No description available.

This study investigated the effects of progressive muscle relatxation on the frequency of, and the anxiety associated with, chronic nightmares. Three females diagnosed as suffering from an anxiety disorder and who experienced at least two nightmares per week served as subjects. Treatments consisted of practicing progressive relaxation trainig twice daily with the assistance of a tape-recorded exercise. The first practice occurred prior to 3:00 p.m. and the second practice occurred before retiring at night. Subjects recorded nightmare frequency, intensity, and theme on the Daily Nightmare Questionnaire (DNQ). In addition, nightmare-associated anxiety was measured daily with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Both DNQ and STAI data were collected daily via the telephone. The study utilized a multiple baseline strategy across subjects, and all subjects showed a decline in both nightmare frequency and state and trait anxiety levels. A mean reduction of .96 nightmares per week resulted. This study demonstrated that a basic relaxation exercise, which does not address possible intrapsychic variables, was effective in nightmare reduction through a reduction in levels of anxiety.

<p> The formation of soluble amyloid oligomers by polypeptide chains is the main pathogenic mechanism underlying several neurodegenerative disorders including some of the most common debilitating and aging-related illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, the molecular basis of polypeptide oligomerization and amyloid formation is currently not fully understood. In this thesis the focus will be on the early steps of oligomer formation that precede the nucleation of amyloid fibrils, that are still reversible. The reversibility of these initial self-association equilibria makes them an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of amyloid diseases. Specifically three general questions will be addressed: (a) What are the residues within a given polypeptide chain that mediate self-recognition? (b) What are the driving forces for self-association? (c) Is self-recognition coupled with conformation changes? </p> <p> The objective of this thesis is to provide initial responses to these key questions using as prototypical system the Ap (12-28) peptide, which has been previously proposed as a model for the initial self-association events that are linked to Alzheimer's disease. Given the flexibility of this peptide the main tool for its investigation will be Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Specifically, both classical (i.e., TOCSY and NOESY) and more novel (i.e. saturation transfer difference and off-resonance relaxation) NMR experiments were used to probe the soluble oligomers through the comparative analysis of samples with different monomer/oligomer distributions. The combined analysis of this integrated set of experiments reveals that while the residues in the central hydrophobic core (CHC) drive self-recognition, stable oligomers require a conformational change towards more folded structures that affects residues well outside the CHC. The conformational change occurring upon self-association thus effectively couples CHC and non-CHC residues. This model may also explain why mutations outside the CHC (i.e. E22, D23) can affect significantly the kinetics of self-association. </p> <p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Yes / In constitutive models of polymers, there has been a long history of the use of strain-rate dependent viscous processes, such as the Eyring and Argon models. These are combined with elastic elements to generate viscoplastic models that exhibit typical phenomena such as rate dependent yield, creep and stress relaxation. The Eyring process is one of the most frequently used such mechanisms. It has two significant drawbacks: it implies a temperature dependence of mechanical behaviour that is in an opposite sense to that observed; and it predicts a strain rate dependence of yield stress that is less complex than that observed, leading to the requirement for two or more Eyring processes. In recent years, new ideas for amorphous polymers have been developed that lead to an alternative plastic mechanism that addresses these concerns. In this paper a constitutive model that incorporates this mechanism is developed, and its effectiveness in modelling macroscopic mechanical behaviour of polymers is explored with respect to published data.

In this thesis, theoretical approaches for the simulation of electron detachment processes in molecules following vibrational or electronic excitation are developed and applied. These approaches are based on the quantum-classical surface-hopping methodology, in which nuclear motion is treated classically as an ensemble of trajectories in the potential of quantum-mechanically described electronic degrees of freedom. / Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit werden theoretische Verfahren zur Simulation von molekularen Ionisierungsprozessen nach elektronischer oder Schwingungsanregung entwickelt und angewendet. Diese Verfahren basieren auf der quanten-klassischen Surface-Hopping-Methode, in welcher die Kernbewegung durch ein Ensemble klassischer Trajektorien im Potenzial quantenmechanisch beschriebener Elektronen behandelt wird.

Les propriétés exceptionnelles de l'aluminium, notamment son rapport poids/résistance élevé, sa résistance à la corrosion et sa capacité d'extrusion, en font un matériau de choix pour la construction de ponts, en particulier pour les applications de tablier. Le tablier contemporain en aluminium est composé d'extrusions d'aluminium creuses qui sont soudées ensemble pour former une structure de panneaux. Le tablier extrudé multi-voides est soutenu par des poutres utilisant des connecteurs de cisaillement. En raison de la nature cyclique de la sollicitation subie par les ponts, la connexion entre le tablier et les poutres est critique et nécessite des considérations de glissement. Ce type d'assemblage est renforcé à la fois par la force de serrage des connecteurs de cisaillement et par les caractéristiques de glissement des surfaces d'appui de l'assemblage. Dans un système de tablier en aluminium extrudé multi-voides, l'accès à la face interne du tablier pour serrer les connecteurs de cisaillement est limité, ce qui nécessite une solution innovante pour relier le tablier aux poutres. L'utilisation de boulons aveugles pourrait constituer une solution utile car ils sont serrés d'un seul côté, sans qu'il soit nécessaire d'accéder à la face interne du tablier. Cependant, les boulons aveugles doivent respecter les spécifications de conception des assemblages à glissement critique. Selon la norme S6-19, dans les assemblages en aluminium, les boulons doivent être à haute résistance, galvanisés et, pour les assemblages à glissement critique, précontraints à un maximum de 70 % de leur résistance ultime à la traction. En outre, les normes exigent que les surfaces en aluminium soient sablées dans les assemblages à glissement critique afin d'atteindre le coefficient de glissement minimum associé à la rugosité de la surface. Cependant, l'obtention de la rugosité souhaitée par sablage dépend de plusieurs facteurs tels que l'alliage d'aluminium sablé, le matériau de sablage utilisé, la pression de travail, etc. De plus, dans les régions où les variations de température sont extrêmes, comme au Québec, où les températures oscillent entre -30 et +30 degrés Celsius entre l'hiver et l'été, ces variations de température ont un impact sur la résistance des assemblages d'aluminium à glissement critique. En gardant ces défis à l'esprit, la présente étude a exploré en détail les caractéristiques de glissement de diverses interfaces de connexion et le comportement de divers connecteurs de cisaillement sous une charge thermique cyclique afin de simuler l'environnement difficile qui prévaut au Québec. Cisaillements étudiés comprenaient (a) le type de connecteurs de cisaillement, y compris les boulons standard A325, les boulons standard à tension contrôlée (TC) et les boulons Ajax OneSide (AOS), (b) l'alliage d'aluminium, y compris 6063-T6 et 6005A, et (c) les principaux types de connexion, y compris aluminium-aluminium (Al-Al) et aluminium-acier (Al-acier). Des essais de double recouvrement ont été effectués pour évaluer le coefficient de glissement des interfaces de connexion Al-Al sablées pour différentes épaisseurs et alliages. En outre, des essais d'arrachement ont été réalisés pour caractériser l'interface Al-acier dans un joint antidérapant en évaluant le coefficient de glissement dans cette interface de connexion. Des essais de relaxation ont également été menés sous charge thermique cyclique pour étudier les phénomènes de relaxation dans les connecteurs de cisaillement au sein des connexions en aluminium. L'étude a notamment révélé que l'utilisation d'un matériau abrasif de grade 20-30 à une pression de 120 psi permettait d'obtenir des profils de surface répondant aux exigences rigoureuses du code (Ra≥12,5 µm ou 2 mils). De plus, l'alliage 6005A présente un coefficient de glissement et des valeurs de relaxation supérieurs à ceux du 6063-T6 pour les mêmes épaisseurs. Lorsque l'épaisseur de l'assemblage augmente, la rigidité correspondante augmente, ce qui entraîne une réduction de la relaxation du boulon. Des effets de plastification ont été observés dans l'alliage 6063, entraînant une plus grande relaxation du boulon et des variations de contrainte plus importantes. En outre, le chargement cyclique de la température influence la relaxation dans les connecteurs de cisaillement, avec une perte progressive de la précontrainte observée avec une augmentation du nombre de cycles de température. Il a également été constaté que le cycle initial avait l'impact le plus important sur la relaxation totale, représentant environ 30 à 35 % de la relaxation totale. En tant que stratégie pratique d'atténuation, la recherche a mis l'accent sur le resserrage des boulons après le premier cycle thermique. Cette approche permet d'obtenir une réduction substantielle de 30 à 35 % de la relaxation totale. / Aluminum's exceptional properties, encompassing its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and extrudability, position it as an outstanding material for bridge construction, specifically in decking applications. The contemporary aluminum decking is comprised of hollow aluminum extrusions that are welded together to form a panel structure. The multi-void extruded deck is supported by girders employing shear connectors. Due to the cyclic nature of solicitation experienced by bridges, the connection between the deck and girders is critical and requires slip-critical considerations. This connection type gains its strength through both the clamping force of the shear connectors and the slip characteristics of the connection faying surfaces. In a multi-void extruded aluminum decking system, access to the inner side of the deck for tightening the shear connectors is restricted, requiring an innovative solution for connecting the deck to the girders. The use of blind bolts could present a useful solution as they are tightened from one side only, without the need to access the deck’s inner side. However, the blind bolts must adhere to the slip critical connection design specifications. According to S6-19 standard, in aluminum connections, the bolts must be high strength, galvanized, and, for slip critical connections, prestressed to a maximum of 70% of their ultimate tensile strength. In addition, standards require aluminum surfaces to undergo sandblasting in slip critical connections to attain the minimum slip coefficient associated with surface roughness. However, achieving the desired roughness through sandblasting depends on several factors such as the sandblasted aluminum alloy, the sandblasting material used, working pressure, etc. Moreover, in regions with extreme temperature variations such as Quebec, where temperatures swing from -30 to +30 degrees Celsius between winter and summer, these temperature variations impact the strength of the slip critical aluminum assemblies. With these challenges in mind, the current study comprehensively explored the slip characteristics of diverse connection interfaces and the behavior of various shear connectors under thermal cyclic loading to simulate the harsh environment prevailing in Quebec. The investigated parameters included (a) the type of shear connectors, including standard bolts A325, tension-controlled (TC) standard bolts, and Ajax OneSide bolts (AOS), (b) the aluminum alloy, including 6063-T6 and 6005A, and (c) the key connection types, including aluminum-aluminum (Al-Al) and aluminum-steel (Al-steel). Double lap tests were conducted to evaluate the slip coefficient of sandblasted Al-Al connection interfaces for different thicknesses and alloys. In addition, pullout tests were carried out to characterize the Al-steel interface in a slip-resistant joint by evaluating the slip coefficient in this connection interface. Relaxation tests were also conducted under thermal cyclic loading to investigate the relaxation phenomena in shear connectors within aluminum connections. Notably, the study has revealed that utilizing 20-30 grade abrasive material at a pressure of 120 psi, achieved surface profiles meeting stringent code requirements (Ra≥12.5 µm or 2 mils). Moreover, the 6005A alloy demonstrates superior slip coefficient and relaxation values compared to the 6063-T6 for the same thicknesses. As the assembly thickness increased, the corresponding stiffness rose, leading to a reduction in the bolt relaxation. Plasticization effects were observed in the 6063 alloy, resulting in more bolt relaxation and wider stress variations. In addition, cyclic temperature loading influences relaxation in the shear connectors, with a gradual loss of pretension observed with an increase in the number of temperature cycles. It was also found that the initial cycle had the most significant impact on total relaxation, accounting for approximately 30-35% of the total relaxation. As a practical mitigation strategy, the research underscored the retightening of bolts after the first thermal cycle. This approach yields a substantial reduction of 30-35% in total relaxation.

No description available.

Most theoretical treatments of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements of porous media assume ideal pore geometries for the pores (i.e. slabs, spheres or cylinders) with welldefined surface-to-volume ratios (S/V). This same assumption is commonly adopted for naturally occurring materials, where the pore geometry can differ substantially from these ideal shapes. In this paper the effect of the roughness of the pore surface on the T2 relaxation spectrum is studied. By homogenization of the problem using an electrostatic approach it is found that the effective surface relaxivity can increase dramatically in the presence of rough surfaces. This leads to a situation where the system responds as a pore with a smooth surface, but with significantly increased surface relaxivity. As a result the standard approach of assuming an idealized geometry with known surface to-volume and inverting the T2 relaxation spectrum to a pore size distribution is no longer valid. The effective relaxivity is found to be fairly insensitive to the shape of the roughness but strongly dependent on the width and depth of the surface geometry.

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the current process research by investigating a psychotherapist's experience during psychotherapy. Massage therapy and relaxation therapy were used to manipulate psychotherapist's bodily focus, physiology, and affective state. Topics discussed include: the bodily focus of the therapist, neurobiological models of experience, mind-body boundary issues, and a present-time focus. Doctoral level Counseling and Clinical graduate students were used as participants.

Cue-controlled relaxation appeas to have several advantages over prominent anxiety-reduction treatments. It does not require the formulation of conditioned stimulus hierarchies nor the use of mental imagery as does systematic desensitization nor the application of noxious stimularion (farradic shock) utilized in anxiety relief. However, its efficacy, in quantitative terms, has not been determined. The present study compared the effectiveness in attainment of relaxation of instructional set, biofeedback training, and biofeedback-assisted/cue-controlled relaxation training procedures. Results indicate that cue-controlled relaxation training was more effective in terms of mean level of frontal is EMG and degree of maintenance of low EMG levels than either biofeedback training or instructions.