title: Size Matters: The Influence of Isoform Size on the Intracellular Processing of Apolipoprotein(a)

contributor:
Koschinsky, Marlys
Biochemistry

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subject:
Lipoprotein(a)
Apolipoprotein(a)
Cardiovascular Disease
Coronary Heart Disease
Disulfide Bond Formation
Chaperone Association
Intracellular Degradation
Apo(a) Secretion

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-20 19:10:09.497

abstract: High plasma concentrations of Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) have been identified as a risk factor for a variety of atherogenic disorders such as cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary heart disease. Lp(a) consists of a lipoprotein moiety containing apolipoproteinB-100 (apoB-100), as well as apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)), a unique glycoprotein to which the majority of Lp(a) functions are attributed. Variation in the number of identically repeated kringle IV type 2 (KIV2) motifs of apo(a) forms the molecular basis of Lp(a) isoform size heterogeneity, which is a hallmark of this lipoprotein. There is a general inverse correlation between apo(a) size and plasma Lp(a) concentrations, attributed in part to less efficient secretion of larger apo(a) isoforms from hepatic cells. The present study provides a preliminary investigation into processes involved in apo(a) secretion, with respect to isoform size, to understand this inverse correlation at a molecular level.  Pulse-chase experiments were performed in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells and human hepatoma (HepG2) cells, both stably expressing differently-sized recombinant apo(a) isoforms representing the range of apo(a) sizes observed in the population. The folding kinetics for the different apo(a) isoforms were determined by changes in the mobility of the non-reduced radiolabelled species on SDS-PAGE gels. In HEK 293 cells, the rate at which apo(a) is folded correlated well with isoform size. In HepG2 cells, however, folding times were comparable regardless of isoform size. Apo(a) secretion from both cell lines exhibited size-dependency. Preliminary experimentation on endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein modifications of apo(a) was performed, resulting in the identification of apo(a) interactions with PDI, Erp57, Calnexin, Grp78, Grp94, and EDEM. Preliminary experiments indicate a role for intracellular apo(a) degradation in the amount of apo(a) that is secreted from HepG2 cells, although an isoform size dependency of this degradation process cannot be established with current experimental data.  Further experimentation is required to confirm enzyme interactions with differently-sized apo(a) isoforms, to identify other chaperones involved in apo(a) secretion, and to confirm the role of proteasomes in intracellular apo(a) degradation. This may, in turn, provide information regarding the mechanism of how apo(a) secretion from hepatic cells is regulated.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The 1866 Fenian Raid on Canada West

contributor:
Errington, E. Jane
History

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

subject:
Fenian Raid
Confederation
Canada West
Orange Order
Hibernian

abstract: Thesis (Master, History) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 00:17:49.563

abstract: This thesis examines Canada West’s colonial perceptions and reactions towards the Fenian Brotherhood in the Confederation era. Its focus is on the impact of the Fenians on the contemporary public mind, beginning in the fall of 1864 and culminating with the Fenian Raid on the Niagara frontier in June 1866. Newspapers, sermons, first-hand accounts, and popular poems and books from the time suggest the Fenians had a significant impact on the public mind by nurturing and reflecting the province’s social and defensive concerns, and the Raid on Canada West was used by contemporaries after the fact to promote Confederation and support a young Canadian identity.

abstract: M.A.


title: Alginate Microparticles Produced by Spray Drying for Oral Insulin Delivery

contributor:
Neufeld, Ronald J.
Chemical Engineering

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subject:
Spray Drying
Insulin
Alginate
Microparticles
Encapsulation
Diabetes

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-20 20:32:29.103

abstract:
The aim of this study was to prepare biologically active insulin-loaded alginate microparticles by spray drying. Particles were produced from three alginate feed
concentrations of 1, 1.5 and 2% w/v, with respective insulin loadings of 11.8, 7.8 and 5.8 mg/g of alginate and investigated in terms of mass yield, moisture content, particle size, morphology and encapsulation efficiency. The mass yield of the system was determined to be between 15 and 30%, with approximately 3% of the initial dry mass ending up in the exhaust filter. The moisture content of the particles was found to be between 4.9 and
11.1% and the mean size ranged between 1.2 and 1.6 μm. Particulate morphologies were observed to be mostly spherical with some ‘divots’ present on the surface. Lastly, the encapsulation efficiency determined by absorbance assay was approximately 40%. Particles produced from a 2% alginate feed were further assayed by determining the release of insulin in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and looking at the insulin and
alginate distribution within spray dried particles. A steep release profile was observed in the first 120 min of the simulation in a gastric pH of 1.2 and a longer, more sustained release is observed in intestinal conditions, where an additional 20% of the total insulin in
the particles is released over 600 min. Fluorescent labels revealed that insulin and alginate are concentrated towards the periphery of the particles. The residual bioactivity of insulin was assessed by an in vitro bioactivity assay, which was developed using Fast
Activated Cell Based ELISA (FACE™) AKT kits specific for phosphylated AKT. The bioactivity of insulin in the particles after spray drying was determined to be 87.9 ±
15.3%.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Differences in pelvic floor muscle activation and functional output between women with and without stress urinary incontinence

contributor:
McLean, Linda
Rehabilitation Science

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subject:
Biomechanics
Electromyography
Motor Control
Pelvic Floor Muscles
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Urethral Pressure
Vaginal Pressure
Women's Health

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-21 09:37:12.923

abstract: Introduction: The primary purpose of this research was to determine whether women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) demonstrate pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength or endurance deficits and/or changes in the motor control patterns used during maximum voluntary PFM contractions (PFM MVCs) and coughing. A secondary purpose was to determine the effect of age on these parameters. Methods: After first validating the use of vaginal pressure to study the functional output of the PFMs, three studies were carried out to address these objectives. In two studies vaginal pressure and PFM and abdominal muscle electromyography (EMG) data were recorded simultaneously during PFM MVCs and maximum effort coughs in continent women, women with mild SUI and women with moderate to severe SUI in both supine and standing. In the final study, the effect of continence status and age on PFM strength and endurance was measured with vaginal pressure. Results: Changes in vaginal pressure induced by PFM MVCs and coughing were found to reflect changes in urethral pressure. The women with SUI and the continent women were found to be equally able to produce peak PFM EMG and vaginal pressure amplitudes during PFM MVCs and coughs. Compared to the continent women, the women with SUI delayed activating their abdominal muscles during the PFM MVCs. During coughing, vaginal pressure and PFM EMG peaked simultaneously in the continent women, while in the women with SUI vaginal pressure peaked after PFM EMG. During both the PFM MVCs and the coughs, the EMG activity in all of the muscles tested was higher at the onset of vaginal pressure generation in the women with SUI compared to the continent women. No difference was found in PFM endurance between the women with and without SUI. The ability to generate peak vaginal pressure during coughing decreased with age. Conclusions: PFM weakness does not appear to play a significant role in SUI. Rather, the results of this research suggest that a combination of motor control deficits and delays in pressure transmission are associated with SUI in women.

abstract: PhD


title: Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Flame Acceleration in an Obstructed Channel

contributor:
Ciccarelli, Gabriel
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

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subject:
Combustion
Compressible Flow

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-21 10:10:36.38

abstract: The purpose of this study is to experimentally and numerically investigate flame acceleration in an obstructed channel. The motivation for this research is for the development of Pulse Detonation Engines (PDEs), which are unsteady propulsion devices that utilize the detonative mode of combustion. A literature survey on flame acceleration in the context of PDEs is presented, which covers a wide range of combustion regimes including laminar combustion, turbulent combustion, and finally detonation. An overview of current numerical modeling strategies is also presented along with a selection of recent numerical studies focused on flame acceleration in obstructed channels. Experimentally, the effect of obstacle blockage ratio on flame acceleration was investigated in a modular channel. The channel had a square cross-section and obstacles were mounted onto the top and bottom surfaces. Schlieren images were used to study the flame shape and the centerline flame velocity. A novel visualization technique has been developed to study the unburned gas flow ahead of the flame front. Flame propagation at speeds above the speed of sound in the reactants was also studied as compression waves formed in the unburned gas. It was found that shock reflection from obstacle surfaces and subsequent flame interaction dominates flame acceleration at these higher flame speeds. The unburned gas flow field ahead of the flame front was simulated using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and was compared to the visualization technique developed experimentally. The detailed unsteady calculation was used to further study the development of recirculation zones behind the obstacle surfaces and the generation of turbulence in the shear layers. The unburned gas flow field was investigated to give insight into the speed and shape of the flame as it propagates into these regions. Flame propagation was modeled using a flame surface density combustion model and simulations showed flame interactions with the turbulent flow field and how three-dimensional vortical structures augmented the flame shape and increase total area.

abstract: PhD


title: Invesigation of the Magnetic Flux Leakage Signatures of Dents and Gouges

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subject:
magnetic flux leakage
pipeline steel
dents
gouges
magnetic Barkhausen noise
stress

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 17:13:12.775

abstract:
A study of gouges and dents in the context of pipelines has been completed, using the non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques of magnetic flux leakage (MFL) and magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN).  The research is part of an ongoing effort by the Applied Magnetics Group (AMG) at Queen's University to improve the interpretation of the MFL signal, which is used extensively by industry for defect detection and evaluation.
        The gouges were found to have distinctive MFL signatures depending on their orientation relative to the magnetization axis.  Features in the MFL signal were identified as superpositions of geometry-related effects and strain or work hardening of the surface material.  A qualitative magnetic permeability distribution in the material near a gouge has been proposed.  The distribution is expected to vary in magnitude and extent according to the defect severity.
        The MFL results of the dent studies, on samples made available by Gaz de France (GdF), largely agreed qualitatively with previous research of dents.  However, the differences pointed to the need for study of more varied dent shapes; new signal features were observed that suggested tensile residual strain in the dent rim is more prominent than earlier studies and modeling have predicted.
        Additionally, upgrades made to the MFL scanning system used by the AMG and a novel approach for building computer models are detailed.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Culture, Autonomy, and Nationhood

contributor:
Walters, Mark D.
Kymlicka, Will
Law

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subject:
Multiculturalism
Political Philosophy

abstract: Thesis (Master, Law) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-21 13:10:41.185

abstract:
This thesis is intended as a critique of Will Kymlicka’s groundbreaking and elegant defense of a liberal theory of minority rights.  It argues that although Kymlicka has succeeded in showing that a minority nation may seek and exercise minority rights while still respecting, and even furthering, the ability of its members to live autonomously, Kymlicka is mistaken when he contends that liberalism’s commitment to individual autonomy requires the liberal democratic state to provide minority nations with the self-government and language rights necessary to allow them to sustain their “societal cultures.”
     Specifically, it is argued that Kymlicka’s autonomy-based argument for according self-government and language rights to national minorities fails to pay sufficient regard to both the fact that the personal costs associated with leaving one’s culture will vary depending on the individual and the cultures involved, and the fact that some national minorities, in order to sustain themselves as distinct societal cultures, will require not only external protections from the actions of the cultural majority, but also the ability to impose liberty-infringing preservationist measures against their own members.  Further, since, as I argue, individual autonomy does not actually require that one has continued access to one’s societal culture, it is suggested that both granting and refusing a minority nation the means to sustain its societal culture could be in keeping with a liberal conception of justice, depending on the particular circumstances of the groups at issue. Consequently, the thesis concludes that the question of how to accommodate national minorities should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

abstract: LL.M.


title: The Effects of Fractal Molecular Clouds on the Dynamical Evolution of Oort Cloud Comets

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subject:
Oort Cloud
Molecular Clouds

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-21 13:05:17.527

abstract:
The Oort Cloud (OC) is a roughly spherical cloud of comets surrounding the
solar system, stretching from well beyond the orbit of Neptune, half way to the
nearest star. This body of comets is interesting because it contains a record of the
gravitational perturbations suffered by the solar system over its
lifetime. Here, we investigate the effects of a particular class of
perturbing objects - enormous complexes of molecular gas called giant
molecular clouds (GMCs).

Recent evidence has shown that the classical picture of Oort Cloud
formation is inadequate to describe certain properties of the OC. To
re-investigate the dynamical evolution of the Oort Cloud,
we simulate the Sun's emergence from its natal
molecular cloud, and its subsequent encounters with GMCs. While the
role of giant molecular clouds in OC formation has
been explored before, they have been implemented in a general
way, not explicitly taking into account the 3D structure of the
cloud. In this research, we draw on an extensive body of evidence which suggests
that GMCs are not uniform, diffuse objects, but are instead organized
into high density clumps, connected by a very diffuse inter-clump
medium. Recent research has shown that GMCs are likely to be fractal
in nature, and so we have modeled them as fractal distributions
with dimension 1.6. We then perform N-body simulations of the passage
of the Sun and its Oort Cloud through such a
molecular cloud.

We find that the fractal structure of the GMC is, in fact,
an important parameter in the magnitude of the cometary energy
change. The significant energy changes occur as a result of
interactions with the GMC substructure, not simply as a result of its
overall density distribution. We find that interactions with GMCs can
be quite destructive to the OC, but can also serve to move comets from
tightly bound orbits to less tightly bound orbits, thus partially
replacing those lost to stripping. Simulations of the Sun's relatively
slow exit
from its birth GMC paint a picture of a potentially very destructive
era, in which a large portion of the OC's evolution may have occured.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Nurse Practitioner Perceptions and Experiences of Interprofessional Collaboration with Physicians in Primary Health Care Settings

contributor:
Lamb, Marianne
Nursing

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subject:
Collaboration
Nurse Practitioners
Interprofessional relations
nurse attitudes

abstract: Thesis (Master, Nursing) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-22 12:06:31.203

abstract:
Primary health care reform is currently underway in Ontario with the goals of improving health care access, quality and continuity of care while increasing patient and provider satisfaction and cost effectiveness. Interprofessional collaboration in the provision of primary health care has been widely espoused in the health care literature as a means of achieving the goals of primary health care reform. Primary health care nurse practitioners in collaboration with physicians and other allied health professionals have a fundamental role in enhancing primary health care in Ontario.
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe nurse practitioners’ experiences and perceptions of interprofessional collaboration with physicians in the provision of primary health care in Ontario. A qualitative descriptive study design was used and six nurse practitioners working in a variety of primary health care settings in Ontario were purposively sampled and interviewed regarding their experiences and perceptions of interprofessional collaboration with partnering physicians.  Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis techniques and themes were identified.
Seven themes were identified as key factors influencing collaboration within the nurse practitioner – physician dyad from the nurse practitioner’s perspective.  These themes included: quality of communication, complementary vision, physician remuneration methods, establishing and maintaining relationships, investing time and energy, nurse practitioner competency and expertise and mutual trust and respect. A model of nurse practitioner – physician interprofessional collaboration is used to organize the themes identified.
The findings of this study support current recommendations for joint education initiatives for health care professionals and practice initiatives aimed at improving collaboration between partnering nurse practitioners and physicians.  Areas for future research include incorporating the client’s experiences and perceptions within collaborative practice as well as developing and evaluating interventions that strengthen collaboration within the health care team

abstract: MNSc.


title: De la réparation à l'émancipation: la transposition du récit familial chez Marguerite Duras

contributor:
Bénard, Johanne
French

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subject:
Duras
transposition et hybridité

abstract: Thesis (Master, French) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-22 12:12:00.371

abstract:
With particular focus on the processes of rewriting and adaptation of works by Marguerite Duras, this study will examine the generic, stylistic, and thematic differences between the novel Un Barrage contre le Pacifique (The Sea Wall) and the play adapted from that novel, L'Eden Cinéma (Eden Cinema).
The transition from narrative to drama first of all implies formal changes, but we will see that with Marguerite Duras, the texts are often hybrid, thereby minimizing the generic differences between the novel and the theatrical adaptation and accentuating their similarities. In terms of style, we can perceive a more feminine tendency ; however it is especially at the thematic level that we find significant differences, whether because of a change in family relationships which seem to undergo a healing process, or because of Suzanne, the main character’s gradual emancipation.
Thanks to the use of comparisons, analyses and hypotheses already published by Duras’ literary critics, we will not only compare these two works but we will also see under what circumstances these hypotheses are applicable to our own corpus. We will analyze the relationships between the characters, taking into account their alienation and submission, their contradictory feelings of love and hatred, and escalating tensions between them with the goal of determining the link between the generic and thematic changes between the two texts. Ultimately, we will ask ourselves if it is through the rewriting of her own family narrative that the author can not only emancipate herself but also represent herself in her text.

abstract: M.A.


title: Troilos Infelix: The Prevalence of the Achilles and Troilos Death Myth on Attic "Tyrrhenian" Group Neck-Amphorae and in the Etruscan Pictorial Tradition

contributor:
Foley, Anne
Classics

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subject:
Attic Black-Figure
Etruscan Black-Figure
Tyrrhenian Group
Achilles
Troilos
Polyxena
Apollo
Homer
Kypria
Troy
Neck-Amphora
Etruria
Funerary Art

abstract: Thesis (Master, Classics) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-22 13:27:11.548

abstract:
This thesis will look at the depiction of the Achilles and Troilos death myth on the Attic Black-Figure “Tyrrhenian” Group and its possible influence in Etruria from the mid 6th century BC to the Hellenistic period.  The appearance of this Attic-made export ware in Etruscan sites of the 6th century BC, distribution of extant group pots with known provenance along with the emulation of the “Tyrrhenian” neck-amphora style and narrative frieze content in mid to late 6th century BC Etruscan pottery supports evidence for the popularity of the group amongst the Etruscan population.   I will approach my investigation in Chapter Three by first giving an overview of the construction and decoration of the Attic-made “Tyrrhenian” Group and listing the variety of traits that characterize this group as being a true case of Athenian export product to Etruria.
In Chapter Four I will focus on the appearance of the Achilles and Troilos myth on pots of the “Tyrrhenian” Group and trace the development of the myth’s iconography in Greek art starting in the mid 7th century BC.  In Chapter Five I will focus on the appearance of the myth in Etruscan art in the mid 6th century BC and its subsequent development in Etruscan mythology through the analysis of Etruscan-made specimens.  I will also attempt to give a reasoning behind the Etruscans’ adaptation of the Greek myth into their corpus.

abstract: M.A.


title: Vitamin D status in winter and summer among nurses and implications for cancer etiology

contributor:
Aronson, Kristan J.
Jones, Glenville
Community Health and Epidemiology

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subject:
vitamin D
seasonal variation
premenopausal
biomarker

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-22 15:35:27.652

abstract:
Background: Recent research indicates that inadequate vitamin D status may incur increased cancer risk, particularly for breast and colon cancer. Cutaneous generation of vitamin D through direct absorption of summer sunlight is considered the principal source of vitamin D; however, at latitudes above 40ºN, UVB rays are insufficient to permit cutaneous synthesis during winter. Vitamin D can also be obtained from natural and fortified dietary sources and through supplement use, although dietary reference intake values do not seem to compensate for restricted cutaneous synthesis in winter.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency post-winter and post-summer, to determine the seasonal variation in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, and to investigate determinants of 25(OH)D concentrations.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of vitamin D status post-winter and post-summer was conducted among 49 premenopausal rotating shift nurses at Kingston General Hospital. In each season, vitamin D levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay to quantify serum 25(OH)D from fasting blood samples, and personal, lifestyle, and dietary factors potentially influencing vitamin D levels were assessed from a self-report questionnaire. Nurses were classified as vitamin D sufficient (>30ng/mL) or insufficient (≤30ng/mL).

Results: A statistically significant difference was found between mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations post-winter (32.6ng/mL) and post-summer (42.5ng/mL) (p=0.0003). The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency post-winter was 49% compared to 24% post-summer p=0.02). Tanning bed use was associated with significantly higher winter serum 25(OH)D levels was tanning bed, while controlling for age, BMI, and vitamin D-fortified yogurt consumption (R2=0.41, p=0.007). For summer, predictors of higher serum 25(OH)D levels were supplement use and tanning bed use in the past six months, while controlling for age, BMI, and beef/veal consumption (R2=0.53, p=0.001).

Conclusions: Vitamin D insufficiency was prevalent both post-winter and post-summer, but with much higher prevalence post-winter. Controlling for age and BMI, tanning bed use was a determinant of serum 25(OH)D concentrations in both seasons, while fortified yogurt consumption also contributed in winter, and beef/veal consumption and supplement use contributed in summer. These findings support the need to improve vitamin D status among this population, and to increase the dietary reference intake values and supplement recommendations.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Ecotourism as a form of sustainable development in South Africa

contributor:
Goebel, Allison
Environmental Studies

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subject:
Ecotourism
Sustainable Development

abstract: Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-22 15:44:02.927

abstract: This study examines ecotourism as a form of sustainable development in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, with ecotourism being one of the fastest growing sectors. Ecotourism can provide a superior and sustainable alternative to traditional, resource dependent industries that are prevalent in developing countries. This research offers a multi-disciplinary perspective incorporating economic, environmental and social issues surrounding the implementation of an ecotourism industry. A  framework for sustainable ecotourism development is created  using indicators developed by the World Tourism Organization. This framework is  applied to three case studies within the Eastern Cape. The case studies demonstrate both common and uniqe opportunities and challeges for ecotourism development throughout the Eastern Cape. The end result of this project is to create a better understanding of the tourism-environment relationship, and to explore how ecotourism, and more specifically backpacking, can contribute to sustainable development. This study contributes to the literature on the use of indicators in ecotourism. A framework of indicators for sustainable ecotourism represents the final product of this research. This framework can be used by local governments and organizations to aid in the planning and management of ecotourism both in South Africa and other developing nations, and lead to improvements in both the physical and social environments.

abstract: M.E.S.


title: Luminescent N2-Modified Guanosines: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and Metal ion Interactions

contributor:
Wang, Suning
Wu, Gang
Chemistry

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subject: Guanosine Fluorescence NMR

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-22 16:02:20.934

abstract:
The objective of this thesis was to synthesize N2-modified guanosines (N2G) in order to introduce fluorescent and chelating ligands, such as diphenylamino, 2,2’-dipridylamino, 2-(2’-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl and p-pyrenylphenyl functionalities. Their photophysical properties were examined in order to gain further knowledge about the effect of guanine modification on its electronic structure.
The impact of N2-modification was first studied in terms of self-assembly of the luminescent guanosines in solution and gas phase. Extensive NMR and ESI MS studies provided evidence that these N2-modified guanosines self-assemble exclusively into octamers with high-fidelity, in the presence of Group 1 and Group 2 metal ions. In addition, the first example of “empty” G-octamer (free of metal cations) was identified by ESI MS. Experimental results suggested that N2-substituents provide additional electronic and steric effects which drive the diastereoselectivity of self-assembly and provide additional stability.
Hydrogen bonding of N2Gs with cytidine was monitored using fluorescence and NMR. In addition to GC base pair formation, the G-quartet-to-GC base pair structural transformation was studied using CD, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy.
Due to the luminescent and chelating nature of some of the N2G derivatives, their interactions with a number of metal ions, such as Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, La3+, Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions, were probed by using various spectroscopic methods. The overall optical response in the presence of metal ions was highly dependent on the nature of N2-substituent, and it varied from “turn-on” to “turn-off” response, clearly indicating that the modification at the N2-site of guanosine can be used to finely tune the optical response of these nucleosides. Finally, synthesis of a phosphorescent N2-arylguanosine containing the Ru2+ metal center was achieved and its photophysical and electrochemical properties were examined.

abstract: PhD


title: The Role of Lipoprotein(a)/Apolipoprotein(a) in Endothelial Dysfunction: Mechanistic Studies in Vascular Endothelium

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subject:
Lp(a)
Apo(a)
Endothelial Dysfunction
Atherosclerosis
Strong Lysine Binding Site

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-22 19:24:04.594

abstract: Multiple lines of evidence suggest that elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentrations are a significant risk factor for the development of a number of vascular diseases including coronary heart disease and stroke. Lp(a) consists of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like moiety and an unique glycoprotein, apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)), that is covalently attached to the apolipoproteinB-100 (apoB-100) component of LDL by a single disulfide bond. Many studies have suggested a role for Lp(a) in the process of endothelial dysfunction. Indeed, Lp(a) has been shown to increase both the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells (EC), as well as monocyte and leukocyte chemotactic activity in these cells. We have previously demonstrated that Lp(a), through its apo(a) moiety, increases actomyosin-driven EC contraction which, as a consequence, increases EC permeability. In this thesis, we have demonstrated a role for the strong lysine-binding site in the kringle IV type 10 domain of apo(a) in increasing EC permeability, which occurs through a Rho/Rho kinase-dependent pathway. We have further validated these findings using mouse mesenteric arteries in a pressure myograph system. We also have dissected another major signaling pathway initiated by apo(a) that involves in a disruption of adherens junctions in EC. In this pathway, apo(a)/Lp(a) activates the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β-dependent pathway to facilitate nuclear translocation of beta-catenin. In the nucleus beta-catenin induced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from the EC. Finally, we have presented data to suggest a novel inflammatory role for apo(a) in which it induces the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB through promotion of the dissociation of IkappaB from the inactive cytoplasmic complex; this allows the nuclear translocation of NFkappaB with attendant effects on the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes. Taken together, our findings may facilitate the development of new drug targets for mitigating the harmful effects of Lp(a) on vascular EC which corresponds to an early step in the process of atherogenesis.

abstract: PhD


title: Electronic Bullying and Aggression in Adolescents

contributor:
Craig, Wendy M.
Psychology

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subject:
Electronic Bullying
Electronic Aggression
Cyber Bullying
Cyber Aggression
Harm Perceptions
Social Cognitive

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-22 21:15:56.732

abstract:
Bullying is a pervasive problem in schools, but more recent attention has been given to bullying that takes place via electronic media. To study electronic bullying and aggression effectively research needs to consider the unique qualities of the electronic medium including its capacity for anonymity, disinhibition, public forum, and under-regulated content. Electronic bullying does not occur in isolation; therefore it must be studied in relation to peer processes that occur in the “real world.” Research has neither uncovered the potential “real world” precursors of electronic bullying and aggression nor has it uncovered how students perceive the harmfulness of electronic aggression. The two studies presented here fill these gaps in the literature.
The first study examined the precursors of electronic bullying and victimization in a sample of grade 9 and 10 students who were followed longitudinally. Students were administered questionnaires assessing electronic bullying/victimization, perceived harm of electronic aggression, empathy, normative beliefs, and prosocial behavior. The results indicated that “real world” behaviors such as verbal bullying and prosocial behavior were precursors of electronic bullying, while victimization by social bullying and social aggression were precursors for electronic victimization. In addition, females, older students, and students with less prosocial behavior were at risk for involvement in electronic bullying. Implications for these findings include the importance of integrating interventions that foster positive behavior in the “real world” and online, particularly for students at highest risk for involvement.

The second study examined students’ harm perceptions of electronic aggression and how similar behavioral and cognitive factors may also influence perceptions of electronic aggression. Cross-sectional data were collected from students in grades 7 through 9 who were administered the same questionnaires above. Electronic bullying was perceived as more harmful than physical and social aggression, particularly for girls and students with highly prosocial behavior. Thus, electronic aggression is a very serious issue for students and education is needed to change the social norms for acceptable behavior in cyberspace. Consistent with social-cognitive theory, similar demographics and behaviors predicted electronic behavior and perceptions. Future research should continue to extend the social-cognitive model to electronic conflict.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The energy calibration for the solar neutrino analysis of all three phases of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory

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subject: solar neutrino experiment SNO

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-23 01:40:45.237

abstract:
This work presents the calibration of the energy response of the Sudbury Neutrino
Observatory (SNO). The development of the energy response processor RSP and its
use in setting the energy scale of SNO and reconstructing the energy
of neutrino-like events is presented for each of the three phases of SNO: the pure
heavy water phase, the salt phase, and the neutral current detector (NCD) phase. A 16N calibration
source, producing mainly 6.13 MeV γ-rays, is the primary energy calibration source.
It is used to set the energy scale of the detector and to test for errors in the energy
calibration and reconstruction process. The errors associated with energy reconstruction in the pure heavy water and salt phase data, that is to be used in a low energy threshold
solar 8B neutrino analysis, are derived for the RSP energy response processor and
shown to be in agreement with other analyses. The largest of the errors, that associated with using the 16N source to set the energy scale of the detector, is improved
through a detailed and thorough analysis.
    The calibration of the energy scale of the photomultiplier tube array in the third
phase, with an array of 3He proportional counters (NCDs) distributed within the heavy water, is presented. The event energy reconstruction errors in the NCD phase are reassessed
with more precise measurements and shown to be in agreement with the conservative
estimates used in the analysis SNO presented in 2008. The implications of the improvements in the
error are assessed and the solar 8B neutrino fluxes—charged current (CC), elastic
scattering (ES), and neutral current (NC)—are determined to be:
                                   φCC = 1.68+0.09−0.07,
                                   φES = 1.79+0.25-0.22, and
                                   φNC = 5.52+0.48-0.45,
in units of 10^6/cm^2/s. The errors quoted are the combined statistical and systematic
uncertainties. These results are in good agreement with the results published by SNO in 2008 with a modest improvement in the CC measurement.

abstract: PhD


title: Reliability of Isometric Neck Strength and Electromyography Measures Relevant for Concussion Prevention in Athletes

contributor:
Stevenson, Joan M.
Pelland, Lucie
Kinesiology and Health Studies

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subject:
Neck
Electromyography
Muscle Strength
Rate of Force Development
Teager Kaiser Energy Operator
Muscle Activation Onset
Electromechanical Delay
Concussions
Sports
Reliability

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-23 01:23:12.324

abstract:
The purpose of this investigation was to assess the between-day reliability of selected force-time curve indices and the activity onset of selected neck muscles in the performance of maximal, isometric contractions in five different directions. The measures extracted are deemed important for future investigations aimed at exploring the role of cervical musculature in reduction of concussion occurrences in sports.
Twenty eight physically active male participants performed two testing sessions separated by 7-8 days. In each testing session, force and surface electromyography (EMG) data were recorded simultaneously in a custom-made testing apparatus whilst subjects performed four randomized maximal isometric efforts in extension, flexion, and left and right lateral bending and protraction.  The variables examined were the peak force, rate of force development (RFD), time to 50% of peak force and bilateral activity onset of the splenius capitis, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid. For all variables, reliability was assessed by: 1) difference scores between the testing sessions and corresponding 95% confidence intervals; 2) standard error of measurement (SEM), expressed in either the original units of measurement, or as a coefficient of variation; and, 3) Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The results indicated that for all variables, in all testing directions, no differences in scores were observed between the first and second testing sessions. The precision of measurement for all measures, barring muscle onsets obtained in protraction, was deemed acceptable for future clinical application. ICC score ranges for force-time curve-based measurements were high (< 0.90), while for muscle onsets, the ICC ranges are low to moderate (0.23 -0.79).
Based on these results, it was concluded that, in highly active male participants, a dedicated familiarization session for the elimination of potential learning effects is not required. In addition, for the majority of testing directions, the force-time curve-based variables as well as muscle activity onsets are recorded with a sufficiently high level of precision, which make them prime candidates for utilization in future investigations concerned with quantitative assessment of cervical musculature function.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Reconciling the Constitutional Order: Positing a New Approach to the Development of Indigenous Self-Government and Indigenous Law

contributor:
Walters, Mark D.
Law

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subject:
Aboriginal law
constitutional law
Indigenous sovereignty
Aboriginal self-government

abstract: Thesis (Master, Law) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 08:41:11.447

abstract:
In light of the recognition of continuing Indigenous sovereignty by the Supreme Court of Canada and the requirement that that sovereignty and de facto Crown sovereignty be reconciled within a shared constitutional order, Canada needs a new approach to negotiating the exercise of Indigenous sovereignty.  Any new approach must be built around a coherent understanding of the Constitution as a whole, most importantly the constitutional principle of reconciliation and the other unwritten principles articulated by the Supreme Court of Canada in the Reference re. Secession of Quebec.
The four unwritten principles which the Supreme Court of Canada identified in the Quebec Secession Reference do not represent a barrier to the exercise of Indigenous sovereignty, if interpreted in light of the reconciliation principle.  Indeed, the principles of federalism and the protection of minorities support the protection of distinct Indigenous political and legal institutions.  Because they are exercising a continuing sovereignty, rather than an aboriginal right as that term is currently understood under section 35, Indigenous peoples also need not return to traditional forms of governance in their entirety in a modern self-government regime; they may also adopt more or less of the Euro-Canadian forms with which they have become familiar as citizens of Canada, such that modern Indigenous institutions could be quite consistent with mainstream understandings of the four unwritten principles of the Constitutions.
As with other institutions of governance, Indigenous peoples have long traditions of dispute resolution that they could draw upon in the context of the modern exercise of their sovereignty.  Nor do Indigenous peoples need to return to these traditional methods in their entirety, either; again, they could adopt elements of Euro-Canadian legal traditions.  There are numerous precedents around the world for Indigenous legal institutions that combine elements of Indigenous customs of dispute resolution and common-law judicial structures.  What is important is that Indigenous peoples have the right to design their own institutions for the interpretation, as well as the creation, of law and the resolution of disputes if they are to exercise their sovereignty within the Canadian constitutional and political system as a third order of government.

abstract: LL.M.


title: The Role of BetaPIX in RET-mediated Cell Migration

contributor:
Mulligan, Lois M.
Pathology and Molecular Medicine

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subject: Pathology RET

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pathology & Molecular Medicine) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-23 13:05:57.86

abstract:
RET is a transmembrane receptor that is implicated in a variety of processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, survival, and death. One of the proteins that is activated downstream of RET is the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), BetaPIX. BetaPIX removes GDP bound to inactive Cdc42/Rac, freeing a space for GTP-binding and transformation of Cdc42/Rac to the active GTPase state. BetaPIX is vital in cytoskeletal rearrangements and the regulation of focal adhesion complex assembly and disassembly. Although our lab has previously shown that RET and BetaPIX do not directly interact, the mechanism through which BetaPIX is activated downstream of RET is not yet known.
	In the current study, we confirmed that RET activation mediates BetaPIX phosphorylation. We showed that mutations in the SH3 and Dbl-homology domains of BetaPIX result in slower rates and in some cases impairment of wound healing and cell migration downstream of RET, indicating a role for BetaPIX in RET-mediated cell migration. In contrast, we have shown that GTPase mutants of Cdc42 and Rac were not sufficient to impair wound healing, but did result in less cell migration. This suggests that similar, yet distinct roles exist for Cdc42 and Rac in the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics. We have shown that SH3 and Dbl-homology domain mutations in BetaPIX result in changes in cell morphology, suggesting a role of BetaPIX in the development of cell extensions downstream of RET. Alternatively, we have shown that GTPase mutants of Cdc42 or Rac alone do not induce cell morphology changes, further emphasizing the similar, yet distinct roles for Cdc42 and Rac in RET-mediated cell migration. Lastly, we have shown that BetaPIX is re-localized from the focal adhesion to the cytoplasm upon RET activation, suggesting that following focal adhesion complex formation, BetaPIX may be recycled.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Picturing Meaning: Icelandic Students' Perceptions of their Purpose-Built School

contributor:
Upitis, Rena
Education

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subject:
Educational Design
Photo-Elicitation Interviews
Post-Occupancy Evaluation
School Architecture

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-23 14:39:27.1

abstract: Current trends in education and school architecture reflect a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of people and spaces. Spaces acquire meaning through the experiences of those who use them and can contribute to the development of a sense of place. Purpose-built schools have long been valued and built in Iceland. The broad purpose of this study was to explore Icelandic students’ perceptions of their purpose-built school. Specific research questions included: (a) What spaces in purpose-built schools are important to students? (b) What happens in these spaces? (c) What meaning, if any, do these identified spaces hold for students? and (d) In ascribing meaning to some of the identified spaces, do students develop a sense of place? This phenomenological research initiative used an emergent design methodology. Seven Grade 9 and three Grade 10 students were recruited for this study. Primary data sources included students’ photographs of important school spaces, individual photo-elicitation interviews, and walking tours. Participants identified 25 important school spaces and 7 issues of concern within these spaces. Further analysis examined participants’ complex construction of importance and meaning. Participants described that school spaces were more likely to become meaningful places, when the design of the educational facility was in harmony with students’ experiences. The results of this study should raise awareness of the importance of building such schools in Canada and encourage the inclusion of students’ unique perspectives in the design of future schools.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Coordinating the eyes and hand in goal-directed movement sequences

contributor:
Flanagan, J. Randall
Neuroscience Studies

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subject:
eye hand coordination
motor control

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2009-11-13 16:12:30.086

abstract: Coordinated gaze and hand movements predominate a number of our interactions in reachable space and yet few studies examine the potential contribution of tactile feedback in planning these actions. This thesis was designed to investigate eye and hand coordination during movement sequences when reaching out to interact with objects. We developed a virtual reality paradigm that allowed us to control visual, tactile, and in some cases, auditory feedback provided to participants. Participants reached and touched five objects in succession. We measured behaviour that resulted from removing one or more of the aforementioned sources of feedback – focusing on task accuracy, and the timing and dynamics of eye and hand movements. Our principle manipulations were to remove visual feedback of the hand, and/or to change the object response to contact. We also unexpectedly removed tactile feedback signaling contact. In Experiment 1, we examined gaze and hand movement timing relative to contact events. Gaze remained long enough to capture contact in central vision, but also followed a time course indicating that contact timing was predicted. In Experiment 2 we examined the influence of dynamic object consequences (i.e., motion). Gaze remained to monitor consequences that follow initial contact especially when the hand was invisible; with longer delays it became difficult to differentiate between predictive or reactive movements. In Experiment 3 we directly tested whether gaze would hold upon a site of action during prolonged manipulation. Here, gaze remained past contact time and instead its departure was associated with the completion of action. Our findings are congruent with the notion that visually guided reaches are controlled to facilitate directing the hand to viewed locations of action – without visual feedback of the hand accuracy diminished and hand approach changed across all experiments. However, we provide consistent evidence that gaze is also controlled to capture planned sensory consequences related to action at its viewed location. Monitoring these sites would facilitate comparing predicted sensory events with those that are actively measured and improve control throughout the movement sequence. Such a process also indicates the importance of considering tactile feedback when examining coordinated eye and hand movements.

abstract: PhD


title: Exploring the relationship between shift-work and depressive symptoms in female nurses

contributor:
Buchanan, Diane
Nursing

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subject: depression shift-work

abstract: Thesis (Master, Nursing) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-23 17:05:53.606

abstract: Evidence is accumulating that the imposed lifestyle associated with shift-work can adversely affect many aspects of nurses’ mental health.  The 2005 National Survey of the Work and Health of Nurses stated depression is more common in nurses than in the general population.  Minimal research has focused on depression as a direct outcome of shift-work for registered nurses. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between shift-work and depressive symptoms in female nurses.   This study was a discrete analysis of data collected from 151 registered nurses enrolled in the primary study entitled “Work and health: Optimizing nurses’ physical health in hospital work environments” (Tranmer, McGillis-Hall, Katzmarzyk, Parry, et al,  2007).  A descriptive correlational design was utilized to describe the relationships between shift-work and depressive symptoms.  Shift work was categorized as participants working 8 hours, 12 hours, or a combination of both 8 and 12 hour shifts. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).   Bivariate analysis showed no statistical significant correlations between CES-D scores and shift-work.  However, correlational analysis between individual CES-D questions showed a positive association between shift-work and lack of concentration, decreased motivation to complete tasks, feeling depressed and difficulty sleeping as adverse effects.  Fifty-two percent of these shift workers identified problems with keeping focus on the tasks they were performing, 40% described an alteration in motivation, 31% felt depressed and 69% reported sleep disturbances. This study found no direct association between shift-work and depression but found that individual symptoms of depression were related to the shift-work schedule.  Studies addressing the effects of shift-work on mental health need to explore options to decrease depressive symptoms, such as impaired cognition and motivation, that were shown to impact upon the worker’s quality of life and quality of care provided.

abstract: MNSc.


title: Heimat Im Spannungsfeld Globalisierung: Studien Zu Zeitgenössischen Heimatfilmen Und Heimattexten

contributor:
Fachinger, Petra
German

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subject:
Heimat
Globalisierung
Marcus H. Rosenmüller
Hans Steinbichler
Andreas Maier
Christof Hamann
Katharina Hagena

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, German) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-23 18:40:27.127

abstract: This thesis explores the representation of Heimat in contemporary German novels and films by authors and directors born in the 1960s and 1970s within the context of globalisation. The following texts and films are examined: Hierankl (2003) and Winterreise (2006) by Hans Steinbichler, Wer früher stirbt, ist länger tot (2006) and Beste Gegend (2008) by Marcus H. Rosenmüller, Der Geschmack von Apfelkernen (2008) by Katharina Hagena, Klausen (2002) by Andreas Maier, and Usambara (2007) by Christof Hamann. I argue that the static notion of the concept of Heimat and concomitant concepts of identity are challenged by these authors and filmmakers as they pit them against the cultural, political, and social changes brought on by globalisation with its altered notions of identity. Within German political and public discourse, globalisation is often presented as a foreign concept threatening German institutions, customs, and even national identity itself. The dynamics between dwelling and travel/movement are at the centre of the films and novels under discussion. Each of the four chapters focuses on one of the major topics of current literary discourses of Heimat and globalisation: changing images and roles of women in general and mothers in particular; the house, which has often been fundamental in representations of Heimat, as the site at which patriarchal norms and values are being renegotiated; nature and environment as sites of threatened Heimat within the context of Heimat, tourism, and Umweltschutz; and Africa as other Heimat, threatened by, yet relatively untouched by globalisation. In their exploration of notions of Heimat, all of the texts and films discussed in this thesis self-consciously refer to the texts and films of the Heimat and the anti-Heimat genre respectively. But far from focusing on the tainted notion of Heimat within the German historical and political context, as did the generation of 1968 in their films and texts, the new generation of writers and filmmakers marks notions of Heimat much more positively and appropriates them for its own purposes. Nostalgia, irony, and ambivalence are the major characteristics of the new “Heimatroman” and “Heimatfilm.”

abstract: PhD


title: Automated Biomedical Text Fragmentation In Support Of Biomedical Sentence Fragment Classification

contributor:
Shatkay, Hagit
Computing

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subject:
text fragmentation
fragment
automated biomedical text fragmentation
edit distance with move

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-25 10:08:04.429

abstract:
The past decade has seen a tremendous growth in the amount of biomedical literature, specifically in the area of bioinformatics. As a result, biomedical text categorization has become a central task for providing researchers with literature appropriate for their specific information needs.

Pan et al. have explored a method that automatically identifies information-bearing sentence fragments within scientific text. Their proposed method aims to automatically classify sentence fragments into certain sets of categories defined to satisfy specific types of information needs. The categories are grouped into five different dimensions known as Focus, Polarity, Certainty, Evidence, and Trend. The reason that fragments are used as the unit of classification is that the class value along each of these dimensions can change mid-sentence.

In order to automatically annotate sentence fragments along the five dimensions, automatically breaking sentences into fragments is a necessary step. The performance of the classifier depends on the sentence fragments. In this study, we investigate the problem of automatic fragmentation of biomedical sentences, which is a fundamental layer in the multi-dimensional fragment classification. In addition, we believe that our proposed fragmentation algorithm can be used in other domains such as sentiment analysis. The goal of sentiment analysis is often to classify the polarity (positive or negative) of a given text. Sentiment classification can be conducted at different levels such as document, sentence, or phrase (fragment) level. Our proposed fragmentation algorithm can be used as a prerequisite for phrase-level sentiment categorization which aims to automatically capture multiple sentiments within a sentence.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Chirality Transfer from Chiral Solutes and Surfaces to Achiral Solvents: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Studies

contributor:
Cann, Natalie M.
Chemistry

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subject:
computational chemistry
molecular dynamics
chirality transfer

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 00:25:15.174

abstract:
Chirality can be induced in achiral solvent molecules located near a chiral molecule or surface, but there have been very few systematic studies in this field either experimentally or theoretically.  The focus of this thesis is to study the chirality transfer from chiral molecules to achiral solvents.

To capture the chirality transfer in solvent molecules, a solvent model that is sensitive to the changes in the environment is needed.  We developed new polarizable and flexible models based on an extensive series of ab initio calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. The models include electric field dependence in both the atomic charges and the intramolecular degrees of freedom.  Modified equations of motion are required and we have implemented a multiple time step algorithm to solve these equations.  Our methodology is general and has been applied to ethanol as a test.  For other solvents in our simulations, such as 2-propanol, limited models are used.

The chirality transfer from chiral solutes to achiral solvents and its dependence on the solute and solvent characteristics are then explored using the new polarizable models in molecular dynamics simulations.  The chirality induced in the solvent is assessed based on a series of related chirality indexes originally proposed by Osipov[Osipov et al., Mol. Phys.84, 1193(1995)].  Two solvents are considered: Ethanol and benzyl alcohol.  The solvation of three chiral solutes is examined: Styrene oxide, acenaphthenol, and n-(1-(4-bromophenyl)ethyl)pivalamide (PAMD).  All three solutes have the possibility of hydrogen-bonding with the solvent, the last two may also form π-π interactions, and the last has multiple hydrogen bonding sites.

The chirality transfer from chiral surfaces to achiral solvents is also explored.  Emphasis is placed on the extent of this chirality transfer and its dependence on the surface and solvent characteristics is explored.  Three surfaces employed in chiral chromatography are examined:  The Whelk-O1 interface; a phenylglycine-derived chiral stationary phase (CSP); and a leucine-derived CSP.  The solvents consist of ethanol, a binary n-hexane/ethanol solvent, 2-propanol, and a binary n-hexane/2-propanol solvent.  Molecular dynamics simulations of the solvated chiral interfaces form the basis of the analysis and position dependent chirality indexes are analyzed in detail.

abstract: PhD


title: Lattice Strain and Texture of Plastically Deformed Zircaloy-2 at 77K

contributor:
Holt, Richard A.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

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subject:
Zirconium
Slip
Twinning
Deformation
Lattice Strain
EBSD
Texture
Zircaloy-2

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 13:41:25.371

abstract:
Zircaloy-2 is used extensively in the nuclear industry as a structural material for the reactor core in both light and heavy water reactors.  The intergranular strains and texture greatly affect the mechanical properties of the material while in operation.  Understanding the plastic deformation of Zircaloy-2 will improve on current plastic deformation models, particularly for twinning mechanisms, which are more active at lower temperatures, and are not yet well understood.  For this study, neutron diffraction was used to track the lattice spacing and peak intensity in warm-rolled and recrystallized Zircaloy-2 slab for various crystallographic orientations at 77 K.  Tests were performed in all three principle directions under tension and compression.  The texture was measured for the deformed samples to help interpret the dominant deformation systems and then Electron Back Scattering Diffraction was used to identify and image the active twinning modes.  Prism <a> slip, basal <a> slip, {10-12} and {11-2 1} tensile twinning, and {11-2 2} compression twinning were found to be contributing deformation systems in Zircaloy-2 at 77K.
	In this study, the diffraction elastic constants for Zircaloy-2 at room temperature and 77K are reported for the first time in open literature.  These values will be useful in future experimental work by allowing a conversion between lattice spacing and residual stress.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Functional and molecular approaches to study mu and delta opioid receptor hetero-oligomerization in a model of neuropathic pain

contributor:
Cahill, Catherine M.
Pharmacology and Toxicology

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subject:
Opioid Receptor
Hetero-Oligomerization

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 12:43:58.472

abstract:
Neuropathic (NP) pain is a debilitating form of chronic pain that can result from a
variety of disease states that target the sensory nervous system. NP pain can manifest as burning or shooting pain, and is commonly refractory to traditional analgesics including opioids. Clinically used opioids target the mu opioid receptors (MORs); preclinical reports, however, suggest that the delta opioid receptor (DOR) may be a valid target. It is now accepted that MORs and DORs oligomerize in heterologous expression systems and exhibit novel pharmacology distinct from their monomers. This research aimed to utilize both functional and molecular evidence to identify if a heteromeric mu-delta opioid
receptor oligomer (M/DOR) forms in vivo and whether it is upregulated in NP pain. In an
animal model of NP pain, animals displayed characteristic behaviours including
protecting of the ipsilateral hindpaw from environmental stimuli, and mechanical
allodynia in this paw. Behavioural studies reported that acute injection of DOR- selective agonists that bind M/DOR produced enhanced thermal antinociception and reversed
mechanical allodynia in NP rats. DOR agonists that have low binding affinity for M/DOR did not produce enhanced thermal antinociception but did reverse mechanical allodynia in NP rats. Molecular studies were employed to characterize the molecular species of ORs in the lumbar spinal cord. Isolated spinal cord membranes were subjected to coimmunoprecipitation
with a M/DOR antibody. Co-immunoprecipitation was unable to
conclusively identify changes in M/DOR levels in the dorsal horn but did confirm that such a species exists in vivo. Furthermore, antibody characterization was completed to determine if the commercial antibodies used were labeling the appropriate OR proteins. HEK293T cells transfected with MOR and/or DOR plasmids were used in Western blotting and immunocytochemistry protocols to test commercially available antibodies.
These studies determined that MOR and DOR antibodies do label their respective OR
type, but also recognize additional proteins (non-specifically) in Western blotting
protocols. In conclusion, behavioural studies revealed a putative role for M/DOR agonists in the treatment of NP pain; however, more sensitive tools and protocols must be developed before molecular experiments are able to identify quantifiable changes with endogenous M/DORs.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Indicators for Prenatal Support and Neonatal Outcomes in Northern Canada

contributor:
Hunter, Duncan
Chatwood, Susan
Community Health and Epidemiology

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subject:
Prenatal Care
Northern Canada
Neonatal Outcomes

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-29 14:55:33.977

abstract:
Background:  The current practice in northern Canada is to transfer pregnant women residing in communities without hospital facilities to larger centres at 37 weeks gestation.  Little research has been conducted on how the practice of transferring women for childbirth affects available prenatal care continuity and prenatal care options, and whether or not this in turn affects health outcomes.

Objectives:  The aim of this study is to examine whether differences exist in prenatal care, risk factor distribution, and neonatal morbidity, between women who are transferred for childbirth, and women who are able to remain in their home community to give birth.

Methods:  Secondary analysis of the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey 2006-2007 data was conducted in order to examine the relationship between transfer for childbirth, prenatal care, maternal risk factors, and neonatal morbidity.  Crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios were calculated to assess the relationships between variables using multiple logistic regression, with bootstrap weights applied.

Results: Women who were transferred for childbirth were more likely to experience a negative neonatal morbidity outcome (OR=1.9, 95% CIs 1.3-2.8), though this relationship disappeared when the relationship was adjusted for potential confounders.  When these results were adjusted for potential confounding, smoking during pregnancy was the only risk factor shown to be significantly associated with neonatal morbidity in this study (OR=1.8, 95% CIs 1.0-3.0).

Conclusion:  More detailed and widespread data collection is needed to be able to properly assess prenatal care, maternal risk factors and neonatal morbidity in northern Canada.  A perinatal database, constructed for surveillance purposes, would assist in further exploring the effect of transfer policy on prenatal care practices and maternal risk factor distribution, and the effect this has on neonatal health outcomes.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Prediction of Social Competence and Social Integration in Children with or at-Risk for Intellectual Disability

contributor:
Minnes, Patricia
Psychology

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subject:
Psychology
intellectual Disability
Social Competence
Social Integration

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 13:50:22.687

abstract: Research in the field of intellectual disability (ID) has long recognized that social skills and, in turn, social acceptance, are key areas of difficulty for children with ID. However, little work has been done to examine the factors that may contribute to the development of these difficulties. This study examined early childhood parent-child interactions, as well as early characteristics of both the parent and the child, in order to identify the factors that may be relevant to the later development of social competence and social integration. The study found that the social competence of school-aged children with ID affects the extent to which they are integrated within the social and academic domains. Furthermore, school-age social competence was affected by child and parent functioning in toddlerhood. The findings have important implications for intervention, as mentally healthy, well-supported parents may pose a protective factor for at-risk children. Future studies will need to further examine the role of parent-child interactions in child development.

abstract: PhD


title: Alkali Hydride-Borohydride Solutions for the Application to Thermally Regenerative Electrochemical Systems

contributor:
Davis, Boyd R.
Mining Engineering

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subject: Thermally regenerative electrochemical systems

subject: Hydride-borohydride liquid mixtures

subject: Pressure differential thermal analysis

subject: Waste heat recovery

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 14:33:22.627

abstract: This thesis was concerned with the proof of concept for mid-grade, 250-500oC, industrial waste heat recovery using a thermally regenerative electrochemical system. Proposed thermally regenerative electrochemical systems are limited to high operating temperatures (> 900oC) and suffer from poor conversion efficiencies (< 20%). As such, a single chamber design that is free of moving parts was presented in this work. The concept for this novel regenerative system relies on gravity and a liquid medium to convey dissolved sodium hydride in a hydride-borohydride solution from cold to hot regions in a continuous circuit. Such a liquid transport medium could allow for operation below 500oC while stabilizing the hydride from thermal decomposition. Investigations on this system were carried out using a custom pressure differential thermal analyzer that was able to operate above temperatures of 700oC and pressures of 2.2MPa. The results of the experiments provided valuable information concerning the phase diagrams of various hydride-borohydride mixtures. The eutectic composition of the NaH-KBH4 system was found to be 43 mole% NaH. The corresponding eutectic temperature (503oC) was determined using the differential cooling curves. Appreciable NaH decomposition was noticed in mixtures above 59.0 mole% NaH. Mixtures up to 42.5 mole% KH in KBH4 were also investigated. The eutectic composition of the KH-KBH4 binary system was determined by extrapolating the liquidus curve to intersect the solidus curve. The KH-KBH4 eutectic temperature was found to be 390oC at 66 mole% KH. The experimental work successfully demonstrates that thermally unstable hydrides can be obtained in the liquid phase below their melting points, under moderate pressures, when mixed with alkali borohydrides. This significantly lowers the achievable operating temperature of the thermally regenerative electrochemical systems currently proposed. The use of the single chamber design with a hydride-borohydride liquid medium offers numerous advantages including: reduced maintenance, reduced operating temperature, reduced system weight, reduced parasitic losses, increased voltage, and increased reliability. The viability for mid-grade industrial waste heat recovery requires construction of a prototype which optimizes power outputs and explores the hydrodynamic transport of material.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Photophysical and Photochemical Properties of N, C-Chelate Organoboron Compounds and Their Pt(II) Complexes

contributor:
Wang, Suning
Chemistry

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subject:
Organoboron
Pt(II) Complex

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 14:56:32.845

abstract:
The impact of two constitutional isomers, 2-(4-BMes2-Ph)-pyridine (p-B-ppy) and 5-BMes2-2-ph-pyridine (p-ppy-B), as N,C-chelate ligands on the structures, stabilities, electronic and photophysical properties, and Lewis acidities of Pt(II) complexes has been investigated. Six Pt(II) complexes, Pt(p-B-ppy)Ph(DMSO), Pt(p-B-ppy)Ph(Py), [Pt(p-B-ppy)Ph]2(4,4’-bipy), Pt(p-ppy-B)Ph(DMSO), Pt(p-ppy-B)Ph(Py), and [Pt(p-ppy-B)Ph]2(4,4’-bipy), have been synthesized and fully characterized. The Lewis acidity of the complexes was examined by fluoride titration experiments using UV-Vis, phosphorescence, and NMR spectroscopic methods, establishing that the p-ppy-B complexes have stronger binding constants while the p-B-ppy complexes have a much lower affinity toward F-.
A diboron compound with both 3-coordinate boron and 4-coordinate boron centers, (5-BMes2-2-ph-py)BMes2 (B2ppy) has been synthesized, which is luminescent but have a high sensitivity toward light. UV and ambient light cause this compound to isomerize via the formation of a C−C bond between a mesityl and the phenyl group, accompanied by a drastic color change from yellow to dark olive green. The structure of the dark color species was established by 2D NMR experiments and geometry optimization by DFT calculations. The dark color species can thermally reverse back to (5-BMes2-2-ph-py)BMes2 via the breaking of a C−C bond. The N, C-chelate ligand was found to play a key role in promoting this unusual and reversible photo–thermal isomerization process on a tetrahedral boron center.
The impact of Pt(II) on the photoisomeration of four-coordinate boron center was also studied. The free ligand four-coordinate organoboron derivative B-ppy-ppy behaved in the same way as B2ppy. The photoisomeration process in the corresponding Pt(II) coupled complex (B-ppy-ppy)PtPh(t-Bu-py) is nearly completely deactivated, which may be attributed to either the low-lying 3MLCT excited state through which the excess energy in excited state was dissipated as phosphorescence or the greater π conjugation which can stabilize the excited state.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The use of Palliatiave Radiotherapy for bone and brain metastases in Ontario

contributor:
Mackillop, William J.
Ding, Keyue
Community Health and Epidemiology

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subject:
Palliative Radiotherapy
Health Services Research
Palliative Care

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 23:02:05.662

abstract:
Abstract

Background: Palliative radiotherapy (PRT) plays an important role in the management of patients with bone and brain metastases; however, little is known about the use of this treatment in Ontario.

Objectives: The objectives of this thesis were to a)identify health system-related and patient-related factors associated with the use of PRT for bone and brain metastases , and b) describe temporal trends in the use of PRT for bone and brain metastases.

Methods: The Ontario Cancer Registry was used to identify patients who died of cancer between the years 1984 and 2004. Temporal trends in the use of PRT were described by year and disease site, using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to describe the relationship between health system-related and patient-related factors, and the use of PRT, while controlling for disease-related factors.

Results: Overall, 10.0% and 4.1% of patients dying of cancer received at least one course of PRT within the last two years of life for bone metastases and brain metastases, respectively. The use of PRT for bone metastases significantly decreased from 10.4% to 9.5% (p<0.0001), while the use of PRT for brain metastases more than doubled from 2.2 to 5.1% during the same period (p<0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, age was negatively associated with the use of PRT in both cases. Patients residing in the richest communities were more likely to receive treatment. A farther distance to the nearest cancer was negatively associated with the use of PRT. The level of radiotherapy (RT) services at the diagnosing hospital was positively associated with the use of PRT for bone metastases. Prevailing waiting time did not significantly influence the use of PRT in either case.

Conclusions: Over the course of the study period, the use of PRT for bone metastases decreased, while the use of PRT for brain metastases increased. Access to PRT for both bone and brain metastases was influenced by factors unrelated to need.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Pen-Chant : Acoustic Emissions of Handwriting and Drawing

contributor:
Blostein, Dorothea
Computing

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subject:
Pattern Recognition
Handwriting Recognition

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-27 08:56:53.895

abstract: The sounds generated by a writing instrument ("pen-chant") provide a rich and under-utilized source of information for pattern recognition.  We examine the feasibility of recognition of handwritten cursive text, exclusively through an analysis of acoustic emissions.  We design and implement a family of recognizers using a template matching approach, with templates and similarity measures derived variously from: smoothed amplitude signal with fixed resolution, discrete sequence of magnitudes obtained from peaks in the smoothed amplitude signal, and ordered tree obtained from a scale space signal representation.  Test results are presented for recognition of isolated lowercase cursive characters and for whole words.  We also present qualitative results for recognizing gestures such as circling, scratch-out, check-marks, and hatching.  Our first set of results, using samples provided by the author, yield recognition rates of over 70% (alphabet) and 90% (26 words), with a confidence of 8%, based solely on acoustic emissions.  Our second set of results uses data gathered from nine writers.  These results demonstrate that acoustic emissions are a rich source of information, usable - on their own or in conjunction with image-based features - to solve pattern recognition problems.  In future work, this approach can be applied to writer identification, handwriting and gesture-based computer input technology, emotion recognition, and temporal analysis of sketches.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Incidence, Management, and Outcome of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

contributor:
Mackillop, William J.
Groome, Patti A.
Parulekar, Wendy R.
Community Health and Epidemiology

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subject:
inflammatory breast cancer
incidence
survival
trends
management

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 16:15:10.068

abstract:
Background:  Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare form of breast cancer associated with a poor prognosis.  This study describes the incidence, survival, and management of IBC in the province of Ontario.

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective, population-based, cohort study using data systems held at the Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.  Using the Ontario Cancer Registry (OCR), we identified all primary, pathologically confirmed cases of breast cancer.  IBC cases were identified using the unique histology code ‘85303’.  OCR records were linked to Statistics Canada data, Canadian Institutes of Health Information (CIHI) records of surgical procedures, and cancer centre records detailing radiotherapy and chemotherapy administration.  We calculated age-adjusted incidence rates of IBC for cases diagnosed between 1984 and 2005.  Using the Kaplan Meier product-limit method and log-rank statistics we compared overall survival for IBC and non-IBC, and assessed temporal and regional variations in IBC survival.  We described the management of IBC for patients diagnosed between 1984 and 2004, and assessed variations over time and across cancer centres.

Results:  Age-adjusted incidence rates of IBC increased from 0.57/105 women-years in 1984-1987 to 1.15/105 women-years in 2003-2005 (p<0.0001).  10-year survival was 21.5% for IBC compared to 61.7% for non-IBC (p<0.0001).  For IBC, 10-year survival increased from 12.0% (95% CI: 8.3–16.3) for those diagnosed between 1984-1994 to 24.0% (95% CI: 20.1–28.2) for those diagnosed between 1995-2005.  The utilization of combined mastectomy and postoperative radiotherapy increased from 28.9% in 1984-1994 to 46.1% in 1995-2004 (p<0.0001).  We observed no statistically significant difference in the utilization of chemotherapy over time.  Differences in the utilization of combined mastectomy and postoperative radiotherapy were observed across cancer centres (29.8% at centre C vs. 54.7% at centre A, p<0.0001).  We also observed wide variations in the estimates of survival across cancer centres.

Discussion: Rates of IBC have increased over time in Ontario and we observed an improvement in the long-term survival.  Management has shifted over time towards increased use of mastectomy and postoperative radiotherapy.  Additional prognostic information is needed to determine how variations in practice may be related to variations in outcome.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Truth and Tradition in Plato and the Cambridge Platonists

contributor:
Miller, Jon
Philosophy

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subject:
History of Philosophy
Plato
Cudworth
Epistemology
Innatism
City State Analogy
Reason
Revelation
Law
Freedom
Sparta
Athens
Democracy
Philology
Ideas
Atheism
Sophism
Moses
Salvation
Knowledge
Decline
Constitution
Common Sense
Empiricism
Ancient
Modern
Recollection
Recognition
Monotheism
Polytheism
Anticipation
Prolepsis
Cambridge Platonists
Church

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 16:19:49.145

abstract:
Both Plato and the Cambridge Platonists hold the view that moral knowledge depends primarily on cognitive resources which are innate to the mind.  There is, nevertheless, a need for our minds to be prompted through experience in order for knowledge to occur.  The following study is an attempt to reconstruct and compare the accounts in Plato and the Cambridge Platonists of the empirical conditions that are required for knowledge.
For Plato, these conditions are a result of a decline in political and psychological constitutions, through which the intellect is increasingly developed.  Dialectical analysis of received customs, laws, opinions, and language may then reveal the moral ideas upon which the polity was initially based and which remain implicit in common sense throughout the historical decline.  Philosophical knowledge consists of a recollection of the ancient wisdom which was revealed to the original lawgiver by the gods.
In the Cambridge Platonists, philosophical knowledge likewise consists of a recollection of revealed knowledge that stood at the foundation of a form of life, namely, Judaism.  The revival of ancient Greek and Jewish philosophical theories in modern times heralds the end of history, in which the complete system of knowledge is both attainable and necessary for salvation.  From the perspective of humanity as a whole, knowledge is initially granted through revelation, then generally forgotten, and finally recollected in a highly intellectual age of deteriorating morality and stability.  The esoteric traditions of knowledge, coupled with recent developments in science and philosophy, act as the prompts for knowledge, given an intuitive basis that has been formed through the spread of Christianity.  This intuitive basis serves as the concrete way in which the natural anticipations of the mind are gradually shaped in order to recognize the truth when it appears in a shrouded manner in modern philosophy.
Both Plato and the Cambridge Platonists are critics of the similar intellectual trends in their times and they respond with similar arguments; however, unlike Plato, the Cambridge Platonists are unable to connect their rational critique with their genetic critique of modern ideas, rendering the latter ineffective.

abstract: PhD


title: Using Complexity, Coupling, and Cohesion Metrics as Early Indicators of Vulnerabilities

contributor:
Zulkernine, Mohammad
Electrical and Computer Engineering

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subject: Software Metrics

subject: Vulnerability Prediction

subject: Software Security

subject: Mining Software Engineering Data

subject: Empirical Study

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 17:31:36.581

abstract:
Software security failures are common and the problem is growing. A vulnerability is a weakness in the software that, when exploited, causes a security failure. It is difficult to detect vulnerabilities until they manifest themselves as security failures in the operational stage of the software, because security concerns are often not addressed or known sufficiently early during the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Complexity, coupling, and cohesion (CCC) related software metrics can be measured during the early phases of software development such as design or coding. Although these metrics have been successfully employed to indicate software faults in general, the relationships between CCC metrics and vulnerabilities have not been extensively investigated yet. If empirical relationships can be discovered between CCC metrics and vulnerabilities, these metrics could aid software developers to take proactive actions against potential vulnerabilities in software.
In this thesis, we investigate whether CCC metrics can be utilized as early indicators of software vulnerabilities. We conduct an extensive case study on several releases of Mozilla Firefox to provide empirical evidence on how vulnerabilities are related to complexity, coupling, and cohesion. We mine the vulnerability databases, bug databases, and version archives of Mozilla Firefox to map vulnerabilities to software entities. It is found that some of the CCC metrics are correlated to vulnerabilities at a statistically significant level. Since different metrics are available at different development phases, we further examine the correlations to determine which level (design or code) of CCC metrics are better indicators of vulnerabilities. We also observe that the correlation patterns are stable across multiple releases. These observations imply that the metrics can be dependably used as early indicators of vulnerabilities in software.
We then present a framework to automatically predict vulnerabilities based on CCC metrics. To build vulnerability predictors, we consider four alternative data mining and statistical techniques – C4.5 Decision Tree, Random Forests, Logistic Regression, and Naïve-Bayes – and compare their prediction performances. We are able to predict majority of the vulnerability-prone files in Mozilla Firefox, with tolerable false positive rates. Moreover, the predictors built from the past releases can reliably predict the likelihood of having vulnerabilities in future releases. The experimental results indicate that structural information from the non-security realm such as complexity, coupling, and cohesion are useful in vulnerability prediction.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Prostate cancer-specific suvival differences between radical prostatectomy and curative radiotherapy

contributor:
Groome, Patti A.
Brundage, Michael D.
Lam, Miu
Community Health and Epidemiology

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subject:
Prostatic Neoplasms
Disease-Specific Mortality
Radiotherapy
Prostatectomy

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 17:54:09.955

abstract:
Background: The relative treatment effectiveness of surgery versus radiotherapy for early-stage prostate cancer is uncertain and randomized clinical trials are unlikely to be performed. This study describes the difference in cause-specific survival between patients treated with radiotherapy versus surgery, using a number of design and analytic steps to mitigate confounding by indication within an observational study.

Methods: We conducted a population-based case-cohort study, sampling patients from the Ontario Cancer Registry who were treated or were candidates for cure by radiotherapy or surgery. Cases were those who died of prostate cancer within 10 years. Cause-specific survival was analyzed using Cox-proportional hazard regression, with variance adjustment for the case-cohort sampling. Analysis using intent to treat was compared to that using treatment received. Propensity scores were also calculated and Cox-proportional hazard regression was conducted within each propensity score quintile. We formed instrumental variable groups based on radiotherapy rates in Cancer Care Ontario Regions (CCORs) using the study population sampling frame and checked the instrumental variable assumption of equal distribution of covariates by comparing those covariates across these groups using data from the subcohort.

Results: The adjusted hazard ratios for risk of prostate cancer death for radiotherapy compared to surgery were 1.44 (95% CI 0.86-2.40) and 1.84 (1.06-3.17) using intent to treat and treatment received respectively. Stratified hazard ratios comparing radiotherapy to surgery for death from prostate cancer from the lowest propensity quintile to the highest propensity quintile were 0.30 (0.04-2.28), 1.54 (0.35-6.77), 0.90 (0.29-2.82), 2.71 (1.01-7.31) and 1.08 (0.41-2.81). Differences among these hazard ratios were not statistically significant (p=0.13). The distributions of all prognostic indicators were statistically significantly different between instrumental variable groups.

Conclusion: Analysis by intent to treat produced a hazard ratio closer to the null than analysis by treatment received, indicating that uncontrolled confounding toward more serious cases getting radiotherapy was present in the analysis by treatment received. Future studies should focus on obtaining enough numbers for subgroup analysis such as the stratification by risk groups. Caution should be used when using the instrumental variable approach in this population, as prognostic indicators were not as equally distributed as expected.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Transient High-Temperature Prestress Relaxation of Unbonded Prestressing Tendons for use in Concrete Slabs

contributor:
Bisby, Luke
MacDougall, Colin
Civil Engineering

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subject:
civil engineering
concrete slabs
fire endurance
fire safety
high temperature creep
post tensioning
prestressing steel
residual capacity
unbonded construction

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 18:27:25.559

abstract: Unbonded post-tensioned (UPT) flat plate concrete slabs have seen widespread use in multi-storey office and condominium buildings since the 1960s. The popularity of these systems can be attributed to various economic and structural benefits, including reductions in slab thickness, storey height, building mass, and excellent deflection control over large spans. The “inherent fire resistance” of these systems is often quoted as a key additional benefit as compared with competing structural systems. Such statements are apparently based largely on satisfactory results from large scale standard fire resistance tests performed on UPT slabs during the 1960s and on experience from real fires in UPT buildings. However, much remains unknown about the true structural behaviour of continuous multiple bay UPT slabs in real building fires. For instance, relatively little data exist on the effects of elevated temperature on cold drawn prestressing steel under realistic, sustained service stress levels. The primary objective of this thesis is to provide a greater understanding of the high-temperature performance (predominantly related to prestress relaxation) of prestressing steel used in UPT flat plate slabs. A computational model is developed, extending previous research by others, to predict transient high temperature stress relaxation (i.e., prestress loss) for a tendon in a typical UPT multiple span flat plate concrete slab under transient heating and cooling. The computational model is validated by comparison against a series of novel high temperature experiments on locally-heated, stressed, and restrained prestressing tendons with realistic as-built configurations. Reasonable agreement between measured and predicted prestress losses is observed, although some refinement of the model’s input parameters may be required. Test data also indicate that the most crucial fire scenario on a UPT concrete slab may be localized heating rather than a global, fully developed fire. The model is subsequently used to predict the capacity in flexure and punching shear of a UPT flat plate structure under various spatial and temporal heating regimes. The results highlight the need for particular care in the construction of UPT slabs to ensure adequate, robust concrete cover for structural fire safety.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The influence of work patterns on lifestyle behaviours and cardiovascular risk in female hospital workers

contributor:
Tranmer, Joan E.
Nursing

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subject:
Lifestyle behaviours
Metabolic syndrome
Physical activity
Abdominal obesity
Dietary habits
Female workers
Shift work
12 hours shifts
Overtime
Smoking

abstract: Thesis (Master, Nursing) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 18:39:03.718

abstract:
BACKGROUND: The prevalence and burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a concern.  While CVD events will occur later in a woman’s life, modifiable risk factors for CVD occur earlier during adult years.  While, there is strong evidence linking modifiable risk factors to CVD, the influence of the work environment on CVD risk is poorly understood.
OBJECTIVES:  The study objectives were to: 1) determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk indicators; 2) determine the relationships between work patterns and lifestyle behaviours in female hospital workers; 3) determine the relationships between work patterns and cardiovascular risk indicators; and 4) determine the relationships between work patterns, lifestyle behaviours and cardiovascular risk while controlling for covariates.
METHODS: Participants were female hospital workers (N= 466) from 2 hospital sites in Southeastern Ontario.  Cardiovascular risk data were obtained through anthropometric measurements, blood sampling and self-report.  Work pattern data were collected through self-report and linked with hospital administrative work data.  Lifestyle behaviour data were obtained through self-report using validated questionnaires.  Metabolic syndrome was classified in accordance with the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP) (III) guidelines.
RESULTS:   Approximately 1 in 4 female participants had the metabolic syndrome, with elevated waist circumference being the most common CVD risk factor.  After adjustments, the multivariate analysis found a few key significant associations between irregular work patterns, specifically extended shifts and CVD risk, specifically elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure.  However, consistent with the literature, the bivariate analyses revealed that after 6 or more years of shift work, female workers were more likely to develop the metabolic syndrome (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.12, 3.17) and abdominally obesity (OR = 2.0, 95% CI, 1.31, 3.11).
CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study suggest that generally work patterns do not influence the development of unhealthy behaviours and cardiovascular risk factors, although a few key exceptions exist. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking harmful and protective work pattern characteristics to CVD risk.  Given the prevalence of abdominal obesity and overall CVD risk, hospital decision makers need to consider cardiovascular health within healthy workplace initiatives as the healthcare workforce is aging.

abstract: MNSc.


title: Gamma Calibration Using A New Test Apparatus At Queen’s University And Optimization Analyses For The PICASSO Experiment

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subject:
PICASSO
Dark Matter

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 18:28:21.308

abstract:
The PICASSO experiment located 2 km underground in SNOLAB is directly
searching for dark matter signals by looking for interactions between dark matter
particles and an active target made of superheated droplets of freon C4F10. During
the interaction, energy is deposited to the freon triggering a phase transition,
inducing pressure waves which are detected by piezo-electric sensors.
A temperature dependent analysis of the amplitudes of the signals for detector
71 showed that, above 25 ◦C, between 20 and 80 % of the events were saturated
implying that the preamplifiers had too high a gain. Decreasing this gain by a fixed
factor was not found to be a suitable solution to the problem. Ideally, a temperature
dependent gain should be established. In addition, some channels have intrinsic
problems and should be repaired.
A threshold analysis was used to establish the trigger efficiency which was found
to be 90% above 25 ◦C but only 50% at lower temperatures with the current setting
of the threshold. A temperature dependent threshold setting has been proposed.
A new setup at Queen’s University has been built and a gamma calibration using
three different radioactive sources (22Na,137Cs,57Co) was undertaken leading to a
new detector response curve for gammas. For a proper analysis, new and more
appropriate cuts were implemented. The analysis confirmed the expectation that
the PICASSO detectors are mostly blind to gammas below 50 ◦C. However, the
detectors appear to be more sensitive to 122 keV gammas than to 622 keV gammas
by a factor of about 10. The sensitivity for 22Na also differs by a large factor from
what was expected from old calibrations on detectors with much smaller bubbles.
The rate plots exhibit a strong exponential increase in rate above 40 ◦C which is not
due to any of the gamma sources used, but could be due to neutrons or low energy
x-rays. This remains under investigation.

abstract: M.Sc.