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Exploring EEG signal complexity as a novel diagnostic tool for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders
No full textIn the current landscape of diagnostic tools, neuroimaging devices are considered the apex, however these techniques have significant limitations in cost and temporal resolution. Scalp electroencephalography (EEG), while lacking in spatial resolution, is relatively low-cost with a high temporal resolution, capable of taking measurements in the temporal range of post-synaptic potentials. Many EEG researchers utilise amplitude based measures to assess abnormalities, and while useful information is present in the domain of signal intensity, these techniques may not capture subtle signal variations irrespective of frequency and power. Complexity can be captured with a variety of techniques such as fractal measures including Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD), box counting, and detrended fluctuation analysis or through multiscale entropy. The current study utilised two open source datasets. The first dataset contains resting state recordings from Alzheimer’s Disease and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients. The second dataset consists of resting state recordings from major depressive disorder patients. We found that spectral features in AD and FTD displayed a theta and alpha dominance with a reduction in alpha power, whereas MDD displayed increased beta power compared to healthy controls in each respective dataset. The contrast between dementias and MDD was further displayed with AD and FTD showing reductions in complexity, with MDD showing increased complexity. Further, differentiation between dementias was achievable with observing rostrocaudal asymmetry with box counting. With a combination of techniques, the development of an EEG profile for a given disorder can be attained with commonly used and novel metrics
Small solutions, big impact: creating attainable housing options and revitalizing neighbourhood socialization to foster community in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
No full textThe National legislation acknowledges housing as a fundamental human right, preserving human dignity and well-being. With the rising cost of housing in Canada, it is increasingly being viewed as a privilege rather than a basic necessity. In smaller cities like Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, a growing demographic defined as inbetweeners is finding it progressively more difficult to secure attainable housing. Inbetweeners face financial pressure due to stagnant income growth and soaring housing prices, making secure housing increasingly unavailable.
A new model focusing on thoughtful urban design and customizable rightsized homes, will challenge the traditional mindset of owning large homes and instead promote a lifestyle centered on financial independence, well-being, and personal fulfillment. In particular, the focus is on fostering healthy spaces concentrating on in-between, semi-private and public spaces encouraging social connections, an aspect often overlooked in attainable housing design. This model offers a multifaceted development that contributes to budget-conscious, safe, and aesthetic homes by reimagining housing through individualized right-sized homes, shared spaces, and well-designed in-between spaces
DHRS3, a regulator of retinoic acid metabolism, plays an essential role in osteogenesis
No full textVitamin A is an essential nutrient during both embryonic development and postnatal life. All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), an active metabolite of vitamin A mediates a variety of signaling pathways through regulating the expression levels of more than 500 genes by activating its nuclear receptor, retinoic acid receptor (RAR), and its heterodimer retinoid X receptor (RXR) at retinoid acid response elements (RAREs). Any alterations in vitamin A metabolism or signaling pathways can contribute to harmful effects such as congenital disorders, proliferative defects, and toxicity. Therefore, ATRA levels need to be precisely regulated by a complex network of enzymes, binding proteins, and transporters. The primary aims of this study were to uncover the mechanism underlying the regulation of dehydrogenase/reductase 3 (DHRS3), a critical enzyme in ATRA-signaling, and to determine if the alteration in the activity of this enzyme impacts ATRA levels or signaling pathways during the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. We employed several molecular and immunoprecipitation techniques to identify responsive regulatory elements upstream of the Dhrs3 gene that bind RARs. Additionally, we developed different cell models to impair ATRA metabolism through both genetic and biochemical methods. Lastly, we exposed cells to mechanical tension using various means to explore the effect of microenvironmental factors on the regulation of ATRA signaling. We disrupted Dhrs3 activity in mouse MC3T3-E1 calvarial preosteoblasts using CRISPR-Cas9 and induced endogenous excess ATRA formation to mimic the human disorder caused by Dhrs3 mutations. Our findings demonstrated that RAR directly induces Dhrs3 expression through a RARE-mediated mechanism that promotes the activation of the transcription complexes. Moreover, our results revealed the detrimental effects of disturbing ATRA-signaling through the administration of WIN 18446, exogenous RA, or disruption of Dhrs3, which all caused significant changes in the process of osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts. Additionally, our results provided new insights about the synergistic function of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and RAR in regulating the transcription of RAR target genes
TTC subway architecture & the redesign of Yorkdale station
No full textThe Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway system is a crucial element of the City of Toronto’s transportation infrastructure, yet it often fails to provide a positive user experience. The goal is to prioritize mental well-being and accessibility while creating spaces that cater to the diverse needs of individuals and the community. This thesis is based on firsthand observations of the Yonge–University Line (Yellow line or line 1) and discusses theoretical frameworks regarding the atmosphere, social space, and the psychology of the built environment.
The primary objective of this thesis is to bridge the gap between functionality and user experience, aiming not to reimagine the TTC subway system but to enhance it through technology and architecture. Some examples would be the implementation of projection mapping, barrier-free & contactless ticket turn styles, and platform screen doors. In doing so, this thesis can establish a new standard for public transit design, both locally and globally.
This thesis examines how architectural design and technology can transform the TTC subway into a more inviting, functional, and meaningful space for everyday commuters. A redesigning Yorkdale Station will serve as a model for future stations and be the heart of the community around it. This thesis will touch on the urban design surrounding the Yorkdale community on a larger scale. After that, it will then shift focus to the immediate surroundings and Baycrest Park. The design of Baycrest Park will then lead to the design of the Yorkdale Mall extension, the pedestrian overpass, and Yorkdale Station
Cell derived microparticles in intercellular communication and their cole in cancer
No full textCell-derived microparticles (MPs) are extracellular vesicles that, although once considered to be cellular waste, are an important part of cellular processes. They play an important role in intercellular communication and have been identified as major participants in cancer progression. These submicron vesicles facilitate the passage of bioactive substances such as proteins, lipids, and genetic material, impacting important physiological processes like coagulation, angiogenesis, immunological regulation, and metastasis. MPs promote tumor growth by increasing endothelial cell proliferation, establishing a pro-metastatic microenvironment, and allowing immune evasion. Furthermore, their function in drug resistance underscores their significance on cancer therapy, demanding the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. MPs have also been identified as possible biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring due to the molecular characteristics they share with their parent cells, and they can be used as drug delivery vehicles. Despite their promise, there are still hurdles to standardizing MPs isolation and characterization procedures. This study critically investigates the biogenesis, composition, and functional importance of MPs in intercellular communication and their role in disease progression with special focus on cancer and possible therapeutic applications
Spatial ecology and sexual colour dimorphism in a central Ontario population of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata)
No full textPopulations of endangered species distributed across variable environments may require site- specific conservation. Ontario’s coastal populations of spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) are well-studied, but little is known about inland populations. I described the demography and spatial ecology of an inland population of spotted turtles in Ontario using mark-recapture data and radiotelemetry. The population’s sex ratio was skewed towards males; males also occupied larger home-ranges and travelled greater distances than females. Bright colours often play a role in signalling sex, and mate quality. Spotted turtles are sexually dichromatic in chin/eye colour; females bear brighter colours than males. I tested the effect of female chin colour on male spotted turtle mate choice using visual models and behaviour trials. Males were more likely to mate with the models as chin colour brightness increased. Future research should focus on inland female nesting behaviours, aestivation, and the role of chemical/tactile cues in turtle mate choice
The Apocalypse is Ongoing— Abolition Amongst Growing Annihilation. How Life Promotion is Guiding Indigenous Communities' Beyond Survival
No full textGuided by the theories of Abolition Praxis and Arts-Based Research, I explore Life Promotion in Indigenous communities through poetry. This collective work sheds light on the cultural revitalization and preservation that has and will occur in Indigenous communities using the principles of Life Promotion. It documents traditional stories, teachings, and visions as Indigenous futurism. It hopes to foster a sense of confidence in our knowledge systems while highlighting and celebrating the individuals who have contributed to Life Promotion initiatives.
Where we have faced unimaginable disasters, we have found ways to overcome. The ongoing apocalypse refers to the colonial systems that have oppressed Indigenous people since contact. Abolition praxis is defined by its ability to build worlds beyond what was previously conceivable. Western knowledge has long sought to extract, exploit, and eradicate Indigenous knowledge, this research seeks to instead highlight its perseverance.
Life Promotion acts as a practice of World Building
Investigating the relationship between the non-judgment facet of mindfulness and disordered eating symptoms among university Students
Get PDFResearch consistently shows a negative association between trait mindfulness and disordered eating symptoms. However, state mindfulness and facets of mindfulness are not consistently associated with disordered eating symptoms in the same way. The purpose of this research was to isolate and investigate the relationship between the Non-judgment facet of mindfulness and disordered eating symptoms and constructs that are known to be closely related to disordered eating symptoms. Findings from the current study revealed that Non-judgment had a significant negative relationship with disordered eating symptoms, and difficulties in emotion regulation and a significant positive relationship with self-compassion. Non-judgment was also found to be a significant predictor of disordered eating symptoms and the negative relationship between Non-judgment and disordered eating symptoms was significantly mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation. An experimental Non-judgment mindfulness exercise did not affect state emotion regulation, food selection, or body image satisfaction
Hydrodynamics and mass transfers in bubbly two-phase flow systems with applications to efficient gas compression in hydraulic gas compressors
No full textA steady one-dimensional integral drift-flux formulation for co-current two-phase (water-air) bubbly flow tubes of devices known as hydraulic air compressors (HAC) is presented. The model simultaneously evaluates hydrodynamics with interphase mass transfers, including psychrometric aspects. The model is verified with reported experimental observations of CO2 absorbed in bubble columns as well as from a 5-metre-high pilot HAC fabricated to support the research. The model shows good agreement with the observations of gas volume fraction and gas-phase concentration of CO2 along the axis of the bubble column. The model is extended to deal with transient cases to predict liquid-phase and gas-phase concentrations of gas species. Allowing for the transients to steady state, the bubbly flow model can predict the operating conditions of the pilot HAC (within 10 % of measured) for varying inlet gas-phase concentrations of CO2 from 1 % to 10 % by mole in the gas phase and 20 ppm to 80 ppm by mass in the liquid phase.
Some of the work considered a ∼30 m demonstrator scale HAC, constructed to support the re- search. A wire-to-air audit of the previously published performance led an upward revision of the peak efficiency of the installation from 72.9 % to 74.4 % applying when an in-line air-water mixing head was deployed. An updated performance map of the HAC compression efficiency of the demonstrator is presented.
Application of the verified model to simulation of the downcomer flow tube in the various HAC’s of varying scales and ratings considered indicate that the psychrometric effects provide an upper limit of 38 ◦C on process temperature due to losses arising as compressed water vapour condenses. Model and observations confirm that the compression process is isothermal to within ∼10 mK.
Performance of a novel air compressor featuring a Venturi injector is presented, designed based on understandings gained from the HAC investigations. The pilot unit was able to produce compressed air at a variable and controllable pressure up to 690 kPa (g) (100 psi (g)) while the pump(s) faced a near constant head as the system pressure increased. Electrical power required was estimated through modification of the pump performance curve due to the observed pump wear. The Venturi injector system compressed was found to compress air with an efficiency of 6.9 % when compressing air to the same pressure as the HAC Demonstrator (approximately 30 psi (g)) and 3.2 % when compressing to 620 kPa (g) (90 psi (g)). Optimization of the injector geometry to maximize air flow and compression efficiency is necessary to realize commercially viable designs.Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship in Science and Technology and Ontario Graduate Student scholarships from the government of Ontario and Laurentian University. Financial support from Laurentian University through the Graduate Teaching Assistantship is also acknowledged
Aging: a root cause of chronic illness and future target of innovation
No full textThe aging process is the leading cause of persistent health challenges and should be a key focus for enhancing longevity and well-being. This review explores the science of aging, distinguishing between a person's chronological age in years and their biological age based on bodily health. It also presents two main ideas: the Seven Pillars and the Hallmarks of Aging. It looks at how different problems in the body, like DNA damage, inflammation, metabolism issues, and tired stem cells, are connected. The discussion also includes various therapies such as metformin, rapamycin, aspirin, methylene blue, and NAD boosters that seek to enhance health by influencing pathways like mTOR and AMPK. These help lower stress in cells, improve energy production in mitochondria, and encourage the cleanup of damaged cells. Different ways to measure biological age, like the Klemera-Doubal Method, blood tests, physical signs, and epigenetic clocks, are looked at. GrimAge is found to be the best predictor of how long someone will live and their health. There are challenges like differences in DNA methylation, and there are computer methods to make things more accurate. The integration of tests identifying specific bodily markers with personalized treatments offers a promising approach to postponing disease onset and promoting longer, healthier lives