VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Adhesion independent survival and expansion of an adult human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cell population

A major bottleneck in the use of adult-derived stem cells for therapeutic applications is the recognized inability to generate sufficient numbers of functional cells. This work demonstrates the existence of adult human mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) that can proliferate, in a cytokine-dependent manner, as individual cells under a non-contact suspension culture condition while maintaining their ability to form functional differentiated mesenchymal cell types, including bone. A two-level factorial design experiment was employed to identify cytokines that had the most potent effect on total cells, colony forming unit-fibroblast (F) and CFU-osteoblast (O) expansion in serum-free conditions. Recombinant human stem cell factor [rhSCF] and interleukin-3 [rhIL3] were shown to support the growth of both CFU-F and CFU-O. Factorial design analysis revealed that IL3 was critical for CFU-F and CFU-O survival. The development of this serum-free suspension culture system promoted the direct examination of the effects of specific endogenous and exogenous factors on the growth of MPCs in suspension. Accordingly, the specific role of IL3 on the expansion MPCs in suspension was examined. Flow cytometric analysis of a sorted CD45- cell population (the cell fraction containing MPCs) revealed the competitive emergence of significant numbers of CD45- CD123+ cells after 21 days of suspension culture in direct response to IL3 and SCF. Cell sorting on the CD45--sorted population demonstrated that a subpopulation of CD45-CD123+ cells had the capacity to give rise to CFU-F and CFU-O throughout culture expansion. The number of CFU-F and CFU-O, from the CD45-CD123+ cell population, increased throughout the study period, suggesting that IL3 interacts with CD123 receptor expressing cells resulting in their proliferation. These studies also revealed that hematopoietic cells may also secrete factor(s) that affect the growth of MPCs, in response to the addition of exogenous cytokines, such as IL3 and SCF. Therefore, we can conclude that MPC expansion in suspension is modulated by hematopoietic cells (via their endogenous secretion of factors) and by the exogenous supplementation of IL3 to the culture medium. Importantly, these results provide a plausible mechanism by which MPC expansion is achieved under non-contact culture conditions. Our approach provides an alternative strategy to expand adult BM-derived non-hematopoietic progenitor cell numbers in a scalable and controllable bioprocess and also provides new insight into, and possibilities to explore, mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell biology.
Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of cytotoxicity of indium-111 labeled human epidermal growth factor

A radiopharmaceutical agent, 111Indium-labeled human epidermal growth factor (111In-DTPA-hEGF) has been developed for the treatment of breast cancer. 111In emits short range, densely ionizing Auger electrons that exert radiotoxic effects only when internalized into cells. It was shown that 111In-DTPA-hEGF causes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) autophosphorylation and activation of downstream proteins that signal for proliferation. In this thesis, the effect of combining 111In-DTPA-hEGF with the EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) gefitinib ('Iressa, ' ZD1839), and the role of the bystander effect in 111In-DTPA-hEGF-mediated cytotoxicity is described. 111In-DTPA-hEGF-associated EGFR signaling is abolished by the addition of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Gefitinib also enhances the nuclear translocation of 111 In-DTPA-hEGF and potentiates 111In-DTPA-hEGF cytotoxicity and DNA damage. 111In-DTPA-hEGF was found to induce the bystander effect. These results suggest a therapeutic role for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and also suggest the bystander effect contributes to 111In-DTPA-hEGF-mediated cytotoxicity.
Characterization of the type I IFN response to virus infection

The type I interferon (IFN) system includes multiple IFN-alpha subtypes, which exhibit considerable identity at the amino acid level. We infer that evolutionary conservation of multiple subtypes has resulted from viral pressures. The inducible IFN gene expression profiles in response to infection with single stranded RNA viruses, sendai and MHV-1 were examined in mouse fibroblast L2 and L929 cells using a quantitative RT-PCR system. Signature profiles of IFN-alpha2, IFN-alpha4 and IFN-alpha5 gene expression were observed in relation to the extent and kinetics of their induction. Promoter region analysis for all the different mouse IFN-alpha genes identified different signature patterns for transcription factor binding sites. Intranasal infection of mice with MHV-1 revealed that susceptible A/J mice mounted a less robust IFN response compared with resistant C57BL/6J mice. In a final series of experiments we provide evidence for the protective effects of IFN-beta against MHV-1 infection in A/J mice.
1,2-DCA and VC degradation by VC-enriched and 1,2-DCA-enriched anaerobic cultures

An anaerobic mixed microbial culture which degraded trichloroethylene to ethene was enriched on 1,2-dichoroethane (1,2-DCA). This enrichment and KB1-VC/H2, an anaerobic mixed microbial culture which was capable of sustained vinyl chloride (VC) degradation, were inocula for inhibition experiments where the interactions between 1,2-DCA, VC and chloroform (CF) were investigated. The 1,2-DCA culture degraded 1,2-DCA first within 10 days and eventually degraded VC after a sixty-day lag. The VC culture could degrade VC and 1,2-DCA simultaneously within ten to forty days. In the 1,2-DCA culture, 1,2-DCA was likely degraded by an organism suspected to be Syntrophus-KB1. In the VC culture, 1,2-DCA was degraded by Dehalococcoides-KB1 or by the unidentified organism. VC was a competitive inhibitor of 1,2-DCA degradation with an inhibition constant of 55muM. CF was a non-competitive inhibitor of 1,2-DCA and VC degradations: inhibition constants were equal to 10muM for 1,2-DCA degradation and 1.6muM for VC degradation.
Functional genomic approaches towards identifying and characterizing noncoding RNA

Regions within the human genome that do not encode proteins are largely uncharacterized. In conjunction with the rapid discovery of many new noncoding (nc) RNAs in the past decade, studies have revealed that a surprisingly large proportion of the genome is transcribed. Despite accelerated advances in functional genomics, characterization of this emerging transcriptome has been slow in part due to challenges inherent in defining ncRNAs since they do not contain conserved sequence features such as open reading frames and splice sites. Here, I have tested and compared computational algorithms designed to screen for sequence substitutions consistent with evolutionary conservation of structural RNAs. Contrary to existing literature, I found that current algorithms lack sufficient specificity to generate credible individual predictions when screening entire vertebrate genomes. Despite deficiencies in background modeling that contribute to algorithm shortcomings, I demonstrated that genomic regions harbouring known ncRNAs (e.g. introns) are enriched for structural elements consistent with ncRNAs and that coding regions are depleted of structure. I provide potential solutions and alternatives for genome-wide computational ncRNA screening. An alternative approach to overcome these computational challenges is to experimentally determine which predicted ncRNAs are most highly expressed and whether they exist in other species. I showed that custom inkjet microarrays can be used to detect total RNA from mammalian tissues by direct hybridization. The approach was amenable to detecting processing events and was sufficiently sensitive to detect the majority of known miRNAs, with obvious tissue specificity. Retinoblastomas, for example, had dramatically reduced levels of let-7b compared to normal retina, an observation that I further linked to oncogenesis. Microarray ncRNA profiling has many applications, some of which I further explored and describe here. To experimentally identify novel ncRNAs I screened sim;3,500 computational ncRNA predictions by microarray in 17 mouse tissues. Northern confirmation of the top 55 candidates confirmed 8 small novel transcripts (70--130 nt). All were ubiquitously expressed in mouse, 5 were also expressed in rat, and none were expressed in human cells. These observations undermine claims of an existing broad uncharacterized transcriptome, indicating that if it exists, many of the transcripts are not abundant or their expression is not conserved. This supports an alternative explanation of widespread low-level transcription lacking defined physiological function.
Physical activity and emotion regulation: Walking to regulate experimentally induced negative affect

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of a 10 minute brisk walk on the affective state of young adults following the induction of negative affect (Velten Mood Induction). One hundred and ten undergraduate students (37 male, 73 female) were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups: (a) a walk group (n=37), (b) a cognitive distraction group (n=36), and (c) a control group in which participants sat quietly (n=37). Valence and arousal of affect were measured by the Self Assessment Manikin (SAM) and the Activation Deactivation Adjective Checklist (AD ACL) over time. A 3 (group) by 3 (time) ANCOVA revealed that the walk group had significantly higher scores on arousal, energetic arousal and tense arousal than the other groups. The findings suggest that if you feel a little upset a short (10 minute) walk may help you feel better.
Sexual minorities under international law and the Rome Statute's gender provisions: A step forward for recognition, or a rubber stamp for outlaw status?

In the Rome Statute to the International Criminal Court gender was defined as "the two sexes, male and female, within the context of society ... not indicat[ing] any meaning different from the above." The intention on the part of some parties to the drafting process was to exclude homosexuals from the scope of the Statute. This thesis examines the potential of the compromised gender definition with regard to the ongoing protection or redress offered under international law to sexual minorities facing persecution and their rights in general. It is argued that this reflection of global homophobia perpetuates societal perceptions of sexual minorities as outside the protection of so called universal human rights. Historically, the creation of out groups through social and legal exclusion has resulted in the most egregious human rights violations of our time. It is suggested that a reversal of societal attitudes can only be achieved by presenting a balance to the current religious voice, at an international level, that is determinative of state behaviour.

Keywords: Sexual minorities, Legal status, laws, etc
Sexual minorities, Civil rights
Homophobia
Chemical and physical characterization of organic films on an impervious surface

Atmospherically derived organic films on window surfaces were collected to improve our understanding of their physical and chemical characteristics. An urban-rural gradient in concentration was observed along an 80 km transect extending from downtown Toronto, with urban sites ∼10x to 100x greater than rural for PAH, n-alkanes and PCB. The gradient was greatest during winter, consistent with increased condensation to surfaces and aerosols. PBDE concentrations were 1.5–20x greater in interior than exterior films, consistent with greater PBDE sources indoors. Films collected from within 1 km of the World Trade Center, six weeks after September 11 th, were up to 10x greater than background New York City for PBDE, PCB and PCNs and were enriched in known combustion markers. Experimental log KFA values agreed with theoretical values for lower molecular PAH during the winter, but not for summer, possibly as a result of increased chemical degradation.
Gender and eating disorder symptoms: a comparison of Black and White women

In this study, secondary data analyses were employed to examine the intersection of ethnicity and female gender-role expectations on the presence of eating disorder symptoms in a group of White and Black women. First, using a series of t-tests, the socially constructed female gender-role expectations of self-silencing, anger suppression, and objectified body consciousness were compared between a group of 40 Black and 111 White women. Similar comparisons between these two groups were also made on a series of eating disorder measures. Next, a series of hierarchical regressions were run to examine the contribution of each of the social construction variables to each of the eating disorder measures. Anger suppression was a significant predictor of eating disorder symptoms in Black women. Self-silencing and objectified body consciousness were stronger predictors of eating disorder symptoms in White women. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Addressing race in workplace cultural diversity training

The findings show that participants in this study adopted an awareness-based anti-racist approach that was aimed at getting employees to identify how the goals of anti-racism could be achieved within their organizations. The two main strategies the participants used were organizational analysis and 'personalization'. This was done through critical reflection and dialogue. It is hoped that the findings of this study can add to the current scholarship by suggesting alternative approaches for workplace cultural diversity training in the corporate sector. Using qualitative interviews and document analysis, this study examined the strategies of eight cultural diversity training professionals who adopted an anti-racist approach to the design of their corporate sector work. Cultural diversity training and anti racism training have traditionally been conceptualized as two different types of training. The purpose of this study was to examine how cultural diversity training programs for the corporate sector could be designed using an anti-racist approach.

Keywords: Race relations, Study and teaching
Corporate culture
Diversity in the workplace
Organizational behavior
The influence of female mate choice on courtship-feeding by males

This thesis examines how female choice affects male investment in courtship-feeding animals. Because courtship-feeding females can potentially gain both material and genetic benefits from mate choice, they are ideal for studying the interaction between choice for materials and choice for good genes. In Chapter 2, I develop theory explaining why female choice for genetically superior males may cause those males to provide fewer material benefits than rivals. In Chapter 3, this theory is used to generate hypotheses explaining why larger male black-horned tree crickets (Oecanthus nigricornis Walker) that are preferred as mates by females do not provide larger courtship gifts. Larger males provide gifts with a higher concentration of protein, which explains the female preference. The poor correlation between male size and gift size is probably because large males attract more mates, and as a result may become either depleted of food gifts, or conserve gift reserves in anticipation of future mating opportunities. In Chapter 4, the gift-giving ability and relative genetic quality of males was manipulated to identify the target of precopulatory choice in female O. nigricornis. Females are predicted to exert precopulatory choice for material benefits (Chapter 2). This hypothesis is supported: precopulatory choice is mainly for food because females discriminate against males depleted of courtship food gifts, but not against males that are smaller than previous mates. In Chapter 5, I review a problem that confronts studies of genetic benefits and has implications for all quantitative genetic studies. Because females are expected to invest more in offspring of genetically superior males, the correlation between the fitness of sires and offspring reflects differential allocation in addition to strictly genetic benefits. I present several alternative approaches to solving this problem. In Chapter 6, I present a study of genetic benefits to mate choice in O. nigricornis using a novel method described in Chapter 5. I report evidence for genetic benefits to mating large males: large sires produce larger sons and offspring with higher total fitness. Unfortunately, a paternity analysis for this study is not yet complete and therefore this study faces some of the problems identified in Chapter 5.
Samuel Johnson and the art of domesticity

This thesis examines the work of Samuel Johnson in relation to the rise of domesticity in eighteenth-century England and to the domestication, or novelization, of the period's literature. In doing so, it seeks to extend and recontextualize the now common view of Johnson as a transitional figure—a writer poised uncertainly between the aesthetic ideals of the classical tradition, in which he was profoundly learned, and his strong attraction to aesthetic approaches proscribed, or devalued, by the same tradition. The first chapter considers Johnson's thinking about the domestic world and private character in connection with the history and evolving ideology of domesticity, and finds that, though his use of the term domestic sometimes betrays a conventional sense, classical in origin, of the domestic world's unimportance, Johnson's more explicit treatments of the subject reflect a strong perception, modern in temper, of that world's centrality and significance. The second chapter shifts to an aesthetic context and to Johnson's role as an active proponent of literary domestication. I propose that Johnson's critical pronouncements—especially his references to domestic drama and his discussions of such diverse art-forms as biography, realistic fiction, and portrait painting—reveal a coherent aesthetic of domestic art, an aesthetic which, in stressing the value and appeal of proximity, amounts to a repudiation of the Longinian sublime, which equated greatness with distance, rarity, and grandeur. At the same time, Johnson's understanding of poetic language and, more crucially, his own stylistic practice were deeply conditioned by Longinian prescriptions, and the clash between these contradictory ideals—on the one hand those of the domestic perspective, with its promotion of the minute and mundane, and, on the other, that of the Longinian sublime, with its striving after dignity and grandeur—constitutes the central drama in the novelizing of Johnson's own art. Chapter three examines the role of the domestic in The Rambler , and argues that Johnson's narrative art, as practised in the short fictions, was not a static medium but an evolving one, and that it developed in the direction of domestic realism. Chapter four applies this paradigm to Lives of the Poets, the culminating expression of Johnson's own domestic art.
Task-based pedagogical activities as oral genres: a systemic functional linguistic analysis

A case study of an English as a second language classroom was conducted in order to investigate oral genres emerging from peer interaction during two task-based pedagogical activities. The purpose of the study was to identify the generic sequences and registers of two common instructional tasks, dictogloss and opinion exchange, and then to further analyze variation according to group performance. The study seeks to understand in detail the relationship between pedagogical activity, genre, and participants. To this end four pairs of Chinese adult L2 learners were audiotaped as they engaged in two types of recurrent classroom instructional activities---opinion exchange and dictogloss---three times over a six-week period. In addition, extensive field notes were taken to document genres occurring during other modes of instruction. Learner discourse was analyzed for generic sequence and register using a systemic functional linguistic framework. The discourse was further analyzed to compare group performance. Results showed both tasks had a unique generic structure, which defined them as separate genres. Additional results showed that (a) genre stages are best described in terms of probabilities rather than as dichotomous obligatory or optional occurrences; (b) some stages need not play a large role in the genre to be designated as obligatory; (c) recursion, which represents intersubjective meaning, is a central problem in the dynamic modeling of generic sequences; (d) genre analysis has the potential to contribute to the development of more accurate teaching materials and subsequently to the assessment of tasks for their pedagogical value; (e) task complexity is a matter of judging the quality of the goals attained and efficiency in use of resources rather than calculating a multiplicity of variables; and (f) genre analysis offers a new way of measuring proficiency within a sociocultural theory framework by taking into account use of resources and strategic goals in working toward the goal of the activity.

Keywords: English language, Spoken English
A comparison of the efficacy of radiotherapy alone versus ratiotherapy combined with embolization in the obliteration of brain AVMs in Canadian patients: A propensity score approach

Little information exists about the benefit of multimodal interventional arteriovenous malformation (AVM) therapy compared to unimodal interventional therapy. This study assessed whether multimodal therapy is associated with a higher rate of AVM cure. Survival analysis with propensity score quintile adjustment compared outcome rates between therapy groups. A total of 158 patients met the study inclusion criteria. Over a mean follow-up of 30.6 months, 81 (51.3%) patients had AVM cures and 142 (90.0%) patients had AVM cure or shrinkage. Rates of cure were similar for multimodal and unimodal treatment. The propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio was 1.25 in favour of unimodal treatment (95% CI: 0.72--2.17). Likewise, rates of cure or shrinkage were similar for multimodal and unimodal treatment, with an adjusted HR 0.92; (95% CI: 0.62--1.35). There may be no difference in AVM treatment efficacy between patients treated with unimodal and multimodal therapy.
Methylphenidate and cocaine self-administration during adolescence produces behavioural cross-sensitization to the locomotor effects of amphetamine in the adult rat

Although abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin) is on the rise, little is known about the long-term effects of its abuse during adolescence. This study examined the effect of adolescent methylphenidate, as compared with cocaine, self-administration during adolescence on the adult dopamine-mediated behaviours including conditioned reinforcement, a measured of incentive motivation, amphetamine-induced locomotor activity, and prepulse inhibition (PPI). We expected that drug self-administration would enhance mesocorticolimbic dopamine system function, which would manifest as disrupted PPI, and increased incentive motivation and amphetamine-induced locomotion in adulthood. Adolescent rats self-administered both drugs. Both adolescent methylphenidate and cocaine self-administration increased amphetamine-induced locomotion. However, there was no effect of adolescent drug self-administration on adult baseline or amphetamine-induced incentive motivation or PPI. Our findings suggest that adolescents may regulate their drug intake differently than adults and that chronic, contingent exposure to methylphenidate during adolescence enhances responsivity to the locomotor-stimulating effects of amphetamine.