VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Ischemic preconditioning of the myocardium, role of protein tyrosine kinases

Ischemic preconditioning (IP) is a cardioprotective phenomenon potentially mediated through multiple signal transduction pathways. The purpose of this study was to determine if protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are involved in IP and with this established to determine if PTKs are involved in the maintenance of IP. To accomplish this either of the selective PTK inhibitors Tyrphostin A51 (TA51) and Herbimycin A (HA) or a negative control compound Tyrphostin 1 (T1) were administered to isolated cardiomyocytes. TA51 and T1 were administered to an in vivo rabbit model of IP. Drugs were administered at one of two times in both models, either just prior to preconditioning or just prior to sustained ischemia. Inhibition of PTK at either time, in either model, prevented the IP phenomenon. T1 treatment in either model, at either time, did not prevent the IP phenomenon. Thus, PTKs are involved in IP and, specifically, in the maintenance of IP.
Numerical modeling of fibre suspensions in grid-generated turbulent flow

Cellulose fibre floc formation and destruction by hydrodynamic forces in a grid-generated turbulent flow, such as that occurring downstream of turbulence generators in headboxes, is investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. A Large Eddy Simulation was performed to elucidate the physics behind the break up of fibre flocs. Upon comparison with experimental data on fibre suspension flows, it was found that the minimum fibre flocculation coincided with the maximum time dependence and strain in the mean motion. The turbulent kinetic energy at these locations was negligible. A numerical model of the fibre flow was developed using an Eulerian multiphase flow model in where a transport equation for flocculation intensity was solved together with the momentum equations and turbulence models. Agreement with experimental data is good far downstream of the grids, but inadequate in the anisotropic flow immediately downstream of the grids.
Patterns of total strain in the walls of two greenstone assemblage boundaries, western Birch-Uchi (Confederation Lake) Belt, NW Ontario

The boundaries between the Balmer-Woman and Woman-Confederation assemblages are well exposed in western central parts of the Birch-Uchi belt. Based on zircon dates for the felsic metavolcanics, age gaps of 'ca'. 100 Ma between the assemblages were recognized by others. The results of the present structural analysis suggest that boundary slip was kinematically insignificant during regional ductile deformation, and did not lead to omission of rock strata or production of large age gaps. Nothing can be said, however, about the possible effects of (i) brittle faulting at early stages of tectonism or (ii) discomformable deposition of the basal strata of the assemblages. Detailed study of effects of total strain finishes structural data that permit qualitative and quantitative assessments of the displacement field associated with ductile deformation. Applying the stretching-fault concept to the study area, distributed tangential-shear strain at the Balmer-Woman assemblage boundary proves to have the sense of thrust faults (hanging wall of Woman assemblage rocks to the NW). By contrast, the distributed tangential-shear strain at the Woman-Confederation assemblage boundary has the sense of sinistral faults (hanging wall of Confederation rocks to the north). This result is compatible with elements of the northward transportation hypothesis for the Birch-Uchi belt.
Assembly mechanisms of type I collagen aggregates

The solution-phase association of biological molecules to form aggregates has been studied from a variety of perspectives, such as the flocculation of polymers, association of colloids and the aggregation of proteins. The latter subject has been the target of particular attention, mainly because of its importance in biomedical applications as well as its implication in diseases such as spongiform encephalopathies and Alzheimer's disease. Investigating protein aggregation at a fundamental level, however, is often complicated by the poorly defined structures of the aggregation products formed, as well as by the difficulty in working with biological systems. In this thesis, studies of Type-I collagen, a rod-like protein which can undergo 'in vitro' aggregation into highly-ordered protein structures, have been carried out with a view towards determining the mechanisms by which protein aggregates form. Two particular aggregate structures have been investigated. The first, a block-like aggregate called segmental long spacing collagen, was formed by the addition of nucleotide triphosphates to collagen monomers. By analyzing aggregate structures, formation kinetics and growth thermodynamics, it was concluded that these aggregates form via a hierarchical growth mechanism involving the formation of a stable intermediate and subsequent fusion of these intermediates. The second form of aggregate investigated was a fibril referred to as fibrous long spacing collagen. In this case, particular insight was made into elucidating the structure of these fibrils using the atomic force microscope. Results obtained again suggest that this aggregate forms via a hierarchical mechanism, first forming stable 'protofibrils', which then merge in a complex manner to produce the final structure. In the final Part of this thesis, the capabilities of the atomic force microscope in performing imaging of dynamic, biological processes in real time was examined, and was used to image the enzymatic digestion of collagen fibrils by the protein collagenase. The utility of the atomic force microscopy for 'in situ' investigation of complex processes such as collagen formation is discussed with a view towards applying this technique to future work.
The effect of age and caloric restriction on the ultrastructure and pattern of lipofuscin accumulation in granule cells of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of C3B10RF1 female mice, a morphometric analysis

Magnitude, rate and distribution pattern of lipofuscin accumulation, within populations of neurons, were assessed under three conditions of life long caloric restriction at three adult ages, in C3810RF1 mice. Perikaryal lipofuscin was quantified by morphometric techniques applied to electron micrographs of granule cells of the dentate gyrus. Results were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Full caloric restriction decreased the magnitude and rate of total perikaryal lipofuscin accumulation in populations of cells, and attenuated a number of the age related changes in the intercellular distribution pattern of lipofuscin including the mean, variance and skewness. It is proposed that lipofuscin is a marker for the primary process of senescence, hypothesised to be the increasing intrusion of entropic events in metabolically vulnerable cells. Increased variability of metabolic function among cells with age, as measured by increasing intercellular variability of lipofuscin, may represent a definitive mechanism underlying the decreased functional reserve seen in tissue with age.
Characterization of the Alx3 homeobox gene

In this thesis, the cloning of the mouse Alx3 homeobox gene is described. The expression analysis of the gene in terms of eye development is reported. In situ hybridization analysis established that during mouse embryogenesis, Alx3 is first expressed in cephalic mesenchyme, and later becomes restricted to ocular mesenchyme, surface ectoderm, and the hyaloid. In postnatal and adult retinal sections expression is limited to the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer. Physical mapping of Alx3 to mouse chromosome 3 identified the gene as a candidate for the eyeless mutant. To assess the role of Alx3 in the mutant, eyeless embryonic sections were analyzed for Alx3 expression via in situ hybridization but no differences from the normal expression pattern were seen. Genomic Southern blots with full length Alx3, as a probe detected no differences between eyeless DNA and normal mouse DNA strains.
Numerical simulation of the anodic protection for a continuous digester

In this study a mathematical model was developed to understand anodic protection of the Kraft digester. Several polarization curve cases, for stainless steel and carbon steel, were studied. The results showed that, a system with low critical current density, such as the cooking zone, was the easiest to protect with only 0.358 V applied potential. However, a system with high critical current density, such as the impregnation, showed that one small cathode is insufficient to initiate the anodic protection process. In this case, an applied potential as high as 26 V was required, which may lead to high rate hydrogen gas production at the cathode. It was found that the large concetric cathode case and the four cathodes with 2.54 cm radius case provided a good protection.
Oral contraceptive pill use and the risk of stroke, a meta-analysis of observational studies

The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is common and effective form of birth control for women worldwide. Ever since its introduction in the 1960s, use of OCP was reported to be associated with increased stroke risk. However, with formulation changes in OCP over the last four decades the association with stroke risk required evaluation. In this thesis, a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate if current use of low-dose OCP was associated with increased stroke risk. After pooling all available observational studies, the risk of stroke was found to be increased with current use of low-dose OCP. In particular, this risk increase was significant for thrombotic strokes, but not for hemorrhagic strokes or stroke deaths. There were however aspects of study design and study quality that might influence the pooled effect estimate, like the use of hospital- versus community-based controls, use of various comparison groups (never versus past users). When one is counseling women with regards to OCP use, the potential small increase in absolute risk of stroke should be weighed against the tremendous benefit of the pill.
Rapid hyaluronan uptake is associated with enhanced motility and transformation, implications for an intracellular mode of action

Transformed fibroblasts rapidly internalize Texas Red labeled hyaluronan (TR-HA), and target it to cell nuclei, processes and the perinuclear region. TR-HA uptake is blocked by: excess polymeric HA, HA-dodecasaccharide, colchicine, BrefeldinA, and by digestion of TR-HA with hyaluronidase. Uptake is dose dependent, saturable and strongly enhanced upon cell attachment, monolayer wounding and transformation. TR-HA nuclear targeting requires a minimum of 30 HA-saccharides, suggesting the existence of novel hyaladherins. Enhanced uptake correlates with increased CD44 and RHAMM expression and both CD44 antibodies and RHAMM peptides alter uptake. Interestingly, MEK inhibition also affects uptake. Connexin43 overexpression, regulated by RHAMM expression, enhances HA uptake and targeting to cell processes. 'In vitro', HA enhances DNaseI-DNA interaction, suggesting nuclear HA's potential influence on gene expression. Roles for intracellular hyaluronan in cell function are suggested by a correlation of cell process HA targeting with increased motility, after oncogene transformation, monolayer wounding, or phorbol ester treatment.
Alternative initiation of translation in Escherichia coli

In 'Escherichia coli', initiation of translation for mRNAs is known to be promoted by the binding of the 3' end of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) to a purine rich sequence (known as Shine-Dalgarno sequence, SD) 5' to the initiator codon (AUG). Using an 'E. coli' expression system we have proposed the presence of alternative sites (loops 2 and 3, and nucleotides 458-467) on the 16S rRNA capable of binding functional mRNAs. We have also shown that the 5' untranslated regions of clover yellow mosaic virus and papaya mosaic virus RNA genomes are both capable of initiating translation in 'E. coli'.
Piao han, the creation of Manzu identity and the shamanic tradition

The Guan are a Manzu clan living in the village of Yi Lan Gang, Heilongjiang province, People's Republic of China. Research was undertaken in China from 1995 to 1997. A discussion of social relations in north-east China is provided to establish context. The Manzu way of life is described diachronically using the work of Sergei Shirokogoroff and the author's own research. The various anthropological approaches to shamanism are reviewed and consideration of the social and political role of shamanism is proposed. Analytical categories of ethnicity are developed that are reflected in Manzu communities, where concerns with tradition, authenticity, and regional variation lead to an active consideration of the nature of shamanism. By examining what occurs while the Guan are planning and performing their ceremonies, the meanings of shamanism for the Manzu are revealed. The Guan shamans counteract opposition to the retention of their ethnic identity by stressing the importance of their genealogy and adjusting their shamanic practice to emphasise aspects of their ethnicity that they wish to promote. They use shamanism to improve ' guan xi' with potential collaborators in their project to preserve the integrity of the clan and the sense of ethnicity that entails. Much of what was distinctive about their ethnicity has changed profoundly, but they believe deeply that they are 'piao han', meaning fearless and competent, and that this is the core of Manzuness. Shamanic rituals honouring the ancestors are used to reconstitute the essential elements of Manzu identity for the benefit of the clan members. The shamanic performance is a symbol that provides an opportunity for the people to consider an idealised reflection of themselves and integrate that image into their understanding of who and what they are.
Applying ecological interface design and perceptual control theory to the design of the control display unit

A comparative evaluation of two alternative interface design approaches was performed. The two frameworks, Ecological Interface Design (EID) and Perceptual Control Theory (PCT), were both applied to the design of the Control Display Unit (CDU) interface of the CH-146 helicopter. The CDU function of radio communication was studied. A work domain analysis of the radio communication domain and a PCT-based analysis modelling pilot-CDU interactions were conducted. Both analyses resulted in the identification of interface design requirements. A qualitative comparison of the similarities and differences of these requirements was made. EID- and PCT-based interfaces were designed based on these requirements. The effectiveness of these interfaces was assessed by means of an analytical evaluation using task situations of radio communications performed under normal and abnormal circumstances. The evaluation demonstrated that both interfaces supported radio exchanges under normal operations. However, the EID interface permitted support for diagnostic activities during abnormal operations whereas the PCT interface failed to do so.
The political economy of stripping, the social construction of sex trade work

The study examines how the political economy contributed to the social organization of stripping during the 1980s and 1990s in Ontario. Forty-seven strippers and a variety of other personnel in eighteen strip clubs were surveyed. Stripping is viewed as a practice which is part of the new global economy with segmented markets, diversification, work intensification and declining rates of remuneration. The experiences of strippers are seen to be socially constructed (formed by historical, material and discursive procedures), as part of a capitalist labour process, patriarchal practices and specific forms of race relations. The purpose of the study was to explore stripping as skilled and knowledgeable work, located within the service industry and subject to a gendered division of labour. A materialist feminist labour process was utilized to explicate specific aspects of the everyday working lives of strippers. Gender and race were employed as organizing categories (to be investigated as culturally constructed and materialist forces) central to a differential labour process. Stripping was viewed as similar to other forms of unequal exchange relations which have evolved within the service industry. The defining features of the service industry of stripping highlighted a decentralized and flexible labour process, in which working class women are available to service the needs of predominantly White men with economic resources. Shifts in skills and the nature of power and resistance based on class, gender and race statuses were revealed in a labour process of stripping.
Proposal of a passive marker set for paediatric gait data analysis

The purpose of this study was to propose a static and a dynamic marker set for gait data analysis. A test of marker placement repeatability was performed to determine the precision with which markers could be placed over specific anatomical landmarks. Also, a cluster of eight markers was placed on both the thigh and shank to determine which markers contributed the most to the rigidity of each cluster. The results showed that marker placement on the pelvis, in general, is more variable than marker placement for other segments. The results of the cluster analysis identified three markers for both the shank and thigh that could be used for the collection of gait data. The methodology represents a novel approach in the implementation of a passive marker set. This approach can be used to identify marker placement locations that are least susceptible to movement artefact in different clinical populations.
The shear response of circular concrete columns reinforced with high strength steel spirals

This report describes an experimental investigation in which the shear strength and shear behaviour of circular concrete members reinforced with seven-wire high strength transverse strand spirals compare to the strength and behaviour of members reinforced with regular deformed bar spirals. Six large scale specimens were loaded monotonically in shear. Two of the specimens were subjected to shear reversals after passing their peak monotonic shear capacities. The prime variables were the amount and the yield strength of the transverse reinforcement which was either 1728 MPa for the specimens reinforced with seven wire strands or 445 MPa for the specimens reinforced with reinforcing bars. The experimental results from the six specimens indicated that three analytical models (AASHTO-LFRD, Response2000, TRIX97) based on the Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT) predicted the behaviour of the specimens reasonably well, with both the predicted shear strengths and the predicted deformations agreeing well with the actual test results. TRIX97 had a coefficient of variation of 6.3%. Response 2000 has a coefficient of variation of 10.4% while AASHTO has a coefficient of variation of 11.9%.
Drama as a therapeutic medium in an educational context, the double mirror

This thesis analytically investigates Drama as a therapeutic medium in an educational context. It emphasizes the inter-relationship between Drama and Therapy implying the connection of Drama as a helping medium to Drama Education. By interviewing each of eight practitioners, representing categorical archetypes in the field, the researcher transcribes their data into narratives. These experts from the field include a former Drama student, an author/researcher, secondary and elementary Drama teachers, a university Drama instructor, and artist/educators. A follow-up session with this group produces a schema of themes that recur in all narrative data. The analysis integrates these themes providing thirty-four points in support of the thesis. The study concludes that Drama represents a "double mirror" for Drama Education. It shows that Drama as a therapeutic medium has meaning, both personal and shared, that affects the interpretation of the role and function of the Drama teacher in the whole educational system.
Evaluation of candidate genes in family studies, generalized estimating equations and bootstrap approaches

In family data, observations within the same family cannot be assumed to be independent. In genetic epidemiological studies, when the goal is to make inferences on the population average of certain covariate effects, one must not ignore the correlation in the data analysis. Two methods for analysing binary family data are evaluated. One method is the generalized estimating equations approach (GEEs). This is a semiparametric method that requires that the mean structure and a working correlation matrix are specified. The GEE is mainly used to model the relationship between covariates and the response, while treating the correlation as a nuisance parameter. The other method is a nonparametric bootstrap approach. A hierarchical bootstrap approach is proposed that involves two strategies to handle dependent data from nested structures, since the family structure can be viewed as such. A one-step logistic regression model is applied on bootstrap data ignoring the family structure, letting the bootstrap determine the variation. A simulation study is performed to compare the two methods using a multivariate logit-normal model to generate family data with a general correlation structure. An underlying multifactorial genetic model is assumed where affected status is determined by multiple candidate genes with both additive and dominant effects, an environmental factor, and a residual familial component that would exhibit the effect of unmeasured genes and/or environmental effects. The GEE and bootstrap methods are compared under different scenarios given in the simulation study. An application is made to a Genetic Analysis Workshop 9 data set.
Vibration damping in multispan heat exchanger tubes

Good heat exchanger design requires that the designer understands and accounts for flow-induced vibration mechanisms. These mechanisms include vortex shedding, turbulent excitation and fluidelastic instability. Including the effects of these mechanisms in a vibration analysis of a heat exchanger requires information about damping. Multispan heat exchanger tube damping consists of three main components: viscous damping along the tube, friction and squeeze-film damping at the supports. Unlike viscous damping, squeeze-film damping is poorly understood and difficult to measure. In addition, the effect of temperature-dependent fluid viscosity on tube damping is not yet understood. Experiments were done with two instrumented test rigs. Each rig contained a single vertical heat exchanger tube with multiple spans and a random excitation mechanism. Tests were conducted in air and in water at three different temperatures (25, 60 and 90°C). A new computer tool was developed to measure tube response to random excitation. This tool was also used to measure damping. Another new computer tool was developed to measure energy dissipation rates at the rig supports and the rate of energy used to excite the tube. The dissipation rate of input energy was also used to calculate damping. Results indicate that damping does not change over the range of temperatures tested. Results also show that measuring energy dissipation rate may be a useful way of estimating damping.