VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Nlrp5 in the Maintenance of Genome Integrity in Murine Oocytes
Keywords: Nlrp5-deficient mice
NALP5
Metaphase II-arrested oocyte
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC)
DNA damage

Nlrp5, a maternal-effect gene, is required for embryonic progression and female fertility in mice. Previous work indicated an age-related decline in Nlrp5 transcripts in murine oocytes. As maternal age is associated with increased spindle organization defects, studies in this thesis focused on the analysis of meiotic spindle defects in oocytes of Nlrp5-deficient mice. NALP5 protein showed a novel kinetochore-localization pattern, which was disturbed by spindle poisons. Nlrp5-deficient oocytes displayed a higher frequency of spindle abnormalities and chromosomal misalignment. Upon fertilization, these defects translated into increased incidences of multinucleation. As these phenotypes are associated with deficiencies in genome stability, we examined spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) components. We found that numerous SAC proteins were dysregulated, implying that NALP5 may be critical in sensing oocyte-related SAC defects. We found that Nlrp5-deficient oocytes may have increased DNA damage. Thus, Nlrp5 may be an integral component responsible for preservation of genome integrity in female gametes.
The Influence of the Physical Environment on Annulus Fibrosus Cells Cultured on Oriented Nanofibrous Polyurethane Scaffolds
Keywords: intervertebral disc
annulus fibrosus
tissue engineering
tension
dynamic culture
nanofibre
polyurethane scaffold

Tissue engineering the annulus fibrosus (AF) for use in a functional intervertebral disc replacement is a promising alternative to current treatments of degenerative disc disease. Polycarbonate urethane (PU) scaffolds have demonstrated the ability to support AF cell attachment and matrix synthesis and are suitable for tissue engineering the AF. The present study investigates the effects of the physical and biochemical environment on AF cells grown on aligned nanofibrous PU scaffolds. First, the effect of dynamic spinner flask culture and fibronectin pre-coating on tissue formation was analyzed and then the role of scaffold fibre tension on annulus fibrosus cells was examined using a tailored culture system. The results of these studies demonstrated that AF cells are sensitive to differences in biochemical cues at the scaffold surface and their physical environment and respond by altering their cellular responses and, potentially by manipulating their microenvironments, including the physical characteristics of the PU-ADO scaffolds.
The Study of Metal Diffusion on Si(001) using a Nanostencil Shadow Mask
Keywords: Surface diffusion
metal films
nanostencil
shadow mask
stencil
thin films
lithography

A self-aligning nanostencil mask is used to fabricate circular features of tin, indium and silver on an atomically clean Si(001) substrate. The shadow mask limits deposited material to areas under openings in the mask, leaving adjacent clean areas for material to diffuse. STM, SEM and AFM have been used to study the surface diffusion of these metals in UHV. The diffusion of tin is relatively limited in comparison to the other metals. Indium forms metal islands that dissolve over time and contribute to the spreading of a surrounding single layer film. Lastly, silver forms a film that spreads even in the absence of metal islands.
Exploring New Synthetic Routes to Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Keywords: frustrated Lewis pairs
small molecule activation
gold
copper
imidazolium
boron
sulfur
alkynes
heterocycles

Gold(I) and copper(I) imidazolium complexes were synthesized and probed for use as bulky Lewis acids in frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) with bulky phosphines and amines. Their reactivity with small molecules was investigated and the compounds were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. Secondly, a new methylene-linked boron-sulfur Lewis acid was synthesized. Its thermodynamic properties were determined and its reactivity with terminal and internal alkynes was demonstrated. Adducts and heterocycles of this boron-sulfur system were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. The application of these new systems for the activation of small molecules is described in this thesis.
Characterization of APLF in Non-homologous End-joining
Keywords: APLF
Non-homologous End-joining
Ku
nuclear localization

APLF (Aprataxin and Polynucleotide kinase-Like Factor), a novel protein with a forkhead-associated (FHA) domain and two poly(ADP-ribose)-binding zinc fingers (PBZ), interacts with core non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair factors, Ku and XRCC4-DNA ligase IV, and facilitates NHEJ. However, how APLF functions in NHEJ is undefined. This thesis demonstrates that the Ku-binding domain on APLF is mapped to amino acid residues 180-200, where conserved amino acid residue W189 strongly contributes to the APLF-Ku interaction. Remarkably, the APLF-Ku interaction is involved in the nuclear localization of APLF. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the N-terminal region (amino acids 1-200), containing the XRCC4-Ligase IV and Ku binding domains, is required for APLF- dependent NHEJ. Collectively, these findings suggest that Ku contributes to APLF nuclear localization, and that once APLF is retained in the nucleus, the N-terminal portion of APLF, which facilitates interactions with the core NHEJ proteins Ku and XRCC4-DNA ligase IV, is required for efficient NHEJ.
Dental Implant Outcomes in Patients with Osteoporosis: A Matched Cohort Study
Keywords: prosthodontics
osteoporosis
dental implants
outcomes

This study evaluated differences in dental implant outcomes in patients with osteoporosis and their matched controls. Twenty-four patients, who received dental implants at the University of Toronto, were 60+ yrs and had osteoporosis at the time of implant placement, and their controls matched for age, sex and implant related features were examined clinically and radiographically. Clinical and demographic variables recorded at implant placement and follow-up examination, were analyzed. Implant survival rates of 95.1% and 100%, and success rates of 91.4% and 100% were noted in the osteoporosis and control samples respectively. All failures in the osteoporosis sample occurred in the maxilla of a single subject, raising suspicion that these were related to individual problems specific to this subject. Due to the paucity of adverse outcomes and with all the implant failures having occurred in one subject, no relationship of adverse outcomes with clinical and demographic variables could be analyzed.
Surface Passivation of Crystalline Silicon by Dual Layer Amorphous Silicon Films
Keywords: surface passivation
amorphous silicon
silicon nitride
high efficiency solar cell

The probability of recombination of photogenerated electron hole pairs in crystalline silicon is governed by the density of surface defect states and the density of charge carriers. Depositions of intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) in dc saddle field (DCSF) PECVD system and hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (SiNx) in rf PECVD system forms a dual layer stack on c-Si, which results in an excellent passivation of the surface and an anti-reflection coating. Response Surface Methodology is used in this work to optimize the deposition conditions of SiNx. Optimization of the response surface function yielded deposition conditions that materialized in a surface recombination velocity of less than 4cm/s. The BACH (Back Amorphous Crystalline silicon Heterojunction) cell concept makes use of this dual layer a-Si:H/SiNx stack to form a high efficiency photovoltaic device. The high quality passivating structure can result in the BACH solar cell device with more than 20% conversion efficiency.
Straight Kits F/or Queer Bodies? An Inter-textual Study of the Spatialization and Normalization of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Soccer League Sport Space
Keywords: queer
nation building
lgbtq
glbt
lgbt
gay
lesbian
queer sport
recreational sport
soccer
recreational soccer
transgender
bisexual
queer nation
sport space
non-normative sport space
sportsmanship
sportspersonship
homonormativity
heteronormativity
queer muscularity
queer nationhood
sporting body
sport body
sexual diversity
sexuality
recreational league
lgbt sport league
soccer league
homonationalism

Sport is an inherently hegemonic hyper masculinity-building project. Therefore, tensions exist when non-hegemonic groups reclaim sport. This thesis questions how normativity is constructed and resisted in non-normative sporting spaces. Drawing from semi-structured interviews, participant observations, self-reflection qualitative methods and post-structural, spatial and post-colonial theory, I problematize how sportsmanship (sportspersonship) is “cultivated” in a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (lgbtq) soccer league . Specifically, I interrogate how queer sporting bodies negotiate (homo/hetero)normativity by either contesting or confirming neoliberal values of ‘sportsmanship.’ Five interlocking themes that emerged from my data suggest that ‘a queer muscularity’ and ‘a normative queer nationhood’ is being (re)produced by and through queer sporting bodies and sports spaces. I argue that we need to be vigilant of queer sporting spaces that claim to be or are assumed to have greater inclusivity because these spaces may actually facilitate the (re)production of dominant discourses and norms.
A Spin-torque Transfer MRAM in 90nm CMOS
Keywords: Spintronics
Solid-state memory
Non-volatile
MRAM
STT
MTJ
High-speed read-access
2T1MTJ cell

This thesis presents the design and implementation of a high-speed read-access STT MRAM. The proposed design includes a 2T1MTJ cell topology, along with two different read schemes: current-based and voltage-based. Compared to the conventional read scheme with 1T1MTJ cells, the proposed design is capable of reducing the loading on the read circuit to minimize the read access time. A complete STT MRAM test chip including the proposed and the conventional schemes was fabricated in 90nm CMOS technology. The 16kb test chip's measurement results confirm a read access time of 6ns and a write access time of 10ns. The read time is 25% faster than other works of similar array size published thus far, while the write time is able to match the fastest result.
Characterization of Activated Carbon for Taste and Odour Control
Keywords: activated carbon
geosmin
MIB
water treatment

Iodine number, BET surface area, taste and odour compound isotherms, and trace capacity number tests were used to rank five different granular activated carbons according to thermodynamic adsorption performance. These tests were compared to expected activated carbon service life and loading results of rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) run with water from two lake sources spiked with geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). Trace capacity number, used to specifically identify high adsorption energy sites on activated carbon, was hypothesized to be correlated to geosmin/MIB breakthrough and loading performance of different activated carbons. This study found no such clear correlation. However, when only bituminous coal activated carbons were considered, correlations to MIB breakthrough were strengthened. Natural organic matter (NOM) adversely affected adsorption, resulting in decreased RSSCT throughput to breakthrough in surface water with higher total organic carbon (TOC). Methods for improving characterization tests and RSSCTs when NOM is present are discussed.
The Law Applicable to International Trade Transactions with Brazilian Parties: A Comparative Study of the Brazilian Law, the CISG, and the American Law About Contract Formation
Keywords: LAW
INTERNATIONAL
TRADE
COMMERCIAL
SALE
GOODS
CONTRACT
FORMATION
BRAZIL
CISG
UNITED STATES
BRAZILIAN LAW
AMERICAN LAW
LAW APPLICABLE
PRINCIPLE OF PARTY AUTONOMY
PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW
COMPARATIVE LAW

Despite Brazil’s importance in the world economy and its increasing participation in foreign trade, there is considerable legal uncertainty regarding the law applicable to international commercial contracts involving Brazilian parties because Brazilian judicial courts do not respect parties’ freedom to choose the governing law, thus this determination is only made by a judge, according to Private International Law rules of the forum. Applying these rules, this study demonstrates that there are at least three potential legal regimes: the Brazilian law, the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, and a foreign domestic sales law. Making use of the American law as the foreign law, a comparative analysis of these three legal regimes regarding contract formation demonstrates that their approaches are very distinct, and this confirms the legal uncertainty. In order to reduce this problem, three different strategies are proposed to the Brazilian government.
Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Keywords: VEGF
diabetes
VEGF-A
kidney
glomerulus
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Cre
mouse
mice
nephropathy

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) is required for endothelial cell differentiation and survival. To investigate the renoprotective properties of VEGF in diabetes an inducible Cre-loxP gene targeting system was used to excise VEGF from podocytes of adult mice (VEGFKO). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) at 2.5 weeks of age and VEGFKO was induced by doxycycline (dox) at 3-4 weeks of age. Blood and urine were collected weekly to monitor for hyperglycaemia and proteinuria, respectively. Mice were dissected 8 weeks after diabetes induction or earlier if morbidly ill; twenty percent of the mice in the DM+VEGFKO group died before the surrogate endpoint. Glomerular VEGF mRNA expression was decreased in VEGFKO mice compared to controls. However, DM+VEGFKO mice had significantly greater proteinuria, degrees of glomerular sclerosis, and glomerular cell apoptosis. These results confirm that VEGF is normally upregulated in diabetes but reducing VEGF expression in diabetes causes severe kidney injury.
In Vitro Assessment of Osteoblast Behavior in Craniosynostosis
Keywords: craniosynostosis
cell culture
osteoblast behavior
anti-osteogenic signalling
dura mater
pro-osteogenic signalling

Introduction: The objective of this study is to investigate the role of osteoblasts in the pathophysiology of premature suture fusion in infants. Methods: Bone and periosteal tissue from fused and patent cranial sutures and adjacent bone were harvested from infants undergoing surgery for craniosynostosis and used to develop primary osteoblast cell cultures. Dural tissue was obtained from neurosurgical procedures in order to generate an osteoblast-dural co-culture. Osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, protein expression (Noggin, BMP3 and Runx2) and response to exogenous FGF2 stimulation were assessed. Results: Cell cultures demonstrated significant (p<0.05) regional variations in osteoblast proliferation, differentiation markers and in vitro bone nodule formation. The expression of anti-osteogenic molecules (Noggin and BMP3) was decreased in osteoblasts from fused suture regions. Conclusion: The creation of a pro-osteogenic environment through the decreased expression of anti-osteogenic signalling molecules and increased expression of osteogenic factors may be responsible for premature suture fusion in infants.
A Comparative Evaluation of Plastic Property Test Methods for Self-consolidating Concrete and Their Relationships with Hardened Properties
Keywords: self-consolidating concrete
SCC
plastic properties
filling ability
passing ability
segregation
stability
durability
test method

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is a special type of concrete that flows under its own weight and spreads readily into place while remaining stable. Although SCC technology has been rapidly progressing over the last 20 years and continues to develop, the relationships between the fresh, hardened and durability properties of SCC are not well documented. The focus of this investigation is twofold. Firstly, the use of SCC necessitates reliable and accurate characterization of material properties. A variety of laboratory test methods are used to evaluate SCC’s plastic properties. Recognizing that various test methods evaluate the same plastic properties, there is a need to critically investigate the adequacy and sensitivity of each test. Secondly, outcomes from this project are expected to advance the fundamental understanding of the interplay between the fresh properties of SCC and their implications on hardened properties and durability performance.
Mechanism of MicroRNA miR-520g Pathogenesis in CNS-PNET
Keywords: microRNA
brain tumour
cell cycle
development

We recently discovered a high-level amplicon spanning the chr19q13.41 microRNA cluster in CNS Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumour, which results in striking upregulation of miR-520g. Constitutive over-expression of miR-520g in untransformed human neural stem cells enhanced cell growth, restricted differentiation down the neuronal lineage, and promoted expression of neural stem/progenitor cell markers. We thus hypothesize that ectopic miR-520g expression promotes tumourigenesis in part by inhibiting cellular differentiation. Consistent with this proposition, miR-520g is silenced upon embryonic stem cell differentiation and its expression is absent from most adult tissues. Moreover, expression analysis of miR-520g overexpressing cells revealed significant dysregulation of developmental signalling pathways. Further efforts focused on elucidating mechanisms of miR-520g function led to the identification of a cell cycle inhibitor, p21, as an important candidate target. These findings collectively suggest that miR-520g may modulate differentiation by regulating developmental signalling pathways and cell cycle exit of neural stem/progenitor cells.
Task Re-allocation Methodologies for Teams of Autonomous Agents in Dynamic Environments
Keywords: on-line task allocation
autonomous agents

Two on-line task re-allocation methodologies capable of re-allocating agents to tasks on-line for minimum task completion time in dynamic environments are presented herein. The first methodology, the Dynamic Nearest Neighbour (DNN) Policy, is proposed for the operation of a fleet of vehicles in a city-like application of the dial-a-ride problem. The second methodology, the Dynamic Re-Pairing Methodology (DRPM) is proposed for the interception of a group of mobile targets by a dynamic team of robotic pursuers, where the targets are assumed to be highly maneuverable with a priori unknown, but real-time trackable, motion trajectories. Extensive simulations and experiments have verified the DNN policy to be tangibly superior to the first-come-first-served and nearest neighbour policies in minimizing customer mean system time, and the DRPM to be tangibly efficient in the optimal dynamic re-pairing of multiple mobile pursuers to multiple mobile targets for minimum total interception time.
To MMR or not MMR: Medical Discourses Surrounding Parental Decision-making for Pediatric Immunization
Keywords: risk communication
MMR
public understanding of science
critical discourse analysis

Coverage for the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) has been low since the publication of Wakefield’s 1998 study associating MMR with the onset of autism. As a part of a larger project on risk communication, this study examined the medical discourse on parental decision-making for childhood immunizations to gain insight on why risk communication efforts have not been successful at improving uptake. The Public Understanding of Science (PUS) was used as a theoretical lens to guide Critical Discourse Analysis of texts from medical, pediatric, and public health journals, from which the analytic themes of Risk and Trust emerged. MMR uptake was framed mainly in terms of risk, indicating the dominance of the Deficit Model of PUS in the discourse. Future research and risk communication need to expand beyond current notions of risk; the Contextual Model of PUS can help highlight other factors that impact parental decision-making about MMR.
Resolution Enhancement of Ultrasonic Signals using Autoregressive Spectral Extrapolation
Keywords: Ultrasound
Resolution
Crack Sizing
Autoregressive
Spectrum
Non Destructive Testing

Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) is one of the most accurate ultrasonic methods for crack detection and sizing in pipeline girth welds. Its performance, however, is limited by the temporal resolution of the signal. In this thesis, we develop a signal processing method based on autoregressive spectral extrapolation to improve the temporal resolution of ultrasonic signals. The original method cannot be used in industrial applications since its performance is highly dependent on selection of a number of free parameters. This method is modified by optimizing its various steps and limiting the number of free parameters, and an automated algorithm for selection of values for the remaining free parameters is proposed based on the analysis of a large set of synthetic signals. The performance of the final algorithm is evaluated using experimental data; it is shown that the uncertainty in crack sizing accuracy can be reduced by as much as 80%. Furthermore, the proposed method is shown to be capable of resolving overlapping echoes; therefore, smaller cracks that have echoes that are not clearly resolved in the raw signal, can be detected and sized in the enhanced signal.
A Pattern-guided Adaptive Equalizer in 65nm CMOS
Keywords: Adaptive Equalization
Adaptation algorithm
Clock and Data recovery
Eye monitor

This thesis presents the design, implementation, and fabrication of a pattern-guided equalizer in a 65nm CMOS process. By counting the occurrence of 6 out of 16 4-bit patterns in the received data and utilizing their spectral content, the signal is equalized separately at fN and fN/2, where fN is half the bit rate. The design was packaged using a 64 pin Quad Flat No leads (QFN) package. Two different channels were used and the equalizer was able to open the eye for both 13dB and 17dB of attenuation at the Nyquist frequency. The adaptation performance was determined by measuring the vertical and horizontal eye openings for all possible equalizer coefficients. Measured results at 6Gb/s confirm that the adaptation engine opens a closed eye to within 2.6% of optimal vertical opening and 7% of optimal horizontal eye opening while consuming 16.8mW from a 1.2V supply.
The Role of Differential Phosphorylation of the Retinoblastoma Protein in Regulating Cell Proliferation and Elastogenesis
Keywords: Elastin
Retinoblastoma protein
Cell proliferation
Retinoblastoma control element
Cyclin E
Cyclin D
cdk-2
cdk-4
Costello Syndrome
Serine 780
Threonine 821
Elastin gene promoter
Sp-1

Previous studies suggest that the IGF-I stimulates the elastin gene transcription through the unique responsive sequence on the elastin promoter, which is a putative retinoblastoma control element (RCE). This site interacts with (Sp)-family transcription factors whose delivery is mediated by the retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Since Rb (phosphorylated on serine 780) has been implicated in the initiation of the cell cycle, we speculated that a different phosphorylation of Rb might determine Rb involvement in elastogenesis. Obtained results demonstrated that, IGF-I-induced elastogenic signaling pathway in human dermal fibroblasts includes activation of cyclinE/cdk2 causing a site specific phosphorylation of Rb on threonine 821. This permits the sequestration of Sp1 by Rb before it could bind the elastin promoter, thereby allowing the elastin gene transcription. We also found that blocking of H-Ras in Costello syndrome fibroblasts (characterized by heightened proliferation and impaired elastogenesis), selectively down-regulated Rb phosphorylation on serine 780 and normalized impaired elastogenesis.