VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Does sodium salicylate treatment enhance HSP 72 expression and myocardial protection?

It was of interest to determine whether an in vivo administration of salicylate, combined with a mild heat shock, could potentiate the heat shock response, and confer significant myocardial protection. To test this hypothesis, 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n = 5 per group): (1) unstressed (control); (2) sodium salicylate treated; (3) mildly heat-shocked; (4) mildly heat-shocked plus sodium salicylate treated; and (5) severely heat shocked. Hearts were analyzed for hemodynamic performance on a Langendorff apparatus. Following an ischemic episode, hearts from animals that were severely heat shocked recovered a greater percentage of left ventricular developed pressure, and rate of contraction and relaxation, compared to unstressed (control) animals. These animals also showed a significantly greater accumulation of left ventricular HSP 72. Animals that were mildly heat shocked, with or without sodium salicylate treatment, were not conferred myocardial protection, and did not show significant increases in left ventricular HSP 72 content. With this experimental design, it can be concluded that sodium salicylate treatment does not potentiate the myocardial heat shock response in vivo.
Hormonal regulation of prostate-specific antigen and human glandular kallikrein in males and females in vivo, effects of androgens and antiandrogens on plasma and urinary PSA and hK2 levels

The PSA and hK2 genes are known to be regulated by androgens and progestins ' in vitro'. To determine if this also occurs 'in vivo', plasma and urinary PSA and hK2 were immunoassayed in 32 female-to-male transsexuals before, at 4 and at 12 months of testosterone treatment, as well as in 3 groups of male-to-female transsexuals undergoing 3 types of androgen-suppressing therapy. Due to testosterone, serum and urinary PSA as well as urinary hK2 were upregulated dramatically (>90%) by the 4th month; serum hK2 remained undetectable. Conversely, the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate (CA), alone or in combination with estradiol, suppressed plasma and urinary PSA and hK2 (>90%) either at 4 or 12 months of therapy. All changes were statistically significant (P < 0.001) at 4 months compared to baseline. The demonstrated ' in-vivo' upregulation of PSA and hK2 by testosterone, and their ' in-vivo' downregulation by CA may have clinical applications in hyperandrogenic females and prostate cancer patients.
Acute Euglycemia Restores the Direct Hepatic Effect of Insulin on Glucose Production (GP) in Depancreatized Diabetic Dogs

In our previous studies in normal dogs and humans, insulin had both a peripheral extrahepatic effect and a direct effect in suppressing glucose production (GP) whereas the direct effect was undetectable in moderately hyperglycemic diabetic dogs. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate whether euglycemia restores the direct effect of insulin on GP in diabetic dogs. Insulin was infused portally (POR) or peripherally at half the rate (1/2PER) to match the peripheral insulin levels and therefore obtain a selective POR vs. 1/2PER difference in hepatic insulin levels. A greater suppression of GP was seen with POR than 1/2PER during euglycemia. The effect of portal (POR REPL) vs. peripheral basal replacement doses (PER REPL) was also analyzed. To obtain the same basal euglycemia, a greater degree of peripheral insulinemia was required with PER REPL than POR REPL which is also consistent with a direct effect of insulin in suppressing GP. Therefore, acute insulin-induced restoration of euglycemia in diabetic dogs restores the direct hepatic effect of insulin on GP. Our studies show that the physiological route of insulin delivery results in better regulation of GP and in less peripheral hyperinsulinemia than the peripheral route.
Exploring high dose effects of a bisphosphonate, HEBP, on osteogenesis in vitro

HEBP induces profound cellular changes in osteoblasts. I sought to investigate the possible mechanisms of action of HEBP on the rat bone marrow cell (RBMC) culture model. I attempted to determine whether there is a receptor for HEBP or whether HEBP induced changes in intracellular calcium. I also analysed HEBP-mediated effects on osteoblastic mRNA production of the following bone related proteins: AP, BSP, Col (I), OPN, and OCN in presence and absence of mineralization. 'Conclusion'. We suggest that HEBP-mediated effects on expression of mRNA for proteins not restricted solely to bone [OPN, Col (I)] might be more 'independent' of mineralization while HEBP-mediated regulation of mRNA for proteins that might be more restricted to bone [BSP, OCN] is more 'dependent' on mineralization. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
The characterization of a putative Myc-induced gene

The 'c-myc' proto-oncogene encodes a highly conserved nuclear protein that has been shown to be a key regulator of many cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Deregulation of the normally rigid control of both gene and protein expression is also a frequent hallmark of tumor cell lines derived from a diverse range of cancers, and represents a potent proliferative stimulus to a cell. The precise mechanism(s) utilized by Myc to implement its proliferation directive are unclear. The lack of a well-characterized set of Myc-induced genes is a major obstacle that must be overcome. To further this objective, I characterized a novel putative Myc-induced gene ('MiG' 1) previously identified in our laboratory. I have confirmed its nucleotide sequence and searched for additional sequences to explain the presence of two transcripts for this gene. I have also presented evidence indicating that this gene is induced rapidly in response to Myc activation, and demonstrated a correlation between constitutive ectopic Myc expression and increased mRNA levels of ' MiG' 1. I have identified this novel gene as the rat homolog of ' alkB', ('rABH'; rat ' AlkB' Homolog) a gene that was initially identified in 'E. coli' that has been implicated in mitigating the toxic effect of SN2 alkylating agents on cell survival. To improve our understanding of A1kB function, extensive computer modeling was performed to elucidate important characteristics of the predicted rABH protein, in addition to the identification of evolutionarily conserved regions. Lastly, I have mapped the human a1kB homolog (' hABH') to human chromosome 14q24 with greater accuracy than has previously been reported, to aid in the identification of diseases that might be associated with alterations in 'hABH'.
Chinese female family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease, feelings about their experiences of providing care

This qualitative study explored Chinese female family caregivers' feelings about providing care for relatives with Alzheimer's disease. Twelve caregivers participated (two wives, eight daughters, and two daughters-in-law); all had emigrated to Toronto from Hong Kong after age 18. Pearlin, Mullan, Semple, and Skaff's (1990) conceptual model (adapted) of Alzheimer's caregivers' stress guided the in-depth interviews which were conducted by the researcher in Cantonese. Data analysis was inductive and carried out manually. Responses indicated that all participants had applied to nursing homes but six viewed applications as backup plans only. Participants described caregiving as an obligation determined by their culture. While they appraised the same caregiving demands differently, most reported role conflicts and psychological burden. In general, participants seemed to be coping reasonably well. Responses may have been affected by: acceptance of the role, appreciation for services provided, openness to social support, and residence in an established Chinese community.
Performance analysis for engineering teams at Bell Canada

This research sponsored by Bell Canada conducts an efficiency analysis using Data Envelopment Analysis for Access Network engineering teams at Bell. We developed two DEA models for measuring the efficiency of engineering teams: Full Activity and Economic Models. The measures in the models were formulated in collaboration with management at Bell. We collected 1994 data for each model for a total of 39 teams in Ontario and Quebec. We also developed the Reduced Activity Model as a version of the Full Activity model which excludes held orders as an input factor. The analysis of the Reduced model verses the Full model enabled the identification of teams that exhibit particularly low levels of held orders as well as those that exhibit very high levels. The results of the unconstrained Economic Model reveal how DEA selects factor weights for each team that will enable provide the highest possible technical efficiency score. In order to prevent the assignment of unrealistically high efficiency scores, the factor weights were bound using managerial information regarding the relative input factor importance. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
The DNA binding mechanism of the Epstein-Barr origin binding protein, EBNA1

The crystal structure of the Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) DNA binding and dimerization region (DBDR) bound to DNA revealed that this region consists of a core domain, which forms the dimerization interface and is a structural homologue of the bovine papilloma virus E2 DBDR, and a flanking domain which makes all known sequence-specific contacts. To investigate the possibility that the EBNA1 core domain plays a role in DNA binding not revealed in the crystal structure, I have examined the effect of point mutations in the core domain on DNA binding. Mutations were made in a helix of the core domain, whose structural homologue in E2 mediates all specific DNA contacts. The mutations severely increased the dissociation constant for an EBNA1 recognition site, and displayed defects in association and dissociation rates. The mutations did not significantly affect DBDR folding or stability as determined circular dichroism analysis. My results indicate that the core domain does play a critical role in DNA binding, and are consistent with a two-step model of DNA binding.
Assessment of biodegradable calcium polyphosphate for bone substitute applications in the healing of the rat calvarium

The purpose of this study was to investigate the osteoconductive properties of calcium polyphosphate in particulate form using the calvarium of the rat. In conjunction with the material, a dense Teflon membrane or barrier was included in some animals to assist with retention of the particulate material at the wound sites. Twenty-eight rats were utilized each with an 8mm diameter defect ("critical size"). The animals were grouped as follows; group 1 consisted of 3 control rats in which the created defects remained empty, group 2 had 8 rats in which only a membrane was place over each defect; group 3 had 8 rats in which calcium polyphosphate particulate was placed into the defects; and group 4 consisted of 8 rats for which both the particulate and dense teflon membrane were used. After a healing interval of 4 weeks all animal were sacrificed and specimens prepared as non-demineralized sections for light microscopic (LM) and backscattered electron imaging (BSEI). Images from the BSEI analysis were assessed using SigniaScan® software which quantified the amount of new bone growth into the defect, and the amount of residual particulate material. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Mutation in long-lived individuals of the root-infecting fungus Armillaria gallica

Large genetic individuals of 'Armillaria gallica' grow mitotically from a single point of origin to occupy discrete territories, often covering several hectares of forest floor. Since the expansion of territories requires a large number of cell generations over a long period of time, somatic mutations are expected to accumulate. To test this possibility, isolates were collected from spatially separated points within two large individuals of ' A. gallica', and 42 anonymous regions of genomic DNA were screened for variation apparent as single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP). Although there was abundant variation in nucleotide sequences between the two individuals, there was no variation among isolates within either of the individuals. This result can only be explained in one of two ways. Either the mutation rate in individuals of 'A. gallica' is far lower than expected, or the expansion of individuals of this fungal pathogen involves far fewer cell generations than was previously estimated.
Topics in Ramsey theory on sets of real numbers

The purpose of this thesis is to explore three topics in Ramsey theory of sets on the real numbers. The first topic of discussion is a program was initiated by M. Souslin which focuses on investigating the relationships of chain conditions in topology. I will demonstrate that under the assumption <math> <f> [aleph]<inf>1</inf><<rm>add<inf>*</inf><fen lp="par">¾<inf> 1</inf><rp post="par"></fen>=<ge>c</ge></rm></f> </math> there is a c.c.c. nonseparable compactum which does not map onto <math> <f> <fen lp="sqb">0,1<rp post="sqb"></fen><sup><g>w</g><inf>1</inf> </sup></f> </math>. Other aspects of Souslin's program are also investigated. The second topic could be termed "continuous Ramsey theory." In this portion of the thesis we will study colorings <math> <f> c<hsp sp="0.167">:<fen lp="sqb">X<rp post="sqb"></fen><sup>2</sup> [right arrow]<g>w</g></f> </math> which are continuous and irreducible (c realizes every color on every large square). I will show that such colorings exist which are connected with unboundedness in (<math> <f> <sc>N<rm>,&sube;</rm></sc></f> </math>) and (<math> <f> <blkbd>P<rm>,<</rm><sup>*</sup></blkbd></f> </math>). The last topic is an investigation of the effects of random forcing on Ramsey theoretic statements about <math> <f> <g>w</g><inf>1</inf></f> </math>. We will investigate some of the applications to combinatorics and general topology.
Reduced processing resources, organization, elaboration and memory performance

The goal of the current research was to examine the effect of divided attention on memory. Previous research (Craik, unpublished data) demonstrated that when attention is divided at encoding, subsequent memory performance is poorer than would be expected, given the extent of elaboration that is achieved. It was proposed divided attention interferes with organizational processing, in addition to elaboration, and that both aspects of encoding must be considered in order to accurately predict recall under full and divided attention conditions. To test this proposal, three experiments were conducted that examined elaboration, organization and subsequent memory performance, under full and divided attention. The results did not support the proposal; recall in the divided attention condition was less than would be expected based on the extent of elaboration and organization achieved at encoding. The possibility that divided attention interferes with some other aspect of memory processes, such as consolidation, is discussed.
Evaluation of a pre-cardiac surgery educational program offered in an ambulatory care unit

A quasi experimental two-group, pre-post test design was used to examine the effectiveness of a preoperative cardiac surgery education program offered in an ambulatory out-patient clinic in reducing anxiety and increasing surgery-related knowledge. A convenience sample of 52 subjects who had initial coronary artery bypass graft surgery, were included in this study. Twenty-six were prepared as out-patients and 26, prepared as inpatients were admitted to hospital the night before surgery. Data collection took place at four points in time: prior to attending the preoperative cardiac education session, immediately following the session, the morning of surgery and three to four days postoperatively. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the two groups of subjects across the four points of data collection. The results of the study revealed no differences between the two groups in terms of anxiety and knowledge. Findings revealed, that changes occurred in both knowledge and anxiety scores regardless of the group to which the subjects belonged. The increase in knowledge scores immediately following the preoperative education session was statistically significant (' p' < .000). Anxiety scores were similar for both groups of patients with a statistically significant decrease seen in the postoperative period ('p' < .002). The implications for research, theory and practice were examined.
Perceptual wavelet coding and quality assessment for still image

This thesis investigates the use of human perceptual models to improve the performance of image compression and to provide objective quality measures more meaningful than the traditional mean-square-error (MSE) or the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). A perceptual wavelet coder is developed to satisfy a wide range of requirements, from perceptually lossless quality to high compression ratio. A perceptual model is designed to allow the coder to allocate bits for each subband based on minimizing the overall perceptual distortion. An option is included to allow region of interest be compressed at desired perceptual quality. The coder achieves scalability by multi-rate quantization and entropy coding. Results demonstrated better performance of the perceptual wavelet coder than JPEG coder and wavelet coder without perceptual model. A vision model is implemented for perceptual quality assessment. The model showed fairly accurate prediction about where the distortion is more noticeable by human eyes. The numerical measures generated from the model showed more accurate assessment than MSE and PSNR.
Systematics of little known parasitic wasps of the family Rhopalosomatidae (Hymenoptera: vespoidea)

Three new species of 'Paniscomima' Enderlein are described, ' P. darlingi, P. angelae', and 'P. paropposita.' Descriptions of the male of 'Liosphex trichopleurum' Townes and ' Paniscomima seyrigi' Berland and the female of 'Paniscomima opposita' Townes are provided. Keys to the genera of Rhopalosomatidae and species of 'Paniscomima' and 'Liosphex' Townes are also provided. A cladistic analysis of the Rhopalosomatidae (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea) was performed to test the monophyly of the family, the monophyly and relationships of included genera and to determine the relationships between the species of the genus 'Paniscomima.' Sixty-three morphological characters were used in the analysis. Exemplars from the families Pompilidae, Bradynobaenidae and Sierolomorphidae were used as outgroups. The phylogenetic analysis supports: (1) the monophyly of the Rhopalosomatidae; (2) a monophyletic extant macropterous branch of rhopalosomatids; (3) the sister relationship of 'Liosphex' to 'Rhopalosoma'/' Paniscomima' and, (4) the monophyly of each of 'Olixon, Liosphex,' and 'Rhopalosoma.' This study questions the monophyly of 'Paniscomima.'
Ritual and rites of passage, a gentle enfolding of self

This paper explores the transition from adolescence into adulthood. Key questions concerning life's meaning and one's place in the world fuel the need experience authentic connection with Self. The writer examines prevailing attitudes towards teens which tend to exclude them from the greater community, forcing them to find their own way without the interaction of mentors or elders. Traditionally, it is the role of the community to become involved in this stage of when children need to explore the world beyond family. Without the community' involvement, this passage tends to remain in a holding pattern. Peer groups replace mentoring, inner wisdom stays locked in uncharted regions. Many adults do not feel grown up. The author suggests that the incorporation of a passage structure which helps facilitate self-knowledge will help today's youth. The consideration of non-rational education, and ritual as a tool for imprinting new understanding is also examined.
Vertical zonation and seasonality of the intertidal hydroid Dynamena pumila in the Passamaquoddy Bay region, New Brunswick

Size, distribution, and fertility of the hydroid 'Dynamena pumila ' were examined along desiccation, water movement, and seasonal gradients on five rocky shores in the Passamaquoddy Bay region of Atlantic Canada. Size generally peaked between 50 and 62.5% of the shore height, at sites with strong water movement during the summer. The frequency of occurrence peaked between 37.5 and 50% at all sites except at the second most exposed station. Colony frequency increased with strong water movements and peaked during the fall. Mortality of transplants increased at higher elevations, while transplants at lower levels experienced mortalities not significantly different from the controls. Lower limits were likely set by larval preference for settling near conspecifics. Reproduction rates were greatest in summer, peaking at the most exposed site. Hydroid abundance did not explain much of the variance in colony stein height. A highly predictive relationship was found between abundance and percent occupancy.
The ecology and evolution of a quadripartite symbiosis, examining the interactions among Attine ants, fungi, and actinomycetes

The ancient and highly evolved mutualism between fungus-growing ants (Formicidae: Attini) and their fungi (Agaricales: mostly Lepiotaceae) is a textbook example of symbiosis. The ants carefully tend the fungus, which serves as the their main food source, and traditionally are believed to maintain the fungus free of microbial parasites. In this thesis, I conduct the first extensive examination of parasites attacking the fungus gardens of attine ants. I establish that the gardens are host to specialized and virulent parasitic fungi in the genus 'Escovopsis' (Ascomycota: anamorphic Hypocreales), which can completely overwhelm gardens. Persistent infections of this fungus also result in decreases in the growth rate of infected colonies. In addition, I establish a completely new and fundamental mechanism employed by the ants to maintain the health of their fungal cultivars: a mutualistic association with actinomycetes (a group of filamentous bacteria that are well-known for their ability to produce antibiotics). The actinomycete is present in all species of fungus-growing ants examined, and is carried upon regions of the ants' cuticle that appear to be both specialized and genus-specific. I also found the bacterium to be present on queens during their mating flight, indicating that it is primarily vertically transmitted between colonies. Bioassays failed to detect the production of any general antifungal metabolites by the ant-associated bacterium, but revealed that potent metabolites are produced that target ' Escovopsis'. Using a two-by-two factorial design experiment, crossing the presence/absence of actinomycete with the presence/absence of ' Escovopsis', I established that sub-colonies with the bacterium present were significantly more resistant to infections of 'Escovopsis' than those with the bacterium removed. It now appears that the attine symbiosis is a co-evolutionary 'arms race' between the garden parasite ' Escovopsis', on the one hand, and the tripartite association amongst the actinomycete, the ants, and the fungal mutualist on the other. The importance of both 'Escovopsis' and the actinomycete in this mutualism suggests that microbes may mediate the interactions occurring in other mutualisms and suggests that studying the highly evolved chemical interactions occurring within this symbiosis may provide valuable theoretical and practical insights for the discovery and use of antibiotics.