VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The role of rate, pitch height, and intensity in the perception and experience of affect: A music and speech evaluation

The role of rate, pitch height, and intensity in the perception and experience of affect: a music and speech evaluation. Research on the auditory communication of affect has included many studies of music and speech prosody, but rarely have these domains been compared. This thesis involved a direct comparison of the affective consequences of manipulating auditory features in music and speech. In Experiments 1 and 2, I examined how pitch and rate operate within each domain: how upward and downward shifts in pitch and rate are registered by our perceptual system and the limits within which pitch and rate can be shifted without music and speech sounding artificial. Results suggest that there is convergence between music and speech in terms of how pitch and rate operate perceptually. In Experiment 3, I examined the effects of manipulating rate, pitch, and intensity in brief presentations of music and speech on three dimensions of affect: valence, energetic-arousal, and tension-arousal. Some manipulations of auditory attributes influenced affective appraisals of music and speech in similar ways, with all three dimensions of affect influenced by at least one auditory attribute. Differences were also observed. In Experiment 4, I examined the effects of prolonged exposure to music and speech prosody on mood and arousal. Again, I examined the relevance of rate, pitch, and intensity to these effects and compared their effects in music and speech prosody. Each auditory manipulation resulted in specific valence, energetic-arousal, and/or tension-arousal states. The results suggest that parallels can be drawn between the affective consequences of short- (6 seconds) and long-term (7 minutes) exposure to music and speech prosody, although some important differences between perception and experience were also noted. Finally, I examined whether affective states induced by means of these basic auditory properties influence subsequent performance on nonmusical tasks. Tasks tapping attention and creativity were significantly influenced by prolonged exposure to music and speech prosody, corroborating previous evidence that cognition is powerfully affected by affective states. Similarities and differences between vocal and musical communication of affect are discussed along with the need to distinguish between two types of arousal: energy and tension and the capacity for music and speech prosody to induce changes in mood valence, energetic arousal, and tension arousal.
Sintering characteristics of calcium polyphosphate

Increasing the fibre size resulted in smaller sinter neck ratios, and increased time for initiation of crystallization. Lower humidity conditions resulted in an increase in induction time to crystallization. The presence of sodium in CPP glass yielded shorter times to crystallization. Analysis of sinter neck ratios and crystallization data indicate that the formation of sinter necks is controlled by presence of the amorphous phase, and that crystallization inhibits sinter neck growth. Calcium polyphosphate (CPP), an inorganic polymeric glass, has previously been studied for use in novel biodegradable implants as a sintered powder construct. In order to control production of sintered CPP compacts, improved understanding of sintering parameters is needed. Using a model system of aligned fibres of three sizes, the sintering characteristics of CPP were studied near its glass transition and crystallization temperatures. The effects of fibre size, relative humidity, and the presence of trace amount sodium were investigated.
New-build gentrification and the changing inner city vote in Toronto and Vancouver

This thesis examines the relationship between the recent redevelopment of inner city lands into condominiums and the geography of the vote in Canadian inner cities. Conclusions are based on empirical analysis of provincial and federal election results and census data in Toronto and Vancouver over the previous 25 years. This study differentiates the composition of the vote in areas of recent condominium construction from the rest of the inner city and provides multiple linear regression analyses of election results with census data to test what socio-demographic variables are most salient in predicting and explaining political party choice. It finds that voters in areas of new-build gentrification are voting disproportionately for parties of the political right and the regression models find some support for the hypothesis that condominium areas are spatial bases for a new 'entrepreneurial' urban habitus that is conducive to support for neoliberal governance and policy.
Gamma butyrolactone: A prodrug of gamma hydroxybutyrate, enhances GABAergic processes in the hippocampus in the freely moving rodent

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a naturally occurring central nervous system compound and can elicit absence-like seizures in mammals. These seizure-like effects may depend on activation of GHB receptors, or it acting as a partial GABAB agonist, which may modify other neurotransmitters. We examined mechanisms of its prodrug, gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and its effect on inhibitory processing in hippocampus in vivo. GBL was injected intraperitoneally using doses of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg. There was a transient loss of GABAA and GABA B inhibition at 50mg/kg GBL (p
Genetic integration of semaphorin and ephrin pathways regulating epidermal morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Consistent with the function of plexins as specific receptors for semaphorins in other organisms, an allele of plexin-2/plx-2 was identified in this screen. Additional alleles of plx-2, including a null allele have been isolated in order to genetically characterize plx-2 function in C. elegans. Our genetic analysis shows that plx-2 functions in the same genetic pathway as mab-20 as expected for a receptor. Surprisingly, mab-20 also signals in a pathway that is parallel and partially redundant to plx-2. We propose that MAB-20 signals through a functionally redundant, non-plexin receptor(s). In addition, we show that this novel pathway is dependent on both mab-20 and efn-4 function demonstrating an integrated semaphorin/ephrin signaling control. Newly identified erf-1 and erf-2 were also shown to signal through this mab-20-dependent efn-4 pathway in a redundant manner with plx-2 as shown by a synthetic ray fusion defect (synMab). The restricted expression of PLX-2 confers the cell-specific function of ubiquitously expressed MAB-20 in development. We present both a genetic and cellular model for mab-20-dependent guidance of pocket cell migration during ventral enclosure and show that Eph receptor vab-1 functions in parallel to plx-2 to position a PLX-2 expressing neuroblast domain. This PLX-2 neuroblast domain appears to function as a restrictive substratum for the guidance and ventral midline cell matching of the overlying migrating pocket cells. Semaphorins and ephrins are two conserved families of proteins identified as repulsive cues in axon guidance. In C. elegans, semaphorin-2a/mab-20 and ephrin-4/efn-4 regulate ventral enclosure and the sorting of sensory ray precursor cells during male tail morphogenesis. Several erf (e barbelow;nhancer of r barbelow;ay f barbelow;usion) mutations were identified in an enhancer screen for the ray fusion defect of a weak allele of mab-20 and may represent new genes in the semaphorin pathway. The work completed in my first Ph. D. project prior to the work described in this thesis is briefly outlined in Appendix A---Characterization of check-point induced arrest and apoptosis in the zebrafish embryo.
Time-to-alarm for intravenous infusion pumps: Implications and safety for critically ill patients

Intravenous infusion pumps are commonly used in the intensive care unit (ICU); they are designed to alarm if flow is interrupted. The delay between infusion interruption and alarm sound---the time-to-alarm---is determined by infusion characteristics. The purpose of this thesis is to compare nurses' maximal acceptable time-to-alarm with the predicted time-to-alarm. Objectives. (1) To describe infusion practices in adult ICUs; (2) To determine nurses' maximal acceptable time-to-alarm; (3) To predict the time-to-alarm; (4) To compare the predicted time-to-alarm with nurses' maximal acceptable time-to-alarm. Methods. Cross-sectional study of critically ill adults receiving medications by peristaltic infusion devices. Infusion settings were recorded. ICU nurses stated their maximal acceptable time-to-alarm. Time-to-alarm was predicted using a linear model based on previous measurements and compared to nurses' time-to-alarm. Results. 116 patients in 9 ICUs; 341 infusions. Overall, median (interquartile range) nurses' maximal acceptable time-to-alarm was 2.0 (1.0 -- 5.0) minutes; the predicted time-to-alarm was 2.2 (0.4 -- 6.4) minutes. For infusions of vasoactive drugs, nurses' maximal acceptable time-to-alarm was 0.4 (0.1 -- 1.0) minutes, while the predicted time-to-alarm was 3.3 (1.3 -- 8.5) minutes; p
Kinetic isotope effects in the fragmentation of N1'-methyl-2-(1-hydroxybenzyl)thiamin

The N1′-methylated conjugate of thiamin and benzaldehyde, N1′-methyl-2-(1-hydroxybenzyl)thiamin (MHBzT) decomposes in solution to yield trimethyl amino pyrimidine and phenyl thiazole ketone. The mechanism of this fragmentation is hypothesized to involve reversible proton removal from carbon, prior to a subsequent step involving cleavage of the C-N bond linking the two heterocycles. A buffer dependence study revealed that at low buffer concentrations, proton transfer is rate-determining, while at high buffer concentrations, reprotonation competes with the subsequent fragmentation step. Fragmentation was found to be very fast and surprisingly competitive with the kinetically significant rate of protonation. A buffer dependent primary kinetic isotope effect was measured for MHBzT-C2α (H/D), which demonstrated significant variation due to differing contributions from the hydroxide and buffer-catalyzed proton removal steps. An inverse solvent isotope effect was also measured and is characteristic of reversible protonation of carbon.
Highly accurate tests for the mixed linear model

We present three modified directed loglikelihood ratios of the r* type for testing a scalar parameter of interest in the linear mixed effects model under the gaussian assumption. The ratios are computed using different versions of the sample space derivatives, yielding different orders of the approximation to the distribution of the modified ratios. We use Fraser and Reid's Q formula, which results in a third order standard normal approximation. The other two versions of the ratio are developed for testing a parameter in the mean only, using orthogonal parameterization arguments to simplify the sample space derivatives. For these, the normal approximation holds only to second order. The parameter orthogonality approach permits to extend a result on computing the sample space derivatives statistic in the linear model to the linear mixed effects model. Overall, the numerical performance in simulations of the tests is better than the usual standard procedures of common use in applications of the model and, in fact, is quite satisfactory in cases of extreme small sample sizes. Among the proposed ratios, the one based on the Q formula seems to have a consistent performance in different scenarios, whereas the performance of the two other ratios are more dependent on the parameters of the simulation.
Investigating chemical reactions using computer simulations

Although proton-transfer reactions are ubiquitous in chemistry and biology, their theoretical study is limited by number of difficulties. Some of the practical challenges involving the study of proton-transfer reactions include the fact that accurate descriptions of hydrogen-bonded systems require time-consuming ab initio electronic structure methods. Computer time limitations become particularly relevant when investigating “rare events” such as chemical reactions, especially when the reactions are accompanied by substantial differences in the structure of the solvent. In addition, the proton is the lightest nucleus and nuclear quantum effects must be described adequately in proton-transfer reactions. The problems mentioned above are addressed by proposing methodological improvements to calculate reaction rates for proton-transfer reactions. A new ab initio Monte Carlo algorithm is proposed in which a much faster molecular mechanics potential “guides” the slow ab initio electronic structure simulation resulting in significantly more efficient sampling schemes compared to the more familiar ab initio molecular dynamics methods. The molecular mechanics guided sampling method is generalized to incorporate nuclear quantum effects via centroid transition state theory and solvent effects via hybrid quantum mechanics-molecular mechanics methods. The use of the molecular mechanics based importance function method is exemplified in a study of model intra-molecular proton-transfer reactions which investigates how molecular mechanics potentials should be created in order to predict kinetic isotope effects and reaction mechanisms correctly, and to understand the conditions in which atoms other than the hydrogen atom should be treated quantum-mechanically.
Differential reactivity in thiamin-derived intermediates: Fragmentation, elimination and catalysis

The product from the decarboxylation of 2-(2-mandelyl)thiamin (MT) is an enamine and the C2α conjugate base of 2-(1-hydroxybenzyl)thiamin (HBnT). The enamine undergoes an unexpected fragmentation to an aminopyrimidine and a phenyl thiazole ketone. We have used the fragmentation process as a "clock" reaction to calibrate the rates of competing processes. From our analysis of the reactions of the enamine formed from N1'-methyl-2-(1-hydroxybenzyl)thiamin (MHBT), we established the mechanism and rate constant for fragmentation as well as the rates of the competing protonation by Brønsted acids. The protonation and fragmentation processes were also observed in the enamine resulting from the decarboxylation of 2-(2-mandelyl)thiamin (MT). While the product-determining protonation step in the decarboxylation of MT is general-acid catalyzed, the preceding rate-determining decarboxylation is catalyzed specifically by Brønsted acids related to N-protonated pyridine. Since the catalysis is not related to the pKa of the acid, we suggest that the species associates with MT prior to decarboxylation and either reduces the energy of the transition state for carbon-carbon bond cleavage or accelerates the departure of carbon dioxide. In the reactions of MHBT and MT, which are analogues of covalent intermediates formed on benzoylformate decarboxylase, nonenzymic fragmentation of the enamine is about one hundred times faster than the enzymic turnover of substrate. Yet, fragmentation of the enzymic decarboxylation product derived from MT diphosphate does not occur. Enzymic decarboxylation of benzoylformate is also 106-times faster than the spontaneous decarboxylation of MT. Our results suggest that these differences may arise from: (1) the carbanionic intermediate formed enzymically possessing minimal enamine character compared to the fully delocalized intermediate formed in solution, making protonation fast and fragmentation impossible; (2) acid-catalyzed decarboxylation accelerating the departure of carbon dioxide and suppressing the fragmentation. We prepared p-bromomethyl-2-(2-mandelyl)thiamin and observed that its rate of decarboxylation is similar to that of MT. Furthermore, no fragmentation occurs as the carbanionic species formed from decarboxylation produced products from the elimination of bromide and protonation of the carbon-centered base. This is similar to what is observed in the reaction of benzoylformate decarboxylase with p-bromomethyl-benzoylformate. Inhibition results as elimination is faster than enzyme-facilitated protonation or spontaneous fragmentation.

Keywords: Chemistry, Organic
Freedom of religion vs. substantive equality: Value-based resolution of conflicts in the context of the Ontario sharia law debate

The debate in Ontario regarding religious based family arbitrations highlights the need to clarify the values that should guide the resolution of conflicts between freedom of religion and equality. Clashes involving religion are unique, as religion is both a ground upon which one may be oppressed, and a vehicle through which discrimination against others is perpetuated. Grounding rights conflicts in the value of human dignity means that where state action is concerned, the protection of freedom of religion would not permit the state to infringe on the equality rights of others. In the human rights context, private religious organizations would be given room to discriminate in certain narrow circumstances. Judgments in Charter and human rights cases have explicitly and, more often, implicitly, taken this approach. An explicit articulation of underlying values is necessary in order to avoid having the Charter working at cross purposes so that the perpetuation of inequality results.

Keywords: Freedom of religion, Ontario
Islamic law, Ontario
Equality before the law, Ontario
Dispute resolution (Law), Ontario
Pendulums and paradigms: education reform in Ontario

This study examines the development of a centralized, state-regulated system of education in Ontario, and explores subsequent efforts to reform schooling during the nineteenth- and twentieth-centuries. Considering social, political, and economic currents throughout Ontario's past provides a context through which efforts to alter the structure and purposes of schooling can be viewed and assessed. Justifications for traditional and child-centred pedagogical practices are considered in this light, along with their influence. Different times with unique circumstances demand that the 'means and ends' of schooling be continually reexamined. While initially viewed as a training ground for the social and economic elite, the system of public education expanded to combat various social ills while promoting political stability and economic prosperity. Once established, the educational mandate adjusted to the various social and economic concerns of the times, implementing pedagogical reforms to suit the altered perspectives.

Keywords: Education, History
Education, Ontario
Educational change, History
Educational change, Ontario
Education, Aims and objectives
Education, Ontario
Education and state, History
Education and state, Ontario
Characterization of the hierarchy of proliferative capacity in acute myelogenous leukemia

Heterogeneity in the in vitro replicative capacity of AML cells has been observed both between patients and within the constituent cells of a patient's neoplasm. Two models can be postulated to explain this heterogeneity. The stochastic model predicts that growth ability is determined probabilistically. The hierarchy model predicts that growth ability is intrinsic, regulated by deterministic mechanisms. Analysis of the replicative capacity within 107 and 119 micromanipulated AML-1 and AML-4 clones respectively, revealed that sibling cells had similar replicative capacities. This suggests that AML blasts are organized in a hierarchy. Clones consisting of four cells were micromanipulated: one cell was sampled for global RT-PCR while its clonal siblings served as biological reporters. This enabled the acquisition of cDNA from homogeneous populations of AML-4 cells with defined growth abilities. A preliminary investigation of gene expression in pooled single cells with modest and limited replicative capacities was conducted using microarray technology.
Electronic structures of tungsten surfaces with barium overlayers by field emission and photofield emission

The total energy distributions (TEDs) in field emission (FE) and photofield emission (PFE) and the work functions have been measured at room temperature for the (100), (110) and (111) W facets with Ba overlayers in the range of coverage from 0 to 1 monolayer. In order to interpret the experimental data, the full-potential linear augmented plane wave method for calculating the electronic structures of periodic lattices within the LDA has been extended to obtain the TEDs in FE and PFE from W/vacuum and W/Ba/vacuum interfaces. A prominent peak observed experimentally at -1.90 eV in PFE from W(100) with a c(2×2) Ba overlayer is attributed, in contrast to previous work, to hybridization of dz2 -like surface states of clean W(100) with s -like states of the overlayer. It is suggested that a prominent asymmetrical peak observed at -0.65 eV in FE from W(111) is due to two bands of dz 2 -like surface resonances, and a prominent peak observed at about -2.0 eV in PFE from W(111) with a (1×1) Ba overlayer is attributed to hybridization of these same resonances with s -like states of the overlayer. It is shown that several of the peaks observed in PFE are induced by the reduced symmetry of the overlayer. It is found that when an isolated (31/2×3 1/2) Ba layer is adsorbed on W(111) it undergoes a nonmetal-to-metal transition and the surface electronic structure is dominated by inter-layer W-Ba interactions. The atomically-denser isolated (1×1) Ba layer is metallic, and when it is adsorbed on W(111) the surface electronic structure is dominated by intra-layer Ba-Ba interactions. These properties are also discussed for Ba overlayers on W(100) and W(110). A c(2×2) Ba overlayer on W(100) induces a strong electric dipole layer between the substrate and the overlayer and a weak oppositely-directed dipole layer outside the surface, which together account quantitatively for the observed reduction in work function. In view of the success of the present method in interpreting the TEDs in FE and PFE at W/Ba interfaces, it is also applied to calculate the surface electronic structures of these interfaces and the results are discussed.
Power allocation in cooperative OFDM wireless systems with imperfect implementation

Cooperative communication is emerging as an effective tool for realizing efficient wireless networks. Performance of these systems has been shown to be enhanced significantly by dynamic resource allocation especially in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. On the other hand, dynamic resource allocation imposes signalling and computational overhead on the system. In this thesis we investigate the relation between overhead and performance improvement. A multi-relay OFDM system is considered, where cooperation gain of distributed antenna array is exploited. We investigate into the optimal power allocation and discuss signaling implementation for the optimal solution. We propose suboptimal schemes with considerably less overhead. Further we investigate how imperfect implementation of these scheme results in performance degradation. We also analyze how much feedback is needed to implement this scheme.