VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The effects of isosorbide mononitrate on markers of bone turnover: a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial

Background. In vitro, animal, and human studies indicate that the use of organic nitrates is associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD). Objectives. To determine if healthy postmenopausal women randomized to the organic nitrate isosorbide mononitrate (ISMO), compared with women randomized to placebo, have a greater mean percent decrease in N-telopeptide (NTx; a marker of bone resorption), a greater mean percent increase in bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP: a marker of bone formation), or both. Design. A randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial. The study had a 3 month run in period during which all women received 500 mg/day of calcium and 400IU/day of vitamin D. At the end of this period, participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups; placebo, 5 mg/day of ISMO, or 20 mg/day of ISMO. The treatment period lasted 3 months and women in all treatment groups were prescribed 500 mg/day of calcium and 400IU/day of vitamin D during the treatment period. Participants. 144 healthy postmenopausal women with osteopenia or normal BMD by BMD testing. Main outcome measures. Mean percent change in urine NTx and mean percent change in serum BSAP. Results. Women randomized to ISMO (5 mg and 20 mg) had a 37% mean percent decrease in NTx (95% Confidence Interval: 22.9 to 52.9) and an 18.7% mean increase in BSAP (95% CI: 8.6 to 29.1) compared with women randomized to placebo. Results were not changed after adjustment for age and weight. Further, there appeared to be a dose response, such that women randomized to 20 mg of ISMO had a 9.8% greater mean decrease in NTx (95% CI: 4.8 to 16.8) and a 13.7% greater mean increase (95% CI: 2.5 to 24.9) in BSAP, compared with women randomized to 5 mg of ISMO. Conclusions. Our study suggests that use of ISMO in healthy postmenopausal women is associated with a decrease in bone resorption and an increase in bone formation. Ultimately, this may increase BMD and decrease osteoporotic fractures.
Ischemia-induced changes in evoked glutamate release can be reduced by calcium buffering in hippocampal CA1 region

Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) leads to the depression of evoked excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSPs) and an increase in spontaneous miniature EPSPs (mEPSPs). We hypothesized that application of cell-permeant calcium chelators will reverse the OGD-induced depression of fEPSPs and promote better recovery of synaptic transmission. Tissue pre-incubated in BAPTA-AM, EGTA-AM or controls was exposed to OGD (glucose-free medium aerated with 95% N2- 5% CO2) for 2, 4, or 6 minutes. OGD depressed fEPSPs and increased mEPSP frequency, recorded from hippocampal CA1 region. Some depression of fEPSPs remained after administration of a selective adenosine A1 antagonist. BAPTA-AM, but not EGTA-AM, depressed fEPSPs in control perfusate by 48 +/- 8%. Both chelators partly prevented the ischemia-induced depression of fEPSPs and promoted faster recovery from ischemia. Data suggest that intracellular Ca2+ regulation is altered early on in ischemia and that cell-permeant calcium chelators may prevent some ischemia-induced changes in neurotransmitter release and promote better recovery.
Effects of selection procedures on the dynamics of Escherichia coli gene expression

The technological advances in the areas of biochemistry and biotechnology, have made it possible to create biological systems for the elucidation of information pertaining to dynamics of gene expression. The bacteria Escherichia coli is often used in such systems, since it is relatively well characterized and simple to work with. A system whereby a plasmid, containing the gene for enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), was inserted into E. coli cells, allowing the expression of the EGFP gene to be monitored by fluorescence microscopy, was created. This system was used to monitor the effects of two selection procedures, (1) cellular synchronization and (2) continuous culture, on the dynamics of gene expression. Cellular synchronization was carried out through the employment of an apparatus called the baby machine and continuous culture was carried out in a device called the chemostat.
The personality constructs of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as defined by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-4th Edition (DSM-IV) is associated with many co-morbid disorders However, there is a paucity of literature addressing the co-morbidity of PD and ADHD which was reviewed from the perspective of two models defining PD: categorical versus dimensional. The present study examines the relationship of personality constructs to ADHD. In this study, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-Part II (SCID II) were given to adults with ADHD (n = 154) who were compared to Normal Controls (NC); n = 100). The ADHD sample was further divided into ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Subtype (ADHD-I; n = 83) and ADHD, Predominantly Combined Subtype (ADHD-C; n = 71). The key results showed: (1) ADHD adults were found to be significantly different from NC on 5/7 TCI dimensions: Novelty Seeking [NS], Harm Avoidance [HA], Self-Directedness [SD], Cooperativeness [C] and Self-Transcendence [ST] but not on Reward Dependence [RD] or Persistence [P]. (2) The ADHD Subtypes were discriminated on [NS] and [HA]. (3) Personality Cluster comparisons using the TCI and SCID II were related. (4) ADHD-C subjects had externalizing Cluster B PD and ADHD-I had internalizing Cluster C PD. (5) One third of ADHD Subtypes had Passive-Aggressive PD. (6) ADHD patients were likely to have a PD compared to NC. The potential relationship between PD and ADHD is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Split-merge techniques for bayesian mixture models

Mixture models are important statistical tools that have been applied to density estimation, latent class analysis, and classification problems. Advances in statistical computation methodology, in particular Markov chain Monte Carlo, have led to progress in the study and application of Bayesian mixture models. In this thesis, I describe new split-merge Markov chain algorithms to address the problem of inefficient sampling for Bayesian mixture models. Specifically, countably infinite mixture models in which a Dirichlet process prior is placed on the mixing distribution are considered. Traditional Markov chain Monte Carlo methods used to sample from the posterior of this model, such as Gibbs sampling, can become trapped in isolated modes corresponding to an inappropriate clustering of data points. The Metropolis-Hastings procedures I develop for both conjugate and a class of nonconjugate Dirichlet process mixture models escape such local modes by proposing to split or merge mixture components. These algorithms employ a new technique to obtain an appropriate proposal distribution for splitting or merging mixture components, which involves exploiting the properties of a restricted Gibbs sampling scan. To demonstrate empirically the performance of these algorithms, two separate simulation studies were performed. These studies show that the new Metropolis-Hastings procedures are an improvement over Gibbs sampling and other incremental samplers in situations where two or more components are similar in structure. In high-dimensional problems, these split-merge Metropolis-Hastings procedures continue to work well even when traditional methods fail to reach equilibrium in any reasonable amount of time. I illustrate the practical utility of these algorithms by considering a statistical genetics problem involving DNA microarray data. The results indicate that split-merge techniques are useful exploratory analysis tools that can detect possibly interesting clusters. Gibbs sampling, on the other hand, has been shown empirically to be an impractical method for such high-dimensional and strongly correlated data.
A framework for application-level isolation and recovery

When computer systems are compromised by an attack, determining the precise extent of the damage is difficult because the state changes made by attackers and regular users can be closely intertwined. This problem can be especially severe for persistent state, making intrusion analysis and recovery a time-consuming and error-prone process. Since file sharing across applications is relatively uncommon, we propose limiting the effects of attacks and simplifying the post-intrusion recovery process through explicit sharing of all persistent data. We present a system, Solitude that uses a copy-on-write filesystem for running untrusted applications transparently in a sandboxing environment. Solitude provides two modes of recovery. If a sandboxed application proves to be untrustworthy, a coarse-grained recovery method allows completely removing the footprint of the software. However, if untrusted files are mistakenly moved from the sandbox to the regular environment via explicit sharing, then Solitude uses data dependency tracking to allow fine-grained recovery.
Body, text and self in Old English verse: a study of "Beowulfian" and "Cynewulfian" rhetoric

This thesis explores representations of the body in selected Old English poems and considers what these reveal about the individual poets' perceptions of the “self” in relation to society, God and the world at large. I examine the fusion of influences, from Germanic heritage to Latin literary tradition, upon the corporeal rhetoric presented in the chosen works, and make suggestions about the progression of ideas, relative chronology and possible connections between poems and poets, based on the parallels and distinctions in the use of body-imagery that are apparent. The discussion falls into two main parts, the first focussing on Beowulf, the second on Cynewulf and his “tradition”. Chapter 1 (“Macrocosm and Microcosm: the Body and the World in Beowulf”) analyses the Beowulf-poet's pervasive use of cosmological imagery, and the intricate system of personification that surrounds the physical action of the narrative. Chapter 2 (“Allegory and the Body-politic in Beowulf and Judith”) concentrates on the depiction of the social body in Beowulf and Judith, examining the allegorical implications of hall-life, the socio-political resonances of dismemberment, and the role of individuals within the community. Chapter 3 (“The Body and the Self in Cynewulf's ‘Signed’ Poems”) directs attention to Cynewulf's four poems: Elene, Juliana, Christ B and Fates of the Apostles, and explores the poet's self-conscious expression of corporeality, his treatment of Latin legends, and his location of the individual in relation to the material world and the Christian tradition. Chapter 4 (“The Body and the Text in Two ‘Cynewulfian’ Poems”) focuses on two poems of the “Cynewulfian” group, Guthlac B and Andreas, and investigates the ways in which the theme of physical suffering shapes these texts and the poets' adaptations of their sources. Whilst each of the poets discussed expresses his notion of the body in his own unique manner, there are many striking linguistic or imagistic parallels among these works. It will be argued here that Cynewulf was familiar with Beowulf, that Guthlac B is closely connected with, if not the creation of, Cynewulf himself, and that the Andreas-poet borrowed from both Beowulf and Cynewulf.
The role of endothelial cell shape and nuclear factor-[kappa]B in subclinical human atherosclerosis

Animal models of atherosclerosis demonstrate that endothelial cell (EC) shape and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) are implicated in the initiation of atherosclerotic lesions. The clinical relevance of these data is unknown. This thesis characterized endothelium in humans. Nine left main coronary bifurcations with subclinical atherosclerotic lesions were collected from organ donation surgery and autopsy (mean age 40). Bifurcations were immunostained for EC junctions and NF-κB. Quantitative analysis was performed by en face and cross-sectional confocal microscopy. Areas of the bifurcation prone to advanced lesions demonstrated polygonally-shaped ECs. Areas resistant to advanced lesions demonstrated elongated ECs. Cytoplasmic NF-κB expression was variable, and nuclear localization (NF-κB activation) was observed in 2/9 bifurcations. We conclude that polygonally-shaped ECs overlie the progression-prone areas of human coronary arteries. Their functional role remains unknown. NF-κB activation is not a prominent feature of subclinical lesions. The role of NF-κB activation in clinically symptomatic lesions requires further study.
Role of voltage-gated Kv channels in microglial physiology

Microglial activation can exacerbate the neuronal damage seen in various neurodegenerative diseases. K+ channels control the membrane potential in most cells, which may regulate activation; thus, I hypothesize that the activity of specific K+ channels is required for microglial activation. In activated microglia, both Kv1.3 mRNA and protein level increased concomitantly with the upregulation Kv1.3-like current. Similarly, mRNA and protein levels increased for Kv1.2. In contrast, Kv1.5 mRNA and protein levels remained unchanged. In activated microglia, 4-aminopyridine, a Kv1.x channel blocker, eliminated the stimulation-induced increases in respiratory burst and phagocytosis, but not NO production or proliferation. Dendrotoxin treatment, which blocks Kv1.2 and Kv1.6, blocked phagocytosis while agitoxin treatment, which blocks Kv1.3, blocked the respiratory burst. These results imply that alterations in Kv channel expression modulate changes in some of the activation processes in microglia. Taken together, these results suggest that Kv channel blockers are potential targets for inhibiting microglia activation.
Theorizing coalition building between indigenous peoples and people of colour in Canada

In this thesis, I demonstrate how official state policies in Canada differently-structure the marginalization and (subsequently) resistance of Indigenous peoples and people of colour, thereby producing tensions between the two. For example, anti-racism strategies deployed by people of colour can obscure their "settler privilege" and invisibilize Indigenous peoples' ongoing struggles for decolonisation. Through a case study of the National Secretariat Against Hate and Racism in Canada (NSAHRC), I examine some of the complexities of attempting to do coalition work that address this systematic silencing of Indigenous struggles within anti-racism. Finally, I offer critical suggestions towards thinking through possibilities for re-conceptualizing how people of colour understand both their marginalization, and their strategies for resistance.
Electromagnetic acoustic transducer analysis by the finite element method

Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) are non-contact, non-destructive testing devices for conducting specimens. The efficiency of EMATs is inherently low and methods for increasing it have been the subject of intense research. In publications, the finite element (FE) technique has been applied to the diffusion equation in order to model EMATs. However, electromagnetic theory indicates that the diffusion equation must be solved for the magnetic vector potential (MVP) in conjunction with an equation for the total current. An existing FE formulation considering the two equations becomes unstable when modeling transient inputs in EMAT transmitters. The limitation posed by the instability prompted the development of an improved FE formulation, which solves the two equations and is suitable for the modeling of EMATs. The objective of the research work described in this thesis is to properly and accurately model EMATs, so that their efficiency could be improved at the design stage. The thesis describes the governing equations of EMATs, improved techniques for their solution, and the application of these techniques to the analysis of such devices. The improved techniques are used for modeling EMATs for both non-ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic specimens. The following aspects are developed: (a) Derivation of various types of forces and current densities in EMATs. (b) Computation of the MVP in EMAT transmitters by an improved FE formulation. (c) Accurate computation of the induced voltage in EMAT receivers by an improved method. (d) Derivation of analytical solutions to validate the FE solutions.
Longitudinal elasticity of the cochlear partition and distortion product otoacoustic emissions: how dead ears produce sounds

Sounds generated by the inner ear are known as otoacoustic emissions and are produced by active motile hair cells in the cochlear sensory epithelium. Damage to these cells impairs the sensitivity of the ear and compromises its ability to generate sounds. Consequently, otoacoustic emissions hold substantial clinical significance in that they provide an objective means of diagnosing cochlear dysfunction and damage. Despite the well-established notion that otoacoustic emissions are produced actively in functional living ears, they have also been recorded in necrotic, hypoxic, and pharmacologically traumatized cochlea where the active hair cells are presumably no longer functioning. In a sense, these findings are paradoxical. It should not be possible to elicit a response associated with healthy cochleae from those suffering from trauma How is it possible for the dead ear to produce sounds? One possible answer centers on the sensory epithelium that houses the sensory elements of the cochlea Currently, the sensory epithelium is considered to be composed of tuned resonant unconnected sections. Based on recent experimental evidence and the behavioral features of otoacoustic emissions, this view is challenged in this thesis. The hypothesis presented holds that each section is coupled to its neighbors elastically through connective epithelial tissue. The consequence of such coupling is the introduction of a cubic partial differential nonlinearity into the cochlear dynamic equations. Such a model is capable of producing cubic distortions as large as 7 dB(SPL) while sharing a number of similarities to active cochlear function. The non-linearity was found to be weakly compressive, capable of subdividing the traveling wave, and capable of altering the resonance properties of the sensory epithelium. The emissions produced maintained the dominance of the 2f1 − f2 tone above the other cubic distortions while demonstrating level asymmetry, fine harmonic structure, and chaotic period doubling behavior. The emissions were also produced at multiple sites and increased in level for larger tissue elastic moduli. The many shared similarities and differences with real emissions provide a deeper understanding of the emission process and its origins as a whole, and challenge the widely accepted view that stiff longitudinal coupling within the cochlea can be ignored.
Optimal tracking benchmark and optimized filter evaluation methods for motion drive algorithms in driving simulators

Motion drive algorithms (MDA) provide a tradeoff between simulation of motion cues and using the motion states of the simulator optimally. Although many proposed motion drive algorithms claim to be optimal in the sense of motion cue tracking, several do not take into account the necessary motion required to achieve this control. This thesis will outline a method that will provide the best possible motion displacement (e.g. minimum required displacement) for perfect motion cueing. This method uses a Linear Optimal Tracking Control (LOTC) based on prior knowledge of the input maneuver and can be used as a benchmark to compare other motion drive algorithms in terms of displacement and motion efficiency. The thesis will also outline a method to evaluate the coefficients used in the low and high-pass filters in a classical version of the motion drive algorithm based on a MATLAB optimization routine to control various quantitative states.

Keywords: Aerospace engineering
Longitudinal assessment of anticipatory guidance on the oral health status of infants

The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of anticipatory guidance on knowledge of infant oral health, incidence of preventable oral diseases and utilization of dental services. Anticipatory guidance was delivered through an interactive group presentation using an audio-visual aid. Data was collected on high-risk behaviour, knowledge of infant oral health, and findings of a dental screening. Caregivers in the study group showed an overall increase in knowledge compared to the comparison group (26.7%). Caregivers followed-up after an 18 month period showed an overall decrease in retention of knowledge (16.7%). The caries rate was lower in the study group at follow-up compared to the comparison group (p=0.063). The study group at follow-up utilized dental services more than the comparison group (p=0.02). A one-time exposure of anticipatory guidance has a positive impact on caries and dental utilization. Repeated reinforcement over a shorter time span is required to maintain dental knowledge.
The possibilities of hope in drama

The purpose of this study is to discover elements of hope schemata for drama teachers. Theories of hope, of education and of drama education were examined to ground the study. Hope is that useful construct which creates directed action and propels it towards an imagined worthwhile goal. Portraiture, Story and Mantle of the Expert were used as analytical tools in a case study, which investigated one drama teacher and one drama teaching practice. The research investigated how hopefulness/hopelessness shape practice and how practice informs and adjusts both. This is the story of one teacher's hope both lost and gained. A qualitative examination was conducted by analyzing empirical data from observation notes, transcribed formal and informal interviews and from an analysis of the drama creation led by the teacher. The combined findings indicate that doing drama in partnership with students maintained or strengthened hope. Artfulness, mindfulness, aesthetic knowing, respect and reciprocity in a conditional present built inquiry-based performance from the interests, imaginations and experience of participants. These are the conditions, which this research found sustained hope. Repetition and renewal of experiential knowledge together with skill and wisdom in teaching practice sustain and maintain hope. Teachers gain hope by: (1) overcoming stressful or challenging situations; (2) creating new but obtainable goals; (3) encouraging students; and, (4) re-energizing self and student creativity. Teachers lose hope by: (1) excluding creative offers made by others; (2) retreating to positions of safety; (3) by misplaced extensive praise; and, (4) not dealing with the realities of student response.

Keywords: Drama in education
Drama, Study and teaching
Acting teachers
Art, Study and teaching
A retrospective study assessing the incidence, risk factors, and comorbidities of pamidronate related bone necrosis of the jaws

Introduction. Bone necrosis of the jaws is a newly recognized complication associated with the use of bisphosphonates. The true incidence of the complication is unknown and the pathophysiology is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence among a homogeneous population of multiple myeloma patients receiving pamidronate, investigate risk factors and comorbidities, and to characterize the radiographic changes. Materials and methods. The study was a retrospective review of the charts and databases in the medical oncology and dental departments at Princess Margaret Hospital. Two sample sizes were used, n=655 for assessment of the incidence and n=120 for analysis of the variables. Results. The incidence was estimated at 3.2%. The following variables were statistically significant: longer duration of pamidronate therapy, dental extractions, cyclophosphamide, prednisone, erythropoietin, low haemoglobin levels, renal dialysis and advanced age. Radiographic changes produced by the necrotic bone were less evident than the clinically exposed bone.