title: Secretory immunity in overweight and obese versus normal-weight early-and late-pubertal females

subject:
Obesity in children
Obesity in adolescence
Immunity

abstract:
Obesity is a condition associated with a wide variety of health problems including
hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, certain forms of cancer, cardiovascular
disease, and gallstones (157). TTiere is growing evidence that obesity may also be related
to compromised immune function due to altered metabolic, psychological, and physical
attributes (93).
The aim of this study was to compare: a) immunity-related variables such as
frequency of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and salivary secretory
immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels between overweight/obese (OB) and normal weight
(NW) early-pubertal and late-pubertal girls, and b) stress-related variables such as
Cortisol, melatonin, the melatonin/cortisol ratio, testosterone and the testosterone/cortisol
ratio. Physical activity levels, stress indicators, and fatigue were used to explain potential
differences in the dependent variables. It was hypothesized that the OB females would
have lower melatonin (M) and higher Cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) levels compared
with NW girls, regardless of maturity status. The altered levels of melatonin, Cortisol,
and testosterone, would result in decreased M/C and T/C ratios, despite the increase in
testosterone in OB females. It was hypothesized that this altered hormonal status results
in a compromised immunity marked by higher frequency of upper respiratory tract
infections (URTI) and decreased levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). It was
also hypothesized that OB girls would participate in less hours of physical activity than
their NW counterparts and that this would relate to their stress and immunity levels.
Forty (16 early- and 24 late-pubertal) overweight and obese females were
compared to fifty-three (27 eariy- and 26 late-pubertal) age-matched normal-weight
control subjects. Participants were categorized as early-pubertal (EP) or late-pubertal
(LP) using Tanner self-staging of secondary sex characteristics. Subjects were classified
into the two adiposity groups according to relative body fat (%BF), where normal weight
(NW) subjects had a %BF less than 25%, and overweight and obese (OB) subjects had a
%BF greater than 27.5%.
Participants completed a number of questionnaires and information was collected
on menstrual history, smoking history, alcohol and caffeine consumption, and medical
history. Following the determination of maturity status, a complete anthropometric
assessment was made including height, body mass, and body composition. All
questionnaires and measurements were completed during a one-hour visit between 1 500
and 1900 hours
Relative body fat was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Resting
saliva samples were obtained and assayed (ELISA) for testosterone, Cortisol, melatonin
and secretory immunoglobulin A. Physical activity was self-reported using the Godin-
Shephard Leisure time questionnaire, and quantified using Actigraph GTIM
accelerometers, which participants wore for seven consecutive days from the time they
woke up in the morning, until the time they went to bed. Late-pubertal girls also
completed questionnaires on their perceived stress and fatigue. Finally, all participants
also filled out a one-month health log to record frequency of symptoms of upper
respiratory tract infections (URTI).
Significant age effects were found for testosterone, Cortisol, incidence of sickness,
and sIgA when controlling for physical activity, however there were no significant effects
of adiposity on any of the variables. There was a trend which neared-significance for an
effect of adiposity on sIgA (p=0.01).
There were no significant differences between the groups on the total selfreported
leisure-time physical activity in METs per week, however EP girls recorded
significantly greater levels of moderate, hard, and very hard physical activity from
accelerometers.
Results of the perceived stress and fatigue questionnaires in late-pubertal girls
demonstrated that contrary to what was hypothesized, NW girls reported more stress and
more fatigue than OB girls.
Results of the present study suggest that excess adiposity in early- and latepubescent
girls may not have a negative impact on immunity as hypothesized.


title: Coaches' use of and impressions of computer-mediated communication (CMC) media /

subject:
Coaching (Athletics)
Communication.
Telematics

abstract:
The study examined coaches' usage of text-based computer-mediated
communication (CMC) media (e.g., text-messaging, email) in the coach-player
relationship.
Data were collected by surveying Ontario-based male baseball coaches (n = 86)
who coached players between 15 and 18 years old. Predictions were made regarding how
demographic factors such as age and coaching experience affected coaches' CMC use
and opinions.
Results indicated that over 76% of respondents never used any CMC media other
than email and team websites in their interactions with players. Results also revealed that
coaches' usage rates contrasted with their opinion of the usefulness of the media, and
their perception of players' use of the media.
Coaches characterized most CMC media as limited, unnecessary, and sometimes
inappropriate. Additional research should explore players' CMC usage rates and possible
guidelines for use of the new media in authority relationships. Academia needs to keep
pace with the developments in this area.


title: The validation of heart rate variability in individuals with spinal cord injury

subject:
Heart rate monitoring.
Heart beat
Autonomic nervous system.
Cardiovascular system
Spinal cord

abstract:
The current classification system for spinal cord injury (SCI) considers only somatic
information and neglects autonomic damage after injiuy. Heart rate variability (HRV) has
the potential to be a valuable measure of cardiac autonomic control after (SCI). Five
individuals with tetraplegia and four able-bodied controls underwent 1 min continuous
ECG recordings during rest, after Metoprolol administration (max dose=3x5mg) and after
Atropine administration (0.02mg/kg) in both supine and 40° head-up tilt. After
Metoprolol administration there was a 61.8% decrease in the LF:HF ratio in the SCI
participants suggesting that the LF:HF ratio is a reflection of cardiac sympathetic
outflow. After Atropine administration there was a 99.1% decrease in the HF power in
the SCI participants suggesting that HF power is highly representative of cardiac
parasympathetic outflow. There were no significant differences between the SCI and
able-bodied participants. Thus, HRV measures are a valid index of cardiac autonomic
control after SCI.


title: Synthesis of chiral homoallylic alcohols and phthalans through the asymmetric allylation of carbonyl compounds /

subject:
Asymmetric synthesis.
Carbonyl compounds.
Chiral drugs.
Biochemistry.

abstract:
The implementation of chiral centres within biologically active compounds has
been a perplexing yet motivational force in chemistry. This work presents the
attempted formation of a concurrent or sequential tandem catalyzed methodology of
enantioselective nucleophilic addition and electrophilic cyclization. The 2'-
arylalkynyl- aldehyde, ketone, and imine substrates used within were adeptly chosen
with a dually activated structure; 1) for nucleophilic addition to the electrophilic
substituents; and 2) for carbophilic activation of the alkyne substituent to undergo
cyclization. To accomplish the nucleophilic addition, two distinct allylation
methodologies were pursued: (/?)-BINOL catalyzed-allylboration and (5)-
BINAP-AgF catalyzed-allylsilylation. BINAP catalyzed enantioselective allylation of
2'-arylalkynyl-aldehydes, to form chiral homoallylic alcohols, was successful.
Homoallylic alcohols were isolated with high enantio-purity (>80%), which then
underwent sequential cyclization to form chiral allylic phthalans, in moderate yields.
An application of this methodology towards the construction of biologically active
compounds was included with the partial synthesis of the natural product and H.
pylori inhibitor, (+)-Spirolaxine methyl ether.


title: Seasonal changes in behavioural and thermoregulatory responses to hypoxia in the Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) /

subject:
Anoxemia.
Eastern chipmunk.

abstract:
Mammalian heterotherms, such as hibemators, are known to be more tolerant of low
oxygen tensions than their homeothermic counterparts. It has been suggested that this relative
hypoxia tolerance is related to their ability to deal with dramatic changes in body temperature
during entry to and arousal from torpor. However, hibemators demonstrate dramatic seasonality
in both daily heterothermy and overall torpor expression. It was of interest to test if seasonal
comparisons of normothermic individuals within a single species with the capacity to hibernate
produce changes in the response to hypoxia that would reflect a seasonal change in tolerance to
low oxygen. In particular, the species studied, the Eastern chipmunk {Tamias striatus), is known
to enter into torpor exclusively in the winter. To test for seasonal differences in the metabolic
and thermoregulatory responses to hypoxia, flow-through respirometry was used to compare
metabolic rate, minimum thermal conductance, body temperature, and a thermal gradient used to
assess selected ambient temperature in response to hypoxia in both summer and winter
acclimated animals. Although the animals periodically expressed torpor throughout the winter,
no differences between season in resting metabolic rate, body temperature or minimum thermal
conductance were observed in normoxia. The metabolic trials indicated that chipmunks are less
responsive to hypoxia in the winter than they are in the summer. Although body temperature
dropped in response to hypoxia in both seasons, the decrease was less in the winter, and there
was no corresponding decrease in metabolic rate. Providing the animals with a choice of ambient
temperatures in hypoxia resulted in a blunting of the drop in body temperature in both seasons,
suggesting that the reported fall in body temperature set point in hypoxia is not fully manifested
in the behavioural pathways responsible for thermoregulation in chipmunks. Instead, body
temperature in hypoxia appears to be highly dependent on ambient temperature and oxygen
concentration. The results of this study suggest that the season in which the responses to hypoxia
are measured is important, especially in a heterotherm where seasonality can affect the degree to
1
which the animal is tolerant of hypoxia. Winter-acclimated chipmunks appear more capable of
defending metabolic heat production in hypoxia, a response consistent with the increased
thermogenic capacity observed in animals that must periodically enter and arouse from torpor
during hibernation.


title: Glucose dynamics in rat skeletal muscle : recovery from osmotic stress

subject:
Blood sugar.
Rats

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine cell glucose kinetics in rat skeletal
muscle during iso-osmotic recovery from hyper- and hypo-osmotic stress. Rat
EDL muscles were incubated for sixty minutes in either HYPO (190 mmol/kg),
ISO (290 mmol/kg), or HYPER (400 mmol/kg) media (Sigma medium-199, 8 mM
glucose) according to an established in vitro whole muscle model. In addition to
sixty minute baseline measures in aniso-osmotic conditions, (HYPO-0 n=8; ISO-
0, n=S; HYPER-0, n=8), muscles were subjected to either one minute (HYPO-1
n=8; ISO-1, n=8; HYPER-1, n=8) or five minutes (HYPO-5 n=8; ISO-5, n=8;
HYPER-5, n=8) of iso-osmotic recovery media and analyzed for metabolite
content and glycogen synthase percent activation. To determine glucose uptake
during iso-osmotic recovery, muscles (n=6 per group) were incubated for sixty
minutes in either hypo-, iso-, or hyper-osmotic media immediately followed by
five minutes of iso-osmotic media containing
3H-glucose and 14
C-mannitol.
Increased relative water content/decreased [glucose] (observed in HYPO-0) and
decreased water content/increased [glucose] (observed in HYPER-0) returned to
ISO levels within 5 minutes of recovery. Glycogen synthase percent activation
increased significantly in HYPO-5 over iso-osmotic controls. Glucose uptake
measurements revealed no significant differences between groups. It was
determined that [glucose] and muscle water content rapidly recovered from
osmotic stress demonstrating skeletal muscle's resilience to osmotic stress.


title: Mechanisms of endothelin-1 induced reactive oxygen species production in vascular adventitial fibroblasts

subject:
Endothelins
Cardiovascular agents.
Active oxygen
Angiotensin II

abstract:
With the relationship between endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulation and reactive
oxygen species (ROS) production unknown in adventitial fibroblasts, I examined the
ROS response to ET-1 and angiotensin (Ang II).
ET-1 -induced ROS peaked following 4 hrs of ET-1 stimulation and was
inhibited by an ETA receptor antagonist (BQ 123, 1 uM) an extracellular signal-regulated
kinase (ERK) 1/2 inhibitor (PD98059, 10 uM), and by both a specific, apocynin (10 uM),
and non-specific, diphenyleneiodonium (10 uM), NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor. NOX2
knockout fibroblasts did not produce an ET-1 induced change in ROS levels.
Ang II treatment increased ROS levels in a biphasic manner, with the second peak
occurring 6 hrs following stimulation. The secondary phase of Ang II induced ROS was
inhibited by an ATi receptor antagonist, Losartan (100 uM) and BQ 123.
In conclusion, ET-1 induces ROS production primarily through an ETA-ERKl/2
NOX2 pathway, additionally, Ang II-induced ROS production also involves an ETa
pathway.


title: Lifespan, body size and oxygen : aerobic metabolism and oxidative stress in cultured fibroblasts /

subject:
Cell metabolism.
Oxidative stress.
Fibroblasts.

abstract:
The allometric scaling relationship observed between metabolic rate (MR) and species
body mass can be partially explained by differences in cellular MR (Porter & Brand, 1995).
Here, I studied cultured cell lines derived from ten mammalian species to determine whether
cells propagated in an identical environment exhibited MR scaling. Oxidative and anaerobic
metabolic parameters did not scale significantly with donor body mass in cultured cells,
indicating the absence of an intrinsic MR setpoint. The rate of oxygen delivery has been
proposed to limit cellular metabolic rates in larger organisms (West et al., 2002). As such cells
were cultured under a variety of physiologically relevant oxygen tensions to investigate the
effect of oxygen on cellular metabolic rates. Exposure to higher medium oxygen tensions
resulted in increased metabolic rates in all cells. Higher MRs have the potential to produce more
reactive oxygen species (ROS) which could cause genomic instability and thus reduced lifespan.
Longer-lived species are more resistant to oxidative stress (Kapahi et al, 1999), which may be
due to greater antioxidant and/or DNA repair capacities. This hypothesis was addressed by
culturing primary dermal fibroblasts from eight mammalian species ranging in maximum
lifespan from 5 to 120 years. Only the antioxidant manganese superoxide dismutases (MnSOD)
positively scaled with species lifespan (p<0.01). Oxidative damage to DNA is primarily repaired
by the base excision repair (BER) pathway. BER enzyme activities showed either no correlation
or as in the case of polymerase p correlated, negatively with donor species (p<0.01 ). Typically,
mammalian cells are cultured in a 20% O2 (atmospheric) environment, which is several-fold
higher than cells experience in vivo. Therefore, the secondary aim of this study was to determine
the effect of culturing mammalian cells at a more physiological oxygen tension (3%) on BER,
and antioxidant, enzyme activities. Consistently, standard culture conditions induce higher
antioxidant and DNA ba.se excision repair activities than are present under a more physiological
oxygen concentration. Therefore, standard culture conditions are inappropriate for studies of
oxidative stress-induced activities and species differences in fibroblast DNA BER repair
capacities may represent differences in ability to respond to oxidative stress. An interesting
outcome firom this study was that some inherent cellular properties are maintained in culture (i.e.
stress responses) while others are not (i.e. MR).


title: Electronic and magnetic properties of LaV1-xO3 /

subject:
Lanthanum compounds
Superconductors
Thermoelectric materials.

abstract:
A series of LaVi^xOs compounds (x=0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) were prepeired using the
standard solid reaction. The samples were chareicterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourprobe
resistivity, smd magnetic susceptibility studies.
Powder X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the formation of a single-phase sample with a
orthorhombic structure which was first found in GdFeOs (space group Pnma) . The Unit Cell
program was used for calculating lattice peirameters from XFID data. The XRD spectnim
could be indexed on a cubic lattice with Og = 2ap ~ (7.8578 to 7.9414 A). The lattice
parameter was observed to increase as the Vanadium vacancy increased.
Four-probe resistivity measurements exhibited semiconductor behavior for all sajnples
from room temperature down to 19K. The resistivity of samples increased with increasing
Vanadium vacancy. The resistivity of samples demonstrated activated conduction with an
activation energy of approximately 0.2 eV. The activation energy increased with increasing
lattice parameter.
Field cool magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed with field of 500 G from
300 K to 5 K. These measurements indicated the presence of an antiferromagnetic transition
at about 140 K. The data was fitted above Neel temperature to Ciurie-Weiss law yielding a
negative parameignetic Curie temperature. This implies that antiferromagnetic ordering is
present.


title: Nestmate recognition in the large carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica /

subject:
Xylocopa
Carpenter bees
Social behavior in animals.

abstract:
Abstract
Many species of social insects have the ability to recognize their nestmates. In
bees, sociality is maintained by bees that recognize which individuals should be helped
and which should be hanned in order to maximize fitness (either inclusive or individual)
(Hamilton 1964; Lin and Michener 1972). Since female bees generally lay eggs in a
single nest, it is highly likely that bees found cohabitating in the same nest are siblings.
According to the kin selection hypothesis, individuals should cooperate and avoid
aggression with same sex nestmates (Hamilton 1964). However, in opposite sex pairs that
are likely kin, aggression should increase among nestmates as an expression of
inbreeding avoidance (Lihoreau et al. 2007). Female bees often guard nest entrances,
recognizing and excluding foreign conspecific females that threaten to steal nest
resources (Breed and Page 1991). Conversely, males that aggressively guard territories
should avoid aggression towards other males that are likely kin (Shellman-Reeve and
Gamboa 1984). In order to test whether Xy/ocopa virginica can distinguish nestmates
from non-nestmates, circle tube testing arenas were used. Measures of aggression,
cooperation and tolerance were evaluated to detennine the presence of nestmate
recognition in this species.
The results of this study indicate that male and female X virginica have the
ability to distinguish nestmates from non-nestmates. Individuals in same sex pairs
demonstrated increased pushing, biting, and C-posturing when faced with non-nestmates.
Males in same sex pairs also attempted to pass (unsuccessfully) nOIl-nestmates more
often than ncstmates, suggesting that this behaviour may be an cxpression of dominancc
in males. Increased cooperation exemplified by successful passes was not observed
among nestmates. However, incrcased tolerance in the [onn of head-to-head touching
was observed for nestmates in female same sex and opposite sex pairs. These results
supported the kin selection hypothesis. Moreover, increased tolerance among opposite
sex non-nestmates suggested that X virginica do not demonstrate inbreeding avoidance
among nestmates.
3
The second part of this study was conducted to establish the presence and extent
of drifting, or travelling to different nests, in a Xylocopa virgillica population. Drifting in
flying Hymenoptera is reported to be the result of navigation error and guard bees
erroneously admitting novel individuals into the nest (Michener 1966). Since bees in this
study were individually marked and captured at nest entrances, the locations where
individuals were caught allowed me to determine where and how often bees travelled
from nest to nest. Ifbees were captured near their home nests, changing nests may have
been deliberate or explained by navigational error. However, ifbees were found in nests
further away from their homes, this provides stronger evidence that flying towards a
novel nest may have been deliberate.
Female bees are often faithful to their own nests (Kasuya 1981) and no drifting
was expected in female X virginica because they raise brood and contribute to nest
maintenance activities. Contrary to females, males were not expected to remain faithful to
a single nest. Results showed that many more females drifted than expected and that they
were most often recaptured in a single nest, either their home nest or a novel nest. There
were some females that were never caught in the same nest twice. In addition, females
drifted to further nests when population density was low (in 2007), suggesting they seek
out and claim nesting spaces when they are available. Males, as expected, showed the
opposite pattern and most males drifted from nest to nest, never recaptured in the same location. This pattern indicates that males may be nesting wherever space is available, or
nesting in benches nearest to their territories. This study reveals that both female and
male X virginica are capable of nestmate recognition and use this ability in a dynamic
environment, where nest membership is not as stable as once thought.


title: Conformational analysis of antibody binding site using EDMA methods /

subject: Immunoglobulins Antigens

abstract:
Euclidean distance matrix analysis (EDMA) methods are used to distinguish whether
or not significant difference exists between conformational samples of antibody
complementarity determining region (CDR) loops, isolated LI loop and LI in three-loop
assembly (LI, L3 and H3) obtained from Monte Carlo simulation. After the significant
difference is detected, the specific inter-Ca distance which contributes to the difference is
identified using EDMA.The estimated and improved mean forms of the conformational samples of isolated
LI loop and LI loop in three-loop assembly, CDR loops of antibody binding site, are
described using EDMA and distance geometry (DGEOM). To the best of our knowledge,
it is the first time the EDMA methods are used to analyze conformational samples of
molecules obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. Therefore, validations of the EDMA
methods using both positive control and negative control tests for the conformational
samples of isolated LI loop and LI in three-loop assembly must be done.
The EDMA-I bootstrap null hypothesis tests showed false positive results for the
comparison of six samples of the isolated LI loop and true positive results for
comparison of conformational samples of isolated LI loop and LI in three-loop assembly.
The bootstrap confidence interval tests revealed true negative results for comparisons of
six samples of the isolated LI loop, and false negative results for the conformational
comparisons between isolated LI loop and LI in three-loop assembly. Different
conformational sample sizes are further explored by combining the samples of isolated
LI loop to increase the sample size, or by clustering the sample using self-organizing
map (SOM) to narrow the conformational distribution of the samples being comparedmolecular conformations. However, there is no improvement made for both bootstrap
null hypothesis and confidence interval tests. These results show that more work is
required before EDMA methods can be used reliably as a method for comparison of
samples obtained by Monte Carlo simulations.


title: Petrography and geochemistry of the McArthur Township area, Ontario /

subject: Petrology Geochemistry

abstract:
The McArthur Township area in the Archean Abitibi Belt of northeast
Ontario contains northwesterly trending volcanic rocks which are located
on a limb of a large syncline. The axial trace of the syncline passes
through the adjacent Douglas Township. The Archean volcanic rocks and
associated sedimentary rocks are intruded and deformed by two large plutons
and a few smaller hypabyssal intrusions.
A petrographic and geochemical study of the Precambrian rocks exposed
1n the study area was undertaken in order to investigate the metamorphic
grade and geochemical characteristics of the rocks. All the samples were
studied with the microscope and analysis of 20 major and trace elements
were determined on a selection of the less altered specimens by x-ray
fluorescence.
Three different periods of igneous activity have occurred in the
study area. The first two periods were dominated by volcanic extrusive
rocks accompanied by gabbroic sills. The third cycle is the diapiric
intrusion of the granitic plutons and subsequent metamorphism of the
older rocks to the low to medium grade. Two periods of sedimentation are
also recognized in the study area which occurred after the first and second
cycle of volcanism.
Chemically, the lavas are subdivided into three main associations:
(1) The komatiitic association is characterized by high MgO, high Ni,
low Ti02 and a low FeO*/(FeO* + MgO) ratio. They occupy the base of each
volcanic cycle and some of the flows exhibit spinifex textures.
(2) The tholeiitic association displays distinct iron and titanium enrichment
trends in the intermediate membersor -i r
(3) The calc-alkaline association contains low FeO* and TI02 and high
Ni contents relative to modern calc-alkaline types. They are formed at
the end of each cycle of volcanism and overlie the tholeiitic flows. All
three associations of the first volcanic cycle are exposed in the study
area, while the second cycle is represented by a komatiltic sequence.
The volcanic rocks were possibly formed by multiple partial melting
of the Archean mantle to produce parental magmas under various P - T
conditions.


title: The effect of elevated muscle fluid volume on indices of muscle damage following an acute bout of eccentric exercise

subject:
Muscles
Exercise
Muscle cells.
Muscles

abstract:
The primary purpose of the current investigation was to develop an elevated
muscle fluid level using a human in-vivo model. The secondary purpose was to
determine if an increased muscle fluid content could alter the acute muscle
damage response following a bout of eccentric exercise. Eight healthy,
recreationally active males participated in a cross-over design involving two
randomly assigned trials. A hydration trial (HYD) consisting of a two hour infusion
of a hypotonic (0.45%) saline at a rate of 20mL/minVl .73m"^ and a control trial
(CON), separated by four weeks. Following the infusion (HYD) or rest period
(CON), participants completed a single leg isokinetic eccentric exercise protocol
of the quadriceps, consisting of 10 sets of 10 repetitions with a one minute rest
between each set. Muscle biopsies were collected prior to the exercise,
immediately following and at three hours post exercise. Muscle analysis included
determination of wet-dry ratios and quantification of muscle damage using
toluidine blue staining and light microscopy. Blood samples were collected prior
to, immediately post, three and 24 hours post exercise to determine changes in
creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Creactive
protein (CRP) levels. Results demonstrated an increased muscle fluid
volume in the HYD condition following the infusion when compared to the CON
condition. Isometric peak torque was significantly reduced following the exercise
in both the HYD and CON conditions. There were no significant differences in the
number of areas of muscle damage at any of the time points in either condition,
with no differences between conditions. CK levels were significantly greater
24hour post exercise compared to pre, immediately and three hours post
similarly in both conditions. LD in the HYD condition followed a similar trend as
CK with 24 hour levels higher than pre, immediately post and three hours post
and LD levels were significantly greater 24 hours post compared to pre levels in
the CON condition, with no differences between conditions. A significant main
effect for time was observed for CRP (p<0.05) for time, such that CRP levels
increased consistently at each subsequent time point. However, CRP and IL-6
levels were not different at any of the measured time points when comparing the
two conditions. Although the current investigation was able to successfully
increase muscle fluid volume and an increased CK, LD and CRP were observed,
no muscle damage was observed following the eccentric exercise protocol in the
CON or HYD conditions. Therefore, the hypotonic infusion used in the HYD
condition proved to be a viable method to acutely increase muscle fluid content in
in-vivo human skeletal muscle.


title: Crystal growth, Raman scattering and optical properties of the superconductor Cd2Re2O7(16O, 18O)/

subject:
Organic superconductors
Crystal growth.
Raman effect.

abstract:
Using the Physical Vapor Transport method, single crystals of Cd2Re207 have been grown, and
crystals of dimensions up to 8x6x2 mm have been achieved.
X-ray diffraction from a single crystal of Cd2Re207 has showed the crystal growth in the (111)
plane. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on ^^O and ^^O samples, however no
difference was observed. Assigning the space group Fd3m to Cd2Re207 at room temperature and
using structure factor analysis, the powder X-ray diffraction pattern of the sample was explained
through systematic reflection absences.
The temperatiure dependence of the resistivity measurement of ^^O has revealed two structural
phase transitions at 120 and 200 K, and the superconducting transition at 1.0 K.
Using Factor Group Analysis on three different structiures of Cd2Re207, the number of IR and
Raman active phonon modes close to the Brillouin zone centre have been determined and the results
have been compared to the temperature-dependence of the Raman shifts of ^^O and ^*0 samples. After
scaling (via removing Bose-Einstein and Rayleigh scattering factors from the scattered light) all
spectra, each spectrum was fitted with a number of Lorentzian peaks. The temperature-dependence
of the FWHM and Raman shift of mode Eg, shows the effects of the two structurjil phase transitions
above Tc.
The absolute reflectance of Cd2Re207 - '^O single crystals in the far-infrared spectral region
(7-700 cm~^) has been measured in the superconducting state (0.5 K), right above the superconducting
state (1.5 K), and in the normal state (4.2 K).
Thermal reflectance of the sample at 0.5 K and 1.5 K indicates a strong absorption feature close
to 10 cm~^ in the superconducting state with a reference temperature of 4.2 K.
By means of Kramers-Kronig analysis, the absolute reflectance was used to calculate the optical
conductivity and dielectric function. The real part of optical conductivity shows five distinct active
phonon modes at 44, 200, 300, 375, and 575 cm~' at all temperatures including a Drude-like
behavior at low frequencies. The imaginary part of the calculated dielectric function indicates a
mode softening of the mode 44 cm~' below Tc.


title: A hypothesis for the geochemical anomaly in the North Creek Watershed /

subject: Geochemistry

abstract:
A regional geochemical reconnaissance by bottom stream sediment
sampling, has delineated an area of high metal content in the north central
sector of the North Creek Watershed. Development of a geochemical model,
relating to the relative chemical concentrations derived from the chemical
analyses of bottom sediments, suspended sediments, stream waters and well
waters collected from the north central sector, was designed to discover the
source of the anomaly. Samples of each type of material were analysed by
the A.R.L. Direct Reading Multi-element Emission Spectrograph Q.A. 137 for
elements: Na, K, Ca, Sr, Si, As, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Ti, Ag, Mo, Be, Fe, AI,
Mn, Cu, Cr, P and Y. Anomalous results led to the discovery of a spring, the
waters of which carried high concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Ti, Ag,
Sr and Si. In addition, the spring waters had high concentrations of Na, Ca,
Mg, 504 , alkalinity, N03' and low concentrations of K, Cl and NH3. Increased
specific conductivity (up to 2500 ~mho/cm.) was noted in the spring waters
as well as increased calculated total dissolved solids (up to 2047 mg/l) and
increased ionic strength (up to 0.06). On the other hand, decreases were
noted in water temperature (8°C), pH (pH 7.2) and Eh (+.154 volts).
Piezometer nests were installed in the anomalous north central sector
of the watershed. In accordance with the slope of the piezometric surface
from wells cased down to the till/bedrock interface, groundwater flow is
directed from the recharge area (northwest of the anomaly) towards the
artesian spring via the highly fractured dolostone aquifer of the Upper
Eramosa Member. The bedrock aquifer is confined by the overlying Halton
till and the underlying Lower Eramosa Member (Vinemount Shale). The
oxidation of sphalerite and galena and the dissolution of gypsum, celestite,
calcite, and dolomite within the Eramosa Member, contributed its highly,
dissolved constituents to the circulating groundwaters, the age of which
is greater than 20 years as determined by tritium dating. Groundwater is
assumed to flow along the Vinemount Shale and discharge as an artesian spring
where the shale unit becomes discontinuous. The anomaly is located on a
topographic low where bedrock is close to the surface.
Thermodynamic evaluation of the major ion speciation from the anomalous
spring and surface waters, showed gypsum to be supersaturated in these spring
waters. Downstream from the spring, the loss of carbon dioxide from the
spring waters resulted in the supersaturation with respect to calcite,
aragonite, magnesite and dolomite. This corresponded with increases in
Eh (+.304 volts) and pH (pH 8.5) in the anomalous surface waters.
In conclusion, the interaction of groundwaters within the highly,
mineralized carbonate source (Eramosa Member) resulted in the characteristic
Ca*Mg*HC03*S04 spring water at the anomalous site, which appeared to be the
principle effect upon controlling the anomalous surface water chemistry.


title: Postglacial paleoecology and effects of European settlement on the environment of Lake Hunger and Lake Lisgar, Southwestern Ontario /

subject:
Paleoecology
Glacial epoch

abstract:
This investigation has three purposes I to make a comparative
chemical study on sediment cores collected for Lake
Lisgar (man-made lake in an urban center) and Lake Hunger
(natural basin in a rural community) encompassing the time
since European settlement I to determine the postglacial chemical
history of Lake Hunger, and to determine the vegetational
history of the Lake Hunger area from postglacial time to the
present.
The minus 80 mesh fraction of 108 soil samples and 18
stream sediment samples collected in the vicinity of Lakes'
Lisgar and Hunger were analyzed for cold hydrochloric acid
soluble lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, aluminum, sodium,
potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese. Lacustrine
sediments from 5 boreholes in the Lake Lisgar basin were
collected. Boreholes 1, 2, 3, and 4 were analyzed for palynological
and chemical information and Borehole 5 was subjected
to pollen and ostracode analysis. Lacustrine sediments from
6 boreholes in the Lake Hunger basin were collected. Palyno-
-logical and chemical analysis were performed on Boreholes 1, 2,
3, 4, and 6 and Borehole 5 was analyzed for pollen. In addition,
radiocarbon dates were obtained on sediment samples from
Boreholes 4 and 5. A total of 8 surface samples were collected
from the margins of the Lake Hunger basin and these were
chemically analyzed in the laboratory. All of the lacustrine
sediments were ashed and analyzed for cold hydrochloric acid
soluble lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, aluminum, sodium,
potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese using a Perkin Elmer 40) Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer. The results
. obtained for the 12 elements were expressed as parts per million
in dry sediments.
It was found that man's influence on the element distribution
patterns in the sediments of Lake Lisgar appeared to be related
to his urbanizing developments within the lake vicinity,
whereas, the rural developments in the vicinity of lake Hunger
appeared to have had little effect on the element distribution
patterns in the lake sediments.
The distribution patterns of lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt,
aluminum, magnesium, sodium and potassium are similar to the
% ash curve throughout postglacial time indicating that the
rate of erosion in the drainage basin is the main factor which
controls the concentration of these elements in the sediments
of Lake Hunger.
The vegetational history, from palynological analysis, of
Lake Hunger from postglacial time to the present includes the
following stages: tundra, open spruce forest, closed boreal
forest, deciduous forest and the trend towards the re-establishment
of pine following the clearing of land and the subsequent
settlement of the Lake Hunger area by European settlers.
The concentrations of some elements (cobalt, nickel, iron,
manganese, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) in the
sediments of Lake Hunger appears to be higher during pre-cultural
compared to post-cultural times. At least one complete postglacial
record of the chemical history within a lake basin is
necessary in order to accurately assess man's effects on his
environment.


title: The development of automated methods for the determination of trace concentrations of carbomate pesticides in water using solid sorbent pre-concentration methods and high performance liquid chromatography /

subject:
Trace elements in water
Carbamates.
Pesticides.
Sorbents.
High performance liquid chromatography.
Trace elements in water.

abstract:
Several automated reversed-phase HPLC methods have been
developed to determine trace concentrations of carbamate
pesticides (which are of concern in Ontario environmental samples)
in water by utilizing two solid sorbent extraction techniques.
One of the methods is known as on-line pre-concentration'.
This technique involves passing 100 milliliters of sample water
through a 3 cm pre-column, packed with 5 micron ODS sorbent, at
flow rates varying from 5-10 mUmin. By the use of a valve
apparatus, the HPLC system is then switched to a gradient mobile
phase program consisting of acetonitrile and water. The analytes,
Propoxur, Carbofuran, Carbaryl, Propham, Captan, Chloropropham,
Barban, and Butylate, which are pre-concentrated on the pre-column,
are eluted and separated on a 25 cm C-8 analytical column and
determined by UV absorption at 220 nm. The total analytical time is
60 minutes, and the pre-column can be used repeatedly for the
analysis of as many as thirty samples. The method is highly
sensitive as 100 percent of the analytes present in the sample can
be injected into the HPLC. No breakthrough of any of the analytes
was observed and the minimum detectable concentrations range
from 10 to 480 ng/L. The developed method is totally automated for
the analysis of one sample.
When the above mobile phase is modified with a buffer
solution, Aminocarb, Benomyl, and its degradation product, MBC, can
also be detected along with the above pesticides with baseline
resolution for all of the analytes. The method can also be easily modified to determine Benomyl and MBC both as solute and as
particulate matter.
By using a commercially available solid phase extraction
cartridge, in lieu of a pre-column, for the extraction and
concentration of analytes, a completely automated method has been
developed with the aid of the Waters Millilab Workstation. Sample
water is loaded at 10 mL/min through a cartridge and the
concentrated analytes are eluted from the sorbent with acetonitrile.
The resulting eluate is blown-down under nitrogen, made up to
volume with water, and injected into the HPLC. The total analytical
time is 90 minutes. Fifty percent of the analytes present in the
sample can be injected into the HPLC, and recoveries for the above
eight pesticides ranged from 84 to 93 percent. The minimum
detectable concentrations range from 20 to 960 ng/L. The developed
method is totally automated for the analysis of up to thirty
consecutive samples. The method has proven to be applicable to both
purer water samples as well as untreated lake water samples.


title: Significance of DNA base excision repair in the maintenance of mitochondrial function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae /

subject:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Fungal molecular biology.
Mitochondria.
DNA repair.

abstract:
Mitochondria have an important role in cell metabolism, being the major site of ATP
production via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Accumulation of mtDNA
mutations have been linked to the development of respiratory dysfunction, apoptosis, and
aging. Base excision repair (BER) is the major and the only certain repair pathway
existing in mitochondria that is in responsible for removing and repairing various base
modifications as well as abasic sites (AP sites). In this research, Saccharomyces
cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) BER gene knockout strains, including 3 single DNA
glycosylase gene knockout strains and Ap endonuclease (Apn 1 p) knockout strain were
used to examine the importance of this DNA repair pathway to the maintenance of
respiratory function. Here, I show that individual DNA glycosylases are nonessential in
maintenance of normal function in yeast mitochondria, corroborating with previous
research in mammalian experimental models. The yeast strain lacking Apn 1 p activity
exhibits respiratory deficits, including inefficient and significantly low intracellular ATP
level, which maybe due to partial uncoupling of OXPHOS. Growth of this yeast strain on
respiratory medium is inhibited, but no evidence was found for increased ROS level in
Apn 1 p mitochondria. This strain also shows an increased cell size, and this observation
combined with an uncoupled OXPHOS may indicate a premature aging in the Apnlp
knockout strain, but more evidence is needed to support this hypothesis. However, the
BER is necessary for maintenance of mitochondrial function in respiring S.cerevisiae.


title: Some ecological effects of beaver upon the watersheds in the Porcupine Hills, Alberta /

subject: Watersheds Beavers.

abstract:
This ecological investigation of the beaver (Castor
canadensis canadensis Kuhl) was part of the Eastern Slopes
(Alberta) Watershed Research program conducted during the summers
of 1968 . 1969 . 1970. and 1971 .
A soil particle size analysis indicated that soil heavy
with clay was used by the beaver for construction purposes in
the Porcupine Hills . Examples were given of the beaver
controlling erosion with the construction of dams . and also
causing erosion to occur . However . in general . the beaver slow
down soil erosion and decrease the loss of soil from this region.
The beaver utilized measureable amounts of herbaceous
vegetation . However, the utilization of herbs by the beaver
requires further investigation. A system of ex~sures and
enclosures of herbaceous vegetation plots was used to study the
utilization of sedges , grasses , and forbs .
The beaver indicated stronger species preference for willow
as compared to aspen . The size preference for willow was in the
1.0 to 10.0 centimeters basal diameter classes , while the beaver
utilization of aspen indicated a preference for the largest
trees with basal diameter greater than 20.0 centimeters.
Willow was the most important plant in the low lying areas
with regard to distribution, abundance and to produce sustained
yield. The beaver used this plant for food and construction
throughout the study area. The distribution of aspen was
limited. and this species did not appear to produce more than
one crop in the lifetime of a beaver colony. Nine out of 15
woody plant types were sampled by the beaver in this region.
A plot-intercept transect technique was used for systematic
vegetation sampling of the woody vegetation in six intensively
studied watersheds.
The beaver population of the Porcupine Hills region of
SW-Alberta is believed to depend upon the chinooks. During the
1971 ground census, a total of 60 active beaver colonies were
tallied on the 930 square kilometers large study area. The
beaver of the region were not found to store large food caches
during fall and winter, however, they are believed to collect
feed periodically throughout the winter months. It was observed
that the severe winter in 1968-69, reduced by 27 per cent the
number of active beaver colonies within the study area.
The Porcupine Hills region had 0.07 beaver colony per
square kilometer in 1971, a low density of beaver colonies due
to the rough topography of the area. However, the importance
of the beaver ponds was somewhat clarified as they provide
increased moisture, which lessens the fire damage, and store
water for wildlife and cattle in the area.
Meteorological data was collected by the author in
collaboration with the Department of Transport.


title: Confocal and two-photon microscopy : image enhancement /

subject:
Confocal microscopy.
Fluorescence microscopy.
Three-dimensional imaging

abstract:
Confocal and two-photon microcopy have become essential tools in biological research and
today many investigations are not possible without their help. The valuable advantage that
these two techniques offer is the ability of optical sectioning. Optical sectioning makes it
possible to obtain 3D visuahzation of the structiu-es, and hence, valuable information of the
structural relationships, the geometrical, and the morphological aspects of the specimen.
The achievable lateral and axial resolutions by confocal and two-photon microscopy, similar
to other optical imaging systems, are both defined by the diffraction theorem. Any aberration
and imperfection present during the imaging results in broadening of the calculated
theoretical resolution, blurring, geometrical distortions in the acquired images that interfere
with the analysis of the structures, and lower the collected fluorescence from the specimen.
The aberrations may have different causes and they can be classified by their sources such
as specimen-induced aberrations, optics-induced aberrations, illumination aberrations, and
misalignment aberrations.
This thesis presents an investigation and study of image enhancement. The goal of this
thesis was approached in two different directions. Initially, we investigated the sources of
the imperfections. We propose methods to eliminate or minimize aberrations introduced
during the image acquisition by optimizing the acquisition conditions. The impact on the
resolution as a result of using a coverslip the thickness of which is mismatched with the one
that the objective lens is designed for was shown and a novel technique was introduced in
order to define the proper value on the correction collar of the lens. The amoimt of spherical
aberration with regard to t he numerical aperture of the objective lens was investigated and
it was shown that, based on the purpose of our imaging tasks, different numerical apertures must be used. The deformed beam cross section of the single-photon excitation source was
corrected and the enhancement of the resolution and image quaUty was shown. Furthermore,
the dependency of the scattered light on the excitation wavelength was shown empirically.
In the second part, we continued the study of the image enhancement process by deconvolution
techniques. Although deconvolution algorithms are used widely to improve the
quality of the images, how well a deconvolution algorithm responds highly depends on the
point spread function (PSF) of the imaging system applied to the algorithm and the level of
its accuracy. We investigated approaches that can be done in order to obtain more precise
PSF. Novel methods to improve the pattern of the PSF and reduce the noise are proposed.
Furthermore, multiple soiu'ces to extract the PSFs of the imaging system are introduced and
the empirical deconvolution results by using each of these PSFs are compared together. The
results confirm that a greater improvement attained by applying the in situ PSF during the
deconvolution process.


title: Host-parasite relationships in mycoparasite /

subject:
Host-parasite relationships.
Mycology.
Fungi.

abstract:
A mycoparasite, Piptocephalis virginiana ^ shows
a resemblance to fungal parasites of higher plants in
the fine structure of hyphae and haustoria. The morphology
and fine structure of host and parasitic fungi have been
described. The mode of penetration of the host cell,
Choanephora cucurbitarum , probably involves mechanical
forces. Although the presence
of cell wall degrading enzyme was not detected by
conventional techniques, its role in penetration can't
be ruled out. A collar around the haustorial neck is formed
as an extension of the host cell wall. No papilla was
detected although appressorixim was seen during penetration.
The young haustorium is enclosed in highly invaginating
plasmalemma of the host cell and n\imerous cisternae of
endoplasmic reticulum. Appearance of an electron—dense
sheath around the mature haustorium seems to coincide with
the disappearance of cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum
from the host cystoplasm in the vicinity of the haustorium.
The role of host cytoplasm particularly of endoplasmic
reticulum in the development of the sheath is discussed.
Extensive accumulation of spherosomes-like bodies,
containing lipids, is found in haustorium, parasite and
host hypha. Electron microscope revealed the parasiticculture spore has more lipid content than the axenic
culture spore of P. virginiana . The biochemical and
cytochemical tests also support these results.
The mature spore of C. cucurbitarum possesses a
thick three-layered cell wall, different from the hyphal
wall. Its germination is accompanied by the formation
of an elastic thin inner layer which surrounds the emerging
germ tube and the growing hypha. High resolution autoradiography
showed that H N-acetyl-glucosamine , a precursor
of chitin, was incorporated preferentially in the thin
inner layer of the spore wall and also in the cell wall of
the growing hypha. When the label was fed to the infected
cells, at different intervals after inoculation, grains
were observed on the sheath which developed around the
haustorium of P. virginiana , 30 hours after inoculation.
The significance of these results in relation to the origin
and composition of the sheath is discussed.


title: Effects of isometric elbow flexion on electromyographic spike analysis

subject:
Electromyography.
Muscle contraction.

abstract:
The main objective of this research was to examine the relationship between
surface electromyographic (SEMG) spike activity and force. The secondary objective
was to determine to what extent subcutaneous tissue impacts the high frequency
component of the signal, as well as, examining the relationship between measures of
SEMG spike shape and their traditional time and frequency analogues.
A total of96 participants (46 males and 50 females) ranging in age (18-35 years),
generated three 5-second isometric step contractions at each force level of 40, 60, 80, and
100 percent of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The presentation of the
contractions was balanced across subjects. The right arm of the subject was positioned in
the sagittal plane, with the shoulder and elbow flexed to 90 degrees. The elbow rested on
a support in a neutral position (mid pronation/mid supination) and placed within a wrist
cuff, fastened below the styloid process. The wrist cuff was attached to a load cell (JR3
Inc., Woodland, CA) recording the force produced. Biceps brachii activity was
monitored with a pair of Ag/AgCI recording electrodes (Grass F-E9, Astro-Med Inc.,
West Warwick, RI) placed in a bipolar configuration, with an interelectrode distance
(lED) of 2cm distal to the motor point. Data analysis was performed on a I second
window of data in the middle of the 5-second contraction.
The results indicated that all spike shape measures exhibited significant (p <
0.01) differences as force increase~ from 40 to 100% MVC. The spike shape measures
suggest that increased motor unit (MU) recruitment was responsible for increasing force
up to 80% MVC. The results suggested that further increases in force relied on MU
III
synchronization. The results also revealed that the subcutaneous tissue (skin fold
thickness) had no relationship (r = 0.02; P > 0.05) with the mean number of peaks per
spike (MNPPS), which was the high frequency component of the signal. Mean spike
amplitude (MSA) and mean spike frequency (MSF) were highly correlated with their
traditional measures root mean square (RMS) and mean power frequency (MPF),
respectively (r = 0.99; r = 0.97; P < 0.01).


title: The influence of drug-induced dyskinesias on manual tracking in Parkinson's disease

subject:
Parkinson's disease.
Tardive dyskinesia.

abstract:
The influence of peak-dose drug-induced dyskinesia (DID) on manual tracking
(MT) was examined in 10 dyskinetic patients (OPO), and compared to 10 age/gendermatched
non-dyskinetic patients (NDPD) and 10 healthy controls. Whole body movement
(WBM) and MT were recorded with a 6-degrees of freedom magnetic motion tracker and
forearm rotation sensors, respectively. Subjects were asked to match the length of a
computer-generated line with a line controlled via wrist rotation. Results show that OPO
patients had greater WBM displacement and velocity than other groups. All groups
displayed increased WBM from rest to MT, but only DPD and NDPO patients
demonstrated a significant increase in WBM displacement and velocity. In addition, OPO
patients exhibited excessive increase in WBM suggesting overflow DID. When two distinct
target pace segments were examined (FAST/SLOW), all groups had slight increases in
WBM displacement and velocity from SLOW to FAST, but only OPO patients showed
significantly increased WBM displacement and velocity from SLOW to FAST. Therefore,
it can be suggested that overflow DID was further increased with increased task speed.
OPO patients also showed significantly greater ERROR matching target velocity, but no
significant difference in ERROR in displacement, indicating that significantly greater
WBM displacement in the OPO group did not have a direct influence on tracking
performance. Individual target and performance traces demonstrated this relatively good
tracking performance with the exception of distinct deviations from the target trace that
occurred suddenly, followed by quick returns to the target coherent in time with increased
performance velocity. In addition, performance hand velocity was not correlated with
WBM velocity in DPO patients, suggesting that increased ERROR in velocity was not a
direct result of WBM velocity. In conclusion, we propose that over-excitation of motor
cortical areas, reported to be present in DPO patients, resulted in overflow DID during
voluntary movement. Furthermore, we propose that the increased ERROR in velocity was
the result of hypermetric voluntary movements also originating from the over-excitation of
motor cortical areas.


title: Host-parasite relations in a mycoparasitic system : alterations in membrane permeability and lipid composition in Choanephora cucurbitarum infected by Piptocephalis virginiana /

subject:
Host-parasite relationships.
Parasites.
Ion-permeable membranes.
Membranes (Biology)
Lipids.
Choanephora cucurbitarum.
Piptocephalis virginiana.

abstract:
examined in Choanephora cucurbita rum during the early stages
of infection by Piptocephalis virginiana » There was a small
but consistent increase in the leakage of electrolytes, amino
acids and sugars as a result of infection. These low levels
of differential leakage in infected tissues are explained on
the basis of the nature of this obligate, biotrophic, mycoparasitic
system. Quantitative analysis of the twenty six
amino acids and amino compounds detected in the leacheates —
showed similar profiles in infected and control host and no
new species of amino acids or amino compounds were detected
in either infected or control host leacheates. Comparatively
high amounts of aspartic acid, glutamic acid and alanine were
found in the leacheates of host and infected host . Analyses
of the sugars comprising the leacheates of infected and
control host showed the presence of eight sugars, among which
glucose was found in significant amounts (50-53%) ' The
nutritional implication of this preferential leakage is
discussed. No significant difference was observed in the
leacheates of infected host sugar profiles compared with that
of the control host. Profiles of the internal pool sugars of
infected and control host did not reflect that obtained from
the leacheate data, perhaps owing to leakage of sugars in a
selective manner
.
Membrane lipid analyses yielded higher levels of lipid
in infected host compared with the control, both at the 24 h
and 36 h analyses. In addition, preliminary investigations
of phosphorous-32 incorporation and turnover in phospholipids
showed higher levels of 32p incorporation and turnover in
infected host compared with the control. No apparent
difference was noted in the profiles of the neutral lipid
classes and the polar lipid classes of the membrane lipids as
determined by one and two dimensional thin-layer chromatography
respectively. However, a small but consistently higher degree
of unsaturation was detected in the fatty acids of infected
tissue compared with the control. Also, '^''-^^''^^'-'-^'^^c acid, a
polyunsaturated fatty acid previously reported to show a
direct correlation during the early stages of infection and
the degree of parasitism of P. virginiana on C. cucurbitarum ,
was found in higher amounts in infected host membrane lipids
compared with that of the control host. The implications of
these membrane lipid alterations are discussed with particular
reference to the small but consistently higher leakage of
electrolytes, amino acids and sugars observed during infection
in this study.


title: Enhancing pnemonia surveillance in acute care facilities in post SARS era : a Canadian hospital surveillance study, 2003-2004 influenza season

subject:
Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Public health surveillance.

abstract:
A retrospective study of patients hospitalized with influenza and/or pneumonia in
a Niagara area community hospital for the influenza season 2003-04 was designed with
the main goal of enhancing pneumonia surveillance in acute care facilities and the
following specific objectives: 1) identify etiologies, factors, and clinical presentation
associated with pneumonia; 2) assess the ODIN score on ICU patients to predict
outcomes of severe pneumonia; 3) identify the frequency of pneumonia and influenza in
a hospital setting; and 4) develop a hospital pneumonia electronic surveillance tool.
A total of 172 patients' charts (50% females) were reviewed and classified into
two groups: those with diagnosis of pneumonia (n=132) and those without pneumonia
(n=40). The latter group consisted mainly of patients with influenza (85%). Most
patients were young (<10yrs) or elderly (>71yrs). Presenting body temperature <38°C,
cough symptoms, respiratory and cardiac precomorbidities were common in both groups.
Pneumonia was more frequent in males (p= .032) and more likely community-acquired
(98%) than nosocomial (2%). No evidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia was
found. Microbiology testing in 72% of cases detected 19 different pathogens. In
pneumonia patients the most common organisms were Streptococcus pneumoniae (3%),
Respiratory syncytial virus (4%), and Influenza A virus (2%). Conversely, Influenza A
virus was identified in 73% of non-pneumonia patients. Community-acquired influenza
was more common (80%) than nosocomial influenza (20%). The ODIN score was a good
predictor of mortality and the new electronic surveillance tool was an effective prototype
to monitor patients in acute care, especially during influenza season. The results of this
study provided baseline data on respiratory illness surveillance and demonstrated that
future research, including prospective studies, is warranted in acute care facilities.


title: Palynology of late-glacial and postglacial sediments in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada, as related to the Great Lakes history /

subject:
Palynology
Sediments (Geology)
Glacial epoch
Geology

abstract:
This investigation comprises three parts: (1) the
source, mechanism of transport, and distribution of pollen,
spores and other palynomorphs in Georgian Bay bottom
sediments and a comparison of these data with the contemporary
vegetation, (2) the relative significance of fluvial
transportation of pollen and spores, and (3) the late- and
postglacial history of vegetational and climatic changes
in the Georgicin Bay region.
Modem pollen and spore assemblages in Georgian Bay do
reflect the surrovinding vegetation when preservation and
pollen production by the different species are considered
and accounted for. Relative pollen percentage and concentration
isopoll patterns indicate that rivers contribute
large quantities of pollen and spores to Georgian Bay. This
is further substantiated by large amounts of pollen and
spores which were caught in traps in the Moon, Muskoka, and
Nottawasaga Rivers which flow into Georgian Bay. The majority
of pollen and spores caught in these traps were washed into
the rivers by surface water runoff and so reflect the
vegetation of the watershed in a regional sense.
In a 12.9 metre long sediment core from northeastern
Georgian Bay the relative percentage and absolute pollen
concentrations allow correlation of Georgian Bay Lake phases with climatic and forest history. Four distinct pollen
zones are distinguished: zone GB IV which is the oldest,
reflects the succession from open spruce woodland to boreal
forest; zone GB III represents a period of pine-mixed hardwoods
forests from about 10,000 to 7,500 years ago. A pine-maplehemlock
association dominated in zone GB II, although during
the culmination of postglacial warming about 4,000 to 5,000
years ago the Georgian Bay forests had a more deciduous
character. Zone GB I clearly shows European man's
disturbance of the forest by logging activities.


title: Migrations and gradations : reappraising the health profile of immigrants to Canada

subject: Immigrants

abstract:
New immigrants to Canada typically have a more favourable health profile than
the non-immigrant population. This phenomenon, known as the 'healthy immigrant
effect', has been attributed to both the socioeconomic advantage (ie. educational
attainment, occupational opportunity) of non-refugee immigrants and existing screening
protocols that admit only the healthiest of persons to Canada. It has been suggested that
this health advantage diminishes as the time of residence in Canada increases, due in part
to the adoption of health-risk behaviours such as alcohol and cigarette use, an increase in
excess body weight, and declining rates of physical activity. However, the majority of
health research concerning immigrants to Canada has been limited to cross-sectional
studies (Dunn & Dyck, 2000; Newbold & Danforth, 2003), which may mask an
immigrant-specific cohort effect. Furthermore, the practice of aggregating foreign-bom
persons by geographical regions or treating all immigrants as a homogeneous group may
also obfuscate intra-immigrant differences in health. Accordingly, this study uses the
Canadian National Population Health Surveys (NPHS) and data from the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP) to prospectively evaluate factors that predict health status
among immigrants to Canada. Each immigrant in the NPHS was linked to the UNDP
Human Development Index of their country of birth, which uses a combined measure of
health, education, and per capita income of the populace. The six-year change in health
function, psychological distress, and self-rated health were considered from a population
health perspective (Evans, 1994), using generalized-estimating equations (GEE) to
examine the compounding effect of past and recent predictors of health. Demographic


title: Geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Proterozoic Pater metavolcanic suite, Spragge, Ontario /

subject:
Geochemistry
Petrogenesis
Geology, Stratigraphic
Volcanic ash, tuff, etc.

abstract:
The Pater metavolcanic suite (PVS) was extruded as part
O'f the basal Pater Formation of the Huronian Supergroup ca.
2.4 Ga. They Ars classified as wi thin-plate tholeiites
associated with an immature ri-fting episode, and are
inter layered with associated vol cani clastic and
metasedimentary units.
Post-solidif ication alteration caused redistribution o-f
the alkalies, Sr, Rb, Ba, Cu, and SiO^. Ce, Y, Zr, CFezOs
(as total Fe), Al^Os, TiOa, and, PaOa are considered to have
remained essentially immobile in least altered samples.
Petrogenetic modelling indicates the PVS was derived
from the partial melting of two geochemical ly similar
sources in the sub-continental lithosphere. Fractionation
was characterized by an oli vine-plagioclase assemblage and a
sub-volcanic plagioclase-clinopyroxene assemblage.
A comparative study indicates that enrichment of the
postulated Huronian source cannot be reconciled by Archean
contamination. Enrichment is thought to have been caused by
hydrous veined metasomatic heterogeneities in the
sub-continental lithosphere, generated by an Archean
subduct ion event before 2.68 Ga.


title: Phonon spectra and thermal properties of some fcc metals using embedded-atom potentials /

subject:
Phonons
Quasiparticles (Physics)
Iron group
Metals

abstract:
By employing the embedded-atom potentials of Mei et ai.[l], we have calculated the dynamical
matrices and phonon dispersion curves for six fee metals (Cu,Ag,Au,Ni,Pd and
Pt). We have also investigated, within the quasiharmonic approximation, some other thermal
properties of these metals which depend on the phonon density of states, such as the
temperature dependence of lattice constant, coefficient of linear thermal expansion, isothermal
and adiabatic bulk moduli, heat capacities at constant volume and constant pressure,
Griineisen parameter and Debye temperature. The computed results are compared with
the experimental findings wherever possible. The comparison shows a generally good agreement
between the theoretical values and experimental data for all properties except the
discrepancies of phonon frequencies and Debye temperature for Pd, Pt and Au. Further,
we modify the parameters of this model for Pd and Pt and obtain the phonon dispersion
curves which is in good agreement with experimental data.


title: Attention focus and balance control in young and older adults

subject:
Attention
Equilibrium (Physiology)
Mind and body.

abstract:
This thesis investigated attention focus and balance control in eighteen healthy
young adults and eighteen healthy older adults. All participants performed sixteen
consecutive trials of a balance task which involved standing for 30-s on an unstable
platform that could rotate only in the roll direction. There were no attention focus
instructions provided on any of the sixteen trials. Following the completion of the initial
and final attempt in the series, participants reported "where" their attention had been
focused when performing the task. The results showed differences in balance between
young and older adults and improvements in balance with practice in both young and
older adults. However, there were no differences in attention focus strategies between
young and older adults. Both age groups directed attention to multiple sources during the
balance task. An equal focus on internal (i.e., feet, trunk, and other body parts) and
external (i.e., the platform) sources with little focus on events not related to the task
dominated on the first attempt of the balance task. Focus on internal sources was
maintained and focus on events not related to the task increased at the expense of focus
on external sources on the final attempt of the balance task. Following the series of
sixteen trials to establish "natural" attention focus, participants performed three randomly
presented trials, each with specific attention focus instructions (i.e., think about
minimizing movements of the feet, the trunk, or the platform). The results showed that,
in contrast to the literature, instructions to focus on an internal source, the trunk, actually
augmented control of the task as reflected in reduced trunk sway whereas instructions to
focus on an internal source, the feet, or an external source, the platform, did not benefit
performance on the task. Thus, the distance fi-om the interaction point of the body with the external source is critical and may not depend on whether the source is internal or
external. Thus, a global attention focus instruction may not be beneficial and the nature of
the task should be considered when adopting attention focus instructions for young and
older adults.


title: The surface electromyography-force relationship during isometric dorsiflexion in males and females

subject:
Muscle strength.
Electromyography.

abstract:
This study evaluated sex-related differences in the tibialis anterior (TA) surface
electromyography (EMG) to force relationship. One-hundred participants (50 males and
50 females) performed three isometric contractions at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of
maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in an apparatus designed to isolate the action of
the dorsiflexors. The surface EMG signal was amplified (lOOOx), band-pass filtered
(10-500Hz), and sampled at 2048 Hz. The load cell signal was low-passed filtered at
100 Hz and sampled at the same rate. Males were stronger than females {P <0.05).
However, there was no significant difference in root-mean-square (RMS) values between
sexes {P <0.05). Both sexes exhibited a quadratic increase in RMS across force levels (P
<0.05). The mean power frequency (MNF) for males was greater than for females {P
<0.05). Males and females exhibited a linear increase in both frequency measures up to
80% of MVC (P <0.05). Between 80 and 100% MVC, the frequency values for the
females plateaued while males showed a decrease {P <0.05). The magnitude of the
difference in MNF between males and females was consistent with sex-specific TA
physiology. In general, the pattern of means for RMS and MNF between males and
females revealed no sex-related differences in the surface EMG/force relationship. We
therefore conclude that there are no sex-related differences in the gradation of muscle
force.


title: A preliminary study of the MDH variability in Lemna minor - Lemna turionifera /

subject: Lemnacaea.

abstract:
Lemna minor is a small aquatic polyploid angiosperm
which reproduces apomictically and has a worldwide distribution.
This study was vmdertaken to characterize the
extent and nature of phenotypic variability.
The techniques of starch gel electrophoresis were
used in this investigation and. MDH phenotypes of several
populations from Ontario, USA and Africa were examined
and compared. Heat stability, molecular weight and
cell fractionation analyses were also done to identify
locus specific MDH bands.
The results of the population surveys suggest that
there is little genetic variability present both within
and between Lemna minor/Lemna turionifera . Evidence of
correlation of physiological and seasonal variation patterns
was found.


title: Onondaga chert : geological and palynological studies as applied to archaeology /

subject:
Chert.
Geology
Geology
Palynology
Palynology
Onondaga Indians

abstract:
Cherts from the Middle Devonian Onondaga Formation of
the Niagara Peninsula in Southern Ontario and Western New
York State can now be distinguished from those of the Early
Devonian Bois Blanc Formation of the same area based on
differences in petrology, acritarchs, spores, and "Preservation
Ratio" values. The finely crystalline, carbonate sediments
of the Bois Blanc Formation were deposited under shallow,
low energy conditions characterised by the acritarchs Leiofusa
bacillum and L. minuta and a high relative abundance of the
spore, Apiculiretusispora minor. The medio crystalline and
bioclastic carbonate sediments of the Onondaga Formation
were deposited under shallow, high energy conditions except
for the finely crystalline lagoonal sediments of the Clarence
Member which is characterised by the acritarchs Leiofusa
navicula, L. sp. B, and L. tomaculata . The author has subdivided
and correlated the Clarence Member of the Onondaga Formation
using the "Preservation Ratio" values derived from the
palynomorphs contained in the cherts. Clarence Member cherts
were used by the Archaic people of the Niagara Peninsula
for chipped-stone tools. The source area for the chert is
considered to be the cobble beach deposits along the north
shore of Lake Erie from Port Maitland to Nanticoke


title: Synthesis of isotope-labelled methoxypyrazine compounds as internal standards and quantitative determination of aroma methoxypyrazines in water and wines by solid-phase extraction with isotope dilution-GC-MS /

subject:
Organic compounds
Organic compounds
Mass spectrometry.
Spectrum analysis.

abstract:
An efficient way of synthesizing the deuterium labelled analogues of three
methoxypyrazine compounds: 2-d3-methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine, 2-d3-methoxy-3-
isobutylpyrazine, and 2-d3-methoxy-3-secbutylpyrazine, has been developed. To confirm
that the deuterium labels had been incorporated into the expected positions in the
molecules synthesized, the relevant characterization by NMR, HRMS and GC/MS
analysis was conducted. Another part of this work involved quantitative determination of
methoxypyrazines in water and wines. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) proved to be a
suitable means for the sample separation and concentration prior to GC/MS analysis.Such factors as the presence of ethanol, salt, and acid have been investigated which can
influence the recovery by SPE for the pyrazines from the water matrix. Significantly, in
this work comparatively simple fractional distillation was attempted to replace the
conventional steam distillation for pre-concentrating a sample with a relatively large
volume prior to SPE. Finally, a real wine sample spiked with the relevant isotope-labelled
methoxypyrazines was quantitatively analyzed, revealing that the wine with 10 beetles
per litre contained 138 ppt of 2-methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine. Interestingly, we have also
found that 2-methoxy-3-secbutylpyrazine exhibits an extremely low detection limit in
GC/MS analysis compared with the detection limit of the other two methoxypyrazines: 2-
methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine and 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine.


title: Changes in the magnitude and pattern of translocation of photoassimilated ¹CO in soybean plants following an acute exposure to gamma radiation /

subject:
Soybean.
Gamma rays.
Plants

abstract:
Young soybean plants (Glycine ~. L. cultivar
Harosoy '63), grown under controlled conditions, were
exposed to gamma radiation on a single occasion. One hour
following exposure to 3,750 rads, the mature trifoliate
leaf of the soybean plant was isolated in a closed system
and permitted to photoassimilate approximately 1-5 pCi of
14C02 for 15 minutes. After an additional 45 minute-period,
the plant was sacrificed and the magnitude of translocation
and distribution pattern of 14C determined.
In the non-irradiated plants 18~ of the total 14C
recovered was outside the fed leaf blades and of this
translocated 14c, 28~ was above the node of the fed leaf,
38~ in the stem below the node, 28~ in the roots and 7~ in
the petiole. As well, in the irradiated plants, a smaller
per cent (6~) of the total 14 C recovered was exported out of
the source leaf blades. Of this translocated 14c , a smaller
per cent (20~) was found in the apical region above the node
of the source leaf and a higher per cent (45~) was recovered
from the stem below the node and in the petiole (11~). The
per cent of exported 14 C recovered from the root was unaffected
by the radiation. Replacement of the shoot apex
with 20 ppm IAA immediately following irradiation, only
J
partially increased the magnitude of translocation but did
completely restore the pattern of distribution to that
observed in the non-irradiated plants.
From supplementary studies showing a radiationinduced
reduction of photosynthetic rates in the source leaf
and a reduction of the cumulative stem and leaf lengths in
the apical sink region, the observed effects of radiation on
the translocation process have been correlated to damage
incurred by the source and sink regions.
These data suggest that the reduction in the
magnitude of translocation is the result of damage to both
the source and sink regions rather than the phloem conducting
tissue itself, whereas the change in the pattern of translocation
is probably the result of a reduced rate of
14C-assimilate movement caused by a radiation-induced
decrease of sink metabolism, especially the decrease in the
metabolism of the apical sink.


title: Interaction between vortices and impurities in a d-wave superconductor /

subject:
High temperature superconductors
Scanning tunneling microscopy.

abstract:
High temperature superconductors were discovered in 1986, but despite considerable research efforts,
both experimental and theoretical, these materials remain poorly understood. Because their
electronic structure is both inhomogeneous and highly correlated, a full understanding will require
knowledge of quasiparticle properties both in real space and momentum space.
In this thesis, we will present a theoretical analysis of the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)
data in BSCCO. We introduce the Bogoliubov-De Gennes Hamiltonian and solve it numerically on
a two-dimensional 20 x 20 lattice under a magnetic field perpendicular to the surface. We consider a
vortex at the center of our model. We introduce a Zn impurity in our lattice as a microscopic probe
of the physical properties of BSCCO. By direct numerical diagonalization of the lattice BogoliubovDe
Gennes Hamiltonian for different positions of the impurity, we can calculate the interaction
between the vortex and the impurity in a d-wave superconductor.


title: The impact of drug-induced dyskinesias on rapid alternating movements in patients with Parkinson's disease

subject:
Parkinson's disease
Tardive dyskinesia.
Hyperkinesia.
Movement disorders.

abstract:
We investigated the likelihood that hypokinesia/bradykinesia coexist with druginduced
dyskinesias (DID) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The influence of
dyskinesias on rapid alternating movements (RAM) was investigated in ten dyskinetic
patients (DPD). Their motor performance was compared to that of ten age/gendermatched
non-dyskinetic patients (NDPD) and ten healthy control subjects. Whole-body
magnitude (WBM) and fast pronation-supination at the wrist were recorded using 6-
degrees of freedom magnetic motion tracker and forearm rotational sensors, respectively.
Subjects were asked to pronate-supinate their dominant hand for 10s. Pre- and postmeasures
were taken in a neutral position for 20s. RANGE (measure of hypokinesia),
DURATION (measure of bradykinesia). VELOCITY (measure of bradykinesia) and
IRREGULARITY (measure of fluctuations in movement amplitude) were used to assess
RAM performance. Results showed that DPD patients had greater WBM than NDPD and
control groups during rest and RAM performance. There were no differences in
performance between NDPD and DPD groups for RANGE, DURATION and
VELOCITY, despite significant longer disease duration for the DPD group (DPD = 15.5
± 6.2 years versus NDPD = 6.6 ± 2.6 years). However, both the NDPD and DPD groups
showed lower RANGE, longer DURATION, and reduced VELOCITY compared to
controls,, suggesting the presence of bradykinesia and hypokinesia. In the case of
IRREGULARITY, DPD patients showed clear fluctuations in movement amplitude
compared to the NDPD and control groups. However, the lack of correlation between
WBM and IRREGULARITY within the DPD group (Spearman's rank order, Rho - 0.31,
p > 0.05), suggests that DID was not the primary cause of the fluctuating movementamplitude observed in that group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that DID may
coexists with bradykinesia and hypokinesia, but that they are not inevitably accompanied
with worsening motor performance.


title: Genesis and distribution of Mississippi Valley-type ore assemblages in Middle Silurian strata, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario /

subject:
Ore deposits
Geology, Stratigraphic
Geology, Stratigraphic

abstract:
Presently non-commercial occurrences of Mississippi Valley-type ore
assemblages in the Middle Silurian strata of the Niagara Peninsula have
been studied. Based on this detailed study, a new poly-stage genetic
model is proposed which relates ore mineralization in carbonate environments
to the evolution of the sedimentary basin. Sulphide ore mineralization
occurred during two episodes:
1. During the late diagenesis stage, which is characterized by
compaction-maturation of the sediments, the initial mineralization took
place by upward and outward movement of connate waters. Metals were
probably supplied from all the sediments regardless of their specific
lithologies. However, clay minerals were possibly the main contributors.
The possible source of sulphur was from petroleum-type hydrocarbons
presently mixed with the sediments at the site of ore deposition. Evidence
for this is the fact that the greatest abundance of ore minerals is in
petroliferous carbonates. The hydrocarbons probably represent liquids
remaining after upward migration to the overlying Guelph-Salina reservoirs.
The majority of sphalerite and galena formed during this period, as well as
accessory pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, arsenopyrite, and
pyrrhotite; and secondary dolomite, calcite, celestite, and gypsum.
2. During the presently ongoing surface erosion and weathering
phase, which is marked by the downward movement of groundwater, preexisting
sulphides were probably remobilized, and trace amounts of lead
and zinc were leached from the host material, by groundwaters. Metal
sulphides precipitated at, or below, the water table, or where atmospheric
oxygen could raise the Eh of groundwaters to the point where soluble metal
complexes are unstable and native sulphur co-precipitates with sphalerite
and galena. This process, which can be observed today, also results in the transport and deposition of the host rock material. Breakdown of
pre-existing sulphide and sulphate, as well as hydrocarbon present in
the host rock, provided sulphur necessary for sulphide precipitation.
The galena and sphalerite are accompanied by dolomite, calcite, gypsum,
anglesite, native sulphur and possibly zincite.


title: Investigations of 2-alkyl-3-methoxypyrazines in three ladybug species and wine /

subject:
Wine
Wine and wine making
Pyridazines.
Ladybugs.

abstract:
Investigations of 2-alkyl-3-methoxypyrazines (2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyra2ine, 2-
secbutyl-3-methoxypyrazine and 2-isobutyl-3-niethoxypyrazine) in ladybug species
{Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and wine samples have been conducted. Headspace sampling
coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine amounts
of 2-alkyl-3-methoxypyra2ines in the ladybug species. Hippodamia convergens had the
highest amount of alkybnethoxypyrazines, followed by Harmoma axyridis and the least
in Coccinella septempunctata.
Using a solvent extraction method, the precoccinelline alkaloid was found present in
Hippodamia convergens and Coccinella septempunctata but not Harmonia axyridis.
Steam distillation followed by a soHd phase extraction method as a sample
preparation technique, enhanced detection while the isotope dilution method
afforded accurate quantitation of the alkyknethoxypyrazines in the wine samples.
Both ladybug-tainted and commercial wine samples were found to contain the 2-
alkyl-3-methoxypyrazines. Wine samples prepared in 2001 generally contained higher
levels than the corresponding 2003 samples. Levels of the 2-alkyl-3-methoxypyrazines
found in the commercial wines ranged from a minimum value of 6 ng/L to 260 ±10
ng/L. Analyses revealed that for both ladybug species and wine samples, the 2-
isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine had the highest concentration, followed by 2-isobutyl-
3-methoxypyrazine and the least being the 2-secbutyl-3-methoxypyrazine. Possible
contamination of the wine samples by ladybugs is thoroughly discussed.
Furthermore, attempts to remove or reduce the levels of the alkylmethoxypyrazines
with molecularly imprinted polymers from wine samples are presented in detail.


title: Structural analysis of the Paint Lake Deformation Zone, Northern Ontario /

subject:
Paint Lake Deformation Zone.
Geology, Structural.
Geology
Rock deformation

abstract:
The Paint Lake Deformation Zone (PLDZ), located within
the Superior Province of Canada, demarcates a major structural
and lithological break between the Onaman-Tashota Terrane to
the north and the Beardmore-Geraldton Belt to the south. The
PLDZ is an east-west trending lineament, approximately 50 km
in length and up to 1 km in width, comprised of an early
ductile component termed the Paint Lake Shear Zone and a late
brittle component known as the Paint Lake Fault.
Structures associated with PLDZ development including S-,
C- and C'-fabrics, stretching lineations, slickensides, C-C'
intersection lineations, Z-folds and kinkbands indicate that
simple shear deformation dominated during a NW-SE
compressional event. Movement along the PLDZ was in a dextral
sense consisting of an early differential motion with southside-
down and a later strike-slip motion.
Although the locus of the PLDZ may in part be
lithologically controlled, mylonitization which accompanied
shear zone development is not dependent on the lithological
type. Conglomerate, intermediate and mafic volcanic units
exhibit similar mesoscopic and microscopic structures where
transected by the PLDZ.
Field mapping, supported by thin section analysis,
defines five strain domains increasing in intensity of
deformation from shear zone boundary to centre. A change in
the dominant microstructural deformation mechanism from

dislocation creep to diffusion creep is
observed with
increasing strain during mylonitization. C'-fabric development
is temporally associated with this change. A decrease in the
angular relationship between C- and C'-fabrics is observed
upon attaining maximum strain intensity.
Strain profiling of the PLDZ demonstrates the presence of
an outer primary strain gradient which exhibits a simple
profile and an inner secondary strain gradient which exhibits
a more complex profile. Regionally metamorphosed lithologies
of lower greenschist facies outside the PLDZ were subjected to
retrograde metamorphism during deformation within the PLDZ.


title: The structural effects of divalent cations and insulin on phospholipid model membranes /

subject:
Membranes (Biology)
Phospholipids.
Cations.
Insulin.

abstract:
It is well accepted that structural studies with model membranes are
of considerable value in understanding the structure of biological membranes.
Many studies with models of pure phospholipids have been done; but the effects
of divalent cations and protein on these models would make these studies more
applicable to intact membrane. The present study, performed with above view,
is a structural analysis of divalent io~cardio1ipin complexes using the
technique of x-ray diffraction.
Cardiolipin, precipitated from dilute solution by divalent ionscalcium,
magnesium and barium, contains little water and the structure formed
is similar to the structure of pure cardiolipin with low water content. The
calcium-cardiolipin complex forms a pure hexagonal type II phase that exists from
40 to 400 C. The molar ratio of calcium and cardiolipin in the complex is 1 : 1.
Cardiolipin, precipitated with magnesium and barium forms two co-existing
phases, lamellar and hexagonal, the relative quantity of the two phases being
dependent on temperature. The hexagonal phase type II consisting of water filled
channels formed by adding calcium to cardiolipin may have a remarkable permeability
property in intact membrane.
Pure cardiolipin and insulin at pH 3.0 and 4.0 precipitate but form
no organised structure. Lecithin/cardiolipin and insulin precipitated at pH 3.0
give a pure lamellar phase. As the lecithin/cardiolipin molar ratio changes
from 93/7 to SO/50, (a) the repeat distance of the lamellar changes from
72.8 X to 68.2 A; (b) the amount of protein bound increases in such a way
that cardiolipin/insulin molar ratio in the complex reaches a maximum constant
value at lecithin/cardiolipin molar ratio 70/30.
A structural model based on these data shows that the molecular arrangement
of lipid and protein is a lipid bilayer coated with protein molecules. The
lipid-protein interaction is chiefly electrostatic and little, if any, hydrophobic
bonding occurs in this particular system. So, the proposed model is
essentially the same as Davson-Daniellifs model of biological membrane.


title: Structural, stratigraphic and geochemical studies of the Horwood Peninsula - Gander Bay Area, Northeast Newfoundland /

subject:
Geology, Structural.
Geology, Stratigraphic.
Geochemistry.
Geology
Geology

abstract:
The Horwood Peninsula - Gander Bay area is located at NE Newfoundland
in the Botwood Zone (Williams et a1., 1974) or in the Dunnage Zone
(Williams, 1979) of the Central Mobile Belt of the Newfoundland Appalachians.
The area is underlain by Middle Ordovician to possible Lower Silurian
rocks of the Davidsville and Indian Islands Groups, respectively. Three
conformable formations named informally : the Mafic Volcanic Formation,
the Greywacke and Siltstone Formation and the Black Slate Formation, have
been recognized in the Davidsville Group. The Greywacke and the Black
Slate Formations pass locally into a Melange Formation. From consideration
of regional structure and abundant locally-derived mafic volcanic olisto-
1iths in the melange, it is considered to have originated by gravity
sliding rather than thrusting.
Four formations have been recognized in the Indian Islands Group.
They mainly contain silty slate and phyllite, grey cherty siltstone, green
to red micaceous siltstone and limestone horizons. Repetition of lithological
units by F1 folding are well-demonstrated in one of formations in
this Group. The major structure in this Group on the Horwood Peninsula is
interpreted to be a synclinal complex. The lithology of this Group is
different from the Botwood Group to the west and is probably Late Ordovician
and/or Early Silurian in age.
The effects of soft-sediment deformation can be seen from the lower
part of the Davidsville Group to the middle part of the Indian Islands Group
indicating continuous and/or episodic slumping and sliding activities
throughout the whole area. However, no siginificant depOSitional and
tectonic break that could be assigned to the Taconian Orogeny has been recognized in this study.
Three periods of tectonic deformation were produced by the Acadian
Orogeny. Double boudinage in thin dikes indicates a southeast-northwest
sub-horizontal compression and main northeast-southwest sub-horizontal
extension during the D1 deformation. A penetrative, axial planar slaty
cleavage (Sl) and tight to isocJ.ina1 F1 folds are products of this deformation.
The D2 and D3 deformations formed S2 and S3 fabrics associated
with crenulations and kink bands which are well-shown in the slates and
phyllites of the Indian Islands Group. The D2 and D3 deformations are
the products of vertical and northeast-southwest horizontal shortening
respectively.
The inferred fault between the Ordovician slates (Davidsville Group)
and the siltstones (Indian Islands Group) suggested by Williams (1963,
1964b, 1972, 1978) is absent. Formations can be followed without displacement
across this inferred fault.
Chemically, the pillow lavas, mafic agglomerates, tuff beds and diabase
dikes are subdivided into three rock suites : (a) basaltic komatiite
(Beaver Cove Assemblage), (b) tholeiitic basalt (diabase dikes), (c)
alkaline basalt (Shoal Bay Assemblage). The high Ti02 , MgO, Ni contents
and bimodal characteristic of the basaltic komatiite in the area are
comparable to the Svartenhuk Peninsula at Baffin Bay and are interpreted
to be the result of an abortive volcano-tectonic rift-zone in a rear-arc
basin.
Modal and chemical analyses of greywackes and siltstones show the
trend of maturity of these rocks increasing from poorly sorted Ordovician
greywackes to fairly well-sorted Silurian siltstones. Rock fragments in
greywackes indicate source areas consisting of plagiogranite, low grade
metamorphic rocks and ultramafic rocks. Rare sedimentary structures in both Groups indicate a southeasterly provenance. Trace element analyses
of greywackes also reveal a possible island-arc affinity.


title: Paleolimnology of selected Precambrian Shield lakes /

subject:
Paleolimnology
Paleolimnology
Paleolimnology
Geology, Stratigraphic

abstract:
The analysis of fossil diatoms and Mallomonas
assemblages in a 2.85 m sediment core revealed that a
series of distinct floristic changes have occurred in the
development of Found Lake, a small Shield lake in southern
Ontario. Climatic and vegetational changes in the lake's
watershed were closely associated with successional changes
in the lake's biota. Nutrients released by the deciduous
component of the Found Lake watershed appeared to be
especially important in determining diatom and Mallomonas
standing crop.
The top 20 cm of sediment of 3 ,Shield lakes was then
investigated using close interval (1 cm) analyses of diatoms,
Mallomonas scales, pollen grains and sedimentary phosphorus.
Found and Jake Lake are adjacent to Highway 60, whereas
Delano Lake has been undisturbed and was used as a control.
Dramatic changes in the diatom and Mallomonas
communities were recorded in the Found and Jake Lake
stratigraphies and could be closely associated with known
historical events. Increased turbidity and nutrient
enrichment were believed responsible for these successional
changes. In addition, diatom and Mallomonas standing crop
increased substantially following road construction in
Found Lake's drainage basin. Meanwhile, no. sharp changes
in diatom or Mallomonas communities were recorded in the
recent sediments of the control (Delano) lake.
The use£ulness o£ Synuracean scales as paleoindicators,
as well as the importance o£ sectioning cores at close
intervals during transition periods in a laker's development,
was stressed.


title: Extracting Ramachandran torsional angle distributions from 2D NMR data using Tikhonov regularization /

subject: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

subject: Inversion (Geophysics)

subject: Amyloid beta-protein

abstract:
Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for
studying structural and dynamical properties of disordered and partially ordered materials,
such as glasses, polymers, liquid crystals, and biological materials. In particular, twodimensional(
2D) NMR methods such as ^^C-^^C correlation spectroscopy under the magicangle-
spinning (MAS) conditions have been used to measure structural constraints on the
secondary structure of proteins and polypeptides. Amyloid fibrils implicated in a broad
class of diseases such as Alzheimer's are known to contain a particular repeating structural
motif, called a /5-sheet. However, the details of such structures are poorly understood, primarily
because the structural constraints extracted from the 2D NMR data in the form of
the so-called Ramachandran (backbone torsion) angle distributions, g{^,'4)), are strongly
model-dependent.
Inverse theory methods are used to extract Ramachandran angle distributions from a
set of 2D MAS and constant-time double-quantum-filtered dipolar recoupling (CTDQFD)
data. This is a vastly underdetermined problem, and the stability of the inverse mapping
is problematic. Tikhonov regularization is a well-known method of improving the stability
of the inverse; in this work it is extended to use a new regularization functional based
on the Laplacian rather than on the norm of the function itself. In this way, one makes
use of the inherently two-dimensional nature of the underlying Ramachandran maps. In
addition, a modification of the existing numerical procedure is performed, as appropriate for
an underdetermined inverse problem.
Stability of the algorithm with respect to the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio is examined using
a simulated data set. The results show excellent convergence to the true angle distribution
function g{(j),ii) for the S/N ratio above 100.


title: Perturbing the impulse activity of a single identified neuron augments the formation of long-term memory in a molluscan semi-intact preparation /

subject:
Lymnaea stagnalis.
Operant conditioning.

abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the neural correlates of operant conditioning in a
semi-intact preparation of the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. Lymnaea learns, via operant
conditioning, to reduce its aerial respiratory behaviour in response to an aversive tactile stimulus
to its open pneumostome. This thesis demonstrates the successful conditioning of na'ive semiintact
preparations to show learning in the dish. Furthermore, these conditioned preparations
show long-term memory that persists for at least 18 hours. As the neurons that generate this
behaviour have been previously identified I can, for the first time, monitor neural activity during
both learning and long-term memory consolidation in the same preparation. In particular, I
record from the respiratory neuron Right Pedal Dorsal 1 (RPeD 1) which is part of the respiratory
central pattern generator. In this study, I demonstrate that preventing RPeDl impulse activity
between training sessions reduces the number of sessions needed to produce long-term memory
in the present semi-intact preparation.