A bstractIn view of recent experimental indications of violations of Lepton Flavor Universality (LFU) in B decays, we analyze constraints and implications of LFU interactions, both using an effective theory approach, and an explicit dynamical model. We show that a simple dynamical model based on a SU(2)L triplet of massive vector bosons, coupled predominantly to third generation fermions (both quarks and leptons), can significantly improve the description of present data. In particular, the model decreases the tension between data and SM predictions concerning: i) the breaking of τ-μ universality in B→D(*)ℓν decays; ii) the breaking of μ-e universality in B → Kℓ+ℓ− decays. Indirectly, the model might also decrease the discrepancy between exclusive and inclusive determinations of |Vcb| and |Vub|. The minimal version of the model is in tension with ATLAS and CMS direct searches for the new massive vectors (decaying into τ+τ− pairs), but this tension can be decreased with additional non-standard degrees of freedom. Further pre-dictions of the model both at low- and high-energies, in view of future high-statistics data, are discussed.

BackgroundThe optimal management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remains a topic of debate among trauma surgeons. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of the sinus tarsi approach in regard to the incidence of deep infection and amputation following open reduction and internal fixation intra-articular calcaneal fractures.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures treated with internal fixation through the sinus tarsi approach in a five year period. All surgeries were performed in a single level one trauma center by a single orthopedic trauma fellowship trained surgeon.ResultsSeventeen patients with an average age of 36.6 ± 13.6 years (range 12–61 years) met the inclusion criteria. The time between injury and surgery was on average 6.1 days (range 1–22 days). Average follow up was 116 ± 78.2 days (range 3–276 days). Two patients (11.7%) had diabetes mellitus. None of the patients required amputation. Three patients (17.6%) developed deep infection and underwent subsequent formal irrigation and debridement, two of these requiring multiple repeat surgeries in addition to hardware removals. Negative pressure wound therapy and long term antibiotics via peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) were necessary in these three patients with wound infections.ConclusionThe sinus tarsi approach for intra fixation intra-articular calcaneal fractures is safe as compared to the traditional extensile approach in regard to flap necrosis and amputation. However, the rate of deep infection was higher than previously described in the literature.

We speculate about the possible interpretations of the recently observed excess in the h → τμ decay. We derive a robust lower bound on the Higgs boson coupling strength to a tau and a muon, even in presence of the most general new physics affecting other Higgs properties. Then we reevaluate complementary indirect constraints coming from low energy observables as well as from theoretical considerations. In particular, the tentative signal should lead to τ → μγ at rates which could be observed at Belle II. In turn we show that, barring fine-tuned cancellations, the effect can only be accommodated within models with an extended scalar sector. These general conclusions are demonstrated using a number of explicit new physics models. Finally we show how, given the h → τμ signal, the current and future searches for μ → eγ and μ → e nuclear conversions unambiguously constrain the allowed rates for h → τe.

High dynamic range (HDR) imaging has become one of the foremost imaging methods capable of capturing and displaying the full range of lighting perceived by the human visual system in the real world. A number of HDR compression methods for both images and video have been developed to handle HDR data, but none of them has yet been adopted as the method of choice. In particular, the backwards-compatible methods that always maintain a stream/image that allow part of the content to be viewed on conventional displays make use of tone mapping operators which were developed to view HDR images on traditional displays. There are a large number of tone mappers, none of which is considered the best as the images produced could be deemed subjective. This work presents an alternative to tone mapping-based HDR content compression by identifying a single exposure that can reproduce the most information from the original HDR image. This single exposure can be adapted to fit within the bit depth of any traditional encoder. Any additional information that may be lost is stored as a residual. Results demonstrate quality is maintained as well, and better, than other traditional methods. Furthermore, the presented method is backwards-compatible, straightforward to implement, fast and does not require choosing tone mappers or settings.