Thesis (Ph. D.)--Open University. BLDSC no. DXN067096.

No description available.

This study investigated the antinuclear musical compositions that occurred between the dropping of the first nuclear detonation device in 1945 and the accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear energy facility near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This study utilized a framework provided by Kenneth Burke in that the five areas of the pentad--scene, agents, acts, agencies and purposes--were investigated in relation to one another. Each of these areas was investigated with regard to the unique nature of the medium of popular song operating as a cultural key. The scenic analysis centered upon the cause of the exigency that brought about the antinuclear music. As the uses of nuclear energy changed from military uses to energy generation, the musical and lyrical content also changed. Special consideration of the Musicians United for Safe Energy movement was presented in an historical context, noting antecedent movement activity. Other positive, negative and neutral agents were also considered. The specific acts of the nuclear age are divided into actual physical, historically verifiable actions with regard to nuclear activity and in incipient action as presented through the lyrics of the musical compositions. Consideration of the agencies used by the positive agents centered around the concept of identification as essential to the movement against nuclear energy. This identification was considered as "Identification Of," "Identification With," and a third type of "Corporate Identification," in that conflicting identifications may occur. The purposes of the antinuclear movement were to fight the proliferation of nuclear arms and energy generation facilities through the cohesive force of music to mobilize the youth on behalf of the antinuclear movement, to provide a sense of belonging and participation in peer group activity, and to provide a release for the youth of this era of history. The conclusions of this research indicate that the antinuclear musical activity has provided the vocabulary, the imagery and the syntax with which the public addressed nuclear energy when the Three Mile Island episode solidified public opinion on the issue.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1999. / Cover title. Computer printout. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. [103]-112). Available electronically via Internet.

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only. / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only. / Department of Physiology and Health Science

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Tasmania, 1992. / Library has additional copy on CD-ROM. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 183-199).

Preclinical models of lupus indicate that T cell-B cell collaboration drives antinuclear antibody (ANA) production and sustains T cell activation. Autoreactive B lymphocytes are present in the normal repertoire but persist as ignorant or anergic cells. Mechanisms that normally limit T cell activation of autoreactive B cells remain incompletely resolved, but potentially include the absence of autoreactive effector T cell subsets and/or the presence of autoAgspecific regulatory T cells (Tregs). Several studies have addressed this issue by using experimental systems dependent on transgenic autoreactive B cells, but much less is known about the activation of autoreactive B cells present in a polyclonal repertoire. In the second chapter of this thesis, I have explored the role of effector T cells and Tregs using mice that express an inducible pseudoautoAg expressed on B cells and other antigen presenting cells (APCs). In this system, activated Th2 cells, but not naïve T cells, elicit the production of ANAs, but ANA production is severely limited by autoAg-specific Tregs. Bone marrow chimera experiments further demonstrated that this B cell activation is constrained by radioresistant autoantigen-expressing APCs (rAPC) present in the thymus as well as by non-hematopoietic stromal cells located in peripheral lymphoid tissue. Importantly, peripheral rAPC expression of autoAg induced the expansion of a highly effective subset of CD62L+CD69+ Tregs. The third chapter of this thesis focuses on the contribution of CD8+ T cells to fibrosis resulting from sterile lung injury. Type 2 effector production of IL-13 is v a demonstrated requirement in several models of fibrosis, and is routinely ascribed to CD4+ Th2 cells. However, we now demonstrate a major role for pulmonary CD8+ T cells, which mediate an exaggerated wound healing response and fibrosis through robust differentiation into IL-13-producing pro-fibrotic type 2 effectors (Tc2). Remarkably, differentiation of these Tc2 cells in the lung requires IL-21. We further show that the combination of IL-4 and IL-21 skews naïve CD8+ T cells to produce IL-21, which in turn acts in an autocrine manner to support robust IL-13 production. TGF-β negatively regulates production of IL-13 by suppressing CD8+ T cell responsiveness to IL-21. Our data illuminate a novel pathway involved in the onset and regulation of pulmonary fibrosis, and identify Tc2 cells as key mediators of fibrogenesis.

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

Canadians faced an unprecedented threat after the Second World War. Located between two competing superpowers Canada could become the battlefield of a third world war. How did Canadians respond to the nuclear threat? The government of John Diefenbaker warned that millions of Canadians could die in a nuclear war. It strengthened Canada's contribution to the defence of North America and Europe and dedicated more resources to civil defence. Between 1957 and 1963 the domestic issue of nuclear arms acquisition and growing cold war tensions combined to draw attention to the threat. Newly founded anti-nuclear groups as well as Canadian unions, newspapers, magazines, student groups, churches and community organizations confronted nuclear issues. These groups shared a concern about survival but reached different conclusions about how Canada could avoid nuclear devastation. Their attempts to come to terms with the threat of nuclear war highlight broader themes in the history of postwar Canada including the influence of the cold war on the attitudes and behaviours of Canadians and the nation's relationship with the United States. / While more Canadians discussed the nuclear threat in these years the majority did not join the debate. Polls showed the public supported a nuclear defence. They believed few would survive a nuclear attack but did not worry about nuclear war. Economic concerns always ranked higher. The public was, on the whole, not mobilized either in preparation or in protest. Diefenbaker questioned what else he could do to increase public concern about survival. Both the civil defence program and the nuclear disarmament movement struggled. Polls showed that most Canadians did nothing to prepare for a war fought at home. Anti-nuclear groups remained small, divided over their platforms and methods and faced financial constraints. The debate about survival grew in the period between 1957 and 1963 but was dominated by elected officials, civil defence authorities and anti-nuclear activists. Even these groups found it difficult to balance the Soviet threat with the risk of a nuclear war and struggled to achieve policies that would provide security for the nation and its population.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are used in screening and diagnosis of autoimmune connective tissue disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CNS related disorders are prevalent in SLE patients (–80%) and ANA binds specific sites within the brain. To investigate ANA infiltration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), an ANA injectable Lewis rat model was created using 3 rat groups (saline, ANA, and ANA with histamine; since histamine promotes BBB permeability). ANA serum levels were tested for all three rat groups and rats injected with histamine demonstrated signs of histadelia. Brain slices were obtained and examined for the presence of ANA using immunofluorescence. ANA infiltration across the BBB was observed in ANA injected groups. Though the ANA and ANA histamine groups were significantly different from controls (p<0.034, p<0.030, respectively), no significance between ANA and ANA histamine groups was observed. This model could further be used to examine BBB permeability and potential drug therapy. / Department of Physiology and Health Science