Lattice QCD calculation of the B(s)→D(s)∗ℓν{{B}_{(s)}\to D_{(s)}^{*}\ell{\nu}} form factors at zero recoil and implications for ∣Vcb∣{|V_{cb}|}

We present results of a lattice QCD calculation of $B\to D^*$ and $B_s\to D_s^*$ axial vector matrix elements with both states at rest. These zero recoil matrix elements provide the normalization necessary to infer a value for the CKM matrix element $|V_{cb}|$ from experimental measurements of $\bar{B}^0\to D^{*+}\ell^-\bar{\nu}$ and $\bar{B}^0_s\to D_s^{*+}\ell^-\bar{\nu}$ decay. Results are derived from correlation functions computed with highly improved staggered quarks (HISQ) for light, strange, and charm quark propagators, and nonrelativistic QCD for the bottom quark propagator. The calculation of correlation functions employs MILC Collaboration ensembles over a range of three lattice spacings. These gauge field configurations include sea quark effects of charm, strange, and equal-mass up and down quarks. We use ensembles with physically light up and down quarks, as well as heavier values. Our main results are $\mathcal{F}^{B\to D^*}(1)= 0.895\pm 0.010_{\mathrm{stat}}\pm{{0.024}_{\mathrm{sys}}}$ and $\mathcal{F}^{B_s\to D_s^*}(1)= 0.883\pm 0.010_{\mathrm{stat}}\pm{0.028_{\mathrm{sys}}}$. We discuss the consequences for $|V_{cb}|$ in light of recent investigations into the extrapolation of experimental data to zero recoil.Comment: 23 pages. v3: Typos corrected. v2: Improved treatment of finite volume effects. Small change to some results (but smaller than the quoted uncertainties). Version accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Spatialising Early and Late Modernity: Representations of London in Peter Ackroyd’s The House of Dr. Dee and Hawksmoor

Peter Ackroyd’s Hawksmoor (1985) and The House of Dr. Dee (1993) are examples of a distinctive British form of contemporary experimental historical fiction, and through representations of London they explore the popular dimension of early modernity, showing how the capital’s spaces both embodied and produced multiple modernity, as well as the unsung pre-modern allegiances that critiqued modern forms. While the novels’ respective Renaissance and post-Restoration settings allow them to explore different stages in the development of both London modernity and resistant forms, their juxtaposition of early and late modern narratives establishes a compelling parallel between early modern and late twentieth-century London. Both sets of narratives also stage a shift away from modern forms towards inherited pre-modern allegiances, connecting this to a new relationship with the capital’s inheritance of pre-Reformation and Gothic built space, as well as an equivalent tradition of London writing, one in which Ackroyd’s novels themselves participate

New genetics and diagnosis of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Over the last 50 years, while significant advances have been made in the successful treatment of childhood leukaemia, similar progress has been made in understanding the genetics of the disease. In childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL), the incidences of individual chromosomal abnormalities are well established and cytogenetics provides a reliable tool for risk stratification for treatment. In spite of this role, a number of patients will relapse. Increasing numbers of additional genetic changes, including deletions and mutations, are being discovered. Their associations with established cytogenetic subgroups and with each other remain unclear. Whether they have a link to outcome is the most important factor in terms of refinement of risk factors in relation to clinical trials. For a number of newly identified abnormalities, appropriately modified therapy has significantly improved outcome. Alternatively, some of these aberrations are providing novel molecular markers for targeted therapy

Clawback Provisions in Real Estate Investment Trusts

Using a sample of 195 unique real estate investment trusts (REITs), we examine factors related to the adoption of clawback provisions within managerial compensation contracts. In general, we find strong and consistent empirical evidence that clawback provision are directly related to firm size, complexity, leverage, growth options, monitoring incentives, and CEO performance incentives. We also find that clawbacks are associated with enhanced market and accounting performance, with stronger performance relations observed for adoption decisions tied directly to regulatory mandates. In sum, we conclude compensation clawback provisions represent a value-relevant, strategic governance mechanism for REITs

The Riddle of the Sphinx: Population Ecology of the Endangered Blackburnʻs Sphinx Moth, Manduca blackburni (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) on an Invasive Host Plant.

M.S

Unlocking the potential of anti-CD33 therapy in adult and childhood acute myeloid leukaemia

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) develops when there is a block in differentiation and uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid precursors, resulting in bone marrow failure. AML is a heterogeneous disease clinically, morphologically, and genetically, and biological differences between adult and childhood AML have been identified. AML comprises 15-20% of all children less than fifteen years diagnosed with acute leukaemia. Relapse occurs in up to 40% of children with AML and is the commonest cause of death.1,2 Relapse arises from leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) that persist after conventional chemotherapy. The treatment of AML is challenging and new strategies to target LSCs are required. The cell surface marker CD33 has been identified as a therapeutic target, and novel anti-CD33 immunotherapies are promising new agents in the treatment of AML. This review will summarise recent developments emphasising the genetic differences in adult and childhood AML, while highlighting the rationale for CD33 as a target for therapy, in all age groups