Bayesian Networks for Max-linear Models

We study Bayesian networks based on max-linear structural equations as introduced in Gissibl and Kl\"uppelberg [16] and provide a summary of their independence properties. In particular we emphasize that distributions for such networks are generally not faithful to the independence model determined by their associated directed acyclic graph. In addition, we consider some of the basic issues of estimation and discuss generalized maximum likelihood estimation of the coefficients, using the concept of a generalized likelihood ratio for non-dominated families as introduced by Kiefer and Wolfowitz [21]. Finally we argue that the structure of a minimal network asymptotically can be identified completely from observational data.Comment: 18 page

Ecological resilience in lakes and the conjunction fallacy

There is a pressing need to apply stability and resilience theory to environmental management to restore degraded ecosystems effectively and to mitigate the effects of impending environmental change. Lakes represent excellent model case studies in this respect and have been used widely to demonstrate theories of ecological stability and resilience that are needed to underpin preventative management approaches. However, we argue that this approach is not yet fully developed because the pursuit of empirical evidence to underpin such theoretically grounded management continues in the absence of an objective probability framework. This has blurred the lines between intuitive logic (based on the elementary principles of probability) and extensional logic (based on assumption and belief) in this field

Алкогольные виртуальные реальности. Девиртуализация синдрома зависимости от алкоголя

Представлен новый взгляд на синдром зависимости от алкоголя с позиций виртуалистики как на параллельную виртуальную реальность. Подробно освещена рассматриваемая проблема, описан разработанный автором метод лечения алкоголизма ФорсажТМ и показана его высокая эффективность.A new idea about syndrome of alcohol addiction as a parallel virtual reality is presented. The problem is discussed in detail, the original method of treatment of alcoholism Forsazh(tm) is described, its high efficacy is shown

Morbidity related to defunctioning ileostomy closure after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and low colonic anastomosis

Purpose Defunctioning ileostomies are widely performed in order to prevent or treat anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine morbidity related to stoma closure and to identify predictive factors of a complicated postoperative course. Methods A consecutive series of 138 patients were retrospectively analyzed after stoma reversal. Data collection included general demographics and surgery-related aspects. Morbidity related to stoma closure was retrieved from our prospectively collected registry of complications. Results In 74 of 138 patients, defunctioning ileostomy was performed after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouchanal anastomosis (IPAA). The remaining ileostomies (n=64) were constructed after a low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. A total of 46 complications were recorded in 28 patients resulting in an overall complication rate of 20.3%. Anastomotic leakage rate was 4.3%, and reoperation rate was 8.0%. The number of complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification was 5 for grade I (10.9%), 26 for grade II (56.5%), 13 for grade III (28.3%), 1 for grade IV (2.2%), and 1 for grade V (2.2%). Multivariate analysis revealed a significantly higher ASA score in the complicated group (P=0.015, odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.2-5.6). Conclusions Closure of a defunctioning ileostomy is associated with 20% morbidity and a reoperation rate of 8%. There is an urgent need for criteria on which a more selective use of a defunctioning ileostomy after low colonic anastomosis or IPAA can be based given its associated morbidit

The case for open science: rare diseases.

The premise of Open Science is that research and medical management will progress faster if data and knowledge are openly shared. The value of Open Science is nowhere more important and appreciated than in the rare disease (RD) community. Research into RDs has been limited by insufficient patient data and resources, a paucity of trained disease experts, and lack of therapeutics, leading to long delays in diagnosis and treatment. These issues can be ameliorated by following the principles and practices of sharing that are intrinsic to Open Science. Here, we describe how the RD community has adopted the core pillars of Open Science, adding new initiatives to promote care and research for RD patients and, ultimately, for all of medicine. We also present recommendations that can advance Open Science more globally

Substitution of adeno-associated virus Rep protein binding and nicking sites with human Chromosome 19 sequences

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) preferentially integrates its DNA at a ~2 kb region of human chromosome 19, designated <it>AAVS1 </it>(also known as <it>MBS85</it>). Integration at <it>AAVS1 </it>requires the AAV2 replication (Rep) proteins and a DNA sequence within <it>AAVS1 </it>containing a 16 bp Rep recognition sequence (RRS) and closely spaced Rep nicking site (also referred to as a terminal resolution site, or <it>trs</it>). The AAV2 genome is flanked by inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). Each ITR contains an RRS and closely spaced <it>trs</it>, but the sequences differ from those in <it>AAVS1</it>. These ITR sequences are required for replication and packaging.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study we demonstrate that the <it>AAVS1 </it>RRS and <it>trs </it>can function in AAV2 replication, packaging and integration by replacing a 61 bp region of the AAV2 ITR with a 49 bp segment of <it>AAVS1 </it>DNA. Modifying one or both ITRs did not have a large effect on the overall virus titers. These modifications did not detectably affect integration at <it>AAVS1</it>, as measured by semi-quantitative nested PCR assays. Sequencing of integration junctions shows the joining of the modified ITRs to <it>AAVS1 </it>sequences.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The ability of these <it>AAVS1 </it>sequences to substitute for the AAV2 RRS and <it>trs </it>provides indirect evidence that the stable secondary structure encompassing the <it>trs </it>is part of the AAV2 packaging signal.</p