VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The brownfield problem in urban Canada, issues, approaches and solutions

Over the last several decades, policy-makers and planners have been giving increasing attention to the remediation and redevelopment of contaminated sites. The present thesis reports on three research studies, conducted to gather relevant information on policymaking patterns, private-sector issues, and public benefits associated with brownfield redevelopment in Canada. The first study examines policy measures that are currently being adopted in Canada to deal with redevelopment, comparing them to those employed in the US and Europe. The main finding of the study is that brownfield policies and programs, both within Canada and between Canada and other jurisdictions, are converging in style and content. The reason for this is that governments are sharing similar costs and risks with the private sector in this domain. In Canada, the convergence process is occurring more slowly than in the other jurisdictions examined, largely due to the perception that the brownfields problem is a minor one that can be managed by the private sector. The second study examines the economic costs and risks involved in brownfield versus greenfield development in Ontario from a private-sector perspective, and then assesses the potential effectiveness of different policy mechanisms designed to attenuate costs and risks. The main finding of the study is that the private-sector perception that brownfield redevelopment is less cost-effective and entails greater risks than greenfield development is, on balance, true for industrial redevelopment projects, but not for residential ones. Furthermore, the study found that the attractiveness of residential brownfield projects can increase considerably with minor changes to existing policies and programs, but that industrial redevelopment would require a more vigorous policy approach The third study looks at the economic, social, and environmental benefits that brownfield redevelopment would entail for residents living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The findings suggest that industrial redevelopment of brownfields would generate moderate benefits, while residential redevelopment would entail modest costs to those living in the City of Toronto specifically. However, comparing the costs and benefits of brownfield-versus-greenfield development at the GTA level, both the residential and industrial redevelopment of brownfields would generate more net benefits to society than their greenfield counterparts.
Characterization of the cellular receptors for cardiovirulent coxsackievirus B3

This thesis examined interactions between group B coxsackieviruses. (CVB) and cell surface receptors, and identified mechanisms by which virus-receptor interactions could be important in the development of CVB-induced heart disease. The first study examined interactions between cardiovirulent CVB3 variants and their receptor, the decay accelerating factor (DAF). DAF was found to serve as a receptor for select virus variants. A role for DAF in the triggering of T cell activation pathways characteristic of CVB-induced myocarditis was hypothesized. The second study examined interactions between CVB and the coxsackle-adenovirus receptor (CAR). CAR was shown to be used by all CVBs tested including reference serotypes, clinical isolates, and cardiovirulent CVB3 strains. CAR was also identified as a functional receptor for the related swine vesicular disease virus. From these findings, a model for the role of CAR in determining virus tissue tropism was developed. The third study identified sites on the CVB3 virion which may have a role in virus-receptor binding. A system was developed for rapidly and reliably cloning infectious virus genomes. In the course of this work the genome of CVB6 was sequenced, which led to the completion of a phylogenetic profile for group B coxsackieviruses.
Adult ESL Student Attitudes towards Performance-based Assessment

Performance-based assessment, such as portfolios, presentations, and participation, is currently being used in many second language programs. A review of the literature prior to this research revealed that although there have been a number of studies and papers on performance-based assessment, including alternative assessment and authentic assessment, few have reported student reactions to this wave of assessment techniques. Therefore, the attitudes of adult English as a Second Language (ESL) students (N = 127) to performance-based assessment (portfolios, presentations, and participation) versus more traditional types of tests were surveyed by means of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative results suggest that the participants in the study perceived all four types of assessment positively. Analysis of background variables suggests that there were interaction effects for level of language proficiency and home country with regard to attitude toward assessment type. Other biographical variables showed little or no relationship to attitudes.
School-age children and adult automobile restraints, an analysis of the passenger car study

Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death to school-aged children in North America. There are no restraints designed specifically for these children; instead, they are placed in adult restraints. Previous studies have questioned the best type of restraint for this age group and suggested that the seat belt may be less effective in children when compared to adults. This study used data from Transport Canada's Passenger Car Study to evaluate the lap and lap torso-belts, while adjusting for the severity of the collision (Barrier Equivalent Velocity), age, and seat position. Results showed that the lap and lap-torso belts were statistically better than no restraint, but not statistically better than each other in reducing injury severity. Furthermore, these restraints were equally as efficacious for children as they were for adults.
Phosphorylation of human salivary proline-rich proteins in cultured cells

Phosphorylation of several salivary proteins is necessary for their biological functions. In vitro studies on partially purified kinase from human salivary glands have shown similarities as well as distinct differences to both casein kinase 2 (CK2) and Golgi Casein Kinase (G-CK). To overcome the possibility that fractionation of a kinase from salivary gland tissue may lead to the isolation of kinases that phosphorylate the secreted proteins in vitro but not in vivo, we have studied cellular phosphorylation of an acidic proline rich protein (PRP1). A human kidney cell line (HEK 293) as well as a human submandibular cell line (HSG) were transfected with an expression vector carrying the coding region of PRP1. By site-directed mutagenesis it was shown that phosphorylation of PRP1 expressed in these cell lines occurs at the same two sites (serines 8 and 22) as in the PRP1 purified from saliva. The sequence SQED at residues 8-11 has characteristics of both CK2 and G-CK consensus sequences. The sequence at serine 22 DSEQF does not conform to any known kinase consensus sequence. Phosphorylation of either residue was not dependent on phosphorylation at the other site. Studies on phosphorylation of serine 8 by site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that phosphorylation was not affected in the mutant D11A in which the CK2 recognition site is destroyed. In contrast, no phosphorylation was seen in mutants S8T and E10D, in which the G-CK consensus sequence is destroyed. An increase in PRP1 phosphorylation was observed when cells were incubated in the presence of brefeldin A and monensin, indicating that phosphorylation occurs proximal to the trans-Golgi. I conclude that phosphorylation of PRP1 is an early post-translational event, that phosphorylation of serine 8 and serine 22 are independent events and that G-CK-type kinase is responsible for phosphorylation of serine 8. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
New approaches to molecular diagnostics, identification of differentially expressed genes in breast cancer cell lines using cDNA aray hybridization and sequence analysis

In initial efforts to identify genes which may play roles in breast tumourigenesis, 950 cDNA clones were previously isolated by differential methods. DNA sequencing and homology searches of 208 cDNAs revealed 85 known genes and 67 unknown genes comprising 34 ESTs and 33 novel cDNAs showing no homology within the Genbank database. Expression profiles of 93 unique cDNAs were generated by array hybridization for breast cancer cell lines HTB126, HTB26 and MCF-7. Subsequent Northern analysis confirmed expression patterns of six cDNAs, three of which show differential expression and have not been previously implicated in cancer. T1F4/ribophorin II shows increased expression in HTB26 cells. The biological significance of this expression may relate to binding of ribophorin to the antiapoptotic molecule DAD1. cDNA clone T3B4 represents an unknown gene expressed at higher levels in estrogen receptor negative, invasive cell lines, suggesting a link between T3B4 expression and breast cancer progression. An additional novel cDNA, T3H3, appears to be upregulated in HTB26 cells. Using a combination of sequence analysis and gene expression fingerprinting, a number of cDNAs worthy of further investigation in the context of breast cancer were identified.
Women's experience of hemodialysis and sexuality, a qualitative study

The purpose of this study was to describe women's experience of hemodialysis and sexuality. Ten women living with hemodialysis were interviewed, using an in-depth, unstructured, face-to-face format. The data were analyzed by a method similar to Giorgi's (1975) phenomenological method. Data seemed to fall into three broad categories: (1) Physical sexual activity, (2) Relationship factors, and (3) Body image/self-concept/self-esteem. Sexuality included a physical sexual relationship for all women. Sexual activity was not of central importance to most women. All sexually active women experienced interference with, and changes in their sexual lives and feelings of guilt or obligation. Interpersonal factors influenced women's ability to re-establish a mutually acceptable sexual relationship (e.g., positive exchange of communication, understanding partners and role support). Women were self-conscious about body changes and how others perceived and reacted to them. Most women possessed positive self-concepts. All women experienced role changes however their acceptance of these changes varied.
Are there neuroses of health?, the relation of conformity to higher-order factors of the Big Five

This study replicates higher-order personality factors of the Five Factor Model (Big Five) reported by Digman (1997), which we label Stability, consisting of Emotional Stability, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, and ' Plasticity', consisting of Extraversion and Openness to Experience. Conformity, as indicated by measures of socially desirable responding, was moderately correlated with Stability but not Plasticity in the whole sample. For Ss low in Plasticity, correlations between Stability and conformity rose dramatically, climbing above .8 (p < .01) for the 24 individuals more than one standard deviation below the mean. For Ss high in Stability, a moderate negative correlation between conformity and Plasticity emerged. Thus, we can characterize individuals simultaneously high in Stability and low in Plasticity as especially prone to conformity. Plasticity and Stability are hypothesized to be related to biological substrates of approach and withdrawal, and conformists are characterized as individuals who avoid novelty through conformity with society's moral ideals.
T-cell receptor associated signals that modulate lymphocyte homeostasis

Lymphocyte homeostasis is central to the normal functioning of immune responses. Failure of T-cells and B-cells in either recognizing pathogens, becoming activated, proliferating, destroying pathogens, shutting down, or eventually decreasing in numbers can lead to immune dysfunctions such as the absence of adaptive immune responses, the generation of autoimmune diseases, or the induction of lymphoproliferative diseases. Many cellular receptors function together to regulate lymphocyte homeostasis. Among these, the CD28 co-stimulatory receptor is crucial to T-cell activation and proliferation. Moreover, CD28 has also been reported to regulate T-cell survival, a role usually associated with members of the TNF receptor supergene family. Similarly, some TNFR superfamily members, in addition to their role in apoptosis, have also been shown to influence cellular activation and proliferation. In an attempt to try to understand how these receptors function together to regulate homeostasis, we have studied the activation of intracellular signaling pathways downstream of the CD28 and CD30 cellular receptors. The findings, presented in Chapter 2, demonstrate that CD28 activates the sphingomyelinase pathway, a pathway often associated with apoptosis, and that this activation can participate in CD28's co-stimulatory activity. Chapter 3 presents evidence that CD30 can interact with TRAF-1, -2, and -3 survival factors, and defines the binding specificities of these intracellular signaling effectors with various TNFR superfamily members. The fourth chapter of this thesis is aimed at studying the function of a lymphocyte cellular receptor called Toso. The study was done by generating and analyzing a Toso knockout mouse. This receptor is thought to inhibit lymphocyte apoptosis induced by Fas, however, our results have so far failed to confirm a critical role for Toso in regulating Fas-induced lymphocyte killing. It is our hope that such studies will, one day, further our knowledge of lymphocyte homeostasis enough as to allow the design of interventions aimed at regulating specific defects in immune responses.
Association of DNAse hypersensitive chromatin domains with the nuclear envelope and with nuclear pore complexes in 3T3 fibroblasts

DNAse hypersensitive chromatin (DHC), putative transcriptionally competent sequences, exists either as pan-nuclear speckles, or as a shell apposed to the nuclear envelope, in cells with "flat" or spheroidal nuclei respectively. We postulated that DHC also associated with the nuclear envelope in "flat" nuclei, but that such an association may not be resolvable, due to the interdigitation at the nuclear midplane, of DHC associated with the upper and lower nuclear surfaces respectively. 3T3 fibroblasts, characterized by "flat" nuclei, were therefore subjected to hypotonic expansion, followed by 'in situ' nick translation to visualize DHC. Confocal analysis of unexpanded cells showed that DHC is present as a shallow dome predominantly at the apical aspect of the nucleus, i.e. the side facing the culture medium. This topology persisted after hypotonic expansion and argues for a polarized association of DHC domains with the nuclear membrane. Preliminary data also indicate a similar, polarized distribution of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). We conclude that the nuclear periphery may function as a compartment for the spatial coupling of transcription and nucleo-cytoplasmic transport.
Reflection in action, an enquiry into how CEOs learn to lead and learn to learn

While much research has focused on the functions, types, and models of leadership, few studies have explored the role that reflection plays in the professional and personal development of Chief Executive Officers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine if CEOs used reflection and if so, when, how and why it was used. This is a study about the how leaders learn to learn and how they learn to lead. Through a two phase interview process, the major themes identified were: development of self-knowledge as an impetus to take action; harnessing cumulative knowledge to enhance decision-making; development of reflective systems; and the roles played by tacit knowledge, confidence and fear. The findings provide interesting insight into CEO learning, growth and development. The study seeks to identify methods and strategies by which CEOs may further propel themselves and their organizations into the great opportunities that await the reflective mind.
Myxoma virus induced activation of CC-chemokine receptor 5, CCR5

Viruses have evolved a number of strategies to gain entry and replicate in host target cells that, for HIV and the poxvirus, myxoma virus, involves appropriating chemokine receptors. In this report we demonstrate that activation of the human chemokine receptor, CCR5, in the context of receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, is a pre-requisite for myxoma virus replication. Myxoma virus infection induces the rapid phosphorylation of CCR5 on tyrosine residues, the association of Jaks and p56lck and their phosphorylation-activation. Furthermore, inhibition of Jak2 through tyrophostin B42 results in decreased myxoma virus replication, whereas treatment of permissive cells with a p56 lck inhibitor results in an increase in viral replication. Additionally, we provide evidence for myxoma virus inducible Stat and IRS activation. In contrast to CCR5 activation effected by HIV Env protein, these myxoma virus-inducible phosphorylation events are not sensitive to pertusis toxin treatment. Moreover, in CCR5-expressing cells that are non-permissive for myxoma virus infection, we provide evidence that myxoma virus fails to activate CCR5 and invoke the prescribed tyrosine phosphorylation cascade. Consistent with the observation that infection of CCR5-expressing cells is blocked by herbimycin A, we infer that viral infectivity is dependent on subversion of non-G-protein coupled CCR5-mediated signal transduction pathways triggered by the infecting myxoma virus particle. This provides a novel post-binding mechanism by which viruses can co-opt a cellular receptor to permit productive virus infection.
Engagement of the insulin-sensitive pathway in the stimulation of glucose transport by Ã-lipoic acid

A primary metabolic response to insulin is the acute stimulation of glucose transport in muscle and adipose tissue. Activation of an intracellular signalling cascade by insulin results in recruitment of glucose transporters to the plasma membrane; a process impaired in type 2 diabetes. In search of other relevant insulin-mimetic agents our attention has focused on Ã-lipoic acid. Ã-Lipoic acid, a cofactor of oxidative metabolism and a potent antioxidant, was shown to enhance insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism and to stimulate glucose transport. Therefore, in an attempt to understand the mechanism underlying the stimulation of glucose transport by Ã-lipoic acid, the effect of this compound on glucose transporter localization and intracellular signals involved in the stimulation of glucose transport were examined. Tim results presented in this thesis suggest that Ã-lipoic acid stimulates glucose transport in a unique manner, by directly targetting elements of the insulin-sentitive signalling pathway.
A historical application profiler for use by parallel schedulers

Scheduling Algorithms that use application and system knowledge have been shown to be more effective at scheduling parallel jobs on a multiprocessor than algorithms that do not. This thesis focuses on obtaining such information for use by a scheduler in a network of workstations environment. The log files from three parallel systems are examined to determine the best way of categorizing parallel jobs for storage in a job database and the job information that would be useful to a scheduler. A Historical Profiler is proposed that stores information about programs and users, and manipulates this information to provide schedulers with execution time estimates. Several preemptive and non-preemptive versions of the FCFS, EASY and Least Work First scheduling algorithms are compared to evaluate the utility of the profiler. It is found that both preemption and the use of application execution time estimates obtained from the Historical Profiler lead to improved performance.
The role of adult education in national campaigns, a social-philosophical inquiry

The purpose of this thesis is to explore how adult educators can mobilize citizens across Canada to participate in a national campaign to change the direction of current federal government social policies and halt the erosion of federal government social safety net programs. This thesis also explores the extent to which adult education possesses an appropriate philosophical framework, together with historical experiences, practices and methodologies from which to draw and then adapt, in order to meet contemporary needs. The ideas of Moses Coady and Ned Corbett are presented, as well as the methodology of progressive school philosopher Eduard Lindeman as foundations upon which to proceed with a federally-focused campaign. Certain past adult education campaigns, movements and initiatives are explored to learn which methodologies and practices could be adapted to a current context. Many groups such as the Council of Canadians (COC), the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the New Democratic Party (NDP), the Ecumenical Council on Social Justice, community-based organizations and associations as well as "think tanks" such as the Caledon Institute of Social Policy contend that social safety net programs, essentially put in place by the federal government following the Second World War, have been dismantled, clawed back, eliminated or downsized over the past several years, fuelled in part by an ideological shift from a Keynesian to a Monetarist approach to economic policy which has had major ramifications for social policy development and delivery. This has had serious consequences for many Canadians who rely on federal government social and health care programs in times of need. In order to provide a contextual background for developing this campaign, thesis chapters also address issues such as what social policy initiatives have historically been built up in Canada, essentially post-Second World War, and what trends are currently occurring that necessitate adult education's potential involvement in such a nationally-oriented campaign. This thesis then identifies key questions and areas that need to be addressed in contemplating and preparing for a national campaign based on adult education philosophies, practices and methodologies, and proposes a prototype framework for the development and operationalization of such a campaign.