VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
A Single Case Research Study on the Short Term, In-home Use of Modified Power Ride-On Toys for a Pre-school Aged Child with Cerebral Palsy

This research study (A-B-C design) measured the effects of use of two modified power ride-on toys (PROTs) by a three year old child with cerebral palsy (CP). The first PROT had adaptive seating and minor control interface modifications (PROT-S), and the second had adaptive seating and drive system/control interface modifications (PROT-SD). The A phase (five weeks) occurred before she received a PROT. She used the PROT-S in phase B for five weeks, and then switched to the PROT-SD in phase C (also five weeks). Her functional mobility, driving skills, upper extremity skills, and social function skills increased throughout the study. Between-phase analysis revealed the child scored higher and improved faster on her driving skills, and also on her ability to perform functional mobility skills and achieve parent-set goals while using the PROT-SD. This study provides preliminary evidence that using modified PROTs may have positive effects on young children with CP.

Advisor: Wright, Virginia
Development and Characterization of an Acute Impact-Compression Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury Model in the Rat

Traumatic injury to the lumbar spinal cord results in complex nervous tissue damage causing severe neurobehavioural deficits and significant personal/social adversity. Despite this, there are few clinically relevant models of lumbar spinal cord injury (SCI), even though lumbar cord injuries are common in humans. The following work characterizes a lumbar SCI model in the rat. The effects of moderate (20g) to severe (26g, 35g, and 56g) clip-compression injuries at the lumbar spinal cord level L1-L2 (vertebral level T11-T12) were assessed using a multitude of neurobehavioural, neuroanatomical and electrophysiological outcome measures. Analysis of the lesional tissue demonstrated significant tissue alterations after injury and electrophysiological outcomes confirmed these deficits. Neurobehavioural testing revealed severe deficits in hindlimb locomotion and highly pathological alterations in sensory outcomes. In summary, we have generated a unique lumbar SCI model that should be useful for a variety of pre-clinical translational oriented therapies.

Keywords: central nervous system
imaging
injury model
lumbar
peripheral nervous system
spinal cord
Advisor: Tator, Charles
A Modified Q-Learning Algorithm in Games

This thesis presents a modified Q-learning algorithm and provides conditions for convergence to a pure Nash equilibrium in potential games. In general Q-learning schemes, convergence to a Nash equilibrium may require decreasing step-sizes and long learning time. In this thesis, we consider a modified Q-learning algorithm based on constant step-sizes, inspired by Joint Strategy Fictitious Play (JSFP). When compared to JSFP, the Q-learning with constant step-sizes requires less information aggregation, but only reaches an approximation of a Nash equilibrium. We show that by appropriately choosing frequency dependent step-sizes, sufficient exploration of all actions is ensured and the estimated equilibrium approaches a Nash equilibrium.

Keywords: Potential Games
Pure Nash Equilibrium
Q-learning
Stochastic Process
Advisor: Pavel, Lacra
BRAF Mutation and CDKN2A Deletion Define a Clinically Distinct Subgroup of Childhood Secondary High-Grade Glioma

This thesis sought to uncover genetic events leading to transformation of pediatric low-grade glioma (PLGG) to secondary high-grade glioma (sHGG) and to define transformation risk using a population-based cohort (n=888) of PLGG with long clinical follow-up. We hypothesize early somatic exonic alterations, which are poorly understood, contribute to transformation. sHGG were observed in 3.2% of patients. BRAF and CDKN2A alterations were observed in 39% and 57% of sHGG respectively. All BRAF and 80% of CDKN2A alterations could be traced back to patient-matched PLGG counterparts. BRAF V600E distinguished secondary from primary HGG (p=0.0023), while BRAF and CDKN2A alterations were rarely observed in non-transformed PLGG (p

Keywords: Glioma
Pediatric
Advisor: Tabori, Uri
Generalized Combinatorial Auction for Mixed Integer Linear Programming

Mixed integer linear programming is an invaluable tool for solving some of the toughest problems in operations research. Since the integer nature of these problems often makes finding a solution intractable, many heuristic algorithms have been developed to provide reasonable solutions while utilizing less resources. Recent research has shown that combinatorial auctions are adept at solving such problems, specifically dealing with transportation procurement and scheduling. As such, we've ventured to develop a generalized combinatorial auction framework to solve mixed integer linear programs. We utilize our algorithm to solve a benchmark set of problems before implementing our algorithm on a radiation therapy problem. We show that by taking advantage of the problem structure we can formulate combinatorial auction algorithms that compete favourably with some of the newest works in the field.

Keywords: column generation
combinatorial auctions
combinatorial optimization
integer programming
linear programming
mixed integer programming
Advisor: Lee, Chi-Guhn
Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure and not Left Ventricular Systolic Function is Associated with Renal Insufficiency in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) with concomitant kidney disease have poor prognosis. Recent studies conducted in patients with acute HF showed that increased filling pressure causes renal vein hypertension resulting to renal insufficiency. Accordingly, this study aimed to correlate right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) to renal function in patients with chronic stable HF. Methods: Serum creatinine (sCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were correlated with RVSP, N-terminal-pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with chronic stable HF.Results: Mean age 70 ± 13 years, 72% male. Mean systolic blood pressure 121 ± 20 mmHg. Both eGFR and sCr correlated with RVSP (p = 0.004 and p = 0.005, respectively) and NT-proBNP (p

Keywords: Chronic heart failure
Renal insufficiency
Right ventricular systolic pressure
Advisor: Moe, W Gordon
Enhanced Coagulatory and Inflammatory Response Associated with Complement-1 Inhibitor (C1-INH) Administration in a Pig Lung Transplant Survival Model

Complement inhibition has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury. The effects of complement-1 inhibitor (C1-INH) were evaluated in a pig lung transplant model. Left single lung transplantation was performed in animals randomized to either a control group or treated with 200 U/kg of C1-INH. Allograft functions were assessed at 1 hour and 72 hours after reperfusion. All control animals survived to sacrifice on postoperative day 3. Two out of 4 animals in the treatment arm, however, developed graft failure and experiments were terminated early. Autopsy showed major pulmonary artery thrombus in one and bronchial casts in both failed treatment animals. The C1-INH group exhibited enhanced coagulation activation as well as more severe acute lung injury and inflammation. Early complement activation was weaker in the control group. The safety of C1-INH needs to be reconsidered as a potential therapy for ischemia-reperfusion induced injury in lung transplantation.

Keywords: Complement-1 inhibitor
Complement system
Inflammation
Ischemia-reperfusion injury
Lung transplantation
Thrombosis
Advisor: Keshavjee, Shaf
Seinendan: Youth Associations as Social Technology in Late Meiji and Taishō Japan

This thesis is an investigation into the rise of the rural youth association (seinendan) movement in Japan, focusing on the period from around 1890 to the first years of World War I. Treatment is also given to genealogical connections and differences between these associations and earlier rural social groupings, which the Greater Japan Federations of Youth Associations (est. 1925) narrativized as its historical antecedents and a primordial expression of Japanese national essence. Modern seinendan provided new opportunities for local notables and the state to deal with problems of governance and promoting rural reform. Using primary sources, extended attention is given to how elite bureaucrats conceived of self-governance as organizational paradigm for administrative units and, eventually, individuals. Lastly, the origins and instrumentalization in Japan of the concept of youth as a stage distinct from childhood are discussed in transnational context, with particular focus on the rise of youth psychology.

Keywords: Japan
seinendan
village society
wakamonogumi
youth
youth associations
Advisor: Fujitani, Takashi
Syntheses of Ruthenium Complexes of Borane-functionalized 4,5-Diazafluorenide and their Reactivity toward Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is an abundant molecule that is present in the earth's atmosphere and is a product of fossil fuel combustion. Given the implication of CO

Keywords: 4
5-diazafluorenide
boranes
carbon dioxide activation
Advisor: Song, Datong
Influenza Induces Platelet-endothelial Adhesion: Implications for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome after Influenza Virus Infection

Loss of barrier integrity of the lung microvascular endothelium is a prerequisite for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Severe influenza is complicated by ARDS, and treatment with antiviral therapy is only partially effective at reducing mortality. Recent studies have pinpointed platelets involvement in ARDS pathogenesis. Our lab has recently reported that human influenza can infect lung endothelial cells in vitro, but the functional consequence of such infection is incompletely understood. We therefore studied whether influenza infection of lung endothelium can lead to enhanced platelet adhesion and if so, by what mechanism. We observed an increase in endothelial-platelet interaction after influenza infection of the endothelium in vitro. The increased interaction was due to upregulation of fibronectin that enabled endothelial-platelet adhesion via platelet integrin alpha-5 beta-1. Inhibition of platelets using acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) improved hypoxemia and survival of mice infected with influenza, further implicating platelets in the pathogenesis of severe influenza..

Keywords: Acetylsalicylic acid
ARDS
Endothelium
Fibronectin
Influenza
Platelets
Advisor: Lee, Warren
The Effect of Rigid Amorphous Fraction on the Solubility of Physical Blowing Agents in Semi-crystalline Polymers

Due to the restriction on the molecular mobility of chain segments adjacent to crystals, an interfacial layer is formed at the boundary of crystalline and amorphous phases. The interfacial layer commonly referred to as rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) exhibits distinct properties, which include gas solubility in the region. The present thesis investigates the effect of rigid amorphous fraction on the solubility of physical blowing agents in semi-crystalline polymers using PLA and CO2 as an example. The phase compositions of PLA samples are characterized through differential scanning calorimetry and are incorporated into the analysis of CO2 solubility determined using a magnetic suspension balance. A mathematical approach based on the three phase model of semi-crystalline polymers is applied to differentiate the overall solubility into the contributions of RAF and MAF (mobile amorphous fraction). The results confirm that the solubility of CO2 in RAF (~4%) is significantly lower than in MAF (~7%).

Advisor: Park, Chul B.
Lyapunov-based Stability Analysis for a MIMO Counter-Propagating Raman Amplifier

We consider the power stabilization problem for a Raman amplifier with an arbitrary number of pumps and signals. The system under consideration is counter-propagating, in the sense that the pump and signal power propagates in opposite directions along the length of the amplifier. Such a system is modeled as a set of hyperbolic partial differential equations of space and time with Lotka-Volterra type nonlinearities. Lyapunov functionals are constructed, and boundary controllers are designed to guarantee exponential stability of the closed-loop system in the L^2 norm. Simulations are done in MATLAB to confirm the results.

Keywords: Control
Feedback
Lyapunov
Nonlinear
Optical
Raman
Advisor: Pavel, Lacra
Design, Analysis, Implementation, and Testing of the Thermal Control, and Attitude Determination and Control Systems for the CanX-7 Nanosatellite Mission

In the context of space debris mitigation, a major challenge currently facing the space community is the removal of nano and microsatellites from orbit following the completion of their missions. To address this problem, the Space Flight Laboratory has developed the CanX-7 mission; a technology demonstration mission to validate the use of a mechanically deployed drag sail for de-orbiting satellites from low-Earth orbit. This thesis report describes the design, analysis, implementation, and testing of both the attitude determination and control system, and thermal control system for the CanX-7 mission. The attitude determination and control system uses an entirely magnetic solution to meet mission level pointing requirements with a limited set of hardware, and the thermal control system relies primarily on passive control measures to allow the spacecraft to survive the harsh thermal environment in space. Both subsystems are essential to the success of the CanX-7 mission.

Keywords: Magnetic Attitude Control
Microsatellite Technology
Orbital Debris
Spacecraft Deorbiting
Thermal Control of Space Systems
Advisor: Zee, E Robert
Nicotine Pharmacokinetics in Rats is altered as a function of Age in Early Adolescents and Adults

Adolescence is a vulnerable stage for the development of nicotine use and dependence. This vulnerability is often investigated in animal model studies. However, species-specific age differences in nicotine pharmacokinetics may confound the interpretation of these findings. We investigated differences in nicotine pharmacokinetics in early adolescent and adult rats following acute nicotine administration.

Advisor: Tyndale, F Rachel
Overexpressing Gαs in Osteoblasts in vitro and in vivo: Effects on Basal and PTH-Stimulated Gene Expression

Previous work in our laboratory showed altered signaling through the parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor when Gas was overexpressed in osteoblasts. To examine the effect of Gas overexpression on PTH signaling, we transfected Gas long into UMR osteoblastic cells and generated transgenic mice overexpressing Gas in osteoblasts. Transfected UMR cells displayed elevated Gas but no changes in basal or PTH stimulated gene expression compared to control cells. A transgenic mouse line was generated with elevated Gas long expression specifically within bone and not other tissues. Runx2 mRNA was increased 52% in neonatal calvaria from transgenic mice but PTH stimulated gene expression was not different from that in wild-type calvaria. In summary, overexpression of Gas long in osteoblasts in vitro and in vivo resulted in no changes in PTH response. Increased Runx2 expression in bone of +Gas mice requires further studies to characterize potential changes in bone development in this mouse line.

Keywords: Gas
Gene regulation
G protein
Osteoblast
Parathyroid hormone
Advisor: Mitchell, A Jane
The Role of Genes Regulating the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Response in Childhood Aggression and Co-morbid Anxiety

Childhood aggression is associated with a variety of negative outcomes and is frequently accompanied by increased internalizing problems. The co-morbid group is at a high risk for negative outcomes. Genetic factors contribute to the development of aggression and anxiety, and HPA axis dysfunction is associated with both. Here we present a study of common variants in childhood aggression and co-morbid anxiety. We find main effects of SNPs in the FKBP5, NR3C1, CRH, and CRHR2 genes on measures of anxiety and aggressive behaviour. We also find that the FKBP5 gene and a history of maltreatment interact to increase the risk of both internalizing and externalizing problems in children. These findings add to the currently limited literature in the genetics of childhood psychiatric disorders and provide support for future research on the functional significance of these genes.

Keywords: Aggression
Anxiety
Childhood behavior problems
FKBP5
Glucocorticoid receptor
HPA Axis
Advisor: Beitchman, H. Joseph
Evaluation of Digital Implant Impressions using an Intra-oral Computerized Scanner (iTero) versus Conventional Implant Impressions: A 3-Dimensional Analysis of Accuracy

Scanning abutments allow clinicians to use digital intra-oral scanners to produce casts on which to fabricate implant-supported prostheses. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of a digital impression approach and to compare it to a conventional impression technique. A simulated patient was fabricated with implants placed in posterior edentulous segments. Digital implant impressions were taken using an intra-oral scanner with scanbodies and conventional implant impressions were taken using an open-tray technique. 3-dimensional analysis and comparison of implant location on resultant working casts was performed using a laser scanner. A statistically significant difference between the two groups was found, with average 3-dimensional error of implant positioning of 116m and 56m for the digital group and conventional groups, respectively (p=0.01). Within the limitations of this study, the digital impression technique was less accurate than the conventional impression technique and did not produce working casts with clinically acceptable accuracy.

Keywords: dental implant
digital impression
impression accuracy
intraoral scanner
laser scanner
scanbody
Advisor: Alkumru, Hasan
Cooperative Energy-harvesting Communication Systems

In this thesis, we study the problem of throughput maximization in an energy-harvesting, two-hop, amplify-and-forward relay network. We obtain optimal transmission policies for offline and online settings. In the offline setting, we assume that non-causal knowledge of the harvested energy and the fadingchannel states is available. We propose an effective algorithm to solve the power allocation problem in this case. For the online setting, we assume that the information for the energy harvesting process and the fading channels is known causally. In this case, we cast the problem as a Markov decision process (MDP). We also consider the case where power control at the transmitting nodes is limited to on-off switching. To address the inherent complexity of the MDP formulation, we also propose a computationally simple power allocation scheme. The performance of the proposed schemes are evaluated using computer simulations and are compared to existing methods in the literature.

Keywords: Cooperative Communications
Dynammic Programming
Energy Harvesting
Relay Network
Resource allocation
Throughput Maximization
Advisor: Adve, S. Raviraj
Seismic Fragility Analysis of Steel Moment-Resisting Frames (MRF) Designed in Canada in the 1960s, 1980s, and 2010

A typical steel moment-resisting frame (MRF) of six stories was designed for three different provisions of the National Building Code of Canada (1960s, 1980s, and 2010) and for two different cities (Vancouver and Montreal). Numerical models were developed in OpenSees to understand the seismic performance of the structures. These models accounted for strength and stiffness degradation through the appropriate representation of the beam-column connection behaviour. The beam-column connection models were calibrated against experimental results available in the literature. The behaviour of the buildings was evaluated through pushover and nonlinear time history analyses. The 1960s and 2010 steel MRFs of both cities presented strong-column-weak-beam behaviour and the failure in the connections provoked the collapse of the structures. The 1980s steel MRFs of both cities showed column sway mechanism. Fragility curves were developed for the steel MRFs using nonlinear time history analyses.

Keywords: Fragility Analysis
Seismic Performance Assessment
Steel MRF
Advisor: Kwon, Oh-Sung
A Genetic Association Study of Glutamate Transporter Genes SLC1A1 and SLC1A3 in Tourette Syndrome and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a heterogeneous disorder that may share etiological factors with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Genetic factors play a large role in the pathogenesis of these disorders and disruption of the glutamatergic system has been implicated through multiple lines of study. On this basis, the current investigation evaluates the role of two glutamate transporter genes: SLC1A1 and SLC1A3. SLC1A1 was selected for study based on its function and involvement in OCD, and was tested for association with TS and ADHD, using two independent samples. SLC1A3 was selected for study based on function and possible involvement in ADHD, and was tested for association using our TS sample. None of the genotyped markers remained significant following corrections for multiple testing. Considering that we observed several trends for association, studies using larger samples are required to determine whether these genes are associated with TS or ADHD.

Keywords: Association Study
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Genetics
Glutamate
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Tourette syndrome
Advisor: Barr, L Cathy
The Core Features and Perceived Value of Family Support for Ethnoracial homeless individuals with mental illness: Findings from the At Home/Chez Soi Project

Objectives: To determine the core features and perceived value of family support for racialized homeless individuals with moderate mental illness.Methods: Descriptive qualitative exploratory study using grounded theory method. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with participants in the intervention and control groups of the At Home/Chez Soi Project. One focus group each of family members and service providers caring for this group were conducted.Results: Family relationships were valued and were often a source of emotional, financial, and instrumental supports. Several barriers to family support including negative past family experiences and geographical distance were identified. Findings cautiously supported family involvement in service provision, emphasizing consideration of consumer choice and autonomy, family dynamics, consumer needs, and family needs.Conclusions: Families may play an important role in supporting the well-being of this population. Several important factors including consumer choice and autonomy may require consideration when engaging families in service provision.

Keywords: Family Centered Care
Family Support
Homelessness
Mental Illness
Racialization
Advisor: Hwang, W Stephen
Le rapport à l'identité chez les jeunes des écoles francophones de l'Ontario

En Ontario, l'école de langue française joue un rôle significatif dans le développement du rapport à l'identité francophone chez les jeunes, en raison du contexte minoritaire. À leur sortie de l'école, ces jeunes sont exposés à une langue et une culture différentes; leur réseau social, et même familial, évolue dans un environnement autre que leur contexte éducationnel. Ce texte vise à poser un regard critique sur la notion d'identité telle que définie dans les documents officiels afin d'examiner si cette forme correspond réellement au contexte franco-ontarien actuel, compte tenu que la clientèle de l'école de langue française est beaucoup plus diversifiée qu'auparavant. Les résultats de mon analyse suggèrent qu'au lieu de promouvoir le développement personnel et social propre à une seule culture et une langue d'enseignement, le système scolaire devrait plutôt permettre aux élèves de s'associer à la culture et la langue d'enseignement sans toutefois nier leurs origines ou leur sentiment d'appartenance à la culture dominante.

Advisor: Gérin-Lajoie, Diane