Collider constraints on light pseudoscalars

We investigate the bounds on light pseudoscalars that arise from a variety of collider searches. Special attention is thereby devoted to the mass regions $[3, 5] \, {\rm GeV}$ and $[9,11] \, {\rm GeV}$, in which a meaningful theoretical description has to include estimates of non-perturbative effects such as the mixing of the pseudoscalar with QCD bound states. A compendium of formulas that allows to deal with the relevant corrections is provided. It should prove useful for the interpretation of future LHC searches for light CP-odd spin-0 states.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables; v3: new draft includes the constraints from CMS-PAS-HIG-17-024 and CMS-PAS-HIG-17-029; a similar version has been published in JHEP. also contained in arXiv:1803.1037

Let there be light from a second light Higgs doublet

In this article, we demonstrate that the unexpected peak at around 95 GeV as seen recently by CMS in the di-photon final state can be explained within the type-I two-Higgs-doublet model by means of a moderately-to-strongly fermiophobic CP-even Higgs H. Depending on the Higgs mass spectrum, the production of such a H arises dominantly from vector boson fusion or through a cascade in either $pp\to t\overline{t}$ with $\overset{\left(-\right)}{t}\to {H}^{\pm}\overset{\left(-\right)}{b}\to {W}^{\pm *}H\overset{\left(-\right)}{b}$ or pp → A with A → W$^{∓}$H$^{±}$ → W$^{∓}$W$^{±}$H or via pp → W$^{± ∗}$ → H$^{±}$H. In this context, we also discuss other Higgs anomalies such as the LEP excess in Higgsstrahlung and the observation of enhanced rates in $t\overline{t}h$ at both the Tevatron and the LHC, showing that parameters capable of explaining the CMS di-photon signal can address the latter deviations as well. The Higgs spectra that we explore comprise masses between 80 GeV and 350 GeV. While at present all constraints from direct and indirect searches for spin-0 resonances can be shown to be satisfied for such light Higgses, future LHC data will be able to probe the parameter space that leads to a simultaneous explanation of the discussed anomalies.In this article, we demonstrate that the unexpected peak at around $95 \, {\rm GeV}$ as seen recently by CMS in the di-photon final state can be explained within the type-I~two-Higgs-doublet model by means of a moderately-to-strongly fermiophobic CP-even Higgs $H$. Depending on the Higgs mass spectrum, the production of such~a~$H$ arises dominantly from vector boson fusion or through a cascade in either $pp \to t \bar t$ with $\overset{(-)}{t} \to H^{\pm} \overset{(-)}{b} \to W^{\pm \, \ast} H \overset{(-)}{b}$ or $pp \to A$ with $A \to W^{\mp} H^{\pm} \to W^{\mp} W^{\pm} H$ or via $pp \to W^{\pm \, \ast} \to H^\pm H$. In this context, we also discuss other Higgs anomalies such as the LEP excess in Higgsstrahlung and the observation of enhanced rates in $t \bar t h$ at both the Tevatron and the LHC, showing that parameters capable of explaining the CMS di-photon signal can address the latter deviations as well. The Higgs spectra that we explore comprise masses between $80 \, {\rm GeV}$ and $350\, {\rm GeV}$. While at present all constraints from direct and indirect searches for spin-0 resonances can be shown to be satisfied for such light Higgses, future LHC data will be able to probe the parameter space that leads to a simultaneous explanation of the discussed anomalies

Functionalized Electrospun Scaffold–Human-Muscle-Derived Stem Cell Construct Promotes In Vivo Neocartilage Formation

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a non-cytotoxic, completely biodegradable biomaterial, ideal for cartilage tissue engineering. Despite drawbacks such as low hydrophilicity and lack of functional groups necessary for incorporating growth factors, it provides a proper environment for different cells, including stem cells. In our study, we aimed to improve properties of scaffolds for better cell adherence and cartilage regeneration. Thus, electrospun PCL–scaffolds were functionalized with ozone and loaded with TGF-β3. Together, human-muscle-derived stem cells (hMDSCs) were isolated and assessed for their phenotype and potential to differentiate into specific lineages. Then, hMDSCs were seeded on ozonated (O) and non-ozonated (“naïve” (NO)) scaffolds with or without protein and submitted for in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro studies showed that hMDSC and control cells (human chondrocyte) could be tracked for at least 14 days. We observed better proliferation of hMDSCs in O scaffolds compared to NO scaffolds from day 7 to day 28. Protein analysis revealed slightly higher expression of type II collagen (Coll2) on O scaffolds compared to NO on days 21 and 28. We detected more pronounced formation of glycosaminoglycans in the O scaffolds containing TGF-β3 and hMDSC compared to NO and scaffolds without TGF-β3 in in vivo animal experiments. Coll2-positive extracellular matrix was observed within O and NO scaffolds containing TGF-β3 and hMDSC for up to 8 weeks after implantation. These findings suggest that ozone-treated, TGF-β3-loaded scaffold with hMDSC is a promising tool in neocartilage formation