McGill University Theses and dissertations published in 1964

The theory of positron annihilation in condensed matter was reviewed in 1956 by R.A. Ferrell and again in 1960 by P.R. Wallace. There is therefore little need to give a detailed historical survey of its development; we will limit ourselves to a brief summary of the state of the theory as reviewed by Farrell and then pass immediately to a discussion of some of the more recent work which has a direct bearing on this thesis. In a typical positron annihilation experiment, a high energy positron from some β+ decay source penetrates deep into a thin metal sample and quickly …  Read more

There are numerous situations in which a polarity occurs, several of these being pointed out by G. Birkhoff [2] who first discussed polarities and formulated some of the elementary results. R.M. Thrall examined more closely a polarity between the subspaces of a vector space and the algebra of linear transformations [8]. Another important application arises in lattice completions [2]. [...]  Read more

This study focused on the conflict of views about adolescence that confronts group work practitioners. The study explored attitudes held by selected adolescent and adult groups in an attempt to contribute to a clarification of the extent to which adolescents rebel against adults and belong to a strong subculture of their own. Furthermore, it was hoped that such data might point a direction for effective social group work with adolescents. Following an attitudinal measurement model of Abraham J. Tannenbaum, ‘Adolescent Attitudes Toward Academic Brillance’ (New York: Columbia University, 1962), data were gathered on attitudes towards adolescent characteristics representing reliance on …  Read more

Just like in surface vehicular travel, the inevitability of collisions between aircraft, and the growth of the incidence thereof, is equally accepted in air transportation. The necessity of regulating the legal obligations resulting from such incidents, in a convention level, in order to obviate the application of the various domestic laws on the matter which do not contain standard liability provisions, among other things, was long felt. Such need stems from the economic policy obtaining in international air law to define, regulate and limit an aircraft operator's liability from catastrophic losses that usually results from a single aviation accident, and …  Read more

Acetylcholine (ACh) was first synthesized by Bayer (1867), but its pharmacological action vas not realised until Hunt and Traveau (1906) illustrated its depressor activity on the nervous system, an action which could be abolished by atropine. Dixon (1906) noted that muscarine mimicked vagal stimulation and later restated the possibility of humoral mediation by chemicals (Dixon and Hamill, 1909), an idea first put forward by Elliott (1904) with regard to the possible mode of action of adrenalin. The first indication that ACh was a naturally occurring substance came with its isolation from some extracts of ergot which had been observed to …  Read more

Thailand, an area of about 200,000 square miles in the heart of Southeast Asia, stretches from latitude 5 30" North to 21 North, or not quite 1,000 miles. The longitudinal extent is half this distance, from 97 30" East to 105 30" East. It thus falls entirely within the tropical climate region. The country is bordered on the north-east by Laos, on the south-east by Cambodia, (these two countries, together with North Vietnam and South Vietnam, comprising the area once known as French Indo-China,) on the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaya and on the north-west and west …  Read more

Nitrogen tantalizes mankind with the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty. All living things on this planet must have nitrogen in their food. The earth’s atmosphere contains far more than enough nitrogen to satisfy the requirement, yet relatively few of the species populating the earth are able to metabolize nitrogen from the atmosphere. This circumstance gives rise to important ecologic and economic consequences, and poses challenging questions for several branches of science. The first isolation of free living nitrogen fixing bacteria by Winogradsky and Beijernck stimulated attempts to assess the importance of non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the nitrogen …  Read more

Many studies have been carried out on the flow of fluids through a particle bed. A number of empirical equations concerned with gravity flow of solid particles through an orifice have been proposed. However, little work has been done on a liquid-particle bed moving through a restricted end under imposed liquid pressure. Chon, Kovacic and Hammitt (1) have recently studied the system of liquid-particle two-phase concurrent downward flow through a tube with a restricting orifice end. Their studies were concerned with the application of this type of flow system to a mobile fuel nuclear reactor where fine uranium or uranium …  Read more

It has long been known that natural or synthetic oxytocin, whether it be endogenous or exogenous, causes a change in the motility pattern of the female genital tract and the let-down of milk in laboratory and farm animals. The important functions in animal reproduction such as sperm transport in the female tract, ovum transportation and phenomena involved in pregnancy and parturition, are believed to be associated and affected by the motility of the female genital tract. It is therefore clear that in order to have a better understanding, hence subsequent control of these factors, a more detailed knowledge of the …  Read more

The "albedo", A, of a surface is defined as the ratio of, Ir, the radiation reflected by the surface and Io, the radiation incident upon the surface; or, A=Ir/Io. It is expressed either as a percentage or simply as a number. The term "reflectivity coefficient” is used by some authors for the same quantity. It is also understood that the albedo is restricted to the solar component of the radiation spectrum. For the present study the range of wavelengths is set effectively by the capability of the sensing instrument used which, in this case, is limited to the range 0.3 …  Read more

In recent years agricultural scientists have become aware of the fact that plant parasitic nematodes have been a serious world problem by depriving farmers of higher yields and greater returns from their crops. It is impossible to assess their economic importance even roughly, for in many parts of the world they have still to be sought, but it is probably safe to say that every country or every crop is troubled by nematodes. Nematodes of the species ‘Aphelenchus avenae’ Bastian, 1865 are of widespread occurrence in soil and in dead or dying plant parts that have been in or on …  Read more

Coumarin (2-oxo-1,2-benzopynpl), a lactone of o-hydroxy-dis-cinnamic acid is a naturally occurring constituent of certain plants, especially sweet clover. Coumarin, present in "spoilt" clover, is sometimes ingested by livestock causing a haemorrhagic condition. Stahmann et al. (1941) identified dicoumarol as the active principle involved. Due to the strong structural relationship of dicoumarol with coumarin, Robert and Link (1937) believed that dicoumarol was formed from coumarin. Many of the coumarin derivatives are pharmacologically active and include anticoagulant drugs, rodenticides and insecticides. Due to its bitter taste and vanilla-like odour, coumarin itself has been employed for flavouring foods but its use has been …  Read more

By employing Koch's postulates, certain strains of Escherichia coli have been proven to cause enteritis of early weaned pigs. 1. Two strains of hemolytic E. coli were isolated consistently and in large numbers from the fecal samples of early weaned pigs that scoured shortly after weaning. 2. Symptoms of enteritis were reproduced artificially by contaminating the drinking water of the pigs with a live culture of one of the two strains of E. coli. The same strain of E. coli was isolated in very large numbers from the fecal samples of artificially infected animals. 4. The infection of this strain …  Read more

Carcinoma of the breast is second in rank among all caucasian women suffering from cancer (42). First in rank is carcinoma of the uterus. In some reports (59), carcinoma of the breast ranked first; such is the case in New York state. The five year survival rate in operable breast carcinoma, by radical mastectomy is around f.fty per cent. This 5 year survival rate improves to seventy-five per cent if there are no regional or distant metastases and falls to around thirty per cent if the axillary lymph nodes are involved by metastatic disease. This tact stresses the importance of …  Read more

Almost one hundred years ago Paul Langerhans (1) described the pancreatic islet cells. Another 50 years had passed before its physiological significance had become clear, following the studies of Laguesse (2). On the basis of histological observations, particularly referring to profuse vascularization of the islets, Laguesse suggested in 1893, that islet cell have an endocrine function. The classical experiments of Banting and Best (3) in 1922 lead to the identification of the hormone insulin and consequently to the treatment of diabetes. According to present knowledge, insulin is secreted by Beta cells. It has been shown that the insulin content of …  Read more

A large number of 17-ketosteroids have been found in the urine since the first one vas isolated almost thirty-five years ago. Butenandt and his co-workers in 1931 (1) first isolated a crystalline steroid with androgenic activity from a chloroform extract of normal male urine which had been hydrolysed with acid and subsequently identified it as androsterone in 1934 (2). In the same year, these authors described the isolation of dehydroisoandrosterone from urine. (3) In 1938 Butler and Marrian (4) reported the isolation of two other 17-ketosteroids, etiocholanolone and isoandrosterone, from a large quantity of unhydrolysed urine excreted by a woman …  Read more

A series of combustion tests have been performed to investigate the possibility of developing an internal spark ignition system for use in hypersonic shock tunnels. Stoichiometric oxygen-hydrogen mixed with different amounts of helium made up the combustible charge. The electrode configurations were of the spherical-spherical or point-plane type. The parameters of the experiment were: 1. loading pressure 500, 800, 1200 and 2000 psia; 2. percentage helium 65, 70, 75 and 80%; 3. electrode gap spacing .002 to .010 inch. The tests showed that detonation-free combustion could be achieved over the complete pressure range, with mixtures containing between 70% and 80% …  Read more

The butterfly emerges from the cocoon, dries its wings in the sun, and in a few hours is able to fly. The salamander leaves its egg and is able to swim soon afterwards. A newly hatched chick pecks accurately for food at the end of its first day. lnsects, amphibia, and birds display complex visually guided movement soon after they are born. Members of these species do not seem to require long periods of maturation, or special conditions in the sensory environment, in order to display coordinated patterns of sensory-motor integration. The human neonate, however, must undergo a relatively long …  Read more

Since the beginning of this century, a large amount of evidence has accumulated indicating that antibody can be partially digested by enzymes without loss of activity. As will be indicated in the following review, much of this work was undertaken primarily to eliminate the occurrence of serum sickness, a syndrome due to the intravascular interaction between passively administered heterologous antitoxic antisera and the antibodies formed to these antisera in the recipient. Enzymatic treatment of antitoxins was used in an attempt to reduce their antigenicity and hence their ability to elicit an immune responce, with its possibly disastrous sequelae. The early …  Read more

The aim of this project in its conception, was to study a number of aspects of renal physiology. In addition, we sought the means of preserving organs, such as the kidney, for extended periods of time. Finally, we hoped to familiarize ourselves with the techniques and problems of renal transplantation. Over the course of a year's work, it is safe to state that a good proportion of this has been accomplished, though alas, considerably less than anticipated. The first five months of the academic year witnessed the setting up of a crude form of kidney perfusion directed at simply cooling …  Read more

The subject of this thesis is a consideration of the Greek Question before the United Nations and more particularly the "threat to the political independence and territorial integrity of Greece from 1946-1954. Three minor aspects of this tapie, namely, the repatriation of the abducted Greek i children, the detention of prisoners captured by the guerrillas, and the refugee problem,have not been considered since they were peripheral to the main subject and primarily involved international organizations other than the United Nations.(l) My approach to the topic is largely institutional. The thesis begins with an historical background, proceeds to a consideration of …  Read more

Histamine, a naturally occurring substance has been identified, located and traced through its metabolism. It is very widely distributed in the body and there is scarcely any organ which does not contain at least some histamine. Abnormal release of this substance or altered reactivity to histamine has been round to occur in many pathological conditions. However, the great amount of information which has accumulated over the years, has contributed very little in understanding the role, that is the physiological function, if any, of this biological amine. In 1960 KAHLSON suggested that histamine has an important role in tissue growth. He …  Read more

Although there is an abundance of clinical neurological studies dealing with the role of the cerebral cortex in somesthesis, the lack of quantitative behavioral measures, combined with the diffuse and often histologically unverified nature of the lesions in the patients studied, seriously limits the value of the findings. A further difficulty arises from the varied modes of sensation subsumed under the general heading of somesthesis. A considerable advance was made with the advent of newer electrophysiological techniques (including cortical stimulation in conscious patients, and evoked potential recording in lower animals), which permitted accurate mapping of somatosensory representation in the cerebral …  Read more

This review of the literature on the affects of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) on memory will first attend briefly to three originally distinct lines of development which occasionally overlap, and eventually converge in the first publication (Cerletti and Bini, 1938) concerning the use of ECS with human subjects. It will then go on to deal with the literature on ECS and will pay special attention to the affect of ECS on memory when it is interpolated between learning and a retention test. Use of ECS for the study of memory and retention seems to be the result of three quite separate …  Read more

Vast areas of abandoned or sub-marginal land exist. In Quebec alone it has been estimated that there are about 1,400,000 acres of abandoned farmland (32). Some of this land is being turned into tree farms and more of it could be so utilized if some problems could be overcome. The chief difficulties existing are mainly those of uneven topography, poor drainage and low fertility status of the soil. This latter problem could be possibly the easiest difficulty to overcome provided adequate knowledge existed of the effects of fertilization on reforested areas. To assess relative fertility levels of soils for purposes …  Read more

Revascularization of the ischemic myocardium is one of the major concerns in the field of experimental surgery. The increasing disability and death from obliterative disease of the coronary arteries, which all too frequently attacks men in the prime of life whose other organs are still intact and healthy, has stimulated widespread interest in the field of medicine to produce some means of increasing the blood flow to the ischemic myocardium. The causative factors in the genesis of coronary occlusive disease is still far from clear.  Read more

During the early existence of the science of genetics, the area of single gene effects was the more active area of interest. Throughout the initial development of this science, studies of qualitative traits provided the basis on which the later principles were founded. [...]  Read more

Kirk, H. (Supervisor)  Read more

Fraser, F. (Supervisor)  Read more

Previous workers observed that wood lignin, when condensed with formaldehyde in 72% sulfuric acid, gave a formaldehyde lignin in which about one-fourth of the carbon atoms were derived from formaldehyde. Reactive sites in the lignin, which normally promoted condensation to insoluble Klason lignin in the strong acid, appeared to be preferentially substituted by formaldehyde in such a way that the formaldehyde lignin was soluble in water and other liquids. The object of the present work was to degrade the formaldehyde lignin in the hope of identifying some molecular fragments indicative of its structure.  Read more

Although genetic studies are devoted, for the most part, to characters showing clear cut segregation, a great many genetically determined defects show familial patterns which cannot be explained by a difference at a single genetic locus or even a very few loci. These defects are often biologically important and, in spite of the difficulties involved in their analysis, deserve more intensive study. The studies which have been done, such as those of Wright (1934a, 1934b), Reed (1936), Gruneberg (1952), Lerner (1954), and Landauer (1957), attempt to explain the apparently non-Mendelian behaviour of the trait in question by invoking either reduced …  Read more

The recrystallization behaviour and deformation of synthetic stoichiometric chalcocite (Cu2S) in the temperature range 400-725°C was studied microscopically after annealing in evacuated silica glass capsules and after heating under differential pressures in sealed gold capsules. The temperature of recrystallization and grain growth ascribed to the hexagonal ~ cubic inversion, at sulphur vapour pressures much less than one atmosphere, was determined at 465 +/- 5°C with annealing time of 2 1/2 hours. In experiments involving differentiai pressures of 8,000 p.s.i., chalcocite in the solid state becomes considerably more mobile above 563 +/- 10°C and can readily be injected as a plastic …  Read more

Water movement in clay soils is influenced by the volume changes associated with water content changes, and by the water retention characteristics of the soils. These properties are all dependent upon particle-size distribution. This thesis attempts to establish relations between texture and shrinkage, moisture retention, and permeability for a simplified soil system consisting of mixtures of clay and glass beads. Observations are explained in terms of the present theories for soil-water interactions. The thesis is subdivided into four chapters. The first chapter gives an account of present views on soilwater interactions, and is included to facilitate discussion in the later …  Read more

In Jacques Herbrand's formulation of the predicate calculus, with a formula F is associated a quantifier-free formula R(i,F) of order i. The first part of what is known as Herbrand's Theorem states that, given an integer p such that R(p,F) is valid, then we can find a proof of F. In this work, we describe an effective procedure to generate such a proof of F in a Gentzen's type formulation. In fact, we describe an effective procedure to generate what is called a pseudo-proof of F but we show afterwards that this pseudo-proof is a proof. This effective procedure terminates …  Read more

Bell, R. (Supervisor)  Read more

Following the generalities of the foreword, the actual subject requires to be more sharply defined. Municipal, provincial and federal agencies, large private corporations and welfare organizations have, on occasion, prepared reports and submissions investigating various and sundry aspects of the housing situation in the Montreal area. In addition, several generalized studies have been prepared, mainly under governmental instigation (see references in this study). However, a complete picture of the many aspects of this field has not yet been formed. The intention of this thesis is an evaluation and critical presentation of the overall picture rather than another fragmented analysis of …  Read more

The three-dimensional patterns of the large-scale divergence and vertical motion over North America are derived at twelve-hour intervals for a one-week period beginning May 21, 1962. The distribution of severe storms in the central and eastern United States during that period is examined and related to the patterns of vertical motion. The mean profile of large-scale vertical motion near early-morning storms is compared with that near late afternoon storms; the two profiles are found to be quite different. The morning storms correlate highly with the patterns of upward motion; the afternoon storms do not, presumably because other factors such as …  Read more

The production of horticultural crops, although it accounts for only 6.8 per cent of the total agricultural revenue of Quebec, is one of the most dynamic sections of the agricultural industry in this Province (39). The total area in vegetables grown for commercial purposes was estimated at 70,360 acres in 1962, compared to 66,690 in 1961 and 63,660 acres in 1960. Estimates of the farm value of production were 13.7 million dollars for 1962, compared with 13.2 million in 1961 and 12.6 million in 1960. Potatoes, as field crops, are grown on 90,200 acres in Quebec (29.1 per cent of …  Read more

In recent years ultraviolet photochemistry has developed from a scientific curiosity to a preparative chemical process. This came about with the advent of a low coat source of ultraviolet radiation. The sun being the only source of ultraviolet light, photochemistry used to be restricted to countries such as southern France, southern Germany, and Italy (1, 2). [...]  Read more

The broad area to which this thesis relates is that in which disjunctive reaction time (DRT) techniques are used in the investigation of decision processes. The main issue examined is the relative importance of stimulus versus response factors in determining DRT performance. In investigating this question experimentally, use is made of a conditional disjunctive reaction time (CDRT) task. The disjunctive nature of the task refers to the fact that the subject (S) must make two decisions: (i) which stimulus alternative was presented, and (ii) which response alternative is appropriate to that stimulus alternative.  Read more

The paramagnetic resonance spectrum of the rare Ti3+ ion in cubic RbAl(SO4)2. 12H20 has been investigated with an X-band microwave spectrometer at liquid helium temperatures. Spectra were plotted for the d-c magnetic field rotated in the {100} and {011} planes and twelve resonance lines were observed. By considering a model of twelve magnetic complexes, three different g-factors have been determined, 1.895 +/- .002, 1.715 +/- .002 and 1.767 +/- .002, which result from a crystal electric field of orthorhombic symmetry. Through the application of group theory and quantum mechanical perturbation methods, crystal field energy levels have been calculated to be …  Read more

When the period of decline had set in the 17th century Ottoman Empire, at least three interpretations were given for such decline: the first drew its inspiration from Ibn Khaldun's Muqqadima and remarked that the Empire had passed its zenith and was preparing to die; another pointed out that disintegration occurred when the Rule diverted from the injunctions of the Shari'a; the third, which had been attracted to the changes that took place in neighbouring Europe, considered that the Empire ought to borrow from the European such techniques that would cause the process of disintegration to stop and the Empire …  Read more

When the period of decline had set in the 17th century Ottoman Empire, at least three interpretations were given for such decline: the first drew its inspiration from Ibn Khaldün's Muggadima and remarked that the Empire had passed its zenith and was preparing to die; another pointed out that disintegration occurred when the Rule diverted from the injunctions of the Sharia; the third, which had been attracted to the changes that took place in neighbouring Europe, considered that the Empire ought to borrow from the European such techniques that would cause the process of disintegration to stop and the Empire …  Read more

When Redpath Hall, originally designed and built as a library reading room, was converted into a multi-purpose auditorium, it soon became evident that the Hall was deficient, in several respects, in its new role. The multipurpose hall is, by design, a compromise, designed to provide reasonable hearing conditions for a multiplicity of instrumental and vocal performances, without favoring or overly impairing any particular type of performance. Redpath Hall possesses a relatively long reverberation time, decidedly beneficial for the appreciation of some musical performances, such as organ recitals, chamber music, choral performances, string quartet, etc., but at the same time, noticeably …  Read more

Bland, J. (Supervisor)  Read more

The distribution of both the major and trace elements within a rock body is fundamental to the solution of many geologic problems. In most instances a great many analyses are required to represent this distribution accurately. The cost, in terms of expenditure and time, of ordinary analytical procedures limits the number of samples that can be collected and processed. This often results in an inadequate or even erroneous concept of the distribution of an element. The purpose of this project was to design and construct a portable gamma ray spectrometer capable of measuring, in situ, the radioelement content of rocks, …  Read more

The tracheo-bronchial system and lungs develop from the fore-gut. They commence as a ventral groove in the pharynx, which becomes roofed over to form the laryngeotracheal tube, lined by entoderm (49). The distal end of this tube grows downwards and forwards and divides into the two lung buds. These lung buds grow into dense mesenchymal tissue which forms the pleural coverings and part of the lung parenchyma. The tubular system develops by branching and re-branching to form a system of tubes in parallel, which averages about 23 generations in the human (131). The structure of the lungs is conventionally divided …  Read more

From the beginning Soviet education was characterized by an incessant conflict between theory and practice, the battle shifting from one sector of the educational front to another depending on the circumstances and personalities involved. Ideologists, theorists, and idealists on the one hand, and die-hard practical realists on the other, conducted a tug-o-war with the latter inevitably coming out of the conflict victorious. Not even in a country as totally dedicated to a dogma as the Soviet Union is to Marxism (at least on the surface) can education ignore realities, and develop as though in a vacuum. Like anywhere else, education …  Read more

The synthesis of polymeric materials usually accompanies growth by cell expansion in intact plant tissue and is often considered to be essential to it. Nevertheless, instances have been recorded of tissue which can grow for a time, especially when excised from the plant, without showing an increase in dry weight. In the event that polymer synthesis still takes place, there must be simultaneous breakdown or interconversion of components. Direct evidence has been obtained recently with one young tissue or another for the metabolic turnover of protein (Heyes, 1959; Hellebust and Bidwell, 1964), nucleic acid (Woodstock and Skoog, 1960; Heyes, 1960), …  Read more

The investigations were carried out at the Primary Waste Water Treatment Plant in Beaconsfield, Quebec, and the plant performance and efficiency determined. The removal values of Suspended Solids and Chemical Oxygen Demand determined, compared favourably with expected. Values for primary treatment processes, found elsewhere. Results of experimental tests made at the plant showed that over 10% of solids in the primary sludge could be obtained by maintaining a sludge blanket depth in the thickener of over 3 feet. Thickening of sludge was controlled by using the concept of Sludge Volume Ratio S.V.R., defined as the volume of sludge blanket held …  Read more