VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Dopaminergic Modulation of Excitatory Transmission in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Adult Mice
Keywords: ACC
AMPA
Dopamine
receptors
Whole-cell

Bath application of dopamine (DA) (50 μM) caused a significant, rapid and reversible inhibition of evoked AMPA receptor mediated EPSCs (eEPSC). This inhibitory effect is dose-related and was absent in lower concentration of DA (5 μM). Furthermore, selective postsynaptic application of GDP-β-S (1.6 mM) in the internal solution completely abolished the inhibitory effects of DA (50 μM). We also investigated modulation of spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) and TTX sensitive, miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) by DA. Our results indicated mixed effects of enchantment and inhibition of frequency and amplitude for sEPSCs and mEPSCs. Furthermore, high doses of SCH23390 (100 μM) and sulpiride (100 μM) revealed that, inhibition of eEPSCs is mediated by postsynaptic D2-receptors (D2R). Our finding posits a pre- and postsynaptic mode of pyramidal neuron EPSC modulation in mice ACC by DA.
"It's Not Me, It's You": The Mechanisms and Process of Perceiver Effects in People with Interpersonal Problems
Keywords: Interpersonal problems
Perceiver effects
Personality disorders

Interpersonal problems are intrinsic to personality disorders. However, there is still little known about the mechanisms underlying interpersonal dysfunction. The purpose of the current thesis was to explore one likely mechanism: perceiver effects, idiosyncrasies in the way an individual tends to see other people. To determine whether interpersonal problems were linked to perceiver effects, two studies were conducted. In Study 1, participants rated the personality of four people in video-taped interactions. In Study 2, unacquainted classmates were assigned to groups that met throughout the semester and rated each group member at first impression and after four months of acquaintanceship. Study 1 showed largely null effects. Study 2 demonstrated that interpersonal problems predicted stable and mostly negative perceiver effects across time. The current program of research is the first to demonstrate that interpersonal problems predict a differentiated and stable profile of perceiver effects during social interactions, which has important clinical implications.
Emergency Department Use for Dental Problems among Homeless People in Toronto
Keywords: accuracy
emergency department
homeless
ICD-10-CA dental codes
oral health

Objectives: To evaluate ED visits for dental problems not associated with trauma among homeless people in Toronto, and to determine the diagnostic and coding accuracy of ICD-10-CA codes for such visits. Methods: A random sample of 100 ED visits with a code for dental problem (K00-K14) was selected for evaluation of diagnostic and coding accuracy. Administrative data were used to examine ED visits among 1,165 homeless individuals and matched low-income controls. Results: The rate of disagreement between the ICD-10-CA code assigned to ED visits and the code assigned by a dentist reviewing the chart was 58%. Homeless people were more likely to visit an ED for dental a dental problems compared to controls (OR=2.27, p=0.007). Conclusion: There are substantial discrepancies between the ICD-10-CA diagnosis in administrative database and the diagnosis by this project. The utilization of EDs for dental problems is much higher among homeless individuals compared to low-income controls.
Electro-codeposition of Pigment Particles in Ni-based Composite Coatings
Keywords: composite coating
decorative metallic coating
electrodeposition
pigment particles

This research focuses on the synthesis of nickel-pigment composite coatings in an effort to understand the colouring effects of pigment particles in a nickel matrix. Four pigments, each with different colours/shapes/sizes, were successfully codeposited into nickel matrix to produce four sets of distinctive Ni-pigment composite coatings. Planar and cross-sectional micrographs confirmed the codeposition of pigment particles throughout the entire coating thickness. The particle volume fractions and the particle area fractions were up to 70% and 50%, respectively. Colours were discovered by the naked eye in three of the four composites. Reflectance spectra from a UV-Vis spectrometer confirmed the emergence of the colours. Colours can be seen starting at particle area fraction of 40%. Larger particles were shown to generate more colour signal in a nickel matrix. Surface roughness of the Ni matrix and colour strength of the pigment particles were observed to have significant effects on the appearance.
Self-screening for malnutrition risk in outpatient inflammatory bowel disease patients using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
Keywords: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Malnutrition

Background: Malnutrition is under-recognized in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Aims To determine if patient can self-screen nutritional risk using the Malnutrition Universal Screening tool (MUST). Methods Adult IBD patients self-assessed nutritional risk with the MUST tool. Health care practitioners (HCPs) assessed risk using the MUST tool and the Nutritional Risk Score 2002 (NRS-2002). Chance-corrected agreement was determined. We also examined the relationship between nutritional status and disease activity. Results For patient-administered MUST screening, chance-corrected agreement 上 (95% CI) was 0.83 (CI 0.74, 0.92) with HCP MUST screening among low-risk and ii combined medium- and high-risk patients. Similar results were found when compared to NRS-2002. All patients were able to screen easily. Disease activity was significantly correlated with nutritional risk for Crohn's but not ulcerative colitis. Conclusion Patients can accurately and easily self-screen malnutrition risk using MUST. We require further work to understand how self-screening can influence nutritional management plans.
Role of Ancient Ubiquitous Protein 1 in Hepatic ApoB Degradation and VLDL production
Keywords: Degradation
Lipid
Lipid Droplet
Lipoprotein
VLDL

Apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB100) is the main structural protein of atherogenic lipoproteins and is a key risk factor for development of coronary heart disease. The molecular mechanisms that regulate apoB100 degradation or secretion are not clearly understood but evidence supports intracellular lipid supply as a major decisive factor. Ancient Ubiquitous Protein 1 (AUP1) has been found to be present on the surface of Lipid Droplets (LDs), and has been implicated in ER-Associated Degradation. AUP1 knockdown dramatically increased levels of cellular apoB100 and facilitated secretion of apoB100 containing VLDL-sized particles from HepG2 cells. Knocking down AUP1 also increased Triglyceride (TG) levels in apoB100 containing VLDL particles. AUP1 was found to interact with apoB100 intracellularly based on co-immunoprecipitation experiments as well as in situ proximity ligation assay. Finally, modulating AUP-1 altered LD size in HepG2 cells and its knockdown increased the average size of LDs.
A Bidirectional Multi-Port DC-DC Converter with Reduced Filter Requirements
Keywords: battery voltage balancing
bidirectional
dc-dc Converter
leakage current
low switching ripple
multi-port topology

Practical challenges in distributed generation and electric vehicles have motivated the rapid development of bidirectional multi-port dc-dc converters. This paper proposes a converter that not only can perform fast battery voltage balancing and limit ground leakage current, it also features low switching ripple and component count, providing signicant cost savings from reduced lter requirements and improved eciency. Experimental testing of a 3.3 kW prototype conrms the bidirectional power transfer capability and demonstrates above 99% converter eciency over a wide range of input power.
Assessment of Technical Quality of Online Video Using Visualization in Place of Experience
Keywords: Measuring Experience
Quality Judgement
Quality of Experience
Research Methods
Technical Quality
Visualization

This thesis introduces a new method to measure subjective ratings of technical quality (TQ) in disrupted video (DV). Current measurement methods are subject to extraneous factors such as delays introduced by the streaming software/hardware and the impact of video content. The proposed method is designed to supplement current methods by avoiding the confounding effects of content on TQ ratings and by reducing the time and effort necessary to run experiments. The new method replaces actual video with images representative of videos that contain various disruptions. In the research reported in this thesis, I ran an experiment with 37 participants to explore the viability of assessing TQ using visualizations instead of actual videos. The experiment compared ratings made after actually watching videos that varied in TQ versus ratings made after viewing the TQ visualizations, without actually seeing corresponding videos with associated impairments or failures. The results of the experiment showed that, with appropriate training, ratings of TQ made, after viewing the visualizations only, were similar to TQ ratings made after actually watching videos with corresponding impairments or failures.
3D Printing Assay Development for Point-of-Care Applications
Keywords: 3D Printing
Bead-based Assay
Fluorescence
Plasma Separation

Existing centralized labs do not serve patients adequately in remote areas. To enable universal timely healthcare, there is a need to develop low cost, portable systems that can diagnose multiple disease (Point-of-Care (POC) devices). Future POC diagnostics can be more multi-functional if medical device vendors can develop interoperability standards. This thesis developed the following medical diagnostic modules: Plasma from 25 Âľl blood was extracted through a filter membrane to demonstrate a 3D printed sample preparation module. Sepsis biomarker, C - reactive protein, was quantified through adsorption on nylon beads to demonstrate bead-based assay suitable for 3D printed disposable cartridge module. Finally, a modular fluorescent detection kit was built using 3D printed parts to detect CD4 cells in a disposable cartridge from ChipCare Corp. Due to the modularity enabled by 3D printing technique, the developed units can be easily adapted to detect other diseases.
Impact of Operational Parameters and Nutrient Enhancement on Biofiltration Performance
Keywords: backwash frequency
biofiltraion
empty bed contact time
intermittent operation
nutrient enhancement

This research examined operational efficiency and performance enhancement of passive and engineered biofiltration. Pilot studies were carried out to evaluate the impact of backwash frequency, empty bed contact time, and nutrient enhancement on biofiltration systems treating different source waters (Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe). Performance was evaluated in terms of organic carbon, ultrafiltration foulant (biopolymer), and disinfection-by product precursor removal. Increasing empty bed contact time from 4 to 8 min enhanced organic carbon degradation, while there was no statistically significant impact on biopolymer removal. Extending filter run time beyond 15 days had a detrimental effect on turbidity; however, no significant impact was observed in the monitored parameters when biofilters were backwashed every 10 days, which would result in economic benefits. Phosphorus addition (0.3 mg/L) improved organic carbon and disinfection by-product precursor removal, while nitrogen addition (0.8 mg/L) had no significant impact in spite of being consumed entirely through the biofilter.
Study of Ignition and Emissions in a Direct Injected, Compression Ignition Natural Gas Engine
Keywords: compression ignition
direct injection
engine
glow plug
ignition assist
natural gas

Natural gas direct injection and glow plug ignition assist technologies were implemented in a single-cylinder, optically-accessible engine. Initial experiments studied the effects of injector and glow plug shield geometry on ignition quality. Injector and shield geometric effects were found to be significant, with only two of 20 tested geometric combinations resulting in reproducible combustion. Further experiments explored the effects of equivalence ratio and intake pressure on ignition delay, engine performance, and exhaust emissions. Combustion was found to proceed in a stratified-premixed mode at lower equivalence ratios, and a free-mixing mode at the higher equivalence ratios. Both combustion modes resulted in high NOx emissions. Stratified-premixed combustion produced higher hydrocarbon emissions, and lower levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide, when compared to free-mixing combustion. Higher intake pressure was found to reduce all emissions levels. This effect was largely attributed to better charge mixing achieved from pressure-driven increase in engine swirl momentum.
The Role of Canonical NF-κB Signaling in Establishment of NF-κB Homeostasis in Endothelial Cells
Keywords: Canonical
Homeostasis
IKKÎ˛
IKKÎł/NEMO
NF-ÎşB

NF-κB is a family of transcription factors that are involved in inflammation and cell survival. Our laboratory showed elevated basal levels of NF-κB proteins in the cytosol of lesion prone versus atherosclerosis-resistant regions in mouse aorta. Through siRNA silencing, it was shown that RelA is involved in the transcriptional control of other NF-κB genes basally. These findings suggested a role of upstream canonical NF-κB signaling in maintaining NF-κB homeostasis. My research examined the role of the IKK complex in regulating NF-κB homeostasis. Pharmacological inhibition of IKKβ correlated with decreased steady-state transcription of a subset of NF-κB/Rel and IκB genes. While NEMO/IKKγ siRNA silencing reduced the basal transcription of only pro-inflammatory genes VCAM-1 and E-selectin. These results indicate that the canonical pathway is critical in mediating the constitutive transcription of only a subset of NF-κB dependent genes at variable levels due to potential compensatory cross-talk and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.
Emissions Characteristics of a Natural Gas Fuelled Engine
Keywords: emission
engine
hydrogen
internal combustion engine
natural gas
particulate matter

A naturally aspirated former Ford hydrogen research internal combustion engine was tested at the University of Toronto. The engine was fuelled with compressed natural gas and run at the road load power condition at two different fuel/air equivalence ratios: phi = 0.775 and phi = 0.855. Particulate matter size distributions, brake thermal efficiency, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide emissions are presented. Due to extensive modifications made to this engine for hydrogen operation, the results concluded that particulate matter emitted from lean-burn compressed natural gas operation are below the detectable range of an engine exhaust particle sizer and weighted filters. Since particulate matter emissions have been linked to health effects, these results suggest that it is possible to produce an engine that produces minimal particulate matter emissions.
Application of GTAModel V4.0 to a Range of Transit Scenario Analyses
Keywords: GTAModel
Microsimulation
Policy Analysis
Transit Planning
Transportation Modelling

This thesis investigates the use of GTAModel V4.0, an activity- and agent-based integrated operational travel demand model recently developed at the University of Toronto. It uses the model to analyze a wide variety of transit policy scenarios in order to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the use of the model at various scales of policy impact. Some of these policies were chosen in order to examine their impact on affordable transit improvements in a study area â South Etobicoke and the corridor connecting it to Downtown Toronto. The thesis illustrates that, while GTAModel V4.0 allows for new analysis of transit congestion and fare structures, the general scale of appropriate policy scenarios is unchanged from previous models. Additionally, it provides suggestions for potential TTC improvements for the study area including a new express branch and targeted headway improvements, and offers observations on some planned and under-construction projects.
Aqueous Photolysis of 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonamide Alkylbetaine
Keywords: aqueous film forming foam
aqueous photolysis
environmental fate
environmental transformation
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances

The aqueous photolytic fate of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylbetaine (6:2 FTAB) was determined experimentally. The PhotoFate system was used to compare the kinetic and mechanistic differences between direct and indirect aqueous photolysis of 6:2 FTAB. Differences attributable to varying aqueous components (nitrate, bicarbonate, and dissolved organic matter (DOM)) were investigated. DOM had a major role in modulating the photolysis rate of 6:2 FTAB, likely by attenuating radical production and quenching radicals in solution. A mechanistic investigation found that the major intermediate of 6:2 FTAB photolysis is 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide (6:2 FTSAm), followed by 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide alkylamine (6:2 FTAA), 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) and 6:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid (6:2 FTUCA). As well, the significant production of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) was observed. A high mass balance (51 to 68 mol % recovery) enabled the proposal of a degradation mechanism for the aqueous photolysis of 6:2 FTAB.
Borotungstic Acid (BWA)-Polyacrylamide (PAM) Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Electrochemical Capacitors
Keywords: Borotungstic Acid
Electrochemical Capacitors
Heteropolyacids
Plasticizers
Polyacrylamide
Solid Polymer Electrolytes

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are key enablers for thin and flexible electrochemical capacitors in wearable technologies. Polyacrylamide (PAM) is one such promising hygroscopic polymer host, but its performance had not been optimized. This thesis enhanced PAM with borotungstic acid (BWA) as the heteropolyacid conductors. The BWA-PAM electrolyte achieved a high initial conductivity of ca. 27 mS cm-1, but suffered from a short service life (
Development of an Electrothermal Propulsion System to Deorbit Small Satellites
Keywords: Deorbit
Propulsion
Satellite
Space

The DAUNTLESS bus propulsion system, using carbon dioxide as the propellant, provides the capability to deorbit a satellite at the end of its mission. Large satellites often contain propulsion systems but the size, mass, and power limitations of small satellites makes commercial propulsion units generally inaccessible, not to mention very expensive relative to microspace budgets. Using off-the-shelf components a complete propulsion system was designed and successfully integrated onto a Space Flight Laboratory satellite that will be launching in late 2017. The development and testing of an electrothermal thruster was performed laying the groundwork for the design of the propulsion system. To accommodate the requirements of the DAUNTLESS bus a feed system and fill module were designed and assembled to deliver propellant to the thruster. Thorough testing not only validated individual components but also the system as a whole, proving its suitability as an option for a small satellite deorbiting mechanism.
Identifying Multimodal Conflicts with Machine Learning
Keywords: complete streets
Conflict analysis
machine learning
multimodal safety
surrogate safety analysis

This study explores the efficacy of using machine learning classifiers in traffic conflict identification. Quantitative conflict identification methods are largely designed through observation of motorized vehicles only, and can report erroneous results when applied to non-motorized modes. Through video recordings of Bloor Street before and after an installation of bicycle lanes, the use of conflict analysis in identifying hazardous behaviour on multimodal streets is affirmed, and a dataset of conflict and non-conflict events is constructed. Six machine learning classifiers are trained on the dataset: three classifiers were trained using only conflict indicators, and three classifiers were trained using the full set of explanatory variables. Machine learning techniques were found to be more effective in conflict identification than traditional threshold-based identification techniques, and user mode, speed, and acceleration may influence interaction severity. Combining machine learning with the results of automated video processing has particular promise in the field of conflict analysis.
Reading Korean Popular Culture: The Webtoon as Form, Translation, and Critique of Everyday Life
Keywords: culture
digital media
Korean media
political economy
realism
translation

This thesis conducts a form analysis of the webtoon Annarasumanara, created by Ha Il Kwon and originally released in 2010. The thesis examines this webtoon from multiple directions: as a new form of graphic narrative emerging from developments in digital technology and its powerful use of digital image production, synthesizing digital photography with cartoon art; as a historical narrative of post-IMF Korean everydayness; and as a digital pop culture commodity within the flourishing Korean media industry. This form analysis will highlight Annarasumanara as a piece of art performing a powerful critique of capitalism that particularly speaks to the contemporary South Korean context. However, it must be read as emerging from, and embedded within, an industry that is organized through the relationships of capital. This contradiction culminates in the translation of Annarasumanara, in which its critique of capitalism is filtered through a process of commodification aimed at export to foreign audiences.
Electro-dewatering Treatment of Pulp and Paper Mill Biosludge: The Effects of Conditioners
Keywords: Biosludge
Conditioners
Electro-dewatering
Electro-osmosis
Pulp and paper mill
Sludge Dewatering

Biosludge has been a problem for pulp and paper mills due to its difficulty to dewater. Electro-dewatering can significantly reduce the water content of biosludge, but the effect of electro-dewatering on pulp and paper mill biosludge is not well understood. This study examined the feasibility of using electro-dewatering on pulp and paper mill biosludge and observed that over 40% dry solids content could be achieved. Chemical and physical additives including synthetic polymers, cationic proteins, fly ash, lime mud and wood fines were added to biosludge, and electro-dewatered at 20V using a batch-scale electro-dewatering device. Overall, the addition of conditioners did not improve the removal of water from biosludge. However, biosludge conditioned with a small dose of weak cationic polymer (2% Organopol5400) reduced the energy consumption of electro-dewatering by ~19%. Electro-dewatering of biosludge is also expected to consume less energy compared to thermal drying for removing the same amount of water.
End to End Orchestration of Distributed Cloud Applications
Keywords: Computer Networks
Intent-based Networking
Network Management
Policy-based Management
Software Defined Networking

Centralized management provides benefits for cloud providers in terms of efficient and simple management of their infrastructure. However, tenants who use these infrastructures to deliver a software service to the end-users, are handicapped by having to work with traditional network primitives. Current service orchestration tools can automate most of the service configuration and deployment process, but these do not yet include significant SDN capabilities. In this thesis, we propose and examine high-level abstraction models for the orchestration of distributed cloud applications over multiple network domains and multiple infrastructure providers. We provide cloud application developers with a set of useful network functionalities that require no programming effort to provision and use. Our design relies on Hyperexchange, a protocol-agnostic exchange point for peering of virtual networks, to enable orchestration among multiple virtual network providers.