VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Like Mother, Unlike Daughter: Perspectives and Relationships Between Missionary Women in Korea and Korean Women, 1884-1910
Keywords: Korean history
missionaries
motherhood
race
sisterhood
women

Building off of previous debates concerning missionary women and their interactions with race and gender, this thesis re-examines the perspectives and relationships between missionary women in Korea and Korean women between the years 1884-1910. I will primarily focus on the use of rhetoric in published missionary writings and the private papers of Mattie Wilcox Noble and Edith McRae to argue that the rhetoric of sisterhood was mostly used for recruitment purposes and missionary women conceptualized their relations with Korean women based on the domestic ideologies of motherhood. They saw their relationship with Korean women as similar to that of mother and daughter while at the same time also believing their role to be that of a model of motherhood for Korean women. The Korean women did not always view the relationships in the same way, which made the missionary women uneasy, and often understood their relations on a more professional basis.
Fatty Acid Sensing in the Dorsal Vagal Complex and Regulation of Triglyceride-rich very Low-density Lipoprotein Secretion
Keywords: brain
nutrient sensing
VLDL-TG

Fatty acid sensing in the hypothalamus lowers hepatic glucose production and secretion of triglyceride-rich very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-TG). However, whether other brain regions can sense fatty acids to regulate hepatic nutrient metabolism is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that oleic acid infusion into the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) lowers the rate of VLDL-TG secretion in rats. Given that long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL)-mediated esterification of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) to LCFA-CoA is necessary for hypothalamic fatty acid sensing to lower glucose production, we next examined the role of ACSL in DVC fatty acid sensing. We found that all five ACSL members (ACSL1, 3-6) are expressed in the DVC at the protein level. Chemical inhibition of ACSL in the DVC prevented a DVC infusion of oleic acid from lowering VLDL-TG secretion. These data introduce the DVC as a novel site of fatty acid sensing in the regulation of hepatic VLDL-TG secretion.
Vibrational Spectroscopy in Liquid Core Waveguides
Keywords: Liquid
Raman
Spectroscopy
Waveguide

In this thesis, we report an approach which significantly enhances Raman sensitivity through the formation of a thin film atop of a Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF). With the proposed technique we were able to achieve a 40X increase in contaminant signal to background ratio for Alumina, making it much easier to detect small concentrations of solute. Moreover, Alumina was further characterized to discern whether the grain size and crystalline orientation would affect the Raman spectrum and why. Lastly, we pave the way for Liquid -Core -Waveguide (LCW) nanoparticle detection utilizing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and show how a larger path length coupled with a non-absorbing background liquid can lead to an improved contaminant detection method. We were able to conduct this experiment by utilizing a mixture of Acetone and Water. A 2.72X increase in the area of the water modes was observed from a 0.5 mm to 3 mm path length increase.
The Role of miR-193b-5p in LPS- and Influenza-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Keywords: ARDS
influenza
microRNAs
miR-193b-5p
occludin
sepsis

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a fatal complication of sepsis and influenza. Aberrant microRNA (miR) expressions has been linked to the pathophysiology of ARDS and may serve as novel therapeutic targets. We have identified miR-193b-5p, not previously known to play a role in ARDS, to be a regulator of the junctional protein occludin, and significantly increased in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli both in pulmonary endothelial cells and in murine lungs. Inhibition of miR-193b-5p in vivo by anti-miR delivery prevented LPS-induced vascular leakage in mice by preserving alveolar capillary barrier function, which may be mediated by decreased occludin mRNA degradation. In parallel, miR-193b-5p inhibition in influenza A-infected mice reduced 7-day mortality and improved vascular barrier integrity compared to placebo controls. miR-193b-5p inhibition also decreased viral mRNA production and increased expression of type I interferon stimulated genes, suggesting that it may play a role in the innate antiviral response.
Integration of a MEMS-based Autofocus Actuator into a Smartphone Camera
Keywords: Autofocus
Camera module
Integration
MEMS actuator

This thesis presents the design and integration of a phone camera module with a MEMS actuator to achieve autofocus. The resulting camera module addresses issues associated with the commercially available autofocus actuators such as low speed and high power consumption. The MEMS actuator is capable of moving a 62 mg load a stroke of 100 Îźm. Optical simulations were carried out to study the feasibility of achieving the autofocus within the 100 Îźm focus range. A driving circuit for the MEMS actuator was developed. An autofocus control algorithm integrating the MEMS actuator was developed based on the contrast detection method. A highly compact camera module was successfully constructed and its performance demonstrated after all its components were integrated which include the image sensor, the lens barrel, the MEMS actuator and the housing. Recommendations for further improvement of the developed camera are also included.
Investigation and Development of Bioelectrical Impedance Measurements in Relation to Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Keywords: Bioelectrical Impedance
Fluid Overloading
Medical Devices
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Phase Angle

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive technique to measure the fluid content of various tissues. Based on Ohmâ s law, tissue impedance is determined by passing a current through the tissue and measuring the voltage. The total impedance is composed of multiple parameters: the resistance, and reactance, or magnitude and phase angle, all of which may vary based on tissue composition. For example, an increase in fluid volume will result in a lower resistance, while a lower phase angle has shown to be associated with a lower muscle mass and increased mortality in heart failure patients. We demonstrate that BIA measurements of the neck are able to detect changes in the fluid content, from before to after sleep, as well as differentiate patients who show worsening in sleep apnea severity subject to fluid overloading. Furthermore, we propose a design for a portable device to measure BIA in a clinical setting.
The Role of Septins during Invasion of Host Cells by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Keywords: Invasion
Pathogenesis
Salmonella
Septin

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) initiates invasion of host cells using a Type 3 Secretion System to translocate bacterial virulence proteins (known as effectors) across the host cell plasma membrane. The effectors manipulate host cell machinery to induce actin cytoskeleton rearrangements that lead bacteria internalization. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of host actin interactors in bacterial invasion, but how these factors are dynamically coordinated remains unclear. In my thesis, I demonstrate that septins, a conserved family of GTPases, are recruited to sites of bacterial invasion and are required for efficient bacterial internalization. Septins also promote recruitment of ROCKII kinase to invasion sites and its downstream activation of the actin nucleating protein FHOD1. In contrast, myosin II activation, known to be required for S. Typhimurium invasion, was not septin-dependent. Collectively, my data provide new insight into the mechanisms by which host actin regulatory proteins contribute to S. Typhimurium invasion.
Monolithic Photon Pair Separation
Keywords: Coupler
Integrated
Optics
Photon
Separation
SPDC

The thesis analyzes integrated, planar symmetric and non-symmetric three input-output couplers for single photon pair separation. Device inputs are SPDC light sources which produce photons in pairs. The effect of two photon pair inputs on device performance is analyzed via a performance quantifier. The quantifier depends on SPDC pump power, device and input state parameters. The performance of the directional coupler is compared to the performance of the three waveguide devices via maximization of performance quantifier values with respect to device and input state parameters. It is found that the planar three waveguide devices do not offer any improved performance for photon pair separation. New approach to calculating output probabilities of mode-coupled devices is presented and can be used for other types of mode-coupled devices.
Reoperation for Inguinal Hernia Recurrence in Ontario: A Population-based Study
Keywords: Hernia recurrence
Inguinal Hernia
Laparoscopic Hernia
Lichtenstein

Objective: To compare the rate of reoperation for recurrent inguinal hernia after primary repair. Methodology: A population-based retrospective cohort study, using administrative data including adult patients in Ontario, Canada undergoing primary inguinal hernia repair (IHR) from April 1, 2003 - December 31, 2012, followed to August 31, 2014. Exposure: Primary IHR techniques: open repair with mesh; open repair without mesh; laparoscopic repair Results: We identified 109,106 adults undergoing primary IHR with 5.6 year median follow-up. The 5-year cumulative risk of recurrent IHR was 1.7% in the open with mesh group, 3.2% in the open without mesh group and 3.0% in the laparoscopic group. After adjusting for patient, surgeon and institution factors, as compared to patients undergoing open repair with mesh, those undergoing open without mesh or laparoscopic repair had higher risk of recurrent IHR (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% CI, 1.33- 1.77 and 1.88, 95% CI, 1.61- 2.20 respectively, p
Detection and Online Classification of the Near-infrared Spectroscopy Fast Optical Signal for Brain-computer Interfaces
Keywords: brain-computer interface
electroencephalography
event-related potential
fast optical signal
near-infrared spectroscopy
prefrontal cortex

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can detect a fast optical signal (FOS), corresponding to optical property changes in neuronal tissue during neuronal activation. The FOS has high temporal and spatial resolution, but has a low signal-to-noise ratio. The FOS has yet to be automatically classi- fied, hence its value as a BCI control signal remains unknown. During offline and online sessions, participants performed a visual oddball task. In offline sessions, the FOS was validated with elec- troencephalography (EEG) measurements of event-related potential (ERPs). Spectral relationships between FOS and ERP oddball responses were found in upper delta and theta bands using coherence and Granger causality metrics. A temporal FOS-ERP correlation was also found 200 ms after oddball presentation. Offline and online FOS classification of oddballs versus frequent responses was achieved with average balanced accuracies of 62 Âą 5% and 63 Âą 6%, respectively. FOS classification results were above chance but did not reach the threshold (>70%) for effective BCI communication.
A Gold Nanoparticle-Based Assay for The Measurement of Nitrite and Nitrate Levels for Soil Macronutrient Measurement
Keywords: Gold
nanoparticle
Nanotechnology
Nitrate
Nitrite
Sensor

Soil conditions are a key parameter that determines yield and quality of the crops harvested from it. The levels of nitrates, phosphates and potassium are the essential nutrients regarding soil, and most developing parts of the world do not have the luxury to perform any sort of soil analysis. Commercially available soil test kits were tested for their quantitative ability, but were found to be inadequate for regular soil testing in all parts of the world. This project takes a step towards addressing this problem by developing a nitrite/nitrate sensor that is precise, accurate and cost efficient using gold nanotechnology. While the platform is promising for widespread commercial soil testing, particularly in developing nations, the reaction has to be performed at 95oC for 1 hour. The alternatives for improving the kinetics of the reaction to allow its implementation at lower temperatures and over shorter times are presented.
Comparative in Vitro Studies of Folic Acid versus 5-methyltetrahydrofolate Supplementation in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
Keywords: 5-methyltetrahydrofolate
5MTHF
FA
folate
folic acid

High folate status from high folic acid (FA) intakes may have unintended and serious deleterious effects on human health, such as increased cancer progression and epigenetic changes. Some studies suggest that supplementation with 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5MTHF) may be a safer means of providing folate supplementation. We compared the effects of FA versus 5MTHF supplementation on cellular growth, intracellular folate concentrations, and expression of genes involved in folate metabolism and one-carbon transfer reactions in human HCT116 and Caco-2 cell lines. 5MTHF supplementation generally resulted in significantly faster cellular proliferation and higher intracellular folate concentrations in both cell lines. 5MTHF supplementation also resulted in higher global DNA methylation in Caco-2 compared to FA, while the opposite occurred in HCT116. No conclusive comparative effects of FA versus 5MTHF supplementation on gene expression were observed. Future studies are warranted to determine which form of folate is a more appropriate and effective for improving folate status.
Cognitive Sequelae of Endocrine Therapy for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Cognition
Endocrine Therapy
Estrogen
Neuropsychology

Consistent with research implicating estrogens in neuroprotection and cognitive functioning, there is accumulating evidence that endocrine therapy (ET) is associated with cognitive impairments in breast cancer (BC) patients. However, which cognitive functions are most affected by ET is not well understood and there is a lack of knowledge regarding how these agents affect cognition in older patients, who may be most vulnerable to these effects. This thesis contains two studies designed to address these issues. The first is a meta-analysis that quantified the effects of ET on various cognitive domains, and the second study prospectively examined the cognitive effects of ET in a cohort of older patients. The results of these studies converged to suggest a specific adverse effect of ET on verbal memory, a domain that has established clinical utility as an early predictor of dementia. The cognitive implications of ET treatment should be considered in clinical decision making.
Investigating the Role of Amino Acid Transporter SLC6A14 as a Modifier of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lung Infection in Cystic Fibrosis
Keywords: Amino Acid Transporter
Arginine
Cystic FIbrosis
Modifier Genes
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
SLC6A14

The most common disease causing mutation in CF is F508del, however there is considerable variability in the clinical phenotype of patients homozygous for this mutation. To address this variation, genetic modifiers are studied. Li et al found that SNPs in the putative promoter region of SLC6A14 were significantly associated with severity and age of first Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in CF. Experiments were aimed at studying if SLC6A14-mediated amino acid uptake is regulated by bacterial pathogens and in turn regulates bacterial growth. Arginine uptake from the ASL of non-CF and CF primary bronchial cultures was measured, after treatment with purified flagellin from Pseudomonas. This treatment resulted in a 26.4% (n=5; p
Atrial Electromechanical Function in Middle-Aged Endurance Athletes with and without Atrial Fibrillation
Keywords: Arrhythmias
Athletes
Atrial Fibrillation
Cardiac Function
Risk

Highly endurance trained athletes have an elevated risk for developing paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF). The cardiac response to exercise is unknown in this population. Fourteen endurance-trained (H-EA) males (56.6 ± 5.1 years) were compared to eight endurance-trained males with PAF (EA-AF) (52.5 ± 6.8 years) during cycle-ergometry at light (100 bpm) and moderate (130 bpm) exercise. Resting atrial volumes did not differ between H-EAs and EA-AFs. Left ventricular EDV, LA reservoir and LA booster volumes were significantly lower in EA-AFs during light and moderate exercise, and there was a trend for greater passive emptying during light exercise. There were no differences in phasic strain, diastolic function, or atrial electro-mechanical delay. The findings of the present study suggest that resting measures of volume and function are inadequate to identify markers of PAF in athletes. Evidence of reduced atrial phasic volumes during elevated demands may be indicative of atrial stiffening in PAF athletes.
When the Ones We Love Misbehave: Exploring Moral Processes in Intimate Bonds
Keywords: Morality
Relationships

How do we respond when those we are closest to behave unethically? Previous research has almost exclusively investigated individuals’ reactions to transgressions committed by strangers. Here we examined how observers evaluated close others and their misbehaviour, how close others’ misbehaviour affected observers’ own morality, and how relationship relevant outcomes were impacted when a close other, compared to a stranger, acted immorally. Participants read hypothetical transgressions (Study 1), recalled actual transgressions (Study 2), and witnessed transgressions occur in the laboratory committed by romantic partners, friends, and strangers (Study 3). Effects were consistent across Studies 1 and 2, but less so for Study 3. For the most part, participants evaluated transgressors and their unethical actions less harshly, but exhibited greater negative effects on their own morality and perceived relationship outcomes when close others acted unethically, compared to strangers. This work suggests that sharing intimate bonds with transgressors impact moral evaluations.
Securing Publish/Subscribe
Keywords: Confidnetiality
Publish/Subscribe
Secret sharing
Security

Increased public scrutiny has led to calls for greater security regarding user data. As a widely used many-to-many communication paradigm, publish/subscribe (pub/sub) has received a significant amount of attention from researchers regarding ways in which to secure user data. In this thesis, we present the current state-of-the-art of securing pub/sub systems. We categorize the existing research, presenting what is currently achievable and identify gaps and potential areas of research. One such gap is the assumption of an initial established security parameter, shared secret or key between communicating clients. We propose a novel scheme called HyShare that does not require an unilaterally trusted, universally available, out-of-band service for the dissemination of a secret.
DEVELOPMENT OF PAPER-BASED MALE FERTILITY DIAGNOSTICS FOR MOBILE HEALTH SCREENING
Keywords: Machine learning
Male infertility
Microfluidics
Point-of-care diagnostics
Smartphone imaging

Mobile health technologies are emerging for population health screening applications. Current male fertility diagnostics lag these other health arenas in many aspects. This thesis provides novel methods to aid in and commercialize paper-based male infertility diagnostics. First, to quantify cell concentration and viability a smartphone-based colourometric imaging method was developed that corrects for environmental lighting conditions and provides quantitative measurements from paper-based tests. A fluid delivery system for the colourimetric paper-based assay was also developed. Clinical testing revealed that the device had false-positives from bacteria in some semen samples. To mitigate the false-positive issues, a companion method was developed to purify semen prior to testing. Collectively these works advance the technology and applicability of portable male fertility diagnostics in aid of fertility challenges worldwide. The Appendix reports additional recent work on the development and testing of a deep learning model to correlate single cell morphology parameters to DNA integrity analysis.
Primary thromboprophylaxis for inpatients with advanced cancer
Keywords: cancer
medical oncology
palliative care
thromboprophylaxis

Introduction: Thromboprophylaxis (TP) is recommended for acutely hospitalised cancer patients; little is known about its use on palliative care units (PCUs). Methods: First, we conducted a systematic review to explore the landscape of TP use, venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding rates on PCUs. We then administered a fractional factorial survey to Canadian medical oncologists and palliative care physicians exploring their attitudes towards TP using a series of vignettes. Results: The systematic review revealed heterogeneity in TP use, VTE and bleeding rates. The survey revealed heterogeneity in decision-making around TP between the two physician groups. We identified a number of patient factors that contributed to TP use; oncologists were at higher odds of prescribing TP compared with palliative care physicians(OR 2.09[95%CI 1.56-2.8]). Conclusions: True rates of TP use, VTE and bleeding on PCUs remain unclear. Greater exploration of the drivers and barriers to TP use, and physician group differences, are warranted.
Study of Strain-tunable Optical Properties of Metal Thin-films on Elastomeric Substrates
Keywords: Metal thin-film
Photonic
Plasmonic
Strained
Tunable

Metal thin-films have unique optical properties and play a pivotal role in many photonic, plasmonic and metamaterial devices. The optical properties of metal thin-films cannot be easily modulated however, and as such the potential for tunable devices using metal thin-films layers is limited. We demonstrate the tunability of the optical properties of metal thin-films deposited on elastomeric substrates by way of applied tensile strain. Silver thin-films seeded by dielectric aluminum nitride layers are shown to exhibit strain actuatable infrared plasmonic resonances as a result of film crumpling when under strain. Silver thin-films seeded by chromium are shown to have local surface plasmon resonances as well as reduced infrared reflectivity when compared to smooth silver thin-films. Under strain, we show how the reflectance of these films is further decreased, and their transmittance enhanced. We conclude with a list of potential tunable optical devices that could utilize strain-tunable metal thin-film layers.
Cation Chloride Cotransporters Exist with NMDA Receptors in Molecular Complexes
Keywords: chloride homeostasis
GABA
glutamate
KCC2
NKCC1
NMDA receptors

In the central nervous system, the polarity of GABAergic synaptic transmission is predominantly determined by cation-chloride cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2. During development, functional expression of chloride-loading NKCC1 decreases while chloride-extruding KCC2 is steeply upregulated and underlies the GABA switch from excitatory to inhibitory. Despite the critical role of KCC2 in inhibitory neurotransmission, excitatory kainate-type glutamate receptor subunit GluK2 interacts with and regulates KCC2 function. The aim of this study was to determine if N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) interact with NKCC1 and KCC2. The salient findings of my work are: (i) NKCC1 and KCC2 interact with NMDARs in neurons throughout development and into maturity (ii) loss of NMDARs alters expression of KCC2 and (iii) traumatic brain injury alters cation-chloride cotransporter expression and interactions with NMDARs. This work contributes to our knowledge of the molecular interplay between the opposing forces of neuronal excitation and inhibition.