VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Sub-optimal equalizations of differentially detected PSK in fading channels

Narrowband communication systems are widely employed in mobile services, but fading severely degrades system performances. Because phase tracking is difficult in fading channels, differential demodulation is used. Equalizers should then be used to mitigate the non-linear inter-symbol interference induced by the fading channel. Linear equalizers are simple, but decision feedback equalizers (DFE) generally provide better performances, especially in channels with non-linear interference or spectral nulls. However, DFE's for differential detectors do not perform as well as optimal equalizers. Our goal is to improve the performance of a differential DFE. We investigated the use of soft decision, multiple feedback structures, and Viterbi algorithms using Euclidean distance and correlation based metric measures. However, they provide no significant improvement in our fading models. We then investigated the use of linear block codes and fractionally spaced linear equalizer front-end. They are shown to provide significant performance gains.
Patient preferences for drug treatments for multiple sclerosis

'Purpose'. Disease-modifying drugs (DMDS) are a recent breakthrough in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet they have not been widely adopted. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) the relationship between drug attributes and patient choice of a DMD, (2) the effects of disease severity and DMD-experience on this relationship, and (3) patients' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for existing DMDs and for improvements in existing DMDs. 'Methods'. A convenience sample of 100 patients from two MS clinics in Southern Ontario completed a questionnaire consisting of 15 drug choice tasks. Each of the 2 drugs was described in terms of 7 attributes. Discrete choice modeling was conducted using multinomial logistic (MNL) regression analysis. Analyses were repeated with subgroups based on disease severity and DMD-experience. 'Results'. Changes on all 7 drug attributes significantly affected patient choice. Cost changes were the most important, followed by dosage form and chance of flu-like symptoms. Patients with more severe disease were more willing to accept lesser effectiveness in reducing relapses. Patients with DMD experience were not as influenced by cost as were DMD naïve patients. WTP for a typical existing DMDs was $227 ± $44 per month by CV; WTP was $49 to $723 per month for improvements in individual attributes. The drug attribute model predicted 70% of respondents' choices. 'Conclusions'. MS patients' choices of hypothetical DMDs were more influenced by changes in negative effects (side effect profile, dosage form and cost) than positive effects of therapy. Disease severity and prior experience with DMDs affected drug choice. Patients are willing to pay substantial amounts for improvements in DMDs.
Modulation of the glycine receptor by tryosine phosphorylation

GlyRs mediate the majority of inhibitory synaptic neurotransmission in the spinal cord, however, their modulation by tyrosine phosphorylation has not been characterized. Native GlyRs are composed of Ã and ß subunits. The GlyR ß subunit contains a putative tyrosine phosphorylation site, Tyr-413, however, its function is unknown. Here we used electrophysiological techniques to characterize the effect of tyrosine phosphorylation and the role of the ß subunit on GlyR function. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor, lavendustin A depressed, while the exogenous tyrosine kinase, pp60c-src enhanced GlyR function and reduced the rundown of glycine-evoked currents. Ã1 GlyRs were not influenced by pp60c-src whereas Ã1/ß GlyRs were positively modulated by pp60c-src. Mutation of Tyr-413 of the GlyR ß subunit abolished GlyR sensitivity to pp60c-src . These results demonstrate that tyrosine phosphorylation affects GlyR function in a positive fashion, and in a manner that is dependent on the presence of the GlyR ß subunit Tyr-413 residue.
Characterization of ligands mediating adherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to CD36 and ICAM-1

All models of cerebral malaria pathogenesis involve sequestration; the unique ability of 'Plasmodium falciparum' IE to bind to vascular endothelium. Thus central to understanding cerebral malaria is the elucidation of the molecular interactions of sequestration. In these studies, detailed time course experiments were performed to help define the roles of the ligands PfEMP1neoantigens and band 3 neoantigens and receptors CD36 and ICAM-1. The ability to bind to CD36 and ICAM-1 is an off/on event closely linked to the ring to trophozoite transition. Band 3 neoantigens IF4,3H3 we surface expressed beginning at 12 hours and IC4 is present on the surface coincident with the onset of binding. These neoantigens are coincidentally present on individual BE, with unique patterns of distribution. PfEMP1 is present on the surface of fixed and live infected erythrocytes coincident with the onset of binding. Confocal microscopy revealed that the protein is synthesized beginning 8 hours before binding in the parasite cytoplasm. In agreement with this, is the upregulation of 'var' gene transcription in the late ring stage demonstrated by RT-PCR. Dual labeling studies demonstrate that the two temporally relevant ligands, PfEMP1 and 1C4, are both found on single IEs, but appear to have distinct distributions, suggesting that they may function independently in promoting IE sequestration.
Treatment of nickel plating waste

Treatment of spent nickel plating solution was performed by a novel alkaline chlorination technique, using an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite. It was established that ammonia was the primary complexing agent preventing metal precipitation, while sodium citrate was only a weak complexing agent Alkaline chlorination was used to destroy ammonia and deactivate sodium citrate in the plating solution. Once ammonia was removed, the buffering and complexing ability of sodium citrate was overcome by the alkalinity from hypochlorite addition. By raising the pH of the solution further, nickel was recovered as a nickel hydroxy oxide. A stoichiometric equilibrium model, a multiphase multispecies Gibbs free energy minimization program was setup to describe the behavior of different species in the system. The results of the model were consistent with experimental results. It is concluded that alkaline chlorination can provide excellent recovery of nickel from spent plating solution.
Authentic teaming, undiscussables, leadership and the role of the consultant

This qualitative study explores the impact on a team and its members of learning how to work with the underlying and hidden dimensions of their interpersonal interactions and behaviours. Using an action research approach, the researcher/consultant worked, over a ten month period, with the senior management team of a subsidiary company in a large financial institution. The expectation was that taking a team through such a process would result in members being able to have more honest conversations with fewer "undiscussables." It was further hoped that the increased openness would result in enhanced team performance and improved business results. The team was observed and members interviewed before and after an intensive psychodynamic teambuilding process. The latter included one and two-day offsite teaming sessions in which tools and concepts which would assist members in having more candid conversations were introduced. Process observation at team meetings was also included. The impact of the teaming process was mixed. Most members became more aware of their defensive patterns in team interactions. Some were already integrating their learnings in other team settings. At the team level, the results were less clear. Some felt that members had been better able to come together in a most challenging business environment because of the teaming process, and more specifically, because of their increased ability to surface difficult issues and dialogue more openly. All members saw the value of this type of work and those who questioned the benefit at the team level attributed the results to an extreme "life and death" business situation. Factors which influenced the team's level of success were the psychodynamic defenses that were operating, the role of and mental models attached to the leader, and the team context including a flawed team structure. An in-depth analysis of the complex role of researcher/consultant was an integral part of the research. A similar study in a more stable business environment might yield additional information. Research into the readiness of organization development consultants and leaders to work at this level is also recommended.
Effects of glutathione depletion on endothelial cell activation and its in vivo significance

Redox manipulation with the glutathione depleting agent diethyl maleate (DEM) alters adhesion molecule expression in vitro. We hypothesized that DEM would ameliorate LPS-induced dermal inflammation by an effect on endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. DEM pretreatment attenuates LPS-induced dermal inflammation in mice. This effect correlates with a reduction in neutrophil sequestration and ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression. The findings were recapitulated in vitro. Run on assays show that DEM abrogates LPS-induced ICAM-1 transcription in HUVEC. We hypothesized that DEM inhibits ICAM-1 expression by an effect on NF-$\kappa$B activation. Shift assays show that DEM blocks ICAM-$\kappa$B nuclear binding in a dose dependent manner. Western blots show that this correlates with a delay in I$\kappa$B degradation, independent of I$\kappa$B-$\alpha$ phosphorylation. This suggests that glutathione depletion clearly modulates the inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro and thus may represent a novel therapeutic modality in inflammatory disease states in man.
The inter-relation of TGF-Beta, LC3 and apolipoprotein D in the fetal lamb ductus arteriosus

Intimal cushion formation in the fetal ductus arteriosus (DA) is characterized by the abnormal migration of smooth muscle cells (SMC) from the medial layer of the vessel wall to the intima, where they proliferate and produce abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). The 'migratory' SMC phenotype is modulated by elevated synthesis of hyaluronan (HA) by endothelial cells (EC) and fibronectin (FN) by SMC. Increased DA EC HA synthesis is regulated by elevated levels of transforming growth factor-$\beta$1 (TGF-$\beta$1). Both the increased synthesis of TGF-$\beta$1 by EC and FN by SMC are governed by post-transcriptional mechanisms. The specific molecular mechanism regulating TGF-$\beta$1 has yet to be determined. We have however, shown that there is increased efficiency of translation of FN mRNA related to enhanced ribosome recruitment as a result of an interaction between a microtubule associated RNA binding protein, light chain 3 (LC3) of microtubule associated proteins 1A and 1B and an AU-rich element (ARE) in the 3$\sp\prime$ untranslated region (UTR) of the FN mRNA. This thesis investigated whether there was evidence for regulation of TGF-$\beta$1 by LC3 and/or reciprocal regulation of LC3 by TGF-$\beta$1. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
In vitro and in vivo studies of microspheres for locoregional delivery of chemosensitizing and antieoplastic agents

Microsphere (MS) formulations of anticancer drugs have been used in locoregional drug delivery to solid tumors to selectively enhance the tumor cell exposure to drugs. Incorporation of chemosensitizers, either through surface-immobilization or ionic bonding to microspheres, has the potential to increase the drug uptake by the surrounding tumor cells, especially multidrug resistant (MDR) cells. The work described in this thesis focused on the development of microsphere anticancer drug formulations that could improve the drug uptake by MDR tumor cells. Initially, microspheres with surface-immobilized Triton X100 (a chemosensitizer) were synthesized. They were found to increase drug uptake by a MDR cell culture, with reduced toxicity as compared with free Triton X100. Next, cationic chemosensitizers were loaded into sulfopropyl dextran microspheres through a reversible ionic exchange mechanism. Microspheres loaded with both anticancer drugs and chemosensitizers were able to sensitize MDR cells in vitro, with all the chemosensitization efficacy being preserved. In order to modulate the drug release rates, sulfopropyl dextran microspheres were coated with a cationic polymer and corn oil. Drug release rates from the resultant microspheres varied over a relatively wide range. These rates were inversely proportional to the ratio of corn oil to microspheres. The therapeutic effect and toxicity of intratumorally (i.t.)-injected doxorubicin-loaded sulfopropyl dextran microspheres were evaluated by using an in vivo murine breast sarcoma EMT6 tumor. Up to 32% delay of EMT6 tumor growth was observed in mice receiving i.t. injections of doxorubicin microspheres as compared with groups receiving no treatment, blank microspheres or drug in solution. Doxorubicin microspheres injected i.t. into EMT6 tumors produced much reduced general toxicity as compared with i.t. injections of free doxorubicin solution. Co-administration of verapamil microspheres together with doxorubicin microspheres had no obvious therapeutic benefit while general toxicity was increased.
Effective information visualization, guidelines and metrics for 3D interactive representations of business data

3D interactive business visualizations transform large data sets into interactive visual representations to aid human comprehension of the data. Creating an effective representation, (i.e. a representation that aids human comprehension) is a challenging task. This paper contends that the creation of an effective visualization is not automatic and in some cases counter-intuitive. This paper presents heuristic guidelines and metrics based on: (1) expert experience; (2) analysis of existing visualizations; (3) visual examples; and (4) research from related disciplines. The resulting guidelines and metrics are summarized into three broad areas, with detailed guidelines under each: (1) Task Knowledge (goals, task comprehension, and data knowledge), (2) Visualization (overall organization, small multiples, complexity, connotation, redundancy, annotation, occlusion, and illusion), and (3) Interaction (reliance and requirement for interaction, navigation, brushing, searching and exploration).
Study of the rheological properties of polymer/gas solutions based on a foam extrusion system

This thesis is intended to provide a scientific and engineering understanding. of the rheology of polymer/gas solutions, which is essential for the production of polymeric foams. The presented research includes the design and construction of an innovative device capable of measuring the rheological properties of polymer/gas solutions under processing conditions. The proposed device is attached to a foam extrusion setup and is comprised of a rheological die, a variable resistance valve, and a small resistance nozzle. Two rheological dies of different geometry (capillary and slit dies) have been designed, manufactured, and experimentally verified. Several polymer materials were selected in order to test the designed equipment: two types of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and four types of polypropylene (PP) resins. Carbon dioxide (for PBS) and butane (for PP) were used as blowing agents. Care was taken to completely dissolve the gas in the polymer matrix and to maintain a single-phase polymer/gas solution during experimentation. Experiments were conducted at various shear rates, temperatures, and blowing agent concentrations. A rotational rheometer was used to obtain low shear rate viscosity data for the pure polymers. The apparent shear viscosity was converted into the true shear viscosity and successfully modeled by a combination of the generalized Cross-Carreau and Arrhenius equations in order to obtain unique material characteristics. Extensional viscosity of the polymer/gas solutions was analyzed on the basis of the pressure drop at the entrance to the slit die. The exit pressure data were utilized to demonstrate the presence of normal stresses in the flowing polymer melts.
ICA69 autoreactive T cells in type I diabetes: Molecular mimicry and precipitation of disease

ICA69 is a target autoantigen in type 1 diabetes. Our laboratory previously provided indirect evidence for antigenic mimicry between the ABBOS epitope of BSA and the Tep69 epitope of ICA69. We generated a NOD mouse T cell hybridoma, that recognizes both ABBOS and Tep69 and mapped the structural prerequisites of mimicry to the KAxyKK motif shared by both peptides. My data provide formal proof for antigenic mimicry between these two epitopes. To test the functional significance of Tep69-specific T cell pools, we used the adoptive transfer and the cyclophosphamide models of diabetes development. Intravenous administration of Tep69 into adoptive transfer recipients or NOD mice 5 days prior to cyclophosphamide (250mg/kg) dramatically precipitated the development of diabetes. My present data imply that Tep69-specific T cells can play a direct role in disease progression and suggests that caution should be used in designing antigen-based immunotherapeutic trials in humans.
Transmitter-induced cyclostationarity for blind channel identification and equalization

One family of blind channel identification and equalization approaches has relied on the cyclostationary property of the communication signal induced at the receiver by fractional sampling. The disadvantages of them are that channels with uniformly-spaced zeros on a circle can not be identified and that they are extremely sensitive to channel order determination. Recently, transmitter-induced cyclostationarity approaches have been proposed and shown to relax the constraint on channel zero locations as well as the requirement of exact order determination. This thesis explores further on this idea and develops several algorithms based on such a scheme. First, a cepstrum-based method is developed and shown through simulations to be more robust to channel order overestimation than existing techniques. In the second part, the general precoding scheme for cyclostationarity induction is studied. Various results are presented for this scheme. Based on these results, several algorithms are developed and simulated to illustrate their effectiveness. Comparison among various schemes is also presented.
Functional deficiency in the 67-kD elastin binding protein is a crucial component of the pathomechanism of Costello syndrome

Costello syndrome is characterized by mental retardation, loose skin, coarse face, skeletal deformations, as well as cardiomyopathy and predisposition to numerous malignancies. The genetic origin of Costello syndrome has not yet been defined. Using immunohistochemistry and metabolic labeling with [ 3H]-valine, we have established that cultured skin fibroblasts obtained from patients with Costello syndrome did not assemble elastic fibers despite an adequate synthesis of tropoelastin and normal deposition of the microfibrillar scaffold. We found that impaired production of elastic fibers by these fibroblasts is associated with a functional deficiency of the 67-kD elastin binding protein (EBP), normally required to chaperone tropoelastin through the secretory pathways and to its extracellular assembly. Metabolic pulse labeling of the 67-kD EBP with radioactive serine and further chase of this tracer indicated that both normal fibroblasts and fibroblasts from Costello syndrome patients initially synthesized comparable amounts of this protein, however, the fibroblasts from Costello syndrome patients quickly lost it into the conditioned media. Since the normal association between EBP and tropoelastin can be disrupted upon contact with galactosugar-bearing moieties, and the fibroblasts from Costello syndrome patients revealed an unusual accumulation of chondroitin sulfate-bearing proteoglycans (CD44 and biglycan), we postulate that a chondroitin sulfate may be responsible for shedding EBP from Costello cells and in turn for their impaired elastogenesis. This was further supported by the fact that exposure to chondroitinase ABC, an enzyme capable of chondroitin sulfate degradation, restored normal production of elastic fibers by fibroblasts from Costello syndrome patients. We also present evidence that loss of EBP from fibroblasts of Costello syndrome patients is associated with an unusually high rate of cellular proliferation.
Genetic and molecular interactors of ABA insensitive1 gene (abi1) of Arabidopsis thaliana

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is important in numerous functions ranging from the establishment of seed dormancy and germination to protecting adult plants from a variety of environmental stresses. Previously in ' Arabidopsis', mutants with reduced sensitivity to applied ABA (' abi') have been described. One ABA insensitive mutation, designated ' abi1', identifies a gene that encodes a type 2C protein phosphatase suggesting the phosphorylation status of the plant is important for correct ABA action. To further understand the role of ABI1 in ABA signal transduction and to identify new genes involved in ABA action, an 'abi1' mutant background was used to screen for mutations that further reduce ABA responsiveness in 'Arabidopsis'. This 'ab i1' 'e_'nhancer (' abe') screen resulted in the isolation of mutations in 6 genetic loci. Three complementation groups define the previously identified ABA response loci 'ABI3', 'ABI4' and 'ABI5'. Mutations at two loci identify new genes designated 'ABE1' and 'ABE2' and the last complementation group was found to be allelic to the 'CTR1' gene, a known negative regulator of ethylene signaling in 'Arabidopsis'. This last result suggests that ABA and ethylene may have overlapping interactions that define the sensitivity of the plant seeds to these growth factors. Interestingly, in a parallel study it was discovered that a number of known mutants that reduce ethylene sensitivity also show altered ABA responsiveness. Since mutations that confer ethylene insensitivity cause seed ABA hypersensitivity and mutations that confer constitutive ethylene response cause increased seed ABA insensitivity, I proposed that ethylene signaling functions in the negative regulation of seed ABA responses. Furthermore, studies involving the interaction between ABA and ethylene in the root suggest ABA may signal directly through ethylene signal transduction pathway in an ethylene independent manner.
Studies of remote spatial memory in an amnesic person with extensive bilateral hippocampal lesions

Remote spatial memory was investigated in K.C., a patient with extensive bilateral hippocampal lesions. Despite his severe amnesia for autobiographical knowledge, K.C. performed normally on a wide range of spatial tests of his neighbourhood and the world which included: (1) natural navigation in his neighbourhood, (2) sketch mapping, (3) verbal mapping, (4) vector mapping, (5) blocked-route problem-solving, (6) distance judgments, (7) proximity judgments, (8) sequencing landmarks along routes, and (9) locating gross features on world maps (i.e., continents, countries, oceans). He was severely impaired, however, in recognizing and identifying all but the most salient neighbourhood landmarks and locating specific features on world maps (i.e., cities). The results suggest that the hippocampus does not appear critical for the maintenance and retrieval of remotely-formed cognitive maps but may be necessary for specifying details of different locations within a map. This deficit may be similar to K.C.'s episodic memory deficit where he remembers remote general knowledge but not specific autobiographical details.