VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder-centered evaluations of needs, priorities and well-being of forest beneficiaries, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Market-centered valuations based on "willingness to pay" for forest goods reduce natural systems into commodity bundles, and omit critical information about human institutions in relation to forests. Likewise, nature-centered evaluations focused on biotic attributes forfeit the important role of human institutions in mediating human-ecosystem interactions. In order to facilitate sustainable forestry discourse, the focus of evaluations must be expanded to include richly described, substantive and institutional, states of affairs relevant for decision-making. Thus, non-market, societal evaluations suited for this purpose are undertaken using a case of Mount Kilimanjaro. First, a non-market technique for welfare functions of forest amenities is developed and used to evaluate welfare functions of wood fuels. Second, the social choice approach is used to investigate societal states of forests that enhance human and environmental well-being. Then, forest stakeholder attitudes, and institutional dynamics, in relation to forests, are investigated using possibility theory and the chaos theory. Villagers, foresters, park employees, entrepreneurs and environmentalists were surveyed. Regarding welfare functions, the study's major findings are: (a) the "preference drift" phenomenon, indicating people's amenity aspirations shift with the amenity level attained; (b) communal energy conservation phenomenon indicating decreasing percapita fuel consumption with household size; and (c) the critical role of "environmental entitlements" in regulating fuel consumptions. These outcomes contest models that assume static percapita wood fuel consumptions. Concerning social value preferences, non-use forest values and indirect use values were the most preferred. Further, both "individual conscience" and "social conscience" evaluations were evident; hence, the Homo economicus view of forest stakeholders is refuted. These outcomes challenge commodity-centered forestry, and validate an ecosystem-based forestry agenda. Three alternative forest regimes are investigated for their social acceptability: centralized state control, collaborative-management engaging diverse stakeholders, and community-based-management. The most socially acceptable is the collaborative approach. Policy implications are highlighted. Finally, a chaos theory model of interactions of different stakeholders in the forest regime reveals roles of educational and occupational institutions in modulating stakeholders' behaviors. The presence of informal 'pro-environment' and 'pro-development ' 'advocacy coalitions', each with representatives from environmental, park, forest and agrarian occupations is highlighted, challenging conventional policy analyses that rely only on formal sectors.
To bind the chains of the Pleiades ; or three philosophical comforters to Job

The dissertation has two agendas. The major agenda is to investigate an exegetical crime of omission perpetrated by three philosophical texts containing exegeses of the Book of Job: Immanuel Kant's “On the Failure of All Philosophical Attempts in Theodicy”, Martin Buber's Prophetic Faith (Ch. 10), and Moses Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed (III, 22–23). Each exegesis, I argue, in one way or another “fails” to give an adequate account of the Joban theophany and of Job's repentance (Job 38.1–42.6)—fails precisely by succeeding to give an account. Borrowing Georges Bataille's thoughts on “General Economy” (The Accursed Share), I suggest that Job 38.1–42.6 exhibits an economy of utter waste, of expenditure without reserve or return, of failure, of meaninglessness, of iconoclasm to the point of atheism—and yet for all that, or just because of that, an economy of the only possible genuine sacrifice. It is this sacrifice-based economy that the three exegeses of Job work to restrict and sublimate (aufheben). Kant's restricted economy is that of moral reason; Buber's is that of the I-Thou relation; Maimonides' is that of a providence that transcends the “vulgarity” of human existence.
Heart rate-dependent modulation of cardiac myocyte calcium 2+ ion-handling protein expression

Background. Altered contractility and/or relaxation, which result from abnormal heart rates are largely due to changes in Ca 2+ handling, controlled by sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins, Ca 2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) and phospholamban (PLB), and by sarcolemmal protein, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). Heart rate-dependent adaptive changes in systolic and diastolic functions may depend on expression of these proteins. Conclusions. Heart rate-dependent contractility and relaxation in animals paced at bradycardie and tachycardic rates are inversely related to NCX expression suggesting that NCX may determine heart rate-dependent contractile remodelling. Results. Force-frequency relationship and frequency-dependent relaxation were measured in vivo in complete heart block rabbits chronically paced at bradycardic (140 beats/min), and tachycardic rates (350 and 280 beats/min). Molecular studies showed that in bradycardia, augmented contractility and relaxation correlated with decreased NCX. In tachycardia, depressed contractility and relaxation were associated with increased NCX versus sham-operated controls. Unchanged SERCA2a and decreased PLB were observed in bradycardic and tachycardic groups.
Characterization of the DNA binding domain of the latency-associated nuclear antigen protein of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

The latency associated nuclear antigen (LANA) protein of Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) plays several roles in KSHV latent infection including viral genome replication and segregation. Central to these roles is LANA's ability to self-associate and bind specific DNA sequences in the KSHV genome. The goal of this thesis was to characterize the LANA DNA binding and oligomerization domain. The C-terminal region of LANA (LANA-C), containing amino acids 941--1162, was cloned, expressed and purified and shown to possess sequence-specific DNA binding activity. DNA binding activity was further localized to the 1008--1162 amino acid fragment, while the 1021--1162 fragment had reduced DNA binding activity. For each of these LANA fragments, the addition of 0.5 M guanidine hydrochloride was found to greatly enhance purification. Each of the LANA fragments formed large oligmers, and gel filtration and glycerol gradient analyses of LANA-C indicated that the oligmeric state was an octamer.
Characterizing toner-paper adhesion in xerography

The effect of paper and toner parameters on the toner adhesion level for coated papers was investigated. A set of commercial coated papers including both offset and xerographic grades was used in this study. The paper samples were characterized in terms of roughness, porosity, surface tension, weight, thickness, thermal conductivity and heat capacity. Toner size and viscosity were also measured. Seven Dimensionless groups were identified using all 11 relevant paper and toner parameters. Using the two dimensionless groups and multi linear regression analysis, a regression model was obtained for the toner adhesion level with R2 = 75%.A regression model was also proposed for relatively smooth coated papers with R2 = 92%. It showed that for relatively smooth coated papers (Paper roughness/toner size
Studying the binding of phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor R-[(11)C]rolipram in rat brain: Effects of glutamatergic modulation on various neurotransmitter systems and validation binding assays

Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) belongs to a family of enzymes responsible for metabolism of cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′ -monophosphate (CAMP) in the brain. PDE4 activity and density are regulated by endogenous CAMP levels via two mechanisms including short-term phosphorylation (10–15 min) and long-term control of gene expression (hours to days). Our group previously developed selective PDE4 inhibitor R-rolipram labeled with carbon-11 for imaging PDE4 in brain, using positron emission tomography (PET). Acute treatments with various cAMP-elevating drugs, expecting to increase PDE4 binding, have been shown to augment R-[11C]rolipram uptake in rat brain. In vivo challenges with metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) group II agonist LY 379268 or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channel antagonist phencyclidine (PCP) significantly modulated the increase in R-[11C]rolipram regional brain distribution, mediated by various agents coupled to PDE4 hydrolysis of cAMP. In vitro acute or chronic binding studies preformed with R/ S-[3H]rolipram remained insensitive to cAMP-elevating agents, studied for affinity (Kd) and density (Bmax) parameters. These results strongly suggest that the glutamate system (mGlu2/3 and NMDA) is involved in regulation of cAMP-mediated signaling in noradrenergic and histaminergic systems in vivo, as measured at the PDE4 level with R-[11C]rolipram.
Shareholders' formal activism: The Canadian context

Shareholders' proposals do not represent a widespread mode of activism amongst shareholders as opposed to the U.S. Though the rules that provide for the shareholder proposal mechanism are inspired by the U.S. rules, the Canadian corporate context, mainly because of its ownership structure, does not favour this type of activism. The analysis of the proposals presented during the years 2004 to 2006 shows that only a handful of shareholders present the same proposals to number of firms and that these proposals are generally not adopted and are not necessarily tailored to the specifics of these firms. There are trends to the type of shareholder proposals presented. The analysis of the effect on the share price has not been conclusive. Shareholder proposal mechanism in Canada may have some benefits but does not seem to fulfill its initial purpose which was to further corporate democracy by enabling shareholders to more easily communicate amongst each other.

Keywords: Stockholders, Legal status, laws, etc
Stockholders, Canada
Stock ownership, Canada
Longitudinal characterization of bone quality in Sca-1/Ly6A null mice

Stem cell Antigen-1 (Sca-1/Ly-6A) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface protein expressed by a variety of stem cell populations. Previous studies indicate that mice null mutant for Sca-1 display an age-dependent osteoporotic phenotype mediated at least in part by mesenchymal progenitor defects. In this longitudinal study we compared the bone quality of Sca-1 null mice to wild type controls at 3, 5, 7 and 9 months of age. Our results revealed a cell intrinsic osteoclast defect with age in Sca-1 null mice. We also observed a tight temporal correlation within Sca-1 null mice between the onset of the previously characterized mesenchymal progenitor deficiencies at 7 months and the exacerbation of most defects in bone formation, mass, mineralization, microarchitecture and mechanical competence, Thus, we have characterized the initiation and progression of Sca-1 null osteoporotic phenotype and indentified time points important for further investigations aimed at designed therapeutic strategies against this disease condition.
Expression, roles and regulation of potassium channels in neuroimmune cells

CNS diseases and damage result in infiltration of immune cells and activation of brain-resident microglia. We are interested in the molecular expression, regulation and roles of selected potassium channels in human T lymphocytes and rat brain microglia, as possible therapeutic targets for controlling brain inflammation. Our results point to roles for specific potassium channels. We found that a Ca2+-activated K+ channel that regulates Ca2+-signaling events during T-cell activation is encoded by the SK4 gene. SK4 mRNA and current are up-regulated after mitogenic stimulation, as is its role in proliferation and regulatory volume decrease. SK4's exquisite Ca2+ sensitivity is conferred by calmodulin binding to the proximal carboxyl-terminal domain, which we call “Ct1”. Moreover, assembly and localization appear to require calmodulin-dependent linking of SK4 monomers by Ct1, since: (i) CaM increased cell-surface SK4 without changing its expression level; (ii) Over-expression of the calmodulin-binding Ct1, but not other regions, reduced the wild-type current—an effect abrogated by calmodulin over-expression; (iii) SK4 multimerization was increased by CaM over-expression and decreased by Ct1 over-expression. Since microglia activation often includes proliferation and an NADPH oxidase-mediated respiratory burst, we examined the roles of specific K + channels in these processes. Cultured rat microglia expressed voltage-gated Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 channels, and Ca2+ (and calmodulin)-gated SK2, SK3 and SK4 channels at the mRNA level. Kv1.3, Kv1.5 and SK3 proteins were detected, and the three distinct K+ currents biophysically and pharmacologically resembled Kv1.3, SK2/SK3 and SK4. All three currents contributed significantly to the respiratory burst, but not to proliferation in these highly purified microglial cultures. Kv1.3 is subject to post-insertional inhibition, since it was dramatically reduced by activation of the src protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), but rapidly restored by the PTK inhibitor, lavendustin A. Oxygen-glucose deprivation—an in vitro model of stroke—mimicked Kv1.3 inhibition and increased its tyrosine phosphorylation, an effect alleviated by PTK inhibitors or scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This modulation may be facilitated by a multi-protein complex since, in microglia, Kv1.3 and src bind to the scaffolding protein, PSD-95. By associating with, and phosphorylating Kv1.3, src is well positioned to regulate microglial responses to oxidative stress.
Cloning, purification and biophysical characterization of the IgA1 protease associated [alpha]-proteins from Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis

The IgA1 protease associated alpha-proteins carry nuclear localizing signals and are putative virulence factors found only in pathogenic Neisseria. The alpha-proteins from Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain MS11 (alphaG) and Neisseria meningitidis strain Z2491 (alphaM) have been produced in a bacterial expression system and purified with high yields. They are biophysically characterized here. Far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated these proteins are 60% alpha-helical at 25°C and undergo a cooperative transition during thermal denaturation with a melting point of 42°C. The a-proteins are found to exist as highly extended monomeric species in solution with a proteolytically resistant core domain at the C-terminal half of the molecule while the N-terminal region forms an extended tail that is intrinsically disordered. NMR analysis of these proteins suggests that even the compact C-terminal domain is structurally unstable and in slow exchange between different conformations.
Global and selective translational effects of verotoxin on the vascular endothelium

Verotoxins (VTs) inhibit global protein synthesis by hydrolyzing a specific adenine base within 28S ribosomal RNA. In this study, ET-1 mRNA was used as a model to gain further insight into how VTs elicit changes in endothelial gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Polyribosome analysis was used to determine the effect of VT on translating ribosomes. ET-1 mRNA was enriched in polysomes after treatment with 1000 fM of VT. A concentration of the toxin which minimally affects nascent peptide synthesis (10 fM) did not alter the association of ET-1 mRNA with polysomes. ET-1 mRNAs were also found to be preferentially localized to the membrane versus cytosolic ribosomes. The catalytic activity of VT on human ribosomes from membrane versus cytosolic subcompartments was also investigated. Our work indicates VT was exerting a selective effect on cytosolic ribosomes, providing new insight into the molecular mechanism of VT, especially the effect on ribosomes.
Enzymatic properties of Sir2 proteins

Although many structural and enzymatic studies of Sir2 proteins have been reported, how substrate recognition is achieved by this family of enzymes is not known. Here I use in vitro assays and a variety of potential substrates to examine the substrate specificity of Hst2. I show that Hst2 is specific for acetyl-lysine within proteins; it does not deacetylate small polycations such as acetyl-spermine or acetylated amino-termini of proteins. Furthermore, Hst2 displays conformational rather than sequence specificity, preferentially deacetylating acetyl-lysine within unstructured regions of proteins. Results suggest that this lack of conformation may be a general requirement for substrate recognition in the Sir2 family. The Sir2 family of NAD-dependent deacetylases is highly conserved and functions in silencing, control of lifespan, apoptosis, and many other cellular processes. Since the discovery of their NAD-dependent deacetylase activity, researchers have aimed at uncovering the mode of substrate binding and catalysis of these enzymes. The studies presented herein focus on uncovering the biochemical mechanisms underlying Sir2 enzymatic activity. To this end, I performed in vitro studies of the yeast homolog Hst2. General biophysical and biochemical characterization of Hst2, including structural and kinetic analyses were done. These studies indicate that Hst2-mediated deacetylation proceeds via an ordered sequential bisubstrate mechanism in which the acetylated substrate binds first, followed by the coenzyme beta-NAD+. The reaction generates a unique product, O-acetyl-ADP-ribose. Structural and biochemical studies have led to several proposed reaction mechanisms for Sir2 enzymes, yet the exact catalytic steps remain unclear. Using acetyl-lysine substrate analogs I demonstrate that the Hst2 reaction proceeds via an initial SN2-type mechanism with the direct formation of an ADP-ribose-acetyl-lysine intermediate. Kinetic studies further suggest that ADP-ribose inhibits the Hst2 reaction in a biologically relevant manner. Furthermore, biochemical and kinetic analyses of point mutants clarify the role of several conserved core domain residues in substrate binding and catalysis. These findings bring us one step closer to understanding Sir2 activity and may provide a useful platform for the design of Sir2-specific inhibitors for analysis of Sit-2 function and possibly therapeutic applications.
"L'Art inconscient" and "L'Esthétique des esprits": science, spiritualism and the imaging of the unconscious in French Symbolist art

In this dissertation I relate intellectual history to the production of art in late-nineteenth-century France. I map out aspects of psychology, the occult, and “scientific religions,” and I relate these to Parisian avant-garde art and performance of the 1880s and 1890s. An examination of these discourses facilitates a discussion of how pre-Freudian notions of the unconscious were played out in Symbolist art. These “scientific religions” were quasi-scientific belief systems which attempted to reconcile science and religion at a time of the perceived disenchantment of the world resulting from Positivist scientific practice. Popular among some Parisian Symbolists were mediumistic Spiritualism (evocations of spirits), Parallelism (a variant of evolutionary Monism proclaiming the unity of all cosmic forms) and Pantheism (a pre-Bergsonian naive Vitalism). I will also examine conceptualizations of the unconscious mind, and the re-emergent cult of the Egyptian nature goddess Isis, emblematic of the “Feminine principle” and a “return” to nature. The failure to historicize these movements is in large part responsible for the marginalization within the Symbolist canon of the art of Eugène Carrière, Odilon Redon, Claude-Emile Schuffenecker, the Nabis, and the 1891 works on paper by Paul Gauguin. What these discourses had in common was an endeavour to transcend the confines of the late nineteenth-century bourgeois fixed subject, that is, they shared a tendency to break down its boundaries with the non-self. For some Symbolist artists, a fascination with the supernatural, with the notion of the dual mind, with feminism, with a resurgent Pantheism and with Parallelism, led to attempts to dissolve the barrier between the self into the non-self. Most importantly for the purposes of an art historical project, this attempt was inscribed—through pictorial, and performative means—within the artists' works. I am proposing that in conjunction with their engagement with these belief systems, a Symbolist style developed in Paris during the early 1890s divergent from the outlined flatness of Synthetism/Cloisonism. This looser style—labelled “l'art inconscient” or “L'esthétique des esprits” by the Symbolist critic Jules Bois in 1897—figured this breakdown of the self through stylistic and iconographic practices signifying dissolution, indistinctness, and transcendence.
The redefined role of the Ismaili Muslim woman through higher education and the professions

Finally, the findings indicated that their higher education and their professional status had led to a significant change in these women's roles in society. They were now active participants in society, and able to challenge the political knowledge-validation processes that had externally defined, controlled and stereotyped them in the past. This study investigates the effects of higher education among Nizari Ismaili Muslim women, and its impact on traditional cultural mores regarding gender. It explores the lives of seven professional Canadian Ismaili women of Indian descent, from a hitherto traditional society, at different stages of their acculturation, and examines how higher education has affected their roles as Muslim women in society. Stories of the lives of the women's mothers also emerge through the voices of the participants. This is a qualitative study based on the narrative analyses of women whose cultural moorings are rooted in tradition. Primary sources for data collection included texts and in-depth interviews with women who shared a common background: their Indian descent, their colonial African connection, their Islamic faith, their quest for higher education, and their diasporic experiences. The data analyses took a thematic approach as patterns of life stories and relationships began to emerge. Findings. Results of this study showed that there was no essential Islamic or Ismaili woman, even though images based on various geopolitical movements tend to suggest so. The women of this study managed to extricate themselves from an otherwise patriarchically obsessed exegesis of the Qur'an on women's rights, solely by relying on the guidance of their Imams, who, in their persuasion of Islam, hold the authority and prerogative to interpret the faith according to the times. Other important variables that were implicated in their oppression were the British and other European colonial policies of racial discrimination, especially regarding educational opportunities. Their Imams worked proactively to counteract this problem. The study also shows that the practice of their faith and its manifestations are largely private. Their adherence to it was neither anachronistic, nor incompatible with their professional lives, though its form and symbols had changed for them compared to what it was for their mothers.

Keywords: Ismailites, Education (Higher)
Ismailites, Social conditions
Ismailites, Canada
Muslim women, Education (Higher)
Muslim women, Social conditions
Muslim women, Canada