VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Fracture Resistance of Non-metallic Molar Crowns Manufactured with CEREC 3D
Keywords: CEREC 3D
Paradigm MZ100 crowns
ProCAD crowns
Composite resin crowns

Objectives: To compare fracture strength and fatigue resistance of ceramic (ProCAD, Ivoclar-Vivadent)(C) and resin composite (Paradigm MZ100, 3M/ ESPE)(R) crowns made with CEREC-3D. Methods: A prepared ivorine molar tooth was duplicated to produce 40 identical prepared specimens made of epoxy resin (Viade). Twenty (C) crowns and 20 (R) were cemented to their dies using resin cement. Ten of each group were subjected to compressive loading to fracture. The remaining 10 of each group were subjected to mechanical cyclic loading for 500,000 cycles. The survivors were subjected to compressive loading to fracture. Results: No significant difference in mean fracture load was found between the two materials. However, only 30% of the (C) crowns vs. 100% of the (R) crowns survived the cyclic loading test. Conclusions: (R) crowns demonstrated higher fatigue Resistance than (C) crowns in-vitro and might better resist cracking in-vivo.
Ubiquitin Specific Protease 34 (USP34), a New Positive Regulator of Canonical Wnt/β-catenin Signalling
Keywords: wnt
usp34
dub
axin
ubiquitin specific protease
deubiquitinase

The Wnt pathway is a fundamental signalling pathway conserved in all animals, regulating growth, differentiation, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis in adults. Wnt signalling is kept quiescent by ubiquitin-mediated degradation of the transcription factor β-catenin, orchestrated by a group of proteins called the Destruction Complex. Aberrant Destruction Complex activity is a common theme in many cancers, and is the primary cause of colon cancer. Through mass spectrometry analysis of Axin protein complexes (a key Destruction Complex component) we identified the deubiquitinating enzyme USP34 as an Axin-interacting protein. Functional studies showed USP34 functions to positively regulate Wnt signalling, acting downstream of β-catenin stabilization. While characterizing USP34 we also discovered a new positive regulatory role for Axin in promoting signalling that is dependent on its nuclear localization. Our results suggest that USP34 stabilizes the nuclear pool of Axin through regulating its ubiquitination and offers a potential strategy to target pathological Wnt signalling.
Measurements on Large-scale Peer-assisted Live Streaming: A Survival Analysis Approach
Keywords: Measurement
Peer-to-Peer
Live Streaming
Survival Analysis

In large-scale peer-assisted live streaming systems with hundreds of online channels, it becomes critically important to investigate the lifetime pattern of streaming sessions to have a better understanding of peer dynamics. Aiming to improve performance of the P2P streaming systems, the goal of this thesis is twofold: 1) for popular channels, we wish to identify superior peers, that contribute a higher percentage of upload capacities and stay for a longer period of time; 2) for unpopular channels, we seek to explore factors that affect the peer instability. Utilizing more than 130 GB worth of run-time traces from a large-scale real-world live streaming system, UUSee, we conduct a comprehensive and in-depth statistical analysis. Using survival analysis techniques, we discover critical factors that may influence the longevity. Based on the Cox regression models we built, we also discuss several interesting insights from our measurement results.
Identification and Characterization of Interaction Partners of Drosophila cadherin 99C
Keywords: Biology
Development

Drosophila cadherin Cad99C is a critical regulator of follicle cell microvilli during Drosophila oogenesis. I extended the functional analysis of Cad99C by identifying Drosophila Myosin VIIA, and Cad74A and Cad87A, which are homologues of human Myosin VIIA and Cadherin 23, respectively, as components of the Cad99C protein complex and by studying their interactions in follicle cell microvilli. My co-immunoprecipitation data show that the cytoplasmic tail of Cad99C interacts with Myosin VIIA, and the extracellular cadherin repeats of Cad99C interact with Cad87A and Cad74A, independent of the cytoplasmic tail of Cad99C. Genetic studies indicate that 1) Cad99C and Cad74A/Cad87A localize independently to microvilli, although their amount is affected by changes in the ratio of their concentrations. 2) All cadherins affect microvillus morphology when overexpressed although the phenotypes are different. The overexpression effect of Cad74A depends on Cad99C but not vice versa. These data point to complex interactions between the microvillus cadherins.
The Asian Renaissance: Reclaiming Centrality
Keywords: East Asia
Samagri
Renaissance
Economy
Ideology

With Asia’s (inclusive of Southeast Asia) re-emergence on the world stage, its civilization origins have become a subject of intense study. Three main value systems define Asian civilization—Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Asians will derive inspiration from the past for the future, a similar phase the West underwent as it emerged from the medieval ages; hence the word 'renaissance' has been applied to Asia's re-emergence. Rediscovery of these heritages is a crucial part of the Asian renaissance. My thesis will expound the economic resurgence of the Asian nations, the emergence of Asian regional institutions and the emergence of an Asian ideology—Samagri.
Bridge System with Precast Concrete Double-T Girder and External Unbonded Post-tensioning
Keywords: Post-tensioned concrete bridges
External unbonded tendons
Double-T concrete girders
Short/medium-span bridges

This thesis compares the consumption of primary superstructure material in a conventional single span CPCI system with those of double-T alternatives. The CPCI system is currently the preferred bridge type for short and medium spans in Canada, despite its relatively inefficient use of materials due to imperfect live load sharing among multiple parallel girders. The double-T alternatives utilize slender double-T cross-sections, fully precast segments, and post-tensioning in both longitudinal and transverse direction. The economy of the CPCI and double-T systems is compared within the framework of four sample designs. The results indicate that the double-T systems are in general more efficient than the CPCI system and have the potential to achieve better economy.
Flow-based Organization of Perfusable Soft Material in Three Dimensions
Keywords: microfluidics
multilayer
3D
soft material
vascularized
perfusable
tunable
tissue engineering

This thesis presents a microfluidic strategy for the in-flow definition of a 3D soft material with a tunable and perfusable microstructure. The strategy was enabled by a microfluidic device containing up to fifteen layers that were individually patterned in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Each layer contained an array of ten to thirty equidistantly spaced microchannels. Two miscible fluids (aqueous solutions of alginate and CaCl2) were used as working fluids and were introduced into the device via separate inlets and distributed on chip to form a complex fluid at the exit. The fluid microstructure was tuned by altering the flow rates of the working fluids. Upon solidification of alginate in the presence of calcium chloride, the created microstructure was retained and a soft material with a tunable microstructure was formed. The produced material was subsequently perfused using the same microfluidic architecture. The demonstrated strategy potentially offers applications in materials science and regenerative medicine.
Long-term Changes in Alveolarization in the Postnatal Rat Following Transient Inhibition of Early "Classical" Alveologenesis
Keywords: alveolarization
lung development
alveologenesis
secondary crests
septation
imatinib

Rationale: Activation of the platelet-derived growth factor receptors-α and -β (PDGF-Rα and -Rβ) is critical in the formation of secondary crests/septa during alveologenesis, and its regulation has been found to be disrupted in rat lung injury models. Objective: To determine whether the process of secondary septation can occur after transient pharmacologic inhibition of PDGF-R action during postnatal days (P)1 – 7 in rats. Hypothesis: The initial process of secondary crest formation is time-limited and, if missed, will result in a permanent loss of alveoli. Methods: Imatinib mesylate, a PDGF-R inhibitor, was injected intraperitoneally from P1 – 7. Pups were sacrificed on P2, 4, 8, 14, 28 and 65 for studies of alveolar development. Main results: The injection of imatinib inhibited PDGF-R action, resulting in a permanent decrease in alveolar number in treated rats. Conclusions: Inhibition of secondary septation during the first 7 days of life resulted in a decrease in alveolar number lasting into early adult life. This is consistent with a critical time window for secondary septation, which, if disrupted, results in long-term adverse effects on lung development.
Interval and Continuous Exercise Elicit Equivalent Post- exercise Hypotension Despite Differences in Baroreflex Sensitivity and Heart Rate Variability
Keywords: Exercise
Blood Pressure
Heart Rate Variability
Post Exericse Hypotension
Hypotension
Interval
Intermittent
Baroreflex
Area Under Curve
Pre-Hypertension
Hypertension

Equi-caloric bouts of interval (INT: 5x 2:2 min at 85 and 40% VO2max) and continuous (21 minutes at 60% VO2max) exercise were performed by 13 older prehypertensive males on separate days, at equivalent times of day, to assess the influence of exercise mode on post-exercise hypotension (PEH). Cardiovascular measures were collected for 30 min pre and 60 min post-exercise. PEH as measured by mean post-exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) decrease, area under the SBP curve, and minimum SBP achieved, was equivalent after both conditions. SV was significantly reduced and HR was significantly elevated post-exercise after both conditions. No significant reductions in CO or TPR were observed. INT exercise provided a larger perturbation to the autonomic nervous system as measured by Baroreflex sensitivity and Heart Rate Variability. The responses elicited by acute INT exercise, with repeated exposure, may lead to greater improvements in blood pressure regulation than those associated with continuous aerobic training.
Phenotypic and Functional Characteristics of the IgM-IgD+ Naive B Cell Population in SLE Patients
Keywords: B cell
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
human
anergy

The presence of autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suggests a breach of tolerance. Recently, the IgM-IgD+ naïve B cell population has been shown to be enriched for self-reactive cells that are anergic in healthy subjects. Therefore, to determine whether there is altered selection of self-reactive cells in SLE, this population was examined using multiparameter flow cytometry. SLE patients had increased proportions of IgM-IgD+ cells in mature and transitional B cell compartments that were activated as compared to controls. Comparison of mature and transitional IgM-IgD+ B cell proportions suggested altered selection between the transitional to mature stages in SLE. There was no correlation between altered B cell function or genetic polymorphisms in B cell signalling molecules and the expansion or activation of IgM-IgD+ cells. Thus, selection of self-reactive B cells appears to be abnormal in SLE, but this does not appear to result from altered responses to Ig crosslinking.
Abnormal Group Delay and Detection Latency in the Presence of Noise for Communication Systems
Keywords: electrical engineering
Einstein causality
causality
communication systems
abnormal group delay
abnormal group velocity
superluminal group delay
superluminal group velocity
time-varying error probability
signal latency
detection system
detection latency
pulse advancement
spatially extended systems
negative group delay
negative group velocity
spatially negligible systems
microwave circuits
microelectronic interconnects
channel
relativistic causality
electromagnetic
dispersion
physics
signals

Although it has been well established that abnormal group delay is a real physical phenomenon and is not in violation of Einstein causality, there has been little investigation into whether or not such abnormal behaviour can be used to reduce signal latency in practical communication systems in the presence of noise. In this thesis, we use time-varying probability of error to determine if abnormal group delay “channels” can offer reduced signal latency. Since the detection system plays a critical role in the analysis, three important detection systems are considered: the correlation, matched filter and envelope detection systems. Our analysis shows that for both spatially negligible microelectronic systems and spatially extended microwave systems, negative group delay “channels” offer reduced signal latency as compared to conventional “channels”. The results presented in the thesis can be used to design a new generation of electronic and microwave interconnects with reduced or eliminated signal latency.
Contested Streets: A Case-study Approach to Understanding Bicycle and Car Politics in Toronto, Canada
Keywords: bicycling
automobility
urban politics
social movements

Using qualitative interviews, this thesis examines bicycle and car politics in Toronto, Canada to understand: i) how automobility affects those engaged in contesting and supporting cycling initiatives; ii) why the installation of cycling infrastructure has been politicized; and iii) whether strategies used by cycling activists are effective. The paper concludes that contemporary cultural and economic values surrounding automobility are visible in those engaged in bicycle and car politics. Findings suggest that the politicization of efforts to install cycling infrastructure arise due to how these values manifest themselves in the political realm, and the interrelationship between a lack of coherent transportation policy, the institutionalization of automobiles in planning and a ward-based decision-making system that entrenches suburban and urban biases. Activist strategies could be more effective by moving away from a focus on cycling lanes to address cultural norms associated with automobiles and bicycles and by focusing on a ‘complete streets’ approach.
Investigations in Transition Metal Catalysis: Development of a Palladium Catalyzed Carboesterification of Olefins and Synthesis of Chiral Sulfoxide Pincer Ligands
Keywords: Transition Metal Catalysis
Pincer ligands
Carboesterification

The development of a palladium-catalyzed intramolecular carboesterification of unactivated olefins is described. Olefin difunctionalization is a powerful tool for adding complexity to a molecule, and this formal [3+2] cycloaddition generates highly functionalized fused ring systems. Initially discovered by Dr. Yang Li in our group, it was found that when propiolic acids with a pendant terminal olefin were treated with 1 mol % Pd(MeCN)2Cl2, 3 equivalents of copper (II) chloride, and 3 equivalents of lithium chloride in acetonitrile at 50 °C, cyclization occurred in up to 90% yield. The optimization of this reaction and the extension to propiolamides and propargyl alcohols is described in this thesis. A mechanism involving a novel palladium-carboxylate species is proposed. Preliminary investigations into the synthesis of chiral sulfoxide pincer ligands are also described. The nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 1,3-dibromobenzene and 2,6-dichloropyridine with various thiols, followed by oxidation of the sulfides to sulfoxides is investigated as a route to the desired proligands.
Coaches' Perspectives on Athlete-centred Coaching
Keywords: Athlete-Centred
Coach
Athlete

The purpose of this study was to explore elite coaches' perspectives on the athlete-centred approach to coaching. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten (five male and five female) current coaches of female athletes on Canadian national team sports. The data were analyzed qualitatively using inductive and deductive analyses. Data revealed that coaches attached divergent meanings to the term "athlete-centred" sport. They referred to a holistic philosophy of the athlete, coaching practices that involve athletes within the coach-athlete partnership, specific values as essential components of athlete-centred coaching, and a philosophy of success that extends beyond athletic performance. The coaches also identified barriers to implementing athlete-centred coaching behaviours. The findings of this study have implications for our understanding of athlete-centred coaching and holistic athlete development, as well as policy revisions, coach education, and future coaching research.
Enhancing Interfacial Bonding of a Biodegradable Calcium Polyphosphate/Polyvinyl-urethane Carbonate Interpenetrating Phase Composite for Load Bearing Fracture Fixation Applications
Keywords: Orthopaedic
Interpenetrating Phase Composite
Calcium Polyphosphate
Polyvinylurethane
Fracture Fixation
Load Bearing Bones
Biodegradable Composite
Mechanical Testing
silanizing agents
silane

This thesis describe methods to improve the interfacial stability of an interpenetrating phase composite (IPC) polyvinylurethanecarbonate), and to increase the hydrophobicity of the polymer phase. The current IPCs introduce covalent bonding between the phases via silanizing agents to enhance the interfacial stability. Incorporation of the silanizing agents was also intended to reduce the IPC’s sensitivity to interfacial hydration, thereby enhancing the IPC’s resistance to degradation during aging. Lysine diisocyanate was used to increase the hydrophobic character in the polyvinylurethanecarbonate resin. The polymer resins were infiltrated into porous CPP blocks with 25 volume% interconnected porosity and polymerized to produce the IPCs. After mechanical testing following a aging study it was found that the silanizing agents contributed to stability of the mechanical properties under aqueous conditions. It was concluded that the mechanical properties and stability were comparable to available biodegradable composites, as well as being biocompatible to a preosteoblast model cell line.
The Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Filtration Optimization in Drinking Water Treatment
Keywords: Filtration
alum dosage
artificial neural networks
optimization
prediction
water treatment

Filtration is an important process in drinking water treatment to ensure the adequate removal of particle-bound pathogens (i.e. Giardia and Cryptosporidium). Filtration performance is typically monitored in terms of filtered water turbidity. However, particle counts may provide further insight into treatment efficiency, as they have a greater sensitivity for detecting small changes in filtration operation. To optimize the filtration process at the Elgin Area WTP in terms of post-filtration particle counts, artificial neural network (ANN) models were applied. Process models were successfully developed to predict settled water turbidity and particle counts. Additionally, two inverse process models were developed to predict the optimal coagulant dosage required to attain target particle counts. Upon testing each model, a high correlation was observed between the actual and predicted data sets. The ANNs were then integrated into an optimization application to allow for the transfer of real-time data between the models and the SCADA system.
Networks of Power. Water, Infrastructure and Territory in the West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territories
Keywords: water
infrastructure
colonialism
Palestine
Israel

This thesis investigates the relationship between water resources, networks and territory under changing relations of rule in the West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territories. It focuses on the creation of uneven patterns of water infrastructure development since Israeli occupation of the territory in 1967, and on their perpetration following the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority in 1995. This is produced by the interplay of three different imperatives of water resource development: a military-strategic and territorial one, represented by the Israeli Civil Administration, one based on national sovereignty over resources and universal water rights, represented by the Palestinian National Authority, and one based on technical efficiency of the sector, promoted by some international development institutions. The relative strength of these three actors in relation to each other, which in turn is influenced by the political history of the region, determines the physical outcome of water resource development.
Effect of Slope and Aspect on Litter Layer Moisture Content of Lodgepole Pine Stands in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains of Alberta
Keywords: forest fire management
fuel moisture content
slope
aspect
forest fire danger rating
wildfire

For two fire seasons in Nordegg, Alberta, a system of in-stand weather stations were arranged along a north and south aligned valley and combined with collection of destructive fine fuel moisture content data in order to quantify variations due to differences in slope and aspect. South-facing sites were found to be slightly warmer (1.5°C), less humid (5%) and received on average 20% more solar radiation than the north-facing sites during the peak burning period of the day. Based on these weather observations a difference of 1 or 2 % moisture content between north and south sites was predicted using existing theoretical relationships. A corresponding difference in observed moisture content was not identified, due to the low transmittance recorded at the in-stand sites (<10% of open solar radiation measurements), variation amongst destructive samples and logistical limits on the number of replicates collected.
Phylogenetic Relationships among the Scolopaci (Aves: Charadriiformes): Implications for the Study of Behavioural Evolution
Keywords: shorebirds
evolution
behaviour
phylogenetics

Unraveling the relationships between organisms and patterns of diversity is a central goal of evolutionary biology, pursuant to the aim of reconstructing the history of life. I constructed a hypothesis for species relationships in the shorebird suborder Scolopaci, and mapped onto this framework behavioural and life-history traits to infer their evolutionary history. Relationships were well-resolved and well-supported, although reliable resolution of certain nodes will require additional, independent sources of information. We estimated the Scolopaci ancestor to be monogamous, and care-giving through fledging, but ancestral breeding location and migration distance reconstructions were equivocal. Tests for correlations between parental care and other traits to explain extant species’ trait diversity show that, contrary to previous reports, evolution of Scolopaci diversity was a complex process that cannot be explained by individual character correlations. This study provides important insights into Scolopaci and shorebird evolutionary history, and the general practice of inferring past processes from phylogenetic hypotheses.
Studies towards Developing Diastereoselective SN1 Reactions of α-Keto Carbocations
Keywords: diastereoselective SN1 reaction
alpha-keto carbocation
nucleophilic substitution reaction
carbon-carbon bond forming reaction
carbon-heteroatom bond forming reaction
chiral auxiliary
asymmetric synthesis
Lewis acid-mediated
Bronsted acid-mediated
silver-mediated
organic chemistry
leaving group
ester
amide
imide

Although α-keto carbocations have been demonstrated to be viable intermediates in solvolysis reactions, their applications in synthesis are scarce. These species can be considered to be equivalent to “reversed polarity” enolates and, as such, could be useful for the asymmetric formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. In principle, facial selectivity in additions to α-keto carbocations may be induced using easily removed ester, amide, or imide chiral auxiliaries. Efforts to achieve such diastereoselective SN1 reactions of α-keto carbocations are described herein.