VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
A genetic-epidemiologic study of fallopian tube cancer

Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube is a rare disease, with a poor prognosis and unknown etiology. Recent work, however, suggests that a substantial percentage of fallopian tube cancers may be in families carrying the BRCA1 gene. A population-based case-control study was conducted in which reproductive and lifestyle information on 51 cases was compared to 101 controls. Blood samples obtained from cases were tested for BRCA1/2 mutations. The results suggest that first degree female relatives of fallopian tube cancer cases are at greater risk of developing early-onset breast and ovarian cancer compared to the general Ontario population. Germline mutations in BRCA1/2 were found in 4 (9%) cases. Multivariate analyses indicated that usage of oral contraceptives (O.R. = 0.24; CI 0.10-0.59) and condoms (O.R. = 0.16; CI 0.03-0.84) conferred a significant protective effect against the development of fallopian tube cancer. These results provide the flat epidemiologic evidence, that fallopian tube cancer may have similar etiologic factors to epithelial ovarian cancer.
A source impedance-compensated artificial voice for speech intelligibility testing

This thesis describes the development of a Voice Sound Simulator to measure the intelligibility of mask speech. In contrast to previous voice sources, the Voice Sound Simulator uses digital signal processing to simulate the acoustic properties of the human voice. Specifically the simulator models the source impedance of the human voice to recreate the spectral characteristics of mask speech. A Thevenin model of the human voice was developed using linear Prediction of speech. Using the Thevenin model the long-term average speech spectrum in a mask can be predicted. The ability of the Voice Sound Simulator to match the long-term average speech spectrum recorded for subjects is demonstrated in the free-field and in a particular mask. A commercially available instrument, STIDAS, is used in conjunction with the Voice Sound Simulator. STIDAS generates and analyzes a speech like electrical test signal. When used with the Voice Sound Simulator the STIDAS test signal is converted into an acoustic signal inside a mask. A microphone is used to provide a return signal to STIDAS which is analyzed for the reduction in intelligibility caused by the mask. The Voice Sound Simulator is part of a larger project which involved the design of an anthropometrically correct headform, and a breath simulation pump. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Pushing the limits of acidity and basicity of transition metal hydride complexes, studies of acidic dicationic dihydrogen complexes of iron (II) and basic anionic hydride complexes of iridium (III)

['Trans'-Fe(H2)(CO)(dppe)2]2+ (pKa < -5) was generated by protonation while [' trans'-Fe(H2)(CO)(depe)2]2+ (pK a > -2) was generated using molecular H2. These complexes were characterized in solution but were not isolated. ['Trans'-Fe(BF 4)(CO)(depe)2][BF4] and ['Trans'-Fe(OTf)(CO)(depe) 2][OTf] were isolated and characterized. ['Trans'-FeF(CO)(depe) 2]+ was generated from ['trans'-Fe(BF 4)(CO)(depe)2]+ and characterized in solution but was not isolated. The compounds [K('Q')][IrH4(PR3) 2] ('Q' = 18-crown-6, R = Ph, iPr, Cy; ' Q' = aza-18-crown-6, R = iPr; 'Q' = diaza-18-crown-6, R = Ph, iPr, Cy) were formed in the reactions of IrH5(PR3)2 with KH and 'Q'. The PCy3 compounds were not isolated. In solution [IrH4(PR 3)2]- (R = Ph, Cy) are 'cis' but [IrH4(P'i'Pr3)2] - is a mixture of 'cis' and 'trans' isomers. There is evidence of solution proton-hydride bonding of the aza salts. In the solid state the anion in [K(18-crown-6)][IrH4(Pi Pr3)2] is 'cis' but it is ' trans' in [K(diaza-18-crown-6)][IrH4(PiPr3)2]. [K(diaza-18-crown-6)][IrH4(PR3)2] (R =Ph, iPr) form solid-state chains linked by proton-hydride bonds.
La cuestión de la identidad y otredad en Deshoras de Julio Cortázar, una indagación hermenéutica

The question of the relation of self and other is consistent with the whole of Julio Cortázar's narrative. His work reflects what is considered to be the transition from modernity to postmodernity, a fact that articulates this narrative's attitudes towards the question. On the one hand, the negation of the subject in terms of presence and the rationalism of the Cartesian ' Cogito' can be related to existentialism. This existential subject in Cortázar, stimulated by the possibility of "poetic language" as a means of transcendence, reveals itself in a continuous search for a presence, in the form of epistemological optimism. In its desire to overcome the separation between self and the other, this agency falls into the trap of establishing new oppositions (one/double, falseness/authenticity). On the other hand, in ' Deshoras', this new circle of production of oppositions is subverted. If the first orientation is identified in terms of the utopian movement from multiplicity to coherence, the discourse of 'Deshoras' emerges as moving in a different direction: from union to fragmentation. Such a movement is not meant to establish a new hierarchy, but only to destabilize the principle of duality. My interpretation centers on the state of openness ("apertura") in which the stories of this last collection of Cortázar end: a state of contradiction exists between the materiality of the word and the impulse to subvert it. This contradiction is read in my thesis as the oscillation between one orientation that opts for "absence" (and relates, in my interpretation, to Derrida's notion of 'différénce '), and another, which tends to overcome the very principle of dualism between the absence and the subjective presence (which relates to the context of Emmanuel Levinas' "otherwise than being," the status to which the self is brought by its passive exposure to the other). Considered from this angle, the text of 'Deshoras' begins as a participant in a dialogue 'with' different orientations of the philosophical discourse of identity and alterity, but it ends up as a catalytic agent in a dialogue 'between' these orientations.
Personality, help-seeking attitudes, and depression in adolescents

Although there has been increased attention on individual differences among adolescents in their levels of adjustment, several factors still have not received extensive investigation. The current research investigated whether personality variables such as perfectionism and self-criticism are associated with depression and negative attitudes towards help-seeking in a sample of adolescents. A total of 132 Catholic high school students (51 males, 81 females) completed the Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale, the Perfectionism Self-Presentation Scale, the Adolescent Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, the Self Concealment Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Help-Seeking Scale. Descriptive analyses of the data indicated that the sample as a whole was characterized by high levels of depressive symptoms, consistent with past research on adolescent samples. Correlation analyses showed that higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with socially prescribed perfectionism, dimensions of perfectionism self-presentation, self-criticism, dependency, and self-concealment. Correlational analyses showed that negative help-seeking attitudes were not correlated significantly with depression, but negative help-seeking attitudes were associated with a dimension of perfectionism self-presentation and lower levels of dependency. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that perfectionism did not account for a significant degree of unique variance in depression scores once self-criticism and dependency had been entered into the equation. However, a dimension of perfectionism self-presentation (i.e., an unwillingness to disclose imperfection to others) did predict significant variance in negative help-seeking attitudes, over and above self-criticism and interpersonal dimensions of perfectionism as well as trait dimensions and self-presentational dimensions of perfectionism in adolescents as they relate to depression and attitudes towards help-seeking. The results are discussed in terms of their clinical implications and possible delivery options of mental health services for those at risk.
Group interaction in computer mediated communication, does gender play a role?

This study looked at the differences in how men and women in two graduate classes "talk" in CMC. Research in face to face mixed group discussions documents that women tend to talk less than men do. Consequently, this work assesses the database of the discourse of students from two graduate classes at the University of Toronto, to see if similar behavior continues in online environments. Analyses supported the notion that the difference between genders continues, as the database showed that the number of notes posted by women was significantly lower than men, and the number of words written was also smaller. These findings, although in support of the hypothesis, suggest that further study is needed before it can be concluded that face to face group behaviour is transferred to online discourse. Implications of study findings and future research recommendations are discussed.
The relation of corticosterone and circadian rhythms in the aged Syrian hamster, their effect on the acquisition of hippocampal-based learning and memory

A prominent feature of aging is the variability with which there is a decline in cognitive processes. Two lines of evidence have been particularly useful in distinguishing between unsuccessful and successful aging populations: the increase in circulating glucocorticoids and age-related circadian rhythm dysfunction. The present experiment investigates whether these phenomena are two aspects of a common pathology resulting in cognitive impairment. Aged hamsters (>15 months) were divided into learning impaired and unimpaired groups based on performance on a conditioned place preference task. Corticosterone levels and rhythmicity were measured with a radioimmuno assay. Circadian locomotor rhythmicity was measured. Mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptor levels were measured in the dentate gyrus and CA1-3 fields of the hippocampus with immunohistochemical techniques. Levels of these receptors reflect an animals ability to regulate glucocorticoid levels via negative feedback. Learning impaired animals displayed circadian rhythm dysfunction in circulating corticosterone, but not locomotor activity. This is likely due to the greater sensitivity of the adrenal cortex to circadian dysfunction. Contrary to expectations, basal levels of corticosterone were lower in learning impaired animals. Laboratory limitations precluded the measurement of cortisol, restricting conclusions about overall glucocorticoid levels. Groups did not differ in MR and GR levels. The hypothesis that circadian dysfunction and increased glucocorticoid levels are two aspects of a common pathology leading to cognitive decline was not directly supported. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.
Synthesis of Ã,Ã-difluoromethylenesulfonic acids on a soluble polymer support and their evaluation as inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases and aryl sulfatases

A small molecule library of biaryl derivatives bearing the Ã,Ã-difluoromethylenesulfonic acid (DFMS) group was prepared on non-crosslinked polystyrene (NCPS), a soluble polymer support. The liquid phase organic synthesis approach was employed which enabled the reactions to be carried out under homogeneous conditions and monitored by conventional 19F NMR. To prepare the library, (3-bromophenyl)(difluoro)methanesulfonates were attached to 5% 4-hydroxylated NCPS via an ether linkage. Suzuki cross-coupling was then used to form the polymer-bound biaryl compounds. The products were cleaved off the polymer support by mild, basic hydrolysis. Product yields ranged from 34-97%, with most of them being suitable for biological screening (95-100% pure). The biaryl DFMS compounds were examined as inhibitors of two protein tyrosine phosphatases, PTP1B and CD45, as well as with crude aryl sulfatase from ' H pomatia'. The most potent inhibitor for these three enzymes had an IC50 of 14 [mu]M, 31 [mu]M, and 334 [mu]M, respectively.
Hydrogen bubble characterization in alkaline water electrolysis

This thesis investigates the process of bubble evolution in water electrolysis. Little experimental data exists for conditions found in commercial electrolyzers so that the primary focus was to develop experimental technologies, which would allow measurements under these conditions. The project was successful in demonstrating that Image Analysis and Laser Scattering Particle Size Analysis were useful in analyzing the bubble evolution phenomena. Hydrogen bubbles were produced from water electrolysis in 1 M K 2CO3 at room temperature and pressure using smooth screen, rough screen, crystalline plate, and amorphous-alloy plate electrodes. Plate electrodes produced more uniform bubble size distribution than screen type cathodes. The mean bubble size, for applied current density of 100 to 250 mA/cm2, decreased in the order of plate electrodes > rough screen > smooth screen electrodes. Bubble size increases with decrease in electrolyte flowrate and increase in current density (except for the rough screen electrode).
Going global, Ontario colleges of applied arts and technology, international student recruitment and the export of education

The Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario (CAATs) are engaged in a wide range of international activities which have not previously been the subject of any in-depth study. This thesis provides the first comprehensive examination of the international student recruitment and educational export activities of the CAATs. This study, relying on literature reviews, a survey of the colleges and interviews with college administrators, explores the historical evolution of recruitment and export activities, the motivation behind participation in these activities and the financial implications of export and recruitment. The study also reviews some of the linkages between international student recruitment and export and internationalization and globalization. The findings of the study reveal that the international activities of the CAATs had very modest beginnings, with colleges being involved in one or two small international development projects funded by the Canadian International Development Agency. These development projects have evolved towards privately funded and secured contracts. Many of the CAATs have experienced significant growth in their international activities and are now very active participants in the international education market. Though the colleges tend to have projects and recruit students from all over the world, much of the recruitment and export activity is focussed in the Asia-Pacific region. The study revealed that the colleges are motivated to participate in these activities by the potential for financial gains and by the opportunities for personal enrichment and intellectual growth that these activities present to students, faculty and staff. The study also reveals that the colleges are not experiencing the high levels of financial success that they desire. The colleges are confronted by several issues which have had an effect on their international activities. These issues include the need for better marketing strategies, a lack of funds for generating international business and a relatively low international profile. Many of these issues cannot be solved by the individual colleges, and there is an obvious need for more cooperation between colleges, increased support from both levels of government and the development of an overall international marketing strategy for the Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario.
Asking and talking about a history of childhood sexual abuse

This study inquired about patients' perspective on being asked about a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Three research questions were asked: (1) From the patients' perspective, who do they report should be asking about a history of CSA? (2) How do patients wish to be asked? and (3) If CSA was revealed, what are patients' experiences of both being asked and talking about CSA with nursing staff? Twenty-nine psychiatric inpatients from three hospitals were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule developed by the researcher. A thematic analysis of each research question was conducted. Analysis of research question number one identified the following qualities in those who ask: (a) consistency in care givers, (b) being trained to deal with disclosure, and (c) doing something with the information. Analysis of research question number two identified the following themes: (a) asking in context of other relevant questions, (b) ensuring confidentiality and privacy, (c) timing inquiry appropriately, (d) ensuring clinicians have adequate time to listen, (e) presenting patients with an option to answer, and (f) creating an environment where disclosure can happen at clients' initiative. Analysis of research question number three identified two themes: (a) Task focused behaviors, and (b) authentically interested nurses. One critical implication is the need for nurses to be sensitive to the process of inquiry. Not only is it important for nurses to inquire, but how inquiry into CSA occurs is very important from the patients' perspective, and needs to be given careful consideration.
Island, highland, and undecipherable blackness, natural landscape imagery in the novels of Robert Louis Stevenson

Little has been written about Robert Louis Stevenson's use of natural landscape imagery in his work, and how he differed in tins respect from the Romantic and Victorian traditions with which he is associated. In Stevenson's portrayal of landscape in his fiction, a movement towards modernist themes and techniques is apparent, particularly in relation to the development of character consciousness. In this study I will focus on 'Treasure Island ', 'Kidnapped', and 'The Master of Ballantrae', and trace an increasing complexity and richness of resonance in the way that Stevenson uses landscape, at first simply to establish mood and foreshadow action in 'Treasure Island', but later relating it to the achievement of maturity and independence in an environment presented as morally relative. In 'Kidnapped', these themes are specifically politicized even in the use of landscape as David Balfour, moving through the rugged Highlands, changes from a boy to a man as he realizes his ties to his Scottish homeland as well as to the Highland people and traditions. Finally, in 'The Master of Ballantrae', nearly every image related to the natural landscape serves to further complicate the blurring of good and evil in the "incubus" figure of the Master. Thus Stevenson is extending and in some ways subverting the Romantic-Victorian tradition of landscape imagery, which aimed to inspire contemplation, illuminate setting, and foreshadow the action. What Stevenson does is integrate natural landscape imagery with a sense of character more complex, ambiguous, and modernist than Romantic-Victorian, an achievement anticipated and contextualized by the author's other fiction, long and short, as well as his many travel writings, poems, essays, and letters.
Raman studies of mass-selected metal clusters

Sputtering a metal target under high vacuum conditions with 15 mA of 25 keV Ar+ ions produces cationic metal clusters, which are extracted and collimated into a beam using standard ion optics. A particular cluster nuclearity is selected from the beam by a Wein filter, co-deposited on an aluminum paddle with a matrix gas Ar+ or CO) at cryogenic temperatures, and neutralized. Once enough clusters accumulate, Raman spectra are excited by various lines of an Ar+ laser. The scattered light is dispersed onto a charge-coupled-device detector using a three-grating spectrometer. Strong bands at ~165 cm-1, assigned as "breathing" modes, dominate the Raman spectra of Ag5, Ag7, and Ag9 deposited in Ar. These bands fall close in frequency to that of small length scale vibrations in solid silver, indicating that the bonding between the atoms in these clusters already approximates that of bulk silver. Comparison of the Ag5 and Ag7 spectra with theoretically calculated ones reveals that the structure of Ag5 , is planar trapezoid and Ag7 is tricapped tetrahedron. The Raman spectra of Ag3 and Fe3 in an Ar matrix show these both to be dynamic Jahn-Teller molecules. All of the bands in the Ag3 spectrum are accounted for using a linear plus quadratic Jahn-Teller coupling model. The Fe3 spectrum cannot be fit using this model, probably due to the high spin state of the cluster ('S' = 4). A new derivation of the matrix elements for the linear plus quadratic Jahn-Teller coupling model, based on operator methods, is presented. Deposition of Ag9 Ag20, Ag35, and Ag 50 in CO and collection of the Raman spectra in the v(CO) region show that these clusters enhance the Raman scattering of CO by a factor of a few hundred with a strong dependence on cluster size. The results are interpreted as the maximum possible enhancement by the Chemical Mechanism of Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering.
The Augustinian canons of Plympton Priory and their place in English church and society, 1121-c. 1400

In the twelfth century, the religious order known as the Augustinian canons flourished in England. Despite the fact that over two hundred Augustinian houses were founded in England, this order has received relatively little attention from scholars of English monasticism. The present dissertation contributes to the knowledge of the Augustinian canons through a study of the wealthiest house of this order in the South-West of England, Plympton Priory. It explores the links which connected the canons of Plympton with the laity, clergy, and episcopacy of the Diocese of Exeter. The dissertation begins with a discussion of the background and context of the foundations of Augustinian houses in England in the twelfth century. Chapter One questions the view that patrons founded these houses with the expectation that the canons would engage in pastoral care. It is suggested here that a significant factor in the popularity of the order amongst patrons and benefactors--especially bishops--was the dedication of the canons to divine worship and celibacy. Chapters Two and Three discuss how Plympton Priory built up and maintained its endowment. The Priory not only received generous donations from its patrons, the Bishops of Exeter, but also from the chief barons of Devon and their tenants. In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, Plympton effectively "managed" its inheritance in the face of usually unsuccessful challenges to its possessions by heirs of its benefactors and by Bishop Walter Bronescombe of Exeter. Chapters Four and Five explore the implications of the Priory's rights over churches on its relations with parishioners and its involvement with secular clergy. This dissertation challenges some of the assumptions scholars have had about the roles and activities of the Augustinian canons as well as the motives and status of their patrons and benefactors. The sources used for this research--unpublished and published charters, episcopal registers, and judicial and chancery records--have provided a wealth of information on an important Priory and on the intersection of religious and social history in medieval Devon and Cornwall.