The roles of inductive modelling and coherence in Bayesian statistics

Summary The role of the inductive modelling process (IMP) seems to be of practical importance in Bayesian statistics; it is recommended that the statistician should emphasise meaningful real-life considerations rather than more formal aspects such as the axioms of coherence. It is argued that whilst axiomatics provide some motivation for the Bayesian philosophy, the real strength of Bayesianism lies in its practical advantages and in its plausible representation of real-life processes. A number of standard procedures, e.g., validation of results, choosing between different models, predictive distributions, the linear model, sufficiency, tail area behaviour of sampling distributions, and hierarchical models are reconsidered in the light of the IMP philosophy, with a variety of conclusions. For example, whilst mathematical theory and Bayesian methodology are thought to prove invaluable techniques at many local points in a statician’s IMP, a global theoretical solution might restrict the statistician’s inductive thought processes. The linear statistical model is open to improvement in a number of medical and socio-economic situations; a simple Bayesian alternative related to logistic discrimination analysis often, leads to better conclusions for the inductive modeller.     

The interaction of a cationic silane coupling agent with mica

Carbon analysis was used as a method for measuring the quantity of a cationic vinyl benzyl silane (CVBS) adsorbed onto the surface of mica. The results obtained indicate that CVBS can be applied from aqueous solution over a wide pH range with best treatment in neutral and acidic media. The amount adsorbed depends on the concentration of the treating solution in the lower concentration range while in the higher range, the adsorption is less dependent on concentration. The relationship, silane adsorption vs. time of treatment, shows a steplike dependence. It is suggested that each step corresponds to a monolayer coverage. The data indicate that CVBS on mica is a highly ordered and closely packed multilayer phase with the silane molecules oriented normal to the surface. The multilayer adsorption of silane onto silane in this system may be compared in some respects to polymer crystal growth.     

Does television violence cause aggression?

In a previous study 3rd graders who preferred violent TV programs were rated more aggressive in school by peers. In a 10-yr follow-up, 211 males and 216 females of the original 875 Ss were interviewed as to their television habits and again rated their peers on aggressive behavior. It was found that the violence of programs preferred by male 3rd graders was even more strongly related to aggression 10 yr. later. Cross-lagged correlations, partial correlations, and multiple regression indicate a probable causative influence of watching violent TV programs in early formative years on later aggression. Although TV violence was not the only cause of aggressive behavior, its effect was relatively independent and explained a larger proportion of variance than any other single factor studied, e.g., IQ, social status, ethnicity, and parental disharmony. (24 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Further Aspects of Bisulphite Setting of Wool Carpet Yarns in a Tape Scouring Machine

The benefit of using a hot sodium perborate solution, as well as hot-water rinsing, as a stabilizing treatment in the reductive setting of wool carpet yarn is minimal. Using a tape scouring machine, yarn should be treated with a solution prepared from sodium metabisulphite and adjusted to pH 7, followed by thorough rinsing with hot water, to set the twist. A bisulphite solution of pH 6 has poor pH stability at 85d?C, but at pH 7 the pH is stable for at least 5 h. The bisulphite concentration decreases with time at both pH values at this temperature. The use of alternatives to sodium metabisulphite, e.g. monoethanolamine sulphite, needs careful consideration on a cost-benefit basis. On a basis of equal SO₂ content, the degree of set is similar with various compounds.     

Mesoporous silicon particles as a multistage delivery system for imaging and therapeutic applications

Many nanosized particulate systems are being developed as intravascular carriers to increase the levels of therapeutic agents delivered to targets, with the fewest side effects. The surface of these carriers is often functionalized with biological recognition molecules for specific, targeted delivery. However, there are a series of biological barriers in the body that prevent these carriers from localizing at their targets at sufficiently high therapeutic concentrations. Here we show a multistage delivery system that can carry, release over time and deliver two types of nanoparticles into primary endothelial cells. The multistage delivery system is based on biodegradable and biocompatible mesoporous silicon particles that have well-controlled shapes, sizes and pores. The use of this system is envisioned to open new avenues for avoiding biological barriers and delivering more than one therapeutic agent to the target at a time, in a time-controlled fashion.     

Acoustic interactions in broods of nestling birds (Tachycineta bicolor).

Studies of acoustic interactions in animal groups, such as chorusing insects, anurans, and birds, have been invaluable in showing how cooperation and competition shape signal structure and use. The begging calls of nestling birds are ideal for such studies, because they function both as a cooperative signals of the brood's needs and as competitive signals for parental allocation within the brood. Nonetheless, studies of acoustic interactions among nestlings are rare. Here we review our work on acoustic interactions in nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), especially how calls are used in competition for parental feedings. Nestlings attracted parental attention and responded to acoustic interference mainly by increasing call output. However, nestlings also gave more similar calls when they called together and decreased their call bandwidth when exposed to elevated noise. We suggest that these competitive uses of calls might intensify the cooperative brood signal, affecting both parental provisioning and vocal development. Given their tremendous variation across species, begging calls offer promising opportunities for developmental and comparative studies of acoustic signaling. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)