Journalist: In physics journals, the number of articles reporting the results of experiments involving particle accelerators was lower last year than it had been in previous years. Several of the particle accelerators at major research institutions were out of service the year before last for repairs, so it is likely that the low number of articles was due to the decline in availability of particle accelerators.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the journalist's argument?
ChoiceD does not weaken the journalist’s argument: even if accelerators can be used for several experiments, a reduction in the number of accelerators is likely to lead to a reduction in the number of experiments. E strongly supports an alternative explanation for the decline: