VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
When the chromatic number is close to the maximum degree

Let [Delta]('G') and [chi]('G'), respectively, be the maximum degree and the chromatic number of a graph 'G'. The 'c'-colorability problem asks to determine whether there is a proper 'c'-coloring of 'G'. We know that ' G' is ([Delta] + 1)-colorable and the classical theorem of Brooks states that 'G' is not [Delta]-colorable only if 'G ' has a ([Delta] + 1)-clique or [Delta] = 2 and 'G' contains an odd cycle. Reed extended Brooks' Theorem by showing that there exists a [Delta]0 such that if [Delta]('G') >= [Delta] 0 then 'G' is not ([Delta] - 1)-colorable if and only if 'G' contains a [Delta]-clique. In this thesis, we extend Reed's characterization of ([Delta] - 1)-colorable graphs. We present a naive coloring procedure and a modification of this procedure. The modified procedure along with a structural decomposition plays an important role in our characterization of graphs with [chi] close to [Delta]. We characterize ([Delta] - 2), ([Delta] - 3), ([Delta] - 4) and ([Delta] - 5)-colorable graphs, for sufficiently large [Delta], and prove a general structure for graphs with [chi] close to [Delta]. We give a linear time algorithm to check the ([Delta] - 'k')-colorability of a graph, for sufficiently large [Delta] and any constant 'k'. Also, we solve the asymptotic version of an open problem on graphs without large complete subgraphs.
Patent claim language games, why interaction with others and with the external world is integral to inventions

This thesis draws on literature in the philosophy of language and science and considers several United States Supreme Court cases to examine how claims are construed to protect inventions. The thesis describes philosophical arguments why knowing the meaning of words requires interaction with others and with the external world. These arguments are applied to patent claims to argue that construing the words of patent claims will require interaction with others having relevant skill and with the external world. A parallel argument is made that the determining variants of an invention will also involve interaction with others having relevant skill and with the external world. Seemingly inconsistent rules of claim construction, such as the doctrine of equivalents, are reconciled with the requirement that inventions be defined by the claims once an externalist view of language and the invention is adopted.
Self-stabilizing transformations between message passing and shared memory models

We give a new formal definition of a transformation of self-stabilizing algorithms from one distributed model to another and propose a criterion for proving correctness of such transformations. Our method is more natural than the already existing simulation techniques. We give a new transformation of self-stabilizing algorithms from the synchronous and asynchronous message passing models to the asynchronous shared memory model. To do this, we implement a self-stabilizing algorithm that solves mutual exclusion in the shared memory model using read/write registers. This algorithm has improved time complexity compared with existing mutual exclusion algorithms. We also modify an existing transformation of self-stabilizing algorithms from the shared memory model to a message-driven message passing model with time-outs so that it transforms self-stabilizing algorithms from the shared memory to another message passing model that we define without using time-outs.
The clinical utility of a tool for optimizing written productivity

Occupational therapists investigating handwriting issues in children have no consistent method of assessment and treatment. This study investigated the usefulness of a decision-making guide, the Tool for Optimizing Written Productivity (TOW-P), for occupational therapists based on current clinical practice. In the first of two stages, 14 participating therapists used the TOW-P to guide the selection of interventions for up to five children currently on their caseloads who had written productivity issues. The therapists responded to two questionnaires about the usefulness of the tool and their clinical reasoning behind the intervention selections. In the second stage, six participants discussed the structure of the tool, the need for including additional information, and the factors considered during the clinical reasoning process of selecting interventions. The results indicated the TOW-P was clinically useful to the therapists. The revised TOW-P structure, along with trends identified during the clinical reasoning process, have potential for further study.
Children's perception of speech in noise

The purpose of the present investigation was to compare children's and adults' identification of speech in a background of multitalker babble. The question of particular interest was whether noise disproportionately impairs 5-year-old children's ability to integrate acoustic and linguistic information, to focus on word-initial information, or to benefit from semantic cues. Chapter 2 presents an experiment in which children 5, 9, and 11 years of age and young adults identified the final word of simple sentences, which were presented in two levels of multitalker babble. Participants responded by selecting one of four pictures. Although children required more favorable signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) than adults to achieve comparable performance, an equivalent decrease in SNR had comparable consequences for all age groups, indicating that sensory differences accounted for the age differences observed on this task. In the experiment presented in Chapter 3, children aged 5 and 9 and adults identified monosyllabic target words from choices that included phonologically dissimilar foils or foils differing only in their initial or final phoneme. The 5-year-olds experienced disproportionate difficulty on trials with final contrasts. They also performed more poorly than expected on trials with maximal contrasts. On trials with initial contrasts, however, 5-year-olds and adults performed comparably. Chapter 4 documents the attempts of children 5 and 9 years of age and adults to identify the final words of low- and high-context sentences in two levels of babble. Although SNRs were adjusted to equalize differences in stimulus audibility across age, 5-year-olds still performed more poorly than did 9-year-olds and adults. Listeners of all ages, however, showed comparable gains from context. In sum, when cognitive and linguistic demands of a task are minimized and stimulus audibility is equated across age, children's and adults' speech recognition in noise is remarkably similar. When the demands are increased, however, age-related differences emerge. Nevertheless, noise does not impair 5-year-olds' ability to attend to word-initial information or to profit from semantic contextual cues, both of which make important contributions to speech comprehension. In short, the present findings are inconsistent with the widely held view that noise has more disruptive effects on children than on adults.
Correlation of the hemodynamics and histology in the human right coronary artery

Cardiovascular disease is the world's leading cause of mortality. Hemodynamics has been implicated in the development of focal atherosclerotic lesions in medium and large sized arteries. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hemodynamics and atherosclerotic intimal thickening in the human right coronary artery (RCA). A statistical analysis of the distribution of intimal thickness in 20 RCA samples was performed. In addition, a patient specific investigation of the relationship between wall shear stress (WSS) and intimal thickness was conducted for 2 samples. In 65% of the cases studied, the proximal region of the RCA was found to have an eccentric intimal thickening pattern preferentially located at the myocardial wall. Only patients over the age of 50 exhibited a preferential eccentric intimal thickening on the inner wall of the RCA. An inverse correlation between intimal thickening and wall shear stress of r = 0.456 was found for the patients studied. This result suggests that an inverse relationship between hemodynamics and atherosclerosis exists within the RCA.
Structural, biophysical, and functional studies on the head-tail joining reaction of bacteriophage [lambda]

Many crucial processes occurring within cells are mediated by macromolecular complexes. The bacteriophage [lambda] provides an excellent system with which to characterize a macromolocular assembly process. The [lambda] morphogenetic pathway is very complicated, involving the assembly of 22 different proteins and DNA. In this thesis, I examine a single step in the pathway, the head-tail joining reaction mediated by gpW and gpFII, at a molecular level. gpW is composed of only 68 residues, yet must interact with at least two other proteins in the phage, and probably with DNA. I found that fusion proteins with hexahistidine-tag sequences at either the N- or C-terminus are stably folded and biologically active. The protein is monomeric as judged by equilibrium ultracentrifugation, and appears to unfold by a cooperative two-state mechanism. Circular dichroism studies indicate that the protein is 47% helical, with a 'T'm of 71.3°C, and a [Delta]' G'u of 3.01 kcal/mol at 25°C. Mutagenesis of the three hydrophobic C-terminal residues of gpW showed that they are critical for activity, even though they do not contribute to the thermodynamic stability of the protein. I determined the solution structure of gpW using NMR spectroscopy and found it possesses a novel fold consisting of two Ã-helices and a single two-stranded ß-sheet arranged around a single, well-packed hydrophobic core. gpW displays an intriguing structural similarity with the "sliding clamp" proteins associated with DNA polymerases. Using a sliding clamp structure, gpW was modeled into a structurally plausible hexameric ring, which is consistent with its known roles in bacteriophage [lambda] morphogenesis. The NMR solution structure of gpFII was determined to be a novel fold comprised of 7 ß-strands arranged in a twisted ß-sandwich structure. A remarkable feature of this protein is the presence of two large unstructured regions, which we postulate may play a role in viral assembly. My results suggest that the two head-tail joining proteins from bacteriophage [lambda], gpW and gpFII, may both employ a disorder-to-order transition to control protein assembly in the virion.
Interfacial oligonucleotide chemistry studied by an on-line biosensor, radiochemical labelling and nucleic acid microarrays

This thesis presents the application of the thickness shear-mode (TSM) acoustic wave sensor to the study of interfacial oligonucleotide interactions. Radiochemical analysis of the TSM devices was performed and contrasted with confocal microscope analysis of the system immobilized onto glass slides. Initial studies involved the investigation of HIV-1 TAR RNA and Tat peptide interaction. A 31-base sequence of the TAR RNA was immobilized to the TSM surface and challenged with a 12-amino acid peptide derived from the Tat protein such that the binding sites of both were incorporated. This was studied using both 32P-labelled TAR RNA and 125I-labelled peptide and compared with previously obtained data from the TSM sensor. The results showed that the TSM sensor is sensitive to actual TAR RNA/Tat peptide binding interactions occurring at the interface; nonspecific binding of peptide was verified by radiochemical experiments, however, this was not observed with the TSM sensor. The hybridization of a biotinylated 25-mer oligonucleotide probe with complementary, non-complementary and single-base mismatch 25-mer oligonucleotide targets at the liquid-solid (neutravidin-modified) interface of a thickness-shear mode acoustic wave device was studied. Under ambient temperature conditions, different signals were obtained for the complementary and non-complementary cases. For non-complementary interactions, the system exhibits behaviour characteristics of the production of intermediate duplexes, which are decomposed by the re-introduction of buffer solution. The use of higher temperatures has the potential to permit the distinct on of binding events involving a set of single-base mismatch 25-mers. The different responses observed were dependent on both the nature and the location of the instigated mismatch. Regeneration of the probe-modified surface was achieved using [lambda]-exonuclease, an enzyme that digests a single strand of double-stranded DNA starting from the 5'-end, cleaving single nucleotides as it progresses. Thus, with the 5' end of the probe strand inaccessible through he biotin-neutravidin linkage, the target strand was effectively removed by [lambda]-exonuclease digestion. This was confirmed by a series of radiochemical experiments involving oligonucleotides modified with 32P. Investigation was conducted into applying this to high density oligonucleotide arrays. Fluorophore-labelled oligonucleatide probes were covalently attached to silanized glass slides via a disulfide linkage. The slides were treated to fluorophore-labelled targets of complementary and non-complementary sequences and [lambda]-exonuclease digestion. The slides ere scanned using a confocal microscope to verify these interactions. It was shown that this method of regeneration could be applied to microarray technology.
Aeschylus' Oresteia, Silence, Criticism, Tragedy

In a study of the poetic deployment of silence in Aeschylus' ' Oresteia', I identify a rhetorical form, which I call "silencing discourse," that is used by characters throughout the trilogy in order to prevent or ineffectuate dangerous utterances. I argue in particular that the behaviour and speech patterns of the chorus of the 'Agamemnon' can be characterised by a devoted commitment to silencing discourse and its semantic and semiotic structure. The structure of silencing discourse is then shown to be a major informing element in the staging and the narrative development of the trilogy, particularly in the manner in which Clytemnestra is staged during the parodos of the 'Agamemnon', but also in the characteristic staging of the 'Choephori' and the 'Eumenides'. Silencing discourse structures the relationship between Apollo and a series of "avenging" figures such as Clytemnestra and the Erinyes. However, Aeschylus intends a critique of the logic of silencing discourse: in his portrayal of Apollo, and then more extensively in his characterisation of the jury of Athenians in the 'Eumenides', Aeschylus introduces the notion of 'criticism' as a corrective to silencing discourse. In addition to providing a certain interpretation of the Athenian democracy, which I touch on lightly, criticism provides an explanation for the relationship between tragedy, or "tragic knowledge," in Jaspers' terms, and the tragic condition.
Identification of genes important to Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation

A biofilm is a structural community of bacteria adherent to a surface and enclosed in a self-produced exopolysaccharide matrix. Bacteria in biofilms have a unique multicellular architecture and increased resistance to host defenses and antimicrobials. The transition from a planktonic existence to a biofilm involves changes in gene expression. An IVET ('in vivo' expression technology) approach was used to study gene expression in 'Pseudomonas aeruginosa' biofilms. An AraC transcriptional regulator homologue, PA3782, and a GMC oxidoreductase homologue, PA3710, were found to be upregulated in biofilm bacteria and important to biofilm formation. PA5065, a 'ubiB' homologue, was found to be upregulated in biofilm bacteria and essential for survival regardless of the mode of growth. In conclusion, gene expression in 'P. aeruginosa' biofilms seems to reflect responses to physiochemical environmental stimuli. The genes identified in this study appear to be involved in adaptation to increased omsmolarity and to oxygen and nutrient limitations.
Admittance of an Ionospheric Rocket Antenna

Considered here is the experimental and theoretical input admittance of a plasma-immersed monopole antenna oriented in the direction perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field. The study is motivated by the need to know the admittance of the antennas used in the OEDIPUS-C ionospheric rocket experiment. Theoretical calculations were carried out by adapting an existing approximate transmission-line analysis. Corresponding scale-model laboratory experiments were carried out in a laboratory plasma chamber. Theory and measurements focused on resonance behaviour caused hy sheath waves propagating along the antenna. Theoretically predicted low-frequency sheath-wave passbands are in accordance with experimentally observed resonance characteristics. In particular, the existence of a very-low-attenuation passband above the cyclotron frequency in the presence of a weak ambient magnetic field has been identified.
Symbolic immersion process, an exploratory study of learning through intrinsic processing

In this thesis, I examine the imagination as a tool for learning, specifically how it can be directed to create psychological and physiological changes. I explore this by using the imagery theory and technique that I have created called the 'Symbolic Immersion Process' (SIP). The SIP is based upon the idea that internal images are the center of consciousness, and consequently, they can be used as a means of learning, transformation and psyche/soma reconstruction. I examine how the SIP can be used as an alternative or complementary approach to wellness in terms of both psychological and somatic transformation. This situates intrinsic learning and self-reconstruction as a unique approach to wellness because it is juxtaposed against the empirical/positivistic model of traditional paradigms. The particular question that I asked in the thesis was: to what degree could the SIP, which is an intrinsic process of reconstructing symbols that are directed to emerge from the imagination, promote emotional, mental and somatic well being in the case of an HIV seropositive person? For this inquiry, I conducted a 15 month case study, with a follow-up one year afterwards, of an antiretroviral drug-naïve HIV seropositive male using the SIP in order to analyze how the symbols that were consciously generated and directed during the procedure were physiologically--in this particular case immunologically--and psychologically efficacious. Finally, this thesis explores the question of the mind and body conundrum and proposes that they be treated as a whole, rather than dualistic or mechanical, system. My intrinsically based theory proposes that the symbol is the nexus of mind and body, and thus is an essential tool for bridging the socially constructed separation between psyche and soma.
Holocene floodplain development and prehistoric human occupation, lower Nottawasaga River, southern Ontario, Canada

A geomorphologic investigation of the lower Nottawasaga River, Simcoe County, southern Ontario, Canada was undertaken to address Holocene floodplain development processes to aid cultural interpretations of known prehistoric campsites. The thesis examines the mode of alluvial accretion in unconfined versus confined sections, respectively outside and inside the Edenvale Moraine, as well as the character of channel entrenchment. Reach-scale comparisons were made, including the specific study of Doran Lake which forms a neck cutoff within the study area. Results show a predominantly vertically accreted sandy floodplain, with some evidence of lateral accretion in unconfined sections. The present channel morphology was established in the early Holocene contingent on entrenchment at around the glacial Lake Hough phase. No strong evidence for catastrophic stripping was found in the higher energy confined reaches. Throughout, the erosion and re-deposition of cultural remains on the floodplain surface is unlikely for materials larger than sand.
Towards the rebuilding of community, the transformative possibilities of women's testimonies in post apartheid South Africa

This thesis explores the pedagogical and social importance of testimony as a practice of remembrance and its transformative possibilities, both individually and collectively through presenting a case study of one particular community of women in South Africa, in the process of remembering their lives during and after the apartheid regime. I examine how through these acts of speaking both privately and publicly, they and in turn, I, engage in the concept of 'remembrance learning', a learning ' from', and not just a learning 'about' the past. This thesis argues that testimony, oral or written, can be more than just a mining for facts, but a resource for a critical pedagogy where learning and remembering are intertwined. The emphasis of this thesis is on the 'possibility for transformation' in both the speaker and the listener of testimony and how this process can be used as a tool for social change.
Oxygen regulation of TGFß¦3 expression in the human placenta

Placental abnormalities may cause maternal or fetal morbidity therefore it is important to identify factors that regulate placental development. Oxygen and transforming growth factor ß3 (TGFß3 ) have been shown to regulate cytotrophoblast differentiation to the invasive phenotype. A mediator of oxygen effects on gene transcription is hypoxia-inducible factor-1Ã (HIF-1Ã). The purpose of this study was to examine the expression and regulation of HIF-1Ã and TGFß 3 in the human placenta. Results show that HIF-1Ã and TGFß 3 have the same pattern of expression in the first trimester, they are both aberrantly expressed in preeclamptic placentae, and oxygen regulates placental TGFß3 expression. Moreover, COS-7 cells cultured under low-oxygen conditions show increased TGFß3 promoter activity, and this effect is enhanced when the cells are transfected with HIF-1Ã. Therefore, we hypothesize that increased expression of HIF-1Ã in the placenta up-regulates TGFß3 expression, thereby causing shallow trophoblast invasion and predisposing the pregnancy to preeclampsia.
Integration of an expert system and experimental facility for advanced anti-G protection of jet fighter pilots

One of the adverse effects of Gz acceleration is G-induced Loss of Consciousness (G-LOC). The current protection scheme includes a pressure mask that supplies the pilot with nominal Positive Pressure Breathing (PPB) and a nominal pressurized G-suit to maintain pilot's head-level blood pressure above a critical threshold. Contrary to the current protection scheme, which only relies on momentary Gz acceleration to generate a nominal protection profile for all pilots, an Expert System is implemented to incorporate individuals' physiological indices such as age, weight, height, physical conditioning, and nominal blood pressure to determine individuals' Gz tolerance. According to individuals' Gz tolerance, deviation from the nominal protection profile is then computed to generate a personal pressure profile. In addition, Anti-G Protection Expert System (AGPES) also takes into account Gz history and onset rate to generate a better non-linear G-suit and PPB protection profiles. In this dissertation, an experimental facility is integrated to simulate low-level Push-Pull maneuvers and an AGPES is implemented to generate the pressure profiles. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)