VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Conditional Neural Language Models for Multimodal Learning and Natural Language Understanding
Keywords: Computer Vision
Deep Learning
Language Models
Machine Learning
Natural Language Processing
Neural Networks

In this thesis we introduce conditional neural language models based on log-bilinear and recurrent neural networks with applications to multimodal learning and natural language understanding. We first introduce a LSTM encoder for learning visual-semantic embeddings for ranking the relevance of text to images in a joint embedding space. Next we introduce three log-bilinear models for generating image descriptions that integrate both additive and multiplicative interactions. Beyond image conditioning, we describe a multiplicative conditional neural language model for learning distributed representations of attributes and meta data. Our model allows for contextual word relatedness comparisons through decompositions of a word embedding tensor. Finally we show how we can abstract the skip-gram model for learning word representations to a conditional recurrent neural language model for unsupervised learning of sentence representations. We introduce a family of models called contextual encoder-decoders and demonstrate how our models can be used to induce generic sentence representations as well as unaligned generation of short stories conditioned on images. This thesis closes by highlighting several open areas of future work.
New Old Politics? Explaining Popular Support for Redistributive Public Policies
Keywords: Inequality
Public Opinion
Redistribution

The central argument advanced by the dissertation is that three key sources of variation are critical for understanding popular support for redistributive public policies. First, redistribution is not a single undifferentiated policy goal. This dissertation distinguishes between ‘generalized’ and ‘targeted’ redistribution, and argues that critical determinants of citizens’ redistributive policy preferences play out differently depending on whether the redistribution is generalized or targeted in nature. Second, attitudes toward redistribution vary both across space and over time. The dissertation contends that many critical macrolevel determinants of citizens’ policy preferences illuminate how and why these variations occur. Third, in exceptional cases, specific political contexts matter. The dissertation maintains that while there is a range of common factors that influences popular support for redistribution throughout most advanced industrial democracies, in a limited number of cases, the citizens of distinct political contexts have substantially different orientations toward redistributive public policies. The dissertation draws on both cross-national data from eighteen advanced industrial democracies as well as cross-provincial data from the Canadian case to evaluate hypotheses constructed from these theories. The empirical findings support the dissertation’s core hypotheses. The evidence suggests that those with higher income tend to be more opposed to generalized redistribution, whereas those with more right-wing economic beliefs are more inclined to oppose targeted redistribution. There is also clear support for the contention that cross-sectional and longitudinal variations in redistributive policy preferences are differently affected by changes in key macroeconomic factors. For instance, when comparing between states, higher levels of economic inequality tend to be linked to lower levels of support for redistribution, but as economic inequality within a state increases over time, support for redistribution also tends to increase. There is also substantial evidence that specific political contexts matter. For instance, Americans are much less likely to support targeted redistribution than the citizens of other advanced industrial democracies, whereas Quebecers are much more likely to support generalized redistribution than the residents of other Canadian provinces. And in the cases in which political context matters, these critical differences tend to be a result of differences in in these citizens’ values and beliefs.
The Role of Ion Channel TRPM7 in B Cell Development and Function
Keywords: B cells
lymphopoiesis
Presentation
TRPM7

The channel-kinase Transient Receptor Potential Subfamily M7 (TRPM7) is known to regulate magnesium homeostasis and was the first channel implicated in the survival of a B cell line. Our study is the first to show that B cells require TRPM7 for development in a murine model. By using a mouse model where TRPM7 is specifically deleted in B cells under the control of the mb1 promotor, we show that B cells are absent in all peripheral lymphoid tissues due to apoptosis of Pre B cells. By using an in vitro stromal cell line system, we demonstrate that B cell development can be partially rescued by high levels of extracellular magnesium. Interestingly, the lack of B cells is accompanied by an expanded granulocyte population in the spleen. In addition to identifying TRPM7 as an essential factor for B cell development, we show that TRPM7 is also an important regulator of B cell activation. DT40 B cells lacking TRPM7 fail to contract and gather antigen when activated. To investigate the role of the kinase domain of TRPM7 we made use of B cells expressing a kinase dead point mutant. These cells were also unable to gather antigen, showing that the kinase domain is an important regulator of this process. We also show that the kinase domain may potentially interact with another important regulator of B cell activation, PLCγ2 to mediate antigen collection and cell contraction. Importantly, primary murine B cells expressing only one allele of TRPM7 or treated with a TRPM7 inhibitor both displayed defects in antigen gathering, confirming our results in the DT40 cell line. Lastly, we show that TRPM7 is essential for antigen internalization, a process that is important for the recruitment of T cell help and ultimately, antibody production.
Carbonated Reactive MgO – Portland Cement Blends: Chemistry, Microstructure and Properties
Keywords: Accelerated carbonation
Mechanical properties
Mg carbonates
Microstructure
Reactive MgO
Rheology

Reactive MgO (r-MgO) is mainly comprised of magnesium oxide and has a relatively high fineness and a high reactivity with water. Subjected to carbonation, r-MgO and Portland cement (PC) blends have a potential to absorb CO2, which can yield an enhancement in mechanical properties and a densification of the microstructure. This thesis aims to: (I) investigate the chemistry of r-MgO and PC during the hydration and carbonation of r-MgO-PC systems; (II) characterize the rheology of r-MgO mortar and concrete; and (III) evaluate the influence of accelerated carbonation and r-MgO replacement levels on the mechanical properties, microstructure and transport properties of r-MgO mortar and concrete. The key contributions of this research are: I. The formation of high Mg-calcite (MgCO3 mole% > 10%) was found to be associated with the high MgCO3 environment established by the formation of Mg-carbonates. Amorphous Mg(OH)2 and M-S-H were proven to form during the hydration of the r-MgO-PC system. These products are speculated to be the precursors of the amorphous hydrated Mg carbonate that forms in the carbonated r-MgO-PC system. II. The incorporation of r-MgO induces a high water-demand to obtain a satisfactory fluidity and affects the correlation between yield stress and plastic viscosity. III. Carbonated mortar specimens with a 70% r-MgO replacement of PC obtain the highest compressive strength and lowest porosity among specimens with an r-MgO replacement range of 0% – 100%. In the r-MgO replacement range of 0% to 80%, a higher degree of carbonation leads to more formation of carbonation products, densifying the pores in the entrance diameter range of 0.01 – 0.3 μm. Carbonated mortar specimens containing 90% and 100% r-MgO have a high pore volume in the entrance diameter range of 0.3 – 10 μm, but barely have pores in the entrance diameter range of 0.01 – 0.3 μm. Carbonated concrete containing 50% r-MgO replacement of PC features a denser outer layer and less-dense inner layer, which makes the concrete difficult to get critically saturated.
Durability testing protocols for concrete made with alternative binders and recycled materials
Keywords: alkali activated material
concrete
durability
geopolymer

Recent strategies to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of concrete include the reduction or elimination of portland cement and utilization of waste materials. The impact of these changes on the durability of concrete is an active area of research, but less-so in terms of the characterization and interpretation of the micro-structural responses of these new concrete mixtures to traditional durability tests. This research explores novel approaches for performing durability tests that are commonly used in the areas of chloride ingress, external sulfate attack, and alkali silica reaction (ASR) in an effort to refine and improve the current methods of testing. To validate a durability testing approach, its suitability and effectiveness should be checked against a wide range of concrete compositions, hence, various mixtures with different physical and chemical characteristics, including binders with either straight portland cement, alkali activated slag, alkali activated fly ash, or alkali activated metakaolin were prepared and tested. First, a micro x-ray fluorescence (µXRF) method was developed to measure chloride ingress through the use of multiple calibration curves to account for matrix effects across the variety of binder systems. Second, two different sulfate resistance testing protocols were compared, and a similar µXRF approach was developed to measure sulfate ingress, with phase changes evaluated by a scanning electron microscope combined with x-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS). Third, a new digital-image-based approach for conducting the damage rating index (DRI) was developed and the indexes were compared with the traditional method. Finally, the addition of fibres recovered from recycled glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) was found to be innocuous in terms of ASR expansion in accelerated mortar beam and concrete prism tests, and the pozzolanic reactivity of the recycled GFRP fibres was confirmed by SEM/EDS.
Redefining Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Cell Cycle Perspective
Keywords: Cell Cycle
Cell Fate
Embryonic Stem Cell
Pluripotency
Stem Cell

As it is classically defined, the term stem cell seems at odds with the process of early development where, at least initially, there are no discernable cell fates. However, a paradox exists: not all pluripotent cells found the embryo, whether that cell is an epiblast cell or its in vitro counterpart, the ES cell. In this thesis, the supposition that all pluripotent cells are intrinsically equivalent from a functional perspective is challenged. We provide evidence that not all ES cells are by definition bona fide stem cells. In addition, we show that the two hallmark features of a stem cell are independent and dissociable fate decisions: proliferative competency (founding capacity) and lineage competency (potency). Founding capacity, which is a behavioural output of proliferative competency, is not biased or modified by either cell cycle position or cell cycle regulation during G2/M. This is in stark contrast to cell fate decisions pertaining to lineage, which are influenced by both cell cycle position and direct cell cycle governance during G2/M. Variation in cell cycle time may therefore serve as a mechanistic platform for creating heterogeneities within a relatively equivalent group of cells. Dissociation of founding capacity (proliferative competency) and potency (lineage competency) within the pluripotent population in vitro implores the field to redefine the population, our ideology of stem cells during early development, and how we functionally define them. Acknowledgement of a subpopulation of bona fide stem cells shifts our perception on the type and nature of cell fate decisions that can or have occurred. This shift in perception is relevant not only during normal development but also during processes such as regeneration and cellular reprogramming, which rely on the presence of plasticity within fate decisions that are characteristic of a stem cell.
PREGNANCY, NEONATAL AND DISEASE OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH RELAPSING REMITTING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Keywords: Exposure
Multiple Sclerosis
Natalizumab
Neonatal Outcomes
Pregnancy
Vitamin D

Objective To compare pregnancy, neonatal and disease outcomes in women with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) exposed to different therapeutic agents— natalizumab (Tysabri®) and Vitamin D. Methods Data from German and Canadian Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pregnancy registries was compared to evaluate neonatal and pregnancy outcomes in natalizumab exposed and unexposed groups. A healthy control group of pregnant women unexposed to teratogens was also utilized; primary outcome of interest was birth defects and miscarriage rates. For the Vitamin D study we first compared postpartum disease outcomes using Kaplan Meier and Cox Regression in a German (GER) cohort not supplementing with Vitamin D to a Canadian (CAN) cohort with Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy; primary outcome of interest was time to disease resurgence in the postpartum period. We then evaluated neonatal outcomes in Canadians with high dose Vitamin D (>4000IU/day) in pregnancy to ones with lower intake. Primary outcome of interest was birth weight. Results There were no significant differences in birth defects or other adverse neonatal outcomes between the 101 natalizumab exposed, 78 disease matched, and 97 healthy controls. The rates of miscarriage were higher in both MS groups in comparison to the healthy controls. In the Vitamin D study, significantly more GERs used Disease Modifying Drugs (DMDs) in pregnancy and postpartum compared to CANs. There was no difference in disease resurgence between the two cohorts. Neonatal outcomes including birth weight did not differ significantly in the 29 women that exceeded 4000IU/day in pregnancy, compared to women that took lower doses. Conclusion Gestational exposure to either therapy, natalizumab or Vitamin D, is not associated with adverse outcomes. Larger studies are needed to investigate the longer duration of therapy with natalizumab and higher doses of Vitamin D >4000IU/day in pregnancy.
Crisis-Opportunity, Liability-Asset: Governing Vacant Land Reuse in Cleveland, Ohio
Keywords: community development
political economy
urban agriculture
urban governance
urban greening
vacant land

This dissertation contributes to the literatures on post-2007 urban governance and urban greening by drawing novel connections between vacant land reuse, including urban agriculture, and the structures of urban governance. Through a historical analysis of housing vacancy, an institutional analysis of Cleveland’s community development industry’s response to the 2008 foreclosure crisis, and a case study of a vacant land reuse project, I argue that Cleveland’s community development industry shifted towards vacant land reuse and intervention to stabilize property values in response to the foreclosure crisis. This shift reveals a temporary resolution of the failure of subsidized housing construction following the crisis, but does not represent a significant departure from neoliberal community development. While the City has been effective in fostering certain forms of reuse, the heavy involvement of the community development industry and community foundations, combined with a local government facing fiscal pressure, has resulted in a constrained political field of opportunity for vacant land reuse. By devolving the labor of lot maintenance onto residents and continuing to prioritize traditional economic development, many of the possibilities for using vacant land reuse for social and environmental justice have been limited. However, I also show that the incorporation of vacant land reuse within the community development industry in Cleveland was the outcome of a process of weak contestation, negotiation, and path dependency, not a simple imposition of neoliberal ideology. Additionally, my findings concerning reuse projects on the ground reveals the shortcomings of relying on under-resourced resident labor and shows cracks in the hegemony of private property and market logics in high-abandonment neighborhoods. My findings point to the importance of studying how greening projects are interacting with preexisting structures of urban governance. It suggests that the commodification of land and market-based community development places limits on vacant land reuse that directly benefits residents and works towards environmental and food justice.
Design and Development of a Force Generator Based on Magnetorheological Fluid
Keywords: black-box modeling
bone biopsy
control
Magnetorheological Fluid
telerobotic surgery

A force generator system that provides force information to a practitioner performing remotely controlled robotic surgery based on magnetorheological fluid (MRF) was developed. The actuator provides the operator a wide range of force corresponding to various tissue properties. The actuator enhances the percutaneous feeling of a surgeon interacting remotely with tissues in robotic bone biopsy. The force profile of bone drilling was characterized and modeled. The range of the force and operational bandwidth required for drilling operations was determined. The model characterizes the axial forces recorded while drilling perpendicular to the long axis of femurs in different animal specimens. The findings were used to design an actuator suitable for surgical applications, principally bone biopsies. To develop the actuator prototype, a magnetic circuit was designed and an appropriate MRF was selected. The magnetic circuit was validated by magnetostatic analysis. The final design of the actuator prototype was developed based on experimental observations. The actuator produces an output force appropriate for bone biopsy (high range of forces). The hysteretic behavior of the proposed actuator was modeled by characterizing the relationship between the input and output measurements. To construct a model of the actuator, a master-slave robotic biopsy system was setup and used to obtain input and output measurements for various animal tissues. These measurements were then used as estimators and validators of a nonlinear Hammerstein-Wiener (H-W) model. The nonlinear model was verified by comparing the measured data with the simulation results under various test conditions. The H-W model can predict the behavior of the MRF actuator with high precision. The H-W model was used to eliminate hysteresis in a closed-loop control system. Experiments were performed to demonstrate the efficacy and advantages of the H-W modeling and control technique. The H-W control tracked the input signal, recorded from various tissues via a slave robot, while compensating for magnetic hysteresis, to achieve optimal performance. In conclusion, the MRF-based actuator designed in this study, with its control system, can be used in surgical robotic operations that involve a high range of force measurements.
Analysis and Interpretation of Lower Limb Mechanomyographic Signals in Human Gait
Keywords: electromyography
gait
mechanomyography
muscle activity
rehabilitation
wearable technology

This thesis investigates the patterns of accelerometer-based MMG in the lower extremities during gait. To characterize dynamic muscle activity, we measured lower limb mechanomyography (MMG) and electromyography (EMG) during over ground and treadmill locomotion in typically developing youth and adults. First, MMG activity was validated against coincidental EMG activity and detection parameters were optimized for each muscle using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The mean balanced accuracy between MMG muscle activity and concurrent EMG activity was >75% for all muscles sites except the gastrocnemius, where concurrent activity was only observed about 55% of the gait cycle. These findings suggest that during dynamic movements, electrical muscle activity is not directly followed by mechanical activity of the muscle fascicles since some muscles, like the gastrocnemius, contract isometrically and lengthen in the absence of electrical activity. To understand how mechanical activity is coordinated between the lower limb muscles, mechanical synergies were then extracted using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) analysis and compared against neural synergies. For treadmill walking and running, mechanical muscle activity yielded lower dimensional synergies than did corresponding electrical activity. Furthermore, mechanical synergies contained overwhelming co-activity of muscles, possibly reflecting the active and passive lengthening of muscle fascicles as joints move to complete a motor task. These synergies can be used to track therapy progression by analyzing how mechanical patterns change with MMG biofeedback. Based on MMG patterns observed during typical gait, a Smartphone application, GaitTool App, was developed as an at-home gait therapy tool. MMG was recorded at the tibialis anterior and the lateral gastrocnemius using wearable sensors that transmit packets of MMG data to an Android device via Bluetooth. MMG data were analyzed for spatiotemporal features and triggered auditory feedback in the form of a cadence-driven rhythmic auditory stimulus to allow for anticipatory movement preparation and execution. The sonification of the alignment of MMG peaks provided an aural cue to differentiate between typical and atypical gait patterns.
Requirement for HEB in the Specification of Fetal IL-17-producing γδ T cells
Keywords: Fetal thymocytes
gammadelta T cell
gamma delta T cell
gd T cell
HEB
IL-17

IL-17-producing γδ T (γδT17) cells are critical components of the innate immune system, and serve as an early and important source of IL-17 in host protective immune responses and autoimmunity. The complexity of the pathways that drive the development and functional programming of γδ T cells has become increasingly evident in recent years, yet they remain poorly understood. This thesis focuses on the gene network that drives the development of a fetal-derived subset of γδT17 cells which populates various lymphoid and mucosal tissues in mice. I have identified a newly defined subset of CD24-CD73- γδT17 cells, which are comprised primarily of fetal-derived Vγ6+ and Vγ4+ RORγt+ γδ T cells. I found that a functional bifurcation occurs at the CD24+CD73- stage, which then resolves in a Vγ-chain specific manner. RORγt- Vγ5 and Vγ1 cells develop along CD24+CD73+ and CD24-CD73+ stages to become γδT1s, and RORγt+ Vγ6 and Vγ4 cells directly downregulate CD24 to become CD24-CD73- γδT17 cells. I showed that HEB (Tcf12) is required for the generation of these CD73- γδT17 cells. HEB is required in the immature CD24+CD73- γδ T cells for the expression of Sox4, Sox13, and Rorc, and these genes are repressed by acute expression of the HEB antagonist Id3. I further demonstrated that HEB can directly regulate Sox4 and Sox13 transcription. HEB-deficiency also impacts mature CD73+ γδ T cells, which are defective in RORγt expression and IL-17 production. Additionally, the fetal HEB-/- Vγ chain repertoire is altered, and peripheral Vγ4 γδ T cells are largely restricted to the IFNγ-producing phenotype. Therefore, I have identified several HEB-dependent pathways for the development of CD73+ and CD73- γδT17 cells, and provided mechanistic evidence for the control of the γδT17 gene network by HEB.