title: A Neural Network Based System to Recognize, Detect and Locate Sealworm Parasitic Infestations on Cod Fish Fillet Images

title: Neural Network System to Recognize Parasites on Fish Images

contributor:
Poehlman, S.
Computation

subject: neural network based system

subject: neural network

subject: sealworm parasitic infestations

subject: sealworm

subject: parasitic infestation

subject: parasitic infestations

subject: fish images

subject: cod fish fillet images

subject: cod

subject: cod fish

subject: cod fish images

subject: sealworm parasitic infestations on cod fish fillet images

subject: computation

subject: parasites

subject: sealworm parasite

abstract:
In this project, an investigation of a neural network based system is used to examine
the following: a) the possibility and practicability of analysing and recognising parasites/sealworms on a parasite/sealworm infested cod fish images, b) the most efficient but robust way of presenting data to the neural network for efficient training and generalisation. The basic problem is to automate the sorting of sealworm infested cod fish from good normal cod fish using a neural network based system. The generalised back propagation supervised learning algorithm is used and both steepest descent and conjugate gradient methods are investigated. Various data representation schemes in unprocessed and processed formats before presentation for training of the neural network, are also examined. Finally the level of recognition achieved by the neural network when presented with the cod fish images is computed. Thus in this project an attempt is made to analyse and find the best components for solving the basic problem and then use this information to develop a neural network based system to recognise, detect and locate parasite/sealworms on cod fish images.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: The concentrations and distribution of mineral nutrients and phytic acid-phosphorus in wild-type and low phytic acid 1-1 (lpa 1-1) corn (Zea mays L.) grains and grain parts

title: Mineral nutrients in low phytic acid 1-1 corn grains

contributor:
Lott, John
Biology

subject:
mineral nutrients
phytic acid-phosphorus
wild-type corn
low phytic acid 1-1 corn
low phytic acid 1-1
lpa 1-1
lpa 1-1 corn
Zea mays L.
corn grains
corn grain parts
biology
wild-type Zea mays L.
lpa 1-1 Zea mays L.

abstract:
Mature grains of wild-type (WT) and low phytic acid 1-1 (lpa 1-1) mutant from corn (Zea mays L.) were studied for total phosphorus (total P), phytic acid-phosphorus (PA-P), and mineral cations. Whole grain PA-P in lpa 1-1 was reduced 61.6% compared to WT whereas whole grain total P remained constant. Scutellum and root-shoot axis PA-P was 91.6% and 3.6% of WT whole-grain amounts respectively, compared to 89.3% and 4.0% in lpa 1-1. Relative partitioning of PA-P between the scutellum and root-shoot axis was not altered in lpa 1-1 mutant embryos as compared to WT. In lpa 1-1 the total P was slightly decreased in the scutella and increased in both root-shoot axes and rest-of-grain fractions. Whole grain Mg, Fe, and Mn amounts were higher in lpa 1-1 grains than in WT grains; K and Zn were similar, and Ca was lower. The lpa 1-1 whole grains and embryos contained 1/3 higher Fe than WT. For both grain types all measured metallic elements, except Ca, were more concentrated in embryos than the rest-of-grain fractions. Studies showed that WT grains contained larger globoids than lpa 1-1 grains in both scutellum and aleurone layer cells. This globoid size reduction reflected the PA-P decrease. Most lpa 1-1 aleurone globoids were non-spherical and lpa 1-1 scutellum globoids were clusters of spheres while both scutellum and aleurone globoids of WT were discrete spheres. The lpa 1-1 mutation had an impact on the globoid formation. X-ray analyses of scutellum and aleurone layer globoids from both grain types revealed major amounts of P, K, and Mg and traces of Ca, Fe, and Zn. Analysis demonstrated lower P, K and Mg and higher Ca, Fe and Zn in aleurone globoids than scutellum globoids. Both grain types contained almost no mineral nutrient stores in the starchy endosperm, whereas the scutellum was the major site of PA-P and mineral nutrient
deposition.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: The Nutrient Status of the Soils in Shenchong Basin and the Effects of Soil Erosion

title: The Nutrient Status of Soils in Shenchong Basin

subject:
nutrient status
soil
soils
Shenchong Basin
soil erosion
nutrient status of soils
soils in Shenchong Basin
soil in Shenchong Basin
nutrient status of soil

abstract:
The nutrient status of the soils in Shenchong Basin and the effects of soil erosion were examined during the
summer of 1987. Eight raingauges and two thermographs provided meteorological data. Soil samples were collected from different land use categories in the uplands and lowlands, including agricultural areas. Water and sediment samples were collected from 1) surface discharge from the upland slope, rills and a gully during storms and 2) surface and ground waters during dry weather. Analysis was carried out on water samples to determine ammonia-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, orthophosphate, soluble iron, calcium and potassium concentrations. The soil and sediment samples were analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Concentrations of nitrate and orthophosphate in the water samples were very low. Potassium showed the highest concentrations. Ammonia was the dominant inorganic nitrogen species in water and possibly the soils. The soils were highly acidic (pH < 5) and the soluble iron concentrations were high in the upland soils. Total aluminum concentrations were also high. Potassium concentrations were high in soils from vegetated areas. The higher levels of calcium and magnesium in the agricultural soils were were related to lime additions. Available phosphorus concentrations were very low. Nitrate showed no spatial trend except for the high concentration in the cassava field which was attributed to the peanut plants that were previously planted there. In general, nutrient concentrations were low compared to other tropical areas in the world.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: An Analysis of Mark-Recapture Data from Coded Wire Tagging of Hatchery Raised Salmon Using Log-Linear Models and Graphics

title: An Analysis of Mark-Recapture Data

contributor:
Macdonald, Peter
Statistics

subject:
mark-recapture
mark-recapture data
coded wire tagging
hatchery raised salmon
salmon
log-linear models
log-linear model
log-linear models and graphics
statistics
salmon hatcheries
Coded Wire Tagging

abstract: In this report mark-recapture data are analyzed with the use of weighted log-linear models, mosaics, and computer drawings of fish. The data are from salmon hatcheries, subsequent returns to the hatcheries and commercial catches of salmon. The log-linear models were used to study the effects of several variables on catches and returns. It is shown that these variables may have opposite effects depending on the brood year of the fish, that hatchery returns and commercial catches do not respond in the same way to the variables, and that more research is needed to determine the causes of the brood year differences. The mosaics and fish drawings were used to study the migration of the salmon in the ocean. The results confirm that chinook salmon decrease their food intake during the return trip to the hatchery, and they are consistent with theories of ocean migration of other species of salmon.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Investigations in the Development of a Windows Based Expert System for Preoperative Assessments

contributor:
Solntseff, N.
Langton, Karl
Computer Science

subject:
preoperative assessments
Windows based expert system
Windows
computer science and systems
computer science
Preop medical expert system

abstract: The Preop medical expert system (Langton et. al, 1990) was originally developed using the expert system tool, Nexpert Object, on a VAX computer. Nexpert Object creates an expert system specification which is executed by an interpreter within Nexpert Object. The original implementation, however, has several limitations, including: 1. lack of physical portability 2. requires Nexpert Object to run 3. crude user interface. In order to overcome the first limitation, Preop is implemented on a PC DOS portable computer. This project is addresses the other two limitations. Creating a compiled version of Preop eliminates the need for the Nexpert Object interpreter, and implementing it as a Microsoft Windows application provides a better user interface.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Linear Models with Nested Error Structure in Predicting Vision Loss for Patients with Subretinal Neovascular Membranes

contributor:
Willan, A.
Statistics

subject:
linear model
error structure
vision loss
subretinal neovascular membranes

abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)* and presumed ocular histoplasmosis (POHS) are common causes of macular degeneration. Both are major causes of blindness, with AMD being the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65. The major cause of visual loss in both categories is the presence of a subretinal neovascular membrane (NVM) in the macular. Sometimes these conditions can be treated successfully with laser therapy. Our task was to develop a regression model for predicting post-treatment vision as a function of time from treatment and baseline prognostic factors measured at diagnosis. The particular analysis of the model was to examine how patients' post-treatment vision is affected by baseline factors. A nested-error structure was used in a linear model.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Disagreement and Change of View

contributor:
Griffin, Nicholas
Philosophy

subject:
Epistemology of Disagreement
Epistemic Peerhood
Conciliationism
Non-Conciliationism

abstract: Conciliationists hold that hold that epistemic peer disagreement about whether a proposition is true constitutes a (partial) defeater for that proposition. Non-conciliationists, on the other hand, deny that peer disagreement constitutes a (partial) defeater for a proposition under dispute. A defeater is a reason to doubt the justification one thought one had in believing a certain proposition to be true. While there are dynamic views in the literature, conciliationism and non-conciliationism represent the two most defended positions. This debate has highlighted a number of interesting and underexplored ideas in epistemology, such as the distinction between first-order and second-order reasons, the uniqueness thesis, and independence requirements. I develop and defend an underexplored argument in favour of non-conciliationism. A researcher may be reasonable to remain steadfast in the face of disagreement about a proposition related to her research if doing so will yield epistemic benefits. I draw on two main sources of evidence for this claim: (i) there are numerous real-life examples where this occurs, and (ii) there is empirical evidence to suggest that cognitive diversity helps enhance prediction and problem-solving. The most pressing objection to this argument is that it conflates practical reasons with epistemic reasons. I argue that this objection fails because the reasons in question actually are epistemic. A better distinction is one between synchronic epistemic reasons and diachronic epistemic reasons. I then explore how far, if at all, this argument can be taken beyond research contexts.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Epidermal Growth Factor-Modified Polydimethylsiloxane for Artificial Cornea Applications

title: Epidermal Growth Factor-Modified PDMS for Artificial Corneas

contributor:
Sheardown, Heather
Chemical Engineering

subject:
epidermal growth factor
modified polydimehthylsiloxane
artificial cornea

abstract: Improved corneal epithelial cell growth over artificial cornea materials is required to improve device retention within the eye. In this work, varying concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a potent mitogen for epithelial cells, were immobilized to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates, and the cellular response was analyzed. Three methods were developed to bind EGF to PDMS via polyethylene glycol (PEG) tethers. 1) Plasma Modification: EGF was first reacted with homobifunctional NHS2PEG and then bound to allylamine plasma-modified PDMS. 2) Hydrosilylation: PDMS was modified with heterobifunctional allyl-PEG-NBS and then EGF was attached to the surface-bound PEG. 3) Thiol Modification: EGF was first reacted with heterobifunctional NHS-PEG-maleimide and then bound to thiol-modified PDMS. Using Method 1 (Plasma Modification), 40 to 90 ng/cm2 of EGF  was bound, however 70% of this was adsorbed even under optimized EGF-PEG reaction conditions. Cells rapidly grew to confluence on these surfaces, and cell counts increased significantly compared to control surfaces. Extracellular matrix protein production was also increased on the EGF-modified surfaces, corresponding to significantly higher levels of cell adhesion observed under a detachment force. Modification by Method 2 (Hydrosilylation) resulted in 10 to 300 ng/cm2 of bound EGF, of which 20% was adsorbed. However, despite increased EGF binding homogeneity, the cell growth was slower on these surfaces than on those prepared by Method 1, and coverage was non-uniform at all EGF concentrations. This is likely due to a higher underlying PEG density, and binding of the PEG and EGF in clusters on the surface. Simultaneous tethering of the cell adhesion peptide YIGSR had no further effect on cell coverage. Using Method 3 (Thiol Modification), 24 to 65 ng/cm2 of EGF was bound, of which 22% was adsorbed. This method enables more homogeneous EGF surface binding than Method 1, with a lower PEG density than Method 2. However, free thiol groups were inhibitory to corneal epithelial cell growth, even in the presence of bound EGF. Defunctionalization of free thiols by reaction with 3-maleimidopropionic acid restored cell growth and morphology on the PDMS, and may hence allow for retention of the proliferative effect of the EGF. These results indicate that while tethering of EGF to PDMS can improve the coverage by corneal epithelial cells, and presents a promising strategy for modification of polymeric artificial cornea materials, the effects are highly dependent on the underlying surface chemistry.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The B-Ketoadipate Pathway in Rhizobium meliloti

contributor:
Finan, T. M.
Biology

subject:
B-ketoadipate
rhizobium meliloti

abstract: Page i was not in the other copies of this thesis. -Digitization Centre

abstract: Tn5 mutagenesis was used to generate four independent mutants of Rhizobium meliloti that were unable to grow on protocatechuate (Pca-). Two of the Pca- mutations were mapped to a region of the second symbiotic megaplasmid (pRmeSU47b) previously shown to be required for growth on protocatechuate. This pca locus was shown to consist of the first five structural genes of the protocatechuate branch of the B-ketoadipate pathway, in the order pcaDCHGB. This gene order is the same as determined for Agrobacterium tumefaciens. An additional reading frame with homology to LysR-type regulators was found to be upstream of, and transcribed divergently to the pcaDCGHB operon. This is likely to fulfil the same role as the regulatory gene, pcaQ, of A. tumefaciens. A cosmid plasmid which carried these pea genes failed to complement the Pca- phenotype of a strain carrying a 300 kb megaplasmid deletion encompassing this pea locus. This implies that another pca locus, perhaps pcaIJ, is present within the deleted region of the rnegaplasmid. Two Pca- Tn5 insertions which did not map to the megaplasmid locus were isolated. One of these insertions appears to be in a catalase gene.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Scattered Radiation Levels and Personnel Dosimetry In Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology

title: Scattered Radiation in Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology

contributor:
Pennock, P.W.
Harvey, J.W.
Rainbow, A.J.
Health and Radiation Physics

subject:
radiation
radiation levels
scattered radiation
scattered radiation levels
veterinary medicine
veterinary diagnostic radiology
diagnostic radiology
health and radiation physics
personnel dosimetry
dosimetry

abstract: Scattered x-radiation levels associated with various diagnostic procedures were measured with ionization chamber instruments in the small and large animal radiology facilities at the Ontario Veterinary College of the University of Guelph. The occupational radiation exposures incurred by veterinary radiography personnel were monitored using McMaster University's Panasonic UD-702E TLD system. The stray radiation levels and the dosimetric information are compared and discussed. An optimum protocol for radiological health protection surveillance is described.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Soil CO2 Efflux from Temperate and Boreal Forests in Ontario, Canada

contributor:
Arain, Altaf
Geography

subject: soil CO2 efflux

subject: temperate and boreal forests

subject: Ontario, Canada

subject: Ontario

subject: Canada

subject: CO2

subject: CO2 efflux

subject: geography

subject: temperate and boreal forests in Ontario, Canada

subject: temperate forests

subject: boreal forests

abstract: Forests play an important role in the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil respiration is often the major source of CO2 in forests and is greatly influenced by climatic variability and management practices. Spatial and temporal variations of soil respiration have been examined in a chronosequence (60, 30, 15, and 1 year-old) of temperate, afforested, white pine (Pinus strobus) forest stands in Southern Ontario, Canada, in order to investigate any age related differences. Spatial and temporal variations of soil respiration in a 74 year-old boreal, mixed-wood forest in Central Ontario, was also studied and compared with results from the 60 year-old, temperate, white pine, forest stand, in order to investigate any climate related differences. Soil CO2 flux, temperature, and moisture were measured for one year (June 2003 to May 2004, inclusive, for the chronosequence study, and August 2003 to July 2004, inclusive, for the boreal-temperate study). In all stands, temporal variability of soil respiration followed the seasonal pattern of soil temperature, reaching a minimum in winter and maximum in summer. Temporal variability of soil temperature was able to explain 80 to 96% of the temporal variability in soil respiration at all stands. Spatial variability in soil respiration was also observed at all stands and the degree of this variability was seasonal, following the seasonal trend of mean daily soil respiration. Spatial variability of some soil chemical properties was highly correlated with the spatial variability of soil respiration, while litter thickness was not. The location of soil respiration measurement with respect to tree trunks may also help to explain some of the spatial variability in soil respiration. Across the chronosequence, the highest mean daily CO2 efflux was observed during the growing season for the 15 year-old-stand (5.2 ± 1.3 to 0.4 ± 0.2 μmol CO2 m^-2 s^-1), which was comparable to the 60 year-old-stand (4.9 ± 1.3 to 0.2 ±0.1 μmol CO2 m^-2 s^-1), but higher than the 30 year (3.8 ± 0.9 to 0.2 ± 0.0 μmol CO2 m^-2 s^-1) and 1 year (2.9 ± 0.9 to 0.3 ± 0.3 μmol CO2 m^-2 s^-1) old stands. From boreal-temperate comparison, it was observed that mean daily soil respiration rates for the boreal stand (6.9 ± 1.7 to 0.5 ±0.1 μmol CO2 m^-2 s^-1) were higher during the growing season compared to the 60 year-old temperate forest stand. Understanding temporal and spatial variability of soil respiration and how it is controlled is essential to improving forest ecosystem carbon budget assessments, and subsequently, the global carbon budget. This study will contribute direct observations necessary for improving and validating forest ecosystem CO2 exchange models.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: A Prosthesis for Above-Knee Amputee Runners

contributor:
Newcombe, W. R.
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
prosthesis
above-knee amputee
amputee
amputee runners

abstract:
Although a number of above-knee amputees have expressed a desire to participate in recreational activities involving running, no currently available lower limb prosthesis has proven adequate in allowing amputees to achieve a natural, efficient, one-to-one running gait. Until recently, amputee runners such as Terry Fox and Steve Fonyo have adopted a variety of asymmetrical gaits, although the Terry Fox Jogging Prosthesis has allowed some amputees to achieve an inefficient one-to-one running pattern.
The objective is to design a conservative running prosthesis which will functionally imitate the intact limb during running activities. The prosthesis performance criteria were established for both stance and swing, based on an examination of non-amputee running biomechanics. The prosthesis incorporates a shank unit assembly which linearly compresses upon heel-strike, absorbing the impact energies in a helical coil compression spring, and then uses a ratchet device to store these impact energies throughout the stance phase. In late stance, the natural dorsi flexion of the prosthetic foot initiates the release of the stored energies, propelling the amputee upward and forward into the swing phase. It is recommended that a comprehensive biomechanical gait analysis be performed on the prosthesis' operation to allow for optimization of its configuration and performance. In conclusion, the features of this prosthesis will allow above-knee amputees to achieve a more natural, one-to-one running gait and participate more actively in activities involving running.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: The Production of Vacancies During Reversed Plastic Flow

contributor:
Ham, R. K.
Metallurgy

subject:
production of vacancies
reversed plastic flow
plastic flow
vacancies during reversed plastic flow
metallurgy

abstract: The Portevin-le Chatelier effect in a copper-3.2 at.% tin alloy has been used to investigate the rate of vacancy production during reversed plastic flow. The production rate per unit strain has been shown to be approximately half the value found for straight tensile deformation. It was inferred from this that fatigue is not a highly efficient method for producing vacancies. The relationship between the dislocation density and the tensile plastic strain for this alloy has been determined by transmission electron microscopy. It was found to obey the law,  p = const. E^1.17±0.13. It was also found that during reversed plastic flow this law was no longer valid.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: REGULATION OF COLONIC MOTOR FUNCTION VIA ACTIVATION OF LUMINAL 5-HT4 RECEPTORS

title: THE ROLE OF LUMINAL 5-HT4 RECEPTORS IN COLONIC MOTILITY

contributor:
Huizinga, Jan D
Medical Sciences

abstract:
Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders including constipation and Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS) constitute the most widespread digestive disorders that could involve GI
dysmotility and altered serotonin (5-HT) signaling. Current treatments include oral intake
of prokinetic drugs such as serotonin sub-type 4 receptor (5-HT4) agonists that activate 5-
HT4 receptors located on nerves in the gut wall. However, these receptors are also found
on the luminal side of enterochromaffin cells in the colonic epithelium where more than
90% of the body’s 5-HT is synthesized. Therefore, activation of luminal 5-HT4 receptors
by using a delivery system that releases the drug inside the colonic lumen without it being
first absorbed in the upper GI tract, can result in the release of 5-HT and increase in colonic
motility. This could significantly minimize the adverse side effects associated with
systemic absorption of such drugs. In this study, first the rabbit animal model was used to
test the effects of prucalopride after administration inside the colon (ex vivo). Results
showed significant increase in propulsive motor patterns and their properties such as
pressure and force. Such potent prokinetic effects occurred even in the presence of
simulated fecal impaction, an acute complication of chronic constipation. Using highresolution
colonic manometry (HRCM), all aspects of propulsive motility including the
colo-anal reflex and simultaneous pressure waves (SPW) were studied in vivo in healthy
volunteers; then, the effects of intraluminal prucalopride was evaluated with HRCM in a
human case study. Similar to the animal model, marked increase in propulsive motor
activity was observed. This project shows the SPW and the colo-anal reflex have potential
diagnostic values in patients with colonic dysmotility or abdominal bloating and
prucalopride incorporated in colon-specific drug delivery systems has the potential to
become the preferred prokinetic for the treatment of constipation. It also encourages further
research into the role of luminal 5-HT in generating normal colonic motor function.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS)


title: The Ratio of Vector and Axial Vector Coupling Constants in the Beta-Decay of Rb87

title: Ratio of Coupling Constants in the Beta-Decay of Rb87

contributor:
Preston, M.A.
Physics

subject: vector

subject: axial vector

subject: vectors

subject: axial vectors

subject: vector coupling constants

subject: axial vector coupling constants

subject: beta-decay

subject: beta-decay of Rb87

subject: Rb87

subject: rubidium-87

subject: physics

subject: coupling constants

abstract: The purpose of this work is to evaluate the ratio of the vector and axial vector coupling constants in the beta-decay of Rb^87. Particular attention is given to determining the sign of the ratio. All this is accomplished mainly by a conic analysis of the beta-spectrum and the calculation of a matrix element ratio. The results obtained indicate that the ratio of the coupling constants is negative. Due to uncertainties in nuclear matrix elements, only an approximate absolute value for the ratio can be secured. These results are consistent with other present evidence.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: The Economic Burden of End-stage Renal Disease in Canada: Present and Future

title: Economic Burden of End-Stage Renal Disease in Canada

contributor:
Spencer, Byron
Economics

subject:
economics
economic burden
economic burdens
end-stage renal disease
renal disease
kidney disease
end-stage kidney disease
kidney failure
Canada

abstract: End-stage renal disease (ESRD), or kidney failure, is a serious illness with significant health consequences and high-cost treatment options. Since the early 1980s, the number of Canadians with ESRD has more than quadrupled (CIHI, 2001), leading to questions about the current and future impact of the disease on public health, quality of life, health spending, and patients’ productivity. Using an economic burden of illness approach, this thesis estimates ESRD’s “direct” health care costs and “indirect” costs, such as productivity losses due to premature death and short- and long-term disability. It also projects future results under various alternative assumptions using a multi-state discrete time Markov model. The analysis suggests that, although less than 0.1% of Canadians have ESRD, it generated direct health care costs of $1.3 billion in 2000 or $51,099 per person with ESRD. That compares to $3,183 per capita for Canadians overall (CIHI, 2002b). Adding indirect morbidity and mortality costs brings the total to $1.9 billion. Rising ESRD numbers suggest higher costs in the future. Further analysis explored the effect of various assumptions about drivers of past trends, such as population growth, changes in the age structure, and the prevalence of conditions known to cause ESRD (e.g. diabetes). Projections were most sensitive to assumptions about the rate at which new cases are diagnosed. If current trends continue, the total economic burden of the disease can be expected to reach $7.9 billion by 2015 (year 2000 dollars). On the other hand, if the rate of new cases in 2000 were maintained, the economic burden of illness would be $5.7 billion in 2015. Nevertheless, under this and many other assumptions, there is likely to be a significant gap between available organs for transplant and the demand for transplantation. The likely effects of various options for addressing this gap are also explored.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Exploring Men's Health in the Context of their Daily Lives

contributor:
Walters, Vivienne
Sociology

subject:
men's health
daily lives

abstract: This thesis presents a literature review and data from individual interviews conducted with a total of 20 men in Southern Ontario and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The objective of this qualitative study was to identify what these men consider to be their main health problems, and what they consider to be the main health problems of Canadian men in general. In addition, this study explored the ways in which the men understand health and the particular health problems they experienced. Several general trends emerged in the data. Respondents described health in both physical and mental terms. They associated physical health predominantly with lifestyle in the form of adequate activity/exercise, diet, and balance of activities. Mental health was associated with state of mind. Insofar as respondents worried about their health, they were concerned about developing physical health problems such as prostate and testicular cancer. However, the day-to-day problems that they actually experienced were low level mental health problems such as stress and tiredness. Data analysis revealed a broader underlying theme of control. In particular, respondents' explanations of health reflected their ability to control the onset of many health problems by living a healthy lifestyle. Yet, social structural influences, specifically work and gender roles, did not always afford these men control over health-related problems such as stress. Respondents explained the health of Canadian men in terms of lifestyle (reflecting control over health), and by unknown etiology (reflecting lack of control over diseases such as cancer). Review of the research findings identifies gaps in research and offers suggestions for further studies.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Sympathetic Influences on the Human Heart: Measurement, Control and Role in Hypertension

contributor:
Roberts, L. E.
Psychology

subject:
sympathetic influence
human heart
hypertension

abstract: The pathological consequences of even mild increases in blood pressure warrant treatment for hypertension in its early stages. However, chronic drug treatment programmes are generally not advantageous during the early stages of hypertension. Augmented sympathetic outflow to the heart plays a role in the early stages of hypertension, and perhaps the development of hypertension. Environmental factors are often responsible for increases in sympathetic outflow to the heart. Therefore, an alternative hypertensive treatment involves behavioural control over increases in sympathetic activity. This treatment includes biofeedback training. The literature indicates that the R-wave to ear pulse wave interval (RPI) is the most appropriate index of sympathetic influences for biofeedback training. An experiment is reported in which unconstrained normotensive subjects were asked to produce changes in RPI with and without the aid of analog feedback. Five subjects learned to produce bidirectional changes in RPI. These subjects generally showed more RPI shortening than lengthening. The data indicate that moderately heavy levels of exercise were employed to shorten RPI. This is consistent with increased sympathetic activity. Some subjects were consistently able to lengthen RPI. However, this study produced converging evidence indicating that RPI lengthening was often a product of reduced left ventricular preload. Preload influences on RPI appear to have led subjects to adopt behavioural strategies which were inconsistent with reduced sympathetic activity during attempts to lengthen RPI. Therefore, caution must be employed when using RPI to index and teach control over sympathetic activity. It is suggested that incorporating information about left ventricular ejection time or cardiac interbeat interval will improve RPI as a measure of sympathetic influences on the human heart.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Exercise as a Strategy for the Reduction of Pain and Enhancement of Psychological and Subjective Well-Being in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: The Results of a 9-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

title: Psychological benefits of Exercise for Individuals with Sci

contributor:
Martin, K. A.
Human Biodynamics

subject:
exercise
strategy
pain reduction
psychological enhancement
well-being
controlled trial
spinal cord injury

abstract: Chronic pain is a frequent and debilitating comorbidity of SCI (Ravenscroft et al., 2000). Although exercise is an effective strategy for managing pain in other chronic pain populations (e.g., Ettinger et al., 1997), exercise training has not been previously examined in the SCI population. In a RCT of 34 sedentary men and women with traumatic SCI, the effects of exercise on perceived pain and physical and psychological well-being were examined. Additionally, the efficacy of exercise as a pain management strategy was assessed. Exercisers performed aerobic and resistance training twice weekly over 9-months. Controls maintained their usual level of activity. Measures of pain (Ware & Sherbourne, 1992), physical well-being (Reboussin et al., 2000), stress (Cohen et al., 1992), depression (Radlof, 1977) and subjective well-being (Cantril 1965; Patrick et al., 1988) were administered at baseline and at the 3, 6 and 9 months points of the intervention. A series of ANCOV As adjusted for baseline scores revealed a significant group main effect for the measures of pain, stress, depression and subjective well-being which reflected improvement in all of these domains for the exercisers (i.e., decreased pain, stress and depression and increased subjective well-being) and decrement in all of these domains for the controls (ps<.05). Hierarchical linear regression analyses (cf. Baron & Kenny, 1986) revealed that change in physical well-being partially mediated change in pain, change in pain mediated change in stress and subjective well-being and change in stress mediated change in depression. These findings suggest that variables mediating exercise-induced change should be targeted to maximize the effectiveness of exercise as a pain management strategy for individuals with SCI. The therapeutic and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Chemistry of the a-Hydroxylamino Acids

contributor:
Spenser, I. D.
Chemistry

subject:
chemistry
hydroxylamino acid

abstract: The chemistry of a-hydroxylamino acids is critically reviewed. An attempt has been made to establish a general synthesis of a-hydroxylamino acids from a-bromo acids. A comparison of the use of cation and anion exchange columns as a means of purification has been included. The results of paper and thin layer chromatography of a-hydroxylamino acids have been reported. a-Hydroxylamine acids have been shown to be intermediates in the conversion of a-bromo acids to a-oximino acids with excess hydroxylamine. In addition, a new base-catalyzed decomposition of a-hydroxylamino acids to a-keto acids and ammonia is described.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Pulsed Heat Transfer

contributor:
Baird, M. H. I.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
heat transfer
water-blow pulsation

abstract: The "Water-Blow" Pulsation generator has been used to produce pulsing fluid flow in an off-the-shelf industrial single pass heat exchanger containing 5/8 in. 0. D. tubes, 37 inches long. Experimental results showed that heat transfer from steam to flowing water could be enhanced by as much as 100%, although a more practical enhancement would likely be about 40%. From the experimental results it was estimated that pulsing air requirement (standard cu. ft. air per cu. ft. water) increased linearly from about 0 to 4.0 over a range of heat transfer enhancement from 0 to 40%. Two factors which influenced pulsing air requirement were the air surge volume sizes and the pressure fluctuations which occurred therein.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Kindergarten Prevalence of Children with Special Needs in Ontario and Developmental Health Outcomes at School Entry and Grade 3

contributor:
Janus, Magdalena
Health Research Methodology

subject:
special needs
developmental health
early development instrument
kindergarten

abstract:
Background: One in every nine school-age children in Ontario has special needs (SN) as a result of developmental disorders, however, the distribution of SN is unequal among schools. This prompted a group level exploration of the developmental health outcomes of typically developing children in schools with SN children.
Methods: This study uses data from the Early Development Instrument (EDI; kindergarten measure of child development), administered in Ontario between 2010-2012, and neighbourhood-level socioeconomic status (SES) from the 2006 Canadian Census to examine associations between school SN prevalence and typically developing children’s development. Relationships between school SN prevalence and developmental health in those schools were explored in Grade 3 using Education, Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) tests.
Findings: Kindergarten multivariable regression model showed that school SN prevalence was associated with school level kindergarten vulnerability rates after controlling for SES and demographic factors. However, school SN prevalence was not a significant predictor of school performance in Grade 3 reading, writing and math test scores. Our exploration revealed that school kindergarten vulnerability rate, which was itself associated with the school prevalence of children with SN, was a stronger predictor of school Grade 3 academic outcomes than school SN prevalence after controlling for demographic and SES factors.
Conclusions: This study provides a snapshot of population level inequalities in child health outcomes by demonstrating associations between school SN prevalence and kindergarten vulnerability, and kindergarten vulnerability and Grade 3 achievement. These findings further emphasize the importance of adequate early intervention programs in schools, and appropriate resource allocation for the health outcomes of typically developing children.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Health Sciences (MSc)


title: Petrography and Geology of the Belmont Lake Conglomerate Belmont Township, Ontario

contributor:
McNutt, R. H.
Geology

subject:
petrography
geology
belmont lake conglomerate

abstract:
The Belmont Lake conglomerate belonging to the Grenville Supergoup in southeastern Ontario was studied. The conglomerate is interbedded with graded siltstones, mudstones, sandstones, and carbonates, and is associated with what are possibly island arc volcanic cycles.
Petrographic study has shown the conglomerate contains tuffaceous, intermediate volcanic, and a variety of sedimentary clasts. In addition both field and petrographic studies show that the conglomerate was derived from a local source -- most likely from the top of the third volcanic
cycle and its associated sediments. The depositional environment of the conglomerate is presently unclear, but the overall stratigraphic context of the conglomerate seems to indicate a shallow water environment.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Science (BSc)


title: Magnetic Spectrometer Calibration for Gamma-Ray Intensities

contributor:
Johns, M. W.
Physics

subject:
gamma-rays
gamma-ray
gamma-ray intensities
magnetic spectrometer
spectrometer
magnetic spectrometer calibration

abstract: A study has been made of the external conversion spectrum of gamma-rays of less than 200 kev. A set of semi-empirical curves relating the photoelectric peak height to the gamma-ray intensity has been established using antimony radiators. These results will be discussed. A method of preparing thin beta sources will also be described.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Weightlifting Training in Cardiac Patients: Effect on Circulatory Responses During Lifting and in Strength Related Activities of Daily Living

title: Circulatory Responses to Weight Training in Cardiac Patients

contributor:
McCartney, Neil
Human Biodynamics

subject:
circulatory reponse
weight training
cardiac patient

abstract: The purpose of this thesis investigation was to evaluate the effects of combined aerobic and weightlifting training on the circulatory responses of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) during formal lifting, and during strength related activities of daily living. Seven subjects (x age: 54 years) successfully completed 20 sessions of training within 12 weeks. The aerobic training regimen consisted of a 5-10 minute warm up, walking, arm buoys, and arm-and leg-cycling at an intensity equivalent to approximately 70% of functional capacity. The weightlifting regimen consisted of single-arm curl (SAC), and single-leg press (SLP) exercises performed by both limbs, in addition to modified trunk curls. Before and after training, intra-brachial artery pressure was measured continuously during: 10 repetitions of the seated SAC exercise at 70% of the subject's one repetition maximum (1 RM), 12 repetitions of the SLP and double-leg press (DLP) exercises at 80% of 1 RM, isometric handgrip at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction strength, 10 flights of stair climbing at a cadence of 60 steps/minute, and 10 minutes of horizontal treadmill walking at 3.5 mph. Training increased the SAC, SLP, and DLP 1 RM strength by 98% (15 vs 30 kg; p < 0.016), 23% (99 vs 122 kg; p < 0.002), and 27% (165 vs 210 kg; p < 0.001) respectively. The mean peak systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures, heart rate and rate pressure product were attenuated in all 3 weightlifting exercises when subjects lifted the same absolute load (70% of the pre-training 1 RM for the SAC exercise, and 80% of the pre-training 1 RM for the SLP and DLP exercises) after training. When subjects lifted the same relative load after training, all circulatory responses increased. The average peak heart rate and arterial pressure responses were reduced during 10 minutes of horizontal treadmill walking after training. In contrast, there was little or no reduction in any of the measured parameters during stair climbing. It is concluded that weightlifting training in CAD patients results in an attenuation of the heart rate and arterial blood pressure responses during repeated lifting with identical absolute loads, and there may be a modest transfer of this effect to certain activities of daily living involving the trained muscles.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: The Role of the Baroreflex in Diving Bradycardia

contributor:
MacDougall, J. D.
Adapted Human Biodynamics

subject:
baroreflex
diving bradycardia

abstract: Large inter-individual differences exist in the degree of bradycardia induced by breath-hold facial immersion. The purpose of this study was to examine baroreceptor sensitivity in subjects who exhibit a strong response and in those who exhibit a minimal response. Thirty-nine healthy volunteers. were screened with three trials of breath-hold facial immersion during mild steady-state cycling. The six subjects displaying the greatest bradycardia were selected as responders and the six showing the least as non-responders. Baroreceptor sensitivity was estimated in each subject by examination of the heart rate and blood pressure responses to a controlled Valsalva manoeuvre and to isometric handgrip exercise. Regression lines for changes in systolic blood pressure over time showed a flatter response in the responders both during isometric handgrip exercise (p<.05) and over the 25 s immediately following release (p<.01). One interpretation of these findings is that the non-responders are less able to maintain a resting level of arterial blood pressure. As well, regression lines for the change in diastolic blood pressure over the period 25 to 55 s post-release of isometric handgrip exercise had different slopes in the two groups (p<.05). A positive mean slope calculated for the responders and a negative mean slope calculated for the non-responders, when plotted with the average intercepts, suggested an undershoot in diastolic blood pressure upon release in the responders. This may represent an attempt to regain resting levels of arterial blood pressure through peripheral vasodilitation. Direct measures by arterial catheter, in a sub-sample of four subjects, suggested that the blood pressure overshoot during the recovery phase of the Valsalva manoeuvre may not have been large enough to demonstrate group differences in baroreceptor sensitivity.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Self-Efficacy and Outcome Satisfaction as Predictors of Adherence to Maintenance Cardiac Rehabilitation in Men with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

title: Predictors of Maintenance Cardiac Rehabilitation

contributor:
Ginis, Kathleen
Human Biodynamics

subject:
self-efficacy
outcome satisfaction
cardiac rehabilitation
men
coronary artery disease

abstract: The physiological and psychosocial benefits of sustained exercise adherence among individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) have been well-documented (e.g., Blumenthal et al., 1997; Rozanski et al., 1999; Wenger et al., 1995). Despite these known benefits, approximately 80% of patients who enter the maintenance phase of cardiac rehabilitation drop out after one year (Balady et al., 1994; Hedback, Perk, Wodlin, 1993 ). Among this 80%, less than 25% continue to exercise at levels that will maintain or improve cardiorespiratory fitness (Daltroy, 1985; Radtke, 1989). Self-efficacy has been identified as a significant predictor of adherence to exercise beyond the initial 6 months of participation. In addition to self-efficacy, outcome satisfaction has been suggested as a potentially significant predictor of adherence to exercise beyond the initiation phase (i.e., beyond the first 6 months). Unfortunately, most research examining these predictors of adherence has been conducted among asymptomatic populations. Thus, little is known about the predictive utility of self-efficacy and outcome satisfaction in relation to sustained exercise adherence among the CAD population. The purpose of the present study was to examine self-efficacy (Bandura, 1986) and outcome satisfaction (Rothman, 2000) in the prediction of adherence to maintenance cardiac rehabilitation in 101 men (M age= 68.15 ± 8.03) with coronary artery disease (CAD). A series of three hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to predict onsite, offsite and total adherence to the maintenance cardiac rehabilitation exercise prescription. Interestingly, Exercise Beliefs (i.e., days of aerobic exercise per week believed necessary to maintain cardiovascular health), one of the study covariates, emerged as an important predictor of both offsite and total exercise adherence and explained a significant amount of variance in these variables (R2 = .25 [offsite], .23 [total],ps < .01). As predicted, self-regulatory efficacy was a significant predictor and explained a significant amount of variance in onsite exercise adherence (R2 = .17 [scheduling],p < .001). Task self-efficacy was not a significant predictor and did not account for a significant amount of variance in onsite exercise adherence. Also as predicted, task self-efficacy was a significant predictor and explained a significant amount of variance in offsite exercise adherence (R2= .10,p < .05). Self-regulatory efficacy was not a significant predictor and did not account for a significant amount of variance in offsite exercise adherence. In addition, consistent with hypothesis, both task self-efficacy and self-regulatory efficacy were significant predictors of total exercise adherence and explained a significant amount of the variance in this variable (R2 = .12 [task], .07 [scheduling],ps < .05). Contrary to hypothesis, outcome satisfaction did not explain a significant amount of variance in exercise adherence (onsite, offsite, and total) beyond that explained by self-efficacy (task and self-regulatory) alone. Taken together, this research has enhanced our knowledge of the psychosocial predictors of adherence to the maintenance cardiac rehabilitation exercise prescription among men with CAD. These findings also have important implications for health care professionals working in the area of cardiac rehabilitation. Specifically, it is up to health care professionals to ensure that patient beliefs regarding the maintenance cardiac rehabilitation exercise prescription are accurate, and that patients are efficacious in their ability to engage in the elemental physical aspects of exercise and to effectively schedule exercise into their daily lives.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Modeling Vision in Patients with Age Related Macular Degeneration

contributor:
Willan, A.
Statistics

subject:
vision
patients
macular degeneration
age related macular degeneration

abstract: The purpose of this project is to find a mathematical model to describe the vision profile of patients after treatment for choroidal neovascularization. In this model the dependent variable is the level of vision which will be predicted by time after treatment and a number of other variables measured before treatment. A standard multiple regression analysis is used to find significant predictor variables, to investigate interactions and an appropriate transformation. To take the correlation of observations on the same patient into account a linear mixed effects model is fitted. Finally the usefulness of a nonlinear mixed effects model is investigated.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Fetal ECG Extraction Using Nonlinear Noise Reduction and Blind Source Separation

contributor:
Kamath, Markad
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
fetal ECG
ECG extraction
blind source separation

abstract: The fetal electrocardiogram contains within it, information regarding the health of the fetus. Currently, fetal ECG is recorded directly from the scalp of the baby during labour. However, it has been shown that fetal ECG can also be measured using surface electrodes attached to a pregnant mother's abdomen. The advantage of this method lies in the fact that fetal ECG can be measured noninvasively before the onset of labour. The difficulty lies in isolating the fetal ECG from extraneous signals that are simultaneously recorded with it. Several signal processing methodologies have been put forth in order to extract the fetal ECG component from a mixture of signals. Two recent techniques that have been put forth include a scheme that has previously been used to nonlinearly reduce noise in deterministically chaotic noise and the other uses a blind source separation technique called independent component analysis. In this thesis, we describe the significance of the fetal electrocardiogram as a diagnostic tool in medicine, a brief overview of the theory behind the nonlinear noise reduction technique and blind source separation, and results from having processed synthetic and real data using both techniques. We find that although the noise reduction technique performs adequately, the blind source separation process performs faster and more robustly against similar data. The two techniques can be used in tandem to arrive at an approximate fetal ECG signal, which can be further analyzed by calculating, for example, the fetal heart rate.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Understanding Users’ Action On Data Analytics Recommendations

contributor:
Hassanein, Khaled
Business Administration

abstract: Current trends indicate that many organizations are making significant investments in Data Analytics (DA) to leverage big data.  However, recent studies also indicate that a large percentage of these investments are unsuccessful and that a majority of users do not act upon a data analytics tool’s recommendations. This research draws upon the S-O-R framework and the Theory of Planned Behaviour to develop and empirically validate a theoretical model of the factors that influence/hinder a user’s concordance with and actions taken with respect to a DA tool’s recommendations. The model reflects the nuances of DA tool use within organizations including: (i) technological characteristics, (ii) individual characteristics, (iii) situational characteristics, and (iv) task-related characteristics. In addition, this study investigates the factors that shape a user’s perception of the quality of a DA tool’s recommendations, while trying to understand how, and to what extent, this perception influences a user’s concordance with, and the actions taken in regards to, a DA tool’s recommendations. The results of this research confirm that personal concordance and recommendation actionability are positively associated with user action on a DA tool’s recommendations. Moreover, perceived risk of action was found to be negatively associated with user actions taken with respect to a DA tool’s recommendations. It was also found that DA tool recommendation quality is shaped from intrinsic data quality, contextual data quality, DA tool quality, DA tool recommendation understandability, and analyst competency.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Disentangling Authorship and Genre in the Greek New Testament: History, Method and Praxis

contributor:
Porter, Stanley
Land, Christopher
Christian Theology

subject: Greek New Testament

subject: GNT

subject: Christian Theology

subject: authorship in the Greek New Testament

subject: authorship in the GNT

subject: genre in the Greek New Testament

subject: genre in the GNT

subject: authorship and genre in the Greek New Testament

subject: authorship and genre in the GNT

abstract: This is a work that explores linguistic style within the Greek New Testament and the extent to which its presumed causes (e.g. differences in authorship, genre, topic, subject matter, and the like) can be “disentangled.” Scarcely anyone who has perused the long history of authorship debates in the New Testament can mistake the profound implications such a “disentangling” would bring. Two motivations exist to revisit this issue: compelling recent findings in computational stylistics, and the sheer theological implications such a study may bring. Concerning the former motivation, earlier generations of scholars assigned, de facto, virtually any significant stylistic variation to authorship alone. The last thirty years of research outside NT studies, however, has demonstrated that more frequently than not, more of the total summed stylistic variation in mixed genre corpora is due to genre rather than authorship. What, indeed, would be the implications if those findings proved true of the GNT as well? First, and somewhat deconstructively, if the major proportion of stylistic variation in the GNT were found to be due to genre rather than authorship—or even close to it—any prior studies that had (1) failed to test for genre as a competing theory or (2) failed to remove genre as a covariate have almost certainly confounded genre with authorship. Second, and more constructively, if a convincing separation between what is commonly termed authorial variation and the various sources of sociolectic variation (which include component as genre/register, subject matter, audience, and the like) can be achieved, such a thing would have broad and sweeping impact upon many topoi within New Testament scholarship. Not only would it influence the obvious suspects (i.e. the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles, the extent of the Pauline Canon, pseudepigraphy, the Synoptic Problem, and the like) it would also necessarily influence the current vigorous discourse in New Testament hermeneutics itself. My approach is threefold. First, the history of computational stylistics both within and outside NT studies will be reviewed. Second, as to method, an abductive approach, one that harnesses both Systemic Functional Linguistics and a variety of univariate and multivariate methods will be adopted. Third, that method will be exercised on the text of the Greek New Testament itself.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: An Intelligent Agent Solution for Improving the Efficiency of the Kidney Distribution Process

contributor:
Yuan, Yufei
Computer Science

subject:
efficiency
kidney distribution process
intelligent agent solution

abstract: Kidney transplantation is an effective treatment for renal disease that was previously fatal. However, the demand for donor kidneys far exceeds the supply. Due to the scarcity of volunteer donors, the cadaver organs that are retrieved must be optimally utilized. By expanding organ retrieval and sharing pools and improving donor-patient matching algorithms, the utilization of donated organs is enhanced and encouraging medical results are obtained. However, the benefits of enlarged donor and recipient pools may be offset by increasing complexity and decreasing efficiency in the organ distribution process thus increasing cold ischemia time. It is critical to improve distribution process efficiency in order to minimize the time taken to complete the entire process, and thus further enhance patient and graft survival. I attempt to apply supply chain management concepts, agent technologies, mobile communication technologies and decision-making theory to improve the efficiency of the cadaver kidney distribution process. In this thesis I analyze what are the bottlenecks in current cadaver kidney distribution and investigate how agent technology can be applied to improve this process. I propose a distributed multi-agent system operating in a mobile and wireless communication environment to assist transplant coordinators in coordinating with multi-parties in this time-critical distribution process. A prototype system has been developed to help transplanting coordinators in allocating the kidney recipient.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: 'Saving the Nation's Mothers': The Problem of Maternal Mortality, 1919-1940

subject: mother mortality 1919-1940

abstract:
The high number of maternal deaths in the 1920s and 1930s, and the attempts to alleviate this problem, represents an important segment in the history of childbirth. Although the issue of maternal health care has been examined in relation to other countries, such as England and the United States, it has received little scholarly attention in Canada. This thesis is an examination of this one segment in the history of childbirth. Maternal mortality was the second leading cause of death for women of childbearing age during the 1920s and 1930s in Canada. In 1928 alone, over 1500 women died in childbirth. The central concern in this thesis is how the problem of maternal mortality was defined and resolved in Canada, with an empirical focus on Ontario. The activities and involvement of the medical profession and state officials provide the major focus of attention. State officials were primarily responsible for the medicalization of the problem of maternal deaths, and concomitantly, played a crucial role in the medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth.
The findings in this work contrast with previous analyses of the history of childbirth, in that the majority of practitioners were apathetic to the problem of maternal mortality, and were reluctant to extend their control over obstetrical care to include all classes of women. The profession did not seriously address the issue of maternal health care until they anticipated a crisis in their legitimation. The findings are congruent with previous analyses in that it was found that physicians were responsible for a number of maternal deaths because of their excessive and unsanitary interference with labour and delivery.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Aboriginal and Biomedical Perceptions of Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) on Manitoulin Island

title: Aboriginal and Biomedical Perceptions of Diabetes

contributor:
Eyles, John
Geography

subject:
aboriginal
biomedical perception
non-insulin depdendent diabetes
diabetes mellitus
manitoulin island

abstract: This study is an exploratory qualitative analysis of Aboriginal and biomedical perceptions of non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) on Manitoulin Island. In-depth interviews were used to explore perceptions of the symptoms, causes, cures and consequences of diabetes amongst both health care providers and community members. An equal sample of individuals both with and without diabetes were interviewed. This study attempts to highlight divergent perceptions of NIDDM on the part of community members and health care providers. It argues that these perceptions are linked to divergent conceptions of health. Specifically, community members describe health in terms of cultural identity and social resilience. In contrast, health care providers focus on the physical dimensions of health and emphasize individual responsibility in maintaining health. As such, both biomedical and community narratives are engaged in the process of defining 'normality' within these divergent frameworks. Implications of these perceptions were explored in relation to diabetes management and treatment; causal factors; and emergent definitions for the 'body'. Attitudes towards diabetes 'management' differed between health care providers and community members. Health care providers related 'poor' management to a lack of compliance with lifestyle recommendations whereas community members describe barriers to management despite an articulated desire to do so. Within a biomedical framework, the diabetic 'self has a duty to act responsibly and manage their diabetes. The measurement of the blood sugar level is a marker of responsible actions. Nonetheless, community narratives emphasize the social and emotional consequences associated with managing diabetes thus highlighting how certain selves are better able to 'manage' diabetes than others. Divergent causal stories were outlined by health care providers and community members. Biomedical narratives emphasize the importance of individual lifestyle factors, particularly the impact of obesity, in causation. In contrast, community narratives emphasize the role of genetics in causation. Community narratives describe diabetes as collectively affecting Aboriginal people -further identifying those affected as different. Within this framework, the biomedical focus on modifying individual lifestyle practices is questioned and the pursuit of health becomes contingent on returning to an initial state of purity and health through traditional knowledge. Definitions for a 'healthy body' were also redefined within community narratives. It was argued that the emergent definitions can be considered a form of resistance-to both the universal body of biomedical discourse and the universal 'Native body'. Specifically, this resistance was expressed in definitions for causal factors describing an essentialized 'Native body' that is genetically and psychologically distinct. Nonetheless, a minority of community members also expressed resistance to the concept of a 'Native body' that is genetically distinct. Additional resistance was evident in narratives describing the relationship between health and body size. Within these narratives community members describe a healthy body that is larger thus questioning the biomedical emphasis on the relationship between thinness and health.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Childbirth: A Medical Problem or a Health Concern

subject:
childbirth
medical problem
health concern

abstract: Throughout the literature varying opinions exist concerning the health outcomes, service utilization and patient satisfaction as they relate to maternal and infant care given by physicians versus midwifery care. This study looks at the following question; what differences are there in health outcomes, service utilization, and patient satisfaction, between women who are cared for by either physicians or midwives and vaginally deliver a singleton healthy baby in hospital? This study employs a secondary analysis of data from the TOMIS II study. The TOMIS II data was collected from 250 women in each of five hospital sites in Ontario in 2002. The analysis showed that, except for the breastfeeding, all of the measures of maternal and infant health outcome did not statistically differ between physician-care and midwifery care. With respect to service utilization, the results indicated that family physician visits, length of stay, and utilization of the Healthy babies, Healthy Children (HBHC) resulted in statistically significant lower service utilization by mothers in the midwifery group, while the other measures were found not to be different. Patient satisfaction measures revealed that women receiving midwifery services were much more satisfied with their care than were women receiving physician-based services. Five conclusions were drawn from this study; midwifery care is a viable option for maternity care in Ontario for low-risk birth mothers; the utilization of midwives reduces the total amount of services being used in the health care system; women are more satisfied with their care when they have midwives participating in all parts of their care; health policy in Ontario should focus its efforts to expand midwifery to make it a viable option for maternal and infant care to all healthy women; health care policy should support publicly funded midwifery in each of the jurisdictions in Canada, as a cost-effective approach to care with comparable outcomes.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Body-Weight Supported Treadmill Training in Patients with Severe Heart Failure

title: Exercise Training in Patients with Severe Heart Failure

contributor:
McCartney, Neil
Kinesiology

subject:
treadmill training
body weight
heart failure
severe heart failure

abstract: Patients with severe heart failure (HF) are often excluded from exercise training studies due to their potentially unstable nature and severe exercise intolerance. Steady state cycling and walking have been the most common interventions and it is unknown whether these training modalities are appropriate and safe for patients with severe HF as they can produce significant cardiovascular stress. Body-weight supported treadmill (BWST) training may be beneficial in patients with severe HF by improving the periphery while minimizing cardiac loading. The purpose of this study was to: 1) assess the safety and feasibility of BWST training in severe HF patients and 2) to evaluate the effect of BWST training on functional capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQL ), cardiopulmonary function, and blood vessel function. Three male patients with severe HF participated in the study. On study entry and at the end of 24 sessions of physician supervised BWST training, patients completed a cardiopulmonary exercise test, two HRQL questionnaires, a 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), and a Doppler ultrasound study. Although there were no study-related adverse events, only one subject (Patient 1) was able to complete post-testing. However, all three patients seemed to demonstrate a general trend towards increased exercise tolerance. By the seventeenth exercise session, the BWS was reduced to zero for Patient 1. In addition, Patient 1 achieved an average walking speed of2.0 km/hr and was completing 34 minutes ofwalking with minimal rest periods by the end of the training program. Patients 2 and 3 also responded to the training as evidenced by a slight increase in exercise duration. However due to fluctuations in their health status, they did not have any substantial improvement. Patient 1 experienced substantial increases in functional capacity: a 64% increase in V02 peak (7.2 to 11.7 ml/kg/min); a 33% increase in peak power output (300 to 400 kpm/min); a 37% increase in VE peak (28 to 39 L/min); and a 28% increase in 6-MWT distance (223. 5 to 286m). In addition, Patient 1 's NYHA-FC improved after training from class III to II. A significant training effect was also evident by reductions in HR at rest (96 to 79 bpm) and during submaximal exercise (100 kpm/min) (105 to 84 bpm). HRQL also tended to improve for Patient 1. Based on these findings and observations, two conclusions can be made. First, patients with severe HF can safely participate in BWST training and may derive considerable benefits. Second, the feasibility of training patients with severe HF is highly dependent on their cardiac condition and other co-morbidities remaining stable enough to allow consistent training.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Electron Dose Distribution Near Tissue-Bone Interfaces

contributor:
Kwok, C. S.
Physics

subject:
electron
tissue-bone interfaces
tissue-bone

abstract: Recent advances in immunological technology have made it feasible to investigate the diagnosis and treatment of cancer with radiolabelled anti-tumor antibodies. The red bone marrow and endosteal cells of bone are likely to be the dose limiting tissues for systemic applications. Therefore, it is of clinical importance to quantitate their dose. Due to the small size of the marrow cavities in trabecular bone, it is experimentally difficult to measure the electron dose distribution. A computer simulation of electron transport is used to determine the dose distribution inside the marrow cavity. Electrons are backscattered more from bone than soft tissue, thereby increasing the dose to the radiosensitive endosteum and red bone marrow. A point source of beta activity (204Tl and 147pm) sandwiched between planar slabs of bone and red bone marrow equivalent plastics and 7LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's) were used to determine the dose increase at various distances from the interface. Experimental results were compared with calculations using the Monte Carlo codes EGS (Electron Gamma Shower, SLAC) and CYLTRAN (Oak Ridge National Laboratory). The planar geometry was used as a benchmark geometry to compare the computer codes with experiment. After checking the accuracy of the codes for low energy electron transport, ACCEPT, a version of CYLTRAN, was used to investigate the radiation dose increase due to a point source of beta activity inside a polystyrene sphere bounded by aluminum. Spheres with radii of 200 and 500 microns were used.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: MODULATION OF CYCLIC ADENOSINE MONOPHOSPHATE FOR POTENTIATION OF LONG-ACTING β2-AGONIST AND GLUCOCORTICOIDS IN HUMAN AIRWAY EPITHELIAL CELLS

contributor:
Hirota, Jeremy
Health Sciences

subject:
Respiratory
Immunology
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter C4
Phosphodiesterase 4
cAMP
Long acting beta agonist
glucocorticoid
asthma

abstract:
McMaster University MASTER OF SCIENCE (2019) Hamilton, Ontario (Medical Sciences)

TITLE: Modulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate for potentiation of long-acting β2-agonist and glucocorticoids in human airway epithelial cells AUTHOR: Yechan Kim, B.HSc. (McMaster University) SUPERVISOR: Dr. Jeremy Alexander Hirota NUMBER OF PAGES: xiv, 81

abstract: In Canada, asthma is the third most common chronic disease resulting in 250 premature deaths annually and related healthcare expenses exceeding $2.1 billion/year. It is estimated that around 50-80% of asthma exacerbations are due to viral infections. Despite an advanced understanding on how to treat and manage the symptoms of asthma, current therapy is sub-optimal in 35-50% of moderate-severe asthmatics around the world resulting in lung inflammation, persistent impairment of lung function, and increased risk of mortality. Combination of long-acting β2 agonists (LABA) for bronchodilation and glucocorticoids (GCS) to control lung inflammation represent the dominant strategy for the management of asthma. Increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) beyond existing combination LABA/GCS are likely to be beneficial for the management of difficult to control asthmatics that are hypo-responsive to mainstay therapy. In human airway epithelial cells (HAEC), cAMP is either exported by transporters or broken down by enzymes, such as phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). We have demonstrated that HAEC express ATP Binding Cassette Transporter C4 (ABCC4), an extracellular cAMP transporter. We also show that ABCC4 and PDE4 inhibition can potentiate LABA/GCS anti-inflammatory responses in a human epithelial cell line in a cAMP-dependent mechanism validating the pursuit of novel ABCC4 inhibitors as a cAMP elevating agent for asthma.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS)

abstract: Asthma is a common chronic lung disease characterized by narrow and inflamed airways that cause breathing difficulties. Current management includes the combination of bronchodilators, to relax the airway, and steroids, to decrease inflammation. Unfortunately, this combination therapy is suboptimal in 35-50% of users, increasing the risk of asthma attacks, hospitalization rate, and health care costs. Recently, there have been studies theorizing that we can improve the therapy’s ability to decrease inflammation by increasing cAMP, an important molecule for biological activities. We tested this claim by blocking the breakdown and export of cAMP to increase its levels and measured inflammatory cytokines, molecules that direct the action of immune cells. Our results show that in a model of viral infection, administering the combination therapy while increasing cAMP levels can further decrease inflammatory cytokines prompting further investigation for its potential implication in the clinic.


title: Glanford Township - A Study of a Rural - Urban Fringe Township

contributor:
Reeds, L.
Geography

subject:
glanford township
rural-urban fringe

abstract:
Thesis
Bachelor of Arts (BA)


title: On Integral Equations of the First Kind and Various Methods of Solution

title: Integral Equations of the First Kind

contributor:
Sumner, D. B.
Mathematics

subject:
integral equations
methods of solution
first kind equations

abstract: This thesis gives an account of most known methods which can be utilized to solve various integral equations of the first kind.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Chemistry of Gold Complexes Related to Anti-Arthritis Drugs

contributor:
Lock, C. J. L.
Chemistry

subject:
chemistry
gold complexes
anti-arthritis drug

abstract:
The synthesis and characterization of complexes analogous to the novel anti-arthritis gold drug auranofin is presented. The general composition of these compounds is L-Au-X where L=triethyl-phosphine and X=tetraacetylthioglucose or chloride in the case of auranofin or its synthetic precursor. Incorporation of ligands (L) such as isocyanides and aromatic nitrogen donors fail to impart the same stability to gold(I) that phosphines or thiols are capable of. Complexes of aromatic nitrogen ligands are prone to decomposition and those of isocyanides, although thermodynamically stable, are labile and subject to relatively rapid isocyanide substitution as well as the expected substitution of the halide group. Complexes have been investigated with regard to their in vitro and in vivo DNA-binding capabilities in light of the reported anticancer properties of auranofin itself. Isocyanide and phosphine gold(I) complexes as well as a series of gold(lll) complexes have shown their ability to bind to DNA in vitro but lose their viability in vivo. This is likely a result of reduction of the gold by thiol groups present in a living system and is associated with the observed cytotoxicity at increasing concentrations.
The tris-2-pyridylphosphine (TPP) ligand has also been utilized as a choice for L which has led to the synthesis of the auranofin analogue, (tris-2-pyridylphosphine)(tetraacetylthioglucose)gold(l). Metal ions such as Zn(ll), Co(lll), Cu(ll), Fe(II), Fe(III) and Cr(lll) have been incorporated at the pyridyl nitrogen sites and this series of complexes has been studied crystallographically. N-bound and mixed N-and P-bound complexes have been studied by other techniques as well, depending on the nature of the metal ion involved. Copper(ll) complexes have been investigated by E.S.R. and UV/Visible spectroscopies, Moessbauer data is presented for iron(ll) and iron(lll) complexes and infrared data has been collected and summarized for all complexes. In general, the TPP ligand is an accomodating chelate; N-bound complexes are octahedral and little ligand strain is observed upon coordination. The nitrogen and phosphorus sites are independent in that there appear to be no electronic effects exerted by one site on the other. An important effect of coordinating metal ions to the nitrogen sites is to alter the solubility of the hydrophobic ClAuTPP complex to one with hydrophilic properties.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Robust Formant tracking for Continuous Speech with Speaker Variability

contributor:
Bruce, Ian
Electrical Engineering

subject:
formant tracking
continuous speech
speaker variability

abstract: Exposure to loud sounds can cause damage to the inner ear, leading to degradation of the neural response to speech and to formant frequencies in particular. This may result in decreased intelligibility of speech. An amplification scheme for hearing aids, called Contrast Enhanced Frequency Shaping (CEFS), may improve speech perception for ears with sound-induced hearing damage. CEFS takes into account across-frequency distortions introduced by the impaired ear and requires accurate and robust formant frequency estimates to allow dynamic, speech-spectrum-dependent amplification of speech in hearing aids. Several algorithms have been developed for extracting the formant information from speech signals, however most of these algorithms are either not robust in real-life noise environments or are not suitable for real-time implementation. The algorithm proposed in this thesis achieves formant extraction from continuous speech by using a time-varying adaptive filterbank to track and estimate individual formant frequencies. The formant tracker incorporates an adaptive voicing detector and a gender detector for robust formant extraction from continuous speech, for both male and female speakers in the presence of background noise. Thorough testing of the algorithm using various speech sentences has shown promising results over a wide range of SNRs for various types of background noises, such as AWGN, single and multiple competing background speakers and various other environmental sounds.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: A Database Interface System for the Preop Expert System

contributor:
Solntseff, N.
Computation

subject:
PREOP-DIS
PREOP expert
database interface

abstract: PREOP is a medical expert system which is being developed on the expert-system shell NEXPERT. PREOP determines the risk of cardiac complications for a patient about to undergo noncardiac surgery, and recommends a programme of medication intake for the patient. PREOP's final database and hardware requirements are uncertain, and so are its final functionalities. These uncertainties necessitate a database interface which facilitates overall system flexibility, maintainability, modularity, and integration with existing information systems. These objectives are best achieved by a loosely coupled database interface which is not under NEXPERT's control. PREOP-DIS is a loosely coupled database interface system for PREOP. This project uses the relational model to design PREOP' s database and implements the database on the relational DBMS SYBASE. The project implements PREOP-DIS as a C program that communicates data between PREOP and the SYBASE database by dynamically making calls to NEXPERT and to the SYBASE dataserver.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Optical Properties of Normal and Diseased Human Breast Tissues in the Visible and Near Infrared

title: Optical Properties of Human Breast Tissues

contributor:
Patterson, Michael
Health and Radiation Physics

subject:
optical properties
breast tissue
diseased human breast tissue

abstract:
A knowledge of the fundamental optical properties of breast tissues is necessary in order to optimize transillumination imaging techniques for the diagnosis of breast disease. The optical absorption and scattering coefficients have been measured in normal and diseased breast tissues, over the range of wavelengths from 500 to 1100 nm. The tissues were obtained from surgical specimens, and consisted of normal glandular and adipose tissues, fibrocystic disease, fibroadenoma, and ductal carcinoma. Total attenuation coefficients were measured for thin slices of tissue obtained on a microtome. The diffuse reflectance and transmittance were measured for 1.0 mm thick samples of these tissues, using standard integrating sphere techniques. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to derive the scattering and absorption coefficients, as well as the mean cosine of the scattering angle. The results indicate that scatter exceeds absorption by at least two orders of magnitude. The absorption coefficients are strongly affected by the presence of blood, particularly at wavelengths below 600nm. The scattering coefficients lie in the range 30 mm to 90 mm-1 at 500 nm, and fall smoothly with increasing wavelength to between 10 mm and 50 mm at 1100 nm. The scatter coefficient for adipose tissue differs, in that it is invariant with wavelength over this spectral range. The scattered light, for all tissues examined, is highly
forward peaked, with the mean cosine of the scattering angle in the range 0.945 to 0.985. This value remains constant with wavelength to within +/-0.01 for any given tissue. The absorption coefficients and scattering properties of each tissue type fall within distinct ranges at each wavelength. Fibrocystic disease and adipose tissue appear to be the most clearly distinguishable groups. The optical properties of carcinoma do not differ significantly from those of normal glandular tissues, although both groups differ from other tissue types. The implications of these results for imaging are yet to be determined.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: States in 176Hf Populated by the (a,2n) Reaction

contributor:
Johns, M. W.
Physics

subject:
a,2n reaction
states in 176Hf

abstract: The level structure of the even-even deformed nucleus 176Hf has been studied by means of the 174yb (a,2n) 176Hf reaction through y-ray singles, conversion electron and extensive prompt and delayed y-y coincidence measurements. The half-lives of the isomeric states a·t 1333 and 1559 keV have been measured as 9.5 and 9.8 usec, respectively. Besides the ground state rotational band, the following ten rotational bands have been established: two K=0+ bands at 1150 keV and 1293 keV, a K=2+ band at 1341.1 keV, a K=3+ band at 1577.3 keV, a K=2-octupole band at 1247.5 keV, two K=6+ bands of mixed neutron and proton character at 1333.1 keV and 1761.5 keV, a K=8- band at 1559.4 keV, a K=8- and/or 7- band at 1860.3 keV and a K=7-and/or 6- band at 1798.0 keV. The de-excitation of the high K states proceeds through either of the two isomers, and were studied by novel experimental techniques which involved pulsing the alpha beam. The intrinsic structure and decay properties of the states are understood in terms of the unified model. In some cases it has been necessary to make use of unpublished McMaster results from the single neutron and proton transfer reactions.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Automatic Intermodal Image Registration for Alignment of Robotic Surgical Tools

contributor:
Elbestawi, M.A.
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
automatic intermodal image registration
automatic image registration algorithm
robotic surgical tools
alignment of robotic surgical tools
robot-assisted surgery
robotic surgery
computer-assisted surgery
mechanical engineering
intermodal image registration
image registration

abstract: This thesis outlines the development of an automatic image registration algorithm for matching 3D CT data to 2D fluoroscope X-ray images. The registration is required in order to calculate a transformation for measurements in the 2D image into the 3D representation. The algorithm achieves the registration by generating digitally reconstructed radiographs from the CT data set. The radiographs are 2D projection images, and therefore may be compared with the 2D Fluoroscope images. The X-ray and fluoroscope images were compared using the photometric-based registration algorithm, pseudocorrelation, with X^2 as the distance metric. An automated search algorithm was implemented using the Downhill Simplex of Nelder and Meade. The algorithm was successful in locating the position and orientation of the CT data set for calculating a digitally reconstructed radiograph to match the fluoroscope image. The CT data set was located with a maximum mean position error of 2.4 mm in xy, 4.4 mm in z, and xyz axial rotation within 0.5°. The standard deviation given 1800 random starting locations was 9.3 mm in x, 12.7 mm in y, 16.9 mm in z, xz axial rotation 2.5°, and y axial rotation of 1.9°. The search algorithm was successful in handling gross misalignment, however there were difficulties in convergence once within the vicinity of the global minimum. It is suggested to implement a hybrid search technique, switching to a conjugate gradient search algorithm once in the vicinity of the global minimum. An additional refinement would be a possible change of the distant metric, or the registration algorithm, once within the vicinity of the global minimum. Additional investigation needs to be directed towards testing the algorithm with live fluoroscope and CT data. This is required in order to assess registration performance when comparing different imaging modalities.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: The Mutagenicity, metabolism and macromolecule binding of the nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 3-nitroperylene

title: The Mutagenicity and metabolism of 3-nitroperylene

contributor:
McCalla, D.R.
Biochemistry

subject: 3-nitroperylene

subject: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

subject: aromatic hydrocarbon

subject: mutagenicity

subject: metabolism

subject: macromolecule binding

subject: biochemistry

subject: mutagenicity, metabolism and macromolecule binding of 3-nitroperylene

subject: mutagenicity and metabolism of 3-nitroperylene

abstract: In recent years the nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitroPAH's) have been recognized as powerful mutagens in the Ames Salmonella test. Most nitroPAH’s are direct-acting mutagens in the Ames test i.e. they induce mutation in the absence of S9, and appear to be activated through nitroreduction by bacterial enzymes. Others, however, such as 3-nitroperylene, are indirect-acting mutagens and show maximum activity only when S9 is present. Studies using the Ames test have indicated that the cytochrome P-450-dependent mixed function oxidase system of S9 is responsible for the activation of 3-nitroperylene to mutagenic species. However, the pattern of P-450 isozymes involved in this process appears to be different from that involved in the conversion of most PAH's, such as the standard indirect-acting mutagen benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), to proximate mutagens. 6-NitroB(a)P, in contrast, behaves in an analogous manner to its parent hydrocarbon. Using appropriate Salmonella mutants, the activation of 3-nitroperylene was found to require bacterial involvement, although the nature of the bacterial contribution has yet to be determined. Studies with other mutants have indicated that nitroreduction, at least as a primary activation step, does not appear to be important. Incubation of 3-nitroperylene with high concentrations of S9 led to the formation of a number of metabolites, of which phenolic derivatives were prominent. In addition, S9-derived microsomes were able to catalyse the conversion of 3-nitroperylene to species which were able to bind to protein and DNA. Under the conditions employed in these binding studies, 3-nitroperylene appears to be acting like a simple PAH, and such experiments with very high concentrations of liver protein may be unrepresentative of the processes responsible for the mutagenesis of the compound.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: The Sedimentology of the Medina Formation Outcropping Along the Niagara Escarpment (Ontario and New York State)

contributor:
Middleton, G. V.
Geology

subject:
sedimentology
medina formation
niagara escarpment
new york state

abstract: A field and textural investigation of the Medina Formation has been made. The thesis includes a brief analysis of the microscopic sedimentological properties of the sandy facies, a detailed study of the paleocurrent indicators, and a study of the distribution of the more typical sedimentary structures. Analytical laboratory data, primary sedimentary structures, and outcrop data have been used to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental setting of the Lower Silurian rocks exposed along the Niagara Escarpment from Hamilton (Ontario) to Fulton (New York). They indicate a complex of sub-environments within the broad model of a delta, with the direction of current movement being from the South-East in the eastern part of the area under study and from South-West and North-East in the western part. The determination of these two paleocurrent systems forms a major contribution of this work.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: An Analysis of a Set of Medical Data Using the Bootstrap Procedure

contributor:
Dunnett, C. W.
Mathematics

subject:
medical data
bootstrap procedure

abstract: The efficacies of two anti-inflammatory drugs in ankylosing spondylitis and related complaints were studied at a single medical clinic over a period of twenty-eight weeks. The purposes of this project were: (1) -To determine .any significant differences within and between the two drug groups using well-known nonparametric procedures, and (2) To illustrate the use of the bootstrap method and determine whether it is appropriate and useful for this data set. Some statistically significant changes indicative of improvement occurred among both groups of patients for primary efficacy variables. No definite trend was found for most of the laboratory variables. Both drugs demonstrated effective pain relief. Regarding the variables of day and night pain relief as well as pulse, the Experimental Drug proved to be clinically but not statistically superior to the other commonly used drug. Analyses of safety data indicated some statistically significant changes in both drug groups. There was a statistically significant difference between drug groups at baseline.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: The ‘osmorespiratory compromise’ during hypoxia in freshwater fish

title: Investigating the ‘osmorespiratory compromise’ during hypoxia in freshwater fish

contributor:
Wood, C. M.
Biology

subject: osmorespiratory compromise

subject: freshwater fish

subject: 'osmorespiratory compromise'

subject: 'osmorespiratory compromise' during hypoxia

subject: hypoxia in freshwater fish

subject: hypoxia

subject: biology

abstract: To understand the ‘osmorespiratory compromise’ (the trade-off in gill function between ion and respiratory gas exchange) during hypoxia in freshwater fish, a species-specific approach was utilized where general ionoregulatory responses to hypoxia were compared in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, a hypoxia-intolerant freshwater fish), and in two hypoxia-tolerant species (the goldfish Carassius auratus and the Amazonian oscar Astronotus ocellatus). In the latter two species, the dual stress situation of hypoxia plus feeding was also explored. Measurements included unidirectional and net Na^+ flux rates, ammonia excretion rates, net K^+ loss rates, branchial Na^+/K^+- ATPase and H^+- ATPase activities, and branchial morphology by scanning electron microscopy (trout and oscar only). In trout, environmental hypoxia induced complex changes in gill ionoregulatory function, where the direction and magnitude varied with both the extent and duration of the hypoxia regime. The changes in ion-regulation observed in trout in response to hypoxia indicated that the osmorespiratory compromise in this hypoxia-intolerant species was different and more complex compared to its manifestation in oscar and goldfish. This could be attributed to the adaptive physiology of the trout to oxygen-rich environments and its intolerance to low environmental oxygen availability. In both of the hypoxia-tolerant species (oscar and goldfish), there was a general reduction in gill permeability in response to severe hypoxia regardless of feeding regime, rather different from the complex patterns seen in the hypoxia-intolerant trout. However, the effects of feeding on this phenomenon differed between these species. Fed goldfish had elevated branchial fluxes that were effectively turned down during hypoxia compared to baseline flux rates maintained by starved goldfish. In contrast, fed oscars had lower fluxes compared to starved fish. Although both fed and starved fish suppressed their branchial fluxes with severe hypoxia, fed oscars delayed the turning down of fluxes. Overall, our results indicate that feeding exerts opposite effects on gill ionoregulatory function in these two hypoxia-tolerant species, and thereby differentially modulates the responses to hypoxia. These differences may relate to differences in water chemistry. Furthermore, the manifestation of the osmorespiratory compromise during hypoxia appears to be rather different from the phenomenon during exercise.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Estimation of the Target Dose Corresponding to Pre-Specified Toxicity Rate in Phase I Clinical Trials

contributor:
Mohanty, Sri
Balakrishnan, N.
Statistics

subject:
Phase I trial
up-and-down design
quantile targeting
toxicity
target dose
toxicity rate

abstract: In this project we review the developments of several variations of the up-and-down design utilized in Phase I clinical trials to estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of a drug which corresponds to a fixed probability of response or the pre-specified toxicity rate in the target population. In these designs selection of dose levels is restricted to one level higher, one level lower or the same. Several methods of estimation of the MTD are investigated. Some comparison of the designs by Monte Carlo simulation are carried out by the quality of the estimator of the target dose using the isotonic estimator. The designs are investigated under the generalized logistic (for different values of the power) and the gamma distributions. The NR is found to perform best on the basis of the quality of estimator under these distributions. The BCD is found to perform best on the basis of the average proportion of toxicity for a pre-specified toxicity rate of 0.2 whereas the KROW performs best for a toxicity rate of 0.3.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Surface Modification of Liposomes with Hydrophilic Polymers: Effects on Protein Adsorption and Cell Interactions

contributor:
Brash, J. L.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
liposomes
hydrophilic polymer
protein adsorption
cell interaction
surface modificiation

abstract: Liposomes have the ability to carry and deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs and to protect them when injected into the circulatory system. They thus provide an attractive vehicle for drug delivery. However, problems of rapid clearance and inability to target liposomes to specific cells and tissues remain unresolved. Rapid clearance has been attributed to adsorption of opsonins, and one approach to reduce such adsorption is to create sterically stabilized liposomes by modifying the surface with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or dextran. To deliver their drug "payload" liposomes must interact with the membranes of target cells. Interactions with cellular components of the vascular walls have been observed for various sulfated polysaccharides such as heparin and functionalised dextrans. Based on the above considerations, the purpose of this work was to investigate the ability of various polymeric modifiers on liposomes to reduce protein adsorption and promote incorporation into target cells. Liposomes of composition PC/PEI cholesterol (70/10/20 mol %) were surface modified with PEG, dextran, heparin, and functionalised dextran. Protein adsorption was studied from solutions of IgG in buffer and from plasma. Adsorption from buffer was measured by radio labelling methods. For the plasma work, a total protein assay was used to determine the amount of protein adsorbed to the liposome surface, while gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting methods were used to examine the profiles of protein binding. Liposome incorporation into vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells was evaluated using fluorescent labelling and radio labelling techniques. The IgG adsorption studies showed reduced adsorption on all polymer-modified liposomes. Plasma adsorption data showed that adsorbed protein layer compositions on the different liposome types were similar, but different from that of the plasma itself, showing that the plasma was fractionated on the liposome surfaces. Cell interaction studies showed that liposomes modified with dextran and sulfated dextran were incorporated into both cell types. The unmodified, PEG-and heparin-modified liposomes were not incorporated to any significant extent.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)