VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Exploring the concept of respect in forensic psychiatric nursing: A focused ethnography

The context of forensic psychiatric nursing (FPN) is distinct from other psychiatric settings as it involves placement of patients in secure environments with restrictions determined by the courts. Previous literature has identified that nurses morally struggle with respecting patients who have committed heinous offences, which can lead to the patient being depersonalized and dehumanized. Although, respect is fundamental to ethical nursing practice, it has not been adequately explored conceptually or empirically. As a result little knowledge exists that identifies how nurses develop, maintain, and express respect for patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze the concept of respect systematically, from a FPN perspective using the qualitative methodology of focused ethnography. Forensic psychiatric nurses were recruited from two medium secure forensic rehabilitation units. In the first interview, 13 Registered Nurses (RN) and 2 Registered Practical Nurses participated, and although all informants were invited to the second interview, 6 RNs were lost to follow-up. Despite this loss, saturation was achieved and the data were interpreted through a feminist philosophical lens; Care Respect (Dillon 1998a b). The data revealed 3 dialectics that produced moral tension: (1) the dictum to be nonjudgemental in a system that demands judging, (2) caring for individuals who are often unwilling participants of care, and (3) to respect when the basic Kantian edict of non-interference is a key responsibility of the nurse. Finally, the enactment of respect is mitigated by the social-political context, particularly power relations within the medical hierarchy. These findings cumulate in the need to address moral tensions that emerge from practice situations that demand transgression of Kantian respect. The findings suggested that full care respect was rare and dependent on patient remorse or motivation for treatment. Typically, respect fell along a continuum ranging from Kantian-level respect to the enactment of full care respect. The enactment and inhibition of respect along this continuum was influenced by factors categorized into four themes: (1) Emotive-Cognitive Reactions, (2) Non-judgemental Approach, (3) Social Identity and Power, and (4) Context. However, the factors within the themes were so tightly intertwined and reciprocally influencing that they are described as concatenated in a heterarchy.
The solution behaviour of siderophile elements during earth differentiation: An experimental study

It is possible to determine the oxidation state of highly siderophile elements dissolved in silicate glass spectroscopically, as demonstrated by our study involving Pd. Due to compositional impurities in the silicate melt, experimental glasses produced at oxygen fugacity conditions lower than 10 -2 contained neutral Pd, therefore future studies should focus on in situ techniques. Earth differentiation models were tested by experimental studies of metal-silicate and solid-liquid metal partitioning of select trace elements under controlled conditions. Experiments were designed to simulate trace element behaviour during metallic liquid separation from molten silicate during core formation, and the subsequent differentiation of the core into a solid inner and liquid outer region. The precise conditions of Earth differentiation are neither well constrained, nor routinely attainable by experiment. Although reducing oxygen fugacities of core formation can be replicated, element partitioning is typically established at lower pressures and temperatures, and trends are then used to infer partitioning behaviour at more extreme conditions. It is possible that liquid metal from the outer core may have reacted with silicates and oxides in the lower mantle. The suggestion that outer core liquid caused Os isotopic anomalies in mantle-derived materials requires an outer core with super-chondritic Pt/Os and Re/Os. It is evident from experimental results of this study and those of the literature that the element fractionations necessary to produce this composition did not occur upon solidification of metal in the core, rendering the outer core nearly-chondritic in Pt/Os and Re/Os composition. Siderophile and chalcophile elements Te, Se, and S are equally depleted from the modeled primitive mantle, yet this behaviour is not reflected in metal-silicate partitioning experiments. Results suggest that initial metal segregation from silicate during core formation produced a mantle roughly 3-5 times more depleted in these elements, as well as a sub-chondritic Te/Se fractionation. An Earth accretion model involving the late addition of siderophile-bearing material after core formation is favoured by our results.
Modulation of glutamate transporter activity by sodium, potassium-ATPase

Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are responsible for the transport of glutamate from the synaptic cleft into neuronal and glial cells. In this study, we investigated an interaction between EAATs GLAST and GLT-1, and Na, K-ATPase under the hypothesis that Na, K-ATPase may serve to regulate EAAT activity. Following purification of Na, K-ATPase from rat brain by affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitation, GLAST and GLT-1 were detected in the purified eluates by western blot analysis, suggesting that Na, K-ATPase may associate with EAATs in the brain. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated co-localization of both alpha2 Na, K-ATPase and GLAST in Bergmann glia in rat cerebellum. Evidence for a functional interaction between EAATs and Na, K-ATPase was shown by inhibition of [3H] D-aspartate uptake into rat brain synaptosomes and cultured cells by ouabain (1 mM). Taken together, our findings provide evidence for a functional interaction between EAATs and Na, K-ATPase, which may serve as a novel mechanism EAAT regulation.
Multi server video streaming using SCTP transport protocol

Internet is going to be used as an infrastructure for watching movies and research is geared to propose approaches for video streaming over Internet. In this thesis, we designed and implemented a multi sender video streaming system using SCTP transport protocol. The system is divided into two parts, which the first and the main part resides at receiver and the other part reside in senders. Monitoring is used by our system to obtain feedback from network and adapt itself to the changes accordingly. A number of algorithms have been developed which are executed by the receiver to distribute the sending load among senders and manage network changes. The system code is developed in C and implemented on a hardware test bed which has been used to generate the results.
Producing race, producing space: The geography of Toronto's Regent Park

Regent Park, Canada's oldest housing project, has deteriorated both in form and reputation. Examining this highly contested urban space reveals that spaces don't naturally evolve or emerge; rather, they are produced, controlled, and maintained through systems of power. Using Henri Lefebvre's theory of the production of space, I contend that Regent Park is racialized in the production of space through urban planning, everyday life, and resistance practices, implying the various fields of the racial production of space. Although Lefebvre's theory allows for the complexities of spatial production to be seen, his theory must be historically and contextually situated. Within the Canadian context this requires positioning Regent Park in a post-colonial framework that allows us to consider the history behind its production. Working with Lefebvre, among others, I will establish how space is racially produced, as well as demonstrate how bodies are mapped onto (and off of) urban spaces.

Keywords: Planned communities, Ontario
Racism, Ontario
Community development, Urban, Ontario
City planning, Ontario
Epigenetic regulation of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene expression

Cell memory is the process whereby the active expression state of tissue-specific genes is “remembered” after cell division. Cis-acting elements of genes may function in the process of cell memory. This thesis examines how cell memory is affected after the deletion of a cis-acting element known to regulate gene expression. As a model system, I used the immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) gene intronic locus control region (LCR) and I studied its role in the propagation of active expression of the IgH expression. Previous experiments reported that targeted deletion of this LCR from the IgH locus of a hybridoma cell line resulted in decreased IgH expression relative to a wild-type line. As shown in this thesis, deletion of the LCR does not simply decrease the expression rate of the IgH locus, as expression of the LCR-deficient locus is variegated, i.e., the locus can exist in multiple different states of expression that are maintained through many cell divisions by an epigenetic mechanism. In the absence of the intronic LCR, hybridoma cells can exist in two heritable states of expression, positive, in which IgH expression is as high as that of wild-type cells, and negative, in which IgH expression is undetectable, and cells can switch between these two states. To test whether the difference between positive and negative cells is due to a difference in the transcription factor environment, I generated hybrid cells by fusing a positive and negative cell bearing distinguishable IgH loci. The positive and negative states of expression were preserved in hybrids between marked positive and negative cells in an allelic-specific manner and are thus propagated by virtue of a cis-acting, epigenetic mark. IgH expression in hybridomas that lack the intronic LCR could also occur with different stabilities. I showed that that stability is a heritable feature that is determined by an epigenetic modification of the IgH locus, possibly by methylation density. My results show that the IgH intronic LCR is needed to prevent cytosine methylation, which correlates with the silencing of gene expression. The rate of silencing is stochastically determined and heritable and might be determined by methylation density.
Functional expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in brain cellular compartments and in glial cells exposed to HIV-1 viral proteins

Limited drug penetration is an obstacle that is often encountered in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases including human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) encephalitis (HIVE). ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug efflux transporter expression [i.e. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein-1 (Mrp1)] at brain barrier sites and HIV-1 brain cellular targets (i.e., microglia, astrocytes) may represent one mechanism that can restrict CNS permeation of antiretroviral drugs [i.e. HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs)]. Furthermore, astrocytes may be activated by viral proteins (i.e., HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120) to produce and secrete toxic substances such as cytokines. However, it is currently unknown if gp120 or cytokine exposure can alter the functional expression of ABC transporters in astrocytes. The overall intent of this Ph. D. project was (i) to investigate P-gp involvement in the transport of PIs, (ii) to examine the cellular/subcellular localization and functional expression of P-gp in astrocytes, (iii) to characterize an in vitro model of HIVE-associated immunological events by treating cultured astrocytes with gp120 and (iv) to investigate ABC transporter expression and activity in cultured astrocytes triggered with gp120 or cytokines. We demonstrated that PIs (i.e., saquinavir, indinavir) are substrates and inhibitors of P-gp in brain cell culture systems. We also showed that P-gp is functionally expressed in cultured human and rodent astrocytes. Furthermore, we detected P-gp localization at the plasma membrane as well as along the nuclear envelope, in cytoplasmic vesicles, and in caveolae. Biochemical studies demonstrated increased cytokine mRNA and protein expression in gp120-treated astrocyte cultures, suggesting in vitro activation of immune responses. Following gp120 exposure, we demonstrated decreased P-gp molecular (i.e., mRNA, protein) expression and drug transport activity. In contrast, Mrp1 mRNA and protein expression as well as efflux activity were increased after gp120 treatment. In addition, saquinavir accumulation was significantly enhanced in gp120-treated astrocytes, which implies that altered transporter activity may lead to changes in brain permeation and distribution of PIs. Cytokine treatment showed that P-gp and Mrp1 protein expression were increased by TNF-alpha while P-gp was decreased by IL-6. Taken together, these data suggest that complex drug-transporter interactions may occur during immune responses associated with HIVE.
Regulation of CEP-1/p53 by DVE-1, a Caenorhabditis elegans SATB family member

Apoptosis is the process by which a cell, if subject to irreparable genotoxic stress, can self-destruct. In this way, defective genomes are not passed on to subsequent generations. The p53 family of transcription factors plays key roles in apoptosis and development, though the multiple proteins present in mammals render their individual study complex. The apoptotic activities of the p53 family members p63 and p73 are regulated by SATB2, a matrix attachment region (MAR) -binding transcription factor. C. elegans has a single ancestral p53 orthologue, cep-1, while maintaining a highly conserved apoptotic pathway. In order to investigate how CEP-1 apoptotic activity is regulated, I examine the relationship between cep-1 and dve-1, an uncharacterized SATB family gene. I find that dve-1 antagonizes the apoptotic activity of CEP-1 in the C. elegans germline. Epistasis analysis places dve-1 above the damage checkpoint responsible for activating CEP-1, and knockdown of dve-1 expression by RNAi results in the increased transcriptional activity of CEP-1. Preliminary Western blots suggest that the interaction between the p53 and SATB protein families may be conserved in C. elegans . In addition, a novel role for CEP-1 in somatic development is revealed.
AtMYB61, a central regulator of the plant transpiration stream

The transpiration stream is the route taken by water from the roots, through the xylem cells, and into the atmosphere through the stomata. Previously, it was shown that the transcription factor, AtMYB61, was both sufficient and necessary to control the diurnal changes in stomatal apertures. Here it is shown that AtMYB61 directly controls the two other major facets of the plant transpiration stream, xylem formation and root system architecture. AtMYB61 is expressed in differentiating xylem cells and in emerging lateral roots. Loss of AtMYB61 function decreases xylem formation, induces alterations in xylem cell structure and decreases lateral root formation, whereas, gain of AtMYB61 function has the opposite effect. The loss of AtMYB61 also results in several seed related traits, reinforcing the nature of this pleotropic transcription factor. AtMYB61 regulates a suite of downstream target genes, which themselves determine the extent and features of xylem cell formation and seed traits. AtMY. B61 is the first transcription factor that defines a genetic module that directly links all major components controlling the plant transpiration stream.
The determination of the Forster critical radius through time-dependent fluorescence decay measurements and the spectral overlap method

The Forster distance (R0), a quantity whose accurate evaluation is essential for studies of diblock copolymer interfaces using non-radiative resonance energy transfer, was determined for two phenanthrene derivatives as donor paired with a series of anthracene acceptors in poly(methylmethacrylate) and polystyrene films as well as in ethyl acetate solution. The values of R0 were calculated by independently measuring the fluorescence quantum yield of the donor, the fluorescence emission spectrum of the donor, and the extinction coefficient spectrum of the acceptor and compared with those determined by fitting the time-dependent fluorescence decay to an equation derived by Forster. A technique was devised for measuring the extinction coefficient spectra of molecules embedded in polymer matrices. Strategies for dealing with the problem of background fluorescence in time-dependent experiments were developed. The dependence of R0 on the refractive index of the medium was also examined.
An investigation of the impact of 5-HT1B receptor activation on ethanol self-administration behaviour

Previous research has suggested a role for the 5-HT1B receptor in ethanol intake, although the mechanisms involved are unclear. The purpose of the present project was to further investigate the effect of 5-HT1B receptor activation on 12% ethanol intake in male Wistar rats on an FR4 schedule of reinforcement. To this end, the effect of peripheral and intra-VTA injections of various 5-HT1B agents was investigated. Peripheral administrations of RU24969 (0.1–1 mg/kg) dose-dependently suppressed ethanol self-administration and decreased the intake of a saccharin/ethanol solution in a specific and selective manner, except at the highest dose tested (1mg/kg). Intra-VTA injections of CP93129 (0.625–2.5 μg/0.5μL/side), but not RU24969 (1–10 μg/0.5μL/side), decreased ethanol consumption, an effect reversed by the selective 5-HT1B antagonist, GR127935 (1mg/kg). Our findings provide further support that the 5-HT1B receptor plays a modulatory role on ethanol intake and suggest that the VTA is a potential brain site mediating these effects.
Opiate users and urgent health care utilization in Canada

Background. Illicit opiate users have been found to have higher rates of emergency health care and lower rates of primary care. The pathways leading to higher rates of urgent health care utilization (UHCU) are not yet known. Methods. Baseline data (2002) from a sub sample (n = 539 participants; incarcerated le;24 days) of a multi-site cohort study among opiate users (OPICAN) was analyzed using logistic regression and path analysis to identify direct and indirect pathways leading to UHCU. Differences across sites were examined in a multiple group analysis. Findings. Direct and indirect pathways of drug use patterns were weak The number of overdoses (odds ratio OR = 3.6, 95% CI 2.337--5.562) and male sex (OR = 0.62, 0.421--0.923) were significantly associated with UHCU Regular primary care showed differences across study sites. Conclusion. Targets for interventions to reduce excessive UHCU have been identified. The role of primary care remains unclear.
Investigation of a coating system for microencapsulation of iodine

The effectiveness of enteric coatings in stabilizing microencapsulated iodine was investigated. Eudragit NE 30D, Eudragit RS 30D, Eudragit S100, HPMCAS, and ethylcellulose coatings (5--15% particle mass encapsulation level) on potassium iodate premixes were identified as the most stable formulations based on iodine retention tested in double fortified salt samples with soy stearine-encapsulated iron premixes stored at different conditions (60% RH at 40°C, and room temperature conditions: 25°C and 35% RH) for 3 months. Potassium iodate premixes encapsulated with these coatings (15% encapsulation level) were added to non-iodized salt samples and exposed to much more severe conditions (0.1% w/w ferrous sulphate and 60%RH at 40°C). All the iodine initially contained in the samples was lost in eight weeks. Process control and difficulties experienced with the equipment available did not allow continuous film formation, which influenced the results. The use of these polymeric coatings increased the particle density of the premixes by 25%--60% compared to soy stearine encapsulated iodine, eliminating the potential problem of losing floating premix particles during food preparation. Further investigation of alternative film formers was recommended along with optimization of coating techniques, conditions and formulations.
Efficient free energy simulations for structure based drug design

Evaluating the binding strength of a candidate molecule to a target protein is of critical importance in structure-based drug design and typically involves laborious and time consuming lab bench work. The present work explores the evaluation of binding free energies using computer simulations. Several schemes for improving the statistical precision of conformational sampling methods are introduced and applied to realistic and relevant molecular systems. Here, a binding free energy is calculated by measuring and integrating the force acting on the drug molecule as it is slowly and reversibly pulled out of the binding site. The choice of the pathway over which it is pulled is of critical importance to how quickly and thus efficiently the computation can be completed. In this work, a fourth spatial dimension allows the drug molecule to effectively "walk through obstacles" as it is removed from the binding site. The tractability, simplicity, effectiveness, and generality of the method are demonstrated through the calculation of the hydration free energies of water, methanol, and charged ions. Further, distributed replica (DR) sampling, a novel and general algorithm for the efficient exploration of rugged potential energy surfaces, is introduced and demonstrated. The scheme allows automatic and dynamic movement of the drug molecule in and out of the binding site. This increases the probability of crossing energy barriers since the extra degree of freedom results in an increased number of alternate routes by which barriers can be avoided. The DR sampling algorithm is intrinsically suited for shared or inhomogeneous computing platforms and achieves nearly 100% resource utilisation. The absolute binding free energies of several ligands to T4 Lysozyme were determined using an approach that combines the advantages of the above methodologies. The computed and experimental values are strongly correlated suggesting that the relevant conformations of the system have largely been accounted for. The level of precision attained in these tests is very encouraging as it would allow reliable ranking of potential drug candidates which differ in their binding constants by as little as 3 fold. The inherent efficiency of these techniques allows free energies of binding in complex systems to be realized on today's computers.
Decision making in a competitive power system market

This thesis presents a methodology to design optimal bidding curves for a generator according to his/her degree of risk aversion based on a given forecasted market-clearing price and the expected system demand. This methodology is then applied to a typical thermal plant that is assumed to be located in the Ontario electricity system and own by one of the following types of participants: Risk Averse or Risk Seeker. Since the forecasted market-clearing price is a relevant variable to find optimal bidding curves, and the methodology to obtain this price is still a research area, this thesis also introduces a method for forecasting energy prices using artificial intelligence methods such as neural networks, fuzzy logic and a combination of both. This new approach is compared with some of the existing methods. Additionally, various factors affecting the market-clearing price are investigated and results for the Ontario electricity market are presented.