VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Role of Glucagon-like Peptide-2 in Rodent Models of Colon Cancer
Keywords: Glucagon-like peptide-2
Colon cancer

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is an intestinotrophic and intestinal anti-inflammatory hormone. Hence, I hypothesized that treatment with degradation-resistant hGly2GLP-2 increases, while blocking endogenous GLP-2 decreases colorectal cancer (CRC) in rodents. In mice, treatment with dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) and azoxymethane (AOM) induced colitis-associated CRC, which was further increased by treatment with hGly2GLP-2 and reduced by blocking endogenous GLP-2 with the antagonist hGLP-23-33. Moreover, while colonic damage score (CDS) was not altered by hGly2GLP-2 or hGLP-23-33 treatment, hGly2GLP-2 increased small intestinal growth and hGLP-23-33 reduced jejunal crypt cell proliferation. In rats fed with of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and high fat (HF) diet for aberrant crypt foci (ACF) induction, treatment with hGly2GLP-2 increased small intestinal growth and ACF occurrence. Moreover, in rats fed with PhIP-HF diet for tumour induction, early treatment with hGly2GLP-2 appears to increase the occurrence of intestinal tumours. Collectively, these findings indicate a pro-carcinogenic role for both exogenous and endogenous GLP-2.
Sovereign Debt Restructuring: Re-conceiving Legal Solutions for Improving Debt Management
Keywords: Sovereign Debt

The recent financial crisis and subsequent sovereign debt distress in the eurozone has reinvigorated the debate over bailouts and sovereign debt restructuring. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of two approaches to debt management in addressing the practical challenges of debt workouts, particularly in relation to developing countries: a contractual approach and a sovereign bankruptcy approach. The paper uses an economic analysis of private law to analyze optimal solutions to those problems and proposes a flexible approach to debt restructuring. Drawing on theoretical research and experience from professionals in the technical aspects of the debt markets, the paper merges traditional solutions with the law and development concept of “odious debt”. It argues that potential legal elaborations of the concept of odious debt, shaped by a contractual approach, presents loan sanctions as an effective ex ante solution to contemporary problems of sovereign debt management a current climate of global sovereign debt distress.
The Anticonvulsant Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Rodents
Keywords: epilepsy
omega-3
docosahexaenoic acid
seizures

Introduction: One potential new therapy for epilepsy involves the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and more specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).   Methods: The anticonvulsant properties of the n-3 PUFAs were assessed in a series of different experiments. Subjects received chronic dietary supplementation, sub-chronic and acute injections of either fish oil (chronic) or DHA (sub-chronic, acute). Animals were tested in the electrical afterdischarge thresholds (ADTs) model in the amygdale and the maximal pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) model.   Results: Chronic, sub-chronic, and acute administrations of n-3 PUFAs were anticonvulsant in both the electrical stimulation and maximal PTZ models. In chronic experiments, amygala ADTs increased following 3 months of fish oil administration. Fourteen days of DHA i.p. injections increased latencies to maximal PTZ seizures. Acute injection of DHA s.c. and i.v. increased unesterified serum DHA and seizure latency. Conclusions: The present research suggests that n-3 PUFAs, and more specifically DHA, have anticonvulsant effects in vivo.
Measuring Blood Pressure using Microbubbles and Ultrasound
Keywords: Ultrasound
Microbubbles

Gas microbubbles have a high compressibility, which make them very efficient sound scatterers. As another consequence of their high compressibility, microbubbles can be compressed by the pressure of the fluid around them, which affects their scattering properties. Due to recent progress in shelled ultrasound contrast agents and the development of almost monodispersed microbubbles, we believe it could now be possible to measure blood pressure using microbubbles as non-invasive manometers, an idea first suggested more than 30 years ago. In this thesis, both simulations and in vitro experiments will be used to investigate the changes related to the resonance of bubbles and how the concept of bubble size population affects the accuracy of this technique. In particular, it will be shown how shell dynamics dominates the response of microbubbles to blood pressure.
Using Queueing Analysis to Guide Combinatorial Scheduling in Dynamic Environments
Keywords: Combinatorial Scheduling
Queueing Theory
Dynamic Network

The central thesis of this dissertation is that insight from queueing analysis can effectively guide standard (combinatorial) scheduling algorithms in dynamic environments. Scheduling is generally concerned with complex combinatorial decisions for static problems, whereas queueing theory simplifies the combinatorics and focuses on dynamic systems. We examine a queueing network with flexible servers under queueing and scheduling techniques. Based on the strengths of queueing analysis and scheduling, we develop a hybrid model that guides scheduling with results from the queueing model. In order to include setup times, we create a logic-based Benders decomposition model for a static representation of the queueing network. Our model is able to find optimal schedules up to 5 orders of magnitude faster than the only other model in the literature. A hybrid model is then developed for the dynamic problem and shown to achieve the best mean flow time while also guaranteeing maximal capacity.
Service Systems and Social Enterprise: Beyond the Economics of Business
Keywords: service science
service system
systems science
triple bottom line
social enterprise
service-dominant logic
social business
value co-creation

Service science is an emerging multidisciplinary field concerned with the study of service systems and value co-creation. In recent years, the field has expanded considerably, growing to encompass a community of researchers and practitioners from a range of backgrounds and knowledge domains. However, very little research has focused on the study of service systems within the context of social-purpose organizations (SPOs), such as a nonprofit charitable organization or academic institution. We contend that SPOs represent a class of service systems that are understudied in service science, and the goal of this thesis was to contribute to the ongoing development of the disciplines theoretical foundations through an empirical study of a special type of SPO, the social enterprise. Through case-study research we surveyed five social enterprise organizations across Canada. Our findings point to a number of areas that suggest a conceptual bias towards service systems that are economically motivated and profit driven.
A Systematic Review on the use of Dexmedetomidine as a Sole Agent for Intravenous Moderate Sedation
Keywords: Dexmedetomidine
Sedation

Intravenous administration of benzodiazepines can be used for anxiety management in dentistry. The recent approval of Dexmedetomidine in Canada provides an alternative to benzodiazepines for moderate sedation. There is no review comparing Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam as a sole agent for intravenous moderate sedation. This paper determines to fill the void of knowledge. A total of 6 articles out of 117 were identified in Pubmed and Ovid Medline using the key terms “Dexmedetomidine” and “sedation”. The parameters that were evaluated were the need for rescue, patient and surgeon satisfaction, and adverse outcomes. Dexmedetomidine was found to be equal or better than Midazolam in the first three parameters. Hypotension and bradycardia were evident in moderate to high doses, but none needing intervention. Other side effects include headache and dry mouth. Dexmedetomidine is a reasonable and safe alternative to Midazolam, but more research is needed to evaluate Dexmedetomidine for general dentistry.
Association Studies of Personality Traits, Problem Gambling, and Serotonergic Gene Polymorphisms
Keywords: Serotonergic Gene Polymorphisms
Genetics
Problem Gambling
Personality

Problem gambling is the subclinical form of pathological gambling and both are characterized by difficulties in the limiting of money and time spent on gambling. Genetic and personality factors have been implicated in gambling disorders (PG). As PG is classified as an impulse-control disorder, the serotonin (5-HT) system has been suggested to be involved. We sought to better understand the complex relationship between personality traits, PG, and 5-HT genes. We investigated ten 5-HT candidate genes for association with PG and personality traits. We also examined personality traits for association with PG. We found that MAOA and HTR3A haplotypes were associated with Agreeableness and Conscientiousness personality domains, PG was associated with high Neuroticism and low Conscientiousness scores, and the MAOA gene may play a role in PG. Our findings contribute to the better understanding of how 5-HT genes may be involved in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying PG and personality.
Characterizing the Role of Stromal Cell Derived Factor 2 Like-1 (SDF2L1) in Pancreatic β-Cells
Keywords: SDF2L1
ER stress

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell failure. Insulin resistance leads to increased insulin demand, which can lead to increased proinsulin misfolding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The accumulation of the misfolded proteins in the ER can cause ER stress, which can lead to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Cells respond to ER stress by the unfolded protein response (UPR), which increases protein folding capacity and causes degradation of misfolded proteins. Using a pancreatic β-cell model of induced misfolded proinsulin expression (proinsulin-C96Y tagged with GFP) we discovered that one of the most highly induced genes was stromal cell-derived factor 2 like 1 (SDF2L1). SDF2L1 is an ER localized soluble protein with an as yet unknown function. In this thesis I examined the potential role of SDF2L1 in pancreatic β-cells in ER stress conditions.
Role of Intercellular Interactions between Mast Cells and Gingival Fibroblasts in Mediating Inflammation
Keywords: mast cell
fibroblast
inflammtion

The mechanisms that mediate acute exacerbations in chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis are not understood. IL-8 is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils in acute inflammatory lesions. We investigated the role of fibroblast-mast cell interactions on short-term IL-8 release. Human gingival fibroblasts were co-cultured with human mast cells (HMC-1). After co-culture, the concentration of IL-8 was measured by ELISA. HMC co-cultured with fibroblasts increased IL-8 secretion by >6-fold, which required intercellular contact and was blocked by the gap junction inhibitor BGA. Thapsigargin-induced elevations of intracellular calcium increased IL-8 levels by 15-fold. Chemotaxis of human neutrophils was significantly enhanced in response to conditioned medium from co-cultures. Calcein-dye transfer showed intercellular, gap junction communication between HMC and fibroblasts that was dependent in part on β1 integrins. We conclude that mast cells adhere to fibroblasts and promote IL-8 secretion, thereby enhancing neutrophil chemotaxis and possibly the perpetuation of the inflammatory response.
Design of Raman Active Phopsholipid Gold Nanoparticles for Plasmonics based Tumour Detection and Imaging
Keywords: Gold nanoparticles
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
phospholipid
nanoparticle design
cancer imaging

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and one third of its burden can be decreased with early detection. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) based imaging is a promising new technique for non-invasive detection of tumours due to its ultra-sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities. For in vivo SERS molecular imaging, a biocompatible, robust and targeted nanoparticle is required to attain high sensitivity and specificity. In this thesis, a SERS capable gold nanoparticle was rationally designed by encapsulation with a phospholipid bilayer which conferred biocompatibility, colloidal stability and versatility to changing surface chemistry. Moreover, validation of this SERS probe with a specific targeting ligand for carcinoma cells was studied through the targeting of a commonly overexpressed cancer receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor. Using this phospholipid design, optimizations with differing chemistries, targeting ligand or modifications for additional functionalities can be achieved for further development as a viable in vivo molecular imaging tool.
Vehicle Routing Approaches for Solving an Order Cutoff Assignment Problem
Keywords: distance constrained vehicle routing problem
branch-and-price
column generation
mixed integer programming
constraint programming
order cutoff assignment problem

We define an order cutoff for a retailer as a time in the day such that orders sent to the depot before this point will be delivered by tomorrow, and orders submitted after will be delivered by the day after tomorrow. The later a retailer’s cutoff, the sooner it receives its orders which helps it to maintain ideal inventory levels. Generally, not all retailers in a supply chain can have the latest cutoff since transportation takes a significant amount of time. This thesis tries to assign optimal order cutoffs to retailers. We call this an order cutoff assignment problem and we solve it using three different mathematical programming approaches. The approaches are exhaustive route generation and selection, a series of mixed integer programs, and branch-and-price. 60 sample problems were solved and results showed that branch-and-price is often the most effective method.
Hardness of Electrodeposited Nano-nickel Revisited
Keywords: Hardness
Nano-Nickel

In the past, hardness measurements on nanocrystalline metals were limited to Vickers micro-hardness and nano-indentation tests, mainly due to sample size/thickness limitations. On the other hand, most industries require hardness values on the Rockwell scale and make extensive use of hardness conversion relationships for various hardness scales. However, hardness conversions currently do not exist for nanocrystalline metals. With recent advances in electrodeposition technology, thicker specimens with a wide range of grain sizes can now be produced. In this study, the relationships between Vickers and Rockwell hardness scales have been developed for such materials. In addition, hardness indentations were used to gain further insight into the work hardening of nanocrystalline and polycrystalline nickel. Vickers microhardness and nano-indentation profiles below large Rockwell indentations showed that polycrystalline nickel exhibited considerable strain hardening, as expected. On the other hand, for nanocrystalline nickel the micro-Vickers and nano-indentations hardness profile showed low strain hardening capacity.
Effect of Channel Stochasticity on Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity
Keywords: Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity
Ion Channel Stochasticity
Short Term Plasticity

The variability of the postsynaptic response following a presynaptic action potential arises from: i) the neurotransmitter release being probabilistic and ii) channels in the postsynaptic cell involved in the response to neurotransmitter release, having stochastic properties. Spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP) is a form of plasticity that exhibits LTP or LTD depending on the precise order and timing of the firing of the synaptic cells. STDP plays a role in fundamental tasks such as learning and memory, thus understanding and characterizing the effect variability in synaptic transmission has on STDP is essential. To that end a model incorporating both forms of variability was constructed. It was shown that ion channel stochasticity increased the magnitude of maximal potentiation, increased the window of potentiation and severely reduced the post-LTP associated LTD in the STDP curves. The variability due to short term plasticity decreased the magnitude of maximal potentiation.
Functional Characterization of the Chromosomal MazEF Toxin-Antitoxin Addiction System in Streptococcus mutans
Keywords: toxin antitoxin system
streptococcus mutans

Chromosomal toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules have been proposed to function as regulators of cell growth in response to environmental perturbations. The objective of this study was to characterize the MazEF TA system of the human pathogen Streptococcus mutans. Our data showed that the mazEF genes form a bicistronic operon. MazF toxin had a toxic effect on cells and this effect can be neutralized by coexpression of its cognate antitoxin MazE. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MazE and MazF proteins interact with each other in vivo, confirming the nature of this TA as a type II addiction system. We also demonstrated that MazF is a toxic nuclease arresting cell growth through the mechanism of RNA cleavage and that MazE inhibits the RNase activity of MazF by forming a protein complex. Our results suggest that the MazEF TA might represent a cell growth modulator facilitating the persistence of S. mutans in the oral cavity.
Serving up Change? Corporate Social Responsibility as a Tool for Social Change: A Case Analysis of the UNESCO-WTA Tour Partnership for Global Gender Equality
Keywords: corporate social responsibility
gender equality
UNESCO
tennis
international development
Orientalism

This research project critically questions the power relations inherent in the use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a tool for international development. My case study focuses on the partnership between UNESCO and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), which advocates for global gender equality. This discourse analysis seeks to expose the social inequities that may result from CSR by using the theoretical framework of Orientalism and the methodologies of postcolonial feminism and intersectionality. The results suggest that an outdated understanding of gender as the axis of discrimination hinders the attainment of gender equality. Furthermore, Girl Effect type initiatives that promote third-wave feminism are observed to reproduce social inequities through the perpetuation of global capitalism. Key recommendations include a reconceptualization of gender (equality) that accounts for the intersectionality of identities, holistic context specific solutions, and the use of socio-cultural analysis for CSR programming.
Natural Killer Cell Line Therapy in Multiple Myeloma
Keywords: natural killer cells
multiple myeloma
cancer
clonogenic
cancer stem cells
NK-92
KHYG-1
bioluminescent

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. NK cells have demonstrated anti-MM activity in allogeneic transplants and donor lymphocyte infusions, and may provide a more effective therapy for MM. This work demonstrates cytotoxicity of NK-92 and KHYG-1 against MM cells in chromium release and flow cytometry cytotoxicity assays. At a 10:1 effector to target ratio, the cytotoxicity of NK cell lines against MM cells is 50-90%. Blocking NKp30 significantly reduces the cytotoxicity of NK-92 and KHYG-1, while blocking NKG2D and DNAM-1 only reduces the cytotoxicity of NK-92. Notably, NK-92 and KHYG-1 have shown preferential cytotoxicity against the clonogenic population, killing 89-99% in a methylcellulose cytotoxicity assay. Preliminary results in a xenograft bioluminescent mouse model show that NK-92, but not KHYG-1, reduces the tumor burden detected by bioluminescence imaging and bone marrow engraftment by flow cytometry. Therefore, NK cell lines may offer a more effective therapy for MM.
Rearticulating Nature: Ecosystem Services in British Columbia and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
Keywords: Ecosystem services

This thesis applies mixed ethnographic methods at field sites in British Columbia and the United Nations to explore the spread and uptake of the "ecosystem services" idea in different institutions of environmental governance. I explore intensifying efforts by ecosystem services proponents to rearticualte living nature in various ways and with various objectives around the concept. As the idea manifests in a wide array of different policies and practices, I attempt to characterize a process of 'discursive refraction,' and argue ecosystem services represents a kind of chimera, appearing differently to the disparate practitioners interpreting, responding to, and beginning to use it. Consequently, the idea takes on diverse forms and functions in those institutional settings where it appears. I conclude that the discourse of ecosystem services remains a locus of ongoing contestation, which significantly complicates the relationship between what its proponents intend for it, and its ideological, institutional, and ecological consequences.
A Retrospective Study of Root Canal Therapy in Non-vital Primary Molars
Keywords: Root Canal Therapy
Primary molars
formocresol
zinc oxide eugenol

Purpose: This retrospective study was performed to assess the clinical and radiographic success rates of a non-vital formocresol and zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) primary molar root canal therapy (RCT) technique. The effects of this treatment on the permanent successors and on exfoliation times were also investigated. Methods: The study included 161 patients with 211 primary molars treated by RCT by a single operator in a private pediatric dental office in the Toronto area. Results: A clinical success rate of 90.0% and a radiographic success rate of 77.3% were obtained. Enamel defects were found in 6.8% of permanent successors and in patients who were significantly younger at the time of root canal therapy treatment (p = .001). Treated molars exfoliated on average 5.8 months sooner than contralateral teeth (p<0.001). Conclusions: Formocresol and ZOE RCT is a viable treatment for necrotic primary molars and yielded very high clinical success rates with moderate radiographic success rates.
The Company One Keeps: The Khadr II Litigation in its International and Comparative Legal Context
Keywords: Constitution
Judiciary
Executive
Remedies

This thesis examines the extent to which the judiciary can intervene into the executive branch’s power over foreign affairs. This thesis focuses on the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Canada (Prime Minister) v. Omar Khadr, 2010 SCC 3 where Omar Khadr requested the judiciary to order the executive branch to request his release from American custody in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Supreme Court refused Khadr’s request, but issued a declaratory order stating that Khadr’s rights had been violated by the Canadian government. This thesis places this decision, and its follow-on litigation, in its international and comparative context by examining the international law of diplomatic protection as well as three cases, one from the United Kingdom, one from South Africa and one from West Germany. After examining the context, this thesis concludes that the Supreme Court’s decision, although flawed, was reasonable.