Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) play main role in constituting the whole hematopoietic system. Furthermore, since recognized in 1960s, HSPC are utilized to protect patients from severe chemo and radio therapy. As time goes, they are also used to treat hematopoietic disorders such as leukemia. Bone marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood are now the three sources of HSPC. Umbilical cord blood seems optimal because it is easy to obtain, no risk to graft donor and low probability of infection transmission. However, low number of HSPCs in umbilical cord blood is the main limitation. My research focuses mainly on in-vitro proliferation of HSPCs. In addition, I also worked on labeling HSPC in-vitro for tracking these cells after transplantation. The experimental results indicated that HSPCs are effectively labeled and their proliferation rate is significantly enhanced in-vitro. / N/A

Graduation date: 1933

No description available.

abstract: Like most other phototrophic organisms the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 produces carotenoids. These pigments often bind to proteins and assume various functions in light harvesting, protection from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein stabilization. One hypothesis was that carotenoids bind to the surface (S-)layer protein. In this work the Synechocystis S-layer protein was identified as Sll1951 and the effect on the carotenoid composition of this prokaryote by disruption of sll1951 was studied. Loss of the S-layer, which was demonstrated by electron microscopy, did not result in loss of carotenoids or changes in the carotenoid profile of the mutant, which was shown by HPLC and protein analysis. Although Δsll1951 was more susceptible to osmotic stress than the wild type, the general viability of the mutant remained unaffected. In a different study a combination of mutants having single or multiple deletions of putative carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) genes was created. CCDs are presumed to play a role in the breakdown of carotenoids or apo-carotenoids. The carotenoid profiles of the mutants that were grown under conditions of increased reactive oxygen species were analyzed by HPLC. Pigment lifetimes of all strains were estimated by 13C-labeling. Carotenoid composition and metabolism were similar in all strains leading to the conclusion that the deleted CCDs do not affect carotenoid turnover in Synechocystis. The putative CCDs either do not fulfill this function in cyanobacteria or alternative pathways for carotenoid degradation exist. Finally, slr0941, a gene of unknown function but a conserved genome position in many cyanobacteria downstream of the δ-carotene desaturase, was disrupted. Initially, the mutant strain was impaired in growth but displayed a rather normal carotenoid content and composition, but an apparent second-site mutation occurred infrequently that restored growth rates and caused an accumulation of carotenoid isomers not found in the wild type. Based on the obtained data a role of the slr0941 gene in carotenoid binding/positioning for isomerization and further conversion to mature carotenoids is suggested. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Microbiology 2011

abstract: Query Expansion is a functionality of search engines that suggest a set of related queries for a user issued keyword query. In case of exploratory or ambiguous keyword queries, the main goal of the user would be to identify and select a specific category of query results among different categorical options, in order to narrow down the search and reach the desired result. Typical corpus-driven keyword query expansion approaches return popular words in the results as expanded queries. These empirical methods fail to cover all semantics of categories present in the query results. More importantly these methods do not consider the semantic relationship between the keywords featured in an expanded query. Contrary to a normal keyword search setting, these factors are non-trivial in an exploratory and ambiguous query setting where the user's precise discernment of different categories present in the query results is more important for making subsequent search decisions. In this thesis, I propose a new framework for keyword query expansion: generating a set of queries that correspond to the categorization of original query results, which is referred as Categorizing query expansion. Two approaches of algorithms are proposed, one that performs clustering as pre-processing step and then generates categorizing expanded queries based on the clusters. The other category of algorithms handle the case of generating quality expanded queries in the presence of imperfect clusters. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Computer Science 2011

La nutrition est l’un des facteurs environnementaux modifiables pouvant avoir un rôle majeur dans la prévention des maladies cardiovasculaires (MCV). Dans ce cadre, un intérêt croissant a été porté ces dernières décennies aux polyphénols, des composés bioactifs potentiellement protecteurs. L’objectif général du travail de cette thèse était l’étude du lien entre la qualité de l’alimentation et les MCV, à partir des données issues des cohortes françaises SU.VI.MAX et NutriNet-Santé. Le premier objectif était d’étudier l’association prospective entre un score individuel mesurant la qualité globale de l’alimentation (score FSA-NPS DI) et le risque de MCV. Le second objectif était d’étudier les associations entre les apports alimentaires en polyphénols et le risque de MCV ainsi que la variation du statut pondéral, en utilisant la table de composition Phenol-Explorer®. Enfin, le troisième objectif était de comparer les consommations et les comportements alimentaires des participants de l’étude NutriNet-Santé présentant une MCV ou un trouble cardiométabolique à des témoins. Concernant le premier objectif, nos résultats indiquaient que des choix alimentaires de moindre qualité nutritionnelle, comme reflété par un score FSA-NPS DI plus élevé, étaient associés à une augmentation de risque de MCV, en particulier chez les individus en surpoids ou obèses dans la cohorte NutriNet-Santé et les fumeurs et ceux ayant un faible niveau d’activité physique dans la cohorte SU.VI.MAX. Concernant le deuxième objectif, nos résultats indiquaient que les anthocyanines, les catéchines, les flavonols, les dihydrochalcones, les dihydroflavonols, les acides hydroxybenzoiques et les stilbènes étaient associés à une moindre survenue des MCV. Nos résultats indiquaient également qu'un apport plus élevé en polyphénols totaux ainsi qu'un apport plus élevé en flavones, flavanones, proanthocyanidines, lignanes et acides hydroxycinnamiques étaient associés à une moindre augmentation de l’adiposité au cours du suivi. Concernant le troisième objectif, nous avons montré, que les adultes, présentant une maladie cardiovasculaire ou cardio-métabolique avaient des comportements moins favorables pour la santé que des témoins du même âge et sexe. Nous avons ainsi mis en évidence les aspects nutritionnels sur lesquels il serait stratégique d’axer en priorité les efforts de prévention et d’accompagnement des patients afin d’améliorer la prise en charge des maladies cardio-métaboliques et cardiovasculaires après leur diagnostic. En conclusion, les résultats de cette thèse ont contribué à une meilleure compréhension du rôle potentiel des facteurs nutritionnels dans l’étiologie des maladies cardiovasculaires via une approche holistique et plus spécifique pour les polyphénols. Cette thèse offre des pistes de réflexion pour les futures stratégies en prévention primaire, secondaire et tertiaire des maladies cardiovasculaires. / Nutrition is one of the modifiable environmental factors that may have a major role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this context, in etiological epidemiology, there has been a growing interest in polyphenols – bioactive components that are potentially protective. Hence, the general objective of the work presented in this thesis was to study the link between the quality of the diet and CVD, based on data from the French cohorts SU.VI.MAX and NutriNet-Santé.The first objective was to study the prospective association between an individual score measuring the overall quality of the diet (the FSA-NPS DI) and CVD risk, in the context of a French national primary prevention strategy aiming to apply a coloured front-of-package label (the 5C label). The second objective was to examine the association of dietary intakes of different polyphenols with CVD risk and with weight change, using the Phenol-Explorer® composition table. Finally, the third objective was to compare the food and nutrient consumptions and lifestyle behaviours of NutriNet-Santé participants presenting a CVD or a cardiometabolic disorder with those of ‘control’ participants. Concerning the first objective, our results indicated that the choice of foods of a lower nutritional quality, as reflected by a higher FSA-NPS DI score, was associated with an increase in CVD risk – in particular among overweight or obese participants of the NutriNet-Santé cohort, and among participants of the SU.VI.MAX cohort that were smokers or had a low physical activity level. Concerning the second objective, our results indicated that anthocyanins, catechins, flavonols, dihydrochalcones, dihydroflavonols, hydroxybenzoic acids, other phenolic acids and stilbenes were associated with a lower CVD risk. Our results also indicated that a higher intake of total polyphenols as well as a higher intake of falvones, flavanones, proanthocyanins, lignans and hydroxycinnamic acids was associated with a less pronounced increase in body mass index and waist circumference over 6 years. Concerning the third objective, we have shown that adults presenting a CVD or a cardiometabolic disorder had less beneficial behaviours than control participants of the same age and sex, in terms of physical activity, smoking status, and the consumption of alcohol, fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, of meat and particularly of processed meat. In addition, we have observed a lower intake of most polyphenol categories among patients. Our results thus provide indications on the nutritional elements that should be at the centre of secondary and tertiary prevention strategies, so as to improve the treatment of CVD and cardiometabolic dysfunctions once that they are diagnosed.To conclude, this thesis contributes to a better understanding of the role of nutritional factors in the development of CVD, using both holistic and specific (through polyphenols) approaches. These results are of interest for future prevention strategies that aime at reducing the risks of CVD through nutrition.

A cross-sectional design was utilized to analyze data from 762 U.S. beef consumers surveyed in May 2015. The objective of the survey was to obtain an understanding of how consumers in the Millennial, X, and Boom Generations value beef credence labels with regard to level of importance and willingness to pay (WTP). The survey was created using LimeSurvey, and pilot tested at the following three universities: Southern Illinois University, Iowa State University, and Tarleton State University prior to submitting it to the C & T Marketing group across the United States in May 2015. The survey also included the following components: generational differences in beef consumption, other animal protein source consumption and sources of information utilized regarding beef. Demographics collected were used to separate respondents into the following generational categories: Millennial (18-33 years old), X (34-54 years old), and Boom (55-72 years old), and consumers represented 42 states of the U.S. plus the District of Columbia. Twelve credence labels were statistically different (P < 0.05) in their levels of importance based on generation cohort. Specifically, some credence labels significantly important to the Boom generation compared to X or Millennial generation were: Raised in the USA (P < 0.001), Product of the USA (P < 0.001) and Raised without Antibiotics (P < 0.001). However, Millennials reported higher averages (P < 0.001) in their WTP for credence attributes that contained the word “organic” in some way. Even though these labels showed significance, results indicated that respondents would be willing to pay below the current market value ($10.39) for a 12 ounce Choice Beef Ribeye Steak. Furthermore, Millennials are consuming the most beef at home among the three generations with consumption at more than two to four times per week. Beef is consumed more often that poultry, pork and seafood in a restaurant. Overall, beef consumers are primarily using online resources to obtain beef information, however; consumers still value information gathered from peer interaction, beef farmers, and butchers. Beef consumers from different generations have varying opinions on what beef credence labels are important to them, and what price they are willing to pay for those labels. However, this study would suggest organic beef is important to beef consumers, but they are not willing to pay for that particular credence label.

abstract: This dissertation consists of two essays on corporate policy. The first chapter analyzes whether being labeled a “growth” firm or a “value” firm affects the firm’s dividend policy. I focus on the dividend policy because of its discretionary nature and the link to investor demand. To address endogeneity concerns, I use regression discontinuity design around the threshold to assign firms to each category. The results show that “value” firms have a significantly higher dividend payout - about four percentage points - than growth firms. This approach establishes a causal link between firm “growth/value” labels and dividend policy. The second chapter develops investment policy model which associated with du- ration of cash flow. Firms are doing their business by operating a portfolio of projects that have various duration, and the duration of the project portfolio generates dif- ferent duration of cash flow stream. By assuming the duration of cash flow as a firm specific characteristic, this paper analyzes how the duration of cash flow affects firms’ investment decision. I develop a model of investment, external finance, and savings to characterize how firms’ decision is affected by the duration of cash flow. Firms maximize total value of cash flow, while they have to maintain their solvency by paying a fixed cost for the operation. I empirically confirm the positive correlation between duration of cash flow and investment with theoretical support. Financial constraint suffocates the firm when they face solvency issue, so that model with financial constraint shows that the correlation between duration of cash flow and investment is stronger than low financial constraint case. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Economics 2015

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-07-08Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:30:09Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ferrarezi_ac_me_arafcf.pdf: 343389 bytes, checksum: c297a993182c4e351cb723eb625ad242 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o néctar e o suco de laranja pronto para beber e sua rotulagem, com base na legislação vigente e na interpretação do consumidor. Foi realizada uma avaliação crítica da legislação brasileira de sucos, com ênfase no suco de fruta pronto para beber, visando compreender suas exigências com relação ao suco de laranja e à rotulagem. A adequação dos rótulos das principais marcas de néctar e de suco de laranja pronto para beber disponíveis em supermercados à legislação vigente foi avaliada, assim como suas características físico-químicas. O uso e a interpretação das informações constantes nos rótulos pelos consumidores e sua influência na decisão de compra foram avaliados por meio de entrevista em supermercados. A influência das informações do rótulo sobre a intenção de compra do consumidor foi estudada usando a análise conjunta de fatores. De acordo com os resultados foi verificado que existem lacunas na legislação brasileira de sucos que favorecem a interpretação equivocada e a presença de sucos não regulamentados no mercado, e que mudanças freqüentes e diferentes informações em legislações de rotulagem concomitantemente vigentes também podem levar à interpretação equivocada pelo consumidor. Verificou-se que as datas de fabricação e de validade foram as informações do rótulo mais consultadas pelos entrevistados e os fatores mais importantes para a decisão de compra do produto foram marca, preço e sabor. As expressões néctar, suco integral e natural ou 100% natural foram interpretadas de maneira positiva pelos consumidores, enquanto a expressão suco reconstituído foi interpretada negativamente. Os rótulos das marcas de néctar e suco de laranja pronto para beber analisadas atenderam à legislação de sucos e bebidas, à legislação... / The aim of this work was to evaluate the ready to drink nectar and orange juice and the label, with basis of Brazilian labeling regulations and the consumer interpretation. A critical evaluation of fruit juice Brazilian regulations, with emphasis on ready to drink fruit juice, was carried out to understand the requirements related to orange juice and labeling. The suitability of labels from the main brands of commercially available ready to drink orange juice to the Brazilian regulations was evaluated, as well as the physicochemical characteristics. The consumer interpretation and use for labeling information and their influence on the decision of purchase were evaluated by interviews at supermarkets. The influence of labeling information on the purchase intention of the consumers, using conjoint analysis was also studied. The results showed that there are some gaps in fruit juice Brazilian regulations that allow mistaken understanding and inclusion of not regulated juices in the market, and that frequent changes and different information in the Brazilian labeling regulations in force at the same time also can take to mistaken understanding. The interpretation of the consumers pointed out that date of manufacture and shelf life were the most important information on the label and brand, price and flavor were the most important factors for purchasing. The interpretation of the consumers of ready to drink orange juice about the expressions nectar, whole and natural juice or 100% natural was positive, while that from the expression reconstituted juice was negative. Labels from all the brands of ready to drink nectar and orange juice were in accordance with the fruit juice and beverage Brazilian regulations, the food packaged labeling Brazilian regulations, the complementary nutritional information regulations and the presence or absence... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

abstract: The increase in obesity since the 1980's has been associated with fast-food consumption. In hopes that calorie labeling will be an effective tool to combat obesity, congress included a provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) that will require all restaurants with twenty or more locations to post calorie information for each menu item. Current research has provided mixed results regarding the effectiveness of calorie labeling, but overall seems to suggest that calorie labeling may only be effective among certain populations. In September, 2012 McDonald's began to post calorie labels on their menu boards before it was federally mandated under the ACA. This policy provided the opportunity to study the impact of calorie labeling on the purchasing behavior of McDonald's patrons. This cross-sectional study was designed to determine if self-perception of diet, self-perception of health, smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, or knowledge of daily calorie requirements is associated with the likelihood of noticing or using calorie labels, or total calories purchased. In addition, relationships between noticing or using calorie labels with total calories purchased were also examined. Receipts and survey responses were collected from 330 participants who purchased food and beverage items from 27 different McDonald's locations within a 20 mile radius of downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Results indicated that only 16.1% of the sample reported using calorie labels, and those who reported using calorie labels purchased an average of 136 fewer calories. Multivariate analysis indicated there were no statistically significant relationships between self-perception of diet, self-perception of health, smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, or knowledge of daily calorie requirements with the likelihood of noticing or using calorie labels, or total calories purchased. However, it is possible that the small sample size of participants using calorie labeling precluded any statistically significant relationships among these variables from emerging. Further research with larger sample sizes should be conducted, to investigate individual level factors that may be associated with use of calorie labeling. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Nutrition 2013