A structured overview on the use of computational simulators for teaching statistical methods

Modern technology is affecting what is taught and how statistics is taught. Computer intensive methods like bootstrapping, generalized regression, coordinate exchange algorithms and computer experiment emulators are now part of the statistical toolkit. In parallel with these new methods and tools, a similar evolution appears in statistical education. Simulators offer opportunities for hands-on experience in the classroom, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In this article, we map a wide range of simulation based tools used in teaching statistical methods, putting them in the context of a quality ladder representing various maturity levels of organizations and course level sophistication. The mapping is designed to help educators assess and integrate options related to the incorporation of simulators as teaching aids in an educational and pedagogical roadmap. The mapping is applied to specific simulation products but provides a general framework that can be expanded and used in a generic way.     

Re-engineering the tender code for construction works

The UK's NJCC Code of Procedure for Single Stage Selective Tendering (now withdrawn) and its successor, the CIB's Code of Practice for the Selection of Main Contractors are criticized in the light of decisions of the common law courts with regard to regulation of the tendering process. It is argued that a new ‘Tendering Code’ should be produced in the style and format of a contract document which reflects not only the statutory regulation imposed on public bodies, but common law decisions of the courts. The nature of this tendering contract is explained as a means of regulating the tendering process. Issues discussed are: dealing with errors and irregularities found in tenders; dealing with non-compliant tenders; dealing with tender withdrawal prior to its acceptance or rejection; making provisions as to time for submission of tenders and dealing with late tenders; making provision for submission of tender by fax or other electronic means; making provision for evaluation of tenders received; and imposing or negotiating reductions in price with tenderers prior to acceptance. The paper concludes that the common law obligations placed on the owner to treat all tenderers equally and fairly and to apply the tender conditions when evaluating tenders and awarding contracts seems to be good common sense and of commercial advantage, not only to the immediate parties concerned but also to the wider community.     

Solution Structure and Constrained Molecular Dynamics Study of Vitamin B12 Conjugates of the Anorectic Peptide PYY(3–36)

Vitamin B₁₂–peptide conjugates have considerable therapeutic potential through improved pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic properties imparted on the peptide upon covalent attachment to vitamin B₁₂ (B₁₂). There remains a lack of structural studies investigating the effects of B₁₂ conjugation on peptide secondary structure. Determining the solution structure of a B₁₂–peptide conjugate or conjugates and measuring functions of the conjugate(s) at the target peptide receptor may offer considerable insight concerning the future design of fully optimized conjugates. This methodology is especially useful in tandem with constrained molecular dynamics (MD) studies, such that predictions may be made about conjugates not yet synthesized. Focusing on two B₁₂ conjugates of the anorectic peptide PYY(3–36), one of which was previously demonstrated to have improved food intake reduction compared with PYY(3–36), we performed NMR structural analyses and used the information to conduct MD simulations. The study provides rare structural insight into vitamin B₁₂ conjugates and validates the fact that B₁₂ can be conjugated to a peptide without markedly affecting peptide secondary structure.     

Health care reform is coming.

During my career in Congress, we have achieved some success in expanding health insurance coverage and keeping services affordable, but the problem of 46 million uninsured and 25 million underinsured must be addressed. In February 2009, I introduced the Healthy Americans Act (S. 391/H.R. 1321; Wyden, 2009), a comprehensive bipartisan health care reform bill that covers all Americans without breaking the bank, by weaving together the Democratic idea that we need to give every single person in the country health care coverage and the Republican belief in a private-market approach. This bill would favorably affect providers in nonprofit institutions, public institutions, and school systems, by ending cost shifting from public program underpayments to the privately insured. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

High Activity Solid Base Catalysts for Alkenyl Aromatic Isomerisation

The isomerisation of allylbenzene, dimethoxyallylbenzene (4-allyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzene), eugenol (2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol), and estragole (4-allylanisole) into their respective cis/trans internal alkenyl aromatics has been studied over a supported solid base catalysts (K₂CO₃/alumina). The catalyst was active at 305 K with conversions as high as 36%. However all reactants cause deactivation of the catalyst.