title: The effects of altered heat stress on voluntary pacing strategies during prolonged cycling

subject:
Body temperature -- Regulation
Heat -- Physiological effect
Cycling

abstract:
Central Governor Model (CGM) suggests that perturbations in the rate of
heat storage (AS) are centrally integrated to regulate exercise intensity in a feed-forward
fashion to prevent excessive thermal strain. We directly tested the CGM by manipulating
ambient temperature (Tam)  at 20-minute intervals from 20°C to 35°C, and returning to
20°C, while cycling at a set rate of  perceived exertion (RPE). The synchronicity of  power
output (PO) with changes in HS and Tam were quantified using Auto-Regressive
Integrated Moving Averages analysis. PO fluctuated irregularly but was not significantly
correlated to changes in thermo physiological status. Repeated measures indicated no changes in lactate accumulation. In conclusion, real time dynamic sensation
of  Tam  and integration of  HS does not directly influence voluntary pacing strategies
during sub-maximal cycling at a constant RPE while non-significant changes in blood
lactate suggest an absence of  peripheral fatigue.


title: Lived experiences of children with disabilities in various movement programs

subject: Children with disabilities

subject: Physical fitness for people with disabilities

subject: Movement education

abstract:
This research offered children with disabilities the opportunity to express their
voices in the description of  their movement experiences. Three children aged 10-13
shared their experiences in school physical education and adapted physical activity.
Observations of  participants using interactive media activities in an adapted physical
activity program were used to supplement interviews. The aim of  this research was to
discover how future professionals are prepared to design and implement physical activity
and physical education programs for children with disabilities. A document analysis of
Ontario university course calendars in the fields  of  physical education and kinesiology,
disability studies, and teacher education was utilized. Data from each data context
underwent four levels of  reduction:  1) content, 2) categorical, 3) thematic, and 4)
indigenous typologies. Findings are presented at each level leading to the presentation of
indigenous typologies. Typologies of  Forbidden-ness and Dichotomous Thinking were
identified in the research.


title: The formation of conscience : pedagogy of the sacred

contributor: Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Education

subject:
Conscience
Moral development

abstract:
This qualitative study explores Thomas Green's (1999) treatise,  Voices:  The
Educational Formation of  Conscience; for the purpose of reconstruing the transformative
usefulness of conscience in moral education.  Conscience is "reflexive judgment about
things that matter" (Green,  1999, p.  21).  Paul Lehmann (1963) suggested that we must
"do the conscience over or  do the conscience in" (p. 327).  Thomas Green "does the
conscience over", arguing that a philosophy of moral education, and not a moral
philosophy, provides the only framework from which governance of moral behaviour can
be understood. Narratives from four one-to-one interviews and a focus group are
analysed and interpreted in search of:  (a)  awareness and understanding of conscience,  (b)
voices of  conscience,  (c) normation,  (d) reflexive emotions, and (e) the idea of the sacred.
Participants in this study (ages  16-21) demonstrated an active awareness of  their
conscience and a willingness to engage in a reflective process of  their moral behaviour.
They understood their conscience to be a process of self-judgment about what is right and
wrong, and that its authority comes from within themselves. Narrative accounts from
childhood indicated that conscience is there "from the beginning" with evidence of selfcorrecting behaviour.  A maturing conscience is accompanied by an increased cognitive
capacity, more complicated life experiences, and individualization.  Moral motivation
was grounded in " a  desire to connect with things that are most important."  A model for
conscience formation is proposed, which visualizes a critical path of  reflexive emotions.
It is argued that schools,  striving to shape good citizens, can promote conscience formation through a "curriculum of moral skills"; a curriculum that embraces complexity, diversity, social criticism, and selfhood.


title: Creating a global consciousness throught the driver model of curriculum development

subject: Educational change -- Cross-cultural studies

subject: International education

subject: Multicultural education

subject: Curriculum planning

abstract:
The purpose of  this study was to investigate the effect a human link through the
One World Youth Project has on a global education program, if a human connection
through the program enhances a student's ability to develop a critical consciousness of
global issues, and the etTectiveness of thc constructivist-based Driver Model of
Curriculum Development, which served as the curriculum model in this study.  An action
based research cycle was chosen as this study's research methodology and incorporated 5
qualitative data collection instruments: a) interviews and questionnaires,  b) artifacts, c)
teacher journal, d) critical friend's observation forms, and e) my critical friend's
postobservation interviews.  The data were conected from 4 student participants and my
critical friend during all stages of the action research cycle.
The results of this study provide educators with data on the impact of  human
connections in a global education program, the effects these connections have on students, and the effectiveness of  the Driver Model of Curriculum Development. This
study also provides practical activities and strategies that could be used by educators to
develop their own global education programs.
The United Nations drafted the Millennium Development Goals in an effort to
improve the lives of  billions of  people across the globe.  The eight goals were developed
with the support of all  member nations since all human beings are global citizens who
have a responsibility to make the world a better place.  Students need to develop a critical
consciousness of  global issues so that they can work with others to eliminate them.
Students who are taught to restate the opinions of  others win not be prepared to inherit a
world full of challenges that will require new innovative ideas to foster positive change.


title: Effectiveness of personal planning for residents re-entering the community during the facility initiative in Ontario

subject: People with mental disabilities -- Deinstitutionalization -- Ontario

subject: People with disabilities -- Services for -- Ontario

abstract:
This paper reports on the relocation of  people with intellectual disabilities
(ID) from large-scale provincially run institutions that took place in Ontario
as part of  the Facility Initiative.  Three case studies were examined in order
to report on this process as experienced by those who lived and worked
through it.  Specifically, the planning process conducted by the Ministry of
Community and Social Services (MCSS) to assist each person with hislher
transition to community living was examined using the current standard of
practice in person- centered planning approaches.  Effectiveness was
evaluated as the ability to apply a person-centered approach across settings
and people, as well as what factors  facilitated or hindered its application.
Results show that, in general, the personal plans do not appear to reflect the
pre-transition experience of the  person. Also, the transitional planning
process did not appear person-centered nor facilitate further person-centered
planning in the community.


title: Social development of primary aged children through a movement education program

subject:
Social interaction in children
Movement education
Social skills in children

abstract:
Unique in Canada, is a university based movement program offered to children
aged  1-12 which is diverse and inclusive in its design to foster healthy physical,
cognitive, affective and social development. The purpose of  this study is to investigate
how children's involvement in a weekly movement education program influences their
social development. The primary-aged children involved in this research are participants
in the university based Saturday morning program, The Children's Movement Program
(CMP), in which creative dance, educational gymnastics and developmental games are
employed to enhance optimal development. The 15 participants were systematically
observed for 8 weeks as they naturally engaged in the program's activities. Interviews
were conducted with both children and their caregivers throughout the duration of  the
program. Particular attention was paid to the perceptions of  caregivers regarding the
advantages of  a program based upon principles of  movement education. Results indicate
that participation in the program increases children's opportunity to interact socially and
address ways in which program content, pedagogy and context encourage social
development. A figure was developed with these components to assist teachers in
creating inclusive and meaningful movement experiences.  'Content' is referred to as the
material to be learned or the desired outcome for the learner.  'Pedagogy' refers to the
process in which the student will engage and 'Context' refers to the environment in
which the experience occurs (eg. skating rink with playground balls). It is  recommended
that each is thoroughly addressed individually for its potential in lesson design.


title: Actual and perceived coaches' sportspersonship behaviours and their relationship with young athletes' sportspersonship orientations

subject:
Athletic trainers
Coaches (Athletics) -- Attitudes
Coaching (Athletics) -- Philosophy

abstract:
Hom' s  (2008) model of  coaching effectiveness provides a framework that outlines the
antecedent factors that influence coaches' behaviours as well as the way in which
coaches' behaviours can influence the psychosocial development of  athletes. Perceived
coaches" behaviours have been shown to predict the self-reported unsportspersonlike
behaviours of  young athletes (Shields et aI., 2007). However, very few studies have
examined actual coaches' sportspersonship behaviours (Arthur-Banning et aI., 2009; Cote
et aI.,  1993; Trudel e t  aI.,  1991). The purpose of  this exploratory study was to investigate
the relationships between coaches' and athletes'  sportspersonship orientations and
behaviours. Participants included competitive male basketball coaches (N = 5) and their
male athletes aged 10 to 13  (N= 48). Two investigators systematically observed coaches'
sportspersonship behaviours. Subsequently, coaches and athletes completed
questionnaires based on the Multidimensional Sportspersonship Orientations Scale
(MSOS; Vallerand et aI.,  1997). The results showed that coaches' self-reported
sportspersonship orientations and athletes' perceptions of  their coaches behaviours were
consistent with coaches' actual behaviours for respect for the rules and officials as well as
for social conventions. A series of  multiple regressions were conducted in order to
determine whether or not athletes' perceptions of  their coaches' sportspersonship
behaviours predicted the sportspersonship orientations of  athletes. The only significant
regression model was for athletes' negative approach toward sport participation. The
results also suggest that the MSOS has reliability and validity issues.


title: Patterns and correlates of tobacco use among young adults at college and university

subject: College students -- Tobacco use -- Canada

subject: Substance abuse

subject: Youth -- Tobacco use -- Prevention -- Study and teaching -- Canada

abstract:
This thesis describes college and university students' smoking behaviours and
examines whether socioenvironmental and personal characteristics experienced during
adolescence are differentially associated with their smoking participation. Results show
more college students than university students currently smoke (37% and 21 %
respectively) and more began smoking prior to post-secondary school (93% and 84%
respectively). Early age of  onset of  alcohol use increased the odds of  current smoking
(main effect model, OR =  8.56 CI =  6.47, 11.33), especially for university students
(interaction effect model, b =  2.35 CI =  7.50, 14.64). Lower levels of  high school
connectedness were associated with increased odds of  current smoking but  for university
students only (interaction effect model, b =  -0.15 CI =  0.84, 0.88). While limitations
associated with convenience sampling and low response rate exist, this is the first
Canadian study to examine college and university students separately. I t  reveals that
tobacco control programming needs to differ for college and university students, and early
alcohol prevention and school engagement programs for adolescents may influence
tobacco use. Given that both educational pathway and use of  tobacco are associated with
SES, future research may consider examining in more detail, SES-related
socioenvironmental variables.


title: Effects of low doses of quinpirole on production of 50 kHz vocalizations in Wistar rats

subject:
Sound production by animals
Dopamine
Dopaminergic mechanisms
Rats

abstract:
Rats  emit two  distinct types  of  ultrasonic  vocalizations in  adulthood: 22 kHz  (aversive
situation),  and  50 kHz  calls (appetitive  situation). The present  project is  focussed  on
pharmacological studies  of 50 kHz  vocalizations.  The 50 kHz calls are elicited from dopaminergic activation in the meso limbic pathway and are emitted in such appetitive situations as social contact(s), sexual encounters, food reward,  etc. Eighty-five male rats were stereotaxically implanted with bilateral guide cannulae in the nucleus accumbens shell  (A=  9.7,
L=  1.2,  V=  6.7).  Quinpirole, a  D2/D3  dopaminergic agonist, was injected in low doses to  the
nucleus accumbens shell in  an attempt to elicit 50  kHz  vocalizations.  A  dose response was obtained for the low dose range of  quinpirole for six doses:  0.025  Jlg,  0.06  Jlg,  0.12  Jlg,  0.25  Jlg,
0.5  Jlg,  and 1.0 Jlg.  It was found that only application of the 0.25  Jlg dose of quinpirole and the 7 Jlg dose of  amphetamine (positive  control) significantly increased the total  number  of  50  kHz
calls  (p  <  0.006  and  p  <  0.004  respectively);  and  particularly significantly  increased the frequency modulated type of these calls  (p  <  0.01,  and  p  <  0.006  respectively).  In a  double
injection procedure, the  dose  of   0.25  Jlg  quinpirole was antagonized  with  raclopride (D2
antagonist) or U99194A maleate (D3  antagonist)  in an attempt to antagonize the response.  The
0.25 Jlg dose of quinpirole was successfully antagonized  by pre-treatment with an  equimolar
dose of U99194A maleate (p  < 0.008) but not with raclopride. The 7Jlg amphetamine response
was also antagonized with an equimolar dose of raclopride. Based on these results, it seems that
low doses of quinpirole,  particularly the 0.25 Jlg  dose, are capable of increasing 50 kHz
vocalizations in rats and do so by activation of  the D3 dopamine receptor.  This is not a biphasic
response as seen with locomotor studies. Also noteworthy is the increase in frequency modulated
50 kHz calls elicited by the 0.25  Jlg  dose of  quinpirole indicating a possible increase in positive
affect.


title: Mode of action of FMRFamide-like peptide on drosophila body wall muscle conractions

subject:
Neuropeptides
Research -- Methodology
Drosophila -- Research

abstract:
Neuropeptides are the largest group of signalling chemicals that  can convey the
information from the brain to the cells of all tissues. DPKQDFMRFamide, a member of
one of the largest families of neuropeptides, FMRFamide-like peptides, has modulatory
effects on nerve-evoked contractions of Drosophila body wall muscles (Hewes et  aI.,1998) which are at  least in part mediated by the ability of the peptide to enhance
neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic terminal (Hewes et  aI.,  1998, Dunn &
Mercier., 2005). However, DPKQDFMRFamide is also able to act directly on Drosophila
body wall muscles by inducing contractions which  require the influx of  extracellular Ca  2+
(Clark et  aI.,  2008). The  present study was aimed at identifying which proteins, including
the membrane-bound receptor and second messenger molecules, are involved in
mechanisms mediating this myotropic effect of  the peptide. DPKQDFMRFamide induced contractions were reduced by 70% and 90%,  respectively, in larvae in which
FMRFamide G-protein coupled receptor gene (CG2114) was silenced either ubiquitously
or specifically in muscle tissue, when compared to the response of the control larvae in
which the expression of  the same gene was not  manipulated. Using an enzyme
immunoassay (EIA) method, it  was determined that  at concentrations of  1 ~M- 0.01 ~M,
the peptide failed to increase cAMP and  cGMP levels in Drosophila body wall muscles.
In addition, the physiological effect of  DPKQDFMRFamide at a threshold dose was not
potentiated by 3-lsobutyl-1-methylxanthine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, nor was the
response to 1 ~M peptide blocked or  reduced  by inhibitors of  cAMP-dependent or
cGMP-dependent protein kinases.  The response to DPKQDFMRFamide was not affected in the mutants of the phosholipase C-~ (PLC~) gene (norpA larvae) or IP3 receptor
mutants, which suggested that the PLC-IP3  pathway is not involved in mediat ing the
peptide's effects.  Alatransgenic flies lacking activity of  calcium/calmodul in-dependent protein kinase (CamKII showed an increase in muscle tonus following the application of
1 JlM DPKQDFMRFamide similar  to the control  larvae.  Heat  shock treatment
potentiated the response to DPKQDFMRFamide in both ala1 and control flies by
approximately 150 and 100 % from a non heat-shocked larvae, respectively.
Furthermore, a CaMKII inhibitor, KN-93, did not  affect the ability of  peptide to increase
muscle tonus.  Thus, al though DPKQDFMRFamide acts through a G-protein coupled
FMRFamide receptor, it  does not appear to act via cAMP, cGMP, IP3, PLC or  CaMKl1. The
mechanism through which the FMRFamide receptor  acts remains to be determined.


title: Father involvement in the breastfeeding process : determining contributing aspects

subject:
Breastfeeding
Father and infant
Fatherhood

abstract:
The importance of  father involvement in the young family is increasingly evident.
This research was conducted using the theory of  planned behaviour to understand
important aspects contributing to  father invo lvement in the breastfeeding process.
Eighty mothers and 65  fathers of  one-year-old children completed a questionnaire
regarding father involvement (FI) in breastfeeding. Measures included attitudes,
subjective norms, and perceived behaviour control regarding FI and the extent to which
fathers demonstrated involvement by advocating for and affIrming breastfeeding, being
present during breastfeeding, providing household help, and being responsive to their
partners' needs.
Results suggest that mothers and fathers experience FI differently.
Mothers' perceptions are motivated by intrinsic attitudinal considerations, whereas
fathers'  involvement is primarily motivated by the opinions of  others.  Interventions
should focus on increasing fathers'  perception of  societal approval through approaches
such as peer-led groups, and increasing mothers' approval through information of  the
value of fathers'  involvement in the breastfeeding process.


title: Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms might be destroying your intimacy : a test of mediational models in a community sample of couples

subject:
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Intimacy (Psychology)

abstract:
The present research focused on the pathways through which the symptoms of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may negatively impact intimacy. Previous research
has confirmed a link between self-reported PTSD symptoms and intimacy; however, a
thorough examination of  mediating paths, partner effects, and secondary traumatization
has not yet been realized. With a sample of  297 heterosexual couples, intraindividual and
dyadic models were developed to explain the relationships between PTSD symptoms and
intimacy in the context of  interdependence theory, attachment theory, and models of  selfpreservation (e.g., fight-or-flight). The current study replicated the findings of  others and
has supported a process in which affective (alexithymia, negative affect, positive affect)
and communication (demand-withdraw behaviour, self-concealment, and constructive
communication) pathways mediate the intraindividual and dyadic relationships between
PTSD symptoms and intimacy. Moreover, it also found that the PTSD symptoms of  each
partner were significantly related; however, this was only the case for those dyads in
which the partners had disclosed most everything about their traumatic experiences. As
such, secondary traumatization was supported. Finally, although the overall pattern of
results suggest a total negative effect of  PTSD symptoms on intimacy, a sex difference
was evident such that the direct effect of  the woman's PTSD symptoms were positively
associated with both her and her partner's intimacy. I t  is possible that the Tend-andBefriend model of  threat response, wherein women are said to foster social bonds in the
face of  distress, may account for this sex difference. Overall, however, it is clear that
PTSD symptoms were negatively associated with relationship quality and attention to this
impact in the development of  diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols is necessary.


title: Structural analysis of interior layered deposits in north and south Coprates Chasma, Mars

subject:
Mars (Planet)
Geology -- Mars (Planet)

abstract:
Interior layered deposits within an embayment in the northern as well as near the
southern wall of  Coprates Chasma in the Valles Marineris, Mars are studied using HRSC,
CTX, HiRISE and CRISM data.  In the northern embayment, layered deposits outcrop in
three separate locations (a western deposit, a central deposit and an eastern deposit).  The
central layered deposit in the north has a stratigraphic thickness of  2 km.  The western
layered deposit abuts against the chasma wall appearing to have a relatively un-eroded
depositional surface.  The  eastern deposit is near a landslide scar which appears to have
exposed basement layering showing downward displacement.  This northern embayment
is suggested to have been an ancestral basin.
The triangular edged deposit near the southern wall of Coprates Chasma has an
elongated mound protruding from the central edge and is suggested to be the outer limits
of a fault block which is back rotated 6° south.  The  rotation may be the result of the
Valles Marineris opening.


title: The effects of a general excercise program on task self-efficacy and social physique anxiety in older adults

subject: Exercise for older people

subject: Physical education for older people

subject: Exercise -- Psychological aspects

subject: Physical education -- Psychological aspects

subject: Self-efficacy.

abstract:
Older adults represent the most sedentary segment of  the adult population, and thus it is
critical to investigate factors that influence exercise behaviour for this age group. The
purpose of  this study was to examine the influence of  a general exercise program,
incorporating cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and balance components, on task selfefficacy and SPA in older adult men and women. Participants (n=114, Mage  = 67 years)
were recruited from the Niagara region and randomly assigned to a 12-week supervised
exercise program or  a wait-list control. Task self-efficacy and SPA measures were taken
at baseline and program end. The present study found that task self-efficacy was a
significant predictor of  leisure time physical activity for older adults.  In addition, change
in task self-efficacy was a significant predictor of  change in SPA. The findings of  this
study suggest that sources of  task self-efficacy should be considered for exercise
interventions targeting older adults.


title: Relation of temperament and authoritative parenting on subtypes of adolescent behaviour

subject:
Aggressiveness in adolescence
Parenting

abstract:
Over the years, researchers have investigated direct, conditional, and meditational
pathways of  adolescent aggression in relation to both temperament and parenting
behaviours. However, no study to date has considered these relations with respect to a
measure of  aggression differentiated by form (e.g., overt, relational) and function (e.g.,
proactive, reactive). The present study examined the differential association of  adolescent
temperament and authoritative parenting on four subtypes of  aggression. Participants
included mothers, fathers, and one adolescent (between the ages of  10-19) from 663
families, recruited through random digit dialing. Parents reported on their child's
temperament and occurrence of  aggressive behaviours in addition to the perception of
their own authoritative parenting. Adolescents reported on their own temperament and
aggressive behaviours as well as on both their mother and father's authoritative parenting.
Multiple regression analyses confirmed predictions that some aspects of  temperament and
authoritative parenting provide motivation towards the engagement of  different
aggressive behaviours. For example, higher negative affect was related to reactive types
of  aggression, whereas a strong desire for novel or risky behaviours related to proactive
aggression. However, differences in effortful control altered the trajectory for both
relationships. Higher levels of  self-regulation reduced the impact of  negative affect on
reactive-overt aggression. Greater self-regulation also reduced the impact of  surgency on
proactive-overt aggression when age was a factor.  Structural equation modeling was then
used to assess the process through which adolescents become more or less susceptible to
impulsive behaviours. Although the issue ofbi-directionality cannot be ruled out,
temperament characteristics were the proximal correlate for aggression subtypes as
opposed to authoritative parenting dimensions. Effortful control was found to partially mediate the relation between parental acceptancelinvolvement and reactive-relational and
reactive-overt aggression, suggesting that higher levels of  warmth and support as
perceived by the child related to increased levels of  self-regulation and emotional control,
which in tum lead to less reactive-relational and less reactive-overt types of  aggression in
adolescents. On the other hand, negative affect partially mediated the relation between
parental psychological autonomy granting and these two subtypes of  aggression,
supporting predictions that higher levels of  autonomy granting (perceived independence)
related to lower levels of  frustration, which in tum lead to less reactive-relational and
reactive-overt aggression in adolescents. Both findings provide less evidence for the
evocative person-environment correlation and more support for temperament being an
open system shaped by experience and authoritative parenting dimensions. As one of  the
first known studies examining the differential association of  authoritative parenting and
temperament on aggression subtypes, this study demonstrates the role parents can play in
shaping and altering their children's temperament and the effects it can have on
aggressive behaviour.


title: Genetic programming for the RoboCup Rescue Simulation System

subject:
Disasters
Emergency management
Genetic programming (Computer science)

abstract: The Robocup Rescue Simulation System (RCRSS) is a dynamic system of multi-agent interaction, simulating a large-scale urban disaster scenario. Teams of rescue  agents are  charged with the tasks of minimizing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage while competing against  limitations on time, communication, and awareness.  This thesis provides the first known attempt of applying Genetic  Programming (GP) to the development of behaviours necessary to perform well in the RCRSS.  Specifically, this thesis  studies the suitability of GP to evolve the operational behaviours required of each type of rescue agent in the RCRSS.  The system developed is evaluated in terms of the consistency with which expected solutions are the target of convergence as well as by comparison to previous competition results. The results indicate that GP is capable of converging to some forms of expected  behaviour,  but  that  additional evolution in  strategizing behaviours must  be performed in order  to become competitive.  An enhancement to the standard GP algorithm is proposed which is shown to simplify the initial search space allowing evolution to occur much quicker.  In  addition, two forms of population are employed  and compared in terms of their apparent effects on the  evolution of control structures for intelligent rescue agents.  The first is a single population in which each individual is comprised of three distinct trees for the respective control of three types of agents, the second is a set of three co-evolving subpopulations one for each type of agent.  Multiple populations of cooperating individuals appear to achieve higher proficiencies in training, but testing on unseen instances raises the issue of overfitting.


title: Youth with intellectual disabilities and the right to make choices : investigating the family context to inform a training program

subject: Developmentally disabled -- Services for

subject: Human rights

subject: Developmental disabilities

subject: People with disabilities -- Civil rights

abstract:
People with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more likely to be victims of  abuse and
human rights violations than people without ID.  The 3Rs: Rights, Respect, and
Responsibility project has developed and is testing a human rights training program for
adults with ID.  The current project was conducted to make recommendations to adapt the
3Rs rights training program to be used with youth with ID and their families.  An
interpretive phenomenological framework was employed to investigate youth with ID,
parents', and siblings' perceptions of the i r  experiences with choice making, an enactment
of  rights, in the family context.  Thematic analysis of  interviews revealed that, consistent
with previous research, family members consider family values, conventions, and family
members' well being when making decisions.  A training program should promote a
consideration of  expanded opportunities for youth with ID to make choices and should be
flexible to address individual families'  cultures, needs, and desires.


title: Climbers' perceptions toward sustainable bouldering at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

subject: Rock climbing -- Ontario -- Niagara Falls

subject: Niagara Glen (Ont.)

abstract:
Currently, there are a variety of  concerns about the future of  bouldering, a form of  rock
climbing, a t  the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve near Niagara Falls, Ontario due to environmental
impacts at the site. The purpose of  this study was to describe the perceptions ofbouldering
participants toward sustainable bouldering practices at the Niagara Glen. The methodological
framework for this study was based on action research, which attempts to solve specific problems
through having people in a community study, discuss, and act on those problems. Five separate
focus group interviews elicited data from nineteen men and seven women, while there were
twenty one men and ten women observed through participant observations at the Niagara Glen.
Analysis was conducted through coding processes where data were compared repeatedly and then
organized into themes. From the open coding process, two main themes were identified and
interpreted as  1) Barriers to Sustainable Bouldering at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, and 2)
Environmental and Social Role and Responsibility ofBoulde r ing Participants at the Niagara
Glen. The implications of the  findings include a variety of  recommendations for the bouldering
community and the Niagara Parks Commission to consider for future collaborative planning.
Some of  these recommendations include more open communication between all stakeholders at
the Glen, additional leadership from local climbing access coalitions and the Niagara Parks
Commission, and greater implementation of  minimum impact practices from the bouldering
community. Additionally, these implications are discussed through a three-part framework based
on a conceptual intersection of  sense of  place, community empowerment, and sustainable
recreational use as a way to potentially unify the bouldering community's voice and vision
toward sustainable practice.


title: The relationship between body mass index and breast cancer recurrence/progression and breast cancer-specific death

subject:
Obesity -- Health aspects
Breast -- Cancer

abstract:
The aim of  this study was to describe the nonlinear association between body mass index
(BMI) and breast cancer outcomes and to determine whether BMI improves prediction of
outcomes. A cohort of906 breast cancer patients diagnosed at Henry Ford Health
System, Detroit (1985-1990) were studied. The median follow-up was  10 years.
Multivariate logistic regression was used to model breast cancer recurrence/progression
and breast cancer-specific death. Restricted cubic splines were used to model nonlinear
effects. Receiver operator characteristic areas under the curves (ROC AUC) were used to
evaluate prediction. BMI was nonlinearly associated with recurrence/progression and
death (p=  0.0230 and 0.0101). Probability of  outcomes increased with increase or
decrease ofBMI  away from 25. BMI splines were suggestive of  improved prediction of
death. The ROC AUCs for nested models with and without BMI were 0.8424 and 0.8331
(p=  0.08). I f  causally associated, modifying patients BMI towards 25 may improve
outcomes.


title: The use of lichens as indicators of ambient air quality in Southern Ontario

subject:
Lichens -- Ontario, Southern.
Air quality -- Ontario, Southern

abstract:
The inverse relationship between arboreal lichen species richness and sulphur
dioxide in ambient air has been thoroughly documented in the literature. Previous
work in southern Ontario has shown that lichen bioindication can identify areas of
potential concern regarding air quality. The EMAN suite of l i chens  was applied in the
City of  Samia by surveying 458 Sugar Maple trees, in order to test the applicability of
lichen bioindication under conditions of  high mean S02 levels and high species
richness values. The results of  the survey were explored using Geographic
Information Systems. A spatial relationship between lichen community variables, the
Bluewater Bridge and the highway was identified. Lichen species richness, lichen
percent cover and Index of  Atmospheric Purity values were higher along the bridge
and highway. No strong gradients were found between other known pollution sources
and no lichen deserts were identified. The most common community grouping
consisted of  Physcia millegrana Degel, Candelaria concolor (Dicks) B.  Stein,
Physcia aipolia (Ehrh ex Humb.) Furnrohr; all of  which are known nitrophytes. The
relationship between substrate pH and lichen species richness was examined. Sites
with a known source of  anthropogenic chemical contamination were found to have a
correlation of l=0.8 between lichen species richness and pH. The inverse was found
for sites with no known source of  contamination with a correlation of r
2
=-0.72. The
findings suggest that species richness may be influenced by altering substrate pH
which promotes the growth of  nitrophytic species capable of  tolerating high S02
levels.


title: Asymmetric hydrogenation of alkenes with cationic iridium(I) complexes of 2-phosphino-1-aminoferrocene ligands

subject:
Ferrocene
Ligands
Catalysis
Iridium catalysts

abstract:
Iridium complexes  with  bidentate P,N ligands  represent  a  class  of  catalysts  that
significantly expand the  application  range  of  asymmetric  hydrogenation.  New  substrate
classes, for which there have previously been no suitable catalysts, can now be efficiently
hydrogenated  in  high  conversion  and  enantioselectivity.  These  substrates  are  often  of
synthetic importance, thus  iridium catalysis  represents  a significant advance in the  field
of  asymmetric catalysis.
Planar chiral  ferrocenyl  aminophosphine ligands  in which both heteroatoms were
directly  bound  to  the  cyclopentadienyl  ring  were  prepared  by  BF3-activated  lithiationsubstitution in the presence of  a chiral diamine in 49-59% yield and 75-85% enantiomeric
excess.  Some  of  these ligands  were  recrystallized to  enantiomeric purity via  ammonium
fluoroborate  salt  formation  of  the  phosphine  sulfide.  A  crystal  structure  of  one  of  these
compounds  was  obtained  and  features  an  intramolecular  hydrogen  bond  between  the
nitrogen,  hydrogen,  and  sulfur  atoms.  Neutralization,  followed  by  desulfurization,
provided the  free  ligands  in  enantiomeric  purity.  Iridium  complexes  with  these ligands
were  formed  via reaction  with  [Ir(COD)Clh  followed  by anion  exchange with NaBArF.
These  complexes  were  successfully  applied  in  homogeneous  hydrogenation  of  several
prochiral  substrates,  providing products  in  up  to 92%  enantiomeric excess.  Variation  of
the dimethyl amino group to a pyrrolidine group had a negative effect on the selectivity of
hydrogenation.  Variation of  the substituents  on phosphorus to bulkier ortho-tolyl  groups
had  a  positive  effect,  while  variation to  the  more  electron  rich  dicyclohexyl  phosphine
had a negative effect on selectivity.


title: Teaching persons with intellectual disabilities and limited receptive and expressive communication how to recognize and assert their human rights

subject: People with mental disabilities -- Civil rights

subject: Civil rights -- Study and teaching

subject: People with mental disabilities -- Services for

abstract:
Persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) are far more likely to be  abused than the general
population, but  there is little research on teaching people with ID about their rights. The
goal of  this study was to teach four participants with ID and limited communication
abilities about their human rights by training them on specific rights topics. The training
program included icebreaker activities, instruction on rights concepts, watching and
answering questions about videotaped scenarios of  rights restrictions, watching and
answering questions about role pl ay scenarios of  rights restrictions, and responding to
brief, low risk in situ rights restrictions imposed by the researchers. Participant
performance did not  improve significantly or  consistently from baseline to training on the
questions asked about the videotaped or  the role play scenarios, but  two of  three
participants demonstrated defmite improvements in responding to in situ rights
restrictions.


title: Generating finite integral relation algebras

subject: Relation algebras

abstract: Relation algebras and categories of relations in particular have proven to be extremely useful as a fundamental tool in mathematics and computer science.  Since relation algebras are Boolean algebras with some well-behaved operations, every such algebra provides an atom structure, i.e., a relational structure on its set of atoms.  In the case of complete and atomic  structure (e.g. finite  algebras), the original algebra can be recovered from its atom structure  by  using the complex algebra construction.  This gives  a representation of relation algebras as the complex algebra of a certain relational structure.  This  property is of particular interest because storing the atom structure requires less space than the entire algebra.  In this thesis I want to introduce and implement three structures representing atom structures of integral heterogeneous relation algebras, i.e., categorical versions of  relation  algebras.  The first structure will simply embed a homogeneous atom structure of a relation algebra into the heterogeneous context.  The second structure is obtained by splitting all symmetric idempotent relations.  This new algebra is in almost all cases an heterogeneous structure having more objects than the original one.  Finally, I will define two different union operations to combine two algebras into a single one.


title: The Effect of a Stickhandling and Puck Control (SPC) Training Intervention on SPC Skills and Wrist Shot Performance Variables in Female Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

subject:
Women's Ice Hockey
Stickhandling and Puck Control
Training

abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a 16 session stickhandling and puck control (SPC) off-ice training intervention on SPC skills and wrist shot performance variables. Eighteen female collegiate ice hockey players participated in a crossover design training intervention, whereby players were randomly assigned to two groups. Each group completed 16 SPC training sessions in two conditions [normal vision (NV) and restricted vision (RV)]. Measures obtained after the training intervention revealed significant improvements in SPC skills and wrist shot accuracy. Order of training condition did not reach significance, meaning that SPC improvement occurred as a result of total training volume as opposed to order of training condition. However, overall changes in the RV-NV condition revealed consistently higher effect sizes, meaning a greater improvement in performance. Therefore, support can be provided for this technical approach to SPC training and an alternative method of challenging SPC skills.


title: A Case Study of the Implementation of Experiential Education in Yukon K-12 Schools

subject:
Experiential Education
Yukon Territory
Place-based Education
Educational Change
Implementation Challenges and Supports

abstract:
This qualitative case study explored the process of implementing Experiential
Education (EXED) in Yukon Territory Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) schools with a
particular focus on investigating: (a) understandings of EXED and the drivers behind its
implementation, (b) factors contributing to EXED’s suitability for Yukon schools, and (c)
factors supporting and challenging the implementation of EXED in Yukon schools.  Data
collection involved interviews with Yukon Department of Education (YDE) staff
members, principals and teachers, document collection, and reflective note collection.
Findings indicated that EXED was understood as more of a methodology than a
philosophy for teaching and learning.  EXED implementation was primarily driven by
bottom-up (school/ teacher) initiatives and was secondarily supported by top-down
(YDE) efforts.  The process of implementation was supported by three main factors and
was challenged primarily by six factors.  The results also pointed to three factors that
made EXED suitable for implementation in Yukon schools.


title: Life after hockey : an examination of athletic career transition and the National Hockey League's career transition program

subject:
National Hockey League
Hockey players
Sports -- Social aspects

abstract:
The existent body of  athletic career retirement literature is scant in studies of  career
transition programs. In an effort to attend to this analytical gap, the present study set out
to examine the transitions of  National Hockey League (NHL; ice hockey) alumni, as well
as the effect ~and effectiveness of  their respective career transition program, the Life After
Hockey program. Interviews with 17 NHL/program alumni revealed that quality of
transition (to post-playing life) was affected by: the continuity between pre- and postretirement environments; athletic identity; physical/psychological health (particularly
with respect to post-concussion syndrome); selective coping strategies (e.g., preretirement planning (e.g., financial planning, continued education), positive
reinterpretation, alcohol/substance abuse); and social support. Also affecting quality of
transition, and found to be highly effective (particularly in generating new occupational
opportunities, assisting in the acquisition of  new skills, and providing a system of
continuous support), was the Life After Hockey program.


title: Health-related quality of life among patients attending cardiovascular rehabilitation

subject: Heart -- Diseases -- Patients -- Rehabilitation

abstract:
Purpose: f i rst ,  an  investigation of  baseline differences in  Health-Related Quality
of  l i fe (HRQOl) among adhere and non-adhere patients of  Phase III cardiac
rehabilitation (CR) was examined. Second, among patients who adhered to the program,
effectiveness of  t reatment  based on HRQOl was evaluated.
Methods:  Data was collected by the Brock University Heart Institute.
Participants completed a questionnaire battery at baseline and again at  six months i f
they were still a client.
Results: The physical dimension of  HRQOl differed at baseline between the
adhere and  non-adhere groups. for  everyone point increase in  physical HRQOl scores
there was an  associated 1.06 times greater likelihood that  an individual would adhere to
the program. Second, in those who adhered to the program for  six months, physical
HRQOl scores improved 3.18 points.
Conclusions: Phase III CR significant improves HRQOl in patients suffering f rom
cardiovascular disease.


title: Self-directed learning, lifelong learning and transformative learning in the Society for Creative Anachronism

subject:
Society for Creative Anachronism
Transformative learning
Adult learning

abstract:
This study examines the connection between leisure group participation and
learning activities undertaken by participants in the Society for Creative Anachronism
(SCA), a medieval recreationist group. The thesis of  this connection was developed
through the researcher's observations during SCA participation. The intent of  this study
is to understand adult learning from the self-directed learning, lifelong learning, and
-transformative learning components derived from participant's SCA experiences. This
qualitative study was conducted by interviewing eight active SCA participants, two in
each participation theme of  historical research, artistic representation, performance, and
martial skills. Informants' responses demonstrated an integration of  their leisure activity
with learning. The contextualization of  learning a s  both a primary activity and a
necessary support to participation, places learning a t  the heart of  participants' SCA
related activities. The  positive descriptions of  learning activities, descriptive terms of
ownership, and situating learning as an enjoyable activity engaged for the pleasure of  the
experience, provides adult educators with a fascinating glimpse of  willing and engaged
adult learners pursuing lifelong learning outside of  the traditional educational structure.
Two themes emerged during the interviews. First, bonding with others provided the
motivation to continue their activities. Secondly, a feeling of  commitment and helonging
defined their enjoyment and satisfaction with SCA participation. The clear implications
are that adult educators can create effective learning communities by developing
educational structures that engage adult learners wi th meaningful social interaction.


title: A comparison of self-determined motivational experiences between participants and non-participants following the physical activity component of the CATCH Kid Club

subject:
Obesity in children
Physical fitness for children
Exercise -- Psychological aspects.

abstract:
The CATCH Kids Club (CKC) is an after-school intervention that has attempted
to address the growing obesity and physical inactivity concerns publicized in current
literature.  Using  Self-Determination Theory (SDT: Deci & Ryan,  1985) perspective,
this study's main research objective was to assess, while controlling for gender and age,
i f  there were significant differences between the treatment (CKC program participants)
and control (non- eKC)  groups on their perceptions of  need satisfaction, intrinsic
motivation and optimal challenge after four months of  participation and after eight
months of  participation. For this study, data were collected from 79 participants with a
mean age of9.3,  using the Situational Affective State Questionnaire (SASQ: Mandigo et
aI., 2008).
In order to determine the common factors present in the data, a principal
component analysis was conducted.  The analysis resulted in an appropriate three-factor
solution, with 14 items loading onto the three factors identified as autonomy, competence
and intrinsic motivation.  Initially, a multiple analysis of  co-variance (MANCOY A) was
conducted and found no significant differences or effects (p> 0.05).  To further assess
the differences between groups, six analyses of  co-variance (ANeOY As) were
conducted, which also found no significant differences (p >0 .025).
These findings suggest that the eKC program is able to maintain the se1fdetermined motivational experiences of  its participants, and does not thwart need
satisfaction or  self-determined motivation through its programming.  However, the
literature suggests that the CKe  program and other P A interventions could be further
improved by fostering participants' self-determined motivational experiences, which can
lead to the persistence of  healthy PA behaviours (Kilpatrick, Hebert &  Jacobsen, 2002).


title: The effect of acute exercise type on body image attitudes

subject:
Yoga
Mind and body
Weight training
Body image

abstract:
The current study examined the effect of  two types of  acute exercise (resistance and
mind-body yoga) on state body image attitudes, to see which, was most effective at
reducing body image concerns. I t  was hypothesized that both types of  exercise would
lead to improvements in body image, with yoga showing the biggest benefits. Collegeaged female non/infrequent exercisers (n =  40) completed state measures of  body
satisfaction, social physique anxiety (SPA), and appearance orientation prior to and
following participation in a single yoga and resistance class. Participation in the yoga
class was associated with decreases in SPA and increases in body satisfaction. However,
participation in the resistance class was associated with no changes in any of  the study
variables. These findings indicate participation in a single yoga class may have positive
effects on body image attitudes, which may encourage non-exercisers to become more
active.


title: The effect of an eight session skate treadmill and agility training program on the degree of separation in ice hockey players

subject:
Hockey -- Training
Hockey players

abstract:
The sport of  ice hockey places multiple simultaneous demands on the
physiological, mechanical, and cognitive abilities of  individual players.  The purpose of
the study was to investigate the effect of  an eight session degree of  separation (DOS)
training intervention on sport specific measures of  skating, stick handling and puck
control movements in competitive ice hockey players.  All participants completed a
battery of  pre and pos t  skill and DOS specific tests designed to evaluate DOS abilities: Ttest of  agility, a modified Cunningham Faulkner test of  anaerobic capacity performed on
a skate treadmill and a DOS skate treadmill test.  Statistically significant differences were
found between groups on the post test scores, meaning that the  training intervention had a
specific effect on the  post test scores of  the experimental group (p~O.05).  Results of  this
investigation suggested that a DOS specific training program has the potential to enhance
the integration and automation of  or  sequencing and coordination of  uncoordinated ice
hockey movements.


title: Resilience in environmental educators

subject:
Environmental education
Resilience (Personality trait)

abstract:
Contemporary environmental issues (such as global warming) can present
psychological stress, the effects of  which are under-examined. The ability to
"bounce back" from stress associated with increasing environmental adversity can
be understood as resilience, and can be found in some environmental educators.
The following paper examines how veteran environmental educators respond to
psychological stress to increasing environmental adversity and describes the
experience of  resilience. Through in-depth interviews, this hermeneutical study
sheds light on the environmental factors and internal competencies that contribute
to resilience in seven environmental educators. Additionally, the interaction
(known as the person/environment transactional process) between these factors
and competencies is explored, providing insight into how the participants
construct resilience. Kumpfer's (1999) Resilience Framework provided the
organizational framework for the results of  this study. Findings suggest ways in
which resilience in environmental educators can be  supported and offers
directions for future research.


title: Escape and connection : a phenomenological investigation into the meaning of an after-school program for adolescent boys

subject:
After-school programs.
Teenage boys

abstract:
The purpos e  of  this phenomenological research is to explore the  meaning of
a YMCA-sponsored after-school recreation program in the  lives of  four adolescent
boys. Listening to youth voice is impor t ant  to the  ability of othe r s  to design,
implement and evaluate high-quality programs tha t  facilitate learning opportunities
tha t  a r e  meaningful to participants. Within the  context of  interviews, task-based
activities we r e  used to ga the r  data. Guided by Creswell's analytic spiral (1998), data
wa s  analyzed according to van Manen's (1990) thematic analysis and Caeilli's
(2000) creative narrative analysis. It wa s  found tha t  this after-school progr am
provided the s e  adolescents with the  opportunity to escape from the i r  monotonous
after-school activities and the  instability of the i r  home and school environments.
Also, they we r e  connected wi th positive peers, caring adults and the  wide r
community, opportunities tha t  we r e  limited in othe r  aspects of  the i r  lives.
Methodological issues a r e  also discussed.


title: Molybdenum (IV) imido silylamido and hydride complexes : stoichiometric and catalytic reactivity, mechanistic aspects of hydrosilation reactions

subject:
Chemistry, Inorganic
Catalysis

abstract:
This thesis describes the  synthesis,  structural studies,  and stoichiometric and  catalytic
reactivity  of  novel  Mo(IV)  imido  silylamide  (R'N)Mo(R2)(173_RIN-SiR32-H)(PMe3)n  (1:
Rl  = tBu,  Ar',  Ar;  R2  = Cl;  R32  = Me2,  MePh, MeCl,  Ph2, HPh;  n =  2;  2:  R'  =  Ar,  R2  =
SiH2Ph,  n =  1)  and hydride complexes (ArN)Mo(H)(R)(PMe3)3  (R = Cl (3),  SiH2Ph (4».
Compounds of  type 1 were generated from (R'N)Mo(PMe3)n(L)  (5:  R'  = tBu, Ar', Ar; L =
PMe3,  r/- C2H4)  and chlorohydrosilanes  by the imido/silane coupling approach,  recently
discovered  in  our  group.  The  mechanism  of   the  reaction  of   5  with  HSiCh  to  give
(ArN)MoClz(PMe3)3  (8)  was  studied  by  VT  NMR,  which  revealed the  intermediacy  of
(ArN)MCh(172
-ArN=SiHCl)(PMe3)z  (9).  The   imido/silyl  coupling  methodology  was
transferred to  the  reactions  of  5  with  chlorine-free  hydrosilanes.  This  approach  allowed
for  the  isolation  of   a  novel  ,B-agostic  compound  (ArN)Mo(SiHzPh)(173
-NAr-SiHPhH)(PMe3)  (10).  The  latter was  found to  be active in a variety of  hydrosilation processes,
including the rare monoaddition of  PhSiH3 to benzonitrile. Stoichiometric reactions of  11
with  unsaturated  compounds  appear  to  proceed  via  the  silanimine  intermediate
(ArN)M(17z-ArN=SiHPh)(PMe3)  (12)  and,  in  the  case  of   olefins  and nitriles,  give
products of  Si-C coupling, such as  (ArN)Mo(R)(173
-NAr-SiHPh-CH=CHR')(PMe3) (13:  R
=  Et,  R'  =  H;  14:  R =  H,  R'  =  Ph)  and  (ArN)Mo(172-NAr-SiHPh-CHR=N)(PMe3)  (15).
Compound  13  was  also  subjected  to  catalysis  showing  much  improved  activity  in  the
hydrosilation of  carbonyls and alkenes.
Hydride complexes 3 and 4 were prepared starting from (ArN)MoCh(PMe3)3  (8). Both
hydride  species  catalyze  a  diversity  of  hydrosilation  processes  that  proceed  via  initial
substrate  activation  but  not  silane  addition.  The  proposed  mechanism  is  supported  by stoichiometric  reactions  of  3  and  4,  kinetic  NMR  studies,  and  DFf  calculations  for  the
hydrosilation of benzaldehyde and acetone mediated by 4.


title: An analysis of the relationship between self-efficacy and performance in a continuous gymnastic routine

subject: Self-efficacy Gymnastics

abstract:
Research has shown a consistent correlation between efficacy and sport performance
(Moritz, et aI.,  2000). This relationship has been shown to be dynamic and reciprocal
over seasons (e.g., Myers, Payment, et aI., 2004), within games (e.g., Butt, et aI.,  2003),
and across trials (e.g., Feltz,  1982). The purpose of  the present study was to examine selfefficacy and performance simultaneously within one continuous routine.  Forty-seven
undergraduate students performed a gymnastic sequence while using an efficacy measure.
Results indicated that the efficacy-performance relationship was not reciprocal; previous
performance was a significant predictor of  subsequent performance (p < .01; f3s  ranged
from .44 to .67).  Results further revealed significant differences in efficacy beliefs
between groups with high and low levels of  performance [F (1,571)  = 7.16,p < .01].
Findings suggest that high levels of  performance within a continuous physical activity
task result in higher performance scores and higher efficacy beliefs.


title: The effects of an acute bout of whole-body vibration on pulse wave velocity in individuals with SCI

subject:
Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries
Coronary heart disease
Vibration -- Health aspects

abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of  mortality in the spinal cord injured (SCI)
population. Reduced arterial compliance is a cardiovascular risk factor and whole body
vibration (WBV) has be en shown to improve arterial compliance in able-bodied
individuals. The study investigated the effect of  an acute session ofWBV on arterial
compliance as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV). On separate days, arm, leg and
aortic PWV were measured pre- and post- a 45 minute session of  passive stance (PS) and
WBV. The WBV was intermittent with a set frequency of  45Hz  and amplitude of  O.6mm.
There was no condition by time effect when comparing PWV after WBV and PS.
Following WBV, aortic (928.6±127.7 vs. 901.1±96.6cm/sec), leg (1035.2±113.8
vs.l099.8±114.2cm/sec) and arm PWV (1118.9±119.8 vs.  1181.1±124.4cm/s) did not
change. As such, WBV did not  reduce arterial compliance, however future research with
protocol modifications is recommended.


title: Profitable opportunities around macroeconomic announcements in the U.S. Treasury market

subject: Balance of trade -- United States.

abstract:
This  thesis  studies  the  impact  of  macroeconomic  announcements  on  the  U.S.  Treasury
market  and investigates  profitable  opportunities  around macroeconomic  announcements
using  data  from  the  eSpeed  electronic  trading  platform.  We  investigate  how
macroeconomic announcements affect the  return predictability of  trade imbalance for the
2-year, 5-year,  IO-year U.S.  Treasury notes and 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds. The goal of
this thesis is to develop a methodology to identify informed trades  and estimate the trade
imbalance  based  on informed trades.  We  use the  daily  order book slope  as  a proxy  for
dispersion  of  beliefs  among investors.  Regression results  in this thesis  indicate that,  on
announcement days with a high dispersion of  beliefs, daily trade imbalance estimated by
informed  trades  significantly  predicts  returns  on  the  following  day.  In  addition,  we
develop  a  trade-imbalance  based  trading  strategy  conditional  on  dispersion  of  beliefs,
informed  trades,  and  announcement  days.  The  trading  strategy  yields  significantly
positive net returns for the 2-year T-notes.


title: Predictors of shy children's coping with a social conflict : mediators and moderators

subject:
Bashfulness in children
Interpersonal conflict in children.

abstract:
Shy children are at risk for later maladjustment due to ineffective coping with
social conflicts through reliance on avoidance, rather than approach-focused, coping. The
purpose of  the present study was to explore whether the relation between shyness and
children's coping was mediated by attributions and moderated by personality selftheories and gender. Participants included a classroom-based sample of  175 children (93
boys), aged 9-13  years (M =  10.11  years, SD = 0.92). Children completed self-report
measures assessing shyness, attributions, personality self-theories and coping strategies.
Results showed that negative attribution biases partially mediated the negative relations
between shyness and social support seeking, as well as problem-solving, and the positive
association between shyness and externalizing.  Moreover, self-theories moderated the
relation between shyness and internalizing coping at the trend level, such that the positive
relation was exacerbated among entity-oriented children to a greater degree than
incrementally-oriented children. In terms of  gender differences, shyness was related to
lower use of  social support and problem-solving among incrementally-oriented boys and
entity-oriented girls. Thus, shy children's perceptions of  social conflicts as the outcome
of  an enduring trait (e.g., social incompetence) may partially explain why they do not act
assertively and aggress as a means of  social coping. Furthermore, entity-oriented beliefs
may exacerbate shy children's reliance on internalizing actions, such as crying. Although
an incrementally-oriented stance may enhance shy girls' reliance on approach strategies,
it does not appear to serve the same protective role for shy boys. Therefore, copingoriented interventions may need to focus on restructuring shy children's social cognitions
and implementing gender-specific programming for their personality biases.


title: Sleep and information processing in individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury

subject:
Sleep disorders
Brain damage
Insomnia

abstract:
Individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often complain of t roubl e
sleeping and daytime fatigue but little is known about the neurophysiological
underpinnings of the s e  sleep difficulties. The fragile sleep of thos e  with a TBI was
predicted to be characterized by impairments in gating, hyperarousal and a breakdown in
sleep homeostatic mechanisms. To test these hypotheses, 20 individuals with a TBI (18-
64 years old,  10 men) and 20 age-matched controls (18-61  years old, 9 men) took part in
a comprehensive investigation of  their sleep. While TBI participants were not recruited
based on sleep complaint, the fmal sample was comprised of  individuals with a variety of
sleep complaints, across a range of  injury severities. Rigorous screening procedures were
used to reduce potential confounds (e.g., medication).  Sleep and waking data were
recorded with a 20-channel montage on three consecutive nights. Results showed
dysregulation in sleep/wake mechanisms. The sleep of  individuals with a TBI was less
efficient than that of  controls, as measured by sleep architecture variables.  There was a
clear breakdown in both spontaneous and evoked K-complexes in those with a TBI.
Greater injury severities were associated with reductions in spindle density, though sleep
spindles in slow wave sleep were longer for individuals with TBI than controls.
Quantitative EEG revealed an impairment in sleep homeostatic mechanisms during sleep
in the TBI group. As well, results showed the presence of  hyper arousal based on
quantitative EEG during sleep.  In wakefulness, quantitative EEG showed a clear
dissociation in arousal level between TBls with complaints of  insomnia and TBls with
daytime fatigue.  In addition, ERPs indicated that the experience of  hyper arousal in
persons with a TBI was supported by neural evidence, particularly in wakefulness and Stage 2 sleep, and especially for those with insomnia symptoms. ERPs during sleep
suggested that individuals with a TBI experienced impairments in information processing
and sensory gating.  Whereas neuropsychological testing and subjective data confirmed
predicted deficits in the waking function of  those with a TBI, particularly for those with
more severe injuries, there were few  group differences on laboratory computer-based
tasks. Finally, the use of  correlation analyses confirmed distinct sleep-wake relationships
for each group.  In sum, the mechanisms contributing to sleep disruption in TBI are
particular to this condition, and unique neurobiological mechanisms predict the
experience of  insomnia versus daytime fatigue  following a TBI. An understanding of
how sleep becomes disrupted after a TBI is important to directing future research and
neurorehabilitation.


title: Y works : average hours worked and average salaries

subject:
Generation Y -- Employment.
Career development

abstract:
Generation Y is entering the workforce in large numbers and, because this generation
holds different values than previous generations, accounting firms are having difficulty
managing these new hires. I t  is important to determine whether Generation Y is associated
with meaningful, long-term trends or  i f  they will adapt to the given situation. Gen Y' s
association with average hours worked per person and average salaries in the Canadian
Accounting, Marketing, and Legal professions is examined. I find that an increasing
percentage of  Generation Y employees in the workforce is associated with significant
decreases in average hours worked, but is not associated with any significant trend in average
salary. I t  is concluded that Generation Y is associated with changing trends in the workplace.
These trends are contrary to wha t  might be expected under traditional definitions of  success,
therefore it is postulated that Gen Y may view workplace success differently than previous
generations.


title: Crystal growth, characterization and point contact spectroscopy on CuxTiSe₂

subject:
Energy gap (Physics)
Superconductors -- Spectra
Crystal growth

abstract:
Various  s e t s  of  single c rys t a l s  and poly c rys t a l s  of Cux TiSe2  were  grown.  X- r ay
diffraction and ene rgy dispersive spe c t ros copy r e sul t s  verified tha t  the  c rys t a l s  were
the   cor r e c t   compos i t ion  and  c rys t a l  s t ruc tur e .   Re s i s t ivi ty me a sur ement s   and magne t i c   sus c ept ibi l i ty  me a sur ement s   de t e rmined the   supe r conduc t ing t r ans i t ion t empe r a tur e s  for  the  c rys t a l s .   The  c rys t a l s  in each growth had various  supe r conduc t ing
t r ans i t ion t empe r a tur e s .   Also,  the   me a sur ement s   indi c a t ed  tha t  the   c rys t a l s   were
inhomogeneous.  Point   cont a c t   spe c t ros copy expe r iment s  were  employed  on various
single c rys t a l s .   Inspe c t ion of the  da t a  indi c a t ed tha t  the  ma t e r i a l  ha s  a single ene rgy
gap .  A progr am was bui l t  ut i l i z ing the  Levenbe rg-Ma rqua rdt  me thod and theory on
point   cont a c t   spe c t ros copy to  de t e rmine  the   supe r conduc t ing  ene rgy  gap.  Plot s   of
the  supe r conduc t ing ene rgy gap a t  various t empe r a tur e s  were in di s agr e ement  wi th
wha t  was  expe c t ed  for  a  convent iona l   supe r conduc tor .


title: Mediated action, narratives of risk-taking, and identity formation in adolescents with a visual impairment

subject:
Risk-taking (Psychology)
Teenagers with visual disabilities
Risk -- Sociological aspects

abstract:
The purpose of  this project was to discern the inherent tension present in narratives told
by adolescents with a visual impairment as they attempted to make sense of  their
experiences, specifically those surrounding risk. Mediated action, based on the
foundational work of  Vygotsky and Bakhtin, was used as both a theoretical and
methodological approach; it is the theory that there are two components that constitute
any human action: the "agent," or  the person who is doing the acting, and the
"mediational means" that he or she is using to accomplish the action in question. Tension
ensues as neither is able to fully explain human behaviour. Ten adolescents with a visual
impairment participated in a narrative interview, revealing numerous counter-narratives
surrounding risk-taking, including "experimentation undertaken using good judgment."
Participants offered examples of  how they engaged, appropriated, resisted and
transformed the dominant narratives of  disability and adolescence in their identity
formation.


title: A possible role for chemokine signalling through CXCR4 as a downstream effector of retinoic acid signalling in the regenerating tail and spinal cord of Notophthalmus viridescens

subject:
Notophthalmus viridescens -- Anatomy
Regeneration (Biology)
Nervous system -- Regeneration

abstract:
The newt, Notopthalmus viridescens is one of  the few tet rapod vertebrates
capable of  extensive regeneration of  the central nervous system, however, the factors
involved in this process are still unknown. Chemokine signalling through the receptor
CXCR4,  has been found to be involved in the development of  the central nervous system
of  mammals and more recently in epimorphic fin  regeneration in zebrafish. We have
hypothesized that  the CXCR4 signalling pathway is involved in  spinal cord and tail
regeneration in the adul t  newt ,  possibly as a downstream target  of  retinoic acid
signalling. We found that  CXCR4 mRNA expression was observed in the brain, spinal
cord, heart, gut, liver and regenerating tail blastemas. CXCR4 expression increased over
the f i rst  12 days of  tail regeneration and  returned to basal expression levels at day 21 of
regeneration. Inhibition of  CXCR4 wi th AMD3100, a specific receptor antagonist, led to a
decrease in CXCR4 mRNA in the regenerating tail 14 days post amputation. Histological
analysis suggests a delay in the early stages of  tail and spinal cord  regeneration. Spinal
cord explants t reated wi th CXCL12, the ligand to CXCR4,  displayed enhanced neurite
outgrowth in  vitro. Explants t reated wi th AMD3100 abolished any retinoic acid
enhanced neurite outgrowth effects suggesting a link between these signalling
pathways.


title: Organizational capacity and knowledge transfer : a qualitative case study of the 2007 Canada Winter Games host society

subject: Canada Games (21st : 2007 : Whitehorse, Yukon)

subject: Sports administration -- Canada

subject: Knowledge management -- Canada.

abstract:
Understanding and managing the knowledge transfer process in sport
organizations is an essential component to enhance organizational capacity. Very little
research on either capacity or  knowledge transfer within a sport organization exists.
Consequently, the purpos e  of  this qualitative case study was to, examine  the transfer of
knowledge process within a  major games host society. Specifically, two research goals
guided the study:  1) To develop a model to explain a knowledge t r ans f e r  process in a
non-profit ma jor  games hos t  organization and 2) To examine the relevance of  the model
to a Canada Games Hos t  Society. Data we r e  collected from interviews with middle and
senior level volunteers as well as senior s t a f f  members (n= 27), document s  and
observations. The findings indicated three barriers to knowledge transfer:  structural,
systemic, and cultural. As  a result of  the findings a revised model for knowledge transfer
wa s  proposed that included modifications related to the direction of  knowledge flow,
timing of  the knowledge transfer process, and group inter-relations.  Implications
identified the importance of  intuition managers, time and organizational levels for
successful knowledge transfer. Recommendations for future host societies and the
Canada Games Council are presented.


title: The development of norm-based coding and category-specific face prototypes : an examination of 5- and 8-year-olds' face space

subject: Face perception in children.

abstract:
The present set of  experiments was designed to investigate the organization and
refmement of  young children's face space. Past research has demonstrated that adults
encode individual faces in reference to a distinct face prototype that represents the
average of  all faces ever encountered. The prototype is not a static abstracted norm but
rather a malleable face average that is continuously updated by experience (Valentine,
1991); for example, following prolonged viewing of  faces with compressed features  (a
technique referred to as adaptation), adults rate similarly distorted faces as more normal
and more attractive (simple attractiveness aftereffects). Recent studies have shown that
adults possess category-specific face prototypes (e.g., based on race, sex). After viewing
faces  from two categories (e.g., Caucasian/Chinese) that are distorted in opposite
directions, adults' attractiveness ratings simultaneously shift in opposite directions
(opposing aftereffects).
The current series of  studies used a child-friendly method to examine whether,
like adults, 5- and 8-year-old children show evidence for category-contingent opposing
aftereffects. Participants were shown a computerized storybook in which Caucasian and
Chinese children's faces were distorted in opposite directions (expanded and
compressed). Both before and after adaptation (i.e., reading the storybook), participants
judged the normality/attractiveness of  a small number of  expanded, compressed, and
undistorted Caucasian and Chinese faces. The method was first validated by testing
adults (Experiment I )  and was then refined in order to test 8- (Experiment 2) and 5-yearold (Experiment 4a) children. Five-year-olds (our youngest age group) were also tested in a simple aftereffects paradigm (Experiment 3) and with male and female faces distorted
in opposite directions (Experiment 4b).
The current research is the first to demonstrate evidence for simple attractiveness
aftereffects in children as young as  5, thereby indicating that similar to adults, 5-year-olds
utilize norm-based coding. Furthermore, this research provides evidence for racecontingent opposing aftereffects in both 5- and 8-year-olds; however, the opposing
aftereffects demonstrated by 5-year-olds were driven largely by simple aftereffects for
Caucasian faces.  The lack of  simple aftereffects for Chinese faces in 5-year-olds may be
reflective of  young children's limited experience with other-race faces and suggests that
children's face space undergoes a period of  increasing differentiation over time with
respect to race. Lastly, we found no evidence for sex -contingent opposing aftereffects in
5-year-olds, which suggests that young children do not rely on a fully adult-like face
space even for highly salient face categories (i.e., male/female) with which they have
comparable levels of  experience.


title: Integrating vitrinite reflectance, rock-eval pyrolysis, flourescence microscopy and palynology of the Athabasca oil sands, Kearl Lake area, northeastern Alberta

subject: Pyrolysis

subject: Fluorescence spectroscopy

subject: Palynology

subject: Metamorphism (Geology)

subject: Oil sands industry -- Alberta -- Kearl Lake

subject: Rocks

abstract:
Three  cores  from  the  Kearl  Lake  Oil  Sands  area within  the  Athabasca  deposit  of  northeastern
Alberta have  been  analyzed to  understand the  thermal  history of  the McMurray and Clearwater
formations  of  the Lower Cretaceous Mannville Group.  The approach involves the integration of
vitrinite reflectance (VR), Rock-Eval pyrolysis,  fluorescence microscopy,  and palynology. Mean
VR varies between 0.21  and 0.43% Ro  and indicates thermally immature levels  equivalent to the
rank  of  lignite  to  sub-bituminous  coal.  Although  differing  lithologies  have  influenced  VR  to
some  extent  (i.e.,  coals  and  bitumen-rich zones),  groundwater influence and oxidation  seem not
to  have measurably altered YR.  Rock-Eval analysis points to Type  III/IV kerogen,  and samples
rich in amorphous organic matter (ADM) show little to no fluorescence  characteristics, implying
a terrestrial source of  origin.  Palynology reveals the presence of  some delicate macerals but lack
of  fluorescence  and  abundant  ADM  suggests  some  degradation  and  partial  oxidation  of  the
samples.


title: Revisiting the Jewish American princess : Jewish girls, the J.A.P. discursive stereotype, and negotiated identity

subject:
Ethnicity
Jewish women
Stereotypes (Social psychology)

abstract:
This qualitative exploratory research investigates how Canadian Jewish girls
understand the discursive stereotype of  the Jewish American Princess (JAP), and how
they take up these understandings of  the J AP in relation to their identities. Three focus
groups and six interviews were conducted with girls attending Jewish high schools in
Toronto, Canada to explore these questions. From a third wave Jewish feminist
perspective, and taking a mediated action approach to identity, two analyses were
conducted. A thematic analysis of  peer relations, gender, community, and religious
understandings demonstrates how aspects of  individual identities mediate interpretations
of  the JAP. A series ofpor t rai t s  of  JAP-related identity were constructed to analyze how
the JAP discursive stereotype also functions as a cultural tool that is taken up by the
participants to mediate expressions of  their identities. These findings establish the
contradictory ways these Jewish girls describe, interpret, and utilize the JAP discursive
stereotype, and the complex roles it plays in their social worlds.


title: Extending the irrelevant sound effect beyond serial recall

subject:
Memory
Seriation (Psychology)

abstract:
The finding that serial recall perfonnance for visually presented items is impaired
by concurrently presented speech or  sounds is referred to as the irrelevant sound effect
(lSE).  The foremost explanation for the effect is based on interference with rehearsal
and seriation processes.  The present series of  experiments demonstrates tha t  neither
rehearsal nor seriation processes is necessary to observe the ISE.  Evidence comes from
three experiments that a) allow participants to report to-be-remembered items in any
order, b) eliminate rehearsal by engaging participants in a cover task and surprising them
with a memory test, and c) show that surprise non-serial recognition is immune to
rehearsal-based experimental manipulations that modulate the ISE in more typical serial
recall tasks.  Together,the results show that models that rely on rehearsal or  seriation
processes to account for the ISE need to be reconsidered.  Results are discussed in tenns
of  interference with encoding of  to-be-remembered material.


title: The relationship of individual, team and organizational learning in Ontario hospital clinical labratories

subject:
Organizational learning -- Ontario
Individualized instruction -- Ontario

abstract:
I t  is generally accepted among scholars that individual learning and team learning
contribute to the concept we refer to as organizational learning. However, a small number
of  quantitative and qualitative studies that have investigated their relationship reported
contradicting results. This thesis investigated the relationship between individual
learning, team learning, and organizational learning. A survey instrument was used to
collect information on individual learning, team learning, and organizational learning.
The study sample comprised of  supervisors from the clinical laboratories in teaching
hospitals and community hospitals in Ontario.
The analyses utilized a linear regression to investigate the relationship between
individual and team learning. The relationship between individual and organizational
learning, and team and organizational learning were simultaneously investigated with
canonical correlation and set correlation.  T-test and multivariate analysis of  variance
were used to compare the differences in learning scores of  respondents employed by
laboratories in teaching and those employed by community hospitals. The study validated
its tests results with 1,000 bootstrap replications.
Results from this study suggest that there are moderate correlations between
individual learning and team learning. The correlation individual learning and
organizational learning and team learning and organizational learning appeared to be
weak. The scores of the  three learning levels show statistically significant differences
between respondents from laboratories in teaching hospitals and respondents from
community hospitals.


title: (A) Optimization of solid body phase synthesis of RNA using the Cpep chemistry. (B) Synthesis of BODIPY labeled oligonucleotides

subject:
Oligonucleotides -- Synthesis.
Fluorimetry
RNA -- Synthesis

abstract:
(A)  Solid  phase  synthesis  of   oligonucleotides  are  well  documented  and  are  extensively
studied  as  the  demands  continue  to  rise  with  the  development  of  antisense,  anti-gene,  RNA
interference,  and aptamers.  Although synthesis  of  RNA  sequences  faces  many challenges, most
notably  the  choice  of   the  2'  -hydroxy  protecting  group,  modified  2'  -O-Cpep  protected
ribonucleotides  were  synthesized  as  alternitive  building  blocks.  Altering  phosphitylation
procedures to incorporate 3'  -N,N-diethyl phosphoramidites enhanced the overall reactivity, thus,
increased the coupling efficiency without loss of  integrety. Furthermore, technical optimizations
of  solid phase  synthesis cycles were carried out to  allow  for  successful synthesis  of  a homo UIO
sequences with a stepwise coupling efficiency reaching 99% and a final yield of  91 %.
(B)  Over  the  past  few  decades,  dipyrrometheneboron  difluoride  (BODIPY)  has  gained
recognition  as  one  of   the  most  versatile  fluorophores.  Currently,  BODIPY  labeling  of
oligonucleotides are  carried out post-synthetically and to  date, there lacks  a method that allows
for  direct  incorporation  of   BODIPY  into  oligonucleotides  during  solid  phase  synthesis.
Therefore, synthesis of  BODIPY derived phosphoramidites will provide an alternative method in
obtaining  fluorescently labelled oligonucleotides.  A method  for the  synthesis  and incorporation
of  the BODIPY analogues into oligonucleotides by phosphoramidite chemistry-based solid phase
DNA  synthesis  is  reported  here.  Using  this  approach,  BODIPY-labeled TlO  homopolymer  and
ISIS 5132 were successfully synthesized.


title: An examination of the role of personality and self-regulation in the gambling behaviours of late adolescents and emerging adults

subject: Compulsive gambling -- Psychological aspects

subject: Self-control

subject: Teenage gamblers -- Psychology.

abstract:
The purposes of  this study were:  a) to examine the role of  personality and selfregulation in the gambling behaviour participation of  late adolescents and emerging
adults. In particular, the present study examined i f  certain personality traits were more
prevalent in high-risk gamblers than in young people considered low or  at-risk gamblers;
and, b) to examine i f  the ability to self-regulate helped distinguish differences among the
three groups of  gamblers (low-risk, at-risk, and high-risk gamblers). A sample of  late
adolescents and emerging adults (N = 100) attending Brock University, completed a
survey that assessed current gambling behaviour (both frequency and consequence
experience), personality, self-esteem, and self-regulation.  It was  found that high-risk
gamblers had lower scores on the personality dimensions Emotionality,
Conscientiousness (especially on its Prudence facet), and Honesty-Humility (especially
on its Fairness, Greed Avoidance, and Modesty facets) than at-risk or low-risk gamblers
and higher scores on impulsive sensation seeking and impulsivity than at-risk or low-risk
gamblers. Similarly, high-risk gamblers reported lower levels of  self-regulation than both
at-risk and low-risk gamblers. The findings  from this study support past research which
suggests that young people who gamble at problematic levels differ on many personality
traits and often have more difficulty self-regulating than young people who do not
participate at problematic levels. Findings may aid in the development of  intervention
and prevention programs that utilize specific self-regulation techniques with a young
gambling population.


title: An investigation of the psychopathy construct and its (novel) correlates in non-clinical samples

subject:
Antisocial personality disorders
Emotional intelligence
Anxiety

abstract:
A substantial research literature exists regarding the psychopathy construct in forensic
populations, but  more recently, the construct has been extended to non-clinical
populations. The purpose of  the present dissertation was to investigate the content and the
correlates of  the psychopathy construct, with a particular focus on addressing gaps and
controversies in the literature. In Study 1, the role of  low anxiety in psychopathy was
investigated, as some authors have proposed that low anxiety is integral to the
psychopathy construct. Participants (n = 346) responded to two self-report psychopathy
scales, the SRP-III and the PPI-R, as well as measures of  temperament, personality, and
antisociality. Of  particular interest was the PPI-R Stress Immunity sub scale, which
represents low anxiety content. I t  was found that Stress Immunity was not correlated with
SRP-III psychopathy, nor did it share common personality or temperament correlates or
contribute to the prediction of  anti sociality. From Study 1, it was concluded that it was
unlikely that low anxiety is a central feature of  the psychopathy construct. In Study 2, the
relationship between SRP-III psychopathy and Ability Emotional Intelligence (Le.,
Emotional Intelligence measured as  an ability, rather than as a self-report personality
trait-like characteristic) was investigated, to determine whether psychopathy is be s t  seen
as  a syndrome characterized by emotional deficits or by the ability to skillfully
manipulate and prey upon the others' emotions. A negative correlation between the two
constructs was found,  suggesting that psychopathy is best characterized by deficits in
perceiving, facilitating, managing, and understanding emotions. In Study 3,  sex
differences in the sexual behavior (i.e., promiscuity, age of  first sexual behaviors,
extradyadic sexual relations) and appearance-related esteem (i.e., body shame,appearance anxiety, self-esteem) correlates of  SRP-III psychopathy were investigated.
The sexual behavior correlates of  psychopathy were quite similar for men and women,
but the esteem correlates were very different, such that high psychopathy in men was
related to high esteem, whereas high psychopathy in women was generally related to low
esteem. This sex difference was difficult to interpret in that it was not  mediated by sexual
behavior, suggesting that further exploration of  this topic is warranted. Together, these
three studies contribute to our understanding of  non-clinical psychopathy, indicating that
low anxiety is likely not  part of  the construct, that psychopathy is  related to low levels of
ability in Emotional Intelligence, and that psychopathy is  an important predictor of
behavior, ability, and beliefs and feelings about the self


title: Protein subcellular targeting inTrichoderma aggressivum f. aggressivum

subject: Cultivated mushroom -- Diseases and pests.

subject: Bacterial diseases of plants

subject: Trichoderma

abstract:
Trichoderma aggressivum f.  aggressivum is a filamentous soil fungus. Green mold disease
of  commercial mushrooms caused by this species in North America has resulted in millions of
dollars in lost revenue within the mushroom growing industry. Research on the molecular level
of  T  aggressivum have jus t  begun with the goal of  understanding the functions of  each gene and
protein, and their expression control. Protein targeting has not been well studied in this species
yet. Therefore, the intent of  this study was to test the protein localization and production levels in
T  aggressivum with green fluorescent protein (GFP) with an intron and tagged with either
nuclear localization signal (NLS) or  an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal (KDEL). Two
GFP constructs (with and without the intron) were used as controls in this study.
All four constructs were successfully transferred into T  aggressivum and all modified strains
showed similar growth characteristics as the wild type non-transformed isolate. GFP expression
was detected from all modified T  aggressivum with confocal microscopy and the expression was
similar in all four strains. The intron tested in this study had no or  very minor effects as GFP
expression was similar with or  without it. The GFP signal increased over a 5 day period for all
transformants, while the GFP to total protein ratio decreased over the same period for all
transformants. The GFP-KDEL transformant showed similar protein expression level and
localization as did the control transformant lacking the KDEL retention signal.  The GFP-NLS
transformant similarly failed to localize GFP into nucleus as fluorescence with this strain was
virtually identical to the GFP transformant lacking the NLS. Thus, future research is required to
find effective localization signals for T  aggressivum.


title: Immediate and enduring effects of corticosterone administration during adolescence and adulthood on anxiety and depressive behavior in male rats

subject:
Corticosterone
Depressed persons
Anxiety

abstract:
Previous research has shown that the stress hormone corticosterone can increase
depressive and anxiety-like behavior in rats as well as dampen the HPA response to a novel
stressor (Kalynchuk et aI., 2004; Johnson et aI., 2006). Several studies have also shown that
adolescence is a period of  increased sensitivity to the negative effects of  stressors (reviewed in
McCormick et aI., 2010), which are often the result of  exposure to corticosterone, and yet there is
no research to date examining the effects of  corticosterone administration during adolescence.
The purpose of  these experiments is to determine both the immediate and enduring effects of
prolonged exposure to corticosterone in adolescence and adulthood on anxiety-like behavior,
depressive behavior, and the HPA response.  In Experiment 1 adolescent and adult rats were
administered an injection of  40 mg/kg of  corticosterone or  vehicle daily for 16 days. Ha l f  of  the
rats were then tested on the elevated plus maze (EPM) one day after their last injection, and the
following day were tested on the forced swim test (FST). After the FST, which is a stressor,
blood samples were collected at three time points, and the plasma concentrations of
corticosterone were determined using a radioimmunoassay. The remaining rats were left
undisturbed for three weeks, and then underwent the same testing as the first group.
Corticosterone treatment had little effect on anxiety-like and depressive behavior, but it did alter
the HPA response to the FST.  In those rats tested soon after the period of  injections,
corticosterone dampened the HPA response as compared to vehicle treated rats in both adolescent
and adult treated rats. For the adolescent treated rats that were tested several weeks later,
corticosterone treatment increased HPA response as compared to the vehicle treated rats, but the
same was not true for the adult treated rats. I t  was hypothesized that the lack of  behavioral effects of  the corticosterone treatment may be the result of  the vehicle injections inducing a stress
response and thereby both groups would have similarly altered behavior. In Experiment 2 rats
were administered corticosterone dissolved in their drinking water with 2.5% ethanol, or  jus t  the
2.5% ethanol or plain water, to determine the effects of  corticosterone treatment without a
stressor present. The regular drinking water was replaced with treated water for  16 days either
during adulthood or adolescence, and as before, rats were either tested in the FST one day after
the water was removed or three weeks later. Again there was no effect of  treatment on depressive
behavior. Similar to what was observed in Experiment 1, corticosterone treatment dampened the
HPA response to a stressor for the rats tested soon after the treatment period. However, in
Experiment 2 there was no effect of  treatment on HPA response in those rats tested several weeks
after they were treated. These results indicate that corticosterone can have a lasting effect on the
HPA when administered in adolescence by injections but not in drinking water, which is likely
because of  the different schedules of  exposure and rates of  absorption between the two
administration methods.


title: Determinants of bankruptcy protection duration for Canadian firms

subject: Bankruptcy -- Canada

abstract:
The  present  thesis  examines  the  determinants  of   the  bankruptcy  protection
duration  for  Canadian  firms.  Using  a  sample  of   Canadian  firms  that  filed  for
bankruptcy  protection between the  calendar years  1992  and  2009,  we  fmd  that the
firm  age,  the  industry  adjusted  operating  margin,  the  default  spread,  the  industrial
production growth rate  or the interest rate  are  influential  factors  on determining the
length of  the protection period. Older firms tend to  stay longer under protection from
creditors.  As  older  firms  have  more  complicated  structures  and issues  to  settle,  the
risk of  exiting  soon the protection (the hazard rate) is  small. We  also  find that  firms
that perform better than their benchmark as measured by the industry they belong to,
tend to  leave  quickly the  bankruptcy  protection  state.  We  conclude that the  fate  of
relatively successful companies is determined faster. Moreover, we report that it takes
less time to achieve a final solution to firms under bankrupt~y when the default spread
is low or when the appetite for risk is high. Conversely, during periods of  high default
spreads and flight for quality, it takes longer time to resolve the bankruptcy issue. This
last finding may suggest that troubled firms  should place themselves under protection
when  spreads  are  low.  However,  this  ignores  the  endogeneity  issue:  high  default
spread may  cause  and  incidentally  reflect  higher  bankruptcy  rates  in  the  economy.
Indeed, we  find that bankruptcy protection is longer during economic downturns. We
explain  this  relation  by  the  natural  increase  in  default  rate  among  firms  (and
individuals)  during  economically troubled times.  Default  spreads  are  usually  larger
during these  harsh  periods  as  investors  become more  risk averse  since their wealth shrinks.
Using  a  Log-logistic  hazard  model,  we  also  fmd  that  firms  that  file  under  the
Companies'  Creditors  Arrangement  Act  (CCAA)  protection  spend  longer  time
restructuring than firms that filed under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA). As
BIA  is  more  statutory  and  less  flexible,  solutions  can  be  reached  faster  by  court
orders.


title: Stereoselective synthesis of substituted hexahydro-3a,4a-diazacyclopentaphenanthren-4-ones and aminoferrocenes

subject:
Asymmetric synthesis
Catalysis

abstract:
This  thesis  explored  the  development  of   several  methodologies  for  the
stereoselective  construction  of  ligand  frameworks  and  some  of  their  applications.  The
first  segment  concerns  the  application  of   an  enantioselective  lithiation  at  an  Sp3_
hybridized position adjacent to nitrogen by means of  the widely used and typically highly
effective enantioselective lithiation with  ( -)-sparteine. This investigation was intended to
develop a method to  install chirality into a system that would be  converted into a family
of   diaminoylidenes  for  use  as  phosphine  mimics  in  transition  metal  catalysis  or  as
nucleophilic  reagents.  Molecular modeling of  the  system  revealed  some  key interactions
between the  substrate  and  (-)-sparteine that  provided  general  insight into  the  diamine's
mode of  action and should lend some predictive value to its  future applications.
The  second  portion  focuses  on  the  development  of   methods  to  access  1,2-
disubstituted aminoferrocenes,  an underexplored  class  of  metallocenes possessing planar
chirality.  Two  routes  were  examined  involving  a  diastereoselective  and  an
enantioselective  pathway,  where  the  latter  method  made  use  of  the  first  BF3-mediated
lithiation-substitution  to  install  planar  chirality.  Key  derivatives  such  as  1,2-
aminophosphines,  made  readily  accessible  by the  new  route,  were  evaluated  as  ligands
for Pd(II), Pt(II) and Ir(I).  These complexes show activity in a number of  transformations
with  both  achiral  and  prochiral  substrates.  Optimization  experiments  were  conducted to
prepare enantiomerically enriched  2-substituted-I-aminoferrocenes by direct asymmetric
lithiation of  BF3-coordinated tertiary aminoferrocenes. A predictive computational model
describing  the  transition  state  of  this  reaction  was  developed  in  collaboration  with
Professor  Travis  Dudding's  group  (Department  of  Chemistry,  Brock  University).  The predicted  stereochemistry of  the  process was  confirmed by single-crystal X-ray  analysis
of  a 2-phosphino-l-dimethylaminoferrocene derivative. Enantiomerically pure samples of
the  aminophosphine  ligands  derived  from  this  new  process  have  given  promising
preliminary results in the enantioselective hydrogenation of  prochiral alkenes and warrant
further stUdy in metal-mediated catalysis.