VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Transformation of Muscle Architecture at the Fiber Bundle Level to Fit Parametric B-spline Volumes: Extensor carpi radialis brevis and longus
Keywords: muscle architecture
fitting
fiber bundle architecture
modeling

Most models of the musculoskeletal system incorporate individual or groups of muscles as a series of line segments, assuming all fiber bundles within a muscle have the same length and moment arm, and do not account for architectural differences throughout the muscle volume. The purpose was to develop an algorithm to fit digitized fiber bundle data from one specimen into muscle volume and intramuscular nerve distribution data from seven other specimens of extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) and brevis (ECRB). Coherent Point Drift (CPD) algorithm was successfully adapted for this purpose. The intramuscular nerve distribution and fiber bundle architecture was modeled in all the muscle volumes. ECRL was found to have two neuromuscular compartments, superficial and deep, while ECRB was found to have two, three or four, in a proximal to distal direction depending on the number of primary nerve branches.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Functionalized Agarose Can Efficiently Guide Pluripotent Stem Cell Aggregates Toward Blood Progenitor Cells
Keywords: Agarose
Hydrogel
Embryoid Bodies
VEGFA
Blood Progenitor Cells
3D
Differentiation
Serum-Free

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of the embryo that have great potential for regenerative therapies because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into almost all cell types. However, this developmental potential is influenced by the local cellular microenvironment, including cell surface bound ligands. In this study, we synthesized an artificial stem cell niche wherein vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was functionally immobilized in an agarose hydrogel. Immobilized VEGFA treatments were able to upregulate mesodermal markers, brachyury and VEGF receptor 2, by day 4 and were CD34+CD41+ by day seven. Subsequently, VEGFA immobilized treatments were able to generate colony forming cells by day fourteen. This work demonstrates our ability to use functionalized hydrogels to guide ESCs toward blood progenitor cells and serves as a useful tool to replicate aspects of the embryonic microenvironment.
Assessing the Hydraulic Transient Performance of Water and Wastewater Systems Using Field and Numerical Modeling Data
Keywords: hydraulic transients
numerical modeling

A large proportion of water and wastewater systems have traditionally been analyzed and designed without the consideration of the nature, risk, and potential consequence of hydraulic transients. Recent advancements in numerical hydraulic modeling have spawned a specialty hydraulic field based on numerical transient analysis. The current practice within this field often lacks physical understanding and can be misguided by both the current knowledge, technology based limitations, and by the sole reliance on numerical models. This thesis aims to provide insights into some of the shortcomings of current practice and to develop the importance and application of field data based confirmations. The thesis examines the advances in the current field oriented technology for recording transient pressures, and provides examples and insights on how this data can be used both in conjunction with numerical modeling and on its own as a first step to a proposed frequency based transient risk assessment methodology. The thesis establishes definitions and a preliminary methodology for a Transient Risk Index.
The Role and Regulation of Factor Inhibiting HIF (FIH) in Normal and Pathological Human Placentae
Keywords: Placenta
Preeclampsia
Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)
Factor Inhibiting HIF (FIH)

Factor inhibiting HIF (FIH) negatively regulates hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) transcriptional activity, selectively controlling certain HIF-1 target genes, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prolyl hydroxylase domain 3 (PHD3), but not others. PHD3 and VEGF are important for placental development and function and are overexpressed in preeclampsia (PE). The purpose of this study was to examine FIH in both normal and pathological human placentae. I hypothesized that FIH regulates VEGF and PHD3 in the placenta and that this rheostat is altered in PE. Results show that FIH suppresses PHD3 and VEGF in JEG-3 cells; this effect was abrogated by FIH gene silencing. Moreover, my data indicate that seven in absentia homologue-1 (Siah-1) targets FIH for degradation in the placenta; this degradation is enhanced in PE and likely contributes to aberrant VEGF and PHD3 expression. Overall, my data suggest an important role for FIH in the pathogenesis of PE.
Carrying on with Living: The Impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on the Health Behaviour of Older Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Keywords: COPD
health behaviour
pulmonary rehabilitation
older adult

Introduction: This study explored the health behaviour of older adults with COPD. Objectives included: 1) to explore the process of successfully managing COPD; 2) to identify health behaviour strategies utilized; 3) to identify factors influencing health behaviour change; 4) to understand the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Methods: Eleven community-dwelling older adults were interviewed following PR. Interviews were coded and analyzed using constant comparative analysis, comparing and contrasting incoming data with emerging theory. Findings: Two distinct models were developed representing participants’ experience with COPD and health behaviour change: Struggling with Living: Life with COPD before Pulmonary Rehabilitation; and Carrying on with Living: Life with COPD following Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Conclusions: Older adults with COPD engaged in a limited repertoire of health behaviour strategies which were relatively ineffectual prior to participation in PR. PR had a major impact on health behaviour strategies, and on the external and personal factors influencing health behaviour.
A Novel Approach to Ambulatory Monitoring: An Investigation into Everyday Walking Activity in Patients With Sub-acute Stroke
Keywords: stroke
ambulatory monitoring
accelerometry
gait asymmetry

Walking is an essential task important to recovery after stroke. However, there is a limited understanding regarding the characteristics of walking in in-patients with stroke. The objectives of this thesis were to: 1) develop an instrument capable of acquiring temporal characteristics of everyday walking; 2) investigate the quantity and control of everyday walking; and 3) profile the task-specific link between walking and cardiorespiratory response. In study 1 we developed and validated a wireless monitoring system (ABLE system). Study 2 revealed low quantities of everyday walking (4816 steps; SD 3247) characterized by short bout durations (59.8s; SD 23.4) and asymmetric walking. In study 3 we observed a modest task-related response in HR(19.4% HRR); however, the intensity and duration of everyday walking did not approach the guidelines for aerobic benefit. Monitoring in-patient walking can help guide clinical decision making in developing methods to maximize recovery after stroke.
Recombinant HBsAg Vaccine in Persons with HIV: Is Seroconversion Sufficient for Long-term Protection?
Keywords: HIV
Hepatitis B Virus
Vaccination
Immunity

The recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen vaccine inadequately protects those living with HIV from Hepatitis B virus infection. This study utilized saved serum samples from a retrospective cohort of persons with HIV and documented vaccine-induced HBsAb seroconversion to determine factors associated with persistence of protective levels of HBsAb (≥10mIU/ml). HBsAb levels fell below 10mIU/ml in 27% of the cohort after a median follow-up of 43 months. HIV viral load suppression (<50copies/ml) at the time of vaccination was the major factor associated with persistence of protective levels of HBsAb (OR 3.83, p <0.01). Among individuals who lost protective levels of HBsAb, booster doses of vaccine re-instated the development of protective levels of HBsAb. Delaying or repeating HBV vaccination until after suppression of HIV viral load is achieved should be considered HBV antibody levels should be followed over time and boosters given with loss of protective levels of HBsAb.
Using a Financial Model to Determine Technical Objectives for Organic Solar Cells
Keywords: Solar Energy
Organic Solar Cells
Payback Period
Toronto
Net Present Value

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are of interest because the technology offers a significant opportunity to reduce the overall costs of solar energy. OSCs can be very inexpensive to produce given that they rely on non-commodity materials and can use existing manufacturing techniques that are not labour- and capital-intensive. In this research, a financial model, named TEEOS (Technological and Economic Evaluator for Organic Solar), is developed and is used to determine financial indicators, such as simple payback period. These indicators are used to determine technical objectives for the OSCs. Two sample cells are evaluated in Toronto, Canada using historical data. The results show that the cell with a higher efficiency and wider absorptive wavelength range produces a payback period of approximately nine years, while the other cell has a payback period well over 45 years. Stochastic modeling techniques are also used to better replicate electricity price and weather fluctuations.
The Victimhood of the Powerful: White Jews, Zionism and the Racism of Hegemonic Holocaust Education
Keywords: Israel
Palestine
Holocaust
Apartheid
Whiteness
Jewish Identity
anti-racism
Zionism

This paper focuses on issues of Jewish identity, whiteness and victimhood within hegemonic Holocaust education. I argue that today, Jewish people of European descent enjoy white privilege and are among the most socio-economically advantaged groups in the West. Despite this privilege, the organized Jewish community makes claims about Jewish victimhood that are widely accepted within that community and within popular discourse in the West. I propose that these claims to victimhood are no longer based in a reality of oppression, but continue to be propagated because a victimized Jewish identity can produce certain effects that are beneficial to the organized Jewish community and the Israeli nation-state. I focus on two related Holocaust education projects – the March of the Living and the March of Remembrance and Hope – to show how Jewish victimhood is instrumentalized in ways that obscure Jewish privilege, deny Jewish racism and promote the interests of the Israeli nation-state.
Seeking a Kaleidoscopic Lens: A Holistic Analysis of the Psychedelic Field
Keywords: Psychedelics
Ayahuasca
Critical theory
Hippie
Race
Class
Gender
Tourism

The psychedelic field has generated a vast body of work in terms of psychology, art, spirituality and understandings of the mind and consciousness. Having engaged with the field for the last ten years, I have been curious as to why issues of race, gender and class are not included in the analysis and theories that are generated from the field. My background in feminism, queer studies, anti-racism, critical theory and social justice, as well as my interest in consciousness and psychedelics, led me to conduct a literature review and analyze it with a critical framework. The literature showed an overwhelming gap in the field in regards to inclusion and analysis of issues pertaining to race, gender and class. This gap needs to be addressed and I look forward to conducting fieldwork in the future such as interviewing people about their experiences of race, class and gender and its intersection with psychedelics. I hope to contribute to the field in terms of creatively and productively including an analysis of race, class and gender to the psychedelics field.
Climate Change Impacts on the Molecular-level Carbon Biogeochemistry in Arctic Ecosystems
Keywords: biogeochemistry
soil organic matter
sedimentary organic matter
biomarkers
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
nuclear magnetic resoances spectroscopy

The goal of this thesis was to characterize and quantify changes to Canadian Arctic organic matter (OM) induced by a physical disruption to the permafrost active layer by employing molecular-level techniques such as biomarker extraction and NMR to help elucidate its contribution to carbon turnover and global climate change. The initial biomarker characterization study determined that the extractable plant lipids were unaltered originating from the deposition of new vascular material or permafrost melt where a high alteration of lignin-derived OM was observed suggesting a long residence time in the ecosystem. Analysis of samples where there was a new and historical physical disruption to the permafrost landscape showed an initial increase in bacterial biomass biomarkers, and was corroborated with increased bacterial protein contributions and peptidoglycan signals in the NMR spectra. It is hypothesized that this increase in bacterial biomass resulted in a faster rate of degradation, possibly leading to OM priming.
The Effects of Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase (PNP) Deficiency on Thymocyte Development
Keywords: Thymocyte development
immune deficiency
purine metabolism
Purine nucleoside phosphorylase

PNP is a crucial enzyme in purine metabolism, and its inherited defects result in severe T-lineage immune deficiency in humans. I hypothesized that PNP deficiency disrupts the development of late CD4-CD8- double negative (DN) thymocytes and induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis of CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) thymocytes. By using PNP-deficient (PNP-/-) mice as well as an OP9-DL1 co-culture system simulating PNP-deficient conditions, I demonstrated that PNP deficiency interferes with the maturation of DN thymocytes at the transition from DN3 to DN4 stage. Although PNP deficiency does not affect the generation or proliferation of DP thymocytes, PNP-/- DP thymocytes were observed to undergo apoptosis at a higher rate. My results suggest that apoptosis is induced through a mitochondrial mediated pathway. Additionally, re-introduction of PNP into PNP-/- thymocytes protected the cells from the toxic effects of deoxyguanosine by preventing the formation of deoxyguanosine triphosphate, indicating that the toxic metabolite in PNP deficiency is deoxyguanosine.
Sulphation and Sulphate Decomposition in Roasted Nickel Concentrates
Keywords: sulphation
sulphate
nickel concentrate
roasting
sulphate decomposition
nonferrous pyrometallurgy

The sulphation and sulphate decomposition occurring during the oxidation of nickel concentrates were studied by thermal analysis. Samples of industrial nickel concentrates were heated in inert gas to temperatures between 400°C and 850°C and oxidized isothermally in air or in a 4%O2-96%N2 mixture. During isothermal oxidation of the concentrates, SO2 evolved from the roasting reactions led to partial formation of metal sulphates. Following the oxidation and sulphation of the sample, the decomposition of the formed sulphates was studied. This was completed either by heating the sulphated sample to 950°C to thermally decompose the sulphates, or by lowering the partial pressure of oxygen while holding the sample at the isothermal oxidation temperature. The sulphation of the sample was found to follow the parabolic rate law, implying diffusion as the rate controlling-step. The thermal decomposition of the sulphates occurred at a near constant rate, implying zero-order kinetics.
Spaces of Belonging: Filipina LCP Migrants and their Practices of Claiming Spaces of Belonging in Toronto
Keywords: International Migration
Live-In Caregiver Program
Global Care Chains

Much current literature on women and migration tends to approach the study of migrant domestic workers as victims of global capitalism—or according to Parrenas’s evocative phrase as “servants of globalization”—from one of two vantage points. The first vantage point focuses attention on how the conditions of exit in various sending countries make overseas domestic servitude one of the few employment opportunities available for many women (Parrenas 2001). The second draws attention to the ways in which these migrant women experience stratification—along the lines of gender, race, and class—as part of their settlement experiences in their host countries (Pratt 1998). Both of these vantage points reinforce aspects of the “servants of globalization” discourse in that they pay relatively little attention to the coping practices of migrant domestic workers. In order to extend the thesis beyond the “servants of globalization” discourse, this thesis examines the coping practices that migrant Filipina domestic workers develop in their efforts to create communities of affirmation, care, and belonging.
Predicting Vulnerability of Fishes
Keywords: conservation
fishes
Canada
vulnerability
assessment
body size
resilience
trophic level

Conservation biology would benefit from methods that identify species at risk in a proactive manner, rather than through post-hoc conservation assessments. This study examines the utility of four potential indices for predicting vulnerability in fishes: total body length; trophic level; intrinsic vulnerability score; and, resilience. Statistical analysis was done to determine if correlations existed between any of these four indices and known levels of risk in marine and freshwater Canadian fishes. Results show the success of two of these indices to predict risk: fished species over 78.33 centimeters total length, or with intrinsic vulnerability scores over 57.41 are more highly vulnerable to becoming at risk. Over 20% of Canadian fished species of unknown conservation status are therefore currently vulnerable, and possibly at risk of extinction. This study shows vulnerability indices allow a rapid prioritization of fishes at risk of extinction, and can thus help achieve proactive conservation even in the absence of population decline data.
Discrete Event Simulation in the Preliminary Estimation Phase of Mega Projects: A Case Study of the Central Waterfront Revitalization Project
Keywords: Simulation
Discrete Event
Monte Carlo
Estimation

The methodology of discrete-event simulation provides a promising alternative to solving complicated construction systems. Given the level of uncertainty that exists in the early estimation phase of mega-projects regarding cost and risk, project simulations have become a central part of decision-making and planning. In this paper, an attempt is made to compare the output generated by a model constructed under the Monte Carlo framework with that of Discrete-Event Simulation to determine the similarities and difference between the two methods. To achieve this, the Simphony modeling (DES) environment is used. The result is then compared to a Monte Carlo simulation conducted by Golder Associates.
Isolation of ABA Insensitive Mutants using a Sensitized Screen
Keywords: Arabidopsis
Abscisic Acid
ABA
Glucose
Retrograde
Hypocotyl
Light
Signaling
hy
gun
Post-Germination Growth

ABA insensitive mutants (abi1 - abi5) have been isolated in germination screens that use high concentrations of exogenous ABA, and this method is believed to be saturated. To overcome this problem, a sensitized screen that used much lower concentration of exogenous ABA was performed to isolate new ABA insensitive mutants. Some of the isolated mutants had defects in light or retrograde signalling. One particular mutant (18-11) developed long hypocotyls under normal light condition. Based on its response to blue, red and far-red light conditions, this mutant is likely a novel hy mutant. Genetic analysis revealed that while ABA insensitivity in this mutant is recessive, the long hypocotyl phenotype is dominant. Positional cloning is currently being carried out to identify the gene. Findings from this study supports that ABA signalling interacts with light signalling networks.
Nature vs Nurture: Effects of Learning on Evolution
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence
Robotics

In the field of Evolutionary Robotics, the design, development and application of artificial neural networks as controllers have derived their inspiration from biology. Biologists and artificial intelligence researchers are trying to understand the effects of neural network learning during the lifetime of the individuals on evolution of these individuals by qualitative and quantitative analyses. The conclusion of these analyses can help develop optimized artificial neural networks to perform any given task. The purpose of this thesis is to study the effects of learning on evolution. This has been done by applying Temporal Difference Reinforcement Learning methods to the evolution of Artificial Neural Tissue controller. The controller has been assigned the task to collect resources in a designated area in a simulated environment. The performance of the individuals is measured by the amount of resources collected. A comparison has been made between the results obtained by incorporating learning in evolution and evolution alone. The effects of learning parameters: learning rate, training period, discount rate, and policy on evolution have also been studied. It was observed that learning delays the performance of the evolving individuals over the generations. However, the non zero learning rate throughout the evolution process signifies natural selection preferring individuals possessing plasticity.
Characterization of Myopathy in Mice Overexpressing Androgen Receptor in Skeletal Muscle
Keywords: androgen
skeletal muscle
kennedy disease
sbma
overexpression
mitochondria
androgen receptor
oxidative metabolism
glycogen

Although androgens are known to exert anabolic effects in skeletal muscle, overexpression of androgen receptor (AR) selectively in this tissue causes androgen dependent motor deficits and muscular atrophy. The cellular and subcellular changes underlying this phenotype are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the ultrastructural and histologic changes accompanying myopathy and to determine the importance of androgens and overexpression level for myopathic features. Transmission electron microscopy revealed augmented mitochondrial content and reduced myofibril width in androgen exposed transgenics. Additionally, male transgenics demonstrated increased glycogen content. Histochemical analyses confirmed sex-specific changes in glycogen content and revealed a surprising loss in the proportion of oxidative fibers in symptomatic animals. However, increased mitochondrial content was confirmed by the presence of ragged red fibers. Overexpression of AR in muscle fiber results in mitochondrial pathology and dysregulation of glycogen metabolism, possibly reflecting normal but exaggerated function of androgens in skeletal muscle fibers.
Examining Two Elementary-Intermediate Teachers' Understandings and Pedagogical Practices About Global Citizenship Education
Keywords: Global Citizenship Education
Curriculum
Elementary-Intermediate
Teachers

In this qualitative study, I examine two elementary-intermediate teachers’ understandings and pedagogical practices of global citizenship education in the Ontario and British Columbia classroom contexts. Key findings reveal contrasting portrayals of global citizenship education that foreground particular themes and practices found in the literature and curriculum guidelines. One teachers’ understandings and goals highlight an environmental global justice angle whereas the other teacher focuses on critical thinking. Three broad themes appeared to underpin their pedagogical practices – child-centred learning, critical thinking, and authentic performance tasks – although each theme is portrayed in distinctive ways. Both teachers identified factors such as the departmental and school culture, a collaborative learning community, and suitable resources as either encouraging or hindering their ability to transform their preferred learning goals into practice. These findings reveal a level of ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the teacher participants’ understandings and practice, which is complicated by varying levels of support.