VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Humor in brain-damaged patients and neurologically intact young and old people

Humor occupies a special place in human social interactions, fulfilling many functions ranging from the communication of ideas, to the use of humor in therapy. The general objective of the present study was to extend previous research on humor in neurological patients. In particular, the specificity of the brain pathology, and the potential psychological processes underlying humor appreciation, were investigated. It was hypothesized that the frontal lobe and in particular, the right frontal region, was especially relevant to humor. Only patients with focal lesions restricted to the following five brain regions were included--left frontal, right frontal, bilateral frontal, left posterior, and right posterior. Tests designed to examine different aspects of verbal and nonverbal humor appreciation and humor production were administered. In addition, psychological processes such as working memory, mental flexibility, to humor appreciation. The results indicated that patients with lesions in the frontal lobe were more impaired than with posterior lesions. Despite the verbal nature of the humor appreciation tests, patients with pathology involving the right frontal region were most impaired. Patients with right frontal lesions also exhibited extremely muted physical-emotional reactions to humorous stimuli and were unpaired in the production of humor. When performance on humor appreciation tests was correlated with that on tests assessing various psychological processes, the following distinct pattern of associations was obtained. Working memory, humor. Working memory, visual search, and focused attention were related to the appreciation of cartoon humor. The findings were discussed in terms of a deficit involving integration in patients with frontal damage. It is argued that integration of various types of information are important, with the integration of cognitive with affective information being critical to the highest of mental functions mediated by the frontal lobe, such as self-awareness and humor. Many features of the right frontal lobe, e.g., anatomy, processing style, role in episodic memory and self-awareness, and type of information processed, makes this the ideal substrate for mediating humor.
Poetics of the other, five feminist writers from English Canada and Quebec

This volume considers the work of five feminist writers from Québec and English Canada: Nicole Brossard, France Théoret, Di Brandt, Erin Mouré and Lola Lemire Tostevin. Poetry is the predominant genre in this study, although these writers' transgression of generic boundaries involves a blending of poetry with prose and of the creative with the theoretical. In keeping with a feminist critical tradition in Canada and Québec, I refer to these writings as “Ecritures au féminin,” or writings in the feminine. This study not only investigates their attempts to inscribe female alterity (“the feminine”) within language and subjectivity, but of even greater significance are these writings' contributions to the notion of a feminist ethics. The perspective adopted in this study is a literary, philosophical and feminist one, situated at the confluence of contemporary ethical theory and feminist literary criticism. The shared ground of the five writers lies in their self-conscious explorations of a distinctly feminist poetics centred on theories of sexual difference and oriented around the maternal. These writings expand and also complicate the notion of an ethics of alterity as it pertains to issues of gender, language and writing, of subjectivity, and of relational exchange. The feminist ethics outlined here is derived from Emmanuel Uvinas' challenge to metaphysical ontology, Paul Ricoeur's own relational theory, and Luce Irigaray's application of ethical theory to sexual difference. These theorists premise their versions of ethics on the interrelated notion of same and other, applied by Irigaray and other feminist theorists to the mother-child dyad. The writers in question offer various configurations of the maternal dyad to reveal one possible model of a relational ethics. This maternal model underlies constructions of female subjectivity along with other modes of social and sexual interaction represented in these writings. However, representations of female intersubjectivity also contain the possibility of ethical breakdown, as well as the necessity of constant renegotiation. The difficulties and contradictions encountered in these literary formulations of self and other are the crux of a feminist ethics which demands the careful, yet not always sustainable, balance between identification and differentiation, or sameness and otherness.

Keywords: Feminist poetry, Canadian
History and criticism
Canadian poetry
Women authors
History and criticism
Canadian poetry
History and criticism
Poésie féministe canadienne
Histoire et critique
Écrits de femmes canadiens
Histoire et critique
Poésie canadienne
Histoire et critique
Collagen assembly as examined by atomic force microscopy

The use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to image the assembly of Type I collagen from monomers, through the various intermediates, to mature fibrils, has been demonstrated for the first time. These stages of collagen assembly were found to proceed by a stepwise process, which commenced with axially associated oligomers (height ~ 1 nm, lengths 450-1200 nm) and proceeded by lateral and axial association through intermediate microfibrils of 2-3 nm in diameter (with periodicity ~ 67 nm). Further assembly into larger microfibrils (>10,000 nm in length) that aggregated readily was observed. The end product of assembly observed in this study was a mature fibril, which demonstrated 4D-banding with a periodicity of 67 nm.
Tailoring the catalytic properties and specificity of subtilisin B. lentus via a combined site-directed mutagenesis and chemical modification approach

Chemically modified mutant enzymes (CMMs) of subtilisin 'Bacillus lentus' (SBL) were designed to alter its specificity and catalytic properties. Modification of S156C, which is located toward the bottom of the S1 pocket and whose side chain is solvated, effected only small changes in its catalytic properties. Conversely, modification of S166C, which is located at the bottom of the S1 pocket and points into the pocket, effected larger changes. The S166C-S-CH2CH2SO3 - CMM caused a 16-fold decrease in 'k cat'/'KM' with the standard suc-AAPF-pNA substrate, a 5-fold decrease in the binding of the 2,4-diclorophenylboronic acid inhibitor and a 0.93 unit increase in the pKa of His64. The restricted S1 pocket of S166C-CMMs was demonstrated by the precluded binding and covalent attachment of a 'p'-boronic acid benzophenone photoactivatable active-site directed inhibitor. SBL prefers large hydrophobic P1 substrate residues and the CMM strategy was exploited to confer a more universal P1 specificity on S1. A large cyclohexyl group was introduced at position S166C to fill up the S1 pocket, causing a 2-fold improvement in ' kcat'/'KM' for the small P 1 residue suc-AAPA-pNA substrate and a 51-fold improvement in suc-AAPA-pNA/suc-AAPF-pNA selectivity compared to WT. Negatively and positively charged groups were introduced at position S166C. A monotonic increase in 'kcat'/' KM' with the positively charged P1 residue containing substrate suc-AAPR-pNA was effected by increasing negative charge at position 166. This culminated in a 9-fold improvement in 'kcat'/' KM' for the tri-negatively charged S166C-S-CH2CH 2C(COO-)3 CMM and a 61-fold improvement in its suc-AAPR-pNA/suc-AAPF-pNA selectivity. The positively charged S166C-S-CH 2CH2NH3+ CMM showed a 19-fold improvement in 'kcat'/'KM' with the negatively charged P1 residue containing substrate, suc-AAPE-pNA and a 54-fold improvement in its suc-AAPE-pNA/suc-AAPF-pNA selectivity. Modification of the S2 pocket N62C residue resulted in seven of eleven CMMs, with higher than wild type (WT) levels of activity. A monotonic increase in activity with increasing side-chain size was observed culminating in a 3-fold improvement in 'kcat'/'K M' for N62C-S-'c'-CH2C6H 11. The indication from molecular modelling that this was due to increased acidity of the catalytic triad residue His64 was confirmed by pH-activity profile studies which revealed pKa decreases of up to 0.72 units. A linear correlation between the hydrophobicity of the introduced side chain and the observed pKa was apparent.
Structural-mechanical relations in the developing ovine thoracic aorta

During the perinatal period (interval surrounding birth), many cardiovascular tissues structurally remodel in preparation for, and adaptation to, postnatal hemodynamic conditions. Changes occur in both the wall components and dimensions of large arteries such as the thoracic aorta. The effects of this remodelling on aortic mechanical properties are not known. Furthermore, how aortic structure and mechanics change with further postnatal maturation is poorly understood. The objective of this thesis was to assess the changes in the mechanical properties of the ovine thoracic aorta during perinatal and postnatal development, and to relate these changes to alterations in the main aortic wall components: elastin, collagen, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Aortic structure and mechanics were examined in fetal (119d gestation, term = 145d), newborn, and adult sheep. Aortic mechanics were assessed via: (i) pressure wave propagation in vivo and (ii) static/dynamic stress-strain relations in vitro. Biochemical structure was described by relative contents of elastin, collagen and DNA (representing smooth muscle cells). Collagen crosslinking was assessed using hydrothermal isometric tension (HIT) tests. These studies have demonstrated large developmental changes in the structure and mechanics of the thoracic aorta. The vessel becomes progressively stiffer and less viscous with development from fetal to adult life, and much of these changes occur perinatally. Furthermore, key mechanical features were associated with specific structural changes. (1) A perinatal 89% increase in aortic low-stress incremental elastic modulus was associated with a 69% increase in relative elastin content. (2) A postnatal 88% increase in high-stress incremental elastic modulus paralleled a 75% increase in collagen crosslinking index. (3) Decreases in measures of wall viscosity (pressure wave attenuation coefficient and viscoelastic phase angle) from fetal to adult life followed a decrease in smooth muscle cell content. In summary, as the aorta becomes progressively less cellular from fetal to adult life, wall viscosity is concurrently reduced. A rapid perinatal accumulation of elastin may enhance the Windkessel function of the aorta, thereby accommodating the postnatal increases in blood pressure and stroke volume. Postnatal changes in vessel dimensions and blood pressure increase the physiological aortic wall stress which is resisted by an increased collagen crosslinking--not content.
An amateur barbarian, the life and career of Sir Richard Francis Burton, 1821-1890

With numerous contributions to geography and literature, Sir Richard Burton is a major Victorian figure. Burton's main importance to his age lies in the fact that he was one of the premier imperial communicators of his time, disseminating numerous aspects of indigenous societies--social, political, economic, religious, sexual--to the Metropole, contributing not only data but helping to define and reinforce Victorian perceptions of the "outside" world. As one of the founders of the organisation which became the Royal Anthropological Institute, Burton was instrumental in helping the fledgling science of anthropology gain respectability as a discipline. 'Via' his racial pronouncements, he was representative of the atmosphere which saw the rise of the race-consciousness we associate today with Social Darwinism. Burton was able to assume this role due to a number of personal factors which contributed to his career: among these was an insatiable, obsessive curiosity, remarkable talent for linguistics, and dark, exotic features which allowed him to disguise himself as a native in India and Arabia. Just as important was the fact that during his formative years Burton was reared primarily in an ever-changing European 'milieu', denying him the English social conditioning he would otherwise have had, had he been raised in Britain. This loosened his sense of national identity while at the same time exposing him to an experience of non-British social systems far beyond that of an average contemporary. Thus, when Burton later encountered the non-European indigenous world, he was able to immerse himself in that world to a significant extent, and was able to structure detailed investigations and conjectures regarding those societies. The result was a mass of literary works which sought to aid in a better understanding of the non-European world. It is apparent from passages in Burton's writings that his own feelings regarding indigenous peoples were, despite clear imperialist and racist sensibilities, significantly ambivalent and uncertain, his early exposure to multiple cultures in Europe instilling in him an appreciation of social relativity and complexity which colours his work almost as much as his bellicose, Eurocentric perceptions.
Novel roles for CD4 in T cell activation

Accessory activation molecules influence the outcome of antigen recognition by the TCR/CD3 complex. CD4 is expressed on MHC class II restricted T cells, and plays critical roles in enhancing TCR/CD3-mediated activation. This positive function has been attributed to its adhesive properties to MHC class II and its role in localization and activation of associated Lck. Results from this thesis demonstrate that the role of CD4 extends beyond these contributions. The study presented in chapter 2 involves the characterization of an interaction between CD4 and the PTP, CD45. The object of this study was to determine how CD45 is directed to substrates at the antigen receptor complex upon stimulation of resting T cells. Results from chapter 2 demonstrate that CD45 is physically associated with CD4 in resting, primary lymph node T cells, and that CD4-CD45 complexes are disrupted as a consequence of antigen-mediated activation, suggesting a role for these complexes in the activation process. Moreover, CD45 precipitates with CD4 molecules which are associated with Lck, as well as with those which are not. Further, effects on CD4-associated membrane Lck are demonstrable. Since antigen presentation by MHC class II results in coaggregation of CD4 and TCR/CD3, the association described in this study provides a physical basis through which CD45 could be recruited to the antigen receptor complex upon T cell stimulation. While the characterization of CD4 function to date has focused predominantly on its role in the initiation of T cell activation, the study presented in chapter 3 demonstrates that ligation of CD4 inhibits ongoing responses of pre-activated T cells. Specifically, delayed addition of CD4 specific mAb is shown to inhibit antigen, or mAb-induced, responses of both primary T cells and T cell clonal variants. The antigen responses of the latter are independent of the adhesion provided by CD4, thus the observed inhibition is not due to blocking CD4-MHC interactions. Further, analysis of the clonal variants demonstrates that CD4 associated Lck is not essential for the inhibition observed. It is demonstrated that delayed addition of anti-CD4 results in a rapid reduction in steady state levels of IL-2 mRNA in both primary T cells and clonal variants.
Development of the Self-Directed Learning Perception Scale

The purpose of this study was to: (a) describe theoretical foundations for the construct of the self-directed process (SDL); (b) develop an instrument to provide a description of what helps students with the SDL process; and (c) to conduct an investigation to validate the instrument. The literature review identified characteristics in the SDL literature that help students with the SDL process. The resulting profile of an SDL environment included factors relating to physical aspects of the institution, physical aspects of the classroom, how the institution functions, how the course functions and providing a supportive climate for building relationships. Contextual issues become the focus with an emphasis on processes which occur in the SDL process. The SDLP model provided a basis for creating an instrument to study students' perceptions of the helpfulness of the identified characteristics. By using the logical construction method, a theoretical chart emerged based on the factors identified in the SDLP model. The key features of the model were addressed in the questionnaire items of Self-Directed Learning Perception Scale (SDLPS). The instrument was reviewed in a prepilot study, tried out in a pilot study, revised and tested again in a field study. Findings indicated how one group of students responded to the helpfulness of the five categories of the SDL environment. By providing a model of SDL, this study should provide a framework to help researchers further explore dimensions such as student and educator characteristics. By studying these other dimensions, a more complete picture of what SDL involves can emerge. There is a need for an instrument which can be used by planning committees, provide help to curriculum writers, and suggest possible reasons for students' problems with SDL.
Mutational analysis of amino acid residues involved in argininosuccinate lyase activity in duck [delta] II crystallin

[delta] crystallins are the major structural eye lens protein of most birds and reptiles and are direct homologues of the urea cycle enzyme argininosuccinate lyase. There are two isoforms of [delta] crystallin, [delta] I and [delta] II, however only [delta] II crystallin exhibits argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) activity. At the onset of this study, the structure of argininosuccinate lyase/[delta] II crystallin with bound inhibitor or substrate analogue was not available. Biochemical and X-ray crystallographic studies had suggested that H162 may function as the catalytic base in the argininosuccinate lyase/[delta] II crystallin reaction mechanism, either directly or through the activation of a water molecule. The identity of the catalytic acid was unknown. In this study, the argininosuccinate substrate was modeled into the active site of duck [delta] II crystallin, using the coordinates of an inhibitor-bound 'E. coli' fumarase-C structure to orient the fumarate moiety of the substrate. The model served as a means of identifying active-site residues which are positioned to potentially participate in substrate binding and/or catalysis. Based on the results of the modeling, site-directed mutagenesis was performed on several amino acids, and the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of each mutant determined. Kinetic studies reveal that five residues, R115, N116, T161, S283, and E296 are essential for catalytic activity. Determination of the free energy of unfolding/refolding of wild-type and mutant [delta] II crystallins revealed that all constructs exhibit similar thermodynamic stabilities. During the course of this work, the structure of an inactive [delta] II crystallin mutant with bound substrate was solved (Vallée 'et. al'., 1998). This has allowed the kinetic data to be interpreted on a structural basis and reveals that the kinetic and structural data are in good agreement with one another.
Organizational culture and the integration of challenged students in two secondary school settings, a case study

In 1988, the school board of this study articulated a vision that would see children with special needs being educated in a "regular" school setting and withdrawn for assistance as required. Guidelines for schools were provided by the board in its efforts to integrate students who were disabled with their non-disabled peers. No longer would students with special needs be taught in segregated special education classes by special education teachers. Their needs would now be met in the "regular" classroom setting under the guidance of regular classroom teachers. The vision was referred to as the Learning Centre Program Model. Eleven years had elasped since the creation of the Learning Centre Program Model and schools in the school district were experiencing various levels of success in their implementation efforts. Two secondary schools in the board where the model was introduced were examined to determine the degree to which the vision as espoused in the Learning Centre Program Model was being realized. Following this, those elements of the school culture that affected the integration efforts were identified. Case studies of each school unveiled distinct cultures and priority issues for leaders if the vision of the Learning Centre Program Model was to reach fruition in their organizations. In each school, the culture was learned and taught through a variety of explicit and implicit mechanisms. While the explicit mechanisms were easy to identify and seemed tractable, the implicit mechanisms were elusive but constituted the glue which held the organization together. The organizational glue had a strong consistency and firmly secured the operational ethos of the two secondary schools. The study clearly illustrated the power of school culture and stressed the importance of understanding its potency. The researcher unveiled cultures that were forces in protecting sacred values and traditions in each organization and that were affecting the way in which students with disabilities were being accommodated. The study concluded with recommendations to shape the organizational cultures of two secondary schools in the school district of this study into a form that would better serve the interests of the special needs learners.
Dynamic analysis of mobile manipulators

This thesis introduces the 'Mobile Manipulator Analyzer ' ('MMA'), a mobile manipulator user tool, that creates complete mobile manipulator simulation models that are solved using ' DADS Solver'TM. A simulation model of 'MR-1', a real mobile manipulator designed and manufactured by 'Engineering Services Incorporated', was created using 'MMA' and 'DADS'TM . A thorough modeling and analysis procedure is performed on ' MMA', 'DADS'TM, and the 'MR-1 ' model. The procedure involves performing simulations for validation, sensitivity analysis, output analysis, static, quasi-static, and dynamic experiments, followed by applying a tuning procedure. Finally, a procedure to optimize the system parameters is presented. Multi-body dynamic simulations require accurate mass property values. A procedure and test apparatus that measures the centre of gravity and moment of inertia for a range of complex components was developed for this purpose. The apparatus was designed and calibrated to produce moment of inertia results with a higher accuracy than hand or computer calculations.