VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Contextualizing food practices and change among Mexican migrants in West Queens, New York City
Keywords: New York City
acculturation
Mexicans
migration
time
structural violence
obesity
food practices
structural vulnerability
nutrition
dietary change

This thesis is about food practices and change among Mexican migrants living in West Queens, New York City. Public health research suggests that Mexican migration to the US has a negative impact on food practices, with diets being less nutritious over a migrant’s stay in the United States and obesity being more common among longer-term than more recently-arrived individuals. Through ethnography, I explore how migration shapes food practices and examine the nuanced process of nutritional change that is often obscured in large-scale epidemiological studies. Food practices are important not just because they shape vulnerabilities to chronic diseases but also because they serve as prisms by which to examine migrants’ lives, pressures and aspirations.
The three aims of this ethnography are to explore the food practices that Mexicans engage in after migration; to examine the social, temporal and political-economic contexts shaping food practices and change; and to describe how migrants themselves makes sense of nutritional change. I explore these themes using the approach of structural vulnerability, which views health practices and outcomes as influenced by social structures, relationships and inequalities. In so doing, I provide a critique of the public health literature’s use of the concept of acculturation to explain food practices, which largely obscures the role played by structural contexts and constraints.
Through participant observation, conversations and interviews with Mexican migrants in West Queens, NYC, I have identified three contexts shaping food practices and change after migration: household dynamics and labour division; time constraints and work schedules; and the ‘food environment’, referring to the availability of food items and weight loss products. Gender dynamics, documentation status and class modified the way in which these contexts were perceived and negotiated by informants, which had further consequences on food practices. In these settings, informants were often encouraged to consume high-energy foods and large portions, to replace meals with snacks, to eat prepared or convenience foods, and to experiment with weight loss products. To rationalize nutritional change and body size disparities, informants employed multiple discourses. Some discourses emphasized the role of structural contexts and constraints related to time, money and documentation status, while others emphasized the role played by cultural beliefs, habits and acculturation. An ethnographic approach informed by structural vulnerability serves to articulate how the everyday lives and social contexts in which Mexican migrants are embedded, shape experiences of nutritional change. This thesis exposes a disconnect between the way in which the public health literature conceptualizes nutritional change and how it is lived ‘on the ground’.
Gene modifiers and novel therapies for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Keywords: endocrine
genetics
MEN1

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the combined occurrence of pituitary, pancreatic islet and parathyroid tumours. MEN1-associated tumours show loss of heterozygosity and the MEN1 gene encodes a putative tumour-suppressor, menin, whose over-expression in vitro inhibits cell proliferation. MEN1-associated tumours present earlier, are more aggressive and more difficult to treat than sporadic endocrine tumours. Strategies for earlier identification of index cases and novel therapies may contribute towards reduced morbidity and mortality from the condition.
In this study, I first investigated the safety and efficacy of MEN1 gene replacement therapy using a modified adenoviral vector in pituitary tumours of heterozygous Men1 knockout mice. This revealed that MEN1 gene replacement was safe, effective and induced reduction of tumour cell proliferation. I also performed an in vivo phage-displayed peptide library screening study in heterozygous Men1 knockout mice to identify novel peptides that specifically bind pancreatic islet tumours. This identified one peptide sequence that likely targets pancreatic islet tumours. To further elucidate the role of menin I carried out phenotypic characterization of the mouse model for MEN1 in two mouse strains to investigate the effect of different genetic backgrounds and the potential for genetic modifiers on tumour phenotype. The frequency of pituitary and adrenal tumours was significantly influenced by the mouse strain, demonstrating the importance of genetic background on MEN1 tumour occurrence, implicating the role of genetic modifiers. Finally, I investigated the prevalence of MEN1 mutations in a cohort of patients presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism under 40 years of age. This revealed that 6% of under 40 year-olds with apparently sporadic parathyroid tumours have MEN1 mutations, and are likely to present with multiple parathyroid tumours. Pre-operative genetic screening of under 40 year-old patients with multiglandular parathyroid disease may reduce post-operative recurrence of hyperparathyroidism in those patients with MEN1 mutations.
Reframing Catholic and Islamic political theologies: the human good as a basis for public civility
Keywords: public civility
Catholic social teaching
common good
Islamic political theology
human good
political theology

With the rise of religious plurality and the global public resurgence of religion, deep social unrest and even fatal violence have resulted in a compelling need for plural societies to construct a framework of ‘public civility’. Recently, secularist frameworks such as multiculturalism and legal pluralism have been put forward. Yet, insofar as these approaches are considered non-moral, they are relativistic, and thereby lack the resources needed to ground a universal public civility. Also, approaches to building a ‘just society’ within both Catholic social thought and Islamic jurisprudence have been made specifically on the basis of ‘the common good’. The problem with these approaches is that the so-called ‘common good’ is internally defined such that the ‘good’ is ineluctably uncommon. A more promising basis on which to construct a universal framework of public civility is found in the classical notion of ‘the human good’.
The argument proceeds in three main stages: (1) a critical assessment of ideological and sociological forces which have resulted in the fragmentation of modern society and the decline of public life; (2) a delineation of ‘the human good’ on the basis of which I construct a framework of public civility between Catholic and Islamic traditions; and (3) an illustration of the proposed framework in Mindanao, Philippines which represents one of the longest standing internal conflicts in history.
The main contention is that Catholic and Islamic political theologies enhance the construction of public civility when reframed in terms of ‘the human good’ in contrast to ‘the common good’. In support of this thesis, I explore the Catholic doctrine of the imago dei and the Islamic notion of fiṭra as prospective conceptual counterparts to the idea of ‘the human good’. I conclude by analyzing the cosmopolitan scope of a framework of public civility as based on ‘the human good’.
Understanding the role of CFP1 at CpG islands
Keywords: ChIP
Histone
Chromatin
Methyltransferase
DNA methylation
genome
FRAP
CpG Islands

Vertebrate genomes are punctuated by CpG islands regions, which have an elevated frequency of CpG dinucleotides. CpG islands are associated with over 70% of mammalian promoters suggesting they may contribute to the regulation of transcription. However, despite being discovered over 30 years ago, the function of CpG islands is still not understood. Unlike the majority of the genome, CpG islands are resistant to DNA methylation. This provides a binding site for CFP1 which binds specifically to non-methylated DNA via its zinc-finger CXXC (zf-CXXC) domain. CFP1 is a subunit of the SET1 methyltransferase complex, and is thought to direct the activating histone modification H3K4me3 to CpG islands.
Interestingly, CFP1 also contains a PHD domain which is proposed to bind the H3K4me3 mark, potentially producing a feedback loop between H3K4me3 and the SET1 complex. Although the structural basis for discrimination of non-methylated CpGs is known, it is not clear how zf-CXXC proteins distinguish CpG islands amongst the irregular nucleosomal landscape which exists within the nucleus.
This thesis is focused on the role of CFP1 in the relationship between CpG islands, SET1 and H3K4me3. To address these questions, it was important to mechanistically dissect the contribution of the PHD and zf-CXXC domains. The proposal that the PHD domain of CFP1 binds selectively to H3K4me3 was confirmed by in vitro experiments, however this study demonstrates that the PHD domain is insufficient for stable interactions with chromatin. Using complementary genome-wide and live cell imaging approaches, the zf-CXXC domain shown to be required for PHD-dependent interactions. Genome-wide snapshots of binding interactions, together with spatial and temporal details, expose a surprising contribution of the SET1 complex to the nuclear mobility of CFP1, providing a new perspective on the role of CFP1 in H3K4 methylation.
Heuristic algorithms for motion planning
Keywords: robot
motion planning
path planning
heuristic

Motion planning is an increasingly important field of research. Factory automation is becoming more prevalent and at the same time, production runs are shortening in the name of customisation. With computer controlled equipment becoming cheaper and more modular, setting up near-fully automated production lines is becoming fast and easy. This means that the actual programming of the robots and assembly system is becoming the rate determining step. Automated motion planning is a possible solution to this—but only if it can run fast enough.
Many heuristic planners have been created in an attempt to achieve the necessary speeds in off-line (or more ambitiously, on-line) processing. This thesis aims to show that different types of heuristic planners can be designed to take advantage of specialised environments or robot characteristics. To show this, three distinct classes of heuristic planners are put forward for discussion.
The first of these classes, addressed in Chapter 2, is of very generic planners which will work in virtually all situations (ie. almost any combination of robot and environment). This generality is obviously useful when lacking more specific domain knowledge. However these methods do suffer performance-wise in comparison with more specialised planners when there are characteristics of the problem which can be targeted.
Chapter 3 moves to planners which are designed to specifically address certain peculiarities of the environment. Particular focus is given to environments whose corresponding configuration-spaces contain narrow gaps and passages.
Finally Chapter 4 addresses a third class of planners: those which are designed for specific types of robots and movements. The particular focus is on locomotion for legged vehicles.
For each of these three classes, some discussion is made of existing planners which can be so characterised. In addition, a novel algorithm is introduced in each as an example for particular consideration.
Four dimensional hyperbolic link complements via Kirby calculus
Keywords: hyperbolic geometry

The primary aim of this thesis is to construct explicit examples of four dimensional hyperbolic link complements. Using the theory of Kirby diagrams and Kirby calculus we set up a general framework that one can use to attack such a problem. We use this framework to construct explicit examples in a smooth standard S4 and a smooth standard S2 x S2. We then characterise which homeomorphism types of smooth simply connected closed 4-manifolds can admit a hyperbolic link complement, along the way giving constructions of explicit examples.
Effect of CTCF and Cohesin on the dynamics of RNA polymerase II transcription and coupled pre-messenger RNA processing
Keywords: TNF alpha
CTCF
Cohesin
beta-globin
CoTC
gene transcription regulation
gene transcription termination

The CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a versatile, multifunctional zinc-finger protein involved in a broad spectrum of cellular functions. In mammalian cells, CTCF functions together with the Cohesin complex, an essential regulator of sister chromatid cohesion. Together, CTCF and Cohesin have been shown to regulate gene expression at a genome-wide level in mammalian cells. In the yeast Saccharomyces pombe, Cohesin has been implicated in transcription termination of convergently transcribed genes, in a cell cycle dependent manner. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the possibility of direct transcriptional involvement of CTCF and Cohesin in human cells. The first model system applied for this experimental purpose was the β-globin gene with introduced canonical CTCF-binding sites replacing the endogenous Co- Transcriptional Cleavage (CoTC) element downstream of β-globin. The results obtained indicate that recruitment of CTCF to the β-globin 3flank∈gregiondoes¬preventread-throughtranscription.However,CTCF-b∈d∈gdoesmediateRNAPolymeraseII(PolII)pausingatthesiteofrecruitedCTCF.Thisrest̲s∈moreefficientpre-mRNA3 end processing and therefore rescues β-globin mRNA to wild type levels. Cohesin was not detected at the introduced CTCF-binding sites. These results are a contribution to our understanding of the spatio-temporal requirements for cotranscriptional events like 3` end pre-mRNA processing and Pol II kinetics.
The second part of my thesis presents an investigation on the involvement of CTCF and Cohesin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα) gene expression regulation in human monocytes and differentiated M1- and M2-type macrophages. These studies provide first evidence of Cohesin recruitment to the TNFα gene body and its regulatory NFκB-binding sites. Differences in the recruitment profiles obtained indicate potential regulatory differences of TNFα among the three cell types. Preliminary data provide an insight into the effects on TNFα mRNA levels upon down-regulation of Cohesin subunits.
Women and property: a study of women as owners, lessors and lessees of plots of land in England during the nineteenth century as revealed by the land surveys carried out by the railway, canal and turnpike companies
Keywords: economic history
nineteenth century
gender studies
England
women
local history
ownership
land

This study investigates the ownership and leasing of plots of land by women in four regions of England throughout the nineteenth century including Oxfordshire and surrounding counties (agricultural); West Yorkshire (industrial); London (the metropolis); and Durham ( mining).
Innovative research was linked to standard econometric analysis utilising a new source of information about land, namely the books of reference produced by the railway companies. These books had unique advantages, particularly as legal documents scrutinised by Parliament and the public. Information was compiled about 23,966 plots including their uses and details of ownership, leasing and occupation; with a minimum sample of 400 plots per region, per decade. The women were recorded when identified in the documents as owners, lessors or lessees.
The study compares the uses of plots with a woman owner or lessee with plots owned by men or institutions. The influence of parish characteristics and the roles of common law and equity on women’s plot ownership are considered, especially the effects of the Married Women’s Property Acts of 1870 and 1882.
On average women owned 12.4 per cent of the sampled plots and leased 3.8 per cent, with regional variations. Plot usage and location were important at regional and parish level with women adapting their ownership to local economic conditions. Differences were found between the uses of women-owned plots and those owned by men and institutions. The greatest percentage of women-owned plots everywhere were owned or leased by women with no male or institutional co-owners.
There was a multi-regional, long-term time trend towards a greater involvement of women in plot ownership during the century, with a spike in women’s ownership in Yorkshire and London during the Railway Mania.
The Married Women’s Property Act of 1870 reduced women’s ownership of plots in every region except London, whereas the 1882 Married Women’s Property Act had mixed effects across the regions.
Overall, the research challenges the view that legal and social constraints confined women’s ownership of land to wealthy widows and spinsters and shows that ownership was far more widespread than has been supposed.
In search of the Dioskouroi: image, myth and cult
Keywords: Ancient Greek cult
Archaeology
Dioskouroi

This study explores the Greeks' experience of the Dioskouroi before the arrival of the Romans, stimulated by Cicero's assertion (Cic. Nat.D. 3.15(39)) that by his time they were worshipped widely in Greece, possibly more than the Olympians: from the archaeological evidence, a surprising claim. The task is complicated by the brothers' different incarnations in different places and at different times, and the variability and patchiness of the evidence for the period, from Homeric times to c. 146 BC. To address this (explained in Chapter 1), the study is designed around examining the evidence in selected locations over time, with an underlying theme of comparing the archaeological with the literary evidence, much of which is Roman. An overview of the evidence from literature, images and buildings sets the stage (Chapter 2). The association of Kastor and Polydeukes with 'Lakedaimon' in the literature, from Homer onwards, led the study to focus primarily on Sparta and the Peloponnese (Chapter 3), looking closely also at Sparta's near neighbours, Messene and Argos. It then looks at evidence from Thera, Kyrene and Naukratis (Chapter 4), in order to include some of the earliest material evidence we have of cult of the Dioskouroi in Greek settlements, which also have associations with Sparta and Lakonia; evidence from Thasos is included too. The final chapter considers the findings and assesses the usefulness of the methodology. The paucity of architectural evidence for major monuments and buildings specifically dedicated to the Dioskouroi, except in centres where Greeks gathered from different places for trade or religious reasons, may be explained if the primary location of their cult was the individual household, buildings only being needed for dedications to the brothers by Greeks away from home. It could also explain the seeming mismatch between Cicero's statement and the archaeological record.
Analysis and design of nickel-based single crystal superalloys
Keywords: creep
alloy-by-design
superalloys
modelling

This thesis provides a research into properties of nickel-based single crystal super- alloys. The underlying quantitative relationship between alloy chemistry and the important properties have been studied. To design new grade of single crystal su- peralloys, computational modelling methods have been proposed which build on the findings of composition-microstructure-property relationships.
A physical model for the creep deformation of single crystal superalloys is presented, in which the dependence of the kinetics of creep deformation on alloy chemistry is rationalised. The rate-controlling step is considered to be climb of dislocations at the matrix/particle interfaces and their rate of escape from trapped configurations. The effects of microstructural scale precipitate size, geometry and spacing are also studied. A first order estimate for the rate of creep deformation emerges from the model, which is useful for the purposes of alloy design.
Three new single crystal superalloys have been isolated using theory-based com- putational modelling approaches, termed Alloys-By-Design methods. They are (i) an oxidation-resistant low Re-containing alloy with balanced properties, intended for general-purpose gas turbine applications; (ii) an alloy containing 5.6 wt.% Re and 2.6 wt.% Ru suitable for high performance jet engine applications, and (iii) a cheap, corrosion-resistant alloy for power generation applications. The new alloys have been manufactured using investment casting techniques, and their creep and oxidation behaviour evaluated.
The multicomponent composition space pertinent to the single crystal nickel-based superalloys has been mapped and searched, by using newly developed numerical al- gorithms. This allowed compositions of alloys conferring the microstructures needed for optimal properties to be identified, at a resolution of 0.1 wt.%. Databases have been constructed which contain all appropriate compositions available in these systems. When coupled with composition- and microstructure-dependent property models, the databases can be searched to identify new alloys predicted to exhibit the very best properties or combinations of them.
Feature detection in mammographic image analysis
Keywords: curvilinear structures
human visual model
breast cancer
cancer detection
image processing
tumor
medical imaging
microcalcifications

In modern society, cancer has become one of the most terrifying diseases because of its high and increasing death rate. The disease's deep impact demands extensive research to detect and eradicate it in all its forms. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and approximately one in nine women in the Western world will develop it over the course of their lives. Screening programmes have been shown to reduce the mortality rate, but they introduce an enormous amount of information that must be processed by radiologists on a daily basis.
Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems aim to assist clinicians in their decision-making process, by acting as a second opinion and helping improve the detection and classification ratios by spotting very difficult and subtle cases. Although the field of cancer detection is rapidly developing and crosses over imaging modalities, X-ray mammography remains the principal tool to detect the first signs of breast cancer in population screening. The advantages and disadvantages of other imaging modalities for breast cancer detection are discussed along with the improvements and difficulties encountered in screening programmes. Remarkable achievements to date in breast CAD are equally presented.
This thesis introduces original results for the detection of features from mammographic image analysis to improve the effectiveness of early cancer screening programmes. The detection of early signs of breast cancer is vital in managing such a fast developing disease with poor survival rates. Some of the earliest signs of cancer in the breast are the clusters of microcalcifications. The proposed method is based on image filtering comprising partial differential equations (PDE) for image enhancement. Subsequently, microcalcifications are segmented using characteristics of the human visual system, based on the superior qualities of the human eye to depict localised changes of intensity and appearance in an image. Parameters are set according to the image characteristics, which makes the method fully automated.
The detection of breast masses in temporal mammographic pairs is also investigated as part of the development of a complete breast cancer detection tool. The design of this latter algorithm is based on the detection sequence used by radiologists in clinical routine. To support the classification of masses into benign or malignant, novel tumour features are introduced. Image normalisation is another key concept discussed in this thesis along with its benefits for cancer detection.