VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Identification by scales of hatchery and wild chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Credit River, Ontario

Lake Ontario contains both hatchery- and wild-origin chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), however, researchers do not know the relative proportions and do not have a technique to identify origin. This thesis provides an origin-determination technique based on scale analysis and identifies proportions of hatchery and wild adult chinook in the Credit River. Analysis revealed that the 3-axes method provided a discriminant function with the highest classification level (85.7% with a jackknife cross-validation of 81%). The discriminant function was developed based solely on differences of scale characteristics between hatchery and wild fish. Specifically, the characteristics that were utilized were: focus, STD 3--6, circuli 1, circuli 5, and circuli 2--4. Using this discriminant function, 58%--74% of spawning adults in the Credit River were determined to be of wild origin. Thus, we now have an assessment technique and first scientific calculation of the proportion of wild chinook salmon.
The constitutional legitimacy and illegitimacy of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act

Parliament's reliance on its criminal law power to intervene in the field of new reproductive technologies raises several division-of-powers questions. Neither theoretical rationales nor jurisprudential principles can justify the extensive recourse to criminal law undertaken by the federal Parliament. The expansion of the scope of this power endangers federalism because it annihilates the balance between the two orders of legislative power, allowing Parliament to legislate in exclusive provincial matters. Parliament fails to respect the principle that criminal law must be used with restraint and only when fundamental values are seriously at risk; the Act imposes criminal sanctions for minor threats, undermining the efficacy of criminal law as a mean of social control. Also, the delegation of regulatory power to the executive branch of the government is questionable, along with the validity of the equivalency agreement mechanism that confers to Parliament the authority to overlook valid provincial legislations.

Keywords: Human reproduction, Law and legislation
Constitutional law, Canada
Criminal law, Canada
Fat and carbohydrate induced suppression of food intake via CCK(A) receptors in rats

The objective of this thesis was to determine the effect of composition of fats and carbohydrates on food intake suppression by cholecystokinin. Fat (coconut oil, beef tallow, olive and safflower oil) and carbohydrate (cornstarch, sucrose, glucose, fructose) preloads were given intragastrically (1g/4ml) 30 min before feeding. Devazepide (0.25 mg/kg), was given intraperitoneally at 60 or 30 minutes before or with each of the macronutrient preloads. Devazepide reversed food intake suppression caused by all fat and carbohydrate sources but the effect was not consistently related to the time of devazepide administration or to any specific feeding interval. Among the macronutrients, the effect of coconut oil and glucose on food intake was reversed most by devazepide. It is concluded that fat and carbohydrate induced suppression of food intake occurs, at least in part, by a mechanism involving CCKA receptors but the composition of fat or carbohydrate is a determinant of the response.
Spatial analysis of cell death and Hsp70 induction in brain, thymus, bone marrow and testis of the hyperthermic rat

Stressful stimuli activate two very different cellular responses—the heat shock response which facilitates survival of the cell and programmed cell death. Previous studies have not correlated these responses in vivo at the cellular level in mammalian tissues. The present study utilizes a dual staining procedure involving confocal microscopy, namely immunocytochemistry for Hsp70 localization and the TUNEL method for cell death identification, to correlate the pattern of stress-inducible Hsp70 to heat induced cell death at the cellular level. The correlation between the pattern of cellular expression of constitutively expressed Hsc70 and heat induced cell death was also examined. Following whole body hyperthermia, an increase in Hsp70 positive cells and TUNEL positive cells was noted in brain, thymus, bone marrow and testis. However, two populations of cells were apparent in all tissues examined, those inducing Hsp70 and those triggered into programmed cell death. Cells that were both Hsp70 positive and TUNEL positive were rarely detected. Similarly, neurons and non-neural cells that exhibit high Hsc70 expression but do not induce Hsp70, were not triggered into heat induced cell death. This study supports the view that Hsp70 inhibits steps in the apoptosis pathway. Hence cell types inducing this heat shock protein in intact tissues of the mammalian body may be protected from being triggered into programmed cell death. Constitutively expressed Hsc70 may play a similar role in those cells that are unable to induce Hsp70.
Chromosomal basis of prostate cancer oncogenesis

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the leading cancer incidence in men in North America. While the etiology of CaP remains unknown, both environmental or epigenetic and genetic contributions have been associated with its carcinogenesis. Diagnosis and clinical disease management is complicated because CaP is characterized by multifocal presentation and phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity. Consequently, the current phenotype-based histologic grading system fails to discriminate between tumour subpopulations of intermediate grade with different disease potential. The molecular model of CaP progression from initial normal dysplasia to terminal late-stage metastatic disease suggests that the progression is in incremental steps involving multiple genetic alterations. This conceptual model is based on a limited amount of data and does not adequately account for the genotypic heterogeneity and multifocality evident in CaP. To improve our knowledge of the chromosomal changes associated with CaP oncogenesis, advanced molecular cytogenetics methods were used to define the cellular and cytogenetic heterogeneity present in CaP. Spectral karyotyping (SKY) analysis of virus-immortalized CaP cell lines derived from early-stage tumours suggested that loss of chromosome 8p and gain of 8q were initial critical events in CaP tumourigenesis. SKY and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses of established CaP cell lines also showed rearrangements of chromosome 8, a high frequency of centromeric rearrangements, together with spontaneous de novo structural and numerical rearrangements. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) following laser capture microdissection of a series of individual CaP microfoci identified distinct chromosomal copy number changes in each focus. However, the majority of foci had acquired changes of chromosome 8, often by different chromosomal mechanisms. Interphase FISH analysis of CaP cell lines and primary tumour cytogenetic preparations also suggested that chromosome 8 aneusomy was common, and implicated that numerical change arose because chromosomal segregation mechanisms were perturbed. Overall, these results underscore the importance of chromosome 8 alterations in CaP oncogenesis and implicate chromosomal instability as a mechanism for the generation of a high frequency of potentially adaptive alterations. These findings provide additional support for the genotyping heterogeneity that characterizes CaP in keeping with a model that invokes a polyclonal origin for CaP with multifocal presentation.
On the robustness of optimal scaling for random walk Metropolis algorithms

In this thesis, we study the optimal scaling problem for sampling from a target distribution of interest using a random walk Metropolis (RWM) algorithm. In order to implement this method, the selection of a proposal distribution is required, which is assumed to be a multivariate normal distribution with independent components. We investigate how the proposal scaling (i.e. the variance of the normal distribution) should be selected for best performance of the algorithm. The d-dimensional target distribution we consider is formed of independent components, each of which has its own scaling term [special characters omitted] (d) (j = 1,..., d). This constitutes an extension of the d-dimensional iid target considered by Roberts, Gelman & Gilks (1997) who showed that for large d, the acceptance rate should be tuned to 0.234 for optimal performance of the algorithm. In a similar fashion, we show that for the aforementioned framework, the relative efficiency of the algorithm can be characterized by its overall acceptance rate. We first propose a method to determine the optimal form for the proposal scaling as a function of d. This assists us in producing a necessary and sufficient condition for the algorithm to adopt the same limiting behavior as with iid targets, resulting in an asymptotically optimal acceptance rate (AOAR) of 0.234. We show that when this condition is violated the limiting process of the algorithm is altered, yielding AOARs which might drastically differ from the usual 0.234. We also demonstrate that inhomogeneous proposal distributions are sometimes essential to obtain of a nontrivial limit. Finally, we illustrate how our results can be applied to the special case of correlated targets whose distribution is jointly normal. Specifically, we prove that the sequence of stochastic processes formed by say the i*-th component of each Markov chain usually converges (as d → ∞) to a Langevin diffusion process whose speed measure varies according to target scaling vector. The demonstrations involve an appropriate resealing of space and time, as well as [special characters omitted] convergence of generators. We illustrate with a number of examples how practitioners can take advantage of these results.
Context-flow system-on-chip platforms

Recent evolution in system-on-chip (SOC) design methodology demonstrates an important omission of a design principle that directly contributes to the success of conventional computer systems: the use of a simple programming model to separate application from architecture. In an effort to restore the powerful concept of programming in the context of system-on-chip, in this work we propose a new programming model, called context-flow, that is general-purpose, simple, safe, highly parallelizable yet transparent to the underlying architectural details. A high-performance SOC platform architecture is then designed to support this programming model, while fully exploiting the physical proximity between the processing elements. Using an architectural exploration framework with a multi-processor simulator, our case studies on real life applications demonstrate the feasibility of adapting imperative C programs to context-flow programs, as well as the performance efficiency of our context-flow architecture over bus-based and packet-switch-based alternatives. Finally, we propose an analytical performance model, based on queueing networks, for the new SOC platform architecture that is simple, synthesis-friendly, and as flexible and powerful as queueing theory.
An investigation of clients' emotional processing in process-experiential and cognitive-behavioural therapies: processing with head and heart

The role of emotional processing has progressively been playing an important role in the theory and practice of psychotherapy. Some research has shown that techniques focused towards facilitating changes at the affective level produce more potent and beneficial changes than those geared at the cognitive level alone (Castonguay, Goldfried, & Hayes, 1996; Watson & Bedard, 2006; Watson & Rennie, 1994). Moreover, it has been suggested that better therapeutic outcome is associated with clients' engagement in deeper emotional processing and reflection of their expressed emotions, as opposed to clients' level of emotional expression in isolation (Elliott et al., 2003; Kennedy-Moore & Watson, 1999). The current study examined the combination of two specific in-session emotional processing variables, clients' expressed emotion and clients' depth of experiencing, and how they related to outcome in both process-experiential (PET) and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy (CBT) for depression. It was proposed that clients' level of expressed emotion plus clients' depth of experiencing would predict therapeutic improvement better than either emotional processing variable alone, and contribute to outcome over and above the working alliance. Regression analyses demonstrated that clients' modal level of expressed emotion in the early sessions plus clients' highest level of experiencing in the working sessions predicted significant changes in clients' depression at termination. This suggests that clients' emotional processing, as measured by clients' depth of experiencing, may be an active ingredient of change in the treatment of depression across different therapeutic orientations. In addition, clients' highest level of experiencing in the early phase of therapy predicted changes in clients' depression, psychological distress, and self-esteem at the end of therapy, while clients' highest level of experiencing in the working sessions predicted changes in depression and overall psychological distress at the end of the sixteen week treatment. However, clients' emotional processing was not predictive of changes on clients' dysfunctional attitudes or interpersonal problems over and above the working alliance at the end of therapy. Implications and future research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Constructing knowledge, purpose, and organization inside Ontario's Royal Commission on Learning (1993-1995)

In this dissertation I focus on Ontario's Royal Commission on Learning (RCOL), established on May 4, 1993 as an initiative of the New Democratic Party government. RCOL was mandated to study and make recommendations for a range of topics pertinent to publicly-funded education, for Kindergarten to OAC, including accountability, governance, program, and vision. With the release of its report to the Minister of Education and Training in January 1995, RCOL was “decommissioned.” I examine and analyze this policy-oriented royal commission from three complementary perspectives, the construction of (1) knowledge, (2) multiple purposes, and (3) organization. Constructivist theory is used to examine how RCOLers actively built their individual and collective knowledge bases, developed the Commission to serve several public purposes, and how they established and maintained an instrument especially devised for these ends. A related purpose of this study is to compare the experience of policy-oriented commissions with that of RCOL. The main contribution of this dissertation is that it is the first, in-depth analysis of a policy-oriented royal commission that utilizes a multiple-perspectives conceptual approach with participant observation as the main research instrument. Document analysis and interviews are the other important means of gathering data for this qualitative case study. I broadly define the elements of knowledge construction to include political, social, economic, and policy contexts, as well as the mandate, the orientation period, public consultation, internal deliberations, and the writing process. The deliberation of public values is also part of knowledge construction. The discussion of multiple purposes addresses a number of important functions of this Commission, such as policy advice, evaluation, research, consensus-making, political instrument, and what I term the “cathartic bully-pulpit” function, the release of stakeholder tension and leading the debate on educational reform. The organizational perspective involves elements of the task environment, the nature of the tasks, coordinating mechanisms, roles, leadership, power, culture, and organizational type.
Multi-camera benchmark localization for mobile robot networks

To this end, the feasibility of a low-cost initial benchmark localization system to perform video tracking and surface projection is investigated. Different target detection, acquisition and tracking algorithms are proposed, investigated, implemented and tested. Alternate systems are suggested and analyzed, and the optimal system is chosen. A system simulator is constructed to model arbitrary surfaces and vehicles, and a calibration routine is devised. Testing is done to determine the accuracy and robustness of the chosen system. Finally, the physical hardware implementation is presented, along with component lists, schedule, and estimated costs. Proper performance analysis of mobile robot motion controllers requires benchmark systems to measure robot position and orientation. Ongoing efforts to construct a simulated Martian environment for exploratory mobile robot testing require a robust, real-time, flexible benchmark localization system to be implemented in the MarsDome facility at low cost.

Keywords: Robots, Control systems
Mobile robots
Regulation of matrix degrading enzymes in arterial remodeling during development and in response to experimental alterations in hemodynamic forces

Blood vessels undergo adaptive remodeling in response to chronic changes in hemodynamic loads during development and vascular pathologies. This remodeling is pivotal in determining blood vessel structure and function. Developmental and pathological remodeling of arteries often involves extensive cell proliferation and matrix synthesis that may mask important roles for cell death and matrix degradation. These latter processes have often been overlooked and have not been well characterized. The objective of this thesis was to explore changes to matrix composition and matrix degrading enzymes during arterial remodeling. These studies demonstrated that latent MMP-2 is constitutively expressed in both immature and mature large arteries while the active form of MMP-2 is expressed in immature vessels. MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression patterns were the same in major arteries even though a spectrum of changes in pressures and flows were associated with perinatal and postnatal development; however, TIMP-2 levels fell earlier in development than MMP-2 levels. This shift towards protease activity coincided with a period of rapid arterial growth. In weanling animals, experimental increases in blood flow stimulated a modest increase in active MMP-2 whereas decreases in blood flow had no significant effect on this gelatinase. There was no change in TIMP-2 expression by either flow manipulation. Wall tension was reduced by cuffing the left common carotid artery with an excised segment of the right carotid artery. The cuffed vessel underwent extensive atrophy that comprised loss of medial mass, smooth muscle cell apoptosis and matrix degradation. Marked upregulation and activation of gelatinolytic enzymes, including MMP-2 and MMP-9, suggested that matrix degrading enzymes were involved. The cuffing experiments revealed a novel form of angiogenesis of vasa vasora that provides a useful model for future research. In this model, the regions surrounding the arterial cuff were rapidly infiltrated with neovasculature that ranged from simple endothelial-lined tubes to large vessels with a developing media. Local expression of VEGF and the transcriptional regulator of VEGF expression, HIF-1α, implicated these factors as mediators of the angiogenic response with HIF-1α probably participating in VEGF upregulation. An interesting feature of this model was the development of quite large vessels, with a developing media, within the neovasculature. In summary, I infer that matrix degrading enzymes modulate matrix composition during normal growth of the arterial wall. It is likely that MMP/TIMP regulation contributes primarily to general regulation of arterial growth and that activity of these enzymes is influenced by developmental cues that dominate over hemodynamic cues. In addition, off-loading wall tension is a potent mechanism for inducing matrix degradation and apoptosis in arteries and the artery-cuffed artery is a valuable model for examining these processes.
Bradykinin improves insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in rat adipocytes via an eNOS-dependent mechanism

Insulin resistance is a well-documented phenomenon associated with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are commonly used to treat hypertension, and act by inhibiting both the production of angiotensin II and the degradation of bradykinin. Several groups have reported improved insulin sensitivity in rodents treated with either ACE inhibitors or bradykinin. We hypothesised that bradykinin would improve insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in rat adipocytes via an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-dependent mechanism as the result of an enhancement of the insulin signalling pathway. We have found that bradykinin enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner which is mediated by the bradykinin B2 receptor. In many cell types, bradykinin leads to the activation of eNOS and increased nitric oxide (NO) production. Through the use of a variety of pharmacological inhibitors and activators, in addition to an eNOS-/- mouse model, we determined that eNOS and NO are key in bradykinin's effect. In the assessment of bradykinin's effect on the insulin signalling pathway, we found that bradykinin treatment potentiated the insulin signalling pathway at the levels of IRS1, PI3K, PKB and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. Interestingly, bradykinin reduced insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK and subsequent phosphorylation of specific Ser residues on IRS1. Furthermore, adipocytes obtained from JNK1-/- mice exhibited enhanced insulin sensitivity. Treatment of rat adipocytes with a NO donor reduced insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of JNK, while those isolated from eNOS-/- mice exhibited elevated basal JNK phosphorylation levels as compared to control. The use of pharmacological inhibitors and activators of the soluble guanylate cyclase/cGMP/cGMP dependent protein kinase I pathway clearly showed that this cascade must remain intact for bradykinin to elicit its effects. To this point, the mechanism by which bradykinin and NO blocked INK phosphorylation by insulin remained unknown. Interestingly, each bradykinin and a NO donor in concert with insulin induced the expression of MAPK phosphatase-5 (MKP5) mRNA. Together, our data suggest that bradykinin enhances insulin action through an eNOS-mediated inhibition of JNK. These findings may aid in the understanding of how ACE inhibitors enhance insulin sensitivity.
The design, implementation, test and operation of the communication system for the MOST microsatellite

The Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars microsatellite is an ambitious project to demonstrate high-value science requiring a high-performance satellite bus and instrument in a microsatellite-sized package and cost. The work performed in this report summarizes the communication subsystem for the satellite, including both the satellite and Earth station hardware. One major design iteration is presented, along with the final, flight form of the subsystem. The ground testing methodology is also present, and some in-flight experience is given.