Digital Commons Network^™

Kinetics And Thermodynamics Of Salt-Dependent T7 Gene 2.5 Protein Binding To Single- And Double-Stranded Dna., Leila Shokri, Boriana Marintcheva, Mootaz Eldib, Andreas Hanke, Ioulia Rouzina, Mark C. Williams

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Bacteriophage T7 gene 2.5 protein (gp2.5) is a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein that has essential roles in DNA replication, recombination and repair. However, it differs from other ssDNA-binding proteins by its weaker binding to ssDNA and lack of cooperative ssDNA binding. By studying the rate-dependent DNA melting force in the presence of gp2.5 and its deletion mutant lacking 26 C-terminal residues, we probe the kinetics and thermodynamics of gp2.5 binding to ssDNA and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). These force measurements allow us to determine the binding rate of both proteins to ssDNA, as well as their equilibrium association constants to dsDNA. …

Beating The Spin-Down Limit On Gravitational Wave Emission From The Crab Pulsar, B. P. Abbott, R. Abbott, R. Adhikari, Mario C. Diaz, Roberto Grosso, Kazuhiro Hayama, Soumya Mohanty, Soma Mukherjee, Joseph D. Romano, Robert Stone

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

We present direct upper limits on gravitational wave emission from the Crab pulsar using data from the first 9 months of the fifth science run of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). These limits are based on two searches. In the first we assume that the gravitational wave emission follows the observed radio timing, giving an upper limit on gravitational wave emission that beats indirect limits inferred from the spin-down and braking index of the pulsar and the energetics of the nebula. In the second we allow for a small mismatch between the gravitational and radio signal frequencies and interpret …

Search Of S3 Ligo Data For Gravitational Wave Signals From Spinning Black Hole And Neutron Star Binary Inspirals, B. P. Abbott, R. Grosso, Mario C. Diaz, Soumya Mohanty, Soma Mukherjee, Cristina V. Torres

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

We report on the methods and results of the first dedicated search for gravitational waves emitted during the inspiral of compact binaries with spinning component bodies. We analyze 788 hours of data collected during the third science run (S3) of the LIGO detectors. We searched for binary systems using a detection template family specially designed to capture the effects of the spin-induced precession of the orbital plane. We present details of the techniques developed to enable this search for spin-modulated gravitational waves, highlighting the differences between this and other recent searches for binaries with nonspinning components. The template bank we …

Denaturation Transition Of Stretched Dna, Andreas Hanke, Martha G. Ochoa, Ralf Metzler

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

We generalize the Poland-Scheraga model to consider DNA denaturation in the presence of an external stretching force. We demonstrate the existence of a force-induced DNA denaturation transition and obtain the temperature-force phase diagram. The transition is determined by the loop exponent c, for which we find the new value c=4ν−1/2 such that the transition is second order with c=1.85DNA, corresponding to a lower melting temperature T(F), in agreement with single-molecule DNA stretching experiments.

Search For Gravitational Waves Associated With 39 Gamma-Ray Bursts Using Data From The Second, Third, And Fourth Ligo Runs, B. P. Abbott, R. Abbott, Mario C. Diaz, R. Grosso, Wm. R. Johnston, Soumya Mohanty, Soma Mukherjee, Cristina V. Torres

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

We present the results of a search for short-duration gravitational-wave bursts associated with 39 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by gamma-ray satellite experiments during LIGO’s S2, S3, and S4 science runs. The search involves calculating the crosscorrelation between two interferometer data streams surrounding the GRB trigger time. We search for associated gravitational radiation from single GRBs, and also apply statistical tests to search for a gravitational-wave signature associated with the whole sample. For the sample examined, we find no evidence for the association of gravitational radiation with GRBs, either on a single-GRB basis or on a statistical basis. Simulating gravitational-wave bursts …

All-Sky Search For Periodic Gravitational Waves In Ligo S4 Data, B. P. Abbott, R. Abbott, Mario C. Diaz, R. Grosso, Soumya Mohanty, Soma Mukherjee, Cristina V. Torres

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

We report on an all-sky search with the LIGO detectors for periodic gravitational waves in the frequency range 50–1000 Hz and with the frequency’s time derivative in the range −1×10−8  Hz s−1 to zero. Data from the fourth LIGO science run (S4) have been used in this search. Three different semicoherent methods of transforming and summing strain power from short Fourier transforms (SFTs) of the calibrated data have been used. The first, known as StackSlide, averages normalized power from each SFT. A “weighted Hough” scheme is also developed and used, which also allows for a multi-interferometer search. The third method, …

Search For Gravitational Waves From Binary Inspirals In S3 And S4 Ligo Data, B. P. Abbott, R. Abbott, Mario C. Diaz, R. Grosso, Soumya Mohanty, Soma Mukherjee, Cristina V. Torres

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

We report on a search for gravitational waves from the coalescence of compact binaries during the third and fourth LIGO science runs. The search focused on gravitational waves generated during the inspiral phase of the binary evolution. In our analysis, we considered three categories of compact binary systems, ordered by mass: (i) primordial black hole binaries with masses in the range 0.35M⊙

Consumers’ Mental Health Recovery In A Psychiatric Outreach Program: A Process And Outcome Evaluation, Phillip Chan

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study was a process and outcome evaluation of a relatively innovative Canadian psychiatric outreach program that was multi-disciplinary, shared-care, community-based, consumer-directed, and self-determination oriented. Using structured interviews with participants (n=32), both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed. The quantiative process measures included a demographic survey, a frequency of service utilization and satisfaction survey, and a shortened version of the Recovery Oriented System Indicator (ROSI) instrument. These measures revealed that the program was serving the target population; the conumsers utilized the services frequently and they were satisfied with the program; and, in the eyes of consumers, the program …

How The Formal Education System In Kenya Is Changing The Culture Of The Maasai Community, Jennifer Coles

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Colonialism brough Africa into the sphere of European dominance and laid the ground work for the adoption of neoliberal globalization. This has affected change for the Maasai of southern Kenya who had attempted to remain isolated for much of the 19th and 20th centuries. However, such cultural isolation has been disrupted by global tourism and the desire of western citizens to view and participate in ‘authentic’ experiences in unique Maasai environments; thus creating a global desire to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR). The MMNR is part of Maasailand and has exposed many in the surrounding communities to new …

Living Out: A Study Exploring The Experience Of Live Out Assistants In L’Arche, Jennifer Christine Elkins

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The purpose of this research project was to qualitatively explore the experiences of live-out assistants in two L’Arche communities in order to better understand what these staff members perceived to be the benefits and challenges of community life in L’Arche. Live-out assistants support individuals with developmental disabilities in L’Arche communities, but do not live in a L’Arche home. This study incorporates theories related to the role of core values in uniting intentional communities and organizational change. Intentional communities face an ongoing challenge of adapting to internal and external changes, while retaining core values and a common purpose. An empowerment approach …

Evaluating Community Participation In Health Care Decision-Making: The Case Of The Airdie/North Rocky View Health Needs Project, Aleisha Dawn Harrington

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Rising health care costs combined with limited health resources have made it essential for health agencies around the world to identify successful and affordable ways to prevent disease and promote health. Several national and international documents have proposed that increased community participation in health matters is one potential approach. While many of these reports detail the benefits of and need for community participation in health care decision-making, they provide little information as to how this should be achieved. The result has been a myriad of interpretations, interventions and practices of community participation. According to several scholars, evaluations are needed that …

Effects And Mechanisms Of Female Sex Hormone Influence On Skeletal Muscle Inflammation, Sobia Iqbal

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated that estrogen will attenuate leukocyte infiltration into skeletal muscle following eccentric exercise. However the mechanisms by which estrogen exerts its effects are still uncertain. In experiment one, we investigated the role of estrogen receptor (ER) influence on muscle leukocyte infiltration following eccentric exercise through administration of the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 following downhill running in ovariectomized female rats with (E+) or without (E-) estrogen supplementation. At 24 hours post-exercise, soleus and white vastus muscles were removed and immunostained for HIS48 (neutrophil) and EDI (macrophage) positive cells. The increase in number of fibres positive …

Contributions Of Vision To Gait Improvement And Perceptual Impairment In Parkinson’S Disease, Chad A. Lebold

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

No abstract provided.

Paleohydrologic Reconstruction Of Three Shallow Basins, Slave River Delta, Nwt, Using Stable Isotope Methods, Cherie Mongeon

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

p>The long-term natural hydrological variability of the Slave River Delta (SRD), NWT, is not well documented and needs to be further developed to provide temporal context to understand and evaluate impacts of Slave River (SR) floodwater influence and climate variability and change on contemporary hydro-ecological doncidiotns of the SRD. The SRD has broad ecological and cultural significance, as it provides extensive habitate for wildlife and is important for local First Nations community who have an historical connection with the delta and its resources. Concners have been raised over recently reported drying trends in the SRD over the past few …

Computer Mediated Communication: Providing Pastoral Care To Youth In “A High Tech” World, Tanya L. Ramer

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study used a hermeneutical methodology to explore how Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) can be used to provide pastoral care to youth in a high tech world. The research was motivated by the writers desire to find ways to be in communication with youth and provide pastoral care to them during their adolescent years. The thesis will explore computer mediated communication and its usefulness in providing pastoral care to youth by exploring the benefits and limitations, how it can be abused, namely cyber bullying, how it can provide an opportunity for mentoring and a theological reflection on how it can …

Web Search Algorithms And Pagerank, Laleh Samarbakhsh

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The mathematical theory underlying the Google search engine is the PageRank algorithm, first introduced by Sergey Brin and Lawrence Page, the founders of Google. A ranking of web pages is made considering many criteria. PageRank exploits the graph structure of the web. The web’s hyperlink structure forms a massive directed graph, where the web pages are presented as nodes and hyperlinks as edges. The PageRank equation finds a score by solving a recursive equation which calculates the PageRank vector. The PageRank vector is the stationary distribution of an ergodic Markov chain. The Perron-Frobenius theorem ensures that the primitive matrix produced …

Pigeons’ Memory For Time: Assessment Of The Role Of Subjective Shortening In The Duration Of Comparison Procedure, Patrick Van Rooyen

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

In Experiment 1, pigeons were trained with a 1-s baseline s-c delay in a duration comparison procedure to peck one key if a comparison duration (c) was 1-s shorter than a standard duration (s), and another key if c was 1-s longer than s. The duration pairs used prevented pigeons from relying on the absolute duration of c on some trials (comparison common) while on other trials they could rely on the absolute duration of c (comparison unique). Pigeons were then tested with equal duration pairs at extended s-c delays of 1, 2, 4, and …

Modelling Asset Prices Under Regime Switching Diffusions Via First Passage Time, Xiaojing Xi

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

In this thesis we focus on the development of a new class of stochastic models for asset price processes and their application to option pricing and hedging. The asset price process involves analytical treatments for calculating first-hitting (or first-passage) times for a regular diffusion with killing in combination with Markov state-switching. The dynamics is naturally dictated by the underlying diffusion process itself rather than arising from some addition exogenous process. To date, this class of asset pricing models appears to be novel in the literature and, moreover, offers a significant to the standard geometric Brownian motion commonly used in the …

The Influence Of Exercise Intensity On Exercise Induced Diaphragm Fatigue In Female Subjects, Anthony Errol Aqui

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Exercise induced arterial hypoxemia (EIAH), expiratory flow limitation (EFL) and exercise induced diaphragm fatigue (EIDF) are examples of how the pulmonary system limits endurance exercise. The differences in the female anatomy and hormone fluctuations have been reported to cause differences in the occurrence of EIAH and EFL in males and females. EIDF has been reported to occur in males, but to date no investigations have reported the occurrence of EIDF in females. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of exercise induced diaphragm fatigue (EIDF) in females identified by significant reductions in transdiaphramatic pressure (P_{di …}

A Critical Examination Of Sustainability Considerations In Yukon Environmental Assessment—Past And Present, Louisa M. Clementino

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The Northern regions of Canada, as a result of landscape characteristics and political and cultural dynamics, present unique challenges and opportunities for meeting sustainability goals through environmental assessment (EA) processes. In order to understand the significance of the EA process in the North and its applicability to fulfilling sustainability goals, the past and present EA regimes of the Yukon are evaluated adopting a sustainability-focused framework. Unique changes to the Yukon EA process, as a result of land claim agreements and devolution have created innovative structures and processes, reflective of the environmental, socio-economic, cultural and political circumstances of the region. The …

Effects Of Orthotic Intervention During Running Among Individuals With Functional Flatfoot, E. Anne Cunningham

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Foot orthotics are commonly prescribed to runners with functional flatfoot (FFF) with the goal of restoring the medial arch of the foot. In addition, treadmills are typically used by both clinicians and researchers in order to measure the lower extremity kinematics associated with running. However the mechanism of orthotic intervention as well as the accuracy of treadmills in representing overground running remains controversial within the literature.

This thesis first compared the lower extremity kinematics between treadmill and overground running among individuals with a subtalar neutral foot type. The results indicated no significant differences with respect to rate of rearfoot angle, …

What Can We Learn About White Privilege And Racism From The Experiences Of White Mothers Parenting Biracial Children?, Shannon Cushing

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Despite progress in the movement toward anti-racism, racism remains a problem in Canada. While the presence of racism and the problem of racism are recognized by Canadian society, there is still a long way to go before racism and white privilege are eliminated. In the present study, I apply Community Psychology values to the examination of an as-yet relatively unexamined minority population: white mothers of biracial children. Guided by epistemological views that place my research within the critical and social constructivist research paradigms, I explore my research question, “How can the experiences of white mothers parenting biracial children inform us …

Assessing The ‘Hazards Of Place’ Model Of Vulnerability: A Case Study Of Waterloo Region, Erin Joakim

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This research project examines the Hazards of Place model of vulnerability (as developed by Cutter, 1996) to determine whether it is applicable in a Canadian context.

An in-depth case study of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo was used to determine whether the model accurately describes:

1. emergency and community practitioners understandings of vulnerability and vulnerable populations in Waterloo Region
2. emergency and community practitioners perceptions of the variables that influence vulnerabilities
3. mitigation and preparedness efforts that could be enhanced and/or implemented to reduce the vulnerability of individuals and groups in Waterloo Region

To complete this study, in-depth interviews and surveys were conducted …

The Application Of Environmental Impact Assessment Legislation To The 2010 Winter Olympic Games Venue And Infastructure Development, Daniel Melbourne Patterson Kellar

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a tool which aims to make developments better by identifying, avoiding, and mitigating potential negative environmental impacts of projects and other action. With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games being held in the Vancouver to Whistler (sea-to-sky) corridor many developments have been initiated and EIA has played a role in 2010 site construction. Using case study analysis, legislative and literature reviews as well as open-ended interviews with key participants, stakeholders, and partners in the environmental impact assessment process, this study investigated the application of Canada’s and British Columbia’s environmental impact assessment legislations to the 2010 Olympic …

Self-Reported Acceptance Of Social Anxiety Sypmtoms: Development And Validation Of The Social Anxiety-Acceptance And Action Questionnaire, Meagan B. Mackenzie

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Mindfulness-based interventions have been used in the treatment of social anxiety with initial success. Mindfulness is defined as an awareness and acceptance of the present moment. Acceptance when used as a coping strategy is related to reduced distress during anxiety-provoking tasks and increased willingness to experience unpleasant events. The purpose of this research was to examine acceptance, willingness and distress in the context of social anxiety and was threefold. The first study was designed to develop an instrument designed to assess acceptance specific to social anxiety. In Study 1, a sample of 352 undergraduates completed the initial 56-item pool of …

Non-Preferred Limb Performance Following Prolonged Training Periods: Performance And Retention Of Skills, Matthew Thomas Mayer

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The purpose of the current study was to examine if a long-term training program could improve non-preferred limb performance on a battery of standard tasks (Annett Pegboard, Grooved Pegboard Place and Remove Phase) and non-standard tasks (Scroll Task and Line-crossing Task). Upon completion of the training sessions, two new tasks were introduced, Finger Tapping and Fitt’s Law Task, to examine if any performance improvements could be transferred. A second purpose of the study was to learn if a training program could increase the perceived comfort in using the non-preferred hand on the same testing tasks. Participants were assigned to a …

Sense Of Community And Restorative Justice As Models Of Support: Female Survivors Of Sexual Abuse And Males Who Have Offended Sexually, Chris Mcevoy

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Sexual abuse is a social phenomenon that adversely affects the lives of the victims, those who have offended and the surrounding community. It is an issue of public health, policy, and justice. Currently, few research studies explore the ability of community agencies to support all persons affected by sexual abuse, and even fewer studies examining the perspectives and experiences of individuals left searching for remediation or healing. The Revive program, part of Community Justice Initiatives in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada functions as a mutual-aid support group for persons affected by sexual abuse, using principles of restorative justice to guide their mission. …

In Search Of The Political Economy Of Oppression And Liberation: Towards Structural Validity For Community Psychology, Sune Sandbeck

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Advocating for liberation from oppression through critical research and praxis has become a central concern among community psychologists. In this dissertation, I argue that while community psychology (CP) has had some success in integrating multidisciplinary knowledge, its understanding of oppression and liberation continues to be characterized by an avoidance of economic considerations. I posit the concept of structural validity as being necessary to re-focus our research and praxis on the economic structure of oppression. Within the current global context of systemic inequality, this economic structure is being ideologically driven by the doctrine and discourse of neoliberalism, which has important implications …

Personal Stories Of Empathy In Adolescence And Emerging Adulthood, Kendall M. Soucie

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Empathy, the ability to understand and experience the emotions of others, has yet to be investigated from a narrative or life story perspective. The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to examine the ways in which emerging adults and adolescents, through their self-defining stories, process and come to extract meaning from their personal empathic and non-empathic experiences. Twenty-nine adolescents (14–17, M=15.28, SD=.99), and 31 emerging adults (18–20, M=18.23, SD=.56) narrated stories about their empathic (times when they felt sad for someone, times when they put themselves in someone else’s shoes) and non-empathic experiences (times when …

Asset-Based Community Development: A Case Study, Suzanne Killing Wood

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This case describes an effort toward asset-based community development with an ‘underprivileged’ neighbourhood, including the responsive steps taken to deal with the realities and challenges of community change efforts. Through participant observation and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including residents and external supports, this paper examines changes in community activity in association with their newly formed community centre. Through analysis of the community’s challenges four ‘enabling conditions’ necessary for community development are identified including: balancing relationships with issues; effective ‘citizen space’; maintenance of relationships and communication; and community readiness. These key lessons include ongoing considerations of patience, flexibility, and responsiveness …