Microvascular Consequences of Engineered Nanomaterial Inhalation Exposure and Subsequent Reproductive Outcomes

Nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) is a commonly utilized engineered nanomaterial found ubiquitously in consumer products. While benefits of ENM utilization in are undeniable, nanoparticle inhalation has been linked to cardiovascular consequences and altered microvascular responses. Given these outcomes, it is important to explore vulnerable timepoints, such as gestation, as robust vascular adaptations are essential for maternofetal health. The first aim of this dissertation was to assess myogenic responsiveness following maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation. Fetal aortic responses were evaluated on gestational day (GD) 20 to assess how exposure may impact the F1 generation. Myogenic responsiveness within the uterine radial arteries were unaffected. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was found to be reduced within the fetal aortas of the exposure group. The second aim was to evaluate the window of gestation that is most susceptible to maternal exposure. Exposure groups were divided into early (EE), mid (ME) and late (LE) and uterine radial artery responses were assessed on GD 20. The EE group showed increased sensitivity to Ang II and exhibited decreased protein level of angiotensin II type 2 receptor. EE resulted in reduced pup mass and placental efficiency, suggesting Ang II vasoconstriction may play a role in poor perfusion, resulting in reduced pup size. The third aim was to further evaluate the susceptible time-point of gestational exposure by assessing placental physiology. Placental hemodynamics were not influenced by exposure, nor were Ang II receptor protein level, suggesting that the reduced pup mass within the EE group may be dependent upon uterine vascular function and not placental hemodynamics

Islands in the Making: National Investment and the Cultural Imagination in Taiwan

This ethnography looks closely at the Taiwanese company UrIsland, makers of Talking Island (TI) - an MMORPG to teach children English - in order to illuminate the increasingly important meeting point between technology, education, and games. At the level of national economic policy, companies like UrIsland have been at the focal point of the Taiwanese government’s hopes for their tech industry. With TI, UrIsland intended to create a revolution in ESL education. Despite compulsory ESL classes many Taiwanese struggle with English, and educational experts claim that the classes stress reading and writing too much, leaving many people’s listening and speaking lagging. UrIsland’s founder believed TI, an immersive environment focusing on listening and speaking, could fill this ability gap and make kids eager to learn English. UrIsland hired native English speakers for most of their voice acting and used innovative voice-recognition technology to create this “native” linguistic environment, but also designed TI to make studying compelling. The CEO was, like many high-tech company founders, charismatic, and his employees were (mostly) willing to follow him in his revolution, but UrIsland faced a major obstacle – entrenched cultural attitudes. Education has deep roots within Chinese culture. Not only were teaching methods thought of as sacred, but Taiwanese see work (including studying) and play as mutually exclusive. This work explores the collision of three major spheres of meaning: technology, games, and education, by analyzing the ways UrIsland sought to upend some ideas while simultaneously working with other cultural expectations in order to keep TI economically viable. While this ethnography focuses on Taiwan to highlight this relatively modern interplay, this increasing point of tension is not unique to Chinese societies seeking to develop their technological infrastructures and industries, but is also found around the developed and developing world

¹³C NMR metabolomics: applications at natural abundance.

(13)C NMR has many advantages for a metabolomics study, including a large spectral dispersion, narrow singlets at natural abundance, and a direct measure of the backbone structures of metabolites. However, it has not had widespread use because of its relatively low sensitivity compounded by low natural abundance. Here we demonstrate the utility of high-quality (13)C NMR spectra obtained using a custom (13)C-optimized probe on metabolomic mixtures. A workflow was developed to use statistical correlations between replicate 1D (13)C and (1)H spectra, leading to composite spin systems that can be used to search publicly available databases for compound identification. This was developed using synthetic mixtures and then applied to two biological samples, Drosophila melanogaster extracts and mouse serum. Using the synthetic mixtures we were able to obtain useful (13)C-(13)C statistical correlations from metabolites with as little as 60 nmol of material. The lower limit of (13)C NMR detection under our experimental conditions is approximately 40 nmol, slightly lower than the requirement for statistical analysis. The (13)C and (1)H data together led to 15 matches in the database compared to just 7 using (1)H alone, and the (13)C correlated peak lists had far fewer false positives than the (1)H generated lists. In addition, the (13)C 1D data provided improved metabolite identification and separation of biologically distinct groups using multivariate statistical analysis in the D. melanogaster extracts and mouse serum

Cultural Resources Investigations for the Port O’Connor Improvement District Water Line, Water Well, and Water Plant Improvements Project, Calhoun County, Texas

ohn D. Mercer and Associates on behalf of the Port O’Connor Improvement District (POCID) requested assistance from Atkins North America, Inc. for environmental and permitting services in support of the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) guidelines for the completion of an Environmental Data Form. The proposed project also required pre-construction notification under Nationwide Permit (NWP) 12 Utility Line Activities, NWP 7 Outfall Structures, NWP 13 Bank Stabilization, and a possible Navigation 408 application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Galveston District. Additionally, portions of the proposed project would be constructed on property owned by the POCID or Calhoun County and once completed, was anticipated to be operated by the POCID. The POCID, utilizing funds from the TWDB, proposed the installation of five new water wells and connecting water lines, along with a new ground storage tank and a new reverse osmosis treatment facility. An outfall line for the reverse osmosis rejected water would be constructed from the reverse osmosis facility to a discharge point in the Gulf Intracoastal Water Way (GIWW). Atkins archaeologists conducted Cultural Resources Investigations for the Port O’Connor Improvement District Water Line, Water Well and Water Plant Improvements Project, located in Calhoun County, Texas between August 31, 2020 and September 2, 2020 under Texas Antiquities Permit (TAP) Number 9538. During the archaeological survey, a total of 34 shovel tests were placed along the 3,389 linear meters (11,119 linear feet) survey area as well as the 0.036 hectares (0.089 acres) of well pad sites. Archaeological survey work was completed by a two-person crew, including the Principal Investigator, over three days. Due to the sandy coastal soils, almost all of the shovel tests went to the research designed planned depth of 80 centimeters below surface (cmbs). While none of the shovel tests encountered archaeological sites, artifacts, or any other sign of cultural occupancy, two shovel tests showed soil horizons that could represent buried A Horizons (paleosols). However, the possible buried paleosols did not show any signs of archaeological remains nor cultural features, so one can only speculate as to any possible occupancy in the past. A large portion of the area of potential effects (APE) proved to be previously disturbed by utility lines, highways, driveways, or building construction, and any archaeological sites located in those areas would already be highly disturbed or destroyed. Additionally, no historic structures were observed within 150 ft of the APE. Because much of the APE proved to be disturbed, and since no known archaeological sites and no historic properties were located within or adjacent to the project APE, and no new archaeological sites or cultural remains were discovered during the survey, Atkins archaeologists recommended that the project be allowed to proceed as proposed

Utility and lower limits of frequency detection in surface electrode stimulation for somatosensory brain-computer interface in humans

Objective: Stimulation of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) has been successful in evoking artificial somatosensation in both humans and animals, but much is unknown about the optimal stimulation parameters needed to generate robust percepts of somatosensation. In this study, the authors investigated frequency as an adjustable stimulation parameter for artificial somatosensation in a closed-loop brain-computer interface (BCI) system. Methods: Three epilepsy patients with subdural mini-electrocorticography grids over the hand area of S1 were asked to compare the percepts elicited with different stimulation frequencies. Amplitude, pulse width, and duration were held constant across all trials. In each trial, subjects experienced 2 stimuli and reported which they thought was given at a higher stimulation frequency. Two paradigms were used: first, 50 versus 100 Hz to establish the utility of comparing frequencies, and then 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100 Hz were pseudorandomly compared. Results: As the magnitude of the stimulation frequency was increased, subjects described percepts that were “more intense” or “faster.” Cumulatively, the participants achieved 98.0% accuracy when comparing stimulation at 50 and 100 Hz. In the second paradigm, the corresponding overall accuracy was 73.3%. If both tested frequencies were less than or equal to 10 Hz, accuracy was 41.7% and increased to 79.4% when one frequency was greater than 10 Hz (p = 0.01). When both stimulation frequencies were 20 Hz or less, accuracy was 40.7% compared with 91.7% when one frequency was greater than 20 Hz (p < 0.001). Accuracy was 85% in trials in which 50 Hz was the higher stimulation frequency. Therefore, the lower limit of detection occurred at 20 Hz, and accuracy decreased significantly when lower frequencies were tested. In trials testing 10 Hz versus 20 Hz, accuracy was 16.7% compared with 85.7% in trials testing 20 Hz versus 50 Hz (p < 0.05). Accuracy was greater than chance at frequency differences greater than or equal to 30 Hz. Conclusions: Frequencies greater than 20 Hz may be used as an adjustable parameter to elicit distinguishable percepts. These findings may be useful in informing the settings and the degrees of freedom achievable in future BCI systems

Gender-based Analysis of Criminogenic Risk and Clinical Need among Ontario Forensic Patients

Persons suffering from mental illness in the criminal justice system are a heterogeneous group that require specialized services to meet their diverse needs (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2012; Dupuis, MacKay & Nicol, 2013; Tusca et al., 2011; Penney et al., 2013; Jansman-Hart et al., 2011; MacPhail & Verdun-Jones, 2013; Seto, Harris, Rice, 2004; Chaimowitz, 2012; Tusca et al., 2012; Nowatzi & Grant, 2011). Further, while public safety is a high priority, basing decisions solely on security and reduction of risk do not support the recovery or rehabilitation of the clinical, social and functional needs of the forensic mental health population (Tusca et al., 2012). Gender can have separate and interacting effects on mental health and criminogenic needs as men and women have different experiences in how they express symptoms associated with mental illness, in service utilization and sometimes in even how these symptoms are managed (Archambault et al., 2014; Eaton et al., 2012; Nowatzki & Grant, 2011; Ramsay et al., 2001; World Health Organization, 2008). Omission of gender in forensic mental health research limits the validity and overall generalizability of findings, which in turn can affect the treatment and services provided at the individual level (Nowatzki & Grant, 2011; Van Voorhis et al., 2010). Understanding gender differences in forensic mental health will allow for more refined patient-centered care. Patient-centered care addresses and integrates care for an individual’s multiple risk factors and conditions and is sensitive to their social context (Nowatzki & Grant, 2011). Further, among forensic inpatients it is crucial to incorporate criminogenic factors that reduce risk of recidivism (for example, substance abuse, harm to others); and clinical factors (for example, psychosis, anxiety); social factors (for example, social supports); functional factors (for example, cognitive impairment, IADL) that support recovery and rehabilitation of persons in the forensic mental health system (Chambers et al., 2009; Shrinkfield & Ogloff, 2014; Tusca et al., 2012). Aim: This research focuses on a gender-based analysis of assessing the influences at both the individual and facility level that can predict three outcomes among forensic mental health patients in Ontario: 1. Restriction to room (seclusion/confinement to room) in forensic mental health hospitals; 2. Unaccompanied leaves from forensic mental health hospitals and; 3. Freedom of movement (FoM) among forensic inpatients. Results: This thesis demonstrates that factors influencing the freedom of movement (FoM) among forensic mental health patients include not only indicators of violence, aggressive behaviour and risk of harm to others, but in fact include many clinical, social and functional characteristics. For example, substance use problems, lack of insight into mental health problems, functional impairment, higher scores on the RIIDE scale and being an adult at age of first police intervention for non-violent crime were found to decrease the odds of being in a higher level of freedom of movement (easing of restrictions) among forensic inpatients. Although public safety is one the factors to consider when easing a person’s restrictions, it is not the only factor that should be considered by forensic mental health teams. There were notable gender differences found in the easing of restrictions among forensic mental health patients. For example, female inpatients with more aggressive behaviour were more likely to be confined to the unit whereas male inpatients demonstrating the same level of aggression were more likely to be restricted to room. Essentially, tighter restrictions are being placed on male forensic inpatients when similar aggressive behaviours are being exhibited compared with female forensic inpatients. Conclusion: This thesis demonstrates that factors influencing the freedom of movement (FoM) among forensic mental health patients include not only indicators of violence, aggressive behaviour and risk of harm to others, but in fact include many clinical, social and functional characteristics. Although public safety is one the factors to consider when easing a person’s restrictions, it is not the only factor considered by forensic mental health teams. As well, this research demonstrated that it is important to consider both the individual and facility level characteristics when determining gender differences in factors associated with freedom of movement

Warfarin and dietary vitamin K: A multidisciplinary patient tool to improve INR maintenance

Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that is the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant and continued use is anticipated even with the new anticoagulants. It is well known that warfarin has a narrow therapeutic range, potential life-threatening side effects and is known for multiple drug-drug, drug-disease, and drug-food interactions. Despite these known interactions, there is very little consistency regarding the patient education, which is integral to any medication, especially in regards to warfarin which has such life-threatening side effects. While many interactions are unavoidable, drug-food interactions can be controlled by the patient if they have received education. Research has shown that by improving diet education regarding vitamin K content of foods, patients can have more stable INR values (Dennis, Ripley, Planas and Beach, 2008). With adequate education, a patient is capable of maintaining a consistent daily vitamin K intake which will aid in his/her ability to maintain a therapeutic INR. A review of the nursing literature from the last ten years has revealed an extreme deficit of information regarding specific vitamin K content of food items. Since nurses are frequently in the position to offer formal and informal patient education, it is important that they possess essential knowledge about high-risk medications. This enables nurses to educate their patients accurately about these medications. There is some highly detailed patient information available about food items and vitamin K content, but they are long, cumbersome lists. In response, a clear, concise patient tool has been created that sorts foods into categories of low, moderate, high, and extremely high and also groups some food items for simplicity to keep the tool to a single page. It is the aim of this tool to improve patient and nursing education as well as increase patient diet choices regarding vitamin K content of foods which should lead to improvement in maintenance of therapeutic INR.Bachelor of Art

La valeur prédictive des éléments du dossier d’admission pour déterminer le lieu de pratique futur des diplômés de la faculté de médecine de l’Université de la Saskatchewan

Background: The physician workforce in Saskatchewan depends upon the retention of locally trained physicians. Characteristics collected at the time of medical school application may predict future practice location, but these associations have not been explored. Methods: We identified the current practice location of University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine graduates who matriculated between 2000 and 2013 and extracted data from their admission applications including gender, age, high school, previous university, and current location at the time of application. We then conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate associations between these characteristics and rural- and Saskatchewan-based practice. Results: We identified the current practice location of 1,001 (98.9%) of the graduates of the included cohorts. Attending a Saskatchewan high school (p &lt; 0.001), a high school in a smaller population center (p &lt; 0.01), and a Saskatchewan university (p &lt; 0.001) were predictive of Saskatchewan-based practice. Attending a high school outside of Saskatchewan (p &lt; 0.05), a high school in a smaller population center (p &lt; 0.001), and living in a small population centre at the time of application (p &lt; 0.05) were predictive of rural-based practice within or outside of Saskatchewan. Conclusion: Demographic characteristics collected at time of medical school application are associated with future Saskatchewan- and rural-based practice. These findings will guide admissions policies in Saskatchewan and may inform admission practices of other medical schools.Contexte : La main-d’œuvre médicale en Saskatchewan dépend de la rétention des médecins formés dans la province. Les informations recueillies au moment de la demande d’admission à la faculté de médecine peuvent permettre de prédire le lieu de pratique futur, mais ces liens n’ont pas été explorés. Méthodes : Nous avons trouvé le lieu de pratique actuel des diplômés de la faculté de médecine de l’Université de la Saskatchewan qui se sont inscrits entre 2000 et 2013 et avons extrait de leurs demandes d’admission les données concernant le sexe, l’âge, l’école secondaire et l’université précédente fréquentées, et le lieu de résidence au moment de la demande. Nous avons ensuite effectué des analyses univariées et multivariées pour évaluer les liens entre ces éléments et la pratique en milieu rural et en Saskatchewan. Résultats : Nous avons trouvé le lieu de pratique actuel de 1 001 (98,9 %) des diplômés des cohortes incluses. La fréquentation d’une école secondaire de la Saskatchewan (p&lt;0,001), d’une école secondaire dans une petite agglomération (p&lt;0,01) et d’une université de la Saskatchewan (p&lt;0,001) étaient des facteurs prédictifs de la pratique en Saskatchewan. La fréquentation d’une école secondaire à l’extérieur de la Saskatchewan (p &lt; 0,05), d’une école secondaire dans une petite agglomération (p &lt; 0,001) et le fait de vivre dans une petite agglomération au moment de la demande d’admission (p &lt; 0,05) étaient des facteurs prédictifs d’une pratique en milieu rural à l’intérieur ou à l’extérieur de la Saskatchewan. Conclusion : Les caractéristiques démographiques recueillies au moment de la demande d’admission à la faculté de médecine sont corrélées à la pratique future en Saskatchewan et en milieu rural. Ces résultats guideront les politiques d’admission en Saskatchewan et pourraient éclairer les pratiques d’admission d’autres facultés de médecine

Novel Approaches to Developing On-Farm Biomass Production Systems

Energy security and climate change are issues facing many countries today. Finding clean, renewable fuel sources has provided a challenge to look beyond the obvious and search for new ways to use old resources. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a warm season grass native to many parts of the United States. In 2007, the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture started a collaborative project with the UK Cooperative Extension, farmers in northern Kentucky, Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council and East Kentucky Power Cooperative to explore and demonstrate how switchgrass can be grown, harvested and utilized in an economical and environmentally friendly way (Greenwell 2012a,b). This pilot project was funded by the KY Agricultural Development Fund and successfully established 60 ha of switchgrass between 2007-2011 and produced \u3e 500 t of biomass that was combusted for electricity production. Switchgrass was chosen as the biomass crop of choice for this area for a variety of reasons. It can be grown on marginal soils that are not well suited to row crops. It produces high yields with relatively low inputs and can be harvested with equipment that is common on typical US farms. Because it is a native grass, there is little concern of it becoming invasive and it provides wildlife habitat for local animal species. Additionally, when harvested at a vegetative stage, it produces high quality forage