Like-Sign W-Boson Scattering at the LHC -- Approximations and Full Next-to-Leading-Order Predictions

We present a new calculation of next-to-leading-order corrections of the strong and electroweak interactions to like-sign W-boson scattering at the Large Hadron Collider, implemented in the Monte Carlo integrator Bonsay. The calculation includes leptonic decays of the $\mathrm{W}$ bosons. It comprises the whole tower of next-to-leading-order contributions to the cross section, which scale like $\alpha_\mathrm{s}^3\alpha^4$, $\alpha_\mathrm{s}^2\alpha^5$, $\alpha_\mathrm{s}\alpha^6$, and $\alpha^7$ in the strong and electroweak couplings $\alpha_\mathrm{s}$ and $\alpha$. We present a detailed survey of numerical results confirming the occurrence of large pure electroweak corrections of the order of $\sim-12\%$ for integrated cross sections and even larger corrections in high-energy tails of distributions. The electroweak corrections account for the major part of the complete next-to-leading-order correction, which amounts to $15{-}20\%$ in size, depending on the details of the event selection chosen for analysing vector-boson-scattering. Moreover, we compare the full next-to-leading-order corrections to approximate results based on the neglect of contributions that are not enhanced by the vector-boson scattering kinematics (VBS approximation) and on resonance expansions for the $\mathrm{W}$-boson decays (double-pole approximation); the quality of this approximation is good within $\sim 1.5\%$ for integrated cross sections and the dominating parts of the differential distributions. Finally, for the leading-order predictions, we construct different versions of effective vector-boson approximations, which are based on cross-section contributions that are enhanced by collinear emission of $\mathrm{W}$ bosons off the initial-state (anti)quarks; in line with previous findings in the literature, it turns out that the approximative quality is rather limited for applications at the LHC.Comment: 57 pages, 70 figure

Percutaneous posterolateral approach for the simulation of a far-lateral disc herniation in an ovine model

This work describes a minimally invasive damage model for ovine lumbar discs via partial nucleotomy using a posterolateral approach. Two cadavers were dissected to analyze the percutaneous corridor. Subsequently, 28 ovine had their annulus fibrosus punctured via awl penetration under fluoroscopic control and nucleus pulposus tissue removed via rongeur. Efficacy was assessed by animal morbidity, ease of access to T12-S1 disc spaces, and production of a mechanical injury as verified by discography, radiography, and histology. T12-S1 were accessible with minimal nerve damage morbidity. Scar tissue sealed the disc puncture site in all animals within 6 weeks, withstanding 1 MP of intradiscal pressure. Partial nucleotomy led to a significant reduction in intervertebral disk height and an increased histological degeneration score. Inducing a reproducible injury pattern of disc degeneration required minimal time, effort, and equipment. The posterolateral approach allows operation on several discs within a single surgery and multiple animal surgeries within a single day.Peer reviewe

A biomanufacturing facility based on continuous processing and single use technology

Bayers vision of the Biofacility of the Future is developed within the Mobidik project. A pilot plant with a complete production line of monoclonal antibodies from fermentation to final drug substance has been established. All parts in contact with the product are made in single use technology and the process is run as an integrated, fully continuous process. The process control system and the PAT concept are developed to achieve a high level of automation limiting the need for manual handling to a minimum. Issues related to GMP compliance are being addressed at an early stage. A detailed GMP risk analysis and a concept for product release are being developed. The pilot plant is used to provide a proof of concept for the process technology and to lay the foundation for building a production plant with a capacity of 150 kg/a. In particular, the pilot plant is used to demonstrate process robustness and GMP readiness. The concept for the production plant is based on the four design criteria; 100% single use equipment, continuous processing, closed processing and “ballroom” production. Compared to traditional facilities this concept is significantly less complex which results in a number of benefits. The engineering, construction, commissioning, qualification and validation of the facility are much faster. Flexibility is achieved through the decoupling of the equipment from the building. The facility is smaller, has reduced investment and production cost as well as reduced energy and water consumption. It should therefore be possible to build the production facility in less than two years for less than 20 million €

Minorities on the Homefront: 'Enemy Alien' Internment in the British Empire 1914-1919. Education Learning Resource for use in Scottish prison learning centres.

Education resource containing materials and activities on internment camps during the First World War. Developed for schools in the context of a collaborative AHRC grant, by Rosemary Hannay and Stefan Manz. The version for use in prisons was modified by Anne Schwan and Kirsty Cameron as consultants

Towards the implementation of a continuous bioprocess in single use technology

Bayer has developed a new production technology for monoclonal antibodies based on single use equipment and continuous processing. The development is referred to as the MoBiDiK project (Modular, Biologics, Disposable and Continuous) and was presented at the ICB 1 and ICB 2 conferences. At the ICB 3 conference we will focus on the topics that are critical to the implementation of the technology in a GMP production environment. These are: Process robustness, GMP readiness of the equipment, automation as well as process control and product release strategies

Intervertebral Disc Regeneration Injection of a Cell-Loaded Collagen Hydrogel in a Sheep Model

Degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs) were treated with autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) loaded into an injectable collagen scaffold in a sheep model to investigate the implant's therapeutic potential regarding the progression of degeneration of previously damaged discs. In this study, 18 merino sheep were subjected to a 3-step minimally invasive injury and treatment model, which consisted of surgically induced disc degeneration, treatment of IVDs with an ASC-loaded collagen hydrogel 6 weeks post-operatively, and assessment of the implant's influence on degenerative tissue changes after 6 and 12 months of grazing. Autologous ASCs were extracted from subcutaneous adipose tissue and cultivated in vitro. At the end of the experiment, disc heights were determined by mu-CT measurements and morphological tissue changes were histologically examined.Histological investigations show that, after treatment with the ASC-loaded collagen hydrogel implant, degeneration-specific features were observed less frequently. Quantitative studies of the degree of degeneration did not demonstrate a significant influence on potential tissue regeneration with treatment. Regarding disc height analysis, at both 6 and 12 months after treatment with the ASC-loaded collagen hydrogel implant a stabilization of the disc height can be seen. A complete restoration of the intervertebral disc heights however could not be achieved.The reported injection procedure describes in a preclinical model a translational therapeutic approach for degenerative disc diseases based on adipose-derived stem cells in a collagen hydrogel scaffold. Further investigations are planned with the use of a different injectable scaffold material using the same test model.Peer reviewe

Lustspielabend: A Night at Stobs [Programme Brochure accompanying public performances]

This programme brochure was developed for audiences attending the 'A Night at Stobs' evening of theatre and music in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Hawick in June 2018. It contains information on the background to the performance, and the wider context of creativity in First World War internment camps, as well as details of the project team

Micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy and energy X-ray spectroscopy studies of facet joint degeneration : A comparison to clinical imaging

Segmental degeneration in the human lumbar spine affects both the intervertebral discs and facet joints. Facet joint degeneration not only affects the cartilage surface, but also alters the cellular properties of the cartilage tissue and the structure of the subchondral bone. The primary focus of this study is the investigation of these microstructural changes that are caused by facet joint degeneration. Microstructural analyses of degenerated facet joint samples, obtained from patients following operative lumbar interbody fusion, have not previously been extensively investigated. This study analyzes human facet joint samples from the inferior articular process using scanning electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to evaluate parameters of interest in facet joint degeneration such as elemental composition, cartilage layer thickness and cell density, calcification zone thickness, subchondral bone portion, and trabecular bone porosity. These microstructural analyses demonstrate fragmentation, cracking, and destruction of the cartilage layer, a thickened calcification zone, localized calcification areas, and cell cluster formation as pathological manifestations of facet joint degeneration. The detailed description of these microstructural changes is critical for a comprehensive understanding of the pathology of facet joint degeneration, as well as the subsequent development and efficacy analysis of regenerative treatment strategies.Peer reviewe