VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Towards Achieving Highly Parallelized Publish/Subscribe Matching at Line-rates Using Reconfigurable Hardware

We present fpga-ToPSS (Toronto Publish/ Subscribe System), an efficient FPGA-based middleware platform geared towards high-frequency and low-latency event processing. fpga-ToPSS is built over reconfigurable hardware---FPGAs---to achieve line-rate processing by exploiting unprecedented degrees of parallelism and potential for pipelining,only available through custom-built, application-specific and low-level logic design. Furthermore, our middleware solution hosts an event processing engine that is built on a hardware-based packet processor and Boolean expression matcher. Our middleware vision extends to a wide range of applications including real-time data analytics, intrusion detection, algorithmic trading, targeted advertisement, and (complex) event processing.

Keywords: FPGA
fpga-ToPSS
Publish Subscribe Matching
middleware system
event procesing system
content based router
Advisor: Jacobsen, Hans-Arno
Retinal Origins of Vigabatrin Toxicity in Infantile Spasms

Vigabatrin (VGB) is an anti-epileptic drug used to treat children with Infantile Spasms (IS). The 3.0 flicker amplitude of the electroretinogram (ERG) is currently used to monitor visual function changes in infants on VGB. To find a more specific marker of permanent changes due to VGB, sedated ERGs were performed on 31 IS patients and 13 retinally normal controls to isolate components of the cone pathway. ERG growth curves, for each component, recorded from children with IS were generated using data recorded pre-VGB treatment and for controls. Only the cone off response (from Off bipolar cells) and cone photoreceptor sensitivity were associated with decreased flicker amplitude. Twenty nine percent of patients had an abnormal cone off response. No patient had an abnormal cone off response at baseline. No patient with an abnormal cone off response recovered normal function. The cone off response could serve as a marker VGB retinal toxicity.

Keywords: vigabatrin
toxicity
electroretinogram
infantile spasms
Advisor: Westall, Carol
Assessing the Cytoprotective Properties and Central Nervous System Expression Profile of Mammalian Sirtuin SIRT3

Sirtuins are a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - dependent enzymes, which have gained recent interest due to their ability to directly or indirectly regulate cell metabolism, oxidative response mechanisms and cellular senescence. A mitochondrial sirtuin SIRT3, although still relatively under-investigated, regulates mitochondrial processes through deacetylation of metabolic enzymes and components of electron transport chain. We hypothesized that SIRT3 is a mitochondrial cytoprotective factor that exerts its function by decreasing reactive oxygen species levels, and protecting cells from oxidative stress. HEK-293 cells over-expressing SIRT3 exhibit reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species levels under basal conditions. In addition, cells over-expressing SIRT3 are less sensitive to hydrogen peroxide and glucose deprivation/glucose reperfusion induced-cell death. Since SIRT3 expression in the brain has not yet been investigated, its expression pattern in the rodent brain was characterized. Our results showed that SIRT3 mRNA and protein levels are robustly expressed in different regions of the adult rodent brain and their expression increases with age. Furthermore, SIRT3 is expressed predominantly in astrocytes in cultures derived from rat primary E18 cortical cells. These results suggest that SIRT3 possesses cytoprotective potential, and that its actions in the brain regulate astrocyte physiology.

Keywords: mitochondria
SIRT3
Advisor: Eubanks, James
Glitch Reduction and CAD Algorithm Noise in FPGAs

This thesis presents two contributions to the FPGA CAD domain. First, a study of glitch power in a commercial FPGA is presented, showing that glitch power in FPGAs is significant. A CAD algorithm is presented that reduces glitch power at the post-routing stage by taking advantage of don't-cares in the logic functions of the circuit. This method comes at no cost to area or performance. The second contribution of this thesis is a study of FPGA CAD algorithm noise {random choices which can have an unpredictable effect on the circuit as a whole. An analysis of noise in the logic synthesis, technology mapping, and placement stages is presented. A series of early performance and power metrics is proposed, in an effort to find the best circuit implementation in the noise space.

Keywords: FPGA
CAD
Glitch
Power
Noise
Algorithms
Advisor: Anderson, Jason
EMI Reduction in Discrete SMPS Using Programmable Gate Driver Output Resistance

A gate driver IC with programmable driving strength to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in SMPS is presented in this thesis. The design builds on previous segmented gate driver designs that have been used to improve light load efficiency. The presented solution is to dynamically adjust the output resistance Rout at the arrival of each gate pulse to minimize EMI while maintaining low switching loss. Dynamically adjusting Rout is not possible with conventional gate driver designs. Thus, a segmented gate driver is designed and fabricated in the AMS 0.35μm 40V HVCMOS process. Unlike traditional snubber circuits, the proposed method does not require extra discrete components that dissipate energy. Experimental results indicate up to a 7dBμV improvement in peak Conducted EMI (CEMI) between 20 MHz and 30 MHz and a 150μV/m improvement in peak Radiated EMI (REMI) between 88 MHz and 216 MHz.

Keywords: SMPS
EMI
Power Electronics
Integrated Circuits
Gate Driver
Advisor: Ng, Wai Tung
Investigating the Anti-viral Property of Verotoxin and its Receptor Gb3 in Preventing Primary HIV-1 Infection

Verotoxin produced by Enterohemorrhagic E. coli is comprised of a catalytic A subunit and a receptor Gb3 binding B subunit pentamer. VT causes protein synthesis inhibition by ribosomal inactivation in Gb3 positive cells via receptor mediated endocytosis and retrograde transport to the ER. We propose that verotoxin is a novel inhibitor for HIV-1 infection. Experiments conducted using VT treated Jurkat-C T cells and PHA/IL-2 activated human PBMCs reveal the anti-HIV-1 property of VT is receptor Gb3 independent since the catalytic A subunit alone is sufficient for inhibition. Possible mechanism of action involves mild inhibition of protein synthesis and cell proliferation. Recent findings in our lab suggest Gb3 is a natural resistance factor for HIV-1 infection, which was further investigated by selecting a Gb3 low subpopulation in THP-1 cells using VT treatment. Selected THP-1 cells were completely resistant to HIV-1 infection, however decreased surface CXCR4 expression may be a cause.

Keywords: HIV-1
Verotoxin
glycosphingolipid
Gb3
Advisor: Lingwood, Clifford A.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Evaluation of Non-planar Stent Graft Configurations in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Crossing of stent graft limbs during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is often used to assist cannulation and prevent graft kinking when the aortic bifurcation is widely splayed. Little has been reported about the implications of cross-limb EVAR, especially in comparison to conventional EVAR. Using computational fluid dynamics, this work numerically examines the hemodynamic differences between these two out-of-plane stent graft configurations against a planar configuration commonly found in literature. Predicted values of displacement force, wall shear stress, and oscillatory shear index were similar between the out-of-plane configurations. The planar configuration predicted similar wall shear stress values, but significantly lower displacement forces than the out-of-plane configurations. These results suggest that the hemodynamic safety of cross-limb EVAR is comparable to conventional EVAR. However, a study of clinical outcomes may reveal reduced thrombosis incidence and long-term structural implications for the stent graft in cross-limb EVAR.

Keywords: stent graft
hemodynamics
crossing the limbs
helical flow
AAA
abdominal aortic aneurysm
EVAR
endovascular aneurysm repair
CFD
computational fluid dynamics
Advisor: Amon, Cristina
Study of Peri-operative Complications in Persons with Disabilties under Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia at the Mount Sinai Hospital

This was a two part study. Part one was a retrospective chart review to ascertain the prevalence and predictors of peri-operative complications in PWD receiving their dental care under general anesthesia (GA). Part two was a prospective survey of parents/caregivers regarding their satisfaction with the service as well as to ascertain the prevalence of post-operative symptoms incurred by patients. In Part 1, the prevalence of complications in PWD was 4 times higher than the 6% stated in the literature for the general population. Time under GA, and no previous history of dental care under GA were significantly related to complications. In Part 2, 100% of patients experienced post-operative symptoms; nonetheless, 92.7% of parents/caregivers were satisfied with the service provided. There prevalence of complications in the PWD in this study was high. Prior to treatment under GA, adequate pre-operative medical evaluations must be completed and time under GA minimized.

Keywords: general anesthesia
complications
disabilities
dentistry
satisfaction
dental treatment
special needs
Advisor: Sigal, Michael
The Margin of Appreciation in Context of Freedom of Religion in the Interpretation of the European Court of Human Rights

This thesis addresses numerous key points on the application of the margin of appreciation principle in relation to Article 9 (2) of the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms ('Convention').1 In general terms, the margin of appreciation doctrine means that the State is allowed a certain measure of discretion, subject to European supervision, when it takes legislative, administrative, or judicial action in the area of a Convention right.2 The margin of appreciation is given to Contracting States to allow variation amongst them in terms of interpretation of the rights guaranteed.

Keywords: margin of appreciation
freedom of religion
Advisor: Macklem, Patrick
Exploring Gendered Relationships Between Aboriginal Urbanization, Aboriginal Rights and Health

Aboriginal urbanization has increased dramatically in Canada over the last half century. Aboriginal rights may be an important factor in shaping Aboriginal peoples’ experiences of urbanization, as they are largely restricted to those living on reserves. Through their impacts on social determinants of health, these differences in spatial access to Aboriginal rights may have implications for the health of Aboriginal peoples living in urban areas. Using mixed quantitative (statistical analysis of the Aboriginal Peoples Survey) and qualitative (in-depth interviews with Aboriginal women and men in Toronto) methods, this thesis explores relationships between Aboriginal urbanization and Aboriginal rights, focusing on how they may differentially impact the health of Aboriginal women and men living in urban areas. Findings suggest that the perceived lack of respect for Aboriginal rights in urban areas is negatively related to health, and that Aboriginal women and men may experience these impacts differently.

Keywords: Aboriginal health
Aboriginal urbanization
Aboriginal rights
mixed-methods
Advisor: Wilson, Kathi
The Direct Interaction of Tubulin With Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2

Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a widely expressed, non-selective cationic channel with implicated roles in cell death, chemokine production and oxidative stress. This study characterizes a novel interactor of TRPM2. Using fusion proteins comprised of the TRPM2 C-terminus we established that tubulin interacted directly with the predicted C-terminal coiled-coil domain of the channel. In vitro studies revealed increased interaction between tubulin and TRPM2 during LPS-induced macrophage activation and taxol-induced microtubule stabilization. We propose that the stabilization of microtubules in activated macrophages enhances the interaction of tubulin with TRPM2 resulting in the gating and/or localization of the channel resulting in a contribution to increased intracellular calcium and downstream production of chemokines.

Keywords: TRPM2
Tubulin
Advisor: Aarts, Michelle
Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazole-fused Heterocycles via Palladium Catalyzed Annulation of 5-Iodotriazoles

Increasing attention has recently been directed toward 1,2,3-triazole-containing compounds. With their unique properties and excellent stability, 1,4-disubstituted triazoles are readily accessible via the copper catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). As compounds containing fused triazoles become common in pharmaceutical targets and biologically active substances, new strategies to synthesize this class of molecules are highly desirable. An efficient and highly modular approach toward the synthesis of three different heterocyclic motifs containing fused 1,2,3-triazoles is reported. The synthesis involved a Pd-catalyzed annulation of 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazoles, which were prepared by a Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition of iodoalkynes and azides. This work demonstrates the versatility of iodotriazoles in Heck reactions and in direct arylations.

Keywords: triazoles
palladium catalysis
Heck reaction
dirct arylation
organic chemistry
Advisor: Lautens, Mark
The Roles of the Voa Subunit of the Vacuolar H+-ATPase in Dense-core Vesicle Acidification, Transmitter Uptake and Storage

The Vo sector of the vacuolar H+-ATPase is a multi-subunit complex that forms a proteolipid pore. The largest subunit in this complex is the a subunit which has four isoforms (a1-a4). The isoform(s) critical for secretory vesicle acidification has yet to be identified. Using a cell line derived from rat pheochromocytoma in which Voa1 and/or Voa2 had been down-regulated this study revealed that Voa1, and to a lesser extent, Voa2 are critical for acidifying dense-core vesicles (DCVs). The acidification defects resulting from down-regulation of Voa1 and Voa1/ Voa2 were suppressed by the expression of knockdown-resistant Voa1. Defects in DCV acidification resulted in reductions in their transmitter uptake and storage. Lastly, Ca2+-dependent peptide secretion appeared normal in Voa1 and Voa1/ Voa2 knockdown cells. . This study demonstrated that Voa1 and Voa2 cooperatively regulate dense-core vesicle acidification as well as transmitter uptake/storage, while they may not be critical for dense-core vesicle exocytosis.

Keywords: V-ATPase
Voa
transmitter uptake
acidification
Advisor: Sugita, Shuzo
Elective Efficiency

This thesis offers a new rationale that helps explain the phenomena of elective provisions in tax law. I analyze tax elections with reference to a particular election offered to individual taxpayers —the choice to itemize expenses or to take the standard deduction to determine taxable net income under section 63(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. I make three arguments concerning the section 63(e) election that are relevant to evaluating tax elections more generally. First, the ability to itemize deductions can be seen as having an efficiency rationale in addition to its more well-recognized horizontal equity rationale. For taxpayers with lower incomes, the election to itemize acts as a screen that reveals the taxpayer’s unobservable cost-type to the government and allows the income tax to be more optimally “tailored” in the direction of a first-best lump sum tax by lowering itemizers’ marginal tax rates. Second, I show that the elective standard deduction introduced in 1944 can be viewed as a mechanism that bolsters the separating function of the election by reducing the itemizing propensity of would-be tax avoiders and low-ability taxpayers on the boundary between itemizing and not itemizing, while saving government enforcement and taxpayer compliance costs. Third, I argue that one of the drawbacks of using elective provisions such as section 63(e) to optimally tailor the income tax—deliberation costs borne by lower-income taxpayers who are uncertain about whether they should make the election—can be mitigated by viewing elections as call options written by the government in favor of the taxpayer. By structuring the election within a real option framework, the taxpayer will have higher net utility with no loss in equity as compared to an election structured outside the real-option framework. The flexible election rules of section 63(e) comport with this utility-enhancing real option approach. Moreover, the real option analysis suggests that little-noticed details of tax elections more generally may have more important effects on their efficiency than previously recognized.

Keywords: Taxation
Elective provisions
Advisor: Alarie, Benjamin
Certain Static and Dynamic Priority Policies in Queueing Systems

In this thesis, we first study delay systems with different classes of impatient customers. We analyze the M/GI/1+M queue serving two priority classes under the static non-preemptive priority discipline. We also study the multi-server priority queue considering two cases depending on the time-to-abandon distribution being exponentially distributed or deterministic. In all models, we obtain the Laplace transforms of the virtual waiting time for each class by exploiting the level-crossing method. This enables us to obtain the steady-state system performance measures. In the second part, we consider the steady-state waiting time distributions of a two class M/GI/1 queue operating under a dynamic priority discipline. We find an accurate approximation for the steady-state waiting time distribution of the low-priority customers which allows us to study how they are penalized as the priority parameter increases. We also obtain bounds for the variance of the waiting time of high-priority customers.

Keywords: Queueing Theory
Service Engineering
Advisor: Balcioglu, Baris
Double Fortification of Salt with Folic Acid and Iodine

Salt iodization is widely available throughout the developing world. Incorporating other micronutrients into the existing salt iodization process could prevent multiple deficiencies. The thesis objective was to develop a stable formulation of salt dual fortified with folic acid and iodine, using a single solution that could be sprayed on. The micronutrients needed to be fully solubilized and stable in solution for at least one month. In the absence of an alkaline environment or antioxidant, iodine losses occur most likely due to the oxidation of folic acid by potassium iodate. Optimal salt formulations were prepared by spraying a pH 9 carbonate-bicarbonate buffer solution containing folic acid and iodine dissolved at 0.35% (w/v) each. Acceptable micronutrient retentions of > 90% were observed in refined salt after 6 months of storage at 45°C/60% relative humidity. Further investigations into increasing the concentration of iodine and folic acid in the spray solution are recommended.

Keywords: salt
fortification
folic acid
iodine
Advisor: Diosady, Levente L.
Islamic Law and the State

The concepts of sovereignty and legal personality in Islamic Law and Western Law are fundamentally different. Under Islamic law sovereignty belongs to Allah and the ruler is the agent of the Ummah. His function is to implement, rather than make the law. Western law assigns sovereignty to the state. The state has complete monopoly over the law making process, giving validity to which under Islamic law was the domain of the doctrinal schools. Furthermore, the birth of the nation-state has changed the structure in which traditional Islamic law operated which has now been forcefully restricted in its scope. The concept of ‘asabiyya is different from the concept of nation. The former is a natural phenomenon while the latter has been imposed upon the Ummah. If certain changes are made to the way that the modern state operates, it can function as an administrative tool that serves the Ummah.

Keywords: Islamic law
legal personality
sovereignty
Advisor: Fadel, Mohammad
Loss of BRCA1 in Normal Human Mammary Epithelial Cells Induces a Novel Mechanism of Senescence

Early events in BRCA1-associated tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. To understand the immediate consequences of BRCA1 loss of function, we modeled BRCA1 loss of function in vitro using normal primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). We have found that in HMEC, loss of BRCA1 results in a novel type of senescence. Loss of BRCA1-induced senescence is not associated with DNA damage or p53 upregulation. We find that p53 protein levels are down regulated due to proteasome-mediated degradation. Although p53 levels are down regulated, we find that BRCA1 loss induced expression of a number of p53-dependent anti-oxidant genes. In particular we uncovered that SESN2, a p53 downstream target gene, inhibits loss of BRCA1 induced ROS and activates autophagy. In contrast to human fibroblasts, we found that loss of BRCA1 induced senescence is p53 independent, and can occur in the absence of ROS upregulation and autophagy induction.

Keywords: senescence
breast cancer initiation
autophagy
ROS
BRCA1
Sestrin 2
Advisor: Mona, Gauthier
Mild to Moderate Work-related Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in the industrialized world. This pilot study investigated demographic, clinical and environmental factors associated with return to work (RTW) among workers who sustained a mild to moderate work-related TBI (WrTBI). Using a retrospective cohort design, participants were recruited through an outpatient clinic dedicated to evaluating injured workers after a WrTBI. A mailed survey and medical record abstraction tool were used for data collection. Of the 40 injured workers who participated in this study, 19 reported working at time of follow-up. Those who were unable to RTW scored significantly lower on measures of emotional well-being; there were no significant between-group differences in cognitive or physical impairments. Gradual RTW and workplace accommodations were reported as key factors facilitating RTW. Our findings provide information that addresses improved rehabilitation and management of WrTBI as well as better education and support for employers.

Keywords: mild Traumatic Brain injury
Return to work
Work-related Traumatic Brain injury
Advisor: Colantonio, Angela
Comparing Memory and Executive Function Performance in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Dichotomized into Low and High Cortisol Groups over 1 year of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cognitive impairment in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients can predict poorer quality of life, dementia, and increased mortality. This study aimed to determine the association between long-term cortisol elevations and cognitive function in CAD patients. Participants were recruited at the beginning of a 1 year cardiac rehabilitation program and followed forward. Composite Z-scores were computed from tests measuring memory and executive function at baseline and 1 year. Cortisol deposition (3 months) was measured from a 20 mg, 3 cm hair sample. Analyses of covariance showed less improvement in memory function (F1,50=4.721, p=0.035) but not executive function (F1,49=0.318, p=0.575) in patients dichotomized into a high cortisol group based on a previously established reference range. Prolonged cortisol elevation may be associated with cognitive changes in subjects with CAD.

Keywords: hair cortisol
memory
executive function
cognition
coronary artery disease
rehabilitation
Advisor: Lanctôt, Krista