VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Studies toward the synthesis of indolizidine alkaloids and analogues using ring-closing metathesis

The work presented in this thesis summarizes research conducted at the University of Toronto in the laboratory of Dr. Robert A. Batey. It is presented as a single chapter in which efforts to develop a versatile synthetic protocol for the synthesis of various members of the indolizidine family of alkaloids are discussed. Described is the progress toward a synthesis of pyrrolidine-derived dienes that provide substrates for ring-closing metathesis using catalysts previously described in the chemical literature. These dienes were synthesized from the amino acids proline and pyroglutamic acid, providing a synthesis that, after metathesis, would also allow analogous and derivative structures to be accessible. The results of these syntheses, as well as the preliminary results of metathesis, are discussed in detail.
Effectiveness and improvement processes in Canada's isolated schools: the relationship between the schools' implementation of core-plus processes and parental involvement

This study examines school effectiveness and school improvement processes in a sample of Canada's isolated schools. It builds upon a previous study of Canada's isolated schools, in which, among the issues identified both by the teachers and principals who were surveyed, was the lack of parental involvement. The purpose of this study is to examine the processes that isolated Canadian schools have implemented to engage the active involvement of parents and community members and to determine what relationships exist between the implementation of such processes and parental involvement. Principals of 36 isolated schools responded to an online questionnaire about their schools' processes and parental involvement. The relationship between school processes and parental involvement was explored using correlation and regression analyses. School processes related to curriculum development and specific classroom activities, development of school vision and development of school policy accounted for 72% of the variance in the schools' views on the basic obligation of the school communicating with the community. The relationships between school processes and other views related to parental involvement were weaker. The findings support the importance of home-school links and parental involvement in providing effective schooling and enhancing student outcomes in these isolated communities.

Keywords: Rural schools, Canada
School management and organization, Canada
Education, Parent participation
Education, Canada
The role of the mTOR signaling pathway in myometrial differentiation

The mTOR (mammalian Target Of Rapamycin) signaling pathway regulates cellular growth and proliferation in many tissues. We hypothesized that mTOR was a mediator of myometrial hyperplasia during gestation. The activation status of mTOR and its upstream regulators and downstream effectors, as well as the proliferative activity of the uterine myocytes, was analyzed throughout normal pregnancy in rats. An ovariectomized (OVX) rat model was used to analyze the modulation of the mTOR pathway and proliferative activity of the uterine myocytes by estrogen. The mTOR pathway was up-regulated in the rat myometrium during the proliferative phase of pregnancy, while inhibition of mTOR signaling by rapamycin blocked the proliferation. Rapamycim also blocked the estrogen-induced and IGF-1 mediated up-regulation of the mTOR pathway and reduced the number of proliferating cells in the OVX rats. These data clearly demonstrate that the mTOR pathway mediates the estrogen-induced proliferation of rat myometrial smooth muscle cells during pregnancy.
Metapedagogy: Reflections on the interrelational art of piano teaching

Piano lessons play an important role in the lives of many North Americans. The content and format of piano lessons and the quality of teaching varies widely. In many cases, piano lessons are inspiring, life-changing experiences and students go on to make music throughout their lives. In some cases, however, piano lessons fall short of their potential and students lose interest and drop out. For these reasons, it is important to examine the practice of piano pedagogy and strive to improve it. Many piano teachers are already teaching in ways that are inspiring, motivating and effective. What is it that makes these "experts" so good at what they do, and how do they acquire this expertise?The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of expertise in piano pedagogy and how that expertise may be developed and taught. In particular, I was interested in the interrelational aspects of piano teaching. I examined the pedagogical practice of three highly regarded North American piano teachers. To learn about these teachers and their practices, I employed a narrative methodology. I interviewed and observed these teachers and constructed narrative portraits of each. I then analyzed the data looking for emergent themes, noting similarities and differences among the three teachers. This research provides a rich portrait of exemplary practice and is thus a valuable resource for experienced practitioners and teacher trainees alike. My analyses indicated that these three expert piano teachers demonstrate, embody and perceive expertise in similar ways, some of which may be attributed to personality and life history, but many of which have been developed through experience and reflection. From the emergent themes, I isolated five personal traits that underlie the abilities of expert piano teachers: positive attitude, openness to learning, motivation, reflective habits, and nurturing personality. These qualities are requisite for what I call interrelational expertise. I propose a new model of expert piano teaching, in which interrelational expertise is conceived as the mediating factor between teacher knowledge and the teacher-student experience.
Nonlinear, finite strain, finite element model of the mechanics of the posterior tracheal membrane

The deflection of a Y-shaped membrane under a uniform static pressure load is analyzed as a suitable structural component for a model of forced expiration, flow limitation and wheezing, as occur in obstructive airway diseases. First a linear model is analyzed using the Rayleigh-Ritz finite element method. The predicted deformation increases monotonically with transmural pressure. The linear restrictions are then removed and a nonlinear, finite strain, finite deformation model is developed. The predicted tube law is qualitatively the same at various cross-sections of the trachea, and is insensitive to the magnitude and shape assumed for the resting area. The predicted wave speed shows an initial raise, followed by a sustained fall as collapse progresses. Maximal flow rate computed for parameters relevant to the human trachea is 12 lps, which is of the same order as the observed value 6–10 lps.

Keywords: Membranes (Biology), Mechanical properties
Finite element method
Turbulence, Mathematical models
Ecology and evolution of mate choice in a fish with paternal care (Pumpkinseed sunfish: Lepomis gibbosus)

An objective of sexual selection research is to explain the evolution of female mate choice. In many species males have evolved elaborate morphological and behavioural displays for attracting mates. Recent literature suggests that the size, symmetry and colour of these ornaments may be useful to females as an honest indicator of male quality. This idea was tested by examining the relationship between ornament size, symmetry and colour intensity and three measures of individual quality: body condition, parasite load and territory quality, in a wild population of pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibbosus . Pumpkinseed grow fleshy extensions called flaps on their gill covers. The flaps are predominately black in colour with a posterior red pigmented spot bordered with white. These bilateral ornaments are presented by nesting males to females during courtship by erecting the gill covers in a dramatic frontal display. The results show that males grow larger flaps than females throughout their life-histories and that flap fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is negatively correlated with individual quality, but only in females. In contrast, both flap size and red spot size are positively correlated with individual quality, but only in males. Therefore, flap size and red spot size can provide potential information on male quality, but their FA can not. However, female pumpkinseed prefer to mate with males who possess the most symmetric flaps. The data suggest that male pumpkinseed preferentially allocate effort throughout their life-history to symmetric flap growth in response to selection from female choice. In this fish system, male ornament symmetry is not selected for because it is a signal of individual quality but rather, it is selected to enhance the true signal of individual quality which is revealed by the size of their flaps. Contrary to existing FA theory proposed by many researchers, ornament symmetry is not an ubiquitous signal of quality. In the pumpkinseed sunfish, individuals appear to manipulate the symmetry of their display ornaments in response to selection just like any other component of their phenotype.
Looking at perspective pictures from too far, too close, and just right

A problem that has been with the study of vision since the Renaissance is our reaction to perspective in pictures. We propose a two-factor account that fits viewing pictures across many circumstances, including wide-angle pictures and varied viewing distances. Observers looked at perspective pictures projected by square tiles on a ground plane while positioned at the correct distance, farther, or nearer. They judged the dimensions of the tiles, many of which appeared too short to be squares, many too long, and many just right. The judgments were strongly affected by viewing from the wrong distance but, quite strikingly, not as much as correct perspective predicts. In subsequent experiments, the judgments were similarly affected by eye-height and object orientation. The results run counter to standard theories of perspective's effects, including ones specifically to do with perspective constancy and marginal distortions, but fit an Angles and Ratios Together (ART) theory. The ART theory's two factors are: (1) the ratio of the visual angles of the tile's sides and, (2) the angle between the normal to the picture plane from the observer and the direction to the tile from the observer.
Preservice secondary school mathematics teachers exploring the integration of computer technology in their instructional practices: a caribbean perspective

This qualitative study of preservice secondary school mathematics (PSSM) teachers in an English-speaking Caribbean country was conducted within a naturalistic paradigm. The study examined, described and analysed their experiences, the nature of interactions and their perceptions as they explored the use of computer technology (CT) as part of their teacher development. Semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, journals of activities, lesson plans, and contributions to a conferencing database were utilised to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences, interactions and perceptions. This study confirms that PSSM teachers' awareness of CT, having hands-on experience of CT tools, limited resources and support are insufficient to effectively integrate CT for educational changes. It was astounding to see the PSSM teachers taking new roles for the purpose of effecting changes in teaching and learning. Providing necessary CT resources and support for teachers and students, as well as follow-up experiences in which continuous growth and development can transpire will be key factors in the reform efforts. Results of the study posit that mathematics teacher education in the English-speaking Caribbean country needs serious and immediate considerations in providing resources, support and professional development as a priority for its development and impact on the education system to move towards the global age. These PSSM teachers need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills, and be provided with the resources, and support to sustain their confidence and motivation for them to continue their personal growth and develop their community and teaching profession.

Keywords: Mathematics teachers, In-service training
Student teachers
Computer-assisted instruction
Education, Data processing
Educational innovations
Some results in computational complexity

In this thesis, we present some results in computational complexity. We consider two approaches for showing that #P has polynomial-size circuits. These approaches use ideas from the interactive proof for #3-SAT. We show that these approaches fail. We discuss whether there are instance checkers for languages complete for the class of approximate counting problems. We provide evidence that such instance checkers do not exist. We discuss the extent to which proofs of hierarchy theorems are constructive. We examine the problems that arise when trying to make the proof of Fortnow and Santhanam's nonuniform BPP hierarchy theorem more constructive.
Internalization of the Kv1.4 voltage-dependent potassium channel

Endocytosis is a mechanism used by all eukaryotic cells as a way to replenish and regulate the expression of cell-surface constituents. As the maintenance of distinct voltage-dependent ion channel distributions governs overall nerve excitability, differential rates of ion channel endocytosis would be a powerful mechanism for shaping neuronal electrophysiology. However, nothing is known about voltage-dependent ion channel internalization, or its role in determining channel membrane density. The underlying goal was to investigate voltage-dependent potassium channel (VDPC) internalization, using a model system featuring Kv1.4. The central hypothesis was: Voltage-dependent ion channels contain endocytic signals whose modulation can regulate their stabilization at the cell surface. The sub-hypotheses were: (1) Ion channel endocytosis signals exist as entities intrinsic to the channel proteins, (2) these signals are unique, removable, and exchangeable, (3) channel clustering by membrane-associated guanylate kinases, such as PSD-95, leads to regional stabilization of surface proteins by internalization suppression, and (4) Kvβ subunits of VDPCs modulate channel internalization rates. An anti-kv1.4 polyclonal antibody was developed and characterized, to detect transfected channels in HEK293 cells, confirmed by 125I-dendrotoxin binding and electrophysiology. A cell-surface biotinylation assay was devised to measure channel internalization, confirmed by assessing rates of HEK293 membrane protein internalization, and that of Kv1.4. The suppression of Kv1.4 internalization by PSD-95 was governed by the ability of PSD-95 to self associate and duster Kv1.4 channels directly. Kv1.4 internalization was enhanced by its interaction with Kvβ2, but not KvP1.2. Both Kvp subunits were able to surmount the ability of PSD-95 to suppress Kv1.4 internalization, with an overall trend between the amount of Kvβ2 expressed and degree of hierarchical control. The identification of the Kv1.4 internalization signal was pursued by comparing the rates of Kv1.4 internalization to those of Kv1.2 and Kv1.3, and a Kv1.4/Kv4.2 carboxy-terminal (C-term) chimera, implicating the Kv1.4 C-term. A battery of large-scale deletion mutants mapped a novel ubiquitination internalization signal to the Kv1.4 C-term. These data provide novel evidence suggesting that the differential cell surface residency of ion channels may, in part, be conferred by a highly regulated mechanism that differentially controls their rates of internalization.
Spatially explicit modelling of coupled water and carbon cycles in Canada's forests and wetlands as affected by disturbance, climate, and atmospheric composition

The carbon (C) and water cycles and the interactions between them in terrestrial ecosystems are influenced by changes in climate, atmospheric composition, and disturbance regimes. During the last century, these types of changes have all occurred to Canada's forests and wetlands. The responses of the C and water cycles to such changes were studied through model simulations. Statistical analysis showed that SWC in Canada's forests and wetlands changed spatially and temporally, with an overall increase between 1901 and 2000, but a decrease between 1971 and 2000. The variation in SWC during 1901-2100 was projected to induce an average increase of 4.2 Tg C yr-1 in net C sequestration. Such increase is relatively small compared to the projected increase of 51.2 Tg C yr-1 caused by the integrated effect of changes in climate, CO2 concentration, and N deposition. Climate change was the largest contributor to a total increase of 3.9 Gt C in soils between 1901 and 2000, followed by the changes in forest age, CO 2 fertilization, and N deposition. Most of the simulated climate-induced increase in soil C stocks (1.29 Gt C) was from the contribution of increasing SWC (1.12 Gt C). However, a warm and dry climate between 1981 and 2000 caused soils to release 0.27 Gt C to the atmosphere. An increase of 1 K in annual mean temperature enhanced heterotrophic respiration by about 62 Tg C yr -1. A period with wet and cool climate increased soil C accumulation, while a warm and dry period had the opposite effect. Model validations showed that a new scheme is an improvement over a commonly used method in quantifying the effect of soil water on stomatal opening for simulating surface fluxes. This new scheme quantifies the uptake of water by roots based on root fraction and the vertical profile of soil water instead of only root fraction. The inclusion of lateral surface and subsurface water flows was found to be critical for simulating soil water content (SWC), water table depth, and C sequestration. Separate parameterizations for forests and wetlands are required for regional C budget estimation.
The concurrent development of basic reading skills in french and english in early french immersion

English-speaking children in Grade 1 French immersion classes participated in a 1-year longitudinal study of the concurrent development of basic literacy skills in French and English and the extent to which French literacy skill development parallels English literacy skill development. Literacy development in French and English was explored by examining students' reading and spelling skills at the beginning and end of Grade one. As well, the study explored the role of skills such as phonological awareness, verbal memory, vocabulary, speed of lexical access, word recognition, and oral language proficiency in predicting literacy skills in the L1 and L2. Although students' French and English literacy skill development was similar, improvement was more pronounced in French, the L2. Basic component processes, such as phonological awareness, were more developed in English while the more advanced literacy skills, such as spelling, were more developed in French. Despite the lack of systematic instruction, English skills continued to develop, thus suggesting transfer from the L2. Other examples of transfer were found among the predictors of literacy skills. For example, L1 word recognition proved to be a consistent predictor of L2 word recognition above and beyond phonological awareness, and vice versa. L1 word recognition also proved to be a good predictor of L2 spelling skills and visa versa. Rapid naming of digits, phonological awareness, vocabulary, and memory also predicted literacy skills crosslinguistically. The role of oral language proficiency in predicting literacy skills was minimal. The second part of the thesis focused on a comparison of spelling errors in French and English. In-depth spelling error analysis results revealed that although spelling development may follow a similar pattern in the L1 and L2, students' approximations to standard spelling do not evolve simultaneously for all words. Both positive and negative transfer was noted among the spelling errors as well as in the continued improvement in English spelling skills. In both languages, students' basic “primitive” errors decreased over time, while their more complex errors increased over time. This study provided support for both the universal processing hypothesis as well as the orthography-specific hypothesis in the area of French immersion.

Keywords: Reading
French language, Study and teaching (Elementary)
English language, Study and teaching (Elementary)
French language, Study and teaching (Elementary)
Language and languages, Orthography and spelling
Supporting self-management in patients with congestive heart failure

Heart failure is the most common cause of hospitalization in Canada. Over half of the hospitalized patients are readmitted within 6 months of discharge. These patients face even greater health risks as a result of gaps in care which occur during transition of care from hospital to community. The research presented in this dissertation builds on the existing body of research on transition of care by identifying issues that patients face after discharge from hospital and by proposing and evaluating a remote self-care education program. In the first part of this thesis, methodologies relevant to development and evaluation of information systems for healthcare are considered, and an alternative framework is proposed. Consistent with the proposed framework, patient self-management education, the educational approach which forms the basis of the proposed intervention, is validated through a systematic review of literature. Next, two qualitative studies were conducted in order to identify issues that occur during transition of care, from the perspectives of healthcare practitioners and patients. The first study consisted of a contextual inquiry and interviews with case managers. In the second qualitative study, patients with heart failure who were discharged to the community were interviewed and barriers and enablers to care that affect this patient population were identified. Based on the feedback from the systematic review and the qualitative studies, an intervention consisting of remote self-management education was designed. In a randomized study involving patients with heart failure released from hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area, two methods of delivery of self-care education were compared. One group was given an access to a web-site containing educational content, and another group was also participating in four live telephone-based education sessions led by a cardiac nurse. Results demonstrated that patients in the live education groups scored higher on the self-care knowledge test following the intervention. This dissertation concludes with a distinction of the implications of this research for future care of congestive heart failure patients.

Keywords: Industrial engineering
Health education
Health services administration
Representational insight or inhibitory control: Influences on children's pictorial competence

Previous research on children's picture perception has found that 2-year-old children fail to realize the symbol-referent correspondence due to lack of representational insight. The present study investigated children's pictorial competence by examining the inhibitory deficit account as a potential explanation of children's poor performance. Children participated in a series of trials in a picture retrieval task in which they searched for a toy after being shown its location in a picture. The degree of similarity between trials was manipulated by changing zero, two or four of the items in the room after children's initial search. The results indicated that changing four of the items improved performance by reducing perseveration errors. In contrast, in the zero change and two change conditions perseveration errors resulted in a significant drop in performance after the initial trial. The results are discussed with respect to the role of inhibitory deficit account in children's pictorial competence.