VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Time-based management and visualization of personal electronic information

TimeStore is a personal information management system that takes advantage of human autobiographical memory. Information such as email messages, tasks, calendar events, and notes are plotted on a two dimensional graph where time is displayed along the x-axis and the names of message sender are listed along the y-axis. Timestore also uses full text searching to replace the need of a semantic hierarchy to categorize information. This project included a redesign of TimeStore where many of the usability and functionality problems with the previous prototype were resolved. A usability study was conducted using Microsoft Camcorder to capture on screen interactions and users' thoughts spoken aloud for later analysis. The user evaluation indicates that users find time-based visualization and full text searching useful. Suggestions for improvements in TimeStore and the data capture tool are presented in the final chapter.
Laser-writing and characterization of single-mode rib waveguides on planar germanosilicate wafers

For the first time, a laser-writing technique has been applied to planar Germanosilicate wafers to fabricate rib waveguides. This approach is an extension of other laser-writing processes in polymers and in III-V semiconductors. Single-mode rib waveguides with large cross-section size of 8$\mu$m x 8$\mu$m have been fabricated using a 157nm F$\sb2$ excimer laser. The strong absorption of silica materials to 157nm radiation is key to providing smoothly etched surfaces. Surface scattering loss of the waveguides was 4dB/cm at 635nm wavelength, while the single-mode coupling efficiency from a single-mode pigtailed fiber was 11%. Computer simulation based on the Beam Propagation Method (BPM) has been applied to guide the waveguide design. The single-mode conditions and beam profile in the rib waveguide obtained by the simulation are in excellent agreement with the experimental observations. The thesis presents a comprehensive discussion of optimizing the waveguide quality based on several criteria including single-mode guiding, scattering loss, coupling efficiency and confinement factor. Comparison of this work with that of other research groups shows that our rib waveguides are attractive in large cross-section size, single-mode guiding, relatively large coupling efficiency and single-step fabrication. The thesis demonstrates that the laser ablation technique can be developed into a process competing with the Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) technique in fabricating silica rib waveguides for applications to photonic circuits. Future improvements of this technique are also addressed.
More than just the flu?, measuring the impact of influenza on hospitalizations of the elderly in Ontario, 1988-1993

This thesis examined the relationship between circulating influenza virus and admissions to hospital among elderly persons in the province of Ontario for four targeted conditions: pneumonia, congestive heart failure, chronic lung disease and acute respiratory disease for five influenza seasons from 1988-1993. Using administrative data, age and sex adjusted and age and sex specific rates and time series analysis found consistent strong relationships between influenza virus and admissions for pneumonia and congestive heart failure. The relationship was less strong for congestive heart failure and acute bronchitis. A structured chart audit indicated that pneumonia is accurately coded in a large administrative data base. The study concludes that influenza is a major cause of morbidity and hospital utilization in the elderly population and that administrative data is an excellent means of measuring the extent to which the goals of influenza control are being achieved.
Shifting the focus in anti-homophobia education

This study identified some of the pitfalls of modernist constructs in critical education by examining the actual practices of anti-homophobia education in a social service context. Most anti-homophobia education is premised on the belief that the problem of homophobia stems from the lack of information about the other. This study examined through a focus group and interviews the ways in which anti-homophobia educators interrogate issues of sexual identities and categories, and the use of personal experience, through the practices of panel discussions, disclosures, and using 'out' lesbian and gay educators. Central to this discussion is the way in which oppression and domination are understood and taken up in the education. This research found that while educators were cognizant of the limits of the modern subject and possessed an awareness that tolerance does not disrupt, they struggled to find a pedagogy that would push beyond the limits of tolerance, and take up some postmodern implications.
Determination of the apparent kinetic parameters of the NAT2-catalyzed acetylation of a series of sulfonamide-hydroxylamines and sulfonamides

The human arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) enzymes catalyze the transfer of acetate from endogenous AcCoA to a variety of substrates including arylamines and N-hydroxyarylamines. The sulfonamide antibiotics are among the substrates which undergo metabolism by NAT and other biotransformation enzymes. The apparent kinetic parameters V$\rm\sb{max}$ and K$\rm\sb{m}$ were determined for the NAT2-catalyzed acetylation of a series of sulfonamide-hydroxylamines and their parent sulfonamides using human recombinant NAT2 enzyme and an established enzyme assay. NAT2 catalyzed the acetylation of the oxygen of the sulfonamide-hydroxylamine and the nitrogen of the sulfonamide substrate. NAT2 displayed a higher affinity for the hydroxylamine substrates relative to the respective parent sulfonamides. Within the series of substrates studied, the substrate affinities of NAT2 increased as the number of methyl groups on the pyrimidine ring increased, and as the number of nitrogens in the N$\sb1$-substituent decreased. The apparent V$\rm\sb{max}$ values varied by less than one order of magnitude for all substrates. Both the apparent V$\rm\sb{max}$ values and the specificity constants $\rm(V\sb{max}/K\sb{m})$ were found to increase with the number of methyl groups on the pyrimidine ring. Previous research has illustrated a similar trend in the rates of acetylation by NAT2 in vivo.
The impact of paper additives on activated sludge

The primary objective of this research was to identify paper additives with a potential to cause adverse effects on an activated sludge effluent treatment system, using a screening method based on batch respirometry. The screening of twenty different paper additives used at Abitibi-Consolidated's Iroquois Falls Mill revealed that three basic paper dyes (Orange 3, Violet 5, Red B) one cleaner/solvent and a microbiocide are the most toxic to the respiring biomass in the effluent treatment system. Polymeric additives, such as drainage and retention aids had no observable impact on the biomass. Although the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) of the biomass was decreased by up to 61% by Orange 3 paper dye, at ten times the worst expected dose (750 mg/L), significant inhibitions are not expected under normal operations in the paper mill. Qualitative microscopic examinations, showing toxicity to rotifers and protozoa, substantiated the screening results and in some cases revealed that subtle toxic effects which occur at low doses are not accompanied by an observable decrease in OUR. Continuous pilot plant testing confirmed the validity of the batch respirometric screening protocol. A seven day exposure to 200 mg/L of Orange 3 paper dye resulted in a 53% decrease of the specific oxygen uptake rate in the aeration basins, and the disappearance of all rotifers and protozoa. A complete recovery quickly followed the removal of paper dye from the treatment system feed. Removal of paper dyes by adsorption onto the biomass is believed to be an important toxicity removal mechanism.
Characterization and localization of glomerular factor X activator in murine lupus nephritis

Glomerular fibrin deposition and induction of cellular procoagulant activity (PCA) are associated with both human and murine glomerulonephritis (GN). In order to examine the relationship between murine GN and glomerular PCA, we compared glomerular PCA in normal mice (Balb/cJ) and in three strains of lupus mice (MRL/lpr female, NZBxWF$\sb1$ female, and BXSB male) that develop immune complex mediated GN spontaneously. In young mice (age 6-8 weeks), at a time when there was no histologic evidence of renal disease, there was no difference in the spontaneous glomerular PCA between the normal and the lupus prone mice. However, older (5-8 months) autoimmune mice, but not Balb/cJ mice showed a significant augmentation in glomerular PCA, which coincided well with the histologic appearance of severe GN. Glomerular PCA was characterized as a direct activator of factor X because (a) expression of its activity required the presence of factors X, V and II (prothrombin), and (b) incubation of glomerular lysates with $\sp{125}$I labeled factor X revealed factor Xa generation. Factor X activator was characterized as a serine protease and the molecular weight was found to be 66 kD. Immunohistochemical studies using H4 localized factor X activator to the glomerular mesangium and capillary wall of 4 to 6 month old diseased MRL/lpr mice. There was a correlation between the expression of glomerular factor X activator, severity of nephritis and the presence of fibrin in the glomeruli. Furthermore, immunogold labeled H4 bound to the dense deposits in the sub-endothelial and mesangial regions as well as to the macrophages and altered endothelial-like cells of diseased glomeruli.
The effects of 12-lipoxygenase metabolites on vascular permeability in the rat skin

Increased vascular permeability is one of the features of acute inflammation. Metabolites of the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade have long been associated with this condition. In this study, the vascular permeability effects evoked by 12-HETE and hepoxilins (Hx), AA products of 12-lipoxygenase, were examined in the rat skin in the presence and absence of bradykinin (BK) and platelet-activating factor (PAF). 12-HETE was able to induce an increase in vascular permeability on its own while the hepoxilins were inactive. In the presence of BK, 12-HETE had no additional effects, while the specific forms of HxA$\sb3$(8R), HxB$\sb3$(10R) and Hx$\rm\Delta A\sb3$(LP) were able to potentiate the BK effects. Conversely, only HxB$\sb3$(10R) and Hx$\rm\Delta B\sb3$(LP) were able to cause potentiation of PAF-induced vascular permeability. Establishment and implementation of a fluorescence detection system using ADAM to the label carboxylic acid group demonstrated that BK- and PAF-stimulated skin preparations (in vitro and in vivo) produced predominantly 12-HETE. The results suggest that 12-HETE may act directly on the vascular endothelium to create gaps to increase vascular permeability, while hepoxilins may modulate the effects of other mediators.
Degradation effect of LiOH/F solution on ZrO¦2

Zircaloy-4 cladding material in LiOH solution with an H$\sb2$ overpressure (but not with an O$\sb2$ overpressure) undergoes a rapid oxidation excursion when traces of F$\sp-$ were added. LiOH is generally added to pressurized water reactor coolant circuits to control the corrosion of the steel circuit. Fluoride is produced in water cooled reactors from the (n,$\gamma$) nuclear reaction with $\sp{18}$O. Thus the corrosion behavior of Zircaloy-4 under the above conditions is of primary interest for the operation of pressurized water reactors. Detailed experimental investigations of these oxide films were made by Optical Microscopy, SEM, TEM, Capacitance, Impedance measurements and SIMS. Results showed that large crystallites of ZrO$\sb2$ and mixtures of oxyfluorides are present in the bulk of these oxide films (but not usually seen in oxides grown in water or steam). The oxide/metal interface of these specimens showed features that can not be associated with any metal matrix structures ruling out control by a solid state diffusional process. With the evidence suggesting a Hydrothermal Crystal Growth process inside the porous bulk of these oxides it is concluded that the mechanism of the oxide degradation in this solution is an oxide "dissolution and redeposition" process in the film triggered by concentration of F$\sp-$ in the porosity.
Understanding the function of the PH and CaLB domains of p120[superscript]G[superscript]A[superscript]P through the identification of interacting proteins

The GTPase-activating protein, p120$\sp{\rm GAP}$, is a negative regulator of the proto-oncogene product p21$\sp{ras}.$ GAP contains multiple domains, all of which may be involved in the regulation of this protein and therefore Ras to various incoming signals. Of these domains, very little is known of the function of the pleckstrin homology (PH) and Ca$\sp{2+}$-dependent phospholipid binding (CaLB) domains, but evidence suggests that they may be multifunctional domains involved in protein-protein or protein-lipid interactions. In hopes to gain a better understanding of the function of these domains in regulating GAP, the two-hybrid system was used to search for proteins that could interact with either of these two domains. This search was performed a total of three times, each time increasing the number of transformants under selection. However, no interacting proteins were found using this system. Other methods are now being employed to determine potential interacting partners of these two domains. These methods as well as some initial results are discussed.
Hierarchical application-oriented physical memory management

Page faults are becoming increasingly expensive in today's computer systems. Different applications present different access patterns, and therefore different page replacement policies are appropriate in each case. Thus, the operating system should support different policies for different parts of the system at the same time. This dissertation describes the design, implementation, and analysis of the physical memory management subsystem that we have developed for Tornado, a shared memory multiprocessor operating system. We developed a framework that defines a hierarchical distribution of memory management, in which each level in the hierarchy is responsible for certain portions of the system's memory. We developed mechanisms that allow policy enforcement at any of these levels, while at the same time providing for efficient communication between components of the hierarchy to allow memory to flow where it is needed most in the system. By managing the memory of different parts of the system independently, we allow applications to customize their memory management strategies to best suit their needs and access patterns.
The development of a stereospecific assay for selegiline hydrochloride

Selegiline ( (R) (L) -($-$)-N-, $\alpha$-dimethyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl) phenylethylamine hydrochloride) is a potent type B monoamine oxidase inhibitor used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The major metabolites (($-$) amphetamine and ($-$) methamphetamine) of Selegiline are devoid of central nervous system stimulation, however a small amount of (+) Selegiline would produce the central nervous system stimulants (+) amphetamine and (+) methamphetamine. Therefore, a chiral assay for Selegiline drug substance and tablets has been developed by derivatization with ($-$) menthyl chloroformate followed by separation of the dealkylated carbamates on a silica column. The reaction of Selegiline with ($-$) menthyl chloroformate consistently resulted in the formation of one product arising from the cleavage of the propargyl group. The developed assay procedure has been applied to the determination of ($-$) Selegiline in commercial tablet preparations. Analysis of ten tablets showed a recovery of 99.7% ($\pm$4.4) of the label claim. The assay is not sufficiently sensitive to allow determination of Selegiline in biological samples. In attempts to potentially increase sensitivity additional experiments with two achiral chloroformates, ethyl chloroformate and 9-fluorenyl methyl chloroformate were performed. Experiments with these two achiral reagents resulted in the formation of a mixture of product carbamates.
Age-related Differences in the Perception of Speech in Noise

The primary purpose of the present study was to develop a measure for examining age-related differences in the perception of speech in background noise. A four-alternative forced-choice, which incorporated features from previous studies, was designed to optimize the motivation of young children. Adults, 5-year-olds, and 9-year-olds listened to speech presented in background babble at two signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios that yielded approximately 60% and 85% correct identification. The S/N ratios required for these performance levels decreased with increasing age, as would be expected by age-related changes in auditory sensitivity. The differences in S/N levels associated with these performance levels were consistent across age levels, which implies processing similarities across age. In short, the present task is suitable for research and practical applications with young children.
Characterization of melatonin receptors and their signal transduction in the epithelia

Specific 2- ($\sp{125}$I) iodomelatonin binding sites have been observed in various peripheral tissues, including kidney and intestine. Such findings suggest the existence of epithelial melatonin receptors which implies that melatonin may exert certain epithelial functions. To investigate putative epithelial melatonin function, initially a study was carried to determine the subcellular distribution of melatonin receptors (MR) in the guinea pig small intestinal epithelia. To study the cellular mechanism of melatonin action on epithelia in greater detail, putative in vitro model systems including MDCK-1, LLPCK-1, OK-3, Caco-2 and HEK-293 (HEK) cells were tested for the presence of MR using 2- ($\sp{125}$I) iodomelatonin radioligand receptor binding. To explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of melatonin action on epithelia, the effects of melatonin on cAMP were examined. Along with the characterization of the MR in intestinal BLM and HEK cells, this study has also established the HEK cells as a useful in vitro model system and investigated the differential effects of melatonin on hormonal stimulated cAMP levels. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Implementation of hierarchical observer theory

A software package is developed to ensure the observability of discrete-event systems, based on the concepts of observer and reachability tree introduced in Kai Wong's thesis. Connections between the algebraic operations defined within this framework to Wong's theoretical results are formalized. The theoretical extensions to Wong's technical results are explored in detail, followed by the study of the properties of reachability trees. The definitions pertaining to the observer property are formulated and used to derive our algorithms. An extensive discussion of the algorithms is given, including the choice of data structures, search techniques and computational complexity. A pseudocode description of each algorithm is also provided. Given an arbitrary transition graph, a finite reachability tree can be constructed which contains all the transition information of the original model. The equivalence partition corresponding to the observability congruence is computed. A new observable model is obtained using the algorithms developed in this thesis. The blocking problem can also be solved as a by-product of this technique.
A description of the Canadian entry-level physiotherapist

A Description of the Canadian Entry-Level Physiotherapist profiles the Canadian physiotherapist at the entry-to-practice level and reviews the adequacy of three descriptions of the competencies of the Canadian pbysiotherapist at the entry-to-practice level. In the context of physiotherapy, competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for safe, independent, entry-level physiotherapy practice. This analytic, qualitative study reviewed two available descriptions of the Canadian entry-level physiotherapist, and developed a third description using a functional-analysis model to profile the Canadian entry-level physiotherapist and the inventory of competencies. A comparison of the three descriptions of the Canadian entry-level physiotherapist found that there is some overlap and linkages among them. A Description of the Canadian Entry-Level Physiotherapist can be used in teaching and evaluating physiotherapy students; in the review and revision of the national certification examination; and in measures taken to ensure and improve the quality of Canadian physiotherapy practice.
Outcomes of cardiac arrest patients in Metropolitan Toronto

Cardiac Arrest (CA) is most often an out-of-hospital event. In the best case scenario, the victim quickly receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by a trained bystander, who also activates the emergency medical services (EMS) by dialling 911. The arrival of trained ambulance staff provides access to appropriate care and transport to a hospital. Examining survival rates among CA victims using an acceptable uniform set of guidelines (Utstein) is one method currently available for evaluating the cardiac rescue outcome of an EMS program. The goal of this study was to determine the survival rates of those patients who suffer an out-of-hospital CA in Metropolitan Toronto. By breaking down the components of care from CPR to defibrillation and transport of patient to a hospital, it was possible to examine individually and in combination their impact on survival rates. In order to accomplish this task, a cohort of CA patients in the Metro Toronto Ambulance (MTA) database was identified, and subsequently linked to records in two other databases: Vital Statistics Information System (VSIS) and Canadian Institute of Hospital Information (CIHI). (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
The structural role of titanium in alkali and alkaline-earth bearing glasses

A review is given of the glass transition and the factors that affect it, followed by an overview of the terminology and experimental techniques used in structural studies of glasses. An overview is then provided of the structure of pure silica glass and structural studies along the TiO$\sb2$-SiO$\sb2$, Na$\sb2$O-SiO$\sb2$, and Na$\sb2$SiO$\sb3$-TiO$\sb2$ joins. Si K-edge XANES and $\sp{29}$Si MAS-NMR spectra were collected from alkali and alkaline-earth silicate glasses of metasilicate composition (R$\sb2$O:SiO$\sb2$) containing 0.01 to 27 wt% TiO$\sb2$. The alkali/alkaline-earth containing glasses are less polymerised than a-SiO$\sb2$. With increasing TiO$\sb2$ content, the polymerisation of the glasses increases. The increase in polymerisation indicates that the added titanium behaves as a network former. Titanium changes coordination from 4 to 5 at about 7 wt% TiO$\sb2$. Titanium in 4-fold coordination and in 5-fold coordination are found to have different effects on the average Si-O-Si bond angle and/or the Si-O bond length. This is seen as a shift of XANES peak D to higher energy up to $\sim$7 wt% TiO$\sb2$, and to lower energy above this value. A peak observed at $\sim$2.4 $\pm$ 0.2 eV above the Si absorption K-edge (peak B) is located at a similar energy to one which has been assigned to $\sp{\lbrack6\rbrack}$Si in silicophosphate glasses. The presence of this peak in silicophosphate glasses may interfere with peak area calculations used to quantify the amounts of $\sp{\lbrack4\rbrack}$Si and $\sp{\lbrack6\rbrack}$Si. The intensity of peak B increases with increasing weight of the modifying cation.