Singular 0/1-matrices, and the hyperplanes spanned by random 0/1-vectors

Let $P(d)$ be the probability that a random 0/1-matrix of size $d \times d$ is singular, and let $E(d)$ be the expected number of 0/1-vectors in the linear subspace spanned by d-1 random independent 0/1-vectors. (So $E(d)$ is the expected number of cube vertices on a random affine hyperplane spanned by vertices of the cube.) We prove that bounds on $P(d)$ are equivalent to bounds on $E(d)$: $$P(d) = (2^{-d} E(d) + \frac{d^2}{2^{d+1}}) (1 + o(1)).$$ We also report about computational experiments pertaining to these numbers.Comment: 9 page

A new ventrops (Diptera: Rhinophoridae) from Ethiopia

A new species of the Afrotropical endemic rhinophorid genus Ventrops is described, illustrated and compared with congeners

Attitude to Secondary Prevention and Concerns about Colonoscopy Are Independent Predictors of Acceptance of Screening Colonoscopy

Background: Colonoscopy in combination with endoscopic polypectomy has been shown to be an efficient measure for reducing colorectal cancer incidence. In Germany, a colorectal cancer screening program based on colonoscopy for individuals aged 55 and above was introduced in 2002. However, for largely unknown reasons, participation rates remain low. The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing compliance with colorectal cancer screening. Methods: A structured survey of 239 individuals aged 55-79 years ;was performed. Statistical analysis included chi(2) test, t test, principal component analysis, and logistic regression. Results: 56% of previously screened, but only 26% of non-screened individuals had received a recommendation to undergo screening colonoscopy. 50% of the non-screened believed a screening colonoscopy should only be performed in case of complaints. Univariate analysis identified participation in any secondary prevention measures (p < 0.001), concerns about colonoscopy (p < 0.012), and knowledge about colorectal cancer (p < 0.001) as critical issues distinguishing between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that secondary prevention (p < 0.001) and concerns about colonoscopy (p = 0.026) were independent predictors of compliance with screening recommendations. Conclusion: Our survey has identified critical factors deterring compliance with colorectal cancer screening recommendations. This will help to direct future campaigns in order to increase participation in colorectal cancer screening. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Base

Gnathostomiasis nach Aufenthalt in Thailand.

During a 4-week holiday in Thailand a 13-year-old boy from Germany briefly fell ill with diarrhoea without blood-tinged stools and fever. 5 months later oedematous, reddish swellings occurred, at first on the right upper arm, later over the right side of the chest. Especially at night these swellings were associated with severe local and generalized itching. Bilaterally the axillary lymph-nodes were hard and slightly enlarged. There was a marked eosinophilia of 56%, the white count was 22,700/microliters and the serum level of IgE was raised to 1777 IU/ml. No worm eggs or larvae were found in the stool. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum as antigen, demonstrated antibodies against this nematode. Gnathostomiasis having been diagnosed treatment was started with albendazole (200 mg twice daily for 21 days), after which the boy was symptom free. After 2 months the eosinophilia had regressed to 10%, the white cell count was normal and the antibody titre had fallen

Prearranged glycosides part 16. Non-symmetrically tethered glycosides via o-Hydroxycarbonyl-benzylidene-glycosides

An asymmetric o-methylbenzoyl tether for intramolecular glycosylations is prepared from o-methoxycarbonyl-benzylidene glucosamine by benzylation, saponification, condensation with phenyl 3,4,6-benzyl-1-thio-glucoside, and regioselective ring opening of the benzylidene moiety. Thus obtained prearranged glycoside affords the corresponding beta(1,4)-linked disaccharide as the major product

Validated Load Profiles in Terms of Density Functions for Residential and Non-residential Buildings in Order to Enhance the Simulation Capability in a Comprehensive Urban Simulation Environment

AbstractIn order to maintain a sufficient performance and a time efficient duration within an entire urban simulation environment, the simulation efforts for single buildings supposed to be as low and as capable as possible. By generalizing all heating load curves by using particular density functions, the result is a heating density load curve for residential buildings depending on a particular construction period. Only the input of a certain urban development scenario that is going to be investigated within the URBEM and the quantity of buildings is needed to generate aggregated, location and time dissolved heating load curves

Trade in wild anurans vectors the urodelan pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans into Europe

Pathogen pollution has caused dramatic losses of amphibian diversity on a global scale. The recently emerged chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has been hypothesized to have its origin in Asian urodelan populations, from which it may have been introduced to Europe through the trade in live urodelans. We here show that Bsal is present on wild small-webbed fire-bellied toads (Bombina microdeladigitora) from Vietnam and on representatives of the same species that have recently been imported in Germany. This finding suggests that the installment of measures to mitigate the Bsal threat through the amphibian trade should not be limited to urodeles, but should equally take anurans into account