title: Glasgow's Queer Battleground

subject:
Queer Space
Homonormativity
Public Space
LGBT Pride

abstract: As LGBTQ rights have gained increasing acceptance in Western countries, Pride events have come to stand as examples of the complex reality of inclusion in public space as it is experienced by contemporary LGBTQ groups. This thesis takes the case study of Glasgow, Scotland, between 2015 and 2016, to examine a grassroots activist intervention into how Pride events queer public space. The group Free Pride critiqued the mainstream Pride event organized by the group Pride Glasgow, and created its own alternative event. This thesis analyses the debates in Glasgow to examine the extent to which the concepts of homonormativity and queer space can help us understand this contestation. Drawing on archival research, participant observation, and interviews with the key players in Free Pride, this thesis argues that debates surrounding homonormativity and Pride can be understood through three key discursive themes of radical politics, commodification, and exclusion. This thesis argues first that while Free Pride have legitimate grounds to critique Pride Glasgow, Pride Glasgow’s spaces are more complex than a homonormative critique allows. And second, that while Free Pride works to open up new possibilities for queerer spaces and identities in Glasgow, this process is complex and contradictory.


title: A Deep Learning Pipeline for Classifying Different Stages of Alzheimer's Disease from fMRI Data.

subject: Deep Learning, fMRI, Classification, Alzheimer's Disease, Machine Learning

abstract:
Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive neurological disorder that causes
memory and thinking skill loss. Many different methods and algorithms have been applied to extract patterns from neuroimaging data in order to distinguish different stages
of AD. However, the similarity of the brain patterns in older adults and in different stages
makes the classification of different stages a challenge for researchers.

In this thesis, convolutional neuronal network architecture AlexNet was applied to
fMRI datasets to classify different stages of the disease. We classified five different stages
of Alzheimer’s using a deep learning algorithm. The method successfully classified normal healthy control (NC), significant memory concern (SMC), early mild cognitive impair (EMCI), late cognitive mild impair (LMCI), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The model
was implemented using GPU high performance computing. Before applying any classification, the fMRI data were strictly preprocessed to avoid any noise. Then, low to high
level features were extracted and learned using the AlexNet model. Our experiments
show significant improvement in classification. The average accuracy of the model was
97.63%. We then tested our model on test datasets to evaluate the accuracy of the model
per class, obtaining an accuracy of 94.97% for AD, 95.64% for EMCI, 95.89% for LMCI,
98.34% for NC, and 94.55% for SMC.


title: Pre-Service Teachers’ Experiences With Curriculum Integration: A Qualitative Study

contributor: Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Education

subject:
education
interdisciplinary
teacher training
cross-curricular
Pre-service teachers

abstract: Curriculum integration is being adopted worldwide in the 21st century. However, in-service and pre-service teachers often receive little or no training in curriculum integration upon graduating university, which often makes them ill-prepared to implement this strategy. Moreover, because the term lacks universality and clarity in both theory and implementation, it has become a source of confusion and anxiety for educators. This qualitative study examined the amount of curriculum integration training received by teacher candidates at a medium-sized university in Southern Ontario in completing their final year of schooling. The study’s primary purpose was to determine the degree of curriculum integration training teacher candidates had received during their university career as well as their comfort levels in implementing curriculum integration upon graduation. The study also sought to identify the knowledge base of curriculum integration that these teachers had acquired during their time in university. Convenience sampling was used to select students in their final year of teacher certification. Twenty- five participants from both concurrent and consecutive teacher education programs were recruited and the data were collected solely through face-to-face interviews. General thematic analysis was used to analyze and identify patterns within the qualitative data. The results indicated that many teachers did not have a sufficient knowledge base of curriculum integration upon graduation, and did not appear to be familiar with the various methods of curriculum integration. Finally, the study found that teacher candidates felt uncomfortable integrating curricula in their own classrooms. Results are discussed in terms of teacher training, teaching practice, and further research.


title: Institutional Dimensions of Professional Knowledge: Implications for School Administrators’ Constructions of Equitable Leadership Knowledge in Kenya and Canada

subject:
equitable leadership
school administration
social justice and equity
equity and inclusion in education
equitable leadership process theory

abstract: This international comparative study employed a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore the influence of institutional factors on school administrators’ constructions of equitable leadership knowledge and practice in Kenya and Canada. Six principals and vice principals from Kisumu County, Kenya and 5 from Ontario, Canada participated in the study. An institutional theory lens is used to compare and illuminate the processes school administrators used to link institutional imperatives to equitable leadership knowledge and practice. First, the results indicate that equitable leadership is an emerging concept in Kenya among school principals. Second, the results confirm that equitable leadership knowledge and practice is nested within regulative, normative, and cognitive pillars that underlie educational institutions in Kenya and Canada. Third, results show that equitable leadership knowledge arose out of interactions between institutional actors and from institutional processes for sensemaking and for organizing knowledge in both countries. Fourth, a three-stage process theory—mimetic, normalizing, and transference stages—emerged from the data to connect equitable leadership knowledge to institutional obligations.


title: Comparison of TAGteach Error-Correction Procedures to Teach Beginner Yoga Poses to Novice Adult Practitioners

subject:
teaching with acoustical guidance
sport performance
yoga
error-correction

abstract: TAGteach is a multi-component intervention package involving the use of teaching with acoustical guidance (TAG), a teaching procedure that uses an auditory stimulus (e.g., click sound) to indicate that a desired behaviour has occurred (Fogel, Weil, & Burris, 2010). TAGteach has been found to effectively improve performance in sports (Fogel et al., 2010), dance (Quinn, Miltenberger, & Fogel, 2015), surgical techniques (Levy, Pryor, & McKeon, 2016), and walking (Persicke, Jackson, & Adams, 2014). An adapted alternating treatments design was used to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of the standard TAGteach error-correction procedure and a modified TAGteach error-correction procedure to teach four novice adult yoga practitioners beginner yoga poses. Results showed that both error-correction procedures were effective for all participants; however, the relative efficiency of these error-correction procedures remains unclear. Results are discussed in terms of limitations and considerations for future research.


title: The Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Inflammatory Markers and Mood in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury

subject:
exercise
mood
cytokines
chronic inflammation
special populations

abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if acute exercise-induced reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to exercise-induced improvements in mood in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Thirteen participants completed a single 30-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise at 60% of their pre-determined VO2 peak. Mood was assessed before, immediately after, and one- hour post-exercise, via the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS). Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and one-hour post exercise, and subsequently analyzed for serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α), as well as the amino acids tryptophan (TRP) and kynurenine (KYN). Previous work from our lab has shown that chronic reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines via diet improve mood via the kynurenine pathway, which is integral in serotonin production. Following the bout of exercise, there was a significant improvement in mood as shown by a reduction in the total POMS questionnaire score from pre to post-exercise (32.5±25.8 to 22.4±21.9; p=0.025), as well as pre to one hour post-exercise (32.5±25.8 to 21.6±25.0; p=0.008). Subscale analysis showed significant reductions in the Tension, Depression and Anger components of the POMS from pre to post-exercise and from pre to one-hour post- exercise. Regarding pro-inflammatory cytokines, there were no exercise-induced changes in IL-6, but there was a significant main effect for time for TNF-α (with post-hoc analyses showing significant reductions from pre to one-hour post-exercise) and a trend for a main effect for time for IFN-γ (p=0.06). There were no changes in TRP, KYN or KYN/TRP. There were no correlations between changes in mood and changes in cytokines when all participants were analyzed. However, when considering only the participants that responded to exercise with an improved mood (n=7), there were significant correlations between exercise-induced changes in depression and exercise- induced changes in IL-6 (r=0.853; p=0.031) and a trend for a correlation with exercise- induced changes in TNF-α (r=0.722; p=0.067). These results suggest that exercise- induced changes in mood may be partially accounted for by exercise-induced changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines in individuals with SCI and MS, but not through a kynurenine pathway-dependent manner.


title: From the Desk of the Canadian Athletic Director: Perceptions of Core Competencies in Ontario University Athletics (OUA)

subject:
Resource-Based View
Competencies
Intercollegiate Athletics
U SPORTS
Athletic Directors

abstract:
Intercollegiate athletics are a unique and integral part of North American institutions of higher education. Through competition and achievement, intercollegiate sport in both U SPORTS and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is valuable to their member institutions. As a result, investment of time, energy, financial, and human resources are necessary within athletic departments. Given the Athletic Director (AD) is positioned as one of these resources (human), the purpose of this study is to understand the core competencies needed of OUA athletic directors to best perform in their role within inter-university athletics in Canada. Competencies are classified as, “clusters of skills, knowledge, abilities and behaviours required for job success” (Bernthal, et al, 2004, p.13).

	To explore, the current study conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with Ontario University Athletic (OUA) Athletic Directors. Findings indicated there are four overarching management categories: Strategic Oversight Management, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, and Marketing Management while Athletic Directors perceived core competencies are discussed under these categories. As well, an OUA Athletic Director Competency Model is presented that clearly described the research findings. The perceptions of Athletic Directors are further discussed relating findings to previous literature while both practical and academic implications and directions for myriad of future research opportunities are outlined given the paucity of research.


title: The Effect of Resveratrol on Neuroglobin Upregulation

subject:
Neuroglobin
Resveratrol
Mitochondria
Cytochrome c
Apoptosis

abstract:
Apoptosis involves a series of biochemical events that leads to the eventual death of the cell. One pathway – intrinsic pathway, involves the fragmentation of mitochondria and the release of pro-apoptotic proteins, such as cytochrome c. A certain globin protein has been shown to be able to protect cells from apoptosis, called Neuroglobin (Ngb). Ngb is a globin haem protein that has been shown to reduce the ferric form of cytochrome c to inhibit apoptosis. In addition, Ngb has been shown to translocate into the mitochondria under stress, where it reacts with cytochrome c.
Estradiol (E2) has been shown to greatly upregulate the levels of Ngb and also stimulates the translocation of Ngb into the mitochondria. The upregulation of Ngb has been shown to be mediated via the ER subtype, ERβ. Even though literature covers the effects of E2 and the ERβ agonist DPN (Diartylpropiolnitrile), there is a lack of evidence on the ER agonist, Resveratrol (RES); RES is a phytoestrogen that has been shown to induce mitochondrial biogenesis and abrogate mitochondrial fragmentation, ameliorating apoptosis. The hypothesis of this study is that RES will upregulate Ngb levels as E2 does, and will translocate Ngb into the mitochondria as E2 does.
The results of this study showed that Ngb bands could not be detected via western blots, and the mRNA transcript levels in MCF-7 and DLD-1 could not be quantified. The Ngb-GFP fusion protein did not fluoresce and Ngb’s translocation into the mitochondria could not be determined. Ngb overexpression did not inhibit mitochondrial fragmentation and did not induce mitochondrial fusion.


title: Chemostratigraphy of the uppermost Cambrian at the Ordovician GSSP

subject: Ordovician GSSP, carbon isotope values, Cambrian‒Ordovician, Newfoundland, chemostratigraphy,

abstract:
Chemostratigraphy is an important tool for correlating layered sedimentary rock successions. Preserved/near primary carbon isotope signatures in marine carbonates can provide high-resolution profiles for sedimentary sequences supplementing the need for distinguishing fossils from different depositional environments and those lacking fossil materials.
The Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) of the Cambrian‒Ordovician boundary is located at Green Point in the Green Point Formation of the Cow Head Group in western Newfoundland, Canada. To reconstruct a continuous and high-resolution chemostratigraphy from the Cambrian‒Ordovician boundary to the Furongian Series Stage 10, we included the δ13C results of the Green Point Formation covering the Ordovician GSSP interval (Azmy et al., 2014).
The Green Point Formation through the base of Ordovician GSSP consists of alternating dark gray to black shale and thin ribbon limestone rhythmites, with few fossils. The samples are micritic limestone, dolomitic limestone, and dolostone. They were determined to be in primary to near-primary condition based on multiple screening tests. Cathodoluminescence screening reveals dull to bright luminescence of the samples indicative of good preservation for many of them. The δ13Ccarb and δ18O values of the Green Point carbonates range from -6.44‰ to +0.33‰ (VPDB) and from -8.63‰ to -5.67‰ (VPDB), respectively, with poor correlation. Mn/Sr ratios range from 0.63 to 9.82, with no correlation to δ13Ccarb, but with ratios supporting the near primary nature of the δ13C values.
Carbon isotope compositions of the Green Point Formation below the Ordovician GSSP fluctuate but remaine essentially invariantly negative. The δ13C values reveal a negative excursion at and below the Cambrian‒Ordovician boundary, which may correlate with the Top of Cambrian Carbon Isotope Excursion (TOCE) and its significant negative excursion. A nadir of -6.44 ‰ at the base of the Eoconodontus conodont zone marks the proposed GSSP for the base of the Furongian Series Stage 10. The lower excursion may be correlated with the Hellnmaria-Red Tops Boundary (HERB) carbon isotope excursion found in sequences in the United States of America, Australia, and north China. Without an adequate record of conodonts, high-resolution chemostratigraphic trends of carbon isotope compositions facilitate the correlation of intercontinental and intracontinental sequences.

abstract: This research was financially supported by grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC 7961-215) to Uwe Brand.


title: Effect of rattling Phonons on Superconductivity of KOs_2O_6

subject: Rattling

subject: Beta-Pyrochlore Superconductors

subject: Superconducting Gap

subject: Eliashberg Equations

subject: Superconducting Properties of KOs_2O_6

subject: Superconducting Properties

subject: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Rate

subject: Electron-Phonon Coupling

subject: Strong Coupling Superconductors

subject: Einstein Model

subject: Iterative Analytic Continuation to the real axis

subject: Calculating Critical Temperature

subject: Gap Edge

subject: Density of quasiparticle states

subject: Electron Phonon Coupling

abstract:
We model the electron coupling to anharmonic (rattling) mode in β-pyrochlore superconductor KOs2O6 by a sharply peaked electron-phonon coupling function α2F(Ω) centered at the mode energy. The strong-coupling Eliashberg equations are solved for the transition temperature Tc and the gap function ∆(ω,T) for a series of temperatures 0 < T < Tc. From these solutions, we obtain the temperature dependence of the gap edge ∆(T), the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation rate and the microwave conductivity for several values of the electron-phonon coupling
parameter λ. The results are compared with the available experimental results 0
for KOs2O6


title: Examining error detection capabilities in a novel force production task as a function of athletic experience.

subject:
motor learning
error detection
co-activation
athletes
novel

abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to determine whether having previous athletic experience in a routine sport (ie. Cheerleading) will affect the participant’s ability to self-report superior error-detection, motor performance, time on target, confidence, and agonist and antagonist co-activation patterns while learning a novel skill compared to non-routine athletes. Participants were required to perform proportions of their maximal isometric elbow flexion (46%) and extension (38%) forces for 5 seconds over 30 acquisition trials on an elbow flexion and extension device. Following each trial, participants will be required to estimate how much force they think they exerted on that trial as well as their confidence on that trial. A feedback screen was provided regarding what their task goal was, their actual performance, and their estimated performance. A no-KR (Knowledge of Results) retention and transfer test was conducted approximately 48-hours after the acquisition period. Meanwhile, we examined the co-activation patterns in the EMG (electromyography) of their biceps and triceps as they performed their isometric contractions. During the acquisition, retention, and transfer periods there were no between group differences for error detection, motor performance, time on target, confidence, nor for muscle co-activation. The present study found that skill level of the participant does not affect error-detection accuracy and decreases muscle co-activation when learning a novel skill.


title: Caregiver Stress: An Exploration of Stressors and Coping Strategies Among Young Carers

subject:
young carers
stress and coping
psychosocial outcomes

abstract: Young carers (YCs) are children and youth who take on extra responsibilities within their home due to a family member having a physical disability, chronic illness, mental health issues, addiction issues, or parental absence (Aldridge & Becker, 1993; Charles, Stainton, & Marshall, 2008; Stamatopoulos, 2015). YCs may experience increased stress levels and negative psychosocial outcomes due to their caregiving role (Charles et al., 2008; Collins & Bayless, 2013; Frank, Tatum, & Tucker, 1999; Lakman & Chalmers, 2018; Sahoo & Suar, 2010). Objective: This study sought to identify key stressors and coping strategies used by YCs and to determine if coping can moderate the relation between stress and negative outcomes. Methods: A sample of 58 YCs completed self-report questionnaires on stress, coping, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and loneliness. Results: YCs most frequently cited stressors related to recognition of their YC role within and outside of their family. Other stressors included school impacts and social impacts. YCs most frequently used disengagement coping strategies (e.g., wishful thinking or social withdrawal) and less frequently used engagement coping strategies (e.g., problem solving or seeking social support). The results revealed coping did not moderate the relation between stress and the examined negative outcomes within this sample. Implications: The results suggest the need for recognition and validation for YCs and the development of coping skill development programs so that YCs can learn how to cope using more proactive ways such as problem solving and seeking social support.


title: Exploring the Impact of Stimulus Events on Intern Career Intentions and Well-Being

subject:
Internships
Mixed Methods
Career Intentions
Well-Being

abstract: Internships are crucial in many sport management students’ path to the sport industry. The purpose of this sequential mixed-methods study was to understand the nature of stimulus events occurring within sport management internships, and the impact of stimulus events on two main outcomes: student career decision making and well-being. Pre-post internship surveys (n=23) and follow-up interviews (n=21) were used to identify stimulus events, if intern expectations were met, and if career intentions or well-being changed (i.e., increased or decreased). Stimulus events occurred related to many areas of the internship (e.g., tasks, supervisor, social interactions, inclusivity, and the environment) and had a range of impacts on the outcomes of study. Importantly, contributing to the Unfolding Model of Employee Turnover, participants outlined that these events influenced well-being not only as a result of the influence on career intentions, but also on its own. At other times, the impact on well-being was discussed in isolation or in the opposite direction of the impact on career intentions. The findings here have important theoretical and practical implications for both sport management educators and organizational internship supervisors in sport.


title: Experiences of Parents Advocating for the “Complicated Child”:  A Phenomenologically Oriented Descriptive Exploration

subject:
Children with Special Needs
Special Education
Individual Education Plan
Parental Advocacy
Autism

abstract:
This paper is a phenomenologically oriented descriptive study that analyzed the experiences of parents advocating for a complex child within the special education sector. More specifically the research examined parental experiences during the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and during the Individual Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process. The research analyzed two data sets to answer two main questions: 1) What are the experiences of mothers advocating for a child with multiple diagnoses within the special education structure? 2) What strategies have mothers developed during these advocacy experiences to successful and/or unsuccessful outcomes?
The research examined six schoolboard websites in Southern and Central Ontario, ostensibly committed to the inclusion of children requiring accommodations into regular classroom programming and to the engagement of the parents of these children in the development of the Individualized Education Plans (IEP) that make this inclusion possible. Strategies for analyzing these unobtrusive data sets were manifest and latent content analysis. These findings of my manifest content analysis include a) average of 10.6 clicks to find rights based information, b) average of 61.6 tabs and links to navigate through. Latent analysis revealed a) absence of recognizable representative image, b) difficulties for persons whose first language was not English, c) a challenging array of mixed signals, ambiguous messages and obstacles that misdirect and prevent access to information that parents desperately need to participate in the IEP process. The second data set included semi-structured interviews with four mothers, as well as the author’s own experiences, in which parents were asked three subsets of questions; how has their child’s experience of disability impacted their education, what have their experiences been during IEP/IPRC meetings, and how have parents perceived their interactions with educational staff. Through phenomenologically oriented transcript analysis, four major themes were found: abjection/separation, good daughter/bad daughter attributions, dismissal of parental knowledge and concern, and manufacturing. The research indicates that equal access to education for children experiencing disability is, in fact, not equal to their neurotypical peers, and only when a parent is knowledgeable in the IEP/IPRC process, and has figured out how to hold power within the school system, can a child with complex needs obtain reasonable access to accommodations and /or modifications and receive equal access to educational opportunities.


title: The effect of Resveratrol on the Upregulation of Ngb


title: Postglacial Reconstruction of Fire History from a Small Lake in Southwest Yukon using Sedimentary Charcoal and Pollen

contributor: Environmental Sustainability Research Centre

subject: Wildfire Charcoal Yukon

abstract: Previous research suggests climate warming during the current century is likely to lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfire. Recent wildfire seasons in northern Canada generally support these studies, with some of the worst fire seasons on record occurring during the past few years. While we can readily track the spatial and temporal distribution of these events during recent decades using satellite-derived data, the historical records of past fire activity are relatively short. Proxy records of past fire activity are needed to fully understand how fire regimes may be shifting in response to the changing climatic conditions. A high-resolution fire record, dating back to the early Holocene, has been reconstructed using a 512-cm sediment core collected from a small lake in southwest Yukon. Macroscopic charcoal was counted throughout the core at 0.5-cm contiguous intervals. The core was also analyzed for loss-on-ignition and magnetic susceptibility. Fossil pollen preserved in the lake sediment was analyzed to determine vegetation change throughout the Holocene. Results indicate an average signal to noise index of 6.2, suggesting the peaks are significant and detectable from the slowly varying background level and the record is suitable for peak detection. Macroscopic charcoal analysis indicates an active fire history throughout the record, with 90 fires occurring throughout the Holocene. Results suggest the fire regime in this region responds to both top-down (climate) and bottom-up (vegetation) factors. Fire return intervals changed in response to shifts in precipitation and temperature as well as the expansion of lodgepole pine into the region. The shifts in precipitation and temperature were attributed to the oscillation of the Aleutian Low pressure system and fluctuations in climate associated with the Medieval Climate Anomaly and the Little Ice Age.


title: THE IMPACTS OF RECENT WILDFIRES ON STREAM WATER QUALITY AND MACROINVERTEBRATE ASSEMBLAGES IN SOUTHERN NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA

subject: Wildfire, streams, macroinvertebrates, northwest territories

abstract:
High-latitude regions are currently undergoing rapid ecosystem change due to increasing temperatures and modified precipitation regimes. Since 2012, the Northwest Territories (Canada) has been experiencing severe drought and wildfire seasons. In 2014 alone, fires within the Northwest Territories consumed over 3.4 million hectares of forested land; 1.4 times larger than the national yearly average for Canada. Wildfire is one of the most important agents influencing age structure and composition of forest stands, as such, it is a critical factor in ecosystem dynamics. The impacts of wildfire on terrestrial systems garner more attention compared to aquatic habitats. This is especially true when considering aquatic ecosystems, specifically sub-arctic streams, where the impact of fires on stream ecology and chemistry are relatively understudied. Freshwater ecosystems, such as lakes and streams, are relied upon by northern communities for their cultural significance and economic and environmental goods and services they produce, including country foods.
This study examines the impact of recent wildfire on freshwater streams within the North Slave, South Slave, and Dehcho regions of the Northwest Territories (Canada) through analysis of their water chemistry and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. Benthic macroinvertebrates, the macroscopic organisms living within/on the substrate of streams, were sampled following methodologies outlined by the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN). Biological indices (e.g. Species Richness, Shannon Diversity Index) were calculated and compared statistically to determine relationships regarding benthic diversity and abundance. Results of this study suggest that recent wildfires cause short-term perturbations in water quality, such as increases in dissolved aluminum, TSS and turbidity. In addition, results indicate slight structural changes in invertebrate communities of streams within burned catchments (impacted) compared to those in unburned catchments (control), including increased richness and abundance of primary consumers and their predators.


title: Probes of tocopherol biochemistry: fluorophores, imaging agents, and fake antioxidants

subject:
Vitamin E
Microscopy
Positron Emission Tomography
Non-antioxidant
Fluorination chemisty

abstract:
The body has many defence systems against reactive radical species, but none are as crucial in
the protection of lipid membranes as vitamin E. As a result of a selection process mediated by
the α-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP), α-tocopherol is the only form of vitamin E retained
in the body. This chaperon protein has been well studied because of its role in vitamin E
transport. Furthermore, malfunctions of α-TTP cause vitamin E deficiency leading to ataxia and
other neurodegenerative disease. Protection of neuronal tissue is critical and is reflected in the
high retention of α-tocopherol in the central nervous system. Neuronal tissues receive α
tocopherol from astrocytes, cells that are linked to hepatic tissue and able to express α-TTP,
however the exact path of delivery between these cells is still unclear.
 A technique called fluorescent microscopy allows the tracking of fluorescent molecules in cells
to find their location and interactions with other parts of the cell. The focus of this study is the
synthesis of a fluorescent tocopherol analogue with a long absorption wavelength, high photostability, and that binds selectively to
  α-TTP with high affinity.

Most health benefits associated with vitamin E consumption are based on its capability to
inhibit lipid peroxidation in cell membranes by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Oxidative damage in membranes puts cells in a “stressful” state, activating signalling events
that trigger apoptosis. Vitamin E down-regulates apoptotic functions like inflammation,
macrophage activation and cell arrest in a stressed state, returning the cell back to normal
functioning. At the same time, vitamin E has a preventive effect for atherosclerosis,
Alzheimer’s and cancer.
With the deeper understanding of cell signalling processes associated with vitamin E the
question arose whether protein interactions or the ROS scavenging is responsible for cell
survival. To test this hypothesis, a non-antioxidant but α-TTP binding tocopherol analogue was
synthesized and administered into oxidatively stressed, α-TTP deficient cells. If the cells were
unable to restore homeostasis and stop apoptosis with the new molecule, this would suggest that
the antioxidant function of α-tocopherol is the reason for survival.

Cancer is regarded as one of the most detrimental diseases with a high mortality rate. One key
aspect in medical research is the increased drug specificity towards targeting cancer.
Chemotherapy applies cytotoxic compounds, which weaken the immune system because both
malignant and healthy cells are destroyed. The specificity of the anti-cancer drugs are enhanced
when encapsulated into liposomes that bear target-directing molecules such as antibodies which
recognize cancer cell specific antigens on the cell membrane. The question remains if the
encapsulated drug reaches the cancer or not.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used to find malignant
tissue in the body. CT imaging uses highly charged X-ray particles to scan the patient, possibly
having damaging cytotoxic effects. Obtaining MRI results require the use of contrast agents to
enhance the quality of images. These agents are based on transition metals, which potentially
have chronic toxicity when retained in the body. Alternatively short-lived radiotracers that emit
a γ-photon upon positron decay are used through a process called positron emission tomography
(PET). Rapid decay times make the use of PET a less toxic alternative, however the decay
products might be toxic to the cell.
For this reason a vitamin E based PET agent was created, which produces naturally safe decay
products based on known metabolites of vitamin E, useful to track liposomal delivery of
chemotherapeutic agents. This work describes the non-radioactive synthetic procedures towards
a variety of vitamin E PET analogues. The cytotoxicity of the most promising vitamin E PET
tracer was evaluated along with its synthetic byproducts.


title: Chemostratigraphy of the Uppermost Cambrian Below the Ordovician GSSP

subject: Ordovician GSSP, carbon isotope values, Cambrian‒Ordovician, Newfoundland, chemostratigraphy


title: Inhibition of Free fatty acid-Induced Insulin Resistance by Rosemary Extract: Investigation of the Mechanisms Involved

subject:
insulin resistance
skeletal muscle
AMPK
glucose uptake
free fatty acids
rosemary extract
polyphenols

abstract: Excess of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) are highly associated with insulin resistance and are a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This thesis investigates the effect of rosemary extract and rosemary extract polyphenols carnosic acid (CA), rosmarinic acid (RA) and carnosol (COH) on recovering/blunting FFA-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells and the mechanism(s) involved. Exposure of L6 myotubes with the FFA palmitate significantly reduced the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Most importantly, the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was restored in the presence of RE and its polyphenols CA, RA and COH. Furthermore, treatment with palmitate increased serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and significantly decreased the insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. These effects were completely abolished in the presence of rosemary extract. Additionally, we investigated the effect of palmitate and rosemary extract on the phosphorylation and of JNK, mTOR, P70S6K and AMPK kinases. Our results indicate that palmitate treatment increased the phosphorylation of JNK, mTOR, p70S6K whereas rosemary extract completely abolished this effect. Additionally, rosemary extract increased the phosphorylation of AMPK even in the presence of palmitate. The expression levels of these proteins were not affected by any of the treatments. These results indicate that treatment with rosemary extract attenuated the palmitate-induced phosphorylation of the serine residues of IRS-1, mTOR, p70 S6K and JNK while increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK. Additionally, treatment with RE restored the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in palmitate-induced insulin resistant cells.


title: The effect of dairy consumption with exercise and healthy eating on the metabolic profile in overweight/obese adolescent girls

subject: obesity, cardiometabolic risk, adolescent girls, serum lipids, glucose

abstract: Childhood obesity is a major health concern. Strategies to reduce this condition, including lifestyle modification with exercise and healthy nutrition, can reduce disease risk. Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) recommends a well balanced and healthy diet, however, children and adolescents are not meeting these recommendations, and this too is associated with poorer health. It has been proposed that the intake of dairy products can improve cardiometabolic risk factors in adults. However, research findings are inconsistent for dairy and cardiometabolic variables among adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of dairy consumption, as part of a 12-week exercise and nutrition program, on fasting serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides), insulin and glucose in overweight (OW) and obese (OB) adolescent girls. Twenty adolescents (10-18 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: recommended dairy (RDa, n=9) or low dairy (LDa, n=11). The RDa group consumed CFG’s recommended servings of dairy (4 servings/d), and the LDa group consumed ≤ 1 serving/d (reflecting habitual intakes). All participants followed an exercise program (three 60-minute sessions/wk) and a eucaloric weight management diet. There were no changes in the metabolic profile following the intervention, and no differences were seen between groups. Waist circumference (p=0.003) and fat mass (p<0.001) decreased and lean mass (p=0.01) increased after 12 weeks, with no differences between groups. Significant correlations were seen between body mass change and insulin change, waist circumference change and total cholesterol, insulin and HOMA-IR changes, and QUICKI change and body fat percent change. Further analysis with a larger sample size is required to determine the effect of increased dairy consumption as part of a lifestyle intervention on metabolic variables in OW/OB adolescent populations.


title: Effects of pelvic 3D-CRT versus IMRT radiation therapy on circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in high risk Prostate Cancer patients

subject:
prostate cancer
circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines
cytokines
high risk prostate cancer
3D-CRT vs IMRT

abstract:
This study examined the effects of pelvic radiation therapy on the levels of circulating
pro-inflammatory cytokines (cPIC) in high-risk prostate cancer patients, who received
pelvic radiation therapy delivered either by 3-dimensional radiation therapy pelvic (3D
CRT) or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Subjects included 90 patients
who had not previously received treatment for their prostate cancer, and who were
planned to receive androgen deprivation therapy for three years, plus concurrent pelvic
and prostate boost radiation therapy. Blood samples were drawn at least 3 months into
androgen deprivation therapy, before initiation of pelvic 3D-CRT or IMRT (baseline),
and on days 5 and 25 of radiation treatment. Samples were analyzed for TNF-α, INF-γ,
IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10. There were no significant differences between treatment
groups for any of the cytokines at any time point. When the two treatment groups were
combined into a single group, a significant time/dose effect was observed for IL-4 and
INF-γ, which both significantly decreased from baseline to day 25, but the effect size of
this change was small (0.30 and 0.24, respectively). There was no significant time effect
for the other cytokines. These results suggest that in patients with high risk prostate
cancer, receiving treatment with androgen deprivation therapy and pelvic radiation
therapy, cPIC are not significantly altered in response to radiation therapy compared to
baseline. The small but significant changes in IL-4 and INF-γ over time suggest a
potential immunomodulating effect of radiation therapy. Further studies are needed to
determine the potential of cPIC as biomarkers of radiation therapy toxicity.


title: Leading Restorative Change: A Case Study of Implementing and Sustaining Restorative Culture in an Ontario Middle School

subject: Restorative Relational Leadership School Culture

abstract: In February of 2008, the Government of Ontario released legislation for Progressive Discipline in Ontario schools. As a means of fulfilling this legislation, some school districts in Ontario implemented the use of restorative practices. Restorative practices are viewed as a positive means for transforming the culture of a school, yet literature suggests some concerns with restorative approaches. While the practice has been used intermittently across the province of Ontario, seen in some districts or in individual schools, there has not been widespread implementation. Literature suggests that the theoretical foundations of restorative practices are not strong. To enrich literature on restorative culture change, there needs to be ongoing assessment of restorative paradigm shifts in schools. The research addresses the need for studying the leading of restorative culture change from a relational perspective. This research undertook a qualitative case study methodology of a middle school in southern Ontario, examining the school’s journey to implement and sustain a restorative culture. The study looked at the role of leadership in pursuing a restorative vision, the response to the vision by the school community, and how restorative practices are employed by the school. The research revealed the value of restorative practices in establishing space, processes, attitudes, and key questions for initiating dialogue, each critical to establishing a strong relational culture. The need for leadership to continually model restorative practices in order that they are established throughout the organization is necessary for sustaining a restorative culture. Finally, the study showed that evaluating the effectiveness of restorative practices using a relational and dialogic paradigm is critical for founding and sustaining a restorative vision, thereby establishing a strong foundation for effective student learning.


title: The effect of plyometric exercise on bone turnover markers and osteokines in younger and older women

subject: Bone Plyometric Exercise Sclerostin

abstract: The effect of a single-bout of plyometric exercise on markers of bone turnover and Wnt signalling-related osteokines was studied in 20 younger, pre-menopausal women (23.142.33 years) and 20 older, post-menopausal women (57.904.35 years of age). Blood samples were obtained at rest (i.e., pre-exercise) and 5 min, 1h, and 24h post- exercise and were analyzed for C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX), osteoprotegerin (OPG), sclerostin and dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), and estradiol. Resting levels of CTX, OPG, and sclerostin were significantly higher while DKK-1 and estradiol were significantly lower in older compared to younger women. CTX was higher at 5 min post-exercise compared to pre-exercise in younger women (326.027.0 vs. 292.029.0 pg/mL; p=0.049); however, no response was seen in older women. Sclerostin significantly decreased from 5 min (319.934.6 pg/mL) to 1h post-exercise (245.329.5 pg/mL) but increased between 1h and 24h post-exercise (368.333.9 pg/mL) only in younger women. DKK-1 decreased in both groups. In younger women, the decrease was continuous from 5 min (2560.20120.65 pg/mL) to 24h post-exercise (2176.60115.29 pg/mL, p=0.006). In post-menopausal women, the decrease was between pre-exercise (1949.69177.95 pg/mL) and 1h post-exercise (1549.82187.11 pg/mL, p=0.001) but returning to near pre-exercise levels 24h post-exercise. In the older women, OPG also decreased from pre-exercise (535.8  36.8 pg/mL) to 5 min post-exercise (475.1 39.0 pg/mL; p=0.048) and remained lower than baseline for up to 24h post-exercise (505.032.4 pg/mL; p=0.046). No changes were seen in the younger women. These results suggest that in women, one session of plyometric exercise is sufficient to induce significant changes in bone turnover and Wnt signalling related osteokines, however, the timing of the response varies significantly between age groups.


title: Don’t worry, be fulfilled: Exploring employee experience with leadership and fulfillment in the Major Games context

subject: Authentic Leadership, Workplace Spirituality, Employee Fulfillment, Major Games

abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between authentic leadership and workplace spirituality on the development of employees’ perceived workplace fulfillment in the Major Games context. Where Major Games organizational contexts are understood as unique, given their high velocity environments that are extremely susceptible to change (Parent, Olver, & Séguin, 2009), employees experience distinct stressors, including time constraints, role ambiguity, job insecurity, and work-life conflict. Given leader impact on employees’ perceived workplace fulfillment remains unknown (Parent et al., 2009), the preposition of this study is such that authentic leaders – said to positively influence employee attitudes, behaviours, and psychological wellbeing through prioritizing employees’ values and by winning employees’ trust and respect (Wang & Hsieh, 2013) – can positively respond to these unique stressors, thereby motivating employees to experience emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually engaging work, a beneficial outcome within this pressure-laden context. For this study, a qualitative research design with a phenomenographical method was applied with 20 Major Games’ employee participants, (i.e., employed from 2010 to present), who engaged in semi-structured interviews. Through open coding and thematic data analyses, the researcher discovered that it is through Major Games leaders applying characteristics of authentic leadership – including empowerment and social support – towards development of positive organizational cultures, Major Games employees may experience value congruence and sense of community (i.e., workplace spirituality), positively influencing the development of employees’ perceived workplace fulfillment in the Major Games industry.


title: Detecting spatial variation in hydrology and carbon export across a lake-rich permafrost landscape, Old Crow Flats, Yukon, Canada

subject:
permafrost
water isotope tracers
water chemistry
spatial analysis
carbon concentrations

abstract: Lake-rich permafrost landscapes are widespread across northern regions and provide refuge for abundant wildlife and resources for local communities. Evidence suggests that these landscapes are highly sensitive to changes in climate. The traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Old Crow Flats (OCF), YK, is a vast 5600-km2 lake-rich landscape that is internationally recognized for its ecological and cultural integrity. Pronounced changes in lake and river water levels and land cover compositions have been observed during recent decades by local community members and in scientific studies. Research presented here focuses on enhancing our understanding of spatial patterns in hydrology and carbon export across OCF, using a suite of water chemistry parameters, carbon concentrations and water and carbon isotope tracers. The spatial patterns detected are providing an important reference for ongoing investigations of how changing climate and lake-rich landscapes are influencing water and carbon balances.


title: Mediated Masculinities: The Forms of Masculinity in American Genre Film, 1990-1999

subject: Film philosophy, radical formalism, masculinities, film genre, American cinema

abstract: This dissertation mobilizes Brinkema's radical formalism (2014) through Deleuze and Spinoza to read masculinities as forms. Specifically, I closely read Western films and masculine crisis films from 1990 to 1999 to map how cinematic forms constitute the potential to alter normative modes of masculinity. To launch this endeavor, I rely on a theoretical hybrid of Brinkema-Deleuze-Spinoza that foregrounds genre films as vibrant forms of difference. This foregrounding unfolds through an engagement with Altman's theory of film genre (1999), Neale's work on genre films (2000), and Grant's view of film genres as iconography and ideology (2007) as well as the work of Deleyto (2012) and Herzog (2010 and 2012) to re-conceptualize film genre in relation to form. I proceed to use my theoretical hybrid and attention to forms to interrogate film theory as a means of seizing gender and, moreover, masculinities from discourses of representation and spectatorship, which tend to limit readings of gender and masculinities to socio-cultural and political meanings. This interrogation engages Mulvey's revision of screen theory (1975), Rodowick's work on difference (1991, 1994), Perkins's approach to mise-en-scène (1972), Bordwell's neo-formalism and post-theory (1996, 2005, 2006), Sobchack's phenomenological approach to spectatorship and affect (1992, 2004), and del Río's Deleuzian conceptualization of affect and performance (2008). Then, with an insistence on the close reading of cinematic forms, my dissertation undertakes two case studies: the Western and the masculine crisis film cycles of the 1990s. Considering the work of Gates (2006) and Grant (2011) on masculinities in popular cinema, my close readings reveal masculinities as taking shape, assuming structures, and forming as they affect and are affected by relations and becomings. These close readings of cinematic forms generate theoretical speculation that engages masculinities studies research, including Bly (1990), Connell (1995), Kimmel (2006 and 2013), Reeser (2010), and Buchbinder (2013). Through theoretical speculation, my dissertation conceptualizes masculinities as forces of creation that materialize as forms. What is at stake in this dissertation is a methodology that denies transcendent ideals and essentialist claims of masculinity with concepts that harness the potential to continuously read masculinities as what has yet to come.


title: A systematic view on mobile elements’ contribution to human transcriptomes

subject:
Mobile Element
Transcriptome
Human

abstract: Mobile elements (MEs) are a major component in most higher eukaryotic genomes. MEs account over 50% of the human genome and consist of long interspersed elements (LINEs), Short interspersed elements (SINEs), and SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVAs) and long terminal repeats (LTR). MEs are known to play important roles in genome evolution and gene function and their roles include but are not limited to the generation of alternative splicing, insertional mutations, genomic instability and epigenetic regulation. Nevertheless, a systematic analysis of MEs contribution to transcriptomes in humans has not been conducted. In this study, we examined the MEs’ participation in the human reference transcriptome and the transcriptomes of many human tissues. Our results show that MEs contribute to 16% to the human reference transcriptome and on average ~24% to the full transcriptomes of human tissues. MEs’ contribution to human full transcriptomes varies from tissue to tissues and from person to person. MEs contribute to all exon features, but 60% of them are in non-coding regions. Also, they contribute to the transcripts of 4,402 protein coding genes, including regions, which are conserved among primates, mammals, and even vertebrates. We noticed that while Alus are the most prominent contributors to human transcriptomes involving mostly alternative transcripts, SVAs as the youngest ME class showed most active participation in protein coding genes with 78% contributing to the canonical transcripts. Furthermore, MEs also participate in post-transcriptional regulation by contributing to the formation of 16% miRNAs, ~9% of miRNA target sites, and at least 2,921 double stranded RNA sites for RNA-editing.  In conclusion, our data demonstrate that MEs are very active participants in human transcriptomes by contributing to both non-coding RNAs and protein coding transcripts and to post-transcriptional regulation via miRNA and RNA-editing.


title: Image Evolution Using 2D Power Spectra

subject:
Procedural Textures
Genetic Programming
Spatial Frequency
Fourier Analysis
Evolutionary Art

abstract: Procedurally generated textures have seen use in many applications, are a high-interest topic when exploring evolutionary algorithms, and hold a central interest for digital art. However, there is an existing difficulty in finding suitable heuristics for measuring perceived qualities of an image. Particular difficulty remains for quantifying aspects of style and shape. In an attempt to bridge the divide between computer vision and cognitive perception, one set of proposed measures from previous studies relate to image spatial frequencies. Based on existing research which uses power spectral density of spatial frequencies as an effective metric for image classification and retrieval, we believe this measure and others based on Fourier decomposition may be effective for guiding evolutionary texture synthesis. We briefly compare some alternative means of using frequency analysis to guide evolution of shape and composition, and refine fitness measures based on Fourier analysis and spatial frequency. Our exploration has been conducted with the goals of improving intuition of these measures, evaluating the utility of these measures for image composition, and observing possible adaptations of their use in digital evolutionary art. Multiple evolutionary guidance schemes with consideration of the spatial frequencies' power spectra and phase have been evaluated across numerous targets with mixed results. We will display our exploration of power spectral density measures and their effectiveness as used for evolutionary algorithm fitness targets, particularly for basic compositional guidance in evolutionary art. We also observe and analyze a previously identified phenomenon of spatial properties which could lead to further consideration of visual comfort and aesthetics.


title: “By talking about it we can make it a positive thing”: Autistic people negotiating identity and understanding in discursive contexts

subject:
Autism
Neurodiversity
Post-structuralism
Disability Studies
Narrative
Young Adults

abstract: Broderick and Ne’eman write that in the early 2000s autism took hold of “the public imagination internationally” becoming a “popular cultural obsession” (2008:462). Autistic people are discursively constituted within this cultural context. My goal in this research has been to better understand the dominant and counter discourses constituting autism, how young autistic people themselves embody discursive locations throughout their lives, and how they negotiate the intelligibility of their subject positions. Previous research has looked at how autistic people negotiate diagnoses, whether they feel understood, the discursive positions they embody, and how discourse constitutes their subjectivities. Using a qualitative exploratory research design, I conducted semi-structured interviews with four individuals, ages 22, 23, 23, and 26, who identified as having been labelled as autistic at some point in their life, either by themselves through a self-diagnosis or by a medical professional. I employed thematic analysis and emerging themes were: Diagnosis, Intelligibility, Terminology, Medicalization, Identity, Life Course, and Internalizing Responsibility. This research is significant in its contribution to representations of autistic people’s perspectives. It focuses on people in their 20s and people who do not have formal diagnoses, who have been underrepresented in research. The present research also builds on previous literature by addressing when autistic people lack language to talk about oppression, how they internalize responsibility for social interactions, and their reflections on their futures.


title: Mutagenesis and recombinant expression of active site variants of the Arabidopsis CC-type  glutaredoxin GRX480 reveal an altered protein expression profile in E.coli and changes in  structural integrity of the GRX480 protein and its associated complex formation.

subject:
GRX480
glutaredoxin
CC-type glutaredoxin
Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR)

abstract:
Stress conditions such as high temperature, drought, high salinity, metal stress, and
pathogenic infection significantly increase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the
cell.  Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are small redox proteins that possess conserved cysteine (C or Cys)
residues in their active site and exhibit oxidoreductase activity to protect vital proteins from
oxidative damage. CPYC and CGFS type GRXs can be found in humans, yeast, E.coli, and both
lower and higher plants. The CC-type class is entirely plant-specific and is thought to have
emerged with the evolution of intricate signalling mechanisms involved in plant disease
resistance and floral complexity. The Arabidopsis CC-type glutaredoxin, GRX480, possesses a
Cys-Cys-Met-Cys (CCMC) active site and is thought to participate in the salicylic acid (SA)
mediated pathways involved in plant Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) to confer immediate
and long term resistance to biotrophic pathogens. The structural and stoichiometric properties
of the GRX480 protein remain uncharacterized and the mystery surrounding the role of the
conserved cysteine residue (CCMC) in CC-type glutaredoxins make this protein a prime
candidate for mutagenesis studies. The AtGRX480 genetic sequence was codon optimized to
allow for improved recombinant expression in E.coli cell cultures. Single (SCMC, CSMC, CCMS),
double (SSMC, CSMS, SCMS), and triple (SSMS) GRX480 active site variants were created by site
directed mutagenesis and a Strep II tag was added to the C-terminal end of the protein for
isolation purposes. Recombinant expression of these proteins in E.coli DE3 cells caused a drastic
decrease in total protein concentration when compared to untransformed cultures. Wildtype
GRX480 exhibited a 6.5 fold decrease while the active site variants exhibited fold reductions
within a range of 1.9 to 12.7, the CSMS and CSMC variants being the lowest and highest fold
 reductions respectively. All recombinant protein expression caused a decrease in protein bands
within the 36-32, 20, 16, and 12 kDa range of the native protein expression profile of E.coli
cultures. When isolating the GRX480 proteins on the FPLC adapted Strep-column, a single
injection of crude protein solution was ineffective in isolating sufficient amounts of protein to
be examined by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis. The utilization of a multiple injection
method drastically improved GRX480 protein isolate yield from the column, however the
majority of the protein remained bound to the column as desthiobiotin was demonstrated to
be a poor eluting substrate. Examination of this isolate by gel filtration chromatography, SDS
PAGE, and immunoblot revealed that wildtype GRX480 (CCMC) and the SCMC, CSMS, SSMC,
and SSMS variants form a tetrameric complex in vitro.  The SCMS, CSMS, and CCMS variants
exhibited formation of an extremely large complex, a trimeric complex, or were not observable
as an intact protein during gel filtration respectively. The SCMC, CCMS, CSMC, and CSMS
variants displayed a distinct degradation pattern in the N-terminal region of the protein with
the CSMC and CSMS variants possessing an additional distinct degradation band. Submission of
the GRX480 amino acid sequence to the I-TASSER (Iterative Threading ASSEmbly Refinement)
server revealed alternative GSH binding amino residues other than the N-terminal active site
cysteine. High sequence homology and predicted structural similarities of GRX480 to monothiol
and dithiol glutaredoxins known to be involved in iron-sulfur [FeS]-cluster biosynthesis or [Fe-S]
mediated redox sensing were also identified by I-TASSER. These results together offer novel and
previously unreported features of the GRX480 protein in terms of complex formation, the roles
of the active site cysteine residues, and the observed changes in native E.coli protein
concentrations with recombinant expression of the GRX480 protein.


title: Reproductive behaviour of male Xylocopa virginica and the influence of body size, nestmates, and siblings on territory defence

subject:
animal behaviour
territory
male mating strategies
reproductive behaviour
resource-holding potential
social networks

abstract:
Males of Xylocopa virginica are territorial like many other bee species. Males interact
aggressively to displace other males from territories. Body size is known to influence resource
holding potential in many other taxa, and studies of bees suggest that body size is important for
territorial males. Familiarity and the avoidance of kin competition are also known to influence
territorial behaviours in other taxa but has not been studied in male bees. Recent evidence
suggests that nestmate recognition occurs in X. virginica and there is also evidence for the
avoidance of kin competition. This thesis tests whether body size, familiarity, and kinship
influence territorial interactions using social networking tools. Around half of all males
attempted to establish or defend a territory. Males that established or defended territories are
larger than males that did not. Male body size has a weak positive influence on hover rates,
related to holding territories, the number of hovering neighbours each male had, and the number
of males each male chased or fled in defence of territories. I found no evidence to support that
familiarity influences aggressive behaviours, but there is a strong correlation with the number of
neighbours a male had and the number of males it chased or fled. Brothers estimated from
microsatellite genotypes are no more aggressive to each other than to non-siblings. However, the
results indicate that several sets of brothers overwintered in different nests, which does not
coincide with the behavioural patterns described in the literature. This study is the first step
towards understanding the influence of familiarity and kin competition on male behaviour in a
taxonomic group with a wide array of mate-locating strategies. Discussed herein are the
importance of continued research on mating systems and mate-locating strategies of bees, as well
as outlining future projects to address several gaps in knowledge that remain after this study.


title: "It's a Privilege": A Critical Examination of University Students' Perspectives of Animal Experimentation Pedagogy in Canada

subject:
animal experimentation
human-animal relations
students' perspectives
critical animal studies
humane education

abstract: Animal experimentation is a controversial practice that persists in university education, despite the many available alternatives to effectively replace animal models. This thesis examines Brock University students' perspectives and educational experiences of animal experimentation, to understand how students make sense of this practice as a part of their education. This research consists of six in-depth interviews with Brock University undergraduate students who engaged in animal experimentation. The results show that students' experiences of animal experimentation pedagogy have greatly influenced their attitudes and perceptions of this practice, and have instilled in them an acceptance and perceived necessity of animal models. Most notably, students explicitly highlight their instructors as highly influential in shaping their acceptance and engagement in animal experimentation. The thesis concludes with an exploration of non-animal alternative methods to emphasize how principles of humane education can be used to foster more compassionate human-animal relations.


title: “Because It Breaks Your Heart”: A Study of Transformational Learning Among Adults With Cancer

subject: adult cancer narratives artifacts transformational

abstract:
Despite provincial improvement efforts, quantitative patient satisfaction survey results for adults
with cancer consistently indicate lower satisfaction with how healthcare professionals address
their emotional and information, education, and communication needs. These emotional and
cognitive needs greatly influence how adults perceive their care experience. More information is
needed about adult cancer patients’ cognitive and emotional needs to understand how to improve
their experience and satisfaction with their cancer treatment and care. Qualitative methods such
as narrative inquiry have the potential to provide greater insight into adults’ personal experience.
This qualitative, arts-informed narrative inquiry examined how illness narratives and arts-based
artifacts can deepen understanding of the cognitive and emotional needs of a cohort of adult
women with cancer. Purposeful sampling was used to select 6 adult women with cancer who had
experienced diagnosis, treatment and were living with cancer. Data collection methods included
semi-structured interviews and the researcher’s journal notes. Data analysis revealed additional
connections between themes derived from the women’s illness narratives and their arts-based
artifacts. These findings were further illustrated by creating a collective body-map. Results
demonstrate how arts-based methods expand what is known about the cognitive and emotional
needs of adult women with cancer and provide adult educators with direction for planning
transformative education. The study discusses implications for transformational adult education
practice and educational research, and offers some initial thoughts on the use of arts-based
methods to foster perspective transformation. The study will be of particular interest to adult
educators who are interested in promoting transformational learning for doctors, other healthcare
professionals, and adults with cancer.


title: "Unfreezing" Year-Round Programming: A Case Study of Organizational Change in Summer Camps

subject:
Organizational change
Summer camps
Outdoor education
Year-round

abstract: The term summer camp does not often bring to mind tobogganing and ice skating, yet more and more frequently, summer camps are transitioning into programs capable of running year-round. This study aimed to examine both the formation and process of creating year-round programming within summer camps in Ontario. A descriptive case study was employed to uncover answers to the study’s research questions: (1) in what ways have camps become year-round programs? and (2) what has been learned by individuals involved in creating year-round programming? Interviews were conducted with camp directors from six camps who had created year-round programming. Narratives and themes were identified from the interviews with eight major themes highlighted. These eight themes were “inherited or donated,” “planning,” “correctly the first time,” “marketing,” “relationships,” “staffing,” “benefits to other seasons” and “financial justification.” Using Kurt Lewin’s Three-Step model of planned change, themes were characterized into one of Lewin’s stages of “unfreezing,” “changing,” and “refreezing.” Two themes did not pertain to one of Lewin’s stages, but were still relevant. Although listed individually, the themes were all connected in order to prescribe what may be an ideal process of creating year-round programming.


title: Central North Atlantic (IODP Site U1313) paleoceanography based on a high-resolution dinoflagellate cyst record across the Early–Middle Pleistocene boundary (Marine Isotope Stages 20–18, ~810–741 ka)

subject: Paleoceanography. Dinoflagellate cyst, North Atlantic Ocean, Lower–Middle Pleistocene, Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 19,

abstract: A dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) study of 102 samples from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site U1313 in the central North Atlantic Ocean represents the most detailed dinocyst record yet available for Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 19, which spans the Lower–Middle Pleistocene boundary.  A published ultra-high-resolution δ18O record constrains the study. The following paleoenvironmental indicators were among those used: Operculodinium centrocarpum sensu Wall & Dale (North Atlantic Current [NAC]), Nematosphaeropsis labyrinthus (sub-polar water masses), total Impagidinium spp. (subtropical gyre), and total protoperidiniacean cysts and total cyst concentrations (productivity indicators).  Cooling just prior to Termination IX suggests a Younger-Dryas type event. An early arrival of the North Atlantic Current at ~797 ka and then warm subtropical gyre waters at 793.58 ka, presage the arrival of oligotrophic waters at 790.5 ka. The onset of peak interglacial conditions at 790.5 ka is delayed relative to the benthic δ18O signal, which has a midpoint age for Termination IX at ~793 ka, and presumably reflects the persistence of ice sheets to the north.  Peak interglacial conditions terminated at 784 ka with a duration of ~6500 years. This is shorter than the 10.5–12.5 kyr extent of full interglacial conditions recorded elsewhere and based on different criteria. Dinocyst transfer functions give August sea-surface temperatures of ~20°C for peak interglacial conditions, a few degrees cooler than at present.  Subpolar water masses occupied Site U1313 in late MIS 19, but at 750.89 ka (early MIS 18) a return of the North Atlantic Current was followed by further warming, with an August sea-surface temperature of 20 °C for the highest sample at 741.41 ka.


title: The effect of postural threat on the scaling of anticipatory postural adjustments in healthy young adults

subject:
postural threat
balance
handle pull
anxiety
anticipatory postural control

abstract: Earlier and larger anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) are generated with increasingly destabilizing movements, such as pulling more forcefully onto a handle, to prevent a loss of balance. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of postural threat on the ability to scale the magnitude and timing of APAs to increasing amounts of force exertion. Nineteen participants (7 F, 24 ± 2 y, 69.6 ± 9.9 kg, 1.7 ± 0.1 m) pulled on a handle while standing on a surface that was either stationary (No Threat) or that could translate in the medio-lateral direction (Threat). For both conditions, participants completed 36 handle pulls that ranged between 50% and 100% of the participant’s maximal force exertion. For each handle pull trial, APAs were quantified from center of pressure (COP) recordings and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the posterior leg muscles. Results indicated that participants were more physiologically aroused (p=0.013), anxious (p<0.001), and fearful of falling (p<0.001) during the Threat compared to No Threat condition. This threat response was associated with a reduced ability for participants to scale the magnitude of APAs to the amount of force exertion. This was evidenced by 22% shallower regression lines between COP displacement at pulling onset and force exertion during the Threat compared to the No Threat condition (p=0.019). The scaling of APA timing was affected by threat to a lesser extent, as only the regression lines between medial gastrocnemius EMG onset and force exertion were shallower (37%) during the Threat compared to the No Threat condition (p=0.049). Regression lines for COP onset and all other posterior leg EMG amplitudes and onsets to force exertion were not different between conditions. These findings suggest that increased anxiety and fear of falling may contribute to the declines in APA scaling demonstrated by individuals at an increased fall risk (e.g., older adults).


title: A Preventative Intervention: Staff Experiences Providing Harm Reduction in the Niagara Region

subject:
Harm Reduction
Needle Exchange
Ontario
Worker
drug use

abstract: Harm reduction is a pragmatic philosophy and practice within health care which emphasizes disease reduction and social accessibility of health services over law enforcement and judicial punishment for drug use. There is a breadth of literature studying the impact of harm reduction practices on clients, but little on the people who facilitate these services. This project uses a political economy of health theoretical approach to examine the role of harm reduction and harm reduction workers within neoliberal state frameworks. Using an interpretive-critical analysis of qualitative interviews, this project highlights an NEP servicing the Niagara Region as a site of resistance to neoliberal restructuring which is also constrained by its policies. By providing public health care and referral to external resources such as housing, the site acts as a form of retrenchment from the neoliberal state while still being hindered by precarious labour and austerity policies in relation to funding. A key finding is that workers engage in emotional labour, boundary negotiation, and debriefing to offset burnout to better perform their labour, which is an unspoken but necessary part of the job. The findings of this research lay the foundation for future research in harm reduction labour and operation as well as emphasizing the blend between service and health care work that is necessary for effective harm reduction practice.


title: Care amidst the condos? Understanding gentrification’s unjust impact on social and health service delivery to vulnerable populations in Ottawa, ON

contributor: Social Justice and Equity Studies Program

subject:
gentrification
community health centre
health
Ottawa
vulnerable populations

abstract: For cities’ most vulnerable populations, community-based social services have long served a critical need, offering diverse health and social programs geared towards those who have traditionally faced barriers accessing care. With services historically and still largely located in inner city neighbourhoods in Canada (and in close proximity to areas where their primary clientele resides), community health centres (CHCs) have long operated on mission statements centered on the equitable distribution of services, the mitigation of social disparities and the provision of programs that embody an ethics of care. As capitalist decision-making structures, neoliberal discourses and distributive injustices converge through processes of rapid gentrification, however, CHC clients already experiencing institutional oppressions are now subject to the proliferation of further health and social inequities. This is a result of significant changes to the surrounding social and built environment, which is rendering critical programs, services and former spaces of care inaccessible and exclusive. Using qualitative data gathered through interviews with social service workers embedded in CHCs in downtown Ottawa neighbourhoods, this thesis critically explores how gentrification and new constraints on social service delivery interact, to unjustly impact the overall health of vulnerable populations.


title: (Play)Building Sexuality Education: Using participatory drama as queer pedagogy to explore youth experiences of sexuality education

subject:
sexuality education
playbuilding
queer pedagogy
arts-based research
Ontario sex education

abstract: The recent sex education curriculum update in Ontario sparked controversy in the media, reflecting a moral panic around sex education in Canada. Since its introduction in 2010 and implementation in 2015, debates ensued over the content of the curriculum, however, little attention was on the form through which it is delivered. This study explores experiences of sexuality education to critically reflect on the ways adolescents navigate discourses of sexuality through formal and informal education. In this thesis, I review discourses of sexuality education and argue that queer pedagogies can be used to foster critical, and queer spaces to negotiate sexuality. I conceptually frame playbuilding (Belliveau, 2006; Norris, 2009; Weigler, 2001), a drama-based research methodology, as a queer pedagogy and mobilize it in this study to co-author a play with participants based on our collective experiences. This participatory drama-based research process involved an exploration of themes and constructs in sexuality education, translating these into dramatic forms, and performing the co-authored scenes to an audience. Through playbuilding, this research tells critical stories of six individuals negotiating their experiences of the discourses of sexuality education. I explore the ways queer pedagogies in sexuality education and playbuilding, in particular, can create spaces wherein youth can exercise agency as sexual subjects and critically reflect on adolescent sexuality.


title: Enjoyment vs. Utility: Drivers and Consequences of Consumer M-Commerce Motivations

subject:
Regulatory Fit
Prevention/Promotion Orientation
Hedonic/Utilitarian Motivation
Trust
M-commerce Usage

abstract: Mobile commerce (m-commerce) has grown over the years and today represents a promising channel for marketers. Nevertheless, it has not yet lived up to its full potential. Past research has mainly treated m-commerce as a predominantly utilitarian (i.e. functional and practical) way of shopping. Moving away from this uniquely utilitarian view of m-retailing, this study explores whether hedonic motivations (i.e. experience and enjoyment related) also play an important role in driving consumer m-commerce behaviour. We conceptualize consumers’ motivations as conditions that are a consequence of their regulatory orientations. The study proposes and empirically validates that prevention-oriented consumers (i.e. vigilant and conservative) are more likely to activate utilitarian motivations to use m-commerce, whereas promotion-oriented consumers (i.e. eager and risk-takers) are more likely to activate hedonic motivations to use m-commerce. The interplay between regulatory orientations and related motivations have direct consequences on consumers’ perceptions of value and trust toward m-commerce. More specifically, we show that hedonic motivations lead to higher value and trust for promotion-oriented individuals, and that utilitarian motivations lead to higher value and trust for prevention-oriented individuals. Moreover, both hedonic and utilitarian motivations are important determinants of trust and value for moderately prevention- and promotion-oriented individuals. Equipped with this knowledge, marketers can more efficiently cater to consumers’ motivations.


title: Drafting Errors and Decision Making Theory in the NBA Draft

subject:
NBA
Draft
Decision Making
Regression
Heckman

abstract:
Even with the recent influx of available data with regards to draft-eligible players and NBA teams investing more resources into scouting than ever before, NBA decision makers still struggle to consistently evaluate talent and select productive players (Berri et al., 2010) in the draft. In this paper, I examine the NCAA statistics and pre-draft player factors that predict both draft position and NBA performance for all NCAA players drafted to the NBA between 2006-2013. Following this analysis, I determine what errors NBA teams are making and how these errors relate to general decision making theory.
To compare the predictors of draft position and NBA performance, linear regression models are specified for both draft position and NBA performance. The NBA performance model sample necessarily excludes players whose production cannot be assessed due to not playing a minimum (>=500) amount of NBA minutes, and therefore a Heckman (1971) sample selection correction is applied to the performance model to correct for this non-randomly selected sample. Both models are specified for the entire dataset as well as for subsets for position (Bigs, Wings, Point Guards) and conference size (Big Conference, Small Conference).
The findings of this paper demonstrate that NBA decision makers continue to base their draft selections on factors that do not actually predict future NBA success, such as scoring, size, and college conference. Many of the decisions made by NBA decision makers relate to Heath and Tversky’s (1991) competency hypothesis, as front offices forego the use of reliable distributive data and select players according to their perceived knowledge. NBA decision makers also display risk averse behaviour (Kahneman and Tversky, 1973) and an insistence on sticking with the status quo (Samuelson and Zeckhauser, 1988) in their decisions. More specifically, this study also points to ball control and offensive efficiency as predictors of individual player success. These findings can not only affect NBA decision makers in the factors that they emphasize in player evaluations, but can also be used to change the way that sport executives think about general decision making and their own innate decision making biases.


title: Drivers and Barriers of Mobile Commerce: The Role of Consumers’ Personal Innovativeness

subject: Consumer Innovativeness, Perceived Risk, Perceived Ubiquity, Perceived Value, M-commerce

abstract: Mobile commerce (m-commerce) has experienced rapid growth in recent years, gaining importance in both academia and industry. However, extant literature has paid little attention to how m-commerce value is shaped, particularly in emerging economies. This study develops a framework of m-commerce value by studying its determinants. These comprise of the benefit: ubiquity (time convenience and accessibility), and barriers to m-commerce: perceived risk (financial risk /performance risk), and perceived cost. Moreover, this research investigates the moderating role of personal innovativeness on the relationship between the drivers/barriers and value.  The findings of the empirical survey-based study in emerging m-commerce economies reveal a positive impact of ubiquity on value, while risk and cost have a negative influence. Furthermore, innovativeness was found to moderate the relationships between the determinants and value, apart from that between cost and value. The results further show that value positively affects actual usage and is enhanced by consumer innovativeness.


title: The Effect of Brand Crowding on Brand Differentiation: The Moderating Effect of Product Knowledge

subject:
Brand Differentiation
Brand Crowding
Product Knowledge
Purchase Intention
Brand Preference

abstract: Brand differentiation is a commonly examined phenomenon in marketing. Among the many antecedents of brand differentiation, brand crowding has not been examined, especially in the context of the chocolate industry. This paper proposes that brand crowding has a positive effect on brand differentiation. It further suggests that product knowledge has a positive effect on this relationship while brand differentiation has a positive effect on both brand preference and purchase intention. Chocolate brands are used in one study to test the hypotheses. Examining the relationship between brand crowding and brand differentiation will help marketing managers create strategies to ensure crowding does not have an adverse effect on their brands.


title: The Examination of Potential Mechanisms Underlying the  Cross Education Phenomenon

subject:
Cross Education
Electromyography
Unilateral training
Motor learning

abstract:
Cross education is the strength or skill gain that is found in the contralateral, homologous limb following a unilateral training program or practice. This phenomenon provides a beneficial rehabilitation model for unilateral injuries or neurologic disorders, such as stroke.  Although the cross-body transfer of strength and skill are each widely studied, they are rarely examined concurrently, despite each contributing to the goal of functional movement rehabilitation. Therefore, the overall purpose of this thesis was to examine the neuromuscular adaptations of unilateral resistive exercise training contributing to the transfer of strength and skill, while employing the necessary methodological controls that have been under-examined and under-used.
The assessment of neuromuscular mechanisms requires both voluntary and evoked contractions to be performed simultaneously. Therefore Manuscript 1 examined a novel electrode configuration, consisting of one electrode on the electrically identified motor point and the second electrode directly adjacent in a bipolar configuration. Both voluntary surface electromyography measures and evoked potentials were found to be reliable (ICCs > 0.75) and effective across multiple test sessions.
Manuscript 2 was a comprehensive review of 90 unilateral training studies in young and older able-bodied participants and in patient populations. The cross education strength gain was estimated at 18% in young, and 17% in older able-bodied participants. The cross education strength gain was 29% in patient populations consisting of post-stroke, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, and neuromuscular disorder patients. The meta-analysis identified the efficacy of electromyostimulation (EMS) training over voluntary training modalities. The magnitude of strength transfer was similar between upper and lower and between males and females.
Lastly, manuscript 3 consisted of a 6-week unilateral training program resulting in contralateral strength gains of 11% in the wrist flexors and 15% in the dorsiflexors. A continued increase in contralateral strength at retention demonstrated the persistence of cross education following 6-weeks of detraining. Skill transfer in the contralateral limbs was evident in the force variability measures calculated during contractions without concurrent feedback (noKR). Agonist RMS amplitude, V-wave amplitude, and central activation ratio indicated neuromuscular adaptations; however, there was no change in motor unit firing rates at 60% of maximal force.


title: A critical analysis of the 2H NMR data in chlorhexidine-containing model membranes

subject: 2H NMR spectroscopy in the study of lipid membranes

abstract:
Deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to study the in
uence of
chlorhexidine on the internal molecular motions of phospholipid model membranes. Mixtures
of dimyristoylphosphocholine (DMPC) and chlorhexidine (CHX) were investigated
at several DMPC:CHX molar ratios (1:0,10:1,3:1). Extensive numerical analysis of previously
acquired data identi ed the di erences in the temperature-dependence of the order
parameters characterizing the rapid molecular motions (on the NMR scale) in both the
fatty acid chains of DMPC and in the saturated methylene bridge of CHX. The results
are consistent with the known localization of CHX in the membrane determined by neutron
scattering [1] and con rmed by molecular dynamics simulations reported earlier [2].
The NMR results indicate that chlorhexidine undergoes di erent motions than those of
the bulk lipids in the membrane.
The study used a Tikhonov-regularization-based numerical deconvolution technique
(dePakeing) that allowed simultaneous determination of the order parameter and of the
orientational distribution of domains in the powder sample, partially oriented by the
external magnetic  eld. Both appeared to suggest an anomalous result in a narrow
temperature region for the 3:1 sample, perhaps the existence of a new re-entrant phase,
but this conclusion could not be made from the limited data available, and requires a
further investigation.


title: Development of a Transcriptome-Based Genome Assembly Tool and Whole Genome Sequencing for Autism Spectrum Disorders

subject: autism whole-genome-sequencing

abstract:
This thesis consisted of two independent projects. The first involved developing a software tool that uses transcriptome data to improve genome assemblies. The second involved processing and analyzing whole genome sequencing (WGS) from the ASPIRE autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cohort.
The first project produced the bioinformatics software called RDNA. This free tool was written in Perl and should be valuable for users interested in genome assembly. Comparative assessment between RDNA and the leading transcript based scaffolding software showed that RDNA can significantly improve genome assemblies while making relatively few scaffolding connection errors. RDNA also makes possible the assembly of scaffolding connections, including gap filling, using BLAST.
The second project was undertaken with collaborators and involved processing and analyzing whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from the ASPIRE ASD cohort. The ASPIRE ASD cohort consisted of several hundred probands from both simplex and multiplex families. Sequencing occurred for 120 of these individuals who were selected based upon membership in two phenotype clusters (C1 and C2). These individuals had a relatively high rate of intellectual disability (ID) compared to heavily studied ASD cohorts such as the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC), indicating a significant involvement of de novo sequence variants. Analysis of rare single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertion/deletions (indels) identified large risk factors for severe neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), two of which were previously observed de novo among individuals with severe, undiagnosed NDDs. On this basis, ABCA1 was found to be a novel candidate risk gene. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of rare loss of function and missense SNVs indicted the importance of lipid metabolic processes and synaptic signalling. Overall, the genetic variation examined by this study pertained to a modest number of cases, consistent with previous findings that ASD is a genetically heterogeneous disorder with a complex genetic architecture.


title: How Meaningful Physical Education Experiences Influence Pre-Service Teachers’ Beliefs About Teaching

subject:
Physical Education
Meaning
Joy
Teacher Education
Beliefs

abstract: The first purpose of this research was to explore how pre-service physical education teachers find and make meaning from their own physical activity experiences. The second purpose was to investigate the extent to which understanding their own meaning-making shapes pre-service teachers’ beliefs about teaching physical education. Researchers have developed insights into ways that young people make meaning through physical activity – for example, by participating in experiences that are fun, involve social interaction, provide challenge, and develop motor competence (Kretchmar, 2006) but less is known about ways teachers learn to foster these experiences. Through the method of photo-elicitation and two semi-structured interviews, pre-service teachers uncovered the source of meaningful situations they experienced as physical activity participants which informed their pre-service teachers’ pedagogical practice. A renewed focus on meaning-making carries the potential to shift the focus of current physical education programs away from mere fitness or skill development and toward the intrinsic motivational elements that are more likely to lead to lifelong participation.


title: Large-scale studies and biophysical analysis of systems involved in plant immunity.

subject: RNA-sequencing

subject: differential scanning fluorimetry

subject: growth-immunity trade-off

subject: TGA1/4

subject: immunomodulating chemistries for crop protection

abstract:
The field of plant immunity has progressed significantly in the last decade, driven primarily by both forward and reverse genetics and to a lesser extent by molecular biology techniques. However, many unknowns still remain before a more complete picture of this system can be achieved, which hinders our capacity to develop biotechnological solutions to ensure food safety for our growing population. Some of the problems that still need to be tackled relate to the multi-system involvement of some proteins, the interrelation of the different hormones, such as in trade-off systems, and the challenges of translating existing molecular knowledge into crop protection strategies.
The goal of this thesis was to develop new methods and to adapt existing ones to address the challenges and push the boundaries of our knowledge of plant immunity as a system. We have adapted ClueGO analyses to visualize functionally grouped Gene Ontology (GO) terms specific to Arabidopsis. We developed a transcription factor- coregulator identification strategy based on double-transcriptome analyses. Finally, we have adapted a biophysical method, differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF). We tested the usefulness of these methods by interrogating different immune proteins/genes of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.
Here is a summary of the major results obtained. In the realm of basal immunity, we discovered that clade I TGA transcription factors positively regulate this system by repressing WRKY transcription factors, which are negative regulators of the process. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that clade I TGA integrates into the growth- immunity trade-off system regulated by brassinosteroids by antagonizing the brassinosteroids-dependent suppression of basal immunity. In the realm of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), we have demonstrated that clade I TGA recruits a specific novel glutaredoxin as a corepressor to dampen the expression of a set of SAR-regulated genes controlled by salicylic acid (SA) and the SAR-orchestrator, NPR1. Finally, we demonstrated that NPR1 binds SA and that this interaction leads to the destabilization of NPR1. More importantly, the method used to show the latter is scalable and can be used to develop novel chemistries capable of deploying plant immunity in the field.


title: Institutionalizing People: Professional Identity Development of Postdoctoral Scientists

subject: professional identity, institutional theory, emotions, ethos, postdoctoral scientists

abstract: Professional identity development has been traditionally studied from a cognitive and discursive perspective that has overlooked how emotional, fragile and unstable identification can potentially be. Building on recent theorizations on emotions and ethos, the institution’s highest ideals, that enrich our understanding of professional identity, I explore the interlevel mechanisms of ongoing management of professional identification in this qualitative study on postdoctoral scientists. Postdocs represent the “in-between” professional, having completed their education but not yet independent scientists, who are continuously revising, expanding and negotiating their identity. Results show that while ethos becomes deeply embedded in identity, it also becomes decoupled from experience. Postdocs manage ongoing identification by resolving this tension between ideals and experience, however, failure to resolve such tensions can lead to disillusionment and exit. This work contributes to the literature by centralizing professional identity around values and emotions and also theorizes on the role of significant others for professional identity and the synergy between the institutions of family and profession.