identifier: Kar, Sudip <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kar=3ASudip=3A=3A.html>   (2000) Environmental and health risk assessment of trihalomethanes in drinking water : a case study.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A comprehensive research related with chlorination by products in drinking water was conducted to assess health-associated risks. Three communities, namely St. John's, Clarenville, and Shoal Harbour were chosen in Newfoundland. Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrophotometer (GC/MS) was used for the analysis of the samples at Environmental Quality Laboratory in Newfoundland. Four trihalomethanes (THMs) species, namely chloroform, dichloro-bromomethane, chloro-dibromomethane, and bromoform were analysed. Chloroform was found to be in maximum concentration in comparison to other species. To analyse seasonal variation of the data, both Student's t- test and Mann-Whitney test were conducted. As a result of hypothesis testing, the null hypothesis, which was that the mean chloroform concentrations (for Student's t-test) and median chloroform concentrations (for Mann-Whitney test) respectively for the two seasons were equal, was not rejected for Clarenville and St. John's, whereas rejected for Shoal Harbour. Due to significant presence and known behaviour of chloroform, risk was estimated based on chloroform concentration only. For St. John's the chloroform concentration varied from non detectable level (<1) to 73 μg/L in summer and 3 to 60 μg/L in winter, respectively. For Clarenville the concentration varied from 375 to 512 μg/L in summer and 361 to 557 μg/L in winter. Similarly, for Shoal Harbour, it varied from 203 to 330 μg/L in summer and 155 to 235 μg/L in winter respectively. The lower concentration of chloroform in winter can be attributed to the fact that lesser chlorination practices are performed. The risk associated with chloroform was evaluated through different exposure pathways: ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact through showers. Lifetime risk from water ingestion ranged from 0.08 x 10⁻⁴ to 0.82 x 10⁻⁴ (summer) and 0.07 x 10⁻⁴ to 0.78 x 10⁻⁴ (winter). Lifetime risk from normal shower as a result of 10 minutes shower ranged from 0.48 x 10⁻⁴ to 6.33 x 10⁻⁴ (summer) and 0.40 x 10⁻⁴ to 6.07 x 10⁻⁴ (winter). To address issues pertaining to limited number of samples, probabilistic risk analysis was also conducted on the original set of data. The software @R1SK was used to perform the risk analysis and simulation. Latin Hypercube Simulations was performed to estimate the risk and the results were plotted. The risk values estimated using @RISK were compared with those estimated using deterministic approach.


identifier: Ahmad, Mansoor <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ahmad=3AMansoor=3A=3A.html>   (2002) Environmental effects of multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination plant at Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

format: application/pdf application/pdf

abstract: This study presents and compares the marine and atmospheric discharges, with an attempt to assess the environmental effects resulting from Al-Jubail MSF desalination plant, the largest in the world, producing 253.5 million gallons of desalinated water per day. For the analyses of air pollution, AERMOD, an air dispersion model, is used to simulate the ambient concentrations of sulfur dioxide, oxide of nitrogen, and fine particulate matter. The emission results/pollutant levels were compared with the Meteorological and Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA) standards. -- Similarly, for brine discharge, CORMIX a hydrodynamic mixing model is used for the prediction of plume dilution. Thermal effects and elevated total dissolved solids concentration in brine discharge were also simulated and the results were compared with the U.S. EPA approved Surface Water Quality Standards. It has been found in this study that the plume elevated temperature drops to ambient temperature within five minutes, traveling a distance of 10L4 meters along the downstream, and the TDS concentrations in the brine plume drops to 4700 ppm above the ambient concentration, while traveling a distance of 217 meters, downstream, which is 10 percent above the ambient concentration, which shows that both the pollutants (elevated temperature and elevated TDS) were within the limits as specified by the Surface Water Quality Standards. However, a detailed information regarding the site specific meteorological data, fuel and brine characteristics, and plant specific information should be carried out.


identifier: Srinivasan, Nagan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Srinivasan=3ANagan=3A=3A.html>   (1991) Effect of induced drag damping on the near resonant response of a deepwater platform.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Occurrence of resonance in the design of deepwater structures is unavoidable under all operating conditions. When the wave forces on the structure are dominated by the inertial component of loading, the hydrodynamic damping in the system is low. It is also known that the structural response can be reduced if energy can be dissipated through the fluid-media via the mechanism of flow-separation since it increases the fluid component of the total damping. Thus the resonant response could be suitably reduced by the generation of increased flow-separation. In view of certain new types of structures which possess one or more large diameter circular cylinders crossing the free surface, this dissertation describes an innovative technique to control the response at frequencies near resonance to moderate waves. -- When the Keulegan-Carpenter (KC) number for the flow is less than 4. the time available for the development of vortices behind a circular cylinder is less than adequate to form a stable wake. Consequently the drag forces on the structure are small. The first objective of this study was to increase the drag forces on a 0.3 m diameter circular vertical cylinder at low KC numbers (KC ≤ 2) for regular and irregular waves. The dissertation proposes a physical device to induce flow-separation that will increase the drag forces experienced by the circular cylinder. -- An experimental set-up was made to measure the wave forces on a simple vertical cylinder. The measured wave elevations and the wave forces were used to fit the Morison wave force formula, in the least squares sense, and the values of the inertial (Cm) and drag (Cd) force coefficients were determined. To study the effect of the physical device on the circular cylinder, the experiment was repeated by attaching the device to the cylinder. The experimental results revealed that, at low KC numbers, the value of Cd for the circular cylinder with the device increased by a factor of 4, irrespective of the wave height and wave period. The device did not significantly increase the value of the inertial coefficient of the main cylinder. -- The significant increase in the drag forces due to the attachment of the device could be successfully used to control the resonant response of certain deepwater structures. To investigate this, the dynamic response of an offshore platform model was tested in a wave tank, both with and without the device. The three-dimensional platform model was a 1/50th scale structure possessing the key features of a typical deep water tripod tower platform. The scaling considerations required for a hydroelastic model study in a wave tank were utilized to fabricate the 8.6 m tall hydroelastic model. The vibration properties of the model structure were determined both in air and water. To reliably estimate the modal parameters, modal testing and analysis were used. Parallel studies were conducted to analytically determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes, using a finite element method. The natural frequencies obtained by the two methods were in good agreement. -- The response of the physical model to resonant wave excitation was investigated for both regular and random waves and the experimental results were complemented by analytical results. Excellent correlation was obtained over the entire range of test conditions. In the analytical study concerning the effect of the device on the dynamic response of the structure to waves, a relative velocity formulation was used in the Morison forcing term and the nonlinear equations of motion were solved in the time domain. The experimental values of the Cm and Cd coefficients, with and without the device, were utilized in the analytical study. -- Both experimental and analytical results support the potential application of the device in controlling the resonant response of large diameter structures. Measured experimental results demonstrate that with the device the longitudinal acceleration response was reduced by a maximum of 32% for resonant wave conditions. Findings show that, as the wave height increases under resonant excitation, the percentage reduction due the induced drag damping also increases. -- Key words: Dynamics of offshore structures; Deepwater structures; Induced drag damping; Hydrodynamic damping; Hydroelastic model; Hydroelastic response


identifier: Bradbury, Ian R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bradbury=3AIan_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2000) Environmental influences on the distribution and transport of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, eggs and larvae in coastal Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study examines spatial and temporal variability in distribution of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) eggs and larvae in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, from three directions. The first chapter reviews the literature regarding the roles of transport and behavior in planktonic egg and larval pattern for benthic marine invertebrates and fish. This review suggests that the processes affecting each group are very similar, acknowledging that differences may be found in the capacity to contribute actively to dispersal and habitat selection. The second chapter provides evidence that variation in location and timing of spawning of Atlantic cod has a major impact on occurrence, distribution and development of eggs and larvae in Placentia Bay. Repeated ichthyoplankton surveys of the bay during the spawning and post-spawning periods indicate that eggs spawned early in the year (March - May) are lost from the bay. By contrast, elevated egg production late in summer of 1998 (July) resulted in a dramatic increase in larval densities. The third chapter combines modeling and field examination of the relationships between mortality, transport, and temperature during the egg stage, and demonstrates that consistent transport out of the bay may limit numbers hatching within the bay. Thus, the appearance of larvae is confined to summer months when development times are shortest. This thesis demonstrates the importance of cod spawning timing and location, as well as temperature and hydrographic influences on the transport and development of planktonic eggs and larvae in coastal Newfoundland.


identifier: Muthukumarasamy, Sivagurunathan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Muthukumarasamy=3ASivagurunathan=3A=3A.html>   (2000) Effect of peat components on microorganisms, with special reference to humic acids.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Research was carried out to study the effect of humic substances, which are compounds that control or affect important environmental processes, on the metabolic activities of selected microorganisms. A yeast and a bacterium with potential economic importance were selected as test organisms. Given the potential of peat in pollution control applications and in other processes, humic substances from this material were employed in this study. Phaffia rhodozyma, a carotenoid producing yeast, was used as a test organism. The effect of different peat extracts on the growth and astaxanthin pigment production by P. rhodozyma was studied. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the main operating conditions, fermentation time, temperature, and pH of media, for the experiments. At optimized growth conditions a maximum biomass productivity of 9.52 g.L⁻¹ was observed in peat hydrolysate (PH, non- modified peat hydrolysate), which was significantly higher over other peat hydrolysates tested (modified peat hydrolysates). The modified peat hydrolysates studied were: debituminised peat hydrolysate (DPH), peat hydrolysate with humic substances removed (PHR) and debituminised peat hydrolysate with humic substances removed (DPHR). The biomass productivity attained with non- modified peat hydrolysate was also significantly higher than that produced with yeast extract-malt extract (YM) broth. YM broth, the medium employed as control, produced biomass with the maximum astaxanthin content (487 μg.g⁻¹). Among the different peat hydrolysates, PHR produced a maximum astaxanthin content of 474 μg.g⁻¹, which was significantly higher than that produced in the other peat hydrolysates. The removal of humics contributed to increased pigment content. Also, the results indicated that peat bitumens promote the pigment production. When humic acids were added at different concentrations to YM broth, they affected the biomass concentration and yield significantly, compared to control experiments with no humic acids. -- Studies were conducted with four strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, a bacterium isolated from petroleum contaminated soils, to find the effect of humic acids on the biodegradation potential of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These strains had been shown to degrade toluene and naphthalene. The optimum growth parameters temperature, pH of medium and agitation, were determined by applying RSM, and degradation studies were conducted at the optimized conditions. Humic acids, the main component of humic substances, from two sources (one isolated from peat and the other supplied by Aldrich Chemicals) were employed at concentrations between 0.02 to 0.1 %. Higher concentrations were inhibitory to all the four organisms and no degradation was observed. At lower concentrations, degradation was observed, though some inhibition of the degradation was also present. -- This research indicates that humic substances have a definitive effect on the metabolism of the microbial species studied. The findings have implications for the use of humic substances-containing materials such as peat and soil in biodegradation / bioremediation operations. Peat and soil are commonly employed as support medium for biofilm development. It appears that the removal of humic substances or humic acids from these materials could result in better microbial degradation action.


identifier: Vasanthan, Thavaratnam <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Vasanthan=3AThavaratnam=3A=3A.html>   (1994) Effect of physical modification on starch structure and physicochemical properties.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Lipids from wheat, oat, lentil and potato starches were extracted by acid hydrolysis and by selective solvent extraction with chloroform-methanol 2:1 v/v [CM] at ambient temperature, followed by n-propanol-water 3:1 v/v [PW] at 90-100°C. The acid hydrolysed extracts which represented the total starch lipid [TSL] content ranged from 0.1% (w/w) (potato) to 1.13% (w/w) (oat). The combined action of CM and PW resulted in almost complete removal of starch lipids (>98.6%) from most of the starches, the exception being wheat, where the solvent extraction efficiency (%TSL) was 96.3%. The free lipids in the CM extracts (%TSL) ranged from 5.4% (wheat) to 22.1% (lentil), whereas the free and bound lipids (amylose-lipid complex) in the PW extracts ranged (%TSL) from 77.7% (lentil) to 90.8% (wheat). Neutral lipids (NL) formed the major lipid class in the CM extracts of all starches, while in PW extracts there were NL and phospholipids (PL) in potato, glycolipids (GL) in lentil, and PL in wheat and oat starch preparations. There was a great variation among the starches with respect to the major components of the lipid classes in both CM and PW extracts. Monoacyl lipids were most abundant in cereal starches (>78% TSL). The fatty acid composition of NL, GL and PL in CM and PW extracts was determined. -- The physicochemical properties of PW defatted starches of wheat, oat, lentil and potato were determined by monitoring changes in relative crystallinity (RC), Brabender viscosities, swelling factor (SF), amylose leaching (AML), susceptibility towards acid and α-amylase, thermal properties and retrogradation. The RC of potato and lentil starches increased by 21 and 7.8%, respectively, on defatting, while that of the other starches remained virtually unchanged. Defatting eliminated the pasting peak of cereal starches and increased the thermal stability and reduced the hot paste consistency of all starches. However, these changes were larger in potato and lentil. The SF of all starches decreased on defatting, with the decrease being more pronounced in potato and lentil. In comparison with their native counterparts, the extent of AML at different temperatures was higher in defatted wheat and oat starches. The extent of acid hydrolysis of native and defatted starches of wheat and oat were similar throughout a common time interval (2-20 days). However, during the first stage of hydrolysis, defatted granules of lentil and potato were hydrolysed (4 and 7 days, respectively) to a greater extent than were their native counterparts. Defatted granules of all starches were hydrolysed by porcine α-amylase to a greater extent than were native starches. The gelatinization temperature of defatted wheat and oat starch preparations were slightly lower than their native counterparts. Defatted granules of potato and lentil starch gelatinized over broader and higher temperature ranges than did native starches. The results suggested that amylose and amylopectin chains in native granules are more associated with each other in potato and lentil than in the other starches. Defatting did not hasten or delay the onset time of the retrogradation endotherm in wheat, potato and lentil starches. However, the retrogradation endotherm of defatted oat starch appeared earlier than that of native starch. The differences in the onset (To), peak (Tp) and conclusion (Tc) temperatures of the retrogradation endotherm of native and defatted starch gels were only marginal and remained practically unchanged during the time course of retrogradation. The transition temperatures of retrograded gels were lower than those of gelatinized starches. The enthalpies of retrogradation (∆HR) of defatted starches were higher than those of their native counterparts. At the end of 20 days storage, this increase amounted to 4.7, 3.6, 1.7 and 2.2 J/g in defatted wheat, oat, lentil and potato starches respectively. The gel strength (after a storage period of 24h at 25°C) of all four native starches increased upon defatting. The results suggest that the interactions between reassociating starch chains are of a stronger order of magnitude (due to lipid removal) in defatted than in untreated starches. -- A heat-moisture treatment study was carried out with native wheat, oat, lentil, yam and potato starches. The starch samples were heat treated at 100°C for 16 h at moisture contents between 10 and 30 %. The heat-treatment did not change granule size and shape. In oat starch, granules were less compactly packed after heat-treatment. The X-ray diffraction intensities increased in wheat, oat and lentil starches, but decreased in potato and yam. The X-ray patterns of wheat and oat starches remained unchanged, while those of lentil, potato and yam starches became more cereal like. In all starches, the swelling factor and amylose leaching decreased, being more pronounced in potato. Heat-treatment induced complex formation between amylose and native lipids. Differential scanning calorimetry of the heat-treated samples showed a broadening of the gelatinization temperature range and a shifting of the endothermal transition towards higher temperatures. These changes were more pronounced in potato starch. The gelatinization enthalpy of wheat, oat and lentil starches remained unchanged, but those of potato and yam starches decreased on heat-treatment. Heat-treatment increased the 95°C Brabender consistency of wheat starch, but decreased those of oat, lentil, potato and yam starches. In all starches, thermal and shear stability increased after heat-treatment. Acid hydrolysis decreased on heat-treatment of wheat and lentil starches, but increased in oat, potato and yam starches. However, in potato and yam starches the foregoing trend was evident only during the first seven days of hydrolysis. Thereafter, acid hydrolysis was more pronounced in native than in heat-treated starches. The susceptibility towards hydrolysis by porcine pancreatic α-amylase decreased on heat-treatment of wheat and lentil starches, whereas increases were observed for oat, potato and yam starches. The results indicated that the extent of starch chain associations within the amorphous regions and the degree of crystalline order are altered during heat-moisture treatment. The magnitude of these changes were found to be dependent upon the moisture content during heat-treatment and on the starch source. The effect of heat-moisture treatment (100°C, 30% moisture for 16 h) on the thermal and textural characteristics of retrograding starch gels from wheat, oat, lentil and potato were also investigated. The heat-treatment did not hasten or delay the onset time of the retrogradation endotherm in wheat, potato and lentil starches. However, in oat starch, heat-moisture treatment advanced the onset time from 15 days (native) to 6 days. The differences in To, Tp and Tc of the retrogradation endotherm of native and heat-moisture treated starch gels were only marginal, and remained practically unchanged during the time course of retrogradation. However, the enthalpy of retrogradation (∆HR) increased upon heat-moisture treatment in wheat, oat and lentil starches but decreased in potato. Furthermore, in native and heat-moisture treated starches, the ∆HR increased with storage (at 25°C) time. The gel strength (after a storage period of 24h at 25°C) of all four starches increased upon heat-moisture treatment and more marked in potato starch. The results indicated that the changes in thermal characteristics and texture of a heat-moisture treated starch gel on storage is determined by the interplay of the changes in crystallinity, SF and AML on heat-moisture treatment. -- Annealing was studied with native wheat, oat, lentil and potato starches. The starch samples were annealed at various starch/water ratios at 50°C for time intervals ranging from 0.5 to 72 h. Annealing did not change granule size and shape. Oat starch granules were less compactly packed after annealing.  X-ray diffraction patterns remained unchanged, and X-ray intensities changed only marginally in all starches. The SF, AML and the gelatinization temperature range (GTR) decreased on annealing. The extent of decrease in SF and AML followed the order: lentil > wheat > potato > oat, while the corresponding order for GTR was: wheat > lentil > oat > potato. The gelatinization transition temperatures (GTT) and enthalpy (∆H) increased on annealing. However, the increases in GTT and ∆H did not begin concurrently during the time course of annealing. Increases in ∆H were slower and were evident only at 1, 2, 6 and 48 h respectively, in lentil, potato, oat and wheat starches. The extent and rate of increase in GTT and ∆H followed the order: potato > lentil > wheat > oat. The magnitude of changes in GTT and ∆H increased with increase in annealing moisture content. The susceptibility of oat starch to enzyme and acid hydrolysis increased on annealing. However, decreases occurred in the other starches (lentil > wheat > potato). Thermal and shear stability of starch granules increased on annealing (potato > lentil > wheat > oat). The results showed that the above changes in physicochemical properties were due to increased interaction between and among starch components during annealing. Annealing (50°C, 75% moisture for 72 h) did not hasten or delay the onset time of the retrogradation endotherm in wheat potato and lentil starches. However, in oat starch, annealing advanced the onset time from 15 days (native) to 6 days. The differences in To, Tp and Tc of the retrogradation endotherm of native and annealed starch gels were only marginal and remained practically unchanged during the time course of retrogradation. The ∆HR increased in all four native starches not only upon annealing, but also with the time of storage. The increase in gel strength was marginal in wheat and oat starches after annealing, but was more pronounced in potato and lentil starches. The results indicated that the degree of chain reassociation in an annealed starch gel is influenced by the double helical content within the annealed granule prior to gelatinization.


identifier: Hearne, Edmund P. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hearne=3AEdmund_P=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1999) Effect of tour boat activity within an ecological reserve on the behaviour of three Atlantic alcids : common murres (Uria aalge), razorbills (Alca torda), and Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: To assess the impact of tourism on breeding alcids, Common Murre, Razorbill, and Atlantic Puffin alarm behavior before, during, and after tour boat passages was quantified on Gull Island (45° 15' N, 52° 46' W), Witless Bay Seabird Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland, Canada in 1996 and 1997. Tour boat disturbance induced murre alert-posture and alarm-bowing. Tour boat activity did not provoke murre fly-offs or inhibit arrivals at breeding ledges throughout most of the incubating and brooding periods. However late in the brooding period, boat activity induced murres to move to the edge of breeding ledges and fly-off. Moreover, tour boat passages caused murres to entirely vacate club sites until the boat left the area for up to an average of 15 min. Incubating and brooding Razorbills left their nesting crevices with eggs and chicks unattended during boat passages. For Razorbills at club locations, tour boat passages induced fly-offs, arrivals, alert-posture, and standing. In addition, tour boat activity caused off-duty and non-breeding Razorbills to both enter and leave nesting crevices. Common Murres and Atlantic Puffins entirely vacated inshore island waters during tour boat passages until the boat left the area for approximately 10 min. Tour boat activity induced puffins to fly from inshore island waters to breeding slopes but did not normally cause puffin fly-offs or panic flights from land. -- Loud and slow boats induced the greatest amount of disturbance to Common Murres. Likewise, loud boats caused the greatest disturbance to Razorbills. Overall, a decrease in boat distance to Common Murres and Razorbills induced greater proportions of birds to exhibit alarm behavior. -- These forms of disturbance could be significantly affecting alcid recruitment and reproductive performance at the colony by disrupting self-maintenance and social (mate and nest-site selection) activity. I did not find any direct evidence that gull predation of alcid eggs, chicks, or adults was exacerbated by tour boats. Findings from this study indicate tour boats can negatively impact breeding alcids regardless of breeding period or seabird breeding status.


identifier: Cochrane, Bonnie S. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cochrane=3ABonnie_S=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2001) Effects of an in-hospital cardiovascular risk factor management strategy post acute myocardial infarction.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of an in-hospital cardiovascular risk management strategy in Acute Myocardial Infarction patients and to assess roles and responsibilities of cardiology staff for risk factor management. -- METHODS: A descriptive study, based on chart reviews, compared risk factor identification, documentation and management before and after implementation of a risk management strategy. Perceived roles and responsibilities of cardiology staff were determined through surveys. -- RESULTS: The strategy was partially effective. One of seven variables for risk identification and documentation (history of coronary artery disease) achieved statistical significance (p < 0.04). Four of eight management variables (lipid measurement, statin drug utilization, stress counseling and smoking counseling) achieved statistical significance (p < 0.001). Cardiology staff was in near total agreement (98%) with the need for a team approach for in-hospital risk management. -- CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvements, significant future opportunities exist. Chart forms are being revised; a collaborative strategy at the time of re-launch is recommended.


identifier: McDonald, Kirsten Rae <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/McDonald=3AKirsten_Rae=3A=3A.html>   (2001) Effects of calcitonin gene deletion on fetal-placental calcium metabolism and maternal fertility.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Very little is known about how calcium metabolism is regulated in the fetus, and in particular, the role of calcitonin (CT) has not been established. We studied fetal mice in which the CT gene has been deleted to determine whether CT is critically required for normal fetal-placental calcium homeostasis and skeletal development. -- We demonstrated that homozygous deletion of the CT gene eliminated CT but did not affect maternal or fetal ionized calcium levels, the rate of fetal-placental calcium transfer, serum phosphorus levels, or the amount of mineral present in each fetal skeleton. It also did not affect the gross skeletal morphology, the expression of important bone markers, fetal serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, or calbindin-D₉K or Ca⁺⁺ ATPase expression in placental tissue. However, maternal loss of CT resulted in a reduction in litter size while both maternal and fetal loss of CT resulted in a reduction in the concentration of magnesium in the fetal circulation and possibly in the fetal skeleton. Our studies also confirm that the genes for CT and the CT-receptor are located in the murine placenta. -- In summary, these results suggest that CT cannot cross the placenta, that the maternal absence of CT reduces the total number of fetuses that survive at term, and that CT may selectively regulate aspects of magnesium metabolism in the fetus. However, it appears that the complete loss of either maternal or fetal CT does not perturb the other measured parameters of fetal-placental calcium homeostasis.


identifier: Lu, Dalian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lu=3ADalian=3A=3A.html>   (1995) Effects of chain length and chain length mismatch on orientational order in fluid state lipid bilayer membranes.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Deuterium NMR spectroscopy was used to study the effects of chain length and chain length mismatch on orientational order in fluid state lipid bilayer model membranes. Samples like diacyl phospholipids, glycolipids, binary mixtures of phospholipids, binary mixtures of glycolipids with phospholipids, and ternary mixtures containing cholesterol were used. Special attention was paid to examining how the line shape of the orientational order parameter profile and the temperature dependence of first moment near the gel/fluid phase transition are determined by a limited set of factors. -- The shape of the smoothed order parameter profile has been found to be determined largely by the mean order parameter for the diacyl phospholipid bilayers if position along the chain is normalized. Even in the case of binary mixtures, the observed shapes of the smoothed order parameter profiles with the same mean order parameter were largely independent of the constituent's concentration within the membrane. These observations suggest that the mean order parameter is one of a few parameters which determine the shape of smoothed orientational order parameter profiles. It was also observed that with decreasing chain length, the amplitude of the discontinuity in M₁ decreases and the slope of M₁ versus T increase for the diacyl phospholipid bilayers at the transition temperature. It was found that the dependence of M₁ on T could be accounted for by a Landau theory and that the observed behaviour was sensitive to the chain length dependent differences between the spinodal temperature and the transition temperature. -- In chain-length mismatched bilayers, the orientational order parameter profiles for very long chains were found to have a second plateau near the methyl end of the chain. The existence of such a second plateau in the order parameter profile suggests that the mismatched part of the long chains and the methyl ends of the short chains from the opposite monolayers are mingled with each other, forming a very fluid central layer in the middle of the bilayer. This fluid central layer may link the two sides of the bilayer in the biological membranes. The existence of cholesterol in these chain mismatched systems has large influence on order parameter profiles of its neighboring chains but has a little influence on the second plateau for the very long chain in the bilayer mixture. -- The phase diagrams for binary mixtures with either component deuterated can be different. It was found that the ²H-NMR spectra which represent different labeled components at the same temperature simultaneously represent the states of the two components in a given mixture, whereas this is not the case for the profiles selected to have the same plateau value. This discovery may be helpful for interpreting ²H-NMR experimental results for binary lipid bilayer mixtures.


identifier: Farrell, Rosemarie <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Farrell=3ARosemarie=3A=3A.html>   (2001) Effects of environmental enrichment on ischemic tolerance.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In this study, we sought to determine whether environmental enrichment could alter the pattern of delayed CA1 cell death and functional impairment in a gerbil model of ischemic tolerance. Gerbils received either ischemic preconditioning. 5 minutes of ischemia or sham surgery. Three days after ischemia, gerbils were placed in either an enriched environment or standard laboratory housing. Animals were tested in an open field arena followed by two versions of a T-maze task. Following behavioural testing, extracellular CA1 field potential amplitudes and CA1 cell counts were determined. In open field testing (day 60), enriched, ischemic preconditioned and ischemic gerbils were not different than shams whereas, non-enriched, ischemic preconditioned and ischemic gerbils continued to have higher activity scores. Preconditioned and enriched ischemic animals learned the win-shift T-maze problem as quickly as shams, whereas, only the enriched preconditioned group acquired the win-stay paradigm. Surprisingly. CA1 cell counts were significantly lower in enriched versus non-enriched ischemic preconditioned animals. -- These data demonstrate that early, intensive intervention after ischemia can improve functional outcome but this is accompanied by increased brain damage.


identifier: Campbell, Christine Elaine <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Campbell=3AChristine_Elaine=3A=3A.html>   (1990) The influence of vertebrate and invertebrate planktivores on zooplankton communities in lakes on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Predation by vertebrate and invertebrate planktivores in freshwater lakes can lead to decreases in total biomass of the pelagic zooplankton community and can alter zooplankton community structure (defined by species and size-class frequencies). However, the relative influence of predation on the zooplankton community as compared with the influence of lake productivity and physicochemical characteristics is unclear. Planktivore impact should be greatest in lakes such as those on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland that have low faunal diversity, which may strengthen the intensity of predator-prey interactions, and low habitat heterogeneity, which may elevate species encounter rates. Vertebrate and invertebrate predation was assessed in 15 oligotrophic Avalon lakes through determination of planktivore distributions, abundances and prey selectivities, along with total biomass and species and size composition of the zooplankton community. Phytoplankton biomass and lake physicochemical characteristics were monitored to evaluate their influence relative to that of the predators. -- The major planktivores in the lakes are the vertebrate Gasterosteus aculeatus, the threespine stickleback, and the invertebrates Chaoborus punctipennis, Chaoborus trivittatus and Leptodora kindtii. Analysis of planktivore distribution patterns (presence/absence data) revealed that the distributions of both Chaoborus species were significantly and negatively related to the distribution of sticklebacks. There was no significant relationship between the distributions of Leptodora and sticklebacks or between Leptodora and C. punctipennis, however the distributions of Leptodora and C trivittatus were significantly and negatively related. Examination of planktivore gut contents indicated that G. aculeatus selected mainly for large cladocerans (> 0.76 mm in length) while Chaoborus and Leptodora selected for rotifers and small cladocerans (<0.50 mm in length). Total zooplankton biomass was significantly and negatively related to stickleback catch (linear regression: r²= 0.40), suggestive of predator control limiting zooplankton populations, but was not significantly related to total invertebrate planktivore density. Zooplankton biomass was further related to a physicochemical principal component identified as increasing ionic strength (multiple linear regression: cumulative R² = 0.65). Multivariate analyses revealed that zooplankton community structure was related to factors describing ionic strength, lake size, nutrient concentrations, and watershed characteristics, as well as to stickleback catch. Hence, even in these shallow and oligotrophic lakes in which predation would be expected to have a major impact on the zooplankton community, planktivore abundance is not the primary influence on zooplankton biomass and community structure.


identifier: Medellin, Gabriela <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Medellin=3AGabriela=3A=3A.html>   (1998) The rise of the extreme right in France and Germany and the problem of immigration.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The breakthrough of the extreme right during the last decade is a phenomenon that has gathered attention worldwide. This thesis examines the rise of the extreme right in France and Germany and the problem of immigration. -- The present study analyses the extreme right placed in a historical context. First through a consideration of the evolution of the extreme right in the early years of the post-war period, its minor presence from the late 1950s to the 1980s, and the rise of the extreme right during the last decade with the appearance of the Front National and the Republikaner. The analysis of immigration considers patterns of Western European immigration, new trends in European migration, the increase of racism and xenophobia directed towards immigrants, and the perceptions of some Western Europeans regarding national identity, economy and immigration. The thesis focuses upon the Front National and the Republikaner, particularly their electoral performance, their appeal and their supporters. -- The study attempts to determine the influence that the immigration problem has had in explaining the rise of the extreme right. The thesis considers whether or not the problem of immigration explains the rise of the extreme right; ways in which the extreme right has linked immigration and socio-economic problems, and the extent to which immigration, as opposed to other factors, provides an explanation for the rise of the extreme right in France and Germany. -- The thesis argues that immigration is a leading causal factor in explaining the vote for the extreme right. However, the relationship is complex. Nevertheless three conclusions emerge: first, immigration is an issue that appeals to a substantial portion of the population and the extreme right has been successful at exploiting it and crystallizing the fears of some sectors of the population. Second, xenophobia is an important element in explaining the rise of the extreme right. Immigration is associated with the presence of immigrants from non-European countries. Immigrants have become the symbol for a complex pattern of concerns of some native Western Europeans. Third, problems associated with immigration also account for the rise of the extreme right. The problem of immigration is related to a crisis of multiculturalism that seems to be taking place in some Western European societies. Immigration is also associated with unemployment. Some marginalized sectors of the population see immigrants as competitors for social services and employment. Thus, as long as the problem of immigration is not resolved and the problems associated with it continue, the potential for the success of the extreme right will remain.


identifier: Grover, Cynthia <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Grover=3ACynthia=3A=3A.html>   (1991) The role of kinesthesis in the organization of speech organ movement.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis investigates position sense in the tongue and the role of kinesthesis in organizing voluntary rhythmic human finger movements and the repetition of monosyllables. -- Four experiments showed that a sense of the tongue's position inside and outside the mouth in horizontal and vertical planes exists, and is similarly accurate to that of the limbs (error: 2°). Subjects misjudged the position of their tongue following loading of the tongue. Anesthesia of the mucosa did not reliably reduce the accuracy of lingual position sense. The sources of positional information that contribute to position sense in the tongue and limb are similar; muscle, tendon, skin and knowledge of efference. -- Six experiments revealed that finger movements and monosyllable repetition entrained to an imposed, irrelevant kinesthetic rhythm in about 30% of the data, although subjects were not instructed to entrain their finger movements or speech to the kinesthetic stimulus rhythms. As entrainment should not have arisen at all unless the organization of both finger movement and monosyllabic speech has the character of a system of non-linear oscillators, this is a powerful finding. -- The entrainment commonly features a slight anticipation of antiphase of the kinesthetic stimulus using both finger movement and speech tasks. Subjects entrained their speech and finger movements to the stimulus rhythms equally often, upholding the thesis that, at a fundamental level, speech and finger movements are organized similarly. Kinesthetic information is used to organize voluntary limb and speech movements.


identifier: Osborne, Doreen Rosalind <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Osborne=3ADoreen_Rosalind=3A=3A.html>   (1997) The learning organization and leadership for the college system.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In order to remain viable and relevant in the global era, colleges must address the challenges of finding an effective operating system with a new style of leadership (Dennison, 1995).  The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the feasibility of the concept of the learning organization within the college system. Specifically it asked:  Is the concept of a learning organization a viable framework for leadership within the college system? -- The study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with four senior college administrators in order to obtain their views on the purpose of the study.  They were selected on the basis of their experience in college administration and thus are seen as experts.  The study analyzed the feasibility of the five individual learning or leadership disciplines - Personal Mastery, Mental Models, Building Shared Vision, Team Learning, and Systems Thinking - that together define a learning organization (Senge, 1990). -- The data collection instruments consisted of several field research forms and tape-recorded interviews with individual administrators. The primary research tools used in the study were the Interview Protocols. -- Data analysis revealed that three out of four administrators interviewed believe the concept of the learning organization is feasible and can provide a viable framework for leadership within the college system.   Only one administrator felt strongly that the public nature of the college system limited the feasibility of the concept, even though it was seen as desirable.  All administrators felt that obstacles such as lack of autonomy, lack of organizational stability, inflexible attitudes, and lack of balance with respect to the roles and responsibilities of the individual versus the college have inhibited organizational learning. -- Principal implications of the study include the need for professional development as well as accountability and feedback mechanisms.  Findings are expected to contribute to the body of existing research on learning organizations in general, within community colleges in particular, and on leadership for colleges as learning organizations.   Conclusions may be particularly useful in government, board of governors, and administrative planning, design, and implementation of an organizational structure and leadership approach required for the development of a responsive and relevant college.  In responding to this challenge, colleges have a chance to re-establish themselves as flexible, responsive organizations (Dennison, 1995).


identifier: Andriyani, Nori <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Andriyani=3ANori=3A=3A.html>   (1996) The making of Indonesian women worker activists.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This study is an effort to combine activism and academic work. This study is not only aimed for academic purposes, but also for practical utilization by labor activists in their work to improve workers' conditions. My research focuses on the increasing evidence of industrial women workers' militancy in contemporary Indonesia. This issue is significant because, first, Indonesian women workers are able to manifest their political voice despite pressure on the labor movement by the ruling powers. Second, the increasing militancy of contemporary Indonesian women workers represents the voice of the lower class women, which has not been represented by the women's organizations dominated by middle class women. -- The research utilized a case study method.  The information was gained from a group of women workers in Alpena factory (pseudonym) in Jakarta. The study aims to find out how women workers manifest their resistance, and to understand the process whereby they become activists. Through the case study of Alpena women workers, it is found that resistance is manifested through acts that range from everyday forms of resistance to open and organized collective action. The everyday forms of resistance are acts that are unorganized, informal, individually initiated, and not evidently challenging authority; for example gossiping about the management's oppressive policies, talking back to supervisors or taking a long time in the toilet. -- Everyday forms of resistance can lead to open and organized collective action, such as a strike.  The everyday forms of resistance function as a glue that keeps the workers' spirit of resistance up and provides experience in learning to resist. This finding is in keeping with long standing feminist efforts to redefine politics, which traditionally have been seen as limited to the realm of formal organizations, such as trade unions, political parties, and governments. The old definition ignores many of women's most important political acts. -- This research is also a critique of Manning's Neoclassical economic argument that the increasing workers' protest actions in Indonesia are not yet significant enough to enable am organized labor movement. Manning argues that Indonesia is still in a situation of a labor surplus economy. This study also posits a critique of the Marxist labor activists' perspective that Indonesian workers are not political because the present resistance is only about economic demands and not about the overturning of the dominant capitalist structure and the hegemonic ruling powers. The main critique of both the Neoclassical economic position and the Marxist perspective is that they ignore the significance of grassroots politics and concentrate too much on formal levels of political movement, in this case the trade unions, the government, and political parties. -- The second finding is that there is an interrelated process that leads women workers to become activists.  In the case of Alpena, there were many oppressive issues at work that angered the women: issues that relate to working conditions, such as minimum wage violation or insufficient health benefits, and issues that relate to respected values, such as the degrading treatment of workers by management or unkept promises by management. Outside the factory, there is oppression by the state that society, particularly the working class community, feels and reacts to. For women workers, there are also patriarchal values that some experience as oppressive. These factors interrelate with each other and generate the conditions that enable women workers to become activists. -- In sum, this study provides support for the argument that Indonesian women workers today play an important role in labor politics because they have become a group that are able to manifest their resistance.  In other words a politically conscious group of working class young women activists is in the making in contemporary Indonesia. By showing the importance of women workers in the rise of working class' resistance in contemporary Indonesia, it is hoped that this study can help to improve women's position within the independent labor movement and help to eradicate patriarchal obstacles within the movement.


identifier: Kelleher, Brenda Helen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Kelleher=3ABrenda_Helen=3A=3A.html>   (1975) The organization and management of a hospitalwide continuing education department.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The topic of special interest was the organization and management of a continuing education department within a hospital. -- An open-systems theory for research was used as the conceptual framework. Questions derived from this theory were used as a basis during the field study. -- The researcher was a participant observer, within a given hospital, utilising focused interview techniques  to gather data. -- The data was analysed in light of the conceptual framework and recommendations were made for the future of continuing education for health workers in Newfoundland hospitals.


identifier: Harris, Elaine <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Harris=3AElaine=3A=3A.html>   (1999) The perceptions of parents whose children have attended schools nationally and internationally regarding the quality of Newfoundland's education system and the provincial education reform documents : a mismatch of perceptions.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This research obtained the perspectives of parents whose children have attended schools nationally and internationally as well as locally regarding the overall quality of the education system in Newfoundland, as they have experienced it. The data revealed that parents whose children have attended schools nationally and internationally as well as locally judge the provincial education system positively overall. The research participants like local education because it has a well-rounded and broad curriculum. This parental subgroup also judges local schools favorably because they feel the provincial education system their children have experienced possesses some of the attributes of quality education that are not measurable on standardized test scores. For example, this parental subgroup evaluates local education highly in their children's schools due to the following: high degree of parental involvement; good home and school communications; effective teachers; visible and involved school administrators; and positive school atmosphere. Furthermore, this research discovered that some of the phenomena the research participants believe to be evident in local education are also the same components of schooling they feel reflect quality education generally. -- The research participants' perceptions of the quality of local education are different from the perceptions of some aspects of local education presented in many education reform documents recently published in this province. This difference exists in part because this parental subgroup and the reform documents use different criteria to assess the quality of an education system. The local education reform documents use standardized test scores as the main barometer of educational achievement whereas this parental subgroup avails of additional attributes of education when evaluating the effectiveness of an education system. -- The parental subgroup in this research judges the following areas of the local school curriculum highly: music; physical education; language arts; and special education. Even though the research participants were generally pleased with the quality of local education in the schools their children have attended, they identified specific areas of weaknesses. The weaknesses are student discipline and the following curriculum areas: mathematics; science; fine arts; and multiculturalism. -- When providing their personal perspectives on the quality of local education and the attributes of quality education in general, this parental subgroup revealed that educational values are very individualistic. This may have negative implications for the level of parental satisfaction with the quality of local education in the future. For example, this parental subgroup favors a broad curriculum and the teaching of the arts and humanities in schools. Parents in this province, who value these components of a school curriculum may not be happy with provincial education in future because the reform documents appear to be promoting a curriculum that emphasizes the primary core, subjects such as math and language arts, at the expense of the arts and humanities, subject areas strongly favored by parents in this research. If we are to maintain, or increase, the present level of parental satisfaction with local education then parental voice must be heard and considered when formal judgements on the state of local education and decisions regarding future educational goals and curriculum are made.


identifier: Vatcher, Susan L. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Vatcher=3ASusan_L=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1999) The pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Under conditions of intense fish culture it may be necessary to use antibiotics in order to mitigate disease problems. In an effort to reduce the impact of antibiotic residuals on the environment and to eliminate the risk of exposure of these residuals to the consumer optimal treatment regimes must be developed. These regimes must account for the use of different antibiotics used on a wide range of species held under varying culture conditions. Culture of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) shows a great deal of potential and at present little information is available on the behaviour of Oxytetracycline (OTC) in this species. -- In an effort to generate baseline pharmacokinetic numbers and to determine the clearance time from organs for OTC in Atlantic cod two experiments were undertaken. Experiment 1 examined the pharmacokinetics of OTC in Atlantic cod following a single dose by oral gavage (Per Os (PO)) or intraperitoneal (IP) injection. Eighteen fish were held at 10°C and administered OTC either intraperitoneally a dose level of 132.8 mg OTC/ kg fish or orally at a dose level of 134.5 mg OTC/ kg fish. Blood samples were taken at 0.5, 3, 6, 12, 36 and 72 hrs and analyzed for OTC levels using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Noncompartmental modeling identified a time to maximum serum concentration (Tmax) for IP and PO administration of 18 hrs and 6 hrs respectively. The shorter Tmax in the PO group as compared to the IP group is not as expected and may have been the result of precipitation in the injectable solution. Maximum serum concentrations (Cmax) for IP and PO were 140.8 ppm and 1.04 ppm respectively. The higher Cmax in the IP group is as expected and both numbers are in the same order of magnitude as literature values. The relative bioavailability of OTC was calculated to be 0.8%. This low value compares well with literature values for orally administered drugs. T½ for PO administration was calculated to be 184 hours. The PO T½ value was then used to predict a clearance time for OTC of 38.3 days from the serum and 55.5 days from the muscle of cod. This number compares well with literature values and with results from experiment 2. -- Experiment 2 examined the absorption, distribution and elimination of oxytetracycline from Atlantic cod held in seawater at temperatures of 10°C and 10°C decreasing to 2°C. Fish were administered OTC in the feed at a dose level of 120 mg OTC/ kg fish over an 11 day period. One group of five fish were held as controls and fed nonmedicated feed. The water temperature for half the medicated fish was maintained at 10°C and for control fish and the other half of the medicated fish was decreased from 10°C to 2°C by daily increments of 0.1°C. Samples of blood, muscle, gonad and liver were taken on days 1, 5, 10, 20, 41, 61 and 101 and analyzed for OTC levels using HPLC. OTC in the gonad was detected in one sample on day 1 only therefore no subsequent statistical analysis was conducted. Data for the remaining three tissue types was grouped by sample day and temperature regime. OTC concentration for the tissue types was plotted versus time. A two factor analysis of variance showed no significant differences in OTC concentrations between the temperature groups for serum, muscle or liver. Lack of a temperature effect on antibiotic clearance is unusual in poikilothermic animals and does not compare with results found in the literature. Insufficient differences in water temperature between the two groups, as a result of small daily incremental decreases, are believed to account for this result. -- There were significant differences in OTC concentration by sample day in the serum, muscle and liver. A Scheffes multiple comparison determined that in serum and muscle the differences were between OTC levels up to and including day 10 and OTC levels on and after day 20. In liver the differences lay between OTC levels up to and including day 41 and OTC levels on and after day 61. It was determined that clearance of OTC in both temperature groups occurred in the serum between day 20 and day 41. This compares well with the predicted value from experiment 1 of 38.3 days. Clearance from the muscle in both temperature groups occurred between day 41 and day 61. This compares well with the predicted value from experiment 1 of 55.5 days. Clearance from the liver in both temperature groups was still occurring up to day 101. -- These results indicate that residuals of OTC in cod for both temperature groups fell below the legally acceptable level of 0.1 ppm by day 41 in the serum and day 61 in the muscle. These fall within the suggested withdrawal period of 80 days, at or above 10°C, for OTC in salmon. They also indicate that a withdrawal period for OTC of 80 days may be acceptable in cod held below 10°C. Clearance of OTC from the liver was not consistently below legal limits in either temperature group within the sample period. This indicates that when harvesting the liver of cultured cod extended clearance times should be considered.


identifier: Higdon, Robert  <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Higdon=3ARobert_=3A=3A.html>   (1999) The philosophical significance of Leibniz's response to occasionalism.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Leibniz's disagreements with Malebranche are more than theologically significant. By tracing Leibniz's philosophical development, in response to the occasionalism of Malebranche and criticisms of Arnauld, the significance of Leibniz's response to Malebranche's criticism of the Scholastic concept of causation becomes evident. Moreover, as Leibniz recognized in his fully developed philosophy, his criticism of Malebranche had application more widely to Locke and Newton. Much of the eighteenth century movement from Hume to Kant had its predecessors in the seventeenth century debate between Malebranche and Leibniz: while Malebranche creates the context for Hume's critique of the ordinary concept of causation, Leibniz's response to Malebranche suggests the direction of Kant's response to Hume.


identifier: Clarke, Annette June Morgan <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Clarke=3AAnnette_June_Morgan=3A=3A.html>   (1998) The physical characterization and antibacterial activity of herring protamines.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Protamines are a class of low molecular weight highly basic proteins found in the sperm nuclei of a variety of animals. These proteins are often heterogeneous with components that differ slightly in amino acid sequence. According to published data, herring protamine (or clupeine) can be fractionated into 3 components, namely clupeine Y-l, Y-ll and Z, via ion exchange chromatography. The amino acid compositions and sequences of these 3 components have also been published. -- In this study, protamines were isolated from the gonads of herring, Clupea harengus, and compared with commercially available herring protamine (Sigma clupeine). Protamines were first extracted from mature herring testes of uncertain stage in spermatozoan development. The protamine yield was low, therefore another extraction was performed on sexually mature, or ripe gonads and a much higher amount of protamine was obtained. Ion exchange chromatography suggested that the first protamine extract contained 9 components (labelled A through l)t while the extract from ripe gonads had 3 major components (labelled MA, MB and MC). The chromatogram of commercial clupeine also showed 3 components (labelled SA, SB, and SC). Despite the presence of multiple components in these protamine extracts, both the intact protamines and the components fractionated by chromatography each gave only a single protein band after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and subsequent protein staining. After SDS-PAGE and protein staining, there was no band observable for whole Sigma clupeine. However, salmon protamine (Sigma) and protamine extracted from ripe herring testes each had a single protein band. Protamines extracted from herring testes of uncertain stage in spermatozoan development gave 4 bands. The amino acid compositions of the fractionated components of isolated protamine, MA, MB and MC, and Sigma clupeine, SA, SB, and SC, correspond well with the published amino acid sequences of clupeine Y-ll, Y-l, and Z respectively. The molecular weights obtained by electrospray mass spectrometry of fractions MA, MB, MC, SA, SB and SC are higher than those predicted from the amino acid compositions and from the published molecular weights of clupeine Y-ll, Y-l and Z. This suggests that either the original sequences are incomplete or that microheterogeneity exists in these fractions. Whole protamine from ripe gonads and whole Sigma clupeine were also tested for their antimicrobial activity using a broth dilution assay. Both were found to inhibit the growth of the Gram-positive and Gram- negative organisms tested.


identifier: Cook, John R. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cook=3AJohn_R=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1997) The relation between world and language in the philosophy of Donald Davidson : the critique of conceptual relativism.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The arguments against the dualism of scheme and content are supplemented in this thesis with a comparison of Davidson and Hans-Georg Gadamer, a Continental philosopher. I compare claims made by both thinkers regarding understanding, interpretation and truth. I show that not only are there many undeniable convergences between them, but also that Gadamer's analysis of hermeneutics can be used to complement and illuminate some of Davidson's concerns. The conclusion reached in this thesis is that the dualism of scheme and content is partly the result of attempts by some philosophers to define truth in terms of something more fundamental, viz., reference. Drawing on some of Davidson's later work, supplemented with arguments by Arthur Fine's, Natural Ontological Attitude, I show that truth is the most fundamental concept we have and escapes all attempts at general or absolute characterization. In consequence, I maintain: i) that the relation between world and language is unmediated; and ii) that Davidson's account of truth transcends the coherence/correspondence debate and the realism/anti-realism debate.


identifier: McNaughton, Janet Elizabeth <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/McNaughton=3AJanet_Elizabeth=3A=3A.html>   (1989) The role of the Newfoundland midwife in traditional health care, 1900 to 1970.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This work examines empirically trained midwives in twentieth century Newfoundland. A history of efforts to train and licence these women, and discussion of the motivations of those who attempted to control and educate midwives is provided. Although most Newfoundland midwives ceased regular practice by 1965, there was never a systematic effort to eradicate the practice of midwifery by empirically trained women. Traditional obstetric care, the care women received during the prenatal period, labour and delivery and confinement is described in detail. Gestation, childbirth and the period of confinement that followed were regarded as uncertain, and at least potentially dangerous for both mother and child. -- Traditional obstetric care was not marked by extreme intervention. Midwives dealt effectively with some complications, but had definite limitations, which they recognized. The relationship between midwives and health care professionals, and the impact of medical obstetrics on traditional care is discussed. Medicalization of childbirth occurred in Newfoundland because midwives and their clients wished this change, though many women regretted the loss of the personal care they received from friends and midwives in their own homes.  -- Most women did not rely on midwifery as their main source of income, but the occupation had a distinct folklife. Narratives told by midwives about their work reveal common attitudes towards childbirth, and the attributes of a good midwife. Patterns of selection and training of midwives are also discussed. The role of midwife is placed in the context of traditional healing practices, and the social organization of outport communities. The role of midwife was not connected with supernatural powers. Midwives were often drawn from upper and middle ranks of their communities, and the role conferred status and respect.


identifier: Ewart, Kathryn Vanya <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Ewart=3AKathryn_Vanya=3A=3A.html>   (1993) Type II antifreeze proteins from smelt (Osmerus mordax) and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) : similarity to the C-type lectin family.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The structural diversity of fish antifreeze proteins is believed to result from their independent origins in separate fish taxonomic groups. Therefore, antifreeze proteins(AFPs) from two fish species distantly related to all others known to produce AFPs were studied in order to gain a better understanding of the diversity and the distribution of the different AFP types. Results of this study suggest that homologous type II fish AFPs have evolved independently in three separate groups offish but that they originate from members of a single protein family, the calcium-dependent (C-type) lectins. Moreover, the homology among the three AFPs and the C-type lectins has allowed the recently determined structure of a C-type lectin domain to serve as a prototype for the type II AFPs. This will provide the basis for determining the functional mechanism of this AFP type. These findings also suggest that study of the AFP variants present in diverse fish species may lead to the further insight into the origins, the structures, and the mechanisms of action of the different fish AFPs. -- AFPs were isolated from the blood plasma of smelt (Osmerus mordax) and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) using gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, and reverse phase HPLC. Characterization of smelt AFP revealed six isoforms, each with a Mr of 24,000. Amino acid analysis and endoglycosidase digestion revealed that smelt AFP contained N-linked carbohydrate. The herring AFP had two isoforms with a Mr of 14,600 and no carbohydrate. Further analysis of these proteins revealed that, like the type II AFP of sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus) they were both cystine-rich and sensitive to sulfhydryl reducing agents. Antisera raised against herring and sea raven AFPs cross-reacted with smelt AFP. However, the thermal hysteresis activities of smelt and herring AFPs were lower than that of sea raven AFP. -- cDNA libraries were constructed from livers of smelt and herring. Libraries were screened using an oligonucleotide with a sequence derived from tryptic peptides of smelt and herring AFPs. AFP cDNA clones were isolated and sequenced and the primary structures of smelt and herring AFPs were deduced. Protein sequence database searches, sequence alignments, and statistical analyses showed that the AFPs of smelt, herring, and sea raven were homologous to one another and to the carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) present in a family of Ca²⁺-dependent (C-type) lectins. Furthermore, all but one of the residues known to define the hydrophobic cores of a C-type lectin CRD were present in these AFPs. One CRD Ca²⁺-binding site appeared conserved in smelt and herring AFPs and these AFPs did require Ca²⁺ for thermal hysteresis activity. Alignment of sea raven AFP with C-type CRDs suggested that it had no functional Ca²⁺-binding sites and the thermal hysteresis activity of this AFP did not require Ca²⁺. -- Affinity chromatography and agglutination experiments showed that, unlike the C-type lectins, the type II AFPs did not appear to bind strongly to carbohydrates. However, a trace of smelt AFP was retarded on a matrix containing galactose suggesting a slight affinity for this carbohydrate. Two proteins in the C-type lectin family were isolated and tested for thermal hysteresis activity. Neither human pancreatic stone protein nor a C-type lectin from the venom of a snake (Crotalus atrox) showed detectable thermal hysteresis activity. -- Together, these results suggest that the type II AFPs of smelt, herring, and sea raven are related and that all three have evolved from the CRDs of preexisting proteins in the C-type lectin family, the type II AFPs have a fold similar to that of the lectins, and some resemble lectins in requiring Ca²⁺ for activity. However, unlike the lectins, the AFPs appear to interact primarily with ice crystals rather than with carbohydrate.


identifier: Choe, Nami <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Choe=3ANami=3A=3A.html>   (1999) The seasonal biochemical composition of the chaetognath Parasagitta elegans in Conception Bay, Newfoundland in relation to population dynamics and trophodynamics.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The seasonal biochemical composition of Parasagitta elegans in the water column and benthic boundary layer of Conception Bay, Newfoundland was documented from 1997 to 1998. The seasonal variation in the biochemical levels of P. elegans primarily reflected the reproductive cycle. Protein and ash levels increased and lipid and carbohydrate levels decreased when the animals reproduced in the fall. The opposite trends occurred when the animals matured in the spring and summer. Feeding may have caused minor differences in biochemical composition between the spring of 1997 and 1998. Protein level was higher and ash and carbohydrate levels were lower in the spring of 1998. The proportion of Calanus spp. in the diet was significantly higher and the abundance of Calanus spp. increased earlier in the spring of 1998. This is the first study of the population dynamics, distribution, feeding and biochemical composition of chaetognaths from the benthic boundary layer.


identifier: Shortall, Ann <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Shortall=3AAnn=3A=3A.html>   (1998) The social construction of homophobia and heterosexism in the Newfoundland education system.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate gay and lesbian students' and teachers’ experiences of homophobia and heterosexism in the classrooms and curricula of St. John's and Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. Interviews were conducted with lesbian and gay teachers and students. I investigated three aspects of lesbian and gay issues in the Newfoundland high school education system: i) experiences of lesbian and gay students and teachers; ii) the substance of what gay and lesbian students and teachers have learned and/or taught about homosexuality in courses; and iii) possible curriculum changes which would help decrease homophobia and/or heterosexism in our school system. Five themes emerged: i) the process of coming out; ii) experiences of homophobia and heterosexism; iii) knowledge and attitudes of gay and lesbian students regarding their sexual orientation; iv) information about gay and lesbian issues learned and/or taught in school; and v) ways in which lesbian and gay issues could be integrated into the curriculum. -- Through the investigation of the experiences gay and lesbian students and teachers have encountered in the education system, the themes of coming out and experiences of homophobia and heterosexism emerged. I found that while gay and lesbian students are out to many at school, teachers are out to only a select few colleagues. Examples of overt physical or verbal harassment were experienced by only two participants. Only one teacher felt that homophobia was a problem at her school, while all the students relayed stories of anti-gay jokes and comments, which are often ignored by their teachers. -- I also investigated what students have learned and teachers have taught regarding knowledge of and attitudes towards lesbian and gay issues, and classes where homosexuality has been discussed. The students in this study were generally very knowledgeable about homosexuality, and accepting of their sexual orientation. However, very little positive information has been learned in school.  Similarly, the teachers I interviewed have initiated little discussion about gay and lesbian issues. However, the topic arises out of students' interest during class discussions or through their writing. -- A major theme which emerged from the data was the need of both teachers and students to address gay and lesbian issues in the curriculum. They both suggested ways in which the lives of gays and lesbians could be integrated into the curricula of literature, social studies, science, art, mathematics, family studies, and religious education. -- Teachers and students also suggested several other desired changes to the education system. Some of these include gay and lesbian support groups in their schools, anti-homophobia workshops for students, teachers and guidance counsellors, pamphlets, posters, and library resources to increase lesbian and gay visibility, a mandatory university course for guidance counsellors on gay and lesbian youth, and job protection for gay and lesbian teachers. -- Teachers are interested in protection from being fired, a school board policy on anti-gay violence, and greater visibility of lesbians and gays through the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association. -- I believe a handbook for the teachers of this province on gay and lesbian issues would help alleviate some of the homophobia and heterosexism in our education system.


identifier: He, Hongjun <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/He=3AHongjun=3A=3A.html>   (1998) Thermal adaptation in Xenorhabdus spp., bacterial symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema spp.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Physiological mechanisms of adaptation to temperature were investigated in four strains of Xenorhabdus spp. that originated from various geographical areas: Xenorhabdus bovienii NF strain and Xenorhabdus bovienii Umea strain (boreal origin), Xenorhabdus nematophilus All strain (temperate origin) and Xenorhabdus sp. TX strain (subtropical origin). The criteria included the effect of temperature on growth, capacity to synthesize isozymes of metabolic enzymes and modify fatty acids, in addition, the TX strain (undescribed) and the NF strain (newly isolated) were characterized through physiological and biochemical tests and cellulose acetate electrophoresis was evaluated for use in the taxonomy of this category of bacteria. -- The isozymes of nine enzymes were separated by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and compared among the four bacterial strains. The results indicated that these strains could be distinguished from one another on the basis of isozyme patterns at 25°C. Four enzymes [fumarate hydratase (FUM), malate dehydrogenase (NAD) (MDH), malate dehydrogenase (NADP~) (ME), and phosphoglucomutase (PGM)] displayed species-specific isozyme patterns, and the isozyme patterns of arginine phosphokinase (APK) distinguished between the NF strain and the Umea strain. Additionally, the isozyme patterns in the NF and Umea strains were temporally stable for all enzymes, except ME (Umea strain) and IDH (NF strain). These findings suggested that cellulose acetate electrophoresis could be an important tool for the identification of Xenorhabdus species or even strains. -- Xenorhabdus sp. TX strain was physiologically and biochemically distinguishable from the five described Xenorhabdus species and from the related bacterium, Photorhabdus luminescens. The TX strain differed from any of the five described Xenorhabdus species or P. luminescens in at least one of the following characteristics: growth at 10°C (-), growth at 37 C (+), catalase (-), bioluminescence (-), absorption of bromothymoi blue dye (+), lipase (-), urease (-), phosphatase (-), alkaline phosphatase (w: weak), ribose acidification (-), glycerol acidification (+), salicin acidification (-), cefalothin resistance (-), amoxiliine & calvulanic acid resistance (-), and esculin hydrolysis (-). The NF and Umea strains displayed identical reactions for all the tests in this study, indicating that they were inseparable on the basis of common physiological and biochemical tests. -- Growth of the four Xenorhabdus strains was examined over a wide range of temperatures. The boreal strains (NF, Umea) grew at culture temperatures from 0°C to 32°C, the All strain from 10°C to 32°C, and the TX strain from 15°C to 38.5°C. The optimal temperature, based on growth rates, was 25°C for the two boreal strains, 30°C for the All strain and the TX strain. The boreal strains (NF, Umea) were categorized as psychrotrophs, and the All and TX strains as mesophiles. -- The effect of culture temperature on the isozymes of seven enzymes was studied in the four Xenorhabdus strains. All four strains displayed temperature-related variations in isozyme patterns. Five enzymes displayed temperature related modifications in isozyme banding patterns in the Umea strain, four in the NF strain, three in the All strain and two in the TX strain. These results indicated that these bacteria may physiologically adapt to temperature by altering the synthesis of isozymes. -- All four strains responded to low temperatures by increasing monounsaturated fatty acids (16:10,7 and 18:io,9) with concomitant decreases in the prominent saturated fatty acid (16:0), indicating that these bacteria could adapt to temperature by modifying the degree of fatty acid unsaturation. Other fatty acids (14:0, 17:0, 17:0C, 20:0), present in lower amounts, were affected by temperature in three strains (All, NF, Umea) while they did not significantly vary from 20°C to 35°C in the TX strain. This study suggested that cold adaptation in X bovienii may involve shifts in fatty acids composition induced by temperatures well above freezing.


identifier: Olsen, Christopher <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Olsen=3AChristopher=3A=3A.html>   (1998) Towards the development of an automated ship arrangement design tool.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis reviews Naval Architecture methods emphasizing the algorithmic and computer-based design of ships. It is shown that the problem of General Arrangements is critical to design synthesis and yet lacks the systemisarion found in other ship design problems. Design systemisarion improves the solution by reducing development periods and therefore costs, and by making more rime available for additional design iterations. The thesis addresses the systemisarion of the General Arrangement problem through the analogous Industrial Engineering problem of Facility Layout. -- While conceptually useful, the algorithms for computer-aided Facility Layout are limited primarily by their crude and out-dated representation of spatial information. For this reason, the bulk of this thesis describes a novel formulation for spatial data, replacing the traditional 2D block layout model. Named Semi-Solids, the representation employs planar mathematics to manipulate and identically model 3D faceted surfaces. The name implies a variation of a solid model because the unique formulation allows the computer to shape and position spatial objects without the direct guidance or interpretation of a human user. -- Microsoft's Access database software was used to create an efficient relational database for the storage of constraints and qualitative and quantitative data. Code for the manipulation of this data was developed using Microsoft's Visual Basic, and because Visual Basic and Access are closely related, data is easily shared by the database and the coded algorithm. In addition, it was possible to include a number of analytical functions specific to the database within the Visual Basic code. The database and the Semi-Solids code have been named Ship Arrangement Tool (ShipArrT) in preparation for additional work. -- The thesis concludes with two detailed research plans showing necessary and potential areas for future research. The first plan completes the Semi-Solids representation and evaluates its potential relative to other Solid Model representations.  The second plan offers ideas and direction towards the completion of a modem and robust Facility Layout/General Arrangement algorithm.


identifier: Taylor, Vivien <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Taylor=3AVivien=3A=3A.html>   (2001) Trace element fingerprinting of Canadian wines.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Wines from Canada's two major wine grape growing regions, the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario and the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, were fingerprinted with 100% correct classification, using the elements Al, V, Mn, Co, Zn, Sr, Rb, Mo, Sb, and U, for the purpose of verifying region of origin. Wines were diluted 2:1 with 0.2 M HNO₃ and element concentrations in wine were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), with precision <5% for Cd, Sb, Ba, TI, Pb, and U; <10% for As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cs, La, Ce, and Th; <15% for V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ag, and Bi; <20% for Mg, Al, Ca, Co, Ni, and Br; and <25% for Li, Be, Ti, Se, and I; and 27% for CI and P. Element concentrations were log transformed to give a better evaluation of the consistency of the data given the assumptions evolved in parametric statistical models. Graphical analysis and multivariate statistics were used to discriminate wine by region, and the element Sr was found to have the highest discriminating power. Analysis of vineyard soils by X-ray fluorescence also revealed that Sr, as well as Ca, Ba, and Ti, can be used to discriminate soils from the two regions unequivocally. Note the relationship between soil and wine concentrations was not linear. Elements in wine grouped by principal component analysis showed agreement with elements grouped by ionic potential, suggesting element mobility has a strong influence on element concentrations in wine. Discriminant and cluster analysis of the Okanagan wines grouped wines made from grapes from the same vineyard to a high degree, suggesting individual vineyards could be fingerprinted for this region. The Niagara wines were grouped to a lesser extent by these statistical procedures, possibly due to the more homogeneous geology and climate of the Niagara region.


identifier: Crocker, Kevin George <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Crocker=3AKevin_George=3A=3A.html>   (1998) Tracking and growth of larvae of the giant scallop, Placopecten magellanicus (Gmelin, 1791) on a scallop farm in Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Culture of the giant scallop began in Newfoundland in 1986 after research indicated a supply of wild spat was possible. The failure of wild seed production in sufficient quantities had negative consequences, and since 1991 wild scallop spatfall has been very low.  It was proposed that the release of millions of D-veliger larvae, raised by hatchery techniques, on a site may increase annual spatfall and collection.  Enhancement was attempted in 1993 on a scallop farm in Newfoundland but no increase in spat collection was realized. This study was initiated to investigate the possible fate of these released larvae. -- Three-day-old scallop veligers were stained with calcein (a non-toxic fluorescent dye) by immersion in a solution of 150 mg/L calcein for 16 h at densities of 40 larvae/mL. High mortalities were observed at densities of 250 larvae/mL.  Satisfactory fluorescence was observed in preserved samples which subsequently retained the stain for at least two years. -- Two batches of calcein stained scallop larvae were released on a shellfish farm located in Charles Arm, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland during the summers of 1994 and 1995. Upon recapture of these larvae by plankton tows, growth rates of 3.57 and 3.85 µm/d in 1994, and 9.72 and 2.52 µm/d, in 1995, were observed.  Differences in the growth rates varied seasonally and annually (1994 & 1995), and were related to water temperature and food concentration (chlorophyll-α). Size frequency distribution, current meter data, and current directional maps created by drift bottle drogue surveys showed evidence of possible entrainment of larvae within Charles Arm. As well, evidence was also reported suggesting that bivalve larvae were also transported out of the system. -- Larval abundance and shell height distribution varied with tidal state. Higher numbers and larger size bivalve veligers were observed during the mid to late flood and ebb tides. Mean size of bivalve larvae at four stations sampled on the site differed significantly over the tidal cycle.  Variation in larval abundance was also greater during neap tides as compared to spring tides.  Diel differences in larval abundance were also observed    This has important implications for any sampling regime directed to measuring size and numbers of bivalve larvae over time, for example, larval monitoring programs used in the aquaculture industry -- An enhancement project designed to increase the subsequent spatfall of giant scallop veligers is possible but should be very intensive.  Hundreds of millions of greater than 200µm scallop veligers may have to be released within the site to result in an observed increase in spatfall and to counteract losses due to natural mortality and net outward transport from the system.


identifier: Nakshatri, Harikrishna <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Nakshatri=3AHarikrishna=3A=3A.html>   (1990) Transcription and transformation by papovaviruses.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Regulation of eucaryotic gene expression and cellular transformation have been a central focus of research in the last two decades. Studies on DNA tumor viruses have provided information not only on viral pathogenicity but also on general eucaryotic gene regulation, as they depend on host cell machinery for their transcription. I have examined some aspects of transcriptional control in six DNA tumor viruses belonging to the papovaviridae family and the results are discussed in Section 1. Additionally, I have studied cellular transformation induced by one of these viruses the results of which are presented in Section 2. -- The cis-acting regulatory elements of a gene required for accurate, efficient and cell type specific expression are classified into promoters and enhancers. To study the role of enhancers in cell type specific expression, I have performed comparative analysis of the SV40, BK and JC enhancers in differentiated and undifferentiated embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells. In transient transfection assays, transcription of a reporter gene was not activated by any of the viral regulatory elements in undifferentiated EC cells. However, transcriptional activation of the reporter gene was observed in retinoic acid (RA) differentiated neuronal cell types by all three regulatory elements. Moreover, SV40 and BK but not JC   regulatory   elements   demonstrated   activity in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-differentiated muscle cell types. To correlate in vivo activity with the binding of transcription factors, I performed DNaseI footprinting experiments. For SV40, the region containing the transcription factor Sp1 binding motif was protected in undifferentiated and differentiated cell types. However, in both RA- and DMSO-differentiated cells, additional protection at regions corresponding to P, SphI and SphII motifs was detected. The JCV enhancer demonstrated three retinoic acid differentiated cell type specific footprints, each containing sequences with homology to the nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) binding motif. With the BKV enhancer, a GC rich region was protected in all three cell types. Additional protection in four regions, each containing sequences with homology to the NF-1 motif, was observed in the two differentiated cell types. Further experiments suggest that the factor(s) interacting with NF-1 motif containing regions are different in the two differentiating cell types. Overall, the results demonstrate clear correlation of in vivo activity of the regulatory elements of the three viruses with in vitro  DNA-protein interaction. -- To analyze epitheliotropism of human papillomavirus types 11, 16 and 18, I performed similar studies in four epithelial cervical carcinoma (C33A, HeLa, SiHa and CaSki) and one fibroblast (143B) cell lines. All three viral enhancers demonstrated varying degrees of activity in C33A, HeLa and SiHa but not in CaSki and 143B.  By DNaseI footprinting, I have identified seven, nine and five footprints on the HPV 11 , 16 and 18 enhancers, respectively. NF-1 motifs were present in five, six and one protected regions of the HPV 11, 16 and 18 enhancers, respectively. Sequences homologous to LVc, and ΦAP3 (HPV 11); API (HPV 16 and HPV 18) and EFII (HPV 18) were also observed in a few protected regions. In vitro transcription-oligonucleotide competition and deletion analyses the of HPV 11 enhancer revealed that one of the NF-1 motif containing regions acts as a negative control element. One sequence motif of HPV 16, for which UV cross-linking studies revealed interaction with four protein molecules, is a strong modulator of HPV 16 enhancer function in vivo and shares 100% homology to a sequence motif, GTTTTAA in the tissue-specific enhancer of the c-mos oncogene. One sequence motif of the HPV 18 enhancer has three repeats of a TTTTA sequence contained within the c-mos sequence motif and interacts with at least four different polypeptides, as judged by UV cross-linking experiments. -- Previous studies have indicated that tumor (T)-antigens of BK and SV40, although structurally related, possess different transformation potentials. To understand these differences, I have examined the role of BKV tumor antigens in the maintenance of transformation and have identified the domain of the T-antigen gene essential for the transformed phenotype. BKV DNA-transformed BHK 21 and NIH 3T3 cells expressing antisense BK T-antigen RNA lose their ability to grow in soft agar, indicating the need for continued expression of T-antigen for the maintenance of the transformed phenotype. Experiments using translation termination linker insertion and deletion mutagenesis of BKV T-antigen demonstrate that amino acids 356 to 384 are essential for transformation. Although BKV T- antigen shares 100, 85, and 80% amino acid homology with the SV40 T-antigen for the nuclear localization signal, DNA-binding domain and p53-binding domain, respectively, the transformation domains of BKV and SV40 T-antigens share only 54% homology. In addition, the BKV T-antigen lacks a substantial portion of the ATPase domain present in the SV40 T-antigen. Further results indicate the dispensability of the remaining portion for transformation by this protein. I suggest that the differences in the amino acids in the identified transformation domains together with the differences in the ATPase domains may account for the differences in the transformation potentials of the two proteins


identifier: Lindemann, Bernadette B. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Lindemann=3ABernadette_B=2E=3A=3A.html>   (2000) Etiology of eating disorders within a learned helplessness model of depression.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis is an attempt to parallel characteristics of anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN: with those of depressive disorder in order to re-frame the etiology and progression of these eating disorders within a learned helplessness model of depression.  In their 1993 publication, Seligman and his colleagues (Peterson, Maier, & Seligman) address the significance of the learned helpless theory in a contemporary society: -- Learned helplessness is an important theory for the present because those of us in the Western world seem to be living in an era in which personal control is an overarching issue.  We are also wary of the future. Because this incredible emphasis on personal control has its costs.  We argue that the epidemic of depression among young adults represents a disorder of personal control. Generally speaking, the incredible selfishness of the American people can be phrased in terms of personal control (p. 307). -- It is proposed that the anorexic and the bulimic patients' symptomatology is rooted in a loss of a  sense of control and of mastery, which can be traced to antecedent events. Consequently, these events or situations result in the eating-disordered patients'  feeling helpless, powerless, and not in control of circumstances affecting their lives. These feelings ultimately lead to a persistent negative affective state frequently reported in eating-disordered patients.  It is suggested that the depressive state is attributable to learned helplessness depression as initially defined by Seligman (1975).  The eating-disordered patient thwarts depressive feelings by focussing on her body, more specifically her weight.  The patient seeks control over the only perceivably controllable aspect of her life, her weight.  The thesis is presented in two parts: Part 1 is a literature review.  It provides background information which examines existing research in order to elicit core themes and commonalities that parallel learned helplessness depression with AN  and BN.  Included is the proposed learned helplessness model of AN and BN. Part 2 is a proposal for empirical research to explore the relationship among three constructs: depression, hopelessness, and locus of control, in a clinically diagnosed eating-disordered population compared to a non-clinical, gender and age-matched student population.