VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity Participation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Exploratory Study
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Physical Activity
Barriers

Introduction: Little is known about the physical activity [PA] habits of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders [ASD]. ASD specific PA barriers and facilitators have not been investigated. Purpose: To describe the PA habits of children with ASD and the barriers and facilitators to optimal PA participation. Methods: Twenty-three parents of children with ASD reported on their child’s PA habits, perceived barriers to PA participation, and functioning. A rating scale was applied to score responses and children were classified into functional level groups and PA level groups. Results: On average, children were reported to meet or exceeded national PA frequency guidelines, belonged to active families and participated in a variety of physical activities. Parents identified several barriers to optimal PA for their children. Conclusions: Children with ASD can attain optimal PA. Exposure to a variety of PA opportunities and experiences aids in identifying the ideal activity for each individual child.
Using Tele-rehabilitation to Address Executive Dysfunction and to Promote Community Integration after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study
Keywords: brain injury
executive function
tele-rehabilitation
community integration

Executive dysfunction can affect community integration in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach has shown some promise in promoting functional improvements in adults with executive dysfunctions post TBI. However, access to rehabilitation is often limited especially in rural communities. This study aimed to (1) investigate the feasibility of administering the CO-OP approach in a tele-rehabilitation format and (2) examine its impact on community integration and executive dysfunction. A pilot series of 3 case studies was conducted. Participants identified 5 goals; 3 were trained and 2 were untrained to allow examination of transfer. Outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 Participation Index, and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire. Descriptive analyses demonstrated goal achievement and transfer, suggesting it is feasible to implement the CO-OP approach in a tele-rehabilitation format. Community integration and executive dysfunction behaviours also showed trends towards improvement.
Infertility and Women’s Age
Keywords: Infertility
age

In the first part of study, our objective was to determine the effect of CoQ10 supplementation of culture media on preimplantation mouse and human embryo development. CoQ10 supplementation of culture media did not improve mouse or human embryo development in vitro. Since the results appeared to be negative, we decided to move on to research the effect of age on female infertility. In the second part, we investigated the effect of female age and ovarian stimulation protocols on IUI outcome in 411 infertile women. We found that the ongoing/live birth rate per cycle in women ≤ 37 years was significantly higher than in older patients. In the third section, we determined if very young age (≤25 yrs) has an impact on pregnancy outcome in women undergoing IVF-ET. Our results demonstrating lower pregnancy rates in very young patients and egg donors compared to the patients in their early thirties were surprising.
Elevated Intracellular Ca2+ Alters Mitochondrial Protein Import and the Accumulation of Intramitochondrial Proteins in Neurons
Keywords: mitochondria
calcium
neuron
calcium
ionophore
calcium
A23187
degradation

Most (99%) mitochondrial proteins are nuclear-encoded and must be imported into mitochondria. Deficits in mitochondrial protein import (MPI) affect mitochondrial function and can cause neurodegenerative diseases. I hypothesized that MPI was regulated by iCa2+. In differentiated PC12 cells, treatment with the Ca2+ ionophore (A23187; 24h, 0.15uM) increased iCa2+, ROS generation and promoted neurite outgrowth. Western blot and flow cytometry in live cells showed that A23187 increased levels of mitochondrial proteins; mtHSP70 and mtGFP in mitochondria and autoradiography confirmed that A23187 increased the import of mtGFP. A23187 also slowed intramitochondrial mtGFP degradation. Increased MPI was not associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, but appeared partially dependent on cAMP. In rat cortical neurons, mtHSP70 also increased after A23187 treatment. These results show that, in neurons, increased iCa2+ can regulate MPI. Further, increased iCa2+ can slow intramitochondrial protein degradation. These results indicate that MPI is labile and may be altered in response to neuronal activity.
Using Thermal Profiles of Cemented Paste Backfill to Predict Strength
Keywords: Cemented Paste Backfill
Thermal Aspect
Maturity

Measurement of the strength development of Cemented Paste Backfill in laboratory cast cylinders does not replicate the in situ strengths of CPB in mine stopes. The mass of CPB in a filled stope is large and temperature rises due to the heat of hydration of the cementing materials, thus accelerating the gain in strength, relative to laboratory specimens stored at ambient temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact on strength development when CPB test cylinders were subjected to a temperature profile mimicking that in a large mass, such as a mine stope. Also, maturity (the integral of time and temperature during hydration of the CPB) was compared to actual strengths, and the maturity – strength concept used in concrete technology was applied. It was found that the strength- maturity relationship was applicable to CPB once the base line or datum temperature was adjusted.
A Microfluidic System for Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Culture and Microenvironment Control
Keywords: stem cells
mathematical modelling
microfluidics
mESC self-renewal
autocrine signalling
stochastic receptor-ligand interaction dynamics

The embryonic stem cell (ESC) microenvironment contains various localized physical and biochemical cues to direct cell fate. Current approaches for microenvironmental regulation rely on restricting cell behaviour to control endogenous signals such as secreted ligands. This report presents a microfluidic device that can directly manipulate the removal of autoregulatory ligands from culture and control the activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (Stat3) in ESCs. Specifically, the response of Stat3 was measured under diffusive and convective mass transfer regimes. A Brownian dynamics algorithm was also developed to simulate ligand transport and predict cellular response under these conditions. Stat3 activation under perfusion culture was found to depend on flow rate and axial distance in the flow direction. Long-term perfusion also allowed for the formation of a sustained gradient of Stat3 activation that led to selective loss of ESC pluripotency. These results demonstrate the utility of microfluidic culture for stem cell bioengineering applications.
Growth Factor Dependent Co-receptor Function of Neuropilins in Breast Carcinoma
Keywords: breast cancer
cancer stem cells
Neuropilin
Growth factors

Neuropilin (Nrp) overexpression is correlated with increased invasion and metastasis in many epithelial carcinomas including breast cancer. The exact molecular mechanism of how Nrp promotes cancer cell tumourigenicity is unknown. Nrp is a coreceptor for VEGF, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and also shown to activate TGF-beta on tumour cells. We hypothesize that binding of Nrp potentiates growth factor (GF) signalling and results in GF-dependent aggressive phenotype in breast cancer. In the current study, Nrp was shown to potentiate HGF signalling in vitro in MCF-7 cells by increasing phosphorylation of the MET receptor. However MDA-MB-231 cell line failed to show any differences after Nrp knockdown, due to constitutively activated MET. Nrp is also shown to increase the number and size of cancer stem cell (CSC) enriched mammospheres through NF-kB pathway activation. These results suggest a novel function of Nrp in CSCs and identify it as a potential target for effective cancer therapy.
Clinical Translation of Neuro-regenerative Medicine in India: A Study on Barriers and Strategies
Keywords: regenerative medicine
qualitative research methods
global health
neuroscience

The prevalence of neurodegenerative disease in India is rising. Regenerative medicine (RM) is being developed to treat these conditions. However, despite advances in RM application for neurological disorders (NeuroRM), there is a lack of research on clinical translation of NeuroRM technologies in developing countries. Given that India is one of the first nations to translate in this field, much can be learned on challenges and solutions arising during translation. This study identifies stakeholders involved in such translation and outlines roles of each; it describes India’s regulatory environment concerning NeuroRM translation; and discusses the impact of collaboration in clinical translation. Twenty-three face-to-face interviews with clinicians, researchers and policy-makers within India were undertaken and transcripts subjected to thematic analysis. The study demonstrates that clinical translation of NeuroRM within India is taking place robustly, it identifies barriers and good practices being adopted, and provides recommendations based on participants’ experiences.
A High Capacity Reversible Multiple Watermarking Scheme - applications to Images, Medical Data, and Biometrics
Keywords: Reversible watermarking
integer wavelet transform watermarking

Modern technologies have eased the way for adversaries to bypass the conventional identity authentication and identification processes; hence security systems have been developed to a great extent for protection of privacy and security of identities in different applications. The focus of this thesis is digital watermarking, security and privacy, as well as the ability to employ electrocardiogram as a method to enhance the security and privacy level. A high capacity reversible multiple watermarking scheme is introduced to mainly target the medical images. Furthermore, the use of ECG biometric signals in the form of the embedded watermark is studied. Experimental results indicate that the reversible data hiding scheme outperforms other approaches in the literature in terms of payload capacity and marked image quality. Results from the ECG mark embedding also show that no major degradation in performance is noticeable compared to the case where no watermarking is needed.
Clonal Expansion of B and T lymphocytes Defines a Spectrum of Monoclonal Lymphocytosis
Keywords: Clonal lymphocytosis
Monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Clonal T-cell lymphocytosis
Lymphocytosis

Monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL) has been recognized as a novel diagnostic condition. This study aims at the identification of clonal lymphocytosis in the patients with asymptomatic lymphocytosis. A total of 203 patients were evaluated for clonal B and T lymphocytosis by using flow cytometry and multiplex-PCR. Among them clonal B- or T-cells were detected in 54.2% of the cases, of which 38.4% were clonal B-cells and 15.8% were clonal T-cells cases. By immunophenotype, MBL was classified into the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) type (21.7%) and non-CLL-type (7.4%). Flow cytometry analysis and cell counts were used to determine the size of clonal population, and the data indicate that MBL and CLL are present in a continuous spectrum of clonal expansion. The findings may contribute to the current understanding of MBL and evaluation of incidental lymphocytosis. Further studies are required to evaluate clonal progression as a precursor stage of lymphoid malignancy.
Development of a High-order Finite-volume Method for Unstructured Meshes
Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics
High-Order
Central Essentially Non-Oscillatory
Unstructured Mesh
Fluid Dynamics

The development of high-order solution methods remain a very active field of research in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). These types of schemes have the potential to reduce the computational cost necessary to compute solutions to a desired level of accuracy. The goal of this thesis has been to develop a high-order Central Essentially Non Oscillatory (CENO) finite volume scheme for multi-block unstructured meshes. In particular, solutions to the compressible, inviscid Euler equations are considered. The CENO method achieves a high-order spatial reconstruction based on the k-exact method, combined with hybrid switching to limited piecewise linear reconstruction in non-smooth regions to maintain monotonicity. Additionally, fourth-order Runge-Kutta time marching is applied. The solver described has been validated through a combination of high-order function reconstructions, and solutions to the Euler equations. Cases have been selected to demonstrate high-orders of convergence, the application of the hybrid switching method, and the multi-block techniques which has been implemented.
Exploring the Role of the Foraging Gene on Egg-laying Preferences in Drosophila melanogaster
Keywords: Oviposition
Drosophila

Egg-laying decisions can have significant fitness consequences. In female Drosophila melanogaster, egg-laying involves foraging-like behaviour. Natural allelic variation in foraging (for) underlies the rover/sitter foraging behaviour polymorphism found in D. melanogaster. for encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) where rovers have higher for-PKG transcript levels and PKG activity than sitters. Interestingly, the orthologue of for in nematodes (egl-4) affects both egg-laying and foraging behaviours. When given a choice between low- and high-nutrient patches, rovers preferentially lay more eggs on the low-nutrient patches while sitters and a sitter mutant prefer high-nutrient patches. Using the neuronal driver elav-GAL4, rover-like preferences were rescued in sitter flies. Compared to sitters, rovers have higher fitness on a sub-optimal substrate which may explain the observed egg-laying preferences. By studying the link from genes to behaviour, this study provides insight to the evolutionary basis and maintenance of behaviour.
Developing Methods for Studying the Fate and Transport of Contaminants in Snow and Ice
Keywords: mercury
snow
multimedia fate and transport model
environmental chemistry
environmental chemistry

Snow and ice can significantly affect the environmental fate of contaminants. This thesis presents a laboratory technique for measuring mercury in metamorphosing snow, and a computer model for organic contaminants in a seasonally ice covered ocean. The laboratory method to study the fate of mercury in snow was developed using laboratory-made snow of controlled composition made in a cold room, aged and melted, with mercury quantified in air, snow, and dissolved and particulate fractions of the melt water. It was found that the method gave a mass balance for mercury, and can be used to look at mercury fate in snow representative of different environments. The fugacity based fate and transport model for organic contaminants in a seasonally ice-covered ocean was parameterized to Barrow Strait, and tested against environmentally derived net air to sea water fluxes. It was found that the model could reproduce these environmental data.
Characterizing the Pyocin Activity of Diverse Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates
Keywords: Pseudomonas
Bacteriophage
Phage therapy
Pyocin

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile Gram-negative pathogen that can infect a diversity of immunocompromised patients. Interest in alternatives to traditional antibiotics has inspired our investigation of R- and F-type pyocins as novel therapeutics. These phage tail-like bacteriocins are produced by P. aeruginosa to kill competing strains via pore formation in target cells. We aimed to characterize the diversity of pyocins and bacteriophages generated by diverse P. aeruginosa strains so as to identify pyocins of therapeutic value. Strategies to delineate pyocin and phage activities included physical methods, the modulation of pyocin regulation, and antibody-based detection of tail-like pyocins. We have identified the dominance of R- and F-type pyocins in impacting P. aeruginosa populations and revealed a small number of strains producing particularly potent pyocins. In addition, the co-regulation of phages and pyocins, the dependence of pyocins on pili for activity, and the striking diversity of pyocin susceptibility have all been recognized.
Transgenerational Effects of Early Exposure to Soy Isoflavones on Reproductive Health and Bone Development in CD-1 Mice
Keywords: soy isoflavones, early development, CD-1 mice

Previous studies showed that early exposure to soy isoflavones resulted in improved bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality that resulted in stronger bones in CD-1 mice. This study investigated whether the benefits to bone health are transferred to second generation (F2) females and if there are any adverse effects on reproductive health. First generation (F1) female CD-1 mice received subcutaneous injections of the isoflavones daidzein (DAI) and genistein (GEN) or corn oil from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 10 or 21. F1 and F2 treated-females experienced earlier pubertal onset and lengthened anogenital distance but only F1 had reduced fertility, histological abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries, and altered estrous cycling. F2 had higher BMD and stronger bones at 4 months of age. In conclusion, early life exposure to soy isoflavones compromise reproductive function but confer a transgenerational benefit to bone development in CD-1 mice.
Cracking Behaviour of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete Containing Conventional Steel Reinforcement
Keywords: concrete
fibre
steel
reinforced
sfrc
frc
crack
cracking
tension
tension stiffening
experimental
model
rebar
r/frc
uniaxial

It is well known that crack spacings and widths can be reduced with the addition of steel fibres to a concrete mix. However, test data for the tensile behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete members containing conventional steel reinforcement (R/FRC members) are scarce relative to those of reinforced concrete (RC) specimens and fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) specimens without reinforcing bars. In this research program, uniaxial tension tests were conducted on 12 RC and 48 R/FRC specimens in order to observe cracking and tension stiffening behaviour. The parameters under observation were fibre volumetric content, fibre length and aspect ratio, conventional reinforcement ratio and steel reinforcing bar diameter. ‘Dog-bone’ tension tests and bending tests were also performed in order to determine tensile material properties. It was discovered that currently available crack spacing formulae significantly overestimate the average stabilized crack spacing for R/FRC; therefore, an improved crack spacing model was developed and proposed.
Bullying, Ethnic Discrimination or Both? A Phenomenological Study of the Experiences of Immigrant Adolescents
Keywords: bullying
discrimination
immigrant
adolescents

The present study explored the experiences of victimization and immigration among immigrant youth in the Peel region in Ontario, Canada. Victimization included the experiences of bullying and ethnic discrimination in the school environment. The study utilized a phenomenological approach to investigate how immigrant youth interpreted their experiences and whether they identified victimization as bullying, ethnic discrimination or both. The effects of victimization on adaptation and acculturation were also explored. Results from individual interviews of six youth (ages 16 or 17) indicated that immigrant youth viewed bullying and discrimination as separate constructs. Themes that emerged from the interviews included the importance of language proficiency; the role of peer affiliations; and factors associated with resiliency. It was evident through their descriptions that immigrant youth face unique challenges, which include adjusting to a new culture and country of residence, establishing a new social circle, and gaining comfort in utilizing the English language.
Accelerated Cytotoxicity Mechanism Screening of 4-Aminobiphenyl in an in vitro Hepatocyte Inflammation Model
Keywords: Cytotoxicity
Aromatic Amine

4-Aminobiphenyl is an aromatic amine compound that is present in cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust, cooking oil fumes and dye intermediates. It is a well-known human bladder carcinogen and liver carcinogen in experimental animals that is metabolically activated by liver CYP1A1/2. We have used the “Accelerated Cytotoxicity Mechanism Screening” (ACMS) techniques to analyze the molecular cytotoxic mechanisms of 4-aminobiphenyl. Hepatocyte exposure to an inflammatory system significantly increased hepatocyte susceptibility to 4-aminobiphenyl. 4-Aminobiphenyl- induced cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation were both prevented by altering cellular redox status and with the addition of antioxidants. Toxicity was increased with the depletion of hepatocyte GSH levels and by inhibiting N-acetyltransferase. These results will provide more insight into the cytotoxic and genotoxic mechanisms of 4-aminobiphenyl and also suggest that inflammation may be responsible for an increase in arylamine carcinogenesis.
Alternative Test Methods for Evaluating Fly Ash for use in Concrete
Keywords: fly Ash
concrete
alkali-silica reaction
ASR

Fly Ash was tested in relation to its ability to mitigate alkali-silica reaction, its contribution to strength, electrical resistance and heat release with the aim of recommending improvements to fly ash specifications. ASTM C 1567 accelerated mortar bar test results were in agreement with an expansion limit of 0.10 % at 14 days. A non-standard alkali leaching test showed that with high alkali fly ashes as replacement level increases the amount of alkalis leached increases while prism expansions decrease. Measures of pozzolanic activity can be improved by measuring against non-pozzolanic fillers, This requires high replacement levels to reduce statistical variability. Isothermal calorimetry tests showed that high calcium fly ashes can lead to delays in hydration, these delays can be reduced by calcium hydroxide additions. Calcium sulphate additions can also improve hydration.
Biophysical Studies of the First Nucleotide Binding Domain of SUR2A
Keywords: ABC Transporters
NMR
Nucleotide Binding Domain
Sulfonylurea Receptor
KATP Channels
ATP

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels have crucial roles in several biological processes. KATP channels possess four regulatory sulfonylurea receptors. The SUR proteins are members of the ubiquitous ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily. However, unlike most ABC proteins, SURs do not transport substrates but function strictly as regulators of KATP channel activity. Currently, studies into the molecular basis by which various mutations in SUR2A cause disease are highly limited. This is primarily a consequence of poor solubility of isolated SUR2A NBDs, as is typical for many eukaryotic NBDs. By employing structure-based sequence alignments and biophysical studies, we determined domain boundaries for SUR2A NBD1 that enabled, for the first time, NMR studies of NBD1. Our biophysical studies demonstrate that the isolated SUR2A NBD1 is folded and exhibits differential dynamics upon ATP binding activity. Additional studies are now possible to examine the effects of disease-causing mutations on structure, dynamics, and interactions of NBD1.