Liver transplantation is an accepted form of treatment in advanced liver disease. The procedure qualifies as one of the most severe surgical insults that can be inflicted upon a patient. Despite an ever increasing number of clinical and experimental transplants, a vast number of unanswered questions remains about the effects of storage and transplantation per se, on the functions of this complex organ. The administration of drugs and blood, with the effects of the donor state and preservation damage obscure changes in parameters that are inherently due only to the process of transplantation, Changes in calcium and other electrolyte homeostasis, liver function assessment, acid base metabolism and coagulation defects that are seen after liver grafting, are of particular interest to transplant physicians. Current clinically employed indices of liver function, such as enzyme levels, are notoriously lacking in specificity and sensitivity, The aim of the study was to investigate in the experimental situation, the effects of standardised preservation and transplantation, without the added effects of blood transfusion or immunosuppressive drug administration, upon calcium and other electrolyte homeostasis, liver function and coagulation changes. Furthermore, reliable indicators of liver function and/or damage were looked for. It was not an investigation into preservation methods to determine superiority of one or another of these methods, but an evaluation of changes occurring utilising established and clinically proven methods of preservation. Since researchers in the J.S. Marais laboratory, as well as their international counterparts, have experienced problems in successful storage of the pig liver for periods longer than 9 hours, a storage duration of six hours was chosen for maximum reproducibility. A brief overview of liver transplantation history has been given, available literature perused and used in assessment and discussion of data obtained. Five groups of six animals were used for orthotopic liver transplantation. Two groups were autografted with a non-flushed and Ringers lactate flushed liver respectively. Two groups were allografted with livers stored in Collins and University of Wisconsin solutions respectively. A fifth group was transplanted with a liver stored for six hours by surface cooling alone, without any flushing at all. The latter method has not been described in experimental or clinical liver transplantation before. No immunosuppression was used in any animal, to eliminate the effects of hepatotoxic drugs. No blood was transfused at any point during or after the transplant. An animal survival rate in excess of 90%, for seven days or longer, was aimed for and obtained. Blood sampling was done at short intervals in the immediate postoperative period up to six hours and daily for a week. All currently used clinical parameters were determined, as well as indicators which are known, but novel in transplantation. Changes in total and ionised calcium values occurred in all groups and no explanatory mechanism could be identified. There was no correlation in changes between total and ionised calcium, nor any correlation with calcium content of preservation fluids. A reciprocal change in magnesium was identified. Acid base metabolism was markedly changed during and after the transplant. An increase in serum bicarbonate indicated survival, and a persisting metabolic alkalosis was seen in all survivors. Sodium and potassium values did not show marked changes, except for a temporary hyperkalaemia immediately following reperfusion. Serum values of liver transaminases were not found to be of value to discriminate between groups. Protein metabolism was not affected by transplantation. Glucose metabolism was markedly affected by transplantation and even more so by poor function. Early return of normal glucose metabolism indicated survival. Lactic acid metabolism was conspicuously altered during transplantation and could also be regarded as an indicator of hepatocyte function. Coagulation in this series of experiments was affected negligibly and not thought to be influenced by transplantation of a normal liver under ideal circumstances. Thus, changes in values within groups and variance between groups, if any, were described and possible mechanisms causing variation discussed. New indicators of good liver function post-transplant were identified. The conclusion was reached that the process of transplantation per se does cause major changes in electrolyte and acid-base metabolism, but that coagulation was not affected by the process of successful preservation and transplantation.

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The concerns of preservationist's to protect the built environment from demolition, are heightened in the midst of modern day pressures to develop,.A dilemma arises when deciding which buildings deserve to be historically designated. The efforts of this thesis identify the implications of such an issue. In this realm, problems of conserving the urban landscape are addressed, using three residential structures in Hamilton as the basis for argument. An evaluation of historical, architectural, political and economic merits are put forth to distinguish the attributes of one building as compared to another. When a structure succeeds in all of these factors, conflict may arise when deciding the level of continuity each residential unit maintains. Antiquity is not the only facet considered in support of preservation. A prolonged use for the respective building must exist. Securing our heritage is of grave concern. Without its recognition, reminders of the past will remain obsolete as so too will an era of irreplaceable architectural gems. / Thesis / Bachelor of Arts (BA)

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In a world where knowledge is the driving force behind human progress, it becomes imperative to understand the intricate dynamics of its creation, preservation, and distribution. This architectural thesis delves into the essence of knowledge and aims to unravel the profound meaning behind these fundamental aspects. By examining the Great Library of Alexandria as a symbol of a global knowledge and fragility, we embark on a transformative journey. The thesis investigates the nature of knowledge itself, posing essential questions about its essence and significance. What does knowledge truly represent, and how do we acknowledge its value in our lives? Through a comprehensive exploration, we aim to comprehend the creation of knowledge and its transformative potential in various domains. Furthermore, the Great Library of Alexandria stands as a compelling symbol of fragility, emphasizing the delicate nature of the artifacts we create. This iconic institution serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence that surrounds human achievements. By studying the library's historical significance, architectural intricacies, and its ultimate demise, we gain profound insights into the precarious nature of preserving knowledge. By embarking on this journey, we seek to understand not only the importance of preserving knowledge but also the means to achieve effective preservation. Ultimately, this research aims to use AI text to image tools (midjourney) and traditional architectural inquiry methods to deepen our appreciation for the vast wealth of knowledge we have generated and highlight the responsibility we bear in safeguarding and sharing it. By understanding the fragility of knowledge, we can foster a collective consciousness that recognizes the transformative power of knowledge. / Master of Architecture / Knowledge propels human progress, shaping our world in remarkable ways. In this thesis, we embark on a transformative exploration of the creation, preservation, and distribution of knowledge, unraveling its profound meaning. Our investigation centers around the Great Library of Alexandria, a symbol of global knowledge and fragility. We delve into the very nature of knowledge, posing essential questions about its essence and significance. What does knowledge truly represent, and how does it enrich our lives? Through a comprehensive exploration, we aim to understand the creation of knowledge and its potential to transform various domains. Moreover, the Great Library of Alexandria serves as a poignant symbol of fragility, highlighting the delicate nature of human achievements. By studying its historical significance, architectural intricacies, and eventual demise, we gain profound insights into the precarious task of preserving knowledge. Our journey goes beyond mere preservation; it seeks to uncover effective means of safeguarding knowledge. By understanding the importance of preserving knowledge, we can nurture a collective consciousness that recognizes its transformative power. Ultimately, this research aims to deepen our appreciation for the vast wealth of knowledge we have generated and emphasizes our responsibility to protect and share it. Through an understanding of knowledge's fragility, we can foster a society that values and harnesses its transformative potential for the betterment of all.

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This thesis explores how to design an addition to a modern building that makes the building users cognizant of the layers of history while simultaneously creating spaces that respond to the needs of the occupants today. The existing building, the Washington D.C. Central Library, designed by Mies van der Rohe, is conserved and rehabilitated maintaining the library function and new space is created for the Foundation for the Study of Social Media. The addition and the surgical rehabilitation of the existing are informed by the design concepts and details of Mies van der Rohe as well as the theories of Carlo Scarpa. The project evolves through a detail outward design approach in which material and spatial relationships at critical joints are first determined and then used to inform the design of the whole. / Master of Architecture

No / Digitised Diseases is a new web resource which contains photo-realistic 3D models of bones, together with detailed descriptions, clinical synopses, radiographs and CT data. The images give broad coverage of disease conditions affecting the human skeleton. The project – a collaboration between the University of Bradford, Museum of London Archaeology and the Royal College of Surgeons of England – came about following recognition of conflict between the requirements of researchers and students and the need to preserve collections of material; repeated handling of the bones can cause appreciable damage. This article explains the importance of archaeological and historical specimens for modern medical research and training, and thus the usefulness of the project, which makes a huge amount of data freely available; it also describes some of the collections that have been digitised.

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