VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Differential involvement of the nucleus accumbens shell and core subregions in maternal performance and maternal memory in female rats

This thesis examines the functions of two subregions of the nucleus accumbens (NA) in maternal performance and maternal memory. In Experiment One, electrolytic lesions of the NA-shell or NA-core were performed either before parturition or immediately after a varying amount of maternal experience (1 hr or 24 hr or overnight) during the immediate postpartum period. Maternal behavior was tested on Day 1 postpartum during the pup exposure phase and retested 9 days later during maternal retention test phase. Results show only the NA-shell lesions either before parturition/pup exposure or immediately after a 1 hr maternal experience significantly disrupted maternal memory; whereas lesions after a 24 hr maternal experience had no effect. The NA-shell lesions also produced a pup retrieval deficit, regardless when lesions were conducted. In contrast, the NA-core lesions had no significant impact on either maternal performance or maternal memory. In Experiment Two, Cycloheximide (CYC) or saline was infused in the NA-shell or in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) immediately after a 1-hr pup exposure on Day 1 postpartum in female rats and their maternal memories were examined 9 days later. CYC at a high dose (25 μg/μl) infused in the NA-shell significantly disrupted maternal memory, whereas infusions in the MPOA (both doses) or a low dose (10 μg/μl) of CYC infused in the NA-shell had no effect. In Experiment Three, we first found that the NMDA neurotoxic lesions of the whole NA also induced the pup retrieval deficit, and the same deficit was seen in animals with haloperidol infused in the NA-shell. Based on these data, we concluded that: (1) the NA-shell, but not the NA-core, is involved in maternal performance and maternal memory; (2) the NA-shell is critical for the maintenance of maternal responsiveness (maternal memory) through its role in the consolidation of maternal experience; (3) the DA neurons within the NA-shell are important for the normal expression of pup retrieval behavior through their role in either maintaining maternal motivation or maintaining attention.
Polymer microbeads for optical and biological applications

The production of particles with carboxyl groups on the surface ranging from 1.35 to 15.70 mum in diameter were synthesized using a one step dispersion polymerization of styrene, acrylic acid and butyl methacrylate. We studied the effect of the concentration of AA, BMA and water on the particle size and concentration of carboxyl groups on the surface. We were able to correlate the average solubility parameter of the initial reaction mixture with the resulting particle size and found that for water and BMA this system held true, but for AA an inverse trend was discovered. This deviation was described by the presence of PAA blocks on the surface of the particles acting as excess steric stabilizer.
Evidence that Pten loss induces mammary tumours by targeting stem/progenitor cells

Phosphatase and Tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (Pten), an antagonist of Phosphotidylinositol-3 Kinase (PI3K) signaling, is one of the most commonly inactivated tumour suppressor genes in human cancers. However, its role in breast cancer is not well understood. Here I have used a conditional knock-out mouse model in which Pten was specifically disrupted in the mammary gland to study the effect of the PI3K/Pten pathway on the mammary stem cell compartment and tumour-initiating cells. The loss of Pten in mammary epithelium gave rise to mixed population tumours containing myoepithelial and luminal epithelial cells and lead to an expansion of stem cell population. PtenDeltaf/f mammary tumours exhibited nuclear accumulation of cyclin D2 and beta-catenin and contained keratin 6 positive cell population. Comparative analysis of Pten Deltaf/f mammary tumours suggested that like MMTV-Wnt1, loss of Pten in the mammary gland induces tumours by targeting the stem cell/early progenitor cell population.
Antenatal programming of the HPA-axis: The effect of maternal distress during pregnancy on the development of stress reactivity and health outcomes in infants and toddlers

The antenatal programming hypothesis proposes a fetal origin of adult diseases. Animal research has isolated the offspring's neuroendocrinological stress reactivity as the primary target of antenatal programming and the mediator of the antenatal effect on the offspring's behavioral and health outcomes. Evidence from humans is scarce, but consistent with the animal literature. It shows that antenatal maternal distress heightens behavioral (and in a few studies, neuroendocrinological) stress reactivity, and/or compromises physical or emotional health. Nevertheless, direct human evidence that supports the antenatal programming hypothesis is lacking. The antenatal programming hypothesis suggests that the programming of the offspring's HPA system serves as the mechanism that mediates the long-term effect of antenatal maternal distress on the offspring's adverse behavioral, physical and emotional outcomes. In this dissertation, I report secondary analyses of data collected in 2 cohorts. The dissertation consists of 3 separate studies with non-overlapping samples examining evidence of antenatal programming in humans. In Study 1, I report analyses conducted to examine whether the offspring's stress reactivity, measured behaviorally, mediates the effect of antenatal maternal distress on physical and emotional health outcomes. In Study 2, I report analyses conducted to examine the stability of antenatal effects on the offspring's neuroendocrinological and behavioral stress reactivity, and the linkage between the behavioral and neuroendocrinological effects of antenatal maternal distress over time. Finally, in Study 3, I report analyses examining the mediating role of the offspring's perinatal neuroendocrinological stress reactivity as well as the moderating role of postnatal maternal distress in the relation between antenatal maternal distress and infant behavioral stress reactivity. Together, these three studies provide preliminary evidence in humans that is consistent with the antenatal programming hypothesis: (1) antenatal maternal distress predicts the offspring's behavioral and health outcomes, (2) the effect of antenatal maternal distress is stable and persistent, and (3) the offspring's HPA system is the primary target and mediator of antenatal effects.
Divine law, asceticism, and gender in Aphrahat's Demonstrations, with a complete annotated translation of the text and comprehensive Syriac glossary

Asceticism, anti-Jewish polemic, and an extensive use of Old Testament are three prominent feature of the Demonstrations of Aphrahat that can be brought together by an examination of the author's concept of divine Law. While many scholars have studied these areas in isolation, the centrality of Law-observance for Aphrahat has been largely overlooked. This emphasis on the Law affirms the basic continuity between the moral commandments of the Old Testament and the New, while adding a new dimension in the ascetic commands of Christ. In contrast to his clear rejection of O.T. ritual law, Aphrahat's high view of the Decalogue and other O.T. moral laws form an important part of his Christian spirituality. Christ's call to a higher ascetic way of life does not conflict with a fundamental commitment to the moral code already known to the Jewish patriarchs. Though his role clearly goes beyond this, Christ for Aphrahat functions as a new and final teacher of the Law who points to love as the fulfillment of the Law. This emphasis on love, however, is a way of appreciating the fullness of the Law rather than a way of minimizing its importance. In its ethical aspect, Aphrahat's concept of divine Law highlights continuity rather than discontinuity between Judaism and Christianity. This study also provides a gender perspective on Law which reveals that the author, despite some harsh descriptions of women, is perhaps more egalitarian than it first seems. This can be affirmed while recognizing the male bias of the text. To facilitate the present study, and as a contribution to the field in its own right, a full and original translation of the text is provided, along with a comprehensive Syriac glossary which includes virtually all of the terms in the text of the Demonstrations.

Keywords: Law (Theology), History of doctrines
Structure-function analysis of the molecular chaperones calnexin and calreticulin

Calnexin (CNX) and calreticulin (CRT) are, respectively, membrane bound and soluble lectins of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with specificity for Asn-linked oligosaccharides of the form Glc1Man 9GlcNAC2. CNX and CRT bind transiently to folding intermediates possessing this monoglucosylated glycan and recruit a protein disulfide oxidoreductase, ERp57. In addition, CNX and CRT function as molecular chaperones binding directly to folding intermediates via polypeptide interactions. The objective of this thesis is to localize the sites of interaction on CNX/CRT for oligosaccharide, ERp57 and polypeptide and, further, to examine the functional relevance of the polypeptide binding site. Using deletion mutants, I localized the lectin site of CNX and CRT to their globular beta-sandwich domains. CNX and CRT also possess an arm-like extension and I localized the ERp57-binding site to this domain. In aggregation suppression assays, the globular domain, but not the arm domain, was capable of preventing the aggregation of model substrates, indicating that the polypeptide-binding site resides in the same domain as the lectin site. Six residues of the lectin site of CNX were mutated to alanines and each of these mutants had compromised lectin activity, but wild type levels of ERp57 binding. All six mutants prevented the aggregation of a non-glycosylated substrate, demonstrating that the polypeptide-binding site had not been disturbed. By contrast, the mutants were compromised in preventing the aggregation of a monoglucosylated substrate. To determine whether the lectin site is required for a functional interaction with substrates in vivo, two of the lectin-site mutants of CNX were transfected into a Drosophila expression system along with a model glycoprotein, the major histocompatibility complex class I heavy chain (MHC I). Like wild-type CNX, lectin-site deficient CNX formed a stable complex with MHC I and was able to delay the degradation of the glycoprotein. Thus, CNX is able to function as a chaperone in vivo despite lacking the ability to bind oligosaccharide. This demonstrates the importance of polypeptide-based interactions in the association of CNX with glycoprotein folding intermediates. The dual-binding ability of CNX allows for both enhanced binding and specificity of binding in its role as a molecular chaperone for glycoproteins in the secretory pathway.
Manufacture of microcellular open-celled polyolefin foams

A continuous extrusion process for the manufacture of microcellular and open-celled polyolefin foams is presented. The major plastics used in this study were low density polyethylene (LDPE) and Polystyrene (PS). To date, studies on microcellular foaming have centered around closed-cell structures. When an open-celled microcellular foam is developed, it will have a large number of industrial applications. The purpose of this research is to form the scientific and engineering basis needed to produce open-celled microcellular foams. This thesis presents the effective strategies for increasing the open-cell content and the cell density of LDPE or LDPE/PS polymers blend foams. The effects of processing and materials parameters on the foam morphologies were thoroughly studied using a single-screw foam extrusion system. By tailoring the processing and materials parameters, microcellular open-celled LDPE/PS blend foams with more than 95% open-cell content and 109 cells/cm3 were successfully produced.
Primary school teachers in an urban centre of northern Ghana: conceptions of practice, classroom actions, and prospects for change

The Education for All Movement has reinvigorated the efforts of donors and African governments to improve the quality of basic education systems. Quality reform measures centrally include in-service teacher training, increasingly complemented by interventions targeting the “Whole School” and the community it serves. This thesis presents findings from interviews with seven teachers at a primary school in Tamale, Ghana, and from extended observations of their classroom practice. Layers of influence on teachers' conception of practice and on their teaching behaviour are explored, with a central focus on the institutional culture of the inherited colonial school model and the centralized education bureaucracy. Gaps appear between what teachers say and what they do, especially relating to the ideals of “nurturing” and “child-centeredness”. The study problematizes the potential for the current paradigm of quality reform to transform teachers' classroom practice, and thus to significantly impact pupils' experience and outcomes within the formal system.
Identification of a GABAa receptor-mediated opiate addiction switch in the mammalian ventral tegmental area

A fundamental question in the neurobiological study of drug reward and addiction is how the organism switches from the drug-naive, non-dependent state, to a state of drug dependence and addiction. In this thesis, I identify a neural substrate within the mammalian ventral tegmental area (VTA) that serves as a molecular switching substrate for the transmission of reward signals through separate, dopaminergic (DA) and DA-independent neural systems. I report that a GABAA receptor substrate within the VTA serves as a switching mechanism between a DA-independent and a DA-dependent neural motivational system as a function of the opiate state of the organism. In opiate naive animals, agonist activation of VTA GABAA receptors produces a DA-dependent reward effect while antagonist blockade of these receptors produces a DA-independent effect. Remarkably, once animals are in a state of opiate-dependence and withdrawal, agonist activation of VTA GABAA receptors produces a DA-independent effect, while antagonist blockade of these receptors produces a DA-dependent reward effect. This switching mechanism is mediated by molecular alterations occurring at the level of the GABA A receptor that switches the membrane conductance properties of the receptor from an inhibitory, hyperpolarizing conductance in the opiate-naive state, to an excitatory, depolarizing conductance in the opiate withdrawn state. This phenomenon depends upon the efflux of HC03− through the GABAA ionophore, as intra-VTA administration of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide (10–50 μM) prevents the observed opiate withdrawal-induced switch in the molecular valence of VTA GABAA receptors and restores the functional activity of the VTA GABAA receptor substrate to the opiate-naive state. Furthermore, excitotoxic lesions of the brainstem tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus (TPP) selectively block the DA-independent, GABAA receptor reward signal in the VTA, but have no effect on the DA-dependent VTA GABAA receptor reward signal, suggesting that the neural substrates responsible for transmission of DA-dependent and DA-independent reward signals associated with opiate or GABAA receptor signalling, act through a common neural mechanism. The studies described in this thesis suggest that the neurobiological mechanism(s) responsible for the switch from a non-dependent to a dependent and drug-addicted state, involve a dynamic boundary between pharmacologically and anatomically distinct neural motivational systems.
The roles of Syk tyrosine kinase and ezrin in human rhinovirus internalization in airway epithelium

Human rhinovirus (HRV), the leading cause of asthma and COPD exacerbations, aggravates airway inflammation upon binding to its ICAM-1 receptor. Syk tyrosine kinase is an important mediator of HRV-induced IL-8 expression. While PI3-kinase (PI3K) regulates clathrin-mediated HRV endocytosis and IL-8 expression, the role of airway epithelial Syk in this signaling pathway is not known. Also, Syk is typically activated upon binding of its tandem SH2 domains to immuno-tyrosine activation motifs (ITAMs) of immunoreceptors. While airway epithelial cells (AECs) lack immunoreceptors, they express ezrin, a cytoskeletal linker protein which possesses an ITAM. Syk recruitment in AECs following HRV infection is accompanied by ezrin-Syk co-association. Yet, the role of the ezrin ITAM and its interaction with epithelial Syk has not been characterized. Here, we demonstrate that HRV binding to ICAM-1 induces the association of an ezrin-Syk-clathrin complex which is upstream of PI3K/Akt activation in leading to HRV internalization. We also show that the interaction between Syk and ezrin is mediated by their SH2-ITAM binding--domains which are functionally important in regulating HRV-induced Akt phosphorylation. Together, we propose that the partnership of ezrin and Syk is instrumental in mediating both replication-independent and replication-dependent arms of the inflammatory response to HRV.
Quasi-static energy recovery binary decision diagram logic (QSBDDL)

Due to the dynamic nature of their operation, most adiabatic logic families feature high switching activity. Furthermore, long latency caused by gate level pipelining of adiabatic circuits is unacceptable in a number of DSP applications. In this thesis, a new adiabatic logic style, named Quasi-Static Energy Recovery Binary Decision Diagram Logic (QSBDDL), is proposed. It remedies both of the above mentioned problems by combining quasi-static operation with complex logic gates and partial energy recovery and can be used in the implementation of arithmetic units in low power DSP systems. To illustrate the design style, an 8 x 8 QSBDDL multiplier, featuring a novel partial product reduction architecture, was designed and implemented in a 0.18μm CMOS process. At a clock frequency of 100MHz, the implemented multiplier uses 50% and 20% less energy than equivalent multipliers implemented using conventional static CMOS circuits and quasi-static energy recovery logic (QSERL), respectively. Furthermore, the latency of the QSBDDL multiplier is reduced by a factor of 2.4 as compared to that of the QSERL multiplier.
The relationship between the stockholm neurological scale and the objective tests for the assessment of the neurological component of the hand-arm vibration syndrome

Objectives. The main objective of this thesis was to compare the Stockholm Neurological Scale and the results of the current perception threshold tests and nerve conduction studies. Additional objectives were to examine associations between Stockholm Vascular and Neurological components and to describe specific neurological abnormalities found in subjects assessed for the Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome. Methods. Detailed physical examinations were done on 162 subjects. Special tests consisted of nerve conduction studies and current perception threshold. Stockholm Neurological classification was blinded to the results of special tests. Results. Exposure in total hours and current perception threshold results were significant predictors of the Stockholm Neurological Scale for each hand. Stockholm Vascular and Neurological Scales were significantly associated for each hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome was the main neurological abnormality found in this sample. Conclusions. Current perception threshold test results but not nerve conduction studies were associated with the Stockholm Neurological Scale.
Identifying the cognitive variables that moderate the occupational decision-making process

This research examined the task of occupational decision-making from the perspective of the Cognitive Information Processing model developed by Peterson, Sampson, Reardon and Lenz (1996). Peterson et al. have depicted how self-knowledge and occupational knowledge are employed through a sequence of steps, to arrive at an occupational decision. Self-knowledge in the form of vocational self-concept (Barrett & Tinsley, 1977) and ego-identity status (Marcia, 1966) were assessed for their ability to predict occupational indecision in a sample of predominantly first year university students. A number of individual cognitive variables were considered as potentially moderating the crystallization of vocational self-concept and the incidence of occupational indecision in an effort to expand the model. Two regression analyses were performed, one to determine the variability in indecision attributed to vocational self-concept crystallization and ego-identity status and the second to assess the variability in self-concept crystallization attributable to the various cognitive variables assessed. The results of the first regression analysis indicated that vocational self-concept and ego identity were related in a significant and positive direction, as might be expected by two such similar variables, and that each contributed to the variability in indecision scores. The second regression analysis found that rational and experiential thinking styles were the only significant predictors of occupational indecision. The disposition to introspect had a significant correlation with indecision indicating increased indecision related to introspection. Cognitive complexity and critical thinking did not contribute significantly to the variability in vocational self-concept and its relationship to indecision. Age, gender, and number of siblings were also assessed and found to have significant relations to vocational self-concept and the incidence of indecision. While this study added to the body of literature recognizing the importance of self knowledge to occupational decision-making, the effect of various individual cognitive variables on self-knowledge development was not well-supported. Thinking styles, specifically facilitating a rational approach to occupational decisions, may be an important consideration when assisting students in the occupational decision-making process. A number of implications for the CIP model, as well as implications for practice and for future research are identified. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
The university, quo vadis? Dynamics of globalisation and its impact on the university

The thesis focuses on the phenomenon of globalisation and the changes it has triggered in the academy. I shall analyse the traditional Humboldtian and Newmanesque models, as well as the modern and postmodern university types. The socio-economic context is relevant to the understanding of the university's past, present, and future. The neoliberal state has challenged the welfare state and this has influenced the academic architecture in aspects regarding management and administration, financing, the professoriate, the students and curriculum, and research. As the producer of advanced scientific research and disseminator of knowledge, the university has been the central element in the triple helix paradigm. In a knowledge society, based on data and information acquisition and management, the entrepreneurial model, besides other future higher education providers, such as the virtual and corporate types, will probably coexist with the traditional university.

Keywords: Globalization, Social aspects
Universities and colleges
Educational change
Education, Higher, Economic aspects
Business and education