VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Boron tethered radical cyclizations

The hydroboration of a variety of alkynes with either dibromoborane-dimethyl sulfide complex, catechol borane, or dicyclohexyl borane was closely examined, and the high yield preparation of numerous boronic acids was established. Two facile protocols were devised for the formation of haloalkyl boronates, one relying on the simple condensation of the free boronic acids with haloalcohols, the other proceeding from a dibromoalkenyl borane hydroboration intermediate and involving the Lewis acid mediated ring opening of cyclic ethers/epoxides. The boronates were screened under radical conditions involving catalytic tributyltin hydride, and the majority of those examined were found to cyclize in an exclusive 5-, 6-, or 7-exo manner to afford 1,3-, 1,4-, and 1,5-diols in high yield following oxidative cleavage of the C-B bond. An attempted investigation into the stereoselectivity of such processes resulted in the discovery of a ring strain facilitated intramolecular homolytic substitution (S$\rm\sb{H}$i) reaction at boron, the first example of such a transformation. The resultant 1,4-diols were shown by X-ray crystallographic analysis to have originated from an intermediate cis fused (4,3,0) -nonane ring system, but otherwise showed little diastereoselectivity.
Enhanced removal of residual DNAPL with hot water injection

An experimental cell and remediation system were designed to analyze hot water flushing of residual dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). Experiments were performed to calibrate the hydraulic and thermal properties of the system within a computer model. Simulations were conducted to evaluate preferential flow through thermal plumes and to assess the effects of increased temperatures on DNAPL dissolution. The intrinsic permeability of the system was calibrated, with ' R'2 values ranging from 0.783 to 0.995. The thermal model was not sensitive enough to the heat capacity and heat loss coefficient values to allow model errors to be consistently minimized for the two sample times examined. Simulations demonstrated that preferential flow within a heat plume would not be significant over long periods of time. Improved recovery was achieved in variable temperature simulations of residual tetrachloroethylene (PCE) dissolution, but significant increases in recovery may only be realized in mass transfer rate limited systems.
Localization of constitutive and hyperthermia-induced heat shock proteins to synapses of the rat brain

This thesis examines the expression of heat shock proteins Hsp90, Hsc70, Hsp70, Hsp60, Hsp32 and Hsp27 in rat brain tissues under normal physiological conditions and following hyperthermic stress. Specifically this study has assessed whether these heat shock proteins localize to synaptic structures in the mammalian brain. Western blot analysis of synaptic fractions derived from control animals demonstrated the presence of constitutively expressed Hsp90, Hsc70 and Hsp60. In addition, hyperthermia caused the association of stress-induced Hsp70, Hsp32 and Hsp27 with synaptic components. The localization of constitutive Hsc70 and hyperthermia-induced Hsp70, Hsp32 and Hsp27 to synaptic sites in the rat cerebellum was visualized using electron microscope immunocytochemistry. These findings suggest that heat shock proteins play a role in synaptic function under normal conditions and may facilitate the repair and recovery of synaptic structures following stress.
Identification of NKIAMRE, the human homologue to the MAPK/CDK-related protein kinase NKIATRE, and its loss in leukemic blasts with the 5q-syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of pre-malignant hematologic disorders characterized by anemia, abnormal maturation of the granulocytic lineage, and the potential to transform into malignant acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Loss of all or part of the long arm of chromosome 5 (5q- syndrome) has been associated with these myeloid disorders. To identify lost tumor suppressor genes in MDS and AML, attempts have been made to define the minimally deleted region on chromosome 5q31. We have identified human NKIAMRE, a novel cyclin dependent kinase-related molecule closely related to the rat serine/threonine kinase NKIATRE. NKIAMRE also shares features of the mitogen activated protein kinase family including the Thr-X-Tyr motif in subdomain VIII. It also contains the NKIAMRE domain, for which it is named, which is a potential binding site for a cyclin. Human NKIAMRE localizes to 5q31.1, centromeric to the IL-9 locus and telomeric to IRF-1. NKIAMRE was deleted at both alleles in 9 of 18 leukemic samples with 5q31 abnormalities studied by fluorescence 'in situ' hybridization. This study implies that loss of NKIAMRE is associated with the development or progression of myeloid disorders. Furthermore, NKIATRE is not expressed in any cell lines examined suggesting that it may be detrimental to cell proliferation.
Alberta Women in the Field, Geoscientists in the Resource Industry, Government Research, and Academia, 1914-1999

This dissertation takes a threefold approach in examining the changing nature of the entry experiences, career opportunities, and professional identities of Alberta women geoscientists working in the resource industry, government research, and academia between 1914 and 1999. First, it explores the literature related to women in science, women's entry to universities and graduate schools, women in academia and the professions, and women and the resource frontier. Second, it engages in the recovery and analysis of the careers of three early women geoscientists. Third, it undertakes an empirical study based on interviews of thirty-four contemporary women geoscientists in Alberta. The review of the literature on women in science shows British women were in the vanguard of education for women in the geosciences, the cross-fertilization of scientific knowledge across international boundaries, and the impact of the transition from the amateur naturalist tradition to institutionalized and academic settings, which resulted in loss of visibility for the early contributions of women in science. The diversity of the careers of Grace Anne Stewart, Helen Belyea, and Mary Turner illustrates the three different possibilities in terms of career path for women geoscientists: university teaching, research and field work in government service, and work in private industry and the oil patch. Stewart and Belyea fit the category of high achievers who concentrated on their careers, while Turner had a shortlived career in geology, married, and later resumed her teaching career. The interview-based study shows that while career opportunities for women in the booming Alberta resource industry are very positive, social attitudes are the slowest part of the job equation to change. While women are gaining senior technical and management positions, lingering social stereotypes and outdated exclusionary practices continue to exist, and women continue to have to work to overcome them. Despite these challenges, a majority of women geoscientists interviewed in the study are experiencing or have experienced fulfilling and financially rewarding careers.
Effects of moderate and profound hypothermia on excitatory amino acid-induced neuronal injury in cortical cell cultures

We examined toxicity of excitatory amino acids (EAA) at several temperatures using a temperature controlled fluorescence multi-well plate scanner. We found that accumulation of propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence (a marker of cell death), correlated highly with manual counts of PI-stained cortical neurons, as well as with lactate dehydrogenase release. Using this technique, cultures were exposed for different durations to excitatory amino acid (EAA) agonists at temperatures ranging from 12°C to 37°C. 30°C and 20°C were protective, whereas reducing temperature to 12°C was deleterious to the EAA-challenged neurons. Equimolar concentrations of glutamate and NMDA applied for 60 min were equally neurotoxic at 37°C. However, at 20°C NMDA toxicity was markedly attenuated while glutamate neurotoxicity was not. This disparity was not evident with 5min applications of EAAs. The protective effects of hypothermia at 20-30°C persisted following rewarming to 37°C. However, rewarming from 12°C was damaging to neurons.
Numerical simulation of blunt body-generated detonation wave ramjet flowfields

Blunt body generated detonation wave ramjet flowfields have been studied numerically for a stoichiometrically premixed air-hydrogen gas mixture involving 13 species. Three different blunt body diameters are examined within a domain at fixed height and length, creating the channel blockage ratios of 16%, 25% and 33%. For this an implicit numerical method based on the 'Lower-Upper Symmetric Gauss-Seidel' scheme and a 'Roe flux difference splitting ' scheme was developed and thoroughly validated for laminar flows with non-equilibrium chemistry on structured multi-block grids. Blunt body generated combustion is superior over wedge generated combustion for low in-flow temperatures, since ignition can be achieved within a domain of significantly smaller size. With increasing channel blockage ratio the loans of total pressure and momentum increase, while the heat added slightly decreases. This makes the smallest channel blockage ratio the favourable.
Moved by the spirit, a narrative inquiry

This thesis incorporates the methodology of narrative inquiry in considering movement and dance as meaningful life processes. It begins with an autobiographically-oriented narrative of the writer's experiences as a dancer, a dance therapist with autistic and emotionally troubled children, and a researcher in multicultural education. Subsequently, these experiences are examined from phenomenological and ethnographic perspectives. In particular, movement by children is described and analyzed, to illustrate children's natural propensity for its symbolic use. The writer concludes that greater attention to this modality needs to be considered in developing curricula for children. Throughout the inquiry, the paradigm of holistic education provides a theoretical schema for integrated notions of body, mind, and soul. The thesis closes with a challenge and an invitation for readers to investigate the reflective stories lodged in their own body memories and revealed through the experience of movement and dance.
The cloning and characterization of the murine Iroquois-related homeobox genes

The Drosophila Iroquois gene complex consists of three homeobox genes. These genes have been implicated in the Hedgehog signaling pathway in wing imaginal discs and serve as positive regulators of the proneural genes achaete (ac) and scute (sc). Through a cDNA library screen four murine Iroquois-related homeobox genes, Irx1, Irx3, Irx4 and Irx5, have been identified. These genes show both specific and overlapping patterns of expression throughout development. Expression of Irx genes was analyzed in the Gli2, Gli3 and Shh mouse mutant backgrounds. Irx5 was downregulated in the Gli2$-$/$-$ background and both upregulated and ectopically expressed in the Gli3$-$/$-$ background. No change in gene expression was observed for Irx3. Strikingly, upregulation and expansion of Irx5 gene expression was observed in the Shh mutant background, suggesting that Gli2 may regulate dorsal neural tube gene expression independent of Shh signaling. Collectively, data presented here suggests that the Drosophila signaling cascade has been evolutionarily conserved and is essential for development.
Growth models of hard maple forest in southern Ontario

Two matrix growth models of mixed uneven-aged hard maple forest are developed using transition probabilities as deterministic and random variables respectively. These two growth models are estimated using growth data (growth period 5 years) from 30 permanent sample plots in southern Ontario. The matrix growth model with deterministic transition probabilities is used to obtain the steady state of the stand. These two matrix growth models are used to simulate the stand dynamics (diameter class distributions) for 100 years. In deterministic mode, stand reaches steady state after 110 years. Stand dynamics is almost similar in deterministic and random modes. The model with deterministic transition probabilities is solved for constant yield and nonconstant yield by linear programming, and nonconstant yield by MAXMIN approach. The comparison of results shows that the harvest regime obtained by MAXMIN approach is better than others.
Socioemotional functioning in children diagnosed with Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, ARND, profile on the Child Behaviour Checklist, CBCL

In an effort to better understand the socioemotional challenges of children exposed prenatally to alcohol, children aged 4-18 diagnosed with Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) were compared to normal controls. The sample of 68 children included 33 with ARND, 33 normal controls matched to the ARND sample for age, gender, and SES, and 2 children with ARND for whom matches were not available. Comparisons were made both quantitatively and qualitatively using a standardized measure of socioemotional functioning. The study investigated the hypothesis that children with ARND would present with a distinct clinical profile of disturbed socioemotional functioning. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that the severity of socioemotional disturbance would reflect familial and background factors. Results indicated that the ARND group did differ significantly than controls in their presentation of socioemotional problems. As well, children in the ARND group presented with a consistent clinical profile of socioemotional functioning on the CBCL.
A Dnaj-related co-chaperone, Mrj, is required for placental devlopment in mice

We have identified a new gene that plays a critical role in mouse placental development. This gene, called mammalian relative of DnaJ (MrJ), was identified using gene trapping. Mrj is expressed in the trophoblast lineage at high levels and in specific embryonic and adult tissues at Lower levels. The gene trap insertion created a hypomorphic allele of Mrj. In homozygous embryos, the allantois and the chorion fail to form an attachment which precludes normal placental development and results in death of the embryo at mid-gestation. Mrj encodes a protein that contains a J domain, so named due to its similarity with the Hsp70-interacting domain of E. coli DnaJ. Based on databases of expressed sequences, there are at least 40 J domain-containing proteins in mammals. The study of the Mrj represents the first genetic analysis of these proteins and has demonstrated a specific and unexpected role in placental development.
On the structure of asymptotic distributions

In developing higher order asymptotic theory, both transformation and exponential models play an important role. Location models, in particular, present possible parameter values in a direct measurement or location manner. In this thesis, a series of transformations of parameters has been developed that remove non-location effects in the model; this is a central theme in the study of approximations for statistical models. Exponential models are useful for obtaining accurate approximations. We discuss the effect on the p-value of the nonexponentiality terms which exist in the exponential type approximations. As for general models outside the exponential families or transformation models, implementation of the available methods requires the dimension of the variable to be equal to that of the parameter. The general approach is to develop an approximate ancillary statistic for the model so as to reduce the dimension. In the thesis we present a procedure that generates a second order ancillary statistic, and the resulting ancillary statistic produces third order accuracy for the p-value.
Me thoughts I heard one calling, talking to God in the poetry of John Donne, George Herbert, Christina Rossetti, and Gerard Manley Hopkins

This study approaches the religious poetry of John Donne, George Herbert, Christina Rossetti, and Gerard Manley Hopkins from the viewpoint of an atheist or agnostic reader who believes that when these poets speak to God they are really speaking to themselves. I draw on the theories of Ludwig Feuerbach and Julia Kristeva to examine the dialogue of the subject with itself in the form of a poem constructed as a prayer. I concentrate on two central aspects of religious poetry: the construction of the self, and the nature of poetry. Chapter One contextualizes Feuerbach's idea that God is humanity's externalization of itself within the history of Christian theology, showing that the four poets differ in the degree to which they regard God as "human" and therefore close to the self, or "Other" and therefore distant and terrifying. The more "human" the poet's God is, the more likely it is that the poet will inscribe God's speech and reactions into his or her poem. Chapter Two tackles the formal qualities of the poetry, drawing specifically on Kristeva's categories of the symbolic and the semiotic, in an attempt to characterize rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, paradox, puns, and so on as one or the other. It concludes that secular theory cannot exhaust, but can partly illuminate, the meaning of religious poetry. The third chapter approaches the poetry by means of the theological distinction between 'agape'-love and 'eros'-love, and Kristeva's distinction between idealistic and narcissistic love. I attempt to demonstrate both the different ways in which the poets express both love and hate towards God, and the way the poets unconsciously use God as a means by which they can achieve self-love, or express self-hate. The first three chapters concentrate on ways to read the poets against themselves; the fourth and final chapter returns to the poets' own intentions in examining their attitudes towards the compatibility or otherwise of poetry and religion. It situates Kristeva's argument, that poetry is always subversive of religion, within the large body of criticism which argues for the close relation of poetry and religion.
The role of retinoic acid in anterior-posterior patterning of the mouse embryo

Previous studies have suggested that retinoic acid (RA) is a signalling molecule important for the posteriorization of the developing vertebrate embryo. However, the evidence provided by these experiments has not been complete. To further investigate RA's role in anterior-posterior (A-P) patterning during early mouse embryogenesis, the complete removal of endogenous RA in the developing embryo was attempted by ubiquitously expressing an enzyme that can metabolize RA, called P450RAI. In this study various embryonic stem (ES) cell lines transgenic for a construct which would allow ubiquitous expression of 'P450RAI' were generated, but they did not express the 'P450RAI' transgene at a detectable level. Therefore, this prevented the successful execution of the project. Some likely problems have been considered and appropriate modifications proposed to allow for the successful future execution of this project, which will help elucidate how RA is implicated in A-P patterning during early vertebrate development.
Postmortem finding of decreased 5-HT2A receptor number in schizophrenia is not confirmed in living subjects using positron emission tomography

This thesis describes a study of brain serotonin type-2A (5-HT$\sb{\rm 2A})$ receptors in schizophrenia using positron emission tomography (PET). Several post-mortem studies had reported a decreased density/number of 5-HT$\sb{\rm 2A}$ receptors in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. In this study, 13 neuroleptic-free patients with schizophrenia were compared to a group of 26 subjects free of mental illness in the same age range. 5-HT$\sb{\rm 2A}$ receptors were assessed using the PET radioligand $\lbrack\sp{18}$F) setoperone in standardized cortical regions of interest (ROIs). Age was found to be associated with a decline in cortical 5-HT$\sb{\rm 2A}$ receptors, similarly in both patients and normal comparison subjects. After controlling for the effect of age, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of 5-HT$\sb{\rm 2A}$ receptors between patients and comparison subjects in any of the cortical regions. These results thus fail to confirm the $>$25% decrease in 5-HT$\sb{\rm 2A}$ receptors reported in postmortem studies of schizophrenia. Implications and limitations of this research are discussed.
Chasing the new economy dream, New Brunswick and Ireland, 1988-2000

This thesis constitutes a study of public policy efforts in Ireland and New Brunswick to increase economic development in the area of information and communications technologies. The thesis considers the two polities as peripheral regions due to their sparse populations and geographic locations on the outskirts of Europe and North America. The public policy efforts are framed within the context of 'glocalization', a term used by numerous authors to describe a process whereby local and international institutions gain increased influence while the relevance of national institutions wanes. The differing rates of unemployment and economic growth in both places, combined with the differing types of employment that the two places have succeeded in attracting suggest that regional development policy in the so-called 'new economy' is plagued by many of the same problems as in previous decades.
Defining the role of CipA in the pathogenesis of Campylobacter jejuni infection

'Campylobacter jejuni' is recognized as a leading cause of foodborne bacterial infection, with symptoms ranging from a mild watery diarrhea to more severe inflammatory colitis. At present, the proposed model of disease includes colonization of the intestinal tract through adhesion and invasion of intestinal surfaces leading to mucosal inflammation and damage to epithelial cell function. Previous work in our laboratory identified the CipA protein ('Campylobacter' Invasion Phenotype) as a potential virulence factor. A 'cipA' deletion mutant was constructed by allelic replacement to assess the effect of the disruption of the 'cipA' allele. Using the gentamicin protection assay, the CipA mutant showed a reduced ability to invade HEp-2 cells grown in tissue culture (29.5% ± 5.3% relative to wild type, p < 0.05). However, there was no reduced invasion when INT407 cells or nonpolarized Caco-2 cells were utilized. The mutant and wild type 'C. jejuni' strain exhibited similar rates of bacterial translocation across a polarized epithelial cell monolayer (Caco-2 cells) without affecting transepithelial resistance. Using polyclonal antibodies directed against CipA, Western blot analysis showed that CipA protein expression is not regulated in response to bacterial growth phase or when 'C. jejuni' is cultured in MEM-15% FCS. A murine model of 'Campylobacter ' infection was employed to assess the virulence of the CipA mutant ' C. jejuni' strain during infection 'in vivo'. Following orogastric inoculation of BALB/c mice, the rate and duration of intestinal colonization can be monitored by the level of 'C. jejuni' fecal shedding. Unfortunately, a sustained colonization of mouse intestine could not be established despite repeated challenges. Future studies employing a more invasive strain of 'C. jejuni' as the genetic background for a 'cipA' mutation will help to further characterize the importance of CipA during the interaction between the bacterium and the epithelial cell surface.