title: DNA Repair Mechanisms, Aflatoxin B1-Induced DNA Damage and Carcinogenesis

contributor:
Massey, Thomas E.
Pharmacology and Toxicology

subject:
Aflatoxin B1
Carcinogenesis
Base Excision Repair
8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1
Oxidative DNA Damage
Nucleotide Excision Repair
p53

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-17 22:24:31.577

abstract:
The studies described in this thesis investigated the relationship between DNA repair mechanisms, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced DNA damage and carcinogenesis.   Mice deficient in 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1, the rate-limiting enzyme in repair of oxidized guanine), mice heterozygous for OGG1, and wild type mice, were exposed to a single tumourigenic dose (50 mg/kg) of AFB1.  Neither ogg1 genotype nor AFB1 treatment affected levels of oxidized guanine in lung or liver 2 h post-treatment.  ogg1 (-/-) mice had increased susceptibility to AFB1 toxicity, as reflected by increased mortality within one week of AFB1 exposure.  AFB1 treatment did not significantly increase lung or liver tumourigenesis compared to DMSO controls.  No difference was observed between ogg1 genotypes, although a non-significant trend towards AFB1-treated ogg1 (-/-) mice being more susceptible to tumourigenicity was apparent. Overall, deletion of ogg1 did not significantly affect AFB1-induced DNA damage or tumourigenicity, suggesting that oxidized guanine may not be a major contributor to AFB1-induced tumourigenesis.
The effects of AFB1 on DNA repair were assessed in p53 (a protein implicated in regulation of DNA repair) wild type and heterozygous mice.  p53 (+/+) mice treated with 0, 0.2 or 1.0 ppm AFB1 for 26 weeks had increased nucleotide excision repair (NER) activities in lung and liver compared to control, which may represent an adaptive response to AFB1-derived DNA adducts.  In p53 (+/-) mice, the AFB1-induced increase in NER was significantly attenuated, suggesting that loss of one allele of p53 limits the ability of NER to up-regulate in response to AFB1-induced DNA damage.
 Twenty-six week exposure to AFB1 did not affect base excision repair (BER) in p53 (+/+) mouse lung or liver compared to control.  BER was significantly decreased in livers from mice exposed to 1.0 ppm AFB1 compared to those exposed to 0.2 ppm AFB1, a result that was not due to liver cell death or to altered levels of OGG1 protein.  In lungs and livers of p53 (+/-) mice, BER activity was unchanged by AFB1.  As such, the difference in BER response between 0.2 ppm and 1.0 ppm AFB1 treatment seen in the p53 (+/+) mice appears to be p53 dependent.

abstract: This thesis is to be restricted until all research chapters have been published.

abstract: PhD


title: Leukocyte Response to Elastin-Like Polypeptide Coatings

contributor:
Woodhouse, Kimberly
Chemical Engineering

rights: This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.

subject:
elastin-like polypeptides
cone and plate
blood-contacting devices
shear rate
leukocytes
tissue factor
CD11b
elastin

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-10 15:34:51.802

abstract: Small diameter synthetic vascular grafts have yet to be clinically successful due to luminal narrowing from thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia. Current attempts to address this issue include the development of materials that support endothelialisation and protein modification to the material surfaces that reduce thrombosis. The extracellular matrix protein elastin has been found to be one of the least thrombogenic components of blood vessels, and its purified and recombinant forms have shown reduced thrombogenicity in both in vitro and in vivo models. Biomaterial coatings of elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) recombinantly produced in the Woodhouse laboratory showed reduced fibrinogen adsorption, platelet adhesion, and platelet activity. However, the reason for their relative non-thrombogenicity is still not fully understood. In this work, the leukocyte response to ELP-coated materials was investigated. In particular, ELP1 and ELP4, which differ in molecular weight and sequence length, were physically adsorbed to a polyethylene terephthalate surface (MylarTM), yielding 0.22 ± 0.13 μg/cm2 and 0.37 ± 0.19 μg/cm2 surface coverage, respectively, as determined by the colorimetric assay, FastinTM Elastin. These surfaces were exposed to flowing citrated whole blood for surface and bulk evaluation of leukocyte activity using scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Little leukocyte activation was observed on the surface of the controls, low-density polyethylene and uncoated MylarTM. In the bulk, tissue factor (TF) expression (monocytes: ELP1 = 38.6 ± 16.3 %, ELP4 = 33.9 ± 18.1 %) and platelet-leukocyte aggregates determined by CD61 (monocytes: ELP1 = 63.1 ± 17.1 %, ELP4 = 61.8 ± 16.8 %; granulocytes: ELP1 = 62.7 ± 17.0 %, ELP4 = 60.5 ± 20.1 %) were both decreased compared to uncoated MylarTM, while CD11b upregulation (monocytes: ELP1 = 18.7 ± 2.2 %, ELP4 = 19.7 ± 2.7 %; granulocytes: ELP = 21.4 ± 3.7 %, ELP4 = 22.0 ± 3.2 %) was increased. The statistical dependence of TF expression and platelet-monocyte aggregates was tested; however, no correlation was found. Overall, platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation was reduced and there were conflicting results with regards to the reduction of leukocyte activation for the ELP coatings on MylarTM.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Three Essays on Networks and Public Economics

contributor:
Bergin, James
Economics

subject:
Funding Policies
Diffusion
Universities
Public Economics
Algorithm
Network Pricing
Networks

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Economics) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-11 17:16:42.178

abstract: This thesis is a collection of three essays. The first two study how ideas spread through a network of individuals, and how it an advertiser can exploit it. In the model I develop, users choose their sources of information based on the perceived usefulness of their sources of information. This contrasts with previous literature where there is no choice made by network users and thus, the information flow is fixed. I provide a complete theoretical characterization of the solution and define a natural measure of influence based on choices of users. I also present an algorithm to solve the model in polynomial time on any network, regardless of the scale or the topology. I also discuss the properties of a network technology from a public economic standpoint. In essence, a network allows the reproduction of ideas for free for the advertiser. If there is any free-riding problem, I show that coalitions of users on the network can solve such problem. I also discuss the social value of networks, a value that cannot be captured for profit. The third essay is completely distinct from the network paradigm and instead studies funding rules for public universities. I show that a funding rule that depends solely on enrolment leads to "competition by franchise" and that such behavior is sometimes inefficient. I suggest instead an alternate funding rule that allows government to increase welfare without increasing spending in universities.

abstract: PhD


title: Homeliness and Worldliness: Materiality and the Making of New Netherland, 1609-1740

contributor:
Helland, Janice
Dickey, Stephanie S.
Art History

subject:
New York
Material Culture
WIC
Exchange
New Netherland
Dutch

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Art History) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-12 18:03:55.576

abstract:
This study examines the role of things in the making of New Netherland in the seventeenth century and the formation of New York in the early eighteenth century. With an attention to the translations of form and transculturations of meaning for objects, which have often led peripatetic lives, I focus on previously marginalized crafts and everyday objects like books, tea tables, chairs, hearth tiles, and other domestic goods found in peoples’ homes, to describe the way things connected people and places in early modern Dutch trade networks. Through a careful analysis of objects of material culture and depictions of material culture I focus on how the colony was physically constructed and ideologically imagined internally by the colonists and externally by other interested parties throughout Atlantic world.
My research on the making, circulation, and consumption of things in and from New Netherland develops intersecting narratives of the past, some of them regional and localized, others cross-cultural, transnational, and global. By connecting artifacts, objects, and things to larger narratives it is possible to write a new history of materiality and the making of New Netherland, primarily in the seventeenth century but also in later histories. In what follows, through the examination of increasingly mobile and hybrid material cultures in the Dutch Republic and New Netherland, I demonstrate that just like materialism and morality, worldliness and homeliness were not binary constructs, but mutually constructive and inextricably intertwined in the oud and nieuw Netherlands.

abstract: I am looking to publish portions of the dissertation.

abstract: PhD


title: Risk Factors for Mental Health Concerns and Seizures in Pre-teens and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

contributor:
Ouellette-Kuntz, Hélène
Kelley, Elizabeth
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Adolescent Mental Health

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-14 11:06:50.53

abstract:
Objectives: The purpose of this thesis was to identify risk factors for the development of mental health concerns in pre-teens and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and in particular the role of early childhood ASD symptomatology in their development.  Additionally, this thesis generated prevalence estimates for mental health concerns in Canadian adolescents with ASD.
Methods: The parents of 390 individuals with ASD were invited to participate in a survey, either online or by mail. Sixty-seven parents completed and returned surveys.  Kendall tau b correlation coefficients were calculated for the association between age at assessment with ADI-R and score in each domain. Prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were generated, and the Kappa statistic was used to determine the strength of agreement between parent-reported diagnoses and clinical CBCL scores. Finally, bivariate analysis was used to determine if childhood ASD symptomatology was associated with mental health in adolescence, followed by logistic regression modeling to evaluate the effect of other possible risk factors.
Results:  Scores on two domains of the ADI-R were significantly associated with age at assessment, therefore, it was necessary to control for age at assessment with the ADI-R on these domains in the analysis conducted in Chapter Four. Forty-five percent of the study sample met case criteria for a comorbid psychiatric disorder. Anxiety, mood and attention-deficit disorders were the most common disorders in this sample. Early childhood ASD symptoms were not associated with the development of mental health concerns in adolescence.   Family history and female gender were associated with the development of mental health concerns in adolescence.
Conclusions: Nearly half of the individuals in our sample have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, or are experiencing clinically significant symptoms that may be indicative of such a disorder. Our findings of discrepancies between parent-reported diagnoses and CBCL scores, indicates that many individuals in our sample are experiencing clinically significant mental health concerns, but do not have an official diagnosis. Finally, as has been reported previously, family history of mental illness and female gender were found to be associated with the development of a mental health concern in adolescence.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Processes Governing Rapid Recharge Events in a Shallow Fractured Rock Aquifer Having Minimal Overburden Cover

contributor:
Novakowski, Kent S.
Civil Engineering

subject: Recharge Groundwater

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-15 14:29:12.225

abstract:
The goal of this work is to investigate the influence of overburden cover on controlling recharge to a bedrock aquifer, specifically focusing on rapid recharge events. Rapid recharge events have been observed in a fractured rock site in eastern Ontario and fractured rock sites around the world. The mechanisms that cause these events are poorly understood. At a field site near Perth, Ontario, measurements of hydraulic head were obtained in the spring and summer of 2012 using 18 different monitoring wells. Rainfall and weather data were also collected. Infiltration experiments were performed in the summer period using a 10 m by 10 m rainfall simulator. A ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was conducted around a piezometer to determine depth to bedrock. Permeameter tests were performed in the overburden layer. A piezometer which responds rapidly to rainfall was identified and field measurements and observations were used to numerically model the piezometer on an outcrop. Three-dimensional numerical simulations reproduced the response in the piezometer for both short (24 hour) and long (one month) timescales. An equivalent porous media (EPM) approach was taken to numerically model fractured rock. The numerical simulations for a month-long period required that evapotranspiration was accounted for and this was achieved by limiting applied rainfall to the area above the outcrop in the model. Numerical simulations were also used to determine what parameters have the greatest effect on controlling rapid recharge.
Based on this study it was concluded that large magnitude head rises recorded in this piezometer are a result of recharge to the shallow aquifer. Hydraulic head rises rapidly because of transmissive vertical fractures connecting the low specific yield rock to the surface. A thin layer of overburden (0.4 m) can completely eliminate response in the well especially during times when evapotranspiration is high.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Mixing in Mid-Rise: An Analysis of the Key Factors in the Redevelopment of Vancouver's Neighbourhood Shopping Streets

subject:
Urban Planning
Redevelopment
Smart Growth
Vancouver

abstract: A report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Urban and Regional Planning

abstract: The challenge of housing a growing population on limited land has forced the City of Vancouver to densify its low-rise residential neighbourhoods outside the downtown. One strategy involves encouraging the development of intensification corridors by redeveloping all transit accessible arterials with mid-rise buildings. Large stretches on many of Vancouver’s arterials have long functioned as neighbourhood shopping streets with a fine-grain fabric of older one and two-storey commercial buildings. Many view these sites as Vancouver’s ‘unused zoned capacity’ since they are close to transit and other services. However, there are many challenges confronting redevelopment despite as-of-right zoning to build at least four storeys high. While there have been a number of projects built recently that have overcome these challenges, not all completed projects contribute equally to the public realm. Therefore, the outcome of this report is a set of recommendations to improve the viability of redevelopment projects on these neighbourhood shopping streets while also improving their quality. There are many benefits of redevelopment that stand to not be fully realized if there is not a greater understanding of these crucial development factors.


title: Investigating the Genetic Basis of Type 3 of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)

contributor:
James, Paula
Pathology and Molecular Medicine

subject:
bleeding disorder
von Willebrand factor
von Willebrand disease

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Pathology & Molecular Medicine) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-17 21:15:37.685

abstract:
von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in humans, resulting from quantitative or qualitative deficiencies of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Type 3 VWD is the rarest and most severe form of the disease. This thesis characterizes the phenotype-genotype correlations of a cohort of Canadian type 3 VWD patients and their family members. Three main findings are highlighted: 1) 50% of families showed evidence of co-dominant inheritance as opposed to recessive, 2) 42% of mutations identified were located in the VWF propeptide region (VWFpp), 3) index cases (IC) with mutations in the VWFpp had a more severe bleeding diatheses than IC with mutations elsewhere.
We investigated two of the identified VWFpp mutations (ex4-5del and Cys633Arg) to elucidate their molecular mechanisms using two cellular models. Patient-derived blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOEC) are ideal for studying the underlying molecular mechanism of VWF mutations as they represent the native vascular endothelium. BOEC were isolated from type 3 VWD IC and family members with the mutations of interest. A heterologous cellular system was also used to study the VWF mutations in vitro. The VWFpp mutations caused impaired VWF secretion, defective multimerization, qualitative and quantitative defects in Weibel-Palade body (WPB) formation, and resulted in VWF retention within the endoplasmic reticulum. We attempted to restore secretion and multimerization by co-transfecting each mutant with the wild-type VWF propeptide (VWFpp), which was unsuccessful.
 Additionally, we investigated a third mutation, c.8419_8422dupTCCC, which is unique to the Canadian VWD population and is found at a high frequency in a specific geographic population. While we hypothesized that this mutation would disrupt dimerization due to its location in the C-terminal cysteine knot (CK) domain of VWF we did not find this to be true.
The results presented within this thesis provide new insight into the genetics and pathobiology of type 3 VWD, the functional contribution of the VWFpp to type 3 VWD and highlight the utility of BOEC as a cellular model for evaluating the pathogenic mechanisms of VWF mutations.

abstract: PhD


title: Design and Implementation of a Programmable Digital Pseudo-Random Bit Generator for Applications in Noise Radar

contributor:
Freundorfer, Alois P.
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Pseudo-Random Bit Generator
Digital Systems
Noise Radar
Integrated Circuits

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-31 14:48:27.422

abstract:
Noise radar systems have become more prevalent over the past couple of decades due to their superior performance over conventional continuous-wave and pulsed-wave radar systems in certain applications.  However, one limiting factor of noise radar systems has been the generation of ultrabroadband waveforms.  This thesis proposes a novel application of programmable pseudo-random bit generators (PRBGs) for use in noise radar applications.  A long-sequence high-speed PRBG was designed using a low-cost and low-power complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology.  The proposed circuit has a sequence length of approximately 4.3 Gbits and was designed to operate at 1 GHz providing a data rate of 1 Gbit/s.

This new waveform generation technique would eliminate the requirement of a large variable delay-line (transmission-line) and reduce the power required by noise radar systems.  It would allow such systems to become much more compact and create the opportunity for the move towards hand-held devices.  It would further allow easier implementation of bistatic radar systems where the transmitting and receiving sites are physically far from one another.  In addition, this programmable long-sequence PRBG could have applications in cryptology, communications, and other areas where the generation of high-speed random bit sequences is paramount.

Unfortunately, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) design process documentation error rendered the fabricated IC's unusable.  The error was caused by not enabling the input pads of the IC, which required an undocumented edit to the gate-level design file generated by Synopsys \textit{Design Vision}.  Consequently, the circuit had to be realized on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which performed as expected, albeit at a lower frequency of 50 MHz.  The PSD of the FPGA implementation created the expected output of a sinc-squared function with the first null at the clock frequency.  This result proves that a LFSR PRBG is a viable noise source for use in noise radar systems.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Fluorinated Raspberry-Like Particles for Superamphiphobic Coatings

contributor:
Liu, Guojun
Chemistry

subject:
Superamphiphobic
Re-Entrant Geometry
FOEMA
Raspberry-Like Particles
Low Surface Energy
Dual-Scale Roughness

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-18 12:36:39.039

abstract:
Raspberry-like polystyrene particles were fabricated through the covalent linkage of small epoxy-functionalized polystyrene particles (PS-GMA) with large amino-functionalized polystyrene particles (PS-NH2).  These covalent bonds yielded more stable and robust particle clusters than would be anticipated from non-covalent interactions.  While the structures of these raspberry-like particles provided them with a dual-scale hierarchical roughness and re-entrant sites, they were further functionalized with a fluorinated random copolymer to provide them a low surface tension.
The fluorinated random copolymer used to functionalize these raspberry-like particles was poly(glycidyl methacrylate20%)-co-2(perfluorooctyl)ethyl methacrylate80%)25 or P(GMA20%-co-FOEMA80%)25, where the subscript 25 denotes the total number of the respective GMA and FOEMA units, while the subscript 20% and 80% denote the molar fractions of GMA and FOEMA, respectively.  The epoxy groups of the GMA units could react with the amino groups of the raspberry-like particles, thus incorporating the fluorinated polymer onto the surfaces of the raspberry-like particles.  In addition, the FOEMA component provided the particles with enhanced amphiphobicity.
Subsequently, these fluorinated raspberry-like particles were cast onto glass slides to demonstrate their superamphiphobic properties.  These coatings exhibited superhydrophobic behavior when they were tested against water droplets.  Additionally, the oil-repellency of these coatings was tested against various liquids, including diiodomethane, cooking oil, and hexadecane.  The coatings exhibited superoleophobic behavior against diiodomethane and cooking oil, as well as highly oleophobic behavior against hexadecane.
This work demonstrates a simple and efficient route for the fabrication of superamphiphobic surfaces.  Additionally, these surfaces are among the first examples of coatings prepared via self-assembly techniques that exhibited high repellency against hexadecane.  These materials could have potential in various applications that require protection of a surface against wetting by either water or oils.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Placid Exuberance and Ostentatious Habits: Depicting the Human Form in New Spain, New France, and the Guaraní Reductions of Paraguay

contributor:
Bailey, Gauvin Alexander
Art History

subject: Colonial Baroque

abstract: Thesis (Master, Art History) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-24 16:42:01.18

abstract:
This thesis discusses art produced by holy women in New France and New Spain in addition to figural sculpture from the former and the Guaraní missions of Paraguay. The art produced in such disparate regions transcends the realities of the human body through a negation of natural physiognomies and emotive states in favour of stylized forms and serene expressions. Since no comparative studies yet exist for the arts of New France and colonial Latin America this thesis presents a crucial challenge and opportunity to explore commonalities.
As the first female missionaries outside Europe nuns in New France strived to become living saints and martyrs. Some arts, particularly embroidery, operated as penance to aid women in achieving their quest for immortality. In Mexican nunneries women’s bodies became works of art through their integration in to multiple mediums, as seen in portraits of nuns in which bodies operate as canvases. Similarly, through performance the woman’s body in the Ursulines of Quebec City became a component of her embroidery which she embodied with her holy aura.
The omission of suffering is a prominent feature in figures of Christ and the saints in Guaraní and French Canadian sculpture. These aspects are heightened through the carving of draperies assuming the emotion absent in the figures. With similar characteristics appearing in both locations this thesis discusses why two cultures vastly removed in distance display profound stylistic similarities. The colonizer’s art replacing that of the colonized is a myth perpetuated by the belief that indigenous cultures were eradicated through contact with Europeans. Similarly, we cannot assume a continuity of European artistic ideals among French settlers in New France. This presents another discourse on the convergence of cultures thoroughly separated from one another in the scholarly consciousness.

abstract: This was advised by my department as the material is original and may be used for future projects.

abstract: M.A.


title: Environmental Sensitivity of Mitochondrial Gene Expression  in Fish

contributor:
Moyes, Christopher D.
Biology

subject:
Cytochrome c Oxidase
Transcription Factors
PGC-1
Thermal Acclimation
Fish
Mitochondrial Biogenesis

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-21 09:53:59.46

abstract:
Maintaining energy organismal homeostasis under changing physiological and environmental conditions is vital, and requires constant adjustments of the energy metabolism. Central to meeting energy demands is the regulation of mitochondrial oxidative capacity. When demands increase, animals can increase mitochondrial content/enzymes, known as mitochondrial biogenesis. Central to mammalian mitochondrial biogenesis is the transcriptional master regulator PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and the network of DNA-binding proteins it coactivates (e.g. nuclear respiratory factor 1 and 2 [NRF-1, NRF-2], estrogen-related receptor α [ERRα], thyroid receptor α [TRα-1], retinoid X receptor α [RXRα]). However, the mechanisms by which mitochondrial content in lower vertebrates such as fish is controlled are less studied.
In my study I investigate underlying mechanisms of the phenomenon that many fish species alter mitochondrial enzyme activities, such as cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in response to low temperatures. In particular, I investigated (i) if the phenomenon of mitochondrial biogenesis during cold-acclimation is related to fish phylogeny, (ii) what role PGC-1α and other transcription factors play in mitochondrial biogenesis in fish, and (iii) if mRNA decay rates are important in the transcriptional control of a multimeric protein like COX.
This study shows that mitochondrial biogenesis does not follow a phylogenetic pattern: while distantly related species displayed the same response to low temperatures, closely related species showed opposite responses. In species exhibiting mitochondrial biogenesis, little evidence was found for PGC-1α as a master regulator, whereas NRF-1 is supported to be an important regulator in mitochondrial biogenesis in fish. Further, there was little support for other transcription factors (NRF-2, ERRα, TRα-1, RXRα) to be part of the regulatory network.
Lastly, results on the post-transcriptional control mechanism of mRNA decay indicate that this mechanism is important in the regulation of COX under mitochondrial biogenesis: it accounts for up to 30% of the change in subunit transcript levels.
In summary, there is no simple temperature-dependent mitochondrial response ubiquitous in fish. Further, the pathways controlling mitochondrial content in fish differ from mammals in the important master regulator PGC-1α, however, NRF-1 is important in regulating cold-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in fish. Lastly, COX subunit mRNA decay rates seem to have a part in controlling COX amounts during mitochondrial biogenesis.

abstract: I wish to restrict this thesis due to ongoing work on publishing a data chapter.

abstract: PhD


title: The Perceived Influence of Physical Activity on Queen's MBA Students' Personal, Professional, and Academic Lives

contributor:
Freeman, John G.
Education

subject:
MBA
Physical Activity

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-21 11:30:56.804

abstract: Using a mix method approach, this research explores the perceived relationship of how physical activity may influence each sphere of a Queen’s MBA student’s life,  provides an understanding of how physically active Queen’s MBA students are, and highlights insights as to how certain variables influence the impact of physical activity.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Forecasting Water Main Failures in the City of Kingston Using Artificial Neural Networks

contributor:
Filion, Yves R.
Civil Engineering

subject:
Water main rehabilitation
pipe failure
prediction model
artificial neural network

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-21 15:30:10.288

abstract:
Water distribution utilities are responsible for supplying both clean and safe drinking water, while under constraints of operating at an efficient and acceptable performance level. The City of Kingston, Ontario is currently experiencing elevated costs to repair its aging buried water main assets. Utilities Kingston is opting for a more efficient and practical means of forecasting pipe breaks and the application of a predictive water main break models allows Utilities Kingston to forecast future pipe failures and plan accordingly.

The objective of this thesis is to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) model to forecast pipe breaks in the Kingston water distribution network. Data supplied by Utilities Kingston was used to develop the predictive ANN water main break model incorporating multiple variables including pipe age, diameter, length, and surrounding soil type. The constructed ANN model from historical break data was utilized to forecast pipe breaks for 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year planning periods. Simulated results were evaluated by statistical performance metrics, proving the overall model to be adequate for testing and forecasting. Predicted breaks were as follows, 33 breaks for 2011-2012, 22 breaks for 2012-2013 and 35 breaks for 2013-2016. Additionally, GIS plots were developed to highlight areas in need of potential rehabilitation for the distribution system. The goal of the model is to provide a practical means to assist in the management and development of Kingston’s pipe rehabilitation program, and to enable Utilities Kingston to reduce water main repair costs and to improve water quality at the customer's tap.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Cold-climate constructed wetland applications in Canada and Northern China and modeling applications in the Canadian Arctic using SubWet 2.0

contributor:
Anderson, Bruce
Civil Engineering

subject:
Cold-Climate Region
Natural Tundra Wetlands
Modeling
Wastewater Treatment
SubWet 2.0
Treatment Wetlands
Constructed Wetlands

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-22 17:14:23.322

abstract:
This comparative study explores the mechanisms of pollutant removal efficiency in cold-climate constructed wetlands (CWs) and investigates the benefits, standing and practicability of using these systems to treat wastewater in Canada and Northern China. Treatment efficiencies defined by the Canadian and Northern China experience vary considerably. Experience in both countries shows that the majority of effluent values are generally better than that required by discharge standards in Canada and China. A review of the available case studies on cold weather treatment in both countries indicates that this technology is feasible in Canada and Northern China, although further monitoring data are needed to optimize CW design and ensure that the effluent quality standards are consistently met.
In both of these countries and around the globe, increasingly strict water quality standards and the growing application of treatment wetlands for wastewater treatment is an important motive for the development of better numerical models as predictive process design tools. An investigation of the SubWet 2.0 model, a horizontal subsurface flow modeling program used to predict the level of treatment that can be expected was conducted. It has been shown that SubWet can consider the influence of several factors at one time, where empirical equations are generally not able to consider more than two factors at one time and usually in isolation of the other influential parameters. Three different data sets, two from natural wetlands from the Canadian Arctic and one from a CW in Africa were used to illustrate how SubWet can be calibrated to specific wetlands. Compared to other models, it is suggested that SubWet provides one of the best modeling options available for natural tundra wetlands. Further calibration of SubWet with twelve municipal treatment wetlands in the Canadian Arctic clearly demonstrated its ability to model treatment performance within natural tundra wetlands and thus provide an additional predictive tool to aid northern stakeholders in the treatment of municipal effluents. It is anticipated that increased monitoring and the generation of additional measured data will help to better identify the level of year to year variability and improve the overall predictive capability of the model.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: The Visual Arts-Based Experiences of Students with Learning Disabilities: Two Multiple-Perspective Case Studies

contributor:
Elliott, Stephen
Education

subject:
Student Engagement
Academic Self-Efficacy
Phenomenology
Learning Through the Arts
Visual Arts-Based Education
Case Study
Elementary Students
Learning Motivation
Inclusive Education
Learning Attitude
Learning Disabilities

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-22 18:15:56.859

abstract: Visual arts-based tasks have been used and continue to be used by educators to help support the learning needs of many students. Research findings pertaining to visual arts-based education have concluded that visual arts-based tasks can help to improve students’ social communication skills, support their learning in academic subject areas, and increase their learning engagement. In recognition of the potential benefits of integrating the arts into the curriculum, the Learning Through the Arts (LTTA) program provides students with opportunities to engage in arts-based activities. In 2003, the results of a national longitudinal study on the LTTA program revealed a strong relationship between students’ involvement in the arts and their learning and engagement. The investigators recommended that further research in this area was required; through my research, I sought to contribute to this area of study. It is within the setting of a visual arts-based LTTA program that this study was conducted. Data were collected to construct two multiple-perspective case studies—each involving a Grade 7 student with learning disabilities. Each multiple-perspective case study involved the student’s mother, classroom teacher, and LTTA artist-educator in order to explore the following research question: In what way did visual arts-based tasks incite the student’s learning attitude, engagement level, and feelings of academic self-efficacy within the subject area(s) being explored? Overall, the findings suggested that visual arts-based tasks incited positively each student’s learning attitude, engagement level, and feelings of academic self-efficacy within the respective subject area that the students identified as being one of their least favourite. Most notably, their engagement in the visual arts-based tasks activated each student’s meaningful processing skills and fostered their emotional engagement in the task and their learning. Limitations of this study and future research directions were considered.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Investigation of a Design Strategy For Liquid Crystals with De Vries-Like Properties

contributor:
Lemieux, Robert P.
Chemistry

subject:
design strategy
De Vries-like
liquid crystals

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-29 13:16:29.768

abstract:
Ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) have been investigated as the basis for a new type of liquid crystal display because of their fast switching times.  In applications the layer contraction at the smectic A-smectic C transition is a severe problem that leads to buckling of the smectic layers and results in zigzag defects that drastically degrade the optical quality of FLC films. To solve this problem, researchers are focusing on a new class of liquid crystals with minimal smectic layer contraction at the SmA-SmC transition which is referred to as ‘de Vries-like’.
In the first part of this thesis, we have developed a rational design strategy based on a concept of frustration between two structural elements, one promoting a SmA phase and another promoting a SmC phase. In this chapter, we show that one can further improve ‘de Vries-like’ properties by substituting the 2-phenylpyrimidine core in our first-generation siloxane-terminated mesogens with one stronger SmC-promoting core. We also address the hydrolytic instability of siloxane-terminated mesogens, by substituting the siloxane with a carbosilane end-group. As a result of this study, we found QL6-6 that forms a SmC phase at room temperature with ‘de Vries-like’ properties that are comparable to those of bona fide ‘de Vries-like’ liquid crystals.
Next, the dialkoxy 2-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole core which is a very powerful SmC promoting element was investigated. We prepared the analogue of QL6-6, compound QL13-6, which only forms a SmC phase despite having a chloro-terminated alkyl chain. Making a ‘de Vries-like’ liquid crystal without carbosilane terminal side-chain was also attempted, although ultimately unsuccessful.
The terminal group effect on the ‘de Vries-like’ properties was also investigated. We prepared a series of mesogens derived from 2-phenylpyridine core with different end-groups to investigate whether the X-group might interact with the core in a bilayer structure.
Finally, we inves¬tigated the effect of mixing ’de Vries-like’ liquid crystals with conventional smectic liquid crystals. We show that binary mix¬tures of ‘de Vries-like’ and conventional SmC meso¬gens with a molecular length ratio of 1.34 undergo a SmA-SmC phase transition with a maximum layer contraction ranging from 1.0 to 1.9% depending on the mixture composition.

abstract: PhD


title: Differential Coercion and Homelessness: a Criminological Approach to Homeless Street Youth in Mexico

contributor:
Baron, Stephen W.
Sociology

subject:
Crime
Differential Coercion
Criminology
Mexico
Steet Youth
Coercion
Substance Use
Homelessness

abstract: Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-28 16:29:18.922

abstract:
The goal of this research is to explore the relationship between coercion and crime amongst street youths in Mexico. This research relies on Mark Colvin’s (2000) Differential Coercion Theory (DCT). Through semi-structured interviews with street youths in Mexico City, this research explores: (1) the various personal and structural factors that lead youths to the street; (2) the strategies of income generation used by the youths; (3) the youths experiences of victimization, substance use, criminal involvement and institutionalization; and finally, (4) the personal and structural reasons that contribute to youths’ inability to leave the street.

Results indicate that in most cases youths experience some form of physical, sexual, verbal, and/or psychological abuse that prompts them to leave home. In other cases, youths simply witnessed the abuse of a significant other or become subject to neglect. Some youths are thrown out of the home due to familial conflict. Results also indicate that on the street, youths are encouraged to display violent behaviours to avoid victimization. Further, youths face a number of needs and are compelled to engage in legitimate or illegitimate sustenance practices. On the street, youths are subject to theft, as well as physical and sexual victimization from peers and police officers. The results also suggest that youths are dependent on various substances as a way to cope with difficult situations. Results also indicate that as a result of crime or drug use, youths are likely to experience institutionalization where physical, verbal, and psychological victimization is experienced. Finally, youths attribute the freedom provided by the street and substance dependency as reasons to stay on the streets. Overall, the results suggest that Mexican street youths experience coercion in various settings. However, to explain the relationship between coercion and crime more research is needed on other explanatory factors.

abstract: M.A.


title: Interrelationships among sedentary behaviour, short sleep and the metabolic syndrome in adults

contributor:
Janssen, Ian
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
the metabolic syndrome
adults
short sleep
sedentary behaviour

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-29 15:40:55.494

abstract:
Background: Sedentary behaviour is waking activity in a seated or reclined position that involves little energy expenditure. It is gaining attention as an important cardiometabolic risk factor, independent of physical activity. Studies assessing the relationship between sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic risk have not accounted for sleep duration as a potential covariate, although there is evidence that sleep duration may be related to both sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic risk.
Objectives: To examine the associations between sleep duration and sedentary behaviour in adults, and determine if sedentary behaviour is related to the metabolic syndrome (MetS) after controlling for sleep duration.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative sample of Americans. There were 1371 adults over the age of 20 that were studied. Average daily sedentary time and sleep duration were determined via 7-day accelerometry. Screen time (television, computer) was determined via questionnaire. The MetS was determined using standard criteria. Analysis of variance was used to examine relationships among sedentary time and screen time with sleep duration. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between total sedentary time, screen time, and sleep duration with the MetS after controlling for several covariates.
Results: Sedentary time and screen time did not vary across sleep duration quartiles (p=0.08 and p=0.87, respectively), and therefore were unrelated to sleep duration. The relative odds of the MetS was significantly higher in participants in the highest quartile of sedentary time than in participants in the lowest quartile (OR=1.60, 95% CI:1.05-2.45).  The relative odds of the MetS was higher in participants in the highest screen time tertile than in participants in the lowest tertile (OR =1.67, 95% CI:1.13-2.48). Short sleep duration was not independently related to the MetS, but was borderline related to waist circumference (OR=1.25, 95% CI:0.85-1.84).
Conclusion: Highly sedentary individuals and individuals with a high screen time are more likely to have the MetS, independent of sleep duration. Future studies in this area would benefit from using more advanced objective measures of sedentary behaviour and sleep duration and a prospective study design.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: System and Component Analysis of a 1kW Diesel fuelled SOFC system

contributor:
Peppley, Brant A.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
1kW diesel SOFC system
non-premixed feed
Ceramic Tail-gas burner

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-29 17:49:32.266

abstract:
The first part of this thesis intends to create a fuel processor model capable of generating 1kW power as output through the use of a solid oxide fuel cell system. The fuel processor system consists of a reformer, heat exchanger network, desulphurizer and an afterburner. Modelled in VMGSimTM, inlet diesel gas is provided at the mass flow rate of 0.2596kg/hour, with the oxygen to carbon ratio calculated at 0.31 and the steam to carbon ratio arbitrarily set to be 2.25.  The diesel fuel is preheated and mixed with air and steam and then fed to the auto-thermal reformer. The higher hydrocarbons are broken down and converted into hydrogen. The outlet of the reformer is fed into the SOFC where H2 is converted to generate energy which, in this case is approximately 1200W. The off gas is fed to the afterburner; where the remaining H2 is burnt and the energy is used to provide for steam generation and pre-heating through the heat exchangers. The project also focuses upon performing basic sizing calculations on components of the system. The fuel cell efficiency was found to be 62% and the system efficiency was calculated to be approximately 41%, which falls within the range given in literature.
For the second part of this work, a ceramic porous tail-gas burner using a non-premixed feed of anode exhaust and air was modeled using COMSOL™. The reaction kinetics were experimentally assessed on the basis of COMSOL™ limitations and accuracy of the comparative results. Three performance metrics were evaluated in the analysis: i) velocity profile, ii) temperature profile, and iii) concentration profile. These metrics confirm the combustion reaction at the outer boundary of the porous ceramic in the burner. The spike of temperature and decrease of mass fraction of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane to approximately zero in the outlet exhaust confirms this study. This study was further validated by comparing results with the experimental data collected at NRC-IFCI. The results of COMSOL™ model agreed with the experimental results of NRC-IFCI.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Sedimentology of the Catalina Dome and taxonomy of Mistaken Point small fronds

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
Sedimentology
Taxonomy
Ediacaran
Mistaken Point
turbidites
Avalonia

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-30 12:12:23.297

abstract:
Research carried out in the Ediacaran of eastern Newfoundland focused on two projects: sedimentology of the Conception and St. John’s groups exposed on the Bonavista Peninsula; and taxonomic descriptions of the small, stemmed frondose fossils at Mistaken Point on the Avalon Peninsula.
Sedimentological study of the upper Conception and lower St. John's groups at Catalina Dome on Bonavista Peninsula extends our understanding of the Conception Basin, in which the oldest known complex, deep marine organisms lived, by a factor of two. Mudstone-rich turbidites dominate the succession, and a lack of wave-generated structures or other shallow-water indicators support the interpretation that the depositional environment was deep-marine. The basal part of the succession contains seismoturbidites that show no evidence of horizontal translation, implying that deposition occurred on a flat basin plain. Strata higher in the succession exhibit horizontally slumped beds, implying a transition into slope deposition. Turbidite ripple marks show a change in paleocurrent direction from eastward to southward in the Trepassey Formation, consistent with a change from convergent to strike-slip tectonics that occurred diachronously across the basin. Volcanic ash beds are more common in the Catalina Dome succession than on the Avalon Peninsula, reflecting deposition closer to the volcanic source. These volcanic beds are associated with diverse fossil assemblages rich in rangeomorphs that locally persist into the Fermeuse Formation, in contrast with the Avalon Peninsula where the Fermeuse Formation contains only simple discoid fossils. This taphonomic window lends support to the hypothesis that the form genus Aspidella represents the holdfasts of Ediacaran fronds.
Stemmed small frond fossils from Mistaken Point, Avalon Peninsula, have often been informally referred to as “featherdusters”, but due to their small size and consequent poor preservation, they have not until now been formally described. The small, stemmed fronds are more diverse than previously realized, and include representatives of taxa described from elsewhere in Newfoundland, juveniles of other Mistaken Point fronds, and two new monospecific genera. This biodiversity suggests that the basal elevated tier that the small fronds occupied was competitive, with convergent evolution of frondose taxa showing distinct architecture and constructions, but broadly similar size and shape.

abstract: I would like my thesis restricted for one year. A version of chapter 3 had been recently submitted to Journal of Paleontology that includes systematic description of two new fossil genera, and I would prefer the thesis not be publicly available until after this article is published.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Structural Testing of Compressed Earth Blocks and Straw Bale Panels

contributor:
MacDougall, Colin
Civil Engineering

subject:
Straw
Structural
Civil Engineering
CSEB
Buckling
Design
Plaster
Earth Block
Density
CEB
Wall
Alternative Materials
Natural Building
Sustainability

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-30 09:26:46.491

abstract:
Globally, there is a need for alternative building materials that require less energy to produce than conventional materials. These alternative materials have gained popularity in recent years, however there is a need to better understand their physical properties in order to increase confidence in their use. As such, a testing program was undertaken to investigate the structural properties of some of these materials.
A series of compressed earth blocks made from a mixture of earth and cement compressed to 8 - 12 MPa were tested for their compressive capacity in masonry prisms. The blocks had been weathered for one to two years. The blocks with no cement had a capacity of 2.22 MPa, while cement stabilized blocks had a capacity of 8.11 MPa. Weathering did not result in any significant reduction in the strength of the blocks.
Bales of high density straw were tested both with and without cement plaster skins. Unplastered bales exhibited a stiffness between 0.3 - 0.7 MPa when oriented Flat, and 1.2 MPa on edge. The bales had a dilation ratio between 0.1 - 0.3 in the Flat orientation and averaging 3.5 in the Edge orientation. The high density bales plastered with cement plaster exhibited ultimate strengths averaging 171.2 kN/m. Capacity was heavily dependent on plaster strengths, and when normalized for plaster strengths, high density bales had capacities lower than those of regular density bales tested previously (34.1 kN/m/MPa compared to 44.3 kN/m/MPa).
Three walls made of straw with cement plaster were constructed with pin-ended conditions to study the effects of buckling in straw bale walls. The average capacity was 12.8 kN/m/MPa when normalized for plaster strength. Pin ends resulted in plastic hinges forming more easily in the walls, and pin ended specimens had a 75% reduction in strength compared to previous tests of "standard" end conditions. Taller walls also resulted in reduced strengths.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Parent-Reported Behavioural Symptoms of Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders across Levels of Functioning

contributor:
Kelley, Elizabeth
Psychology

subject:
anxiety
level of functioning
non-verbal
autism spectrum disorder
somatic
cognitive functioning
repetitive behaviour
adaptive functioning
sensory processing

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-30 10:25:56.049

abstract: The current study examined anxiety and its observable correlates in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) across a broad range of levels of cognitive functioning that in the past have not been accurately explored. I sought to challenge the assumption that there is a positive linear relationship between anxiety and level of cognitive functioning by including individuals across a broad range of cognitive functioning in my analyses, and by developing a measure (The Somatic Anxiety Scale) appropriate for assessing anxiety symptoms in children with little to no communicative functioning. Sixty-seven parents of children with ASD aged 5 to 12 completed a battery of measures in an online study assessing their child’s anxiety, repetitive behaviours, sensory processing issues, and adaptive functioning. The Somatic Anxiety Scale was significantly correlated with an existing measure of anxiety designed for verbal children (when only highly verbal children were assessed), suggesting that it may provide a foundation to develop a measure of anxiety symptoms in non-verbal individuals. No clear predictive relationship was observed between level of cognitive functioning and anxiety. Both lower and higher-order repetitive behaviours predicted anxiety, although higher-order behaviours were more predictive. Finally, a cluster analysis indicated three patterns of anxious behaviour divided across three categorizations of level of functioning. I suggest that previous assumptions about the relationship between level of cognitive functioning and anxiety may be underestimating the complexity of the relationship and suggest future research to study this relationship further.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Pack Level Design Optimization for Electric Vehicle Thermal Management Systems Minimizing Standard Deviation of Temperature Distribution

contributor:
Kim, Il-Yong
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Electric Vehicle Batteries
Design Optimization

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-30 10:49:28.639

abstract:
Green technologies have recently gained interest for many reasons. Economic factors in conjunction with an increased social desire to reduce our environmental impact on the Earth have created a desire for more environmentally friendly technologies, especially automotive technologies such as the electric car. While public interest in electric vehicles is growing, there are a number of challenges which must first be addressed before their widespread adoption is possible. Cost, longevity, and range are all important factors which need to be addressed for electric vehicles to compete directly with their gasoline counterparts. By more efficiently using the energy stored within the battery pack, some of these issues can be addressed.
This study focuses on the thermal management systems for electric vehicles and the application of design optimization in the early design phase considering the pack in its entirety. A liquid cooling system is considered for a current generation electric vehicle, with time dependent heat generation rates within the battery cells based on vehicle operating conditions. Identifying the most efficient distribution of cooling within the battery pack to achieve uniform temperature is the objective of optimization.
Simulations were performed on a complete battery pack model, featuring 288 battery cells and 144 cooling plates. Anisotropic material properties and non-uniform heat generation rates are included as well as energy demands based on a representative vehicle drive cycle. Results have shown that through design optimization, the standard deviation of temperature within the battery cells can be improved by as much as 80% when compared to a conventional design. The standard deviation of temperature saw improvement from an average of 0.2828 K for a conventional design to 0.05318 K after optimization.
These results are specific to the given battery pack construction, battery cell, and cooling type. The method of modeling and analysis can be extended to many battery geometries and cooling technologies in the future. Application of design optimization to the problem of thermal
iii
management system design can yield significant improvements to battery pack thermal management, and thereby incrementally improve the efficiency of electrified vehicles.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: High intensity versus endurance training: Are physiological and biomechanical adaptations preserved 2 months following the completion of an intensive exercise intervention.

contributor:
Gurd, Brendon J.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Endurance Training
High Intensity Interval Training
Adherence

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2013-10-31 15:08:15.524

abstract: In light of the current global prevalence of overweight and obesity, the associated health risks, and the continuing adoption of sedentary lifestyle, this thesis investigated some of the factors that contribute to exercise adherence, directly comparing high-intensity whole body interval training and continuous endurance training.  68 inactive university aged adults (Age: 21.4±3.4 yrs, BMI: 25.6±4.6 kg/m2, VO2peak 40.1±5.7 ml/kg/min) were randomized into one of three groups; a non-exercise control, whole body high intensity training, or continuous endurance training.  Aerobic capacity measurements, time to completion trials, muscular endurance, and core strength measures were taken at pre, post and follow up testing sessions.  Psychological questionnaires were also administered during exercise as well as throughout the study.  Following the intervention both exercise groups demonstrated equivalent improvements in aerobic performance, with only the interval group experiencing improved muscular and core endurance.  After the 2-month follow up testing sessions the interval group lost all aerobic and core adaptation, with endurance only experiencing a partial loss.  This finding indicates that the interval group did not adhere to exercise at a level that was high enough to preserve the adaptations associated with training.  This finding is further supported by the psychological factors measured throughout this study, including acute affect, enjoyment and intentions to engage in future exercise.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Configuration and Field Testing of a Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification System for Greenhouse Applications

contributor:
Harrison, Stephen J.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Liquid Desiccant
HVAC
Greenhouse

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-01 14:12:54.326

abstract: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association (OGVG), and Queen’s University’s Solar Calorimetry Laboratory (SCL) are undertaking a joint project to evaluate the energy and crop-yield benefits of operating commercial greenhouses in isolation from the outdoor environment, i.e., eliminating natural or forced ventilation to the exterior. Implementing such a scheme requires “closing” the greenhouse envelope and the installation of an active air-conditioning system to control temperature and moisture levels that could be harmful to crop growth. To this end, a prototype air-conditioning system, centered around a liquid desiccant dehumidifier, was designed, constructed and instrumented such that its thermal and functional performance could be evaluated over extended periods. The prototype unit was installed in a “research” greenhouse located at the Agriculture Canada, Greenhouse and Processing Crops Research Center (GPCRC) located in Harrow, Ontario. Both the novel air-conditioning and monitoring systems were implemented during the course of the thesis and operated for two preliminary crop trials to characterize system performance and identify aspects needing further refinement. Data obtained over these two initial periods, indicated that, the latent and sensible cooling capacity of the novel desiccant system averaged: 2.25 kW and -0.25 kW, respectively, during the severe summer trial; and 1.25 kW and -0.1 kW, respectively, during the milder spring trial. Values obtained from the preliminary monitored data also indicate that the liquid desiccant unit operated at electrical and thermal coefficients of performance (COPs) between 0.74 and 3.1 and between 0.15 and 0.52, respectively. Finally, using the monitored data, a simple regression-based empirical model was formulated to describe the average performance of the liquid desiccant unit. This was attempted to illustrate how performance results could be generalized to assist in the future design of similar commercial-scale systems. The results of this part of the thesis indicated, however, that further test data is required to confidently characterize the unit’s performance. As well, it was concluded that addition instrumentation (specifically, the addition of a meter to measure the flowrate of the regenerator air-stream) would enhance the potential to develop a practical performance correlation.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Modeling Friction, Wear and Lubrication of Sliding Polyurethane and Polycarbonate Surfaces Representing Printer Components with Molecular Dynamics

contributor:
Mosey, Nicholas
Côté, Adrien
Chemistry

subject: Computational Materials Theoretical Chemistry

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-05 11:50:34.293

abstract: The Xerox Research Centre of Canada has noted that elastomeric cleaning blades in laser printers have a relatively short life expectancy, as they experience high levels of friction and wear while wiping excess toner from commercial photoconducting drums. As such, there has been interest in examining the behaviour related to friction, wear and lubrication of components in laser printers. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to gain molecular-level insight into the mechanism of wear of the cleaning blade and the effectiveness of lubricants in reducing friction forces. The Dreiding force field was chosen to simulate representations of the photoconducting drum, cleaning blade and the lubricant. They were modeled in bulk and layered forms, and compressed and sheared to examine slip mechanisms and evaluate shear stresses and friction coefficients. It was found that the polycarbonate (PC) component was significantly stronger than either the polyurethane (PU) or octadecane (C18) components, and that the introduction of an interface and/or C18 lubricating material lowered the measured shear strengths to various degrees. The simulations indicated three different slip mechanisms depending on the nature of system. We have observed that shearing may induce structural changes within the PU component (such as ordering) even without a local slip event, which likely contributes to the eventual mechanical failure of the PU cleaning blade. From the models used in this study, it appears that more lubricating material is required than is currently used in practice in order to prevent wear of the PU cleaning blade. As well, the shear strengths and friction coefficients are not significantly reduced with the addition of lubricant for models containing PU. This is, of course, subject to the limitations of the simulations performed.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Globalizing the Informal City: Neoliberalism and Urban Transformation in Accra, Ghana

contributor:
Mullings, Beverley
Geography

subject:
Urban Informality
Urban Neoliberalism
Accra
Governmentality
African Cities
Rivanchims
Ethnicity
City Modernization

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-06 15:09:39.653

abstract: Over the last decade, and particularly the last five years, state officials in Ghana’s capital city, Accra, have intensified their resolve to ‘modernize’ the city and make it a competitive destination for global investments. In the same period, exercises by city authorities to remove or at least suppress practices of ordinary residents in the informal sector have become more frequent and intensified. Groups such as street hawkers, market women, and slum dwellers have become the main target of periodic ‘decongestion exercises’. In this dissertation I investigate how the policies and practices associated with the ‘globalizing’ and ‘modernizing’ ambition of the state intersect with the interests of the majority of urban residents whose everyday social and economic practices are concentrated in the informal sector, a sector deemed to be deleterious to the desired image for the city. I argue that contemporary city-making in Ghana is driven mainly by a combination of economic, nationalist and individual interests. In examining how cultural and social locations such as gender and ethnicity mediate the relationship between the state and residents, I demonstrate how contemporary forms of neoliberal urban governance shape, and are being shaped by, the unique historical, cultural and developmental dynamics of African cities.

abstract: I wish to produce a number of original journal articles from the dissertation. Releasing the entire thesis now is likely to undermine the potential to get the articles published.

abstract: PhD


title: Game, Set, Watched: Governance, Social Control and Surveillance in Professional Tennis

contributor:
Burfoot, Annette J.
Beamish, Rob
Sociology

subject:
Governmentality
Professional Sport
Governance
Bio-Power
Surveillance
Social Control
Surveillant Assemblage
Nikolas Rose
Disciplinary Power
Tennis

abstract: Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-12 09:25:44.284

abstract: Contrary to many major sporting leagues such as the NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB, or the Olympic Games as a whole, the professional tennis industry has not been individually scrutinized in terms of governance, social control, and surveillance practices. This thesis presents an in-depth account of the major governing bodies of the professional tennis circuit with the aim of examining how they govern, control, constrain, and practice surveillance on tennis athletes and their bodies. Foucault’s major theoretical concepts of disciplinary power, governmentality, and bio-power are found relevant today and can be enhanced by Rose’s ethico-politics model and Haggerty and Ericson’s surveillant assemblage. However, it is also shown how Foucault, Rose, and Haggerty and Ericson’s different accounts of “modes of governing” perpetuate sociological predicaments of professional tennis players within late capitalism. These modes of surveillance are founded on a meritocracy based on the ATP and WTA rankings systems. A player’s ranking affects how he or she is governed, surveilled, controlled, and even punished. Despite ostensibly promoting tennis athletes’ health protection and wellbeing, the systems of surveillance, governance, and control rely on a biased and capitalistically-driven meritocracy that actually jeopardizes athletes’ health and contributes to social class divisions, socio-economic inequalities, gender discrimination, and media pressure. Through the use of top-players’ accounts, it is also shown how some players resist certain governing, controlling, and surveillance practices designed for their benefit, while others understand and accept the resultant constraints as part of their choice to be a professional tennis player.

abstract: M.A.


title: Enantiospecific, Regioselective Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Couplings of Secondary, Allylic Boronic Esters

contributor:
Crudden, Cathleen M.
Chemistry

subject: Suzuki-Miyaura Regioselective Catalysis Enantiospecific Cross-Coupling

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-12 19:05:19.488

abstract:
The stereochemical course of the Pd–catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of α-substituted, enantioenriched allylic boronic esters with phenyl iodide has been examined.  The secondary boronic esters were prepared in both racemic and enantioenriched forms via  borylationof a lithiated carbenoid with a geometrically defined vinyl boronic ester.  The geometric purities were determined to be >99% and the enantiomeric excesses of stereodefined secondary boronic esters were found to exceed 98:2.  In total, 8 allylic boronic esters were successfully cross-coupled, providing arylated products with high regioselectivities (>90:10) and complete enantiospecificities (>99%).  The cross-coupling of a sterically and electronically unbiased, deuterated substrate confirmed that fully equilibrated π-allylic intermediates are not involved.  Additionally, correlating the absolute configurations of the allylic boronic ester and the cross-coupling product allowed us to confirm that the transmetalation step of the reaction proceeded through a closed transition state via a syn-SE’ mechanism, which further suggests the importance of the distinct Pd-O-B bond linkage.
	Further, the cross-coupling of vinyl iodides to secondary boronic esters was investigated.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Better Framework for Legitimacy: Learning from the Christian Reformed Tradition

contributor:
Kymlicka, Will
Philosophy

subject:
Sphere Sovereignty
Church-State Separation
Justificatory Liberalism
Legal Coercion
Rawls
Political Legitimacy

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-13 04:18:01.642

abstract:
In recent years, political legitimacy as a concept distinct from full justice has received much attention.  Yet in addition to querying the specific conditions legitimacy requires, there is a more general question: What is legitimacy even about?  How ought we identify and conceptualize these conditions?
	According to the regnant justificatory liberal (JL) approach, legitimate legal coercion is based on reasons all reasonable persons can accept and JL is explicated in terms of a hypothetical procedure.  Alas, Part I explains why JL is inadequate.  First, I argue that it de-legitimizes all coercion.  Second, it undercuts the proposition that there are certain basic rights which must be protected for legitimacy.  Third, I suggest that JL structurally involves paternalism.
	Where should theorists turn?  My perhaps surprising proposal is that they turn to the Christian Reformed (CR) tradition of social thought.  As I take it, this tradition is composed of such figures as Augustine and Calvin, Abraham Kuyper and Herman Dooyeweerd, and, more recently, Francis Schaeffer.  It has long theorized such issues as church-state separation and permissible coercion, and is replete with conceptual resources.
	Thus, Part II reconstructs an alternative legitimacy framework out of these resources.  The central CR insight is this: legitimacy is a function of preventing basic wrongs.  Legal coercion is only necessary "by reason of sin".  I develop this insight in terms of three ideas.  First, those wrongs which must prevented as conditions of legitimacy are objective wrongs, obtaining universally regardless of consent.  Second, they presuppose some view of basic teleology.  A teleological view is needed to elaborate contentful basic rights non-arbitrarily, but only a basic teleological view insofar as legitimacy is distinct from full justice.  Third, I suggest these wrongs are fruitfully understood as constituting an exogenous standard, one that is neither the product of actual nor hypothetical self-legislation.
Part III brings JL and CR legitimacy into dialogue.  Understanding legitimacy in terms of objective, teleological, and exogenous wrongs, respectively, helps us avoid each of the unacceptable consequences of JL covered in Part I.  Legitimacy is better conceptualized in CR terms; preventing such wrongs is what legitimacy is about.

abstract: PhD


title: The "Right to Autonomous Agency" and the "Right to Exit/ Sever Relationships": Theorizing our Obligations to Companion Animals in a Post-Animal Rights World

subject:
Companion Animals
Animal Rights
Raising Children
Feral Animals
Parental Obligations
Zoopolis

abstract: Thesis (Master, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-15 09:18:40.613

abstract: This thesis expands on the model presented in Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka’s Zoopolis for how companion animals might be treated as co-citizens in a post-Animal Rights world.  I will attempt to clarify the distinct political obligations owed to companion animals throughout their lifetimes by individual caregivers and by the state. In particular, I argue that there is nothing in the genetic make-up of most companion animals that precludes them from being “autonomous agents” in adulthood, meaning that if allowed to develop their agency, most animals would be able to lead flourishing lives independent of human companions. I suggest that, for young companion animals, guardians have political obligations to develop the autonomous agency of their dependents, with help from the state. That said, for adult animals which develop autonomous agency, I argue that both a human caregiver and the animal have a right to sever their relationship with each other, just as we give adult children the right to leave their parents’ care and also give parents the “right to kick out” adult children who are capable of supporting themselves. However, while advocating for human caregivers’ rights to sever relationships with autonomous pets, I nonetheless maintain that the state will always retain obligations to its citizens to provide them with a basic level of welfare, and these obligations extend to companion animals as well. Thus, the thesis will consider ways that companion animals can flourish without human companionship. Questions I am concerned with are: Can companion animals lead worthwhile lives without human caregivers? What obligations do caregivers and states have to raise animal young? When and how can these obligations be terminated? And lastly, how might we restructure our public and political institutions to accommodate animals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave relationships with caregivers?

abstract: I'm looking to publish this work if possible.

abstract: M.A.


title: A randomized comparison of individual cognitive-behavioural therapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia

contributor:
Pukall, Caroline F.
Psychology

subject: pain treatment

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-19 18:16:18.353

abstract: Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is the most common condition leading to painful intercourse and is currently best understood within a biopsychosocial framework. Although the usefulness of non-medical treatment options for vulvar pain is recognized by many, there is limited research investigating the effectiveness of these treatments using a biopsychosocial approach to outcome measurement. Furthermore, there is little evidence to support the mechanisms by which these treatments lead to pain reduction. This study aimed to address these gaps by investigating two non-medical treatment options: individual cognitive-behavioural therapy (ICBT) and pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR). Twenty women with PVD were randomly assigned to eight sessions of either ICBT or PFR. Participants were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up via gynecological examination, structured interviews and standardized questionnaires measuring pain, psychological, and sexual variables, quantitative sensory testing, and a pelvic floor muscle (PFM) evaluation. The primary outcome was change in intercourse pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included changes in other features of vestibular pain (e.g., frequency), cotton-swab test pain intensity, vestibular sensitivity, sexual functioning, PFM functioning, and pain cognitions. Changes in psychosexual and PFM functioning were investigated as predictors of treatment outcome. Results indicated no differences in the effectiveness of the treatment groups with respect to pain outcomes, with both groups demonstrating significant reductions in pain. Between-group differences were minimal in other areas, with some suggestion that participants in the ICBT group fared better with respect to sexual functioning, while participants in the PFR group demonstrated more improvements in PFM tone. Participants in both groups demonstrated meaningful improvements in pain cognitions, with the ICBT group demonstrating greater changes in rumination. The study was not able to detect significant predictors of treatment outcome. The results of the study suggest that both ICBT and PFR may lead to clinically meaningful improvements in pain, as well as in other areas of psychosexual functioning. Future treatment studies should consider incorporating general chronic pain clinical trial recommendations to allow for better comparison of outcomes with other studies.

abstract: PhD


title: Development of Fluorous Solid-Phase Extraction (FSPE) on a Microchip and its Application to Proteomics

contributor:
Oleschuk, Richard
Chemistry

subject:
HPLC
CEC
Fluorous Solid-Phase Extraction
MS
Proteomics
Fluorous Interaction
Microchip

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-19 23:11:16.636

abstract:
The origin of fluorous interaction was explored and experimentally examined based on both HPLC and CEC data in this project. It was found that the selective fluorous interaction is a kind of reduced instantaneous or induced dipole interaction compared to the hydrophobic interaction.
A series of FPPM preparation parameters were optimized. The optimized FPPM column can resolve the components in a manner that was otherwise not possible with its non-fluorous (hydrocarbon) counterpart.
Following, the CEC separation of fluorous analytes on FPPM stationary phase based upon fluorous-fluorous interaction was realized for the first time. It was also found that, quantitatively, hydrophobic stationary phases have better methylene selectivity (〖 α〗_(-CH_2-)), while fluorous stationary phases have better perfluoromethylene selectivity (〖 α〗_(-CF_2-)). Thermodynamically, ∆G_(-CF_2- → -CF_2-)^° : ∆G_(-CH_2- → -CH_2-)^° (Gibbs free energy change of transferring a –CF2– unit to pure fluorous stationary phase versus Gibbs free energy change of transferring a –CH2– unit to pure hydrophobic stationary phase) is approximately equal to 8:1.
A new concept, hypothetical water percentage (HWP) based on the comparison of 〖 α〗_(-CH_2-) and〖 α〗_(-CF_2-) was proposed for the first time to quantitatively evaluate the hydrophobicity/fluorophilicity of a stationary phase. A stationary phase can be classified as fluorous stationary phase when the HWP is less than 0 (more negative indicates more fluorous), or as a hydrophobic stationary phase when the HWP is larger than 100. For the range between 0 and 100, the stationary phase can be treated as either fluorous or hydrophobic due to the similar values of〖 α〗_(-CH_2-) and〖 α〗_(-CF_2-).
Fluorous tagged peptides and proteins (up to 5800 Da) were effectively separated from their non-fluorous counterparts on the FPPM stationary phase in capillary-based columns and detected both on-line with ESI-MS and off-line with MALDI-MS. Finally, the FPPM solid-phase extraction (SPE) stationary phase was transplanted from the capillary to a microchip format. This microchip exhibits the merits of both selective fluorous interaction and micro total analysis system (µTAS).

abstract: The work in Chapter 5 is still under reviewing for publish.

abstract: PhD


title: Association between Use of a Specialized Diagnostic Assessment Unit and the Diagnostic Interval in Ontario Breast Cancer Patients

contributor:
Groome, Patti A.
Gilbert, Julie
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Diagnostic Interval
Specialized Diagnostic Assessment Unit
Breast cancer

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-18 13:19:03.231

abstract: Background: The amount of time that it takes to get a breast cancer diagnosis is very important to patients. The Ontario diagnostic assessment unit (DAU) is designed to improve the quality and timeliness of care during a breast cancer diagnosis. This study described and examined the association between the length of the diagnostic interval and DAU use in Ontario, Canada. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study among all breast cancer patients diagnosed between Jan 1st, 2011 and Dec 31st, 2011 in Ontario, Canada. DAU use and diagnostic intervals were described. The association between DAU use and the diagnostic interval was examined separately in a cohort of 2499 screen-detected patients and a cohort of 4381 symptomatic patients. Study data sources included administrative databases available at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and Cancer Care Ontario (CCO). The diagnostic interval was defined as the time from the index contact to the cancer diagnosis. DAU use was determined based on the payment record within the organized screening program as well as the hospital where patients were diagnosed. Multivariate median regressions were used to control for possible confounders. Results: On average, Ontario breast cancer patients waited 4.6 weeks to be diagnosed. Forty-eight percent were diagnosed in a DAU and 52% were diagnosed in the usual care route. In screen-detected patients, DAUs had a higher rate in meeting national timeliness targets compared to usual care (79.1% vs. 70.2%, p<0.001). DAU use was significantly associated with an 8.3-day decrease in the time to diagnosis (95% CI: 6.5-10.2) after controlling for potential confounders. In symptomatic patients, DAUs also had a higher rate in achieving the Canadian timeliness targets compare to usual care (71.7% vs. 58.1%, p<0.001). DAUs significantly reduced the time to diagnosis by 10 days (95% CI: 7.8-11.9) after controlling for possible confounders. Conclusions: We observed considerable variation in breast cancer diagnostic intervals and DAU use in Ontario. Use of Ontario DAUs was associated with improved diagnostic timeliness for breast cancer patients.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Social Support in Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: The Stress-Buffering Model and Gender Differences

contributor:
Tripp, Dean A.
Psychology

subject:
chronic pain
spouse responses to pain
social support

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-18 19:17:11.276

abstract:
Chronic pain is recognized for its intra- and interpersonal stress, with greater social support being associated with better patient outcomes.  Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes (UCPPS) are pain-associated conditions that are prevalent across genders and are strongly associated with diminished quality of life (QOL).  To date, no gender-based research has examined such supportive behaviours in UCPPS samples.  One model, the stress-buffering model of social support, suggests people with greater support within their proximal (e.g., marriage) and distal (e.g., physician) social environment may be protected from negative stressor impact (i.e., pain).  Due to their strong associations with poorer QoL, I hypothesized catastrophizing and perceived pain control as important intrapersonal cognitive variables to also consider in such relations between pain and patient QoL. In this dissertation, I examined several research questions using two self-report studies: 1) Are there gender differences in social support for people with UCPPS?; 2) Does social support moderate the relationship between pain and patient outcome variables and are there gender differences in this effect?; and 3) If social support moderates the relationship between pain and outcomes, is this effect further moderated by cognitive variables and/or gender?
In Studies 1 and 2, women with IC/PBS endorsed higher levels of solicitous and distracting spouse responses to pain behaviour than did men with CP/CPPS.  Additionally, in Study 2 women reported greater support from friends than did men.  In regard to moderation effects in Study 1, distracting spouse responses buffered the relationships between patient pain and mental QoL, and between pain and disability.  However, spouse solicitousness had a detrimental effect on the relationship between patient pain and mental QoL but only at low levels of catastrophizing in the patient.  The genders did not differ in the effect of spouse responses to pain behaviour in Study 1, and Study 1 results with respect to the stress-buffering role of distracting spouse responses were not replicated in Study 2.  In Study 2, sources of social support from outside of the marriage also did not have a stress-buffering effect on the relationship between pain and patient outcome.  Of the models reviewed, no one current model for understanding the role of social support or catastrophizing in chronic pain was sufficient to account for the findings reported in these studies.  However, a dyadic emotion regulation perspective is suggested with implications for marital therapy with couples with chronic pain.

abstract: PhD


title: Studies of the Misprocessing Mutations R1202D and E1204K in the Drug and Organic Anion Transporter, MRP1 (ABCC1) in Cultured HEK cells

contributor:
Cole, Susan P. C.
Pharmacology and Toxicology

subject: Misprocessing Mutations

subject: MRP1

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-19 08:17:31.441

abstract: Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is a drug and organic anion transporter of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily. Previous studies showed that opposite charge substitutions of Arg1202 or Glu1204 in transmembrane helix (TM) 16 cause a >80% reduction in MRP1 levels when expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. These substitutions disrupt the folding and/or assembly of MRP1 which targets it for degradation. Attempts were made to enhance levels of the R1202D and E1204K misprocessing mutants by incubating transfected HEK cells at 30 ºC or 27 ºC. At both temperatures, cells expressed both fully glycosylated and underglycosylated mutants at levels 60–70% lower than wild-type MRP1in cells grown at 37 ºC. The subcellular localization patterns of the two mutants were similar to wild-type MRP1 at all three temperatures, with most of the transporter at the plasma membrane at 37 ºC, and in the endoplasmic reticulum at 30 ºC or 27 ºC. Thus, although poorly expressed, the R1202D and E1204K mutants retained the ability to traffic to the plasma membrane. Attempts were also made to enhance R1202D and E1204K levels by exposing transfected HEK cells to chemical chaperones. Dimethyl sulfoxide and glycerol increased E1204K levels by 20-30% but decreased or had no effect on R1202D and wild-type MRP1. 4-Phenylbutyric acid had little or no effect on either wild-type or mutant MRP1. Thus both mutants were relatively resistant to rescue by chemical chaperones. Finally, a “second-site rescue mutation” approach was taken, guided by an atomic homology model of MRP1. Mutations of Tyr1133 alone decreased MRP1 levels, like R1202D; however, although substituting TM15-Tyr1133 with Phe, His and Ala in R1202D was predicted to re-establish TM15-TM16 bonding interactions, levels of this mutant did not increase. E1204K levels were also not improved by substituting TM17-Val1248 with Asp or Glu although these substitutions were predicted to re-establish TM16-TM17 bonds disrupted in E1204K. These results suggest that the bonding interactions of Arg1202 and Glu1204 with other amino acids predicted by the MRP1 homology model used in this study are insufficient to predict the critical helix-helix interactions necessary for stable MRP1 expression in mammalian cells.

abstract: PhD


title: Rural Housing Affordability: a Location-Based Investigation of the Characteristics of Those Experiencing Housing Affordability Problems in Ontario

subject:
Rural
Ontario
Immigrant
Housing Affordability

abstract:
This report explores locational differences in the incidence of those experiencing housing affordability problems between 1991 and 2001 in Ontario. Three variables were created for this purpose using publicly available census data (PUMF) for: Toronto, CMAs and Other/Rural. The following key research questions were considered:
1. Are there differences between affordability rates in rural and urban locations?
2. What are the identified characteristics of low-income households experiencing affordability problems? (e.g. income, education, age, etc.)
3. Do differences in the identified characteristics between rural and urban locations help to explain differences in the intensity of low-income and housing affordability problems in these locations?
4. What are the planning implications of any identified differences between rural and urban locations?
In considering these questions, this report takes the following structure:
Summary of general trends in each of the locales (including in population, incidence of low-income, and affordability) Household trends in each of the locales (including household size, income and employment) Primary maintainer characteristic trends in each of the locales (including employment income, labour-force participation, monthly payments, education, gender trends, age, immigrant status). Comparison of immigrant and non-immigrant primary maintainer trends (to consider attraction and impact of immigrant populations to rural areas)
Recommendations for future planning directions lastly consider loosening restrictive zoning regulations, promoting local control and economic development, and further development of immigrant oriented programming. The investigation revealed that Other/Rural locales experienced comparatively dramatic increases in the proportion of households with affordability problems, and an increasing divide between those above and below the low income cut off (LICO). Several factors were found to have contributed to the change in affordability, including: low relative incomes and rates of full-time work, low relative household size, increase in the proportion renters, increasing proportions university educated low-income, increase in senior aged populations, and increase in immigrant populations.


title: An Investigation of Rat Vertebra Failure Behaviour Under Uniaxial Compression Through Time-Lapsed Micro-CT Imaging

contributor:
Pilkey, A. Keith
Waldman, Stephen D.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Bone
Compression Testing
Bone Failure Behaviour
Time-lapsed
Rat Vertebrae
Micro-Computed Tomography

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-21 19:07:38.661

abstract:
Osteoporosis is a bone degenerative disease characterized by reduced bone mass, quality and strength, along with changes in microarchitecture and increased incidence of fracture. The significant economic and social costs associated with osteoporotic fractures of the hip and spine have resulted in extensive research efforts directed towards developing an improved understanding of this disease, along with the relationships between osteoporotic bone degradation and fracture risk assessment.
The current study investigates the failure behaviour of rat vertebral bodies collected from normal and osteoporotic donors based on the ovariectomized rat model (SHAM and OVX study groups, respectively), along with an additional control group intended to simulate postmenopausal patients with estrogen repletion (OVX+E study group). Simultaneous uniaxial compression testing and X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography (XμCT) were used to visualize and describe the failure behaviour of prepared vertebral body samples during mechanical testing, while providing standard measures of mechanical properties and bone geometry. In tandem with the incremental loading protocol required for simultaneous mechanical testing and XμCT imaging, a continuous loading protocol was also included. Three distinct failure behaviours were observed without bias in the three different study groups and two loading protocols. The primary and secondary failure modes involved fracture initiation in the direct vicinity of vascular apertures present in the dorsal surface of the cortical shell, with failure progression through the sample towards the ventral surface of the cortical shell (primary) or the cranial endplate (secondary). The tertiary failure mode involved localized rupture of the cranial endplate, likely resulting from end-effect related stress-concentrations. Diminished trabecular bone geometry (reduced BV/TV and Tb.N, along with increased Tb.Sp) was accompanied by reduced mechanical properties (reduced ultimate force and ultimate strength) in the OVX study group when compared with the SHAM and OVX+E study groups. Linear regression analyses revealed a shift in the determinants of failure initiation between the SHAM/OVX+E study groups and the OVX study group. In the SHAM and OVX+E study groups, ultimate force was best predicted by indices describing the vascular apertures present in the dorsal cortical shell. In the OVX study group, ultimate force was best predicted by indices describing trabecular bone geometry.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Fabrication of a Bioactive Scaffold Material for Meniscus Tissue Engineering

contributor:
Amsden, Brian
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Scaffold
Biomaterial
Bioactive
Meniscus
Tissue engineering

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-11-20 15:36:06.12

abstract: Injuries to the meniscus are a common and important source of mobility issues in the knees of young active individuals, as well as elderly individuals. Conventional treatments for these injuries involve surgical resections of the damaged portions of tissue in order to relieve immediate clinical symptoms. However, with a decreased amount of meniscal tissue remaining, the load-bearing and load-distribution capacities remain compromised and inevitably lead to the development of osteoarthritis.1 In view of these deficiencies, tissue engineering has emerged as a promising alternative approach to meniscus repair. In this approach, biodegradable synthetic materials have been proposed as scaffolds to stimulate and support cell-mediated tissue remodeling. A wide range of synthetic materials have been developed to respond to the physical and chemical requirements of a scaffold, but many lack the necessary biological properties to respond to cellular stimuli. In addition, many of these materials are deficient in mechanical strength. The aim of this study was to develop a novel biomaterial that addresses these limitations. Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) was selected as the main component of the scaffold due its highly suitable material properties. PTMC is a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer with excellent elastomeric properties and mechanical strength. It also offers the advantage of providing long-term mechanical support due to its low degradation rate. However, PTMC alone cannot stimulate tissue regeneration due to its bio-inert nature. In order to provide an ideal environment to support tissue repair, it must possess bioactive signals. PTMC was combined with a collagenase-sensitive peptide substrate to render the scaffold invasive by cells. The peptide also served to increase the slow degradation rate of PTMC by providing cleavage points throughout the network. The compressive strength of this material was significantly higher than previously used scaffold materials. Additionally, the material possessed enhanced toughness and elasticity, high equilibrium water content, and a tunable degradation profile. Unlike currently used scaffolding materials, this material satisfies all of the necessary requirements to function as an effective scaffold for meniscus regeneration.

abstract: I would like to withhold the thesis from publication until I can determine whether I will be seeking IP protection.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Effect of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3-β on the Acquisition & Expression of Intra-Accumbal Amphetamine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Rats

contributor:
Beninger, Richard J.
Psychology

subject:
D2 receptor
Incentive learning
Locomotor activity
Behaviour
SB 216763
Dopamine

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-01-03 15:41:20.989

abstract: Dopamine (DA) drives incentive learning: learning which is elicited through rewarding stimuli. Irregularities in DA activity are associated with various psychological disorders. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), a molecule downstream of DA receptors, has been implicated in mediating dopaminergic behaviour, and unbalanced DA activity is associated with concomitant irregularities in GSK3β signaling. Inhibition of this molecule has been noted to attenuate behavioural sensitization, and decrease psychotomimetic behaviour in animals. Few studies have assessed the role of GSK3β in the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, which evaluates the rewarding properties of substances and has been used to model psychosis. CPP can be examined through either acquisition or expression paradigms, which look at the active learning process vs. the recall of learned information respectively. We tested the hypothesis that selective inhibition of GSK3β with SB 216763 will differentially and dose-dependently affect the acquisition and expression of amphetamine (AMPH) CPP, as well as attenuate AMPH locomotor activity in acquisition. All drugs and vehicles were administered via intra-cranial microinfusions into the nucleus accumbens. AMPH was administered at a dose of 20.0 μg/0.5 μl/side. SB 216763 was tested at four doses (0.03, 0.30, 3.00, & 5.00 μg/0.5 μl/side) in both acquisition and expression. We found administering SB 216763 at all doses to attenuate AMPH CPP and locomotor activity in acquisition. At doses 0.30, 3.00, & 5.00 μg/0.5 μl/side, SB 216763 also blocked AMPH CPP at expression. These results lend support to GSK3β’s involvement in incentive learning and DA-mediated behaviours, and suggest its inhibition may differentially affect the acquisition and expression of AMPH CPP.

abstract: M.Sc.