VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The impact of the abortion law controversy on North American human embryo research policy

This exploratory study examines why Canada and the United States of America have adopted different policies regarding research on human embryos. One possible explanation may rest in an examination of the history and the values expressed in the respective landmark abortion decisions. Before explicating the benefits of conducting research on embryos and the concerns that such research elicits, the moral status of the pre-embryo and its biological development are outlined. The relevant cases and policy documents are analyzed by wedding a neo-institutional approach to policy analysis with Dworkin's theory of judicial review. While a right to abortion exists in United States, the Canadian judiciary has not identified such a right. Moreover, 'protection of (potential) human life' was found to be a highly institutionalized value in both countries; 'protection of reproductive health' was not as highly institutionalized. These differences may have differentially constrained the policymakers when contemplating human embryo research options.
Study of stock jump and vacuum force on the table of fourdrinier machine

Stock jump has been a common problem on fourdrinier table for decades. It is caused by the high speed of the table wire and has a detrimental effect on sheet formation. A number of papers have been published on this topic. It is found that the amplitude of stock jump is a suitable characteristic in describing the magnitude of stock jump. This study is intended to establish a theoretical model to quantitatively define the relationship between the amplitude of stock jump and some important papermaking variables, such as machine speed and drainage coefficient. Theory of hydraulic jump and the laws of mass and momentum are applied to a control volume on a table roll to develop this model. To use this model, the equations to calculate vacuum force and drainage rate on the table roll are derived. The amplitude of stock jump is simulated at different machine speeds. Equations calculating vacuum force on gravity foils and step foils are also developed from the theory of lubrication and validated via published experimental data.
Contingent belonging, race, culture and nation in ESL pedagogy

This study situates English as a second language (ESL) pedagogy at the convergence of the discourses of culture, 'race' and nation in order to understand how these condition students' negotiations of belonging through language, and to think through questions of pedagogy and teacher performativity. Drawing from feminist postmodern, 'race' and postcolonial theory, I map out the intersecting and diverging narratives of cultural and racial difference that circulate within narrations of the Canadian nation. I proceed to an analysis of a selected body of texts within the published academic discourse of ESL pedagogy. I trace the discursive tropes and semantic sedimentary traces through which ESL students are imagined as subjects of linguistic and cultural difference. In the course of this analysis I build an argument for a re-conceptualization in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) theory of the notions of culture and cultural difference which incorporates the articulation of these constructs with subordinating discourses of social difference and particularly those of racism. Furthermore, I assert the importance for ESL teachers to base their pedagogy in integrative antiracism. Finally I apply my argument to a reflection on my own classroom practice. This final discussion grounds an exploration of the implications of integrative antiracism for teacher reflexivity and identifications. Throughout the thesis are interjected excerpts from interviews conducted with ESL practitioners and consultants engaged in antiracist pedagogy, as well as personal journal excerpts reflecting on issues arising in my ESL pedagogy.
Fast radio-frequency current density imaging with spiral acquisition

Radio-Frequency Current Density Imaging (RF-CDI) is a unique magnetic resonance technique that measures electrical current density. A potential application for RF-CDI is brain functional imaging. However, the existing RF-CDI imaging sequence is too slow to capture the rapidly occurring cortical conductivity changes associated with brain functions. This thesis describes the design and the implementation of a RF-CDI system that achieves the required temporal resolution while fulfilling other imaging requirements. The system is optimized to ensure the highest sensitivity within the shortest possible imaging time. Power deposition is also considered to ensure safety. It is demonstrated that the final system achieves a noise performance close to theoretical limits and a very flexible tradeoff between temporal resolution and sensitivity. Compared to the previously optimized technique, the new system reduces the imaging time by 13 times at a 2.5 times loss in sensitivity within specific absorption rate. With this promising tradeoff, the new system is fast enough for functional imaging of the brain.
Elimination of spurious modes in the vectorial finite element analysis of isotropic and anisotropic waveguides by the method of constraints

An improved vectorial finite-element method for the analysis of dielectric waveguide problems solving for magnetic-field components is formulated by combining the vectorial finite-element method with the method of constraints. In the method of constraints, the proper boundary conditions for arbitrary boundaries are implemented and the non-divergence relation $\nabla\cdot {\bf B} = 0$ is enforced. As a result, the spurious, nonphysical solutions which have been necessarily included in the solutions of earlier vectorial finite-element methods are eliminated in the whole region of the propagation diagram. This method is generalized for solving homogeneous/inhomogeneous and isotropic/anisotropic waveguide problems with arbitrary cross sections. To verify the validity of the present method, numerical results for some typical waveguide problems are presented and compared with exact and earlier vectorial finite-element solutions.
Experimental investigation of Taylor bubble acceleration mechanism in slug flow

Measurements of the total drag force on a solid Taylor bubble placed in a liquid flowing downward in a vertical tube have been performed. Variations in the drag force with the solid bubble displacement from the tube axis were studied in single bubble and dual bubble systems. The former arrangement included measurements for 7.5 cm and 15 cm long bubbles with normal and deformed shape noses. The latter experiment has been performed for different separation distances between the two 15 cm long, normal nose bubbles. The experimental results showed a significant decrease in the drag force with bubble displacement from the tube axis for both 7.5 cm and 15 cm long bubbles (larger for the latter one). A comparison between the drag forces for the two bubble nose shapes showed lower values for the deformed nose than the normal nose bubble. The difference was obviously greater in the case of shorter bubbles. In the two bubble system, the drag force measured on a trailing bubble at the center of the pipe decreased gradually for separation distances smaller than two or three pipe diameters, while outside this region it remained essentially constant. Further experiments to study the drag force variation with the bubble radial displacement for separation distances greater than two or three pipe diameters indicated similar values and variations as in single bubble experiments. Experimental observations suggest that a new mechanism regarding Taylor bubble acceleration at separation distances smaller than a critical value should be considered in order to better understand the hydrodynamic phenomena preceding Taylor bubble coalescence.
The effects of surface-modifying macromolecules on the blood compatibility of polyethersulfone membranes intended for biomedical applications

This work further investigates the use of novel surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) for use in polyethersulfone (PES) as a component of membrane materials and for consideration in the development of blood compatible membranes in biomedical ultrafiltration applications. Synthesized SMMs containing varying chemical compositions were characterized and blended with PES for fabrication into flat sheet and hollow fibre membranes. The bulk thermal transitions of PES materials were not significantly altered by the addition of 4 wt% SMMs. Through microscopy techniques, a model of the morphology of the SMM-PES membranes was developed. It was shown that the surface energy of the modified membranes was lower due to the migration of SMM microdomains to the air-membrane interface. The potential blood compatibility of the PES hollow fibre membranes was investigated. Fibrinogen adsorption was shown to be reduced on SMM modified membranes. An in vitro whole blood study using a rocking platform apparatus and fluorescence activated flow cytometry was inconclusive as to the potential platelet/leukocyte activating properties of hollow fibre membranes. This resulted from inconsistencies in the donor blood, the supply of antibody used, and the effects of the surface roughness and contamination on the membranes.
Regulation of Apoptosis in CD4-CD8- Ãß+ T Cells

No study has examined the regulation of apoptosis in $\rm CD4\sp-CD8\sp-$ (Double Negative (DN)) $\alpha\beta\sp+$ T cells. In this study, a DN $\alpha\beta\sp+$ T cell clone called L12 $\rm(CD8\sp-CD4\sp-$ 1B2$\sp+)$ was used with an in vitro T Cell Receptor (TCR) cross-linking model to study the regulation of apoptosis in DN $\alpha\beta\sp+$ T cells. Unlike primary activated 1B2$\rm\sp+CD8\sp+$ T cells, where 70-80% died by apoptosis upon TCR cross-linking, greater than 70% of L12 cells were resistant to apoptosis. RT-PCR and FACS$\sp\circler$ analysis revealed a low expression of Fas mRNA and Fas surface expression compared to activated CD8$\sp+$ T cells. Comparable levels of Fas-Ligand (Fas-L) were expressed by the L12 clone compared to CD8$\sp+$ T-cells and sufficient TNF-$\alpha$ was produced by L12 cells. A lower expression of TNF-Receptors (TNF-Rs), particularly the TNF-R2 isoform, was also found compared to the control L929 fibroblast cells. Western blot analyses revealed an upregulation of the death-repressing molecules Bcl-2 and Bcl-x$\rm\sb{L}$ in the cross-linked cells. In contrast, no change in the level of the death-inducing molecule Bcl-x$\rm\sb{S}$ was observed. Taken together, these results suggest that DN$\alpha\beta\sp+$ T cells are highly resistant to apoptosis, possibly due to a defect in the TNF-R family and/or due to an increased activity of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x$\rm\sb{L}.$ Further studies are required to elucidate the relationship between the TNF-R family and the Bcl-2 family.
Modeling axonal injury in vitro, injury, regeneration, and calcium dynamics following acute neuritic trauma

Traumatic injury to axons was modeled in vitro using sympathetic principal neurons from the rat superior cervical ganglion. Neurons were grown as a pure culture on collagen in parallel tracks, with cell somata confined to the center and neurites occupying the periphery of the culture dish. Growing as fascicles on tracks, the neurites demonstrated periodic varicosities. Neuritic transection was reliably and reproducibly achieved with a rubber-impactor injury device. During a period lasting at least one hour, dieback involving the proximal neurites averaged 85 $\pm$ 5 $\mu$m. This was followed by regeneration of the proximal neurites which traversed the injured segment within 36 hours. The average rate of regeneration was 540 $\pm$ 15 $\mu$m/day. The distal neurites showed degenerative changes within an hour following transection, with initial neuritic regression progressing to vacuolation, beading and blebbing, and eventual detachment from the underlying matrix. Neuritic calcium dynamics were studied with a confocal (laser scanning) microscope using the fluorescent calcium indicator fluo-3, and a micro-neuritotomy injury device utilized to achieve neurite stretch and transection. Exposure to high potassium raised intra-neuritic calcium concentration most likely via the voltage-sensitive calcium channels. Both stretch injury and complete neurite transection brought about an increase in intra-neuritic calcium through incompletely understood mechanisms. These in vitro models enable the study of neuritic injury at the cellular and molecular levels, and provide the opportunity to devise potential neuromodulatory and neuroprotective strategies towards the treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury in humans.
Asthma and self-healing, a holistic art therapy approach

This study explores the role of a holistic art therapy program in the self-healing of asthma, with nine asthmatic high school students as the subjects. While modern medicine provides drugs to help control the disease, the researcher believes there are other means of conquering asthma, as she was able to do for herself via this holistic art therapy program. Journal writing, visual art and visualization exercises provided outlets for self-expression and tools for relaxation. Data consisted of the subjects' journals, researcher's field notes, and in-depth interviews conducted at the end of the twelve-week program, and was subjected to a qualitative methodology, Strauss and Corbin's Grounded Theory. The research indicated that for those subjects who believed they could take a measure of responsibility for their own wellness, empowering self-healing occurred. This phenomenon was made possible by varying degrees of relaxation, stress-relief, a renewed sense of self, and disease control in the subjects.
Statistical methods for film grain noise removal and generation

This thesis deals with noise filtering and generation for signal-dependent film grain noise that is present in photographic images. For noise filtering, two new filters are proposed. The first filter is based on minimizing a higher-order statistics (H.O.S.) based criterion that is an extension of the second-order statistics based criterion. Another filtering approach is to combine a new local-statistics based technique with the generalized homomorphic transformation. The filter mask is adaptive to signal activities and can be extended to handle color image. Simulation results show that these new filters perform better than existing ones. Finally, for noise generation, which has applications in television and motion picture productions, a new procedure is successfully applied in grayscale and color images to estimate noise parameter using H.O.S. It is found that these two images (corrupted photographic image and image with artificial noise added) have similar noise level and visual appearance.
Dietary N-nitroso compounds and the risk of brain tumours in adults

The objective of the study was to determine whether or not N-nitroso compounds as measured by the dietary intake of nitrate, nitrite and dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) are risk factors for brain tumours in adults. The data for 194 cases and 221 controls from a case-control study of adult brain tumours in Toronto were analyzed using conditional logistic regression models. Age and sex adjusted odds ratios were estimated for tertiles of the average daily intake of various food groups and dietary components, and other exposures that contain nitrosamines. Contrary to what was expected, high intakes of nitrate (O.R.: 0.75; 95% C.I. 0.41-1.38), nitrite (O.R.: 0.62; 95% C.I. 0.29-1.33) and DMN (O.R.: 0.55; 95% C.I. 0.30-1.01) and other sources of nitrosamines were not found to be associated with an increased risk of brain tumours. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that dietary NOCs cause brain tumours.
The effects of leukotriene B¦4 on osteoclast formation and osteoclastic bone resorption and the role of osteoblastic cells in these processes

Leukotriene B4 is a lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid with well-characterized effects on leukocytes and has also been implicated in bone loss associated with inflammatory conditions. Previous experiments by Gallwitz et al. (1993) have shown that LTB$\sb4$ stimulated resorptive activity of osteoclasts isolated from osteoclastomas. In the present investigation we have evaluated the role of LTB$\sb4$ with respect to formation of osteoclasts and osteoclast precursors and resorptive activity of differentiated osteoclasts in osteoclast-containing cell populations derived from newborn rabbit long bones. Osteoclasts were cultured on devitalized bone slices in the absence or presence of LTB$\sb4.$ LTB$\sb4$ (10$\sp{-6}$ M) stimulated the formation of TRAP+ve multinucleated cells and increased the total area resorbed after 48 hours of culture. To distinguish between direct and indirect effects of LTB$\sb4$ on osteoclastic activity and/or formation, we used isolated rabbit osteoclasts cultured with or without added osteoblast-like cells (UMR 106-01 cells). A 24 hour treatment with LTB$\sb4$ (10$\sp{-6}$ M) produced no effect in osteoclast cultures alone. However in 24 hour co-cultures of osteoclasts and UMR 106-01 cells, LTB$\sb4$ (10$\sp{-6}$ M) stimulated formation of osteoclasts and increased total area resorbed. Furthermore, stimulation of resorption also occurred when UMR 106-01 cells were pre-cultured with LTB$\sb4$ for 24 hours and subsequently co-cultured with osteoclasts for 48 hours in the absence of LTB$\sb4.$ The LTB$\sb4$-mediated stimulatory effects were blocked by a specific LTB$\sb4$ receptor antagonist, LY 292 728. Our findings suggest that LTB$\sb4$ is a potent stimulator of resorption and induces increased formation of osteoclasts. Our data also suggests that the effects of LTB$\sb4$ on osteoclasts are mediated through an effect on osteoblast-like cells in the osteoclast-containing cell populations.
Infrared thermographic measurement of the SAR patterns of interstitial hyperthermia applicators

In the design and quality assurance of hyperthermia applicators, much work has been done in the development of accurate systems for the measurement of specific absorption rate (SAR). The need for higher spatial resolution in SAR measurement systems designed for interstitial applicators has resulted in growing interest in infrared (IR) thermographic measurement. Although IR thermographic measurement has been argued against because of the presence of thermal conduction and convection artifacts in measured SAR patterns, such effects are typically assumed to be negligible, and IR measurement systems continue to see routine use. In this thesis, the major sources of error and variability in an interstitial IR thermographic SAR measurement system were investigated to determine the accuracy of measured SAR patterns. Conduction and convection artifacts were found to be a considerable source of error in the measured SAR patterns of interstitial microwave and ultrasound applicators for heating durations in excess of 10 to 20 seconds.
Allelotype analysis of chromosome 5 markers in human esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a frequent solid tumor occurring worldwide. It is associated with poor long term survival. Two major histological subtypes of EC are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC). Multistep model of tumorigenesis suggests that acquisition of alterations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes is involved in EC development. However, the underlying genetic lesions and/or their order are not clearly defined for EC. This thesis focuses on using loss of heterozygosity (LOH) detection strategy, to construct an allelotype map of chromosome 5 loci contributing to EC. Seventy primary esophageal cancers (35 SCC and 35 ADC) were analyzed by PCR-based microsatellite and SSCP assays using 26 polymorphic markers localized to chromosome 5. LOH analysis identified four regions of frequent deletions; 5p15.2, 5p13-12, 5q11.2-13.3, and 5q31.1, with frequencies ranging from 31 to 44%. A detailed LOH analysis of chromosome 5p15.2 region further defined the location of potential tumor suppressor gene(s) within 1-2 cM region. These data provide evidence for the existence of multiple tumor suppressor gene loci on chromosome 5 and demonstrate their involvement in the development and progression of EC.
The effect of head-up tilt with and without anti-G suit inflation on continuous left ventricular function using miniaturized radionuclide ventriculography

Aicrew flying high performance aircraft must contend with high rates and magnitudes of headward acceleration (+Gz). Exposure to such forces may result in visual disturbances as well as G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) due to impaired cerebral blood perfusion. The initial 15 seconds of rapid onset rate (ROR) +Gz exposure are critical for flight safety since they correspond to the lag period of the baroreceptor-mediated response mounted by the cardiovascular system to offset the effects of +Gz exposure. Anti-G suit inflation during +Gz exposure is frequently used to attenuate the effects of high rates of headward acceleration. Head-up tilt (HUT) using a tilt table also generates a baroreceptor-mediated response similar to that seen during +Gz exposure. The purpose of this experiment was threefold. Left ventricular performance in response to HUT with and without anti-G suit inflation was determined using miniaturized nuclear probe. Secondly, the experiment measured the shift of the left ventricle in response to HUT. Thirdly, the experiment provided a basis for validating the Cardioscint$\sp{\rm TM}$ (Oakfield, UK) nuclear probe system against the VEST system (Capintec, NJ). (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Pharmacogenetic analysis of serotonin receptors and clinical response to clozapine in schizophrenia patients

Clozapine, the prototype of atypical antipsychotic drugs, is the best means available for the treatment of schizophrenia patients refractory or intolerant to typical antipsychotic therapy. Its pharmacological profile is quite unique as it possesses affinity for receptors from many different neurotransmitter systems. The serotonergic system has been implicated in the mechanism of action of clozapine. In particular, clozapine's affinity at 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT1A, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptors may contribute to its many unique clinical attributes. Using a pharmacogenetic approach in 185 schizophrenia patients who have been prospectively assessed for clozapine response, we have examined the hypothesis that polymorphisms in the 5-HT2A (HTR2A), and 5-HT2C (F-HTR2C) genes are involved in its variable response. Polymorphisms in the 5-HT1A (HTR1A), 5-HT6 (HTR6), and 5-HT7 (HTR7) receptor genes were also examined in this sample. The pro16leu HTR1A polymorphism was not observed in our sample; all individuals genotyped were pro/pro 16 homozygotes. Overall, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that genetic variation in the 5-HT2A receptor is involved in the phenotype of clozapine response. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Young Women's Perspectives on the Trajectory of Their Feminisms

This research is my understanding of the trajectory of eight women's feminisms. All of these women were exposed to feminist theory and feminist organizing at a particular university and have graduated from their undergraduate studies within the last seven years. As well, all of these women are within a 25-30 age cohort at the time of the interviews. The purpose of this study is to enhance understanding of young feminist women's experiences and determine why some feminist women may feel disenchantment with feminist theory and/or feminist organizing resulting in a movement away from their feminisms. I explored these women's feminist journeys using in-depth semi-structured interviews. A distinct pattern emerged from these interviews suggesting that these women have neither out-and-out rejected feminism, nor have they chosen to live fully transformed feminist lives; rather, they have personalized their feminisms in their day-to-day lives as other life priorities have taken precedence.