Conditionals,Counterfactuals, and Rational Reasoning: An Experimental Study on Basic Principles

We present a unified approach for investigating rational reasoning about basic argument forms involving indicative conditionals, counterfactuals, and basic quantified statements within coherence-based probability logic. After introducing the rationality framework, we present an interactive view on the relation between normative and empirical work. Then, we report a new experiment which shows that people interpret indicative conditionals and counterfactuals by coherent conditional probability assertions and negate conditionals by negating their consequents. The data support the conditional probability interpretation of conditionals and the narrow-scope reading of the negation of conditionals. Finally, we argue that coherent conditional probabilities are important for probabilistic analyses of conditionals, nonmonotonic reasoning, quantified statements, and paradoxes.     

Evaluation of Lipophilic Antioxidant Efficacy in Vivo by the Biomarkers Hydroxyoctadecadienoic Acid and Isoprostane

The evaluation of antioxidant activity in vivo is difficult. In this study, the effects of dietary natural and synthetic antioxidants on the lipid peroxidation in mice were assessed using a biomarker, total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (tHODE). Biological samples such as plasma, erythrocytes, and tissues were first reduced and then saponified to convert various oxidation products of linoleates to tHODE. Subsequently, the absolute concentration of tHODE and its stereoisomer ratio, [9- and 13-(Z,E)-HODE)/[9- and 13-(E,E)-HODE], which is a measure of the hydrogen donor capacity of antioxidants, were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses. These were then compared with total 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (t8-iso-PGF_2α) which was also assessed after reduction and saponification. Remarkable increases in tHODE and t8-iso-PGF_2α levels were observed in the plasma, erythrocytes, liver, and brain of mice that were fed an α-tocopherol (αT)-stripped (E-free) diet for 1 month when compared with those of mice that were fed a standard diet (αT = 0.002 wt%). When mice were fed for 1 month on an E-free diet supplemented with a lipophilic antioxidant (0.04 wt%), namely, αT, α-tocotrienol (αT3), γ-tocopherol (γT), or 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxy-4,6-di-tert-butyl-2,2-dipentylbenzofuran (BO-653), a potent synthetic antioxidant, the increases of tHODE and t8-iso-PGF_2α in the plasma, erythrocytes, liver, and brain were suppressed to the levels lower than those of mice fed a standard diet. The (Z,E/E,E) HODE ratio was decreased in the plasma and erythrocytes of mice fed the E-free diet when compared with that in mice fed the standard diet. This stereo-isomeric ratio was significantly recovered by the addition of αT and BO-653. These results show that the tHODE level and the (Z,E/E,E) HODE ratio are useful biomarkers for the assessment of antioxidant capacity in vivo and that the antioxidant capacity decreased in the order: BO-653 > αT3 ≧ αT, γT, as assessed by tHODE levels from blood, liver, and brain.     

Determination of Carbohydrate‐Binding Preferences of Human Galectins with Carbohydrate Microarrays

Galectins are a class of carbohydrate‐binding proteins named for their galactose‐binding preference and are involved in a host of processes ranging from homeostasis of organisms to immune responses. As a first step towards correlating the carbohydrate‐binding preferences of the different galectins with their biological functions, we determined carbohydrate recognition fine‐specificities of galectins with the aid of carbohydrate microarrays. A focused set of oligosaccharides considered relevant to galectins was prepared by chemical synthesis. Structure–activity relationships for galectin–sugar interactions were determined, and these helped in the establishment of redundant and specific galectin actions by comparison of binding preferences. Distinct glycosylations on the basic lactosyl motifs proved to be key to galectin binding regulation—and therefore galectin action—as either high‐affinity ligands are produced or binding is blocked. High‐affinity ligands such as the blood group antigens that presumably mediate particular functions were identified.     

Corrosion and protection of carbon steel in low enthalpy geothermal fluids. The case of SOUSAKI IN Greece

This experimental work is aimed at evaluating first, the effect of a solution simulating the geothermal fluid of the field in Sousaki, New Korinthia, on the corrosion of bare steel, and, second, the protective performance that certain combinations of organic coatings provide. This evaluation resulted from corrosion potential measurements, mass loss measurements, corrosion rate estimates by the Tafel method, and visual ranking of the degree of rusting and blistering. Six combinations of organic coatings were tested. Four of them consisted of water-based paints as primer, as well as intermediate and topcoat. Of the two remaining combinations, the first comprised a water-based primer, including dispersed tannin and a two-component epoxy resin topcoat, while the second consisted of a two-component acrylic primer, containing chromate pigments and the same epoxy resin topcoat as above. All coating combinations tested exhibited protective performance. The results of the water-based coatings were less satisfactory than those of the two combinations containing the epoxy resin topcoat.     

Establishment of long-term preservation for dimethyl sulfide by the solid-phase microextraction method

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) derived from marine biological activity affects radiative forcing of the climate. The general analytical technique for DMS in seawater (purge and trap analytical method, P&T) is complex onboard ship. Thus it is difficult to obtain sufficient data for a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal variability of DMS in the sea surface layer. On the other hand, a new analytical method for DMS using SPME (solid-phase microextraction) has recently been developed as an alternative method to P&T. This method is simpler than P&T because no special or complex apparatus is needed. If it is possible to preserve DMS for an extended period in excess of the duration of the cruise, the SPME method is a promising method for measuring DMS in seawater. We assessed an analytical method which can allow us to preserve DMS on the long-term scale using SPME. In liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C), as preserved environment, for a period of 20 days after sampling, we found the preservation rate of DMS to be 94.7 +/- 4.4% (n = 6) in this study. Furthermore, estimating the distribution coefficient with respect to the effect of salinity on SPME, we found that DMS changed by 0.1 nM/% sal, suggesting that salinity has only a minor influence on oceanic DMS measurements in the open ocean because the minimal change of the open ocean salinity is within 2 %. Applying the SPME method to open ocean samples, we found that there were no significant differences in DMS between the unpreserved and preserved samples (r = 0.99, n = 26, SE = 0.01, p < 0.0001), showing the SPME method has potential for use for open ocean surveys.     

Quantitative analysis of deuterium in zircaloy using double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) and helium gas plasma without a sample chamber

A crucial safety measure to be strictly observed in the operation of heavy-water nuclear power plants is the mandatory regular inspection of the concentration of deuterium penetrated into the zircaloy fuel vessels. The existing standard method requires a tedious, destructive, and costly sample preparation process involving the removal of the remaining fuel in the vessel and melting away part of the zircaloy pipe. An alternative method of orthogonal dual-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) is proposed by employing flowing atmospheric helium gas without the use of a sample chamber. The special setup of ps and ns laser systems, operated for the separate ablation of the sample target and the generation of helium gas plasma, respectively, with properly controlled relative timing, has succeeded in producing the desired sharp D I 656.10 nm emission line with effective suppression of the interfering H I 656.28 nm emission by operating the ps ablation laser at very low output energy of 26 mJ and 1 μs ahead of the helium plasma generation. Under this optimal experimental condition, a linear calibration line is attained with practically zero intercept and a 20 μg/g detection limit for D analysis of zircaloy sample while creating a crater only 10 μm in diameter. Therefore, this method promises its potential application for the practical, in situ, and virtually nondestructive quantitative microarea analysis of D, thereby supporting the more-efficient operation and maintenance of heavy-water nuclear power plants. Furthermore, it will also meet the anticipated needs of future nuclear fusion power plants, as well as other important fields of application in the foreseeable future.     

Sensor network algorithms and applications

A sensor network is a collection of nodes with processing, communication and sensing capabilities deployed in an area of interest to perform a monitoring task. There has now been about a decade of very active research in the area of sensor networks, with significant accomplishments made in terms of both designing novel algorithms and building exciting new sensing applications. This Theme Issue provides a broad sampling of the central challenges and the contributions that have been made towards addressing these challenges in the field, and illustrates the pervasive and central role of sensor networks in monitoring human activities and the environment.     

Drivers and barriers for implementation of environmental strategies in manufacturing companies

In order for environmental strategies to come into effect in industry practice, they need to be implemented and applied in daily business routines. Based on a dedicated comprehensive international survey in product developing and manufacturing companies, this paper identifies major current drivers for implementing product life cycle oriented environmental strategies but also barriers and obstacles that need to be addressed. On this basis it provides a number of recommendations for manufacturing companies as well as policy makers to consider for a successful implementation of strategic environmental goals in manufacturing industry.     

Use of the BioHole™ device for the creation of tunnel tracks for buttonhole cannulation of fistula for hemodialysis

Buttonhole cannulation is a method of cannulation of native arteriovenous fistulae traditionally practiced by self‐cannulators. At St Michael's Hospital, this method has been modified to allow its use in problematic fistulae by multiple cannulators. In a busy dialysis unit, the need for a few specific cannulators to establish the tunnel tracks in combination with the variable dialysis schedules creates logistical challenges. A new method of creating tunnel tracks with the use of the BioHole^? device was evaluated. Buttonhole tracks were created in 12 patients using a peg of polycarbonated material with a holder (BioHole^? kit). The peg was inserted into the path left by the hemodialysis sharp needle following the index cannulation. Four of the 12 patients had an alternate access. Buttonhole tracks were successfully created in all the patients, albeit in 2 patients, the initial attempt to establish buttonhole tracks was aborted due to complications and the procedure was rescheduled. Compared with the modified buttonhole technique, pain on cannulation following track creation was significantly less in the BioHole^? group (P<0.001). Ease of cannulation was significantly improved in the BioHole^? group (P<0.05) when compared with that in thrice‐weekly patients using the modified buttonhole technique. Hemostasis postdialysis did not differ between the study groups. The use of the BioHole^? device is effective in the creation of tunnel tracks for buttonhole cannulation, is associated with less pain, and simplifies the logistics of arranging patient and nurses' schedules.     

Structural tuning of wide‐gap chalcopyrite CuGaSe2 thin films and highly efficient solar cells: differences from narrow‐gap Cu(In,Ga)Se2

Simultaneous realization of high values of open circuit voltage (V_oc), fill factor (FF), and energy conversion efficiency (η) in wide‐gap CuGaSe₂ (CGS) solar cells has long been one of the most challenging issues in the realm of chalcopyrite photovoltaics. In this communication, structural tuning of CGS thin films by means of controlling the amount of Se flux used during CGS film growth and improvements in solar cell performance (V_oc > 0.9 V, FF > 0.7, and η > 10%) are demonstrated. Systematic variations in CGS film properties with the Se flux and correlation with device properties are shown. The unique CGS thin‐film growth kinetics, which are different from narrow‐gap Cu(In,Ga)Se₂, are also presented and discussed. This development of double digit efficiency for CGS solar cells opens a new frontier for the broad application of a new class of chalcopyrite‐based devices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.