cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motivating inferentialism: Comments on Making It Explicit (Ch. 2)

Brandom?s attempt to motivate inferentialism is found wanting on a number of grounds, including a skepticism about how much recommendation for inferentialism can be derived from the evident unsatisfactoriness of the representationalism Brandom contrasts it with, which seems to be a straw man. Brandom?s appeal to authorities (Sellars, Frege, Dummett) falls flat; in particular, his reading of Frege?s early work as inferentialist in Brandom?s sense is a misinterpretation. Given the programmatic character of Brandom?s recommendation for inferentialism, the quality of the motivation he offers for it matters more than he has acknowledged.
Multimodal CARS microscopy determination of the impact of diet on macrophage infiltration and lipid accumulation on plaque formation in ApoE-deficient mice

We characterized several cellular and structural features of early stage Type II/III atherosclerotic plaques in an established model of atherosclerosis—the ApoE-deficient mouse—by using a multimodal, coregistered imaging system that integrates three nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) contrast mechanisms: coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), second harmonic generation (SHG), and two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF). Specifically, the infiltration of lipid-rich macrophages and the structural organization of collagen and elastin fibers were visualized by CARS, SHG, and TPEF, respectively, in thick tissue specimens without the use of exogenous labels or dyes. Label-free CARS imaging of macrophage accumulation was confirmed by histopathology using CD68 staining. A high-fat, high-cholesterol Western diet resulted in an approximate 2-fold increase in intimal plaque area, defined by CARS signals of lipid-rich macrophages. Additionally, analysis of collagen distribution within lipid-rich plaque regions revealed nearly a 4-fold decrease in the Western diet–fed mice, suggesting NLOM sensitivity to increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and decreased smooth muscle cell (SMC) accumulation. These imaging results provide significant insight into the structure and composition of early stage Type II/III plaque during formation and allow for quantitative measurements of the impact of diet and other factors on critical plaque and arterial wall features.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Blockade Inhibits VEGF-A-Induced Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but it remains unknown whether its activation contributes to AMD pathologies. VEGF-A is increased in neovascular ("wet") AMD, but it is not known whether it plays a role in inflammasome activation, whether an increase of VEGF-A by itself is sufficient to cause neovascular AMD and whether it can contribute to nonexudative ("dry") AMD that often co-occurs with the neovascular form. Here, it is shown that an increase in VEGF-A results in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and is sufficient to cause both forms of AMD pathologies. Targeting NLRP3 or the inflammasome effector cytokine IL-1β inhibits but does not prevent VEGF-A-induced AMD pathologies, whereas targeting IL-18 promotes AMD. Thus, increased VEGF-A provides a unifying pathomechanism for both forms of AMD; combining therapeutic inhibition of both VEGF-A and IL-1β or the NLRP3 inflammasome is therefore likely to suppress both forms of AMD.
Interpretation of trends of PM25 and reconstructed visibility from the IMPROVE network.

Under the IMPROVE visibility monitoring network, federal land managers have monitored visibility and fine particle concentrations at 29 Class I area sites (mostly national parks and wilderness areas) and Washington, DC since 1988. This paper evaluates trends in reconstructed visibility and fine particles for the 10th (best visibility days), 50th (average visibility days), and 90th (worst visibility days) percentiles over the nine-year period from 1988-96. Data from these sites provides an indication of regional trends in air quality and visibility resulting from implementation of various emission reduction strategies.
Construction of optimal Lyapunov function for systems with structured uncertainties

The robust stability problem for nominally linear system with nonlinear, time-varying structured perturbations p/sub j/, j=1,...,q, is considered. The system is of the form x/spl dot/=A/sub N/x+/sup q//spl Sigma//sub j=1/p/sub j/A/sub j/x. When Lyapunov direct method is utilized to solve the problem, usually some quadratic form is chosen as a Lyapunov function. The note presents a procedure of selection of optimal Lyapunov function from the class of quadratic forms. Under some weak conditions the procedure is effective in solving the robust stability problem. The procedure is simple, requires only such numerical routines as inverting positive definite symmetric matrices and determining the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of symmetric matrices. It is expected that when optimal Lyapunov function is used for a robust linear feedback controller design, the resulting controller will have the smallest in some sense gains. The examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. The method is effective for large scale systems, it worked well for 24 dimensional system. >
An MBA Graduate Curriculum on Technology Transfer: Pedagogical Design and Needs Assessment

Summary form only given. For the past several years, we have been developing a unique educational curriculum in the field of technology transfer for executive level MBA students. This application paper reviews the finding and status of several pilot course offerings intended to imbue 21st century MBA students with a theoretical foundation and set of best practices for managing intangible assets of the firm. We explore the best way to teach intellectual property law, intellectual property finance, technology licensing, asset sales, venture backed spin-offs to MBA students. This application paper considers how these topics are treated within four separate graduate courses at school of technology management.
Temperature, humidity and depth of habitat influencing host destruction and fecundity of muscoid fly parasites

Comparisons of various strains of hymenopterous parasites,Muscidifurax raptorGirault & Sanders,M. uniraptorKogan & Legner,M. zaraptor K. & L.,Spalangia cameroniPerkins,S. endiusWalker,S. longepetiolataBoucek,S. nigraLatreille andSphegigaster sp. attackingMusca domestica L., showed that theSpalangia species consistently penetrated to the greatest depth, 4 cm, in an experimental wheat flakes habitat. Moisture influenced penetration behaviour of some species. Host destruction wrought by host-feeding and parasitization was often proportionally greater than progeny production at the lower depth, indicating that parasites searched there without finding conditions suitable for oviposition. Progeny production by all species was greater at the higher of 2 temperatures, 29 vs 21°C., but RH influenced parasitization and ♀♀ production, apparently according to strain preferences. Superiorily competitiveMuscidifurax species may be favored by comparatively cooler temperatures; this characteristic would account for their predominace in nature during cooler seasons. However, the problem of characterizing different species as to preference for certain strata of the host habitat and temperature is confounded with strain type, RH, habitat moisture and behavioral and developmental elements.
Excretion of α-Ketoglutarate, Urea and Amino Acids by Normal and Muscular Dystrophic Mice.∗†:

SummaryUnusually large amounts of α-ketoglutarate were excreted in the urines of strain 129 mice as compared with other species of animals and other strains of mice. A group of 5 muscular dystrophic strain 129 mice excreted significantly higher levels of α-ketoglutarate and urea/gram weight than did their 5 littermate controls. These differences became greater as the disease progressed from weaning through about 4 months of age. No significant differences were observed in urinary excretion of amino acids, either with regard to type or amount.
Hemangioendothelioma of the pancreas obstructing the common bile duct and duodenum

A 6-mo-old male with a hemangioendothelioma of the pancreas obstructing the common bile duct and duodenum required temporary bypass of these structures while awaiting involution of the tumor treated primarily by corticosteroids and radiation therapy.
Readmission rates for adjustment disorders: comparison with other mood disorders

Abstract Background: The diagnostic category of adjustment disorders continues to receive little attention in the research literature despite its estimated incidence of 5–21% in psychiatric consultation services for adults and 7.1% in inpatient admissions. Methods: Ten years of readmission data were reviewed for six diagnostic categories: adjustment disorders, major depressive disorder (single episode and recurrent), dysthymia, any anxiety disorder and depression NOS. Cox regression analysis was used. Results: Admission diagnosis was a significant predictor of readmission, with adjustment disorders resulting in significantly fewer readmissions than the group as a whole, and major depression recurrent resulting in significantly more readmissions. Limitations: Structured interviews were not used for the establishment of admission diagnoses. Conclusions: Readmission rates in this sample support the construct validity of the adjustment disorders category. The category includes a significant minority of patients admitted to psychiatric hospitalization.
Recent Explosive Human Population Growth Has Resulted in an Excess of Rare Genetic Variants

Human populations have experienced recent explosive growth, expanding by at least three orders of magnitude over the past 400 generations. This departure from equilibrium skews patterns of genetic variation and distorts basic principles of population genetics. We characterized the empirical signatures of explosive growth on the site frequency spectrum and found that the discrepancy in rare variant abundance across demographic modeling studies is mostly due to differences in sample size. Rapid recent growth increases the load of rare variants and is likely to play a role in the individual genetic burden of complex disease risk. Hence, the extreme recent human population growth needs to be taken into consideration in studying the genetics of complex diseases and traits.
Spectroscopic insights into lead(II) coordination by the selective lead(II)-binding protein PbrR691.

A lead(II)-specific binding protein PbrR691 uses a hemidirected geometry to selectively recognize lead(II) over other metal ions.
On the Singular Behavior of a Queueing System with Random Connectivity

In this paper, we study the stationary dynamics of a processing system comprised of several parallel queues and a single server of constant rate. The connectivity of the server to each queue is randomly modulated, taking values 1 (connected) or 0 (severed). At any given time, only the currently connected queues may receive service. A key issue is how to schedule the server on the connected queues in order to maximize the system throughput. We investigate the behavior of two dynamic schedules, when the loading of the system exceeds its capacity. It is shown that unlike many other queueing systems that exhibit a binary behavior-global stability or global instability-the system under consideration exhibits a much richer behavior, with several partial stability modes. These modes are fully determined by the underlying traffic loading. The results are obtained under very general stationary ergodic traffic flows and connectivity modulation.
Superior vena cava syndrome: Relief with a modified saphenojugular bypass graft

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a disabling and potentially life-threatening complication. SVC revascularization can be achieved by means of endovascular or direct surgical reconstructions. In the patient on whom we report, these two options were not possible, and a peripheral venous bypass grafting procedure was done with a technical innovation. Right upper-extremity swelling developed in a 55-year-old woman after radiation therapy for lung carcinoma. A left subclavian vein Port-A-Cath induced extensive thrombosis of the left innominate, axillosubclavian, and jugular veins. She was referred to our institution with very symptomatic SVC syndrome after two failed endovascular interventions. The occlusion of both innominate veins and chronic thrombus extending into the left axillosubclavian and internal jugular veins was confirmed by means of a venogram. A third endovascular attempt failed. The presternal skin had severe radiation-induced damage precluding direct SVC reconstruction. A bypass grafting procedure from the right internal jugular to the femoral vein was performed with spliced bilateral greater saphenous veins tunneled inside an externally supported expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Postoperatively, the patient had no symptoms, and graft patency was confirmed by means of duplex ultrasound scanning. A saphenojugular bypass grafting procedure can offer prompt and durable relief of SVC syndrome when endovascular or direct surgical reconstructions are not possible. This rarely used peripheral venous bypass grafting procedure was modified by tunneling the vein graft inside an externally supported polytetrafluoroethylene graft to prevent kinking or compression.
Precision Lifetime Measurements Using the Recoil Distance Method.

The recoil distance method (RDM) for the measurements of lifetimes of excited nuclear levels in the range from about 1 ps to 1,000 ps is reviewed. The New Yale Plunger Device for RDM experiments is introduced and the Differential Decay Curve Method for their analysis is reviewed. Results from recent RDM experiments on SD bands in the mass-190 region, shears bands in the neutron deficient lead isotopes, and ground state bands in the mass-130 region are presented. Perspectives for the use of RDM measurements in the study of neutron-rich nuclei are discussed.
Architectural exploration using Verilog-based power estimation: a case study of the IDCT

We describe an architectural design space exploration methodologythat minimizes the energy dissipation of digital circuits.The centerpiece of our methodology is a Verilog-based power estimationtool, Pythia, that blends the accuracy of low-level circuitsimulators such as powermill with the speed of high level powerestimators geared to design exploration. Pythia takes into accountvoltage-dependent capacitive nonlinearities and supports runtimeadaptation of supply voltage. It employs a hybrid modelingaproach in which low-level simulation of logic gates and flip-flopscan be combined with high level macromodels for memory structureswhere the energy per access is not as sensitive to input datastatistics. The speed and accuracy of Pythia has enabled a detailedcase study of two different approaches for the computation of theInverse Discrete Cosine Transform, an integral component of theMPEG video coding algorithm. One approach uses conventionalmethods and the other exploits signal statistics to dynamically minimizethe average number of operations required and the operatingsupply voltage.
Kinetics of Lysozyme Crystallization From Solution

Abstract We suggest that the growth of molecular aggregates is the rate-controlling step in the crystallization of lysozyme from pH buffered aqueous solutions of strong electrolytes. We propose that the aggregation reaction passes through a charged transition state whose rate of formation is accelerated by Debye-Huckel screening and whose charge is stabilized by ion exchange with the solution. Applying the theory of the “primary kinetic salt effect”, we predict that the half-life for decay of the lysozyme concentration in solution in contact with a growing crystal should decrease linearly with the square root of the ionic strength. This prediction is confirmed experimentally in the case of lysozyme crystals precipitating at 4°C from pH buffered aqueous solutions of sodium chloride.
Using email reminders to engage physicians in an Internet-based CME intervention

Background: Engaging practicing physicians in educational strategies that reinforce guideline adoption and improve the quality of healthcare may be difficult. Push technologies such as email offer new opportunities to engage physicians in online educational reinforcing strategies. The objectives are to investigate 1) the effectiveness of email announcements in engaging recruited community-based primary care physicians in an online guideline reinforcement strategy designed to promote Chlamydia screening, 2) the characteristics of physicians who respond to email announcements, as well as 3) how quickly and when they respond to email announcements. Methods: Over a 45-week period, 445 recruited physicians received up to 33 email contacts announcing and reminding them of an online women's health guideline reinforcing CME activity. Participation was defined as physician log-on at least once to the website. Data were analyzed to determine participation, to compare characteristics of participants with recruited physicians who did not participate, and to determine at what point and when participants logged on. Results: Of 445 recruited physicians with accurate email addresses, 47.2% logged on and completed at least one module. There were no significant differences by age, race, or specialty between participants and non-participants. Female physicians, US medical graduates and MDs had higher participation rates than male physicians, international medical graduates and DOs. Physicians with higher baseline screening rates were significantly more likely to log on to the course. The first 10 emails were the most effective in engaging community-based physicians to complete the intervention. Physicians were more likely to log on in the afternoon and evening and on Monday or Thursday. Conclusions: Email course reminders may enhance recruitment of physicians to interventions designed to reinforce guideline adoption; physicians' response to email reminders may vary by gender, degree, and country of medical training. Repetition of email communications contributes to physician online participation.
Charge asymmetry of the nucleon-nucleon interaction

Based upon the Bonn meson-exchange model for the nucleon-nucleon $(\mathrm{NN})$ interaction, we study systematically the charge-symmetry-breaking (CSB) of the $\mathrm{NN}$ interaction due to nucleon mass splitting. Particular attention is paid to CSB generated by the $2\ensuremath{\pi}$-exchange contribution to the $\mathrm{NN}$ interaction, $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\rho}$ diagrams, and other multimeson exchanges. We calculate the CSB differences in the ${}^{1}{S}_{0}$ effective range parameters as well as phase shift differences in $S,$ $P,$ and higher partial waves up to 300 MeV laboratory energy. We find a total CSB difference in the singlet scattering length of 1.6 fm which explains the empirical value accurately. The corresponding CSB phase-shift differences are appreciable at low energy in the ${}^{1}{S}_{0}$ state. In the other partial waves, the CSB splitting of the phase shifts is small and increases with energy, with typical values in the order of $0.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ at 300 MeV in $P$ and $D$ waves.
The Practical Technical Aspects of Slow Continuous Ultrafil Tration (SCUF) and Continuous Arteriovenous Hemofiltration (CAVH)

Slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF) and continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) have been utilized at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Hypertension and Nephrology since 1977 in over 150 patients as a clinical therapy for the treatment of acute renal failure.
Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in Adults Based on Serology Test Results, Without Small-Bowel Biopsy

Background & Aims Celiac disease is underdiagnosed, with nonspecific symptoms and high morbidity. New diagnostic factors are needed. We aimed to estimate the frequency at which adult patients with positive results from serology tests are referred for small-bowel biopsies and to identify factors that improve the diagnosis of celiac disease. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 2477 subjects who received serology tests for celiac disease between 2005 and 2007. We analyzed results for total levels of IgA, IgA against human tissue transglutaminase (hTTG), IgA and IgG against gliadin, as well as dilution titers of IgA against endomysial antibodies (EMA). Biopsy samples were analyzed by pathologists experienced in detecting mucosal changes associated with celiac disease and graded according to the Marsh system. Results Of the 2477 patients, 610 (25%) had abnormal results from serology tests, and 39% of these patients (240 of 610) underwent small-bowel biopsy analyses. Of these patients, 50 (21%) had biopsy findings consistent with celiac disease (Marsh 3 lesions) and were placed on gluten-free diets. Titers of IgA hTTG greater than 118 U identified patients with celiac disease with a 2% false-positive rate. Titers of 21 to 118 U, in combination with an EMA dilution titer of 1:160 or greater, had a positive predictive value of 83% for celiac disease. IgA hTTG levels less than 20 U, in combination with an EMA dilution titer less than 1:10, had a negative predictive value of 92% for celiac disease. Conclusions Serum levels of IgA hTTG greater than 118 U, or 21 to 118 U in combination with an EMA dilution titer of 1:160 or greater, can be used to identify adult symptomatic patients with celiac disease, in the absence of a small-bowel biopsy.
Predicting Adolescent Problem Use of Marijuana: Development and Testing of a Bayesian Model

This paper reports on the development and testing of a risk assessment index for problem marijuana use designed to guide teenagers through an extensive computer-based support system intended to help them improve marijuana-related behaviors. Bayesian decision theory, used as the basis of the index development process, offers the advantage of building the index on subjective judgments of experts and does not require a large empirical data base. The index was found to predict an independent panel's ratings of teenager risk, and predict the marijuana use of 10th graders using self-reports of their profiles in the 7th grade. Implications for future risk assessment developments are discussed.
Term development of caprine embryos derived from immature oocytes in vitro

Abstract Ovaries were surgically removed from female goats (Toggenburg, Nubian and Saanen breeds). Oocytes were collected by follicular aspiration or after ovaries were minced, then matured in mTCM-199 with 100 μg LH + 0.5 μg FSH + 1.0 μg estradiol 17-β/ml for 27 h prior to in vitro fertilization (17). Although more oocytes were made available by mincing than by aspiration, higher proportions of aspirated oocytes were fertilized and developed to morulae. Proportions that fertilized and reached morulae were 82 102 (80.4%) and 50 102 (49.0%) versus 77 126 (61.1%) and 27 126 (21.4%) for oocytes obtained by aspiration and after ovarian mincing, respectively (P 23 27 , 85.2%) and morulae ( 14 27 , 51.9%) obtained by co-culture on caprine cumulus cells (cCC). Some oocytes reached the blastocyst stage ( 4 54 , 7.4%) following oocyte collection by aspiration and culture on caprine oviduct epithelial cells (cOEC). After 4- and 8-cell stage embryos obtained by aspiration and culture on cCC were transferred pregnancy resulted. Twin male kids (developed from different embryos) were born on August 6, 1993, and have developed into normal bucks. Conditions reported here provided an adequate environment for support of oocyte maturation, fertilization and early embryonic development in vitro (IVMFC) with normal development after embryo transfer.
Fingerprinting Inhomogeneities in Recording Media Using the First-Order Reversal Curve Method

Understanding how interactions within magnetic systems affect the reversal process is critical to the development of magnetic recording media. Using the first-order reversal curve (FORC) method we demonstrate an ability to map out and uniquely identify magnetic recording media. We evaluate the interactions and intrinsic switching field distribution (SFD) in single layer and exchange coupled composite granular recording media. Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-based simulations are used to probe the roles lateral and vertical exchange interactions have on the distribution of reversal events. We find that there is an optimal value for these terms which maximizes homogeneity of the reversal behavior.
Improving Permanency Hearings: Sample Court Reports and Orders

Materials set forth the "nuts and bolts" of conducting effective Permanency Hearings as required by the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. Through the use of proposed reports and forms, this addresses issues that must be addressed in each of these hearings, while helping provide a means of preserving records of both the child welfare agency's views and the court's ultimate decision on permanency options.
Fatigue Performance Evaluation of Rubberized Porous European Mixture by Simplified Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Model

The study investigated the fatigue performance of rubberized porous European mix (PEM) and control PEM and the influence introducing methods of crumb rubber modifier (CRM) on the fatigue performance of PEM. Four PEM mixtures were used: rubberized PEM in dry process, rubberized PEM in wet process, rubberized PEM with terminal blend binder, and control styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modified PEM. Dynamic modulus and direct tension fatigue tests were performed with an asphalt mixture performance tester system. The fatigue test data were analyzed by the simplified viscoelastic continuum damage theory. There were four main results. First, the rutting resistance of the rubberized PEM in the dry process was similar to that of the wet process but slightly lower than that of the rubberized PEM with the terminal blend binder and SBS modified PEM. Second, the fatigue cracking resistance of the rubberized PEM in the dry process was similar to that of the wet process but significantly lower than those of the rubberiz...
Defining Optimal Head-Tilt Position of Resuscitation in Neonates and Young Infants Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data.

Head-tilt maneuver assists with achieving airway patency during resuscitation. However, the relationship between angle of head-tilt and airway patency has not been defined. Our objective was to define an optimal head-tilt position for airway patency in neonates (age: 0–28 days) and young infants (age: 29 days–4 months). We performed a retrospective study of head and neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of neonates and infants to define the angle of head-tilt for airway patency. We excluded those with an artificial airway or an airway malformation. We defined head-tilt angle a priori as the angle between occipito-ophisthion line and ophisthion-C7 spinous process line on the sagittal MR images. We evaluated medical records for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) and exposure to sedation during MRI. We analyzed MRI of head and neck regions of 63 children (53 neonates and 10 young infants). Of these 63 children, 17 had evidence of airway obstruction and 46 had a patent airway on MRI. Also, 16/63 had underlying HIE and 47/63 newborn infants had exposure to sedative medications during MRI. In spontaneously breathing and neurologically depressed newborn infants, the head-tilt angle (median ± SD) associated with patent airway (125.3° ± 11.9°) was significantly different from that of blocked airway (108.2° ± 17.1°) (Mann Whitney U-test, p = 0.0045). The logistic regression analysis showed that the proportion of patent airways progressively increased with an increasing head-tilt angle, with > 95% probability of a patent airway at head-tilt angle 144–150°.
Hydatidiform mole. A follow-up regimen for identification of invasive mole and choriocarcinoma and for selection of patients for treatment.

Abstract Serial chorionic gonadotropin titers (mouse uterine weight method) following termination of a molar gestation can determine, with a good degree of accuracy, within 60 days those patients who have developed invasive mole or choriocarcinoma. These serial titer levels combined with clinical examinations and curettage, the latter to exclude residual molar tissue within the cavity of the uterus, provide a means of selecting within 60 days of expulsion of a mole those patients who require therapy. This regimen is demonstrated to be suitable and is preferable to the prophylactic treatment of all patients after expulsion of the mole. The end results are good and few patients are treated unnecessarily. Eleven (21.6 per cent) of 51 patients managed in this manner were selected for therapy and all have remained in remission for the follow-up period of 2 to 4½ years. The 40 patients not treated have remained well and have no evidence of disease as determined by clinical examinations and chorionic gonadotropin titers for 2 to 4 years' follow-up.
Families of Adolescents and Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract This chapter focuses on past and present themes in research on families of adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as well as suggested future directions. We focused on three types of family relationships: relationships between the parent and the adolescent/adult with IDD (including parental well-being), parents' marital relationships, and sibling relationships (including sibling well-being). A common past theme for each of these types of relationships was a focus on between-group differences, which encompassed comparisons between disability and typically developing samples, as well as comparisons between disability groups. Present research themes included investigation of risk and protective factors, a widening of the outcomes that are investigated, and recognition of the interactive influences of multiple relationships. A number of suggestions for future research are described, including the need for more diverse samples, importance of longitudinal research, incorporating the perspectives of all members of the family, and developing effective family supports and interventions.
Interaction of specifically purified isotypes of bovine antibody to Brucella abortus in the haemolysis in gel test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The detection limits for purified bovine IgM, IgG 1 , and IgG 2 antibody to Brucella abortus in the haemolysis in gel test and in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were established. The limits for IgM, IgG 1 and IgG 2 , respectively, were: 5500, 60 and 4850 ng of antibody in the lytic test and 2750, 3.5 and 16 ng in the ELISA test. Bovine IgG 2 produced lysis only in the presence of fresh, whole bovine serum.
Preclinical development of moxidectin as a novel therapeutic for alcohol use disorder

Abstract Current pharmacotherapies for alcohol used disorder (AUD) are few and relatively ineffective illustrating the need for the development of new, effective medications. Using a translational approach, our laboratory reported that ivermectin, an FDA-approved, human and animal anti-parasitic agent, can significantly reduce ethanol intake in male and female mice across different drinking paradigms. Extending this line of investigation, the current paper investigated the utility of moxidectin (MOX), an analogue of ivermectin, to reduce ethanol intake. Notably, MOX is widely held to have lower neurotoxicity potential and improved margin of safety compared to ivermectin. Using a 24-h-two-bottle choice paradigm, MOX significantly reduced ethanol intake in a dose dependent manner in both male and female C57BL/6J mice, respectively (1.25–7.5 mg/kg) and (1.25–10 mg/kg). Further, multi-day administration of MOX (2.5 mg/kg; intraperitoneal injection) for 5 consecutive days significantly reduced ethanol intake in both the 24-h-two-bottle choice and Drinking-in-the-Dark paradigms in female mice. No overt signs of behavioral toxicity were observed. Notably in both male and female mice, MOX significantly reduced ethanol intake starting approximately 4 h post-injection. Using a Xenopus oocyte expression system, we found that MOX significantly potentiated P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) function and antagonized the inhibitory effects of ethanol on ATP-gated currents in P2X4Rs. This latter finding represents the first report of MOX having activity on P2X4Rs. In addition, MOX potentiated GABAA receptors, but to a lesser degree as compared to ivermectin supporting the hypothesis that MOX would be advantageous (compared to ivermectin) with respect to reducing contraindications. Overall, the results illustrate the potential for development of MOX as a novel pharmacotherapy for the treatment of AUD.
Post-reproductive parthenogenetic pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) are visually identifiable and disproportionately positioned distally to clonal colonies

The role of kin-selection in the evolution of post-reproductive life is controversial. While anthropological and demographic studies strongly suggest that humans and a few other species experience kin selection for significant post-reproductive survival, these results are necessarily correlational. Understanding could therefore be advanced by the development of a globally available, field and laboratory tractable experimental model of kin-selected post-reproductive survival. In only one invertebrate (Quadrartus yoshinomiyai, a gall-forming aphid endemic to Japan) have individuals too old to reproduce been shown to be both numerous in natural habitats and able to help close relatives survive or reproduce. Pea aphids, (Acyrthosiphon pisum), common, tractable organisms, frequently outlive their reproductive ages in laboratories, live in tight interacting groups that are often clonal, and therefore should be evaluated as potential model organisms for the study of adaptive post-reproductive life. The first major step in this process is to identify an optimal method for assessing if a parthenogenetic adult is post-reproductive. We evaluated three methods, relying respectively on isolation in clip cages, visual examination for embryonic eyespots, and dissection. In every case each method identified the same individuals as reproductive versus post-reproductive. While the clip-cage method requires a multi-day wait to produce data, and dissection is inevitably fatal, the eyespot method is quick (under one minute per individual) easy, and non-invasive. This method makes it possible to accurately assess the post-reproductive status of a large number of parthenogenetic pea aphids. We demonstrate the usefulness of the eyespot method in showing that while reproductively valuable adults tend to place themselves near the centers of clonal colonies, less valuable post-reproductive adults are more often at or beyond the edges of colonies. These encouraging early results provide both impetuous and aid for further investigations into the post-reproductive lives of pea aphids.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Use of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Perfusion MRI to Predict Local Recurrence After Radiosurgery on Spinal Metastases.

Purpose:Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging offers noninvasive characterization of the vascular microenvironment and hemodynamics. Stereotactic radiosurgery, or stereotactic body radiation therapy, engages a vascular component of the tumor response which may be detectable using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this study is to examine whether dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging can be used to predict local tumor recurrence in patients with spinal bone metastases who undergo high-dose radiotherapy with stereotactic radiosurgery.Materials and Methods:We conducted a study of 30 patients with spinal metastases who underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging before and after radiotherapy. Twenty patients received single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (24 Gy), while 10 received hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (3-5 fractions, 27-30 Gy total). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the actuarial local recur...
Slavery, human dignity and human rights

Abstract Slavery continues to be practiced in many parts of the world: not only chattel slavery but also indirect varieties (enforced child labour, prostitution, debt en­slavement, etc.). Secular organisations opposed to these practices seek to pro­vide a suitable philosophical counter to those supporting or tolerating the evils. The present paper considers natural law and neo-Kantian arguments and finds them wanting. It then looks at biblical principles and the history of the abolition of the slave trade in England and the emancipation movement in the United States (eighteenth and nineteenth centuries). From this ideological and historical survey, an attempt is made to discover why Enlightenment principles, as exemplified by the French philosophes, Thomas jefferson, and other Revolu­ tionaries, failed to impact, whilst evangelical Christians (Granville Sharp, John Newton, Wilberforce, et al.) succeeded in their hard-won crusade to outlaw slav­ery. By way of conclusion, a parallel is drawn with the contemporary right-to-life movement and jurisprudent Ronald Dworkin's position on abortion.
Tunneled In: Drivers with Active Secondary Tasks Need More Time to Transition from Automation

In partially automated driving, rapid transitions of control present a severe hazard. How long does it take a driver to take back control of the vehicle when engaged with other non-driving tasks? In this driving simulator study, we examined the performance of participants (N=30) after an abrupt loss of automated vehicle control. We tested three transition time conditions, with an unstructured transition of control occurring 2s, 5s, or 8s before entering a curve. As participants were occupied with an active secondary task (playing a game on a tablet) while the automated driving mode was enabled, they needed to disengage from the task and regain control of the car when the transition occurred. Few drivers in the 2 second condition were able to safely negotiate the road hazard situation, while the majority of drivers in the 5 or 8 second conditions were able to navigate the hazard situation safely.
Treatment of Tandem Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms Using a Single Pipeline Embolization Device: Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Tandem aneurysms are defined as multiple aneurysms located in close proximity on the same parent vessel. Endovascular treatment of these aneurysms has rarely been reported. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single Pipeline Embolization Device for the treatment of tandem aneurysms of the internal carotid artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive aneurysms treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device between 2009 and 2016 at 3 institutions in the United States was performed. Cases included aneurysms of the ICA treated with a single Pipeline Embolization Device, and they were divided into tandem versus solitary. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The solitary group (median age, 58 years) underwent 184 Pipeline Embolization Device procedures for 184 aneurysms. The tandem group (median age, 50.5 years) underwent 34 procedures for 78 aneurysms. Aneurysms were primarily located along the paraophthalmic segment of the ICA in both the single and tandem groups (72.3% versus 78.2%, respectively, P = .53). The median maximal diameters in the solitary and tandem groups were 6.2 and 6.7 mm, respectively. Complete occlusion on the last angiographic follow-up was achieved in 75.1% of aneurysms in the single compared with 88.6%% in the tandem group (P = .06). Symptomatic thromboembolic complications were encountered in 2.7% and 8.8% of procedures in the single and tandem groups, respectively (P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Tandem aneurysms of the ICA can be treated with a single Pipeline Embolization Device with high rates of complete occlusion. While there appeared to be a trend toward higher thromboembolic complication rates, this did not reach statistical significance.
Business Valuation in Mergers and Acquisitions

This note discusses valuation in the context of business mergers and acquisitions. It builds on standard methods of business valuation to consider the unique questions arising in a merger or acquisition setting. The note focuses on valuation using the discounted cash flow (DCF) approach and the comparable-firm-multiples approach and presupposes an understanding of the principles of business valuation. The note provides and reviews the details of an acquisition valuation case example. At Darden, it is used in the first-year core "Finance" course in a module covering corporate finance. Excerpt UVA-F-1699 Oct. 2, 2013 BUSINESS VALUATION IN MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS This note discusses valuation in the context of business mergers and acquisitions (M&As). It builds on standard methods of business valuation to consider the unique questions arising in an M&A setting. The note focuses on valuation using the discounted cash flow (DCF) approach and the comparable-firm-multiples approach. It presupposes an understanding of the principles of business valuation, such as those presented in “Business Valuation: Standard Approaches and Applications” (UVA-F-1684). Motivation for M&A M&As are important corporate events that allow companies to achieve a wide variety of strategic goals. Through acquisitions, firms can expand to new markets (horizontal integration), build a more efficient supply chain (vertical integration), mitigate competition, achieve operational efficiencies, or diversify business-portfolio risk. For each of these motives, the acquirer aims to generate additional economic value that can only be realized by combining two independent businesses. The term for such gains, in which the combined value is greater than the sum of its parts, is “synergy.” . . .
Evaluating the Cognitive Adequacy of the DLine-Region Calculus

Qualitative spatio-temporal calculi play a crucial role in modeling, representing, and reasoning about geospatial dynamics such as the movement of agents or geographic entities. They are ubiquitous in ontological modeling, information retrieval, they play a central part at the human-machine interface, and are critical to process data collected from geosensor networks. What is common to all these application areas is the search for a mechanism to transform data into knowledge borrowing heavily from strategies of (human) cognitive information processing. Astonishingly, there is paucity in actual behavioral evaluations on whether the suggested calculi are indeed cognitively adequate. While the assumption seems to be made that qualitative equals cognitive, a more differentiated view is needed. This paper is filling the void by the first (to the best of our knowledge) behavioral assessment of the DLine-Region calculus using actual dynamic stimuli. These assessments are crucial as the few experiments that exist have clearly demonstrated that topological relations form conceptual groups (clusters), a fact that seems to be highly likely for the 26 DLine-Region relations as well. Our results show which topological relations form (cognitive) conceptual clusters.
Recovery from temporary endoplasmic reticulum stress in plants relies on the tissue-specific and largely independent roles of bZIP28 and bZIP60, as well as an antagonizing function of BAX-Inhibitor 1 upon the pro-adaptive signaling mediated by bZIP28.

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an ancient signaling pathway that commits to life-or-death outcomes in response to proteotoxic stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In plants, the membrane-tethered transcription factor bZIP28 and the ribonuclease-kinase IRE1 along with its splicing target, bZIP60, govern the two cytoprotective UPR signaling pathways known to date. The conserved ER membrane-associated BAX inhibitor 1 (BI1) modulates ER stress-induced programmed cell death through yet-unknown mechanisms. Despite the significance of the UPR for cell homeostasis, in plants the regulatory circuitry underlying ER stress resolution is still largely unmapped. To gain insights into the coordination of plant UPR strategies, we analyzed the functional relationship of the UPR modulators through the analysis of single and higher order mutants of IRE1, bZIP60, bZIP28 and BI1 in experimental conditions causing either temporary or chronic ER stress. We established a functional duality of bZIP28 and bZIP60, as they exert partially independent tissue-specific roles in recovery from ER stress, but redundantly actuate survival strategies in chronic ER stress. We also discovered that BI1 attenuates the pro-survival function of bZIP28 in ER stress resolution and, differently to animal cells, it does not temper the ribonuclease activity of inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) under temporary ER stress. Together these findings reveal a functional independence of bZIP28 and bZIP60 in plant UPR, and identify an antagonizing role of BI1 in the pro-adaptive signaling mediated by bZIP28, bringing to light the distinctive complexity of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in plants.
Selective Arterial Calcium Stimulation with Hepatic Venous Sampling in Patients with Recurrent Endogenous Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia and Metastatic Insulinoma: Evaluation in Five Patients

Selective arterial calcium stimulation (SACST) with hepatic venous sampling was performed in 5 patients (3 female, 2 male; age range, 53-73 y) with recurrent endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia caused by metastatic insulinoma between January 2004 and December 2014. The biochemical results of SACST confirmed functional hepatic metastases alone (n = 3), peripancreatic lymph-node and hepatic metastases (n = 1), and occult insulinoma in the pancreatic bed (n = 1), thereby helping to guide management. SACST may be useful to determine the extent of functional metastatic insulinoma, particularly within the liver, and may provide clinicians with additional information to help guide the multidisciplinary management of patients with recurrent endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia.
Decisional balance and self-efficacy mediate the association among provider advice, health literacy and cervical cancer screening.

Abstract Purpose Health literacy has emerged as a potential determinant of cancer screening, yet limited literature has investigated the pathways which health literacy influences Pap tests among immigrant women who experience a higher incidence of cervical cancer. This study aimed to test a health literacy-focused sociocognitive model which proposes motivational (knowledge, decisional balance) and volitional (self-efficacy) factors mediating the association between health literacy and triennial Pap tests. Methods Using structural equation modeling, we conducted a secondary analysis of baseline data obtained from a randomized controlled trial to promote breast and cervical cancer screenings among 560 Korean American women 21–65 years of age. They were interviewed on demographics such as education and English proficiency, provider advice, health literacy, knowledge of cervical cancer, decisional balance for Pap tests, self-efficacy, and Pap test use. Results Higher health literacy predicted high level of knowledge and high decisional balance score, and greater self-efficacy and then only decisional balance and self-efficacy affected Pap tests. High level of knowledge predicted Pap tests through its impact on the decisional balance score. Receiving provider advice both directly and indirectly predicted Pap tests through high level of health literacy, high level of decisional balance and greater self-efficacy. Conclusions Findings from this study suggest possible pathways through which provider advice and health literacy affect Pap tests. Interventions targeting immigrant women with limited English proficiency should consider skill-based approaches such as health literacy training, promoting patient-provider communications and emphasizing decisional balance and self-efficacy as potentially sustainable ways of promoting Pap tests.