McGill University Thèses et mémoires publiés en 2003

This thesis examines how physicians in the Indian diaspora living in Canada---both those trained in Ayurveda in India (vaidyas) and those trained in Western medicine in India (MDs)---view the practice of Ayurveda in Canada. More specifically, it examines how their views have been influenced by New Age thought in general and Transcendental Meditation in particular and how these perceptions reflect the changing relation of religion and Ayurvedic medicine. It is the intent of this thesis to show that Ayurveda in Canada exists mainly as part of the greater New Age movement, as a transformed system that is inspired by both …  Lire la suite

Dissociation between memory for individual items and memory for associations has been reported in behavioral neurosciences, clinical populations and cognitive studies. At the brain level, this dissociation could reflect distinct patterns of activation for encoding and/or retrieval of items and associations. We used event-related functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to assess neural correlates of item and associative encoding and retrieval in eighteen healthy subjects. During encoding, subjects memorized doubles (two identical images) and pairs (two different images). During retrieval, subjects made item recognition judgments (old versus new items) and associative recognition judgments (intact versus rearranged pairs). Greater hippocampal activation was observed …  Lire la suite

In the early stages of visual processing (primary visual cortex) shapes are sampled by discrete, localized, visual filters. The integration of the outputs of these local filters allows us to detect global shape information. Although this integration process is critical for visual processing beyond the primary visual cortex, it remains poorly understood. This thesis investigates what limits the performance of the mechanisms used to detect global structure. In particular, we asked four questions: (1) What information is important for detecting global form? (2) How well can we detect shape defined by changes in contrast? (3) Do the spatial properties of …  Lire la suite

Most people place their sincerest hopes for emotional fulfillment on a rewarding family life. The "loved ones" that constitute our nuclear and extended familial worlds are the primary beneficiaries of our affections and of the fruits of our labors. In return for the primacy we accord our family members, we expect their behavior to demonstrate their loyalty to the clan. However, at a certain point obligations to the family can conflict with the needs of the individual. In this thesis I examine how filial duties influence the plights of the tragic heroines in Sophocles's Antigone and Shakespeare's King Lear. Both …  Lire la suite

This essay presents an analysis of Crystallisation, a composition for a large orchestra. The work consists of a single movement, with a duration of approximately 15 minutes. The analysis focuses mainly on formal structure, pitch organization, texture and rhythm. Some of the main topics are: large-scale form and subdivisions of each section, thematic interrelations of the sections, central pitches, pitch collections, chord structure and interrelations between texture and rhythm. Throughout the course of the work, the music closely follows an overall process of searching for a valid structure and "core". In realizing this process the music takes on a variety …  Lire la suite

The stability of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a critical factor for the brightening of mechanical pulps. Inorganic ions, including Fe, Mn and Cu catalytically decompose H2O2. These troublesome metals promote the rapid transformation of H2O2 to nonselective hydroxyl radicals that degrade the cellulose fibres and decrease yields. The interaction of aqueous metal•complexes with magnesium metal (Mg°) or bimetallic mixtures of magnesium with either palladium (Pd°/Mg°) or silver (Ag°/Mg°) were optimized to remove metals (Mn, Cu and Fe) from solution with concomitant release of the complexing reagent. The analyte metals were removed by both cementation on the surfaces of the excess …  Lire la suite

Oligoribonucleotides comprising of 2',5' -linked internucleotide linkages are known to bind selectively to RNA over DNA. The ability to bind to RNA renders them suitable as probes for many biological applications, such as 'antisense technology'. Little is known about the effect of sugar structure (and conformation) on the binding properties of 2',5'-linked oligonucleotides. To get insight into the role of sugar conformation, 2 ',5'-linked oligonucleotides modified at the C3'-position of the furanose ring were synthesized via solid phase synthesis and their binding to complementary single stranded DNA and RNA was studied. Their application as antisense oligonucleotides was also evaluated. The …  Lire la suite

Davies, David (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

Berk, D. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

Resistance responses of Abutilon theophrasti were investigated to determine defense mechanisms of the weed against Colletotrichum coccodes and to verify if some chemical suppression of the resistance mechanism could be exploited to enhance the virulence. Induced resistance in A. theophrasti has been confirmed in treatments with C. coccodes, benzothiadiazole, bentazon, and acifluorfen. Induction of peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activities in the leaves that did not contact with the inducing agents was observed after the localized stresses to the first leaf or the root of the plant with those agents. alpha-Amino-oxy acetic acid (AOA), 2-deoxy-D-glucose (DDG), mannose, oxalic acid, …  Lire la suite

Members of the zinc cluster (or binuclear cluster) protein family are characterized by a Zn(II)Cys6 zinc finger involved in DNA recognition and binding. These fungal proteins are transcriptional regulators of genes involved in a wide variety of cellular processes. One member, Gal4p, is involved in galactose metabolism, while others play a major role in primary and secondary metabolism, control of meiosis, and multidrug resistance. Sequencing of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome has revealed that 55 genes encoding putative zinc cluster proteins are present in budding yeast. However, the roles of many of these zinc cluster proteins are unknown. In order to …  Lire la suite

To define the role of mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.99.5; mGPD) in energy balance and intermediary metabolism, we studied female transgenic mice lacking the mGPD gene (mGPD-/-). These mice had higher serum glycerol and triglycerides; lower body weight, blood glucose, and energy expenditure (QO2); and higher glycerol-3-phosphate and lactate/pyruvate ratio in muscle than controls with wild type genotype (WT). When given a high fat/low carbohydrate diet, mGPD-/- mice gain more weight than WT, without the genotype differentially affecting QO2 or calorie intake. On a low fat/high carbohydrate diet, mGPD-/- mice failed to increase QO2 as the WT and gained more …  Lire la suite

Patients suffering from severe COPD encounter frequent episodes of exacerbations. The anatomical continuity between the oral cavity and the lung makes it a potential reservoir for respiratory pathogens that could be aspirated and cause the exacerbations. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the association between the oral health, oral hygiene in particular and the frequency of exacerbations. The study included 55 patients with severe COPD. Data were collected using various questionnaires and examinations. The results showed that poor oral hygiene was correlated significantly with the increase in number of exacerbations. There was a trend towards bad oral …  Lire la suite

Lung transplantation is a therapeutic option for patients affected with end-stage lung diseases. However, several complications may arise following the procedure, such as Bronchiolitis Obliterans (BO). This condition, characterized by small airway fibrosis, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients following lung transplantation. It is thought to be a manifestation of chronic rejection within the airways, with hallmark inflammation and fibroproliferation. TGF-beta and other cytokines, including IL-1, IFN-gamma and PDGF, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, mostly in animal models. IL-11 and IL-17 are novel profibrotic cytokines that induce fibroblasts and epithelial cells to produce …  Lire la suite

For Muslims all over the world, whether in North America where they form minorities or in all-Muslim societies, their religion permeates every aspect of their lives and ethical decision-making. It is no wonder that when deliberating the treatment of infertility or the introduction of cloning to the world, Muslims look to their Islamic scholars and await their decision on such matters. They are the ones with the most knowledge of the Quran, Sunnah, and other sources used in Islam. This thesis will explore the ethics of assisted reproduction technologies and human reproductive cloning from an Islamic ethical perspective. I will …  Lire la suite

Kubes, G. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

The present study was designed to investigate gender differences in the fragility of children's close, same-sex friendships. Based on past research, it was hypothesized that the close friendships of girls are more fragile than those of boys. A secondary goal of the study was to explore possible reasons for the sex difference in friendship instability. Students from 17 classes of grades one through six of an elementary school were interviewed about past friendships, and conflict resolution among current friends, within their class. The hypothesis that girls' friendships are more fragile was supported: The number of past friendship reported for girls …  Lire la suite

RARbeta2 is a tumour suppressor activated by retinoic acid (RA). It controls gene expression by heterodimerizing with RXRs on RA response elements. We hypothesised that Erk1/2 inhibits RARbeta2 transcriptional activity in RARbeta2-expressing and RA-resistant cell lines by phosphorylating RXRalpha. Treatment of RA-resistant, RARbeta2-expressing cell lines (A549 and Hs578t) and a RA sensitive cell line (H157) with PD98059 synergized with RA in inhibiting growth. Cloning an active mutant of MEK1 (MEK1DD) into H157 made these cells around 40% less sensitive to ATRA. EGF-mediated Erk1/2 activation inhibited the ATRA-induced transcription of both a synthetic reporter and an endogenous (RARbeta) gene. In both …  Lire la suite

Miniature diffractive lenses are an integral part of many modern optical systems; from optical disc pick-up heads to optical interconnects. Large feature size diffractive lenses are easily modeled using simple scalar diffraction theory. However, as the feature size of diffractive lenses becomes smaller the theoretical modeling of the systems becomes more complex; a rigorous diffractive theory becomes necessary. This thesis will determine the difference in analyzing a diffractive minilens with either a scalar or rigorous diffraction theory for a free-space optical interconnect with fast Fresnel lenses. The analysis is done for minilenses with f/# of 2.9 to 8. The results …  Lire la suite

The emergence of multidrug resistance is a serious medical problem that has significantly affected the treatment of tumor cells and infectious diseases. This multidrug resistance phenotype is mediated by the action of a large family of membrane proteins that act as active transporters or energy driven efflux pumps in both of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Most eukaryotic multidrug efflux pumps belong to the ATP binding cassette (ABC) family of transport proteins that include P-glycoprotein (P-gp1), Multidrug Resistance Associated Protein (MRP1), and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP). In prokaryotic cells, Lactococcus lactis LmrA, a homolog of P-gp1, mediates drug resistance to …  Lire la suite

In 1970 the Arrow oil spill off Cape Breton contaminated 305 kilometres of shoreline. Aerial and land surveys have demonstrated that natural weathering has occurred throughout this period, but it was relatively slow, especially in sheltered areas like Black Duck Cove lagoon. This study analyzed the microbial hydrocarbon degradation potential in the lagoon sediments using direct and culture-based techniques. Mineralization of hydrocarbon substrates (hexadecane, octacosane and naphthalene) indicated the presence of an active degradative microbial community, however, genes from known bacterial hydrocarbon degradation pathways (alkB, ndoB, phnAc) were not detected by direct extraction of sediment DNA and PCR amplification. Sediment …  Lire la suite

Two decades into the epidemic caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and this virus has infected nearly 1% of the world's population. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed the epidemic from a death sentence into a chronic infection. However restricted access, complicated regimens, drug resistance, and long-term toxicities are all impediments to life long therapy for all those infected. These factors stress the need for vaccines and immunotherapeutic strategies that may be used in conjunction with antiretroviral drugs for the optimization of patient care. It is clear that cytotoxic T lymphocytes are potent suppressors of viral replication throughout …  Lire la suite

Protein co-precipitates were prepared from whey powder and soybean flour using various extraction and co-precipitation techniques. The effect of extraction and co-precipitation on co-precipitate yield was investigated. Native and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Native-PAGE, SDS-PAGE) and light compound microscopy (LCM) were used to study the structure of the co-precipitates. The rheological and gelation properties of the co-precipitates were determined. Highest yield (45%) for NaOH/Isoelectric Point IEP-Heating-Cooling, co-precipitate was obtained using the following conditions of extraction; extraction temperature, 40°C; temperature of precipitation 95°C, and pH of precipitation was 4.5. The yield of co-precipitates was affected by chelating agents and …  Lire la suite

Initiation of DNA replication is a cellular process whose regulation is not well understood yet. It certainly depends on cis-acting elements, or origins of DNA replication sequences, and trans-acting factors, or initiator proteins. Here, we have characterized the Cruciform Binding Protein (CBP) as an origin binding protein and its role in initiation of DNA replication. CBP was previously shown to contain the β, ɣ, ε, and ζ isoforms of the 14-3-3 family, which is composed of seven mammalian isoforms (β, ɣ, ε, η, σ, τ, and ζ) that can form homo- and heterodimers, and plays a variety of roles in …  Lire la suite

We investigated the role of two intracellular second messengers, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and protein kinase C (PKC) in a model of persistent pain, using intrathecal (i.t) (R,S )-DHPG to induce spontaneous nociceptive behaviours (SNBs). SNBs were measured in animals that were treated with an ERK inhibitor (PD 98059), and a PKC inhibitor (GF 109203X) compared with controls. Mechanical allodynia, was measured using paw withdrawal thresholds in the von Frey test, and thermal hyperalgesia was measured using response latencies in the plantar test. In study 1, it was shown that spinal administration of PD 98059, dose-dependently decreased SNBs, and …  Lire la suite

The SAG Power Index test (SPI) is a tool for forecasting autogenous mill performance. Much effort has been directed towards the development of the process models relating SPI to throughput estimates, but little has been directed towards ore body modeling. Blending studies are presented showing that the SPI is not additive, affecting the geostatistical procedures. A method is given to ensure that additivity is respected during geostatistical interpolation. A procedure for relating mean SPI precision to sample spacing is given. This procedure is combined with a study of the process model error to estimate the precision of the mean throughput …  Lire la suite

Staphylococci strains are among the most widespread multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogens in Canada. Rapid and accurate identification and epidemiological typing of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and its discrimination from coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and glycopeptide-intermediate S. aureus (GISA) are crucial for appropriate therapy and for monitoring and limiting intra- and inter-hospital spread of epidemic MRSA strains. Although pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction methods for the identification of MRSA are reliable, they are technically demanding, time-consuming and inappropriate for routine clinical diagnosis. Moreover, no reliable method exists for discrimination of epidemic MRSA from sporadic MRSA and from GISA strains. The objective …  Lire la suite

This quasi-experimental study was designed to investigate the effects of negative feedback on second language acquisition and to determine the potential benefits of two different negative feedback techniques, namely recasts and elicitation. The research hypotheses were: 1) Learners who are exposed to communicative activities that include a NF component will benefit more than those who are exposed to communicative activities only; 2) Elicitation will be more effective than recasts in leading to L2 development; 3) Elicitation will be more effective than recasts for both low and high proficiency learners.  Lire la suite

Dealy, J. M. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

L'innervation neurale des gonades est présente chez plusieurs espèces de mollusques et de mammifères. Cependant, nous connaissons peu de choses sur la fonction d'une telle innervation. Je presente des preuves qu'une branche du nerf intestinal comportant plusieurs milliers de fibres axonales procure une innervation sensorielle de l'ovotestis de l'escargot terrestre Helix aspersa. Je démontre une correlation entre le nombre d'ovocytes mûrs dans les gonades et la fréquence de pics d'activité afférente dans le nerf. Je propose que cette innervation fonctionne pour prévenir le système nerveux central lorsqu'une quantité adéquate d'ovocytes matures est disponible pour l'oviposition. Je suggère que les signaux …  Lire la suite

An important aspect of Diophantine Approximation deals with the problem of approximating real or complex numbers by rational numbers or, more generally, by algebraic numbers of bounded degree. This study provides criteria to decide whether a given real or complex number is algebraic or transcendental. In this thesis we present several such results. Following Davenport & Schmidt we look at the approximation of a real number by rational numbers, by quadratic irrational numbers and by algebraic integers of degree at most 3. We also look at the related problem of simultaneous approximation of a real number and its square by …  Lire la suite

This thesis studies intersection theory on projective surfaces with isolated singularities. We review the classical intersection theory on a nonsingular surface, proceed to an overview of types of singularity that may arise, and then discuss the intersection theory of Snapper-Kleiman, that of Reeve-Tyrrell, and a modification of the latter that we propose. The intersection theory of Snapper-Kleiman applies to varieties of any dimension but is restricted to locally principal divisors; that of Reeve-Tyrrell applies to arbitrary divisors but is restricted to surfaces. Our modification has the same domain of application as the theory of Reeve-Tyrrell but simplifies computations: it allows …  Lire la suite

Raghavan, V. G. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

This thesis examines the determinants of ethical leadership and the manner in which they are associated with the directive, transactional, and transformational leadership styles, as well as their effects on organizational followers. A review is first conducted of the major theories of leadership and ethics, and current perspectives on ethical leadership are discussed. The determinants of ethical leadership are postulated to be altruism, manifested through some combination of teleological and deontological values, intellectual integrity, and moral integrity. A framework is then presented which integrates ethics and leadership by illustrating the proposed linkages among the ethics variables, leadership styles and effects …  Lire la suite

This thesis reconstructs John Rawl's Original Position in order to show that within a liberal democratic culture, the institution of punishment ought to conform to the Moral Education Theory of Punishment, put forth by Jean Hampton. According to Hampton, punishment should facilitate a medium where the state educates the criminal on the moral implications of her wrongdoing. I argue that citizens would select the Moral Education Theory of Punishment in the Original Position, since it offers the best opportunity to redress two calamities related to the criminal's wrongdoing---namely, that it threatens the moral status of the victim, and that it …  Lire la suite

Kirby, T. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

A subset of the leukaemic clone, the leukaemic stem cell (L-HSC), is responsible for the maintenance and propagation of a leukaemia. Most current therapies, however, do not target this population. In this thesis, I show that a determinant of disease phenotype is the frequency of the leukaemic stem cell within the leukaemic population. Moreover, the frequency of L-HSC in a leukaemia is predetermined by the inherent properties of the cell that is transformed and can be attributed to the ontogenic origin of the cell. Ideal therapies would specifically target mechanistic defects in leukaemic stem cells; however, the pathways that are …  Lire la suite

E-government services are rapidly becoming a permanent part of the governing process the world over. These services involve the use of the latest information and communication technologies to facilitate and enhance access to government information and services. E-government represents an entirely new mode of service delivery that promises some of the most important advances in the area of government accessibility since the advent of the modern welfare state. These resources have a number of unexplored social service applications that are examined in this study. E-government principles and practices are reviewed at the local and international levels, with particular attention paid …  Lire la suite

The goal of this research is to show that the Scottish reformer, John Knox, while seen by many as a political figure, was religiously motivated in his thought, writings, and ministry. Knox saw himself as an Old Testament style prophet who sought to blow his Master's trumpet by proclaiming an unpopular message to the realms of both Scotland and England. Knox was deeply rooted in the Old Testament theology of the covenant. He believed that following an idolatrous path, most notably in the continuing practice of the Catholic Mass, meant the breaking of the covenant with God, as with the …  Lire la suite

In this study, markers of programmed cell death were examined in the superior temporal, parietal and inferior frontal cortices of age-matched and Alzheimer's brain tissues and in the septum and dorsal hippocampus from fimbria-fornix axotomized rats. Activation of proteases belonging to the caspase and calpain family has been implicated in the mediation of programmed cell death in acute injury and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. The main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, aging, is associated with a gradual impairment of critical cellular homeostasis processes such as glucose metabolism, mitochondrial integrity and scavenging of reactive oxygen species. These changes in concert with dysmetabolism …  Lire la suite

Soren Kierkegaard's final Attack upon Christendom marks the common culmination of three of the most important themes evident in his earlier, pseudonymous books, namely the 'Leap', the 'Offence' and 'Indirect Communication.' Modern critical scholarship tends to take one of two approaches. Either Attack is dismissed as a deviation from Kierkegaard's previous writing, or Attack is read without sufficient regard for its dependence upon what has come before. Both approaches make an aberration out of the final work. This thesis proposes that reading Attack in light of its proper relation to the pseudonymous writings offers a more complete picture of the …  Lire la suite

We characterized the structural, functional and molecular aberrations occurring in the peri/postnatal ovaries of Follitropin Receptor Knockout (FORKO) females. Immature FORKOs have 40-50% smaller reproductive organs. Estradiol is undetectable but testosterone and LH levels are elevated. Developmental markers (Mullerian Inhibiting Substance, GATA-4, estrogen receptor p\ and androgen receptor) are differentially expressed in granulosa cells (GC). Bi-directional communication between oocyte and GCs is inferred as altered in the FORKOs as demonstrated by absence of connexin 43, a gap junction protein, from the ovaries of FORKOs, and by up regulation of connexin 31.1, a mediator of atresia. We conclude that intercellular communication …  Lire la suite

This cross-sectional inquiry examines first-, third-, and eighth-grade dual immersion students' use of Spanish and English when interacting with their teachers and peers in a U.S. school. Findings are based on classroom interactions, student and teacher interviews, and student questionnaires intended to determine when students diverged from using the language of instruction and whether their age or language background affected their language use. In addition, teachers' impact on student language use is examined, and other factors affecting language use—such as the length of a students' stay in the United States—are discussed. An overall preference for English was found among first …  Lire la suite

An in-depth study of Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record has never been accomplished prior to the events of September 11 th. It is of great importance to distinguish both of these concepts as they entail different legal consequence. API is to be understood as a data transmission that Border Control Authorities possess in advance in order to facilitate the movements of passengers. It is furthermore imperative that harmonization and inter-operability between States be achieved in order for this system to work. Although the obligations seem to appear for air carriers to be extraneous, the positive impact is greater …  Lire la suite

In recent years there have been many reports of methods for inferring the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of linear polymers from either viscosity data or dynamic data. This subject is of great interest in the polymer industry, since MWD affects the processing and final properties of polymers, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), normally used for determining MWD, has several limitations. There are two main types of method for inferring the MWD from rheological data. The first one involves empirical transformations that lead directly to a MWD, whereas the second type involves the inversion of an integral that gives the relaxation …  Lire la suite

Davies, David (Supervisor)  Lire la suite

The fact that it took so long, in spite of successive waves of invaders and spirited yet sporadic resistance, to fashion a united national front, points out an anomaly in Algerian society: a divided identity. It took a cruel French occupation, the incompetence of colonial authorities, and the infiltration of European nationalist ideology to fashion a united front, but it was only a front, for immediately after independence, the unity was shown to be a temporary one. The Berber majority found itself excluded, both culturally and politically, from the new Algerian state. Strangers in their own land, Berbers were faced …  Lire la suite

In the course of the romantic movement, the vision of the poetic ministry has been expressed by several poets through the figure of Jesus at the Mount of Olives. While Lamartine appropriates the suffering of Christ in order to proclaim himself to be a poet-prophet, Vigny refuses the silence of God. He, thus, accomplishes his poetic mission against God. Whereas Hugo does not take into consideration the meaning of Jesus' agony in order to make the Gethsemane a place of glory, Nerval rejects the notion of a Christlike mission. Hence, by putting into words the death of God, he foretells …  Lire la suite

Kakkar, A. K. (Supervisor)  Lire la suite