Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-12T23:13:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 arquivo2939_1.pdf: 1748659 bytes, checksum: 7dfa3a05978907e16e269e4232f33000 (MD5) license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Faculdade de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco / A técnica de preparação de filmes interfaciais, denominado com filmes de Langmuir ou monocamadas flutuantes, vem sendo utilizada para elucidar características de interação molecular entre lipídios e fármacos. Portanto, o domínio dessa técnica é de suma importância para avaliação das características físico-químicas das interações entre as moléculas a serem dispersas na interface água-ar, o que permite, por exemplo, elucidar a possível interação de Trans-desidrocrotonina (t-DCTN) em sistema de liberação controlada, como o lipossoma, sistema composto por fosfolipídios. O t-DCTN é uma molécula (19-nor-diterpeno) extraído do Croton cajucara Benth (Euphorbiaceae), uma planta nativa da região amazônica conhecida como cajucara ou sacaca. Entre as aplicações desta planta, os chás preparados das folhas e cascas do caule de C. cajucara têm sido comumente utilizados na medicina popular devido as suas ações terapêuticas, tais como, hipoglicemiante e hipolipidêmica, e sua potencial ação como antitumoral, antimutagênico e antiinflamatório. O comportamento termodinâmico das monocamadas flutuantes mistas dos fosfolipídios zwitteriônicos D,L-a- dipalmitoilfosfatidilcolina (DPPC, C16:0), L-a-dibehenoilfosfatidilcolina (DBPC, C22:0), L- a-dioleilfosfatidilcolina (DOPC, C18:1) e trans-desidrocrotonina (t-DCTN) a diferentes frações molares (x) do diterpeno (t-DCTN) tem sido investigado através de isotermas de Langmuir por meio de medidas de pressão e potencial de superfície. Excesso de energia livre de Gibbs da mistura tem sido calculado para diferentes composições da monocamada flutuante a diversos valores de pressão de superfície. O espalhamento das moléculas puras de t-DCTN na interface ar-água resulta numa isoterma do tipo condensada e uma pressão máxima lateral igual a 15 mN/m, sendo registrada uma diferença de DV com o decorrer da compressão lateral da monocamada. Para os sistemas binários t-DCTN/DBPC e t- DCTN/DOPC, o máximo de estabilidade foi obtida a xt-DCTN = 0,375 e 0,500 a pressão de superfície de 15 mN/m, com um valor mínimo de DGM igual a −1,7 kJ/mol. As análises dos parâmetros termodinâmicos obtidos tais como, área em excesso, energia livre em excesso e energia livre da mistura confirmaram a miscibilidade dos sistemas binários constituídos por fosfolipídios e t-DCTN. Dentre os sistemas binários analisados, o sistema binário composto por t-DCTN/DOPC foi o que demonstrou maior estabilidade das monocamadas na interface por apresentarem desvios negativos mais significativos de energia livre de mistura (DGM). Nas monocamadas mistas, as moléculas de fosfolipídios parecem exibir um alto grau de ordenamento na orientação das moléculas dispersas na interface principalmente para valores intermediários de frações molares de t-DCTN. As observações acima sugerem que as moléculas de t-DCTN exercem um efeito de condensação nas monocamadas mistas de fosfolipídios

Abstract The control and maintenance of the character, number and protein, carbohydrates and lipid composition of intracellular compartments in a changing environment is one of the fundamental features of a living cell. It is effected, to a large measure, by vesicular traffic which connects the various cellular compartments and handles the transportation of cargo between them. Movement of cargo occurs through a transport system in membrane-bounded containers called vesicles. Vesicles originate at the donor membrane from which they are transported to target organelles where they fuse with the acceptor membrane and deliver their cargo. At the donor site, cytosolic coat proteins or 'coats' bind to the donor membrane together with GTP (guanosine 5'-triphosphate)-binding regulatory proteins first to deform a bud, which is then pinched off as a coated vesicle. During budding and targeting events, a number of regulatory proteins interact with the coat components. Currently, several different coat proteins and their adaptor proteins are known. The purpose of this study was to characterize novel components participitating in intracellular vesicle transport. By using computer analysis and EST (expressed sequence tag) database searches, a previously unknown protein was found. Sequencing revealed the presence of a novel protein of 613 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 67,149 Da. Based on its structural features, possessing both a VHS domain and an "ear" domain, we named the protein Vear. With its VHS domain in its NH2 terminus, Vear shows similarity to several endocytosis-associated proteins. With the "ear" domain in its C-terminus, it resembles γ-adaptin, a heavy subunit of the AP-1 complex. Vear mRNA showed a widespread distribution in tissues, with high amounts of mRNA in the kidney, skeletal muscle, and cardiac muscle. At the subcellular level, Vear was localized to the Golgi complex in which it colocalized with the trans-Golgi marker γ-adaptin. The preferential membrane-association was demonstrated by subcellular fractionation in which Vear partitioned with the total membrane fraction. Golgi-associated subcellular localization for Vear was sensitive to a treatment with the fungal metabolite brefeldin A, suggesting an ARF (ADP-ribosylation factor)-dependent recruitment onto membranes. In transfection studies, the full-length Vear assembled on and caused structural "compaction" of the Golgi complex, while overexpression of the "ear" domain alone showed diffuse Golgi-localization without "compaction". The VHS domain, on the other hand, was mainly vesicle- and plasma membrane associated and did not show any association with Golgi. In skeletal muscle, Vear was detected preferentially in type I cells by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy. In normal kidney, Vear was exclusively present in glomerular epithelial cells (podocytes) and Vear protein was expressed in a developmentally regulated manner during glomerulogenesis. By immunolabeling electron microscopy, Vear was seen in vesicular and membrane structures adjacent to the Golgi complex. Vear was also abundant in the gastrointestinal tract in cells active in secretion. The results indicate that Vear is a novel vesicle transport-associated protein, detected mainly in the Golgi complex and localized in tissues in a highly cell-type specific manner.

MURP / Department of Urban and Regional Planning / Current studies reveal that adjacent municipalities can achieve more if they plan and share resources collaboratively. The study assessed the impact of trans-border spatial development cooperation with respect to a twinning agreement signed between the Musina local municipality, South Africa, and the Beitbridge Rural District Council, Zimbabwe in October 2004. It unpacks to the extent to which the twinning agreement objectives were achieved in terms of spatial development. The assessment revolved around six specific objectives using a trans- border twinning performance evaluation survey approach. The assessment of the implementation of the agreement focused on desirable outcomes, inputs in terms of resources, the implementation process involved in terms of effectiveness and efficiency, outputs in terms of targets achieved, impact with respect to where they are now, who needs to do what and when and whether the planning and implementation process was effective. Research questions were investigated using 14 key informant interviews, 347 questionnaires and direct field observations with the aid of an impact evaluation survey approach. The study showed that the challenges faced in municipal twinning agreements range from institutional, structural to financial. It was evident that the Musina-Beitbridge twinning agreement did not have a concrete implementation plan from 2004 to 2016. The spatial planning goals indicated in the twinning document were not achieved. The Joint coordination meetings were no longer being conducted, benchmarking exercises were not conducted, the goals were not time-bound, there was no standalone budget, no central secretariat and lastly, the majority of the local residents were not aware of the twinning’s existence. The study recommended a strategic trans-border implementation framework which addresses initial planning provisions, resource allocation, stakeholder participation and ensuring that targets are achieved as well as mitigating risks.

(English) This master's thesis describes how, within the space of a single decade (2010-2019), transgender women's literature underwent significant development when it came to the production of novels and literary production more broadly. Written to be accessible to those unfamiliar with transgender literature and the internal workings of trans communities as possible, this thesis begins by describing in detail the socio-political changes in how trans people lived and were perceived over the past decade, with particular attention paid to the changes in the media landscape, the recent surge of people coming out as transgender and the conservative backlash. Methodologically, this thesis utilises the viewpoint of transgender studies, which focuses to the material and socio-political conditions that facilitate trans cultural production and the ways in which trans literature engages with the politics of representation through the act of self- representation. It should be noted that this thesis only considers physically published literature written by trans women - a restriction that, the author acknowledges, helps reinforce the hegemony of the publishing industry - with special attention paid to the genre of the novel, and does not view works by cisgender authors that deal with transgender themes as...

Jag själv heter Alice, jag är ciskvinna och mitt pronomen är hon. Snart är jag legitimerad musiklärareoch utbildad sångpedagog. Jag har valt att skriva om sångpedagogers inkluderande arbetssätt ur etttransperspektiv. Jag tar mig inget tolkningsföreträde utan vill snarare vidga vyer och belysaproblematik. Den största anledningen till att jag vill skriva den här uppsatsen är att synliggöratranspersoners upplevelser utifrån bemötande och inkludering av sångpedagoger undersånglektioner. Jag vill lyfta transpersoners historier, upplevelser, berättelser för att poängtera viktenav en inkluderande sångundervisning och skapa medvetenhet hos sångpedagoger där yttre faktorerinte ska behöva vara avgörande eller beslutsfattande kring vilken sorts röst en person har och villutveckla. Jag strävar efter en fördomsfri undervisning där boxen bör sakna väggar och där röstenkan få vara precis vad den är och ingenting annat.

Planes frequently used to identify radiologic and abdominal ultrasono‐graphic images such as transverse, coronal, and sagittal are generally not anatomically correct when applied to transvaginal ultrasonographic planes and images. More appropriate terminology specific for the planes imaged during transvaginal ultra‐sonography, such as TRANS‐pelvic and AP‐pelvic planes, are suggested. A TRANS‐pelvic plane refers to a plane imaged when the sound beam is directed across or from side to side in the pelvis. An AP‐pelvic plane refers to an image obtained when the sound beam is directed anteriorly and posteriorly.

Includes bibliographical references / This dissertation seeks to explore the core drivers of international cooperation over shared water courses particularly in Southern African, using the example of the Okavango River Basin as a case study. As a starting point it highlights the hydro-political context of Southern African, which is dominated by more than 21 shared water courses and faces significant challenges to its water sector namely through climate variability and population growth. In light of these pressing issues which could create a security complex for sovereign riparian states, international cooperation over trans-boundary water sources is imperative. Drawing on core theories of international relations, this dissertation suggests that cooperation between riparian states is a result of strong institutional frameworks, at a river-basin, regional and international level. Cooperation is further reinforced through development functionalism which plays an important role in facilitating cooperation through the advancement of regional development goals and initiatives. Finally, the dissertation explores the role of international norms of cooperation over trans-boundary water courses and the important role they play in fostering cooperation. Using the case of the Okavango River Basin, the dissertation suggests that in Southern Africa, the strongest driver of cooperation is strong legal and institutional frameworks, which once established, form the basis for sustainable cooperation for water diplomacy between riparian states. Cooperation over the Okavango River Basin and the twenty years of cooperation established between Angola, Namibia and Botswana through the Permanent Cubango-Okavango River Basin Commission (OKACOM) highlights an optimistic account for hydro-political cooperation over trans-boundary water systems between sovereign riparian states and provides a useful model for water basin agreements that are yet to be established. This thesis thus concludes that in light of the growing challenges facing the water sector in Southern Africa, strong institutions and legal frameworks are required to enhance cooperation among riparian states.

Ribosomes translate the genetic information encoded by mRNA into proteins. Defective mRNAs can cause stalling of translating ribosomes. The molecule tmRNA (transfer-messenger RNA) rescues stalled ribosomes in eubacteria. Together with its protein partner SmpB, tmRNA mimics a tRNA by entering the ribosomal A site and linking an alanine residue to the growing polypeptide chain. The ribosome then abandons the defective mRNA template and resumes translation on tmRNA, adding ten more amino acids to the nascent polypeptide. As a result of tmRNA action, stalled ribosomes are released and recycled, the defective mRNA is destroyed, and the aborted protein product is tagged for destruction by proteases. It is unknown how the ribosome correctly chooses the position on tmRNA to resume translation. Previous studies implicate the sequence UAGUC found immediately upstream of the first codon in the tmRNA open reading frame. These nucleotides are highly conserved in natural tmRNA sequences. Mutations in this area cause loss of tmRNA function and improper frame choice. Using a genetic selection that ties the life of E. coli cells to the function of tmRNA, we have identified several SmpB mutants that rescue an inactive tmRNA in which this upstream sequence was altered. This links SmpB to the function of these key tmRNA nucleotides. We show that our SmpB mutants affect frame choice using an in vivo assay for tagging in the various frames. We conclude that SmpB plays a role in setting the reading frame on tmRNA.

No description available.

Eating disorders affect an estimated 1 million Canadians per year and have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses (Statistics Canada, 2016; Arcelus, Mitchell, & Wales, 2011). Research suggests that those who fall under the transgender umbrella are at a higher risk for developing mental health concerns, and more specifically disordered eating practices (Dhejne, Vlerken, Heylens, & Arcelus, 2016). Despite this the existing literature on this population is lacking, with little research going outside of the gender binary. Majority of the existing literature is limited in looking at individual case studies seeking to prove that transgender folks can struggle with disordered eating, rather than bring attention to the experiences of transgender individuals within eating disorder treatment and recovery. The purpose of this study was to expand on the current literature by bringing in the voices of lived experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals, over the age of 18, who identify their gender as falling under the transgender umbrella who have participated in a form of eating disorder recovery for a minimum of one year. Through a thematic analysis, commonalities were uncovered between the participants stories leading to the identification of five themes: the connection between gender identity and eating disorder development, the impact of LGBTQ+ beauty standards, discrimination within the healthcare system, the use of the internet, and the role of community in recovery. The findings suggest there is a strong connection between transgender identity and the development of eating disorder behaviours that create an experience vastly different than the cisgendered reality in which the treatment programs are based. To address these differences the participants provided guidance towards recommendation for practitioners and treatment including: mandated training on both transgender identities and eating disorders, the development of supportive and inclusive environments, the creation of a transgender specific eating disorder treatment program. Further, topics for future research to deepen the understanding of the experiences shared within the study included: impact of online eating disorder support for trans and non-binary individuals, the variance in experience between binary transgender and non-binary identities within treatment, and the impacts of race and ethnicity on the experiences of transgender individuals. / Thesis / Master of Social Work (MSW)