Local government reorganization: a case study in local government change in Nanaimo, B.C.

This thesis is an examination of the boundary restructure efforts of Nanaimo, B.C. It examines and compares both the background which precipitated the restructure referendum and the actions and attitudes by individuals, groups, and Government that prefaced the November 2, 1974 vote. It also explores the literature and legislation that is germane to the analysis and relates it to the above. Finally, some consideration is given to speculating probable effects of the amalgamation decision. While there are many reasons which explain the need for a re-alignment of local Government boundaries, the principal one is that the existing political structure impedes the most effective delivery of services to the public. The author's investigations revealed that there were important conflicts in the pattern of local Government in Nanaimo that could be mitigated with amalgamation. Irrespective of the stated benefits, a significant segment of the population opposed amalagamation. Opposition sentiment was based on a variety of arguments, with the effects on taxes apparently the most vocal issue. Opposition sentiment was obviously strong as the outcome of the referendum showed that only 52% were in favour of amalgamation. This despite the fact that a thorough examination of the implications of restructure by a special restructure committee concluded that there would be little initial impact on the tax burden. In general, the thesis is an assessment of an event, and as such, no specific or pre-conceived hypothesis was stated. Three recommendations of particular note, concluded specifically from the case study are: (i) the need for an immediate change in property taxation laws affecting non-municipal areas in British Columbia to bring the taxes in line with the actual cost of services provided by the province to non-municipal areas. (ii) the Provincial Government, in the Nanaimo situation, should be prepared to augment their existing financial commitment to help defray unanticipated costs if they (costs) become excessively burdensome. In future restructure proposals, however the Province should consider undertaking a more comprehensive review of cost figures, projected by local restructure committees to ensure their accuracy. (iii) in any future restructure proposals, the Provincial Government should ensure that the local people responsible for administering the restructure program have engaged in an active and effective campaign of making the local citizens aware of the full ramifications of amalgamation, (both the positive and negative aspects), and that a concerted effort is made to encourage the participation of all residents.Applied Science, Faculty ofCommunity and Regional Planning (SCARP), School ofGraduat

Mechanical effects of plant cell wall enzymes on xyloglucan/cellulose composites

Xyloglucan-acting enzymes are believed to have effects on type I primary plant cell wall mechanical properties. In order to get a better understanding of these effects, a range of enzymes with different in vitro modes of action were tested against cell wall analogues (bio-composite materials based on Acetobacter xylinus cellulose and xyloglucan). Tomato pericarp xyloglucan endo transglycosylase (tXET) and nasturtium seed xyloglucanase (nXGase) were produced heterologously in Pichia pastoris. Their action against the cell wall analogues was compared with that of a commercial preparation of Trichoderma endo-glucanase (EndoGase). Both 'hydrolytic' enzymes (nXGase and EndoGase) were able to depolymerise not only the cross-link xyloglucan fraction but also the surface-bound fraction. Consequent major changes in cellulose fibril architecture were observed. In mechanical terms, removal of xyloglucan cross-links from composites resulted in increased stiffness (at high strain) and decreased visco-elasticity with similar extensibility. On the other hand, true transglycosylase activity (tXET) did not affect the cellulose/xyloglucan ratio. No change in composite stiffness or extensibility resulted, but a significant increase in creep behaviour was observed in the presence of active tXET. These results provide direct in vitro evidence for the involvement of cell wall xyloglucan-specific enzymes in mechanical changes underlying plant cell wall re-modelling and growth processes. Mechanical consequences of tXET action are shown to be complimentary to those of cucumber expansin

The number of p16INK4a positive cells in human skin reflects biological age

Cellular senescence is a defense mechanism in response to molecular damage which accumulates with aging. Correspondingly, the number of senescent cells has been reported to be greater in older than in younger subjects and furthermore associates with age-related pathologies. Inter-individual differences exist in the rate at which a person ages (biological age). Here, we studied whether younger biological age is related to fewer senescent cells in middle- aged individuals with the propensity for longevity, using p16INK4a as a marker for cellular senescence. We observed that a younger biological age associates with lower levels of p16INK4a positive cells in human skin