Capturing Truthiness: Mining Truth Tables in Binary Datasets

We introduce a new data mining problem: mining truth tables in binary datasets. Given a matrix of objects and the properties they satisfy, a truth table identifies a subset of properties that exhibit maximal variability (and hence, complete independence) in occurrence patterns over the underlying objects. This problem is relevant in many domains, e.g., bioinformatics where we seek to identify and model independent components of combinatorial regulatory pathways, and in social/economic demographics where we desire to determine independent behavioral attributes of populations. Besides intrinsic interest in such patterns, we show how the problem of mining truth tables is dual to the problem of mining redescriptions, in that a set of properties involved in a truth table cannot participate in any possible redescription. This allows us to adapt our algorithm to the problem of mining redescriptions as well, by first identifying regions where redescriptions cannot happen, and then pursuing a divide and conquer strategy around these regions. Furthermore, our work suggests dual mining strategies where both classes of algorithms can be brought to bear upon either data mining task. We outline a family of levelwise approaches adapted to mining truth tables, algorithmic optimizations, and applications to bioinformatics and political datasets

Variable energy X-ray photoemission studies of alkylsilane based monolayers on gold

Gaseous n-hexylsilane (C6H13SiH3), n-octylsilane (C8H17SiH3), and n-octadecylsilane (C18H37SiH3) have been vapor deposited in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) on freshly evaporated gold surfaces to form monolayers. Surface sensitive X-ray photoemission studies utilizing synchrotron radiation in the 160-360 eV range have been used to characterize these systems. Analyses of the C 1s, Si 2p, and Au 4f and valence band regions permit a structural assessment of the monolayer. The full width at half-maximum of the Si 2p and C 1s core levels, 0.4 and 1.2 or 1.1 eV, respectively, suggest the monolayers are chemically homogeneous. The intensity variation of the Au 4f and Si 2p core levels at different photon energies indicate the surface coverage of the monolayer is ∼96% and the chain orientation is upright on the surface, not parallel to the surface. The valence band of the alkylsilane monolayers exhibit features at ∼-13.2, -14.6, -16.3, -17.6, and -18.9 eV that agree well with those observed for alkyl chains of the same length

Formation of alkylsilane-based monolayers on gold

The formation of monolayers of alkylsilanes on a gold surface is characterized by X-ray photoelectron and reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopies. The reaction occurs through the activation of multiple Si-H bonds. Reactivity of the newly synthesized systems to oxygen and water is reported. Copyright © 2002 American Chemical Society

Оценивание устойчивого развития окружающей среды на субнациональном уровне в Украине

Рассмотрены существующие методы оценивания устойчивого развития окружающей среды (самостоятельные индикаторы, а также их системы и индексы). Предложен индекс устойчивого развития окружающей среды для оценивания взаимоотношений с окружающей средой на уровне регионов Украины, учитывающий национальные приоритеты в экологической политике. По предложенному региональному индексу получены экологические профили и рейтинг областей Украины.Розглянуто існуючі методи оцінювання сталого розвитку довкілля (самостійні індикатори, а також їх системи та індекси). Запропоновано індекс сталого розвитку довкілля для оцінювання взаємовідносин із навколишнім середовищем на рівні регіонів України, який враховує національні пріоритети в екологічній політиці. За запропонованим регіональним індексом отримано екологічні профілі і рейтинг областей України.The existing methods for assessment of the environment sustainable development (independent indicators, their systems and indices) are considered. The environment sustainability index for assessment of relations with the environment at a regional level for Ukraine is proposed, which takes into account the national priorities in ecological policy. Ecological profiles and rating of the Ukrainian regions are obtained according to the proposed regional index

Emerging role of insulin with incretin therapies for management of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive disease warranting intensification of treatment, as beta-cell function declines over time. Current treatment algorithms recommend metformin as the first-line agent, while advocating the addition of either basal-bolus or premixed insulin as the final level of intervention. Incretin therapy, including incretin mimetics or enhancers, are the latest group of drugs available for treatment of T2DM. These agents act through the incretin axis, are currently recommended as add-on agents either as second-or third-line treatment, without concurrent use of insulin. Given the novel role of incretin therapy in terms of reducing postprandial hyperglycemia, and favorable effects on weight with reduced incidence of hypoglycemia, we explore alternative options for incretin therapy in T2DM management. Furthermore, as some evidence alludes to incretins potentially increasing betacell mass and altering disease progression, we propose introducing these agents earlier in the treatment algorithm. In addition, we suggest the concurrent use of incretins with insulin, given the favorable effects especially in relation to weight gain

Perfil sanguíneo e peso de órgãos internos de bezerros leiteiros criados em diferentes sistemas de aleitamento

Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil sanguíneo e o tamanho absoluto e relativo dos órgãos internos de bezerros em sistema de aleitamento convencional ou fracionado. Foram utilizadas 10 fêmeas, com peso corporal inicial médio de 37,53 kg (±2,36) e 12 machos com peso corporal médio de 81,6 kg (±8,6), ambos da raça Holandesa. O aleitamento convencional constituiu-se de quatro litros de leite fornecidos diariamente durante 54 dias de avaliação e o fracionado, de seis litros do 6º ao 25º dias de idade, quatro litros do 26º ao 45º dias de idade e dois litros do 46º ao 59º dias de idade, além de concentrado, feno de Cynodon sp., água e suplemento mineral fornecidos ad libitum. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco repetições para os parâmetros sanguíneos e seis repetições para o desenvolvimento dos órgãos internos. As coletas de sangue foram realizadas nas fêmeas nos dias sete, 21, 28, 42, 49 e 56 de idade. Para a avaliação dos órgãos internos os machos foram abatidos aos dois meses de idade, após jejum de 16 horas. Não foram observadas diferenças para os valores de proteínas totais, albumina, globulina, creatinina, ureia, colesterol e β-hidroxibutirato nas idades avaliadas (p>0,05). Entretanto, para a concentração de glicose houve interação entre os sistemas de aleitamento e os períodos avaliados, podendo ser observado que com 21 dias de idade a concentração foi maior nas bezerras mantidas em sistema fracionado, quando comparadas aos animais do grupo convencional. O sistema de aleitamento não alterou o peso corporal final, peso corporal final vazio e o peso dos órgãos internos, exceto para o coração, demonstrando que o sistema de aleitamento fracionado não altera as avaliações dos órgãos internos