From HIV infection to AIDS: A dynamically induced percolation transition?

The origin of the unusual incubation period distribution in the development of AIDS is largely unresolved. A key factor in understanding the observed distribution of latency periods, as well as the occurrence of infected individuals not developing AIDS at all, is the dynamics of the long lasting struggle between HIV and the immune system. Using a computer simulation, we study the diversification of viral genomes under mutation and the selective pressure of the immune system.In common infections vast spreading of viral genomes usually does not takes place. In the case of an HIV infection this may occur, as the virus successively weakens the immune system by depletion of CD4+ cells.In a sequence space framework, this leads to a dynamically induced percolation transition, corresponding to the onset of AIDS. As a result, we obtain the prolongated shape of the incubation period distribution, as well as a finite fraction of non-progressors that do not develop AIDS, comparing well with results from recent clinical research.Comment: 7 pages RevTeX, 4 figure

One for the books: a bibliographical ‘gleaning’ for CP.

Studies a unique copy of the pioneering monograph on Leonardo’s own personal library, and the fate of that very copy across the years, as it passed from scholar to scholar, all intent upon identifying the titles on Leonardo’s bookshelves

The ARTstor Digital Library: A case study in Collection Building

ARTstor is a non-profit initiative, founded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. ARTstor’s mission is to use digital technology to enhance scholarship, teaching and learning in the arts and associated fields. In pursuing this goal in collaboration with others, ARTstor is developing – and will continually expand – a library of digital images and accompanying information, in order to support the needs of scholars, teachers and students. ARTstor works closely with content providers as well as users at educational and cultural institutions throughout the world to develop this public utility

… Par che sia mio destino…: The prophetic dream in Leonardo and in Dante.

Argues for Dante's impact on Leonardo da Vinci's famous "childhood memory.

Art History and the Digital Humanities:

Invited response to "Hubertus Kohle, "Kunstgeschichte und Digital Humanities. Einladung zu einer Debatte/Art History and the Digital Humanities. Invitation to a Debate

ISCEV Standard for Clinical Electro-oculography (EOG) 2006

The Clinical Electro-oculogram (EOG) is an electrophysiological test of function of the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in which the change in the electrical potential between the cornea and the ocular fundus is recorded during successive periods of dark and light adaptation. This document sets out a Standard Method for performance of the test, and also gives detailed guidance on technical and practical issues, and on reporting test results. The main object of the Standard is to promote consistent quality of testing and reporting within and between centres. This 2006 Standard, from the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV: www.iscev.org ), is a revision of the previous Standard published in 1993, and reviewed and re-issued in 1998

From Purgatory to the Primavera: Some Observations on Botticelli and Dante

In diesem Artikel, der bereits in einer Sonderpublikation zum Gedenken an den Künstler und Kunsthistoriker Philipp P. Fehl veröffentlicht wurde, wird Botticellis Primavera im Kontext der literarischen und intellektuellen Philosophie des Künstlers, insbesondere seiner lebenslangen Fazination mit Dante, untersucht. Das Gemälde wird als Versuch des Künstlers betrachtet, die Thematik von Dantes irdischem Paradies am Ende des Purgatorio in sein Medium zu übertragen. Diese Themen werden im Kontext von Cristoforo Landinos Kommentar zu Dante aus dem Jahr 1481 in Augenschein genommen. Landino sah in Dantes irdischem Paradies eine Allegorie der moralischen und geistigen Reise von Dantes Seele vom vita voluptuosa über dem vita activa bis zum vita contemplativa, eine Reise, die sich, wie Dantes Weg insgesamt, unter dem Einfluß der himmlischem Venus vollzog. Die Primavera wird als visuelle Variation der selben Thematik betrachtet, im all'antica Stil und im Einklang mit Dantes klassischen Anspielungen, insbesondere wie sie von Landino gedeutet wurden. Die Primavera zeugt noch immer von einer Ausdruckskraft, mit der Botticelli sich anderen Dante-Schülern wie Leonardo da Vinci und Michelangelo versuchte, sich zu vergleichen. Erstmals publizierte in: Artibus et Historiae 24, no. 48, 2003, p.199-212

The Wielders of The Three and Other Trees

Traces roots and characteristics of several of Tolkien’s characters in religious systems and symbols. Argues that “the bearers of the three Elven rings—Galadriel, Elrond, and Gandalf [...] as well as the older bearers Gil-galad and Círdan—[are] archetypal figures of a Moon-Water Goddess, a Sky-Air-Thunder God, and a Sun-Fire God.

\u3ci\u3eThe Scarecrow\u3c/i\u3e

I stand before thee, fool unmanned, my body strewn with ruby signs