VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
"A tub to throw to the whale": gender, reception, and the construction of "George Eliot."

Deciding to write fiction as George Eliot, Marian Evans “Lewes” became involved in a lifelong literary performance that affected her writing because of the seriousness with which she took her pseudonym. In part, the seriousness was artistic, reflecting her zest for the literary game of impersonation, which led her early on to present her narrative self in “drag.” But it was also practical, for she put “George Eliot” to work to control the reception of her fiction and the acceptance of herself as a public figure when the time came to reveal that she was the actual author of “his” stories. Because of her illicit liaison with G. H. Lewes such a revelation could have backfired and undermined her success as a writer as well as raising doubts about her integrity as a moralist. The essentially literary process by which she managed to avoid this danger involved rhetorical shifts and disguises that justify the use of such terms from queer theory as “drag,” “closeting,” “coming out,” and “transvestism.” In the end, by “performing” as George Eliot, Marian succeeded in being accepted as Mrs Lewes. After explaining my focus and approach, I study the works written incognito and the impact on each of changing circumstances of composition, including her reaction to each work's reception. It was a complex process, calling forth continuing adjustment in balancing the woman writer's vision with the consequences of the masculine pseudonym. The smoothness with which Marian managed her self-disclosure during the composition of The Mill on the Floss despite the Liggins affair that provoked it is of special interest. I conclude by tracing the effect on the later novels of her new freedom in being known as a woman while still profiting from the authority of her masculine alter ego; in The Impressions of Theophrastus Such, I suggest, she allows herself to reflect on her literary life by means of a double mediation of voice.
The role of Filamin-A in neutrophil chemotaxis

Neutrophil chemotaxis is an essential process in maintaining the health of an individual. Although many important mediators involved in neutrophil chemotaxis have been elucidated, no studies have addressed the role that an actin-binding protein, Filamin-A (FLNa) plays in this process. Here we show, using a murine transgenic model in which FLNa is selectively deleted in neutrophils, that FLNa also regulates tail retraction during neutrophil chemotaxis. Neutrophils lacking FLNa show normal polarization and lamellipodium extension, however exhibit obvious defects in tail retraction, found to be a direct result of reduced activation of the small GTPase RhoA and myosin-mediated actin contraction. FLNa appears to be essential for the translocation of p190RhoGAP from the lipid rafts of the cell to allow RhoA activation during neutrophil chemotaxis. Our studies illustrate a novel function for FLNa in neutrophil chemotaxis, which takes us one step closer to fully understanding the mediators involved in the complex process.
Forecasting DEA scores

The last decade has seen significant work examining the statistical properties of the measurements yielded by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). However, no attempt has been made to predict DEA scores for the individual decision-making units (DMUs) being analyzed. This paper develops an autoregressive model using the Box-Jenkins methodology to predict and tests it on data sets from three different industriesâ€”Canadian banking, U.S. major oil companies, and Japanese power producers. In the process, a novel measure for DMU comparison is developed and a new density function is introduced to show â€œdistancesâ€ between inefficient DMus. The model is shown to provide good in-sample fits and out-of-sample predictions for all three industries.
Characterization of podocalyxin in breast cancer: A gene associated with lymphovascular invasion

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) refers to the presence of tumour cells within peritumoral lymphatic and/or vascular capillaries. LVI is associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence in axillary node-negative (ANN) breast cancer patients. The aims of this study were to use human tumour analyses and in vitro models of breast cancer to identify and characterize a gene and/or genetic pathway which was differentially expressed in LVI+ versus LVI- ANN tumours. Podocalyxin (PODXL), a transmembrane glycoprotein, was found to be overexpressed in LVI+ ANN tumours using real time RT-PCR. Downregulation of PODXL in MDA MB 231 cells using siRNA technology altered cell motility and morphology in vitro. Hormone treatment studies demonstrated that PODXL was a transcriptional target of the TGFbeta signaling pathway. Three dimensional culture of Eph4 cells overexpressing PODXL abrogated the acinus response to TGFbeta stimulation. These results suggest a complex role for PODXL in breast cancer progression.
An exploration of epistemological understanding and participation in online knowledge building communities

As knowledge is the main resource of the knowledge age, we, as a society, need to understand what tools and skills can support development of this resource. A learner's personal epistemology affects knowledge work, making the assessment and understanding of learner's epistemologies and its impact on learning critical. Traditionally, entry into the world of knowledge creation has been available only after years of advanced study. However, in the knowledge age, entry into this world can be available at a much younger age. Knowledge building is a promising pedagogy that could be the key to opening this door. This design research study explored the effects of epistemological view on participation in two online courses (n=12, n=15). A pre- and post-essay was given to measure change in levels of epistemological understanding and use of justification, specifically dialectical reasoning. Directed learning logs were used to encourage and code metacognitive and epistemological thought. An indication of level of participation in online courses was produced using analytic tools underlying the online environment. Changes in specific aspects of epistemological understanding were identified. Results indicated that participants with a high participation rating in belief mode epistemology were more likely to use sophisticated justification, such as dialectical reflection. Additionally, these participants showed greater indication of metacognitive activity within the learning logs (when prompted and when not prompted), were more collaborative, and were more often rated as an evaluativist (the highest level of epistemological understanding in Kuhn et al's. model (2000)) in the post-essay. As anticipated, design mode epistemology---a primary indication of knowledge building---was underrepresented even in the highest levels of belief mode epistemology. Widespread change occurred in the acceptance of peers as sources of knowledge. This has significant implications for the practice of teaching. Participation patterns did not depend on number of graduate courses taken, number of previous online courses, nor previous familiarity with the course platform. Future research should explore whether learning logs can facilitate metacognition, encourage greater epistemological sophistication, and lead to augmented knowledge building.
Genetic mapping of murine genes implicated in hepatic vessel dilatation

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT1) is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder associated with ENDOGLIN haploinsufficiency. Eng+/âˆ’ mice developed dilated vessels and hemorrhaging, dependent on genetic background. Phenotype severity was greater in 129/Ola(129) mice than C57BL/6(B6), whereas F2 intercrosses had disease incidence similar to 129 mice, suggesting this strain may confer a predisposition to vascular dysplasia. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping was employed in F2 mice to identify genes affecting strain-dependent variability in hepatic vessel surface area, based on observations that 129 mice had enlarged portal veins and hepatic arteries compared to B6. Genotypes of F2 mice, determined using microsatellite markers, were correlated to phenotypes by linkage analysis. Regions with suggestive linkage to portal vein dilatation were identified on chromosomes 7, 8, and 10. Further studies with additional F2 mice are required to delineate which QTLs effect hepatic vessel heterogeneity, and how these regions might contribute to complex vascular disorders like HHT.
Retinal antigens in multiple sclerosis

Autoantibodies against enolase and arrestin have previously been reported in multiple sclerosis patients. The T cell response to these antigens, however, has not been established. Thirty-five patients with multiple sclerosis were recruited, along with thirty-five healthy controls. T cell proliferative responses against non-neuronal enolase, neuron-specific enolase, retinal arrestin, beta-arrestin, and myelin basic protein were determined. Multiple sclerosis patients had a greater proportion of positive T cell proliferative responses to neuron-specific enolase, retinal arrestin, and beta-arrestin than healthy controls (p
A transformative power?: the role of the human right to medicines in accessing AIDS medicines : international human rights law, TRIPS and the South African experience

This dissertation explores the power of the human right to medicines to enable access to antiretroviral medicines (ARV) for millions of people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) throughout the world. Focusing on the right to health in international law, it argues that this right holds a transformative potential to overcome the political and economic obstacles to access posed by the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS), the contestation of price reductions by multinational pharmaceutical companies and their host governments, and government denials of AIDS medicines. It argues that the transformative power of this right to overcome these obstacles is well illustrated in the South African case study, and that primary human rights battles over AIDS medicines in the country illustrate the contingent legal, social and political variables that can determine this right's efficacy. The dissertation identities these variables, explores these barriers and analyzes the international human right to medicines, before proceeding to explore the force of rights in the South African case study. In doing so, the dissertation adopts the analytical framework of international legal compliance theories which debate whether actors comply with norms because they are coerced or persuaded into doing so. It suggests that the persuasive power of this right derives from its normative status in international law, amplified by rights discourse, advocacy, social mobilization and the devastating consequences of HIV/AIDS. However rights-related persuasion is less effective where actors have entrenched economic or political interests, and in such cases coercion will be necessary. While litigation is a traditionally coercive legal tool, public pressure and moral shaming can be similarly coercive. The dissertation concludes that these functions are interdependent and mutually enhancing, and that the persuasive power of the right to medicines is intimately connected to its coercive force. When actors can maximize both the coercive and persuasive force of the right to medicines, they may be able to overcome legal and political obstacles to access. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Tax paradox of a rich developing country rethinking the canadian nexus for business income taxation in a digital age

Globalization and electronic commerce have increased the significance of Canada's choice of jurisdictional threshold for taxing multinational businesses. In the realm of global income taxation, national tax systems and bilateral tax conventions work together to allocate multi jurisdictional tax claims among nations. International tax laws must strive to resolve competing tax claims in a fair and economically sound manner. The principle of inter-nation equity requires an equitable allocation of global tax revenues among nations. While the permanent establishment concept constitutes an entrenched international legal norm, its continued use as the threshold for allocating income tax claims will likely exacerbate revenue disparities among nations, particularly in the digital economy. Electronic commerce provides the impetus for Canada to consider a source-friendly nexus for the taxation of global business income. Canada's international tax paradox requires a choice between the continued application of an inequitable permanent establishment threshold and the adoption of an untested alternative nexus for taxing business income from cross-border transactions. The paradoxical elements of Canada's international tax policies can be appreciated through the use of economic development paradigms. In so far as Canada can be viewed as a "rich developing country", Canada may be able to resolve its international tax paradox by choosing a threshold that allows the source country greater tax room relative to the permanent establishment norm. The seemingly insurmountable political and fiscal challenges presented by a hegemonic tax power, such as the United States of America, should not preclude Canada from arguing for adoption of a fair and effective replacement to the historic permanent establishment concept. A jurisdictional sales nexus expands the scope of source-country taxation by allowing the market jurisdiction to tax the income derived by remote sellers on sales completed within the jurisdiction. If Canada's policymakers were to adopt a jurisdictional sales nexus for the taxation of international business profits, it would promote Canada's revenue interests while advancing economic justice globally.

Keywords: Business tax, Law and legislation
Business tax, Canada
International business enterprises, Taxation
International business enterprises, Canada
Investments, Foreign, Taxation
Investments, Foreign, Canada
K channel activity underlies microglial neurotoxicity and tyrosine phosphorylation

CNS inflammation, characterized by microglial activation, occurs in many acute and chronic neurological disorders. We previously found that potent and selective K+ channel blockers inhibit several potentially damaging microglia functions. I now show that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated microglia can activate in Neurobasal A/B27, as demonstrated by p38 MAPK phosphorylation, nitric oxide production, and reactive oxygen species generation. Microglia that were cultured and activated with LPS in transwell chambers significantly increased neuronal apoptosis, as measured by TUNEL staining. Treating microglia with blockers of Kv1.3 (4-aminopyridine, agitoxin-2, charybdotoxin, margatoxin), but not Kv1.2 (Î±-dendrotoxin), reduced the LPS-induced neurotoxicity, indicating a role for specific K+ channels in the inflammatory response. These K+ channel blockers reduced LPS-induced cellular tyrosine phosphorylation and Src-family phosphorylation (Hck), but only Î±-dendrotoxin prevented p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Thus, activated microglia secrete neurotoxic factors through mechanisms that depend on specific K+ channels, whose activity, in turn, regulate microglial signal transduction pathways.
The development, activation, function and mechanisms of regulatory alpha-beta-TCR+CD3+CD4-CD8-NK- T cells in the suppression of allogeneic and autologous immune responses

Alphabeta-TCR+CD3+CD4- CD8- (double negative, DN) regulatory T (Treg) cells from both mice and humans have been shown to suppress autologous T cell proliferation. Transferring activated DN Treg cells to naive recipient mice enhances allo- and xenogeneic graft survival in a dose-dependent, and Ag-specific fashion. The focus of this thesis was to identify the factors determining the development, activation, function and mechanisms of DN Treg cells in immune response suppression. We show that DN T cells can develop from CD8- precursors, and in the absence of a thymus. Moreover, these DN T cells can suppress CD8+ T cell proliferation and survival in vitro. In addition, we demonstrate that activated APC are more effective at priming DN Treg cell proliferation and suppressive function than naive APC. Further, DN Treg cells possess cytotoxicity towards cognate Ag-expressing DC, but not B cells, suggesting that DN Treg cells may suppress CD8+ T cell proliferation by limiting DC survival. We also show that primary DN Treg cells can acquire allogeneic Ag in a TCR/Ag-specific fashion, and express this alloantigen on their cell surface. DN Treg cells preferentially acquire allogeneic Ag from activated B cells rather than mature DC. Finally, we show that DN Treg cells are primed by TCR-specific Ags that are presented on self-MHC, and that these DN Treg cells can suppress immune responses in vitro and inhibit autoimmune diabetes development. Taken together, the data presented within this thesis uncovers novel pathways of DN Treg cell maturation, activation and immune response suppression. Enhanced knowledge of the mechanisms leading to DN Treg cell development, proliferation and function may allow us to use DN Treg cells as an Ag-specific therapy for a vast array of immune-mediated disorders.
The impact of technology on the pedagogical practice of grade nine applied mathematics teachers

To what extent can instructional technologies influence the pedagogical practice of grade nine mathematics teachers? In this study data from two-grade nine mathematics classrooms was collected and analyzed to determine the extent to which instructional technologies can alter pedagogy. Classroom observation during low technology and high technology teaching found that technology influences instructional practice. Teachers' instructional practice moved from a transmission orientation to a more constructivist approach as a result of integrating technology into mathematics lessons. During high technology lessons there was more student dialog, student tasks were more problem solving oriented, and in the case of one classroom assessment was used to change instructional practice and curriculum.

Keywords: Mathematics, Study and teaching (Secondary)
Educational technology
Mathematics, Computer-assisted instruction
Mathematics teachers, Attitudes
Advanced traffic management systems information infrastructure: the ITS Centre and Testbed (ICAT) platform

The ITS Centre and Testbed at the University of Toronto enables the research and development of the advanced computer algorithms required to improve the efficiency of traffic networks. The ITS Centre receives live traffic data and video from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and from the City of Toronto via fibre-optic connections. The ITS Centre and Testbed (ICAT) platform was created to furnish an elaborate information infrastructure for Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS). The ICAT platform is designed to handle data from many jurisdictions. It has been tested with data from MTO, the City of Toronto, Minnesota and the Netherlands. The ICAT software architecture facilitates future expansions in new analysis tools. In addition to providing many basic data visualization capabilities, the ICAT also facilitates traffic data driven research and development that is both repeatable and transferable. In this thesis, we apply the ICAT framework and develop three substantial research tools. Detailed methodologies, results and analysis are provided. The first tool provides a new look at traffic data using concepts from information theory. It provides insights about the randomness of traffic flow variables, as well as the dependency between the variables. The second tool is a dynamic probabilistic traffic flow model (PTFM). The model has an efficient calibration procedure and it provides soft predictions---i.e., the uncertainty of the predictions can be determined. It is shown that the PTFM performs well compared to other current models. The third tool is the first to quantify the impact of CMS messages on traffic flow diversion. It also quantifies the temporal span beyond which the impact on diversion diminishes, in both the short and long term. In addition to being contributions on their own, the above research tools show the versatility of the ICAT platform and the benefits of research that is both repeatable and transferable. This thesis also documents three research works that were led by others but involved the author in a significant way. They demonstrate how the ICAT platform enables a broad spectrum of research topics.
Chemical inhibition of Fcgamma-receptor-mediated phagocytosis

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is characterized by FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis of autoantibody sensitized platelets by the MPS. These are many disadvantages to immunoglobulin IVIg and anti-RhD therapies and alternatives are needed. Certain chemicals reportedly inhibit FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis in vitro. We attempt to characterize structural requirements for inhibition, enhance efficacy of immunoglobulin with candidate compounds and evaluate efficacy of candidates in vivo. Efficacy of treatments in vitro was assessed using a monocyte monolayer assay (MMA). For chemically-treated immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin and thimerosal were mixed, dialysed and evaluated in the MMA compared to controls. A murine model of ITP was also used. We report that of the chemicals tested, thiol reactivity and a p-nitrophenyl group were required for optimal inhibition. Treating anti-RhD with thimerosal enhanced the efficacy of anti-RhD by approximately 100%. We also show that thimerosal and p-nitrophenylethanol have efficacy in vivo. These findings may lead to the replacement or enhancement of immunoglobulin therapy.