title: A Microstructural Model for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Catalyst Layer

contributor:
Pharoah, Jon G.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Catalyst Layer
Diffusivity
Percolation
Fuel Cell

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-31 08:52:55.747

abstract: This thesis presents a framework for a microstructural model of a catalyst layer in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell.  In this study, a stochastic model that uses individual carbon, platinum and ionomer particles as building blocks to construct a catalyst layer geometry, resulting in optimal porosity and material mass ratios has been employed.  The construction rule set in this design is easily variable, enabling a wide range of catalyst layer geometries to be made.  The generated catalyst layers were found to exhibit many of the features found in currently poduced catalyst layers.  The resulting geometries were subsequently examined on the basis of electronic percolation, mean chord length and effective diffusivity of the pore phase. Catalyst layer percolation was found to be most effected by the number of carbon see particles used and the specified porosity.  The mean chord lengths of all of the catalyst layer geometries produced Knudsen numbers ranging in order of magnitude between 0.1 and 10, thus indicating that gas diffusion within the catalyst layers lies in the transition regime between bulk and Knudsen diffusion. Calculated effective diffusivities within the pore space of the model were shown to be relatively insensitive to changes in the catalyst layer composition and construction rule set other then porosity, indicating that the pore size distribution does not significantly vary when the catalyst layer mass ratios vary.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Evaluation of Melody Similarity Measures

contributor:
Blostein, Dorothea
Computing

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

subject:
similarity measures
melody similarity
computer science
symbolic music similarity
music similarity

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-31 11:03:01.167

abstract:
Similarity in music is a concept with significant impact on ethnomusicology studies, music recommendation systems, and music information retrieval systems such as Shazam and SoundHound. Various computer-based melody similarity measures have been proposed, but comparison and evaluation of similarity measures is inherently difficult due to the subjective and application-dependent nature of similarity in music. In this thesis, we address the diversity of the problem by defining a set of music transformations that provide the criteria for comparing and evaluating melody similarity measures. This approach provides a flexible and extensible method for characterizing selected facets of melody similarity, because the set of music transformations can be tailored to the user and to the application.

We demonstrate this approach using three music transformations (transposition, tempo rescaling, and selected forms of ornamentation) to compare and evaluate several existing similarity measures, including String Edit Distance measures, Geometric measures, and N-Gram based measures. We also evaluate a newly implemented distance measure, the Beat and Direction Distance Measure, which is designed to have greater awareness of the beat hierarchy and better responsiveness to ornamentation. Training and test data is drawn from music incipits from the RISM A/II collection, and ground truth is taken from the MIREX 2005 Symbolic Melodic Similarity task. Our test results show that similarity measures that are responsive to music transformations generally have better agreement with human generated ground truth.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Fer Protein-Tyrosine Kinase as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Lung Cancer

contributor:
Craig, Andrew W.
Biochemistry

subject:
FER Kinase
Lung Cancer

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-31 12:29:43.856

abstract: Fer is a ubiquitously expressed non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinase that regulates normal physiology through signaling in a variety of cell types. Fer signals downstream of growth factor receptors frequently activated or amplified in human cancers and Fer has been identified as a positive regulator of cancer progression in the prostate and liver. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) is frequently activated due to gene amplification or gain-of-function mutations in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) leading to aggressive tumours that frequently metastasize. Since EGFR activates Fer, I tested whether Fer participates in EGFR-driven NSCLC cell migration, tumour progression and metastasis. Here, I show that Fer is expressed in cell lines derived from both normal lung epithelia and NSCLC and is activated following EGF treatment of NSCLC cells. To probe Fer function we used a lentiviral shRNA system to achieve stable knock-down (KD) of Fer in H1299 cells. Compared to control cells, Fer KD cells displayed a significant reduction in EGF-induced cell migration and invasion which correlated with reduced phosphorylation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav2. Consistent with Vav2 phosphorylation promoting Rac activation, we observed reduced localization of active, GTP- bound Rac1 to the leading edge of Fer KD cells treated with EGF. Tumour xenograft experiments were performed to test the role of Fer in NSCLC tumour progression and metastasis in immune compromised mice. Growth of primary tumours was normal, despite efficient Fer silencing in vivo. Interestingly, fewer spontaneous lung metastases were observed from subcutaneous Fer KD tumours compared to control. However, no differences were observed in lung seeding efficiency in experimental metastasis assays, suggesting that Fer may play a role in early stages of metastasis. Together, this study identifies Fer as a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of EGFR-driven lung cancer metastasis.

abstract: Work is in preparation for publication

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Triarylboron Compounds and Their Platinum(II) Complexes: Photophysical Properties and Applications in Optoelectronics

contributor:
Wang, Suning
Chemistry

subject:
Chemical Sensing
Boron
Luminescence
Platinum
OLEDs

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-06 12:51:18.363

abstract:
This work concerns the development of π-conjugated materials for optoelectronic applications, with emphasis on organoboron- and organoplatinum-containing compounds. The preparation of a nonconjugated two-chromophore emissive material is described, containing both organoplatinum and organoboron units. This material exhibits simultaneous fluorescent and phosphorescent emission at ambient temperature. Both emission colours are switchable in the presence of fluoride, giving a dual-emissive compound with multiple observable luminescent colours.

The preparation of a nonconjugated donor-acceptor triarylborane containing both Lewis acidic and basic receptor sites is also described. This highly fluorescent compound is reversibly switchable between three emissive states upon addition of acid or fluoride. Furthermore, platinum(II)-acetylacetonates with nonconjugated antenna chromophores were prepared, and their luminescent properties were investigated.

A series of directly conjugated platinum(II)-acetylacetonates have been synthesized incorporating a triarylboron group. The presence of boron was found to enhance the electron-transporting capabilities, film-forming properties, and phosphorescent quantum yields of these complexes. Highly efficient OLEDs were prepared incorporating these materials as dopants, including the first example of a Pt(II)-based OLED with an external quantum efficiency >20%. Triarylboron-containing Pt(II) complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes were also prepared. Using this design, blue to blue-green phosphorescence was achieved with high quantum yield, and their use in OLEDs was demonstrated.

A new high-yield synthetic route has been developed to cyclometalated Pt(II)-β-diketonates, requiring stoichiometric reagents and short reaction times at ambient temperature. This methodology has broad substrate scope across a variety of N^C-chelate ligands, as well as P^C-chelate phosphines and C^C-chelate carbenes as well.

The preparation of N-heterocyclic carbazole-based host materials for OLEDs is also described. These materials exhibit improved electron-transporting capabilities relative to the more commonly used host 4,4’-N,N’-dicarbazolylbiphenyl (CBP), and were used to fabricate the first single-layer electrophosphorescent devices with efficiencies competitive with conventional multilayer structures.

Finally, the discovery of a triarylboron-based vapochromic material is described. This Pt(II)-alkyne complex was shown to change luminescent colour in response to a variety of volatile organic compounds, with distinct responses dependent on the nature of the analyte. The mechanism of vapochromism was investigated in detail by optical and multinuclear solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and differs in origin from all previously reported examples.

abstract: PhD


title: FlexView: An Evaluation of Depth Navigation on Deformable Mobile Devices

contributor:
Vertegaal, Roel
Computing

subject:
User Study
Human Computer Interaction
Computer Science

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-10 13:28:18.984

abstract:
Mobile devices are frequently used to view rich content while on the go.  However, they have a tradeoff between increased screen size and portability; mobile devices, by definition, are constrained to a fraction of a desktop computer’s display area. This constraint means a user has to frequently navigate to content that lies outside the display.
We present FlexView, a prototype system and set of interaction techniques, which allows users to navigate through depth-arranged large information spaces using display curvature as an additional input channel. FlexView augments the planar (X-Y) navigation currently performed by touch input with two forms of bend input to navigate through depth (Z). With leafing, the user holds one side of display and bends the opposite side. Squeezing involves gripping the display in one hand and applying pressure on both sides to create concave or convex curvatures, and supports concurrent interaction with touch input.
We performed two evaluations to investigate the performance of FlexView’s interaction techniques. In Experiment 1, we measured the efficiency of participants when searching through pages of a document, and compared touch input to squeezing and leafing used in isolation. Experiment 2 introduced X-Y navigation in a pan-and-zoom pointing task where multi-touch pinch gestures were compared against squeezing and leafing for zoom operations. Panning, across all conditions, was performed with touch input using the index finger.
Our experiments demonstrated that touch and bend interactions are comparable for navigation through depth-arranged content, and squeezing to zoom recorded the fastest times in the pan-and-zoom pointing task. Overall, FlexView allows users to easily browse depth-arranged information spaces without sacrificing traditional touch interactions.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Rayleigh ratio measurement for SNO+ liquid scintillator and background studies of the internal ropes

subject: SNO+ Physics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-31 15:56:59.875

abstract:
As a successor of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, the SNO+ experiment is planned
to start data taking in early 2013. Making use of the liquid scintillator, Linear
Alkylbenzene (LAB), the SNO+ experiment aims to perform ux measurements of
low energy solar neutrinos in one phase, and wait for neutrinoless double beta decay
events in another phase where 44 kg of natural Neodymium would be added into
LAB.
The Rayleigh ratio of LAB was found to be 16.60 _ 3.14 _10􀀀6 cm􀀀1 at 546
nm using the relative measurement technique. The wavelength dependency of the
Rayleigh scattering was also examined and compared with the theoretical prediction.
A setup which is usable to measure the angular dependency of the Rayleigh scattering
was built, and an isotropic behaviour of the scattering was tested. The _ and
backgrounds, due to the internal calibration ropes situated in the scintillator volume,
were studied using the SNO+ Monte Carlo Package. Also, the amount of 210Pb
originating from the internal calibration ropes due to the intrinsic contamination of
238U, Rn emanation and plated on the surface prior to the installation were assessed
to examine if it is a tolerable level to achieve the target level of 13.4 background
events per day.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: New Phases in the Hydrous Ferric Sulfate System, a Supporting Argument That the Mineral Lausenite is of Formula Fe2(SO4)3∙5H2O and the Crystal Structure Refinement and Hydrogen Bonding Scheme of the Minerals Quenstedtite and Romerite

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
Sulfates
Mineralogy
Hydrogen Bonding
Lausenite
Romerite
Quenstedtite

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-02 10:11:21.232

abstract:
A series of experiments were conducted to explore the hydration state of the mineral lausenite.  The experiments of Posnjak and Merwin (1922) were recreated and the conclusion is reached that lausenite is of mineral formula Fe2(SO4)3∙5H2O, rather than Fe2(SO4)3∙6H2O as suggested by Posnjak and Merwin (1922).  This conclusion is based on the X-ray diffraction data which found that the Posnjak and Merwin experiments produced a phase whose pattern matched that of the pentahydrate identified by Majzlan (2005).  The refractive index data and morphology of this phase is also a match for the mineral described previously as a hexahydrate by Posnjak and Merwin (1922) and Lausen (1928).
Synchrotron X-ray diffraction data was collected from a possible new phase in the hydrous ferric sulfate system.  The data were analyzed and a unit cell was identified with monoclinic unit cell dimensions of a = 7.532(3)Å b = 12.551(6)Å c = 7.077(4)Å and β = 96.775(8)° with a unit cell volume of 664.4Å3.  This phase was determined to grow only at temperatures above 85°C and at a RH of ~23%.
The atomic structures of the minerals quenstedtite [Fe2(SO4)3∙11H2O] and romerite [Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4∙14H2O] are refined, hydrogen positions are identified and hydrogen bonding scheme is discussed.  The weakest hydrogen bonds are found to occur between layers of differently coordinated tetrahedral groups in both romerite and quenstedtite.  The transition from romerite to quenstedtite involves the oxidation of the ferrous iron in romerite converting into a Fe3+(SO4)∙5H2O cluster.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Exploring Urban Spaces in the Young Imagination: Untersuchungen Zur Großstadt in Der Kinder- Und Jugendliteratur Nach 2000

contributor:
Scott, Jill
German

subject:
Young Adult Literature
Cityscapes
Berlin
Children's Literature
New York
Paris
Contemporary Literature
Venice
London
Urban Spaces

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, German) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-02 16:56:36.507

abstract:
Exploring Urban Spaces in the Young Imagination makes the case for taking seriously children's and young adult fiction as a topic worthy of scholarly analysis beyond a purely didactic focus. The recent explosion of interest in this literature among adult readers and the blurring of boundaries between adult and youth media demonstrate that it has become a powerful influence on popular culture and has captured the collective imagination. As the future inhabitants of urban spaces, paying close attention to children’s and youth perspectives can provide fresh lenses, with which to view the cultural construction of cityscapes.
This dissertation examines post-millennium children’s and YA fiction and film. Drawing on theories of the spatial turn, my research provides five case studies on a variety of topics related to the contemporary metropolis – ranging from cognitive disability to environmental concerns. Specifically, it pays close attention to the inherent connections between the developing perceptions of metropolises and the various protagonists’ processes of identity formation.
Beginning with Berlin, as portrayed in Andreas Steinhöfel’s popular Rico-und-Oskar-trilogy, my analysis explores the protagonist’s shifting perceptions of his urban surroundings while overcoming the limitations of his learning disability. Furthermore, my research shows how Steinhöfel’s Der mechanische Prinz utilizes the cityscape as a mirror for the protagonist’s psyche and how his knowledge of the Berlin subway system contributes to his self-healing. In contrast, China Miéville’s Un Lun Dun explores the ecocritical implications of London’s urban ‘other’, UnLondon. Katherine Marsh’s The Night Tourist and its sequel The Twilight Tourist illustrate the literary construction of New York City as a ‘mediascape’ and modern myth. Finally, I focus on alternative family structures and their connection to urban spaces, specifically Venice in Cornelia Funke’s Herr der Diebe, and Paris in Brian Selznick’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The study concludes with an examination of these novels’ filmic versions and their respective romanticisations of Venice and Paris. The dissertation contributes to the fields of child and youth studies and urban geographies by exposing the manifold symbiotic constructions of cityscapes and youth in post-2000 children’s and YA fiction that shape identities and spaces alike.

abstract: I intend to prepare the thesis for publication as a monograph.

abstract: PhD


title: Stigma of Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Psychoeducational and Behavioural Modification Course

contributor:
Milev, Roumen
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
stigma
mental illness

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-24 21:04:08.965

abstract:
Objectives. To design a group-based, psychoeducational and behavioural modification course to help individuals with mood and anxiety disorders who are directly affected by mental health stigma. Second, to gather feedback on the course content and design using focus groups, then to finalize the course sessions.
Methods. Course development occurred in two phases. Phase I included content that was based on published research, including readings of personal experiences, and informal conversations with mental health service providers and mental health service consumers. In Phase II, three focus groups were conducted to gather feedback. Focus Group 1 included ten mental health service providers, Focus Group 2 included twelve mental health service consumers, and Focus Group 3 included three experts in the field of mental health stigma.
Results. All three groups had a positive reaction to the draft course and many suggestions were offered based upon focus group members’ personal experiences dealing with mental health stigma. All suggestions were taken into consideration and many were applied to refine the course content.
Conclusion. The revised anti-stigma course content is based on a compilation of research and suggestions taken from a wide variety of sources. This should ensure a comprehensive, feasible, and effective course. Development of this course is the first step towards a larger project aimed at reducing stigma directly experienced by those affected by mood and anxiety disorders in an effort to better their lives and encourage both resiliency and recovery.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Techniques for Improving Sofware Development Processes by Mining Software Repositories

contributor:
Zou, Ying
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Mining Software Repositories
Field Crash Reports
Selective Code Integration

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-04 12:26:59.388

abstract: Software repositories such as source code repositories and bug repositories record information about the software development process. By analyzing the rich data available in software repositories, we can uncover interesting information. This information can be leveraged to guide software developers, or to automate software development activities. In this thesis we investigate two activities of the development process: selective code integration and grouping of field crash-reports, and use the information available in software repositories to improve each of the two activities.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Combined use of waist and hip circumference to identify high-risk HIV-infected patients

contributor:
Ross, Robert
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Hip Circumference
Cardiovascular Disease
Type 2 Diabetes
HIV
Waist Circumference

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-04 16:27:16.249

abstract:
Objectives:  To determine whether for a given waist circumference (WC), a larger hip circumference (HC) was associated with a reduced risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in HIV-infected patients.  A second objective was to determine whether, for a given WC, the addition of HC improved upon estimates of abdominal adiposity, in particular visceral adipose tissue (VAT), compared to those obtained by WC alone.

Methods:  HIV-infected men (N=1481) and women (N=841) were recruited between 2005 and 2009.  WC and HC were obtained using standard techniques and abdominal adiposity was measured using computed tomography.

Results:  After control for WC and covariates, HC was associated with a lower risk of HOMA-IR (p<0.05) and T2D [Men: OR=0.91 (95% CI: 0.86-0.96); Women: OR=0.91 (95% CI: 0.84-0.98)].  For a given WC, HC was also associated with a lower risk of hypertension (p<0.05) and CVD [OR=0.94 (95% CI: 0.88-0.99)] in men, but not women.  Although HC was negatively associated with VAT in men and women after control for WC (p<0.05), the addition of HC did not substantially improve upon the prediction of VAT compared to WC alone.

Conclusions:  The identification of high-risk HIV-infected individuals by WC alone is substantially improved by the addition of HC.  Estimates of VAT by WC are not substantially improved by the addition of HC and thus variation in visceral adiposity may not be the conduit by which HC identifies increased health risk.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Christmas invented and contested

subject:
Christmas
Invented tradition
Hobsbawm, Eric
Christianity

abstract: This paper analyses the celebration of Christmas through the lens of Eric Hobsbawm’s theory of invented tradition, as well as how this process of invention can contribute to the discourse on contemporary Christmas issues. According to Hobsbawm’s theory, an invented tradition is a custom that purposely fabricates a sense of historical continuity and appears to be old-fashioned even when it is new. This paper argues that the holiday, which began as a rowdy carnival and transformed into a quiet domestic affair, was invented through a process that combined disparate elements from paganism, Christianity, and secular customs. The paper investigates both the initial celebration as well as its modern manifestation. Such an analysis demonstrates that Christmas has no true, standardized, or infallible form. The subsequent examination of the contemporary Christmas issues involving paganism, commercialism, secularism, and multiculturalism accordingly demonstrates that the holiday cannot be categorized as fully Christian or non-Christian, or religious or secular. For example, the renaming of Christmas trees as “holiday trees” suggests both the Christian nature of Christmas as well as the celebration’s secular capacity for inclusivity. Subsequently, this paper concludes that the hybridity of Christmas is necessary for negotiating expected and ostensibly clear boundaries within modern thinking and society.


title: From Gods to Superheroes: An Interpretive Reading of Comic Books and Religious Pluralism

subject:
Captain America
Green Lantern
Religion
Pop Culture

abstract:
The study of pop culture within the framework of the humanities has gained increased scholarly
attention. However, one area of interest that has not been fully addressed in the social sciences is
the role comic books play in shaping cultural identity. This paper examines comic books as
cultural artifacts that signify an alternative means of assessing the evolution of plurality and its
relation to cultural identity. Drawing on the work of Paul Ricoeur and Hans-Georg Gadamer I
employ a hermeneutical approach that highlights the multimodal nature of the comic book. The
comic book presents a multilayered structure of narration that combines mythic narratives, rich
symbolism, and ethical frameworks. Stated simply, I suggest that comic books present a new
location for the actualization of myth in a increasing secularized society. Moreover, drawing on
the findings of social semiotics theory and cultural psychology, I claim that comic books present
an opportunity for scholars to critically examine the value we place on plurality in the west. In
particular, I discuss how plurality is represented from 1938 to the the present through the
longstanding titles “Green Lantern” and “Captain America”. These titles are important because
they are widely read and have played a formative role in popularizing the comic book in Western
culture. Both “Captain America” and “Green Lantern” present a vision of plurality that not only
reflects the cultural landscape, but seeks to transform it.


title: Archives and the Event of Islamophobia: A Case Study of the English Defence League

subject:
islamophobia
English Defence League
Foucault, Michel

abstract:
Islamophobia, a term increasingly found in contemporary discourse at both the academic and popular level, has been studied from a variety of stances. Whether political, economic, psychological, anthropological or otherwise, emerging research on
Islamophobia has proliferated with a focus on public perceptions of Islam in a post-9/11 era. While these studies on Islamophobia have been empirical in nature throughout this relatively short history, they lack a methodological avenue that has yet to be explored. It
is in this context that my MA Essay fills a significant gap in previous scholarship by offering a new theoretical framework through the lens of French philosopher Michel Foucault.


title: The Tao People's Anti-Nuclear Movement: Indigenous Religion, Presbyterian Christianity, and Environmental Protest on Orchid Island, Taiwan

subject:
Taiwan
Environmental Protests
Indigenous People
Nuclear Waste

abstract:
In 1982 Taiwan Power Company, a government-owned utility, began to ship nuclear waste to Orchid Island, the homeland of an indigenous minority people known as the Tao. Currently there are over 100,000 barrels of nuclear waste on site. Since 1988, the Tao people have been mobilizing resistance to rid Orchid Island of the waste and reclaim the island as their ancestral land. This paper focuses on the influence of the hybrid religious situation of the Tao on the nature and form of their resistance to this environmental and cultural colonialism. Drawing on their indigenous worldview and
customs, the Tao people articulate a view of the environment in which nature and culture are integrated. At the same time, many of the Tao people identify with Presbyterian Christianity, and so the Tao Anti-Nuclear Movement (TANM) has been influenced by Christian concepts of social justice and a growing awareness of environmental issues among Christian churches worldwide. Ultimately, TANM presents a view of the
environment in which humans are embedded within the natural world and offers an environmentalism that seeks to connect social justice issues to environmental
degradation.


title: Playing with God: Towards the Creation of New Models of Religious Education

subject:
Religious Education
Child Psychology
Fowler, James
Winnicott, Donald Woods

abstract: The study of the relationship between religion and education in the lives of children is underrepresented in the field of religious studies. Part of the problem of studying this relationship stems from various ideological and political issues that have surrounded the traditional study of religious development in children. This essay examines how certain concepts of child psychology have shaped our contemporary understating of religious education in children. In particular, I examine how James Fowler and D. W. Winnicott’s theories about child psychology can be utilized to enhance our understating of the various ways children develop a religious worldview. Furthermore, I suggest that Fowler and Winnicott’s theories about child development can be expanded to help foster a new understanding of the vital role religious ideas play in the education of children. In the last part of my paper, I critique the state of contemporary religious education by drawing on the work of Gayatri Spivak and Paul Bramadat. Both Spivak and Bramadat suggest that an aesthetic education is required to cultivate a conversation that encompasses the broad spectrum of religious phenomenon. Most significantly, in this section I examine how the ideas of Fowler and Winnicott can be brought together in light of Spivak and Bramadat’s critique, to construct teaching methodologies for children that reflect the findings of contemporary scholarship in religious education. This essay attempts to expand the dialogue with revised conceptions of religious studies in order to develop pedagogies of religious education that are centered on a child’s capacity for creativity.


title: Religion and Nature in Akan Culture: A Case Study of the Okyeman Foundation

subject:
Ghana
Akan
Okyeman Foundation

abstract: Akan relationship with nature as expressed by Jefferson and Skinner (1974) enjoins the living to view nature as sacred and in effect prevent it from wanton destruction. This is because humans have a relationship with nature and must in return treasure it. This relationship shaped people‟s perception and attitude towards nature through the adherence to taboos associated with nature as well as the recognition of the place of non-human members of the community. This was meant to consolidate the sacred relationship between humans and nature. However, with Ghana‟s adoption of „Western‟ perspectives of development which perceives humanity as superior and in charge of creation as well as its perception of Akan animistic tendencies as „primitive,‟ „superstitious‟ and „fetish‟ has led to the destruction of nature. Ghana‟s environment continually faces gradual degradation because of the neglect of the role of the Akan indigenous religion in the preservation of nature because of the perception that the adoption of the animistic tenets of Akan Indigenous religion in Ghana‟s environmental policy constitutes a retrogression. The continuous neglect of religion and the over-reliance on legislation as a means of preventing environmental degradation will worsen the environment situation. It is therefore appropriate that contemporary conservation methods take cognizance of Indigenous religion.


title: "No People, No Land, No God, and No Man"? Writing Trauma in the Jewish Poetry of Catastrophe

subject:
Trauma Theory
Bible
Lamentations
Shalom, Isaac bar
Bialik, Hayyim Nahman


title: Meaning Makers and Secularization: Human Rights as an Expression of Meaning in a Post-Secular Age

subject:
Secularization
Human Rights

abstract:
The connection between secularization theory, the privatization of religion and the public development of rights legislation is a response to growing confusion
concerning the place of ‘morality’ and ethics in a public, ‘secularized’ society. This paper explores how human rights legislation emerged in the ‘western’ context, how it has adapted to globalization and criticisms it faces. Brief examples of Jainism and the Inuit represent alternative rights paradigms, acting as a cautionary against solidifying the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into an inflexible document universalizing all
cultures. I conclude that it is important for ‘secular’ societies to make choices in public policy with a critical and judicious examination of the citizens’ rights in mind, not only to preserve rights historically achieved but to prevent ambiguous or indecisive ethical
positions from resulting in the protection of corporate interest above the individual.


title: Rite of Passage, Kyriarchic Warrior Mentality, or Issues with Father? Universal Elements of Male Initiation and their Potential for Men in the West

subject:
Initiation Rituals
Men
Rites of Passage

abstract:
The decline of male initiation rituals in the West is lamented by authors articulating a variety of perspectives. However, the full extent of the decline and the subsequent impact on men, women and children is difficult to measure. There are many different descriptions of male initiation and many different conclusions regarding its purpose. Rather than concluding that the decline of male initiation contributes to hypermasculine behaviours or that the decline of male initiation frees men from forms of oppression, in this essay I both review a number of approaches in an assessment of current literature and undertake a search for common elements in such rituals with a view to determining whether a “good” ritual or rite of initiation for men in the West is possible, and, if so, what it might include. Identification of universal elements of male initiation across different approaches provides a starting point for re-defining and recovering “male initiation” in the West. Three of the most prominent approaches to male initiation in the West are those of ritual theorists, those of Christian ministers and scholars, and those of secular practitioners and writers. This paper examines perspectives on male initiation and the sub-topics within each of the three approaches. It traces the development of each perspective and identifies common elements of male initiation. Arguments will be made for the rejection of certain elements not common to all three approaches. My concluding analysis will review the elements
I find to be universal and potentially valuable to new rites for men in the West.


title: Cavanaugh's Myth-Appropriation of Ideology: A Critical Review of The Myth of Religious Violence

subject:
Cavanaugh, William
The Myth of Religious Violence
Religion
Violence

abstract:
In The Myth of Religious Violence, William Cavanaugh deconstructs the category of “religion” in
an attempt to undermine the distinction between “religious” violence and “secular” violence, and
to examine the way in which this construction manifests itself in the conceptual apparatus of
contemporary Western society. This paper focuses on how Cavanaugh uses the categories “myth”
and “ideology.” Cavanaugh’s given definition and employment of “myth” is sensitive to broader
conceptions of the category in myth-studies. Unlike “myth,” Cavanaugh does not offer a
definition “ideology,” but he employs the term in two ways: (1) as an all-encompassing category
that seems to override definitional issues with “religion” and; (2) pejoratively to signal the falsity
of putatively “secular ideology” that is responsible for the creation and maintenance of the “myth
of religious violence.” In particular, Cavanaugh does not recognize the “mythic” dimension of his
use of the concept of “ideology.” Cavanaugh’s use of “ideology” appears to replace the general
argument that “religion causes violence” with the equally general argument that “ideology causes
violence” without informing his reader what he means by “ideology.”


title: Being and Becoming: Analyzing the Negotiation of Spiritual, Religious, and Sexual Identities in Nonheterosexual British and American Young People through the Lens of Queer Theory

subject:
Identity
Queer Theory
Spirituality
Religion
Youth

abstract: Despite the large amount of research on religious young people, and research on the formation of young people‘s sexual identity, there is little research addressing the bearing that religion plays on identity construction in young people. Helping to fill this gap in the research, this paper investigates how young people simultaneously negotiate religious, spiritual, and sexual identities. Utilizing first-hand accounts from religious and spiritual young people from projects in the United Kingdom and the United States, this paper explores nonheterosexual youth as a site of liminality through the lens of queer theory. Participants in the studies demonstrated different approaches to the negotiation of multiple identities, including tension and conflict, compartmentalization, and integration, as well as differing levels of awareness of relevant concepts such as performativity and heteronormativity.


title: The Effect of Handgrip Exercise Duty Cycle on Brachial Artery Flow Mediated Dilation

contributor:
Pyke, Kyra E.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Endothelial Function
Flow Mediated Dilation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-06 14:31:50.467

abstract: Shear stress is the frictional force exerted on the vascular wall by blood flowing through an artery.  It is a major regulator of endothelial cell function, which is essential for vasoprotection and local regulation of vascular tone.  Using handgrip exercise (HGEX) to increase shear stress is an increasingly popular method for assessing brachial artery (BA) endothelial cell function via flow-mediated dilation (FMD, dilation which increases with improved endothelial function).  However, different exercise duty-cycles (ratio of handgrip relaxation to contraction in seconds) produce different patterns of BA shear stress with different anterograde and retrograde flow magnitudes.  PURPOSE: To determine the impact of HGEX duty-cycle on BA %FMD while maintaining a constant mean shear stress.  METHODS: N=16 healthy males. BA diameter (BAD) and blood velocity (BV) were assessed via echo and Doppler ultrasound.  Shear stress was estimated as shear rate (SR=BV/BAD) and reported as mean SR during the last minute of baseline (target 10 s 1) and each minute of HGEX (75 s-1).  Subjects performed 3 six minute HGEX trials on each of 2 separate days (like trials averaged). Each trial was one of 3 randomly ordered HGEX duty-cycles (1:1, 3:1, 5:1).   %FMD was calculated as the increase in BAD from baseline to the end of HGEX and at each minute (subset N=10) during HGEX.  RESULTS: Data are means ± SD. As intended, mean SR was similar between duty-cycles (main effect, p=0.835), despite significant differences in anterograde and retrograde SR (P<0.001).  There was no impact of duty cycle on blood pressure (p=0.188) or heart rate (p=0.131) responses.  End exercise %FMD (4.0 ± 1.3%, 4.1 ± 2.2%, 4.2 ± 1.4%, p=0.860) and minute by minute %FMD (main effect p=0.939; interaction, p=0.545) were also not different between duty-cycles.  CONCLUSION:  Distinct HGEX duty-cycles create markedly different shear stress patterns in the BA. However, duty cycle had no impact on %FMD magnitude suggesting that mean shear stress is the most important stimulus for FMD in the BA.  Using a 5:1 duty cycle may yield the best vessel image and diameter measurement quality due to the long period of arm stability between contractions.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Regulation of the GABPβ Promoter and the Role of NRF-1 in Mammary Epithelial Morphogenesis

contributor:
Mueller, Christopher
Biochemistry

subject:
Breast Cancer
GABP
NRF-1

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-06 14:39:04.852

abstract: Decreased expression of the tumor suppressor gene BRCA1 (breast cancer 1, early onset) is frequently observed in sporadic breast tumors, with the decrease not attributed to mutations or hypermethylation of the promoter. A critical regulator of the BRCA1 promoter is the GA-Binding Protein (GABP), a heterotetramer of GABPα and GABPβ. Previous analysis of the GABPβ promoter revealed a regulatory multi-protein complex containing Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 (NRF-1), which was aberrant in SK-BR-3 cells, resulting in decreased GABPβ and BRCA1 expression. To identify the unknown co-regulators of the NRF-1-containing complex at the GABPβ promoter, an immobilized-template assay containing the complex binding site was utilized. Despite optimization of binding and elution conditions through variations in salt content, Mg2+ concentration and pH, non-specific DNA-binding proteins were present in the column eluate. Further experimentation is therefore required to distinguish between non-specific proteins and complex co-activators. As this complex containing NRF-1 is also able to modulate BRCA1, a regulator of luminal progenitor differentiation, a defect in NRF-1 or complex co-activators could contribute to the abnormal morphogenesis and differentiation of BRCA1-deficient tumors. We therefore investigated the role of NRF-1 in mammary cell morphogenesis and its link to the GABP/BRCA1 pathway. As both GABPβ and NRF-1 are known regulators of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins, this association also provides a link between mitochondrial metabolism and breast differentiation, both of which are frequently disrupted in breast cancer. An inducible lentiviral system was used to generate NRF-1 knockdown cell lines to examine its effect on morphogenesis. Growth in 3D culture resulted in abnormal cell structures having impaired cell polarization and lumen formation. In monolayer culture, prolonged NRF-1 knockdown did not result in decreased BRCA1 or GABP expression. However, these cells did display notable mitochondrial dysfunction, accompanied by the downregulation of several NRF-1 target genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis including Tfam and cytochrome c. These results suggest a role for NRF-1 in mediating mammary morphogenesis through maintenance of functional mitochondria. Further investigation into the role of the NRF-1-containing complex at the GABPβ promoter during differentiation might also provide insight into the altered cell metabolism and differentiation observed in cancer cells.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: An Analysis of Test Construction Procedures and Score Dependability of a Paramedic Recertification Exam

contributor:
Klinger, Don A.
Education

subject:
Dependability
Generalizability Theory
Paramedic
High-Stakes Exam

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-06 22:41:41.552

abstract: High-stakes testing is used for the purposes of providing results that have important consequences such as certifications, licensing, or credentialing. The purpose of this study was to examine aspects of an exam recently written by flight paramedics for recertification and make recommendations for development of future exams. In 2008, an unexpectedly high failure led to revisions in the exam development process for flight paramedics. Using principles of classical test theory and generalizability theory, I examined the decision consistency and dependability of the examination and found the decision consistency for dichotomous items to be within acceptable limits, yet the dependability was low. Discrimination was strong at the cut-score. An in-depth look into the process used to set the exam, as well as the psychometric properties of the exam and the items have led to recommendations that will contribute to future development of dependable exams in the industry that result in more valid interpretations with respect to paramedic competence.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: It's Not Just Business, It's Personal: The Self-Concept and Consumers' Fairness Judgments

contributor:
Ashworth, Laurence
Management

subject: Price Fairness, Self-Threat, Relational Value, Incompetence, Affect-as-Information

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-07 08:20:05.227

abstract:
Consumers often pay different prices for the same product, and prices commonly vary across stores and time. Theories of fairness suggest that such price discrepancies will be deemed unfair, yet consumers’ perceptions of unfairness in such situations vary greatly (Haws and Bearden 2006). This dissertation aims to enrich our understanding of this issue by examining the role of threat in shaping consumers’
perceptions of unfairness. Specifically, integrating the extant literature on unfairness, affect and identity, it argues that an important basis for consumers’ perceptions of unfairness is the degree to which price differentials convey threatening information about important aspects of the consumers’ self-concept. In fact, it suggests that price differentials can convey threatening information about two distinct aspects of consumers’ identity – their perceived relational value and their personal identity - and identifies conditions under which such information is likely conveyed. Here, relational value refers to assessments of social worth and personal identity refers to the aspect of
the self concerned with the achievement of individualized goals such as competence,
mastery and conscience (Skitka 2003). The logic underlying this central argument is
that self-threatening price differentials trigger more intense negative affect, which is subsequently used by consumers to inform their fairness judgments. The current work
also examines whether price differentials that convey self-affirming information are
likely to be deemed less unfair because of the positive feelings they inspire. Taken as a whole, this dissertation highlights the central role of threat in shaping consumers’ price fairness judgments. In doing so, it contributes to the fairness literature, both in marketing and more broadly, by offering an organizing framework for understanding the basis of consumers’ price fairness judgments.

abstract: PhD


title: A Context Management Framework to Support Context-Aware Pervasive Computing

contributor:
Martin, Patrick
Computing

subject: Context Pervasive

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-07 11:42:42.117

abstract:
As computing devices become more pervasive and integrated with our lives, it becomes useful for these devices to understand the environment which surrounds them and the activities of their users, so that they may adapt themselves to suit the circumstances and best assist their users.  To accomplish this, it is necessary that these devices have a model for expressing and sharing contextual data which characterizes the state of the surroundings, the devices and people in an environment, and the relationships between each.
This thesis describes a framework for managing the exchange of contextual data between devices and sensors with information about their shared environment, with other devices whose goals are to adapt their behaviour to best suit the circumstances.  This function supports the greater goal of implementing a pervasive computing environment.  We identify three roles in context sharing:  Context Providers which are sources of contextual data such as sensors; Context Consumers which are applications which use contextual data to adapt themselves; and Context Hosts which act as intermediaries facilitating the exchange of data and provide a proxy host for contextual data on behalf of Context Providers.  This framework includes protocols to facilitate data exchange between each with considerations for the security and data privacy.
This thesis also outlines an extensible model for defining and expressing contextual data and related meta data.  The context model can be passed among the context sharing actors to communicate state and relationships between entities in the working environment.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Planning for the memorialisation of the Indian Residential School System: A case study of the Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford, Ontario

contributor:
Viswanathan, Leela
Urban and Regional Planning

subject:
memorialisation
residential schools
(post)colonial planning
urban planning
transitional justice
Woodland Cultural Centre

abstract: Thesis (Master, Urban & Regional Planning) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-08 13:19:55.027

abstract:
This research examines the process of memorialisation around the Indian Residential School System in Canada to draw connections between the fields of transitional justice and professional urban planning. For over a century, government and churches in Canada operated a system of residential schools that removed Indigenous children from their families and communities. Today, many Indigenous communities struggle with the intergenerational impacts of this system, and as a society we are attempting to heal the damaged relationships that have resulted.
This research presents a comparative case study of two processes of memorialisation surrounding the residential school system. Through site observations, interviews, and analyses of documents, this research examines the transformation and memorialisation of the Mohawk Institute, a former residential school, into the Woodland Cultural Centre, a First Nations-run centre located in Brantford, Ontario. I compare this example with the national Commemoration Fund, set out in the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (2006), which settled lawsuits filed by residential school survivors against the federal government of Canada and several church organisations.
This research underlines some tensions inherent in memorialising the human rights abuses experienced in the residential schools. A significant difficulty is establishing balance between leaving ownership of stories of the residential school experiences with survivors, while acknowledging the responsibilities that the whole of society must carry if reconciliation is to be achieved. I conclude that the process established through the Commemoration Fund does not adequately reflect this balance, leaving a heavy burden on survivors and their communities without providing adequate support. I further argue that the timelines established through this fund do not allow for the longer-term evolution that may characterize effective memorialisation projects.
These themes link to theories around collaborative planning, and considerations of social justice and procedural fairness. In recent decades, collaborative planning has been seen as a way to make planning practices more inclusive. However, in the context of planning with Indigenous Peoples, collaborative processes may not be a sufficient response to rights claims. This has important implications for professional planners, as we work towards decolonization, reconciliation, and establishing just-relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in Canada.

abstract: M.PL.


title: Efficient Control of the Series Resonant Converter for High Frequency Operation

contributor:
Jain, Praveen K.
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Resonant Converter
Resonant Gate Drive
DC/DC Converter
Power Electronics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-09 20:43:56.997

abstract:
Improved transient performance and converter miniaturization are the major driving factors behind high frequency operation of switching power supplies.  However, high speed operation is limited by topology, control, semiconductor, and packaging technologies.  The inherent mitigation of switching loss in resonant converters makes them prime candidates for use when the limits of switching frequency are pushed.  The goal of this thesis is to address two areas that practically limit the achievable switching frequency of resonant topologies.
Traditional control methods based on single cycle response are impractical at high frequency; forcing the use of pulse density modulation (PDM) techniques.  However, existing pulse density modulation strategies for resonant converters in dc/dc applications suffer from:
•	High semiconductor current stress.
•	Slow response and large filter size determined by the low modulating frequency.
•	Possibly operating at fractions of resonant cycles leading to switching loss; thereby limiting the modulating frequency.
A series resonant converter with variable frequency PDM (VF-PDM) with integral resonant cycle control is presented to overcome the limitations of existing PDM techniques to enable efficient operation with high switching frequency and modulating frequency.  The operation of the circuit is presented and analyzed, with a design procedure given to achieve fast transient performance, small filter size, and high efficiency across the load range with current stress comparable to conventional control techniques.  It is shown that digital implementation of the controller can achieve favourable results with a clock frequency four times greater than the switching frequency.
Driving the synchronous rectifiers is a considerable challenge in high current applications operating at high switching frequency.  Resonant gate drivers with continuous inductor current experience excessive conduction loss, while discontinuous current drivers are subject to slow transitions and high peak current.  Current source drivers suffer from high component count and increased conduction loss when applied to complementary switches.
A dual-channel current source driver is presented as a means of driving two complementary switches.  A single coupled inductor with discontinuous current facilitates low conduction loss by transferring charge between the MOSFET gates to reduce the number of semiconductors in the current path, and reducing the number of conduction intervals.  The operation of the circuit is analyzed, and a design procedure based on minimization of the total synchronous rectifier loss is presented.  Implementation of the digital logic to control the driver is discussed.
Experimental results at megahertz operating frequencies are presented for both areas addressed to verify the theoretical results.

abstract: PhD


title: Adopting Obligations: Duties to Existing Children

contributor:
Gordon-Solmon, Kerah
Philosophy

subject: Adoption

abstract: Thesis (Master, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-10 10:40:14.214

abstract: This thesis argues that infertile prospective parents have a moral obligation to adopt rather than pursue ARTs (Assisted Reproductive Technology). The first chapter presents the negative argument against the common desire among prospective parents for a genetically related child. After refuting the five most promising reasons for wanting a biological child, I show that the burden of proof lies with defenders of ARTs to justify their use. In the second chapter I make the moral case in favour of adoption. By drawing an analogy to a standard and incontrovertible duty to aid case, I argue that infertile prospective parents have a duty to adopt. The final chapter justifies limiting the scope of my argument to the infertile. I argue that unlike fertile parents, the infertile who elect to pursue ARTs are clearly willing and able to assume additional costs in order to have a child. Consequently, there is a relevant difference between these two groups that justifies focusing on the latter.

abstract: M.A.


title: Examining the Existence of Collaborative Planning and Sustainable Development in a First Nation Community-Based Planning Context

contributor:
Viswanathan, Leela
Whitelaw, Graham S.
Urban and Regional Planning

subject:
Community Based Land Use Plans
First Nations Planning

abstract: Thesis (Master, Urban & Regional Planning) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-10 19:05:31.748

abstract:
This master’s thesis examines the extent to which collaborative planning and sustainable development theories and practices exist in First Nations’ Community-Based Land Use Plans in Canada. Collaborative planning has been developed from a westernized worldview. Despite its best intentions, collaborative planning has not always incorporated a First Nations’ perspective into its approach, which continues to reinforce a dichotomy between First Nations’ governments and Canadian federal and provincial governments (Porter, 2006). The dichotomy potentially exists due to the lack of grounds for successful collaborative planning between the various types of government bodies. It is important to examine, collaborative planning, and sustainable development in First Nations’ Community-Based Land Use Plans for theoretical/conceptual, practical, and ethical applications to Canadian planning.

This thesis’ research was conducted using the following methodological processes: A literature review, thematic review and content analysis. The thematic review was of 14 First Nations’ Community-Based Land Use Plans throughout Canada. The thematic review resulted in a similarities, differences, and gap analysis. The content analysis was of three of the original 14 First Nations’ Community-Based Land Use Plans and used William C. Baer’s General Plan Evaluation Criteria (1997) adapted with collaborative planning and sustainable development elements to evaluate the three selected plans. The results from this research produced theoretical/conceptual, practical, and ethical contributions to the planning profession.

abstract: M.PL.


title: THE NRF-1/GABP/BRCA1 Transcriptional Network in Mammary Epithelial Differentiation

contributor:
Mueller, Christopher
Pathology and Molecular Medicine

subject: BRCA1

subject: Breast cancer

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Pathology & Molecular Medicine) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-11 14:22:26.407

abstract: Evidence indicates that the mammary epithelium is arranged in a hierarchy in which mature luminal and myoepithelial cells are derived from stem cells through a series of lineage-restricted intermediates.  One of the more compelling hypotheses in breast cancer research is that transformation of a particular cell within the hierarchy will initiate a tumour with a specific molecular profile and clinical outcome.  If this is true, valuable insight into tumourigenesis can be gained by investigating normal and malignant pathways of differentiation.  A well-known tumour suppressor in breast cancer, BRCA1, plays a role in mammary epithelial differentiation.  It has been proposed that haploinsufficiency or loss of BRCA1, either by germline mutation or sporadic downregulation, blocks differentiation producing a pool of genetically unstable mammary stem/progenitor cells that are prime targets for transformation.  Thus, investigation of BRCA1 regulation and its role in differentiation are important to our understanding of breast cancer etiology.  In this study, we determined that BRCA1 is at the end of a transcriptional network comprised of NRF-1 and GABP, a transcription factor comprised of two distinct subunits GABPalpha and GABPbeta.  Decreased BRCA1 transcription in SK-BR-3 cells was found to be caused by aberrant activation of the GABPbeta promoter by an NRF-1 binding protein complex. We determined that the SWI/SNF family members BRG1, ARID1A and BAF155 may participate in the complex that activates GABPbeta transcription in conjunction with NRF-1.  Examination of NRF-1, GABP and BRCA1 in 3D culture models suggests that mammary epithelial differentiation is biphasic with the transition between the phases being driven by changes in BRCA1 expression and localization.  In the first phase, BRCA1 promotes differentiation in the nucleus, and in the second phase, BRCA1 is downregulated as a result of diminished GABP expression and relocated to an apical position, presumably to facilitate cell polarization.  Following BRCA1 downregulation, NRF-1 and GABP levels increase indicating they are inducing oxidative phosphorylation in the second phase of differentiation.  The involvement of NRF-1 and GABP in cellular respiration as well as differentiation through targets such as BRCA1 suggests that these proteins may integrate the cellular functions and mitochondrial metabolism required for mammary epithelial differentiation.

abstract: PhD


title: Selective Activation of Terbium(III) and Europium(III) Luminescence With Triarylboron-Functionnalized Carboxylate Ligands. and Luminescent 8-Hydroxyquinoline Dipicolylamine Complexes as Sensors for Zinc(II).

contributor:
Wang, Suning
Chemistry

subject:
Lanthanide
Zinc(II) Sensing
Lanthanide Luminescence
Luminescent Sensor

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-11 16:36:17.004

abstract:
The impact of a tri-substituted boron moiety on the chelate sensitization of Tb(III) and Eu(III) lanthanide luminescence and their resulting photophysical properties was investigated. Two triarylboron-functionalized carboxylate ligands 1 and 2 and their respective Tb(III) and Eu(III) complexes, 1Tb, 2Tb, 1Eu and 2Eu were synthesized and fully characterized. The photophysical properties of these compounds were studied and it was established that these three-coordinate boron ligands are highly effective in selective activation of Tb(III) and Eu(III) luminescence yielding high efficiency green and red luminescence, respectively. Potential applications of these triarylboron-functionalized chelate Tb(III) and Eu(III) complexes as luminescent sensors for dipicolinic acid (DPA), a biomarker for anthrax spores, as well as small anions such as F- and CN- in organic solution were examined by titration experiments using UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence emission measurements. Further studies were carried out into the application of the lanthanide complexes as solid substrate luminescent sensors for the same analytes.
Furthermore a novel zinc-binding compound, composed of both an 8-hydroxyquinoline fluorophore and a dipyridyl metal binding site, was designed for application as a luminescent sensor for Zn(II), due to the recent link between the metal ion and certain high-profile neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. The target ligand compound 1-OH was successfully synthesized and characterized using UV-Vis, Fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy. Further studies of the ligand are recorded by studying the effects of the addition of both four-coordinate boron and tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum active sites to the 1-OH molecule frame. The four compounds’ abilities in luminescent Zn(II) detection in organic media were examined by titration experiments with Zn(II) using UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence emission measurements.

abstract: This thesis is to be restricted due to patent application being submitted in the near future on the subjects discussed within. Paperwork was submitted to the Graduate Studies office in August 2012 requesting and describing this restriction.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Three Parish Redevelopments in Ottawa, Ontario

subject:
Redevelopment
Values
Built Heritage
Church
Place of Worship

abstract: This report investigated three Anglican Church of Canada parish redevelopment projects in the City of Ottawa. Each church was evaluated based on physical and heritage evaluation criteria as well as social values in order to understand how the congregation’s values were incorporated in the redevelopment project.


title: Chemical Reaction Dynamics at the Statistical Ensemble and Molecular Frame Limits

contributor:
Wardlaw, David
Stolow, Albert
Chemistry

subject: Femtosecond Laser

subject: Coincidence Imaging Spectroscopy

subject: Scattered Light Background Reduction

subject: Dendritic Cupric Oxide

subject: Time Resolved Photoelectron Spectroscopy

subject: Effect of Air Pressure on Laser Performance

subject: Effect of Weather on Laser Performance

subject: Transition state theory

subject: Imaging Valence Electronic Dynamics

subject: Non-Adiabatic Alignment

subject: Time Resolved Photoelectron Angular Distributions

subject: Excited States

subject: Conical Intersections

subject: Molecular Frame

subject: Potential Energy Surfaces

subject: Time Dependent Density Functional Theory

subject: Chemical Reaction Dynamics

subject: Flexible Transition State Theory

subject: Carbon Disulfide

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-11 22:18:20.89

abstract:
In this work, experimental and theoretical approaches are applied to the study of chemical reaction
dynamics. In Chapter 2, two applications of transition state theory are presented: (1) Application of
microcanonical transition state theory to determine the rate constant of dissociation of C2F3I
after π∗ ← π excitation. It was found that this reaction has a very fast rate constant
and thus
is a promising system for testing the statistical assumption of molecular reaction dynamics. (2) A general
rate constant expression for the reaction of atoms and molecules at surfaces was derived within the statistical
framework of flexible transition state theory.
In Chapter 4, a computationally efficient TDDFT approach was found to
produce useful potential energy surface landscapes for application to non-adiabatic predissociative dynamics
of the molecule CS2 after excitation from the ground state to the singlet C-state. In Chapter 5, ultrafast
experimental results of excitation of CS2 to the predissociative neutral singlet C-state is presented. The
bandwidth of the excitation laser was carefully tuned to span a two-component scattering resonance with each
component differently evolving electronically with respect to excited state character during the quasi-bound
oscillation. Scalar time-resolved photoelectron spectra (TRPES) and vector time-resolved photoelectron
angular distribution (TRPAD) observables were recorded during the predissociation. The TRPES yield of
photoelectrons was found to oscillate with a quantum beat pattern for the photoelectrons corresponding to
ionization to the vibrationless cation ground state; this beat pattern was obscured for photoelectron energies
corresponding to ionization from the vibrationally excited CS2 cation. The TRPAD data was recorded for
two general molecular ensemble cases: with and without a pre-excitation alignment laser pulse. It was found
that in the case of ensemble alignment (Chapter 6), the “molecular frame” TRPAD (i.e. TRMFPAD) was
able to image the purely valence electronic dynamics of the evolving CS2 C-state. The unaligned ensemble
TRPAD observable suffers from excessive orientational averaging and was unable to observe the quantum
beat.
Engineering efforts were also undertaken to eliminate scattered light background signal (Chapter 7,
Appendix A) and improve laser stability as a function of ambient pressure (Appendix B) for TRMFPAD
experiments.

abstract: PhD


title: Coming Home:  Sovereign Bodies and Sovereign Land in Indigenous Poetry, 1990-2012

contributor:
Morgensen, Scott Lauria
Gender Studies

subject:
Two-Spirit Writers
Settler Colonial Studies
North American Indigenous Studies
Indigenous Poetry
Literary Criticism

abstract: Thesis (Master, Gender Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-12 03:07:52.957

abstract: This thesis probes the ways in which land-based and bodily violence inform contemporary North American Indigenous poetry.  Since the “Oka Crisis” of 1990, English-speaking North American Indigenous writers have produced a substantial body of poetry that has significant implications in forwarding national sovereignty struggles. Gender violence enabled settler colonial land appropriation; resource exploitation also harmed Indigenous bodies. This project considers the ways in which Indigenous authors with diverse geographic, cultural and embodied experiences employ common strategies toward using poetry as an emancipatory tool. A poem is both whole, and a fragment of a larger body of work; engaging with the works of individual poets, and multi-authored anthologies allows for varied readings of the same poems and their engagements with the project’s key themes of homeland and embodiment. This paper is informed by the reading of many Indigenous theorists and poets, and aligns with an Indigenous-feminist critique that suggests that nationalist sovereignty struggles are meaningless as long as bodily violence against Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people is still prevalent. As such, contemporary struggles for reclaiming Indigenous lands must also be struggles toward a sovereign erotic, sovereignty over one’s sexuality and gender identity.

abstract: M.A.


title: Movement correlation as a nonverbal cue in the perception of affiliation in thin slices of behaviour

contributor:
Munhall, Kevin G.
Castelhano, Monica
Psychology

subject:
Social Visual-Cognition
Social Perception
Nonverbal Communication

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-12 17:25:36.484

abstract: Our perceptual systems can create a rich representation of the social cues gathered during social interaction. Very brief exposures or ‘thin slices’ of behavioural and linguistic information are sufficient for making accurate judgments regarding social situations and building these social representations. This is akin to our accurate recognition of static visual stimuli with brief exposures to a scene in the study of scene gist (Oliva, 2005). This thesis examines a specific social cue during social interaction - how the correlation of movement between two people varies as a result of their affiliation. Further, this thesis investigates how we perceive that behavioural cue when making judgments of affiliation while observing conversation.    It has already been established that there is coordination of linguistic and behavioural information during social interaction (Ambady & Rosenthal, 1992). This coordination is more prominent when individuals are familiar with each than when they are not (Dunne & Ng, 1994). The first study in this thesis quantifies the variation in the coordination of movement between two people in conversation based on their affiliation. Results demonstrate that the correlation of movements between friends is greater than the correlation during stranger interaction. This experiment demonstrates that movement varies as a result of affiliation and that people could use this coordination as a cue when making accurate judgments of affiliation while observing social interaction. The second study used the analysis of movement correlation to examine how correlation serves as a cue for accuracy of affiliation judgment by observers. Results demonstrate that although correlation was not a significant cue in affiliation perception, participants could indeed do the perceptual task. These results suggest that the perception of social information is multi-faceted and many cues contribute to its perception. These findings are discussed in terms of our sensitivity to more specific movement correlations as opposed to the global correlations used in this study. These studies highlight the need for further investigation in how behavioural cues function within the judgment of social information.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Monetary Transmission Mechanism and Business Cycles: The Role of Multi-stage Production with Inventories

contributor:
Head, Allen
Koeppl, Thorsten V.
Economics

subject:
Search
Business cycles
Multi-stage production
Money

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Economics) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-16 20:44:21.876

abstract: This thesis studies the role of multi-stage production for the monetary transmission mechanism. I employ a monetary search model to show how multi-stage production influences both the long run and the short run effects of money growth. Multi-stage production provides an additional channel for money growth having effects through intermediate goods between different production stages. Extending Shi's (1998) model from a single-stage to a multi-stage production model, I show that money growth rate has an unconventional long run effect on quantities per match, and the long run response of input inventory investment is different from that of output inventory investment. Contrary to classic search models, the steady state effect of money growth on the quantity of finished goods per match is not monotonic and depends on the money growth rate. Furthermore, in steady state the quantities per match first increase with the growth rate of money, before falling for large growth rates. Input inventories arise due to search frictions. Money growth also has hump-shaped real effects on steady state input inventory investment. The intermediate goods build a bridge between the labor market and the finished goods market. Intuitively, households hire more labor with higher future revenue and produce more intermediate goods in order to match the employment level. With more labor and more intermediate goods, finished goods producers can produce more when matched. As a consequence, they are stuck with more input inventories. Moreover, my model suggests that changes in the money growth rate would be one of the reasons for the decline of the inventory-to-sales ratio since the mid-1980s. Finally, I calibrate my model to quarterly US data. Contrary to other work, my model is able to replicate the stylized facts on inventory movements over the business cycle by solely relying on monetary shocks. The theoretical impulse response functions can quantitatively reproduce the corresponding empirical ones estimated in a structure autoregressive model. Moreover, the quantitative analysis supports the argument that input inventories amplify aggregate fluctuations over business cycles.

abstract: PhD


title: Challenging O2 delivery demand/matching with reduced exercising muscle perfusion pressure: Do vasodilatory and/or pressor mechanisms compensate?

contributor:
Tschakovsky, Michael E.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Perfusion Pressure
Oxygen Delivery
Muscle Blood Flow
Exercise

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-13 16:42:41.751

abstract: We sought to determine if compensatory vasodilator and/or pressor responses protect exercising muscle O2 delivery (O2D) under conditions of reduced arterial perfusion pressure, if this is exercise intensity-dependent, and if distinct cardiovascular response phenotypes exist.  Ten healthy male subjects (19.5±0.4 years) completed two trials of a ramp protocol forearm isometric handgrip exercise test to exhaustion (2.5 kg increments every 3.5 minutes) in each of forearm above and below heart level (forearm arterial perfusion pressure (FAPP) difference of 29.5±0.97 mmHg).   Forearm blood flow ((FBF (ml/min; brachial artery Doppler and echo ultrasound), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP; finger photoplethysmography), and exercising forearm venous effluent (ante-cubital vein catheter) measurements at the end of each work rate (WR) revealed the following.  Group level (n=10) Δ FBF was compromised beyond 5 kg WR in above vs. below (P<0.05).  There was no evidence of compensatory vasodilator (P=0.21) or pressor (P=0.63) responses. Peak O2D, WR and VO2 were significantly compromised by reduced FAPP (115.6±16.8 vs. 152.0±13.4 mlO2/min, 25.5±1.22 vs. 28.94±1.50 kg and 75.9±5.3 vs. 100.2±8.6 ml/min; P<0.05).  In contrast, examination of individual responses revealed distinct cardiovascular response groups with (n=6) vs. without (n=4) compensatory vasodilation with the former having less compromise to submaximal O2D and peak WR (-94.12±23.42 vs. -223.40±36.01 mlO2/min), P<0.05 and -2.5±0.32 vs. -5.32±0.79 kg, P<0.05).  In conclusion, exercising forearm muscle hypoperfusion due to reduced FAPP is not compensated for by pressor responses.  However, there appear to be distinct phenotypes in which vasodilatory compensation does vs. does not occur, which in the former partially protects O2D and exercise performance.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Structural and functional characterization of E2A:KIX interactions in leukemia

contributor:
Smith, Steven P.
LeBrun, David P.
Biochemistry

subject:
leukemia
protein-protein interactions
NMR spectroscopy
structural biology

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-13 13:30:48.848

abstract:
The E2A proteins are transcription factors critical for B-lymphopoiesis. A chromosomal translocation involving the E2A gene promotes acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) through expression of the oncoprotein E2A-PBX1. Two activation domains of E2A-PBX1, AD1 and AD2, have been implicated in transcription mediated by recruitment of the transcriptional co-activator CBP/p300. A motif has been identified within AD1 that is important for recruiting CBP/p300, known as PCET. This recruitment requires an interaction between the activation domains of E2A-PBX1 and the KIX domain of CBP/p300. The KIX domain recognizes a generic ΦXXΦΦ sequence (Φ corresponds to a hydrophobic residue) found in the activation domains of numerous transcription factors. Mutation of leucine 20 in PCET has been shown to abrogate ex vivo immortalization of murine bone marrow and oncogenesis in a murine bone marrow transplantation model. A similar sequence is also found in AD2 and is implicated in E2A transcriptional activity and recruitment of CBP/p300.  The structural details of these interactions remain largely unknown.
NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the solution structure of the PCET:KIX complex, and the functional consequences of the Leu20Ala mutation were structurally rationalized. Other PCET mutations informed by this structure were tested and correlations were found between in vitro binding affinities and both transcriptional activation and immortalization. The binding site of the ΦXXΦΦ-containing E2A AD2 peptide was mapped to the same site on the KIX domain used by the PCET motif. A model of this complex was generated and mutations were tested using a similar approach as was used for PCET. E2A AD2 binds the KIX domain with lower affinity than the PCET motif and is not required for immortalizing bone marrow. A mutation that increases the affinity of E2A AD2 for the KIX domain to levels approaching that seen for the PCET:KIX interaction restores transcriptional activation and immortalization, demonstrating that immortalization by E2A-PBX1 is an affinity dependent process involving the KIX domain of CBP/p300. These studies indicate that the activation domains of E2A-PBX1 serve to support the in vivo function of the oncoprotein and that the PCET:KIX complex is a potential target for novel therapeutics in E2A-PBX1+ leukemia.

abstract: PhD


title: Urban Lighting: Planning for Public Spaces in Vancouver's Southeast False Creek

subject:
Urban Lighting
Public Space
Urban Design
Planning
Vancouver
Southeast False Creek

abstract: Artificial light impacts orientation, use, safety and the visual quality of public spaces after dark.  Combining lessons learnt from a review of international lighting master plan case studies and systematic self-observation of Southeast False Creek, this report assesses the physical and perceptual qualities of urban lighting in Vancouver.  Study analysis identifies key components of a successfully lighting plan and explores how plan elements translate to real use in the public realm.  Recommendations are offered to the City of Vancouver for the purpose of advancing strategies, concepts and coordination of municipal urban lighting plans.


title: Écrire L'Indicible: Pour une Étude du Témoignage de Yolande Mukagasana

contributor:
Semujanga, Josias
Bénard, Johanne
French

subject:
Horreur
Irrepresentable
Temoignage, Indicible
Impensable
Inconcevable
Genocide

abstract: Thesis (Master, French) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-14 11:13:17.318

abstract: This study focuses on the trilogy of Yolande Mukagasana, a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda: La mort ne veut pas de moi (1997), N'aie pas peur de savoir (1999) and Les Blessures du silence (2001). The reading of Mukagasana's works about genocide raises the question of the unspeakable. On the one hand, the language struggles to express the witness’s suffering. On the other hand, the experience of the genocide does not have landmarks for the witness who undertakes the task to tell her story. The topic addressed in the second chapter of this thesis is about the difficulty and the urgency to testify which prompt the witness to use different discursive strategies to approach the horror and convince the reader of the truth of her story. The analysis confirms with examples that the literary testimony does not use less literary devices than fictional texts. The third chapter addresses the preservation of the memory of the genocide and its victims. It also talks about justice that has to punish the perpetrators of the greatest crime against humanity. The thesis wraps up by looking at the cathartic function of the testimony.

abstract: M.A.


title: The Use of Pumping Tests to Measure the Vertical Hydraulic Properties of Sedimentary Rock Formations

contributor:
Novakowski, Kent S.
Civil Engineering

subject:
Hydrogeology
Fractured Media

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-14 11:28:14.466

abstract:
An analytical model is presented for the interpretation of pumping tests conducted in a fractured rock aquifer. The solution accommodates multiple horizontal fractures intersecting pumping and observation wells with interconnecting vertical fracture features. The uppermost horizontal fracture is connected via this fracture network to a free surface boundary. Wellbore storage is included at the pumping and observation wells using an approximate superposition technique and the solution is derived using the Laplace transform method. Evaluation is performed by numerical inversion using the Talbot algorithm. Sensitivity of the model to the governing hydraulic parameters for both pumping and observation well data is presented for a realistic range of values for fractured rock.  A field example is given to demonstrate the application of the model and to explore the uniqueness of the interpreted values. Based on the results obtained using the present analytical model, estimation of unique values of the vertical hydraulic parameters in a sedimentary rock setting may not be possible using pumping test results.

Subsequently, measuring aquifer properties from various testing methods was investigated to explore the significance of fracture heterogeneities relative to tested volumes and to determine which testing methods were capable of producing reliable parameter estimates. The hydrogeological study was performed in a fractured sedimentary rock aquifer using four different field testing methods: constant head tests, pulse interference tests, 12-hour isolated interval pumping tests and 48-hour open-hole pumping tests. Particular emphasis was placed on the reliable estimation of vertical hydraulic parameters in this setting. The evaluation of the pumping test data was performed using the analytical model derived earlier to determine whether the new pumping test model could produce confident estimates of vertical hydraulic parameters.
While estimates of horizontal hydraulic conductivity measurements were not affected by test method, open-well pumping tests do not appear able to predict values of vertical hydraulic conductivity and specific yield. Alternatively, pulse interference tests may be a less time-intensive option to constant head injection tests for determining vertical parameters in a sedimentary rock setting.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Experiences of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Small Town and Rural Ontario

contributor:
Rosenberg, Mark W.
Geography

subject:
rural
social inclusion
intellectual disabilities

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-17 12:24:42.783

abstract:
The aim of this thesis is to analyze social inclusion among young adults with intellectual disabilities in small towns and rural community settings. The specific context is three small towns in south eastern Ontario in 2006/2007. A phenomenological study relying on a hermeneutics cycle is undertaken to derive an understanding from multiple sources.
In the first instance, policy documents related to the province's approach to supports for adults with intellectual disabilities, the research literature on experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities in rural communities, and conceptual models of social inclusion were reviewed. Seventeen young adults with intellectual disabilities (20 to 28 years of age), their caregivers (n=13) and other community members (n=20) from the three selected towns were interviewed. The interviews included quantitative tools and open-ended questions. Data from the Canadian census were also used to characterize the towns. The data collected led to quantitative (counts, median scores, proportions) and qualitative (significant statements, formulated meanings, themes) analyses for comparisons within and across towns in order to reveal the role of context in social inclusion.
The results highlight the importance of context. While similarities exist among the small towns in the region, they each have unique features which impact on the experience of social inclusion for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Key lessons are learned. Attention needs to be given to the availability and proximity of spaces and structures for interaction. The role played by developmental service agencies needs to be examined critically as it may hinder social inclusion and sense of belonging.
As community involvement is easier for those seen as similar and sense of community is stronger among those who see themselves as similar, the socio-demographic profile of a town can be an important factor mitigating for or against social inclusion efforts. Finally, since residents of a small town who have a greater need for supports derive more sense of community from knowing that other residents are willing to help those in need, fostering caring communities may be as important as creating services specific to persons with intellectual disabilities. The need for geographers, epidemiologists and other social and life scientists to study persons with intellectual disabilities within the places where they live remains a research area where there is still much to learn and be done.

abstract: PhD


title: Investigating the neuroendocrine and hemodynamic responses to physical and psychological stress tasks and their effects on endothelial-dependent flow mediated vasodilation using a sustained stimulus

contributor:
Pyke, Kyra E.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
physical stress
cortisol
psychological stress
FMD
shear rate
endothelial function

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-14 15:41:33.325

abstract: Few studies have compared cortisol responses to psychological and physical stress tasks with or without social evaluation. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) with reactive hyperemia is impaired following acute stress though less is known regarding the impact of stress and cortisol on FMD with exercise induced increases in shear stress (EX-FMD). The purpose of this study was 1) to compare cortisol responses between the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and 5min cold pressor test with and without social evaluation (CPT, CPT+SE) and 2) to examine the impact of these stressors and cortisol elevation on EX-FMD. 59 healthy male subjects were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: TSST, CPT, or CPT+SE. Brachial artery EX-FMD was assessed before, 15 and 35min post-stress with Echo and Doppler ultrasound. Results are mean ± SD. Baseline parameters did not differ between conditions (p>.05) and stress responses were similar between the three conditions for peak cortisol: TSST 11.34±5.53nmol/L; CPT 10.08±4.48nmol/L; CPT+SE 8.51±3.60nmol/L; condition effect p=.292; cortisol responders only (increase >2nmol/L) TSST 12.48±5.24nmol/L; CPT 12.13±5.31nmol/L; CPT+SE 10.70±2.86nmol/L; condition effect p=.560; peak MAP: 131.99 ±18.56mmHg, condition effect p=.664; peak TPR: 25.84 ± 9.78mmHg/L/min, condition effect p=0.841; peak stress rating out of 10: 5.11 ± 2.12, condition effect p= 0.292; with the exception of HR (TSST: 95.06 ± 15.29bpm; CPT: 79.00 ± 11.85bpm; CPT+SE: 77.98 ± 7.66bpm; condition effect p= 0.003) and pain ratings out of 10 (TSST: 1.21 ± 1.72; CPT: 6.66 ± 1.42; CPT+SE: 6.38 ± 1.73; condition effect p<.001). Shear stress was lower in the 15min post-stress vs. pre stress and 35min post-stress trials (72.34 ± 4.46; 15min post-stress: 70.79 ± 5.39; 35min post-stress: 70.60 ± 6.10; condition effect p= 0.592; trial effect: p= 0.018). EX-FMD increased from pre- stress to 15min post-stress in all conditions (pre-stress 6.22 ± 2.75%; 15min-post stress: 7.91 ± 3.24%; 35min post-stress: 6.60 ± 2.93%; trial effect p<.001). No correlation between change in EX-FMD and change in cortisol was detected (r2= 0.0125; p=.404). In conclusion, the TSST, CPT and CPT+SE elicited similar stress responses and stress transiently enhanced EX-FMD. Cortisol responses did not explain the enhanced EX-FMD post stress.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Design and Synthesis of Siloxane Precursors for Chiral Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Materials

contributor:
Crudden, Cathleen M.
Chemistry

rights: Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada

rights: ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement

rights: Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University

subject:
Chirality
Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2016-06-17 13:31:33.963

abstract:
The development of cost-effective and reliable methods for the synthesis and separation of asymmetric compounds is paramount in helping to meet society’s ever-growing demand for chiral small molecules. Of these methods, chiral heterogeneous supports are particularly appealing as they allow for the reuse of the chiral source. One such support, based on the synergy between chiral organic units and structurally stable inorganic silicon scaffolds are periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs).
In the work described herein, I examine some of the factors governing the transmission of chirality between chiral dopants and prochiral bulk phases in chiral PMO materials. In particular, the exploration of 1,1’-binaphthalene-bridged chiral dopants with a focus on the point of attachment into the materials. Moreover, the effects of ordering in the materials are examined and reveal that chirality transfer is more facile in materials with molecular-scale order then those containing amorphous walls.
Secondly, the issues surrounding the synthesis and purification of aryl-triethoxysilanes as siloxane precursors are addressed. Both the introduction of a two-carbon linker and the direct attachment of allyl and mixed allyldiethoxysilane species are explored. This work demonstrates that allyldiethoxysilanes are ideal, in that they are stable enough to permit facile synthesis, while still being able to hydrolyze completely to produce well-ordered materials.
Lastly, the production of new bulk phases for chiral PMO materials is examined by introducing new prochiral nitrogen-containing siloxane precursors. Biphenyldiamine and bipyridine-bridged siloxane precursors are readily synthesized on reasonable scales. Their use as the bulk siloxane precursor in the production of PMO materials however, is precluded by insufficient gelation and additional siloxane precursors are necessary for the production of ordered materials.
In addition to the research detailed above that forms the body of this thesis, two short works are appended. The first details the production of polythiophene assemblies mediated through coordination nanospaces, while the second explores the production of N-heterocyclic carbene functionalized gold nanoparticles through ligand exchange.

abstract: Several chapters of this thesis contain work that is to be completed and published in the coming years.

abstract: PhD


title: Host-Guest Chemistry Between Cucurbit[7]uril and Cationic and Neutral Guests

contributor:
Macartney, Donal H.
Chemistry

subject: CB[7]

subject: Cucurbit[7]uril

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-15 00:02:15.516

abstract:
This thesis describes the use of electrospray mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, and UV-visible spectroscopy, along with molecular modeling studies, to characterize the host-guest complexes that are formed between the cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) host molecule and a series of cationic alkylammonium (benzethonium), biguanidinium (metformin, phenformin, chlorhexidine and alexidine), amidinium (berenil, pentamidine, and 4-hydroxy- and 4-aminobenzamidines), and flavylium (4’- and 6-methoxyflavylium and 6,4’-dimethoxyflavylium) guests in aqueous solution. The stoichiometries and binding strengths of the CB[7] host-guest complexes with these series of drug and dye molecules were determined, and have been rationalized in terms of the specific ion-dipole interactions and hydrophobic effects involved.  The potential uses of CB[7] as a slow-release drug delivery agent and molecular stabilizing agent are indicated from kinetic and spectroscopic studies on the reactivities of the host-guest complexes.
CB[7] forms 1:1 and 2:1 host-guest complexes with the benzethonium cation by sequential binding to the hydrophilic benzyldimethylammonium group and the hydrophobic 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl group, respectively. The binding strength at the former site is consistent with data for other CB[7]-benzylammonium guests, while the strength of binding of the neutral hydrophobic group results from efficient packing within the inner CB[7] cavity.
Each of the biguanidinium guests was shown to form strong 1:1 host-guest complexes with CB[7]. Metformin proved to be small enough to form 1:2 host-guest complexes at low concentrations of CB[7], while chlorhexidine and alexidine were shown to be large enough to form sequential 2:1 and 3:1 host-guest complexes with CB[7]. UV-visible pH titrations showed that CB[7] binds more strongly to mono-protonated metformin than the di-protonated form of this guest.
Both pentamidine and berenil formed tightly bound complexes with CB[7], indicating that this host could potentially act as carrier for these drug molecules. CB[7] catalyzes the acid decomposition of berenil and each of the decomposition products, 4-hydroxy- and 4-aminobenzamidinium, bind to CB[7] with increases in their pKa values in the presence of CB[7].
The three flavylium dyes, with cationic oxonium centers, were shown to complex strongly with CB[7], resulting in a stabilization of the flavylium cation, with respect to the ring-opened 2-hydroxychalcones in neutral solutions.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Consequences of Interpersonal Forgiveness Following Trust Breach

contributor:
Brodt, Susan
Management

subject:
social exchange
trust
forgiveness

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-27 19:40:29.248

abstract: In organizational life, trust breach is a common but destructive phenomenon.  This dissertation explores how a prosocial, virtuous response to trust breach -- interpersonal forgiveness -- might influence the behaviour and attitudes of teams and their members in the wake of such a breach.  In a series of three manuscripts, the dissertation looks at the consequences of forgiveness for the person perceived to have broken a victim’s trust (the transgressor), and for the teammates who observe the breach and the response that follows it.  Forgiveness is described as playing two important roles.  For transgressors, we describe forgiveness as a favour, drawing on social exchange theory to argue that forgiveness triggers reciprocal helping directed at both the victim and the team at large.  And for teammates, we argue that forgiveness serves as a powerful signal, communicating the cohesion and efficacy of the group.  These predictions are tested experimentally with a laboratory study of transgressor-victim dyads (Chapter 2) and of transgressor-victim-teammate triads (Chapter 3), and a series of two vignette studies from the perspective of teammate observers (Chapter 4).  Focusing on the linkages between forgiveness and justice, each study considers the interaction between forgiveness various transgressor-initiated and victim-initiated attempts at restoring justice, including apologies, punishment, and restorative justice practices.  Chapter 5 discusses the mixed support found for our predictions, considers how the limitations of our studies might be addressed, and introduces a series of directions for future research.

abstract: Restricted to protect any rights to commercial publication and to ensure papers are not available online during a blinded journal review process.

abstract: PhD