VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Late Quaternary Tectonics, Incision, and Landscape Evolution of the Calchaquí River Catchment, Eastern Cordillera, NW Argentina
Keywords: Cosmogenic Nuclide Chronology
Eastern Cordillera
Longitudinal River Profile Analysis

In this study we use field investigations, analysis of longitudinal river profiles, and 10Be-derived erosion rates and paleo-erosion rates to examine the Quaternary landscape evolution of the Calchaquí River Catchment of the southernmost Eastern Cordillera, in NW Argentina. The spatial distribution of erosion rates, normalized steepness indices, concavity indices, and knickpoints reflect active tectonics and resistant lithologies exposed along preexisting structural heterogeneities. Shortening is distributed across multiple structures and controls local baselevels. Field studies document active faults and ~100m of channel incision in
Transmitted Pressure and Resulting Crack Network in Selected Rocks from Single-hole Blasts in Laboratory-scale Experiments
Keywords: Crack density
Detonating cord
Fragmentation
Rock blasting
Single-hole
Transmitted shock pressure

Fragmentation of rock due to blasting occurs in two stages; stress-wave propagation, and explosion gas-penetration. Single-hole laboratory scale experiments were conducted in four rock types by placing copper liner in the borehole to study the first stage of fracture creation by the stress-wave. The effect of borehole parameters such as borehole-diameter (6.4mm, 9.5mm), charge-weight (3g/m, 5.3g/m, 10g/m PETN) and coupling-medium (air, water) on the magnitude of transmitted pressure were studied with embedded carbon gauges. The resulting crack-patterns were analyzed using dye-impregnation technique, and fragment size distribution by sieve analysis. Both transmitted pressure and crack-density increased with depth from the borehole collar. The borehole wall pressure in water-coupled boreholes was estimated to be 448 MPa compared to air-coupled case of 193 MPa with 5.3g/m detonating cord in 9.5mm borehole in Laurentian granite. The fragment size distribution was strongly influenced by both shape and size of test samples, resulting in wedge-shaped fragments.
Excuse Me, are You the Teacher?: The Experiences of Racialized ESOL Teachers in Private-language Schools in Toronto
Keywords: embodiment in service work
native and 'nonnative' speakers of English
private-language schools
professional identity construction
racialized ESOL teachers
racial microaggressions

Like other service workers, racialized English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers in private-language schools are judged on their embodied traits, which are their (perceived) language proficiency and race, sometimes along with other social markers. Research has suggested that because they are not the ideal White, native-English-speaking instructor, racialized teachers usually experience awkward, confusing, and discriminatory encounters in their workplaces. These interactions are racial microaggressions because they send insulting messages to these teachers. Employing a critical race methodology, this study examines the microaggressions that 10 racialized teachers experience in various private ESOL schools in Toronto. Moreover, it looks at how these microaggressions impact the teachers' professional identities. The findings highlight how the teachers experience a range of microaggressions that occasionally go beyond issues of language and race, all of which promote internal and external identity work. Furthermore, these findings provide the impetus to prevent microaggressions in the ESOL context.
Investigating In Vivo Efficacy of Novel ALN-EP4a Conjugate Drugs for the Treatment of Post-menopausal Osteoporosis
Keywords: Anabolic Bone Therapy
Animal Model
Biomechanics
Bone biology
Conjugate Drug
Osteoporosis

Current treatments for post-menopausal osteoporosis are mainly anti-resorptive, which decrease osteoclastic bone resorption but show little bone-building effects to reverse bone loss. The current study employs a conjugate approach in which an anabolic agent (EP4 receptor agonist) is covalently linked to an anti-resorptive agent (alendronate) to create two novel conjugate drugs: C1 and C2. The rationale is that when administered systemically, C1 and C2 will be target delivered to bone through alendronate's ability to bind to bone mineral, thereby decreasing side effects associated with systemic administration of the EP4 agonist. This study investigated the in vivo efficacy of the C1 and C2 conjugates for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis in a curative experiment using the ovariectomized rat model. Results showed that the C1 conjugate dose-dependently stimulated new bone formation in both cortical and trabecular bone, while the anabolic effects of the C2 conjugates were not observed in any skeletal sites.
Examining Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Diabetic Individuals with and without Psychotic Illness
Keywords: 6 Minute Walk Test
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Psychosis
Type 2 Diabetes

Aim: To measure cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in diabetic individuals with and without a psychotic illness and healthy controls and determine whether the presence of psychosis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).Methods: CRF was assessed using the six minute walk test (6MWT) and self reported questionnaires assessed physical activity, quality of life and perceived exertion. Results: Individuals with T2DM and a comorbid psychotic illness had a significantly lower CRF when compared to people with T2DM alone. CRF in both T2DM groups was significantly lower compared to previously-collected data on healthy Canadians. Conclusion: CRF is reduced in T2DM and the co-occurrence of psychotic illness reduces fitness further. More attention needs to be directed at improving CRF in this population, in both primary care and psychiatric settings. Success in improving fitness in this vulnerable population may reduce medical comorbidity, improve quality of life, and prolong lifespan.
Identifying Protein Interactions Amongst DNA Damage Repair Proteins in Yeast
Keywords: High-throughput
Protein interactions
Yeast two-hybrid

Mapping protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is crucial for understanding cellular systems. PPIs can be studied with binary or co-complex methods. A major economical binary method is the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. However, current Y2H is still very time-consuming for studying large protein matrices. Here, I applied a new technology developed in our lab, Barcode Fusion Genetics Yeast Two-Hybrid (BFG-Y2H), to study ~69,000 protein pairs amongst 263 yeast DNA damage repair proteins. BFG-Y2H combines Y2H, DNA-barcoding, barcode-fusion genetics and next-generation sequencing to increase the current throughput of Y2H. I demonstrated that BFG-Y2H screens are reproducible and of comparable quality to a previously published high-quality Y2H dataset. In addition, I also discovered and confirmed five novel Y2H interactions amongst the top scores with the BFG-Y2H screens when compared to all previously published literature. Thus, BFG-Y2H can be used to more efficiently capture PPIs.
Decreased Face Primary Motor Cortex (Face-M1) Excitability Induced by Noxious Stimulation of the Molar Tooth Pulp is Dependent on the Functional Integrity of Face-M1 Astrocytes
Keywords: Astrocytes
Dental Pain
Glial cells
Motor Cortex
Pain

Acute inflammatory dental pain is a prevalent orofacial pain condition that is often associated with altered orofacial sensorimotor functions. The underlying motor cortex mechanisms are unclear. The aims were to examine whether application of the inflammatory irritant mustard oil (MO) to the rat maxillary molar tooth pulp affects face-M1 excitability manifested as a change in intracortical microstimulation threshold intensity for evoking jaw-opening muscle electromyographic activity, and if subsequent application of the astrocytic inhibitor methionine sulfoximine (MSO) to the face-M1 can modulate the MO-induced effects. Compared with control, pulpal MO application induced significantly decreased face-M1 excitability. Subsequent MSO application to the face-M1 attenuated the MO-induced effects. These novel findings suggest that acute noxious stimulation of the dental pulp is associated with decreased face-M1 excitability that is, at least in part, dependent on the functional integrity of face-M1 astrocytes and may be related to mechanisms underlying limited jaw movements in acute pain conditions.
Diapers and Downloads: How Young Mothers Negotiate the Pressures of Finishing their Secondary School Education Online
Keywords: adult education
critical theory
discourse analysis
online learning
poststructuralism

Online learning is increasingly regarded as a way to accommodate the needs of students who are compromised by geography, health, and socio-economic status. This research examines the experiences of young single mothers who are enrolled in online courses in order to graduate from secondary school. With the promise of anytime, anywhere education, women who have not been able to complete secondary school enroll in online courses with an expectation that they will be able to care for their children and complete courses while at home with relative ease. Using the dual lenses of poststructuralism and critical theory, this research investigates how the prevailing assumptions concerning the benefits of online learning accord with the experiences of this particular group of women and how the dominant societal discourses surrounding educative technologies are reflected in the women's utterances.
The Challenges of Restoring Binaural Hearing: A Study of Binaural Fusion, Listening Effort, and Music Perception in Children using Bilateral Cochlear Implants
Keywords: binaural hearing
children
cochlear implants
deafness
listening effort
music perception

Benefits from bilateral implantation vary and are limited by mismatched devices, stimulation schemes, and abnormal development. We asked whether bilateral implant use promotes binaural fusion, reduces listening effort, or enhances music perception in children. Binaural fusion (perception of 1 vs. 2 sounds) was assessed behaviourally and reaction times and pupillary changes were recorded simultaneously to measure effort. The child's Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia was modified and administered to evaluate music perception. Bilaterally implanted children heard a fused percept less frequently than normal hearing peers, possibly due to impaired cortical integration and device limitations, but fusion improved in children who were older and had less brainstem asymmetry and when there was a level difference. Poorer fusion was associated with increased effort, which may have resulted from diminished bottom-up processing. Children with bilateral implants perceived music as accurately as unilaterally implanted peers and improved performance with greater bilateral implant use.
The Spectrum of Hepatic Involvement in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Analysis of the Development of Abnormal Liver Enzymes and Associated Clinical Variables
Keywords: Autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Liver enzymes
Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Hepatic involvement in pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) includes presentation with abnormal liver enzymes (LEs). A proportion of these children do not develop serious hepatic consequences. We sought to describe the natural history of the development of abnormal LEs and associated clinical variables. A carefully phenotyped cohort of 300 children with IBD (
Effectiveness of Educational Materials about Reducing Pain in Infants Receiving Immunizations in a Paediatric Outpatient Setting: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Keywords: immunization pain
infants
injection pain
pain management
vaccine

Background: Immunizations are common painful medical procedures for infants and educating parents at their paediatrician's office on pain management (PM) can help improve utilization of strategies.Objective: To determine the effectiveness of educating parents at the paediatric clinic on increasing the number of PM strategies utilized during their infant's immunization appointments.Methods: This was a partially blinded cluster randomized controlled trial at a paediatric clinic at St. Michael's Hospital where parents were randomized by groups according to their paediatrician. Parents in the intervention group received written and video information on immunization PM and parents in the control group did not.Results: 160 parent-infant dyads from 4 physician clinics were observed during their immunization procedure. A statistically significant increase (p
Qualitative Analysis of Precipitate Formation on the Surface and in the Tubules of Dentin Irrigated with Chlorhexidine or QMiX® as a Final Rinse
Keywords: chlorhexidine
dentin
parachloroaniline
precipitate
QMiX
sodium hypochlorite

This study examined the presence of precipitate and para-chloroaniline (PCA) in dentinal tubules (DT), after irrigation with NaOCl and CHX, or with NaOCl and QMiX®, using of Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Human upper molars dentin blocks were embedded in resin. Group 1 was irrigated with 2.5%NaOCl, followed by 17%EDTA, 2.5%NaOCl, and 2%CHX. Group 2 was irrigated with 2.5%NaOCl, saline and QMiX®. TOF-SIMS spectra were obtained. Longitudinal sections of the irrigated blocks were exposed and examined with TOF-SIMS. All samples and analyses were triplicated for confirmation. Group 1 samples had irregular precipitate containing PCA on the surface and extending into DT. In group 2, no precipitate was seen on the surface or in DT. PCA and precipitate were present in the tubules of dentin irrigated with NaOCl followed by CHX. No precipitate or PCA were detected in the tubules of dentin irrigated with NaOCl followed by saline and QMiX®.
Development of Thermographic Phosphor Diagnostics For Gas Turbine Temperature Measurements
Keywords: SEM
Thermographic Phosphor
XRD
YABNG:Dy
YAG:Dy
YAG:Dy:Er

Laser induced phosphorescence (LIP) thermometry can provide spatially and temporally resolved temperature fields in harsh environment like gas turbine combustors with high-accuracy and a relatively simple setup. For measurement in gas turbine combustor, the employed thermographic phosphor (TP) should have high sensitivity and signal yield at high temperatures. It is known that phosphor composition, crystallinty, and morpholgy can affect the TP phosphorescence properties. Four high-temperature phosphors with different composition were prepared with sol-gel synthesis (SGS) here, viz. YAG:Dy, YAG:Dy:Er, YABNG:Dy, and YABG:Dy. The phosphor crystallinity and morphology were determined by x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The phosphor emissions were measured with a setup consisted of a UV laser, high temperature oven, and spectrometer. The integral of YABNG:Dy emission was 1.5 to 2 times higher than other investigated phosphors at temperatures above 1200 K. The increment in emission intensity improved the precision at high temperatures.
Antipsychotic Tolerance: Evaluating the Behavioural Effects of Continuous Versus Intermittent Haloperidol Exposure
Keywords: Antipsychotic tolerance
Behavioural animal model
Haloperidol
Intermittent therapy
Maintenance therapy
Schizophrenia

There are several lines of investigation, both preclinical and clinical, that suggest antipsychotic drug (APD) tolerance may occur. Using a behavioural animal model, the present study examined whether the amount of APD exposure (i.e. continuous versus intermittent) significantly impacts APD efficacy. More specifically, it was investigated whether continuous haloperidol (an APD) exposure, in comparison to intermittent, would lead to a decrease in response over time. Catalepsy, locomotor activity, and exploratory behaviour were assessed weekly, over the course of 21 days, in rats receiving haloperidol continuously or intermittently. Our findings are consistent with earlier preclinical reports that have implicated chronic and continuous APD therapy in reduced drug effect. This line of investigation has immediate and direct implications in terms of current guidelines regarding maintenance antipsychotic treatment. Moving forward, we are in a position to translate these results to clinical studies that can further examine this issue in humans.
Measurement of Pulmonary Arterial Impedance and Reflection from Single-slice Phase-Contrast and Steady-state Free Precession MRI
Keywords: magnetic resonance imaging
pulmonary arterial hypertension
pulmonary vascular resistance
pulse wave reflection
pulse wave velocity
vascular impedance

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) alters vessel wall mechanics and vasomotor tone, driving up pulmonary hemodynamic variables such as pulse wave velocity, input and characteristic impedance, and pulse wave reflection magnitude. Heterogeneous treatment response necessitates frequent hemodynamic evaluation, for which right-heart catheterization (RHC) remains the gold standard; however, several disadvantages limit its frequency of use. In this work, a non-invasive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol is developed to address the shortcomings of invasive hemodynamic monitoring and may support existing diagnostic procedures. First, accuracy and precision of the proposed method is characterized through linear uncertainty propagation and numerical simulation of the data-processing pipeline. Second, the MR protocol is tested in seven healthy adult volunteers. Third, a rapid version of the MR protocol is tested in a healthy volunteer, yielding good agreement with mean values obtained in the seven-volunteer study.
Investigation of the Role of JAK2 in SOCS1-mediated Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating Factor Receptor Turnover
Keywords: GM-CSF receptor
JAK2
JMML
SOCS1

Our lab has recently shown that SOCS1 binds and degrades the granulocyte-colony stimulating factor receptor beta common subunit (GMRBc) in a proteasome-dependent manner. The focus of this project was to determine the role of JAK2 in SOCS1-mediated GMRBc turnover. Results: The binding of SOCS1 to GMRBc was observed in the JAK2-null gamma2A fibrosarcoma cell line. In TF1s, an erythroleukemic cell line that endogenously expresses GMRBc, transient knockdown of JAK2 resulted in the marked stabilization of GMRBc levels by thirty minutes. Using the kinase-dead K882E JAK2 mutant and the Y1007F JAK2 mutant, which abrogates SOCS1-binding as well as JAK2 activation because it is a key phosphorylation site, it was determined that the kinase activity of JAK2 is required SOCS1-mediated degradation of GMRBc. Lastly, SOCS1 has been predicted to bind Y468 on GMRBc.Conclusions: JAK2 is not necessary for SOCS1 to bind GMRBc; however, active JAK2 is necessary for substantial GMRBc degradation.
Investigating the oral microbiome in health and periodontal disease
Keywords: microbiome
periodontal

16S rRNA was used to determine the microbiome associated with health and chronic periodontitis (CP). We hypothesized that a comparison of plaque in health and disease will help identify CP-associated bacteria to develop novel diagnostics for CP. NGS was done against the V3 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene and sequences were clustered based on 97% similarity. Taxonomic assignment and distance measures were used to assess bacterial composition. We identified disease indicators: Filifactor alocis, Synergistes, Tanerella forsythia and TM7 taxa in SupG and SubG sites. Health indicators included Rothia dentocariosa, TM7_7BB428, Selenomonas noxia, Fusobacteriales and Campylobacter. Surprisingly, `classic' periodontal pathogens could be isolated from the tongue in CP patients, which may provide a novel sampling site for prognostic tests. We have identified known periodontal pathogens, including F. alocis, a strong indicator of CP, which could be included as a novel member in the Red complex of periodontal pathogens.
Development of Bio-based Phenol Formaldehyde Novolac Resins Using Mountain Pine Beetle Infested Lodgepole Pine Barks
Keywords: Adhesive
Liquefaction
Molidng
MPB infested lodgepole pine bark
Novolac resins
Resin synthesis

In this study, mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae) infested lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) barks were converted to phenol substitutes using bark phenol liquefaction with sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid catalysts. The bio-based phenol formaldehyde novolac resins were synthesized and characterized. The applications of these synthesized bio-based novolac PF resins in preparing thermal molding composites were also investigated.It was found that both acid catalysts were effective in the bark-phenol liquefaction for obtaining the adequate phenol substitutes from MPB infested lodgepole pine bark. The synthesized bio-based novolac PF resins have higher molecular weight, more complex resin structures and comparable curing behavior and thermal stability to the reference novolac PF resins without liquefied bark components. The HCl acid-catalyzed liquefied bark novolac PF resins were successfully molded into composites with comparable mechanical properties, thermal stability, bonding performance, and enhanced water resistance in comparison to the lab-made control novolac PF resin.
Exploring the Relationship Between Principal Behaviour and Student Achievement
Keywords: Leadershp
Literacy
Student Achievement

Leadership is critical in initiating and maintaining school improvement, yet the nature of that leadership, and its impact on school improvement remains a contentious issue. The following case study investigates how the leadership behaviour of a secondary school principal in Ontario relates to the improvement of student achievement as measured by the grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). This case study was undertaken as a result of remarkably good performance on Ontario's standardized literacy test over a period of four years. It takes into account the perceptions of both the principal and of teachers with respect to school culture and the subsequent effect on student achievement. Leithwood and Louis' (2012) four core leadership practices; setting direction, developing people, redesigning the organization, and improving the instructional program guided the study's framework.
Near-infrared Triggered Anti-Cancer Drug Release from Upconverting Nanoparticles
Keywords: 5-Fluorouracil
Chemotherapy
Nanoparticle
o-nitrobenzyl
Triggered
Upconverting

Externally-triggered drug delivery using functional nanoparticles has provided new strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy while concurrently minimizing toxicity. This thesis describes an investigation of photocleavage at the surface of UCNPs to release the chemotherapeutic 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Core-shell UCNPs composed of β-NaYF4: 4.95%Yb, 0.08%Tm / β-NaYF4 were decorated with o-phosphorylethanolamine ligands that were coupled to an o-nitrobenzyl (ONB) derivative of 5-FU. The UV photoluminescence (PL) was in resonance with the absorption band of the ONB-FU derivative and energy transfer resulted in photocleavage and subsequent release of 5-FU from the surfaces of UCNPs for these in vitro studies. Release of 5-FU was complete within minutes using a 980 nm NIR laser source that operated below 100 mW in power. The efficiency of triggered release was as high as 80% of the total conjugated ONB-FU. This work provides an important first step toward the development of a UCNP platform capable of targeted chemotherapy.