VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Discovery and characterization of three genes encoding G protein-coupled receptors

The research work undertaken resulted in the discovery of three novel human G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) genes. Using a customized search procedure of a database of expressed sequence tags (dbEST), human cDNA sequences that partially encoded novel GPCRs were identified. These cDNA fragments were obtained and used to screen a genomic library to isolate the full-length coding region of the genes. This resulted in the isolation of genes GPR23 and GPR24. Gene GPR25 was isolated by amplifying human genomic DNA with oligonucleotides based on GPR24 and the related somatostatin (sst) receptor genes. The receptor encoded by GPR23 exhibited significant identity (60%) in the transmembrane (TM) domains to the chicken nucleotidic P2Y$\sb5$ receptor, while the receptor encoded by GPR24 shared $\sim$40% amino acid identity in the TM regions to the five known sst receptors. The receptor encoded by GPR25 was most closely related (41% in TM regions) to the GPR15-encoded receptor. Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses revealed that GPR24 is expressed abundantly in many discrete brain regions in human and rat, including the forebrain, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. A repeat polymorphism of the form (CA)$\rm\sb{n}$ was discovered in the 5$\sp\prime$-untranslated region (UTR) of GPR24. Binding studies failed to identify the ligands for any of the encoded receptors. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to map GPR23 to chromosome X, region q13-q21.1, GPR24 to chromosome 22 region q13.3, and GPR25 was mapped to chromosome 1 region q32.1.
Net shape continuous casting of cored rods

The applications of a heated mold continuous casting process were expanded with the generation of net-shape cored rods, 4 mm in diameter, consisting of clad materials of pure Al or Al-Cu alloy and core wires, 1.62 mm in diameter of Ni and Cu, or Al (10 vol% Al$\sb2$ O$\sb3$)P MMC, respectively. The experiments were performed employing the horizontal Ohno continuous casting configuration, featured with a modified mold design for producing cored rods, and a developed bath cooling device for redirecting back-splash steam during cooling that otherwise discontinues the process. However, in order to produce ductile rods, dissolution of the Cu-core wire in the molten Al-clad during casting, was minimized by two ways; coating the Cu wire with nickel prior to casting, or reducing core-clad exposure temperature and contact time. The latter was accomplished via restraining mold temperature, casting speed, guide tube location within the mold, in addition to proper cooling.
Learning English as a Foreign Language in Brazil, a joint investigation of learners' experiences in a university classroom, or, going to the depths of learners' classroom experiences

This study investigates classroom experiences (CE) related to second language (L2) learning from a learner point of view. It examines the L2 learning CE reported by six English-major undergraduate students over the course of one academic semester in Brazil. The investigation is framed by theoretical and empirical studies in the fields of second language acquisition (SLA), curriculum, and adult education. It considers that a theory of SLA should be comprehensive to integrate various aspects of the L2 learning process, especially those specific to classrooms. Therefore, it is grounded in the following beliefs: (1) that the process of SLA development is complex but worthwhile trying to describe, (2) that L2 learning is ultimately a socially constructed process, (3) that classrooms are places where many variables meet and (4) that learners' points of view can bring insights into the understanding of L2 classroom learning. To this end, an ethnographic approach to data collection was adopted. Instruments included: video tapes to promote student reflection; interviews to elicit and record learners' interpretations of videotaped events; and a questionnaire to evaluate reflection as an aid to learning. The data analysis led to a taxonomy of CE. Cognitive, social, and affective events were coded as direct CE; those related to setting and learners' personal background, beliefs and goals were coded as indirect CE. Findings uncovered the surface and deep levels of action in the classroom, and the collective and individual realms of CE. A deeper analysis of collective CE uncovered the interrelationship among different socio-psychological issues, bringing insights to patterns of participation in the L2 classroom. A similar in-depth analysis of individual experiences revealed the relationship among previous learning experiences, beliefs and goals in each learner's perception of CE and, ultimately, in their L2 learning process. From this indepth analysis, the richness of the L2 classroom learning process emerges. In the implications, findings are discussed as to their importance for SLA research, teachers, learners, and foreign language pedagogy. It is hoped that this insider's view of the learning process can contribute to the understanding of the demands of L2 classroom learning.
Rendering generalized cylinders using the A-buffer

A variety of objects modelled in computer graphics can be efficiently approximated with generalized cylinders, particularly when they are viewed at a relatively small scale. In this thesis we present a unique way of rendering generalized cylinders using polygon-based projective rendering: a rendering meta-primitive called the paintstroke. Paintstrokes allow for the concise modelling and efficient dynamic tessellation of generalized cylinders, making direct use of their screen-space projections so as to minimize the number of polygons required to construct their images. The resulting savings in vertex transformations, rasterization overhead, and edge antialiasing more than repay the cost of the tessellation. Used in conjunction with our A-Buffer polygon renderer, paintstrokes achieve a good balance of speed and image quality when drawn at small to medium scales, generally surpassing other methods for rendering generalized cylinders.
Comparison of quality of life across renal replacement therapies for end-stage renal disease, a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis compared emotional distress (ED) and psychological well-being (PWB) across renal replacement therapies (RRTs) and examined whether differences were related to: (a) treatment modalities; (b) case-mix; or (c) methodological rigour. Standard meta-analytic procedures were used to evaluate published comparative studies. Significant findings were as follows: renal transplantation was associated with lower ED (d = $-$.43) and higher PWB (d =.62) than in-centre haemodialysis; renal transplantation was associated with lower ED (d = $-$.29) and higher PWB (d =.53) than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD); CAPD was associated with higher PWB (d =.14) than in-centre haemodialysis; and in-centre haemodialysis was associated with higher ED (d =.16) than home haemodialysis. Methodological rigour and case-mix differences were not related to the magnitude of treatment differences in ED or PWB. Many comparisons were threatened by publication bias. Significant differences were evident between treatment groups but the patient groups also differed in case-mix variables relevant to ED and PWB.
Justice in Education? The Provincial Takeover of School District 44

This thesis explores the removal from office of the North Vancouver Board of School Trustees by the British Columbia Minister of Education, in January 1996. Under allegations of financial mismanagement, the trustees were replaced by a government appointed official trustee. This case study examines the action and attitudes of local and provincial politicians, the local teachers' union, school board trustees and administrators, and parents, in the events surrounding the removal of the trustees. A historical overview of public education traces the increasing centralization of education finance and governance in British Columbia. The removal of the school trustees is analyzed in terms of provincial centralization and the corresponding loss of local autonomy; and in terms of the related tension between the principles of equality of educational opportunity and cost-containment. The thesis concludes by making recommendations to improve education funding and increase local school board autonomy in British Columbia.
The influence of hydrogeology on the attenuation of nitrate in groundwater within a riparian zone/floodplain system

The influence of hydrogeological connections on nitrate attenuation within an upland agricultural-riparian zone-river system were studied starting March 1996, along a fourth order stream with floodplain deposits up to 5m in depth receiving high nitrate concentrations (up to 50mg/l NO3-N) near Alliston, Ontario, Canada (79$\sp\circ\ 50\sp\prime$ W, 44$\sp\circ$ N). Hydrometric data, nitrate concentrations, geochemical and isotope tracers were collected from an extensive piezometer network. Modeling piezometric heads and analyses of tritium, NO$\sb3$-N concentrations, DOC, and $\sp{15}$N values, obtained from water sampled indicate that hydrologic connections within this river system are complex. Flowpaths within the floodplain/riparian system, determined the effectiveness of the riparian zone on nitrate attenuation. This study illustrates how an understanding of hydrology is important in making generalizations about the effectiveness of riparian zones located within different geologic settings.
Heterogeneity in pHi and the selection for variants with increased and decreased Na§+- dependent CI§-/HCO¦3§- exchange activity on the basis of pHi

The Na$\sp+$-dependent $\rm Cl\sp-/HCO\sb3\sp-$ exchanger and the $\rm Na\sp+/H\sp+$ antiport are known to regulate the intracellular pH (pHi) of tumor cells, existing in acidic extracellular pH (pHe) environments. The influence of exchanger activity on the relationship between pHe and pHi, and the distribution of pHi within populations of three cell lines was assessed with flow cytometry. At exposure to various levels of pHe, the pHi ranged from 6.8-7.3. Within this range pHi was maintained at a higher level with Na$\sp+$-dependent $\rm Cl\sp-/HCO\sb3\sp-$ exchange than with $\rm Na\sp+/H\sp+$ counter-transport. The distribution in pHi that was also observed reflected true biological variation in pHi. On the basis of different levels of pHi, a flow cytometric method was developed to select for variants with increased and decreased levels of Na$\sp+$-dependent $\rm Cl\sp-/HCO\sb3\sp-$ exchanger function. It was found that this method was not useful for the derivation of the desired variants. Suggestions for further study have also been outlined.
Investigation of the behaviour of thermally treated municipal solid waste flyash

Incineration as a municipal solid waste treatment method is attractive because of the volume reductions achieved and because of diminishing landfill disposal sites. The disadvantage of this process is the presence of toxic metals (Cr, Cd and Pb) in the solid residues produced, particularly in flyash. A thermal treatment method was proposed to detoxify the flyash. The leachablilty of the metals was assessed to determine the viability of the method. The technique entailed heating the flyash at 1000$\sp\circ$C for 1 hour, with and without chloride addition. The technique was efficient in volatilizing Pb and Cd, but it increased the solubilization of Cr. Characterization showed most of the Cr to be embedded in the silicate matrix of the flyash; very little leaching of Cr occurred in the untreated flyash but with thermal treatment, with and without chloride addition, approximately 10% and 12% of the total Cr present leached, respectively. Most of the Cd (94% or 100 $\mu$g/g) was leached in the untreated residue; there was no Cd leached in either of the heated residues and the amounts decreased to 14 $\mu$g/g in the thermally treated ash and was totally removed from the chlorinated ash. Pb was leached only in the untreated ash (177 $\mu$g/g or 7% of the total Pb). The amounts of Pb progressively decreased from 2413 $\mu$g/g to 787 $\mu$g/g to 7.8 $\mu$g/g in the untreated, thermally treated and chlorinated residues, respectively. Optical and Scanning Electron (SEM) microscopy, showed the Cr was apparently disperse in the untreated and chlorinated flyash but was localized in the thermally treated residue.
The effect of external gas/slurry contact on the flotation of fine particles

The aim of this work was to investigate an external contact device and its ability to recover fine particles. For this purpose, a flotation column was equipped with a flow-through sparger/contactor. The device was fitted on a slurry recycle stream and consisted of a porous stainless steel tube around which an air-tight rigid jacket is sealed. The device acts as a bubble generator and a bubble-particle interaction chamber. Variables such as device length, pore size, collection tubing length, device placement, column length, and superficial slurry rate (inside the porous tube) were investigated. Size-by-size recovery plots were generated using a Brinkmann particle size analyzer. Results show that the contact device parameters can be varied to provide optimum recovery of fine particles. Slurry rate plays a significant role in recovery of fines; probably due to bubble size and turbulence effects. Other parameters, such as collection tubing length, porous tube length and pore size, all play a role in fine particle recovery to varying extents. Also, the Brinkmann particle size analyzer proved to be a precise means by which accurate particle size distributions could be determined. It is concluded that a combination of conventional internal bubble-coursing and external contact is ideal in recovering a wide range of particle sizes.
Sexual ideology and schooling, toward a democratic philosophy of sexuality education

Because norms related to sexuality are an important determinant of the nature of society, sexuality education in the schools is the subject of passionate debate. This discourse reflects a struggle between Restrictive and Permissive sexual ideologies. These ideologies compete for influence in shaping sexuality education. As a result, sexuality education often constitutes ideological indoctrination. Neither of these sexual ideologies is immune to legitimate critique. Establishing the superiority of a given sexual ideology is problematic from both a philosophical and scientific perspective. Furthermore, a diversity of ideological perspectives towards sexuality is affirmed in pluralistic democracies. The objective of this thesis is to articulate a philosophy of sexuality education appropriate for a democratic society. Based on Rawls' (1993) theory of political liberalism, this philosophy proposes that sexuality education ought to be centred upon the overlapping consensus within a democracy on the right to freedom of belief. It is argued that sexuality education drawn from sexual ideology inhibits the right to critically appropriate beliefs and values. In contrast to many prevailing forms of sexuality education, it is contended that a democratic educational approach must facilitate the ability of students to critically deliberate between competing ideological perspectives on sexuality. Furthermore, it is shown that a democratic philosophy of sexuality education has significant implications for how issues such as homosexuality, gender relations, and pregnancy/sexually transmitted disease prevention are addressed in the classroom. In conclusion, it is argued that although liberal philosophy, as it relates to sexuality, has been subject to considerable criticism, a democratic philosophy of sexuality education, based on political liberalism, offers a promising foundation for removing ideological bias from sexuality education and for contributing to the enhancement of democratic culture.
Assays of the functional domains of Cre and Flp recombinases

Both the Flp recombinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the Cre recombinase of bacteriophage P1 have been separated into distinct NH$\sb2$- and COOH-terminal peptide domains by proteolysis (Pan et al., 1992, Hoess, et al., 1990). I cloned the appropriate coding regions of Flp and Cre, expressed these peptides and purified them from a recombinant source. In vitro complementations between the heterologous NH$\sb2$- and COOH-terminal domains were done to determine the structure-function relationship of the Flp and Cre peptides. While the COOH-terminal domains showed activity only with their cognate DNA sites, the NH$\sb2$-terminal domains of Flp and Cre were functionally interchangeable. I also probed the nature of the interaction between the NH$\sb2$- and COOH-terminal domains and found that the similarity in the structural organization of the peptides of both Flp and Cre extends to the organization of the peptides when bound to the Flp and Cre target sites. The NH$\sb2$-terminal domain may represent a structural motif of Flp and Cre that is generally employed to facilitate site-specific recombination by integrase-type recombinases.
Binational panels of arbitration, impartial adjudicators or spawning ground of new ideas? : the Mexican experience under the mechanism for dispute resolution of chapter 19 of the NAFTA

This thesis analyzes Mexico's experience under the dispute resolution mechanism of Chapter 19 of the NAFTA. It provides an overview of the main issues evidenced in the work of the Binational Panels that have applied Mexican law in antidumping and countervailing duty cases. The analysis deals with three main issues: (1) A study of specific elements of the Mexican Unfair Trade Regime in comparison with the regimes of Canada and the United States with a special emphasis given to the standard of judicial review. This thesis seeks to demonstrate that the Binational Panels reviewing a Mexican agency determination should apply an international standard of review, i.e. the GATT/WTO standard, rather than the Mexican domestic standard. (2) An analysis of the NAFTA's Binational Panel system in comparison with the GATT/WTO Dispute Resolution mechanism. This thesis seeks to demonstrate, from the Mexican perspective, that some improvements to the NAFTA's Chapter 19 mechanism should be made. (3) Finally, this thesis analyzes the most important inconsistencies between the NAFTA's Chapter 19 mechanism and the Mexican Constitution. According to this thesis, despite the discrepancies, Mexican courts would be highly unlikely to find a constitutional conflict.
Pregnancy outcome following first trimester maternal exposure to the newer selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

The main objective of this study was to determine if first trimester use of the newer selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), fluvoxamine, paroxetine and/or sertraline increases the baseline risk of having a child with a major malformation. The secondary outcomes of interest were pregnancy outcome, gestational age and birth weight. Women who called a participating teratogen information service regarding first trimester use of one of the above SSRIs were contacted at a later date to ascertain pregnancy outcome. These women were compared to a control group consisting of women not exposed to any known human teratogen in their pregnancy. A total of 267 exposed women were followed up: 26 women used fluvoxamine, 97 women used paroxetine, and 147 women used sertraline (1 woman used both fluvoxamine and sertraline, and 2 women used both paroxetine and sertraline). There.were 9 liveborn infants with major malformations in the exposed group and 9 in the control group (p = 0.91). The number of live births in the exposed group were 222 versus 235 in the control group (p = 0.14). There was no difference in either birth weights (3439 g in the exposed group, 3445 g in the control group, p = 0.91) or gestational age (39.4 weeks in the exposed group, 39.4 weeks in the control group, p = 0.71). These results do not suggest an associated increase in risk of major malformations. Although reassuring, a larger study is required to definitively label these drugs as safe for use in pregnancy.
The retrospective experiences of a mother of a child with autism

This naturalistic study used qualitative research methodology to investigate the retrospective parenting experiences of a mother of a child with autism. The primary objective was to record and understand the experiences in the life of the participant, and to compare these with the themes in the literature on parental coping. Ethnographic methodologies of data collection and analysis were used to identify and analyze issues/themes that have shaped her life retrospectively. Data was collected for the case study through in-depth, semi structured interviews. Eleven consistent themes emerged from the interview data: (a) diagnosis, (b) encountering autism, (c) fruitless sacrifices, (d) day-to-day living/stress and coping, (e) getting adequate treatment, (f) mother as teacher, (g) hopes and fears, (h) social reactions, (i) the 'other' child, and (j) falling apart, (k) maturating as a parent. Based on data analysis three themes have emerged which has not been represented previously in the literature. These themes and the implications of having a child with autism on the participant's life are discussed.
Seasonal availability and mineralization of nitrogen in cotton and soybean cropping systems in Mississippi

In order to minimize losses of nitrogen (N) from agroecosystems, the availability of inorganic forms of N should be synchronized with crop N requirements. In this study, net N mineralization rates were measured throughout the growing season for conventional-till (CT) and no-till (NT) cotton and soybean cropping systems in northern Mississippi to determine if the soils were supplying enough N to meet crop demands in a timely manner. On a seasonal basis, the two NT systems mineralized more N than the CT systems, although neither the cotton nor the soybean soils mineralized enough N to fully satisfy crop N demands. The cotton crops did, however, receive sufficient N to meet demands via the addition of 100 kg ha$\sp{-1}$ N fertilizer. The accumulation of inorganic N during the growing season suggests that the fertilizer N additions were excessive, and could result in N losses via leaching and denitrification.
Outcomes of educational intervention with students with neurological disorders

Academic outcomes are presented for nine students with severe learning problems, five with neurofibromatosis type I and four with various seizure disorders, who attended the laboratory classroom of a large metropolitan hospital. After receiving 120 hours of teacher-directed instruction in the Reading Mastery, Basic Fractions, Reasoning and Writing; and Connecting Math Concepts programs (SRA), results from the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement-Revised (WJ-R) showed that, compared to the gains expected for an average normal student over the same period, the nine students had improved an average of 10.4 times more in Passage Comprehension, 4.5 times more in Letter-Word Identification, and 2.8 times more in Applied Problems. The students made significant gains in Passage Comprehension (p $<$.05) and Letter-Word Identification (p $<$.005) but not in Applied Problems (p $>$.05). Results are discussed in terms of the instructional needs of students with neurological conditions and the adequacy of the teacher-directed instructional programs in meeting these needs.