VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Characterization of mice with a null mutation in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor gene

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) regulates blood glucose through stimulation of glucose-dependent insulin secretion, inhibition of gastric emptying, suppression of glucagon secretion, and the induction of satiety, as well as through potential actions on peripheral insulin sensitivity. We demonstrate here that the absence of GLP-1 signaling impairs the capacity of GLP-1R-/- mice to respond to agents associated with the induction of insulin resistance in vivo. Furthermore, despite reports that GLP-1 may influence peripheral insulin sensitivity, GLP-1R-/- mice were unresponsive to treatment with an insulin-sensitizing thiazolidinedione agent, suggesting GLP-1R-/- mice possess normal peripheral insulin sensitivity. Additionally, our studies show that GLP-1R+/- mice exhibit defective oral glucose tolerance in association with reduced glucose-stimulated insulin levels, supporting an essential role for GLP-1 in glucose homeostasis in vivo. Inhibition of DPP-IV using the chemical agent Pro-boroPro improved oral glucose tolerance in both wildtype and GLP-1R-/- mice, further implicating a role for this enzyme in incretin degradation in vivo. Additional studies undertaken here suggest that GLP-1R-/- mice exhibit an altered sensitivity to leptin, and furthermore, that disruption of GLP-1 signaling produces behavioural changes and perturbations in fluid homeostasis in vivo. Taken together, these studies further implicate a key role for GLP-1 not only in glucose homeostasis but also in the central regulation of behaviour and neuroendocrine function in vivo.
Brain thyroid hormones in models of depression, an initial assessment

Depression is among the most serious, costly and life-threatening of all mental disorders. Although specific alterations in brain thyroid hormone (TH) levels have been hypothesized as being causal factors in depressive illness, no information currently exists concerning the role of brain THs in depression. In this project, brain THs were evaluated for the first time in the learned helplessness (LH) model of depression and in experimental conditions related to depression. The first and second studies examined the effects of uncontrollable footshock stress on brain THs in adult rats. Although whole brain triiodothyronine (T$\sb3)$ levels were found to change rapidly in response to acute stress, a clear relationship was not observed between whole brain TH levels and amount of shock received. In the third study, changes in THs in amygdala, hippocampus and frontal cortex were examined in helpless and non-helpless rats following the LH procedure. No significant differences in T$\sb3$ and thyroxine (T$\sb4)$ concentrations were found among these two behaviourally distinct groups and shock-naive controls. The fourth study examined brain THs in rats selectively bred for helpless behaviour in the LH paradigm. Whole brain T$\sb4$ levels were elevated in congenitally helpless rats compared to LH-resistant controls. While the findings from the four studies do not provide definite answers with regards to the role of brain THs in depressive syndromes, the data suggest that complex relationships may exist between alterations in brain TH levels and depressive-like states.
Susceptibility of zucker rats to mammary gland and colon carcinogenesis

The objectives were to determine whether the Zucker rat strain is susceptible to breast and colon carcinogenesis, and whether the metabolic abnormalities of obese (fa/fa) rats increase their susceptibility towards carcinogenesis compared to lean (FA/FA or FA/fa) rats. Breast and colon cancer was initiated with 37.5mg/kg MNU at 50 days of age followed by two weekly doses of 15 mg/kg AOM. Lean and obese rats were susceptible to developing both cancers. However, mammary and colon tumor incidence and multiplicity were higher in obese rats than in lean rats. DNA methylation levels showed that obese rats received a higher biologically effective MNU dose than lean rats, although AOM doses were comparable. Therefore, the results suggest that the Zucker rat strain is susceptible to breast and colon cancer. Furthermore, obese rats are more susceptible to colon carcinogenesis than lean rats, although the relative susceptibility of Zucker rats towards breast cancer requires further investigation.
Innovations and singular value decomposition for blind sequence detection in wireless channels

A blind sequence detection (BSD) algorithm based on the innovations approach is proposed and its performance in a Rayleigh fading environment is evaluated. A comparison between the innovations and Tong's Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) [25] based blind sequence detection algorithm is also presented. Further insight is gained on how blind sequence detectors behave by examining several parameters such as differential encoding, signal subspace dimension ' d', correlation delay 'k' and diversity. When diversity is not used, the innovations approach to blind sequence detection clearly outperforms the SVD based blind sequence detector. Overall though, the SVD based blind sequence detection algorithm has a better performance than the innovations approach. However, if one looks at the 'combined performance' and takes into account that the innovations approach is simple, causal, recursive and numerically efficient when compared to SVD, then the performances of the two blind sequence detectors are comparable.
Hoare logic for GOLOG programs

GOLOG is a situation calculus-based logic programming language for dynamic domains like robots, industrial processes, intelligent software agents, etc. This thesis explores Hoare's axiomatic approach to program verification in the GOLOG context. We present Hoare-style proof systems for partial correctness and termination of procedure-less GOLOG programs, and prove the corresponding soundness and completeness results. We extend these proof systems to deal with partial correctness and termination of recursive GOLOG procedures, and prove the soundness of the resulting systems. Examples are given to illustrate the use of these proof systems.
From exclusion to co-existence, aboriginal participation in Ontario forest management planning

Aboriginal participation in environmental decision making is increasingly recognized as vital to the move towards greater sustainability, both globally and locally. This is true in many areas of resource management, including Canada's forest industry. Taking the lead in improving Aboriginal involvement in forest management is Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources, along with various industry and First Nations representatives from around the province. The new Aboriginal consultation process is long overdue, given the province's history of excluding Native people from forestry, and represents a significant component of Ontario's forest management planning system. This research provides initial feedback on this process and one of its most controversial components, "Native Values Mapping". The potential benefits of the new system are great, and include increased cooperation among government, industry and First Nations in moving towards the common goal of sustainable forest management. The research highlights ways in which gains are being achieved, as well as how barriers to such gains persist. The Aboriginal consultation and Native Values Mapping processes are affected by Ontario's complex history of Native/non-Native relations. The thesis describes this historical context, based on available literature, in order that the research outcomes can be better understood. Over the summer of 1999, 52 recent participants in the new forest management planning process were interviewed. Using the Grounded Theory method of social research, interview responses were analyzed to identify core variables which explain the variety of responses obtained. These core variables also serve to identify key issues which underlie the challenges faced by all forest planning participants in the research. Two core variables were identified in this study, the first being "World View, Spirituality and Native Values," while the second was "Relationships and Power". These variables explain how lack of understanding of different world views and unequal distribution of power between Native and non-Native peoples are hurdles to be overcome if sustainable forest management is be achieved in Ontario. Finally, the ancient "Co-Existence Model" is suggested as a way of achieving cooperation between Native and non-Native peoples in working toward this goal, while allowing cultural identities to remain intact.
Popular arrangements in the Petrucci chansonniers

This dissertation is an examination of the popular arrangements in the three anthologies of polyphonic song published by Ottaviano Petrucci: ' Harmonice musices odhecaton A' (1501), 'Canti B numero cinquanta ' (1502), and 'Canti C numero cento cinquanta' (1504). The popular songs that served as models for these arrangements are located in two manuscripts, Paris Bibliothèque Nationale, fonds fr. 12744 and fonds fr. 9346. These manuscripts are unique in that they are the only sources to preserve a large number of popular song melodies, which were usually transmitted orally. A significant problem in previous research has been a lack of clear distinction between popular arrangements that have an extant popular song model, and compositions that are written in the same style as popular arrangements but for which no popular song model exists. This study seeks to address this problem by isolating a core repertory of popular arrangements from the Petrucci chansonniers, consisting of only those popular arrangements for which a popular song model could be located. The musical style features of this core repertory are closely analysed with respect to (a) how the popular tune has been arranged; (b) formal structures; and (c) modal and tonal characteristics. From these analyses, a revised and more precise set of style characteristics for the popular arrangement is developed and then applied to other compositions in 'Canti C' that resemble popular arrangements but for which no popular song model survives. A secondary focus of this dissertation is on the popular songs that served as models for popular arrangements. These songs are shown to have more features in common with the courtly polyphonic song tradition than has previously been acknowledged. In particular, the popular songs make use of the same formes fixes that are usually equated with courtly polyphonic song. The popular songs in the two Paris manuscripts may likely be a written precipitation of a continuous oral tradition that extends back to the popular origins of the formes fixes.
Evaluation of propriocetion in patients with anterior dislocation

The shoulder complex has a high degree of mobility in 3-D space. The stability of the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) relies on static and dynamic constraints, as well as peripheral feedback from sensory receptors. The aim of the present study was to investigate shoulder position sense (proprioception) in the normal and affected side of patients with Anterior Shoulder Dislocation (ASD) using a functional active movement. Ten subjects with ASD performed external shoulder rotation movements bilaterally to different targets. The present study has demonstrated that proprioception is more accurate in the non-affected versus the previously dislocated shoulder. This difference was statistically significant using a Mann Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction (p $\le$ 0.004). This finding confirms and extends the results of previous studies (passive movement: Smith & Brunolli, 1989; Lephart et al. 1994; and active/passive movement: Alvemalm et al. 1996). increased proprioception performance in subjects who had dislocation of the shoulder may be related to alteration in peripheral sensory receptors, and has implications for the treatment approach of shoulder complex disorders.
Ethnic identity and language maintenance, a case study of third generation Japanese-Canadians in Toronto

The purpose of this study is to explore issues about third generation Japanese-Canadian (Sansei) ethnic identity and language maintenance through an interactive collaborative interview process. "The Canadian Ethnocultural Questionnaire" (Feuerverger, 1991) was used as a vehicle for discussion. The salient themes that emerged are: (1) A pattern towards assimilation into the mainstream society; a rupture between Nisei and Sansei regarding the transmission of Japanese culture and language; (2) Ethnic rediscovery as a result of pride in the fact that Japan is a more powerful economic force in the world; (3) A problematic and ambivalent relationship to ethnic language maintenance; (4) Lack of community cohesiveness; high intermarriage rate; (5) A relationship between the psychological consequences of the war experience of Nisei and a weakening of ethnic identity; (6) A perception that Japanese Language School has little status. Sansei perceive that their Japanese identity does not necessarily depend on language ' per se'. Rather, it depends more on their individual choices, learning opportunities at home and in society.
Allograft microvascular epiphyseal plate transplants with short-term immunosuppression

Current immunosuppressants are too toxic for long-term use in the context of allograft epiphyseal plate transplantation. Epiphyseal plates possess unique characteristics, however, that may permit long-term survival with only a short-term course of immunosuppression. A model for the free allograft microvascular transplantation of the rabbit proximal tibial epiphyseal plate was developed and validated. Transplants included the minimal amount of adjacent bone compatible with preservation of the epiphyseal plate vascular supply. This model was then used to assess the epiphyseal plate viability with a short-term immunosuppression regimen. Immunosuppression was provided by an initial 6-week course of continuous Cyclosporine therapy. Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation of epiphyseal plate viability was performed four weeks after withdrawal. Epiphyseal plate grafts with bone contact were viable according to all outcome measures. Grafts without bone contact, however, were non-viable and showed evidence of advanced rejection. These results suggest that viability of allograft epiphyseal plates can be preserved following withdrawal of short-term immunosuppression provided the graft design and recipient site allow for adequate graft neovascularization.
Aquinas and Siger in the thirteenth century-monopsychism controversy

My thesis examines Aquinas's philosophical psychology in the context of his controversy with Siger of Brabant. Chapters 1 and 2 are concerned with the central thesis of Aquinas's argument against the Averroist doctrine of the intellect, which he often expresses by the claim, 'intellectus est forma corporis'. This claim is fundamental to Aquinas's philosophical psychology insofar as it relates not only to his solution to the tension between the Aristotelian definition of the soul as the form of the body and the intellect's immateriality, but also to his alternative to the Averroist interpretation that the intellect cannot be the form of the body. I argue that this claim cannot be an adequate alternative to the Averroist interpretation of Aristotle since it is not compatible with Aquinas's insistence that the intellect cannot use any bodily organ, nor exist in any part of the body. Furthermore, the thesis of organlessness commits Aquinas to an intellect-body dualism since he postulates the existence of the intellect independently of the body in the human being. Chapters 3 and 4 deal with the question of whether Aquinas has an adequate alternative to Siger's critique that the intellect cannot be a power of the human soul which is the substantial form of the body. Some contemporary Thomists have argued that Aquinas's position is not vulnerable to the Sigerian critique at all by appealing to his claim that the human soul is a subsistent form. However, I maintain that the human soul's subsistence cannot be upheld insofar as Aquinas insists that the human soul is essentially the form of the body, and its nature is incomplete without the body. For nothing in the nature of the human soul as the form of the body provides a ground for showing that it can perform its proper operation without the body and thus can be subsistent. Consequently, Aquinas does not offer a satisfactory explanation of the possibility that the human soul can possess the intellect as its power. This leads us to conclude that the difficulties raised by Siger cannot be resolved by Aquinas's position.
A grasp-based motion planning algorithm for intelligent character animation

The automated animation of human characters continues to be a challenge in computer graphics. We present a novel kinematic motion planning algorithm for character animation which addresses some of the outstanding problems. The problem domain for our algorithm is as follows: given an environment with designated handholds and footholds, determine the motion as an optimization problem. The algorithm exploits a combination of geometric constraints, posture heuristics, and gradient descent optimization in order to arrive at an appropriate motion sequence. The method provides a single framework for animated characters capable of animating the model using an assortment of modes of locomotion and capable of solving complex constrained locomotion tasks. We illustrate our results with demonstrations of a human character using walking, swinging, climbing, and crawling in order to navigate in a variety of environments.
Stroke-in-a-dish, an in vitro model of microglial activation and stroke

Microglia, immune cells of the brain, are implicated in several central nervous system disorders, including stroke. We have developed a simplified in vitro model to study specific aspects of microglial activation: respiratory burst (reactive oxygen intermediate production) and morphology. A microscope-based imaging system was used to monitor morphology and fluorescence intensity before, during and after ischemic injury in cultured rat microglia. Long-term ischemia (15 hr) led to microglia death, whereas short-term ischemia (15 min) was a practical experimental paradigm that simulated an acute ischemic injury. The phorbol ester, PMA, increased respiratory burst by 56% and was, thus, used as a positive control to validate my model. PMA also induced morphological changes in microglia. Respiratory burst remained constant with the inactive analog, 4$\alpha$PMA. Ischemia induced morphological changes but did not cause a respiratory burst. Two K$\sp+$-channel inhibitors decreased respiratory burst. Viability tests revealed that microglia were alive following all treatments.
Promoter analysis and genomic organization of the gene encoding the ß-subunit of the rat amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel

The amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), consisting of three subunits, Ã, ß, and ã, is the rate limiting step in transepithelial sodium absorption. We hypothesized that expression of the gene encoding the ß-subunit of rat ENaC (rENaC) is controlled by 'cis'-acting sites in the promoter region which differ from the other 2 subunits. TRACE, primer extension and RNase protection assays indicated multiple transcription start sites over a 60 bp region. Sequencing 1.3 kb of the 5' flanking DNA revealed the absence of a TATA box or consensus sites for steroid response elements. Transient transfections of ß-tENaC 5' flanking DNA/reporter constructs revealed a negative element between positions -418 and -305 affecting basal transcription rates, but showed no response to glucocorticosteroids. Gel shift assays confirmed the active binding of an AP-1 site in this region. Mutation of the AP-1 site did not abrogate the repressive activity in transient transfections. With this and promoter studies of the other two subunits it is suggested that the ß and ã subunits are similarly regulated but different from the Ã-subunit.
A network management facility for a fault-tolerant distributed information retrieval system

This thesis presents the design and implementation of a Network Management Layer to provide a group membership facility and an atomic modification facility that is typically required by distributed applications. The types of applications targetted are distributed information retrieval systems. The layer is designed to facilitate the addition of nodes that wish to become part of the system as well as the removal of members that have failed and are no longer useful. Furthermore, an atomic commitment facility is provided to allow the members to accomplish atomic operations ensuring system consistency. The Network Management Layer has been designed to be embedded into a more comprehensive layer, the Reliable Storage Management Layer, that manages the data for information retrieval systems in a fault-tolerant manner.
Molecular forms of prostate specific antigen in female sera

Monoclonal antibodies specific for prostate specific antigen (PSA) were produced and characterized in terms of recognition of free or total PSA (free PSA + PSA complexed to alpha-1-antichymotrypsin), affinity, pairing ability, and epitope specificity. This enabled two immunoassays for total PSA and two specific for free PSA to be developed with the sensitivity required to measure the low levels of PSA in female sera. Free PSA and total PSA in the sera of women with various endocrinopathies were quantitated. Free PSA was the predominant serological form in a significantly higher percentage of breast cancer patients in comparison to all other groups. Furthermore, free PSA levels decreased in the serum of breast cancer patients after surgery. Although free PSA as the predominant form has low diagnostic sensitivity (20%), this parameter is highly specific for breast cancer (97% diagnostic specificity) and therefore may have clinical applicability in breast cancer.
Towards a human rights-based contraceptive policy, a critique of anti-sterilisation law in Poland

Sterilisation is one of the safest, most effective and most widely used method of family planning in the world. However, it is illegal and inaccessible in Poland. This thesis argues that there are certain harms imposed by the anti-sterilisation policy in Poland, and that they amount to a violation of human rights. It argues that limiting access to a comprehensive range of contraceptive option is harmful for reproductive and sexual well-being. Certain concerns associated with contraceptive sterilisation (e.g. fear of abuse or post-sterilisation regret) would be addressed more appropriately by less restrictive measures that respect rights of individuals and better respond to their needs. I argue that an array of contraceptive options that is as comprehensive as medical technology and modern health policy will allow is a necessary component of equality for women. As such, sterilisation policy should be part of the comprehensive reproductive health policy, which should be built upon principles of equality and public health rather than on moralities, myths and popular misconceptions about the people's capacity to control fertility.