From Magnitudes to Geometry and Back: De Zolt's Postulate.

A crucial trend of nineteenth-century mathematics was the search for pure foundations of specific mathematical domains by avoiding the obscure concept of magnitude. In this paper, we examine this trend by considering the "fundamental theorem" of the theory of plane area: "If a polygon is decomposed into polygonal parts in any given way, then the union of all but one of these parts is not equivalent to the given polygon." This proposition, known as De Zolt's postulate, was conceived as a strictly geometrical expression of the general principle of magnitudes "the whole is greater than the part." On the one hand, we illustrate this striving for purity in the foundations of geometry by analysing David Hilbert's classical proof of De Zolt's postulate. On the other hand, we connect this geometrical problem with the first axiomatizations of the concept of magnitude by the end of the nineteenth century. In particular, we argue that a recent result in the logical analysis of the concept of magnitude casts new light on Hilbert's proof. We also outline an alternative development of a theory of magnitude that includes a proof of De Zolt's postulate in an abstract setting.

Logical Analysis of Multiple Single-Nucleotide-Polymorphisms with Programmable DNA Molecular Computation for Clinical Diagnostics.

Analyzing complex single-nucleotide-polymorphism (SNP) combinations in the genome is important for research and clinical applications, given that different SNP combinations can generate different phenotypic consequences. Recent works have shown that DNA-based molecular computing is powerful for simultaneously sensing and analyzing complex molecular information. Here, we designed a switching circuit-based DNA computational scheme that can integrate the sensing of multiple SNPs and simultaneously perform logical analysis of the detected SNP information to directly report clinical outcomes. As a demonstration, we successfully achieved automatic and accurate identification of 21 different blood group genotypes from 83 clinical blood samples with 100 % accuracy compared to sequencing data in a more rapid manner (3 hours). Our method enables a new mode of automatic and logical sensing and analyzing subtle molecular information for clinical diagnosis, as well as guiding personalized medication.

Review of Methods to Equate Target Sets in the Adapted Alternating Treatments Design.

The adapted alternating treatments design is a commonly used experimental design in skill acquisition research. This design allows for the evaluation of two or more independent variables on responding to unique target sets. Equating target sets is necessary to ensure a valid comparison of the independent variables. To date, there is little guidance on best practice when equating target sets and it is unclear how researchers have done so previously. We reviewed the reported methods used to equate target sets in articles published using the adapted alternating treatments design in five behavior-analytic journals. Just over half of the studies published using the adapted alternating treatments design reported any method to equate target sets and the methods varied considerably. Alternative methods, such as random assignment, were prevalent. Considerations for best practice and avenues for future research are discussed.

On the Quantum Chemical Nature of Lead(II) "Lone Pair".

We study the quantum chemical nature of the Lead(II) valence basins, sometimes called the lead "lone pair". Using various chemical interpretation tools, such as molecular orbital analysis, natural bond orbitals (NBO), natural population analysis (NPA) and electron localization function (ELF) topological analysis, we study a variety of Lead(II) complexes. A careful analysis of the results shows that the optimal structures of the lead complexes are only governed by the 6s and 6p subshells, whereas no involvement of the 5d orbitals is found. Similarly, we do not find any significant contribution of the 6d. Therefore, the Pb(II) complexation with its ligand can be explained through the interaction of the 6s2 electrons and the accepting 6p orbitals. We detail the potential structural and dynamical consequences of such electronic structure organization of the Pb (II) valence domain.

Being Deceived: Information Asymmetry in Second-Order False Belief Tasks.

We analyze four well-known second-order false belief tasks. Superficially, all four tasks share a common logical structure: All are based around a principle of inertia, which says that an agent's beliefs are preserved over time, unless the agent receives information to the contrary. However, a deeper analysis reveals details that are both suggestive and puzzling. First, the four tasks exemplify all four possibilities inherent in the two dimensions of being-deceived versus not-being-deceived and change-in-world versus change-in-belief-only. Second, there is a feature common to all four tasks: All come with a "built in" first-order false belief. We call these inner first-order false beliefs. They introduce an informational asymmetry that has the same logical form in all four tasks, but whose role is unclear. We do two things in this paper. First, we show that inner first-order false beliefs play an important (though seemingly unremarked) role in the experimental design of the tasks. Second, we present some empirical results (for both typically developing children and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder) on the effects of being-deceived versus not-being-deceived and change-in-world versus change-in-belief-only on second-order reasoning ability.

Dual sensing of glutathione and acidic pH values by using MnO2 nanosheets and 3-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one as a fluorescent pH probe.

A multifunctional nanoprobe is described for dual sensing of acidic pH values and glutathione (GSH) by combining the pH-responsive fluorescent probe 3-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (AHC) and MnO2 nanosheets. The fluorescence of the MnO2/AHC composite is weak due to an inner filter effect. If, however, the MnO2 nanosheets are reductively decomposed by GSH, the blue fluorescence of the pH probe AHC (with excitation/emission maximum at 417/456 nm) will be restored. The MnO2 nanosheets also are decomposed by acidic pH values, and the fluorescence of AHC is decreased. According to absorbance and fluorescence signal changes, the pH and GSH induced responses can be easily distinguished. Thus, the nanoprobe can be used for logical analysis of acidic pH values and GSH. The nanoprobe works in the pH range from 4 to 7, and GSH can be determined in the concentration range from 0.5 to 200 µM. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a multifunctional nanoprobe for dual sensing of acidic pH values and glutathione by combining a pH-responsive fluorescent probe and MnO2 nanosheets. According to absorbance and fluorescence signal changes, the nanoprobe can be used for logical analysis.

A Classification Model to Predict the Rate of Decline of Kidney Function.

The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK), a randomized double-blinded treatment trial, was motivated by the high rate of hypertension-related renal disease in the African-American population and the scarcity of effective therapies. This study describes a pattern-based classification approach to predict the rate of decline of kidney function using surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization/time of flight proteomic data from rapid and slow progressors classified by rate of change in glomerular filtration rate. An accurate classification model consisting of 7 out of 5,751 serum proteomic features is constructed by applying the logical analysis of data (LAD) methodology. On cross-validation by 10-folding, the model was shown to have an accuracy of 80.6 ± 0.11%, sensitivity of 78.4 ± 0.17%, and specificity of 78.5 ± 0.16%. The LAD discriminant is used to identify the patients in different risk groups. The LAD risk scores assigned to 116 AASK patients generated a receiver operating curves curve with AUC 0.899 (CI 0.845-0.953) and outperforms the risk scores assigned by proteinuria, one of the best predictors of chronic kidney disease progression.

Automated Design of Synthetic Cell Classifier Circuits Using a Two-Step Optimization Strategy.

Cell classifiers are genetic logic circuits that transduce endogenous molecular inputs into cell-type-specific responses. Designing classifiers that achieve optimal differential response between specific cell types is a hard computational problem because it involves selection of endogenous inputs and optimization of both biochemical parameters and a logic function. To address this problem, we first derive an optimal set of biochemical parameters with the largest expected differential response over a diverse set of logic circuits, and second, we use these parameters in an evolutionary algorithm to select circuit inputs and optimize the logic function. Using this approach, we design experimentally feasible microRNA-based circuits capable of perfect discrimination for several real-world cell-classification tasks. We also find that under realistic cell-to-cell variation, circuit performance is comparable to standard cross-validation performance estimates. Our approach facilitates the generation of candidate circuits for experimental testing in therapeutic settings that require precise cell targeting, such as cancer therapy.

A logical analysis of the reform of physicians' compensation system in public hospitals in China:A case study of Sanming City, Fujian Province / 中国卫生政策研究

Public hospital reform is the key to medical reform in China, and it is found that there is an obvious effect boundary between the zero margin drug profit and adjustment of medical service price reform, after looking back to progresses in these years.Mainly because it is not reasonable to cut off and change the internal motivation of supplier-induced demand, by the above two polices, It is of great concern to arouse medical staff''s enthusiasm about public hospital reform, by adjusting the remuneration system of the public hospital, which is also the most deep-seated mechanism problem of Public hospital reform.Starting from the overall policy framework of Public hospital reform in Sanming city, this study illuminates the inherent logic and margin of effect between the policies of reform of physicians'' remuneration system.From the analysis, it has been realized that physicians'' compensation system is the logic foundation of deep-rooted institutional problem.The present study draws a conclusion that it is not realistic to make great achievement by one or more policies.Meanwhile, it is rational to reach consensus on key links and progress of reform, by the deep understanding and analysis of public policy integrality.

Effectiveness of Social Marketing Interventions to Promote Physical Activity Among Adults: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Social marketing managers promote desired behaviors to an audience by making them tangible in the form of environmental opportunities to enhance benefits and reduce barriers. This study proposed "benchmarks," modified from those found in the past literature, that would match important concepts of the social marketing framework and the inclusion of which would ensure behavior change effectiveness. In addition, we analyzed behavior change interventions on a "social marketing continuum" to assess whether the number of benchmarks and the role of specific benchmarks influence the effectiveness of physical activity promotion efforts. METHODS: A systematic review of social marketing interventions available in academic studies published between 1997 and 2013 revealed 173 conditions in 92 interventions. RESULTS: Findings based on χ2, Mallows' Cp, and Logical Analysis of Data tests revealed that the presence of more benchmarks in interventions increased the likelihood of success in promoting physical activity. The presence of more than 3 benchmarks improved the success of the interventions; specifically, all interventions were successful when more than 7.5 benchmarks were present. Further, primary formative research, core product, actual product, augmented product, promotion, and behavioral competition all had a significant influence on the effectiveness of interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Social marketing is an effective approach in promoting physical activity among adults when a substantial number of benchmarks are used and when managers understand the audience, make the desired behavior tangible, and promote the desired behavior persuasively.

A comparison of the standard category test with a new computer version.

The Halstead Category Test is a popular measure of abstraction, concept formation, and logical analysis skills. Due to its large apparatus, however, ease of administration of the standard Category Test is limited. For this reason, a number of computer versions of the Category Test have been developed to facilitate its administration. The current study evaluated the equivalence of a new computer version to the standard Category Test in a sample of undergraduate students. Analyses revealed that the two versions did not differ significantly on subtest error scores, total error scores, or Neuropsychological Deficit Scale scores. Results of the current study support the equivalence of this new computer version to the standard version of the Category Test.

Effort for money? Farmers' rationale for participation in agri-environment measures with different implementation complexity.

European agri-environment programmes are based on the common principle that farmers deliver environmental services for which society pays. Due to the voluntary nature of agri-environment measures (AEM), the issue of farmers' motives or reasons for participation has been an important topic of investigation in past years. The present paper examines farmers' rationale for participation in AEM against the backdrop of continued debate over whether to develop relatively simple measures that can be readily applied by many farmers or give greater priority to measures that are more targeted - i.e. to the specific management requirement of particular habitats or species - but are often more complex. The paper draws on empirical material from a case study in the Dyle valley, Belgium, including in-depth interviews, expert consultations and a mail survey. It was sought not only to identify and quantify the importance of separate reasons for participation, but also to reveal how these reasons and other elements of relevance were logically interrelated in the explanation that farmers themselves give for their participation. As a result, six modes or styles of participation were identified: opportunistic, calculative, compensatory, optimising, catalysing and engaged. The analyses suggest that there were notable differences in that both separate reasons for and modes of participation do vary with the complexity of the measures' requirements. Overall, the study demonstrates that participation in AEM is not simply a matter of weighing the money against the effort for adoption. Whereas money is an important driver for participation (in particular, for those adopting complex AEM) it plays widely differing roles depending on the level of farmers' reasoning (farm enterprise, single practice or landscape feature) and the importance they give to other considerations (environmental effect, production potential of land, goodness of fit, etc.). Practical implications are drawn for both policy makers and programme managers who develop and make available tailor-made support.

Enunciado lógico-periciales en los dictámenes médico legales / Logical statement-expert in forensic reports

El autor realiza un análisis lógico de la argumentación pericial explicando desde el punto de vista lógico, en que consisten los enunciados y las proposiciones periciales. Propone una clasificación para las últimas ajustadas al razonamiento lógico del experto médico forense y acuña el término de: "Lógica pericial"...

The Logics Analysis on the Present Doctor-Patient Relationship System / 中国医学伦理学

This paper studies the Doctor-Patient relationship(DPR),especially about the logical system of the relationship.Through the positivism analysis,we compare the traditional DPR with the present DPR.