VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and risk of renal cell carcinoma

The role of physical activity in the development of renal cell carcinoma was examined using a population-based case-control study conducted in the province of Ontario. Physical activity was examined in several ways, including by intensity and during various life periods. Frequency-matching by five-year age groups and sex produced sets of 486 females (133 cases and 353 controls) and 447 males (172 cases, 275 controls) for recreational activity, and sets of 447 females (120 cases, 327 controls) and 387 males (152 cases, 235 controls) for occupational activity. Logistic regression analysis of the female recreational activity set revealed that relatively high amounts of recent recreational activity (odds ratio estimate (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21-0.82 for the highest vs. lowest quartile of activity 2 years ago), as well as strenuous recreational activity (OR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.22, 0.75), were associated with a reduced risk of developing the disease. In men, a relatively high frequency of total and moderate recreational activity was associated with reduced risk (total, OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.27, 0.87; moderate, OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.27, 0.89), especially during the teen years. There was no association between occupational activity and cancer risk in women, although point estimates for men indicated an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cancer. The results of this study, in general, suggest that physical activity may be associated with a decreased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma.
An in planta oxidative burst associated with the bacterially induced hypersensitive response in Arabidopsis

The present study characterizes an in planta oxidative burst using the Arabidopsis--Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (Pst) pathosystem. AOS accumulation was detected by 2$\prime$,7$\prime$-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide accumulation were detected in leaves inoculated with avirulent but not virulent bacteria. This oxidative burst occurred 7 to 14 hours after treatment with avirulent bacteria and preceded the localized hypersensitive cell death response. Leaves inoculated with avirulent bacteria showed elevated numbers of dying cells 12 hours after inoculation. There was no such increase in leaves treated with virulent bacteria, even 24 hours after inoculation. Two plant lines (rps2-101C and rps2-201) with a non-functional Rps2 resistance gene were also tested for their ability to accumulate hydrogen peroxide after inoculation with avirulent Pst. Both rps2 mutants failed to show elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide indicating that an intact gene-for-gene interaction is required to initiate the oxidative burst.
In vitro characterization of lamivudine (3TC) renal transport

3TC, a cytidine dideoxynucleoside analog, is commonly used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. In humans, 3TC is highly (~70-80%) excreted unchanged in urine via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. We hypothesized that similar to other dideoxynucleoside analog drugs ('i.e'., zidovudine and zalcitabine), that the renal transport of 3TC may involve multiple membrane carrier systems ('i.e'., organic cation, anion, and/or nucleoside systems). The objectives of this work were (i) to characterize the transport properties of 3TC by a continuous renal epithelial cell line ('i.e '., LLC-PK1) grown as a monolayer on an impermeable plastic surface and (ii) to explore the possible involvement of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the renal tubular transport of 3TC. The uptake of 3TC (5 [mu]M) by LLC-PK1 monolayer cells was temperature dependent, saturable ('Km' = 4.6 ± 0.7 mM and 'V' max = 2042 ± 172 pmol/mg protein/ml/min), and Na'+'-independent. Although 3TC uptake by the monolayer cells was not significantly altered in the presence of various purine and pyrimidine nucleosides and nucleoside transport inhibitors, a number of endogenous and exogenous cation probes and inhibitors ('i.e'., choline, guanidine, spermine, thiamine, amantadine, NMN, mepiperphenidol, nicotine, quinine, TEA, TMP, and verapamil) significantly inhibited 3TC uptake by the monolayer cells. In addition, an outwardly directed proton gradient generated by a standard NH4Cl protocol significantly enhanced 3TC uptake suggesting the involvement of an organic cation/H + exchanger. Dideoxynucleoside analogs, including 3TC, did not significantly alter the accumulation of vinblastine, a well-known P-gp substrate, by CH RC5 monolayer cells known to highly express P-gp. In summary, 3TC renal transport appears to be mediated by an organic cation/proton exchanger but does not involve P-gp and nucleoside transporters.
Mechanisms by which endotoxin-stimulated alveolar macrophages impair lung epithelial sodium transport

Our laboratory previously demonstrated that a vital component of the alveolar-capillary barrier, distal lung epithelial cell (DLEC) amiloride-sensitive Na+ transport, could be impaired by 'in vitro' coculture with endotoxin (LPS)-stimulated alveolar macrophages (AM) through an L-arginine dependent mechanism. A similar, L-arginine independent impairment was seen resulting from exposure to the cell-free supernatant of LPS-stimulated AM. It was hypothesized that AM coculture might result in modulation of DLEC mRNA expression for the specific epithelial Na+ channel, rENaC. The role of peroxynitrite in the L-arginine dependent impairment of DLEC Na + transport resulting from activated AM exposure was investigated. The ability of the thiol antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to influence the changes in functional DLEC Na+ transport resulting from exposure to cell-free AM supernatant was also examined. LPS-stimulated AM resulted in a significant decrease in mRNA expression for all subunits of rENaC. Further experiments showed that this process was not L-arginine dependent. Immunofluorescence studies using anti-nitrotyrosine antibodies failed to support an important role for peroxynitrite in the effect of activated AM on DLEC Na+ transport. Furthermore, it was shown that the impairment of DLEC Na+ transport resulting from exposure to LPS-stimulated AM supernatant was significantly modulated by NAC, which increases intracellular glutathione levels, but not by dithiothreitol (DTT), which does not specifically influence cell thiol levels. These studies, then, elucidate mechanisms by which activated AM impair alveolar epithelial barrier function in an 'in vitro' model of acute lung injury.
Something to celebrate, theories, beliefs and practices of an exemplary inclusive educator

In this study, the theories, beliefs and practices of Gail, a general elementary teacher who is exemplary at including special needs students in her agenda for the classroom, are collected, documented and analyzed for emerging themes. The study begins with a literature review in the areas of effective teaching, exemplary practices in inclusion, adapting and calibrating instruction, caring and leadership. Information, collected through interview and observation recounts the objectives the inclusive educator sets for individual students during a lesson and the accommodations she makes to help them achieve the objectives. Themes that emerge through the analysis of interview and observation information are: maximizing teaching time, ownership and responsibility, caring, calibrating and instruction, self-regulated learning, collaboration and leadership. Themes are discussed, including implications for practice and future research.
Using the transtheoretical model to guide adults with Type 2 diabetes as they change their behavior to adopt and adhere to a more active lifestyle

Physical activity or exercise is recognized and recommended as part of the treatment protocol for persons with Type 2 diabetes in diabetes education programs. Unfortunately, participants in these programs seldom receive adequate direction or strategies necessary to develop a commitment to regular activity and thus, are subject to high relapse and attrition rates. As a result, the quality of life they might enjoy is sacrificed. Therefore, the purpose for conducting this qualitative study was to design, implement and examine the impact of a strategy oriented education intervention on adults with Type 2 diabetes using the transtheoretical model of behavior change in conjunction with the empowerment ideology and Pratt's relational construct of andragogy. Based on this premise, the specific intent of the intervention was to guide adults with Type 2 diabetes from preparation into the action stage of behavior change to incorporate physical activity into their lifestyle using a pedometer for feedback as part of their diabetes self-management routine. The contemporary research paradigm using a case study approach was used to frame the examination of the strategy oriented education intervention and its effects on the behavior change process of adults with Type 2 diabetes. From a methodological viewpoint, this approach proved to be instrumental in allowing me as the practitioner researcher to: (1) explore in great detail each experience, including my own, individually and collectively; (2) develop a comprehensive understanding of the behavior change process and the impact of teaching and empowering adults as adult learners; and (3) the effect a change in physical activity might have on the perception of quality of life, well-being, and/or health status of those with Type 2 diabetes. The evolution of a behavior change/health promotion using andragogy in relation model guided me in this study to help four individuals with Type 2 diabetes improve their activity level an average of 2127 steps per day as well as improve a number of their health related measures. Concurrently, the same individuals reported a positive change in their quality of life; thus, suggesting the inclusion of physical activity in their daily routine had a positive impact and was a welcome addition to their diabetes self-management strategies.
Effects of temperature on desaturase enzyme gene expression in brassica napus leaves

A generally accepted characteristic of higher plants is their ability to adjust the fatty acid composition of their membranes in response to changing growth temperatures. Increasing the levels of cis-unsaturated fatty acids increases membrane fluidity, which, as a result, ensures the efficient functioning of the membranes and/or protection of the membrane at low temperatures. Conversely, growth at high temperature results in a decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Such a decrease is associated with reduced membrane fluidity. Brassica napus plants were used to study the effects of temperature stress on desaturase enzyme gene expression. Through the use of northern blot techniques, the mRNA transcript levels from specific cytosolic and chloroplastic desaturase genes were examined. B. napus plants grown at 20$\sp\circ$C and shifted to 30$\sp\circ$C showed only a slight decrease in fad6 mRNA transcript accumulation, but plants acclimated at 5$\sp\circ$C, and shifted to 30$\sp\circ$C showed a significant decrease in fad6 mRNA transcript accumulation. Plants grown at 5$\sp\circ$C showed a significant increase in fad6 mRNA transcript accumulation in comparison to plants grown at 20$\sp\circ$C. Results show some correlation of fad6 gene expression at low temperature, but little or no correlation above 20$\sp\circ$C. There were no detectable changes in the expression patterns of fad2 genes at any of the temperatures tested, suggesting little or no correlation between fad2 gene expression and temperature. The results may suggest that chloroplastic and cytosolic desaturase enzymes may utilize different mechanisms to regulate the expression of their genes in response to changes in temperature.
Familial factors associated with the treatment outcome and severity of childhood anxiety disorders

'Objectives'. Examined whether family factors: (a) were related to child anxiety, (b) predicted treatment outcome, and (c) changed during treatment in children with anxiety disorders. 'Method'. Participants were 98 children, aged 8 to 12 years ('M' = 10.0, ' SD' = 1.4). Parents and children completed measures assessing family functioning, parenting stress, frustration, and parental psychopathology before and after cognitive-behavioural treatment. Outcome measures included clinician-rated functioning (Children's Global Assessment Scale), and self- and parental-rated anxiety (Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale). 'Results'. Child ratings of family dysfunction and frustration predicted clinician-rated improvement (total R2 = 28, p < .001). Mother and father reports of family dysfunction, and maternal parenting stress predicted maternal-rated child improvement (total R2 = 39, p < .001). Father-rated somatization, child reports of family dysfunction and frustration, and father-rated child hyperactivity predicted child-rated improvement (total R2 = .37, p < .001). Several family factors improved with treatment. ' Conclusion'. Family functioning is related to treatment outcome in children with anxiety disorders.
Student-athletes' perceptions of psychosocial development through intercollegiate athletic participation

Researchers and administrators have investigated the educational and developmental outcomes of participation in college and university sport for over 80 years (Curtis & McTeer, 1990). Unfortunately, empirical results are negligible, even contradictory. Some findings support the educational and developmental value of university sport (Curtis & McTeer, 1990; Henschen & Fry, 1984; Pascarella & Smart, 1991; Ryan, 1989), others oppose it (Adler & Adler, 1985, 1987, 1991; Blinde, 1989; Danylchuk, 1995; Eitzen & Purdy, 1986; Leonard, 1986; Martens, 1985). The purpose of the current study was to explore the psychosocial development of Canadian student-athletes across university using a qualitative methodology. Multiple in-depth interviews were conducted with eight male and female university athletes. Inductive analysis following procedures outlined by Côté, Salmela and Russell (1995) was conducted and revealed two higher order categories, developmental processes and developmental outcomes. Developmental processes described the change and interrelationships between three major spheres in the lives of the participants: the athletic, academic and social spheres. Developmental outcomes reflected the participants' progress or lack thereof on a range of age-appropriate developmental challenges. Both are reviewed in relation to the educational and developmental literature related to intercollegiate athletics. Implications for youth sport in Canada are discussed.
Somiotics, rhetoric, medicine and hermeneutics in John Donne

This study explores the interrelations of rhetoric, medicine and hermeneutics in the poetry and prose of John Donne. The opening chapter establishes medical thought as a key concept in Donne's hermeneutics by examining his interpretation of Scripture in the 'Essays in Divinity'. I explore the role of Augustinian hermeneutics and the development of prudence and decorum as aspects of Donne's 'interpretatio scripti'. I argue that medical thought provides Donne with a ground on which to build an understanding of textual interpretation. Chapter two explores Donne's celebrated use of anatomical imagery in the 'Anniversaries'. I argue that, for Donne, anatomy represents a static, normative conception of knowledge. In order to understand a living, afflicted body, Donne turns to somiotics, a term for a cluster of discursive practices that scrutinize the human body as an agglomeration of lisible signs. However, somiotics is fraught with presumption and conjecture; medicine itself is an uncertain art. Thus various interpretive tools were imported into medicine from other disciplines concerned with the judicious interpretation of probable signs. Chapter three establishes both early modern physicians' indebtedness to rhetoric and hermeneutics and early modern writers' indebtedness to medicine thought as a means to envision relationships between cause and effect. In order to understand Donne's use of specialized medical terminology, chapter four explores the relationship between medicine, rhetoric and hermeneutics in antiquity. I examine the ways in which, from antiquity until the Renaissance, 'indications' function as arch-symptoms that afforded physicians access to the relationship between cause and effect in the living body. The testing ground for Donne's conception of indication is his own, afflicted body. Chapter five brings together my argument in chapters one to four and explores the habits of thought and discursive and rhetorical techniques (exemplarity, 'indication' and the discourse of affliction) that underlie Donne's assertions about the relative effectiveness of sign-inference in relation to his own illness in 1623. In the 'Devotions', the concepts I have explored are woven together into an ethical fabric. My epilogue argues that Donne used medicine, medical semiotics and medical history to argue about the problems and possibilities of human knowledge with a pleasing economy of scale. I conclude by identifying several forms of 'symptom history' both in the early modern period and in modern literary history.
An approach to high performance zero VOC waterborne coatings, polymer interdiffusion vs. crosslinking in carboxylic acid-carbodiimide latex films

This thesis examines the competition between polymer interdiffusion and crosslinking reaction in latex films. These latex films were prepared from a blend of two similar soft latexes based on poly(2-ethylhexyl methacrylate) (PEHMA). Polymers of the first latex contain a small amount of carbodiimide (-N=C=N-) groups plus 1 mol% 9-anthryl methacrylate (An-MA, fluorescent acceptor), and polymers of the second latex contain a small amount of carboxylic acid (-COOH) groups plus 1 mol% 9-phenanthylmethyl methacrylate (PheMMA; fluorescent donor). The -N=C=N- group reacts with the -COOH group to form an N-acyl urea, and the Phe donor, when excited, can transfer its energy to the An acceptor. In the initially formed film, these latex particles are adjacent to each other, but the reactive groups and the fluorescent molecules are still confined within their own cells. Polymer interdiffusion will bring the reactive groups into close proximity for them to react, and will bring the fluorescent chromophores close enough for energy transfer (ET) to occur. We use this energy transfer to follow polymer interdiffusion, and at the same time use Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) to monitor the extent of the chemical reaction. We find that polymer interdiffusion is necessary for the reaction to proceed, but the reaction retards the rate of polymer diffusion. Once the reaction occurs, long branches and high molecular weight polymers are formed. The diffusion rate of the branched polymers is much slower than that of the original linear polymers. Because the reaction is coupled to diffusion, the reaction rate also drops. We also found that polymers containing -COOH groups and polymers containing -N=C=N- groups have limited miscibility, but the crosslinking reaction promotes mixing between the two polymers. We also find that rapid polymer interdiffusion at the early stages is important for films to develop to 100% of gel formation. Factors that promote formation of branched polymers at the inter-particle interface, e.g. a decrease in annealing temperature, or an increase in the reactive comonomers, or an increase in the reactivity of the reaction, lead to a decrease in polymer interdiffusion. Here films with less than 100% gel content are obtained. We also find that these films exhibit the maximum toughness at early stages of annealing. The toughness decreases as the extent of both crosslinking and polymer diffusion increases. The modulus increases, while the extension-at-break decreases as the extent of both crosslinking and polymer diffusion increases.
RAIMEnt, RHESSys/Arcview integrated modelling environment

This thesis addresses the issues encountered while integrating an environmental model with a geographic information system (GIS). The complexities involved in generating input data for such a model, as well as the need for the smooth integration of components of the model are discussed. The Regional HydroEcological Simulation System (RHESSys) is a quasi-distributed modelling system with complex parameterisation requirements. Distilling data into RHESSys' landscape description is a demanding task conceptually and computationally. This thesis provides the spatial support required using a system developed in the ArcView GIS. The RHESSys/ArcView Integrated Modelling Environment (RAIMEnt) is capable of computationally supporting RHESSys' data processing requirements. RAIMEnt addresses the conceptual requirements of input data processing through the systematic recording parameterisation decisions. RAIMEnt takes the first step towards integrating all the required components of RHESSys within a single uniform interface, providing the facility to generate parameterisations, run the model, and visualize both inputs and results.
Early spelling development in Portuguese ESL students

Portuguese Canadian (N = 55) and monolingual English-speaking (N = 47) students acquiring literacy in English were administered a battery of phonological processing, word recognition and spelling tasks in Grade 1 and Grade 2. Error analysis of the spelled words was conducted as a measure of phonological knowledge displayed by the emergent spellers. It was hypothesized that while the spelling development of the ESL group would be characterized by predictable errors where novel second language (L2) phonological units had not yet been acquired, "at-risk" ESL spellers would demonstrate generalized errors associated with a deficient phonological processing system. Results suggested that despite vast differences in language proficiency, spelling development of ESL and non-ESL students is strikingly similar with the exception of novel phonological units not yet acquired by the ESL students. Both ESL and Non-ESL "at-risk" students presented with a contrasting profile supporting a phonological deficit theory of reading disability.
Pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies as airway oxygen chemoreceptors

We conducted respiratory measurements under normoxic and hypoxic conditions in neonatal knock out mice with non-functional NADPH oxidase. Five-day-old OD mice were faster and shallower breathers during normoxia as well as hypoxia and their maximum hypoxic ventilatory response was lower compared to the WT control group. The observed differences in ventilatory responses implicate NADPH oxidase as an O2 sensor involved in neonatal ventilatory control, possibly modulated via pulmonary NEBs. We also assessed respiratory responses to drug-induced inhibition of NEB cell oxygen sensory mechanism by administering NADPH oxidase blocker into the airways under hypoxic or normoxic conditions before and after bilateral vagotomy in newborn rabbits. No apparent effects were observed possibly due to low dose and limited access of the drug to NEBs through the lungs. These studies provide preliminary evidence on a whole animal level for the involvement of NEBs as airway oxygen sensors in the control of respiration.