (c) quark in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . The analysis uses a data sample corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The W bosons are identified through their leptonic decays to an electron or a muon, and a neutrino. Charm jets are tagged using the presence of a muon or a secondary vertex inside the jet. The W + c production cross section and the cross section ratio R c ± = σ ( W + + c ¯ ) / σ ( W - + c ) are measured inclusively and differentially as functions of the transverse momentum and the pseudorapidity of the lepton originating from the W boson decay. The precision of the measurements is improved with respect to previous studies, reaching 1% in R c ± = 0.950 ± 0.005 (stat) ± 0.010 (syst) . The measurements are compared with theoretical predictions up to next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics.

Probing Small Bjorken-x Nuclear Gluonic Structure via Coherent J/ψ Photoproduction in Ultraperipheral Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

Quasireal photons exchanged in relativistic heavy ion interactions are powerful probes of the gluonic structure of nuclei. The coherent J/ψ photoproduction cross section in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions is measured as a function of photon-nucleus center-of-mass energies per nucleon (W_{γN}^{Pb}) over a wide range of 40 Collapse

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Assessing the Relative Importance of Satellite-Detected Methane Superemitters in Quantifying Total Emissions for Oil and Gas Production Areas in Algeria

Methane emissions from oil and gas production provide an important contribution to global warming. We investigate 2020 emissions from the largest gas field in Algeria, Hassi R'Mel, and the oil-production-dominated area Hassi Messaoud. We use methane data from the high-resolution (20 m) Sentinel-2 instruments to identify and estimate emission time series for 11 superemitters (including 10 unlit flares). We integrate this information in a transport model inversion that uses methane data from the coarser (7 km × 5.5 km) but higher-precision TROPOMI instrument to estimate emissions from both the 11 superemitters (>1 t/h individually) and the remaining diffuse area source (not detected as point sources with Sentinel-2). Compared to a bottom-up inventory for 2019 that is aligned with UNFCCC-reported emissions, we find that 2020 emissions in Hassi R'Mel (0.16 [0.11-0.22] Tg/yr) are lower by 53 [24-73]%, and emissions in Hassi Messaoud (0.22 [0.13-0.28] Tg/yr) are higher by 79 [4-188]%. Our analysis indicates that a larger fraction of Algeria's methane emissions (∼75%) come from oil production than national reporting suggests (5%). Although in both regions the diffuse area source constitutes the majority of emissions, relatively few satellite-detected superemitters provide a significant contribution (24 [12-40]% in Hassi R'Mel; 49 [27-71]% in Hassi Messaoud), indicating that mitigation efforts should address both. Our synergistic use of Sentinel-2 and TROPOMI can produce a unique and detailed emission characterization of oil and gas production areas.

Measurement of the top quark mass using a profile likelihood approach with the lepton + jets final states in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

The mass of the top quark is measured in 36.3fb - 1 of LHC proton-proton collision data collected with the CMS detector at s = 13 Te V . The measurement uses a sample of top quark pair candidate events containing one isolated electron or muon and at least four jets in the final state. For each event, the mass is reconstructed from a kinematic fit of the decay products to a top quark pair hypothesis. A profile likelihood method is applied using up to four observables per event to extract the top quark mass. The top quark mass is measured to be 171.77 ± 0.37 Ge V . This approach significantly improves the precision over previous measurements.

A search for decays of the Higgs boson to invisible particles in events with a top-antitop quark pair or a vector boson in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

A search for decays to invisible particles of Higgs bosons produced in association with a top-antitop quark pair or a vector boson, which both decay to a fully hadronic final state, has been performed using proton-proton collision data collected at s = 13 Te V by the CMS experiment at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 . The 95% confidence level upper limit set on the branching fraction of the 125Ge V Higgs boson to invisible particles, B ( H → inv ) , is 0.54 (0.39 expected), assuming standard model production cross sections. The results of this analysis are combined with previous B ( H → inv ) searches carried out at s = 7 , 8, and 13Te V in complementary production modes. The combined upper limit at 95% confidence level on B ( H → inv ) is 0.15 (0.08 expected).

Observation of τ Lepton Pair Production in Ultraperipheral Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

We present an observation of photon-photon production of τ lepton pairs in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions. The measurement is based on a data sample with an integrated luminosity of 404  μb^{-1} collected by the CMS experiment at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. The γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-} process is observed for τ^{+}τ^{-} events with a muon and three charged hadrons in the final state. The measured fiducial cross section is σ(γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-})=4.8±0.6(stat)±0.5(syst)  μb, where the second (third) term corresponds to the statistical (systematic) uncertainty in σ(γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-}) in agreement with leading-order QED predictions. Using σ(γγ→τ^{+}τ^{-}), we estimate a model-dependent value of the anomalous magnetic moment of the τ lepton of a_{τ}=0.001_{-0.089}^{+0.055}.

Prospective Cohort Study to Evaluate Toxicity and Cosmesis between Interstitial APBI and Ultra-Hypo-Fractionated Whole Breast Irradiation in Patients with Early Breast Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Both interstitial multi-catheter brachytherapy based accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and ultra-hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with 5 fractions can complete treatment in a short time and result in lower treatment-related costs. Although data are available on their toxicity compared with conventional and hypo-fractionated regimens, there are few data directly comparing these two techniques.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled early breast cancer patients with negative ink margin, T1 or T2 stage, and tumor size of 3 cm or less, with 0 to 3 positive lymph nodes after adequate axillary dissection or negative sentinel lymph node biopsy (N0-1), regardless of receptor status (ER, PR, HER2neu). Of the total 31 patients, 15 received APBI with multi-catheter interstitial brachytherapy (35 Gy in10 fractions over 5 days with a minimum interval of 6 hours between fractions) and 16 patients received WBI (27 Gy in 5 fractions over 5 days) with either 3DCRT or VMAT technique. Acute toxicity was assessed using the RTOG toxicity grading and breast cosmesis was assessed using the Harvard breast cosmesis score. Toxicity and cosmesis were assessed immediately after treatment, after one month, and after three months of treatment. Results were compared between groups using the Mann Whitney U test.

RESULTS

All patients completed a 3-month follow-up after completion of treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of highest grade toxicity (p = 0.97) and acute toxicity immediately after RT (p = 1.0) and after 1 month of RT (p = 0.91). However, at 3 months, more patients in the WBI group had a residual skin reaction than in the APBI group (p = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in breast cosmesis scores at any time point. 53.3%, 6.6% had grade 1 and 2 skin toxicities respectively immediately after RT in the APBI group and 62.5% of patients had grade 1 skin toxicity in WBI group. After 1 month 26.6%, 26.6% & 13.3% patients had grade 2, grade 1 and grade 3 toxicities respectively. In the WBI group, at 1 month, 50%, 18.7% and 12.5% patients had grade 1, 3 and 2 skin toxicities respectively. At 3 months, 42.8% and 7.1% of patients in the APBI group had grade 1 and grade 2 toxicities, respectively. In the WBI group, 78.5% and 7.1% of patients had grade 1 and 2 skin toxicities respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this study, no difference in acute toxicity or breast cosmesis was demonstrated between APBI-based interstitial brachytherapy and ultra-hypo-fractionated WBI. Since both regimens can be administered within 5 days, the decision between them is challenging for both physicians and patients. This study can be considered hypothesis-generating and used for further planning of equivalence or noninferiority studies.

Assessment of Sleep Quality Using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire in Undergraduate and Post Graduate Medical College Students in Bhopal

In an attempt to deal with their workload and stressful atmosphere, medical students often cut down on their sleep. Sleep not only has an impact on cognitive functions, but it is also essential for stress recovery and tiredness removal. The study was done to determine the quality of sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among medical students in Bhopal. This cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire study of 408 medical (MBBS or MD) students from AIIMS and GMC, Bhopal, was undertaken from June 2020 to September 2020. They were presented with online self-administered questionnaire (Google forms). The Google forms were organized into four sections: student's information sheet, consent form, demographic data (gender, age, and year of education separately for PG and UG) and PSQI questionnaires. The mean age of all undergraduate and post graduate students (n=408) volunteered to participated in this study was 21.76±3.01 years of which 170 students (41.7%) had age less than: ≤20 years, 23(56.9%) between 21-30 years and 06(1.5%) of the participants had age between 31-40 years. The age (years) ranged from 18-38 years. The number of male and female students were 251(61.5%) and 157(38.5%) respectively. Out of the total number of participants, 335(82.1%) were MBBS students and 73(17.9%) were MD/MS students. N-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis Test) were used to make group comparisons. The mean global score for MBBS and Post graduate students were 6.11±3.06 and 6.00±3.64 respectively which reflect poor quality of sleep. Variables of sleep latency, sleep duration and daytime dysfunction were variables were significantly associated (p<0.05). There should be more academic counseling facilities at medical schools that emphasize the need of getting enough sleep.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Evaluating the Impact of Hypo-Fractionated Palliative Quadshot Radiotherapy and Concurrent CDDP Treatment on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

In locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LAHNSCC), the main goal of treatment remains survival while improving quality of life (QOL). In recent decades, there has been a paradigm shift in the measurement of clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with cancer, focusing on the patient perspective by incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the improvement in quality of life with the use of cyclic hypo-fractionated palliative QUAD SHOT radiotherapy (RT) with concurrent cisplatin (CDDP) in previously untreated patients with incurable LAHNSCC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this prospective interventional phase- II study, 60 patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, majority stage IVB, ECOG PS ≤ 3, were treated with QUAD SHOT RT (14 Gy/4 fractions/2 days - BD with 6-hour interval and concurrent CDDP at 6 mg/m2. This treatment was repeated at 4-week intervals for 2 additional cycles if tumor progression did not occur. Serial changes in HR -QoL were assessed using EORTC QLQ C-30 and H&N-35) at 4 different time points. Statistical methods such as the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman test were used to compare QoL values at different time points with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons to control for type I errors.

RESULTS

The median global health score (GHS) at baseline was 41.667, with an initial increase in score at 4 weeks (50.00) and at 8 weeks (54.167) that did not continue at 12 weeks (41.667). Symptoms related to toxicities (speech, social contact, sticky saliva, dry mouth, senses in H&N 35) were lower after 4 weeks. Application of the Friedman test for four time points revealed significant improvement in role function at 4 weeks, which remained constant at 8 weeks but was not sustained at 12 weeks. Comparison of HN-35 symptom scores between the four time points showed improvement in symptoms such as pain, swallowing, and mouth opening at 4 and 8 weeks. The mean QLQ C30 summary score for these patients improved at four weeks but did not remain constant at 8 and 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed significant improvement in quality-of-life parameters and reduction in symptom burden at 4 and 8 weeks due to disease control and symptom palliation by QUADSHOT CTRT, while quality-of-life scores worsened and symptom scores were not maintained at 12 weeks due to disease progression and occurrence of acute toxicities. This phase II study may serve as the basis for designing a phase III randomized control trial to compare quality of life changes with QUADSHOT CTRT and other palliative CTRT regimens.

Hippocampal Avoidance Whole BRAIN Radiotherapy (HA-WBRT) with Simultaneous Integrated BOOST (SIB) vs. HA-WBRT in Multiple Brain Metastases: A Dosimetric Comparison

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

There has been a paradigm shift in managing multiple brain metastases. Various options include SRS, WBRT, and WBRT with Hippocampal avoidance (HA-WBRT). There is no consensus for the treatment of multiple brain metastases (>3 brain metastases). A new technique that has proven feasible is dose escalation in the form of simultaneous integrated boost. The aim of this study was to compare the dosimetry parameters of HA-WBRT plus simultaneous integrated boost versus HA-WBRT alone in multiple brain metastases.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In a prospective trial,16 patients with multiple brain metastasis (≥ 3) from various primaries with good performance scores (ECOG PS ≤ 2) are recruited. All patients underwent CT simulation (1.5 mm slice thickness) and RT plans for HA-WBRT with (SIB) and HA-WBRT alone were made. A 5 mm margin was given to the bilateral hippocampus for Hippocampal Avoidance. In the HA-WBRT plan for the PTV i.e., whole brain plus 3 mm margin minus hippocampal avoidance region (H.A.), a dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions is prescribed over two weeks. In HA-WBRT with SIB, a dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions over two weeks is prescribed for the PTV, which is the clinical target volume, minus the hippocampal avoidance region (H.A.) minus the PTV Mets (1 mm margin to the GTV). A simultaneous Integrated Boost of 42.5 Gy in 10 # over two weeks is prescribed for PTVmets. Planning was done using a VMAT technique with 6MV F.F.F. beam energy in a treatment planning software.

RESULTS

The mean B/L hippocampus volume is 3.47 cc. The mean dose of PTV D98% in HA-WBRT plans is 27.45 Gy, whereas in HA-WBRT with S.I.B. is 27.36 Gy (p = 0.90). V30 mean dose in HA-WBRT plans is 93.35%, and the mean dose in HA-WBRT SIB is 91.87% (p = 0.12). PTV D2% mean dose in HA-WBRT Is 36.06 Gy, and in HA-WBRT -S.I.B., it is 40.58 (p< 0.001). The mean bilateral hippocampus Dmax in HA-WBRT is 14.85 Gy, and in HA-WBRT-SIB is 14.25 Gy (p = 0.35). The mean Bilateral hippocampus D100% is 9.14 Gy in HA-WBRT and 9.01 Gy in HA-WBRT-SIB (p = 0.54). The mean brainstem Dmax in HA-WBRT is 36.82 Gy compared to 38.55 Gy in HA-WBRT-SIB (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

In patients planned for a simultaneous boost along with hippocampal sparing whole brain radiotherapy, the mean dose to the hippocampal region did not increase. The Dmax of Brainstem, optic chiasma is significantly higher in HA-WBRT-). Our study, the mean dose to PTVmets is more than 45 Gy and more than 50 Gy to GTV with a BED of more than 65 Gy (α/ß = 10) to the metastases, which is equivalent to some ablative dose regimens. Simultaneous integrated boost along with hippocampal sparing radiotherapy thus helps in sparing the hippocampus and delivering higher doses to the metastases and intermediate doses to the rest of the brain, addressing the microscopic disease.

Role of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Prospective Single Institute Experience

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Patients diagnosed with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) have a limited number of treatment options available and are associated with an overall poor prognosis. With the recent developments in the field of radiation therapy, the role of radiotherapy particularly Stereotactic Body radiotherapy (SBRT) has increased as a loco-regional therapy for HCC. This study was planned to evaluate the role of SBRT in Locally advanced HCC complicated with PVTT and its role as loco-regional therapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a prospective study that included patients diagnosed with HCC complicated with PVTT Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) Class A/B with a maximum score of 7, diagnosed on triple phase Contrast-Enhanced - MRI unsuitable for other ablative procedures. Patients with Bilirubin levels > 4 mg/dl, active Hepatitis, CTP score >7, normal liver volume <700cc or history of prior radiotherapy were excluded from the study. Patients underwent a contrast enhanced 4D-CT simulation with abdominal compression and were planned for SBRT using VMAT technique. Patients were followed-up as per Institute protocol. CECT or MRI for a radiological response was done for response assessment using mRECIST criteria version 1.1. A baseline MRI was done at one-month post-SBRT to understand any RT changes in the liver and to differentiate from tumor progression during the response assessment at three months.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients with HCC were recruited and received SBRT to PVTT, with a dosage between 30-42 Gy over 6 fractions treated on alternate days. Patients were assessed post-treatment with triphasic CE-MRI every 3 months as per institute protocol. Five patients had achieved Complete response in form of Portal vein recanalization. Three patients had Partial response to the treatment. Seven patients maintained stable disease status whereas six patients had disease progression during the entire course of treatment. The response rate (CR+PR) to treatment was 36.3% at the time of analysis. The Overall Response rate (CR+PR+SD) was 69%. No grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed and treatment was tolerated well by patients. Kaplan-Meier method was applied to calculate the survival probability at various follow-up intervals. The median time for overall survival was 25 months ((95% CI: 15-35). Out of the 22 subjects included in the study, 6 patients died. There was a 78% survival probability at 12 months and a 68% survival probability at 18 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This prospective single-arm study demonstrated the vital role of SBRT in the treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma with Portal vein tumor thrombosis and its efficacy in terms of achieving excellent local control with relatively lesser toxicities compared with existing treatment modalities. Patients have shown benefit post-treatment in terms of thrombus reduction and restoration of Portal vein flow making them suitable for further treatment like Resection or TACE.

Multiple Sessions vs. Single Session Image-Based Intracavitary Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Randomized Control Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The objectives of this study are: 1) To compare the acute toxicity caused in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) treated with weekly multiple applications vs. a single application for image-guided intracavitary High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) after External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) 2) To compare the loco-regional control of cancer at six months in the two arms MATERIALS/METHODS: In a prospective study, 40 patients with biopsy-proven LACC with FIGO-2018 stage IIB-IIIC1 disease, underwent EBRT to the pelvis at a dose of 50.4 Gy/ 28 fractions over 5.5 weeks with weekly concurrent cisplatin. After completion of EBRT, they were randomized into two arms with 20 patients each. In the Control arm (Arm-A), BT sessions were given with weekly 3 applications whereas, in the experimental arm (Arm-B), all the sessions were given with a single application at 6-12 hours intervals with aim of the high-risk clinical target volume receiving >80 Gy EQD2 and 2 cm3 of the bladder and rectum/sigmoid receiving <85 Gy and <75 Gy, respectively. The OAR contouring was done on CT RESULTS: All 40 patients were treated as per protocol. The mean duration of treatment including EBRT and BT was 73.15 days [95% CI 68.63-77.66] in Arm A and 55.85 days [95% CI 52.11-59.58] in Arm B which was significant. After 6 months, 37 patients came for follow-up, all 19 patients in Arm A had Grade 1 or Grade 2 rectal toxicity. In Arm B as well all 18 patients had Grade 1 or Grade 2 rectal toxicity. Bladder toxicity was Grade 1 or Grade 2 in 18 patients and Grade 3 severity in 1 patient among Arm A. Among 18 patients of Arm B, bladder toxicity of Grade 1 or Grade 2 was seen in 16 patients, and 2 patients had grade 3 toxicity. 2 patients in Arm A and 3 in Arm B complained of Grade 1 urinary incontinence. Moreover, Abdominal pain at 6 months was of Grade 1 in around 6 patients in Arm A but 14 patients had abdominal pain in Arm B which was of Grade 1 in 8, 4 had grade 2 and 2 patients had grade 3 severity abdominal pain. In the monthly analysis of acute toxicity, none of the patients showed Grade 3 or 4 toxicity at the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd month of completion of treatment. When comparing local control in both arms at 6 months, 2 patients had treatment failure in the Experimental Arm compared to only 1 patient in the Control Arm CONCLUSION: Single Application Multiple Fraction Intracavitary Brachytherapy post concurrent CTRT is a safe option for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. When compared to the weekly application arm, single-application ICRT showed a comparable acute toxicity profile and comparable local control rates as well. Some patients in Single Application Arm showed abdominal pain which needs to be investigated with further trials. The overall treatment time in the single application arm is significantly lower than the standard weekly application arm.

Biological Response Assessment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Biological Response in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is measured in terms of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) which is elevated in nearly 60% HCC patients at baseline and is directly related to the severity of the disease. This biological response is defined as the reduction of more than 50% from the baseline levels and is associated with an increased percentage of tumor necrosis and is directly related to increased loco-regional control. Patients diagnosed with HCC have very limited treatment modalities. With the recent advances in the field of radiation therapy and the development of Stereotactic Body radiotherapy (SBRT), the role of radiotherapy has increased as a loco-regional modality for HCC. In this single-arm prospective study, we evaluated the biological response post-SBRT in patients diagnosed with HCC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a prospective study that included patients diagnosed with HCC with baseline elevation of serum AFP, Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) Class A/B with a maximum score of 7. Patient's serum AFP levels were recorded at baseline, pre-treatment, and post-treatment. The biological response was measured at 3 months post-treatment and compared with the baseline serum AFP levels using Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients with HCC were recruited and received SBRT to the target lesion, with a dose between 30-42 Gy over 6 fractions treated on alternate days. Patients were assessed post-treatment at one month with triphasic CEMRI and serum AFP levels. 12 out of 14 patients (85.71%) had a biological response at 3 months follow-up and levels showed further decline unless a progression was found. The median (IQR) serum AFP level was 1131 ng/ml (359-5668 ng/ml) at baseline. Post-treatment serum AFP levels had a median (IQR) value of 156 ng/ml (15-372 ng/ml) showing a near reduction of 86% from baseline, which was significant. 2/14 pts (14.28%) showed no reduction or even increase in serum AFP levels post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

This prospective single-arm study demonstrated the vital role of SBRT in the treatment of HCC and its importance in achieving a better disease control. The response was achieved in 86% of patients with marked reduction of nearly 90% in serum AFP levels as compared to the baseline and increased median OS and PFS as compared to patients not receiving radiotherapy. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Hypo-Fractionated Palliative QUADSHOT Radiotherapy and Concurrent CDDP in Patients with LAHNSCC: Toxicities and Clinical Outcomes

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Shorter palliative hypo-fractionated radiotherapy regimens given concurrently with chemotherapy, preferably cisplatin (radiosensitizer), increase response rates with acceptable toxicity, leading to better compliance of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LAHNSCC) in whom late toxicities due to chemoradiotherapy are less relevant. This single institution prospective interventional phase II study was conducted with the goal of achieving high rates of locoregional control with acceptable treatment-related toxicity.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this prospective interventional phase- II study, 60 patients with LAHNSCC (treatment naive), the majority in stage IVB and ECOG PS ≤ 3, were treated with QUAD SHOT RT using the conventional 2D technique (14Gy in 4 fractions on 2 consecutive days twice daily with a 6-hour interval between the two fractions) and concurrent cisplatin (CDDP) at a dose of 6 mg/m2. This treatment was repeated at 4-week intervals for 2 additional cycles if tumor progression did not occur. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine survival probability for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Descriptive statistics with number and percentage were used for each toxicity and tumor response at different time points. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

In our study, all patients received at least one cycle of QUADSHOT chemoradiotherapy (CTRT), while 35 and 18 patients received the 2nd and 3rd QUADSHOT CTRT, respectively. Of the patients who completed the first cycle of QUADSHOT CTRT, 27 (45%) patients had a partial response (PR) and 22 (36.7%) had stable disease (SD). Of the patients who completed the second cycle QUADSHOT CTRT, 77.2% had SD, while 11.4% had PR and 11.4% had PD. After the 3rd QUADSHOT CTRT, 72.2% had SD, while 11.1% had PR and 16.7% had PD. The overall response rate (SD +PR) in our study was 81%, 88.6%, and 83% after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd QUADSHOT CTRT, respectively. After the 3rd QUADSHOT CTRT, no patient showed grade 4 toxicity. Most patients had grade I/ II toxicities e.g., skin (grade I -83%), mucositis (grade II -50%), salivary gland toxicity (grade II -50%), grade I laryngitis (83.3%). Grade- III oral mucositis and pharyngitis were seen in 27% and 6.7% of patients, respectively. Median OS and PFS were 7.9 months and 6.2 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent chemotherapy acts as a radiosensitizer and provides a synergistic effect when coupled with hypo-fractionated radiation, resulting in more effective control of locoregional disease in locally advanced head and neck tumors with acceptable toxicities. This study is hypothesis-generating and may serve as a basis for developing optimal CTRT regimens for patients with LAHNSCC who are not suitable for curative treatment.

Measurement of the Dependence of the Hadron Production Fraction Ratios f_{s}/f_{u} and f_{d}/f_{u} on B Meson Kinematic Variables in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The dependence of the ratio between the B_{s}^{0} and B^{+} hadron production fractions, f_{s}/f_{u}, on the transverse momentum (p_{T}) and rapidity of the B mesons is studied using the decay channels B_{s}^{0}→J/ψϕ and B^{+}→J/ψK^{+}. The analysis uses a data sample of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected by the CMS experiment in 2018 and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 61.6  fb^{-1}. The f_{s}/f_{u} ratio is observed to depend on the B p_{T} and to be consistent with becoming asymptotically constant at large p_{T}. No rapidity dependence is observed. The ratio of the B^{0} to B^{+} meson production fractions, f_{d}/f_{u}, is also measured, for the first time in proton-proton collisions, using the B^{0}→J/ψK^{*0} decay channel. The result is found to be within 1 standard deviation of unity and independent of p_{T} and rapidity, as expected from isospin invariance.

Search for Exotic Higgs Boson Decays H→AA→4γ with Events Containing Two Merged Diphotons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

We present the first direct search for exotic Higgs boson decays H→AA, A→γγ in events with two photonlike objects. The hypothetical particle A is a low-mass spin-0 particle decaying promptly to a merged diphoton reconstructed as a single photonlike object. We analyze the data collected by the CMS experiment at sqrt[s]=13  TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 136  fb^{-1}. No excess above the estimated background is found. We set upper limits on the branching fraction B(H→AA→4γ) of (0.9-3.3)×10^{-3} at 95% confidence level for masses of A in the range 0.1-1.2 GeV.

First Measurement of the Nuclear-Recoil Ionization Yield in Silicon at 100 eV

We measured the nuclear-recoil ionization yield in silicon with a cryogenic phonon-sensitive gram-scale detector. Neutrons from a monoenergetic beam scatter off of the silicon nuclei at angles corresponding to energy depositions from 4 keV down to 100 eV, the lowest energy probed so far. The results show no sign of an ionization production threshold above 100 eV. These results call for further investigation of the ionization yield theory and a comprehensive determination of the detector response function at energies below the keV scale.

Observation of Same-Sign WW Production from Double Parton Scattering in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first observation of the production of W^{±}W^{±} bosons from double parton scattering processes using same-sign electron-muon and dimuon events in proton-proton collisions is reported. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV using the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. Multivariate discriminants are used to distinguish the signal process from the main backgrounds. A binned maximum likelihood fit is performed to extract the signal cross section. The measured cross section for production of same-sign W bosons decaying leptonically is 80.7±11.2(stat) _{-8.6}^{+9.5}(syst)±12.1(model)  fb, whereas the measured fiducial cross section is 6.28±0.81(stat)±0.69(syst)±0.37(model)  fb. The observed significance of the signal is 6.2 standard deviations above the background-only hypothesis.

Observation of the Rare Decay of the η Meson to Four Muons

A search for the rare η→μ^{+}μ^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} double-Dalitz decay is performed using a sample of proton-proton collisions, collected by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC with high-rate muon triggers during 2017 and 2018 and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 101  fb^{-1}. A signal having a statistical significance well in excess of 5 standard deviations is observed. Using the η→μ^{+}μ^{-} decay as normalization, the branching fraction B(η→μ^{+}μ^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-})=[5.0±0.8(stat)±0.7(syst)±0.7(B_{2μ})]×10^{-9} is measured, where the last term is the uncertainty in the normalization channel branching fraction. This work achieves an improved precision of over 5 orders of magnitude compared to previous results, leading to the first measurement of this branching fraction, which is found to agree with theoretical predictions.

Measurements of jet multiplicity and jet transverse momentum in multijet events in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

Multijet events at large transverse momentum (p T ) are measured at s = 13 Te V using data recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.3 fb - 1 . The multiplicity of jets with p T > 50 Ge V that are produced in association with a high-p T dijet system is measured in various ranges of the p T of the jet with the highest transverse momentum and as a function of the azimuthal angle difference Δ ϕ 1 , 2 between the two highest p T jets in the dijet system. The differential production cross sections are measured as a function of the transverse momenta of the four highest p T jets. The measurements are compared with leading and next-to-leading order matrix element calculations supplemented with simulations of parton shower, hadronization, and multiparton interactions. In addition, the measurements are compared with next-to-leading order matrix element calculations combined with transverse-momentum dependent parton densities and transverse-momentum dependent parton shower.

Azimuthal correlations in Z +jets events in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

The production of Z bosons associated with jets is measured in pp collisions at s = 13 Te V with data recorded with the CMS experiment at the LHC corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.3fb - 1 . The multiplicity of jets with transverse momentum p T > 30 Ge V is measured for different regions of the Z boson's p T ( Z ) , from lower than 10Ge V to higher than 100Ge V . The azimuthal correlation Δ ϕ between the Z boson and the leading jet, as well as the correlations between the two leading jets are measured in three regions of p T ( Z ) . The measurements are compared with several predictions at leading and next-to-leading orders, interfaced with parton showers. Predictions based on transverse-momentum dependent parton distributions and corresponding parton showers give a good description of the measurement in the regions where multiple parton interactions and higher jet multiplicities are not important. The effects of multiple parton interactions are shown to be important to correctly describe the measured spectra in the low p T ( Z ) regions.

Search for Higgs Boson Decay to a Charm Quark-Antiquark Pair in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a charm quark-antiquark pair, H→cc[over ¯], produced in association with a leptonically decaying V (W or Z) boson is presented. The search is performed with proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV collected by the CMS experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. Novel charm jet identification and analysis methods using machine learning techniques are employed. The analysis is validated by searching for Z→cc[over ¯] in VZ events, leading to its first observation at a hadron collider with a significance of 5.7 standard deviations. The observed (expected) upper limit on σ(VH)B(H→cc[over ¯]) is 0.94 (0.50_{-0.15}^{+0.22})pb at 95% confidence level (C.L.), corresponding to 14 (7.6_{-2.3}^{+3.4}) times the standard model prediction. For the Higgs-charm Yukawa coupling modifier, κ_{c}, the observed (expected) 95% C.L. interval is 1.1<|κ_{c}|<5.5 (|κ_{c}|<3.4), the most stringent constraint to date.

Azimuthal Correlations within Exclusive Dijets with Large Momentum Transfer in Photon-Lead Collisions

The structure of nucleons is multidimensional and depends on the transverse momenta, spatial geometry, and polarization of the constituent partons. Such a structure can be studied using high-energy photons produced in ultraperipheral heavy-ion collisions. The first measurement of the azimuthal angular correlations of exclusively produced events with two jets in photon-lead interactions at large momentum transfer is presented, a process that is considered to be sensitive to the underlying nuclear gluon polarization. This study uses a data sample of ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.38  nb^{-1}, collected with the CMS experiment at the LHC. The measured second harmonic of the correlation between the sum and difference of the two jet transverse momentum vectors is found to be positive, and rising, as the dijet transverse momentum increases. A well-tuned model that has been successful at describing a wide range of proton scattering data from the HERA experiments fails to describe the observed correlations, suggesting the presence of gluon polarization effects.

Search for Nonresonant Pair Production of Highly Energetic Higgs Bosons Decaying to Bottom Quarks

A search for nonresonant Higgs boson (H) pair production via gluon and vector boson (V) fusion is performed in the four-bottom-quark final state, using proton-proton collision data at 13 TeV corresponding to 138  fb^{-1} collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The analysis targets Lorentz-boosted H pairs identified using a graph neural network. It constrains the strengths relative to the standard model of the H self-coupling and the quartic VVHH couplings, κ_{2V}, excluding κ_{2V}=0 for the first time, with a significance of 6.3 standard deviations when other H couplings are fixed to their standard model values.

Search for Higgs Boson and Observation of Z Boson through Their Decay into a Charm Quark-Antiquark Pair in Boosted Topologies in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for the standard model (SM) Higgs boson (H) produced with transverse momentum (p_{T}) greater than 450 GeV and decaying to a charm quark-antiquark (cc[over ¯]) pair is presented. The search is performed using proton-proton collision data collected at sqrt[s]=13  TeV by the CMS experiment at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. Boosted H→cc[over ¯] decay products are reconstructed as a single large-radius jet and identified using a deep neural network charm tagging technique. The method is validated by measuring the Z→cc[over ¯] decay process, which is observed in association with jets at high p_{T} for the first time with a signal strength of 1.00_{-0.14}^{+0.17}(syst)±0.08(theo)±0.06(stat), defined as the ratio of the observed process rate to the SM expectation. The observed (expected) upper limit on σ(H)B(H→cc[over ¯]) is set at 47 (39) times the SM prediction at 95% confidence level.

Measurements of the Higgs boson production cross section and couplings in the W boson pair decay channel in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

Production cross sections of the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a pair of W bosons are measured in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te V . The analysis targets Higgs bosons produced via gluon fusion, vector boson fusion, and in association with a W or Z boson. Candidate events are required to have at least two charged leptons and moderate missing transverse momentum, targeting events with at least one leptonically decaying W boson originating from the Higgs boson. Results are presented in the form of inclusive and differential cross sections in the simplified template cross section framework, as well as couplings of the Higgs boson to vector bosons and fermions. The data set collected by the CMS detector during 2016-2018 is used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 . The signal strength modifier μ , defined as the ratio of the observed production rate in a given decay channel to the standard model expectation, is measured to be μ = 0 . 95 - 0.09 + 0.10 . All results are found to be compatible with the standard model within the uncertainties.

Measurement of the mass dependence of the transverse momentum of lepton pairs in Drell-Yan production in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

The double differential cross sections of the Drell-Yan lepton pair (ℓ + ℓ - , dielectron or dimuon) production are measured as functions of the invariant mass m ℓ ℓ , transverse momentum p T ( ℓ ℓ ) , and φ η ∗ . The φ η ∗ observable, derived from angular measurements of the leptons and highly correlated with p T ( ℓ ℓ ) , is used to probe the low-p T ( ℓ ℓ ) region in a complementary way. Dilepton masses up to 1Te V are investigated. Additionally, a measurement is performed requiring at least one jet in the final state. To benefit from partial cancellation of the systematic uncertainty, the ratios of the differential cross sections for various m ℓ ℓ ranges to those in the Z mass peak interval are presented. The collected data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 36.3fb - 1 of proton-proton collisions recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of 13Te V . Measurements are compared with predictions based on perturbative quantum chromodynamics, including soft-gluon resummation.

CMS pythia 8 colour reconnection tunes based on underlying-event data

New sets of parameter tunes for two of the colour reconnection models, quantum chromodynamics-inspired and gluon-move, implemented in the pythia  8 event generator, are obtained based on the default CMS pythia  8 underlying-event tune, CP5. Measurements sensitive to the underlying event performed by the CMS experiment at centre-of-mass energies s = 7 and 13Te V , and by the CDF experiment at 1.96Te V are used to constrain the parameters of colour reconnection models and multiple-parton interactions simultaneously. The new colour reconnection tunes are compared with various measurements at 1.96, 7, 8, and 13Te V including measurements of the underlying-event, strange-particle multiplicities, jet substructure observables, jet shapes, and colour flow in top quark pair (t t ¯ ) events. The new tunes are also used to estimate the uncertainty related to colour reconnection modelling in the top quark mass measurement using the decay products of t t ¯ events in the semileptonic channel at 13Te V .

Probing Heavy Majorana Neutrinos and the Weinberg Operator through Vector Boson Fusion Processes in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first search exploiting the vector boson fusion process to probe heavy Majorana neutrinos and the Weinberg operator at the LHC is presented. The search is performed in the same-sign dimuon final state using a proton-proton collision dataset recorded at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, collected with the CMS detector and corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. The results are found to agree with the predictions of the standard model. For heavy Majorana neutrinos, constraints on the squared mixing element between the muon and the heavy neutrino are derived in the heavy neutrino mass range 50 GeV-25 TeV; for masses above 650 GeV these are the most stringent constraints from searches at the LHC to date. A first test of the Weinberg operator at colliders provides an observed upper limit at 95% confidence level on the effective μμ Majorana neutrino mass of 10.8 GeV.

Search for light Higgs bosons from supersymmetric cascade decays in pp collisions at s=13TeV

A search is reported for pairs of light Higgs bosons (H 1 ) produced in supersymmetric cascade decays in final states with small missing transverse momentum. A data set of LHC pp collisions collected with the CMS detector at s = 13 TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 is used. The search targets events where both H 1 bosons decay into pairs that are reconstructed as large-radius jets using substructure techniques. No evidence is found for an excess of events beyond the background expectations of the standard model (SM). Results from the search are interpreted in the next-to-minimal supersymmetric extension of the SM, where a "singlino" of small mass leads to squark and gluino cascade decays that can predominantly end in a highly Lorentz-boosted singlet-like H 1 and a singlino-like neutralino of small transverse momentum. Upper limits are set on the product of the squark or gluino pair production cross section and the square of the branching fraction of the H 1 in a benchmark model containing almost mass-degenerate gluinos and light-flavour squarks. Under the assumption of an SM-like branching fraction, H 1 bosons with masses in the range 40-120GeV arising from the decays of squarks or gluinos with a mass of 1200-2500GeV are excluded at 95% confidence level.

Measurement of the differential tt¯ production cross section as a function of the jet mass and extraction of the top quark mass in hadronic decays of boosted top quarks

A measurement of the jet mass distribution in hadronic decays of Lorentz-boosted top quarks is presented. The measurement is performed in the lepton + jets channel of top quark pair production (t t ¯ ) events, where the lepton is an electron or muon. The products of the hadronic top quark decay are reconstructed using a single large-radius jet with transverse momentum greater than 400Ge V . The data were collected with the CMS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 . The differential t t ¯ production cross section as a function of the jet mass is unfolded to the particle level and is used to extract the top quark mass. The jet mass scale is calibrated using the hadronic W boson decay within the large-radius jet. The uncertainties in the modelling of the final state radiation are reduced by studying angular correlations in the jet substructure. These developments lead to a significant increase in precision, and a top quark mass of 173.06 ± 0.84 Ge V .

Dynamics of reactive oxygen species and lignin biosynthesis during leaf spot disease of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Withania somnifera is an important medicinal plant, however, its cultivation and quality are compromised due to infestation by leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Alternaria alternata. To decipher suitable strategies against the disease, studies on post-infectional changes are important. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical as they cross-talk with other defense signaling pathways. Our study involved the analysis of ROS-generating and scavenging systems in the healthy and diseased leaf samples of W. somnifera and ROS-driven downstream defence pathways. DAB and NBT assays for ROS detection, spectrophotometric and in gel assays for ROS scavenging enzymes, thioglycolic acid (TGA) based assay and histochemical staining for lignin content and qRT-PCR for transcript-level expression studies were performed. Leaf spot infection in W. somnifera led to increased NADPH oxidase activity and ROS accumulation in the infected leaves which were supported by the enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Leaf spot infected leaves exhibited increased lignin content with higher expression of lignin biosynthesis genes. In addition, the transcript levels of defense-related genes, NPR1 and PR genes were also upregulated. The present work provides insights into the response of leaf spot disease in invoking the defense-related signaling in W. somnifera. It demonstrates the cross-talk between ROS and lignin biosynthesis. This work identifies potential targets for developing future strategies to confer disease resistance against leaf spot pathogen in W. somnifera.

Chitosan fabricated biogenic silver nanoparticles (Ch@BSNP) protectively modulate the defense mechanism of tomato during bacterial leaf spot (BLS) disease

Herein, the impact of chitosan fabricated biogenic silver nanoparticles (Ch@BSNP) has been evaluated for the protective management of bacterial leaf spot (BLS) disease in tomatoes caused by Xanthomonas campestris (NCIM5028). The Ch@BSNP originated by the Trichoderma viride (MTCC5661) derived extracellular compounds and subsequent chitosan hybridization. Spherical-shaped Ch@BSNP (30-35 nm) treated diseased plants were able to combat the biotic stress, as evidenced by the decreased elevated response of stress markers viz; anthocyanin (34.02%), proline (45.00%), flavonoids (20.26%), lipid peroxidation (10.00%), guaiacol peroxidase (36.58%), ascorbate peroxidase (41.50%), polyphenol oxidase (25.34%) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (2.10 fold) as compared to untreated diseased plants. Increased biochemical content specifically sugar (15.43%), phenolics (49.10%), chlorophyll, and carotenoids were measured in Ch@BSNP-treated diseased plants compared to untreated X. campestris-infested plants. The Ch@BSNP considerably reduced stress by increasing net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency along with decreased transpiration rate and stomatal conductance in comparison to infected plants. Additionally, the expression of defense-regulatory genes viz; growth responsive (AUX, GH3, SAUR), early defense responsive (WRKYTF22, WRKY33, NOS1), defense responsive (PR1, NHO1, NPR1), hypersensitivity responsive (Pti, RbohD, OXI1) and stress hormones responsive (MYC2, JAR1, ERF1) were found to be upregulated in diseased plants while being significantly downregulated in Ch@BSNP-treated diseased plants. Furthermore, fruits obtained from pathogen-compromised plants treated with Ch@BSNP had higher levels of health-promoting compounds including lycopene and beta-carotene than infected plant fruits. This nano-enabled and environmentally safer crop protection strategy may encourage a sustainable agri-system towards the world's growing food demand and promote food security.

Microfluidics Based Generation of Curcumin Loaded Microfibrous Mat against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm by Photodynamic Therapy

The rapid increase in multidrug resistant biofilm infections is a major concern for global health. A highly effective therapy is required for the treatment of biofilm related infections. In this study, curcumin loaded alginate microfibers were generated by using the microfluidic technique. In this strategy, alginate microfibers are used as a carrier for the encapsulation of curcumin and then are irradiated with blue light to assess the efficacy of a combined therapy (blue light + curcumin) against drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The advantage of utilizing photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the usage of a non-antibiotic mode to inactivate bacterial cells. In the presence of blue light, the curcumin loaded alginate microfibers have shown good eradication activity against biofilms formed by multidrug resistant S. aureus. We achieved different diameters of curcumin loaded alginate microfibers through manipulation of flow rates. The curcumin loaded microfibers were characterized for their size, morphology, and curcumin encapsulation. Further, the efficacy of these microfibers in the presence of blue light has been evaluated against biofilm forming S. aureus (NCIM 5718) through optical and electron microscopy. This study employs microfluidic techniques to obtain an efficacious and cost-effective microfibrous scaffold for controlled release of curcumin to treat biofilms in the presence of blue light.

A Review of Sustainable Use of Biogenic Nanoscale Agro-Materials to Enhance Stress Tolerance and Nutritional Value of Plants

Climate change is more likely to have a detrimental effect on the world's productive assets. Several undesirable conditions and practices, including extreme temperature, drought, and uncontrolled use of agrochemicals, result in stresses that strain agriculture. In addition, nutritional inadequacies in food crops are wreaking havoc on human health, especially in rural regions of less developed countries. This could be because plants are unable to absorb the nutrients in conventional fertilizers, or these fertilizers have an inappropriate or unbalanced nutrient composition. Chemical fertilizers have been used for centuries and have considerably increased crop yields. However, they also disrupt soil quality and structure, eventually impacting the entire ecosystem. To address the situation, it is necessary to develop advanced materials that can release nutrients to targeted points in the plant-soil environment or appropriate receptors on the leaf in the case of foliar applications. Recently, nanotechnology-based interventions have been strongly encouraged to meet the world's growing food demand and to promote food security in an environmentally friendly manner. Biological approaches for the synthesis of nanoscale agro-materials have become a promising area of research, with a wide range of product types such as nanopesticides, nanoinsecticides, nanoherbicides, nanobactericides/fungicides, bio-conjugated nanocomplexes, and nanoemulsions emerging therefrom. These materials are more sustainable and target-oriented than conventional agrochemicals. In this paper, we reviewed the literature on major abiotic and biotic stresses that are detrimental to plant growth and productivity. We comprehensively discussed the different forms of nanoscale agro-materials and provided an overview of biological approaches in nano-enabled strategies that can efficiently alleviate plant biotic and abiotic stresses while potentially enhancing the nutritional values of plants.

Measurements of the associated production of a W boson and a charm quark in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 TeV

Measurements of the associated production of a W boson and a charm ( c ) quark in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV are reported. The analysis uses a data sample corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb - 1 collected by the CMS detector at the LHC. The W bosons are identified through their leptonic decays to an electron or a muon, and a neutrino. Charm quark jets are selected using distinctive signatures of charm hadron decays. The product of the cross section and branching fraction σ ( pp → W + c + X ) B ( W → ℓ ν ) , where ℓ = e or μ , and the cross section ratio σ ( pp → W + + c ¯ + X ) / σ ( pp → W - + c + X ) are measured in a fiducial volume and differentially as functions of the pseudorapidity and of the transverse momentum of the lepton from the W boson decay. The results are compared with theoretical predictions. The impact of these measurements on the determination of the strange quark distribution is assessed.

Phenotype microarray analysis reveals the biotransformation of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici influenced by Bacillus subtilis PBE-8 metabolites

Herein, Bacillus subtilis PBE-8's biocontrol efficacy was evaluated through physiological and metabolic approaches against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL). The study elaborates on PBE-8's cell-free filtrate (CFF) antifungal activity through mycelial growth inhibition, metabolite profiling, and substrates utilization patterns. Additionally, under different CFF concentrations, reduction in spore count (94%-55%), biomass (50%), and cytoplasmic bulbous protrusions in mycelia were also observed. Furthermore, the effect of bacterial CFF on FOL metabolism was confirmed through GC-MS. CFF suppresses the concentration of aliphatic amino acids like L-valine, L-leucine, L-Isoleucine, glycine, and fatty acids such as linoleic acid and α- linolenic acid during the co-culturing conditions, which are essential for pathogenicity and resistance against host's systemic acquired resistance. The phenotype microarray assay revealed that CFF-treated FOL shows phenotype loss in 507 (56.58%) out of 896 substrates. Among 507, twenty-seven substrates showed significant phenotype loss, among which four substrates such as L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, ammonia, and L-arginine are common in different crucial metabolic pathways of FOL, like alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline, carbon metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, amino-acyl tRNA synthesis, and biosynthesis of amino acids. The results suggest that PBE-8 CFF has certain antifungal metabolites that hinder the fungal metabolic pathways.

Comparison of Reverse Sural Artery Fasciocutaneous Flap in Soft Tissue Reconstruction Between above Ankle and Below Ankle Defect

Background Fasciocutaneous reverse sural artery flap is a popular option to treat soft tissue defects in the distal leg, ankle, and foot region. Objective To compare the results of sural artery flap reconstruction between the above ankle and below ankle soft tissue defect. Method It was a retrospective study of sural flap reconstruction of varied etiology for the defect grouped as above ankle and below ankle operated over a period of five years. Flap and graft take-up, rate of primary healing, margin necrosis, and complications were the assessed outcome variables. Result There were a total of 37 patients, 17 cases of the above ankle and 20 cases of below ankle sural flap reconstruction analyzed in the study. Road traffic accident was the most common cause and the mean size of the defect was 40.70 cm2 . The overall flap take-up rate was 94.6%, partial margin necrosis was in 6 patients, and > 50% flap necrosis was in 2 cases. The rate of primary healing, margin necrosis and mean healing time were 17 (100%) vs 12 (60%), 0 vs 8 cases (6 margin necrosis and 2 cases of > 50% of flap necrosis), and 20.04 days vs 22.50 days respectively in the above ankle and below ankle flap reconstruction groups. These differences were statistically significant. Conclusion Fasciocutaneous reverse sural artery flap is an excellent choice for reconstruction of the defect at the distal leg and around the ankle region with a high success rate. Below ankle flap reconstruction showed a higher rate of margin necrosis, longer healing time, and less rate of primary healing as compared to the above ankle group.

Search for Higgs Boson Pair Production in the Four b Quark Final State in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for pairs of Higgs bosons produced via gluon and vector boson fusion is presented, focusing on the four b quark final state. The data sample consists of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected with the CMS detector at the LHC, and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. No deviation from the background-only hypothesis is observed. A 95% confidence level upper limit on the Higgs boson pair production cross section is observed at 3.9 times the standard model prediction for an expected value of 7.8. Constraints are also set on the modifiers of the Higgs field self-coupling, κ_{λ}, and of the coupling of two Higgs bosons to two vector bosons, κ_{2 V}. The observed (expected) allowed intervals at the 95% confidence level are -2.3<κ_{λ}<9.4 (-5.0<κ_{λ}<12.0) and -0.1<κ_{2 V}<2.2 (-0.4<κ_{2 V}<2.5). These are the most stringent observed constraints to date on the HH production cross section and on the κ_{2 V } coupling.