http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/477 Electronic Theses of Laurentian University 2013-05-19T17:46:56Z http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/1975 Title: Colonizing Northern Landscapes: Population Genetics and Phylogeography of Wood Frogs (Lithobates Sylvaticus) in the James Bay Authors: D'Aoust-Messier, Andrée-Michelle Abstract: The genetic structuring of populations can be influenced by present processes and past events. One of the largest historical events to affect the distribution and genetic characteristics of present-day North American biota is the Pleistocene glaciation. Thus, the study of post-glacial colonization patterns of species in northern landscapes can relay important ecological information, as species had to expand their range extensively following the retreat of the glaciers and are often at the terminal end of their expansion. These species consequently exhibit the genetic fingerprints of sequential founder events, in turn decreasing the genetic variation available for adaptation. Using amphibians to investigate post-glacial range expansion is advantageous, as they have limited dispersal abilities revealing fine-scale patterns and they are thought to be one of the first vertebrates to colonize post-glacial habitat. Therefore, to model the phylogeography of a primary colonizer and the population structure of anurans in northern landscapes, population genetics analyses of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) were performed in the James Bay area. Wood frogs were sampled from 17 localities around James Bay and genetic analyses were conducted with seven microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA sequences of the ND2/tRNATRP genes. Results show that the post-glacial recolonization of the James Bay area by wood frogs originated from the putative refugium in western Wisconsin, an area known as the Driftless Area. Two routes were taken by founders to colonize the James Bay area: one north-west of Lake Superior, colonizing western Ontario, and one through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, colonizing southern and eastern Ontario and western Québec. Interestingly, the meeting of the two lineages south-west of James Bay led to the establishment of a zone of higher genetic variation than expected under the founder effect hypothesis. Additionally, population structure analyses revealed the segregation of three genetic populations east, north-west, and south-west of the bay, the latter showing the highest genetic variation and likely representing a zone of secondary contact. This study shows that past events such as post-glacial range expansions can explain present patterns of genetic variation and population structure, and that studies in northern landscapes may be very useful in understanding genetic patterns throughout the range of a species. 2012-08-31T00:00:00Z http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/1973 Title: Ketoacids as antioxidants in human astrocytes exposed to oxidative and aluminum stress. Authors: Thomas, Sean Abstract: Aluminum (Al), the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust, has been implicated in a number of neurological diseases. Its increased bioavailability has been associated with increased toxicity in humans. Increased lipid accumulation occurs as a result of disruption in carnitine homeostasis due to the shunting of α-ketoglutarate (αKG) towards reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of ketoacids such as oxaloacetate (OAA) and αKG in combating oxidative stress in astrocytes. The present study has shown the ability of ketoacids such as αKG and OAA to sequester ROS in the astrocytes and restore normal lipid levels as observed through fluorescence microscopy. The non-enzymatic decarboxylation of αKG and OAA into succinate and malonate respectively as observed in the HPLC studies point to the role of these ketoacids in ROS detoxification. Furthermore, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity which is diminished under oxidative stress as gauged by the activity of NAD-ICDH, was found to be restored to normal levels in the stressed cells upon recovery with OAA. Expression of apolipoprotein E, an essential biomolecule in lipid and β-amyloid metabolism, was found to be down-regulated under aluminum stress, an observation that was reversed by OAA recovery. Hence it appears that the ketoacids play a critical role in quelling ROS in human astrocytes. 2012-05-11T00:00:00Z http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/484 Title: Legacy Planning for Major Multi-­‐Sport Events vs Faith, Hope and Charity!© Authors: MacAdam, L. Lane Abstract: Not unlike many nations that have bid for and hosted major multi-sport events, franchise holders and their backers in countries around the world routinely cite a number of benefits that will accrue to their country in order to garner the public and private support required to successfully bid for and stage international level major multi-sport events. These benefits include: sport development; social, cultural, economic and community benefits, among others, derived from hosting international level sport events. Canada has an enviable record of hosting major multi-sport events. We have staged them often and we have hosted them well. Since 1967, Canada has hosted almost every major multi-sport event available to it. Billions of dollars in public expenditures have been made in support of these events from all levels of government. But do the promises that are made to convince governments, community leaders and the general public deliver the benefits that they advertise? This research paper will examine the legacy aspects of major multi-sport games from the vantage point of community development, economic impact and in particular sport benefits. It also offers a conceptual framework to evaluate the sport benefit legacies and introduces the Major Event Return Legacy Index (MERLIN©). The prospect of hosting a major multi-sport event attracts a multitude of eager bidders in pursuit of tangible and intangible legacies for a nation. However, the rising complexity and spiraling expenditures necessary to secure, plan and stage these events require more robust assessment tools to properly measure the cost/benefit of supporting these mega projects. This research paper will contribute to the body of knowledge available to assist franchise holders and policy makers in determining the true legacy benefits that can be derived from hosting a major multi-sport event instead of relying on faith, hope and charity! 2011-11-21T00:00:00Z http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/483 Title: Constructing Life Narratives: How Novels and Policy Discourses Represent and Respond to Life Stories About People with Mental Disabilities Authors: McCauley, Karen Abstract: This dissertation explores how an interdisciplinary analysis may contribute insight into how literary and policy discourses construct the life experiences of people who have mental disabilities that impair their ability to communicate their own life stories. Chapter One explains why a more comprehensive understanding of the cultural construction of mental disability may be achieved by exploring interdisciplinary relationships between social work, disability studies and literary theory. Subsequent chapters examine theoretical assumptions and frameworks associated with these contributing disciplines in greater detail, across systematic and interpretive analytic approaches. In addition, key concepts and questions relevant to constructing a vocabulary that facilitates collaboration between the contributing disciplines are considered. This literature review informs a methodology for undertaking an interpretive discourse analysis of pertinent policy and novels that depict disability within the context of Ontario's 'Institutional Cycle'. Specifically, the research attempts to answer the following questions: What is the relationship between the representation of mental disability in literary narratives and public policy discourses about mental disability; and, how may an interdisciplinary analysis of literary and policy discourses inform policy planning and the provision of services for people with mental disabilities in Ontario? Chapters 6-8 analyze the literary and policy data across Establishment, Reform and Dismantlement phases of the Institutional Cycle to arrive at a set of findings and recommendations that explain relationships between policy and novels across the phases of the Cycle. Finally, key themes for consideration in policy planning for people with mental disabilities are identified as priorities for action in an emerging 'post-institutional' era, in Ontario. 2011-11-16T00:00:00Z