VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Fuel Load, Fuel Structure and Fire Behaviour of Forested Bogs and Blowdown
Keywords: Wildfire
Fuel Type
Fire Behaviour
Blowdown
Forested Bog

A study was undertaken to characterize two dynamic fuel types not included in the Canadian Forest Fire Behaviour Prediction System: forested bogs and blowdown. Fuel load and structure were measured at ten forested bog sites in central Alberta along a 108 year post-fire chronosequence. Canopy bulk density increased following a sigmoidal curve between 0.00 and 0.54 kg•m-3. Crown fire potential was modeled using a general crown fire behaviour model and found to follow a similar sigmoidal pattern increasing with time-since-fire. Blowdown fuel loads were measured at six sites in northwestern Ontario and ranged from 13.4 to 18.9 kg•m-2. Elevated fine blowdown fuels were found to have faster reaction times and dry more rapidly than predicted by the Fine Fuel Moisture Code. Detailed observations were also made of fire behaviour in blowdown fuels
Elucidating the Role of TDP-43 in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Keywords: ALS
Drosophila
TDP-43
Neurodegeneration

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with no cure. TAR-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is the major component of the cytoplasmic inclusions characteristic of ALS. Transgenic Drosophila lines expressing wild-type, mutant and splice variants of human TDP-43 were generated. I find that ubiquitous expression of all TDP-43 transgenes, except for TDP-43∆C-term, is sufficient to cause lethality. I also show that eye-specific expression of a TDP-43∆N-term splice variant, which localizes diffusely to the cytosol, results in increased cell toxicity suggesting an association between cytosolic localization and toxicity. Consistent with this model, I find that the TDP-43∆N-term splice variant is capable of recruiting full length TDP-43 into the cytoplasm, and I suggest this may represent an initiating event in TDP-43-linked ALS. Altogether, my results seem to indicate that exclusion of TDP-43 from the nucleus rather than its presence in aggregates is linked to increased cytotoxicity and lethality in ALS.
Correlates of Condom Use among Single, Sexually Active Ontario Adults: Data from the 1996/97 Ontario Health Survey
Keywords: condom use
correlates

OBJECTIVE: To examine the past-year prevalence and frequency of condom use and to identify correlates of condom use among young, unattached heterosexual Ontarians. METHODS: Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the 1996/97 Ontario Health Survey (OHS), a cross-sectional, random digit-dialling (RDD) survey of 36,892 Ontario residents of households with a telephone line. RESULTS: Between 1996 and 1997, 61.3% (95% CI=58.5%-64.1%) of the study sample (aged 15-44, n=1,949) reported consistent (always) condom use and 11.8% (95% CI=10.2%-13.5%) reported never using condoms. Significant correlates included, for both sexes, health planning region, age, ethnic origin, and type of smoker; for females only, socio-economic status, age at first sexual intercourse, and past-month oral contraceptive use ; and for males only, number of past-year sexual partners, HIV testing history, and past-year frequency of religious attendance. CONCLUSIONS: Findings constitute a cross-sectional component for examining the long-term trend of condom use in Ontario.
Studies in Palladium Catalyzed Carbohalogenation Chemistry
Keywords: catalysis
palladium
domino chemistry
carbohalogenation

Since recognizing the significance of reversible oxidative addition of palladium into aryl halides in the synthesis of 2-bromo-indoles, the Lautens group has focused on unusual carbon-halogen reductive eliminations. These efforts led to the discovery of the novel palladium-catalyzed inter- and intramolecular carbohalogenation reaction – the formal addition of an sp2 carbon–iodide bond across an alkene. One current research direction is utilizing a range of aryl halides and pseudohalides as starting materials for carbohalogenation chemistry. This thesis describes complementary research, focusing on the expansion of functional group scope. Carbohalogenation has been developed to synthesize novel products including heteroaromatic compounds and 7-membered rings. Polyunsaturated aryl iodide substrates were investigated with the goal of performing domino carbohalogenation. Ultimately, the successful halogen exchange process was combined with domino carbohalogenation in an efficient halogen-exchange domino reaction. Additionally, preliminary studies on enantioselective carbohalogenation, and functionalization of the neopentyl iodide products are also discussed.
Dynamic Analysis of Whiplash
Keywords: whiplash
dynamic
lumped-parameter
rigid linkage
inverse analysis
multi-body
analytical
numerical
experimental

This study is concerned with whiplash injuries resulting from the sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head relative to the torso in vehicle collisions. Whiplash is the most common automobile injury, yet it is poorly understood. The objective of this thesis is to develop a representative rigid linkage lumped parameter model using Lagrangian mechanics to capture the relative motion of the head and cervical spine. Joint locations corresponding to the intervertebral centers of rotation are used to simulate the normal spinal movements and an inverse analysis is applied to determine the viscoelastic parameters for the spine, based on cadaver test results. The model is further validated using ANSYS dynamic finite element analysis and experimentally validated using a newly designed and fully instrumented whiplash test fixture. Our findings reveal the effectiveness of the simplified model which can be easily scaled to accommodate differences in collision severity, posture, gender, and occupant size.
Factors Governing Sorption of Dissolved Organic Matter and Pharmaceuticals in Soil
Keywords: sorption
organic matter
pharmaceuticals
soil
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Pharmaceuticals, personal care products and dissolved organic matter (OM) are introduced to soil via irrigation with reclaimed wastewater. This thesis examines the basic factors that influence sorption of these components in soil. Sorption of dissolved OM samples of varying composition to clay surfaces was examined. Results indicate that preferential sorption is dependent on clay type but not necessarily OM composition. Analysis of soils revealed aliphatic components, carbohydrates and amino acids are prevalent at the soil-water interface whereas aromatics are inaccessible at the soil-water interface. No clear relationship between sorption affinity of 17β-estradiol, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine and phenanthrene and soil OM aromaticity or aliphaticity was observed. A negative relationship between sorption and O-alkyl content may be due to these components blocking contaminant access to high affinity sorption sites. Therefore, application of reclaimed wastewater to soils with O-alkyl-rich OM may result in higher mobility of contaminants.
The Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers: Comparative Analysis of Certain Aspects of the Regulatory Regimes of Europe, Canada and the United States of America
Keywords: Financial Regulation
Alternative Investment Fund Managers

The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive ("AIFMD"), adopted by the European Union on 11 November 2010, has introduced a harmonized set of rules for alternative investment funds (“AIFs”) in Europe. This thesis discusses potential financial risks for the AIFs industry arising from the European regulatory reform, which started before the current financial crisis, and compares relevant European, Canadian and US rules governing AIFs. This comparative analysis is based on four main criteria: i) registration and authorization requirements, ii) general financial transparency requirements, iii) capital requirements, and iv) remuneration restrictions. The analysis of AIFs regulatory reform in Europe leads to three main conclusions. First, the AIFMD requirements are much stricter than analogue regimes in Canada and the United States. Second, as a consequence of this regulation, European AIFs may be in disadvantage. Third, the complexity of the present European institutional framework is not able to fully implement the European regulatory reform.
Control of Dopant Type and Density in Colloidal Quantum Dot Films
Keywords: quantum dots
photovoltaics
doping
transistors
homojunction

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are an inexpensive and solution processable photovoltaic(PV) material reaching modest efficiencies of 6%. However, doping quantum dots still remains a challenge. This thesis explores the level of doping in lead sulfide (PbS)CQDs by surface ligands and bulk doping within the quantum dot lattice using metals. In light of the knowledge that oxygen creates traps on the surface of PbS CQDs, we have turned to the use of oxygen-free fabrication. We find that under a nitrogen environment, PbS CQD films are n-type and tunable in doping by use of halide ions. We show for the first time control over the doping density of n-type CQD films over a wide range. We also show the ability to fabricate p-type PbS films with high doping density that are compatible with n-type films. This compatibility enabled us to make the world’s first CQD homojunction PV device.
Proteolytic Processing of Nlrp1b in the FIIND Domain is Required for Inflammasome Activity
Keywords: Microbiology
Immunology
Nlrp1b
Nalp1b
Inflammasome
Anthrax
Lethal toxin
pyroptosis
caspase-1
NLR
Nlrp1
IL-1
NOD
CARD8
Cleaved
Cleavage
Proteolysis
Innate immune
Pattern recognition receptor
Inflammation
FIIND
CARD

Nlrp1b is a NOD-like receptor of the innate immune system that upon sensing of anthrax lethal toxin oliogmerizes and forms a protein scaffold that binds to and activates pro-caspase-1; this complex is called an inflammasome. Nlrp1b is highly polymorphic and different alleles display an all or none ability to sense lethal toxin. Here I show that Nlrp1b is cleaved in the FIIND domain, and that the cleaved fragments remain associated even after activation by lethal toxin. The inflammasome activity of an inactive allele was restored by three mutations, one of which also restored cleavage. A heterologous cleavage site was inserted into an uncleaved mutant of Nlrp1b; induced proteolysis of the cleavage site rescued inflammasome activity. An uncleaved mutant of Nlrp1b showed no deficiency in FIIND self-association, but did have reduced recruitment of pro-caspase-1. These data provide evidence that cleavage of Nlrp1b is required for proper recruitment and activation of caspase-1.
Understanding the Role of Ribosomal Proteins and Aberrant FLVCR1 Splicing in Diamond Blackfan Anemia
Keywords: Diamond blackfan anemia
Ribosomal proteins

Diamond Blackfan Anemia is a rare congenital disease that is primarily characterized by reduced erythroid progenitors. DBA pathogenesis has been associated with genes encoding ribosomal proteins (RPs) which are important in translation. However, this fails to explain why erythropoiesis is specifically disrupted. Our lab previously found that aberrant splicing of the human transcript encoding heme exporter, FLVCR1, is involved in DBA pathogenesis; and that RPS19 implicated in 25% of DBA patients, regulates FLVCR1 transcript splicing. This thesis investigated the role of another DBA associated gene encoding RPS17, in the regulation of FLVCR1 splicing and disrupted erythropoiesis in DBA. My findings further support the role of FLVCR1 aberrant splicing in DBA and provide evidence suggesting that RPS17 may not be a candidate DBA gene. Furthermore, my study implicates a potential role for RPS19 transcript levels in defective erythroid differentiation observed in DBA.
Combining Decomposition and Hybrid Algorithms for the Satellite Range Scheduling Problems
Keywords: Satellite Scheduling
Hybrid Algorithm
Logic-Based Benders Decomposition

Multiple-resource satellite scheduling problem (MuRRSP) is a complex and difficult scheduling problem, which schedules a large number of task requests onto ground-station antennas in order to communicate with the satellites. We first examined several exact algorithms that were previously implemented in the machine scheduling field. They are column generation and logic-based Benders decomposition. A new hybrid approach that combines both column generation and logic-based Benders decomposition is proposed. The hybrid performed well when there is a large number of machines. Next, we presented a connection between the parallel machine scheduling problem and MuRRSP in order to solve MuRRSP with exact algorithms. Furthermore, we proposed a strengthened cut in the sub-problem of the logic-based Benders decomposition. The resulting algorithm proved to be very effective. Barbulescu’s benchmark problems were solved and proved optimal with an average run-time less than one-hour. To the best of our knowledge, previous efforts to solve MuRRSP were all heuristic based and no optimal schedules existed.
Effect of NAFLD on Regulation of Hepatic Transporters and Metaboic Enzymes Using a High Fat/ High Cholesterol Dietary Model in Rats
Keywords: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Transporters

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is affecting an increasing population worldwide. NAFLD is closely associated with obesity and diabetes. Research has shown that the expression of some important hepatic transporters and enzymes are altered under inflammatory conditions. We examined the effect of NAFLD on the gene expression of several hepatic transporters and enzymes, as well as the impact of exercise in attenuating the effect of NAFLD. We have demonstrated that the mRNA expression of several hepatic transporters and enzymes, as well as FXR were significantly downregulated in liver of rats treated with a HFHCD. We concluded that HFHCD-induced hepatic steatosis, together with the reduced expression of FXR, contributed to the downregulation of expression of hepatic transporters and enzymes. The mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-1β were unaffected. Interestingly, exercise was found to improve the expression levels of some transporters and enzymes.
The Role of KATP-channels in the Maintenance of Ventricular Fibrillation in Cardiomyopathic Human Hearts
Keywords: Ventricular Fibrillation
K-ATP Channels
Arrhythmia
Glibenclamide

Background: Modulation of ischemia-dependent pathways alters electrophysiological evolution of ventricular fibrillation(VF). Hypothesis: 1)There is regional disease-related expression of KATP-channels in human cardiomyopathic hearts. 2)KATP-channel blockade promotes spontaneous VF termination by attenuating spatiotemporal dispersion of refractoriness(ΔERP). Methods and Results: Electric mapping of control(n=6) and treatment(n=9) (10 μmol/L glibenclamide) isolated human cardiomyopathic hearts was performed. Spontaneous defibrillation and KATP-subunit gene expression were studied. Spontaneous VF termination occurred in 1/6 control and 7/8 treated hearts (P=0.026). After 180 seconds of ischemia, LV transmural dispersion in VF cycle length was observed(p=0.001), which was attenuated by glibenclamide. There was greater gene expression of all KATP-subunit on the endocardium compared with the epicardium(P<0.02). In ischemic rat heart model, ΔERP was verified with pacing protocols (36±5ms vs 4.9±4ms, p=0.019). Conclusions: KATP channel subunit gene expression is heterogeneously altered in the cardiomyopathic human heart. Blockade of KATP channels promotes spontaneous defibrillation by attenuating ischemia-dependent ΔERP during VF.
V-ATPase a3-d2 and a3-B2 Subunit Interaction in Osteoclasts are Viable Targets for Anti-resorptive Therapeutics
Keywords: Bone
V-ATPase
osteoclast
drug development
Luteolin

For bone resorption, vacuolar-type H+-ATPases (V-ATPases) on the plasma membranes of osteoclasts acidifies the extracellular millieu adjacent to the bone surface. The V-ATPase a3 and d2 subunits are enriched in osteoclasts. B2 subunit is also expressed on the osteoclast plasma membrane. Disruption of genes encoding subunits a3 and d2 impairs bone resorption. In this study, we have shown an interaction between the a3-B2 and a3-d2 subunits. Luteolin and KM91104 were found to be effective inhibitors of the a3-d2 and a3-B2 interactions respectively. Secondary assays revealed luteolin and KM91104 were not toxic to cells, did not affect osteoclastogenesis yet inhibited bone resorption. Furthermore luteolin did not affect V-ATPase subunit formation or assembly. Inhibitors of osteoclast resorption that do not affect osteoclast viability, preserve osteoclast–osteoblast signalling are desirable than existing anti-resorptives. Therefore, V-ATPase a3–d2 and a3-B2 interactions are viable targets for anti-resorptive therapeutics for osteoporosis.
Parallels between Gambling and Amphetamine Reinforcement in Pathological Gamblers and Healthy Controls and the Role of Sensitization
Keywords: Gambling
Sensitization
Amphetamine
Reinforcement
Prepulse Inhibition

Pathological gambling is a serious disorder with lifetime prevalence between 1.1-3.5%. Evidence suggests commonalities in the neurochemical basis of pathological gambling and psychostimulant addiction. However, parallel effects of gambling and a stimulant drug have not been assessed in the same subjects. This study employed a cross-priming strategy in which 12 male pathological gamblers and 11 male controls were exposed to a 15-minute slot machine game and d-amphetamine (0.4 mg/kg). Subjective, cognitive, electrophysiological, and physiological responses were assessed. Gamblers reported greater desire to gamble after both reinforcers, when baseline motivation was controlled. Conversely, gamblers exhibited diminished cardiovascular response to amphetamine. Gamblers also exhibited decreased pre-pulse inhibition (impaired sensorimotor gating), and deficits on this index predicted greater post-amphetamine desire to gamble and decreased heart rate response to the dose. Results are consistent with possible dopaminergic sensitization in pathological gamblers, but also suggest that central noradrenergic receptor deficits contribute importantly to these effects.
The Role of Gli3 Transcription Factor in the Developing Mouse Stomach
Keywords: hedgehog pathway
gastric development
Gli3
mouse

The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway plays a critical role in murine gastric development. When Shh is knocked out in the mouse embryonic stomach, glandular epithelial hyperplasia occurs. Furthermore, this phenotype was mimicked in Gli3−/−, but not Gli2−/− stomachs. I utilized three additional mouse models that modulate Gli3 activity to better understand the role of Gli3 in the developing stomach - the Gli3Δ699/Δ699 ,Gli3P1−4/P1−4, and Kif7−/− mice. The Gli3P1−4/P1−4 stomach displayed glandular epithelial overgrowth, as did the Kif7−/− stomach to a lesser extent; the Gli3Δ699/Δ699 stomach displayed glandular hypoplasia. Moreover, the Gli3P1−4/P1−4 and Kif7−/− stomachs have a thicker circular smooth muscle, and the Gli3Δ699/Δ699 had a thinner one relative to wild-type. It appears that altering the balance of Gli3 in favour of its activator results in gastric glandular epithelial and circular smooth muscle hyperplasia, and a balance favouring the Gli3 repressor results in hypoplasia.
Elucidation of the Protective Mechanism of α Crystallin B in Cardiomyocytes
Keywords: crystallin
reactive oxygen species
cardiac cell
protection
mitochondria
heat shock protein

α-Crystallin B (cryAB) is the most abundant small heat shock protein in cardiomyocytes (CMs), where it has been shown to have potent anti-apoptotic properties. The mechanism by which cryAB prevents apoptosis has not been fully characterized. Therefore, I was interested in elucidating its protective mechanism in CMs. I identified its sub-cellular localization and its binding interactors following H2O2 exposure. I found that cryAB is found in the cytosol under control conditions and that following H2O2 exposure it becomes phosphorylated and translocates to the mitochondria. CryAB silencing resulted in increased apoptosis levels in CMs. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed an apparent increased interaction of cryAB and PcryAB with mitochondrial VDAC, caspase 12 and uncleaved caspase 3 in stressed hearts relative to controls. These results suggest that the cardio-protective effects of cryAB are mediated by its translocation to the mitochondria and its interaction with VDAC, caspase 12 and caspase 3 following exposure to H2O2.
Characterization of the Hemodynamic Profile of Early Alzheimer's Disease via Arterial Spin Labeling Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Keywords: cerebral blood flow
arterial spin labeling
Alzheimer's disease
arterial transit time
Cerebral Hypoperfusion
magnetic resonance imaging
perfusion quantification

Arterial spin labeling is a completely non-invasive method for blood-flow measurement techniques. Alzheimer's disease pathology includes microvascular abnormalities in addition to practically all risk factors having a vascular component that reduces cerebral perfusion. Hemodynamic parameters of cerebral blood flow and arterial transit time were estimated via single-compartment modeling of pseudo continuous arterial spin labeling data and neurocognitive test scores (Alzheimer's disease assessment scale and mini-mental state examination) were compared between a group of healthy (N=20) and early Alzheimer's disease (N=25) subjects before and six months after the Alzheimer's subjects began treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors. The early Alzheimer's group showed improved CBF after 6 months' treatment in every Alzheimer's-prone region except the medial and lateral temporal lobes. No difference in arterial transit time was found between groups, indicating that the pathophysiological process causing hypoperfusion in Alzheimer's disease may differ from vascular dementia.
Mutation and Loss of Heterozygosity in an Individual of the Root-infecting Fungus Armillaria Gallica in a Mixed Hardwood Forest
Keywords: Armillaria gallica
somatic mutation

Long-lived individuals of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Armillaria gallica arise in single mating events, and then grow vegetatively to occupy large territories including multiple woody substrates. In effect, this leaves a spatial record of mutation, the detection of which would allow new inferences about how fungal individuals grow and infect their hosts. In this thesis, I first identified a large individual of A. gallica in eastern Ontario. I then searched for genetic variation within this individual by focusing on the tandemly repeated rRNA gene cluster and four microsatellite markers that are variable in the A. gallica population. I discovered a loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the rRNA gene-cluster region, forming two genotypes that show significant spatial clustering in a Mantel test. My M.Sc. thesis research serves as a baseline for a genome-wide study of the mutational dynamic within the vegetative growth phase of this large and old Armillaria individual.