VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The verbal system in the Book of Job

This thesis is concerned with the understanding of the finite verb in the poetry section of the Book of Job. More specifically, it analyzes the yiqtol, the wayyiqtol, and the qatal. The analysis uses insights from discourse analysis. It pays attention to the larger (con)text where the verbs are found, the type of clause where the verb is found, and the word order in the clause. It concludes that there are two forms of the yiqtol still discernible in the book, a short and a long form. The short form, which can still be detected in certain forms, is perfective and can also express deontic modality (usually as clause initial). The long form is imperfective and when it is classified as modal, is usually employed for epistemic modality. The wayyiqtol is a perfective subcategory of the short yiqtol, while the weqatal represents a subcategory of the qatal functioning modally. The qatal is the other major verbal category in Hebrew which is perfective, and which can be and is used modally in certain contexts (e.g. conditional and interrogational clauses). When there is functional overlap between two distinct forms (e.g. qatal and short yiqtol), they can appear in parallel in the same verse, most likely for stylistic reasons. The time relationships of all the verbal forms are deduced by paying attention to the larger context, more specifically, to the logic of the situation.
Real-time measurement of service levels on IP networks

As the popularity of multimedia services on the Internet increases, the need for Quality-of-Service (QoS) monitoring becomes more and more important. This thesis explores the behaviour of pairs of packets traversing a network in order to derive methods for measuring capacity, available bandwidth, utilization, delay, and delay variance (jitter). In addition, a number of algorithms based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) are presented for determining information about traffic on the network. The methods are analyzed from a theoretical perspective; and are also tested in two different ways: using a network queue simulator, and using a real physical network. These methods are shown to work in a simulated environment. The methods currently have limited effectiveness over a real network due to uncompensated anomalies caused by the hardware, the operating system, and device drivers. However, this thesis identifies avenues for further exploration that could help ameliorate the effects of the anomalies.
Effects of hydrostatic pressure and water activity on the stability of double-stranded DNA polymers

The methods of elevated hydrostatic pressure (HP) and osmotic stress (OS) are often employed to study the stability of biopolymers. What these two methods have in common is that their effects on biopolymers are modulated by the action of water, and hence are particularly suitable for studying hydration. These methods were utilised to study the helix to coil transition of several double-stranded DNA polymers; poly[d(A-T)], poly[d(I-C)], poly[d(G-C)], and salmon sperm DNA.

Keywords: Chemistry, Physical and theoretical
Biochemistry
The President Salvador Allende School: a case study in the education of Chilean refugee children in Toronto

This thesis is the first to examine the historical development and eventual demise of a Spanish heritage language school founded and operated by Chilean refugees in Toronto during the late 1970s to early 1990s. The President Salvador Allende School, or in Spanish, La Escuela Presidente Salvador Allende (EPSA), named after the socialist president of Chile for the years 1970–1973, mirrored the Toronto Chilean community's cultural, social and political agenda. As political exiles passionate about sustaining a unique worldview, infused with liberal values hailing from Allende, parents hoped their refugee children would embrace and share their progressive ideals. The EPSA was a vehicle through which Chilean youth gained knowledge of the Toronto Chilean historical consciousness that was shaped by Allende's legacy. More a cultural school than a language school, the EPSA was an experiment in Chilean nationalism, humanitarian outreach and socialist idealism delivered in the guise of a community language school.

Keywords: Chileans, Education
Chileans, Ontario
Refugee children, Education
Refugee children, Ontario
Genetic association and post-mortem brain mRNA analysis of DISC1 and related genes in schizophrenia

Convergent evidence from genetic linkage, genetic association and biological studies implicates the DISC1 gene in the etiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SCZ). We conducted five SCZ genetic association studies in matched case-control and Toronto SCZ family sample sets, testing polymorphisms across DISC1 and major DISC1 interacting genes (LIS1, NUDEL, FEZ1 and PDE4B). We found that DISC1 variants, particularly in the exon 9/intron 9/intron 10 region of the gene, may be associated with risk of SCZ in our populations. Evidence for association with LIS1, NUDEL, FEZ1 and PDE4B was largely negative for our sample sets, and gene-gene interaction as well as gene expression analyses, using post-mortem brains from SCZ and control subjects, did not reveal significant findings. Trends were present, however, that indicated the power of our samples may not have been enough to detect significant associations with small effects, which is often the case for complex disorders such as SCZ.
Machiavelli's critique of Xenophon: a study in the foundations of modern political theory (Niccolo Machiavelli)

The contemporary relevance of this study is twofold. First, Machiavelli's articulation of the need for secular institutions capable of satisfying humanity's fundamental worldly needs provides crucial insight into the contemporary debate about the practical requirements and aims of good republican government. Second, studying Machiavelli's departure from the classical and Christian moral traditions helps clarify the origins and, more importantly, the limitations of our own understanding of the moral foundations of healthy political communities. Insofar as modern political science has been influenced by Machiavelli's break with traditional notions of moral and political virtue, we see that our political thought is based not so much on an openness to all values as it is on a deliberate shrinking of our moral and intellectual horizons. At the heart of contemporary Machiavelli scholarship is the question of his place in the history of political thought. Is his work a defense of classical civic humanism or a precursor of modern republicanism? This dissertation explores Machiavelli's critique of Xenophon and its implications for Machiavelli's founding of a new, distinctly modern political science and republican tradition. Machiavelli has great respect for Xenophon as the classical thinker who comes closest to sharing his appreciation for the efficacy of nefarious politics. But in the end, he does not accept his predecessor's teaching on the relationship between political excellence and moral virtue. In short, Machiavelli rejects Xenophon's political teaching because (a) Xenophon's consideration of political excellence ultimately points to notions of virtue that transcend political life, and (b) such transcendent notions of virtue have been assimilated by Christian spirituality, which requires humanity to sacrifice the temporal strength and desire for worldly glory that Machiavelli deems necessary for vigorous politics. In response, Machiavelli seeks to establish a new "moral" foundation for politics. Through his princely and republican teaching he effectively redefines human virtue: he subordinates classical and Christian ideals of trans-political moral excellence to the satisfaction of humanity's worldly needs and desire for temporal glory.
Synthesis of helically chiral molecules from fluorinated binaphthyl derivatives

Molecules possessing helical chirality are attractive targets in synthetic chemistry. Partially fluorinated aromatic compounds offer a useful entry into helically chiral molecules. This strategy has several notable attributes, including the use of readily accessible fluorinated BINOL scaffolds and mild conditions for achieving inter- and intramolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitutions. Differences in the fluorine substitution patterns of these molecules were also found to cause substantial changes in their crystal packing arrangements. These findings should facilitate the discovery and development of novel materials towards application in areas that require conjugated systems.
Newcourt Credit Group: a case study of employee ownership

This study examines the history of Newcourt Credit Group, particularly its employee share ownership programs. Newcourt was a significant Canadian leasing corporation, particularly during the years from 1994 to 1999, when it grew from 143 employees to over 6,000 dispersed in more than 25 countries. The heart of the firm's human resources and compensation program was founder and Chief Executive Officer Steven Hudson's “wealth creation” programs, wherein all staff might share in the financial successes of the firm, and to some degree be exposed to the vagaries of the stock market. Hudson wanted to accomplish this goal through a number of employee share ownership programs aimed at four different levels in the organization: the three founders, the executive group, the managers and the remainder of the employee population. The overall goal of this research was to understand how different levels of the organization relate to the ownership plans introduced by the firm. Specifically, it explored how different perceptions are coloured by their stake in the company, the performance of that stake, and their degree of participation in management. In addition, it examined the role of communications as related to the employee share ownership programs. The research was conducted through a series of focus groups and individual interviews with the four different population groups. The study reveals the value of these programs to some publicly owned corporations. It shows the necessity of explaining to all employees how the various share ownership programs work, and in particular, the risks associated with these financial instruments. The dissertation illustrates that different programs appeal to unique segments of the employee population, and that some groups are more risk averse than others either through choice or necessity. The work also concludes that the share ownership plans must be amended from time to time to meet the changes in the organization as it grows and matures. It confirms the necessity of having all levels share in decisions that may impact them, by providing input and/or their reactions. Finally, the work shows the importance of continuous communications relative to the plans themselves, the health of the corporation and its mission, vision and values. Key to this success is the chief executive officer and the executive team who lead by example.

Keywords: Employee ownership, Canada
Industrial relations
Management, Employee participation
Employee, Social networks
High density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism in hypertriglyceridemic states: investigation of the determinants of particle clearance

Low plasma concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) have been recognized as independent risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Although the most frequent metabolic abnormality associated with low HDL is hypertriglyceridemia, the mechanisms responsible for HDL lowering in hypertriglyceridemic states have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the roles of the following processes on HDL metabolism: triglyceride (TG) enrichment of HDL, a process that occurs as a consequence of hypertriglyceridemia, and lipolytic modification of HDL by the lipoprotein enzyme hepatic lipase (HL). In the New Zealand white (NZW) rabbit, an animal model naturally deficient in HL, we compared the rate of clearance of rabbit HDL that had been TG enriched (by incubation with human very low density lipoprotein) to native rabbit HDL that was relatively TG-poor, both in the absence and presence of HL. Results of our kinetic experiments demonstrated that, in the absence of HL, apoA-I and cholesteryl ester (CE) associated with TG-rich and TG-poor HDL are cleared at the same rate (P = 0.68 and P = 0.20, respectively; n = 9 animals in each group). In contrast, apoA-I associated with TG-rich HDL that had been lipolyzed ex vivo by catalytically-active HL was cleared 22% more rapidly than TG-rich HDL incubated with heat-inactivated HL, and 26% more rapidly than TG-poor HDL incubated with active HL (P < 0.05 for both, n = 18 animals total). Furthermore, rabbits expressing human HL (as a result of adenovirus-mediated transfer of the human HL transgene) showed a 50% enhancement (P < 0.01) in the clearance of TG-rich versus TG-poor HDL apoA-I, whereas there was no difference in the clearance of the HDL tracers in lacZ control rabbits (n = 6 animals in each group). It is concluded that TG enrichment of HDL with subsequent lipolysis by HL, either ex vivo or in vivo, enhances HDL apoA-I clearance. Conversely, neither TG enrichment of HDL without HL-mediated lipolysis, nor HL-mediated lipolysis in the absence of prior TG-enrichment of HDL, is sufficient to enhance HDL clearance. These data provide further support for the important interaction between HDL TG enrichment and HL action in the pathogenesis of HDL lowering in hypertriglyceridemic states.
Investigating the factors responsible for differential anthrax lethal toxin susceptibility in murine monocytes and macrophages

Nalp1b is the mediator of mouse macrophage susceptibility to anthrax lethal toxin (LT). The BALB/c mouse strain contains the Nalp1b allele that renders mice susceptible to LT. I compared BALB/c derived RAW 264.7 macrophages and WEHI-3 monocytes to test for differences in LT susceptibility. Experiments showed that WEHI-3 cells are resistant to LT, whereas RAW 264.7 cells die within four hrs of LT treatment. I hypothesized that this difference in susceptibility was due to varied expression levels of proteins implicated in LT-mediated cell death: Nalp1b, Bnip3, Bnip3L and caspase-1. qRT-PCR analysis showed approximately twenty-two times more Nalp1b mRNA in RAW 264.7 compared to WEHI-3 cells and was confirmed by immunoblotting. Involvement of Nalp1b in LT-mediated killing was verified using anti-sense morpholinos, which protected RAW 264.7 cells from death. Bnip3L and caspase-1 mRNA levels were similar in both cell types. This suggests that Nalp1b is responsible for the observed difference in LT treated RAW 264.7 and WEHI-3 cells.
Telomeres and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in the development of human breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common internal malignancy afflicting North American women. The development of breast cancer involves a sequential progression through defined clinical and pathological stages beginning with normal epithelium and progressing to hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and culminating in metastatic disease. This progression into metastatic disease is characterized by many molecular alterations, including the shortening of total telomere length. Cancer cells containing critically short telomeres activate telomerase to avoid cell death and it has been demonstrated to occur in 90% of breast carcinoma. Furthermore, telomerase activity has been shown to be modulated by ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). The integral role of telomeres in cancer progression has motivated extensive research into targeting telomeres for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. In the present study, the telomere shortening on chromosome 17q was analyzed in relation to average telomere length in normal epithelium, DCIS and IDC to determine if the shortening of specific telomeres can be used as a molecular marker for breast cancer progression. Furthermore, the effect of the PPARγ ligand troglitazone on telomerase activity and gene expression was examined in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells to determine if PPARγ ligands have an anti-telomerase effect. Results indicated that telomere shortening on chromosome 17q, harboring several genes involved in breast cancer development, is higher than the average shortening of all telomeres. Furthermore, troglitazone reduced telomerase activity in MDA-MB-231 cells independently of PPARγ activation. In addition, troglitazone inhibited cell proliferation and the cell cycle signaling pathway on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines through different mechanisms. Results from microarray comparative genomic hybridization also indicated that the PPARγ gene is lost or deleted in 58% of clinical breast cancers. In conclusion, the high shortening of telomere on chromosome 17q suggests that telomere shortening is not a linear process and may serve as a marker for breast cancer progression. Furthermore, troglitazone demonstrated anti-telomerase and anti-proliferative activity in breast cancer cells. However, these effects vary depending on the cell type and experimental models employed. Finally, the loss of the PPARγ gene in over 50% of breast cancers indicates a potential tumor suppressor role for PPARγ in the development of breast cancer.

Keywords: Genetics
Assessing the benefit of the operating microscope and role of visual-spatial abilities in access cavity preparation performed by undergraduate students

Use of the operating microscope (OM) to improve undergraduate students' performance in access cavity preparation and canal location was assessed. Performance was also correlated to students' visual-spatial and psychomotor abilities. Thirty-six dental students prepared access cavities and located canals in extracted maxillary molars, prior to and after training, which varied according to group. The Standard group received a lecture and practice in preparation of access cavities. The OM group received identical instruction using the OM. The Control group received lectures only. All groups received equivalent content and instruction time (2 hrs, 20 min). Blinded faculty graded preparations according to a multi-dimensional 5-point rating scale. Using the OM, the Microscope group improved significantly in access cavity preparation (p < 0.05) and significantly outperformed both Standard and Control groups in accuracy of identifying canals (p < 0.05). Access Cavity Preparation was found to correlate only with scores on the Surface Development Test (p < 0.01).
La historia como elemento discursivo en la narrativa de Manlio Argueta

This dissertation analyzes three novels of Salvadoran writer Manlio Argueta: Un dia en la vida (1980), Cuzcatlan, donde bate la mar (1986), and Milagro de la Paz (1994). The history of El Salvador is considered indispensable for the understanding of these novels. Therefore, the first chapter will set the historical and cultural context by providing a socio-historical background, and a study of the place the Salvadoran intellectual has had in Salvadoran society. The second chapter analyzes Un dia en la vida to show how Argueta makes use of testimonial discourse to fictionalize it in order to represent the Salvadoran country side, which is characterized by violence and social injustice. The inhabitants of the Salvadoran rural area represent those who have never had a voice and have been historically excluded from the political process, but are now able to denounce a condition of military repression. The third chapter focuses on Cuzcatlan, donde bate la mar del sur and provides a discussion on how the personal stories of a rural community are embodied in a young peasant woman's mental journey. These stories in turn, question and challenge the official history of El Salvador, and in doing so, formulate a new vision of their nation, one that is based on the recognition of the self and the other. The fourth chapter deals with Milagro de la Paz. Argueta has recreated a social microcosm in Latina's family, who, after the death of a loved one, decides to forget their past including the memories of the deceased. The novel reflects the historical moment of El Salvador after the civil war ended in 1992, for Salvadoran society pondered if it was better to forget its recent and violent past or go through a collective catharsis.
Biodegradable calcium polyphosphate/polyvinyl-urethane carbonate composites for osteosynthesis applications

The formation of biodegradable implants for use in osteosynthesis has been a major goal of biomaterials research for the past two to three decades. Self-reinforced polylactide systems represent the most significant success of this research to date, however with elastic constants of, at most, 12--15 GPa, they fail to provide the necessary initial stiffness required of devices designed for stabilizing fractures of major load-bearing bones. One objective of this study has been the development of a biodegradable composite suitable for fabrication of implants for the repair of fractures of major load-bearing bones. Specifically, this research has focussed on the use of calcium polyphosphate (CPP), an uiorganic polymer in combination with polyvinyl-urethane carbonate (PVUC) organic polymers. Composite samples were formed as interpenetrating phase composites (IPC), particle-reinforced composites (PRC), and fibre-reinforced composites (FRC). Additionally, the IPCs were produced as both monolithic and laminated specimens. PRC samples exhibit too low asmade elastic constant for fracture fixation applications, while the IPC and FRC samples exhibit desired as-made strength and bending stiffness but lose these properties too rapidly when exposed to aqueous-based in vitro aging, simulating in vivo conditions. An investigation to determine the mechanism of the rapid in vitro degradation was undertaken using a model IPC system to study the effect of the interfacial strength on the mechanical properties of the composite. In addition, these studies provided further support for a hypothesis to explain the observed high mechanical properties of the as-made CPP-PVUC interpenetrating phase composites. It was found that strong interfacial strength is very significant in obtaining appropriate mechanical properties in the IPC system. Results support the conclusion that a rapid loss of the CPP-PVUC interface through exposure to an aqueous environment, as well as stresses imposed on the CPP phase due to swelling of the PVUC in an aqueous environment are responsible for the rapid in vitro decrease in mechanical properties of the IPC.
A new guanidinylation procedure for the preparation of functionalized guanidines and investigation towards the synthesis of cyclic quanidine compounds

This thesis is a summary of research conducted since October 2000 at the University of Toronto in the laboratory of Dr. Robert A. Batey. This manuscript is divided into three chapters. Chapter one provides a brief introduction to the guanidine functional group and guanidine-containing compounds, both natural and synthetic. Chapter two describes a new method for alkylation of guanidine-containing compounds using a convenient and mild biphasic protocol. This approach requires limited purification of the obtained products, yielding highly functionalized guanidines in good to excellent yields. This protocol has been used with a variety of alkyl halides and mesylates and provides an alternate approach to methods currently utilized in the literature. Chapter three describes investigations towards the synthesis of cyclic guanidine compounds. Initially, iodocyclization reactions were attempted; however, limited success was encountered with this approach. Palladium-catalyzed π-allyl chemistry was then investigated to synthesize the cyclic guanidine compounds. Thus far, investigations with this approach have been successful and a general approach for the synthesis of cyclic guanidine compounds using palladium π-allyl chemistry is described for the first time within our labs.