VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Acute Inflammatory Response as a Mediator of the Effects of High-intensity Exercise on Appetite and Food Intake in Boys.

The effect of high-intensity exercise (HIEX) and the mechanism by which it suppresses appetite and food intake (FI) is not well understood. The hypothesis of this research was that inflammation during and after HIEX plays a role. Three experiments were designed to investigate the hypothesis and to compare these mechanisms with the effects of macronutrient ingestion in male children. Experiment 1 investigated the effects of HIEX induced inflammatory- and stress biomarkers on appetite control in normal-weight (NW) and overweight/obese boys. HIEX resulted in reduced appetite that correlated with an increase in plasma concentration of IL-6 with no effect of body-weight. However, while a role for IL-6 in the response can be suggested, the suppression of appetite could have been mediated by the associated decrease in active ghrelin and/or increase in cortisol. Experiment 2 further examined the role of IL-6 in exercise-induced anorexia in NW children. HIEX reduced subjective appetite but not FI, increased IL-6 and cortisol and decreased active ghrelin and blood glucose. An independent role for IL-6 in appetite suppression was not supported. However, IL-6 response was associated with active ghrelin and cortisol, thus potentially mediating appetite via these interactions. Experiment 3 was a study of the role of IL-6 and TNF-α in satiety and appetite after consumption of glucose or protein beverage by boys. Neither affected an immediate response in plasma IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations. However, in the pooled data, mean levels of IL-6 were strongly correlated with later FI. Thus, this research provides support for further examination of the role of IL-6 in appetite control.

Keywords: Appetite control
Children
Exercise
Food Intake
IL-6
Inflammation
Advisor: Anderson, Harvey
Thomas, Scott
Exploring the Synthesis and Reactivity of Phosphinoboranes and Organophosphorus-based Lewis Acids

Advances in main group chemistry are challenging the status of the transition metals. Small-molecule activations necessary in many catalytic reactions have traditionally been the province of the transition metals owing to their large atomic radii, available d-orbital electrons, vacant coordination sites, and accessible orbital energies. Increasingly however, main group species are being discovered with accessible donor and acceptor sites capable of activating small molecules in analogous and complementary reactions to the transition metals. The first portion of this thesis explores the synthesis of phosphinoboranes and their reactivity towards a number of small molecules: acyl phosphine and chloroborane synthesis was achieved from reactions with benzoyl chloride, reactions with carbon dioxide produced single addition and diphospha-urea products, and addition reactions were observed with diazomethanes and diazobenzene. In the latter case, subsequent intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair chemistry of addition products with Lewis basic substrates yielded unique heterocyclic rings. Main group chemistry has also made progress in Lewis acid catalysis, where transition metals have traditionally been applied. Synthetic strategies for attaching highly electron-withdrawing substituents to main group element centres and the design of weakly coordinating anions have led to the development of main group Lewis super acids. The second part of this thesis explores the design and reactivity of phosphonium Lewis acids: fluorine-substituted phenoxy rings were applied to achieve more robust yet reactive compounds, a phenoxyphosphonium salt derivative was subsequently used to catalyze the double hydroarylation of diarylamines with alkynes, and steric considerations of the C6F5 group were compared to the 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3 group. Additionally, the development of main group Lewis acids containing ligands originally designed for transition metals have demonstrated stability, selectivity, and reactivity. The third part of this thesis explores the synthesis and hemilabile reactivity of diiminopyridine, bipyridine, and terpyridine ligated phosphorus-based Lewis acids towards the catalytic allylation of aliphatic carbon-fluorine bonds.

Keywords: Catalysis
Frustrated Lewis pairs
Lewis acid
Phosphinoborane
Phosphonium
Phosphorus
Advisor: Stephan, Douglas W
Enframing Infrastructural Place: Manhattan's Waterfront, 1686-1921

In 1870, Manhattan’s waterfront was a mixed-use site of abattoirs, storage-yards and factories. These buildings lined the rotting wooden boards of dilapidated too-small piers built on privately-owned land. This close-in, messy waterfront was unambiguously part of the rest of the city in terms of law, operation, and governance. Over the next 50 years, the waterfront would be trans-formed. By 1921, the waterfront was dominated by publicly-owned and built concrete and steel piers on parcels that were legally distinct from the rest of the propertied urban landscape. The world’s largest steamships tied up at exclusive berths governed by an institution that sought to ensure their frictionless circulation in and out of the city. By 1921, Manhattan’s waterfront was the exclusive site of large-scale transportation circulation – an infrastructural place. In this re-search I ask how the mixed-use urban waterfront became infrastructural place: the exclusive site of transatlantic circulation. I examine how state and private sector actors negotiated, contested, and cooperated to enframe the waterfront as infrastructure – a space ruled according to the logic of circulation– that enabled global-scale flows through Manhattan. This involved on a process of enframing which relied on the separate legal categories of property leveraged to produce new conceptual, institutional, and material boundaries separating the waterfront from the rest of the city. These processes were articulated through power geometries to produce the waterfront as infrastructural place. This research demonstrates how an analysis of infrastructure as place allows us to examine it as an ongoing process of social production.

Keywords: enframing
governance
infrastructure
New York City
urban geography
urban planning
Advisor: Lewis, Robert
Coherent Control of Molecular Processes in the Condensed Phase: Theory and Applications

Coherent control schemes are interference-based procedures for the control of quantum mechanical systems informed by a careful analysis of the physical conditions on interference. In this thesis, the coherent control approach is applied to experimental phase control in the condensed phase. Specifically, coherent control schemes are proposed as mechanisms for experimental manifestations of phase interference. First, a simulation of a ``black box'' feedback control experiment using realistic pulse shaping is shown to automatically find a specific, previously devised coherent control scheme. Qualitative features of experiments performed in this way are reproduced. Second, an analysis of interference in one-photon phase control yields an upper bound on the duration of phase effects. One-photon phase control was previously shown to be possible only over the transient (as opposed to steady-state) value of observables. The bound described here quantifies this statement and provide a rigorous definition of ``transient'' control. We propose that phase control beyond this bound, as reported in a number of weak-field experimental and computational studies, is the result of previously unaccounted for multiphoton effects. Third, we analyze a recent experiment showing phase control of the macroscopic current emanating from living brain cells photostimulated by two-photon absorption. We propose mechanisms for the phase dependence of the current that operate over fifteen orders of magnitude in time, from the femtosecond dynamics of light-matter interactions to the macroscopic dynamics of neuron current. Significantly, coherent control is extended to the case of systems repeatedly interacting with pulses of light; we show that macroscopic control is obtained, in this case, from the multi-pulse accumulation of small phase effects. Research into multiphoton control led to the development of a novel algorithm to compute higher order perturbation theory integrals, presented in the final chapter of this thesis. The Fourier-Laplace Inversion of the Perturbation Theory (FLIPT) method is a highly efficient, numerically exact, ``black box'' integration algorithm. The FLIPT method exploits the specific structure of the multidimensional perturbation theory integrals to obtain an exponential improvement in performance over standard quadrature.

Keywords: Coherent control
Nonlinear spectroscopy
Quantum control
Quantum dynamics
Quantum optics
Ultrafast
Advisor: Brumer, Paul
Effect of Fly Ash Composition and Flue Gas Conditions on Removal Efficiency of Electrostatic Precipitators in Kraft Recovery Boilers

In the chemical recovery process of kraft pulp mills, electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are used to remove ash particles from the recovery boiler flue gas. High ash collection efficiency is necessary to minimize particulate emissions. A slight decrease in ESP performance could cause kraft mills to exceed their environmental emissions limits, which in severe cases, can force mills to curtail production until the issue is resolved. Therefore, understanding factors affecting ESP performance is of vital importance to the productivity and sustainability of kraft mills. This thesis work consists of two parts: 1) sensitivity analysis of factors affecting the particle collection efficiency of ESP using the conventional Deutsch-Anderson equation and 2) experimental investigation the effects of various parameters on ESP performance, including flue gas temperature, moisture content and ash chemical composition. Three types of ash were considered: ash with low carbonate and low chloride contents (typical ash), ash with low chloride but high carbonate contents, ash with low carbonate but high chloride contents. Results of sensitivity studies show that increasing the gas temperature decreases the ESP collection efficiency. Of the three types of ash examined, the high carbonate ash is the easiest to capture, followed by high chloride ash and then typical ash. Results of experiments using a bench scale ESP show that 1) increasing the gas temperature increases efficiency, 2) typical ash is the easiest to capture, followed by high carbonate ash and then high chloride ash, and 3) increasing moisture content in the gas improves the collection efficiency. The results also show that ash dielectric constant is as important as ash electrical resistivity in predicting how ash may affect the ESP collection efficiency, and that the sensitivity analysis predictions are improved when more accurate values of dielectric constant are used. From the results of the experiments, equations were derived for estimating the particle migration velocity for a given ESP design. The experimental results imply that the ESP collection efficiency decreases with an increase in black liquor firing load, increases as a result of the deposits that form on the heat exchanger tubes, and is not affected by sootblowing.

Keywords: Air quality
Ash
Electrostatic Precipitator ESP
Kraft Recovery Boiler
Pulp and Paper
Advisor: Evans, Greg
Tran, Honghi
Volume Formula and Intersection Pairings of N-fold Reduced Products

Let G be a semisimple compact connected Lie group. An N-fold reduced product of G is the symplectic quotient of the Hamiltonian system of the Cartesian product of N coadjoint orbits of G under diagonal coadjoint action of G. Under appropriate assumptions, it is a symplectic orbifold. Using the technique of nonabelian localization and the residue formula of Jeffrey and Kirwan, we investigate the symplectic volume and the intersection pairings of an N-fold reduced product of G. In 2008, Suzuki and Takakura gave a volume formula of N-fold reduced products of SU(3) via Riemann-Roch. We compare our volume formula with theirs and prove that our volume formula matches theirs in the case of triple reduced products of SU(3).

Advisor: Jeffrey, Lisa C
Flow and Mass Transport for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolyzers

Effective two-phase transport is a prerequisite for achieving high efficiency operation for polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers since the undesired accumulation of gaseous oxygen leads to mass transport losses. In this thesis, two-phase flow in the PTL and flow channels were investigated via experimental and numerical techniques to inform new designs and optimize operating conditions. The effect of gas compressibility on displacement behaviour in the PTL was elucidated by studying gas invasion in liquid-saturated microfluidic cells. Smaller pore throat sizes led to larger pore burst velocities, which inspired a new PTL design with engineered pore throat sizes for enhanced gas removal. Next, the gas transport behaviour in the PTL was investigated via a custom microfluidic cell that was based on a realistic PTL microstructure. A unique pore throat was identified where gas snap-off occurred, and the location of this pore throat governed the average gas saturation in the PTL. Next, the temperature-dependent gas saturation in the PTL was investigated using in operando neutron imaging. Increasing the operating temperature led to lower gas saturation near the catalyst layer and PTL interface, resulting in a decrease in mass transport overpotential. To increase the accuracy of anode flow channel visualizations, the nitrogen purging rate was optimized to minimize the impact of purging on cell performance. Excessive cathode purging led to undesired changes in performance, and a minimal purge rate was recommended to achieve accurate through-plane imaging. Lastly, temperature effects on two-phase quality in the anode flow channels were investigated via neutron imaging. A more uniform reactant distribution across the flow channels was observed at higher temperatures, enabling a uniform operating current density across the active area. The main findings in this thesis inform the design of novel PTL microstructure and explain the benefits of higher operating temperature for enhanced mass transport in PEM electrolyzers.

Keywords: Electrolysis
Microfluidics
Multiphase Flow
Neutron
Porous Media
Advisor: Bazylak, Aimy
Neural and Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying Human Categorization

Categorization is one of the primary mechanisms underlying human perception and cognition, but how humans categorize complex multimodal sensory inputs from the real-world is still an open question. In this dissertation, I present three studies that examine how the human brain processes and represents categorical information of natural scenes, and how such categorical information shapes cognition, influencing what humans can learn from sensory inputs. Chapter 2 presents a study that shows scene information from either visual or auditory cues is represented in the prefrontal cortex independently of sensory modality, suggesting that conceptual aspects of scene category information are represented in this brain area. Chapter 3 describes a study that examined how scene representations in the prefrontal cortex are modulated by task context. This study demonstrated that scene category information is represented in the prefrontal cortex regardless of task context, unlike the global properties of scenes which were only represented in the prefrontal cortex when behaviorally relevant. These findings suggest that category information is automatically, without deliberate effort, processed and represented in the brain. In Chapter 4, we demonstrated that category information that observers extract from sensory inputs broadens the scope of learning, allowing humans to show the learning effect to novel stimuli based on category-level information. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that category information is automatically processed and represented across different areas in the brain, both sensory-specific and modality-independent brain regions, and interacts with such as learning and memory.

Keywords: Categorization
fMRI
learning
Prefrontal cortex
Advisor: Walther, Dirk B
Characterization of Potential Mechanisms that Render the Combination of First Trimester Umbilical Cord-Derived Perivascular Cells (FTM HUCPVC) and Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPC) a Promising Cellular Therapeutic Strategy Following Ischemic Cardiac Injury

Heart disease is the main cause of mortality worldwide. The available treatments are limited, high risk and often inefficient. Cell-based therapies are being developed to provide an efficient and safe option to improve quality of life, prevent future mortality and the need for heart transplantation. Aged and ill individuals often have impaired endogenous regenerative cells. Instead, healthy, young cells can be delivered into the damaged heart to decrease inflammation, restore blood flow, preserve the myocardium and increase cardiac output. Pre-clinically and clinically tested therapeutic cell types achieved some of these goals, but no single-cell type seems to be versatile enough, to heal the heart on its own. Herein, I propose the combined use of two regenerative cell types as a treatment after myocardial infarction (MI). The first cell type is the endothelial progenitor cell (EPC), which are the origin of new blood vessels, second is the first trimester human umbilical cord-derived perivascular cell (FTM HUCPVC). FTM HUCPVC can support developing blood vessels, control inflammation and release growth factors. We hypothesized that combined administration of these cells can achieve clinically significant healing in a damaged heart. We previously found that FTM HUCPVC have greater regenerative potential following cardiac injury compared to term HUCPVC and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Optimal cell ratios were determined by a mouse model of subcutaneous angiogenesis and an immunocompromised rat model of MI. The combination of FTM HUCPVC and EPC significantly improved vasculogenesis compared to single cell-type treatments partly through the platelet-derived growth factor beta (PDGF-B) signalling cascade. Both FTM HUCPVC and EPC in combination support perivascular niches in the myocardium by homing to vascular structures and secreting pro-angiogenic factors. The resultant cardiac perfusion is likely required for cardiac muscle preservation, scar tissue reduction, and ultimately the improved cardiac function. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show significant structural and functional cardiac improvements following combination cell therapy compared to single cell-type therapies. Currently our group is working on large animal studies to test this novel therapeutic approach as we plan for a phase I clinical trial to provide a novel treatment option for patients following MI.

Keywords: Angiogenesis
Cellular-based Therapy
Human Umbilical Cord Perivascular Cells
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Myocardial Infarction
Advisor: Librach, Clifford
Li, Ren-Ke
Organic Frontiers: The Politics of Agricultural Market-making in Jumla, Nepal

In 2008, Jumla District, located in northwest Nepal, declared itself “organic.” The declaration was made in the context of a rise in identity-based territorial claims and reinvigorated state territorialisation following the end of a decade-long civil conflict. The declaration was also broadly aligned with a diverse range of socially inclusive and ecologically sustainable market-making initiatives targeting Nepal’s agrarian frontiers. Such initiatives have aimed to capitalize on the “quality turn” in globalized agro-food markets and expert re-assessments of the socio-ecological value of bio-diverse and chemical-free agro-ecologies. These market development initiatives are framed as having the potential to conserve vulnerable frontier ecologies by rendering them economically valuable, while also extending market access into marginalized regions where farmers have been unable to compete with large-scale, industrial producers on the basis of price alone. This dissertation builds on critical development, agrarian and governmentality studies and contributes to a growing body of critical scholarship studying alternative agro-food initiatives outside of the Global North. Drawing on an analysis of state and donor archives, semi-structured interviews and ethnographic participant observation, I examine how changes in globalized food markets and expert understandings of frontier ecologies are transforming governmental projects of market-making. Using Jumla’s organic district declaration and donor-led value chain development projects as examples, I demonstrate how eco-governmental discourses and development strategies are assembled within specific territorial logics and political agendas, resulting in multiple—and at times contradictory—priorities and approaches. The research further examines how ostensibly technical projects intended to develop socially inclusive and ecologically sustainable markets deliberately blur public-private boundaries. I argue that the new sites of state-society-market encounter created by these projects can bring markets into view as targets of political practice, particularly as development agents and subjects negotiate the contradictions between and within different market-making initiatives. While the politicization of markets can contribute to processes of accumulation and dispossession, it can also present new opportunities for rights-based claims-making.

Keywords: Food Sovereignty
Governmentality
International Development
Nepal
Organic Agriculture
Political Ecology
Advisor: Rankin, Katharine
Boland, Alana