VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Semantic Integration of Time Ontologies
Keywords: Time Ontologies
First Order Logic
Semantic Integration
Ontology Verification

Here we consider the verification and semantic integration for the set of first-order time ontologies by Allen-Hayes, Ladkin, and van Benthem that axiomatize time as points, intervals, or a combination of both within an ontology repository environment. Semantic integration of the set of time ontologies is explored via the notion of theory interpretations using an automated reasoner as part of the methodology. We use the notion of representation theorems for verification by characterizing the models of the ontology up to isomorphism and proving that they are equivalent to the intended structures for the ontology. Provided is a complete account of the meta-theoretic relationships between ontologies along with corrections to their axioms, translation definitions, proof of representation theorems, and a discussion of various issues such as class-quantified interpretations, the impact of namespacing support for Common Logic, and ontology repository support for semantic integration as related to the time ontologies examined.
The Effects of Acute Sodium Ingestion on Food and Water Intakes, Subjective Appetite, Thirst and Glycemic Response in Healthy Young Men
Keywords: acute sodium intake
food intake
appetite
thirst
water intake
blood glucose

High dietary sodium intake is hypothesized to increase food intake (FI), fluid intake and glycemic response. Two short-term randomized repeated-measures studies measured the effects of acute sodium intake on FI, water intake (WI), subjective appetite (SA), thirst, and blood glucose (BG) in young men. Sodium additions were 740 and 1480 mg to a solid food (beans) in Experiment 1; and 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg to a beverage (tomato juice) in Experiment 2. FI and WI were measured at ad libitum pizza meals 120 and 30 min later, respectively. SA, thirst and BG were measured at intervals before and after pizza. Compared with controls, treatments with added-sodium had no effect on dependent measures. In conclusion, acute intake of sodium in a solid or liquid matrix does not increase subjective ratings of appetite or thirst, ad libitum food or water intakes, or blood glucose in healthy young adults.
Resolution of Maxillary Sinus Mucositis after Endodontic Treatment of Maxillary Teeth with Apical Periodontitis: A Cone-beam Computerized Tomography Pilot Study
Keywords: CBCT
healing
maxillary sinus mucositis
endodontic treatment

This study characterized maxillary sinus mucositis (SIMS) adjacent to teeth with apical periodontitis (AP), and assessed its resolution three months after endodontic treatment. 29 subjects who maxillary posterior teeth with AP were imaged with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Resolution of SIMS was assessed with CBCT three months after treatment, and periapical healing was assessed using the PAI after six months. Four non-compliant subjects were discontinued and SIMS was identified in 14/25 subjects (56%). Three months post-treatment, SIMS was resolved fully in 3/10 subjects (30%), and partially in 3/10 subjects (30%). Six months post-treatment, 6/10 subjects (60%) were classified as healed or healing. CBCT revealed a lower-than-expected prevalence of SIMS adjacent to teeth with AP. In specific cases SIMS might linger beyond three months after the elimination of the endodontic infection. Due to the low statistical power, association between the resolution of SIMS and periapical healing could not be explored.
Characterization of the Interface between the Annulus Fibrosus and the Vertebral Bone.
Keywords: Annulus fibrosus
cartilage endplate
collagen
vertebral bone
alkaline phosphatase
mineralization

Replacing a diseased disc with a tissue engineered disc has the potential to restore normal spinal biomechanics. However, recreating the interface between annulus fibrosus (AF) and vertebral bone (VB) will be necessary to facilitate proper function of the implant in vivo. This study characterizes the native bovine AF-VB interface and assesses adult human discs. The AF insertion site in humans and cows is uniquely differentiated from other soft tissue-bone interfaces, as AF collagen fibers anchor into the calcified region of vertebral endplate through a zone of hyaline cartilage and have a different organization in inner and outer AF. Mineralization-associated proteins are present in this region and the chondroid tissue undergoes calcification over time. Based on these observations an in vitro AF culture system was developed and demonstrated that AF cells can induce mineralization. Understanding mechanism(s) regulating AF mineralization will help develop conditions to ensure proper integration of bioengineered AF.
Diels-alder Click Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering
Keywords: click chemistry
hyaluronic acid
tissue engineering
hydrogels
Diels-Alder chemistry
regenerative medicine

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polymer that holds considerable promise for tissue engineering applications. Current cross-linking chemistries often require a coupling agent, catalyst, or photoinitiator, which may be cytotoxic, or involve a multistep synthesis of functionalized-HA, increasing the complexity of the system. With the goal of designing a simpler one-step , aqueous-based cross-linking system, we synthesized HA hydrogels via Diels-Alder “click” chemistry. Furan-modified HA derivates were synthesized and cross-linked via dimaleimide poly(ethylene glycol). By controlling the furan to maleimide molar ratio, both the mechanical and degradation properties of the resulting Diels-Alder cross-linked hydrogels can be tuned. Rheological and degradation studies demonstrate that the Diels-Alder click reaction is a suitable cross-linking method for HA. These HA cross-linked hydrogels were shown to be cytocompatible and may represent a promising material for soft tissue engineering.
Direct Costs of Hip Fractures among Seniors in Ontario
Keywords: Hip Fracture
Cost of Illness
Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem resulting in substantial hip fracture related morbidity. Using healthcare utilization data, we determined the 1- and 2-year direct attributable healthcare costs associated with hip fractures among Ontario seniors in comparison to a matched non-hip fracture cohort. Over a four-year period (2004-2008) we identified 22,418 females and 7,611 males with an incident hip fracture. Approximately 22% of females and 30% of males died in the first year after fracture. The mean attributable cost in the first year was $36,929 ($52,232 vs. $15,503) among females and $39,479 ($54,289 vs. $14,810) among males. Primary cost drivers included acute hospitalizations, complex continuing care, and rehabilitation. Attributable costs remained elevated into the second year, particularly among those who survived the first year ($9,017 females and $10,347 males). Results from this study will aid policy decision makers in allocating healthcare resources and help feed into future health economic analyses.
Instruction-set-simulator-less Virtual Prototype Framework for Embedded Software Development
Keywords: Embedded System
Embedded Software
Virtual Prototype
SoC
ISS
C model
HAL
API

With continuous advancement in silicon technology and high feature demands on consumer electronics, the complexity of embedded software has led the software development effort to dominate System-On-Chip (SoC) design. Virtual Prototype (VP) addresses the problem by enabling early software development before hardware arrival. However, VP still poses challenges: 1) Instruction Set Simulator (ISS) degrades simulation time, 2) Development is restricted to embedded processor specific tools and 3) Applications and drivers are dependent on system software completion. In this work, we propose an abstraction framework which: 1) Removes ISS from VP, achieving native host software execution time, 2) Activates rich suites of desktop development tools in host by compiling embedded software in host binary and 3) Allows system software independent application and driver development. With this framework, we successfully demonstrated up to 2000% speed-up in VP run-time over conventional VP and improved software development productivity significantly.
Counteractive Control and the Dieter: The Role of Food Cue Specificity in Food Selection and Eating Behavior
Keywords: Counteractive Control
Dieting
Food Cues

Research on counteractive control theory suggests that exposure to food cues should bolster the dieting goal in restrained individuals. However, other research has found food cues to increase eating. The present study investigates whether cue specificity influences whether counteractive control or hyper-responsiveness to food cues takes precedence in dieters’ food selection and eating behavior. Restrained eaters were assigned to view a cookie, cake, or flower cue, then they selected a snack to take (apple or cookie). Participants also had an opportunity to eat cookies. Results showed that restrained participants exposed to the cake cue chose the apple more often than those receiving any other cue; exposure to a tempting cue not specific to the snack offered elicited counteractive control. However, participants exposed to either food cue ate more cookies than those exposed to the neutral cue. The role of food cue specificity in counteractive control and its limits are examined.
Molecular Mechanisms Of Neuroinflammation Following Global Cerebral Ischemia: The Role of Hypothermia Therapy
Keywords: hypothermia
cerebral ischemia
inflammation
neurodegeneration
cardiac arrest
cytokines
chemokines
adhesion molecules
spatial learning and memory
fear learning and memory

Hypothermia therapy (HT) is used clinically following global cerebral ischemia (GCI) but its therapeutic mechanisms are not completely understood. An elucidation of such mechanisms may lead to novel therapeutic approaches that improve patient outcome. Using a murine model of GCI, we determined the effect of HT on the expression of inflammatory proteins in the hippocampus and serum. We also examined its effect on microglia/macrophage activation and neurodegeneration in the brain at 72 hours following ischemia, and its effect on long-term spatial memory/learning and contextual fear response. GCI led to increased neurodegeneration and microglia/macrophage activation in the hippocampus, and increased IL-1β and KC protein expression in the hippocampus at 72 hours. Hypothermia therapy attenuated these inflammatory responses. It also improved spatial learning/memory at 7 and 21 days, and preserved contextual fear response 21 days post-ischemia. Hypothermia therapy attenuated the post-ischemic inflammatory response, protected hippocampal neurons, and preserved long-term memory and learning.
Evolution of cps Loci in Vibrio vulnificus
Keywords: Vibrio vulnificus
CPS
Horizontal gene transfer

Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic human and animal pathogen with the highest death rate of any foodborne disease agent. The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is essential for virulence. Over 100 CPS types (carbotypes) have been identified among natural isolates, yet little is known about the genetic mechanisms that drive such diversity. Chitin, the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature, induces competence in Vibrio species. We found that transformation frequency varies by strain and (GlcNAc)2 was the shortest chitin-derived polymer capable of inducing competence. We confirmed that V. vulnificus can undergo chitin-dependent carbotype conversion following the uptake and recombination of complete cps loci from exogenous genomic DNA. The acquisition of a partial locus was also demonstrated when internal regions of homology between the endogenous and exogenous loci existed. Thus, the same mechanism governing the transfer of complete cps loci also contributes to their evolution by generating novel combinations of CPS biosynthesis genes.
Inhibitory Account of Semantic Interference Resolution in Memory: Suppression of Competing Information
Keywords: interference
inhibition
suppression

Using a novel paradigm, we provide direct evidence for the role of inhibition during semantic interference resolution in memory. In Experiment 1, target words were primed via a naming task. Then, a cue word prompted participants to generate either a meaningfully related or unrelated word. Producing an unrelated word should require suppression of the cue's closest associates, which were the primed targets. Finally, participants read a list of words including the suppressed targets. Participants were slower to name targets in the unrelated condition than in the related condition, indicating that generating an unrelated word required suppression of competitors. Experiment 2 eliminated the initial priming phase, and a robust suppression effect was observed. Both studies showed that naming targets in the unrelated condition was even slower than controls. These results reflect that resolving semantic competition entails suppression of rejected competitors to below baseline levels, supporting an inhibitory account of interference resolution.
Characterization of Myometrial Cytokine Expression and Leukocyte Infiltration During Term and Preterm Labour in the Mouse
Keywords: Labour
Leukocytes
Cytokines
Preterm Labour
Lipopolysaccharide
Myometrium
RU486
Neutrophil
Macrophage
Post partum

Studies indicate an association between both term labour (TL) and preterm labour (PTL) and the presence of uterine inflammatory cytokines and leukocyte infiltration. We hypothesized that peripheral leukocytes are recruited to uterine tissues by locally produced cytokines where they contribute to the initiation of TL and PTL. The cytokine expression profile was analyzed using an in vivo mouse model of gestation and two PTL models (Lipopolysaccharide- and RU486-induced). Myometrial neutrophil and macrophage infiltration was also studied. My results demonstrate that macrophage infiltration precedes neutrophil infiltration during late gestation and that both leukocyte subsets increase during PTL and further increase post partum. These changes in leukocyte numbers are associated with significant changes in multiple myometrial cytokines with TL and RU486-induced PTL showing similar cytokine profiles. Importantly, post partum involution, the process by which the uterus completes the reproductive cycle and returns to its pre-pregnant state, appears similar in all three models.
Chemistry and Corrosion Mechanisms of Steels Embedded in High-density Slag Concrete for Storage of Used Nuclear Fuel
Keywords: nuclear
corrosion
used fuel
chemical engineering
concrete
slag
nuclear waste management
steel
sulfide
thiosulfate
cement
GGBFS
steel corrosion
radioactive waste
ion chromatography
electrochemistry
microscopy
impedance
OPC
mortar
sulfate
magnetite
hematite
aggregates

The chemistry and corrosion mechanisms associated with reduced sulfur compounds such as calcium sulfide, present in ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), have been studied in high-density concrete, mortar and simulated pore-water environments. The high-density concrete and mortar samples were produced to replicate the high-density GGBFS concrete, in the dry storage containers (DSCs), used for radiation shielding from used nuclear fuel. Electrochemical measurements on embedded steel electrodes in high-density GGBFS concrete and mortar samples, showed that sulfide is capable of consuming oxygen to create a stable, reducing environment, though not in all cases, and the high-frequency electrolyte resistance increases with hydration time. Ion chromatography on simulated pore-water environments determined that thiosulfate is quite kinetically stable as a sulfide oxidation product and magnetite is capable of oxidizing sulfide. Microscopy has also been used to provide visual evidence of GGBFS hydration and elemental quantification of the hydrating microstructure in different environments.
Promotion of the Availability and Accessibility of Misoprostol under the CEDAW: Postpartum Haemorrhage among the Rural Women of the Kyrgyz Republic
Keywords: CEDAW
postpartum haemorrhage
article 12 on health
article 14 on rural women
Misoprostol
Kyrgyz Republic

Maternal mortality in Kyrgyzstan is a discrimination of women not only based on sex, but also on rural/urban setting. Rural women are most likely to die of haemorrhage than urban women in Kyrgyzstan. Postpartum haemorrhage constitutes 45 per cent of all maternal deaths in Kyrgyzstan. This work concentrates on the obligations of Kyrgyzstan under articles 12 and 14.b of the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The work analyses the nature and scope of state obligations under respective articles. Kyrgyzstan has obligations to respect, protect and fulfill rural women’s human rights to address discriminations against rural women, provide appropriate health services and ensure availability and accessibility of misoprostol to rural women. Misoprostol is more suitable to the conditions of rural area than traditionally used oxytocin. Therefore, the availability and accessibility of rural women to misoprostol will prevent avoidable maternal deaths in haemorrhage.
Morphine-induced Locomotion Increases following Viral Transfection of M5 Muscarinic Receptor Genes in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus of Wild-type Mice
Keywords: muscarinic
ventromedial hypothalamus

Excitatory M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are expressed at the highest level in the brain, in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). M5 knockout (KO) mice emit fewer ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during mating, and show 40-50% lesser morphine-induced locomotion as compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Following viral transfection of M5 muscarinic receptors in the ventral tegmentum (VTA), KO mice depict restored mating-induced USVs and enhanced morphine-induced locomotion. The VMH is important for motivational processes, such as, feeding and producing USVs in rats. With a Herpes simplex virus (HSV), the M5 receptor gene was transfected into the VMH of WT mice. M5 transfection into neurons of the VMH increased locomotion in mice injected with 10mg/kg morphine. When a D2-selective dopamine blocker was injected into the same mice, locomotion was drastically reduced. There were no significant differences in amount of USVs produced. VMH may exert its effects on morphine through a DA dependent VTA pathway.
Attentional Selection and Reduced Interference Improve Visual Short-term Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Keywords: Memory
Mild Cognitive Impairment

Visual short-term memory (VSTM) is a vital cognitive ability, allowing us to hold online the contents of visual awareness. Healthy older adults have reduced VSTM capacity compared to young adults; however recent evidence suggests that their performance may be improved by the use of a retroactive cue (“retro-cue”). The retro-cue reduces interference from irrelevant items within VSTM. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients have reduced VSTM performance, compared to healthy older adults. Here, we examined whether the use of a retro-cue would increase VSTM capacity in MCI patients. By presenting a retro-cue after a to-be remembered array, we direct attention to the to-be probed location, which reduces interference from other items that are no longer relevant. The present findings suggest that VSTM capacity per se is not compromised in MCI patients, but these patients may be more susceptible to the effects of interference.
Assessing Primary Care Physicians’ Attitudes Towards Adoption of an Electronic Tool to Support Cancer Diagnosis
Keywords: Cancer Care
e-Health
Physicians
Adoption

The objective of this study was to assess Primary Care Physicians’ attitudes towards adoption of the Diagnostic Assessment Program-Electronic Pathway Solution (DAP-EPS), an electronic tool for improving cancer diagnostic processes. The implementation of DAP-EPS is a provincial activity supported by Cancer Care Ontario in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society. We conducted an online survey of Ontario PCPs. To guide our study, we used an integrated theoretical framework combining the Technology Acceptance Model and Diffusion of Innovation. Study results suggested a strong influence of perceived usefulness of the DAP-EPS tool on physicians’ attitudes towards adoption of the tool. The results also found that perceived usefulness was more important than perceived ease-of-use within the PCP context. The study revealed that perceived usefulness is the main predictor of physicians’ attitudes. The findings also suggested that the management and implementation team should emphasize the usefulness of the DAP-EPS to increase adoption among PCPs.
Place Cell Activity in Disc1-L100P Mutant Mice
Keywords: Schizophrenia
Place Cells

DISC1 is an established susceptibility gene for schizophrenia. To gain insight on the neural mechanisms responsible for hippocampal deficits in schizophrenia, we sought to characterize place cell activity and theta rhythm in our Disc1-L100P mouse strain that we have previously shown to express deficits in spatial working memory. Our findings suggest that the rate code of place cells is intact. We found that Disc1-L100P mice have deficits in theta rhythm, increased neural noise, and lower levels of PV+ interneurons in the hippocampus. Our findings are supportive of impaired temporal coding in Disc1-L100P place cells. We found that Disc1-L100P place cell waveforms were broader than those of wild-type mice and putative interneuron waveforms were narrower. These findings suggest that ion-channel function and expression in the hippocampus is altered in Disc1-L100P mice. In schizophrenic subjects deficits in working memory are associated with aberrant oscillatory activity, increased noise, and lower PV+ interneuron expression.
Circulating Microparticles in Response to Decompression Stress
Keywords: microparticles
decompression stress
flow cytometry

The effect of decompression stress on circulating microparticles (MPs) from leukocytes (LMP), platelets (PMP), and endothelial cells (EMP) was investigated in fifteen male naval clearance divers. Venous blood samples were obtained 30 min before and 75 min after exposure to 81msw for 20 min. MPs were isolated by differential centrifugation and immunophenotyped using multiparameter flow cytometry. Venous gas emboli (VGE) were assessed using Doppler ultrasound every 40 min post-dive and subsequently graded using the Kisman Integrated Severity Score (mean KISS=21.92, indicating moderate level of VGE). Following the dive there was increased expression of CD41a, CD106, CD62P and CD31 on MPs, while CD45 and CD141 expression decreased. A positive correlation was found between KISS and CD41a expression post-dive. These results indicate that decompression stress activated platelets, producing PMPs and resulting in potential vascular disruption or injury. The inclusion of MP measures in future DCS-related research may help identify biomarkers of DCS.
Identification and Development of Individualized Access Pathways Based on Response Efficiency Theory
Keywords: assistive technology
access
assesment
outcome measures

Despite the evident advantages of assistive technologies, many are still abandoned within the first few months of use. The key to changing this may lie in the assessment process, which has been described as the most consequential phase in the provision of assistive technology [14]. The purpose of this research was to create a protocol for the assessment and delivery of individualized access technologies based on the concepts of response efficiency theory. The protocol was applied with three children, ages 12 to 14, who were seeking new access technologies. The results suggest that a protocol based on this theory will result in a technology that is appropriate to the user, and as a result will be less likely to be abandoned and will contribute to goal achievement and potentially improve participation.