VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
British women dramatists and the feminist movement, 1914-1939

Modern British drama has been widely acknowledged for its attention to feminism, yet the era is frequently represented by male playwrights alone. This dissertation explores feminism in British drama written by women between 1914 and 1939. It focuses on the inter-war years since women's drama of this period merits more serious critical consideration than it has thus far received. Each chapter considers two plays within the context of inter-war feminist debates concerning woman's potential for artistic genius, her place in history, her role in marriage, and her position with respect to war. While the plays were selected for their diverse feminist perspectives, their feminism is not always overt, but often tentative and sometimes even critical. The first chapter discusses women's relationship to artistic genius in Clemence Dane's 'Will Shakespeare' (1921) and Gordon Daviot's ' The Laughing Woman' (1934). Both playwrights challenge the prevalent view that women were inherently less capable of genius than men by showing how historical conditions have favored male genius. The plays treated in the second chapter, Gordon Daviot's 'Queen of Scots' (1934) and Joan Temple's 'Charles and Mary' (1930), use their feminist perspectives to resist conventional historical accounts of their female subjects. The third chapter examines the psychological and economic limitations of women's position in marriage in Githa Sowerby's 'Sheila' (1917) and Elizabeth Baker's 'Penelope Forgives' (1930). Two war dramas, Cicely Hamilton's 'The Old Adam' (1924) and Winifred Holtby's ' Take Back Your Freedom' (1935), form the basis of the fourth chapter, which analyzes the connections between militarism and masculinity in these plays. In all of these plays, the realist form offers women playwrights intriguing possibilities for bringing women's private experiences to a public forum. Through their women characters in particular, these writers are able to integrate political feminism with women's personal experience more convincingly than many male dramatists of their time. The subtle and intricate ways in which inter-war women playwrights address the feminist issues of their day warrant their inclusion in further critical studies of modern British drama.
The voice from within, teacher stories, epistemic responsibility, and first nations education

This study addresses the role of autobiographical teacher stories in the ethical imperative to know well in teaching First Nations students. As an account of my own construction of my teacher knowledge, the thesis makes the claim that teachers' knowing, as expressed through personal narratives, can be a valid explanation of and justification for actions in the classroom. Within this context, the study offers itself in part as an enactment of what feminist philosopher Lorraine Code calls a "storied epistemology." The thesis begins with "The Trickster Brought Them," a story about my own classroom practice involving First Nations students, which acts as the backdrop for the study. This narrative is an articulation of my own teacher knowledge in response to the question, "How do I know what I ought to do?" in the literature classroom with First Nations adult learners. How I answer this question becomes the central problematic of the thesis. Chapter 1 introduces the nature of the problem, my method, and plan of the thesis. In Chapter 2, I describe the British Columbia postsecondary college system within which I teach and tell my teacher stories such as "The Trickster." I then elaborate the influence of biographical forms on knowledge claim, after which I present excerpts from my teaching autobiography, and consider the world in which I live and work from my perspective as a woman. Chapter 3 selectively surveys the literature on teacher knowledge: Argyris and Schön's work on "the reflective practitioner," researchers who use teachers' stories to make determinations about teaching and learning, critical and feminist pedagogies as they relate to stories about teaching, and educational theorists who use stories about teaching. Chapter 4 explicates Lorraine Code's theories of responsible knowing, epistemic community, and storied epistemologies, addressing how they support my use of stories as the justification for my classroom knowledge. Chapter 5 returns to "The Trickster," recapitulates the study, and sketches out unresolved problems in using stories to articulate knowledge claims when teaching postsecondary literature and composition to First Nations students.
Acknowledging Identity in Teaching and Learning, Reflections on My Journey, through Acting to Teaching and Beyond

This personal narrative inquiry into some of my formal and informal educational experiences is a way of exploring who I am as a person, as well as of reconstructing how this has influenced my beliefs and thereby my "personal practical knowledge" (Connelly and Clandinin, 1988) as a teacher and as a learner. In conducting this study, I have attempted to document connections I make between some of the early "educational interactions" I see as formative of my sense of identity, and the teacher I have become/would like to be. I recount stories about relationships I have had with certain teachers who made strong impressions on me in public school settings, as well as stories of personally transformative experiences I had outside school. Through these examples, I make the case that such investigation is critical to understanding how teaching professionals in general define teaching and learning, and to becoming more effective educators. In addition to these stories, I posit that my background and training as an actor--as well as the theoretical basis and rationale behind the development of an "epistemology of acting"--may have great relevance to and utility in the development of talent and potential in prospective and in-service teachers in my future career as a teacher educator. In particular, respect for the integrity and interaction of emotional, psychic, and intellectual realms, empathic abilities, self- and meta-awareness, and sensitivity to one's human and physical environment are of interest in terms of their relevance to both acting and teaching. Citing their kinship to the goals of the narrative inquiry approach to teacher development and research, I argue that the development of such abilities is a worthwhile objective in teacher training programs, and that acting training techniques could provide one useful way of developing them. I briefly identify elements of several types of acting training and dramatic/acting theory which might be useful and informative in this regard, but the naturalistic acting style based on psychological realism known as "the Method" is explored in greatest detail.
Molecular species analysis of the glycerolipids involved in fatty acid desaturation in Brassica napus

It is generally accepted that fatty acid desaturation in higher plants occurs in situ, utilizing the two lipids, phosphatidylcholine (PC) in the cytosol and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) in the chloroplast, as substrates. There is also evidence suggesting that phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in the cytosol is a substrate for desaturation. However, in the cytosol, an exchange of fatty acids by acyltransferases is thought to occur between PC and an acyl-CoA pool, which would result in a reorganization of fatty acids on PC. This reorganization may occur in conjunction with desaturation resulting in the random association of fatty acids on the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of PC. The objective of this study was to determine if a random association of newly formed radioactive fatty acids occurred on PC, PE and MGDG and to assess the possible role of this process on the regulation of desaturation. Leaves of Brassica napus, a 16:3-plant, were pulse-fed with $\sp{14}$CO$\sb2$ and the molecular species of the three lipids were separated by argentation thin-layer chromatography and the labeling patterns of the fatty acids compared. The fatty acids in different molecular species of PC in the cytosol were unevenly labeled and the radioactive fatty acid randomly distributed between the molecular species. This suggested the involvement of an active acyltransferase in a deacylation-reacylation cycle of fatty acids on PC. Analysis of PE showed similarities with PC, suggesting that these two lipids may share desaturation mechanisms and that their syntheses are closely linked. In contrast, analysis of the major molecular species of the chloroplast lipid, MGDG, revealed that fatty acids on each molecular species separated were similarly labelled and not randomly distributed among the different species.
A virtual network approach to network resources management

In this thesis, we discuss the virtual network concepts and introduce a management architecture for the control of virtual networks. The management architecture is intended to provide a programmable networking environment, where multiple virtual networks can be generated out of a single physical network to be utilized for various management purposes. We first define a virtual network and related concepts in a generic manner; discuss how physical network resources can be allocated to virtual networks; and present how an hierarchy of virtual networks can be created. We then introduce the virtual network resources management architecture. The management architecture is designed modularly to be scalable over geographical and administrative boundaries. Lastly, we present a dynamic binding technique that allows customization of network control and management functions, and a real-time bandwidth management technique that enables network-level multiplexing.
Interplay of J chain and disulfide bonding in assembly of polymeric IgM

Normal mouse IgM is synthesized as hexamers in the absence of J chain and as pentamers in its presence. Previous work has suggested that polymer size is also closely related to formation of the inter-$\mu$ chain disulfide bond mediated by cysteine 414, one of three cysteines involved in inter-$\mu$ chain bonding. This correlation in turn suggested that formation of C414-C414 might be required for J chain to influence how IgM assembles and that formation of C414-C414 might affect the J chain/IgM stoichiometry. To test such hypotheses we have used cell-lines that either express or do not express J chain to produce IgM in which serine was substituted for C414. In contrast to the case of IgM assembled from normal $\mu$ chains, IgM-S414 was secreted mostly as pentamers and tetramers but not as hexamers, irrespective of J chain synthesis. These results indicate that the role of J chain as modulator of IgM structure and function requires C414. Moreover, a more detailed analysis of the structure of J-plus and J-minus IgM-S414 revealed that J chain, in fact, influenced the nature of secreted IgM-S414: in the absence of J chain, some IgM-S414 was secreted as dimers and trimers, while in the presence of J chain, some IgM was secreted as non-covalently assembled pentamers. These results imply that disulfide bonding can occur differently from the pattern depicted in conventional models of IgM structure.
Site-directed cysteine mutagenesis and chemical modification of the high affinity Na§+/glucose transporter (SGLT1), elucidation of structure/function relationships underlying Na§+ permeation through the transporter

Na+ cotransporters utilize the energy in the Na + electrochemical gradient to drive the transport of sugars, amino acids, and a variety of other substrates into cells. This coupling of Na + transport to the transport of another substance is a fundamental mechanism of energy transduction that has not been well defined at the molecular level. In this thesis, a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and voltage-clamp techniques is employed to identify structure-function relationships that underlie the binding of extracellular Na+ to the high affinity Na +/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) expressed in 'Xenopus laevis ' oocytes. Results from the chemical modification of cysteines engineered into SGLT1 indicate that certain residues in the region between putative transmembrane helices IV and V form the entrance to a Na+ -pore. Characterization of the steady-state and transient kinetics of another mutant in which a cysteine has replaced residue 156 in putative transmembrane helix IV suggests that this residue is located deep within this same Na+-pore. Together these results provide structural definition to the pathway that extracellular Na+ takes to its binding site in the SGLT1 transport protein.
DNA topoisomerase IIÃ, role in resistance to antineoplastic agents and induction of apoptosis

DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) is an essential nuclear enzyme that is the target for several classes of antineoplastic agents. Previous studies have associated decreased topo II activity with cellular resistance to chemotherapeutic agents that target this enzyme. An allelic fusion of topo IIÃ and Retinoic acid receptor Ã genes (RARÃ) has been identified in sublines of ADR-resistant P388 murine leukemia cells that display decreased topo II activity and decreased levels of topo IIÃ. Fluorescence 'in situ' hybridization of topo IIÃ and RARÃ genes in metaphase chromosomes and interphase chromatin provided physical evidence for the allelic fusion on murine chromosome 11 in ADR-resistant P388 cells. Understanding the contribution of the topo IIÃ/RARÃ fusion event to decreased topo IIÃ expression has been complicated by the identification of a topo IIÃ frameshift mutation located upstream of the fusion breakpoint and the presence of two forms of the fusion transcript that may reflect alternative splicing. In order to provide definitive evidence that decreased topo IIÃ contributes to the drug resistance phenotype, complementation of ADR-resistant cells was attempted upon stable transfection and expression of human topo IIÃ cDNA. Although the resulting transfected cell fines demonstrated low levels of transfected topo IIÃ expression, these cells were significantly more sensitive to the topo II-interactive drugs ADR, daunorubicin, etoposide and mitoxantrone than vector-transfected controls. This increased sensitivity was chemically selective, in that topo II-transfected cells displayed no increase in sensitivity to actinomycin D or vincristine. The low level of transfected topo IIÃ expression in transfected ADR-resistant P388 cells in combination with the failure to overexpress topo IIÃ in drug-sensitive cell lines suggested that deregulated topo IIÃ activity compromised clonal expansion of stable transfected cells. Deregulated expression of topo IIÃ was found to result in induction of programmed cell death or apoptosis, that was found to be dependent on the activation of caspases and stress-activated protein kinases, as well as progression through the cell cycle. Topo IIÃ-mediated apoptosis may be the end result of aberrant timing of mitotic events that appear to be dependent on the cell cycle-dependent regulation of this enzyme.
The Body Image after Breast Cancer questionnaire, the design and testing of a disease-specific measure

Research has been impeded by the lack of a self-report measure of body image suitable for use in the breast cancer population. The objective of this thesis was to create such a measure, the Body Image after Breast Cancer (BIBC) questionnaire. 575 items were generated from a review of pre-existing measures, and interviews with 30 experts, 51 women with breast cancer and 4 spouses. The number of items was reduced to 216 by a judgemental review for acceptability by 26 women, and elimination of obviously redundant items. The 216 remaining items were formatted and administered to 360 women with breast cancer. Analysis of the 309 responses enabled further elimination of items. A sample of 164 women completed the remaining 111 items. Further item reduction to 53 items was achieved by factor analysis and statistical analysis. Six factors were identified (and thus a conceptualization of the aspects of body image salient to women with breast cancer proposed); Vulnerability; Body Stigma, Limitations; Body Concerns; Transparency; and Arm Concerns. Six scales were formed consisting of the items belonging to the 6 factors. Reliability was tested by administration of the questionnaire twice. Good reliability (both internal consistency and test-retest reliability) was found for the 6 scales (ranging from 0.75 to 0.86). The BIBC was reviewed by 20 women and found to be acceptable in terms of length, comprehensibility and suitability. An examination of the validity of the BIBC was undertaken. Scores on the BIBC were found to correlate with similar measures but not with a measure of social desirability. Scales of the BIBC were found to discriminate between women treated for breast cancer with lumpectomy and those treated with mastectomy, and between women with breast cancer and a control group, supporting the validity of the BIBC as a descriptive tool. A brief self-report measure of body image (the BIBC) has been developed, suitable for use in the breast cancer population. The BIBC has been found to be acceptable, reliable, and valid.
The relationship between listening and reading comprehension in first grade English L1 and L2 students

The present study addressed a central question pertaining to the development of literacy for English as a Second Language (L2) students: Does L2 reading take on the same developmental trajectory as English as a First Language (L1) reading, or are there unique aspects of L2 reading which differ from the established L1 processes? The total sample (N = 108) was comprised of two groups: 72 L2 (Punjabi speaking) and 36 L1 (English speaking) first grade children, whose skills in the subcomponents of reading comprehension, including listening comprehension, were compared. Findings indicate that the primary skills which account for the variance in reading comprehension did differ for children in the two language groups. By beginning to define the developmental trajectories of the subcomponents of reading comprehension in L2 first graders, a basis for establishing a norm, or point of comparison, for normal progress in English literacy can be established.
Using the Internet to conduct qualitative health research, methodological and ethical issues

While developments in information technology provide unique opportunities for researchers, they pose many challenges as well. This thesis examines the methodological and ethical issues involved in using the Internet to conduct a naturalistic, qualitative study of an electronic mutual aid/self-help (MASH) group. Field notes, generated by the researcher, were used in conjunction with archived e-mail postings and semi-structured on-line interviews in the analysis of how the Internet influenced both the social setting and the research process. As a social setting for research, the electronic MASH group was characterized by "fluid" boundaries, and this had implications for theoretical sampling and for participants' experiences of support. Furthermore, the lack of a shared time/space context facilitated and hindered the process of implementing qualitative methodology (e.g. conducting interviews) and necessitated a re-examination of methodological and ethical issues critical to qualitative research (e.g. meaning of boundaries, public/private distinction).
Cyclic wetting and drying and its effects on chloride ingress in concrete

Almost all forms of deterioration in reinforced concrete involve ingress of deleterious fluids through the pore structure of the concrete. In particular the ingress of chlorides is a major cause of early deterioration of reinforced concrete structures due to subsequent corrosion. In saturated concretes, fluids will enter through diffusion whereas partially saturated concretes, fluids will be absorbed by capillary suction. In reality most concretes are in a continual flux between saturated and partially saturated states, as they undergo continuous cycles of wetting and drying. The primary focus of this study is to examine the effects of cyclic wetting and drying with sodium chloride solution. Chloride profiles of samples exposed to various numbers of cycles, and lengths of cycles were determined. From these profiles, the rate and depths of chloride ingress were calculated and compared for two mixtures of concrete containing slag and/or silica fume with a 0.4 w/c, and one with a 0.3 w/c.
Isolation of developmental factors which interact with E47

Molecular interactions between transcription factors containing basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domains regulate differentiation in several tissues. The bHLH proteins contain two functional domains, the basic region confers DNA binding ability and the HLH domain permits dimerization. The human E2A gene encodes at least two widely expressed bHLH proteins, E12 and E47, which differ only in their basic motifs. The E2A gene products can homodimerize or heterodimerize with other tissue-specific bHLH proteins and activate transcription of cell-specific genes during differentiation of several tissues including B cells, skeletal muscle and neurons. My objective was to isolate E47-associated proteins expressed in developing human retina and developing mice. I screened a human fetal eye library and a murine embryonic day 11.5 library using the yeast two hybrid system. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
From free-form to structured design notes, a study of electronic engineering notebooks

This thesis addresses the problem of non-intrusive capturing engineer's notes into an information system and structuring them to facilitate subsequent information access. An Electronic Engineering Notebook was designed and implemented. The EEN supports free-form interaction, and allows for semantic information structuring using terminology based on engineering ontologies. The EEN employs context sensitive labelling and linking in context. An experiment was conducted in which free-form and form-based note-taking interfaces were compared with respect to capturing and structuring notes from a design meeting. Furthermore, suitability of domain-based and user-defined terminologies for semantic structuring was tested. Results from the experiment confirmed that a free-form interface was easier to use for note-taking than were forms with fixed structure. Furthermore, based on these results, an important distinction needs to be made between structuring mechanism and semantic categorizations required by structuring. While the structuring mechanism is a function of the user interface, the terminology used for categorization is independent of the user interface. Delaying structuring in the free-form interface made that interface easier to use than forms. However, difficulties with applying semantic categorizations were observed in both types of interfaces. Furthermore, the results indicate that terminology should be chosen appropriately to a task, and that experienced users have less problems with applying it. The experiment also demonstrated high diversity in note-taking styles, thus highlighting the need to accommodate individual preferences in electronic notebooks.