The medium-term effects of selective dorsal rhizotomy on gait compared to a matched cerebral palsy non-SDR group: A follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) has been shown to improve gait in the short-term in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Further study is needed to look at the trajectory of outcomes over the longer-term.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the medium-term effects of SDR on gait compared to a matched CP non-SDR group?

METHODS

Participants underwent SDR at mean age 6.3 years and completed baseline, 1-year and 5-year follow-up gait analyses. Non-SDR participants were matched at baseline. Differences were assessed within and between groups. Kinematic variables were analysed using Statistical non-Parametric Mapping (SnPM). Other gait and clinical data were analysed using Friedman's one-way repeated measure analysis of variance and a Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

The initial SDR group consisted of 29 participants, reducing to 22 at 5-year follow-up. Of these, 15 (68 %) had orthopaedic surgeries either concurrent with or in the intervening period since the SDR, mean 3.3 procedures per participant. The initial non- SDR group had 18 participants, reducing to 17 at 5-year follow-up. Of these, 13 (76 %) had orthopaedic surgeries, mean 5.7 procedures. At 1-year follow-up the SDR group had significantly improved knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, foot progression, Gait Deviation Index, and normalised step length compared to baseline, p < 0.05, and outcomes were maintained at 5-years. At 1-year follow-up the non-SDR group kinematic patterns were unchanged, but at 5-year follow-up this group demonstrated significantly improved knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion and foot progression. There were no significant kinematic differences between the SDR and the non-SDR group at medium-term follow-up.

SIGNIFICANCE

We have documented the trajectory of gait outcomes post-SDR over 3 assessments and found that short-term gait changes endured in the medium-term. However, kinematic changes were similar to a non-SDR group undergoing routine and orthopaedic care. These outcomes are important to guide surgical decision making and to manage treatment goals and expectations.

Precision luminosity measurement in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV in 2015 and 2016 at CMS

The measurement of the luminosity recorded by the CMS detector installed at LHC interaction point 5, using proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV in 2015 and 2016, is reported. The absolute luminosity scale is measured for individual bunch crossings using beam-separation scans (the van der Meer method), with a relative precision of 1.3 and 1.0% in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The dominant sources of uncertainty are related to residual differences between the measured beam positions and the ones provided by the operational settings of the LHC magnets, the factorizability of the proton bunch spatial density functions in the coordinates transverse to the beam direction, and the modeling of the effect of electromagnetic interactions among protons in the colliding bunches. When applying the van der Meer calibration to the entire run periods, the integrated luminosities when CMS was fully operational are 2.27 and 36.3 fb - 1 in 2015 and 2016, with a relative precision of 1.6 and 1.2%, respectively. These are among the most precise luminosity measurements at bunched-beam hadron colliders.

Examining the Effectiveness of OT in the Treatment of Patients Recovering From COVID-19 in the Rehabilitation Setting

Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations.

A pilot study was completed to examine the effectiveness of OT in helping individuals regain independence in activities of daily living after COVID-19. In a retrospective chart review, statistically significant results (p &lt; .05) on the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument and the Modified Barthel Index demonstrated that OT is effective in the rehabilitation setting to increase individuals' independence following a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Primary Author and Speaker: Nelle Hannah Ouellette

Additional Authors and Speakers: Leah Bellinger, Julie Leonard

Contributing Authors: Leah Bellinger, Julie Leonard

Measurement of single-diffractive dijet production in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 Te with the CMS and TOTEM experiments

Measurements are presented of the single-diffractive dijet cross section and the diffractive cross section as a function of the proton fractional momentum loss ξ and the four-momentum transfer squared t. Both processesp p → p X andp p → X p , i.e. with the proton scattering to either side of the interaction point, are measured, whereX includes at least two jets; the results of the two processes are averaged. The analyses are based on data collected simultaneously with the CMS and TOTEM detectors at the LHC in proton-proton collisions ats = 8 Te during a dedicated run withβ ∗ = 90 m at low instantaneous luminosity and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 37.5 nb - 1 . The single-diffractive dijet cross section σ jj p X , in the kinematic region ξ < 0.1 ,0.03 < | t | < 1 Ge 2 , with at least two jets with transverse momentump T > 40 Ge , and pseudorapidity | η | < 4.4 , is 21.7 ± 0.9 (stat) - 3.3 + 3.0 (syst) ± 0.9 (lumi) nb . The ratio of the single-diffractive to inclusive dijet yields, normalised per unit of ξ , is presented as a function of x, the longitudinal momentum fraction of the proton carried by the struck parton. The ratio in the kinematic region defined above, for x values in the range - 2.9 ≤ log 10 x ≤ - 1.6 , is R = ( σ jj p X / Δ ξ ) / σ jj = 0.025 ± 0.001 (stat) ± 0.003 (syst) , where σ jj p X and σ jj are the single-diffractive and inclusive dijet cross sections, respectively. The results are compared with predictions from models of diffractive and nondiffractive interactions. Monte Carlo predictions based on the HERA diffractive parton distribution functions agree well with the data when corrected for the effect of soft rescattering between the spectator partons.

Measurement of single-diffractive dijet production in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 Te with the CMS and TOTEM experiments

Measurements are presented of the single-diffractive dijet cross section and the diffractive cross section as a function of the proton fractional momentum loss ξ and the four-momentum transfer squared t. Both processes p p → p X and p p → X p , i.e. with the proton scattering to either side of the interaction point, are measured, where X includes at least two jets; the results of the two processes are averaged. The analyses are based on data collected simultaneously with the CMS and TOTEM detectors at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 Te during a dedicated run with β ∗ = 90 m at low instantaneous luminosity and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 37.5 nb - 1 . The single-diffractive dijet cross section σ jj p X , in the kinematic region ξ < 0.1 , 0.03 < | t | < 1 Ge 2 , with at least two jets with transverse momentum p T > 40 Ge , and pseudorapidity | η | < 4.4 , is 21.7 ± 0.9 (stat) - 3.3 + 3.0 (syst) ± 0.9 (lumi) nb . The ratio of the single-diffractive to inclusive dijet yields, normalised per unit of ξ , is presented as a function of x, the longitudinal momentum fraction of the proton carried by the struck parton. The ratio in the kinematic region defined above, for x values in the range - 2.9 ≤ log 10 x ≤ - 1.6 , is R = ( σ jj p X / Δ ξ ) / σ jj = 0.025 ± 0.001 (stat) ± 0.003 (syst) , where σ jj p X and σ jj are the single-diffractive and inclusive dijet cross sections, respectively. The results are compared with predictions from models of diffractive and nondiffractive interactions. Monte Carlo predictions based on the HERA diffractive parton distribution functions agree well with the data when corrected for the effect of soft rescattering between the spectator partons.

Studies of Charm Quark Diffusion inside Jets Using Pb-Pb and pp Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The first study of charm quark diffusion with respect to the jet axis in heavy ion collisions is presented. The measurement is performed using jets with p_{T}^{jet}>60  GeV/c and D^{0} mesons with p_{T}^{D}>4  GeV/c in lead-lead (Pb-Pb) and proton-proton (pp) collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, recorded by the CMS detector at the LHC. The radial distribution of D^{0} mesons with respect to the jet axis is sensitive to the production mechanisms of the meson, as well as to the energy loss and diffusion processes undergone by its parent parton inside the strongly interacting medium produced in Pb-Pb collisions. When compared to Monte Carlo event generators, the radial distribution in pp collisions is found to be well described by pythia, while the slope of the distribution predicted by sherpa is steeper than that of the data. In Pb-Pb collisions, compared to the pp results, the D^{0} meson distribution for 4<p_{T}^{D}<20  GeV/c hints at a larger distance on average with respect to the jet axis, reflecting a diffusion of charm quarks in the medium created in heavy ion collisions. At higher p_{T}^{D}, the Pb-Pb and pp radial distributions are found to be similar.

Study of central exclusive production in proton-proton collisions at s = 5.02 and 13TeV

Central exclusive and semiexclusive production of pairs is measured with the CMS detector in proton-proton collisions at the LHC at center-of-mass energies of 5.02 and 13TeV. The theoretical description of these nonperturbative processes, which have not yet been measured in detail at the LHC, poses a significant challenge to models. The two pions are measured and identified in the CMS silicon tracker based on specific energy loss, whereas the absence of other particles is ensured by calorimeter information. The total and differential cross sections of exclusive and semiexclusive central production are measured as functions of invariant mass, transverse momentum, and rapidity of the system in the fiducial region defined as transverse momentum and pseudorapidity . The production cross sections for the four resonant channels , , , and are extracted using a simple model. These results represent the first measurement of this process at the LHC collision energies of 5.02 and 13TeV.

Mixed higher-order anisotropic flow and nonlinear response coefficients of charged particles in PbPb collisions at s NN = 2.76 and 5.02 TeV

Anisotropies in the initial energy density distribution of the quark-gluon plasma created in high energy heavy ion collisions lead to anisotropies in the azimuthal distributions of the final-state particles known as collective anisotropic flow. Fourier harmonic decomposition is used to quantify these anisotropies. The higher-order harmonics can be induced by the same order anisotropies (linear response) or by the combined influence of several lower order anisotropies (nonlinear response) in the initial state. The mixed higher-order anisotropic flow and nonlinear response coefficients of charged particles are measured as functions of transverse momentum and centrality in PbPb collisions at nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energies s NN = 2.76 and 5.02 TeV with the CMS detector. The results are compared with viscous hydrodynamic calculations using several different initial conditions, as well as microscopic transport model calculations. None of the models provides a simultaneous description of the mixed higher-order flow harmonics and nonlinear response coefficients.

Measurement of differential cross sections and charge ratios for t-channel single top quark production in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

A measurement is presented of differential cross sections for t-channel single top quark and antiquark production in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13Te by the CMS experiment at the LHC. From a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 , events containing one muon or electron and two or three jets are analysed. The cross section is measured as a function of the top quark transverse momentum ( p T ), rapidity, and polarisation angle, the charged lepton p T and rapidity, and the p T of the W  boson from the top quark decay. In addition, the charge ratio is measured differentially as a function of the top quark, charged lepton, and W  boson kinematic observables. The results are found to be in agreement with standard model predictions using various next-to-leading-order event generators and sets of parton distribution functions. Additionally, the spin asymmetry, sensitive to the top quark polarisation, is determined from the differential distribution of the polarisation angle at parton level to be 0.440 ± 0.070 , in agreement with the standard model prediction.

A multi-dimensional search for new heavy resonances decaying to boosted W W , W Z , or Z Z boson pairs in the dijet final state at 13 Te

A search in an all-jet final state for new massive resonances decaying to W W , W Z , or Z Z boson pairs using a novel analysis method is presented. The analysis is performed on data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 77.3 fb - 1 recorded with the CMS experiment at the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of 13  Te . The search is focussed on potential narrow-width resonances with masses above 1.2  Te , where the decay products of each W or Z boson are expected to be collimated into a single, large-radius jet. The signal is extracted using a three-dimensional maximum likelihood fit of the two jet masses and the dijet invariant mass, yielding an improvement in sensitivity of up to 30% relative to previous search methods. No excess is observed above the estimated standard model background. In a heavy vector triplet model, spin-1 Z ' and W ' resonances with masses below 3.5 and 3.8   Te , respectively, are excluded at 95% confidence level. In a bulk graviton model, upper limits on cross sections are set between 27 and 0.2 fb for resonance masses between 1.2 and 5.2   Te , respectively. The limits presented in this paper are the best to date in the dijet final state.

Search for direct pair production of supersymmetric partners to the τ lepton in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search is presented for τ slepton pairs produced in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13TeV . The search is carried out in events containing two τ leptons in the final state, on the assumption that each τ slepton decays primarily to a τ lepton and a neutralino. Events are considered in which each τ lepton decays to one or more hadrons and a neutrino, or in which one of the τ leptons decays instead to an electron or a muon and two neutrinos. The data, collected with the CMS detector in 2016 and 2017, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 77.2fb - 1 . The observed data are consistent with the standard model background expectation. The results are used to set 95% confidence level upper limits on the cross section for τ slepton pair production in various models for τ slepton masses between 90 and 200GeV and neutralino masses of 1, 10, and 20GeV . In the case of purely left-handed τ slepton production and decay to a τ lepton and a neutralino with a mass of 1GeV , the strongest limit is obtained for a τ slepton mass of 125GeV at a factor of 1.14 larger than the theoretical cross section.

Search for production of four top quarks in final states with same-sign or multiple leptons in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

The standard model (SM) production of four top quarks ( t t ¯ t t ¯ ) in proton-proton collisions is studied by the CMS Collaboration. The data sample, collected during the 2016-2018 data taking of the LHC, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 137fb - 1 at a center-of-mass energy of 13TeV . The events are required to contain two same-sign charged leptons (electrons or muons) or at least three leptons, and jets. The observed and expected significances for the t t ¯ t t ¯ signal are respectively 2.6 and 2.7 standard deviations, and the t t ¯ t t ¯ cross section is measured to be 12 . 6 - 5.2 + 5.8 fb . The results are used to constrain the Yukawa coupling of the top quark to the Higgs boson, y t , yielding a limit of| y t / y t SM | < 1.7 at 95 % confidence level, where y t SM is the SM value of y t . They are also used to constrain the oblique parameter of the Higgs boson in an effective field theory framework,H ^ < 0.12 . Limits are set on the production of a heavy scalar or pseudoscalar boson in Type-II two-Higgs-doublet and simplified dark matter models, with exclusion limits reaching 350-470GeV and 350-550GeV for scalar and pseudoscalar bosons, respectively. Upper bounds are also set on couplings of the top quark to new light particles.

Measurement of electroweak production of a W boson in association with two jets in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

A measurement is presented of electroweak (EW) production of a W boson in association with two jets in proton-proton collisions ats = 13 Te . The data sample was recorded by the CMS Collaboration at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . The measurement is performed for the ℓ ν jj final state (with ℓ ν indicating a lepton-neutrino pair, and j representing the quarks produced in the hard interaction) in a kinematic region defined by invariant massm jj > 120 Ge and transverse momentap T j > 25 Ge . The cross section of the process is measured in the electron and muon channels yieldingσ EW ( W jj ) = 6.23 ± 0.12 (stat) ± 0.61 (syst) pb per channel, in agreement with leading-order standard model predictions. The additional hadronic activity of events in a signal-enriched region is studied, and the measurements are compared with predictions. The final state is also used to perform a search for anomalous trilinear gauge couplings. Limits on anomalous trilinear gauge couplings associated with dimension-six operators are given in the framework of an effective field theory. The corresponding 95% confidence level intervals are - 2.3 < c W W W / Λ 2 < 2.5 Te - 2 , - 8.8 < c W / Λ 2 < 16 Te - 2 , and - 45 < c B / Λ 2 < 46 Te - 2 . These results are combined with the CMS EW Zjj analysis, yielding the constraint on the c W W W coupling: - 1.8 < c W W W / Λ 2 < 2.0 Te - 2 .

Extraction and validation of a new set of CMS pythia8 tunes from underlying-event measurements

New sets of CMS underlying-event parameters ("tunes") are presented for the pythia8 event generator. These tunes use the NNPDF3.1 parton distribution functions (PDFs) at leading (LO), next-to-leading (NLO), or next-to-next-to-leading (NNLO) orders in perturbative quantum chromodynamics, and the strong coupling evolution at LO or NLO. Measurements of charged-particle multiplicity and transverse momentum densities at various hadron collision energies are fit simultaneously to determine the parameters of the tunes. Comparisons of the predictions of the new tunes are provided for observables sensitive to the event shapes at LEP, global underlying event, soft multiparton interactions, and double-parton scattering contributions. In addition, comparisons are made for observables measured in various specific processes, such as multijet, Drell-Yan, and top quark-antiquark pair production including jet substructure observables. The simulation of the underlying event provided by the new tunes is interfaced to a higher-order matrix-element calculation. For the first time, predictions from pythia8 obtained with tunes based on NLO or NNLO PDFs are shown to reliably describe minimum-bias and underlying-event data with a similar level of agreement to predictions from tunes using LO PDF sets.

Search for Physics beyond the Standard Model in Events with Overlapping Photons and Jets

Results are reported from a search for new particles that decay into a photon and two gluons, in events with jets. Novel jet substructure techniques are developed that allow photons to be identified in an environment densely populated with hadrons. The analyzed proton-proton collision data were collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC, in 2016 at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1}. The spectra of total transverse hadronic energy of candidate events are examined for deviations from the standard model predictions. No statistically significant excess is observed over the expected background. The first cross section limits on new physics processes resulting in such events are set. The results are interpreted as upper limits on the rate of gluino pair production, utilizing a simplified stealth supersymmetry model. The excluded gluino masses extend up to 1.7 TeV, for a neutralino mass of 200 GeV and exceed previous mass constraints set by analyses targeting events with isolated photons.

Search for Low-Mass Quark-Antiquark Resonances Produced in Association with a Photon at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for narrow low-mass resonances decaying to quark-antiquark pairs is presented. The search is based on proton-proton collision events collected at 13 TeV by the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1}, recorded in 2016. The search considers the case where the resonance has high transverse momentum due to initial-state radiation of a hard photon. To study this process, the decay products of the resonance are reconstructed as a single large-radius jet with two-pronged substructure. The signal would be identified as a localized excess in the jet invariant mass spectrum. No evidence for such a resonance is observed in the mass range 10 to 125 GeV. Upper limits at the 95% confidence level are set on the coupling strength of resonances decaying to quark pairs. The results obtained with this photon trigger strategy provide the first direct constraints on quark-antiquark resonance masses below 50 GeV obtained at a hadron collider.

Measurements of triple-differential cross sections for inclusive isolated-photon+jet events in p p collisions at s = 8 TeV

Measurements are presented of the triple-differential cross section for inclusive isolated-photon+jet events in p p collisions ats = 8 TeV as a function of photon transverse momentum ( p T γ ), photon pseudorapidity ( η γ ), and jet pseudorapidity ( η jet ). The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb - 1 that probe a broad range of the available phase space, for| η γ | < 1.44 and1.57 < | η γ | < 2.50 ,| η jet | < 2.5 , 40 < p T γ < 1000 GeV , and jet transverse momentum, p T jet , > 25GeV . The measurements are compared to next-to-leading order perturbative quantum chromodynamics calculations, which reproduce the data within uncertainties.

Measurement of the average very forward energy as a function of the track multiplicity at central pseudorapidities in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

The average total energy as well as its hadronic and electromagnetic components are measured with the CMS detector at pseudorapidities - 6.6 < η < - 5.2 in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energys = 13 TeV . The results are presented as a function of the charged particle multiplicity in the region | η | < 2 . This measurement is sensitive to correlations induced by the underlying event structure over a very wide pseudorapidity region. The predictions of Monte Carlo event generators commonly used in collider experiments and ultra-high energy cosmic ray physics are compared to the data. All generators considered overestimate the fraction of energy going into hadrons.

Search for new physics in top quark production in dilepton final states in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search for new physics in top quark production is performed in proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV . The data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 collected in 2016 with the CMS detector. Events with two opposite-sign isolated leptons (electrons or muons), and b quark jets in the final state are selected. The search is sensitive to new physics in top quark pair production and in single top quark production in association with a W boson. No significant deviation from the standard model expectation is observed. Results are interpreted in the framework of effective field theory and constraints on the relevant effective couplings are set, one at a time, using a dedicated multivariate analysis. This analysis differs from previous searches for new physics in the top quark sector by explicitly separating t W from t t ¯  events and exploiting the specific sensitivity of the t W process to new physics.

Search for a Light Charged Higgs Boson Decaying to a W Boson and a CP-Odd Higgs Boson in Final States with eμμ or μμμ in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for a light charged Higgs boson (H^{+}) decaying to a W boson and a CP-odd Higgs boson (A) in final states with eμμ or μμμ is performed using data from pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, recorded by the CMS detector at the LHC and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1}. In this search, it is assumed that the H^{+} boson is produced in decays of top quarks, and the A boson decays to two oppositely charged muons. The presence of signals for H^{+} boson masses between 100 and 160 GeV and A boson masses between 15 and 75 GeV is investigated. No evidence for the production of the H^{+} boson is found. Upper limits at 95% confidence level are obtained on the combined branching fraction for the decay chain, t→bH^{+}→bW^{+}A→bW^{+}μ^{+}μ^{-}, of 1.9×10^{-6} to 8.6×10^{-6}, depending on the masses of the H^{+} and A bosons. These are the first limits for these decay modes of the H^{+} and A bosons.

Studies of Beauty Suppression via Nonprompt D^{0} Mesons in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The transverse momentum spectra of D^{0} mesons from b hadron decays are measured at midrapidity (|y|<1) in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center of mass energy of 5.02 TeV with the CMS detector at the LHC. The D^{0} mesons from b hadron decays are distinguished from prompt D^{0} mesons by their decay topologies. In Pb-Pb collisions, the B→D^{0} yield is found to be suppressed in the measured p_{T} range from 2 to 100  GeV/c as compared to pp collisions. The suppression is weaker than that of prompt D^{0} mesons and charged hadrons for p_{T} around 10  GeV/c. While theoretical calculations incorporating partonic energy loss in the quark-gluon plasma can successfully describe the measured B→D^{0} suppression at higher p_{T}, the data show an indication of larger suppression than the model predictions in the range of 2<p_{T}<5  GeV/c.

Search for a heavy pseudoscalar boson decaying to a Z and a Higgs boson at s = 13 Te

A search is presented for a heavy pseudoscalar boson A decaying to a Z  boson and a Higgs boson with mass of 125GeV . In the final state considered, the Higgs boson decays to a bottom quark and antiquark, and the Z  boson decays either into a pair of electrons, muons, or neutrinos. The analysis is performed using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 collected in 2016 by the CMS experiment at the LHC from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te . The data are found to be consistent with the background expectations. Exclusion limits are set in the context of two-Higgs-doublet models in the A boson mass range between 225 and 1000GeV .

Search for supersymmetry in events with a photon, jets, b -jets, and missing transverse momentum in proton-proton collisions at 13 Te

A search for supersymmetry is presented based on events with at least one photon, jets, and large missing transverse momentum produced in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 Te . The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 and were recorded at the LHC with the CMS detector in 2016. The analysis characterizes signal-like events by categorizing the data into various signal regions based on the number of jets, the number of b -tagged jets, and the missing transverse momentum. No significant excess of events is observed with respect to the expectations from standard model processes. Limits are placed on the gluino and top squark pair production cross sections using several simplified models of supersymmetric particle production with gauge-mediated supersymmetry breaking. Depending on the model and the mass of the next-to-lightest supersymmetric particle, the production of gluinos with masses as large as 2120 Ge and the production of top squarks with masses as large as 1230 Ge are excluded at 95% confidence level.

Measurement of the t t ¯ production cross section, the top quark mass, and the strong coupling constant using dilepton events in pp collisions at s = 13 Te

A measurement of the top quark-antiquark pair production cross section σ t t ¯ in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13Te is presented. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb - 1 , recorded by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in 2016. Dilepton events ( e ± μ ∓ ,μ + μ - ,e + e - ) are selected and the cross section is measured from a likelihood fit. For a top quark mass parameter in the simulation ofm t MC = 172.5 Ge the fit yields a measured cross sectionσ t t ¯ = 803 ± 2 (stat) ± 25 (syst) ± 20 (lumi) pb , in agreement with the expectation from the standard model calculation at next-to-next-to-leading order. A simultaneous fit of the cross section and the top quark mass parameter in the powheg simulation is performed. The measured value ofm t MC = 172.33 ± 0.14 (stat) - 0.72 + 0.66 (syst) Ge is in good agreement with previous measurements. The resulting cross section is used, together with the theoretical prediction, to determine the top quark mass and to extract a value of the strong coupling constant with different sets of parton distribution functions.

Search for vector-like quarks in events with two oppositely charged leptons and jets in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

A search for the pair production of heavy vector-like partners T and B of the top and bottom quarks has been performed by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC using proton-proton collisions ats = 13 Te . The data sample was collected in 2016 and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . Final states studied for T T ¯ production include those where one of the T quarks decays via T → t Z and the other via T → b W , t Z , or t H , where H is a Higgs boson. For the B B ¯ case, final states include those where one of the B quarks decays via B → b Z and the other B → t W , b Z , or b H . Events with two oppositely charged electrons or muons, consistent with coming from the decay of a Z boson, and jets are investigated. The number of observed events is consistent with standard model background estimations. Lower limits at 95% confidence level are placed on the masses of the T and B quarks for a range of branching fractions. Assuming 100% branching fractions for T → t Z , and B → b Z , T and B quark mass values below 1280 and 1130Ge , respectively, are excluded.

Jet Shapes of Isolated Photon-Tagged Jets in Pb-Pb and pp Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The modification of jet shapes in Pb-Pb collisions, relative to those in pp collisions, is studied for jets associated with an isolated photon. The data were collected with the CMS detector at the LHC at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. Jet shapes are constructed from charged particles with track transverse momenta (p_{T}) above 1  GeV/c in annuli around the axes of jets with p_{T}^{jet}>30  GeV/c associated with an isolated photon with p_{T}^{γ}>60  GeV/c. The jet shape distributions are consistent between peripheral Pb-Pb and pp collisions, but are modified for more central Pb-Pb collisions. In these central Pb-Pb events, a larger fraction of the jet momentum is observed at larger distances from the jet axis compared to pp, reflecting the interaction between the partonic medium created in heavy ion collisions and the traversing partons.

Search for W Boson Decays to Three Charged Pions

For the first time, a search for the rare decay of the W boson to three charged pions has been performed. Proton-proton collision data recorded by the CMS experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 77.3  fb^{-1}, have been analyzed. No significant excess is observed above the background expectation. An upper limit of 1.01×10^{-6} is set at 95% confidence level on the branching fraction of the W boson to three charged pions. This provides a strong motivation for theoretical calculations of this branching fraction.

Measurement of the top quark mass in the all-jets final state at s = 13 TeV and combination with the lepton+jets channel

A top quark mass measurement is performed using 35.9 fb - 1 of LHC proton-proton collision data collected with the CMS detector ats = 13 TeV . The measurement uses the t t ¯ all-jets final state. A kinematic fit is performed to reconstruct the decay of the t t ¯  system and suppress the multijet background. Using the ideogram method, the top quark mass ( m t ) is determined, simultaneously constraining an additional jet energy scale factor ( JSF ). The resulting value ofm t = 172.34 ± 0.20 (stat+JSF) ± 0.70 (syst) GeV is in good agreement with previous measurements. In addition, a combined measurement that uses the t t ¯ lepton+jets and all-jets final states is presented, using the same mass extraction method, and provides an m t measurement of 172.26 ± 0.07 (stat+JSF) ± 0.61 (syst) GeV . This is the first combined m t extraction from the lepton+jets and all-jets channels through a single likelihood function.

Observation of Single Top Quark Production in Association with a Z Boson in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The observation of single top quark production in association with a Z boson and a quark (tZq) is reported. Events from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV containing three charged leptons (either electrons or muons) and at least two jets are analyzed. The data were collected with the CMS detector in 2016 and 2017 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 77.4fb^{-1}. The increased integrated luminosity, a multivariate lepton identification, and a redesigned analysis strategy improve significantly the sensitivity of the analysis compared to previous searches for tZq production. The tZq signal is observed with a significance well over 5 standard deviations. The measured tZq production cross section is σ(pp→tZq→tℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}q)=111±13(stat)_{-9}^{+11}(syst)  fb, for dilepton invariant masses above 30 GeV, in agreement with the standard model expectation.

Observation of Two Excited B_{c}^{+} States and Measurement of the B_{c}^{+}(2S) Mass in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Signals consistent with the B_{c}^{+}(2S) and B_{c}^{*+}(2S) states are observed in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, in an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 143  fb^{-1}, collected by the CMS experiment during the 2015-2018 LHC running periods. These excited b[over ¯]c states are observed in the B_{c}^{+}π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectrum, with the ground state B_{c}^{+} reconstructed through its decay to J/ψπ^{+}. The two states are reconstructed as two well-resolved peaks, separated in mass by 29.1±1.5(stat)±0.7(syst)  MeV. The observation of two peaks, rather than one, is established with a significance exceeding five standard deviations. The mass of the B_{c}^{+}(2S) meson is measured to be 6871.0±1.2(stat)±0.8(syst)±0.8(B_{c}^{+})  MeV, where the last term corresponds to the uncertainty in the world-average B_{c}^{+} mass.

Search for resonant production of second-generation sleptons with same-sign dimuon events in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search is presented for resonant production of second-generation sleptons (μ ~ L ,ν ~ μ ) via the R-parity-violating coupling λ 211 ' to quarks, in events with two same-sign muons and at least two jets in the final state. The smuon (muon sneutrino) is expected to decay into a muon and a neutralino (chargino), which will then decay into a second muon and at least two jets. The analysis is based on the 2016 data set of proton-proton collisions ats = 13 TeV recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . No significant deviation is observed with respect to standard model expectations. Upper limits on cross sections, ranging from 0.24 to 730fb , are derived in the context of two simplified models representing the dominant signal contributions leading to a same-sign muon pair. The cross section limits are translated into coupling limits for a modified constrained minimal supersymmetric model with λ 211 ' as the only nonzero R-parity violating coupling. The results significantly extend restrictions of the parameter space compared with previous searches for similar models.

Combination of Searches for Higgs Boson Pair Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

This Letter describes a search for Higgs boson pair production using the combined results from four final states: bbγγ, bbττ, bbbb, and bbVV, where V represents a W or Z boson. The search is performed using data collected in 2016 by the CMS experiment from LHC proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1}. Limits are set on the Higgs boson pair production cross section. A 95% confidence level observed (expected) upper limit on the nonresonant production cross section is set at 22.2 (12.8) times the standard model value. A search for narrow resonances decaying to Higgs boson pairs is also performed in the mass range 250-3000 GeV. No evidence for a signal is observed, and upper limits are set on the resonance production cross section.

Search for dark matter produced in association with a Higgs boson decaying to a pair of bottom quarks in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

A search for dark matter produced in association with a Higgs boson decaying to a pair of bottom quarks is performed in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13Te collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The analyzed data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 . The signal is characterized by a large missing transverse momentum recoiling against a bottom quark-antiquark system that has a large Lorentz boost. The number of events observed in the data is consistent with the standard model background prediction. Results are interpreted in terms of limits both on parameters of the type-2 two-Higgs doublet model extended by an additional light pseudoscalar boson a (2HDM+ a ) and on parameters of a baryonicZ ' simplified model. The 2HDM+ a model is tested experimentally for the first time. For the baryonicZ ' model, the presented results constitute the most stringent constraints to date.

Search for Narrow Hγ Resonances in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for heavy, narrow resonances decaying to a Higgs boson and a photon (Hγ) has been performed in proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9  fb^{-1} collected with the CMS detector at the LHC in 2016. Events containing a photon and a Lorentz-boosted hadronically decaying Higgs boson reconstructed as a single, large-radius jet are considered, and the γ+jet invariant mass spectrum is analyzed for the presence of narrow resonances. To increase the sensitivity of the search, events are categorized depending on whether or not the large-radius jet can be identified as a result of the merging of two jets originating from b quarks. Results in both categories are found to agree with the predictions of the standard model. Upper limits on the production rate of Hγ resonances are set as a function of their mass in the range of 720-3250 GeV, representing the most stringent constraints to date.

Search for rare decays of Z and Higgs bosons to J / ψ and a photon in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search is presented for decays of Z and Higgs bosons to a J / ψ meson and a photon, with the subsequent decay of the J / ψ toμ + μ - . The analysis uses data from proton-proton collisions with an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 ats = 13 TeV collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The observed limit on the Z → J / ψ γ decay branching fraction, assuming that the J / ψ meson is produced unpolarized, is 1.4 × 10 - 6 at 95% confidence level, which corresponds to a rate higher than expected in the standard model by a factor of 15. For extreme-polarization scenarios, the observed limit changes from - 13.6 to + 8.6 % with respect to the unpolarized scenario. The observed upper limit on the branching fraction for H → J / ψ γ where the J / ψ meson is assumed to be transversely polarized is 7.6 × 10 - 4 , a factor of 260 larger than the standard model prediction. The results for the Higgs boson are combined with previous data from proton-proton collisions ats = 8 TeV to produce an observed upper limit on the branching fraction for H → J / ψ γ that is a factor of 220 larger than the standard model value.

Search for single production of vector-like quarks decaying to a top quark and a W boson in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search is presented for the single production of vector-like quarks in proton-proton collisions ats = 13 TeV . The data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9fb - 1 , were recorded with the CMS experiment at the LHC. The analysis focuses on the vector-like quark decay into a top quark and a W boson, with one muon or electron in the final state. The mass of the vector-like quark candidate is reconstructed from hadronic jets, the lepton, and the missing transverse momentum. Methods for the identification of b quarks and of highly Lorentz boosted hadronically decaying top quarks and W bosons are exploited in this search. No significant deviation from the standard model background expectation is observed. Exclusion limits at 95% confidence level are set on the product of the production cross section and branching fraction as a function of the vector-like quark mass, which range from 0.3 to 0.03pb for vector-like quark masses of 700 to 2000GeV . Mass exclusion limits up to 1660GeV are obtained, depending on the vector-like quark type, coupling, and decay width. These represent the most stringent exclusion limits for the single production of vector-like quarks in this channel.