This dissertation develops a framework to approach musical hybridity by considering style and genre interactions as an analytical layer of combinations of identities. It engages with the structural, contextual, and perceptual aspects of music by mixing perspectives from music studies with postcolonial studies, situated cognition, and genre studies. Hybridity is...
The rodent whisker system is a widely used model to study the sense of touch. Its neuroanatomy parallels that of the human, but its mechanics are vastly simplified compared to that of the human tactile system. Just like other modalities with complex sensor accessory structures, the geometry, mechanics, and material...
Many stroke survivors are left with residual movement impairments. Treating these impairments has proven difficult, because it is often unclear which mechanisms drive movement impairment. While the exact mechanisms are still uncertain, at present, evidence suggests that neuromuscular function is disrupted in two key domains following stroke: muscle biomechanics, and...
The expanding use of nanomaterials in consumer products challenges scientists to understand the impact of these materials before their inevitable release into the environment. In the same way that the widespread use of DDT and asbestos has caused unforeseen negative impacts on both the environment and on human health, the...
Eosinophils are major effector cells in diseases including asthma, rhinitis, certain gastrointestinal disorders and atopic dermatitis. Current treatments include mediator antagonists and anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce allergic cell numbers and inhibit mediator release, but they are not fully effective or curative. On their surface, eosinophils selectively express Siglec-8 (sialic acid-binding...
Psychosocial stress is part of everyday life, and while ubiquitous, stress plays a huge role disease development and treatment. Though the stressor’s intensity, predictability, and frequency (acute vs chronic) are important determinants of disease development, interactions with one’s genetic and epigenetic make-up also play a causal role. Major Depressive Disorder...
Many species have lost their natural habitat due to anthropogenic land use change. Ecologists are increasingly looking at habitat in cities to bolster efforts to conserve biodiversity. Green roofs are examples of urban habitats that are becoming more common globally. Green roofs can provide resources to support life in an...
The Bcl-2 family is considered the guardian of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. While there are numerous endogenous Bcl-2 antagonists that share similar homology, structure, topology, and expression pattern, only the loss of Bim in mice is sufficient to lead to the development of a systemic autoimmunity. Even loss of both...