McGill University Thèses et mémoires publiés en 1985

This study investigated possible reasons for the failure of the acetylene inhibition assay of denitrification in highly reducing environments and resulted in the isolation of a denitrifying Cytophaga from soil enriched by anaerobic incubation with glucose, nitrous oxide (N(,2)O), acetylene (C(,2)H(,2)), and sulfide (S('2-)). Such soil enrichments and pure cultures of the isolated Cytophaga (Is-11) reduced N(,2)O rapidly even in the presence of a normally inhibitory concentration of C(,2)H(,2) (4 kPa), providing S('2-) was present 8.0 umol (g soil)('-1) or 0.4 umol (mL culture)('-1) . The observed reaction appears to be unique to this soil Cytophaga since other organisms tested, …  Lire la suite

This thesis is the first full-scale historical treatment of Canadian ornithology from 1860 to 1950. Ornithology is one of the most important branches of modern biology, and ornithologists were pioneer researchers in the areas of evolution, systematics, animal behaviour, zoogeography, migration, population biology and ecology. The institutional development of ornithology in Canada was much retarded by the prevailing utilitarian attitude towards science with its lack of funding for fundamental research. It was not until the second decade of the twentieth century that ornithology became part of the scientific establishment of the Canadian government. Despite this, Canadian ornithologists, in face of …  Lire la suite

A new method for the estimation of the EEG evoked potential (EP) is presented in this thesis. This method is based on a new model of the EEG response which is assumed to be the sum of the EP and independent correlated Gaussian noise representing the spontaneous EEG activity. The EP is assumed to vary in both shape and latency, with the shape variation represented by correlated Gaussian noise which is modulated by the EP. The latency of the EP is also assumed to vary over the ensemble of responses in a random manner governed by some unspecified probability density. …  Lire la suite

Theoretical expressions essentially based on the Flory-Stockmayer statistics of gelation were experimentally examined for their applicability beyond the gel point. By studying the crosslinking process of a polyester network formed from 1,3,5-benzenetriacetic acid and 1,10-decamethylene glycol beyond the gel point, the validity of the expressions was quantitatively confirmed, and their limitations were delineated. On stepwise degradation of a similar network, increasingly large soluble fractions were obtained at each step, and their weight-average molecular weights increased as the degelation point was approached. The molecular weights and distributions of these fractions were in close quantitative agreement with theory, i.e., they represented a …  Lire la suite

Jensen, O. G. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

Recent studies have led to new insights regarding the molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis. Although the infectious process is quite complex, it is clear that one critical event, the interaction of viral attachment proteins with cell surface receptors, plays a major role in determining the pattern of infection. The mammalian reoviruses have served as useful models for understanding the molecular basis of viral pathogenesis. The mammalian reovirus hemagglutinin ((sigma)1 protein), which is an outer capsid protein, has been shown to be a major factor in determining virus host-cell interactions. To further our understanding of the structure and function of the …  Lire la suite

The competition between two molecules of similar polarity for adsorption sites on the stationary phase is discussed in light of rapid kinetics of adsorption and desorption, and of the effects of temperature, acetonitrile, surfactant (cyclohexylaminopropane sulfonic acid, CAPS) and salt concentrations on the retention of the thyroid hormones (3,5-diiodothyronine, T2; 3,3',5-triiodothyronine, T3 and thyroxine, T4). A three parameter equation relates the surfactant concentration and ionic strength to the retention of the hormones and is analyzed in terms of the Stern-Gouy-Chapman theory. A second order polynomial describes the temperature dependency and permits the evaluation of the enthalpy, entropy and heat capacity, …  Lire la suite

Yip, G. L. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

Biological and immunological aspects of the host-parasite relationship were examined in mice which are susceptible (A/J) and resistant (B10.A) to Giardia muris. B10.A exhibited a shorter latent period, lower cyst output during the acute phase of the infection and shorter period of cyst release compared to A/J. Characteristics of the infection transmitted from mouse-to-mouse and those induced by oral inoculation with cysts or trophozoites were similar. The infection was longer in male A/J and B10.A mice compared to females. Susceptibility and resistance during both the acute and elimination phases of the infection were under non-H-2-linked multigenic control. A/J and B10.A …  Lire la suite

A defining element of Yves Theriault's work, sexuality has frequently been perceived by various critics as a motif which serves to reinforce other, often extraliterary readings. It is my intention on the other hand to study this phenomenon from the viewpoint of its fundamental importance as the primary theme in order to delimit its significance on the structural level. I mean to accentuate not only the principal parameters of the sexual identity of Theriault's characters but also the environment which oversees and influences the origins and the development of their sexuality. It follows from this that nature in his novels …  Lire la suite

Cette thèse a pour but l'étude de la franchise. Cet exposé a été divisé en deux parties. La première partie examine le dévéloppement historique de la relation de franchise et sa position dans l'économie comme une méthode de distribution. Par la suite, nous allons examiner la mesure à laquelle s'applique la Common Law ou le droit civil a la franchise. Par la suite, quelques problèmes specifiques tels fausse representation, fin et renouvellement et clauses de non-concurrence seront considerés. La seconde partie de cette étude concerne les ramificationsprincipales d'un franchiseur étranger qui opère au Canada, et aussi les développements législatifs que …  Lire la suite

Recent years have witnessed a growing concern among foreign investors about the laws and policies concerning foreign investment in Quebec and Canada. This thesis focuses on the laws that affect non Canadians doing business in Canada and Quebec. The introduction deals with the history of the policies concerning foreign ownership in Quebec and Canada. Section two analyzes the juridical personality of foreigners. Thereafter, this thesis will study the different implications for aliens acquiring moveables or immoveables in Quebec. This writer will analyze the legislative provisions and policies concerning foreign investment that are enacted by the federal government and the provincial …  Lire la suite