Running performance has increased immensely during the last few years, coinciding with multiple shattered world records in relatively short amount of time. Improvements in footwear material and design are likely reasons for this increase in running performance. Previous studies on the effect of footwear on running economy (RE), a determinant of running performance, have not included participant-blinding. Furthermore, they have yet to compare multiple carbon-fiber plated running shoes available for purchase, what differences there are across price ranges and shoe categories, and if there is such a thing as a placebo-effect. Aim: (1) Descriptively compare a set of heterogeneous running shoes, with regards to running economy, Foot Strike Type (FST), vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length and cadence; including (2) a ‘sham’ and ‘normal condition’ of the same running shoe model; and (3) explore the participant’s perception of the study-specific blinding protocol. Method: A Single Subject Experimental Study (N=1), comparing nine different shoe conditions using a crossover design. The assessment of RE was conducted using indirect calorimetry with mixing-chamber in a climate-controlled facility. Spatiotemporal parameters were assessed using a Garmin HRM-Run™, and foot strike type was visually assessed using a frame-by-frame approach based on 2D-video at 240 fps. Results: The average running economy across all shoe tests varied between 16.02 to 17.02 W/kg, with the ‘worst’ shoe costing 6.24% W/kg more than the ‘best’ shoe. The descriptive difference between the ‘sham’ and ‘normal condition’ were negligible and within the range of measurement error. Spatiotemporal parameters were overall descriptively similar between the shoes, with a few outliers who differed with regards to measure of central tendency or dispersion. FST differed between the shoes including the ‘sham’ and ‘normal condition’, but were overall consistent with the participant’s habitual FST. The study-specific blinding procedure was perceived to work well, but may also be improved in some remarks. Conclusion: Descriptive difference in some, but not all, physiological and biomechanical parameters were observed between the shoe conditions in this study, including the ‘sham’ and ‘normal condition’. Blinding procedures in experimental footwear research may be feasible and adopted with future studies.

Two major aspects of CCK-induced satiety were examined in the food deprived sham-feeding rat: the kinetics of the inhibition of feeding produced by CCK and the interaction of CCK-induced satiety with oropharyngeal stimulation. Four results were presented regarding the kinetics of the CCK satiety effect. First, CCk administered coincident with the initiation of sham feeding inhibits feeding in a dose-related manner. Second, the increased efficacy of the higher dose of CCK delivered at the same time as sham feeding results from an increase in the size of maximum suppression and an increase in the time of suppression effected via a decreased latency to suppression. Third, CCk delivered 15 minutes before sham feeding begins has no effect on feeding. Fourth, the administration of a long-lasting derivative of CCK 15 minutes prior to the initiation of sham feeding can suppress intake. Two results were presented regarding the role of oropharyngeal stimulation in CCK-induced satiety. First, it was shown that oropharyngeal stimulation enhances the satiety action of CCK. Second, the amount and pattern of feeding inhibition produced by CCK are equivalent regardless of whether the peptide is administered coincident with, or some time after, the initiation of sham feeding. The implications of these results for the therapeutic use of this peptide and its role in producing satiety are discussed. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

Solos ácidos cobrem cerca de 30% das áreas agricultáveis do mundo. Nestes solos, geralmente ocorrem baixas concentrações de cátions como cálcio e magnésio, enquanto a acidez (pH <5,5) promove a solubilização de Al3+. A exposição de raízes a pH ácido e/ou ao Al3+ inibe o crescimento radicular, reduz a viabilidade de células do ápice, promove estresse oxidativo, e pode causar desarranjos na parede celular. Na parede, é provável que tanto o H+ como o Al3+ atuem sobre a pectina, comprometendo a sua estrutura e funcionalidade. Por outro lado, peroxidases classe III (GPOX) parecem desempenhar um papel central nas modificações da parede celular, são induzidas por H+ e Al3+ e algumas isoformas são associadas à pectina. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar as respostas radiculares da cultivar Micro-Tom de tomateiro (Solanum lycopersicum L.) à toxidez por H+ e Al3+ e avaliar a capacidade do cálcio e do boro em aliviar esta toxidez com relação à inibição do crescimento radicular, queda na viabilidade celular e alterações na atividade de GPOX. Em raízes expostas a pH 4,0, após 30 min já foi possível observar a redução na viabilidade de células do ápice, avaliada através da absorção de azul de Evans. Observou-se elevação significativa na atividade de GPOX após 2 h de tratamento a pH 4,0. Apesar da defasagem na sua indução em relação à queda na viabilidade celular, a atividade de GPOX parece ser um melhor indicador da ação de H+. O uso do inibidor da GPOX (SHAM; ácido salicilhidroxâmico) indicou que estas enzimas desempenham um papel no sentido de impedir maiores danos às células por pH baixo. O cálcio (10 mM) aliviou totalmente a toxidez por H+ (pH 4,0 e 4,5) e Al3+ (10 ?M) em relação a crescimento radicular e viabilidade celular. O boro (30 ?M) aliviou totalmente a toxidez por H+ e Al3+ em relação a viabilidade celular, mas aliviou apenas parcialmente ou em nada a inibição do crescimento radicular por H+ ou Al3+, respectivamente. Tanto o cálcio quanto o boro suprimiram totalmente a indução da atividade de GPOX. O cálcio e o boro apresentaram interação positiva sobre o crescimento radicular a pH 5,8 e 4,5, mas não na presença de Al3+ e nem em relação à viabilidade celular ou atividade de GPOX. De modo geral, encontrou-se boa correlação entre viabilidade celular e atividade de GPOX. Tomado no seu conjunto, os dados evidenciam um papel importante de GPOX na toxidez por H+ e Al3+ e sugerem que, apesar de distintos, a toxidez por estes íons possivelmente apresentam alguns aspectos e mecanismos em comum. Também corroboram outros trabalhos que evidenciam a ação destes íons sobre a parede celular, em particular a matriz péctica. Estudos futuros deverão examinar se a GPOX que é induzida por H+ e Al3+ está associada à pectina da parede. / Acid soils cover about 30% of the arable land in the world. These soils usually have low concentrations of cations, such as calcium and magnesium, whereas the low pH (pH <5.5) increases the solubility of Al3+. Exposure of roots to low pH and/or Al3+ inhibits root growth, reduces cell viability of the root apex, promotes oxidative stress, and can cause derrangements in the cell wall. It is likely that both H+ and Al3+ act on pectin of the cell wall, affecting its structure and functionality. On the other hand, class III peroxidases (GPOX) appear to play a role in modifications of the cell wall, are induced by H+ and Al3+ and some isoforms are associated with pectin. The aim of this study was to characterize the responses of roots of the Micro-Tom cultivar of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to the toxicity of H+ and Al3+ and evaluate the ability of calcium and boron to alleviate this toxicity with respect to inhibition of root growth, decrease in cell viability and changes in the activity of GPOX. In roots exposed to pH 4.0, after 30 min it was already possible to observe a decrease in cell viability at the apex, as assessed by the uptake of Evans blue. We observed a significant increase in GPOX activity after 2 h of treatment at pH 4.0. Despite the lag in their induction in relation to the decrease in cell viability, GPOX activity seems to be a better indicator of the action of H+. The use of inhibitors of GPOX activity indicates that these enzymes play a role in preventing further damage to cells by low pH. Calcium (10 mM) completely alleviated H+ (pH 4.0 or 4.5) and Al3+ (10 mM) toxicity with respect to root growth and cell viability. Boron (30 mM) completely alleviated H+ and Al3+ toxicity with respect to cell viability, but only partly alleviated or had no effect on the inhibition of root growth by H+ or Al3+, respectively. Both calcium and boron completely suppressed the induction of GPOX activity. Calcium and boron displayed a positive interactive effect on root growth at pH 5.8 and 4.5, but not in the presence of Al3+ and not in relation to cell viability or GPOX activity. In general, good correlations were found between cell viability and GPOX activity. Taken together, the data indicate a significant role of GPOX activity in the toxicity of H+ and Al3+ and suggest that although different, the toxicity of these ions possibly share some common aspects and mechanisms. The data also corroborates other studies that indicate the cell wall as a target of toxicity, particularly the pectic matrix. Further studies should examine whether GPOX activity, which is induced by H+ and Al3+ is associated with pectin in the wall.

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1992.

Reinterpreting the issues of urban density development in Hong Kong, this thesis studies the spatial-temporal production processes of Sham Shui Po as a high density social space. Lefebvre’s theory of ‘the production of space’ is applied for a qualitative-based theoretical-empirical analysis. This study criticizes past literature on urban density issues in Hong Kong, dominated by discourses built upon absolute space approach, for their reductionist methodologies and findings simplifying man-space relations and concealing in-depth socio-political implications. The analysis is centred on three dialectically related elements: spatial practices, conceived spaces (objective, abstract knowledge of space), and lived spaces (subjective values on space). Deciphering the geographical-historical interactions of the spatial trialectics over Sham Shui Po in general and at individual level, particularly residential and street-commercial spaces, this thesis suggests that Sham Shui Po is deeply influenced by the spatial abstractions of formal density control comprising planning knowledge, legal establishment, capitalist processes, and informal control on spatial practices. They have together rendered Sham Shui Po a space technically and functionally organized in terms of the development of residential and street spaces, resulting in massive property development, widespread space subdivision for high density dwellings, and unique street life with dynamic and transient concentration of corporeality and materiality. It is also found that recently inhabitants are subject to a dissipation of spatial resistance for alternative dwelling practices due to oppressions from continuously enhanced conceived spaces re-imposing on them and their living spaces. Individuals influenced by consequentially renewed social identities can also be found trapped into high density spaces physically and institutionally, as their spatial practices have been separated, confined and simplified within both interior-residential and exterior-street spaces. Sham Shui Po reveals itself as different spatial mismatches when inhabitants’ lived spaces for securing their spaces of everyday life are without proper response. Deepening the spatial traps and mismatches, the research area is as well undergoing redevelopment processes in reproducing other forms of high density physical fabric, at the expense of original socio-spatialities, through spatial default and historical disconnection

Solos ácidos cobrem cerca de 30% das áreas agricultáveis do mundo. Nestes solos, geralmente ocorrem baixas concentrações de cátions como cálcio e magnésio, enquanto a acidez (pH <5,5) promove a solubilização de Al3+. A exposição de raízes a pH ácido e/ou ao Al3+ inibe o crescimento radicular, reduz a viabilidade de células do ápice, promove estresse oxidativo, e pode causar desarranjos na parede celular. Na parede, é provável que tanto o H+ como o Al3+ atuem sobre a pectina, comprometendo a sua estrutura e funcionalidade. Por outro lado, peroxidases classe III (GPOX) parecem desempenhar um papel central nas modificações da parede celular, são induzidas por H+ e Al3+ e algumas isoformas são associadas à pectina. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar as respostas radiculares da cultivar Micro-Tom de tomateiro (Solanum lycopersicum L.) à toxidez por H+ e Al3+ e avaliar a capacidade do cálcio e do boro em aliviar esta toxidez com relação à inibição do crescimento radicular, queda na viabilidade celular e alterações na atividade de GPOX. Em raízes expostas a pH 4,0, após 30 min já foi possível observar a redução na viabilidade de células do ápice, avaliada através da absorção de azul de Evans. Observou-se elevação significativa na atividade de GPOX após 2 h de tratamento a pH 4,0. Apesar da defasagem na sua indução em relação à queda na viabilidade celular, a atividade de GPOX parece ser um melhor indicador da ação de H+. O uso do inibidor da GPOX (SHAM; ácido salicilhidroxâmico) indicou que estas enzimas desempenham um papel no sentido de impedir maiores danos às células por pH baixo. O cálcio (10 mM) aliviou totalmente a toxidez por H+ (pH 4,0 e 4,5) e Al3+ (10 ?M) em relação a crescimento radicular e viabilidade celular. O boro (30 ?M) aliviou totalmente a toxidez por H+ e Al3+ em relação a viabilidade celular, mas aliviou apenas parcialmente ou em nada a inibição do crescimento radicular por H+ ou Al3+, respectivamente. Tanto o cálcio quanto o boro suprimiram totalmente a indução da atividade de GPOX. O cálcio e o boro apresentaram interação positiva sobre o crescimento radicular a pH 5,8 e 4,5, mas não na presença de Al3+ e nem em relação à viabilidade celular ou atividade de GPOX. De modo geral, encontrou-se boa correlação entre viabilidade celular e atividade de GPOX. Tomado no seu conjunto, os dados evidenciam um papel importante de GPOX na toxidez por H+ e Al3+ e sugerem que, apesar de distintos, a toxidez por estes íons possivelmente apresentam alguns aspectos e mecanismos em comum. Também corroboram outros trabalhos que evidenciam a ação destes íons sobre a parede celular, em particular a matriz péctica. Estudos futuros deverão examinar se a GPOX que é induzida por H+ e Al3+ está associada à pectina da parede. / Acid soils cover about 30% of the arable land in the world. These soils usually have low concentrations of cations, such as calcium and magnesium, whereas the low pH (pH <5.5) increases the solubility of Al3+. Exposure of roots to low pH and/or Al3+ inhibits root growth, reduces cell viability of the root apex, promotes oxidative stress, and can cause derrangements in the cell wall. It is likely that both H+ and Al3+ act on pectin of the cell wall, affecting its structure and functionality. On the other hand, class III peroxidases (GPOX) appear to play a role in modifications of the cell wall, are induced by H+ and Al3+ and some isoforms are associated with pectin. The aim of this study was to characterize the responses of roots of the Micro-Tom cultivar of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to the toxicity of H+ and Al3+ and evaluate the ability of calcium and boron to alleviate this toxicity with respect to inhibition of root growth, decrease in cell viability and changes in the activity of GPOX. In roots exposed to pH 4.0, after 30 min it was already possible to observe a decrease in cell viability at the apex, as assessed by the uptake of Evans blue. We observed a significant increase in GPOX activity after 2 h of treatment at pH 4.0. Despite the lag in their induction in relation to the decrease in cell viability, GPOX activity seems to be a better indicator of the action of H+. The use of inhibitors of GPOX activity indicates that these enzymes play a role in preventing further damage to cells by low pH. Calcium (10 mM) completely alleviated H+ (pH 4.0 or 4.5) and Al3+ (10 mM) toxicity with respect to root growth and cell viability. Boron (30 mM) completely alleviated H+ and Al3+ toxicity with respect to cell viability, but only partly alleviated or had no effect on the inhibition of root growth by H+ or Al3+, respectively. Both calcium and boron completely suppressed the induction of GPOX activity. Calcium and boron displayed a positive interactive effect on root growth at pH 5.8 and 4.5, but not in the presence of Al3+ and not in relation to cell viability or GPOX activity. In general, good correlations were found between cell viability and GPOX activity. Taken together, the data indicate a significant role of GPOX activity in the toxicity of H+ and Al3+ and suggest that although different, the toxicity of these ions possibly share some common aspects and mechanisms. The data also corroborates other studies that indicate the cell wall as a target of toxicity, particularly the pectic matrix. Further studies should examine whether GPOX activity, which is induced by H+ and Al3+ is associated with pectin in the wall.

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

Cette thèse comporte deux volets distincts. Le premier, qui fait l'objet du chapitre 2, porte sur les modèles mathématiques en calcul de structures électroniques, et consiste plus particulièrement en l'étude des modèles de type Kohn-Sham avec fonctionnelles d'échange-corrélation LDA et GGA. Nous prouvons, pour un système moléculaire neutre ou chargé positivement, que le modèle Kohn-Sham LDA étendu admet un minimiseur, et que le modèle Kohn-Sham GGA pour un système contenant deux électrons admet un minimiseur. Le second volet de la thèse traite de problématiques diverses en homogénéisation. Dans les chapitres 3 et 4, nous nous intéressons à un modèle de matériau aléatoire dans lequel un matériau périodique est perturbé de manière stochastique. Nous proposons plusieurs approches, certaines rigoureuses et d'autres heuristiques, pour calculer au second ordre en la perturbation le comportement homogénéisé de ce matériau de manière purement déterministe. Les tests numériques effectués montrent que ces approches sont plus efficaces que l'approche stochastique directe. Le chapitre 5 est consacré aux couches limites en homogénéisation périodique, et vise notamment, dans le cadre parabolique, à comprendre comment prendre en compte les conditions aux limites et initiale, et comment corriger en conséquence le développement à deux échelles sur lequel repose classiquement l'homogénéisation, pour obtenir des estimations d'erreur dans des espaces fonctionnels adéquats / This thesis is divided into two parts. The first part, that coincides with Chapter 2, deals with mathematical models in quantum chemistry, and specifically focuses on Kohn-Sham models with LDA and GGA exchange-correlation functionals. We prove, for a neutral or positively charged system, that the extended Kohn-Sham LDA model admits a minimizer, and that the Kohn-Sham GGA model for a two-electron system admits a minimizer. The second part is concerned with various issues in homogenization. In Chapters 3 and 4, we introduce and study a model in which the material of interest consists of a random perturbation of a periodic material. We propose different approaches, either rigorous or formal, to compute the homogenized behavior of this material up to the second order in the size of the perturbation, in an entirely deterministic way. Numerical experiments show the efficiency of these approaches as compared to the direct stochastic homogenization process. Chapter 5 is devoted to boundary layers in periodic homogenization, in particular in the parabolic setting. It aims at giving a better understanding of how to take into account boundary and initial conditions, and how to correct the two-scale expansion on which homogenization is classically grounded, to obtain fine error estimates