VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Drosophila Nedd4-long Reduces Amphiphysin Levels in Muscles and Leads to Impaired T-tubule Formation
Keywords: Amphiphysin
muscle developemt
Nedd4

Drosophila Nedd4 (dNedd4) is a HECT ubiquitin ligase with two main splice isoforms: dNedd4 short (dNedd4S) and long (dNedd4Lo). We previously showed that while dNedd4S promotes neuromuscular synaptogenesis, dNedd4Lo inhibits it. To delineate the cause of this inhibition, we searched for binding partners to the N-terminal unique region of dNedd4Lo in embryo lysates using mass-spectrometry and identified Amphiphysin (dAmph). dAmph is a postsynaptic protein containing SH3-BAR domains, which regulates muscle T-tubule formation in flies. We validated the interaction by co-immunoprecipitation and showed direct binding between dAmph-SH3 domain and dNedd4Lo-N-terminus. Accordingly, dNedd4Lo was co-expressed with dAmph postsynaptically and at muscle T-tubules. Moreover, expression of dNedd4Lo in the muscle during embryonic development led to disappearance of dAmph and to impaired T-tubules formation, phenocopying amph null mutants. This effect was not seen in muscles expressing dNedd4S or a catalytically-inactive dNedd4Lo(CA). We propose that dNedd4Lo destabilizes dAmph in muscles, leading to impaired T-tubule formation.
Are Enteral Intakes of Protein, Lipid, Carbohydrate, Energy, Calcium, and Phosphorus in VLBW Preterm Infants Meeting Current Expert Recommendations?
Keywords: energy
lipid
macronutrients
neonatal nutrition
preterm infant
protein

Research evidence supports the importance of nutrition to facilitate growth, reduce morbidity and enhance the neurodevelopment in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Local neonatal intensive care units have adopted more aggressive feeding guidelines to achieve nutrient goals. This study aims to examine the impact of major morbidity and birth weight (BW) on achieving expert nutrient recommendations in a cohort of VLBW preterm infants during initial hospitalization. Infants with ≥ 1 major morbidity/BW
Amino Acid Metabolism and Protein Requirements in Active, Trained Adult Males Using the Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation (IAAO) Technique
Keywords: Exercise
Protein
Recovery
Requirements
Stable Isotope

To better understand the nutritional requirements of active populations, the present study utilized the minimally invasive Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation (IAAO) technique to evaluate the impact of variable intensity exercise on protein requirements in active, trained young adult males. It was hypothesized that protein requirements would be: 1) greater than the current requirements established on the basis of NBAL, and; 2) greater than those requirements previously determined by the IAAO technique in non-active populations. Six active, trained males (23±1 years; 177.5±6.2 cm; 82.3±5.7 kg; 13.5±4.3% body fat; 52.3±5.4 ml O2/kg/min; means±95%CI) partook in 1-10 sequential metabolic trials each consisting of a variable intensity exercise protocol (modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test) followed by 8 hourly meals providing a variable amount of protein (0.2-2.6g/kg/d), 6g/kg of carbohydrate, and sufficient energy. Protein was provided as crystalline amino acids modeled on the basis of egg protein with the exception of tyrosine (40mg/kg/d) and phenylalanine (30.5mg/kg/d with 5.46 mg/kg over 4h as L-[13C]phenylalanine). After determination of breath 13CO2 by continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry and CO2 production by indirect calorimetry, the estimated average requirement (EAR) was determined from the breakpoint of the 13C02 excretion after application of bi-phase linear regression. Analysis for the correlation between protein intake and 13CO2 excretion revealed the EAR to be 1.35 g/kg/d (r2= 0.64). Accounting for a safe intake encompassing the upper 95%CI, the protein requirement of 1.64 g/kg/d determined herein exceeds the current dietary reference intake for non-active individuals as determined by NBAL (EAR = 0.66 g/kg/d; RDA = 0.80 g/kg/d) (FAO, WHO 2007) and the minimally invasive IAAO technique (EAR = 0.93 g/kg/d; RDA = 1.2 g/kg/d) (Humayun et al., 2007). In addition the minimum intake determined herein is at the upper range of general recommendations for athletes (i.e. 1.2-1.7g/kg/d) (American Dietetic Association et al., 2009). These results suggest that intensive exercise increases daily protein requirements in healthy, active young men and underscore the need to further evaluate the adequacy of protein recommendations in other active populations (e.g. women, children).
Conception of Wisdom in Emerging Adults: A Cross-cultural Comparison
Keywords: cross-cultural
emerging adults
identity
immigrants
wisdom

The current study examined differences between Canadian, Indian, and Indian immigrants understanding of wisdom. Participants were 123 emerging adults (56.1% female) from Canada (n = 50, 50% female), India (n = 30, 51.7% female), and immigrants from India to Canada (n = 44, 65.9% female) and ranged in age from 18 to 30 years (Mage = 23.35, SD = 2.80). Participants completed self-report questionnaires on wisdom, ethnic identity, and life satisfaction along with semi-structured interviews. Results showed significant differences between all three groups in their understanding of wisdom. Immigrants showed a more diverse understanding of wisdom and typically reported achieved identity status for their Canadian or Indian identities. Group and wisdom did not interact to predict life satisfaction. These main findings suggest that Canadians, Indians, and immigrants differ in their conception of wisdom with immigrants understanding often falling between their Indian heritage and their new Canadian environment.
An Examination of the Role of Emotion Dysregulation and Affect Regulation Motives in the Relationship between Attachment and Alcohol Use and Consequences in Emerging Adults
Keywords: alcohol use
attachment
drinking motives
emerging adulthood
emotion dysregulation
substance use

Previous research has found that insecure attachment styles (i.e., anxious and avoidant) are predictive of emotion dysregulation in emerging adulthood (EA; Arnett, 2000; Shaver Mikulincer, 2007). Further, emotion dysregulation has been linked to alcohol consequences in EA (Dvorak et al., 2014). However, no studies to date have examined the role of drinking motives in the pathway from insecure attachment to alcohol consequences. Participants in the current study were 218 EAs (ages 18-24, M= 21.06; SD=1.90, 64.7% female) who completed measures of attachment styles, emotion dysregulation, drinking motives, and alcohol use and consequences. Using path analysis, insecure attachment emerged as a significant predictor of emotion dysregulation. Coping motives better predicted alcohol consequences than alcohol use, and thus emerged as an important marker of alcohol consequences. Results suggest that attachment-focused, emotion regulation strategies might be efficacious treatment targets for clinical interventions aimed at reducing problematic drinking in EA.
Photograph or Clipart: Does Object Depiction Affect the Mapping of Language to Referents?
Keywords: Attention
Eye movements
Iconicity
Language comprehension
Visual world

Psycholinguistic studies using the "visual world" paradigm tend to employ either photographs or clipart as stimuli, with convenience or availability typically serving as the sole reason for choosing a particular image type. The present study examined how image type (clipart/photograph) affects the process of mapping language to visual referents. On each trial, participants viewed an array of objects and heard a recorded sentence containing either a semantically neutral verb (Experiment 1: Jamie will move the banana) or a semantically restrictive verb (Experiment 2: Jamie will peel the banana). Image type (clipart/photograph) was manipulated across blocks. Eye movements were recorded as participants listened to the sentences and mouse-clicked on the last-mentioned object. Quite strikingly, image type did not appear to affect language-driven eye movements. However, it did sometimes influence the initial moments of visual processing, before the recorded sentence began. The results are described in terms of their implications for visual-world studies of language processing.
Functional Analysis of the Contribution of HIF-1α Proline 402 to the Interaction with VHL
Keywords: E3 ubiquitin ligase
hypoxia-inducible factors
ubiquitin-proteasome degradation

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is involved in transcription of hypoxia-inducible genes. In normoxia, it binds von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) resulting in ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. This requires hydroxylation at prolines 564 (P564) or 402 (P402) within the oxygen-dependent degradation (ODD) domain. P402 hydroxylation only occurs at higher oxygen concentrations. Its specific contribution to the HIF-1α-VHL interaction is unknown. It was hypothesized that loss of P402 in normoxia will dampen the HIF-1α-VHL interaction. HA-tagged ODD constructs (WT, P402A, P564G, and P402A/P564G) were generated. FLAG-VHL co-immunoprecipitation was lower for P402A compared to WT. In vitro ubiquitination decreased with P402 mutation when P564 was also mutated. Cycloheximide chase analysis showed that P402 loss had no significant effect on ODD half-life. These results indicate a secondary role for P402 in the HIF-1alpha-VHL interaction. Elucidating the details of P402’s role in the interaction of HIF-1alpha with VHL will enhance the understanding of mammalian oxygen sensing and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways.
The Effects of Hypoxia on Centrosome Function in Prostate Cancer
Keywords: Cancer biology
Centrosome
Hypoxia
Mitosis
Prostate cancer
Tumor microenvironment

Hypoxia and centrosome aberrations are both prominent features of prostate cancer and have been shown to be markers of poor clinical prognosis. Hypoxia has been linked to increased genomic instability and aggressive tumor phenotype. Centrosome aberrations have also been directly linked to chromosomal instability. I hypothesized that hypoxia causes centrosome aberrations in prostate cancer cells, as a potential mechanism of hypoxia-induced genomic instability. Analyses of centrosome gene expression in DU14 prostate cancer cells demonstrated that hypoxia causes centrosome gene deregulation. Centrosome structure assays revealed that hypoxia leads to accumulation of centriolar satellites in a cell line and re-oxygenation independent manner. If centrosome aberrations are specific to hypoxic cancer cells, centrosome and mitosis targeting drugs could provide a high therapeutic ratio and better outcome for patients with high hypoxic tumor fraction.
Punishment in Youth Baseball: A Question of Morality and Power
Keywords: benching
coaching
discipline
exercise
punishment
yelling

The purpose of this study was to investigate coaches’, athletes’, and parents’ perspectives on the use of punishment in youth baseball. Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with twenty-one participants: Three male coaches, eleven male youth athletes, aged 13-14 years, three mothers and four fathers. Interviews ranged between 30-150 minutes and were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. In addition to exercise as punishment, participants reported that yelling and benching were alternative punitive strategies used in sport. Exercise was reportedly the most accepted form of punishment because of its perceived ability to improve physical development and sport performance. Majority of participants agreed yelling was the most detrimental punishment for athletes to endure because it produced feelings of fear, humiliation and anger in the athletes. Finally, benching was reportedly accepted as a strategic tool and a punitive tactic, as long as coaches’ communicated a reason for sitting the athletes on the bench.
(Un)Mapping the Stadium: Contextualizing Race and National Myth Making in Major League Baseball
Keywords: baseball
citizenship
nation
race
space
sport

This thesis examines how Major League Baseball functions as a pedagogy of citizenship by securing the white national subject through the consumption of racialized bodies. It remains critical to understand the productive geographies of sport in service of the nation through race and space. This paper explores the narratives of imperialism, nationalism, and militarism that are saturated in professional ballparks and how these patriotic national mythologies serve to produce the white national subject. An analysis of the Dominican training academy and the Latin American body is performed to demonstrate each as critical spaces producing race and nation in the context of Major League Baseball. These three spaces, the ballpark, the training academy, and the Latin American body, are explored and unmapped to understand the way Major League Baseball functions as a pedagogy of white national citizenship.
Establishing a Methodology to Measure the pH of the Airway Surface Liquid in non-CF and CF Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Keywords: Airway Surface Liquid
Cystic Fibrosis
Methodology
pH
Primary Cell Line
SLC9A3

Human lungs maintain proper airway surface liquid homeostasis for mucociliary clearance, hydration, and as the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens. In Cystic Fibrosis, the absence of functional CFTR-mediated Cl- and HCO3- flux causes ENaC hyperactivity at the apical membrane leading to an acidic and dehydrated ASL1. Abnormal bicarbonate transport creates an acidic environment, which alters mucus properties, increases bacterial colonization and impairs antimicrobial function2,3. I have demonstrated that the ASL pH can be measured reliably in fully differentiated primary human non-CF and CF bronchial epithelial cells. The ASL pH was significantly lower in CF primary bronchial epithelial cells compared to normal bronchial epithelial cells and the use of ouabain and SLC9A3 inhibitor increases the ASL pH in CFB cells. This protocol allows for future research of the altered ASL pH in CF patients, and its possible correction by targeting proton exchangers/channels.
Route Choice Modeling of Cyclists in Toronto
Keywords: Cycling
Route Choice

This thesis builds on a growing body of research that seeks to understand how the physical and environmental attributes of the road network influence cyclists’ route choice. Better understanding of the costs and benefits of physical infrastructure can be used by planners to prioritize investment in cycling facilities. The thesis uses a high quality GPS dataset of bike trips recorded by the City of Toronto's cycling app between August 23 and September 23, 2015. Trip route characteristics are obtained by matching the GPS traces to a detailed GIS network dataset of road attributes. A path-size multinomial logit model is used to assess the utility of cycling facilities and the costs of road features, such as high traffic volumes, steep hills and turns at busy intersections. The study also examines the route variation based on demographic characteristics and attitudes of cyclists.
An Integrated Model of Morphologic and Molecular Signatures for the Classification of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Keywords: BRAFV600E
Classical papillary thyroid carcinoma
Follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma
Papillary thyroid carcinoma
RAS
Thyroid cancer

While it is appreciated that the BRAFV600E mutation is associated with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and mutations in RAS are associated with follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC), there is overlap with reports of approximately 20% BRAFV600E-mutated FVPTCs. We hypothesize that the discordance between morphologic and molecular classification stems from the application of less rigid histopathological criteria to define variants of PTC, namely, diagnosing FVPTC without excluding scattered true papillary structures. To address this question, we examined the molecular signatures of PTCs assessed by expert thyroid pathologists who classify these neoplasms based on strict morphologic criteria. Applying these criteria we noted a striking segregation of the BRAFV600E mutation to the group of classical PTCs as well as an association between classical architecture and adverse clinicopathological features. Integration of stricter morphologic criteria with molecular signatures should provide a robust platform for clinical applications.
Neuropsychological Predictors of Risk for Disordered Eating Behaviour in Preschool-aged Children
Keywords: CANTAB
Eating Behaviour
Eating Disorders
Neuropsychology
Pediatric

Background: To date, there are no longitudinal studies of neuropsychological predictors of disordered eating in healthy preschool-aged samples. The purpose of the present study is to identify early patterns of cognitive performance that predict disordered eating vulnerability later in childhood. Methods: Healthy children were assessed at age 4 using the CANTAB Information Sampling Task, Stop Signal Task, and Spatial Working Memory test. BMI z-scores and Food Avoidance and Approach were assessed at age 4 and 6 using the CEBQ. Results: Multiple regressions using neuropsychological performance to predict Food Avoidance, Approach, and BMI z-scores at age 4 and 6 revealed that females who made fewer errors on the SWM task showed greater Food Avoidance. Conclusions: Taken as a whole, the results of the present study did not strongly support our hypotheses. However, the moderation effect of gender on the relationship between SWM performance and Food Avoidance in females merits further elucidation.
The Design and Content of Personal Support Worker Training Programs
Keywords: controlled acts model
curricula
health professions
interprofessional collaboration
Personal Support Workers
program design

Problem Statement: Despite increased reliance on PSW certificate programs to standardize the workforce, and the introduction of a common training standard in 2015, there is limited research available on PSW certificate programs. This study adds to knowledge regarding PSW certificates, which can be applied to decisions regarding the future direction of PSW education. Methods: This is an intrinsic case study of PSW certificate programs in Ontario. The research methods were document analysis, and key informant interviews. Results: Informants perceived a PSW certificate as necessary to adequate performance of the PSW role. Informants perceived challenges in the areas of interprofessional teamwork, assessments, helping-relationships, client-centred care, medications, and abuse. Conclusions: The role of the PSW has changed significantly over the last decade, and it is now commonplace for PSWs to be assigned nursing tasks. Further research should evaluate whether the new standard is being successfully implemented, and meeting sector needs.
Correlation of Neurovascular Density and Anatomical Effects Following Cranial Irradiation in Juvenile Mice
Keywords: Fluorescent Imaging
Late Effects
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Pediatric Cancer
Radiation Biology
Vasculature

Late-occuring side effects following cranial irradiation include neurocognitive effects, which negatively impact the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a high dose of radiation to the juvenile mouse brain, and the potential influence of vascular damage on late effects. Mice were irradiated with 14 Gy at an infant-equivalent age of 2.5 weeks. Impact on brain anatomy at early and late time points after irradiation, and the vascular density at an early time point were assessed. It was found that irradiation causes early volume deficits in many brain regions, which become more pronounced into adulthood. Vascular density across the whole brain was mapped, and a correlation was found between vascular density and late volume deficits in white matter structures. This research may inform future studies into to the connection between vascular density and radiation sensitivity in white matter.
X-ray-based Imaging for Characterizing Heterogeneous Gas Diffusion Layers for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Keywords: Gas Diffusion Layer
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

Characterization of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells informs modeling studies and the manufacturers of next generation fuel cell materials. Identifying the physical properties related to the primary functions of the modern GDL (thermal, electrical, and mass transport) is necessary for understanding the impact of GDL design choices. X-ray micro-computed tomographic reconstructions of GDLs were studied to isolate GDL surface morphologies. Surface roughness was measured for a wide variety of samples and a sensitivity study highlighted the scale-dependence of surface roughness measurements. Furthermore, a spatially resolved distribution map of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the microporous layer (MPL), critical for water management and mass transport, was identified and the existence of PTFE agglomerations was highlighted. Finally, the impact of accelerated degradation on GDL wettability and water transport increases in liquid water accumulation and oxygen mass transport resistance were quantified as a result of accelerated GDL degradation.
Characterizing Vestibular Stimulation in Children with Cochlear Implants
Keywords: cochlear implant
pediatric
subjective visual vertical
vestibular
vestibular evoked myogenic potential

Though vestibular impairment is highly prevalent in children with sensorineural hearing loss who use cochlear implants (CIs), improvements in balance function upon device activation have been observed in this population. The present study aimed to identify a possible mechanism by which the CI confers functional benefit. Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials were employed to objectively measure current spread from the CI to the otoliths; cross-stimulation was recorded in 34/55 (62%) participants. Vestibular loss manifested in the form of asymmetric spatial orientation deficits, measured by the Subjective Visual Vertical. Otolith impairment further predicted static and dynamic equilibrium [p=0.005]. Electrical pulses delivered from the implant shifted abnormal perception towards normal [p=0.007]. Similarly, device activation improved balance performance in individuals with compromised vestibular function [p=0.02]. These findings indicate that (i) current can indeed spread from a CI to the vestibular end organs, and (ii) CI stimulation can confer a functional benefit to implant users.
Development of a Viral Toolbox to Study the Role of m6A RNA Methylation in Memory
Keywords: Cas9
Fto
local mRNA translation
m6A
memory
RNA methylation

Memory relies critically on local synthesis of proteins at synapses. How cells are able to precisely and independently coordinate memory-related translation at each of their synapses is not fully understood. Just as transcription is modulated by epigenetic modifications of DNA during memory formation, local translation may be regulated by mRNA modifications, like N6 methylation of the adenosine base (m6A). In this project, we investigate the m6A pathway and find that the demethylase Fto is highly expressed in the mouse brain, and regulated in the CA1 of the hippocampus following a contextual memory task, along with several other pathway components and overall levels of m6A in mRNA. To probe the role of m6A in memory formation, we then develop herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors to rapidly and selectively manipulate Fto levels in cells, including the first HSV-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 knockdown vector, which will increase our ability to flexibly target multiple genes in vivo.