VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Intensive Dietary Education Using the Phosphorus Point System Tool© to Improve Hyperphosphatemia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Keywords: Chronic Kidney Disease
hyperphosphatemia
predialysis
dietary education

Background: High serum phosphorus (hPhos) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increases the risk of metastatic calcification. Guidelines advise patients with hPhos to restrict dietary phoshorus intake to 800-1000mg/day, and compliance with this diet can be challenging. Innovative education may improve compliance. Hypothesis: Intensive dietary education using the Phosphorus Point System Tool© (PPS) will result in lower serum phosphorus levels compared to standard education (SE). Methods: This study compared the effectiveness of the PPS to SE on 1) serum phosphorus, 2) dietary phosphate intake, knowledge and satisfaction in pre-dialysis CKD. Results: The PPS reduced 12 week serum phosphorus by 0.16 mmol/L (95% CI 0.37 to -0.05, p=0.130) when controlling for baseline. Dietary phosphorus and protein intake decreased significantly at week 6 on PPS compared to SE (p= 0.026, p=0.050; respectively). Summary: Although there was a trend indicating the tool may reduce serum phosphorus levels, further research is needed.
Assembly, Integration and Thermal Testing of the Generic Nanosatellite Bus
Keywords: Nanosatellite
Assembly
Integration
Thermal testing
Generic Bus
Space Flight Lab

This thesis describes the assembly and integration procedures, methods and strategies used for the Generic Nanosatellite Bus (GNB) developed at the Space Flight Laboratory. The design of the interconnection medium routing will be presented and aspects of thermal testing such as thermal shock procedures and the satellite support structure design for the thermal vacuum testing. The compliance of the assembly, integration and testing requirements is demonstrated through validation and implementation. Step by step procedures are presented for GNB assembly, solar cell bonding and thermal tape application. The evolution of the integration design is described based on optimizing efforts and GNB design changes. Flexible circuits are presented as an alternative to the conventional harness for future missions. Finally, general assembly, integration and thermal testing recommendations are offered to add to the wealth of knowledge acquired by SFL in the proper design of nanosatellites.
Intercenter Comparison of Treatment Outcome in Patients with Complete Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Analysis of Craniofacial Form
Keywords: Cleft Lip and Palate
Intercenter Comparison

Background: Several treatment protocols exist for the management of patients with complete unilateral (CUCLP) and bilateral (CBCLP) cleft lip and palate, and little evidence exists on comparison of their outcomes. Objectives: To compare craniofacial morphology among individuals with CUCLP and CBCLP treated at different North American centers. Methods: Lateral cephalograms of 148 individuals with repaired CUCLP (average age = 8y 8m) and 93 individuals with repaired CBCLP (average age = 8y 10m) were analyzed. The group means for the different centers per cephalometric measurement evaluated (16 angular, 7 linear, and 2 ratio), were compared using ANOVA. Results: For both the CUCLP and CBCLP samples, the most significant differences were observed in the sagittal maxillary prominence. The center that performed primary alveolar bone grafting consistently showed the lowest maxillary prominence. Conclusions: Significant differences in craniofacial morphology, specifically maxillary prominence, exist among patients with CUCLP and CBCLP treated at different North American centers.
Characterization of PknB, a Putative Eukaryotic-type Serine/threonine Protein Kinase in Streptococcus mutans
Keywords: Oral microbiology
Streptococcus mutans
serine/threonine protein kinase

PknB is a putative transmembrane eukaryotic-type serine/threonine protein kinase (STPK) in the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans that affects biofilm formation, genetic competence and acid tolerance. PknB contains extracellular penicillin-binding and serine/threonine kinase associated (PASTA) domains predicted to bind the D-alanyl-D-alanine (D-ala-D-ala) dipeptide of unlinked peptidoglycan. D-ala-D-ala elicits responses dependent and independent of the presence of pknB. Biofilm-derived cells of a pknB-deficient mutant (PKNB) exhibited concentration-dependent growth enhancement with D-ala-D-ala, which was not a nutrient response as addition of L-alanine or D-alanine did not give the same results. A total of 77 genes were differentially expressed in PKNB, including 7 with putative functions in fatty acid biosynthesis. PKNB was more sensitive to cell wall- and membrane-targeting antibiotics compared to wild-type. Based on these results, PknB in S. mutans appears to play an important role in cell wall biosynthesis, response to membrane stress and/or regulation of cell membrane composition.
Biodegradation of Polyacid Modified Composite Resins by Human Salivary Esterases
Keywords: Biodegradation
Polyacid-midified-composite-resins
Salivary enzymes

Polyacid modified composite resins (PMCR) are designed to combine the aesthetics of composites-resins with the fluoride release of glass-ionomers. Objectives: to compare the relative biostability and fluoride release of PMCR (F2000 [3M]; Dyract eXtra [DENTSPLY]) and a composite-resin (Z250 [3M]). Standardized samples were incubated in either buffer or human saliva derived esterases (HSDE) for up to 14 days. High- performance-liquid-chromatography revealed higher amounts of degradation products for all HSDE incubated groups, as compared with the buffer. Z250 samples released higher amounts of bishydroxypropoxyphenylpropane (Bis-HPPP) and triethylene-glycol-dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) than both PMCR. Dyract eXtra and F2000 samples released unique degradation products, respectively di-ester of 2-hydroxyethyl di-methacrylate with butane tetracarboxylic acid (TCB) and glyceryl dimethacrylate (GDMA). F2000 samples released more fluoride for both incubation periods in the presence of HSDE as compared with Dyract eXtra samples. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the greater degradation of both PMCR, as compared with Z250.
Beyond Indicators and Reporting: Needs, Limitations and Applicability of Environmental Indicators and State of the Environment Reporting
Keywords: environmental indicators
state of the environment report
Great Lakes
SOLEC

This research examines the perceptions and use of environmental indicators and state of the environment reports by local government and Conservation Authority decision makers and practitioner’s within the Ontario portion of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence basin. Participants describe their information needs and how indicators and SOER are used at the local level; and what limitations or challenges they face to bridge the gap between monitoring information and policy. A multi-method approach including a web-based survey and follow-up telephone interviews was the primary data collection method used. Indicator and SOER knowledge and information are further explored to determine information exchange amongst different levels of governance. To review the dissemination of indicator and SOER information from a higher spatial scale down to the local level, the State of the Great Lakes environmental indicators and SOER, developed by the governments of Canada and the United States served as a case study.
Interactions of Surfactant Protein D with the Glycoproteins Ovalbumin and Alpha-2-Macroglobulin
Keywords: Surfactant Protein D
Innate Immunity
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is an important innate immune collectin involved in uptake and clearance of microbes and allergens in the lungs. SP-D has been shown to ameliorate allergic asthma reactions in mice; however, the mechanisms for this are not fully understood. We investigated the role of SP-D in the uptake and clearance of the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA) by macrophages. We discovered that SP-D does not bind OVA but binds fractions with contaminating proteins; ovomucin and ovomacroglobulin. We extended these findings to show that SP-D binds human alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) in its cleaved or intact state, in a concentration-, calcium-, and carbohydrate-dependent manner. A2M increases the innate immune potential of SP-D by increasing its ability to agglutinate the bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. We found that SP-D does not increase the uptake of OVA by murine macrophage cell lines, or by alveolar macrophages in vivo in BALB/cJ mice.
The Relations of Stress and Parental Sensitivity to Deferred Imitation in Infants
Keywords: infants
stress
cortisol
imitation
memory
parenting

The current study compared infant cortisol responses during the still-face procedure with those shown during other parent-infant interactions. It also examined how stress hormones can affect memory retention. Six-month-old infants (n = 38) were exposed to either a repeated still-face procedure, normal face-to-face interaction, or a divided-attention task. Salivary cortisol was collected at multiple time points. Infants were assigned to a memory demonstration (n = 30) or a no-demonstration (n = 8) group. Infants in the demonstration group were shown 3 target actions with a puppet, and subsequently given a chance to repeat the target actions. Infants in the no demonstration group were not shown the target actions. Only the infants who experienced the still-face procedure showed a significant change in salivary cortisol throughout the procedure. Cortisol values did not significantly predict memory performance. There are still many questions regarding how stress induction during memory consolidation affects memory performance.
Healing of Calvarial Wounds Created by Er:YAG Laser Irradiation in Comparison with Conventional Mechanical and Femtosecond Laser Ablation in Presence or Absence of BMPs
Keywords: laser
bone

The Er:YAG laser and the USPL are the most promising when considering the previous study results and their physical characteristics. This investigation compared the healing of various laser ablation units versus conventional mechanical cutting to explore the future applications for bone surgery and the effects when combined with rhBMP-7. A full-thickness circular defect was created on the parietal bones of mice for all the groups. Hard tissue healing was assessed using a microcomputerized tomography. Wound closure analyses suggested that the femtosecond laser created wounds displayed slightly healing delay in closure over the healing period when compared to mechanical instrumentation. The Er:YAG laser showed a healing rate similar to that of the mechanically ablated groups. In summary, femtosecond and Er:YAG lasers are two modalities suitable for bone ablation comparable to mechanical instrumentation.
The Effect of Dose Error Reduction Software on the Ability of Nurses to Safely and Efficiently Administer Intravenous Medications
Keywords: Smart Pump
Intravenous Medication Delivery
Patient Safety
Human Factors

The purpose of this research was to compare the design of Dose Error Reduction Software (DERS) between smart pumps to determine which features affect the ability of nurses to safely and efficiently program intravenous medications. A high-fidelity usability experiment was conducted. Twenty-four Registered Nurses completed a series of infusion tasks, in a simulated clinical environment, using three smart pumps (Cardinal Alaris System, BBraun Infusomat, and Hospira Symbiq). Results found significant differences in nursing performance across the smart pumps. Nurses were more likely to override clinically inappropriate soft limit alerts when using BBraun Infusomat, than when using Hospira Symbiq or Cardinal Alaris System. Furthermore, when asked to program an infusion over a specific duration, nurses were found to make significantly more parameter entry errors when using Hospira Symbiq than when using Cardinal Alaris System. Results from this study will help set DERS design principles, and assist hospitals during their procurement processes.
Measuring the Impact of Human Factors and Education Informed Training on the Safety and Efficiency of Smart Infusion Technology
Keywords: human factors
education
training
infusion pump
redesign
usability
simulation
intravenous
medical error
medication error

This thesis evaluated the effects of two types of training on nurses’ ability to safely and efficiently administer IV medications using a smart infusion pump. A high fidelity simulated nursing unit was created in which nurses recruited from the University Health Network programmed a series of infusions after receiving training. A training script modeled after the pump vendor’s training sessions was created and tested first on 24 nurses. The results were analyzed for deficiencies in safety and efficiency from a human factors and education perspective and a new training script was created and tested on a group of 23 nurses. No significant differences were found between training groups on measures related to safety, but significant differences were found in nurse efficiency and behaviour in some aspects of pump programming. This study sets a precedent for human factors evaluation being used in tandem with existing training practices and lays the groundwork for further exploration on this topic.
Gene Expression Analysis of Flrt1, Flrt2 and Flrt3 in the Murine Midface during Early Embryogenesis
Keywords: dentistry
gene expression
development
mouse

The Fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane (Flrt) gene family has been implicated in FGF signaling, which is crucial for coordinating craniofacial morphogenesis and epithelial mesenchymal interactions (EMI). The gene expression patterns of Flrt1, Flrt2 and Flrt3 were analyzed during critical stages of murine midfacial development from 9.5-15.5 dpc. Flrt2 and Flrt3 were observed to have unique expression patterns in the midface, whereas Flrt1 did not. From 10.5-12.5dpc, Flrt2 was expressed in the mesenchyme of the medial nasal process(MNP). Flrt3 was expressed in the mesenchyme of the lateral nasal process (LNP) and MNP. From 13.5-15.5dpc, Flrt2 was expressed in the oral ectomesenchyme of the palatal shelves, whereas Flrt3 was expressed in the medial edge and oral epithelium. Both Flrt2 and Flrt3 were expressed in different sites of the developing tooth buds and hair follicles. This suggests that Flrt2 and Flrt3 have unique roles during craniofacial morphogenesis, whereas Flrt1 may have a more generalized role.
Characterizing the Interactomes of ABC Transporters PXA1 and PXA2 using the Integrated Split-Ubiquitin Membrane Yeast Two-hybrid System
Keywords: PXA1
PXA2
ABC Transporters
iMYTH

The integrated Membrane Yeast Two-Hybrid technology (iMYTH) was employed to screen the ABCD family of ABC Transporters in S. cerevisiae. The two ABCD members, Pxa1p and Pxa2p were screened against yeast libraries which detected many interactors involved in expected biological processes in accordance with Pxa1p and Pxa2p’s annotated function (i.e. fatty acid metabolism), and unexpected new interactors that may elucidate a new role for the transporters (e.g. oxidative protection). Members of the glutaredoxins and thioredoxins, and associated proteins were found to interact with Pxa1p and Pxa2p. This may indicate that Pxa1p and Pxa2p also play a role in managing the redox environment, protecting against reactive oxygen species. The iMYTH technology was also used to show that Pxa2p is able to form homodimers, and that Pxa1p localization is directly or indirectly dependent on Pxa2p.
Mechanics of Compliant Nanoporous Gold
Keywords: nanoporous
gold
dealloying

Compliant nanoporous gold is investigated with regards to its elastic modulus and deformation mechanisms. Samples are fabricated by dealloying AgAu alloys at elevated temperature and reduced dealloying potential compared with conventional methods in the literature. This procedure minimizes cracking and shrinkage that is typical from other dealloying methods. Furthermore, samples are found to be more compliant while immersed in water. Samples were tested in cyclic compression using a piezoelectric compression rig. Testing showed that the wet samples become stiffer upon drying and the effect is reversible with short drying times. This is attributed to microstructural effects as the ligament network becomes more connected as a result of drying, effectively shifting the dominant deformation mode from three-point bending to cantilever bending. At longer dry times, the effect is irreversible due to contact weld formation. Preliminary results on sputter deposited AgAuPt alloys show altered dealloying kinetics and crack formation.
Late Glacial and Holocene Environmental Change Inferred from Sedimentary Archives of Kusawa Lake, Boundary Range Mountains, Yukon Territory, Canada
Keywords: Glaciolacustrine
Kusawa Lake
Holocene
Environmental Reconstruction
Yukon Territory

Modern Kusawa Lake (60° 19' 55” N, 136° 4' 48” W, 142 km2) of southwestern Yukon Territory drains a 4290 km2 catchment, 4.7 % of which is glacier covered. Sediment cores show variability both down-lake and within specific sub-basins of the lake. In Regions II -V of Kusawa Lake, sediments are mainly clastic with massive to weakly laminated silts and clays interrupted by fine sand units, which reflect distinct runoff events into Region IV from glacier sources. In Region I, massive silts, silt-clay couplets are interrupted by thick sand deposits derived from the Primrose River delta. Further up-lake, the sediment record is further interrupted by modern sediment delivery from the Kusawa Campground alluvial fan. The relatively small accumulation of lake glacial and Holocene sediment input in Kusawa Lake is similar to other large lakes of the Canadian Cordillera. These patterns reflect a particular style of deglaciation and Holocene sediment inputs.
The Role of Dopamine in Cue-induced Craving: A [11C]-(+)-PHNO PET Study in Tobacco-dependent Smokers
Keywords: dopamine
craving
[11C]-(+)-PHNO
PET

Environmental stimuli associated with drug use are related to drug craving and relapse. The mechanism of cue-induced craving is thought to involve the release of dopamine (DA) in brain regions associated with reward and habit formation. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of DA in cue-induced craving in tobacco-dependent smokers using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and a picture cue paradigm. Tobacco-associated cues were capable of eliciting significantly greater subjective reports of craving relative to neutral cues in tobacco smokers (n=6) in a neuroimaging environment. Using this cue paradigm and [11C]-(+)-PHNO PET (n=6), a non-significant trend towards a greater decrease in binding potential, indicative of dopamine release, was shown in selected brain regions of interest. These findings are similar to findings in cocaine-dependent individuals and suggest the involvement of dopamine in the response to smoking-associated cues in tobacco-dependent individuals.
RBF Based Responsive Stimulators To Control Epilepsy
Keywords: Epilepsy
Responsive Stimulation
Control
Cognitive Rhythm Generator
Seizure
Seizure Like-Events

Deep Brain Simulation (DBS) has received attention in the scientific community for its potential to suppress epileptic seizures. To date, DBS has only achieved marginal positive results. We believe that a highly complex possibly chaotic (HPC) biologically inspired stimulation is superior to periodic stimulation. Using Radial Basis Functions (RBFs), we modeled interictal and postictal time series based on electroencephalograms (EEGs) of rat hippocampus slices while under low Mg2+. We then compared the RBF based interictal and postictal stimulations to the periodic stimulation using a Cognitive Rhythm Generator (CRG) model for spontaneous Seizure-Like Events (SLEs). What resulted was a significant improvement in seizure suppression with the HPC stimulators at lower gains as opposed to the periodic signal. This suggests that the use of biologically inspired HPC stimulators will achieve better results while confining the stimulation to a narrow region of the brain.
High Speed Homodyne Detector for Gaussian-modulated Coherent-state Quantum Key Distribution
Keywords: Quantum key distribution
Homodyne detection

We developed a high speed homodyne detector in the telecommunication wavelength region for a Gaussian-modulated coherent-state quantum key distribution experiment. We are able to achieve a 100 MHz bandwidth, ultra-low electronic noise and pulse-resolved homodyne detector. The bandwidth of this homodyne detector has reached the same order of magnitude of the best homodyne detectors reported. By overcoming photodiode response functions mismatch, choosing proper laser sources, ensuring the homodyne detector linearity and stabilizing the homodyne detection system, we demonstrate that the homodyne detector has a 10 dB shot-noise-to-electronic-noise ratio in the time domain at a local oscillator of 5.4*10^8 photons/pulse at a laser repetition rate of 10 MHz. With this homodyne detector, we expect to ncrease our GMCS QKD experiment speed by 100 times, which will improve the key generation rate by 1-2 orders of magnitude.
A System for Detecting, Preventing and Exposing Atomicity Violations in Multithreaded Programs
Keywords: Concurrency
Systems Design
Atomicity violation

Multi-core machines have become common and have led to an increase in multithreaded software. In turn, the number of concurrency bugs has also increased. Such bugs are elusive and remain difficult to solve, despite existing research. Thus, this thesis proposes a system which detects, prevents and optionally helps expose concurrency bugs. Specifically, we focus on bugs caused by atomicity violations, which occur when thread interleaving violates the programmer’s assumption that a code section executes atomically. At compile-time, our system performs static analysis to identify code sections where violations could occur. At run-time, we use debug registers to monitor these sections for interleaving thread accesses which would cause a violation. If detected, we undo their effects and thus prevent the violation. Optionally, we help expose atomicity violations by perturbing thread scheduling during execution. Our results demonstrate that the system is effective and imposes low overhead.
Offline Feedback Utilization for a Manual Aiming Movement Performed Under Conditions of Randomized Visual Feedback Availability
Keywords: manual aiming
offline visual feedback utilization
preceding trial
trial-to-trial analysis

Two studies were devised to determine why the difference in manual aiming performance, between full vision and no vision, is decreased for a randomized visual feedback schedule. In study one, aiming accuracy and precision was assessed for up to four trials in the same vision condition, following a switch in visual feedback availability. In experiment one, visual feedback availability was uncertain; while in experiment two, certainty was provided. Results of both experiments revealed that the precision of the first trial immediately following the switch in visual condition was reminiscent of the trial that preceded it, even when performed under different visual conditions. For study two, the inter-trial interval was evaluated by extending the interval to five seconds. Results indicated no reminiscence effect. Overall, we suggest that when the inter-trial trial is brief, individuals rely on offline visual information from the preceding trial to plan the subsequent movement, regardless of certainty.