McGill University Thèses et mémoires publiés en 1962

En ces termes, un honnête érudit, au début de notre siècle, condamne à de vaines recherches le naïf audacieux qui espère tirer de l’exotisme dans le théâtre classique, le sujet d'un travail original. Apparemment, la mise en garde de Martino n’est pas tombée dans l'oreille d'un sourd: à notre connaissance, nul n’a eu l’outrecuidance de repasser au crible le minerai voltairien et d'établir avec précision dans quelle mesure l’avertissement de Martino s'applique à l’orientalisme des tragédies de l’homme qui a rempli son siècle de sa présence et l’a scandalisé par ses innovations. Qu’il n'existe point encore de thèse définitive sur …  Lire la suite

A number of marine bacteria have been found to have a specific requirement for sodium for growth and for metabolism. The specific function of this monovalent ion for the cells, however, is still unknown. The aim of this project is to study the function of sodium in a Gram-negative marine pseudomonad. Three different approaches were taken to investigate this problem. The first one consisted in comparing the biochemical properties of a Na+ requiring marine bacterium and some non-Na+ requiring mutants derived from it.  Lire la suite

A metbod was ·devised for the measure.ent of the main urinary l7-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids in the urine of newborn infants. This was acbieved by sequential extraction of the urine at pH 7; after beta-glucuronidase hydrolysis; and after solvolysis; followed by colûmn and paper chromatography. [...] It is suggested that besides hydroxylation at c2 and c6, sulphurylation representa an important metabolic pathway of cortisol in newborn infants.  Lire la suite

The term "axona migration" may be given two meanings: a narrow and a broad one. The term in its narrow sense refers only to the hypothesis that a certain material present in the axon would migrate in a peripheral direction, a good example of this concept is provided by the neurosecretion theory in which neurosecretory granules are believed to migrate distally along the axon. The broad meaning, as outlined in Weiss's concept implies proximodistal movement of the axon as a whole and therefore correspnds to a "continuous growth of the axon." According to Weiss and Hiscoe (1948), this theory is …  Lire la suite

Because of its high incidence, wide distribution and socio-economic consequences, hypertension is one of the main health problems of today. Clues to the etiology of hypertensive vascular disease have accumulated at a steadily increasing rate but a satisfactory answer, which had seemed so near in a number of occasions, has repeatedly receded from the grasp of hopeful investigators. The participation of the kidney in the maintenance of increased systemic arterial pressure has been intimated since the observations of Tigerstedt and Bergman in 1898 (1) and the classical experiments of Goldblatt in 1934 (2). Today a vast amount of experimental and …  Lire la suite

Swift's satire of contemporary eighteenth century politics in Gulliver's Travels no doubt made the book more interesting to its first readers; it has certainly been the object of untiring investigation in the twentieth century. As Sir Charles Firth has pointed out, Swift himself encouraged this hunt for topical references: "He [the critic] is searching for a secret which Swift tells us is hidden there, and endeavouring to solve riddles which were intended to exercise his wits. Swift loved to mystify the public …"  Lire la suite

Pyrrhotite and sphalerite deposition temperatures were determined in the ores of New Calumet Mine, Quebec. Forty-five pyrrhotite and fifty-two sphalerite determinations were made taken from various samples. Out of these, both geothermometers were used in 18 specimens. In most cases both values were reasonably close. Only four specimens showed greater difference for the two geothermometers than 56°C, the mean difference being 17°C. The temperature values for pyrrhotite range from 350° to 484°C, of that of sphalerite from 370° to 538°C. Using these values, isotherms were drawn throughout the orebodies based on the sphalerite data. The pyrrhotite values did not show …  Lire la suite

Fourteen rectangular reinforced concrete beams with the same dimensions and varying amounts of vertical stirrups were tested for ultimate shear strength. The beams were symmetrically loaded at the third points of a central span with a loaded overhang at each end to simulate the effects of continuity. A study of the cracking pattern, the deflected form of each beam and the stresses in the main and web reinforcements was made. The results were compared to both code requirements and theories presented by other investigators. As a result of this study it is shown that the strength of beams in shear …  Lire la suite

When Einstein first introduced the notion of the geodesic of a particle in the General Theory of Relativity (1), he did so through the principle of equivalence, postulating that the motion of a particle under the influence of a gravitational field must be indistinguishable locally from inertial motion. The geodesic equations contain the Christoffel symbols of the second kind, field variables which effectively take the place of the force of classical theory. The question arises, whether these equations can properly be called equations of motion, if the Christoffel symbols are singular at the location of the particle; for this is …  Lire la suite

The problem of carcinogenesis is an extremely wide and complex one and is unlikely to be solved by one man using one experimental model. On the other hand, it seems preferable to choose one model and explore its possibilities thoroughly before discarding it in the hope that there may be a common denominator to all carcinogenic processes. This thesis will attempt to show that by the use of a well-established experimental model, but by adding newer techniques, new and valuable information can be obtained. The two-stage production of papillomata in the skin of mice was chosen for several reasons. Training …  Lire la suite

The main scope or this Work and that I Will deal with, is to present a thorough study or past and present decisions concerning the allocation or jurisdiction over events aboard aircrart in international flight. In recommending policies for the future, I Should determine the applicability of the factors affecting the general process ot decision to the specific problem relating to the aircraft issue. In an active world of constant interaction, since the advent or the aircraft, there has been an increasing need for collaboration or individuals and nation states. Therefore, effective control of participants in certain particular events of …  Lire la suite

Das XIX. Jahrhundert ist eine Blütezeit des Gesellschaftsromans. In England analysieren die Romane der früh-viktorianischen Epoche hauptsachlich das dortige Bürgertum. In Frankreich sind die Helden der Romane Balzacs fast ausnahmslos Geschopfe der kraftstrotzenden, geldgierigen Epoche, in der die Bürger zur politischen Führung gelangten. Flaubert schildert mit viel Verachtung die Menschen seiner Zeit, Hugo mit mehr Verstandnis und Gefühl für die Entrechteten. Zola malt mit der Geschichte der Rougon-Macquart die Geschicke seiner Zeit und ihrer Menschen. Sein pessimistischer Realismus ist lunchsetzt von Mitleid mit den Armen - und von Hoffnung.  Lire la suite

Autoradiograms of plants which had one of their leaves (presentation leaf) photosynthesizing in C14O2 show high concentration of radioactivity in the growing point and roots and low concentration in leaves below the presentation leaf. Infection on two of these lower leaves increases the concentration of radioactivity in them, especially around lesions, but has no marked and consistent effect on the concentration in other organs. Infection on the presentation leaf reduces photosynthesis and export of C14 to other parts. Heat girdling of petioles of healthy and infected leaves show that in both cases, C14 export takes place through phloem and its …  Lire la suite

Competition in plant communities is one of these concepts that has been investigated and discussed extensively and yet very few people if any have a thorough understanding of all its intricacies and complexities. Any study that did or will reveal some of the unknowns of this phenomenon in grassland will be a step in the direction that will ultimately permit the attainment of the ideal pasture plant community. However, presently, until more is known, especially on the value of competition as it occurs in hay end pasture swards, any attempt to come forth with recommendations on the compounding of forage …  Lire la suite

A study of the electronic properties of a substance usually requires the knowledge of its band structure. The starting point when trying to determine the band structure of a crystalline material is to employ one or another type of approximation to obtain the general form of the structure of energy bands. This general form usually contains certain parameters whose theoretical calculation is difficult or prohibitive. Thus we resort to experiments to determine the values of these parameters and consequently the exact band structure. To establish the validity of an approximation we have to show that the model based on this …  Lire la suite

Previous work in this department has demonstrated that changes accompanying the acquisition of chloramphenicol resistance in Salmonella indicate structural changes in the surface of resistant organisms. Like changes have been indicated by other workers investigating both Gram-positive and Gram-negative chloramphenicol-resistant organisms. The additional observations of increased cross resistance to other antibiotics such as penicillin implies a possible non-specific mechanism of resistance such as an impermeability barrier in the cell.  Lire la suite

The objective of the investigation was to establish the hydrologic regime of the drainage basin of the Lake Hertel giving proper considerations to the various phases of the hydrologic cycle. Constructional features included two measuring weirs for inflow to and a measuring weir for outflow from the Lake. Installation of a class "A" evaporation pan with all instrumentations were done to register all parameters to compute water surface evaporation. These were compared with results from empirical formulae. Comparative calculations concerning applicability of meteorological data of McGill University and St. Hubert Air Base meteorological stations were made. Rainfall - runoff relations …  Lire la suite

Most behavior does not consist of a series of discrete actions but rather is an organized pattern occurring over a period of time. In complex activities such as playing a musical instrument, reading, or speaking, there are no inherent relations between elements (notes or words) to determine the order in which they are produced. This essential organization, therefore, seems to depend more on central mediating factors within the organism than on immediate sensory controls. A logical inference from this is that there is a developmental growth in the level of behavioral complexity of which the individual is capable, i.e., that …  Lire la suite

The serum hexosamine and protein contents of avian, bovine, porcine, rodent (rat) and human subjects were estimated. Significant species and sex differences were detected. Maturation brought a large increase of serum hexosamine in female fowls and pigs, a small increase in cows, and no increase in humans. The effects of pregnancy in cows and exercise and diet in rats were also studied. In another study the effects of gonadal hormones, administered to immature fowl, on the levels of serum hexosamine, protein, glucuronic acid, sugar and calcium were investigated. Hydrolysis of serum with a polystyrene resin gave higher estimates of hexosamine …  Lire la suite

When a high energy projectile such as a proton, neutron, alpha particle, etc. impinges upon a target nucleus, the nucleus can be excited to an energy far above the binding energy of individual nucleons (i.e. neutrons or protons) in the nucleus. As a result nucleons or small groups of nucleons may be emitted, each carrying away varying amounts of the excitation energy until the residual nucleus is left in a relatively stable condition. The term “spallation" has been used to describe reactions fitting this general description. Spallation reactions have been studied for almost every element, using bombarding particles from a …  Lire la suite

This thesis investigates some of the properties of a primitive form of computer known as the infinite abacus . The discussion is based on a paper (1, Bibliography) by Professor Joachim Lambek of McGill University, whose assistance and kindness I gratefully acknowledge. I shall develop the theory from its beginnings, not presupposing any acquaintance with this paper.  Lire la suite

The Nineteenth Century was marked in Europe and in North America by an increasing awareness of scientific thought which was carried into many fields of human endeavour. It was during this period that the study of medicine began to flower, as interest was awakened in the accurate observation and recording of natural phenomena as they occur in the human body in health and disease. Normal human anatomy was becoming increasingly better understood, the study of pathology was advancing rapidly and the infant physiology was gaining interest. Prior to 1830, acute inflammation of the pancreas had been observed and recorded so …  Lire la suite

The Geiger and Complex Modulus standard methods used to obtain the damping properties of viscoelastic materials were compared. The tests, using both methods, are described for a number of available materials. The results are in good agreement. It was found that a uniform coating of the entire vibrating surface did not correspond to the highest damping efficiency. An equivalent circuit, based on electro-mechanical analogies, was derived. This circuit proved to be a powerful technique in the study of vibration damping, and some of its parameters were combined in a universal curve. One viscoelastic material was chosen for most efficient application …  Lire la suite

In order to demonstrate the existence of non-periodic recurrent motions of the discontinuous type in a conservative dynamical system, H.M. Morse showed in his thesis in 1917 that it would be sufficient to demonstrate the existence of a recurrent non-periodic sequence with a finite number of generators. That such a sequence exists Morse then proved by producing an example. The sequence he defined had two generators, hence is an example of a recurrent non-periodic binary sequence. These results were published by Morse in 1921 (1). It was subsequently discovered by H.M. Morse and G. A. Hedlund (2) that this sequence …  Lire la suite

Processes of oxidation and secondary enrichment of sulphide minerals have challenged the minds of geologists, chemists and geochemists for over a century. In spite of extensive and varied investigations in the field and laboratory, the chemical mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. During the past decade, mainly through the pioneering work of Garrels (1960) and co-workers, the concept of thermodynamic mineral equilibria has been applied to reactions occurring in aqueous solutions at surface or near surface conditions. Mineral relationships in the zones of oxidation and supergene enrichment have been graphically portrayed by Garrels (1954) in Eh-pH diagrams by means of thermodynamic …  Lire la suite

Ever since the introduction of iodine therapy, in the form of large doses of iodide, for the amelioration of thyrotoxicosis, the mechanism of action of large doses of iodide on the thyroid gland has remained a mystery. The inhibition of thyroid hormone formation has not been limited only to diseases of the gland, such as hyperthyroidism; for iodine has also been shown to have this influence in the thyroids of normal man and animals. Although many investigations of the effect of large doses of iodine on the thyroid gland have been made, the results are as conflicting as the various …  Lire la suite

The production of spermatozoa by the epithelium lining the seminiferous tubules of the testis is accomplished by a long and elaborate series of cytological transformations referred to as spermatogenesis. This process begins with the proliferation of spermatogonia by mitosis; then follows meiotic division of the spermatocytes with the resultant production of spermatids. These spermatids, without further division, transform slowly into spermatozoa which are subsequently released into the tubular lumen. This latter process of transformation is referred to as spermiogenesis. It is well known that spermatogenesis is under the influence of hormones.  Lire la suite

This thesis is a study of phase equilibria among iron-rich silicate minerals in the metamorphic iron formations in the Cape Smith Belt, New Quebec, and is based on the chemical analyses of eight iron-rich silicate minerals. Mineral assemblages investigated include: grunerite-stilpnomelane, grunerite-stilpnomelane-almandite-biotite, stilpnomelane-minnesotaite-iron chlorite, all with quartz, magnetite, and calcite. Their stability relationships in the system FeO-MgO-Fe203-Al203-Si02-H20, during metamorphism are discussed.  Lire la suite

Our clinical interest in the peripheral neuropathies has prompted the present study of metabolism of peripheral nerves. Our experiments were designed to investigate possible metabolic defects in various conditions of disturbed nerve function and to consider their relevance to clinical problems. As is well known, demyelinating lesions of nerves can be caused by a wide variety of etiological agents and conditions, resulting in fairly similar clinical disturbances. The mechanism by which interference with normal function occurs is not fully understood.  Lire la suite

The aim of this thesis is to exhibit the bounded representations of the rotation group, Ωn, by considering the almost periodic functions on Ωn. By Ωn is meant the rotation group in Rn, or more explicitly the group of all proper orthogonal n-matrices where n >= 3. The case n = 3 will be given specific consideration. The presentation can be divided roughly into three parts. The first part is a brief description of the theory of almost periodic functions on an arbitrary group, as first developed by von Neumann.  Lire la suite

On February 17th, 1944 the Dominion Government enacted Order in Council P.C. 1003. The purpose of the order was outlined in its preamble which stated that “it is deemed to be in the public interest, especially during the war period and more particularly in industries essential to the prosecution of the war, that employers and employees collaborate for the advancement of the enterprises in which they are engaged; that employers and employees should freely discuss matters of mutual interest with each other; that difference between employers and employees be settled by peaceful means; and that both employers and employees should …  Lire la suite

Complex macromolecules, particularly proteins and nucleic acids, occupy a central position in the architecture and functioning of living matter. They are intimately connected with all phases of chemical and physical activity that constitute the life and reproduction of the cell. Yet these enormous molecules are synthesized within the cell from very small simple substances which may be obtained from the diet. As understanding of intermediary metabolism has increased, attention bas become focused upon certain small molecules or radicals, containing one, two or three carbon atoms, which appear repeatedly in various pathways.  Lire la suite

Controlled-stress, consolidated-undrained triaxial tests with pore pressure measurements were performed on partly saturated bentonite specimens prepared by two different methods of compaction, static and kneading, to give different structural arrangement of the sail particles. The results indicate that the static method employing higher compaction pressure tends to align particles in a more horizontal array as a result of the larger shear strains induced. Samples prepared by the same method of kneading compaction but using different compactive effort of twenty and ten blows with a 20-pound tamper on each of the five layers designated 20-20-5 and 10-20-5 samples respectively show that …  Lire la suite

The thesis area is located along the south shore of Grassy Portage Bay and along the west shore of Redgut Bay of Rainy Lake, in the townships of Watten and Halkirk in the Fort Francis Mining Division of Western Ontario. It is underlain by a series of metamorphised basic intrusives, volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks and two granitic intrusive of early (?) Precambrian age. All intrusives are apparently younger than the stratified rocks; the granites are probably the youngest rocks in the area. The meta-basic intrusives consist of a main mass of hornblende gabbro and lesser amounts of associated rocks which …  Lire la suite

City squares are found mostly in the older areas of cities. They are more part of the past than of the present. They played a decisive role in daily life. As places of assembly they fostered the exchange of ideas; as architectural entities they expressed the vitality of the city; “Civitas” emerged from the square. Today the significance of the city square has diminished and with it the attachment of people to the values it expressed. People are often unaware of its significance other than as a place on the way to work from which a larger stretch of sky …  Lire la suite

This thesis contains the results of an investigation into the stratigraphy and paleontology of the early Middle Ordovician Chazy group in the St. Lawrence Lowland. As such, it forms part of a series of studies of the Ordovician formations in this region, carried out by graduate geology students at McGill University. It follows the work of Harris (1933) and Okulitch (1934) on the Black River group, and that of Byrne (1958) on the Beekmantown group. Despite the excellent accessibility of the best exposures in the vicinity of Montreal, the Chazy group here, as a unit by itself, has not previously …  Lire la suite

Our present knowledge of nuclear structure attempts to explain nuclear properties on the basis of nucleons resonating as protons and neutrons with very strong, short-range forces acting between them. The nature of the forces between these elementary particles are not known, and elucidation of this is occupying the attention of a great many nuclear scientists. Many approaches, theoretical and experimental, have been developed for the understanding of nuclear structure over the past several years. The theoretical approaches have led to the development of models describing nuclear phenomena.  Lire la suite

This study demonstrates that a finite-memory hold circuit is a sampled-data filter which performs mathematical operations on discrete signals by using finite difference techniques. Some alternate proofs to theorems pertaining to sampled-data systems are offered in addition to the derivation of a general expression for the transfer function of the hold circuit which restores sampled-data signals to an analog form. An analysis of the errors arising in such a restoration is presented. A method of simulating such filters using operational amplifiers is suggested and the requirements which the various components in such a schema must satisfy is investigated. The circuitry …  Lire la suite

In a study of restricted scope such as this, it is important to note that certain events, which occurred in Canada prior to 1841, were of great significance in the development of a permanent system of education. In 1841, side by side with evidence of dilapidation of school buildings and other signs of the physical decline of educational institutions, stood unshaken certain pillars of a sturdy educational tradition in Lover Canada which dated back to 1635 and beyond. These pillars were to be found in the Roman Catholic Church which considered itself as the proper guardian of this tradition.  Lire la suite

The general purpose or this thesis is to develop a method of reducing the inhibiting affects produced when two conflicting verbal response tendencies are placed in competition. Such conflicts are encountered in an exaggerated form when, for example, a child is taught not to pronounce subvocally while reading silently, or when a bilingual learns to set aside one system of verbal responses so that he does not mix his languages. Methods for resolving such conflicts would have practical as well as theoretical significance.  Lire la suite

The hypothesis that the hard core in the baryon-baryon potential is due to the exchange of particles obeying the Pauli principle is tested by means of a simple model. The Temm-Dancoff approximation is used to calculate a potential between two fixed sources of fermions. The potential is calculated for values of coupling constant equal to 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0. The cut-off parameters in the nucleon wave-function are fixed by the variation principle. The results do not give any evidence of a hard core.  Lire la suite

Our present knowledge of body fluid physiology originates with Claude Bernard's concept of a "milieu interieur" of constant composition. (2, 3) This concept, enunciated in 1859, stimulated intensive research, from which several theories have evolved to explain the formation of edema. If today different schools of thought are still opposed with respect to the intrinsic mechanism of edema formation, they at least agree as to its definition. Edema is a condition which is manifested by chronic, progressive accumulation of salt and water in the extra-cellular space, accompanied by an increase of body weight. This definition allows the exclusion of all …  Lire la suite

At the 1916 meeting of the American Psychological Association in New York City, Raymond Dodge delivered the presidential address entitled "The Laws of Relative Fatigue." His words set the tone for the historical background of this thesis. For students of the present generation, Dodge's statement may seem very puzzling. What is this all-important and pervasive phenomenon which he does not even feel needs a definition? "The concept of mental fatigue is so familiar that a precise analysis of its differentia has seldom seemed necessary" (p. 93).  Lire la suite

Many authors in recent years have contended that certain education systems and teacher training institutions do not pay enough attention to the importance of high school teacher specialization. This thesis endeavours to point out the importance of specially trained teachers with emphasis on those teaching history. A history teacher at the secondary level without a good academic background in history ordinarily will not be able to do justice to his subject; the result is that the pupil, society and the teacher suffer.  Lire la suite

The purpose of this thesis is to compare mother-child relationships with respect to children born prematurely to mother child relationships with respect to children born at full term. It represents one aspect of a larger research project directed to the evaluation of the relationship between paranatal stress, cognitive organization and intrafamily dynamics. Mother-child relationships were measured by means of a modified version of the Fels Scale for the Appraisal of Parent Behavior consisting of eighteen variables of parental behaviour. The attitudes and behaviour of one hundred mothers in relation to their children was evaluated; fifty of them were the mothers …  Lire la suite

Philosophy of matter is that department of philosophical knowledge which relates to the philosophy of physics. While the philosophy of physics is concerned with the objects and events of the physical world as a whole, the philosophy of matter deals only with that “physical substance” of which the physical world is supposed to be made. However, the borders between the philosophy of physics and the philosophy of matter are logical distinctions rather than real, and the philosophy of matter has a fundamental role to play in relation to the philosophy of physical in particular, and the philosophy of science in …  Lire la suite

Almost 85 years have elapsed since it was first claimed by Klebs (1877) that mycobacteria can exist in various forms. Still, in spite of excellent descriptions on the form variation of mycobacteria, and despite continuous observations on developmental processes in the warm stage, serial micrographs showing the origin and the further development of aberrant forms have never been presented. The main purpose of studying the cytogenetics of mycobacteria was to show on serial phase-contrast micrographs the different modes of multiplication and thus to eliminate any suspicion of contamination or involution serving as the source of origin of aberrant forms.  Lire la suite

A comparative study, emphasizing lung mechanics, was made of the clinical and functional pattern in two groups of emphysematous patients; 8 with and 11 without chronic respiratory failure. Loss of lung elasticity appeared to be the most prominent mechanical abnormality in the group with normal arterial blood gases. Airway obstruction due to expiratory check valving was less marked than in the hypercapnic group where it seemed to be the major difficulty, impairment of lung elasticity being a secondary feature. These and other demonstrated differences, suggested that qualitatively different disease processes were represented in the two groups, possibly centrilobular emphysema in …  Lire la suite

The normal human perceives his environment as a stable and meaningful world of objects, persons, and events, whereas for a newborn child, the same environment probably appears as an aggregate of meaningless shapes and movements. These differences in perceptions are attributable to differences in experiences and contacts with the environment. Through repeated contacts, the individual gradually learns to perceive stimuli in predictable relations and is able to improve his future reactions to the same or similar stimuli. In other words, perceiving meaningful elements in one's environment is a matter of learning.  Lire la suite

Our conception of the physiological bases underlying motivated behavior have been profoundly altered since the time of William James’ discussion of “no special brain centers for emotion” and his claim that the analysis was simpler than physiologists imagined (1890). The altered perspective has been due in part to the development of behavioral methods of analysis together with an enormous increase in knowledge of subcortical and lower brain-stem structures and of the complexity of their connections with the cortex. Bard (1934) and Cannon (1927) made a first step toward the anatomical analysis with a theory that was almost as simple as …  Lire la suite