VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Development and Characterization of an Acute Impact-Compression Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury Model in the Rat
Keywords: central nervous system
imaging
injury model
lumbar
peripheral nervous system
spinal cord

Traumatic injury to the lumbar spinal cord results in complex nervous tissue damage causing severe neurobehavioural deficits and significant personal/social adversity. Despite this, there are few clinically relevant models of lumbar spinal cord injury (SCI), even though lumbar cord injuries are common in humans. The following work characterizes a lumbar SCI model in the rat. The effects of moderate (20g) to severe (26g, 35g, and 56g) clip-compression injuries at the lumbar spinal cord level L1-L2 (vertebral level T11-T12) were assessed using a multitude of neurobehavioural, neuroanatomical and electrophysiological outcome measures. Analysis of the lesional tissue demonstrated significant tissue alterations after injury and electrophysiological outcomes confirmed these deficits. Neurobehavioural testing revealed severe deficits in hindlimb locomotion and highly pathological alterations in sensory outcomes. In summary, we have generated a unique lumbar SCI model that should be useful for a variety of pre-clinical translational oriented therapies.
A Modified Q-Learning Algorithm in Games
Keywords: Potential Games
Pure Nash Equilibrium
Q-learning
Stochastic Process

This thesis presents a modified Q-learning algorithm and provides conditions for convergence to a pure Nash equilibrium in potential games. In general Q-learning schemes, convergence to a Nash equilibrium may require decreasing step-sizes and long learning time. In this thesis, we consider a modified Q-learning algorithm based on constant step-sizes, inspired by Joint Strategy Fictitious Play (JSFP). When compared to JSFP, the Q-learning with constant step-sizes requires less information aggregation, but only reaches an approximation of a Nash equilibrium. We show that by appropriately choosing frequency dependent step-sizes, sufficient exploration of all actions is ensured and the estimated equilibrium approaches a Nash equilibrium.
BRAF Mutation and CDKN2A Deletion Define a Clinically Distinct Subgroup of Childhood Secondary High-Grade Glioma
Keywords: Glioma
Pediatric

This thesis sought to uncover genetic events leading to transformation of pediatric low-grade glioma (PLGG) to secondary high-grade glioma (sHGG) and to define transformation risk using a population-based cohort (n=888) of PLGG with long clinical follow-up. We hypothesize early somatic exonic alterations, which are poorly understood, contribute to transformation. sHGG were observed in 3.2% of patients. BRAF and CDKN2A alterations were observed in 39% and 57% of sHGG respectively. All BRAF and 80% of CDKN2A alterations could be traced back to patient-matched PLGG counterparts. BRAF V600E distinguished secondary from primary HGG (p=0.0023), while BRAF and CDKN2A alterations were rarely observed in non-transformed PLGG (p
Generalized Combinatorial Auction for Mixed Integer Linear Programming
Keywords: column generation
combinatorial auctions
combinatorial optimization
integer programming
linear programming
mixed integer programming

Mixed integer linear programming is an invaluable tool for solving some of the toughest problems in operations research. Since the integer nature of these problems often makes finding a solution intractable, many heuristic algorithms have been developed to provide reasonable solutions while utilizing less resources. Recent research has shown that combinatorial auctions are adept at solving such problems, specifically dealing with transportation procurement and scheduling. As such, we've ventured to develop a generalized combinatorial auction framework to solve mixed integer linear programs. We utilize our algorithm to solve a benchmark set of problems before implementing our algorithm on a radiation therapy problem. We show that by taking advantage of the problem structure we can formulate combinatorial auction algorithms that compete favourably with some of the newest works in the field.
Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure and not Left Ventricular Systolic Function is Associated with Renal Insufficiency in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Keywords: Chronic heart failure
Renal insufficiency
Right ventricular systolic pressure

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) with concomitant kidney disease have poor prognosis. Recent studies conducted in patients with acute HF showed that increased filling pressure causes renal vein hypertension resulting to renal insufficiency. Accordingly, this study aimed to correlate right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) to renal function in patients with chronic stable HF. Methods: Serum creatinine (sCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were correlated with RVSP, N-terminal-pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with chronic stable HF.Results: Mean age 70 ± 13 years, 72% male. Mean systolic blood pressure 121 ± 20 mmHg. Both eGFR and sCr correlated with RVSP (p = 0.004 and p = 0.005, respectively) and NT-proBNP (p
Enhanced Coagulatory and Inflammatory Response Associated with Complement-1 Inhibitor (C1-INH) Administration in a Pig Lung Transplant Survival Model
Keywords: Complement-1 inhibitor
Complement system
Inflammation
Ischemia-reperfusion injury
Lung transplantation
Thrombosis

Complement inhibition has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury. The effects of complement-1 inhibitor (C1-INH) were evaluated in a pig lung transplant model. Left single lung transplantation was performed in animals randomized to either a control group or treated with 200 U/kg of C1-INH. Allograft functions were assessed at 1 hour and 72 hours after reperfusion. All control animals survived to sacrifice on postoperative day 3. Two out of 4 animals in the treatment arm, however, developed graft failure and experiments were terminated early. Autopsy showed major pulmonary artery thrombus in one and bronchial casts in both failed treatment animals. The C1-INH group exhibited enhanced coagulation activation as well as more severe acute lung injury and inflammation. Early complement activation was weaker in the control group. The safety of C1-INH needs to be reconsidered as a potential therapy for ischemia-reperfusion induced injury in lung transplantation.
Seinendan: Youth Associations as Social Technology in Late Meiji and Taishō Japan
Keywords: Japan
seinendan
village society
wakamonogumi
youth
youth associations

This thesis is an investigation into the rise of the rural youth association (seinendan) movement in Japan, focusing on the period from around 1890 to the first years of World War I. Treatment is also given to genealogical connections and differences between these associations and earlier rural social groupings, which the Greater Japan Federations of Youth Associations (est. 1925) narrativized as its historical antecedents and a primordial expression of Japanese national essence. Modern seinendan provided new opportunities for local notables and the state to deal with problems of governance and promoting rural reform. Using primary sources, extended attention is given to how elite bureaucrats conceived of self-governance as organizational paradigm for administrative units and, eventually, individuals. Lastly, the origins and instrumentalization in Japan of the concept of youth as a stage distinct from childhood are discussed in transnational context, with particular focus on the rise of youth psychology.
Influenza Induces Platelet-endothelial Adhesion: Implications for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome after Influenza Virus Infection
Keywords: Acetylsalicylic acid
ARDS
Endothelium
Fibronectin
Influenza
Platelets

Loss of barrier integrity of the lung microvascular endothelium is a prerequisite for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Severe influenza is complicated by ARDS, and treatment with antiviral therapy is only partially effective at reducing mortality. Recent studies have pinpointed platelets involvement in ARDS pathogenesis. Our lab has recently reported that human influenza can infect lung endothelial cells in vitro, but the functional consequence of such infection is incompletely understood. We therefore studied whether influenza infection of lung endothelium can lead to enhanced platelet adhesion and if so, by what mechanism. We observed an increase in endothelial-platelet interaction after influenza infection of the endothelium in vitro. The increased interaction was due to upregulation of fibronectin that enabled endothelial-platelet adhesion via platelet integrin alpha-5 beta-1. Inhibition of platelets using acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) improved hypoxemia and survival of mice infected with influenza, further implicating platelets in the pathogenesis of severe influenza..
Lyapunov-based Stability Analysis for a MIMO Counter-Propagating Raman Amplifier
Keywords: Control
Feedback
Lyapunov
Nonlinear
Optical
Raman

We consider the power stabilization problem for a Raman amplifier with an arbitrary number of pumps and signals. The system under consideration is counter-propagating, in the sense that the pump and signal power propagates in opposite directions along the length of the amplifier. Such a system is modeled as a set of hyperbolic partial differential equations of space and time with Lotka-Volterra type nonlinearities. Lyapunov functionals are constructed, and boundary controllers are designed to guarantee exponential stability of the closed-loop system in the L^2 norm. Simulations are done in MATLAB to confirm the results.
Design, Analysis, Implementation, and Testing of the Thermal Control, and Attitude Determination and Control Systems for the CanX-7 Nanosatellite Mission
Keywords: Magnetic Attitude Control
Microsatellite Technology
Orbital Debris
Spacecraft Deorbiting
Thermal Control of Space Systems

In the context of space debris mitigation, a major challenge currently facing the space community is the removal of nano and microsatellites from orbit following the completion of their missions. To address this problem, the Space Flight Laboratory has developed the CanX-7 mission; a technology demonstration mission to validate the use of a mechanically deployed drag sail for de-orbiting satellites from low-Earth orbit. This thesis report describes the design, analysis, implementation, and testing of both the attitude determination and control system, and thermal control system for the CanX-7 mission. The attitude determination and control system uses an entirely magnetic solution to meet mission level pointing requirements with a limited set of hardware, and the thermal control system relies primarily on passive control measures to allow the spacecraft to survive the harsh thermal environment in space. Both subsystems are essential to the success of the CanX-7 mission.
Overexpressing Gαs in Osteoblasts in vitro and in vivo: Effects on Basal and PTH-Stimulated Gene Expression
Keywords: Gas
Gene regulation
G protein
Osteoblast
Parathyroid hormone

Previous work in our laboratory showed altered signaling through the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor when Gas was overexpressed in osteoblasts. To examine the effect of Gas overexpression on PTH signaling, we transfected Gas long into UMR osteoblastic cells and generated transgenic mice overexpressing Gas in osteoblasts. Transfected UMR cells displayed elevated Gas but no changes in basal or PTH stimulated gene expression compared to control cells. A transgenic mouse line was generated with elevated Gas long expression specifically within bone and not other tissues. Runx2 mRNA was increased 52% in neonatal calvaria from transgenic mice but PTH stimulated gene expression was not different from that in wild-type calvaria. In summary, overexpression of Gas long in osteoblasts in vitro and in vivo resulted in no changes in PTH response. Increased Runx2 expression in bone of +Gas mice requires further studies to characterize potential changes in bone development in this mouse line.
The Role of Genes Regulating the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Response in Childhood Aggression and Co-morbid Anxiety
Keywords: Aggression
Anxiety
Childhood behavior problems
FKBP5
Glucocorticoid receptor
HPA Axis

Childhood aggression is associated with a variety of negative outcomes and is frequently accompanied by increased internalizing problems. The co-morbid group is at a high risk for negative outcomes. Genetic factors contribute to the development of aggression and anxiety, and HPA axis dysfunction is associated with both. Here we present a study of common variants in childhood aggression and co-morbid anxiety. We find main effects of SNPs in the FKBP5, NR3C1, CRH, and CRHR2 genes on measures of anxiety and aggressive behaviour. We also find that the FKBP5 gene and a history of maltreatment interact to increase the risk of both internalizing and externalizing problems in children. These findings add to the currently limited literature in the genetics of childhood psychiatric disorders and provide support for future research on the functional significance of these genes.
Evaluation of Digital Implant Impressions using an Intra-oral Computerized Scanner (iTero) versus Conventional Implant Impressions: A 3-Dimensional Analysis of Accuracy
Keywords: dental implant
digital impression
impression accuracy
intraoral scanner
laser scanner
scanbody

Scanning abutments allow clinicians to use digital intra-oral scanners to produce casts on which to fabricate implant-supported prostheses. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of a digital impression approach and to compare it to a conventional impression technique. A simulated patient was fabricated with implants placed in posterior edentulous segments. Digital implant impressions were taken using an intra-oral scanner with scanbodies and conventional implant impressions were taken using an open-tray technique. 3-dimensional analysis and comparison of implant location on resultant working casts was performed using a laser scanner. A statistically significant difference between the two groups was found, with average 3-dimensional error of implant positioning of 116m and 56m for the digital group and conventional groups, respectively (p=0.01). Within the limitations of this study, the digital impression technique was less accurate than the conventional impression technique and did not produce working casts with clinically acceptable accuracy.
Cooperative Energy-harvesting Communication Systems
Keywords: Cooperative Communications
Dynammic Programming
Energy Harvesting
Relay Network
Resource allocation
Throughput Maximization

In this thesis, we study the problem of throughput maximization in an energy-harvesting, two-hop, amplify-and-forward relay network. We obtain optimal transmission policies for offline and online settings. In the offline setting, we assume that non-causal knowledge of the harvested energy and the fadingchannel states is available. We propose an effective algorithm to solve the power allocation problem in this case. For the online setting, we assume that the information for the energy harvesting process and the fading channels is known causally. In this case, we cast the problem as a Markov decision process (MDP). We also consider the case where power control at the transmitting nodes is limited to on-off switching. To address the inherent complexity of the MDP formulation, we also propose a computationally simple power allocation scheme. The performance of the proposed schemes are evaluated using computer simulations and are compared to existing methods in the literature.
Seismic Fragility Analysis of Steel Moment-Resisting Frames (MRF) Designed in Canada in the 1960s, 1980s, and 2010
Keywords: Fragility Analysis
Seismic Performance Assessment
Steel MRF

A typical steel moment-resisting frame (MRF) of six stories was designed for three different provisions of the National Building Code of Canada (1960s, 1980s, and 2010) and for two different cities (Vancouver and Montreal). Numerical models were developed in OpenSees to understand the seismic performance of the structures. These models accounted for strength and stiffness degradation through the appropriate representation of the beam-column connection behaviour. The beam-column connection models were calibrated against experimental results available in the literature. The behaviour of the buildings was evaluated through pushover and nonlinear time history analyses. The 1960s and 2010 steel MRFs of both cities presented strong-column-weak-beam behaviour and the failure in the connections provoked the collapse of the structures. The 1980s steel MRFs of both cities showed column sway mechanism. Fragility curves were developed for the steel MRFs using nonlinear time history analyses.
A Genetic Association Study of Glutamate Transporter Genes SLC1A1 and SLC1A3 in Tourette Syndrome and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Keywords: Association Study
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Genetics
Glutamate
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a heterogeneous disorder that may share etiological factors with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Genetic factors play a large role in the pathogenesis of these disorders and disruption of the glutamatergic system has been implicated through multiple lines of study. On this basis, the current investigation evaluates the role of two glutamate transporter genes: SLC1A1 and SLC1A3. SLC1A1 was selected for study based on its function and involvement in OCD, and was tested for association with TS and ADHD, using two independent samples. SLC1A3 was selected for study based on function and possible involvement in ADHD, and was tested for association using our TS sample. None of the genotyped markers remained significant following corrections for multiple testing. Considering that we observed several trends for association, studies using larger samples are required to determine whether these genes are associated with TS or ADHD.
The Core Features and Perceived Value of Family Support for Ethnoracial homeless individuals with mental illness: Findings from the At Home/Chez Soi Project
Keywords: Family Centered Care
Family Support
Homelessness
Mental Illness
Racialization

Objectives: To determine the core features and perceived value of family support for racialized homeless individuals with moderate mental illness.Methods: Descriptive qualitative exploratory study using grounded theory method. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with participants in the intervention and control groups of the At Home/Chez Soi Project. One focus group each of family members and service providers caring for this group were conducted.Results: Family relationships were valued and were often a source of emotional, financial, and instrumental supports. Several barriers to family support including negative past family experiences and geographical distance were identified. Findings cautiously supported family involvement in service provision, emphasizing consideration of consumer choice and autonomy, family dynamics, consumer needs, and family needs.Conclusions: Families may play an important role in supporting the well-being of this population. Several important factors including consumer choice and autonomy may require consideration when engaging families in service provision.
Claiming Teacher Voice through Personal Narratives: Exploring Teacher and Student Agency for Learning in Classrooms
Keywords: Choice
Identity
Lived Experiences
Narrative
Student Voice
Teacher Voice

AbstractAs demands increase for classroom teachers, they must not only meet and maintain expected ministry and board-wide standards, but also find a place for their own voices and their pedagogical visions and ideals. This study demonstrates that lived experiences and individual narratives play a crucial part in shaping teacher and student identities. Subsequently, this self identification within educational settings informs personally relevant experiences for teachers and students within various curriculum areas. As teachers find a place for their narratives within the pedagogical realm, they will gain a greater sense of agency to carry out their practice with greater significance. Similarly, as students' learning is shaped by the merit of their own experiences and interests, there will be greater investment in their learning both within the school community and beyond. Ultimately, when teachers and students recognize that they have choice in shaping their experiences within the education system, they feel valued and an increased sense of empowerment to commit their efforts in establishing and/or contributing to unique learning communities.
Systematic Analysis of Protein-Protein Interactions Between the ErbB Family of RTKs and a Complete Set of Human Phosphatases
Keywords: EGFR
ErbB
ERK1/2
Interactome
Kinase
Phosphatase

This thesis has created a resource describing interactions between the ErbB family receptor tyrosine kinases and human phosphatases using the Membrane Yeast Two Hybrid system (MYTH). A total of 55 phosphatases form 109 unique interactions between active and inactive (via peptide chain mutations) ErbB family members. The 29 interactors of ErbB2 were chosen for further study based on their rates of mutations across various cancer studies reported on CBioPortal. PTPRB, TPTE2, TNS3, EYA1, and SSH1 had the highest incidences of mutation and were analyzed for their effect on ERK1/2 phosphorylation when over-expressed in a mammalian system. While PTPRB could not be stably expressed in the system, the four other phosphatases all exhibited deregulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. TPTE2 overexpression showed a decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation time, as did SSH1, which also lowered maximum ERK1/2 phosphorylation. TNS3 over-expression delayed the onset of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, while EYA1 lowered the maximum level of phosphorylation. This thesis highlights new potential players in ErbB family and signaling regulation.
Navigating the Canadian Immigration Process: A Study of International Students' Experience and Interactions with the Student Services Provided by Their Host Universities
Keywords: Canada
Immigration
International Students
Student Experience
Student Services
Universities

Canada views international students as potential skilled immigrants. The country has implemented multiple immigration streams to retain these students post-graduation in order to remain competitive in the global knowledge economy. However, research investigating these students' experiences holistically was lacking. This study addressed this gap in literature by looking at: (1) how international students decided on Canada as a study-abroad destination, (2) how they ultimately decided on seeking Canadian permanent residence, and (3) which on-campus services and resources they sought and/or utilized to help navigate the immigration process, and what their experiences with these services were. Six former international students who graduated from Canadian universities, and had since applied for or obtained Canadian permanent residence, were interviewed in this narrative inquiry. Bronfenbrenner's developmental ecology theory was used to situate interviewees' experiences in the broader contexts, and Schlossberg's transition theory was used as a framework to holistically study their experiences with transitions.