The Relaxed Edge-Coloring Game and \u3cem\u3ek\u3c/em\u3e-Degenerate Graphs

The (r, d)-relaxed edge-coloring game is a two-player game using r colors played on the edge set of a graph G. We consider this game on forests and more generally, on k-degenerate graphs. If F is a forest with ∆(F) = ∆, then the first player, Alice, has a winning strategy for this game with r = ∆ − j and d ≥ 2j + 2 for 0 ≤ j ≤ ∆ − 1. This both improves and generalizes the result for trees in [10]. More broadly, we generalize the main result in [10] by showing that if G is k-degenerate with ∆(G) = ∆ and j ∈ [∆ + k − 1], then there exists a function h(k, j) such that Alice has a winning strategy for this game with r = ∆ + k − j and d ≥ h(k, j)

Pluralism without Genic Causes?

Since the fundamental challenge that I laid at the doorstep of the pluralists was to defend, with nonderivative models, a strong notion of genic cause, it is fatal that Waters has failed to meet that challenge. Waters agrees with me that there is only a single cause operating in these models, but he argues for a notion of causal ‘parsing’ to sustain the viability of some form of pluralism. Waters and his colleagues have some very interesting and important ideas about the sciences, involving pluralism and parsing or partitioning causes, but they are ideas in search of an example. He thinks he has found an example in the case of hierarchical and genic selection. I think he has not

Pluralism without Genic Causes?

Since the fundamental challenge that I laid at the doorstep of the pluralists was to defend, with nonderivative models, a strong notion of genic cause, it is fatal that Waters has failed to meet that challenge. Waters agrees with me that there is only a single cause operating in these models, but he argues for a notion of causal ‘parsing’ to sustain the viability of some form of pluralism. Waters and his colleagues have some very interesting and important ideas about the sciences, involving pluralism and parsing or partitioning causes, but they are ideas in search of an example. He thinks he has found an example in the case of hierarchical and genic selection. I think he has not

Intravital Multiphoton Microscopy with Fluorescent Bile Salts in Rats as an In Vivo Biomarker for Hepatobiliary Transport Inhibition

The bile salt export pump (BSEP) is expressed at the canalicular domain of hepatocytes, where it mediates the elimination of monovalent bile salts into the bile. Inhibition of BSEP is considered a susceptibility factor for drug-induced liver injury that often goes undetected during nonclinical testing. Although in vitro assays exist for screening BSEP inhibition, a reliable and specific method for confirming Bsep inhibition in vivo would be a valuable follow up to a BSEP screening strategy, helping to put a translatable context around in vitro inhibition data, incorporating processes such as metabolism, protein binding, and other exposure properties that are lacking in most in vitro BSEP models. Here, we describe studies in which methods of quantitative intravital microscopy were used to identify dose-dependent effects of two known BSEP/Bsep inhibitors, 2-[4-[4-(butylcarbamoyl)-2-[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)sulfonylamino]phenoxy]-3-methoxyphenyl]acetic acid (AMG-009) and bosentan, on hepatocellular transport of the fluorescent bile salts cholylglycyl amidofluorescein and cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein in rats. Results of these studies demonstrate that the intravital microscopy approach is capable of detecting Bsep inhibition at drug doses well below those found to increase serum bile acid levels, and also indicate that basolateral efflux transporters play a significant role in preventing cytosolic accumulation of bile acids under conditions of Bsep inhibition in rats. Studies of this kind can both improve our understanding of exposures needed to inhibit Bsep in vivo and provide unique insights into drug effects in ways that can improve our ability interpret animal studies for the prediction of human drug hepatotoxicity

WISCONSIN NON-INDUSTRIAL PRIVATE FOREST LANDOWNERS AND WOOD-BASED BIOENERGY

Wood-based bioelectricity production is expanding due to its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuel resources. U.S. non-industrial private forest landowners (NIPFs) are key to the production of wood-based bioelectricity since they own 59% of the forestland in the country that could supply bioelectricity feedstocks (The National Association of State Foresters 2018). This is particularly important in states like Wisconsin with a mandatory renewable portfolio electricity standard (RPS). My dissertation focuses on issues around Wisconsin bioelectricity production including related NIPF views and the creation of the state’s sustainable biomass harvesting guidelines. In Chapter Two, I present findings from analysis of NIPF interviews showing that they support local bioelectricity production while holding concerns about negative social and ecological impacts. Chapter Three focuses on findings from a survey conducted of NIPFs close enough to a local bioelectricity plant to supply it with biomass feedstock. I found that they perceive the plant as having negative environmental but positive socioeconomic impacts and that environmental membership was negatively associated with support for local bioelectricity. Chapter Four presents findings from my study of Wisconsin’s biomass harvesting guidelines (BHGs) creation process. These findings focus on the degree to which the process adhered to Collaborative Governance (CG) guidelines and how this process impacted outcomes. In combination, these three chapters enhance our understanding of the sustainability dimensions of Wisconsin’s RPS and suggest strategies related to the success of state and federal renewable energy and bioelectricity goals

Issues in the Care of Farm Animals: Current History of the Movement in Selected States

Many animal care practices commonly accepted as a regular part of the agricultural industry are being questioned by organizations advocating for the care of farm and companion animals. The use of gestation crates for pregnant sows, veal crates for veal calves, and battery cages for egg-laying hens are being banned in some states in the United States. While appearing to be a modern phenomenon, animal rights/animal welfare issues actually can be found throughout history. The purpose of the study was to trace the history of the care of farm and companion animals movement in the United States. This included the identification of major events in the movement, as well as legislation that has been enacted to insure the proper care of farm and companion animals. The movement for the care of farm and other domestic animals can be connected to legislation or executive orders in at least seven states. In addition numerous states have begun the reevaluation of the current status, including potential legislation, for the protection of farm and companion animals. Most states that have passed legislation were influenced by out of state animal rights organizations. California received national media attention with the passing of Proposition Two which prohibited the use of gestation crates for pregnant sows, crates for veal calves, and battery cages for egg-laying hens. California was the first state to ban battery cages for egg-laying hens. Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, and Ohio have also passed state legislation regarding the treatment of animals