VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The determinants and correlates of outcome following traumatic brain injury, a prospective study

The determinants and correlates of outcome at one (Time 1) and four (Time 2) years posttraumatic brain injury (TBI) were investigated prospectively in patients (n = 92) recruited consecutively following admission to Canada's largest regional trauma centre. Friends and family members served as control subjects. Sixty-three percent of subjects who completed baseline testing completed follow-up interviews at Time 1. Of these, 72% completed neuropsychological testing. Fifty-three percent of subjects completed follow-up interviews and neuropsychological testing at Time 2. Demographic, injury-severity, acute imaging findings, and acute neuropsychological function (attention, orientation, memory) were investigated as determinants of outcome. Neuropsychological status (attention, memory, executive function) at Time 1 and 2, and psychological status (depression, locus of control, coping style) and social support at Time 2 were investigated as correlates of outcome. Outcomes evaluated at both time points included psychosocial outcome, and a measure of return to productivity (RTP) (work and/or school). At Time 2, quality of life (QOL) data were also reported. At both time points, TBI subjects reported considerable psychosocial distress relative to controls. At Time 1, 66% of TBI subjects had returned to productive activity, at Time 2, this increased to 78%. Determinants of outcome at Time 1 showed baseline memory status to be significantly associated with RTP (p <= 0.0007). Injury severity and measures of acute neuropsychological status showed a trend to be associated with psychosocial outcome and RTP (p <= 0.05). Determinants of outcome at Time 2 again showed acute memory status to be associated with RTP (p <= 0.003) and other measures of acute neuropsychological status to be associated with psychosocial status, RTP, and QOL at p <= 0.05. Psychological variables and social support were strongly correlated with psychosocial status, RTP, and QOL at Time 2. When included in hierarchical regression analyses with acute neuropsychological variables, they accounted for substantially more variance in each outcome. A small proportion of the neuropsychological test scores (measuring general slowing, memory and executive function) correlated with outcome at both time points. These data suggest that the influence of brain pathology on outcome is attenuated over time. Long-term outcome is explained by many factors: psychological factors and social support are particularly important.
Black-eyed Susan, Blue-eyed schools : academically-oriented Black girls in Toronto schools

This study explores the ways in which academically oriented Black girls in Toronto secondary schools perceive, interpret and cope with issues related to their race and gender. It also examines their achievement motivation and strategies for coping with their status as academic Black girls. The literature abounds with research describing Black students who disengage from school or academics. Much less is known about the strengths and coping mechanisms of those who overcome barriers, such as racism and sexism, to achieving academic success. This is the first study that focuses on academic Black girls in Ontario schools. Through semi-structured personal interviews with twenty Black girls, this study provides some insight into their experiences of racism and sexism, their academic problems and their relationships with school staff, family, friends and acquaintances. They also describe the strategies they use for coping with these issues and the sources of their motivation to achieve. The findings show that racism and sexism are still major elements of school culture and that perpetrators include teachers, administrators and students. Despite this, the girls were able to cope with discrimination in ways that did not jeopardise their academic achievement. Contrary to popular belief about Black students, they consider academic credentials as crucial to the attainment of their career goals. This study dispels the myth which equates Black culture with nonconformist behaviour and academic failure. The participants displayed positive aspects of Black culture and identity, and a sense of pride in their African heritage. This research also confirms that school staff, families and peers have key roles to play in Black students' academic achievement. The girls had several supportive non-Black teachers who encouraged their academic pursuits. The study identifies additional ways through which educators and policy makers can promote achievement and support, not only Black students, but those from other marginalised groups. Most notable among these is the call for more Black and other "minority" teachers and administrators in our schools. The participants also expressed a desire for a more inclusive curriculum because the Eurocentric one currently used is not realistic and does not adequately meet their needs. They proffered additional recommendations for improving the school system, pedagogy and instruction and these are also included here.
The role of TEK and TIE receptor tyrosine kinases in murine cardiovascular development

TEK and TIE are related receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) and their precursors, the angioblasts, during embryogenesis. The focus of this thesis is an analysis of the function of TEK and TIE in the murine vascular system. The studies presented strongly suggest a primary requirement for both receptors in the expansion and maintenance of the vasculature, but not for vasculogenesis, the initial differentiation of ECs. The function of 'Tie' was investigated using a gene targeting strategy. The development of embryos lacking functional TIE arrested in midgestation as a result of widespread hemorrhage and edema, a phenotype attributed to loss of inter-endothelial cell integrity in the microvasculature. Furthermore, mosaic analysis confirmed a cell-autonomous requirement for TIE at midgestation in the capillaries of organs that are vascularized by sprouting of pre-existing ECs (angiogenesis) but that TIE is dispensable for 'in situ' differentiation of ECs (vasculogenesis). Possible redundancy in the TEK and TIE signalling pathways was investigated in embryos homozygous mutant for both 'Tek' and 'Tie '. Vasculogenesis proceeds normally in embryos lacking both receptors, but such embryos die early in gestation of multiple cardiovascular defects. Chimeric analysis of 'Tek' and 'Tie' deficient embryos revealed an absolute requirement for TEK in early heart development whereas the receptors are dispensable for the initial assembly of the rest of the vasculature. In contrast, both receptors are required in the microvasculature of most organs during late organogenesis and in most blood vessels of the adult. This analysis identified essential functions for TEK and TIE in quiescent endothelium and indicates that they play ongoing roles in maintaining the integrity of the vasculature in the adult. Finally, the molecular basis for EC specific expression of 'Tek ' was addressed by deletion analysis of the 'Tek' promoter in transgenic mice. This investigation identified a short genomic region that directed reporter gene expression in a manner that accurately reflected the expression of the endogenous 'Tek' gene in early embryogenesis.
Personal mastery, contemplation and adult development in the workplace

The relationship of personal mastery to contemplation, adult development and the workplace is examined in this study. The study defines the attributes of personal mastery from the experiential perspective of a group of eleven contemplative practitioners and from the theoretical perspective of contemplative, adult developmental and workplace research and literature. In the first part, transcripts of semi-structured, personal interviews and a focus group meeting were analyzed using grounded theory qualitative research methodology to define the attributes of personal mastery. In the second part, the attributes of personal mastery defined by the study participants and by the theories of two leading work place theorists, Peter Senge and Stephen Covey, are associated with a specific stage of adult development defined by traditional adult lifespan and transpersonal psychological theory. The research finds personal mastery is the result of life long learning and growth and that contemplation contributes to personal mastery by facilitating the adult developmental process.
Mechanism of cisplatin resistance in human malignant melanoma

It has been more than 25 years since the former United States President, Richard Nixon, has declared war on cancer. Over the past two decades, our knowledge of the genetic mishaps that are associated with many forms of familial and sporadic cancers is mounting, but this has yet to be translated into effective weaponry in this battle. Toxic cocktails of chemotherapeutic drugs remain our main treatment of systemic human malignancies that frequently results in acquired drug resistance in the very cancers they aim to eradicate. Vigorous efforts are continuously made to elucidate the mechanisms of drug resistance in the hope of unveiling novel molecular targets in cancer therapy. The work described in this thesis has attempted to characterize the cellular and genetic alterations responsible for the resistance to cisplatin in cisplatin-resistant cell lines that were established using retroviral insertional mutagenesis. The cellular changes characterized include: a pattern of cross resistance to other chemotherapeutic agents, the formation of tight three-dimensional spheroids in the cisplatin-resistant cells, the differential induction of stress activated protein kinase (SAPK) activity, and suppression in the induction of apoptosis in the cisplatin-resistant cell lines. Using a molecular approach, we detected over-expression of the melanocyte-specific gene, 'tyrosinase related protein-2' ('Trp-2') in all of the cisplatin-resistant melanoma cell lines studied. The expression of Trp-2 not only correlates directly with sensitivity to cisplatin but has been shown to be, at least in part, responsible for cisplatin resistance 'in vitro'.
Genetic polymorphism and physiological response to ambiol in half-sib families of black spruce (Picea mariana Mill. B.S.P.)

Genetic polymorphism based on isozyme analysis, growth response to Ambiol (2-methyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-5-hydroxybenzimidazole dihydrochloride) and antitranspirant properties of Ambiol were studied in 10 half-sib families of black spruce ('Picea mariana' Mill. B.S.P.). Significant stimulation of diameter growth in 4-month old black spruce seedlings was observed after a single pretreatment of seed with Ambiol and was increased by up to 49% compared to control seedling diameter. Ambiol, however, had a very limited effect on height growth of black spruce seedlings. Growth response to Ambiol was under genetic control, and faster growing half-sib families of black spruce were more responsive to diameter growth stimulation by Ambiol compared to slower growing ones. Antitranspirant properties of Ambiol were also studied in 4-month old black spruce seedlings after single pretreatment of seed. Seedlings were subjected to soil drought stress by water withholding under controlled environment conditions in a growth chamber. Ambiol had a greater effect on reducing stomatal conductance and transpiration than photosynthesis, thereby causing an increase of up to 216% in water use efficiency in seedlings subjected to mild drought stress. Physiological response to drought stress was determined to be under genetic control and faster-growing families of black spruce were less sensitive to stress and recovered faster compared to slower-grown ones. Faster-growing, drought tolerant families were more responsive to Ambiol as an antitranspirant. Although Ambiol did not decrease transpiration in severely stressed seedlings, it did accelerate the recovery process in those seedlings. Dose-effect correlation was not linear in Ambiol as a growth promoter and as an antitranspirant. Potential mechanisms involved in plant growth regulation and stress tolerance as a result of Ambiol seed pretreatment are discussed. Genetic polymorphism expressed as isozyme variation was studied in female megagametophytes of 10 black spruce families by means of starch and polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses. Twenty three loci coding for 15 enzyme systems were analyzed. Interfamily variation was observed for mean heterozygosities, mean number of alleles per locus, percentage of polymorphic loci, presence of rare and unique alleles. A strong association was revealed between mean unbiased genetic distance with morphological distance based on diameter growth variation and with physiological distance based on transpiration efficiency during mild drought stress in classes of black spruce families. This suggested that physiological variation in black spruce families was a function of genetic polymorphism. Family mean multilocus heterozygosity estimated in female megagametophytes was associated with growth, drought tolerance and response to Ambiol in 10 families of black spruce seedlings. It thus presented potential as an early selection criterion for fast growth and drought tolerance and a marker for response to Ambiol in conifers.
A cross-cultural study of the dimensions of friendship quality

The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensions of friendship quality comparing Taiwanese and Canadian children using the Friendship Qualities Scale (Bukowski, Hoza, & Boivin, 1994). The participants were Grade 3 and Grade 4 students from middle-class suburbs of Toronto, Canada, and Taipei, Taiwan. Results showed the Taiwanese data to replicate the five-factor model reported by Bukowski and his colleagues (1994). In contrast, a two-factor solution was found to be the best fit for the Canadian participants. Independent sample t-tests of friendship quality ratings by country and gender demonstrated that Canadian children reported their friendships as more positive and more conflictual. There were no significant differences in positive ratings between boys and girls in either Taiwan and Canada. Taiwanese boys reported significantly higher ratings of conflict than girls, whereas no significant difference for conflict was reported between Canadian boys and girls.
The gracioso in Golden Age theatre and the Commedia dell'Arte tradition

This dissertation is a critical study of the Spanish comic type, the ' gracioso'. Recent treatment of the 'gracioso' has disregarded his multifaceted personality as well as his complex, theatrical effects. From a perspective informed by theatre history and comic theory, the purpose of this thesis is to reconsider the Spanish comic type and to shed new light on a character usually confined to the shadows of the stage. An investigation of the Spanish clown type leads us to search for a point of departure in terms of this character's literary lineage and his subsequent introduction to Spanish audiences. The influence of the Italian 'Commedia dell'Arte' tradition in Spain and Lope's later "creation" of the 'gracioso' type are discussed, and it is suggested that although the Italian 'zanni' and the Spanish 'gracioso ' may indeed be distant cousins, the latter was, from his first appearances, a more complex figure than may initially have seemed to be the case. Comic theory, both ancient and recent, helps to elucidate the practical aspect of the comic type. An ancient prejudice against comedy and laughter has continued to influence modern treatment of the effect and power of comedy, diminishing the importance of laughter. The significance of carnival laughter is also introduced, suggesting that the 'gracioso' character was often charged with the difficult task of providing carnivalesque images and eliciting a suppressed form of laughter. By considering two of Tirso de Molina's works, the thesis proposes that the playwright recognized the complexity of the carnival phenomenon and yet made a typically "simple" character responsible for its injection into the theatrical experience. In addition to studying laughter from a theoretical point of view, the thesis considers the historical existence of the European court jester. It is suggested that his eventual central position in the courts is represented also on the stage, principally in the 'comedias de figurón'. Much like his historical counterpart the 'gracioso' in these works is pivotal in the development and final resolution of the comic plot, moving from the peripheries to centre stage.
Chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of particulates formed in mine drainage environments

Particulate matter was collected from the water column of five Canadian lakes impacted by mine drainage (MD): Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan; South Bay, Ontario; and Buchans, Newfoundland. Light microscopy revealed a mean particle diameter of between 1.0 and 10.0 [mu]m, and a variety of microorganism species including filamentous algae ('Oedogonium' and 'Ulothrix '), diatoms ('Pinnularia', 'Eunotia', and 'Navicula'), and coccoid algae ('Dictyosphaerium ', 'Cosmarium', and 'Microcystis'). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed microbial cells completely encrusted by extremely fine-grained mineral precipitates, principally granular to fibrous or acicular amorphous iron oxides (i.e., ferrihydrite). Multi-elemental analyses by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy confirmed Fe as the dominant element in samples from South Bay and Buchans (up to 50% dry weight). Rabbit Lake sediment contained little Fe (1-2% dry weight), but concentrations of Mg, Si, Ti, and K reflected significant quantities detrital feldspars and clays. All sites exhibited elevated particulate phase concentrations of Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb implying significant adsorption of dissolved species. Enhanced particulate formation and sedimentation, through biological processes, offers a potentially sustainable passive, biological remediation system for sites contaminated by MD. Bacterial population and physiological activity under realistic field conditions needs to be closely monitored to firmly establish the role of microbes as templates for mineral precipitation and metallic ion adsorption.
The upgrading of heavy oil model compounds using methane activated by metal oxides encapsulated in molecular sieves

Metal oxides such as gallium, lead, or nickel oxides encapsulated in supports such as AlPO4-11, ZSM-5 or (amorphous) SiO2 were used to activate methane in the presence of the heavy oil model compounds diphenylmethane and bibenzyl. The reactions were carried out in small batch reactors at 450°C and at a methane pressure of 5 MPa, while control experiments with helium and hydrogen were also tested. ZSM-5, AlPO4-11 and gallium oxide increased single ring yield from the model compounds, which means more cleavage of the C-C bonds. Nickel and lead oxides increased the production of undesirable three-ring+ products, and SiO2 was not reactive with the model compounds. There was no evidence of methane being directly involved in any of the conversion chemistry.
Molecular, morphological and ontogenetic evaluation of relationships and evolution in the Rosaceae

Phylogenetic relationships are hypothesized for the Rosaceae using comparative analyses of floral ontogeny, and data sets comprising non-molecular and molecular ('ndhF, rbc'L, nrITS) characters. Forty-three genera, from all four subfamilies, and 16 of 17 tribes, are represented in non-molecular and chloroplast DNA data sets, as well as two outgroup genera from the Rhamnaceae ('Ceanothus' and 'Rhamnus'). The nrITS data are restricted to Rosoideae and Maloideae, while floral ontogeny was examined in 14 genera from the Maloideae, Prunoideae, and Spiraeoideae. Comparative analyses of floral ontogeny and mature morphology support the monophyly of an expanded Prunoideae that includes 'Exochorda'. Comparative analyses of floral ontogeny in four spiraeoid genera, and mature morphology in an additional six genera, support the polyphyly of the subfamily and implicate some members in the origin of the Maloideae. Comparative analyses of floral ontogeny and mature morphology in seven Maloideae genera demonstrate the developmental basis for syncarpy, epigyny and other variations in mature maloid flowers. Ontogenetic data were also used to determine the homology of a number of micromorphological characters used in the non-molecular cladistic analysis. Non-molecular data from a number of sources are used to infer a phylogeny for the Rosaceae. The resulting sixteen trees are similar in topology to previous molecular analyses, but are poorly supported and conflict significantly with molecular data in congruence tests. Sequence data from the chloroplast gene ' ndhF' results in well-resolved and well-supported trees that are almost identical to, and highly congruent with, those obtained form 'rbc'L sequences. To achieve an estimate of Rosaceae phylogeny from all currently available data the non-molecular data were combined with binary data representing the individual topologies obtained from three molecular data sets (' ndhF, rbc'L, and nrITS). The four trees obtained from these combined data did not differ from the non-molecular phylogeny, and showed increased support for several nodes. One of these trees was used to map the evolution of Rosaceae chromosome number, fruit type, ovary, and ovule morphology. The evolution of these characters, together with a preliminary analysis of biogeography, are used to posit hypotheses concerning the origin of the Maloideae.
999 Queen Street West: Patient Life at the Toronto Hospital for the Insane, 1870-1940

This study examines the individual experiences of people who were admitted to the Toronto Hospital for the Insane between 1870-1940 within the context of institutional practices and relationships. The purpose is to contribute to our understanding of psychiatric history by placing patients' perspectives and experiences at the forefront of historical inquiry instead of having them come second to the administrators who ran the hospitals. Clinical files are the main primary source used for this work. Letters written by patients during and after confinement form an essential part of this thesis. Observations left by third party observers such as family, friends and hospital staff also illustrate patient culture. This thesis is structured around themes that highlight the various stages of the lives of the men and women who populated 999 Queen Street West: diagnosis and admission; daily routine and daily relationships; patients' leisure and personal space; patients' labour; family and community responses to mental hospital patients; discharge and death. Above all else, the people whose voices and experiences make up this study show later generations that psychiatric patients have a great deal to teach us about what it was like to be confined in a mental institution and to live with the psychological troubles that brought them to 999 Queen Street West.

Keywords: Mentally ill
Institutional care
History
Malades mentaux
Soins et institutions
Histoire