title: Investigating the Effect of Phage Therapy on the Gut Microbiome of Gnotobiotic ASF Mice

contributor:
Hosseini-Doust, Zeinab
Biomedical Engineering

subject:
bacteriophage
phage therapy
ASF
gnotobiotic
in vivo
mice
antibiotic resistance
co evolution
lytic phage
germ free mice
drug resistance
microbiome
microbiota
T7 phage
bacteria
bacterial infections
E.coli
e.coli infection
JM83 K12 E.coli

abstract: Mounting concerns about drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria have rekindled the interest in bacteriophages (bacterial viruses). As bacteria’s natural predators, bacteriophages offer a critical advantage over antibiotics, namely that they can be highly specific. This means that phage therapeutics can be designed to destroy only the infectious agent(s), without causing any harm to our microbiota. However, the potential secondary effects on the balance of microbiota through bacteriophage-induced genome evolution remains as one of the critical apprehensions regarding phage therapy. There exists a significant gap in knowledge regarding the direct and indirect effect of phage therapeutics on the microbiota. The aim of this thesis was to: (1) establish an in vivo model for investigation of the evolutionary dynamics and co-evolution of therapeutic phage and its corresponding host bacterium in the gut; (2) determine if phage therapy can affect the composition of the gut microbiota, (3) observe the differences of phage-resistant bacteria mutants evolved in vivo in comparison to those evolved in vitro. We used germ-free mice colonized with a consortium of eight known bacteria, known as the altered Schaedler flora (ASF). The colonizing strain of choice (mock infection) was a non-pathogenic strain E. coli K-12 (JM83) known to co-colonize the ASF model, which was challenged in vivo with T7 phage (strictly lytic). We compared the composition of the gut microbiota with that of mice not subject to phage therapy. Furthermore, the resistant mutants evolved in vivo and in vitro were characterized in terms of growth fitness and motility.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract: Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. After their discovery in 1917, bacteriophages were a primary cure against infectious disease for 25 years, before being completely overshadowed by antibiotics. With the rise of antibiotic resistance, bacteriophages are being explored again for their antibacterial activity. One of the critical apprehensions regarding bacteriophage therapy is the possible perturbations to our microbiota. We set out to explore this concern using a simplified microbiome model, namely germ-free mice inoculated with only 8 bacteria plus a mock infection challenged with bacteriophage. We monitored this model for 9 weeks and isolated a collection of phage-resistant bacterial mutants from the mouse gut that developed post phage challenge, maintaining the community of mock infection inside the gut. A single dose of lytic phage challenge effectively decreased the mock infection without causing any extreme long-term perturbations to the gut microbiota.


title: Variational Method Applied To The Contact Knight Shift

title: Variational Method Applied to Knight Shift

contributor:
Twose, W.D.
Physics

subject: variation, variational method, contact knight, contact knight shift, knight shift

abstract: This thesis presents a study of the applications of the variational principle to periodic lattices. A calculation of the conduction Knight Shift in the Alkali Meals is chosen as an example of the calculations possible with this method. The Knight Shift is discussed with reference to the contributions of both the core and conduction electrons. The approximation of neglect of the effect of the core electrons as found in previous calculations is discussed and its validity questioned.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Equilibrium Between FeO - MnO Slags and Iron-Manganese Alloys

contributor:
Ward, R.G.
Metallurgy

subject: iron, manganese, FeO-MnO, FeO-MnO slags, dilute iron manganese alloys, alloys, iron manganese alloys, equilibrium

abstract: This dissertation describes the determination of the equilibrium constant for the reduction of ferrous oxide by manganese to yield manganese oxide and iron. The experimental work was carried out over the temperature range of 1650°C to 1870°C. The results from the present work were combined with reliable published data to give what is considered to be the best relationship between the equilibrium constant and the temperature. The difference between this study and previous work on this topic is the radically new experimental approach. While previous workers used crucible techniques to achieve equilibrium for their system and standard wet chemical analysis, the method used here involved levitation melting and analysis by the electron probe micro-analyser.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: The Concept of Alienation, Theoretical Development and Textual Application in Selected Works of Bertolt Brecht

title: Brecht: The Concept of Alienation

contributor:
Lawson, Alan Burhans
German

subject:
alienation
bertolt brecht
mutter courage
der kaukasische kreiderkreis

abstract: This study presents an examination of the theory of alienation which is found in the dramatic work of Bertolt Brecht, the German writer and producer. A historical survey is followed by an attempt to describe the presence of the same phenomenon in the text of two plays by Brecht, Mutter Courage and Der kaukasiche Kreiderkreis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Sustained Load Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Frames

contributor:
Drysdale, R.G.
Civil Engineering

subject: load behaviour, sustained load, sustained load behaviour, concrete beams

abstract: Methods are presented for the predication of the short-term and sustained load behaviour of reinforced concrete frames. These procedures are evaluated by an experimental program using a particular structure and loading configuration. The results of two short-term tests and one sustained load test are compared with the analytic predictions. The inadequacy of classical methods of structural analysis for sustained load problems is also discussed. It is concluded that the methods using small elements, numerical integration and successive iterations can provide accurate predictions of short-term and sustained load behaviour of reinforced concrete beams.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: The Pearls and Pitfalls of Inter-Organizational Collaborations: Health Systems and Natural Disasters

contributor:
Vanstone, Dr. Meredith
Health Science Education

abstract:
Background: The purpose of the study is to explore the processes by which
governmental and non-governmental organizations plan for collaboration in the event of
a natural disaster, identifying the key features of effective formulations for emergency
medical responses.
Methodology: Using Qualitative Description methodology, 6 key informant semistructured
interviews were conducted, exploring perspectives on collaboration,
partnerships, and significant issues relevant to the disaster planning within international
and local communities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data was coded and
analyzed descriptively and interpretively in order to develop themes and categories useful
for policy development and further research.
Findings: International humanitarian aid and domestic disaster response within the realm
of health had similar issues complicating effective planning and responses despite
contextual differences. Silos, public image, politics and bureaucracy serve as barriers to
collaborative activities or can influence decision making and coordination. People and
relationships and informal networks facilitated collaboration and problem solving on
multiple levels. Recommendations for enhancing government and organizational
communication, collaboration and planning were developed through analysis.
Discussion and Conclusion: Collaboration is crucial for effective disaster responses.
Knowledge sharing and educational benefits for organizations and individuals can be
facilitated through networks or communities of practice, which may translate into
improved health outcomes for communities affected by natural disaster.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Mixing Studies on a Full Scale Aeration Tank

contributor:
Murphy, K. L.
Civil Engineering

subject:
aeration tank
dispersion model
air flow rate
water flow rate
diffuser type
theoretical tracer response curve
peak time technique

abstract:
The dispersion model was used to study mixing levels in a full scale aeration tank. The effect of air flow rate, water flow rate and diffuser type was investigated. The peak time technique proved satisfactory in predicting the theoretical tracer response curve generated using the dispersion model.
The dispersion model adequately described the longitudinal mixing that occurred in a full scale aeration tank equipped with fine and coarse bubble air diffusers.
Response curves from two tanks-in-series were also obtained.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Snow-masking depth in a general circulation model

contributor:
Rouse, W. R.
Geography

subject:
snow albedo
western Canada
computer program
circulation model

abstract: A computer program was written to calculate snow albedos for the months of January, March, and May in western Canada. Snow depth as well as water equivalent depth data was obtained from snow cover records and climatic maps. It was found that for the months of January and March, the snow depths were all greater than 10 cm and so the snow albedo was not a function of the surface type rather only the snow cover. For May, however, snow depths of less than 10 cm were obtained and the albedo became a function of both the water equivalent as well as surface type. The method of data collection is criticized primarily because of the instances of measurements and methods of measurement. Also, the equation in which the snow albedo is calculated is criticized because it only takes into consideration snow depth and not other important factors such as snow age density and crystal structure. However, age, density, and crystal structure are difficult measures to obtain data for on a large scale typical of GCMs. Good comparisons are made with the snow albedo values of forested sites obtained in this study with those in the literature.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Science (BSc)


title: Proton Resonance Study of the Water of Hydration in Natrolite

contributor:
Petch, H. E.
Physics

subject:
nuclear magnetic resonance
Pake's theory
natrolite
proton

abstract:
The nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of the protons in the water of hydration in a single crystal of natrolite has been investigated and analysed according to Pake’s theory in order to locate the protons in the structure.
The line shape of the proton resonance in natrolite powder was studied over a wide range of temperature. The observed changes in the line shape partially revealed the dynamics of the water of hydration.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Interpersonal Relations of the Visually Handicapped in a Residence for the Blind

contributor:
Henry, Franklin J.
Sociology

subject:
residence
blind
visually impaired
visually handicapped
symbolic interactionism

abstract:
This thesis embodies the results of an investigation of a residence exclusively devoted to those who r blind.
Working within the theoretical perspective of symbolic interactionism, the primary focus of this study was to discover whether relationship existed between the pattern of group organization within the residence and the perception of the attitudes of the sighted towards the blind. Underlying its approach was the assumption that how the residents perceived the attitudes of the sighted was related to how they evaluated themselves. A second focus of this study was to determine the basis and extent of group formation within the residence.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: A Study of Certain Organic Compounds of the Bottom Sediments of the Dundas Marsh, Hamilton, Ontario

contributor:
Kleerekoper, Herman
Zoology

subject:
Dundas Marsh
Hamilton
Ontario
core samples
lake bottom sediment
total carbon content
bitumen
pectins
hemicelluloses
cellulose content
lignin content
rate of mineralization
biological productivity

abstract:
In the course of a little over a year, from January, 1950, to March, 1951, core samples of bottom sediments were collected at three different stations in the Dundas Marsh, Hamilton, Ontario. A number of the samples were analysed for total carbon content, bitumen, pectins, hemicelluloses, and cellulose and lignin content.
This study is part of a larger investigated by the Department of Zoology to ascertain the relationships between the biological productivity in lakes and the rate of mineralization of the organic detritus in lake bottom sediments.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: New Chelating Agents based on 8-Hydroxyquinoline

contributor:
Corsini, A.
Chemistry

subject:
chelating agents
8-hydroxyquinoline
elemental analysis

abstract:
Several new potentially terdentate chelating agents based on the 8-hydroxyquinoline structure have been synthesized and characterized. Protonation constants of these ligands and formation constants of their chelates with selected metal-ions have been determined. Where possible, the chelates have been characterized by elemental analysis and other means.
The results show that the ligand 2-(2'-thienyl)-8-hydroxyquinoline acts as a sterically hindering bidentate donor; the unusual relationship found between the formation constants of its bis-chelates (K1 < K2) has been explained on the basis of steric effects.
The results of studies involving 4-amino-5-hydroxy-acridine and 4,5-dihydroxyacridine indicate that these ligands act as terdentate and bidentate donors, respectively. The failure of 4,5-dihydroxyacridine to act as a terdentate donor is explained in terms of chelate-ring strain.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A NUMERICAL STUDY ON THE FLOW DIVERGENCE AROUND A HIGH SOLIDITY VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE

contributor:
Tullis, Stephen
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
flow divergence
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

abstract:
This thesis reports on a numerical investigation into the three-dimensional flow divergence around a high solidity vertical axis wind turbine. Three-dimensional unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes simulations of an H-type vertical axis wind turbine were used to examine the impact of turbine aspect ratio and tip speed ratio on the flow divergence. The turbine height was changed to alter the turbine aspect ratio, while keeping the diameter constant, to ensure that the solidity and tip speed ratio values were comparable between the different aspect ratios tested.

The power output of the turbine consistently increased with aspect ratio and the optimal tip speed ratio for peak performance was negligibly affected. The flow divergence results showed that larger aspect ratio turbines had significantly more flow divergence with a 1 m/s entrance velocity difference between the smallest and largest cases. These two results where contradictory as a larger aspect ratio turbine was more efficient even though it had a smaller fraction of the upstream flow entering the upwind pass. The reason for this result was that impact of the tip effects, which caused a power reduction near the end of the blades. The distance from the blade tips that experienced a power reduction was constant for turbines of aspect ratio one and greater, resulting in a smaller turbine having a greater fraction of its height effected by the tips. This caused the overall power output for a smaller aspect ratio turbine to be lower even though its centre performance was higher, due to an increased entrance velocity.

The change in flow divergence with tip speed ratio was also examined to better understand the driving force behind the divergence. It was found that the turbine power output was not the direct cause of flow divergence. The blade forces, specifically the force generated in the upstream direction had a strong linear correlation with the upstream flow divergence.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Retreatists and Innovators in an Indian Community

title: Retreatists and Innovators

subject: retreatist, retreatists, innovator, innovators, indian, indian community

abstract:
Selected aspects of a theory of social change formulated by
Everett E. Hagen are related to observation made by the author
on an Indian Reservation in western Canada. Field data serve
to illustrate a number of propositions derived from Hagen's
theory, and furnish a basis tor the discussion of some possible
theoretical shortcomings.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: The Technique of Ruckblick in Adalbert Stifter's Works A Critical Study

title: Adalbert Stifter

contributor:
Denner, Karl
German

subject: ruckblick, adalbert, stifter,

abstract:
This study rests on an examination of certain retrospective narrative episodes in selected works of Adalbert Stifter (1805- 1868), an Austrian writer . It is an attempt to explain the author's frequent use of the
Ruckblick  technique, a salient feature of his prose. The events, ideas and problems portrayed in each of these episodes are first treated in relation to the main themes of the particular work and then viewed against the background of certain events and experiences in Stifter's life .

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: UNDERSTANDING THE PREFERENCES AND SUITABILITY OF CONSUMERS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE ADOPTION IN CANADA

contributor:
Scott, Darren
Geography and Earth Sciences

abstract:
In Canada, road transportation accounts for more than one-fourth of secondary energy use, and thus is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Environment Canada, 2016). With around 81% of Canadian households having at least one vehicle, the automobile is an important element of household mobility, while the transportation sector relies heavily on petroleum products for on-road use (Statistics Canada, 2016). Despite this situation, Canada has accepted to reduce its GHG emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 under the 2015 Paris agreement (Environment Canada, 2016). This emissions reduction goal, however, is unlikely to happen without transitioning to carbon-free alternatives, such as electric vehicles, for daily transportation. Despite many advancements in electric mobility, Canada still lags many other countries with respect to electric vehicle (EV) adoption among private consumers.
To address this issue, the present dissertation discusses details of a survey that was developed to investigate electric mobility prospects in Canada through a series of socioeconomic, attitudinal, and stated preference (SP) questions. The acronym “SPACE” (Survey for Preferences and Attitudes of Canadians towards Electric Vehicles) is used for the purpose of present thesis to identify the survey instrument. The SPACE dataset is then utilized to conduct econometric analyses (latent class modelling approach) of vehicle powertrain in Atlantic Canada, a lagging region in terms of EV uptake, and to compare results with those obtained for leading adoption provinces (Ontario and British Columbia). This comparison highlights potential differences and similarities in terms of openness towards EVs and willingness to pay for different vehicular features of EVs. The thesis also investigates economic suitability of battery electric vehicles (BEV) for Canadian households to gain insights on characteristics of households for whom adopting a BEV would make economic sense.
Results of econometric analysis indicate that despite the very low penetration level of EVs, there is widespread openness to the idea of electric vehicles in Atlantic Canada, although less than leading adoption provinces. The main obstacles to the widespread adoption of EVs in Atlantic Canada can be explained as higher purchase prices of EVs relative to internal combustion engines (ICE), current and historical absence of financial incentives, limited exposure to EV, and inadequate charging stations. With economic suitability analysis, it was found that even with today’s electric vehicles present in the market, that are considered to have high purchase price, a sizable share of Canadian households (18%) are economically suited to buy a battery electric vehicle. A bivariate ordered probit model is also utilized in the thesis to estimate annual mileage and vehicle ownership time, the most influential factors on economic suitability of BEVs. The bivariate probit model results show that multi-vehicle households with children in the suburbs have higher mileages, while education and income have positive impacts on both annual mileage and ownership time, and thus on increasing the economic suitability of BEVs. Together, results of present thesis would help policy makers and stakeholders to make targeted decisions regarding EV marketing in Canada, especially in lagging adoption regions like Atlantic Canada.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: TEM Studies of Epitaxial Iron Oxide Thin Films

contributor:
Botton, Gianluigi
Materials Science and Engineering

abstract:
The discovery of the exotic magnetic properties of epsilon ferrite (ε-Fe2O3) has motivated several studies regarding the synthesis and device integration of this nanomaterial. However, due to the metastable nature of this phase, its application has been limited to nanoparticles or nanorods where the size confinement helped its stabilization. Recently the deposition as thin films was achieved on complex oxide substrates. However, in order to favor its integration into electronic devices, high-quality thin films are necessary. Distinct challenges are present in the growth of epitaxial films, the search for single domain and defect-free thin films with a unique magnetic easy axis is desired to obtain a good microstructure and achieve the exotic reported magnetic properties for the other nanocompounds.
In this work, a series of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) investigations are presented with the purpose to gain insight about the microstructure and chemical state of epsilon ferrite thin films grown on vicinal strontium titanite (STO) and yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Detailed analysis of high-resolution STEM images and electron diffraction patterns highlighted the, growth of misoriented in-plane domains with its easy magnetic axis pointing in opposite directions and edge dislocations in the grain boundaries. In specific cases, different mechanisms of partial strain relaxation are observed. For the samples grown on STO substrates, a set of misfit dislocations at the interface are visible while in the samples grown on YSZ the growth of a secondary phase at the film/substrate interface was identified. Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) was used for chemical characterization of the sample helping the identification of the localization of a secondary phase growing at the interface, identified as magnetite. Further EELS analysis showed changes in the bonding conditions of the iron cations allowing to stablish a correlation between the strain effects (such as plastic deformations, the presence of dislocations, lattice distortion and secondary phases) and the magnetic moment of the sample. The presence of these types of defects and their relationship with the reduced magnetic response of the sample and is discussed in the following thesis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract: A wide variety of iron oxide-based materials are subject of study for an extensive range of magnetic applications in the daily life. A specific case of these materials is the called epsilon ferrite, a compound that exhibits interesting magnetic properties that can be used for different data storage applications. However, for integration of this material into electronic devices, high-quality thin films are needed. With the help of a detailed nanoscale characterization, a suitable structure of these thin films can be achieved. Therefore, an extensive characterization study of iron oxide thin films has been carried out with the purpose to understand the microstructure-functionality relationship of these samples and provide understanding that can be used to improve the quality of these films for a further real-world application.


title: A Study Of Components For Lithium And Sodium Batteries And Other Storage Devices

contributor:
Petric, Anthony
Zhitomirsky, Igor
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
Batteries
Capacitors
Lithium Ion Battery
Sodium Metal Battery
BiMn2O5
Sodium Silicide
Binary Phase Diagram
Sol-gel synthesis
Solid Electrolyte

abstract:
An investigation of electrochemical storage device materials has been undertaken in four parts. The bulk and interfacial resistance of Na+ beta-alumina tubes were separated using a galvanostatic charge-discharge method. Sodium silicide was characterized to better understand its synthesis. BiMn2O5 was produced using a sol-gel method and tested for pseudocapacity. Different lithium ion anode and cathode materials were deposited using a new electrophoretic deposition method.
A novel galvanostatic charge-discharge method was developed for the determination of bulk and interface resistance in Na+ beta-alumina solid electrolytes [BASE]. Dense and duplex BASE tubes were tested by varying the exposed surface area. The results of dense BASE tube pairs were used to determine the bulk and interfacial resistance components, while duplex BASE tubes were tested to determine the reduction in interfacial resistance. It was found that duplex tubes had reduced the interfacial resistance by 75%, when compared to a uniformly dense electrolyte.
Sodium silicide was characterized using various methods to better understand the phase and the Na-Si phase diagram. EMF experiments using Na+ BASE tubes was used to determine the activity in the silicon rich region of the phase diagram, which showed a sodium activity of 0.5 at 550°C. TGA/DSC was used to determine phase transformation temperatures, as well as the heat of formation for NaSi, which was recorded to be below 1 kJ mol-1.
A sol-gel precipitation method was used to produce fine BiMn2O5 powders used for supercapacitors. The powders resulting from a consistent method were tested for pseudocapacitance using bulk and thin film electrodes. Bulk electrodes had a gravimetric capacitance of 10 F g-1, while thin film electrodes only reached 2.6 F g-1.
Lithium ion battery anode (Li4Ti5O12) and cathode (LiFePO4, LiMn2O4, LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4) materials were electrophoretically deposited with the assistance of PAZO-Na and CMC-Na. Cathodes were successfully deposited on aluminium substrates, and were tested in the potential window 2 – 4.3 V. The LiFePO4 cathodes showed capacity of 146.7 mAh g-1 at C/10, while showing capacity retention of 103% after 50 cycles.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: The goal of this work is to examine materials used in different types of electrochemical storage devices. The modification of resistive properties of β-alumina electrolytes are examined for use in high temperature sodium batteries. Electrophoretic deposition methods are used to rapidly make thin electrodes for lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors. The stoichiometric compound NaSi, a potentially safer and greener method of producing hydrogen gas, is characterized for a better understanding of its properties, and therefore production.


contributor:
Grignon, Michel
Health Policy

subject:
Socioeconomic Status
Transnational Health Inequalities
Health Equity
International Health Surveys
Wealth Index
Principal Components Analysis
Asset Index
Hispaniola
Dominican Republic
Haiti
Malnutrition
Income
Consumption Expenditure
Critical Interpretive Synthesis
Sustainable Development Goals
Global Health

abstract:
McMaster University DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (2019) Hamilton, Ontario
(Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact)
TITLE: Measuring International Health Inequalities and Socioeconomic Status Using Household Survey Data
AUTHOR: Mathieu J.P. Poirier, B.Sc., M.P.H. (McMaster University)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Michel Grignon
NUMBER OF PAGES: xii, 231

abstract:
The methods underlying the quantification of health inequalities have profound consequences for measuring progress in achieving health for all. In Chapter two, associations between household wealth indices, income, and consumption were systematically compiled and different methods of wealth index calculation were evaluated for appropriateness of use in a variety of settings. Researchers are presented with a synthesis of existing evidence about the appropriateness of use of wealth indices in urban and rural areas, their robustness to changes in the asset mix, future applications, and advantages and disadvantages of primary competing methods of quantifying SES using household survey data. In Chapter three, international microdata were analyzed to evaluate how magnitudes of health inequality are affected by different methods of quantifying household socioeconomic status (SES), including income, consumption, and asset wealth. In Chapter four, the need for a transnational approach to measuring health inequalities was justified and the new method was developed using an empirical example. Substantively, these chapters develop the most complete evaluation of the association between the asset wealth, consumption, and income using both critical interpretive synthesis and microdata analysis, as well as the first meta-analysis evaluating changes in health inequality magnitudes according to the SES measure used over time and across country-income levels. The transnational analysis of health inequalities uncovered previously hidden health disparities in the island of Hispaniola, and detailed instructions for all methodological aspects of the new method were presented. The distribution of disease between nations, subnational regions, and urban-rural areas in Hispaniola were
analyzed from 1994 to 2013, and the first relative geospatial wealth ranking between Haiti and the Dominican Republic was presented. Global health researchers should strive to measure the equity of health between people, and this sometimes requires analyzing populations that are not neatly contained by national boundaries.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: This thesis investigates social inequalities in health and how to measure socioeconomic status (SES) using household surveys in a way that is robust across jurisdictions. It examines how wealth indices compare to income and consumption, and develops a new method to calculate transnational health inequalities. Chapter two conducts a comprehensive evaluation of evidence surrounding the use of wealth indices in urban and rural areas, robustness to changes in assets, future applications, and the advantages and disadvantages of the primary competing methods for quantifying household SES. The third chapter systematically evaluates how health inequality magnitudes evolve over time and across country-incomes according to SES measure. Finally, a transnational measurement of health inequalities was calculated for the island of Hispaniola in chapter four, uncovering the distribution of disease between nations, subnational regions, and urban-rural areas. Detailed instructions for all methodological aspects of the new transnational method are presented.


title: CURE RATE AND DESTRUCTIVE CURE RATE MODELS UNDER PROPORTIONAL ODDS LIFETIME DISTRIBUTIONS

contributor:
Balakrishnan, Narayanaswamy
Mathematics and Statistics

subject:
Cure rate models
Mixture model
Long-term survivors
COM-Poisson distribution
Weighted Poisson distribution
EM algorithm
Right censoring
Non-informative censoring
Profile likelihood
Asymptotic variances and covariances
Maximum likelihood estimation
Likelihood-ratio test
Exponential distribution
Proportional odds model
Weibull distribution
Log-logistic distribution
Gamma distribution
Mixture of chi-square
Akaike Information Criterion (AIC)
Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC)
Model discrimination
Monte Carlo simulations
Goodness-of-fit test
Cutaneous melanoma

abstract:
Cure rate models, introduced by Boag (1949), are very commonly used while modelling
lifetime data involving long time survivors. Applications of cure rate models can be seen
in biomedical science, industrial reliability, finance, manufacturing, demography and criminology. In this thesis, cure rate models are discussed under a competing cause scenario,
with the assumption of proportional odds (PO) lifetime distributions for the susceptibles,
and statistical inferential methods are then developed based on right-censored data.

In Chapter 2, a flexible cure rate model is discussed by assuming the number of competing
causes for the event of interest following the Conway-Maxwell (COM) Poisson distribution,
and their corresponding lifetimes of non-cured or susceptible individuals can be
described by PO model. This provides a natural extension of the work of Gu et al. (2011)
who had considered a geometric number of competing causes. Under right censoring, maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) are obtained by the use of expectation-maximization
(EM) algorithm. An extensive Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out for various scenarios,
and model discrimination between some well-known cure models like geometric,
Poisson and Bernoulli is also examined. The goodness-of-fit and model diagnostics of the
model are also discussed. A cutaneous melanoma dataset example is used to illustrate the
models as well as the inferential methods.

Next, in Chapter 3, the destructive cure rate models, introduced by Rodrigues et al. (2011), are discussed under the PO assumption. Here, the initial number of competing
causes is modelled by a weighted Poisson distribution with special focus on exponentially
weighted Poisson, length-biased Poisson and negative binomial distributions. Then, a damage
distribution is introduced for the number of initial causes which do not get destroyed.
An EM-type algorithm for computing the MLEs is developed. An extensive simulation
study is carried out for various scenarios, and model discrimination between the three
weighted Poisson distributions is also examined. All the models and methods of estimation
are evaluated through a simulation study. A cutaneous melanoma dataset example is used
to illustrate the models as well as the inferential methods.

In Chapter 4, frailty cure rate models are discussed under a gamma frailty wherein the
initial number of competing causes is described by a Conway-Maxwell (COM) Poisson
distribution in which the lifetimes of non-cured individuals can be described by PO model.
The detailed steps of the EM algorithm are then developed for this model and an extensive
simulation study is carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed model and the
estimation method. A cutaneous melanoma dataset as well as a simulated data are used for
illustrative purposes.

Finally, Chapter 5 outlines the work carried out in the thesis and also suggests some
problems of further research interest.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Rise in Prices: Is Artificial Interference ever Justifiable?

subject:
artificial interference
price

abstract:
Thesis
Master of Business Administration (MBA)


title: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: mRNA and Protein Levels in Normal and Alzheimer's Diseased Brain

title: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Alzheimer's Disease

contributor:
Fahnestock, Margaret
Biology

subject:
alzheimers
alzheimer's disease
neurotrophic factor
mRNA and protein
brain

abstract:
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. One pathological characteristic is excessive neuronal loss in specific regions of the brain. Among the areas most severely affected are the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and their projection regions, the hippocampus and cortex. Neurotrophic factors, particularly the neurotrophins nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, play an important role in the development, regulation and survival of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Furthermore, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
regulates the function of hippocampal and cortical neurons. Neurotrophins are synthesized in hippocampus and cortex and retrogradely transported to the basal forebrain. Decreased levels of neurotrophic factors are suspected to be involved in the
neurodegenerative changes observed in Alzheimer's disease. We examined autopsied parietal cortex, hippocampus and nucleus basalis of Meynert samples from age- and gender-matched Alzheimer's diseased and neurologically non-impaired individuals using the quantitative technique of competitive RT-PCR. We also examined parietal cortex samples by Western blotting. We demonstrate a 3.4-fold decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA levels in the parietal cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease compared to controls (p < 0.004) but fail to observe changes in BDNF protein levels in that brain region. We also demonstrate, for the first time, BDNF mRNA in the nucleus basalis of Meynert and report an age-related decline in the levels of BDNF mRNA in both control and AD samples. Using the competitive RT-PCR technique we fail to observe differences in BDNF mRNA levels in the hippocampus between AD and control subjects, conflicting with previous in situ hybridization studies and RNase protection assays. A decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor synthesis could have detrimental effects on hippocampal, cortical and basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and may account for their selective vulnerability in Alzheimer's disease.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Multiple On-road Vehicle Tracking Using Microscopic Traffic Flow Models

contributor:
Kirubarajan, Thiagalingam
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Multi-vehicle tracking
Microscopic traffic flow model
Car-following model
Lane-changing model
Airborne video registration
Intelligent transportation systems

abstract:
In this thesis, multiple on-road vehicle tracking problem is explored, with greater consideration of road constraints and interactions between vehicles. A comprehensive method for tracking multiple on-road vehicles is proposed by making use of domain knowledge of on-road vehicle motion.

Starting with raw measurements provided by sensors, bias correction methods for sensors commonly used in vehicle tracking are briefly introduced and a fast but effective bias correction method for airborne video sensor is proposed. In the proposed method, by assuming errors in sensor parameter measurements are close to zero, the bias is separately addressed in converted measurements of target position by a linear term of errors in sensor parameter measurements. Based on this model, the bias is efficiently estimated by addressing it while tracking or using measurements of targets that are observed by multiple airborne video sensors simultaneously. The proposed method is compared with other airborne video bias correction methods through simulations. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for correcting bias as well as its high computational efficiency.

Then, a novel tracking algorithm that utilizes domain knowledge of on-road vehicle motion, i.e., road-map information and interactions among vehicles, by integrating a car-following model into a road coordinate system, is proposed for tracking multiple vehicles on single-lane roads. This algorithm is extended for tracking multiple vehicles on multi-lane roads: The road coordinate system is extended to two-dimension to express lanes on roads and a lane-changing model is integrated for modeling lane-changing behavior of vehicles. Since the longitudinal and lateral motions are mutually dependent, the longitudinal and lateral states of vehicles are estimated sequentially in a recursive manner. Two estimation strategies are proposed: a) The unscented Kalman filter combined with the multiple hypothesis tracking framework to estimate longitudinal and lateral states of vehicles, respectively. b) A unified particle filter framework with a specifically designed computationally-efficient joint sampling method to estimate longitudinal and lateral states of vehicles jointly. Both of two estimation methods can handle unknown parameters in motion models. A posterior Cramer-Rao lower bound is derived for quantifying achievable estimation accuracy in both single-lane and multi-lane cases, respectively. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithms achieve better track accuracy and consistency than conventional multi-vehicle tracking algorithms, which assumes that vehicles move independently of one another.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: ENHANCING METHODS FOR ANALYZING AND INTERPRETING PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES IN CLINICAL RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED DECISION MAKING

contributor:
Guyatt, Gordon
Health Research Methodology

subject:
Patient reported outcomes
Minimal important difference
Anchor-based methods
Systematic review

abstract:
In deciding whether to use a particular treatment for conditions such as depression,
arthritis, or heart disease, clinicians and patients must balance the benefits against
the side effects and burden. To make this trade-off, they must understand the likely
degree of benefit in patients’ symptoms and perceived wellbeing, best undertaken
using patient-reported outcomes (PROs). PROs are measures of any aspect of a
patients’ health status that are obtained from direct patient inquiry without
interpretation by a clinician or anyone else. PRO measures (PROMs) are
increasingly used in clinical trials and systematic reviews to evaluate health care
interventions, and information obtained from PROMs can guide clinical decisions
and inform shared-decision making. The use of PROMs, however, involves
challenges, the most important of which is deciding if a particular treatment effect
is trivial, small but important, moderate or large. One way to make this judgment is
to consider the minimal important difference (MID), the smallest change in a
PROM score that is important enough that patients would consider a change in
treatment to achieve that benefit. The number of published studies providing
anchor-based MIDs for PROMs has grown rapidly over the last three decades, and
researchers have proposed several anchor-based methods to derive MID estimates,
each with its own merits and limitations. This thesis begins with the development
of a framework to determine the extent to which the design and conduct of studies
measuring anchor-based MIDs are likely to have protected against misleading
estimates. Subsequently, this thesis presents a comprehensive inventory of
empirically estimated anchor-based MIDs and their associated credibility for all
PROMs published in the medical literature. Further, this thesis highlights critical
issues that key stakeholders should consider, and demonstrates how the use of
credible MIDs may inform the development of a clinical practice guideline in which
PROs were identified as critically important. Finally, this thesis concludes with
insights to improve the methodological quality and transparency for researchers in
the PRO and MID field.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: STANDARDIZATION OF MUSCLE ARCHITECTURE MEASUREMENTS OF THE VASTUS LATERALIS AND RECTUS FEMORIS FROM IN VIVO ULTRASOUND IMAGES IN HEALTHY ADULTS

title: STANDARDIZING MEASURES OF QUADRICEPS MUSCLE ARCHITECTURE

contributor:
Maly, Monica
Keir, Peter
Kinesiology

subject:
Muscle
Muscle Architecture
Ultrasound
Muscle Thickness
Muscle Thickness
Fat Thickness
Pennation Angle
Fascicle Length
Reliability
Intra-rater
Inter-rater
Imaging

abstract:
Background: Muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length describe the architecture of a muscle. These properties can be observed alongside subcutaneous fat thickness using ultrasonography; however, measurement is sensitive to the angle of the transducer against the skin. Typically, the transducer is held perpendicular to skin for imaging. Nonetheless, a convenient, reliable method to ensure transducer angle consistency has not been reported.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of transducer angle on muscle architecture and subcutaneous fat measurements of quadriceps muscles (vastus lateralis and rectus femoris) in healthy young adults. A secondary objective was to determine intra- and inter-rater reliability.
Methods: Thirty men and women were recruited (25±2.5 years; BMI: 22.6±3.0 kg/m2). Ultrasound images were acquired from two muscles. An image was taken at an estimated perpendicular angle to the skin. Then, using a 3D-printed device with a protractor that attached to the ultrasound transducer, images were taken at measured angles 5-10˚ medial and lateral to perpendicular. Agreement and error were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error measurements (SEMs).
Results: Good to excellent agreement was demonstrated for muscle and fat thicknesses regardless of transducer angle (ICC >0.66). Intra-rater reliability was excellent for all outcomes within both muscles (ICC >0.89). Inter-rater reliability for the rectus femoris was good to excellent for all transducer angles except for measurements of fascicle lengths at 85° (ICC: 0.33–0.99). Inter-rater reliability improved >20% for the vastus lateralis with the device.
Conclusion: Measurements of muscle pennation angle and fascicle lengths, but not muscle or subcutaneous fat thicknesses, were sensitive to transducer angle. Reliability of pennation angle and fascicle lengths improved with the use of our device. Using our device, reliable muscle architecture measures can be made for the rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis in healthy young adults.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: The arrangement of small muscle components, known as fascicles, can be observed in humans using ultrasound imaging. These fascicle arrangements can be measured to improve understanding of muscle function and disease processes. A potential problem of viewing muscle with ultrasound is that the angle of the probe head against the skin can alter the appearance of the muscle fascicles. The goal of this research was to improve current methods of ultrasound imaging of two thigh muscles. We have created a novel 3D-printed device to attach to the existing ultrasound probe. This 3D-printed device stabilizes the ultrasound probe head; and accurately determines the angles between the ultrasound probe head and the surface of the skin. In this study, the use of this device improved reliability of our ultrasound images by >20%. Future use of this device may improve measurements of muscle fascicles acquired with ultrasound imaging.


title: Pool boiling heat transfer enhancement with sink electrical discharge machined surfaces

contributor:
Koshy, Philip
Hamed, Mohamed
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Electrical discharge machining
Pool boiling
Surface roughness
Heat transfer enhancement
Heat transfer coefficient

abstract: Heat transfer technologies based on boiling refer to applications like heat pumps, waste heat recovery systems, power plants and electronic components cooling. The widespread use of boiling as the heat transfer mode is due to high heat transfer coefficients associated with the phase change from liquid to vapor. Boiling heat transfer coefficients can be further enhanced by modifying the texture or chemical composition of the interface at which boiling occurs. The objective of this research is to fabricate textured surfaces with electrical discharge machining (EDM) and investigate the enhancement in pool boiling heat transfer, concerning machining and surface characterization parameters. It is complemented by a qualitative analysis of bubble dynamics with high-speed imaging, to provide insights into the differences in boiling performance associated with the changes in surface topography. Sink electrical discharge machined surfaces demonstrated ten times higher heat transfer coefficient compared to a polished surface during these studies.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Use of Imines and Iminium Salts in Alkaloid Synthesis

contributor:
MacLean, David
Chemistry

subject:
imines
iminium salts
alkaloid synthesis

abstract:
The usefulness of imines and iminium salts in the convergent synthesis of alkaloids and their synthetic analogues is described. Thus the anion derived from [3,4-c]pyridin-3[1H]-one, by treatment with LDA (lithium diisopropylamide) or LHS, (lithium bis-trimethylsilylamide) reacts with 2-methyl-3, 4-dihydro- isoquinolinium salts yielding aza
analogues of phthalideisoquinoline alkaloids. The condensation of the same anion with 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines has provided, in a single step, azaprotoberberines containing the benzo[a)pyrido[3,4-g]quinolizine structure found in a number of Alangium alkaloids. The reaction of methyllithium with oxoberberine as a means of introducing a methyl group C-8 is described. The resulting iminium salt was reduced to a mixture of racemic a- and B-8-methylcanadines. This reaction has been applied to the synthesis of the Alangium alkaloid (+/-)-alamaridine. Condensation of lithium salts of 3-cyano-4-methylpyridine and 3-cyano-4-methyl-5-vinylpyridine with a complex of 3 ,4-dihydroisoquinolines and trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulphonate has been studied. The amidines formed as condensation products were transformed by hydrolysis into 5,6,13,14-tetrahydro-8H-isoquino[2,1-b][2,7]-naphthyridin-8-ones, a ring system found in several alkaloids of Alangtum lamarckii. These reactions have been employed in the synthesis of the Alangium alkaloids, (±)-alangimaridine and alangimarine. The usefulness of this reaction has been further demonstrated in the synthesis of N-benzyl derivatives of 3,14-dihydronauclefine and 3,14-dihydroangustine containing 8,13,13b,14-tetrahydroindolo[2•,3•:3,4]pyrido[1,2-b][2,7]-naphthyridin- 5[7H]-one.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Reactivation of UV-Irradiated Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in Cockayne's Syndrome and Xeroderma Pigmentosum Cells

title: Reactivation of UV-Irradiated Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in Human Cells

contributor:
Rainbow, Andrew
Biology

subject:
herpes simplex virus
xeroderma pigmentosum
cockayne's syndrome
uv-irradiation

abstract:
Host cell reactivation (HCR) of UV-irradiated (UV'd) herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), capacity of UV'd cells to support HSV-2 plaque formation and UV enhanced reactivation (UVER) of UV'd HSV-2 were examined in human fibroblasts. The cells were derived from four Cockayne's Syndrome (CS) patients, 5 xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients and 5 normal patients.
Survival curves for HCR of HSV-2 plaque formation showed 2- components. HCR was not significantly different in the CS
strains and an XP variant strain compared to normal, whereas all excision deficient strains showed a significant reduction
in HCR. The o37 values for the delayed capacity curves were in the range 8.6-12.4 J/m2 for the normal strains, 3.1-5.1
J/m2 for the CS strains, 6.7 J/m2 for an XP variant strain and between 0.40-1.98 J/m2 for the XP excision deficient strains
examined. UVER was also examined for HSV-2 UV-irradiated to survival levels of 10-2 and 10-3 in unirradiated cells. Maximum
delayed UVER was observed in normal strains at a UV dose of 15 J/m2 to the virus. Maximum UVER in CS cells was detected at a UV dose of 5 J/m2 to the cells, in XP excision deficient cells maximum UVER occurred at doses ranging from 0.5-2.5 J/m2 to the cells, and in XP variant maximum UVER occurred at 10 J/m2 to the cells. In all cell strains the level of UVER increased with increasing UV dose to the virus. Results are discussed in terms of the repair defects of CS and XP cells and their relationship to possible viral repair functions. In addition, the possible existence of an inducible DNA repair response is discussed in terms of the results of this study.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: A Multiproduct Approach to Physician Output Mix

contributor:
Spencer, Byron
Economics

subject:
physician
physician output mix
multiproduct approach

abstract:
Budgetary restraints have forced a re-evaluation of expenditures for health care. regardless of the methods of delivery and financing. Efficiency in resource allocation implies production of an optimal output mix at minimum opportunity cost. Inefficiencies in resource allocation will result in higher costs. It is often argued that the fee-for-service reimbursement method, in particular, provides incentives for over-servicing, with elective surgery receiving most attention since international and intranational variations were out of line with variations in morbidity. Although the initial concern of physicians was with the clinical risks of unnecessary surgery. concern with the rising costs of providing health care has turned attention to financial factors as possible explanations of the variations in elective surgical procedures. The physician plays a key role in the allocation of resources in the health care sector. It is, therefore, likely that the aggregate output mix of different services will be responsive to the differential relative benefit rates received by physicians, with a bias in favour of the more expensive procedures and the consequent higher costs for the system as a whole. The physician's key role is emphasized in this study with the emphasis on supplier incentives and the inherent multiproduct nature of health care output. Economic theory predicts a movement along the production possibility frontier in output space in response to relative price changes. Econometric estimation of multiproduct production relations has been facilitated by the application of duality theory and the development of flexible functional forms. Duality theory establishes that the parameters of the production function can be represented equally well by the corresponding dual profit or cost function. Flexible functional forms for the profit function permit derivation of supply equations with relative prices as independent variables. Four elective surgical procedures were selected in order to
estimate the aggregate substitution in production by physicians. With pooled cross-section and time series data for Canada for the period 1973 to 1981, the supply equations were estimated as a system, using the SURE estimation technique. Supply elasticities for price changes and changes in the key fixed factors were calculated. While emphasis was on the price response, the functional form incorporated the constraints imposed by the availability of hospital beds and surgical specialists. Evidence was found in support of the view that physicians allocate their time partly in response to changes in the prices of elective procedures relative to other procedures. With global budget constraints imposed on hospital expenditures, the four procedures, being elective, might possibly be given lower priority. Also, the estimated coefficients for the lagged dependent variables suggest that an inertia model of adjustment applies. Although incentives may exist in the fee structure to substitute toward the more expensive procedures, the results suggest that, at least for the period of the study. substitution was not on the basis of price alone. and that resource constraints. as proxied jointly by the number of hospital beds and surgical specialists, play a greater role in determining aggregate output.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Assessment of DNA Profiling in Reconstructing the History of Natural Populations and Identifying Conservation Units

title: DNA Profiling and Population History in Conservation

contributor:
White, B. N.
Biology

subject:
DNA profiling
history of natural populations
history
conservation unit
reconstructing history

abstract: The fundamental objective of conservation genetics is the identification of the basic units of conservation. Central to this objective is the reconstruction of the adaptive and evolutionary history of populations to evaluate their conservation status. Evolutionary history involves both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary processes and adaptive history is the evolution of specific characters to selective ecological processes in differential heterogeneous environments. Neutral DNA markers such as mitochondrial DNA, minisatellites and microsatellites are most often used for reconstructing history and identifying conservation units. This thesis examined three biological systems: 1) an African cichlid, 2) Canadian moose populations and 3) eastern North American wolves and coyotes to test two hypotheses. Firstly, neutral DNA markers can be used to accurately reconstruct the evolutionary history of populations. Secondly, neutral DNA markers are concordant with adaptive distinctiveness in reconstructing the adaptive history of populations. Few studies have examined these relationships. Lake Magadi tilapia showed discordant patterns between adaptive morphological, physiological and behavioural characters and genetic structure assessed with mitochondrial DNA. I propose this discordance has resulted from selection acting on mitochondrial DNA that has often been assumed to be "neutral". Neutral DNA markers accurately reflected the known history of the moose populations but discordant patterns were observed between neutral and functional loci indicating the former may not accurately reflect adaptive variation. DNA profiles of eastern wolves and coyotes showed a significant conflict in the interpretation of mtDNA and microsatellite data compared to previous genetic studies that examined wolf taxonomy. The data were consistent with the hypothesis of a North American-evolved wolf. Coyote-like mtDNA was not of coyote origin but represented divergent but related sequences of a North American wolf lineage independent of the gray wolf (C. lupus). Under this new model of eastern wolf evolution, we also identified the hybrid origin of eastern coyotes, contrary to previous interpretations, and genetically characterised different wolf "types" within Ontario. These findings could not reject the first hypothesis as neutral markers were used to reconstruct the histories of the three biological systems. However, the findings identified that it is important to ensure the neutrality of DNA markers and that samples are representative of the taxa under investigation. The findings in this thesis did not support the second hypothesis, as neutral DNA markers were not concordant with adaptive characters, i.e. morphology, physiology and functional genetic markers.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Candidate in Philosophy


title: Opposites and Explanations in Heraclitus

contributor:
Johnstone, Mark
Hitchcock, David
Jones, Howard
Philosophy

subject:
Heraclitus
Opposites
Metaphysics
Greek Philosophy
Theology
Ancient Science
Value Theory

abstract: My dissertation advances a solution to what I have called the problem of opposites in Heraclitus. The problem is this: Heraclitus often juxtaposes pairs of opposites, but the opposites he cites seem to be of many different kinds. How are we to explain this feature of the fragments? The default method of solution for interpreters has been to find a single thesis under which to subsume all the divergent examples of opposites. Some such theses are as follows: opposites are identical (Aristotle, Barnes), opposites are essentially connected (Kirk), opposites are transformationally equivalent (Graham), identical things can have opposite significances in different situations (Osborne). The main problem all these solutions face is that each is only able to make sense of some of the examples of opposition in Heraclitus, while ignoring or downplaying the significance of others. In order to solve this problem, I offer an interpretation on which Heraclitus was advancing multiple opposites theses, each of which contains interesting, philosophical content. The theses are as follows: The Transformation Thesis: the world contains opposing stuffs which transform into one another in such a way that they are transformationally equivalent, and therefore unified. The Dependence Thesis: objects are ontologically dependent for their existence (i.e. that they exist) and their identity (i.e. their ‘nature’ or φύσις) on opposing, yet essential properties which are necessarily inherent in them. The Value Thesis: it is possible for one and the same object to have opposing values (i.e. to be both objectively good and objectively bad). But why would Heraclitus promote multiple opposites theses? On my interpretation Heraclitus was responding to his Ionian predecessors who treated opposites as explanatory principles. Heraclitus seems to be saying that opposites are not explanatory principles since opposites themselves need to be explained. Hence the opposites are explananda, for Heraclitus, and the three theses are his explanantia.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: In this dissertation I offer a new interpretation of an ancient Greek philosopher named Heraclitus who stands at the beginning of the timeline of Western philosophy (around 500BC). It has often been thought that Heraclitus had something interesting to say about opposites (e.g. hot and cold, up and down). Most scholars think that Heraclitus intended to say that opposites are connected; that is, hot is connected to cold since we cannot think of hot without its opposite, cold. I argue in this dissertation that this interpretation and other, alternative interpretations, fail to make good sense of what Heraclitus said about opposites. Rather, I argue that Heraclitus was treating opposites (e.g. hot and cold, up and down) as philosophical problems that need to be explained in order to be solved.


title: LOW TEMPERATURE DOLOMITE SYNTHESIS: REACTION KINETICS, UREA CATALYSIS AND ISOTOPIC ANALYSES

contributor:
Kim, Sang-Tae
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject: Dolomite Synthesis Urea

abstract:
Dolomite is a naturally abundant carbonate mineral possessing important links to economic mineral deposits, petroleum reservoirs and carbonate geochemistry, yet the geochemical conditions by which it forms remain a mystery. Abundant attempts to synthesis dolomite at temperatures below 100 °C have proved unsuccessful, forming the paradox known as the “dolomite problem”. This study demonstrates a newly developed method capable of synthesizing dolomite at temperatures as low as 60 °C. This method, involving the addition of solid phase Na2CO3 to Ca-Mg2+ cation solutions, seemingly overcomes the kinetic barriers known to inhibit dolomite formation by rapid replacement of Na2CO3. Furthermore, although previously proposed to encourage dolomite formation, the role of urea facilitating dolomite synthesis is confirmed. The addition of varying urea concentrations is found to improve the stoichiometry and cation ordering of dolomite between 50 - 80 °C, and notably, dolomite synthesis at 50 °C requires a 252 mmolal urea concentration in solution. These findings provide a foundational tool which will greatly benefit future research into answering the “dolomite problem”.
Due to the inability to synthesize dolomite at low temperatures, understanding of isotope fractionation between dolomite and water has been poorly constrained. Therefore, calibrations of the dolomite-water oxygen isotope paleothermometer are scarce, relying on data from either the extrapolation of high temperature (> 100 °C) dolomite studies or protodolomite synthesized at more ambient temperatures. Provided here is a new dolomite-water oxygen isotope fractionation curve, constructed from dolomite synthesized between 50 - 80 °C. Although certain dolomite synthesized by the method developed in this study display apparent isotopic heterogeneity, a correction is applied to more closely resemble isotopic equilibrium fractionation between dolomite and water. Initial investigations into isotope effects associated with dolomite synthesis by the method developed here are promising and should strengthen the role of dolomite in carbonate geochemistry research.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: On the Effect of False Positives in Group and Individual Testing of Blood for the Presence of HIV

contributor:
Gupta, D
Statistics

subject:
false positive
blood
HIV

abstract: In this thesis we develop a model which allows us to evaluate Modified Dorfman's and Modified Sterrett's group testing procedures in the presence of false positive classification error that can be used for screening blood for HIV. Performance measures derived are the expected number of tests per sample and the corresponding coefficient of variation. The procedures differ from the original ones by the fact that groups and samples are retested certain number of times before they are classified as positive. Modified Individual testing procedure and the procedure currently used by Canadian Red Cross are also evaluated and all four testing strategies are compared. Numerical analysis illustrates that group testing is more efficient than alternatives.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF A DUAL ACTIVE BRIDGE CONVERTER FOR SMART HOME APPLICATIONS: DESIGN OF AN OPTIMAL INTEGRATED FORCED AIR HEAT-PIPE EMBEDDED HEATSINK COOLING SYSTEM

contributor:
Emadi, Ali
Bauman, Jennifer
Mechanical Engineering

abstract:
Due to significant progress in power density and miniaturization in the field of power electronics, point of converter packaging is becoming an important issue. Thermal management techniques should be implemented in design of a converter cooling system for ensuring robust functionality during the device operation. The thermal deign of a power converter under specific power loss is mainly determined by the maximum allowable temperature of the power switches. During operation, these switches experience rapid power transitions and therefore reliable thermal management must be used to prevent device failures.
The objective of this research is to design a reliable, efficient, small cooling system for a power converter using in smart home applications. Considering the limitations in the converter’s size an integrated forced air heat pipe heat sink cooling system is proposed. A thermal model for the proposed cooling system is developed. In addition, the accuracy of the model in combination with multiple heat sources is verified with simulation and validated experimentally by building a setup for the proposed cooling system with multiple heat sources. Finally, the validated model is used in optimization algorithms for finding the optimal design of the cooling system.
In this thesis the geometrical configurations of the heat sink along with the fan selection options is optimized. Two objective functions, volume and efficiency of the cooling system, have been selected as the design space. The optimization problem has been limited to six degrees of freedom represented by number of fins, fin height, fin thickness, heat sink width, base plate thickness and fan selection options.
The optimization is carried out using two different algorithms, Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Comparisons of the results of these two algorithms presented in this study show that TLBO algorithm requires less evaluations to find the optimal design compare to PSO. It has also been found that TLBO is more robust since it does not have any algorithm-controlling parameters. The improvement from robustness of the TLBO algorithm comes at the reliable results in terms of finding the optimum design more accurately.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: MOLECULAR RECOGNITION EVENTS IN POLYMER-BASED SYSTEMS

contributor:
Hoare, Todd
Biomedical Engineering

subject: molecular recognition, polymers, hydrogels, biosensing, drug discovery, controlled release devices

abstract:
Molecular recognition is an important tool for developing tunable controlled release systems and fabricating biosensors with increased selectivity and sensitivity.  The development of polymer-based materials that exploit molecular recognition events such as host-guest complexation, enzyme-substrate and enzyme-inhibitor interactions and nucleic acid hybridization was pursued in this thesis.  Using polymers as an anchor for molecular recognition can enhance the affinity, selectivity, and the capacity for immobilization of recognition units, enabling the practical use of affinity-based systems in real applications.
To introduce the potential for immobilization while preserving or enhancing the affinity of small molecule recognition units, the affinity of derivatized cyclodextrins for the hydrophobic drug, dexamethasone, was investigated. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are molecules that possess a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic cavity capable of accommodating a wide range of small molecule guests.  Analysis of the solubilization capacities, thermodynamic parameters and aggregative potentials of carboxymethyl and hydrazide derivatives of CDs established the dextran-conjugated βCD derivative as an ideal carrier of hydrophobic drugs and the hydrazide βCD derivative as an optimal solubilizer of lipophilic pharmaceuticals, both alone and when incorporated in a polymer-based drug delivery vehicle.
To enable non-covalent immobilization and stabilization of biomacromolecular recognition units, a printed layer hydrogel was investigated as a selective diffusion barrier for analyte sensing and enzyme inhibitor recognition.  A printable hydrogel platform was developed from an established injectable system composed of aldehyde- and hydrazide-functionalized poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate) polymers.  The printed layer hydrogel effectively immobilized a wide range of enzymes and protected enzyme activity against time-dependent and protease-induced denaturation, while facilitating the diffusion of small molecules.  Furthermore, to demonstrate the potential of the printed film hydrogel immobilization layer to enhance the selectivity of the target, the printable hydrogel platform was used to develop a microarray-based assay for the screening of inhibitors of the model enzyme, β-lactamase.  The assay was able to accurately quantify dose-response relationships of a series of established inhibitors, while reducing the required reagent volumes in traditional drug screening campaigns by 95%.   Most significantly, the assay demonstrated an ability to discriminate true inhibitors of β-lactamase from a class of non-specific inhibitors called promiscuous aggregating inhibitors.
Finally, to enable non-covalent immobilization of DNA recognition units, the printable hydrogel-based microarray was tested for its ability to immobilize DNA recognition sites and promote the detection of DNA hybridization events.  A long, concatameric DNA molecule was generated through rolling circle amplification and was used as a sensing material for the detection of a small, fluorophore labeled oligonucleotide.  The printable hydrogel was able to effectively entrap the rolling circle amplification product. Properties of the printable hydrogel were investigated for their ability to support the detection of DNA hybridization events.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: This thesis describes the development of polymer-based materials that exploit molecular recognition events for drug delivery and biosensing applications.  First, cyclodextrins (CDs) are molecules that are capable of binding a wide range of small molecules.  A comprehensive analysis of the complexation properties of CD derivatives revealed critical insight regarding their application in polymer-based drug delivery vehicles.  Second, a printable hydrogel platform was developed to support the immobilization and activity of biomolecules and establish a biosensing interface that facilitates the diffusion of small molecules but not molecular aggregates.  A microarray-based assay was developed by employing the printed hydrogel interface for the screening of inhibitors of the model enzyme, β-lactamase, and the detection of DNA hybridization events.


title: The active theory of knowledge in St. Augustine

subject:
active theory
Manichaeism
sensation
knowledge
St. Augustine
skepticism

abstract: The original document does not provide an abstract. McMaster Digitization Centre, 14 March 2019.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY AND SURFACE ROUGHNESS IN SELECTIVE LASER MELTING OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS

title: QUALITY IN SELECTIVE LASER MELTING OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS

contributor:
ELBESTAWI, MO
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
SELECTIVE LASER MELTING
ALUMINUM
SURFACE ROUGHNESS
DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY
DESIGN OF EXPERIMENT

abstract: Additive manufacturing (AM) has the ability to fabricate components of high geometric complexity that are difficult or near impossible to be produced by traditional manufacturing technologies. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a commonly used AM technology for metallic fabrications. SLM offers the opportunities to customize the characteristics of the as-build part produced, by adjusting the laser settings. However, high strength aluminum (Al) alloys presents an obstacle for SLM production due to the low alloying content, which increases the alloys’ probabilities to form cracks due to thermal stress induced by the SLM build process. The current study focuses on the study of surface roughness and dimensional accuracy of SLM fabrication of Al6061 and AlSi10Mg. Using design of experiment (DOE), wide ranges SLM process parameters were experimented with, and their individual effect along with their interactive effects on the fabricated parts’ quality were evaluated. The quality characteristics studied are: microstructures, microhardness, tensile strength (ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength), density, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy. Regression models were created for each quality characteristics, and the combination of density, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy results was used to create processing window for SLM that ensures the production of high-quality parts. The work aims to not only be used as-is, to help with the selection of SLM process parameters for Al6061 and AlSi10Mg that will reduce the post- processing time, but also to set a foundation for future development for numerical models that could better predict and describe the relations between SLM process parameters and the part’s fundamental qualities.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Extending the Theory for the Primary Consolidation of Soils

contributor:
Wilson, Nyal E.
Civil Engineering

subject:
Terzaghi Theory
permeability
void ratio
effective pressure
soils
consolidation

abstract: The classical Terzaghi Theory was extended by accounting for the variations of permeability during consolidation. With the aid of X-ray techniques, investigations on the significance of the variation of permeability, as well as the variations of void ratio and effective pressure, were conducted. Effects of the conventional consolidometer boundary on consolidation testing were studied.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Perfectivity, Telicity and New Testament Interpretation towards a Corpus Approach to Koine Greek Event Typology

contributor:
Porter, Stanley
Westfall, Cynthia
Christian Theology

subject:
perfectivity
telicity
new testament
corpus approach
Koine Greek
event typology

abstract: In the discussion of the relationship between aspect and Aktionsart, it is generally agreed that aspect is a feature of the tense-form and Aktionsart depends on tense-form together with other clausal and contextual features such as lexical meaning and adjuncts used with the verb. Recent works have tried to find predictable patterns of meaning that emerge when a certain set of clausal factors and lexical features combine with one of the aspects. Most of these works are theoretical in nature and heavily rely on Zeno Vendler's quadripartition of lexical classes as part of their theory. These works are confined to the Greek of the New Testament, and often produce different and even incompatible results. This study presents an empirical approach to verify these results. Following previous works on corpus linguistics to analyze Hellenistic Greek, this study attempts to look for empirical evidence regarding what role lexical semantics and other contextual factors contribute to the choice of aspect. Using a body of text that forms a representative sample of Hellenistic text, the goal is to investigate distribution of tense-forms and lexis in the literature. Lexis are tested in groups according to Vendler's classes and also individually, and other contextual factors will also be considered. To narrow down this study to a manageable scope, the semantic feature of telicity is chosen for examination. This feature is foundational in the formulation of Vendler's taxonomy and is often mentioned with or even conflated with the perfective aspect. It has not been adequately demonstrated whether or not aspectual choices in Koine Greek are dependent on Vendler's telicity distinction. It is argued that, based on empirical evidence, telicity and perfectivity are not related in a systematic manner in Koine Greek. As a corollary, Atkionsart should be considered as an interpretive category, meaning that the value cannot be systematized in a linguistic analysis but can only be determined in the process of interpretation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The effect of Lactobacilli and female sex hormones on the innate immune responses of vaginal epithelial cells.

contributor:
Kaushic, Charu
Medical Sciences

subject:
vaginal microbiota
HIV
vaginal epithelial cells
innate immunity
female sex hormones

abstract: The female genital tract represents the first line of defence against HIV. Biological factors such as female sex hormones, and the vaginal microbiota are known to affect HIV susceptibility at this site. The female sex hormone estradiol is known to play a protective role, whereas the progestin based contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate increases HIV susceptibility HIV. In addition, a Lactobacilli dominant vaginal microbiota is generally protective against HIV. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of female sex hormones, and Lactobacilli on the innate immune response of vaginal epithelial cells.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON LOSS OF BONE MASS IN THE OVARIECTOMIZED RAT

contributor:
Wohl, Greg
Biomedical Engineering

subject:
bone
electrical stimulation
biomedical engineering
osteoporosis

abstract:
In osteoporosis treatment, current interventions suffer from challenges of guaranteed efficacy for patients. Electrical stimulation has been shown to improve bone mass in animal models of disuse, but there have been no studies of the effects of electrical stimulation on bone loss in a hormone deficiency model. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of electrical stimulation on bone mass in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model.
	We developed a custom electrical stimulation device capable of delivering a constant current, 15 Hz sinusoidal signal. We used 30 female Sprague Dawley rats (12-13 weeks old). Half were OVX, and half underwent sham OVX surgery (SHAM). These rats were divided into baseline, stimulation (stim), and no-stimulation (no-stim) groups. Stimulation groups received transdermal electrical stimulation to the right knee, while the left knee served as a non-stimulated contralateral control. The no-stimulation groups had electrodes placed on the right knee, but not connected. Rats underwent the procedure for one hour per day for six weeks. Rats were sacrificed (CO2) after six weeks. Femurs and tibias were scanned by microCT. MicroCT data were analyzed for trabecular and cortical bone measures.
	Femurs and tibias from OVX rats had significantly less trabecular bone than SHAM. In the distal femur of OVX-stim rats, bone volume fraction was significantly greater in the stimulated right than the non-stimulated contralateral (left). There were no differences between stim and no-stim groups for tibial trabecular measures, or cortical bone measures in either the femur or the tibia.
	This study presents novel findings that electrical stimulation can partially mitigate bone loss in the OVX rat femur, a model of human post-menopausal bone loss. Further work is needed to explore why there was a differential response of the tibial and femoral bone, and to better understand how bone cells respond to electrical stimulation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract: In osteoporosis treatment, current interventions, including pharmaceutical treatments and exercise protocols, suffer from challenges of guaranteed efficacy for patients and poor patient compliance. Moreover, bone loss continues to be a complication factor for conditions such as spinal cord injury, prescribed bed-rest, and space flights. A low-cost treatment modality could improve patient compliance. Electrical stimulation has been shown to improve bone mass in animal models of disuse, but there have been no studies of the effects of electrical stimulation on bone in the context of bone loss under hormone deficiency such as in post-menopausal osteoporosis. To explore whether electrical stimulation could positively affect bone mass, we developed and tested a custom electrical stimulation device in the ovariectomized rat model of post-menopausal osteoporosis.


title: IMMOBILIZING DNAzymes ON SURFACES FOR BIOSENSING APPLICATIONS

contributor:
Filipe, Carlos
Li, Yingfu
Chemical Engineering

subject:
RNA-cleaving DNAzyme
Immobilization
Agarose beads
Biosensors
Bacterial detection
Fluorescence assay

abstract:
Pathogenic bacteria pose serious threats to public health and safety. They can cause illness, death, and substantial economic losses. The most widely used bacterial detection methods include cell culturing, antibody-based assays, and nucleic acid amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Unfortunately, these techniques are not well suited for point-of-care application, especially in the resource-limited regions of the world, as they require highly trained personnel to perform the test, they take a long time to complete (especially culturing), and they require sophisticated lab equipment. Thus, there is a great need for simpler, faster, and more accurate methods for bacterial detection. In this thesis, we present a simple, low-cost assay for detecting pathogenic bacteria that is based on the immobilization of a bacteria-specific RNA-cleaving DNAzyme (DNAzyme) onto a surface. If the target bacteria is present, a fluorescently labelled piece of DNA (FDNA) is released through the activity of the DNAzyme; if the target bacteria is not present, the FDNA remains attached to the surface as part of the DNAzyme construct. This method allows untrained users to determine whether a target bacteria is present by simply monitoring the fluorescence intensity in the liquid phase with a hand-held fluorimeter. The first step in this work was to experimentally evaluate different surfaces (including reduced graphene oxide and different beads) onto which the DNAzyme could be immobilized. These tests determined that agarose beads, covered with streptavidin, were ideally suited for DNAzyme immobilization. Next, we conducted a comparative evaluation of the kinetics/activity of the DNAzyme that had been immobilized onto the beads and the free DNAzyme in solution; the results of this evaluation revealed virtually identical reaction rates for the two cases, suggesting no loss of activity after immobilization. Finally, we explored how the DNAzyme sequence length influenced the assay. Specifically, we analyzed a full-length DNAzyme (Full DNAzyme) sequence and a truncated alternative (Short DNAzyme) and found that the full-length construct resulted in faster signal generation. Therefore, it was determined that the long version should be used in the assays.
When coupled with a filtration step, the immobilization of biotinylated DNAzymes onto the surface of streptavidin-coated agarose beads enabled the sensitive detection of E. coli in both water samples and complex matrices, such as milk and apple juice. The bead-based assay was able to produce a strong fluorescence signal readout in as little as 2.5 min following contact with E. coli, and it was capable of achieving a detection limit of 1,000 colony-forming units (CFUs) without sample enrichment. As DNAzyme probes can be generated through in vitro selection to react to different bacteria, the RNA-cleavage based detection mechanism described in this work can be adapted for the detection of a wide range of bacterial targets. Overall, this research has led to the development of a highly sensitive and easy-to-use fluorescent bacterial detection assay that is highly attractive for field applications, especially in resource-limited regions.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Social and Economic development of Fertile Belt #351 including history, material population, institutional development, periods of depression and methods of relief

title: Social and Economic development of R.M. of Fertile Belt #351 including history, material population, institutional development, periods of depression and methods of relief

subject:
Fertile Belt
regional municipality
depression
social development
economic development
settlement
colonies
institutional development

abstract: The legibility of the digitized copy is limited due to the quality of the original document. McMaster Digitization Centre, 9 March 2019.

abstract:
1.	Brief summary of location, topographical, and agricultural features.
2.	History.
The history of R.M. of Fertile Belt, largely the history of settlement by “colonies”.
1884 – Founding of Round Lake Indian Mission (Presbyterian) by Rev. H. (Dr.) McKay. A short history of the work of this mission.
1886 – Founding of Kaposvar Hungarian Colony by Count Paul Esterhazy under direction of Lord Mount Stephen. C.P.R. and Federal Government co-operating. Grant of 125,000 acres. Location. First settlers from the United States. Reinforcements from Hungary in 1888.
1900 – Stockholm Hungarian colony daughter colony of Kaposvar.
1888 – Settlement of Bohemian, Slovak and other Slavonic elements in district north of Kaposvar. First settlers from mines of Pennsylvania. Bulk of settlers after 1900 from Austria and Poland.
1886 – July 1st – Founding of New Stockholm Scandinavian colony on the north bank of Qu’Appelle River above Round Lake. P.O. “Ohren”, founded in 1889.
Building of the C.P.R. Kirkella-Saskatoon branch through Fertile Belt in 1902, also G.T.P. through the same area ten miles north in 1907. The significance of these roads and the consequent settlement and development.
3.	Material Population
Present status of the main national groups: Hungarian, Bohemian-Slavonic, and Scandinavian. Population of Fertile Belt and approximate numbers of each.
Social life in early days of the colonies. The place of the church in community life. Traditions and customs of the old land transferred to the new. History and influence of churches in Fertile Belt. Church leaders as immigration and colonization agents for railroads and governments. Assimilation. The use of the Continental and English languages. The problem of the second generation, Education. Inter-marriage.
4.	Institutional Development.
Churches and schools. From Local Improvement District to Rural Municipality. Farm organizations.
5.	Periods of Depression and Methods of Relief.
Difficulties of early settlement including:
Drought of 1891-92. Low prices of agricultural products and their relation to other commodities. Long distance to markets.
The period centering on 1906-07, with some statistics relating to prices of farm products.
Period following The Great War. Review of Loan, Mortgage and Debt situation which developed chiefly in and during the five years following the War. Approximate numbers of farmers involved. Possibilities of recuperation.
Three dry years, 1929-30-31. Average yields. Summer 1931 R.M. Fertile Belt included in Provincial Relief area.
Taxes, the mill rate, methods of collection. School taxes, difficulties of keeping schools in operation, low rates of teachers’ salaries. The compulsory tax collection act of 1932 passed by the Provincial House.
The forced return to the farm and the community as an economic unit. The greater emphasis on mixed farming. The “Bennett” wagon, the spinning wheel, and home grown “coffee”.
Depression psychology, including attitude to creditors.

Some remarks on the depression as it affects the standard of living, education, morals and the opportunities of the rising generation. Effects of depression on the social and religious life of the community.
Inclusion of R.M. Fertile Belt in Provincial Relief Area, “C” division, August 1931.
(1)	Direct Relief:
Red Cross operating through municipal office. Notes in payment for clothing.
Direct relief given by municipality in form of orders on local stores.
(2)	Indirect Relief:
Road work paid for by orders on local stores, a public work program supported jointly by province and municipality.
Road work in payment for taxes, a municipal project. Construction of Highway No. 9 through R.M. of Fertile Belt. A provincial relief project, the farmer working under government contractor. Payment in cash.
General comments on the efficiency, utility, and feasibility of the above projects.
(3)	Feed Relief.
Price. Quality. Terms of repayment. Amounts of hay and grain distributed. Administration.
(4)	Seed Relief.
Price. Quality. Amounts. Terms of repayment. Administration.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: The history of education in upper Canada

subject:
education
upper Canada
educational system
religious instruction
university
grammar schools
public school
Public School Act of 1870
British North American Act

abstract: The legibility of the digitized copy is limited due to the quality of the original document. McMaster Digitization Centre, 18 March 2019.

abstract: The original document does not provide an abstract. McMaster Digitization Centre, 18 March 2019.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: REWARDING CIVILITY IN CANADA’S BATTLE OF THE BOOKS: CANADA READS AND THE POLITE DISCOURSE OF ELIMINATION

contributor:
Coleman, Daniel
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
Canada Reads
Canadian Literature
Indigneous
Settler
Colonialism
Reconciliation
Multiculturalism
CBC

abstract: This thesis looks at three seasons of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) radio show Canada Reads – 2014, 2015, and 2016. I examine how each year’s debates over reconciliation (2014), inclusive multiculturalism (2015), and Canada’s role as a global refuge (2016) commonly presume a national mythology that Indigenous peoples have either disappeared or become “Canadian.” I argue that despite the show’s desire to build a better society through encouraging Canadians to read Canadian books, the debates featured on Canada Reads reflect the way assumed Canadian control of Indigenous lands is embedded in the language of Canadian literature and culture to both limit the political disruptiveness of Indigenous presence and reproduce ongoing colonial domination. Central to my argument is the sad truth that, even as the show invites diverse critiques of Canadian society, it nonetheless favours stereotypical narratives of Canadian multiculturalism, benevolence, and civility, and by doing so buttresses Canada’s unchanged status as a settler colonial state. I track and evaluate ruptures in the show's civil language and decorum by reading moments of debate when the logical foundations of these stereotypical national narratives are challenged. Thus, this thesis examines not only what panelists say to each other, but also what their dialogue says to other Canadians. I argue that panelists’ critiques of the nation drawn from their readings of the books - readings that are not so much holistic interpretations of books but strategies for winning the Survivor-style game - are welcomed by the show’s annual social justice themes which then use them to purvey the nation’s virtuous liberalism. Ultimately, my analysis traces how the civil protocols of the program through these three seasons reproduce conflicts between Indigenous peoples and Canadians by reinforcing the inequity of the arrangements of the existing nation-state.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Studies of the Neuroimmune Response in Cancer-Induced Pain

contributor:
Singh, Gurmit
Health Sciences

subject:
cancer
pain
System xC-
glutamate
microglia
neurotrophin

abstract: Cancer-induced pain (CIP) is a debilitating condition that accompanies late-stage cancer for the majority of patients. The work presented in this dissertation addresses the multifaceted role of glutamate in cancer cell-induced pain signalling and provides several potential therapeutic directions. Several cell types, including breast cancer cells and microglia, release glutamate via the system xC- antiporter. To limit the excitotoxic tendency of breast cancer cells to release glutamate in excess, we first indirectly inhibited xCT, the active subunit of system xC-, with the TrkA inhibitor AG879. We demonstrated that the system xC- antiporter is functionally influenced by the actions of nerve growth factor on its cognate receptor, TrkA, and that inhibiting this complex reduced CIP via downstream actions on xCT. Co-culture studies then demonstrated the direct effect of glutamate released by wildtype MDA-MB-231 carcinoma cells on microglial activation, as well as functional system xC- activity, while knockdown of xCT in MDA-MB-231 cells mitigated microglial activation and cystine uptake. Blockade of system xC- with sulfasalazine attenuated nociception in an immunocompetent murine model of CIP and inhibited tumour-induced microglial activation in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Finally, tumour-induced nociceptive behaviours appeared to progress in parallel with microglial activation in the hippocampus, and ablating microglia delayed the onset and severity of tumour-induced nociceptive behaviours, confirming that microglia are implicated in CIP and regional microglia are influenced by this pain. This is the first experimental evidence to demonstrate the effects of peripheral tumour on hippocampal microglial activation in relation to cancer-related nociception. These data collectively demonstrate that the system xC- antiporter is functionally implicated in CIP and may be particularly relevant to pain progression through spinal microglia. Upregulated xCT in chronically activated microglia may be one pathway to central glutamate cytotoxicity. Therefore, microglial xCT may therefore be a valuable target for mitigating CIP.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Science)

abstract: Cancer-induced pain (CIP) is a debilitating condition that accompanies late-stage metastatic cancer. Clinically, achieving analgesia often comes at the expense of patients’ quality of life, as current therapeutics fail to adequately manage this pain and induce dose-dependent side effects. Cancer cells secrete excess amounts of glutamate, a signalling molecule involved in CIP, which can activate immune cells called microglia within the spinal cord. Mice that demonstrate tumour-induced pain exhibit an amplified immune response that manifests through the activation pattern and quantity of microglia within the spinal cord, as well as brain regions implicated in pain and distress. Pharmacologically blocking glutamate release from cancer cells limits this pain response, in addition to several physiological indicators of pain, including microglial activation in the central nervous system. Changes in microglia-related glutamate signalling may reflect the emotional problems reported by patients with CIP. Better understanding the mechanisms of CIP will help generate more comprehensive treatment approaches.