VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
A role for SHP-1 and Vav in the abrogation of B cell receptor signal transduction by latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2)

Latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2) has been reported to block signal transduction through the B cell receptor (BCR) in Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) through recruitment of Syk and Src-family protein tyrosine kinases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in this inhibition. SHP-1 activity was approximately ten times higher in resting LMP2+ LCLs as compared to LCLs lacking LMP2 (LMP2-), and this difference in activity did not significantly change after BCR stimulation. No association was detected between SHP-1 and LMP2 by co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting. In addition, CD22-associated phosphatase activity was observed only in resting LMP2+ LCLs and BCR stimulated LMP2-LCLs. Several potential substrates for SHP-1 in LMP2+ LCLs are discussed. Evidence is also presented supporting the inducible dissociation of Vav from LMP2, and the inducible tyrosine dephosphorylation of Vav in LMP2+ LCLs. These data suggest that LMP2 uses multiple mechanisms to inhibit the B cell's response to antigen.
Fresh blood, a consideration of belonging

Fresh Blood, A Consideration of Belonging is the script and theoretical treatment of a critical video essay by the same title and under my preferred name, b.h. Yael. Fresh Blood is an autobiographically derived examination of subjectivity in the intersections of racialized identity, nationality, gender, sexuality, and religious affiliation. The artist returns to a land of remembering and forgetting, to the Israel of her birth with an examination of memory in connection with Jewish-Iraqi heritage as well as Holocaust memory. The video and script of Fresh Blood attemps to reposition Arabness as a cultural rather than solely a national identification and examines issues of racialized identity, inside and outside Jewishness. The textual analysis of this writing considers additional elements that are implicated in cultural production: multiculturalism, autobiography, the economy of art production, narrative and documentary formal practices. These non-linear and fragmented elements are woven into an analysis that attempt to disrupt hegemonic constructions of identity and linear narratives.
Expression, purification, refolding, and ATP binding of the first nucleotide binding domain of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting approximately 1 in 2500 Caucasians. CF is caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel involved in ion and fluid transfer across the apical membrane of epithelial cells. To study the functional effects of mutations in the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD1) of CFTR, a collection of NBD1 peptides were constructed and expressed in E. coli. These peptides were purified, refolded, and assessed for their ability to bind ATP and ATP analogues. Despite the inherent insolubility encountered with NBD1, soluble peptides were eventually obtained by refolding in the presence of high concentrations of L-arginine (400 mM). Three peptides, corresponding to amino acids 404-589, 384-649, and 415-675, were capable of refolding into monomeric species and displayed co-operative stability. However, the non-physiological conditions required to maintain the monomeric state resulted in a loss of measurable ability to bind ATP.
The role of second language proficiency in the development of second language reading efficiency

This study examines the role of second language proficiency in learning to read fluently in a second language. Sixty subjects were randomly sampled from a Hebrew Day School in Toronto. Twenty children were in each of grades two, four and six. All children had English as their first language (L1) and Hebrew as their second language (L2). In each grade, subjects were given parallel tasks in Hebrew and English: reading isolated words and reading these same words in a text. Accuracy and speed were measured by timing the subjects as they performed each of these tasks. They were also administered parallel comprehension and oral cloze sentence tasks, in each language in order to determine their level of language proficiency (syntactic and semantic knowledge). In general, subjects in grade 2 and 4 had an advantage in their L1 on all measures. The results indicated that by grade 6, however, subjects no longer do significantly better in their L1, English, on the accuracy, speed and proficiency measures. The importance of semantic and syntactic knowledge in reading a second language and of the role of orthographic complexity are discussed.
The emergent relation between anger and antisocial beliefs in young offenders

The tendency for youth to form antisocial beliefs and persevere in those beliefs through adolescence and adulthood has been identified as a risk factor associated with delinquency. Research to date has largely neglected examining how these beliefs emerge and stabilize in young offenders. The present study investigated the emergent relation between anger and antisocial beliefs from the perspective of developmental psychopathology in general and self-organizing personality development in particular. Sixteen repeat offenders were compared to 13 first-time offenders as to their levels of anger and antisocial beliefs. Participants' anger and antisocial beliefs were measured by two questionnaires. The findings revealed a significant correlation between anger and antisocial beliefs for repeat offenders and no association for first-time offenders. In addition, it was found that offense type differentiated levels of anger and antisocial beliefs for repeat offenders. The findings were interpreted as evidence for the crystallization of a relation between anger and antisocial beliefs as a function of repeat offenses.
The effects of plant-derived compounds on sex hormone receptors, implications for hormone-dependent cancer development and treatment

Breast and prostate cancers are leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality of women and men in North America. This risk is significantly higher than in the Japanese population, with epidemiological studies suggesting the difference due to high flavonoid consumption in the latter group. The purpose was to examine effects of plant-derived compounds on androgen (AR) and progesterone receptors (PR). In vitro studies on BT-474 and T47-D breast cancer cells were performed and 7 synthetic antiprogestins and 45 plant-derived compounds were tested. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was measured as a marker of receptor activity. The strongest blockers of PR were chlorophylline (87 $\pm$ 7%), $\beta$-carotene (82 $\pm$ 3%), taxifolin (80 $\pm$ 5%), and chlorogenic acid (61 $\pm$ 2%). The most potent antagonists of AR were chlorophylline (94 $\pm$ 3%), hesperetin (79 $\pm$ 11%), syringic acid (72 $\pm$ 11%), and $\alpha$-tocopherol (65 $\pm$ 5%). Apigenin had an agonistic effect on these receptors.
Dynamic behavior of tubular bracing members with single plate concentric connections

During a severe earthquake, the bracing members of a concentrically braced frame have to undergo large inelastic load excursions. Furthermore, tubular bracing members have shown good strength and stiffness and are effective in tension and compression. Simplified connection design procedures for bracing members are used in practice, often based on strength and serviceability. This research examines the brace behavior including concentric welded/bolted connections when the assembly is subjected to displacement excursions of a seismic nature. The tests showed that the connection length and detailing can develop the member limits. Also, the braces showed very different strength degradation rates in tension and compression. Furthermore, the connection slip resistance was shown to have a significant impact on the energy dissipated.
A physically-based model of snake locomotion using environmental obstacles

Physically-based legless animals are simulated using a damped spring-mass mesh. Motion is caused by varying the minimum-energy lengths of certain springs. The application of directional friction against the ground or collision forces against obstacles can convert appropriate motions into locomotion of the animals. By varying the motion patterns, different gaits may be produced. One of these, horizontal undulation, requires interaction with obstacles in the snake's environment. We introduce obstacles, and snake-obstacle collisions in the lateral plane, thereby improving the snake's horizontal undulatory gait.
A computational model for gas-particle flows with distributed phase interfaces

A new method of computing unsteady gas-particle flows with smoothly distributed phase interfaces is introduced to facilitate computations in which the gas flow a continuum about particles that have independent paths (non-continuum). However, a viscous-flow resistance is imposed such that flow restricted more strongly further inside the particle interface where the particle become solid. The resulting force on the moving particle from the viscous-flow resistance and gas pressure around the particle is used to determine its acceleration and trajectory. Two unsteady one-dimensional problems are solved to assess the advantages and limitations of the new model. The first involves the reflection of a shock wave from a closed duct end for which the wall has a stationary distributed interface, and the second involves the acceleration of a projectile in a duct by a high-pressure gas, for which the projectile has smoothly distributed interfaces with the gas.
The bioactivation of potential anti-melanoma phenolic agents in isolated rat hepatocytes

Previous studies in our laboratory showed that the antimelanoma agent 4-hydroxyanisole was O-demethylated to hydroquinone, a cytotoxic metabolite, by hepatocytes via CYP2E1 and CYP1A. The cytotoxicity of 4-hydroxyanisole was attributed to benzoquinone, the autoxidation product of hydroquinone. In the following 3-hydroxyanisole was found to be more hepatotoxic than 4-hydroxyanisole both in vitro and in vivo even though resorcinol, the O-demethylated metabolite, cannot form a quinone. However, we found that CYP2E1 catalyzed the ring hydroxylation of 3-hydroxyanisole to form 4-methoxycatechol, which subsequently autoxidized to the cytotoxic o-quinone. The thiol reductant dithiothreitol and reactive oxygen species scavengers prevented 3-hydroxyanisole and catechol cytotoxicity but not 4-hydroxyanisole or hydroquinone-induced cytotoxicity. Thus, 4-hydroxyanisole toxicity appears to involve primarily protein alkylation while 3-hydroxyanisole cytotoxicity may be due to oxidative stress as a result of reductive oxygen activation. Cu$\sp{2+}$ and peroxidase could also catalyze 3- and 4-hydroxyanisole bioactivation via a one electron oxidation to form quinones and phenoxyl radicals, respectively.
Short Printed-Circuit Couplers and Vias

The L-type coupler provides a means to overcome the problems associated with conductive attachments to transmission lines. These attachments produce excessive frequency-dependent line loading and consequent distortion when used to transmit fast transient signals. Analyses of the coupler and its vertical feeds were carried out using the method of moments in the frequency domain, and time-domain responses were computed using the frequency-domain data together with the fast Fourier transform. Frequency-domain measurements agree with the coupler analyses. An optimal L-type coupler concept was developed that minimizes reflections. In experiments on stripline devices, parallel-plate resonant modes were found to be excited by the vertical feeds and to produce significant effects. A study was done of vias used to interconnect transmission lines on opposite sides of a circuit board. Optimal via dimensions were found, and equivalent circuits were constructed employing transmission-line and lumped-circuit elements.
Estimation methods in random coefficient regression for continuous and binary longitudinal data

Random coefficient regression (RCR) models are commonly used in the analysis of longitudinal data. Longitudinal studies involve a number of subjects on whom repeated outcome and explanatory measurements are taken over time. RCR is necessary since each subject may have a different relationship between the explanatory and outcome measurements. This thesis attempts to improve upon the current techniques used of estimation in RCR in two ways. First, the weighted least-squares estimator put forth by Swamy (16) is adapted to allow an iterative procedure to update the parameter estimates. This iterated weighted least-squares estimator is compared with the weighted least-squares and unweighted least-squares estimators. Second, these three RCR estimators are then extended, by analogy, to the case where the repeated outcome variable is binary. These theoretical methods are explained in detail, tested on simulated datasets, and used to analyze a longitudinal dataset in both the continuous and binary outcome cases.
The nutritional impact of fluid thickeners on the dysphagic elderly

This study examined pablum's significance in contributing to overall nutrient delivery and intake in the institutionalized dysphagic elderly. Fluid thickeners, including pablum, are used to increase fluid intake. It was hypothesized that the kilocalorie displacement from the diet by an unfortified thickener would lead to nutrient inadequacy, whereas pablum would replace displaced nutrients, thus preventing nutrient inadequacy. Seven days of food delivery in 23 patients requiring regular fluids were used to assess the impact of both pablum and unfortified fluid thickeners. Substitution of unfortified thickener with pablum would prevent predicted inadequacies save folate. While fluid delivery was diminished in patients requiring thickened fluids, fluid and nutrient recommendations were satisfied. Seven days of food intake in 22 patients requiring thickened fluids revealed nutrient adequacy but folate and fluid inadequacies. Recommendations include greater use of foods containing higher folate and water contents to increase folate and fluid intakes instead of thickened beverages.
Implementation of machine vision feedback into a structurally flexible manipulator testbed

Dynamic position feedback based on machine vision has been incorporated into a flexible manipulator testbed for the purpose of developing and testing vision-assisted servoing and visual servoing techniques. In particular, the Advanced Space Vision System (ASVS) has been integrated into the Radius facility at the University of Toronto. ASVS is a real-time photogrammetry system developed by the Canadian Space Agency and Radius is a planar manipulator testbed with structural frequencies similar to those of a real space-based manipulator such as Canadarm. Modifications to both the flexible manipulator and the vision system were required to allow ASVS to supply serviceable position data to the Radius control computer. Following the integration of the vision system into the servo loop, a complete characterization of the photogrammetric system as installed established the parameters under which control algorithms will operate. Emphasis was placed on determining the response time of the vision system and on comparing the anticipated experimental Radius behavior with the results of previous photogrammetric studies completed on-orbit.
Analytical probabilistic models for urban stormwater management planning

Since 1978, research efforts at the University of Toronto have included the development of analytical probabilistic models for urban drainage systems analysis. These models have been developed to the stage where their implementation in engineering practice may be of significant utility. The massive public investments required for urban infrastructure must be made on a cost-effective basis and, in order to optimize system design, performance analysis methods are necessary. The models presented herein represent but one technology which may be useful in the planning of urban drainage systems. Developed using derived probability theory, these models are capable of assessing system performance over the full range of meteorological conditions with relative ease when compared to their simulation counterparts. The use of such models in planning-level studies is thus practical where detailed analyses of drainage systems is typically unwarranted. Furthermore, the computationally efficient nature of the models lends them favourably to the solution of optimization problems. This thesis is a synthesis of the past two decades of research into this topic and is intended for use as a comprehensive reference by practitioners, researchers and students.
Composite patch repair including thermal processing effects, a finite element analysis capability

A finite element design analysis code for examining both the mechanical and the thermal issues of adhesively bonded composite patches is presented. The structure and the patch are modelled with Mindlin plate theory, the adhesive layer is modelled as a three-dimensional isotropic medium and constraint equations are used to enforce compatibility at the interfaces. Further, transient heat conduction equations are used to evaluate the temperature distribution in the system, especially during the post-cure cooling process. This ensures an accurate evaluation of the post-cure thermal residual stresses. If a cracked structure is considered, the stress intensity factor is obtained by the evaluation of the strain energy release rate. A simple demonstration of the code is performed and a library of both published and unpublished design studies is presented. Comparison with previous studies leads to the conclusion that the present code is an effective and inexpensive tool for analysing composite patch repairs.
A cost-effectiveness assessment of fluticasone propionate, budesonide, and beclomethasone dipropionate for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma

Purpose. A cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the province of Ontario of the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) anti-asthmatics beclomethasane dipropionate (BDP), budesonide (BUD), and fluticasone propionate (FP), for the management of moderate to severe asthma in adults over a one year time horizon. Methods. A single-arm meta-analysis of FP,BUD and BDP was performed in order to derive estimates of effectiveness and tolerance. A decision tree analysis was then used to model the cost-effectiveness analysis. Only direct medical costs were included in the analysis (i.e. inpatient care, emergency visits, physician services, nursing services, drugs, diagnostic tests). The time horizon of the study was 52 weeks, therefore no discounting was necessary. All costs are presented in 1996 Canadian dollars (CDN$). The cost-effectiveness decision index was calculated as the cost per additional symptom-free day (\$/SFD). Results. BDP was excluded from the baseline analysis (dominated by both FP and BUD) while FP and BUD had an annual cost of $1383 and \$1147 respectively (p $<$ 0.01). FP produced 216 SFDs while BUD resulted in 214 SFDs which was not significantly different at p = 0.01. A CMA showed that BUD was the cost-effective alternative costing $236 CDN less than the FP strategy. Conclusions. The use of BUD is as, if not more cost-effective for adults with moderate to severe asthma.
Architectures and algorithms for laser-programmed gate arrays with foldable logic blocks

Laser-programmed gate arrays (LPGAs) represent a new approach to application specific integrated circuit implementation. An LPGA consists of an array of programmable logic blocks as well as a programmable interconnection network. This thesis proposes two new LPGA logic block architectures: foldable PLA-style logic blocks and foldable look-up-table-based logic blocks. The proposed logic blocks are similar to those found in commercially available field-programmable devices. The term foldable refers to the fact that the granularity of the logic blocks can be varied. This is achieved using the LPGA laser disconnect methodology. Custom CAD tools have been developed to map circuits into the new architectures. Experimental studies show that LPGAs with foldable logic blocks are more area-efficient than those based on normal unfoldable logic blocks. The proposed LPGA architectures possess more predictable timing than an existing, commercially available LPGA.
Tracking filters for radar systems

In this paper we discuss the problem of target tracking in Cartesian coordinates with polar measurements and propose two efficient tracking algorithms. The first algorithm uses the multidimensional Gauss-Hermite quadrature to evaluate the optimal estimate as a weighted sum of functional values. To reduce the computational requirements of this quadrature technique we have suggested several ways to reduce the dimension, the number and the order of the quadratures required for a given accuracy. The second tracking algorithm is based on the Gaussian sum filter. To alleviate the computational burden associated with the Gaussian sum filter, we have found two efficient and systematic ways to approximates a non-Gaussian and measurement-dependent function by a weighted sum of Gaussian density function and we have derived the formula for updating the parameters involved in the bank of Kalman-type filters and we also have proposed new techniques to control the number of terms in the Gaussian mixture at each iteration. Simulation results show that these two proposed methods are more accurate than the classical method, such as the extended Kalman filter (EKF).
Automatic I/O prefetching for out-of-core applications

In this thesis, we propose and evaluate a fully-automatic technique to manage the I/O requirements of out-of-core scientific applications. In our scheme, the compiler determines information on future access patterns and inserts prefetch and release operations to initiate I/O before the data is needed and to free pages that are no longer accessed. No modifications to the original application source code are needed to support our compiler analysis. The operating system provides support for the basic prefetch and release operations and interacts with a run-time layer to accelerate performance by minimizing prefetch overhead. We have implemented our scheme using the SUIF compiler and the H scURRICANE operating system. Our experimental results demonstrate that our fully-automatic scheme effectively hides the I/O latency in out-of-core versions of the entire NAS Parallel benchmark suite, thus resulting in speedups of roughly twofold for five of the eight applications, with one application speeding up by over threefold.
A place we should watch, listen to, and learn from, hope for a holistic horizon

This paper is a study of a grade seven and eight alternative school in southern Ontario, Canada. I have explored the various elements that make this school successful. These included a strong ethic of care, a focus on the building of community, continuity of teachers across both grades, size of student body, and collaboration amongst the staff. The findings are based on my observations and participation over the Winter and Spring terms at the school. The voices of staff, students, former students and parents have been incorporated. This information is supported by theoretical writings on care and collaboration.