VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
A PFC Power Supply with Minimized Energy Storage Components and a New Control Ttechnique for Cascaded SMPS
Keywords: power factor corrected
PFC
smps
switch mode power supply
energy storage
minimized energy storage components
cascaded converter
cascade
duty mode control
dmc
new control technique
harmonic current
portable electronic equipment

This Master of Applied Science thesis proposes a new design of low power, power factor corrected (PFC), power supplies. By lifting the hold up time restriction for devices that have a battery built in, the energy storage elements of the converter can be reduced, permitting a small and inexpensive power converter to be built. In addition, a new control technique for controlling cascaded converters is presented, named duty mode control (DMC). Its advantages are shown through simulations. The system was proven using a prototype developed in the laboratory designed for a universal ac input voltage (85 - 265VRMS at 50 - 60Hz) and a 40W output at 12V. It consisted of two interleaved phases sensed and digitally controlled on the isolated side of the converter. The prototype was able to achieve a power factor of greater than 0.98 for all operating conditions, and input harmonic current distortion well below any set of standards.
A Novel Approach for Identifying Synthetic Dosage Lethal Interactions in Pooled Yeast Cultures
Keywords: yeast
genomics
kinases
genetics
barcode
overexpression

Systematic genomic studies in the budding yeast S. cerevisiae have greatly increased our capacity to conduct functional profiling of the eukaryotic genome. I describe a new method that makes use of yeast “Barcoder” strains to uniquely tag strains in a yeast overexpression collection (FLEX) and to systematically examine the effects of gene overexpression on cell fitness. This novel system is compatible with the so-called Synthetic Genetic Array (SGA) method, which automates yeast genetics and allows introduction of marked query alleles of interest into arrayed collections of yeast mutants. I identified SDL interactions for two key regulatory kinases, Dun1 and Mck1, using my system. I also used my array and approach to identify SDL interactions for Dun1 that are only manifest in the presence of DNA damage. These studies demonstrate the utility of the pooled SGA-SDL method for systematic discovery of condition-specific genetic interactions in conserved biological pathways.
Dissecting the Role of the Jumonji Family Member Jhd2p, a Histone Lysine Demethylase
Keywords: histone
epigenetics
demethylation
Jumonji
yeast
sporulation
retrograde
mitochondria
lysine 4
transcription

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Set1p-mediated deposition of trimethylation on lysine 4 of histone H3 is a histone modification often associated with active transcription. Recently, it was discovered that members of the Jumonji family of proteins have the enzymatic ability to remove methylation on histone lysine residues. Here, I describe the function of the yeast Jumonji protein Jhd2p, the only yeast Jumonji with known demethylase activity towards histone H3 lysine 4 methylation. I find that during the development program of yeast sporulation, Jhd2p is responsible for demethylating lysine 4 on a global scale. Further, ChIP analysis examining lysine 4 methylation levels reveals that genes whose expression is dependent on JHD2 during sporulation are subject to what appears to be Jhd2p-mediated demethylation. Additionally, synthetic dosage lethality screens performed to identify genetic interactors of Jhd2p revealed that Jhd2p is a likely component of mitochondrial retrograde signaling, working alongside the transcription factors Rtg1p/Rtg3p.
Association of Tissue Promoter Methylation Levels of APC, RASSF1A, CYP26A1, and TBX15 with Prostate Cancer Progression
Keywords: DNA Methylation
Prostate Cancer
Epigenetic Mechanism
Progression
Biochemical Recurrence

Aberrant promoter methylation is known to silence tumor-suppressor genes in prostate cancer. Using a quantitative real-time PCR assay(MethyLight), I determined promoter methylation levels of APC, RASSF1A, CYP26A1 and TBX15 in 219 radical prostatectomies diagnosed between 1998-2001, examined their correlation with clinicopathological follow-up data including Gleason Pattern(GP), Gleason Score(GS) and pathological stage, and explored their potential in predicting biochemical recurrence(BR) using univariate and multivariate analyses. I demonstrated that methylation status of all four genes could accurately differentiate normal from cancerous tissues. Quantitative methylation levels of APC and TBX15 correlated strongly with GP, GS, and pathological stage. Both APC and TBX15 methylation levels could significantly predict BR in univariate analysis(p-value=0.028 and 0.003, respectively). The methylation profiles of APC and TBX15 combined could discriminate patients into high, intermediate, and low risk groups of BR(p-value=0.005). My project demonstrated that quantitative increase in promoter methylation levels of APC and TBX15 were associated with PCa progression.
The Contributions of Positive Illusions to Cultural Differences in Well-being: The Positivity Model
Keywords: culture
well-being
positive illusions
self-enhancement
bias
multi-method

“Positive illusions” refer to the tendencies to perceive the self and others positively. The current study proposes that cultural norms regarding positive illusions contribute to cultural differences in well-being. All pairs of participants completed self-reports and informant reports, and served both as perceivers and targets (N = 906 undergraduate students). A novel validated measure of positive illusions and multi-method assessment of well-being were used to examine cultural differences between Asians and Westerners in well-being. Positive illusions were assessed by means of the halo-alpha-beta model of correlations among ratings of participant’s own and an acquaintance’s personality on the Big Five dimensions (Anusic, Schimmack, Pinkus, & Lockwood, 2009). The results suggest that rating biases influence cross-cultural comparisons of well-being and that European and Asian Canadians have similar levels of well-being.
Design and Analysis of Morphing Wing for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Keywords: Morphing Wing
UAV
Shape Adaptation
Smart Materials
Shape Memory Alloy
Conceptual Design
RPV
Biomimetics

This study is concerned with the design and development of a novel wing for UAVs that morphs seamlessly without the use of complex hydraulics, servo motors and controllers. The selected novel design is characterized by a high degree of flight adaptability and improved performance with a limited added weight. These characteristics were attained through the use of shape memory actuators in an antagonistic fashion. Unlike compliant actuators, the antagonistic setup requires the thermal energy to deform the wing but not to maintain its deformed shape. Structural analysis based upon safety factors specified by FAR23 standards and aerodynamic analysis using FLUENT were conducted on the novel design to validate its suitability as a viable wing for UAVs. In addition, thermal conditioning of the shape memory actuators was conducted using a specially designed programmable controller. This thesis does not concern itself with the design of a skin that accommodates the shape changes.
Towards 'S4' Molybdenum with Two Labile Sites: New Ligands for Molybdenum Bisdithiolenes
Keywords: molybdenum
bisdithiolene
hydrodesulfurization

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) catalysts are used for hydrodesulfurization processes, needed for the removal of sulfur from oil feedstocks. The commonly accepted active site of MoS2 is believed to have a S4 pyramidal geometry with molybdenum (IV) at the apex. This work is interested in small molecules as models. Recent work has shown that one ligand can be removed from a molybdenum trisdithiolene by reacting the metal complex with an olefin creates a labile chelate cap. The resulting structure resembles the active site of interest. The present contribution will show approaches to molybdenum bisdithiolenes with one or two labile solvent molecules. The use of acetonitrile, adiponitrile, isobutyronitrile, and oxalate has been investigated. A complex containing two different labile moieties (tetrahydrothiophene, acetonitrile) was crystallographically characterized. Other nitrile molybdenum complexes were monitored using NMR spectroscopy. Two complexes have been characterized with an oxalato ligand; a single unit, and a dimer.
The Effects of Marangoni Convection on the Rate of Condensation of Pure Water
Keywords: Marangoni Convection
Condensation

A series of steady-state water condensation experiments were conducted to determine the effects of Marangoni convection on the condensation flux. The interface was flat so that the results of the interfacial temperature discontinuities could be compared to past condensation experiments conducted under similar experimental conditions using a spherical interface. Two experimental methods were used. Method 1 was to vary the temperature in the cooling pipes (Tcp ) with the position of the interface relative to the cooling pipes fixed. Method 2 was to vary the position of the interface while Tcp was held constant. The interfacial temperature discontinuities in this study were approximately 2.3-9 times smaller in magnitude, than those measured using a spherical liquid-vapour interface. The experimental results showed that the condensation flux increased as thermocapillary convection increased (increase in interfacial temperature gradients and speed). This increase resulted in a 1.37-12.5 times enhancement in the condensation flux of pure water.
Molecular Genetic Insights into the Dimorphic Fungal Pathogen Blastomyces dermatitidis
Keywords: Blastomyces dermatitidis
blastomycosis
multilocus sequence typing (MLST)
Phylogenetic Species Recognition (PSR)
Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR)
strain typing

The epidemiology of blastomycosis remains poorly understood in part due to the lack of a robust and discriminatory strain typing method for Blastomyces dermatitidis. Here we describe the development of a multilocus sequence (MLST) method to study the genetic variation and population structure of B. dermatitidis. Eighty geographically diverse clinical and environmental isolates were examined. Thirty-six unique sequence types were identified. With a discriminatory index of 91.4%, MLST identifies significant genetic diversity for the characterization of local and global B. dermatitidis isolates. To test whether this fungus represented a single species throughout its geographic range we performed phylogenetic analyses, applying Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR). Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct clades, with five of the eight gene phylogenies studied supporting the separation of these lineages, which were also geographically partitioned. Based on fulfillment of GCPSR, we propose the current species B. dermatitidis harbors two genetically distinct non-interbreeding phylogenetic species.
Regulation of Placental Autophagy by the Bcl-2 Family Proteins Myeloid Cell Leukemia Factor 1 (Mcl-1) and Matador/Bcl-2 Related Ovarian Killer (Mtd/Bok)
Keywords: placenta
preeclampsia
Mtd/Bok
Mcl-1
autophagy
oxidative stress

The process of autophagy is defined as the degradation of cellular cytoplasmic constituents via a lysosomal pathway. Herein I sought to examine the regulation of autophagy in the placental pathologies preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). I hypothesized that the Bcl-2 family proteins Mcl-1L and MtdL regulate placental autophagy and contribute towards dysregulated autophagy in PE. My results demonstrate that Mcl-1L acts to repress autophagy via a Beclin 1 interaction, while MtdL induces autophagy when it interacts with Mcl-1L. My data indicate that while autophagy is elevated in PE, a pathology characterized by oxidative stress, it is decreased in IUGR, a hypoxic pathology. Treatment with sodium nitroprusside to mimic PE caused a decrease in Mcl-1L and an increase in MtdL levels in response to oxidative stress, thereby inducing autophagy. Overall, my data provide insight into the molecular mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Chemical Transmission between Dorsal Root Ganglion Somata via Intervening Satellite Glial Cell
Keywords: satellite glial cell
dorsal root ganglia
neuron-glial interaction
patch clamp technique

The structure of afferent neurons is pseudounipolar. Studies suggest that they relay action potentials (APs) to both directions of the T-junctions to reach the cell body and the spinal cord. Moreover, the somata are electrically excitable and shown to be able to transmit the signals to associated satellite cells. Our study demonstrates that this transmission can go further and pass onto passive neighbouring somata, if they are in direct contact with same satellite cells. The neurons activate the satellite cells by releasing ATP. This triggers the satellite cells to exocytose acetylcholine to the neighbouring neurons. In addition, the ATP inhibits the nicotinic receptors of the neurons by activating P2Y receptors and initiating the G-protein-mediated pathway, thus reducing the signals that return to the neurons that initiated the signals. This “sandwich synapse” represents a unique pathway by the ectopic release between the somata and the satellite cells.
Linker-based Lecithin Oral Drug Delivery Systems
Keywords: Self-emulsifying delivery system
Microemulsion
Linkers
Uptake
Pseudo-ternary phase diagram
Omega-3 ethyl esters
β-sitosterol

In this study, pharmaceutical-grade and food-grade linker-based lecithin self-emulsifying delivery systems (SEDS) were developed with a combination of lipophilic and hydrophilic linkers. These additives at suggested concentrations are safe for pharmaceutical and food applications. The ratio of surfactant lecithin and linkers in these systems was optimized to develop surfactant in oil preconcentrates. The preconcentrates containing different surfactant concentrations and oil were diluted with fed state simulated intestinal fluid to produce pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and to identify the formulations that produced self-emulsifying or self-microemulsifying delivery systems. Optimal SEDS preconcentrates were evaluated using a dialyzer model to simulate intestinal uptake. An uptake of 39.6 mg/cm2 for the pharmaceutical-grade SEDS was obtained within 72 minutes, which promises substantial improvement in the bioavailability of hydrophobic actives. The optimal uptake of 12.2 mg/cm2 for food-grade SEDS suggests enhancement in the bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids.
The Prospect for Health Care Rights in China
Keywords: human rights
health care
health insurance
migrant

The 2009 reform of China’s health care system attempts to lower the burden of medical costs and provide universal access to health care. This thesis focuses on a particular access and equity gap within the health care system that faced by internal migrants, and explores the potential value of a legally enforceable and justiciable right to health care in the Chinese context to address such gaps. Despite recent advances in the health care reform, lack of a framework of health care rights could be a limiting factor to current health care initiatives which are falling short of their promises of universality in some way. In the long run, establishment of such framework could be a direction that deserves further research.
Intestinal Cholecystokinin Controls Glucose Production through a Neuronal Network
Keywords: gut
CCK

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a gut peptide involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis by duodenal lipids via a neuronal network. However, it is unknown whether CCK also regulates glucose homeostasis through a neuronal network. Using an in vivo rat model, we demonstrated that duodenal CCK-8 (biologically active form of CCK) can lower glucose production through the activation of a gut-brain-liver axis via CCK-A receptors, and this glucose-regulatory effect is physiologically relevant. Since duodenal lipids can also lower glucose production through a gut-brain-liver axis, we verified that this duodenal-lipid effect is mediated by CCK-A receptor activation. Lastly, in rats fed on a high-fat diet for three days, duodenal CCK failed to suppress glucose production, suggesting a state of CCK-resistance. In summary, these findings revealed that intestinal CCK can regulate glucose homeostasis through a neuronal network and suggest that intestinal CCK resistance may contribute to hyperglycemia in response to high-fat feeding.
Identification of Germline Alterations in the Mad-homology 2 (MH2) Domain of SMAD3 and SMAD4 In Breast Cancer Susceptibility
Keywords: Breast cancer
germline mutations
SMAD3
SMAD4
Bioinformatics

A feature of neoplastic cells is that mutations in the key intermediates of TGF-β signaling contribute to the loss of sensitivity to its anti-tumor effects. The role of SMAD3 and SMAD4 germline mutations in breast cancer predisposition is currently unclear. To address this, mutation analysis of the Mad-Homology 2 domains in 408 breast cancer cases and 710 controls recruited by the Breast Cancer Family Registry (BCFR) was performed using Denaturing High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography. This study identified 23 distinct intronic variants, and three coding variants c.1214T>C, c.1478G>A, and c.1701A>G in SMAD4. No aberrant splicing was observed, but qPCR analysis and tissue expression data showed significantly elevated SMAD3 expression relative to controls (p<0.05). For SMAD4, c.1478G>A from a familial breast cancer case showed a 5-fold expression change. Taken together, inactivating alterations are not driving tumorigenesis. Rather, aberrant germline expression provides novel insight into SMAD3 and SMAD4’s roles in breast cancer predisposition.
The Coordination of Secured Transactions Law and Insolvency in Canada: A Successful Model of Bijuralism for the EU?
Keywords: Secured Transactions
Bijuralism

This paper deals with the interaction of insolvency and secured transactions law in a “bijural” jurisdiction, composed of sub-jurisdictions that come from different legal origins. It gives an introduction to bijuralism and then examines an example, namely the interaction of Canadian insolvency law and provincial secured transactions law. It stresses the different origins of Anglo-Canadian law and Québec law, in particular the difference in property law between the two and how it affects secured transactions law. It argues that given these fun- damental differences, the provinces have achieved a relatively harmonized secured transac- tions law. The paper goes on to compare the interaction in Canada with the interaction of European law and the law of EU member states. While the Canadian experience can serve as an example for the interaction in Europe, it also demonstrates shortcomings that need to be addressed in Canada as well as by a European insolvency legislator.
The Hormonal Regulation of Non-breeding Territorial Aggression in North American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
Keywords: Non-breeding aggression
Red squirrels
DHEA
Oestradiol
Adrenals
Gonads
ACTH
GnRH

Classically, testosterone (T) was considered the principal regulator of aggression. However, recent studies in birds have found aggression and T uncoupled during the non-breeding season. Circulating testosterone comes with costs such as immunosuppression and energy expenditure. Instead, the pro-hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), is circulated and activated within the brain via conversion into oestradiol (E2), avoiding the costs associated with T. At present the site of DHEA synthesis is unknown. My thesis investigated the existence of an analogous pathway in non-breeding red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) with two studies: (a) a field study investigating the effects of E2 on aggression and (b) a laboratory study that attempted to determine the site of DHEA synthesis. I conclude that E2 regulates non-breeding aggression in red squirrels and that the adrenals are not the site of DHEA synthesis. My results suggest the existence of a mammalian analogue to the regulatory pathway found in birds.
"Green" Doesn't Always Make Good Impressions: Evaluations of Different Types of Environmentalists
Keywords: environmentalist
person perception
evaluation
subgroup

In the present research, I examined individuals' evaluative responses toward traditional representations of environmentalists (e.g., tree-huggers and radical activists) as well as less typical but more mainstream environmentalists. Undergraduate students read about one of three types of environmentalists (i.e., radical activist, tree-hugger, or mainstream environmentalist). Participants then rated the extent to which they liked the individual they read about. Results revealed that participants evaluated the tree-hugger and radical activist less favourably than a typical student. In contrast, participants responded as favourably toward the mainstream environmentalist as they did toward a typical student. These findings indicate that individuals have distinct impressions of different types of environmentalists: Whereas mainstream environmentalists may receive favourable evaluations from individuals, stereotypical environmentalists may elicit negative reactions and even alienate members of the public.
Generation, Yes? Digital Rights Management and Licensing, from the Advent of the Web to the iPad
Keywords: DRM
Licensing

The Article discusses digital-era courts’ distortion of (para)copyright principles, deeming it borne of jumbled underlying legislation and a misplaced predilection for adopting licensing terms—even at the expense of recognized use exceptions. Common law evolutionary principles, it is shown, have been abandoned just when they are most needed: the ethereal rightsholder-user balance is increasingly disturbed, and the incipient “generative consumer” is in thrall, not liberated. Finally, the Article puts forth a proposal for the reestablishment of the principle of substantially noninfringing use, showing it to be in the interests of innovation, democracy, and the greater public interest.
PAKs 1 & 3 Control Postnatal Brain Development and Cognitive Behaviour through Regulation of Axonal and Dendritic Arborizations
Keywords: PAK
neuronal morphogenesis
synaptic plasticity
microcephaly
synapse
dendritic arborization

The molecular mechanisms that coordinate postnatal brain enlargement, synaptic properties and cognition remain an enigma. This study demonstrates that neuronal complexity controlled by p21-activated kinases (PAKs) is a key determinant for postnatal brain enlargement and synaptic properties. Double knockout (DK) mice lacking both PAK1 and PAK3 were severely impaired in postnatal brain growth, resulting in a dramatic reduction in brain volume at maturity. Remarkably, the reduced brain was accompanied by minimal changes in total cell count, due to a significant increase in cell density. However, the DK neurons have smaller soma, markedly simplified dendritic arbors/axons and reduced synapse density. Surprisingly, the DK mice were elevated in basal synaptic responses due to enhanced individual synaptic potency, but severely impaired in bi-directional synaptic plasticity. The PAK1/3 action is likely mediated by cofilin-dependent actin regulation because the activity of cofilin and the properties of actin filaments were specifically altered in the DK mice.