VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Regulation of canonical Wnt signaling by the Rac1 GTPase in colorectal cancer cells

Wnt signal transduction plays a pivotal role in cancer development, with widespread activation observed in various human cancers, and is particularly prevalent in colorectal cancer. beta-catenin is the principal mediator of the canonical Wnt pathway, and its aberrant expression or activity represents the fundamental step in onset of colorectal tumourigenesis. It is therefore not surprising that dysfunction of proteins that normally modulate beta-catenin functions are emerging as important modifiers of tumour progression. The Rac1 GTPase is an important modulator of cell-cell adhesion by regulating beta-catenin function in adherens junctions. Overexpression of Rac1 and its splice variant, Rac1b is observed in colorectal cancers, although the consequences of their overexpression in colorectal cancer progression are not well understood. In the present study, deregulation of Rac1 signaling due to overexpression of Rac1 or Rac1b, is shown to significantly enhance the signaling activity of beta-catenin in colorectal cancer cells. Overexpression of constitutively active V12Rac1 leads to a redistribution of beta-catenin, away from cell-cell junctions, and promotes nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin and synergistic activation of beta-catenin/TCF-dependent gene transcription. Additionally, nuclear localization of Rac1 is shown to be essential for mediating Rac1's effects on Wnt pathway activation, by directing Rac1-beta-catenin completes to the nucleus where they synergize to augment Wnt target gene transcription. Furthermore, both Rac1 and Rac1b also cause a reduction in cellular adhesion of colorectal cancer cells, which may be attributed to decreased E-cadherin expression that is observed following Rac1b expression. Conversely, inhibition of beta-catenin/TCF-mediated transcription by expression of a dominant-negative TCF4 mutant (DNTCF4) in colorectal cancer cells led to stabilization of Rac1 protein levels, implying that nuclear Wnt signaling may negatively regulate Rac1 activity by triggering its degradation. The C-terminus of Rac1 contains a canonical D-box sequence which is known to target proteins for proteasomal degradation and concordantly, inhibition of the proteasome does result in increased expression of higher molecular weight forms of Rac1 and Rac1b which may represent ubiquitinated forms. Together, these studies demonstrate a novel mechanism of Wnt pathway regulation by Rac1 and Rac1b. Overexpression of these GTPases may provide additional signals and generate distinct expression profiles of beta-catenin-TCF target genes, thereby contributing to more specific and precise regulation of tumour progression driven by the Wnt pathway.
The soul and afterlife in Jewish mysticism and gnosticism

Popular beliefs in the afterlife and specifically in reincarnation are being investigated presently by academics in the fields of sociology and religion. There is no study in English primarily devoted to the development of the doctrine of reincarnation in Judaism. The Sefer ha-Bahir, a twelfth-century kabbalistic work written in Hebrew and Aramaic, is the first to introduce the theory of reincarnation as a religious belief-system or a theological theory. Academic research leading to full appreciation and comprehension of the Bahir is still in its infancy. This thesis examines the theory of reincarnation in Sefer ha-Bahir and its possible origins. According to Gershom Scholem, the renowned scholar of Jewish mysticism, Gnosticism had a great impact on early Jewish mysticism, including the Bahir. Gnostic symbolism and imagery can be detected in the Bahir but cannot be proven historically. Though Gnostic origins were often discussed in previous research as possible sources of the work, rabbinic origins and influences were neglected and received neither the attention nor the proper treatment they deserve. This study demonstrates that the rabbinic belief-system regarding the afterlife and the human soul was the paramount influence on the development of the doctrine of reincarnation that crystallized in the Bahir. The analysis of the talmudic and midrashic sources presents a broad spectrum of ideas concerning the eternity of the soul, the nature and characteristics of the soul and the notions of the resurrection of the dead and reincarnation. These ideas, brought together in the study as an artificial systematic theology, reveal a fairly developed tradition that was in all probability known to the author or editor of the Bahir.
Mechanisms linking obesity with colorectal cancer

Obesity is associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and is the most common underlying cause of insulin resistance. Hyperinsulinemia promotes CRC but it is not clear whether other factors associated with obesity and insulin resistance are causally involved. The hypothesis of this work was that elevated adiposity and its associated hyperlipidemia, IGF-I and leptin are each promoters of colon carcinogenesis, independent of changes in insulin. I first compared susceptibility to colon carcinogenesis in Muscle-specific Insulin Receptor Knockout (MIRKO) mice that have increased fat mass and elevated serum triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) but similar body weights, circulating glucose and insulin sensitivity to their wildtype littermate controls. My results suggested that TG and FFA are not promoters of colon tumor development and that increased accumulation of insulin-sensitive adipose tissue may have inhibited the growth of preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) into tumors in MIRKO mice. In the second study, I assessed susceptibility to colon carcinogenesis in liver-specific IGF-I deficient (LID) mice that exhibit a 70% reduction in circulating IGF-I compared to littermate controls. IGF-I deficiency attenuated the promoting effect of insulin on colon carcinogenesis and IGF-I acted as an independent promoter of the growth of established tumors. In the third study, I compared susceptibility to colon carcinogenesis in obese leptin-deficient ob/ob mice and db/db mice that are also obese but have highly elevated circulating leptin. My data showed that leptin does not play a role in ACF development. In the last study I compared regulation of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) by the colon-specific carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM) and by leptin in ob/ob and db/db mice based on my finding that repeated weekly treatment with AOM to induce colon tumors was hepatoxic to db/db mice. I observed that leptin modifies AOM-induced changes in hepatic CYP2E1 activity. In conclusion, I have found that elevated circulating TG, FFA and leptin do not promote colon carcinogenesis independent of changes in insulin. Elevated adiposity may protect against colon carcinogenesis depending on the metabolic milieu of the adipocyte. My work also suggests that IGF-I is a good molecular target for colon cancer chemoprevention.
Choral singing and health: The impact of Circle of Sound Voice Education(c) and choral singing on salivary immunoglobulin A of children and youth

Consider the possibility that participation in a choir may influence the production of salivary immunoglobulin A (salivary IgA), an antibody that responds to mucosal viral antigens, and reduce a child's susceptibility to upper respiratory ailments. Consider, also, the possibility that choral singing may promote mindfulness, an awareness of an individual's actions including breathing, serving to deepen concentration and relax the mind. Contemplating these possibilities, how can music educators design curricula to ensure outcomes of choral singing extend beyond the development of musicianship and include the benefits of health?Pre- and post-test samples were centrifuged at 3,000 x gravity for ten minutes and frozen at -80 °C for four weeks. Determination of salivary IgA concentration was made with an Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay kit (ALPCO). Participants' difference scores were calculated by subtracting pre-tests from post-tests. An Analysis of Variance for three independent groups was used to compare the means within and between the groups (p = 0.05). While the statistical analysis did not significantly confirm (p = 0.16) increased concentration of salivary IgA as a direct result of Circle of Sound Voice Education(c) and choral singing, the results do remain compelling and invite further investigation with more participants. Regarding salivary IgA concentration, the mean of Group One (CSVE) 140.62 mug/ml proved substantially higher than Group Two (CS) 73.33 mug/ml. Furthermore, the means of both groups involving choral singing were remarkably higher than the mean of Group Three (Control) 18.84 mug/ml. For this inquiry, 37 children, ages seven through 18, were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Experimental Group One engaged in 15 minutes of Circle of Sound Voice Education(c) (CSVE), a contemplative approach to singing through breathing meditation, martial art movement and vocalization exercises, followed by 30 minutes of choral singing rehearsal. Experimental Group Two, choral singing without Circle of Sound Voice Education (c) (CS), joined Group One (CSVE) for the 30-minute choral singing rehearsal. Group Three (Control) engaged in neither the Circle of Sound Voice Education(c), nor the choral singing rehearsal. All participants collected saliva using a SalivetteRTM, a non-treated cotton saliva collection device, before and after the 45-minute testing period.
Preservice teachers' attitudes and self-reported behaviours toward learning and behavioural problems in children

This dissertation includes 2 studies that investigated 274 preservice teachers' attitudes and self-reported behaviours toward children with learning and behavioural problems (LBP). The overarching objective of these studies was to understand the variables that predict more positive self-reported behaviours toward children with LBP. Attitudes, in this dissertation, refer to beliefs and emotions, and behaviours refer to immediate reactions and planned behaviours. In the two studies, beliefs and self-reported planned behaviours were evaluated along the interventionist continuum, emotions were evaluated along the positive-negative continuum, and self-reported immediate reactions were evaluated along the punitive continuum. Study I investigated relationships among beliefs, emotions, and self-reported immediate reactions and planned behaviours through path analyses based on Stanovich's adaptation of Ajzen's theory of planned action. Relationships between preservice teachers' attitudes and self-reported behaviours and the type of problematic student behaviour were investigated using scenarios describing children with learning problems, inattention, hyperactivity, and defiant behaviours. Study II investigated the relationship between preservice teachers' motivation to learn about children with LBP and their thinking dispositions, with their attitudes and self-reported behaviours. The results showed that preservice teachers' immediate reactions, but not planned behaviours, were predicted by their beliefs and emotions. Preservice teachers reported more interventionist beliefs, positive emotions, and non-punitive immediate reactions toward scenarios describing children with learning and attention problems than toward scenarios describing children with hyperactivity and defiant behaviours. Overall, female participants' responses toward children with LBP were more positive than male participants'. Preservice teachers' self-reported interventionist planned behaviours were predicted by their motivation to learn and open-minded thinking dispositions, which also were significantly associated with interventionist beliefs, positive emotions, and self-reported non-punitive immediate reactions. Implications of these findings for treatment of children with LBP, teacher education programs, and future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Bank branch intermediation efficiency evaluation using data envelopment analysis and non-discretionary variables

This research examines the intermediation efficiency of the retail branch network of one of Canada's five largest banks using the deposit and loan levels generated by the branches and their levels of bad loans, and at the same time incorporating data on the business environment in which they operate. Three DEA models are proposed, the first aims to maximize loan quality by minimizing the levels of bad loans produced, the second seeks to maximize the levels of deposits and loans generated, while the third also maximizes the level of potential business that could be generated, but with no regard to loan quality. The results obtained from the DEA models are further broken down into market segments and geographical regions. It is concluded from the results that a smaller number of DMUs will generally lead to a higher percentage of efficient DMUs and higher average efficiency scores.
Mechanisms of visual search impairment among patients with schizophrenia

The purpose of this study was to investigate two possible mechanisms for impaired visual search performance among patients with SCZ: a narrower visual span and impaired selectivity. Consistent with previous findings, the patients in this study were more adversely affected as the number of search items increased. Importantly, patients' visual search impairment was only evident when they searched for more eccentric targets, suggesting that patients with SCZ do indeed have a narrower visual span and that visual span reduction is associated with impaired visual search. In addition, patients dynamically modulated their search such that they directed their attention to the distractor type that had the smaller number of items. Overall, these data suggest that a narrower visual span is an important mechanism of impaired visual search performance among patients with SCZ. In contrast, evidence for impaired selectivity was not found in this study.
The sum ('be') and imam ('have') resultative constructions in Macedonian and Bulgarian within a typology of resultative constructions in Slavic

This dissertation focuses on the nature of perfects and their relationship with other competing resultative constructions in Macedonian and Bulgarian. I show how we can systematically analyze the Macedonian and Bulgarian resultative constructions and demonstrate which of them are grammatical perfects and which are lexical resultative constructions. The term “resultative” applies to verb forms that express a state implying a previous event or action. Broadly speaking the two types of resultative constructions examined are the present perfect and what I have termed the “Resultative”. The latter is one source from which present perfects may develop. Specifically four types of resultative constructions are considered: (1) the original Slavic ‘be’ perfect or l-form; (2) the ‘have’ perfect; (3) the ‘have’ Resultative; and (4) the ‘be’ Resultative. Based on analysis of a corpus of examples from contemporary Macedonian and Bulgarian and field research, I illustrate that the differences between perfects and Resultatives involve several properties of the respective constructions including, for example, the identity relation between subject and agent, morphology of the participle, as well as transitivity and aspectual restrictions of the participle, and syntactic composition of the verb phrase. In order to distinguish perfects from the non-perfects within a typology of Slavic resultative constructions, I then apply the types of distinctions established for the Bulgarian and Macedonian resultative constructions to resultative constructions in the rest of the Slavic languages and dialects (Polish, Cassubian, Polabian, Upper and Lower Sorbian, Czech, Slovak, Russian, northwestern Russian dialects, Ukrainian, Belorussian, Slovene, Croatian, and Serbian).
The process of recovery for young adults with recurrent suicide attempts and the role of childhood trauma

This mixed methods study investigated the role of childhood trauma in the process of recovery for young adults with recurrent suicide attempts. Sixteen young adults with a history of recurrent suicide attempts were interviewed about their experience with recovery. A second interview included a suicidal behaviour questionnaire and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The resulting theory was compared with the results from the CTQ. Results showed that the severity of abuse and the number of forms of abuse reported were both positively correlated with the number of suicide attempts reported. A correlation was also evident between both severity and number of forms of abuse and whether participants did or did not talk about their history of trauma as being important in their recovery from recurrent suicide attempts. Participants identified trauma as contributing to their "chaos" and subsequent suicide attempts. In addition, participants described recovery from trauma as key to their recovery from recurrent suicide attempts. It was concluded that a history of childhood trauma plays a key role in the recovery from recurrent suicide attempts.
An analysis of negative group delay in electronic circuits

The existence of superluminal and negative group velocities has been recognized and studied in both the theoretical and experimental domains for many years. This thesis examines the closely-related phenomenon of negative group delay (NGD) in passive and active electronic media. A passive NGD structure operating close to 1.3 GHz generated negative group delays of 20% of the input pulse width for a device with three loading stages, but exhibited losses of 20 dB in the NGD band. These high losses motivated the design and construction of an active NGD circuit. A mathematical and geometrical analysis of the transfer function determined the necessary conditions for NGD and gain. The chosen transfer function was implemented for operation at 15 kHz, and was simulated and measured in the frequency and time domains. Experimental NGDs of 19% of the input pulse width were achieved for three stages of circuit, with unity gain.
Compound individuality in Victorian biology, 1830--1872 (Herbert Spencer)

The view about the disunity of the organism was supplanted by an historicist definition of an individual; questions about body parts' nominal independence and agency were supplanted by this temporal definition. Spencer's libertarian biology---cited by both Gilded Age robber barons and Kropotkinesque anarchists---lost ground to new arguments that spoke of unitary biological individuals governed by a single "brain" or "will." I suggest that these notions were welcomed and used by emerging Weberian status groups of professionals and experts who near the end of the nineteenth century deemed themselves well placed to take on the role of governing the "social organism."Herbert Spencer (1820--1903) was an influential Victorian polymath, a popularizer of the term "evolution" who likened societies to organisms, and organisms to societies. His reputation declined even before his death, partly due to the judgment that he was a "bad scientist."The dissertation examines the questions which past researchers tried to solve at mid-century, linking different fields where the question of compound individuality and, conversely, the disunity of the organism was a real one. It discusses four specific research questions all assuming compound individuality. First, whether cells were the true "seats" of life. Second, vivisections and comparative anatomy that investigated how body parts and physiological systems communicated. Third, embryologists' assumption that certain organisms were truly individuals because of their centralized nervous systems. Fourth, investigations of the link between regeneration and reproduction, exemplified in Richard Owen's 1849 "parthenogenesis". The dissertation concludes with Spencer's answers to these questions in his System of Synthetic Philosophy. I propose that Spencer's science was far more respected and influential than has been hitherto suspected, but that around 1872 its primary assumption became alien to us. The mid-century biology informing Spencer assumed that organisms were not only compounds of smaller units, but that these units were nominally independent Like Gogol's fable about the nose that left its owner one morning, each unit---nervous ganglia, cells, body parts---had an amount of "agency" and even "interests." So these constituent units were proposed to be individuals themselves. Spencer's work synthesized this.
Essays in empirical industrial organization

The focus of this thesis is on issues of empirical industrial organization. Specifically, I utilize tools and ideas from Industrial organization to study areas of health and history. In Chapter 1, I examine the relationship between how hospital ownership is organized and the intensity of competition in the US health care market. I study the question using an empirical entry model. These models typically exhibit multiple equilibria. To resolve this problem, a novel algorithm that computes all the equilibria of the game is developed. My findings suggest that for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals can be regarded as supplying differentiated products. I also find evidence suggesting that markets that have both types of hospitals enjoy a higher level of health care services. Chapter 2 is coauthored with Eugene Choo. In this chapter, we investigate the variation of winning bids in slave auctions held in New Orleans from 1804 to 1862. Specifically, we measure the variation in the price of slaves conditional on their geographical origin. Previous work using a regression framework ignored the auction mechanism used to sell slaves. This introduces a bias in the conditional mean of the winning bid. Unfortunately, the number of bidders is unobserved by the econometrician. We adopt the standard framework of a symmetric independent private value auction and propose an estimation strategy to overcome this bias. We find the number of bidders had a significant positive effect on the average winning bid. The price variation according to the geographical origin of slaves found in earlier work continued to persist after accounting for the omitted variable. Chapter 3 is coauthored with Henry Overman, Diego Puga, and Matthew Turner. In this chapter, we study the relationship between urban sprawl and obesity. Using data that tracks individuals over time, we find no evidence that urban sprawl causes obesity. We show that previous findings of a positive relationship most likely reflect a failure to properly control for the fact the individuals who are more likely to be obese choose to live in more sprawling neighborhoods. Our results indicate that current interest in changing the built environment to counter the rise in obesity is misguided.