title: Discovery and Characterization of Ibomycin: An Anticryptocccal Metabolite Produced by WAC 2288

contributor:
Wright, Gerry
Surette, Mike
Elliot, Marie
Biochemistry

subject:
Antifungal
Natural Product
Cryptococcus neoformans
Analytical Chemistry
Bacterial Infections and Mycoses
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Carbohydrates
Genetic Structures
Genomics
Infectious Disease
Macromolecular Substances
Medical Biochemistry
Medical Biotechnology
Medical Microbiology
Medical Sciences
Nervous System Diseases
Polycyclic Compounds
Respiratory Tract Diseases
Analytical Chemistry

abstract: Systemic fungal infections brought about by Cryptococcus species are associated with some of the highest mortality rates of any infectious disease. Alarmingly these pathogens have overtaken tuberculosis as the second greatest killer among Sub-Saharan AIDS patients and are an emerging disease among immunocompetent populations on the Pacific Coast of North America. This clinical threat has been exacerbated by our inability to discover novel compounds that specifically target fungal cellular architecture at the genus level. To confront this challenge, we have made a concerted effort to biologically prospect the vast chemical potential of Actinomycete bacteria isolated from diverse and underexplored niches around the world. A novel phenotypic screen was developed whereby bacterial small molecule producers were co-cultured on agar plates in an intimate setting with evolutionary distant fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Diffusible small molecules released by the organisms created a signaling environment that stimulated profound phenotypic changes both in the Actinomycetes and the pathogens. We were able to discern a unique relationship whereby the growth of C. neoformans was specifically inhibited by Nigerian soil Actinomycete isolate curated as WAC 2288. Further bioactivity guided purification and chemical analysis lead to the identification of ibomycin, a previously undescribed 34 membered macrolactone decorated with seven sugar moieties. A draft genome of WAC 2288 revealed a 140kb gene cluster containing 12 type I PKS modules and downstream capacity to generate rare sugars are responsible for ibomycin biosynthesis. Purification of ibomycin analogs has revealed that the terminal vancosamine on the molecule is dispensable for bioactivity, establishing a chemical antecedent for target identification through affinity chromatography. Throughout these studies the unprecedented anticryptococcal activity of ibomycin is consistently recapitulated. Future work on the molecule may validate ibomycin as an effective antifungal therapy.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: SPATIAL MEMORY AND NAVIGATION IN HUMANS

contributor:
Becker, Suzanna
Psychology

subject: Spatial memory

subject: Landmarks

subject: Attention

subject: Dorsal versus Ventral visual stream

subject: Allocentric versus Egocentric representations

subject: Local versus Global maps

subject: Psychology

subject: Psychology

abstract: We investigated 1) how objects come to serve as landmarks in spatial memory and more specifically how they form part of an allocentric cognitive map and 2) how humans encode multiple connected spatial environments. In both sets of experiments, participants performing a virtual driving task incidentally learned the layout of a town and locations of objects or stores in that town. Their spatial memory and recognition memory for the objects or stores were subsequently tested. To assess whether the objects were encoded allocentrically, we developed a new measurement, pointing consistency. We found that when participants had more limited experience of the environment spatial memory for objects at navigationally relevant locations was more consistent across tested viewpoints than for objects at navigationally less relevant locations. When participants’ attention was focused on the appearance of objects, the navigational relevance effect was eliminated, whereas when their attention was focused on the objects’ locations, this effect was enhanced, supporting the hypothesis that when objects are processed in the service of navigation, rather than merely being viewed as objects, they engage qualitatively distinct attentional systems and are incorporated into an allocentric spatial representation. The results were consistent with evidence from the neuroimaging literature that when objects are relevant to navigation, they not only engage the ventral “object processing stream”, but also the dorsal stream and medial temporal lobe memory system classically associated with allocentric spatial memory. Moreover, in the connected environments, our data were more consistent with the formation of local maps, regardless of whether the neighborhoods were learned together or separately. Only when all visible distinctions between neighborhoods were removed did people behave as if they formed one integrated map. These data are broadly consistent with evidence from rodent hippocampal place cell recordings in connected boxes, and with hierarchical models of spatial coding.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Polymer Droplets Levelling on Thin Films of Identical Polymer

contributor:
Dalnoki-Veress, Kari
Shi, An-Chang
Physics and Astronomy

subject:
Tanner's law
droplet spreading
polymer rheology
lubrication approximation
wetting and dewetting
Condensed Matter Physics
Fluid Dynamics
Condensed Matter Physics

abstract: This thesis describes the experimental results of liquid polymer droplets levelling on thin films of identical polymer liquid. Through varying the thickness of the underlying polymer film relative to the size of the droplet height, we have observed a crossover in the dynamics between droplets spreading on very thin films to droplets levelling on films thicker than the droplet itself. In the thin film regime, the underlying film behaves as a pre-existing precursor film and the droplet spreads according to the well-known Tanner's law where the droplet height, d0, decreases in time as d0 ~ t-1/5. In the opposite regime, when the film thickness is much greater than the initial droplet height, the droplet levels with a much stronger time dependence compared to Tanner's law spreading, d0 ~ t-1/2. Not only have we observed the two extreme cases, we have also experimentally observed levelling behaviour of intermediate systems, where the droplet height and film height are on the same order. We have captured experimentally the crossover behaviour of droplets spreading on thin films to droplets levelling on thick films. In addition, we have developed a theoretical model that accurately captures the physics of this crossover using the lubrication approximation for thin film flows. The relevant background information will be presented as well as a detailed description of the sample preparation techniques required to fabricate spherical caps atop thin films of identical material.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: "It's a life-altering experience": Examining the role of care environments in the experience of breast cancer care

contributor:
Eyles, John
Geography

subject:
breast cancer
care environments
health belief model
regionalized care
Juravinski Cancer Centre
Human Geography
Human Geography

abstract: Ontario’s Regional Cancer Programs provide an organized system of adjuvant treatment and follow-up care in its 13 Regional Cancer Centres. For breast cancer patients in particular, these centres become a part of daily activities, as appointments over five years of cancer care result in patients repeatedly accessing these centres at varying frequencies over their treatment periods. The experience of seeking out and receiving care has grown to incorporate cancer care services that exist on a variety of spatial scales, in both formal and informal environments (e.g. support groups, workshops). This study focuses on the role of geography in health behaviors and care experiences of breast cancer patients. Individual interviews were conducted with patients (n=23) attending the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Ontario about their care experiences in their community, and the location and organization of the centre. Rosenstock’s (1966) health belief model and Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory informed the analysis of patient satisfaction and produced attitudes that impact the likelihood of health action. Results demonstrated that patients were generally satisfied with their interactions with health care providers and the design and location of the centre. Parking and perceived disconnect between the centre and community health care providers (e.g. family doctors) were identified as being sources of patient dissatisfaction. Patients made sense of their care experience through ‘routinization’ – fixed times and predictable intervals – of travel and appointment schedules. Satisfaction with accessibility to health care providers when at home (e.g. call-in services) appeared to impact at-home adherence to medication and suggested lifestyle changes. Uptake of community support services depended on patient perceptions of need, suitability and proximity, but went largely unused. Patients’ understanding of their care experiences highlight the need to give greater consideration to geography and the physical care environment in the future planning of breast cancer care services.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: The Mixed State of a $\pi$-Striped Superconductor

contributor:
Kallin, Catherine
Berlinsky, John
Ayers, Paul W.
Physics and Astronomy

subject: Superconductor Cuprates Quantum Oscillations Magnetic Field

subject: Condensed Matter Physics

subject: Condensed Matter Physics

abstract:
In this thesis, we investigate the properties of a model of an anti-phase modulated d-wave superconductor, particularly in the presence of a magnetic field. This so-called model of $\pi$-striped superconductor has been proposed to describe the decoupling between Cu-O planes in $1/8$ doped La$_{2-x}$Ba$_{x}$CuO$_{4}$. The d-wave superconducting order parameter in a $\pi$-striped superconductor oscillates spatially with period 8 and zero average value. Unlike a uniform d-wave superconductor, this model has non-zero density of states at zero energy and exhibits an extended Fermi surface. Within Bogoliubov-de Gennes theory, we study the mixed state of this model and compare it to the case of a uniform d-wave superconductor. We find a periodic structure of the low-energy density of states, with a period that is proportional to $B$, corresponding to Landau levels that are a coherent mixture of particles and holes. These results are also discussed in the context of experiments which observe quantum oscillations in the cuprates.

Furthermore, within Bogoliubov-de Gennes theory, a semiclassical approximation is used to study quantum oscillations and to determine the Fermi surface area associated with these oscillations in this model. The Fermi surface is reconstructed via Andreev-Bragg scattering, and the semiclassical motion is along these Fermi surface sections as well as between them via magnetic breakdown. Oscillations periodic in 1/B are found in both the positions and widths of the lowest Landau levels. The area corresponding to these quantum oscillations for intermediate pairing interaction is similar to that reported for experimental measurements in the cuprates. A comparison is made of this theory to data for quantum oscillations in the specific heat measured by Riggs et al.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION OF ORGANIC - INORGANIC NANOCOMPOSITES

contributor:
Zhitomirsky, Igor
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
Titanium dioxide
Polymers
Electrophoretic deposition
Dyes
Adsorption
Film
Ceramic Materials
Polymer and Organic Materials
Ceramic Materials

abstract:
Electrochemical deposition methods have been developed for the fabrication of organic － inorganic nanocomposite coatings. The methods are based on electrophoretic deposition of ceramic nanoparticles and polymers.

EPD method has been developed for the deposition of nanostructured TiO2 films using new dispersing agents. The stabilization and charging of the nanoparticles in suspensions was achieved using these organic molecules, which belong to catecholate and salicylate families. Anodic deposition was achieved using caffeic acid, 2,3－dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,6－dihydroxybenzoic acid and 5－sulfosalicylic acid. Cathodic deposition was performed using 2,4 dihydroxycinnamic acid, p－coumaric acid and trans cinnamic acid. The deposition yield has been studied as a function of the additive concentration and deposition time. The deposition mechanism has been investigated. The fundamental adsorption mechanism is based on the complexation of metal ions at the surfaces of oxide nanoparticles. The method enabled the co-deposition of TiO2 and other oxides and the formation of composite films.

Electrophoretic deposition method has been used for the deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles modified with organic dyes. Alizarin red, alizarin yellow, pyrocatechol violet and Aurintricarboxylic acid dyes were used for the dispersion and charging of TiO2. The microstructures of the nanocomposite coatings were studied. The deposition yield was investigated under a variety of conditions. Obtained results could pave the way for the fabrication of dye-sensitized TiO2 films.

EPD method has also been developed for the fabrication of (Poly[3-(3-N,N-diethylaminopropoxy)thiophene]) PDAOT－TiO2, (polyethylenimine) PEI－TiO2 and PEI－hydrotalcite composite films. The microstructures of the nanocomposite coatings were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, which showed the co－deposition of inorganic nanoparticles and organic polymer. Electrochemical test of the composite film has been conducted. The results showed that PEI film provided corrosion protection of the stainless steel substrates.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Reconfigurations of the American Sublime in the Fiction of Joan Didion, Don DeLillo and Paul Auster

contributor:
O`Connor, Mary
Giroux, Susan Searls
Kehler, Grace
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
Play It As It Lays
Democracy
White Noise
Underworld
In the Country of Last Things
Moon Palace
American Literature
American Literature

abstract:
This dissertation examines the fiction of three contemporary American writers – Joan Didion, Don DeLillo and Paul Auster – who interrogate the legacy of the American sublime in its contemporary configurations and reconfigurations. The texts that I have selected by each writer dramatize and question how and why the American sublime remains a fundamental way for American culture to conceptualize power as an expression of American identity and progress. In turn, what each text conveys is the destructive consequences that often follow with investing natural phenomena, technology, cultural sites and practices with power that elicits the particular qualities of awe and terror unique to the American sublime. Above all, these texts illuminate why American culture continues to produce, reproduce and popularize experiences and images of sublimity within cultural sites, practices, art and literature.

Moreover, by emphasizing that these texts locate the American sublime as a culturally produced experience, my analysis develops from – but also departs from – the most recent book-length studies of the sublime and American fiction. The work of scholars such as Barbara Claire Freeman, Joseph Tabbi and Christope Den Tandt who have considered the sublime in relation to gender, technology and urban landscapes complement my approach to the cultural impact of the American sublime in the fiction of Didion, DeLillo and Auster. At the same time, my examination of the ways in which their fiction accounts for the dissemination of the American sublime through art and literature as well as popular culture, brings to the forefront an important feature each text shares – the possibility that art might contest – rather than reinscribe – traditional configurations or reconfigurations of American sublimity.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Enculturation to Western Musical Pitch Structure in Young Children

contributor:
Trainor, Laurel J.
Psychology

subject:
music perception
development
enculturation
pitch
key membership
harmony
Cognition and Perception
Developmental Psychology
Psychology
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Cognition and Perception

abstract: I examined the development of sensitivity to two fundamental aspects of Western musical pitch structure, key membership and harmony, which can be acquired without formal training. In Chapter 2 (Experiment 1), I describe the novel and engaging behavioural task that I designed in order to study a younger age group than in previous research. On each trial, children watched videos of puppets playing unfamiliar piano melodies and chord sequences, in which one puppet’s music conformed to Western pitch structure and the other’s did not. Children judged which of the two puppets played the best song. Five-year-olds demonstrated sensitivity to key membership but not harmony, whereas 4-year-olds demonstrated sensitivity to neither. However, event-related potential (ERP) responses to a subset of the stimuli (Experiment 2) showed evidence of implicit sensitivity to both key membership and harmony in 4-year-olds. These components differed from the typical response elicited in older children and adults, but were consistent with other studies showing similar immature components in young children. In Chapter 3, I found that 4- and 5-year-old children demonstrated behavioural sensitivity to both key membership and harmony in a less demanding task than was used in Chapter 2, specifically, in a familiar song. In Chapter 4, I compared children who were or were not taking music lessons and found that musical experience accelerated enculturation to musical pitch structure. Together, these findings indicate that under some circumstances even 4-year-old children demonstrate behavioural sensitivity to Western musical pitch structure, that implicit processes show sensitivity to Western musical pitch structure before this knowledge is demonstrated behaviourally, and that intensive musical experience accelerates musical acquisition.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Real Time Computer Data Acquisition and Control Systems: An Application to Model Reference Adaptive Control of a Packed Bed Tubular Reactor

contributor:
Wright, J.D.
Hoffman, T.W.
Torre, Della
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering

abstract: A pilot scale non-adiabatic packed bed reactor has been designed and constructed to carry out the hydrogenolysis of n-butane over a nickel on silica gel catalyst. The complex reaction scheme is highly exothermic and results in steep radial gradients within the reactor. The apparatus was interfaced to a minicomputer. A sophisticated executive program was developed to assist with on-line studies of the apparatus. It provided measurements of axial and radial reactor temperatures and composition data for the reactor effluent. A third order, discrete time state space model of the reactor was postulated from mechanistic arguments and the parameters fitted to dynamic data. The model served as the basis of a derivation of a model reference adaptive controller designed to satisfy Lyapunov's second theorem of stability. The control algorithm included terms for proportional, integral and setpoint actions. The objective of the controller was to regulate the reactor's production rate of intermediate reaction species. The control algorithm was implemented experimentally and its performance discussed. Problems with the controller are examined and recommendations made.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: EXAMINING DETERMINANTS OF INSULIN RESISTANCE IN ADULTS BORN AT NORMAL AND EXTREMELY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

contributor:
Morrison, Katherine
Medical Sciences

subject: Preterm

subject: fetal origins

subject: insulin resistance

subject: body composition

subject: Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition

abstract: The association between low birth weight at term birth and an increased risk for insulin resistance (IR) in adulthood is well established. Less is known about this association in those born markedly preterm. Lower birth weights are more prevalent among individuals born preterm. We compared and examined determinants of IR in adults born preterm with extremely low birth weight (ELBW; birth weight

abstract: Master of Health Sciences (MSc)


title: Audio-Visual Temporal Order Judgments in Aging

contributor:
Bennett, Patrick J.
Sekuler, Allison B
Milliken, Bruce
Psychology

subject:
temporal order judgments
audio-visual integration
aging
Cognition and Perception
Developmental Psychology
Cognition and Perception

abstract: Audio-visual temporal processing, and integration of auditory and visual information, is necessary for perceiving the world around us. Although previous research has indicated a slowing of temporal processing in older adults for unisensory stimuli, little work has examined the role of aging on multisensory temporal processing. The goal of this thesis is to use temporal-order judgment (TOJ) tasks to investigate age-related changes in audio-visual temporal processing. Overall, our results indicate that older adults do not demonstrate impairments on simple audio-visual TOJs, but they do exhibit deficits on more complex TOJ tasks. We also found no influence of spatial cues on TOJs for younger or older adults. Finally, we found age differences in complex TOJ tasks could not be explained by changes in the ability of older adults to detect a gap between sequential visual stimuli. The work in the thesis suggests that although there may be slowing in audio-visual temporal processing in complex situations, there are circumstances where audio-visual temporal processing is spared. By categorizing multisensory processing deficits in the elderly, we can aim to improve quality of life by preventing fails and perpetuating social interactions.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Deformation and Its Effect on Recrystallization in Magnesium Alloy AZ31

contributor:
Zurob, Hatem. S.
Marek Niewczas, J. R. McDermid
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
cross-rolling
twin-bundle
strain localization
texture evolution
recrystallization
Structural Materials
Structural Materials

abstract:
Sheet specimens of alloy AZ31 were cross-rolled to equivalent strains of 0.05, 0.10, 0.30, 0.40, 0.56, and 0.77. The microstructure evolution was examined using a combination of optical metallography (OM), Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed significant activity of basal and non-basal slip as well as twinning. The twins were mainly of the contraction and double-twin (contraction-extension) types. In addition to the micron scale (1-5μm) twins observed on EBSD patterns, nano-scale twins were observed. The nano twins had a width of less than 0.20μm and existed either as individual/isolated twins or as twin-bundles that are several microns thick. The number of nano twin-bundles increased with increasing strain. Shear bands were also observed to form at high strains and eventually led to the failure of the sheet. As for the texture evolution, analysis of the pole figures shows an evident strengthening of the basal texture during the cross-rolling.

Specimens of Mg alloy AZ31 cold-rolled to equivalent strains of 0.10 and 0.30 were selected and annealed at 250oC. The progress of recrystallization was followed using OM, EBSD and TEM with special emphasis on the nucleation of recrystallization. The distribution of recrystallization nuclei was very heterogeneous due to the heterogeneity of the as-deformed microstructure. Twin/grain-boundary and twin/twin intersections as well as twin interiors were the dominant recrystallization nucleation sites. Significant recovery was observed in the non-recrystallized regions and this limited the growth of the recrystallized grains.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: The Socio-spatial Construction of Knowledge, Power and Influence in the Governance of Environmental Health Risks from Toxic Chemicals in Canada

contributor:
Eyles, John
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject:
environmental health
governance
risk
chemical management
scale
knowledge
Geography
Geography

abstract: Environmental health effects from chemicals are an example of risks associated with modern, industrialized, technologically advanced, capitalist society. In Canada approximately 23,000 substances have been in commercial use despite never being assessed for their risks to human health and the environment. The assessment, management and regulation of environmental health risks from “existing” chemical substances can be viewed as an emerging and contested domain of governance whereby an increasing number of diverse stakeholders are seeking to shape its constituent actors, rule systems, knowledge inputs, and orientation. Using a multi-method case-study of Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, this thesis examines how governance and decision-making rationales, knowledge inputs, influence, and authority become constructed, negotiated and (de)legitimized in practice, and the role and significance of “space” in these processes. Sources of data include scientific, policy and legal documents, participant observation and key informant interviews. Findings reveal that stakeholders divergently interpret evidence and exploit scientific uncertainties using various tactics that (de)legitimize particular claims and policy prescriptions to favour their interests. This has significant implications for how “precaution” and “weight-of-evidence” are operationalized. The concepts of “scale-frames” and “boundary-work” reveal how stakeholders construct and spatially bound political and epistemic legitimacy and authority through contested definitions and rationales of accessibility, inclusion and exclusion. To gain the influence and legitimacy that is needed for effectively shaping environmental health policy stakeholders must (re)define the jurisdictional and epistemic spaces in which knowledge, evidence and rationales are created and institutionalized. Bringing contested modes of subject-making around expertise and technical capacity to the fore assists in explaining why particular forms of knowledge production and interpretations of evidence are adopted while others are downplayed. This in turn perpetuates particular kinds of risk assessment and management tools and approaches that benefit some and marginalize others. Prevailing “governmentalities” are supported by, and mutually reinforce, broader neo-liberal political-economic ideals and interests.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: CAN NUTRITIONAL GEOMETRY MODULATE THE EFFECTS OF DIETARY RESTRICTION IN ACHETA DOMESTICUS?

contributor:
Rollo, David C.
O`Donnell, Michael
Stone, Jonathan
Biology

subject:
eCrickets
Acheta domesticus
dietary restriction
nutritional geometry
longevity
aging
Biology
Comparative Nutrition
Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Other Food Science
Other Nutrition
Biology

abstract: This study was performed to better understand the physiological responses of the cricket Acheta domesticus to dietary restriction and nutritional geometry (relative nutritional balance). Dietary restriction in crickets decreases the growth rate, survivorship, maturation mass and delays maturation, but it has the benefit of increasing their maximum longevity. Measurements of maturation mass, maturation age and longevity were obtained and used to calculate adult duration, growth rate and survivorship. This experiment combined both dietary restriction and nutritional geometry. Treatments were dietary restricted and provided with one of three macronutrients: lipid, carbohydrate or protein. The macronutrients were predicted to modulate the effects of dietary restriction while still producing an increase in maximum longevity. The lifetime restricted males and females obtained the highest maximum longevity of all treatments. The females of the carbohydrate treatment experienced significant increases in survivorship when compared to the lifetime restricted treatment. The males of the carbohydrate treatment achieved the second highest maximum longevity as well as a significant increase in longevity when compared to the lipid and protein males. A significantly earlier maturation age was obtained by the carbohydrate males when compared to the lifetime restricted treatment. The protein females had a significantly higher maximum longevity than the control treatment. The lipid treatment had an extremely low survivorship, a decreased adult duration as well as a low maturation mass. In summary, carbohydrates decreased the maturation age and increased the survivorship of the female crickets and increased the longevity of the male crickets. The protein treatment did not obtain the expected increases in growth rates or maturation mass associated with high protein diets. Therefore, different high protein diets should be tested in conjunction with the carbohydrate diet, in order to offset the negative effects of dietary restriction.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: A Critical Study of Diarmuid and Grania (1901), A Play By William Butler Yeats and George Moore

contributor:
John, Brian
English

subject:
English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature

abstract: This thesis provides a critical examination of a play which has virtually been forgotten in the eighty-five years since its first and only production. Since 1901 most critics have preferred to recount the host of legends and anecdotes surrounding the authors and the performance, and thus the play itself, which is by no means without literary interest, has been unjustly overlooked. As the work was the result of a collaboration, the critical approach taken in the thesis has been to isolate themes and theories peculiar to its authors, Yeats and Moore, in an attempt to consider the text meaningfully. Yeats in this period was attempting to unite mystical and artistic expression, while Moore wanted to explore psychological conflict, develop memorable female characters, and employ Wagnerian ideas and borrowings within his writing. This variance of literary objectives, it will be argued, is primarily responsible for the failure of Diarmuid and Grania as a work of art. Because both men were attempting to enrich Irish culture by providing an alternative to its moribund, foreign-dominated drama, this thesis also considers the text within the context of dramatic innovations in the 1890s, and suggests that its principal significance is as a landmark in the evolution of a truly Irish theatre.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Romantic Revolutionaries: Women Novelists of the 1790s

contributor:
Blewett, David L.
English

subject:
English
English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature

abstract:
In selecting to work on the novels of Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Hays, Helen Maria Williams, Elizabeth Inchbald and Charlotte Smith, I deliberately chose five women writers who were radicals of the l790s in their own ways. By means of their fictional productions, these thinkers challenged the existing social order as well as subverted literary conventions. All five saw the need for change in society; they became the advocates for reform, stressing, in particular, the requirement for amelioration of the woman's condition.

My thesis points out exactly to which aspects of the patriarchal establishment these authors objected. The most important concerns were the inadequacy of the education system for girls, the inequality inherent in the institution of marriage, and the lack of freedom of the adult woman. Though their novels treated these problems in different ways, ranging from implicit questioning to open rebellion, these authors stand apart from other women writers of the period, such as Hannah More and Jane West, who took for granted the justification of the male-dominated social arrangement. They reject the marital and social economy that prescribes sex, procreation and female subservience.

My study shows that while their fictional works seem to be couched in the language of love and sensibility, the women nevertheless revise and deconstruct the essentially male-structured traditional novel. They resist the realist novel's desire for closure, unity and tautology by opting for a more open-ended, multivalent and decentered construction. In addition, the focus of the fiction is shifted from traditionally "male" preoccupations such as London adventures, conquest, duels, debaucheries and rakishness, to more "female" oriented concerns such as domestic life, maternal responsibility, familial relations and pedagogy.

Most significantly, my dissertation argues that these works articulated the female consciousness, perhaps for the first time in novel form. In these books written, for the most part, from the perspective of a female protagonist, woman is treated as subject, rather than object of the male cognizance. By allowing the female voice to enter into male discourse, these fictions undermine the phallocentric monopoly of power and control of language. Consequently, the transparency of the meaning of words such as virtue, chastity, happiness, love is questioned. These crucial words acquire new signification, embodying specifically female vision and desire.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: THE BEDOUIN KNOW: USING LOCAL KNOWLEDGE TO UNDERSTAND THE EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT AT THE WADI RUM PROTECTED AREA IN SOUTHERN JORDAN

contributor:
Feit, Harvey
Rethmann, Petra
Aksan, Virginia
Anthropology

subject:
Local & Indigenous Knowledge
Development
Socio-economic Impact Assessment
Bedouin
Conservation Management
Tourism
Jordan
Wadi Rum Protected Area
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Social and Cultural Anthropology

abstract:
There are two central themes to this thesis. Firstly, it shows how the adoption of people-centered and greening development paradigms, designed to improve mainstream development problems of the late 20th century, continue to produce unsatisfactory and unsustainable results for intended beneficiaries in the 21st century. Secondly, it shows how the “intended beneficiaries” use their experiences and their knowledge of the development processes to analyze, explain and voice why it has not worked for them. Their local knowledge illustrates how beneficiaries continue to remain on the “outside” or peripheral to development instead of being equal partners as the people-centered discourse claims.

This thesis reviews the development of the Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) in southern Jordan. This development fostered both conservation and tourism projects to assist members of the seven local Bedouin communities or clans whose historical rangelands constitute the protected area. Four significant development decisions and projects are examined to better understand how this development functioned. Many Bedouin commentaries and those of some non-Bedouin involved in the projects provide social, economic and environmental assessments of the protected area's progress over a ten year continuum. What emerges is a nuanced awareness of how the WRPA has not achieved its stated goals or the benefits promised to the Bedouin, but did support other developers', lenders' and government objectives. Bedouin knowledge also highlights how “development” has contributed to a near dissolution of their control over what had been their tourism industry, how it has usurped their control of their lands and villages, how the project has created greater divisiveness between and within the clans and how it has come to support the growth of tourism over environmental protection. In general, the development of the Wadi Rum Protected Area has not achieved its people-centered and green goals.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE REGULATION IN TWO GENETIC REGIONS HARBOURING ANTISENSE RNA IN STREPTOMYCES COELICOLOR

contributor:
Elliot, Marie
Biology

subject:
regulatory rna
non coding rna
secondary metabolism
gene regulation
polycistronic
differential expression
Microbiology
Microbiology

abstract:
Bacterial small RNAs have emerged as a class of molecules having important regulatory roles. Accumulating numbers of cis-encoded sRNAs (antisense RNAs) have been recently discovered to be transcribed from the chromosomal DNA of many bacterial species, including the streptomycetes. Here, we investigate potential regulatory roles for two S. coelicolor antisense RNAs, scr4677 and α-abeA.

The scr4677 antisense RNA is transcribed from the intergenic region between SCO4676 (a gene encoding a conserved protein of unknown function) and SCO4677, encoding a regulatory protein with proposed anti-sigma factor activity. Transcription profiling revealed that scr4677 may not only interact with SCO4676 mRNA but also with SCO4677-4676 read-through transcripts. Our study suggested that scr4677 functioned to destabilize SCO4676 mRNA, at the same time that it stabilized the SCO4677-4676 read-through transcript. The potential role for scr4677 in destabilizing SCO4676 mRNA was not mediated by the double stranded ribonuclease RNase III. Genetic analysis showed scr4677 transcription was affected by SCO4677, and the transcription was apparently dependent on an unknown protein binding to the SCO4676 coding sequence.

A second independent study focused on investigating the regulation of a previously uncharacterized genetic region, SCO3287-3290, since renamed abeABCD. This region contains an antisense RNA (α-abeA)-encoding gene, and is adjacent to the downstream SCO3291 (abeR) gene, which encodes a putative regulatory protein. Genetic analysis revealed that overexpression of abeR or abeABCD stimulated the production of the blue-pigmented antibiotic actinorhodin, and deletion of abeR impaired actinorhodin production. Transcription analysis revealed the abe genes (including α-abeA) to be subject to multiple levels of regulation. We found an internal promoter within the abeA coding sequence and that required AbeR for expression. Furthermore, biochemical experiments demonstrated that AbeR regulated abeBCD directly, by binding to four heptameric repeats in its promoter region. The expression of α-abeA and other abe genes were differentially affected by RNase III.

abstract: Doctor of Science  (PhD)


title: A Pipelined, Single Precision Floating-Point Logarithm Computation Unit in Hardware

contributor:
Anand, Christopher
Franya Franek, Alan Wassyng
Computing and Software

subject: logarithm computation unit

subject: look-up table based approximation

subject: parabolic interpolation

subject: pipelined adder

subject: pipelined multiplier

subject: pipelined ROM

subject: Digital Circuits

subject: Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing

subject: Digital Circuits

abstract: This thesis is funded by the IBM Center for Advanced Studies

abstract: A large number of scientific applications rely on the computing of logarithm. Thus, accelerating the speed of computing logarithms is significant and necessary. To this end, we present the realization of a pipelined Logarithm Computation Unit (LCU) in hardware that uses lookup table and interpolation techniques. The presented LCU supports single precision arithmetic with fixed accuracy and speed. We estimate that it can generate 2.9G single precision values per second under a 65nm fabrication process. In addition, the accuracy is at least 21 bits while lookup table size is about 7.776KB. To the best of our knowledge, our LCU achieves the fastest speed at its current accuracy and table size.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Boiling Heat Transfer Around a Horizontal Cylinder and in Tube Bundles

contributor:
Hoffman, T.W.
Chemical Engineering

abstract:
From the analysis of a postulated loss-of-coolant and loss-of-emergency cooling accident in a typical horizontal pressure tube nuclear reactor, the need was established for a systematic investigation on the boiling heat transfer coefficient to be expected on a 12.7 cm diameter cylinder and a bundle of these cylinders under saturated and subcooled conditions. To accomplish this, a three-part experimental program was instigated.

In the first part, a successful technique based on a quenching (transient) procedure and the use of a heat flux meter was developed to measure directly the local boiling heat flux density around a large horizontal cylinder (12.7 cm diameter) as a function of wall temperature under saturated and subcooled conditions. These experiments were complemented by pertinent theoretical analyses. Although the surface averaged critical heat flux densities are shown to be predicted very well by known correlations, these experiments and analyses do reveal that there is considerable variation of the local critical heat flux density (CHF) around the cylinder. It was shown by high speed motion pictures (1000 frames/s) and from quenching experiments on partially insulated cylinders that this variation results from the interaction of the upflowing liquid-vapour boundary layer with the boiling phenomena. These results for the partially insulated surface and for steam injection underneath a single copper cylinder are also presented.

In the second portion of the experimental program, a five row by three column array of instrumented copper cylinders was quenched to determine the interaction effect on the boiling curve of the vapour-liquid mixture rising from tubes located below. This bundle was investigated under saturated and subcooled conditions. Results show that there is a significant critical heat flux increase over the lower part of the cylinder and no appreciable effect over the other parts. The critical heat flux increase is relatively independent of the amount of upflowing vapour.

In the third part of the program, a steam-heated tube, 2.67 cm outer diameter, was used to study the steady-state boiling characteristics of heptane on single horizontal tubes. The average boiling heat flux for each of these steam-heated tubes in a four row by three column array was determined and compared with that observed when each was used alone. The results show a substantial increase in the critical heat flux value and essentially no increase in the nucleate boiling regime on any tube when the lower tubes were boiling. When all tubes were at their critical heat flux, the average CHF in the bundle was about 20% higher than the one obtained in a single tube experiment.

It is recommended to initiate a study to calculate the pressure drop in a horizontal boiler. It is suggested that the apparent decrease in the overall average critical heat flux for a bundle of tubes, which has been reported in the literature for horizontal reboiler systems, may not be caused by vapour blanketing but may result from insufficient liquid being drawn into the bundle, by natural convection or the thermosyphon effect, to satisfy that required to generate the vapour if all tubes are operating at the critical heat flux. Some recommendations for future work relating to this problem are presented.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Seasonal Sulfur Biogeochemistry of Oil Sands Composite Tailings Undergoing Fen Reclamation

contributor:
Warren, Lesley A
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject:
composite tailings
sulfur
iron
biogeochemistry
oil sands
hydrogen sulphide
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Sciences

abstract:
The Athabasca oil sands produce 20% of Canada’s oil, which in turn creates trillions of cubic meters of waste. The Alberta government mandates that oil sands land be reclaimed to its natural state after mining has occurred. Syncrude Canada is currently creating a novel freshwater fen on top of a composite tailings (CT) deposit as a pilot large-scale reclamation project. CT are both microbially and sulfur rich, in addition, the fen could be a potential source of labile organics and sulfate reducing bacteria which could further stimulate sulfur cycling by microorganisms with the potential to stimulate H2S(g) generation, a health and safety concern. Therefore, this thesis examines three main research questions regarding this H2S production within the Sandhill reclamation fen: 1) Is H2S generation widespread within the porewaters of the CT and sand cap of the developing Sandhill Fen reclamation project? 2) Do microbial metabolisms capable of metabolizing Fe and S linked to H2S generation occur within CT and sand cap of the developing Sandhill Fen? and 3) Will seasonality and ongoing fen construction impact H2S generation?

Field and experimental results herein discuss potential microbial and abiotic metabolisms and pathways that effect sulfur and iron cycling that could affect hydrogen sulfide generation within the composite tailings and developing fen during three seasonal sampling campaigns from June 2010 to July 2011. Results indicate that detectable H2S(aq) occurred in the fen porewaters during each sampling campaign, with a trend of increasing H2S(aq) concentrations as construction of the fen progressed. Further, enrichment results indicate that microbial sulfur and iron redox reactions are likely affecting the H2S(aq) generation. Experimental microcosm results indicate that the CT may contain unstable sulfur species that can contribute to H2S(aq) generation and sequestration in the CT as pyrite. Additionally, the evolution of the Sandhill Fen changed the microbial communities that were present in situ as well as shifted dominance of species type in environmental microbial enrichments. The putative function of these bacteria show a shift from autotrophy to increased heterotrophic metabolisms as the fen is being constructed, suggesting the addition of labile organic substrates from the peat and woody debris are both changing the dominant metabolisms and well as increasing microbial diversity to the underlying CT and sand cap of Sandhill Fen. Results of this thesis established widespread microbial Fe and S metabolisms within CT for the first time and indicated that fen reclamation will alter microbial activity with implications for S cycling within CT. Although this thesis covers a short sampling time frame, it is clear that H2S(aq) generation is an important factor to consider during large scale CT reclamation. While microorganisms are present and could be impacting Fe and S cycling, the CT materials should be investigated further in regards to their potential for H2S(aq) generation. More consideration should be given to inhibiting H2S(aq) generation or supporting FeS formation within the reclamation fen.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: DIFFERENTIAL REGULATION OF HIF-1alpha IN HUMAN TAY-SACHS NEUROGLIA

contributor:
Igdoura, Suleiman
Biology

subject:
Lysosome
neurological disease
excitotoxicity
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

abstract: Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are devastating neurological disorders caused by mutations in lysosomal hydrolases that result in accumulations of hydrolase substrates. Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is an LSD that specifically results in the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides causing the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, and leading to microglial activation and apoptotic cell death. The detailed mechanisms through which cell death occurs have not been completely elucidated, however, excitotoxicity is thought to play a major role. Here, we investigated the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF- 1α) and its effector microRNA, miR-210, and the impact they have on the expression of important molecules involved in excitotoxicity, namely neuronal pentraxin 1 (NPTX1) and potassium channel KCNK2 (KCNK2). We discovered that TSD neuroglia are inefficient at stabilizing HIF-1α in hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, miR-210 expression is significantly higher in TSD neuroglia compared to normal neuroglia at baseline and during hypoxia. In addition, TSD neuroglia expressed NPTX1, NPTX2 and KCNK2 at higher levels, and neuronal pentraxin receptor at lower levels than normal neuroglia, implicating excitotoxicity in disease pathogenesis. We also confirmed that miR-210 binds to the 3’ UTR of NPTX1 to repress its expression in TSD neuroglia. The presence of reverse hypoxia response elements in the promoter of KCNK2 and the repression of KCNK2 expression by HIF-1α stabilization suggest that KCNK2 is directly regulated by HIF-1α. Moreover, the glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor, NBDNJ, which is used to reduce ganglioside synthesis, caused expression of NPTX1 to decrease but KCNK2 expression to increase, indicating this drug can modify multiple parameters of disease. This study identifies major gene expression changes between normal and TSD neuroglia that affect the excitability and therefore the viability of TSD cells. This information provides new insight into the mechanisms of neurodegeneration experienced by TSD neuroglia.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Direct Conversion of Fibroblasts to Hematopoietic Progenitors

contributor:
Bhatia, Mick
Biochemistry

subject: direct conversion

subject: lymphopoiesis

subject: hematopoietic progenitor

subject: OCT4

subject: Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology

abstract: Immunodeficient-causing diseases such as HIV and leukemia have no cures, often require meticulous treatments and result in high morbidity or mortality. Although bone marrow transplants are an option for a subset of leukemia patients, the shortage of donors and the requirement for donor matching restricts the efficacy of this treatment option. Therefore there is a prominent clinical need for alternative sources of hematopoietic stem/progentior cells with lymphopoietic potential. Recently we described the direct conversion of human dermal fibroblasts to multilineage hematopoietic progenitors by ectopic expression of OCT4. This direct conversion method was used to assess whether OCT4-transduced fibroblasts had the capacity to derive cells of the lymphoid lineage. This work shows the transient co-expression of CD34 and CD45 of fibroblasts within 7 days of OCT4 transduction followed by stable expression of CD45 on fibroblasts by day 15. The acquisition of hematopoietic markers, however, did not coincide with colony formation as previously described. Furthermore, CD45+ cells that were enriched and cultured in hematopoietic conducive conditions did not acquire co-expression of CD34 as previously shown. Interestingly, CD34 expression was shown to be inversely correlated with OCT4 expression. Therefore the constitutive expression of OCT4 may have (1) inhibited the acquisition of CD34 expression on CD45+ cells (2) downregulated the expression of CD34 on the day 7 CD34+CD45+ fibroblasts, thereby resulting in the transient expression of these markers. Furthermore, this work shows that expression of CD45 on OCT4-transduced fibroblasts is required for survival on the MS5 stromal cell line used to support hematopoietic progenitors with lymphopoietic potential, while supplementation of CD45+ fibroblasts with hematopoietic progenitor supportive conditions resulting in co-expression of CD34 and CD45 is required for acquisition of CD19, a pan-B cell marker on CD45+ fibroblasts. These findings suggest OCT4-transduced fibroblasts have lymphopoietic potential.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Coatings for corrosion protection of metals and alloys

contributor:
Zhitomirsky, Igor
Veldhuis, Stephen C.
Petric, Tony
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
coating
corrossion
ceria
polymer
EPD
co-deposition
Other Materials Science and Engineering
Other Materials Science and Engineering

abstract:
Thin films prepared by electrochemical and physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods were investigated for corrosion protection of metals and alloys. Various electrochemical methods were developed, such as electrophoretic deposition (EPD), electrolytic deposition (ELD) and combined methods. EPD method has been developed for the deposition of polymer films, including poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PVP) and co-polymer poly(4-vinylpyridine-co-butyl methacrylate) (PVPBM). The method involved the electrophoresis of protonated polymer macromolecules, base generation at the cathode surface, charge neutralization and deposition of water insoluble polymer films. Nanostructured CeO2 ﬁlms were prepared by cathodic ELD and EPD. Cathodic ELD involved electrosynthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles in the cathodic reaction and film formation. New dispersion agents were developed for CeO2 particles for application in EPD processes. The kinetics of ELD and EPD and deposition mechanisms were investigated.

Composite polymer-CeO2 ﬁlms were deposited using various strategies, based on ELD or EPD of CeO2 and EPD of polymers. The composite films were deposited as monolayers, multilayers or materials of graded composition. The deposition yield and film composition can be varied.

The composite films were studied by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. Electrochemical testing showed that polymer and composite films provided corrosion protection of stainless steel substrates.

Corrosion protection properties of coatings deposited on commercial AMPCO and TZM alloys was investigated. CrN, CrN-D, and TiC were deposited by PVD method. Ni coatings were deposited by electroplating. The analysis of Tafel plots and impedance spectroscopy data showed that CrN and CrN-D coatings deposited by PVD showed better corrosion protection of AMPCO and TZM alloys, compared to TiC and Ni coatings. The results of this investigation pave the way for the fabrication of novel coatings with advanced corrosion protection, wear and mechanical properties, using combined PVD and electrochemical methods.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Evaluation of an early biomarker panel for the identification of emergency department patients at high risk for a short term cardiac outcome

contributor: Medical Sciences (Division of Physiology/Pharmacology)

subject:
Medical Sciences
Medical Sciences

abstract: Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) often wait long hours before a decision on their care is made. The recommended blood test to aid in diagnosing myocardial infarction (MI) is cardiac troponin I (cTnI) or cardiac troponin T (cTnT). However, other biomarkers representing acute processes and diseases related to ACS might also be useful for early identification. To that end, I evaluated whether a biomarker panel at presentation could improve the diagnostic performance of identifying patients at high risk for MI or any other related cardiac outcome as compared to using cardiac troponin alone. The patient population consisted of 102 patients who presented to the ED with chest pain. Sixteen biomarkers measured in serum obtained at presentation were ranked via receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for a composite cardiac outcome within the first 72 hours following presentation to the ED. The top four biomarkers (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase, Creatinine, monocyte chemoattraction protein-1, and NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide) were used to construct the panel test. The ROC derived cutoffs for each of the biomarkers were used to characterize abnormal concentrations with an overall biomarker score incorporating all 4 biomarkers used to classify patients that were either positive or negative for the biomarker panel. When used in conjunction with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin, the panel’s sensitivity and specificity were 100% (95%CI: 75-100%) and 54% (95%CI: 43-65%), respectively. This represented an improvement compared to high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) or hs-cTnT alone which had a sensitivity/specificity of 92% (95%CI: 64-100%)/57% (95%CI: 46-68%) and 85% (95%CI: 55-98%)/55% (95%CI: 44-66%), respectively. In summary, a 4-biomarker blood-based panel used in conjunction with cardiac troponin at ED presentation may identify patients at risk for MI or related outcomes in the short term.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: KINSHIP SERVICES: GRANDMA’S PINK FUZZY SLIPPERS

contributor:
Sammon, Sheila
Gladstone, James
Arenson, Jane
Social Work

subject: Child Welfare

subject: Kinship

subject: Protection Workers experience with Kinship caregivers

subject: Value of Kinship placements

subject: family placement in child welfare

subject: kinship services in ontario

subject: role of kinship in child welfare

subject: Social Work

subject: Social Work

abstract:
ABSTRACT

The landscape of Child Welfare inOntariohas changed over the past several years. One area of significant change is that increasingly children are placed with relatives (kin) when it has been determined that they cannot be safety cared for by a parent or guardian. This change was brought about by new legislation and with it came a number of standards and processes to guide front line workers work with kin.

The purpose of this research study was to gain a better understanding of how this change impacted front line workers. The research focused on what influenced the work and considered individual, institutional and systemic factors. It was undertaken in order to gain a clearer appreciation of the successes and challenges in working with kinship caregivers.

Five child welfare workers who work directly with kinship services caregivers were interviewed. Qualitative research methods were utilized so that participants could share the direct experience of their work. This research used a Critical and Interpretive social science framework to gain a better understanding of the systemic and societal influences that guide the work.

The findings suggest that while this work is highly regarded and valued by the participants, they struggle with their role in supporting and advocating for kin. On one hand, they support kin but on the other, they present as worried about such care. They question what is behind the Ministry Of Children and Youth Services movement to greater consideration of kin. They bring forward very important concerns about inequities in the distribution of resources to support children who are not able to live with their parents or guardians.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: MEASUREMENT OF TRANSITION METALS IN THE RODENT BRAIN USING X-RAY FLUORESCENCE AND NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

contributor:
Bock, Nicholas
Farquharson, Michael
Valliant, John
Medical Physics

subject:
transition metal homeostasis
cuprizone
manganese enhanced MRI
manganese overexposure
demyelination
x-ray fluorescence
neutron activation analysis
Medical Biophysics
Medical Biophysics

abstract:
Transition metals, such as iron, manganese, and copper are essential in the development and function of biological systems. However, disrupted levels of transition metals are highly cytotoxic, and metal homeostasis is strictly maintained in cells under normal conditions. The neuropathology of several brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease has been linked to altered metal levels. This work focused on the measurement of iron, manganese, and copper, with the aim of better elucidating their role in brain disease.

Two experiments were carried out in C57Bl/6 mice looking at metal homeostasis: 1. following manganese injections typically administered in manganese-enhanced MRI animal studies, and 2. following copper deficiency in a cuprizone model of demyelination. Metal measurements were made in the brain and visceral organs using X-ray fluorescence to measure iron and copper concentrations, and neutron activation analysis to measure manganese concentrations.

In the MEMRI study in this work, in addition to the expected manganese concentration increases in brain regions, a statistically significant decrease in iron concentration in the thalamus was found. This change in iron levels in the thalamus following manganese injections should serve as a caution that care should be taken when interpreting signal changes in brain regions.

The cuprizone study in this thesis confirmed that copper levels are reduced following cuprizone administration. Surprisingly, manganese concentrations were significantly higher in several brain regions that have demyelination in this model, but not iron or copper. The mechanism of cuprizone toxicity was related to manganese neurotoxicity that may contribute to demyelination.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: FACTORS INFLUENCING BODY MASS INDEX AMONG IMMIGRANT AND NON-IMMIGRANT CANADIAN YOUTH: EVIDENCE FROM THE CANADIAN COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY

contributor: Clinical Epidemiology/Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics

subject:
Immigrant
obesity
child health
epidemiology
lifestyle
Epidemiology
Epidemiology

abstract:
Background: Over the past two decades the prevalence of childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. In Canada recent population growth has relied heavily on immigration. In some instances, immigrant youth exhibit better health overall and may be at less risk for obesity. There is a paucity of literature on the health of immigrant youth in Canada.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are: (i) to examine differences in body mass index and prevalence of overweight/obesity between immigrant versus non-immigrant youth and (ii) to identify the extent to which (a) lifestyle and (b) socio-demographic factors, account for between-group differences.

Methods: Data for this study was obtained from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The associations between standardized BMI score (zBMI) and prevalence of overweight/obesity, immigrant status, socio-demographic and lifestyle covariates were analyzed using multilevel linear and logistic regression, respectively.

Results: The CCHS sample included 63509 participants, aged 12 to 19 years. 6.4% respondents identified themselves as being born outside of Canada. Immigrant youth had a lower zBMI by 0.441 compared to Canadian-born youth (p < 0.001). The odds of being overweight/obese were 34% lower (OR 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45, 0.86) among immigrant versus non-immigrant respondents. Measures of diet, activity level and sedentary behaviour did not account for the differences in body composition between immigrant and Canadian born youth.

Conclusion: Immigrant youth had a lower rate of overweight/obesity and lower zBMI scores compared to Canadian-born youth.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: A CLUSTER RANDOMIZATION TRIAL TO TEST THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A CLINICAL PATHWAY IN MANAGING ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

contributor:
Connolly, Stuart J.
Worster, Andrew
Roberts, Robin
Health Research Methodology

subject:
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Flutter
Emergency Department
Cluster Randomization Trial
Cardiology
Emergency Medicine
Cardiology

abstract:
BACKGROUND:

Emergency Department (ED) visit rates for patients with symptomatic, recent onset atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (RAFF) are on the rise, which in turn has resulted in high hospital admission rates (38-45%). Optimal management strategies need to be developed for reducing hospital admission rates.

STUDY QUESTION:

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical pathway for the management of low-risk RAFF patients in the ED. The hypothesis is that an evidence-based clinical pathway will help ED physicians better manage AF patients and reduce hospital admissions.

STUDY DESIGN:

A prospective, blinded, stratified, two-arm cluster-randomized trial will be conducted. The intervention is a clinical pathway for the management of RAFF.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES:

The primary outcome of this trial will be the proportion of low-risk, RAAF patients admitted to the hospital from the ED. Secondary outcomes will include a range of safety outcomes.

STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

An intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted at the individual level using proportions and means according to the variable in question with an alpha level of 0.05 and power of 0.80 for the primary outcome. The cRCT (assuming a 30% RRR) will be conducted over a two year time period. A total of 13 clusters and 3500 ED visits will be recruited to each intervention arm.

SUMMARY:

This thesis explores the methodological issues relevant to the design of a cRCT evaluating a clinical pathway in the management of acute onset, low risk AF patients presenting to the ED.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: HEALTH STATUS AND THE DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH IN A CANADIAN OLD ORDER MENNONITE COMMUNITY

contributor:
Newbold, Bruce K.
Eyles, John
Elliott, Susan
School of Geography and Geology

subject:
social epidemiology
social determinants of health
mental health
physical health
rural population health
Old Order Mennonites
SF-12
MCS-12
PCS-12
Human Geography
Human Geography

abstract: This thesis presents the results of a study exploring the health status and health determinants in two farming groups in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: Old Order Mennonites (OOMs) and non-OOM farmers. Physical health and mental health are examined, and Canada’s 12 health determinants (excluding genetics) are included in the analysis. A survey was distributed to both groups in 2010 to obtain information on health status and determinants. Comparing the two groups reduces the likely impact of contextual features impacting both, such as local economic conditions. The mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-12 were used to measure mental and physical health. The study compares health in the two populations, and uses ordinary least squares (multiple) regression to determine the relative importance of the determinants in shaping health. The study found that mental health is better in OOMs, mainly due to OOM women’s strong mental health. Physical health was worse in OOMs, and while true for both genders, OOM women appear to be particularly disadvantaged. There is overlap between the groups in the determinants shaping physical and mental health. In both groups, mental health is shaped by social interaction, stress and coping; and physical health by age, childhood disease history, coping and body mass index. This suggests these factors may be important across many populations facing different life circumstances, thus representing priorities for policy action. Interestingly, the key determinants shaping physical health in both groups do not include social factors such as social capital, although social factors do shape mental health (especially in OOMs). This may be due to the rural or farming status of the two groups, or differences between physical and mental health. Determining which is more likely requires reconciling the results of this study with others, an effort hampered by differences in models, methods and health outcomes employed.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Passive Mode-Locking of TE CO₂ Lasers

contributor:
Garside, B.K.
Ballik, E.A.
Physics

subject: Physics Physics

abstract:
It was the purpose of the work described in this thesis to develop a basic understanding of the passive mode-locking behaviour of TE CO₂ lasers employing the saturable absorbers SF₆ and germanium (Ge). An understanding of the dynamical processes, which occur in the gain and loss media on sub-ns to μs time scales, is necessary in order to predict the output characteristics of mode-locked pulse trains. In the case of SF₆ the complex dynamical behaviour was not known previous to our work. Therefore, a large portion of this thesis is devoted to investigating such processes. Transmission measurements, using ~200 ns TE CO₂ laser pulses, are used to obtain the first complete measurements of the saturation characteristics of SF₆. The experiments are performed for a range of CO₂ wavelengths which characterize the entire SF₆ absorption at the 10.4 μm band (P(12) - P(28)) and for a range of SF₆ gas pressures which are most frequently used in SF₆-CO₂ mode-locking systems. These experiments demonstrate that, for low J-value CO₂ lines (less than P(24)), the rise in transmission at increased pulse intensities is due to intensity saturation effects. The pressure dependence of the saturation curves indicates that the level relaxation rates scale with SF₆ pressure. However, for CO₂ lines greater than P(22) (longer wavelength), the transmission curves and the transmitted pulse shaping cannot be accounted for solely by intensity saturation effects. It is shown that a multi-vibrational and rotational level treatment for the absorption of CO₂ radiation by SF₆ can fully account for the discrepancies between theory and experiment observed at longer CO₂ wavelengths. The model treats all the SF₆ vibrational and rotational levels as belonging to a bath of levels characterized by a single virbational and a single rotational temperature. Energy absorbed for a laser pulse is rapidly distributed to the bath of levels, establishing new vibrational and rotational populations characterisitics of a higher bath temperature. This type of absorption process depends on the energy rather than intensity, of the laser pulse. Such a model, although expected to apply only at high SF₆ pressures (where fast equilibrium times exist), can in fact be used to predict double-resonance signals observed at low SF₆ pressures (1-10 Torr). Infrared double-resonance experiments with mode-locked pump pulse trains and with ~200 ns duration pump pulses demonstrate that the success of the model at these low pressure is due to very fast vibration-to-vibration and rotational energy transfer rates. The observed rates are much faster than those reported in the literature. It is shown that this heating model, combined with the previously mentioned intensity saturation processes, fully describes the transmission data for the wide range of CO₂ rotational lines and SF₆ pressures employed. This thesis also demonstrates that the mode-locking of a TE CO₂ laser using an SF₆ saturable absorber, can, for the first time, be understood from a knowledge of the above intensity saturation and vibrational bath heating effects. The mode-locking with SF₆ is reported over the widest range of CO₂ rotational lines and with the shortest pulse durations obtained to date. Pulse narrowing across the mode-locked pulse train (usually necessary to obtain very short pulses) is absent in the SF₆-CO₂ mode-locking system. It is indicated that processes such as multi-level saturation, vibrational bath heating and multiple-phonon absorptions may prevent such narrowing from occuring.

The mode-locking behaviour of p-type Ge is also investigated in this thesis. Computer simulations of the evolution of mode-locked pulse from noise are presented using a 2-vibrational level model, which includes rotational coupling, to describe the CO₂ amplifier. A steady-state inhomogeneously broadened saturation response is shown to be appropriate for the Ce absorber. A set of density equations is used to describe the growth of the pulse intensities in the amplifier. For the first time a theory is presented which quantitatively predicts the experimentally observed pulse narrowing across the mode-locked pulse trains, the pulse intensities and shape of the mode-locked train envelope. It is also shown that there is a progression from deterministic mode-locking at laser pressures of ~300 Torr to statistical mode-locking at pressures substantially in excess of this pressure. Furthermore it is demonstrate that there is an optimum value in how close to lasing threshold one can operate to achieve repeatable, clean, short-duration, high intensity mode-locked laser pulses. In addition, it is shown that too large a linear loss cavity and/or too low a ratio of the non-linear to linear loss is detrimental to the production of short-duration pulses. It is also indicated that a laser cavity which diverges the laser beam at the absorber must be used to obtain optimum mode-locking for high pressure lasers (e.g., 5 atm). The choice of the correct cavity is the single most important consideration necessary to achieve stable short-duration (<100 ps) mode-locked pulses at these pressures. A comparison is given between the mode-locking performances of SF₆ and Ge. The ability of Ge to produce multi-line, multi-band mode-locked pulses with sub-ns duration makes it a more viable saturable absorber than SF₆ for use in low intensity mode-locked oscillators.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: INFERENCE FOR ONE-SHOT DEVICE TESTING DATA

contributor:
Balakrishnan, Narayanaswamy
Mathematics and Statistics

subject: One-shot device testing

subject: accelerated life-test

subject: EM algorithm

subject: optimal test plan

subject: exponential distribution

subject: weibull distribution

subject: Biostatistics

subject: Design of Experiments and Sample Surveys

subject: Statistical Models

subject: Survival Analysis

subject: Biostatistics

abstract:
In this thesis, inferential methods for one-shot device testing data from accelerated life-test are developed. Due to constraints on time and budget, accelerated life-tests are commonly used to induce more failures within a reasonable amount of test-time for obtaining more lifetime information that will be especially useful in reliability analysis. One-shot devices, which can be used only once as they get destroyed immediately after testing, yield observations only on their condition and not on their real lifetimes. So, only binary response data are observed from an one-shot device testing experiment. Since no failure times of units are observed, we use the EM algorithm for determining the maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters. Also, inference for the reliability at a mission time and the mean lifetime at normal operating conditions are also developed.

The thesis proceeds as follows. Chapter 2 considers the exponential distribution with single-stress relationship and develops inferential methods for the model parameters, the reliability and the mean lifetime. The results obtained by the EM algorithm are compared with those obtained from the Bayesian approach. A one-shot device testing data is analyzed by the proposed method and presented as an illustrative example. Next, in Chapter 3, the exponential distribution with multiple-stress relationship is considered and corresponding inferential results are developed. Jackknife technique is described for the bias reduction in the developed estimates. Interval estimation for the reliability and the mean lifetime are also discussed based on observed information matrix, jackknife technique, parametric bootstrap method, and transformation technique. Again, we present an example to illustrate all the inferential methods developed in this chapter. Chapter 4 considers the point and interval estimation for the one-shot device testing data under the Weibull distribution with multiple-stress relationship and illustrates the application of the proposed methods in a study involving the development of tumors in mice with respect to risk factors such as sex, strain of offspring, and dose effects of benzidine dihydrochloride. A Monte Carlo simulation study is also carried out to evaluate the performance of the EM estimates for different levels of reliability and different sample sizes. Chapter 5 describes a general algorithm for the determination of the optimal design of an accelerated life-test plan for one-shot device testing experiment. It is based on the asymptotic variance of the estimated reliability at a specific mission time. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the application of the algorithm. Finally, Chapter 6 presents some concluding remarks and some additional research problems that would be of interest for further study.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Elafin in Intestinal Barrier Fortification: A Potential Adjuvant Therapy for Gluten Intolerance

subject:
Celiac Disease
Gluten Sensitivity
Elafin
Intestinal Barrier
Lactococcus lactis
Gluten
Digestive System Diseases
Digestive System Diseases

abstract:
Abstract Redacted.

Master of Science (MSc)


title: A Mobile Tablet App for Clinical Evaluation and Medical Education: Development and Usability Evaluation

contributor:
Archer, Norman P.
Ann McKibbon, Rejane Dillenburg
eHealth

subject:
Mobile Tablet
iPad
Medical Education
Clinical Evaluation
Syncope
Usability
Medical Education
Other Engineering
Technology and Innovation
Medical Education

abstract:
The rise in popularity of smartphones and tablets has sparked substantial interest among healthcare providers. Increasing number of medical schools have launched curricula targeted for mobile tablets. A mobile tablet that facilitates clinical documentation can enhance the mobility of residents and physicians by eliminating the need to be tethered to a workstation. Considering the popularity of Apple’s iPad, a clinical evaluation tool for syncope was implemented on an iPad to test its usability in this environment.

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop a mobile tablet app for clinical evaluation and to assess its usability. The contents of the app are based on clinical practice guidelines. The app facilitates clinical evaluation using structured, pre-populated items and unstructured free-text narratives. The participants of this study used the app and paper in pre-determined sequences to document clinical evaluation of a given scenario. A System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was used to gather feedback on usability. A comparison questionnaire gathered participant preferences between app and paper.

This study showed that evidence-based app could be developed, with an emphasis on usability during design and development. During the study, participants recorded more ‘structured’ than ‘unstructured’ free-text information on the tablet. The SUS scores indicated an above average usability score for the app. However, participants rated paper above the app in overall comparison. Future studies are needed to determine whether the level of detail of clinical information presented in mobile tablet apps have a negative effect on participant acceptance.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Novel-male induced pregnancy failure in mice: effects on implantation, luminal area and e-cadherin

contributor:
deCatanzaro, Denys
Neuroscience

subject:
Bruce Effect
E-Cadherin
Implantation Failure
Estrogen
Luminal Area
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Endocrinology
Cellular and Molecular Physiology

abstract: Adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine wall is a highly sensitive phenomenon referred to as implantation. Novel-males are capable of disrupting the success of this process (the Bruce effect). A leading hypothesis invokes the transfer of estradiol from the male to the female via urine. This estradiol has direct effect on the uterus which may include morphology and molecular dynamics. Estradiol has been related to closure of the uterus around the blastocyst during implantation, which may assist in bringing the blastocyst close to the uterine wall for strong adhesion. E-cadherin, a cellular adhesion molecule, is found on both blastocyst and uterine surfaces and has been suggested to be involved in their interaction during implantation. Estradiol has been observed to reduce e-cadherin expression in hormonally sensitive tissues like the mammary glands, ovaries and uteri. Here, male-induced disruption of implantation was examined across days 2-8 of gestation. Luminal area was quantified in isolated and male-exposed females as a measure of extent of luminal closure. This area was larger in male-exposed animals. E-cadherin was found to have reduced expression on luminal epithelial cells. I suggest that the reduction in e-cadherin may lead to weaker attachment of the blastocyst to the uterine wall as well as reduced adhesion between opposing uterine walls leading to the “opening” of the uterus observed in male exposed animals. Together, these data may in part explain the blastocyst implantation failure observed in male-exposed animals during the Bruce effect.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Exploring the Role of Nonribosomal Peptides in the Human Microbiome Through the Oral Commensal Streptococcus mutans, the Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum, and Crohn’s Disease Associated Faecalibacterium prausnitzii

contributor:
Magarvey, Nathan
Michael G. Surette, Paul H. M. Harrison
Chemical Biology

subject: human microbiome

subject: nonribosomal peptide

subject: NRPS

subject: polyketide

subject: PKS

subject: probiotic

subject: genome mining

subject: natrual product

subject: Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacognosy

abstract: Nonribosomal peptides, polyketides, and fatty acids comprise a distinct subset of microbial secondary metabolites produced by similar biosynthetic methods and exhibit broad structural diversity with a high propensity for biological activity. Dedicated studies of these specific microbial small molecules have identified numerous potent actions towards human cells with many clinical translations. Interestingly, most therapeutically used nonribosomal peptides and polyketides were discovered from soil bacteria, meanwhile, bacteria that have co-evolved within a human context, the human microbiota, have barely been explored for secondary metabolites. The central goal of this thesis is to explore the secondary metabolome of human microbiota for nonribosomal peptides and polyketides, which are hypothesized to possess biological activities significant within the human host context. Candidate organisms were chosen for their established connections to human health and evidence suggestive of secondary metabolite production. Specifically, questions about gene to molecule prediction capability, metabolite production, structural diversity, and biological activity were explored from studies of the dental caries linked Streptococcus mutans UA159, from the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1, and the Crohn’s disease associated Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Accounting for centre in the Early External Cephalic Version trials: An empirical comparison of statistical methods to account for centre in multicentre randomised controlled trials with binary outcomes

contributor:
Hutton, Eileen
Thabane, Lehana
McDonald, Sarah
Health Research Methodology

subject: RCT

subject: centre effect

subject: external cephalic version

subject: Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment

abstract:
Background External cephalic version (ECV) is an effective intervention to reduce breech presentation and the corresponding Caesarean section (CS) rate. The Early ECV (EECV) trials were international multicentre randomized controlled trials that compared the timing of ECV (early or delayed) on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. In consideration of current recommendations that multicentre trials should account for centre effects in their analysis, a secondary analysis of the EECV trials was undertaken.

Purpose To analyse the EECV Trial data using statistical methods that account for centre effect and compare the results to standard analysis.

Methods Fisher’s exact test was used to provide overall results unadjusted for centre effects. The outcomes of interest were CS, preterm birth, and non-cephalic presentation at birth.

Seven statistical models that accounted for centre effects were applied to the data: i) Mantel-Haenzsel test, ii) fixed effects regression, iii) fixed effects regression with a treatment-by-centre interaction term (weighted and iv) un-weighted by centre size), v) random intercept model, vi) random intercept and random slope model, and vii) generalized estimating equations.

Results Accounting for centre effects showed strengthened statistical associations with point estimates moving away from the null value.

Conclusion Effect estimates and confidence intervals changed for the three selected outcomes after accounting for centre effects, but the overall conclusions of the trial did not change. For this application, the Mantel-Haenzsel test and the random effects regressions performed the best. This study provides empirical evidence to support recommendations that multicentre trials account for centre in both design and analysis.

abstract: Master of Health Sciences (MSc)


title: Single and Multi-view Video Super-resolution

contributor:
Shirani, Shahram
Zhao, D.
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Super-resolution
Multi-view video
H.264/MVC
Signal Processing
Signal Processing

abstract: Video super-resolution for dual-mode cameras in single-view and mono-view scenarios is studied in this thesis. Dual-mode cameras are capable of generating high-resolution still images while shooting video sequences at low-resolution. High-resolution still images are used to form a regularization function for solving the inverse problem of super-resolution. Exploiting proposed regularization function in this thesis obviates the need for classic regularization function. Experimental results show that using proposed regularization function instead of classic regularization functions for super-resolution of single-view video leads to improved results. In this thesis, super-resolution problem is divided into low-resolution frame fusion and de-blurring. A frame fusion scheme for multi-view video is proposed and performance improvement when exploiting multi-view sequence instead of single-view for frame fusion is studied. Experimental results show that information taken by a set of cameras instead of a single camera can improve super-resolution process, especially when video contains fast motions. As a side work, we applied our low-resolution multi-view frame fusion algorithm to 3D frame-compatible format resolution enhancement. Multi-view video super-resolution using high-resolution still images is performed at the decoder to prevent increasing computation complexity of the encoder. Experimental results show that this method delivers comparable compression efficiency for lower bit-rates.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Power Optimization for Amplify-and-Forward Half-Duplex Two-Way Relay System

contributor:
Wong, K.M.
Zhang, Jian-Kang
Chen, Jun
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
AF relay system
Power optimization
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering

abstract: In this thesis, we consider an amplify and forward half-duplex two-way-relay wireless communication system. For such a system, we estimate the channel information using a particular test signal set. The actual transmitted signal from a normalized square QAM constellation is then detected by choosing the symbol in the QAM constellation closest in distance to it. We derive an error probability which is found to be signal dependent for this system. An optimum design problem under a transmission power constraint based on this signal dependent asymptotic formula is then formulated leading to the optimum transmission power condition. Simulations show that under this optimum power transmission condition the system indeed yields optimum performance.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Accessibility and the Allocation of Clinic Resources to Optimize Blood Donor Yield: A Case Study of the Hamilton CMA

contributor:
Paez, Antonio
Newbold, Bruce K.
Heddle, Nancy
Geography

subject:
Optimization
Optimal Accessibility
Location modeling
GIS Application
Geographic Information Sciences
Human Geography
Geographic Information Sciences

abstract: Blood in Canada is donated by a volunteer base that is increasingly challenged, through a combination of demographic aging and immigration, to meet the needs of the health sector. Canadian Blood Services, the agency with the mandate to manage blood products in Canada with the exception of Quebec, is therefore actively involved in the development of programs to help increase the number of donors, to improve the retention of existing donors, and to increase the frequency of donation of repeat donors. An important factor that influences blood donation is the accessibility to clinics. Accessibility to clinics is determined by the location of clinics, the resources allocated to each clinic in terms of number of beds and hours of operation, and the distribution of the population in the areas serviced by the clinics. The objective of this research is to investigate, given a set of fixed sites for clinic locations and population characteristics, the potential for increasing the donor yield as a function of accessibility. A case study is presented of the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area, in Canada. Using donor and clinic data provided by Canadian Blood Services, and census information, an objective function is derived by estimating a generalized linear model of donations. The objective function is maximized globally using Genetic Algorithm techniques, subject to total resources available for clinic operations. The results suggest that an optimized allocation of resources to clinic sites has the potential to increase the donor yield by approximately 50% of the current donor base.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Measurement of intervention fidelity within paediatric rehabilitation for children with physical disabilities

contributor:
Law, Mary
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
intervention fidelity
family-centred services
paediatric rehabilitation
cerebral palsy
general therapy behaviours
measurement development
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy

abstract:
Intervention fidelity examines the degree to which an intervention is delivered as planned. Generic fidelity measures incorporate the active ingredients of more than one intervention and characteristics common to all interventions. Three studies were conducted to define the active ingredients of intervention for children with physical disabilities and generate a generic fidelity measure. These studies involved: (1) describing generic fidelity measures; (2) generating essential attributes of paediatric rehabilitation; and (3) differentiating between two interventions to consistently rate the behaviours of the therapist, child and parent.

(1) In a narrative review of generic fidelity measures, five measures were identified within the psychotherapy literature. These measures presented a variety of approaches to examine fidelity, described psychometric property standards, and highlighted 37 non-specific intervention items that were relevant to paediatric rehabilitation.

(2) A consensus process with eight experts and interviews with seventeen clinicians working with children with physical disabilities generated 35 attributes that highlighted the general observed therapist and client behaviours essential within a successful intervention session.

(3) The Paediatric Rehabilitation Observational measure of Fidelity (PROF) was developed (30 items) to evaluate specific and non-specific behaviours within two occupational therapy and physiotherapy interventions for children with cerebral palsy. Six trained raters examined 25 intervention videos for psychometric testing. Results indicated that the PROF demonstrated good to excellent Inter-rater reliability and early construct validity.

These studies present an important starting point to observe and measure the active ingredients within paediatric rehabilitation, incorporating its dynamic nature involving the child and parent within the therapy process.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: X-ray Production in Low Velocity Heavy Ion-Atom Collisions

contributor:
Waddington, J. C.
Physics

subject: Physics Physics

abstract:
Two aspects of x-ray production have been studied in the collisions of slow heavy ions with heavy atoms. One part of this study deals with the continuum x-rays produced by the collision of ion beams with gold target atoms while the other part deals with the double K-vacancy production in collisions of 80 MeV iodine beams with atoms of atomic numbers near that of iodine.

Beams of four different ions ranging in atomic number from Z=6 (carbon) to Z=35 (bromine) and having the same velocity (v ∼ or = 0.04 c) bombarded gold atoms to produce very similar radiation continua extending from 20 keV photon energy. The observed radiation continua cannot be explained, in their entirety, as molecular orbital x-rays.

The double K-vacancy production was produced in the bombardment by an iodine beam of seven thin targets ranging from silver to lanthanum. The double vacancies were detected by observing two K x-rays emitted simultaneously using a coincidence technique with solid state detectors. The energy differences of the K x-rays emitted have been determined as well as the nature of the sharing of vacancies between target and projectile atoms. Models for double K-vacancy production considered include the molecular orbital multiple collision approach and the binary encounter formalism of direct Coulomb excitation. Also a calculation of the double to single K-vacancy ratios was made using a double L-vacancy multiple collision MO mechanism in which the double to single L-vacancy cross section ratio was treated as a free parameter.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Design and Evaluation of Two Way Interactive Video eConsult System (TWIVES): A Web-Based Care and Continuity Solution Enabling Secure and Private Patient-Provider Connections

contributor:
Archer, Norman P.
Sekerinski, Emil
Valaitis, Ruta
eHealth

subject:
eHealth
Real Time Telemedicine
Video conference
Web based care and continuity solution
TWIVES
Technology and Innovation
Technology and Innovation

abstract:
This thesis reports on the development of a Two Way Interactive Video eConsult System (TWIVES), a telemedicine application for the continuity of care in rural communities, remote areas, and in developing countries. In developed countries like Canada, there has been much development of complex telemedicine solutions that may not be suitable for rural communities in developing countries. TWIVES can be a useful alternative when mobility is limited, the patient is disabled, or commuting is not an option for the patient. This system is both easy and inexpensive to use, and operates well in the low bandwidth Internet connections available in these areas.

TWIVES aims to facilitate an environment where users can securely request medical consultations from healthcare providers at distant locations, thereby saving time, money, and providing patients access to medical expertise that would otherwise not be available. TWIVES also introduces the concept of web-based submission of requests, replacing the existing traditional method of telephoning to arrange personal face-to-face appointments.

TWIVES is a proof of concept (POC) designed and built with the Drupal framework, with particular attention paid to access control and user management, content management, custom search, private messaging and file sharing, request management, and real time video consultation. This thesis explain the purpose and features of TWIVES, its interfaces, what it can do, the constraints under which it must operate, and how it will react to external stimuli.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: TEMPORARILY REACTIVE POLYELECTROLYTES TO IMPROVE LONG TERM CELL ENCAPSULATION

contributor:
Stover, Harald
Heather Sheardown, Alex Adronov
Chemistry and Chemical Biology

subject:
cell encapsulation
polyelectrolyte
immunoisolation
polymerization kinetics
biomaterial
hydrogel
Biomaterials
Polymer Science
Biomaterials

abstract:
Coated calcium-alginate beads are the basis of many encapsulation methods used in pursuit of cell-based enzyme and hormone replacement therapies. The standard alginate - poly-L-lysine - alginate (APA) capsules consist of a calcium-alginate hydrogel core containing cells designed to express a therapeutic product, coated with permeability controlling poly-L-lysine (PLL, a polycation) followed by an exterior layer of polyanionic alginate. Although this approach is promising, the required long-term survival of the implanted cells has remained largely elusive as the current APA capsules suffer from several biocompatibility and mechanical strength issues, one of which is the weakening of ionic crosslinks over time, exposing the encapsulated cells to the host.

This thesis aims to replace the exterior layer of alginate with a Temporarily Reactive Polyelectrolyte (TPR) to reinforce AP capsules by forming covalently crosslinked shells. TRPs are polyanions that possess reactive electrophilic groups capable of forming permanent covalent crosslinks with the underlying polyamine (such as PLL), and subsequently hydrolyze, increasing the net negative charge of the polyanion. TRPs are thought to improve the biocompatibility and strength of the microcapsules by forming stable inert amide bonds, as well as increasing the net negative charge of the capsule through the liberation of carboxylates. This thesis will focus primarily on two TRPs: 50% hydrolyzed poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride), PMM50 , and poly(methacrylic acid-co-2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone) with a 50:50 co-monomer ratio, PMV50 . Their synthesis, rates of hydrolysis and capsule formation around encapsulated C2C12 cells for in-vitro and in-vivo studies will be described. Additionally the synthesis and rates of hydrolysis of other 2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone (VDMA)-copolymers are presented as potential candidates for future TRPs.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)