VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Malaria in pregnancy: Humoral immune mechanisms of protection, impact of HIV co-infection, and treatment options

Approximately 25 million women become pregnant each year in malaria-endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa and are at increased risk for Plasmodium falciparum infection, particularly in their first pregnancy. Multigravid women acquire protective immunity against pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM); however HIV infection impairs this protective immune response by mechanisms which remain unknown. Protection against PAM correlates with the acquisition of IgG specific for novel variant surface antigens (VSA-PAM) expressed by chondroitin sulfate (CSA)-adhering parasitized erythrocytes (PEs). However, the mechanisms by which VSA-PAM-specific IgG protects against PAM are unclear. To clarify the IgG-mediated mechanisms of protection against PAM, the role of VSA-PAM-specific IgG in promoting the opsonic phagocytic clearance of CSA-adhering PEs and the impact of HIV infection on this humoral response were examined. Treatment options for the case-management of PAM are also discussed, with a detailed investigation of chloroquine plus azithromycin combination therapy as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of PAM.
Neurogenetic and plastic components of food-related behaviors due to the foraging gene in Drosophila melanogaster

Successful foraging is necessary for procurement of nutritional resources necessary for an animal's survival. Foraging behavior is driven by a physiological response to the absence of food, and is identified by a number of behaviors including finding, evaluating, acquiring, and consuming food. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the underlying genetic basis of this complex behavior. In Drosophila melanogaster, natural genetic variation for food-specific locomotion has been localized to a single major gene, the foraging (for) gene. This provides a unique opportunity to investigate the cellular, genetic, and selective mechanisms that mediate food-related behavior. This thesis describes for's influence on food acquisition, the homeostatic mechanisms underlying energy balance, and learning and memory. These findings show that for affects food intake, glucose absorption and allocation, and glycogen storage. In addition to a role in regulating energy acquisition and storage, for also affects the response to both extended periods of depleted food, and brief periods of food absence. Changes in for expression can induce corrective changes in food intake and blood glucose levels in response to food deprivation. Moreover, for inhibits neuropeptide Y-like receptor cells to induce changes in food acquisition and locomotion on food, thus introducing a novel mechanism through which for mediates foraging behavior. This thesis also introduces a role for for in the ability to associate an odor with a taste reward, thus confirming a relationship between foraging behavior, learning and memory. The role of for in several aspects of foraging behavior described here suggests that it influences higher-order integrative brain function. Furthermore, for's role in energy homeostasis, learning, and memory suggest it influences the phenotypic response to environmental change, and thereby affects plasticity.
Cyclin D1 alterations in giant cell tumor of bone and central giant cell granuloma of the jaw

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of long bone and central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the jaw show similar microscopic features. These tumors can show high proliferative activity suggesting deregulation of the cell cycle control. Therefore, they were assessed for the presence of cyclin D1 gene amplification and protein overexpression and for the expression of cyclin B1 and the proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67. Low level cyclin D1 gene amplification was detected in 61% of GCT and 31% of CGCG. Almost all cases showed cyclin D1 protein overexpression in the giant cells. Cyclin B1 and Ki-67 staining was restricted to the mononuclear cells with no staining present in the giant cells. Cyclin D1 regulation is abnormal in both GCT and CGCG. This supports the possibility that GCT and CGCG are similar diseases and that the clinical and histological differences noted between these two entities maybe due to differences in the anatomical site of involvement.
Nebulized therapies for childhood pulmonary hypertension: An in vitro model

Sildenafil, tezosentan and prostacyclin reduce vascular pressures in pulmonary hypertension, but may vasodilate the systemic circulation. Nebulized vasodilators allow targeted drug delivery with high local drug concentrations, less systemic hypotension and better ventilation-perfusion matching. We hypothesized that pulmonary deposition would vary with device type and drug, affecting drug dose delivered. Lung deposition was estimated by in vitro characterization of drug output and particle size distribution of nebulizers using helium-neon laser diffraction techniques. Drug output from the eFlow device was greatest and for the Pari LC Star increased with inspiratory flow. Estimated pulmonary deposition (mean, 95%CI) was 8.1 (7.2, 9.0) % of the initial drug charge for the Hudson Updraft II, 6.4 (5.8, 7.0) % for the Whisperjet, 33.0 (28.3, 37.9) % for the Pari LC Star and 56.8 (40.2, 73.4) for eFlow. All three drugs could be nebulized, but expected pulmonary deposition varied depending on the delivery device and drug.
Prolonged release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres dispersed within a polyethylene glycol hydrogel

Spinal cord injury patients suffer permanent loss of sensation and motor function below the site of injury. Neurotrophic factors are among the promising of the therapeutic agents for regeneration of the spinal cord after injury. We have developed a new system to deliver the therapeutic agents, where therapeutic agents are dispersed within polymeric matrices. Intrathecally localized delivery of the agents can be achieved by fast gelling polymeric matrices. In this thesis, we attempted two methods to synthesize a fast gelling matrix. First, a biotinylated copolymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and aspartic acid was synthesized; however, avidin crosslinking did not result in gelation. Secondly, PEG hydrogel was formed within one minute after combination of PEG octa-acrylate and PEG dithiol in physiological condition. Prolonged release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was achieved by encapsulating into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA 85/15) microspheres and dispersing the microspheres into the hydrogel.
A theory of object oriented refinement

This thesis introduces a formal theory of object oriented refinement. The formal design of the theory is based on the design principles of unification and decoupling, which we believe have not been adequately used in other object oriented refinement theories. Thanks to the use of these principles, the semantics of the theory is mathematically simpler than other approaches: the formalization of most features uses very primitive mathematical entities. Furthermore, the constructs of the theory are more general than other approaches. There are specification constructs more general than classes. Features that are typically coupled with classes, like reuse and polymorphism, now apply to these more general specifications. Finally, our solution to the frame problem is the only modular approach that we know of that does not impose any aliasing control policy. To demonstrate that the extra generality offers real advantages to the specifier, we use the theory in some specification examples that would be impossible with other approaches. These examples, mainly inspired by Design Patterns, represent realistic and common software design situations.
Reaching the top of the mountain: the impact of emergent curriculum on the practice and self-image of early childhood educators

Emergent curriculum constitutes a direction for early childhood education teachers to ascend from a position of poor self-image and sometimes dubious practice to reach a peak of transformation. At the top of the mountain, a refrained self-image for the early childhood educator is possible. Teaching and learning in an emergent way empowers both children and teachers. Based on the theories of Lev Vygotsky emergent curriculum involves children and teachers in a process of co-construction. Inspiration for this innovative approach comes from the pre-primary schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. This study examines the impact of emergent curriculum on four early childhood education teachers. The theoretical framework for emergent curriculum and this dissertation is Vygotsky's theory of social construction. Utilizing a case study methodology, data was collected through interviews, a focus group, and classroom observations. Through an analysis of the data collected, results indicate that emergent curriculum not only changed the daily practice of these teachers but has had a profound impact on how they view themselves. They have a fuller view, as if from the top of a mountain. Three of the four teachers have a renewed practice and an improved self-image. The factors contributing to the change are identified. Releasing control and sharing power with others has lead to change and transformation for both the researcher and the researched.
Nonlinear Bloch waves in resonantly doped dielectric and metallic photonic crystals

This thesis describes the occurrence of electromagnetic Bloch waves in lossy photonic crystals that are periodically embedded with two-level transition electric dipole resonators, and are under uniform incoherent pumping. These nonlinear Bloch waves emerge above a specific pumping threshold, when an intricate balance between gain and loss is reached. This balance determines the amplitude of the nonlinear Bloch wave. The nonlinear waves present a laser-like behaviour with pumping and provide an underpinning for laser activity in strongly scattering dielectric photonic crystals (PCs). A related system of practical importance is the case of metallic backbone PCs. We demonstrate that, in spite of background losses, a metallic PC filament may exhibit nonlinear Bloch waves, under strong incoherent (by thermal or electrical sources) pumping. These intense nonlinear waves, excited through localized surface resonances, propagate through an optical pass band, below the effective plasma frequency of the structured metal. This result may be relevant to high efficiency light bulb filaments in which the electrical power is funneled preferentially toward specific frequencies over and above the standard blackbody spectrum. We present a novel self-consistent iterative method for obtaining nonlinear Bloch waves in a strongly scattering periodic dielectric or metal, with nonlinear, frequency-dependent, and complex dielectric function. This is based on an integral equation formulation of the nonlinear-wave equation. We give numerical results for several illustrative cases of two-dimensional PCs doped with resonant dipoles (two-level atoms) describing colloidal quantum dots, localized surface plasmons, or other resonators. We show that the nonlinear integral equation which was developed initially for strictly positive dielectric functions can be generalized to treat metals with large negative dielectric functions.
The colour of trauma: new perspectives on racism, politics and resistance

In wanting to critically address the everyday 'micro-aggressions' that affect, damage and violate our racialized lives, this project seeks to bridge the gap between anti-racist theory and the possibilities of personal resistance and agency. As a qualitative investigation of everyday racism and resistance this work is intended to interrogate how our lives are breached and ruptured by racialized experiences of intrapsychic and psychological trauma, and how in turn those violations might be resisted and/or repaired. More specifically, I examine the implications of what I term 'racial trauma' for our experience of racial oppression: (a) the notion of vulnerability in the aftermath of such trauma; (b) to understand the processes through which racialized peoples might move towards a greater critical consciousness; and (c) in turn, to [re]imagine and [re]write the possibilities for a self-mobilizing/self-actualizing praxis that might speak to the question of healing and the possibility of resisting 'the traumatic'. Employing a qualitative research design, I interviewed 14 people of colour who asserted a personal philosophy, politics or dedication to an anti racist ontology in the hopes of better understanding the processes of identity formation through which they negotiate, perform and re-negotiate their subject positions. The participant narratives are engaged to argue in favour of a new diagnosis in 'traumatic theory': an approach that might speak to the variety of 'traumatic reactions' that arise within the psycho-socially constructed experience of race and racial oppression. Furthermore, I also interrogate the possibilities for social change that arise from positive/critical shifts in our psychological, emotional and physiological experience of race and racism. In interrogating these oppositional knowledges and strategies, I offer in conclusion, a challenge to conventionally accepted models of schooling and their potential to produce and reproduce affective, psychological, intrapsychic and physiological reactions of terror, pain, helplessness and disconnection among the racially oppressed. Placing considerable emphasis on the social construction of the self, this work asserts that there must be space in which to account for how the racialized might think critically to cognitively/consciously oppose and resist their oppression. As trauma is very much a part of everyday life for racialized peoples, I assert that it is of dire importance that we begin to assess and address these issues as an avenue towards real liberatory and just social change. This research is employed towards these ends. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords: Racism
Race awareness
Educational sociology
Equality
Minorities
Making connections: Social network sites, privacy and law

Social network sites (SNSs) represent a new venue for social interaction as well as a new source of concerns for privacy. This thesis explores the privacy implications of SNSs and identifies the difficulties of traditional privacy discourse to capture their unique challenges. It argues that it may be time to rethink traditional privacy law in order to accommodate privacy interests in online conduct and emphasizes the relevance of identity-based accounts of privacy. It also considers the application of data protection law in light of Lindqvist, the first decision to interpret the European Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC in the context of the Internet. It argues that what Lindqvist suggests is that the privacy interest of individuals in controlling their 'digital identity' should not be ignored in the age of new communication technologies.

Keywords: Online social networks, Law and legislation
Privacy, Right of
Androgen receptor expression in the developing and adult rat brain

Androgens act during development and adulthood in specific regions of the brain such as the hypothalamus, preoptic area, arcuate nucleus and the amygdala; areas known to be involved with the control of gonadotropin secretion and sex behavior. Studies which have delineated androgen receptor expression in the developing and adult brain have been lacking. Immunocytochemistry using two different polyclonal antibodies, PAR I and PG-21, were therefore used to demonstrate the expression of androgen receptor in the developing and adult rat brain. Androgen receptor was found to be widely expressed in many cortical and subcortical regions of the developing rat brain throughout the critical period of development. Androgen receptor was also found to be expressed in the adult brain in all regions localized in development, albeit at higher levels. The presence of androgen receptor in the adult rat brain was confirmed with immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses and Scatchard analyses. In addition, immunocytochemistry localized androgen receptor in the developing human brain as early as 8 weeks gestation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) Androgens act during development and adulthood in specific regions of the brain such as the hypothalamus, preoptic area, arcuate nucleus and the amygdala; areas known to be involved with the control of gonadotropin secretion and sex behavior. Studies which have delineated androgen receptor expression in the developing and adult brain have been lacking. Immunocytochemistry using two different polyclonal antibodies, PAR I and PG-21, were therefore used to demonstrate the expression of androgen receptor in the developing and adult rat brain. Androgen receptor was found to be widely expressed in many cortical and subcortical regions of the developing rat brain throughout the critical period of development. Androgen receptor was also found to be expressed in the adult brain in all regions localized in development, albeit at higher levels. The presence of androgen receptor in the adult rat brain was confirmed with immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses and Scatchard analyses. In addition, immunocytochemistry localized androgen receptor in the developing human brain as early as 8 weeks gestation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
A multi-wavelength study of star formation around HII regions

The environment of high mass star formation is turbulent and complex. New stars are continually forming while the HII region, stellar winds, and supernovae of the current generation of massive stars destroy the parent molecular cloud. One of the more interesting premises connected with high mass star formation is the possibility that one generation of massive stars and its associated HII region could trigger further star formation as the HII region expands into the surrounding interstellar medium. This thesis uses the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey (a multi-wavelength survey of a portion of the outer Galactic plane) and other archived survey data to study star formation around HII regions, with a particular emphasis on the identification and analysis of evidence for triggered star formation. The use of multi-wavelength data is essential to investigate the ionised, neutral, and molecular components of the gas, the dust, and the population of young stellar objects (YSOs). The survey nature of the data is exploited to study multiple HII regions and star formation in different environments (from energetic to quiescent) in a uniform manner. A variety of HII regions have been explored: W5 and W3/W4, large bright HII regions in the Perseus Arm; W1, a bright HII region in the local arm; LBN 140.77 −1.42, LBN 139.57 +2.70, and LBN 140.07 +1.64, a series of faint HII regions in the Perseus Arm; Sh 2-183, Sh 2-170, Sh 2-173, smaller HII regions at distances of order 2.2 kpc; and Sh 2-185, a nearby HII region. Evidence for direct interactions between the YSOs and molecular gas and the HII region have been found on large and small scales. The interaction between components of the ISM and the distribution and luminosity of star formation has been analysed. Time scales for star formation and triggering have been calculated where possible and the plausibility of triggering evaluated. The nature of star formation outside the neighbourhood of the HII region has been explored and compared with the more active regions. Properties of star formation and molecular clumps in different regions over the sample have been studied, including the areal density of star formation, molecular clump parameters, and the size-linewidth relation.
The simulation of flexible aircraft

This study investigates the simulation of flexible aircraft. The theoretical development of a generic flexible aircraft model is reviewed, with the flexible degrees-of-freedom being added to an existing model of the aircraft's rigid-body dynamics. By using a Finite Element Analysis program, a simple generic flexible aircraft was modeled. A modal analysis was preformed on the aircraft, with the individual mode shapes being used in Aerodynamic Strip Theory to obtain aeroelastic stability derivatives. This was followed by a flight simulator test employing a flexible Rockwell B1 Bomber. Elevator stick inputs were applied to obtain time history responses that were used to determine the dynamic effects due to flexibility. The study concluded by employing the UTIAS Flight Research Simulator motion base and visual system to determine the amount of phase shift present for a range of frequencies corresponding to the structural responses of a flexible aircraft.

Keywords: Aerodynamics, Mathematical models
Stability of airplanes, Mathematical models
Aeroelasticity, Computer simulation
A scientific and ethical investigation into the human retinal stem cell chimera: Manufacturing a monster?

In the foreseeable future, human/nonhuman chimeras will be applied to study human cell lineages within developing animal hosts. This study concerns the applications of such experiments to study human retinal cell lineages within the eye and brain of nonhuman mammals. Chimeras study the basic biology of human cell development, and may one day function as applied models in the study of human diseases. The scientific validity and value of these experiments is first established. Ethical and social ramifications are then considered with an emphasis on principled moral concerns as they apply to chimeras. The most convincing arguments are not necessarily derived from the unnaturalness or wrongness of interspecies hybridization, but rather due to a visible and tangible metaphor between human appearance and moral value. It is the coupling of appearance, function and the recognition of value that informs persons of another being's moral status. The recognizable alteration of a research animal's neural characteristics and capacities is the primary moral grounds for the wrongness of such experimentation. An analysis of prenatal cell and tissue transplants is then carried out with such concerns in mind.