VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Tense and aspect in Old Japanese
Keywords: Nara period
aspect
Japanese
historical linguistics
tense
Old Japanese
linguistics
classical Japanese
semantics
corpus linguistics

This thesis analyses the nine main tense–aspect constructions in Old Japanese in more detail than ever before, exploiting the research possibilities created by the Oxford Corpus of Old Japanese. The commitment to close textual reading and the interpretation of examples in context that is characteristic of traditional Japanese scholarship is combined with a determination to explain the distributional data revealed by the Corpus. Large samples are used to produce quantitative semantic analyses, allowing a new perspective on multifunctional constructions from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives. All findings are placed within the wider perspective of cross-linguistic studies of tense and aspect, an approach often missing in Old Japanese scholarship.
This thesis is the most comprehensive analysis of Old Japanese tense and aspect to date. Some traditional conclusions are challenged, and light is shed on many previously unexplained phenomena. Resultative constructions are discovered to be even more pervasive in Japanese than previously thought, with at least five of the nine con-structions I look at hypothesized to have begun as resultative constructions. In most cases these constructions have broadened to also denote ongoing activities, another characteristic of Japanese. This thesis thereby contributes to the cross-linguistic understanding of resultative constructions, and to the question of the validity and nature of the distinction between activities and states. It also shows the potential of an exemplar-based model of linguistic storage, which is seen to be a powerful tool for explaining both the multifunctionality of grammatical constructions and semantic change.
Microphysical modelling of aerosols in the ORAC retrieval
Keywords: satellite retrieval
aerosol microphysics
atmospheric physics

This thesis describes an investigation of, and improvements to, the microphysical modelling of aerosols in the Oxford-Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Aerosol and Clouds retrieval (ORAC), which is used to obtain aerosol properties from measurements by the Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR). Modelling decisions determine the light scattering properties of the aerosol classes which in turn alter the retrieved aerosol properties: aerosol optical depth, and effective radius.
The maritime, mineral dust, urban, and biomass burning aerosol classes were first investigated, and then improvements implemented. Major additions to the scheme include the ability to model non-spherical dust as spheroids, soot as fractal aggregates, and to coat spherical particles with an extra layer of differing refractive index (whose thickness can be modified by ambient relative humidity where necessary). Output from aerosol retrievals containing these new models is presented.
Modelling of marine aerosol was found to be adequate, but an improvement in the relative humidity assumptions led to an average 5 % increase in aerosol optical depth (AOD). Modelling of mineral dust aerosols has been dramatically altered by the addition of non-spherical dust and hygroscopic particles, leading to increases in measured AOD of over 100 % during dust events, compared to the previous model. Measurement of biomass burning aerosol has been tested with an `ageing' aerosol scheme, leading to increases in over-land measured AOD of 0.14 (~50 % increase). With such significant changes in AOD, representation of aerosol light scattering properties is seen to be important factor in the accuracy of the ORAC scheme.
Finally, a method of optimising the placement of detectors in an aerosol measurement device is presented.
On learning assumptions for compositional verification of probabilistic systems
Keywords: Computational learning
Assume-guarantee reasoning
Compositional verification
Probabilistic model checking

Probabilistic model checking is a powerful formal verification method that can ensure the correctness of real-life systems that exhibit stochastic behaviour. The work presented in this thesis aims to solve the scalability challenge of probabilistic model checking, by developing, for the first time, fully-automated compositional verification techniques for probabilistic systems. The contributions are novel approaches for automatically learning probabilistic assumptions for three different compositional verification frameworks.
The first framework considers systems that are modelled as Segala probabilistic automata, with assumptions captured by probabilistic safety properties. A fully-automated approach is developed to learn assumptions for various assume-guarantee rules, including an asymmetric rule Asym for two-component systems, an asymmetric rule Asym-N for n-component systems, and a circular rule Circ. This approach uses the L* and NL* algorithms for automata learning.
The second framework considers systems where the components are modelled as probabilistic I/O systems (PIOSs), with assumptions represented by Rabin probabilistic automata (RPAs). A new (complete) assume-guarantee rule Asym-Pios is proposed for this framework. In order to develop a fully-automated approach for learning assumptions and performing compositional verification based on the rule Asym-Pios, a (semi-)algorithm to check language inclusion of RPAs and an L*-style learning method for RPAs are also proposed.
The third framework considers the compositional verification of discrete-time Markov chains (DTMCs) encoded in Boolean formulae, with assumptions represented as Interval DTMCs (IDTMCs). A new parallel operator for composing an IDTMC and a DTMC is defined, and a new (complete) assume-guarantee rule Asym-Idtmc that uses this operator is proposed. A fully-automated approach is formulated to learn assumptions for rule Asym-Idtmc, using the CDNF learning algorithm and a new symbolic reachability analysis algorithm for IDTMCs.
All approaches proposed in this thesis have been implemented as prototype tools and applied to a range of benchmark case studies. Experimental results show that these approaches are helpful for automating the compositional verification of probabilistic systems through learning small assumptions, but may suffer from high computational complexity or even undecidability. The techniques developed in this thesis can assist in developing scalable verification frameworks for probabilistic models.
Induction of anti-apoptotic factors by cutaneous Human Papillomaviruses
Keywords: Human papillomavirus
apoptosis
ultraviolet

Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small DNA viruses which specifically infect keratinocytes at different body sites. An association between cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) formation, UV irradiation and infection with a high-risk subset of cutaneous HPVs has been postulated although the underlying molecular mechanisms by which HPV may play a role in SCC development are not yet fully elucidated. Expression of the viral E6 oncoprotein has been shown to interfere with DNA damage responses and inhibit UV induced apoptosis, suggesting HPV can contribute to early stages in tumourigenesis. Here, expression of E6 from HPV types 5, 8, 10, 18 and 77 was shown to reduce UV- or Fas-induced apoptosis, and the changes in a range of intracellular apoptotic regulators were investigated. Additionally, the subject of cutaneous SCCs, in contrast to HPV-associated anogenital cancers, not harboring HPV DNA in every tumor cell was explored. Results herein show that expression of E6 from skin cancer-associated HPV types 5 and 8 induced the secretion of factors that were able to inhibit UV-induced apoptosis in non-HPV expressing cell lines and primary human keratinocytes. The anti-apoptotic effect of HPV E6 expression was found to be mediated in part by upregulation of Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Interleukin 6 (IL6). Purified OPG and IL6, when added to cells together, but not individually, reduced apoptosis following UV irradiation. Evidence is shown that OPG and IL6 inhibit the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways respectively. Furthermore immunohistochemistry of HPV-typed SCC sections shows that IL6 protein is up-regulated in HPV positive tumors compared to HPV-negative cancers. To further test the effects of HPV5E6 expression, in combination with UV irradiation, on primary human keratinocytes microarray studies were performed. These findings support the hypothesis that a small number of HPV infected cells influence UV induced apoptosis in the skin and contribute to tumourigenesis.
The impact of radio-AGN on star formation across cosmic time
Keywords: Galaxy Evolution
Radio-AGN
Star formation
Far-IR

This thesis presents a detailed study of the impact of radio-AGN on star formation and the interstellar medium (ISM) of galaxies across cosmic time. To do this, this thesis uses far-IR/sub-mm data from the Herschel Space Observatory. I create a well-selected sample of 1599 radio sources using the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) and Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-Centimeters (FIRST) data in combination with the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey - Large Area Survey (UKIDSS - LAS) data. I find that the far-IR luminosities and dust temperatures of radio galaxies are lower in comparison to those of non-radio-detected galaxies. This luminosity deficit grows with increasing stellar mass. I argue that the reasons for these differences is probably due to indirect radio-AGN feedback, i.e. radio jets mechanically heat the halo-environment, preventing external sources of cold gas from entering the host and forming stars. The far-IR luminosity and dust temperature is found to decrease as a function of radio source size. I find the most likely explanation for this is jet-induced star formation while the jets are confined to the ISM. Finally, a method for identifying reliable high-z, star-bursting radio sources in the H-ATLAS is described with which statistically significant studies of radio-jet induced star formation may be undertaken.
Synthesis of the ABC fragment of pectenotoxin-4
Keywords: catalysis
spiroketals
natural products
cyclization
pectenotoxin

This thesis details the application of two synthetic methodologies, developed by the Donohoe group, to the synthesis of the ABC fragment of pectenotoxin-4, a macrolide marine natural product that consists of 19 stereogenic centres, three tetrahydrofuran rings, one spiroketal and one bicyclic ketal embedded within a 26-membered macrocycle.
Pivotal to the developed synthetic route was the utilisation of an unprecedented cascade osmium catalysed oxidative cyclisation for the construction of two THF rings (the BC ring system). After successfully developing a model system for the synthesis of the AB anomeric 6,5 spiroketal, which involved the employment of a hydride shift initiated oxo carbenium ion formation followed by intramolecular spiroketalisation, the developed system was then applied to the fully elaborated synthesis of the ABC fragment.
The synthesis of the ABC fragment of pectenotoxin-4 was completed in 20 linear steps, with an overall yield of 3.3%.
Water, civilisation and power: Sudan's hydropolitical economy and the Al-Ingaz revolution
Keywords: hydropolitics
Islamism
Nile Basin
conflict in Sudan
water

This thesis argues that state-building in Sudan in the modern era cannot be understood without a multilevel analysis of the links between water, civilisation and power. More particularly, it focuses on the hydropolitical economy of the Al-Ingaz Revolution since its launch in 1989. I analyse the efforts by Sudan's military-Islamist leaders at material and immaterial transformation of society through visions of hydro-engineering civilisation. “Economic Salvation” -the rescue of Sudan’s economy through a “hydro-agricultural mission” that will create an ‘Islamic’ middle class- is central to this ideology. The hydro-agricultural mission is a revolutionary attempt at Islamist state-building through a hyper-ambitious Dam Programme and an Agricultural Revival in Sudan’s riverain core. It intends to entrench Al-Ingaz in power by delivering for those riverain constituencies and external partners on the Arabian Peninsula and in East Asia deemed critical to continued hegemony. This thesis is fundamentally about Islamist Sudan's hydropolitical economy, but makes broader contributions. First, it highlights how, far from being exceptional, the hydro-agricultural mission is deeply embedded in historical ways of thinking about water, civilisation and power in Sudan and the Nile Basin more broadly, echoing assumptions, policy prescriptions and logics of political control and high-modernist development that have been salient for almost 200 years. In the past, grand state-building projects, predicated on the dream of controlling the water to control the people, have been characterised by high levels of violence and developmental mirages in the desert. I show why, under military-Islamist rule, this experience is being repeated in Sudan. Second, this thesis is situated in wider debates in the early 21st century, with fears about resources crunches proliferating amidst rising global commodity prices and the impact of climate change. The idea that environmental scarcity, as an exogenous variable, is the main shaper of societies and their politics is enduring, but both theoretically and empirically misguided. Moreover, it has often been manipulated by elites in processes of power and wealth accumulation that reproduce the very societal and ecological problems they claim to be resolving. I argue that the links between water, civilisation and power in Sudan highlight not just the endogeneity of environmental scarcity to political-economic processes, but also the violent consequences of a modernist paradigm that is seen by ruling elites as both enlightened science and the route to hegemony while reproducing conflict at the local, national and regional level.
Introgression and the current status of the Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris)
Keywords: camera trapping
Felis silvestris silvestris
population viability
occupancy modelling
density estimates

Baseline data on a species' distribution and abundance are essential for developing practical conservation management plans. Such data are difficult to obtain for many low density cryptic carnivores. The Scottish wildcat, Felis silvestris silvestris, is no exception with &LT;400 individuals thought to remain. Its conservation has been further complicated by extensive hybridisation and introgression with the domestic cat (F.s.catus). Hybridisation has also resulted in difficulties in discriminating between wildcats, wildcat x domestic hybrids (hybrids) and tabby coloured feral domestic cats. This has inhibited survey efforts, leading to a lack of general ecological information.
Using the most recent identification tools available, extensive surveys using various methods including camera trapping were carried out across Northern Scotland in order to examine the current status of the Scottish wildcat. Current distribution indicates a more restricted range than recent studies. Wildcats are at risk of hybridisation from feral domestic cats and in particular, hybrids, throughout their current probable range. The distribution of hybrids overlaps with both feral domestic cats and wildcats, pointing to a significant threat from hybrids acting as a bridge between wildcats and feral cats. Mean density estimates of 3.5 (SD=0.7) wildcats/100 km2 were comparable with those from other studies in Scotland using different survey methods. Total population size estimates ranged between 115-314 individuals depending on local densities and home range size. Population viability analysis (PVA) indicated the current population is not viable unless management actions are undertaken in the near future (Mean time to extinction = 48.2 years (SD = 9.39), probability of extinction=1, SE = 0), and that reducing mortality rates and/or supplementing populations from captive bred cats are likely to be necessary to achieve viability. Based on these data, the Scottish wildcat may be more endangered than many other species classified as Endangered and the current status of the Scottish wildcat should be reviewed.
Heart disease and lung cancer risks after radiotherapy
Keywords: Radiotherapy
Cancer
Lung cancer
Survivorship
Late effects
Heart disease

Radiotherapy has been shown to increase the subsequent risk of heart disease among survivors of breast cancer, but little is known about factors, other than the dose of radiation delivered to the heart, which determine the magnitude of the risk. In addition, survivors of teenage and young adult cancer are internationally acknowledged as an understudied population, and limited information is available on their late health risks. This thesis sought to utilise the largest observational datasets available to date for these populations: the Collaborative Group on Observational Studies of Breast Cancer Survivors and the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Survivor Study. These were used to firstly characterise the radiation-related risks of heart disease and lung cancer, and secondly to provide an overview of the long-term risk of heart disease for the entire spectrum of cancers diagnosed in teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 39.
Initially, a methodology study and systematic review demonstrated that selection effects and other biases can be very problematic during analyses of observational cohorts, particularly when using a radiotherapy comparison. However, in the case of heart disease and lung cancer, one can take advantage of the breast being a paired organ and use a laterality comparison, particularly when laterality played little effect in treatment selection. This comparison was used throughout the analyses of breast cancer patients.
This thesis demonstrated that adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer significantly increased the risk of heart disease among women with left-sided breast cancer and those patients with ipsilateral lung cancer. Interestingly, younger women were at the highest risk of heart disease, and a progressive proportional decrease in risk with increasing age at diagnosis was found, which has not been shown before. It also suggested that radiotherapy and chemotherapy combined may further increase the risk of heart disease among breast cancer patients. Survivors of teenage and young adult cancer, particularly Hodgkin lymphoma, were at a significantly raised cardiac mortality risk compared to the matched general population.
The findings of this thesis provide evidence to support continued follow-up for cancer patients, as survivors were found to be at a substantial risk into the second or third decade after treatment. It has permitted the detection of groups of individuals at particularly increased risks, for example younger patients and survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed in teenagers and young adults, for whom closer monitoring for late effects or measures to reduce the risk, such as adaptations to treatment, may be appropriate. Finally, evidence was also presented to support the development of clinical follow-up guidelines specifically for survivors of teenage and young adult cancer.
Interlocked host structures for anion recognition and sensing in aqueous solutions
Keywords: halogen bonding
anions
lanthanides
Supramolecular chemistry
interlocked molecules

This thesis describes the synthesis of interlocked anion host systems which exploit hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, and lanthanide-coordination for anion recognition and sensing in aqueous solution.
Chapter 1 introduces the field of anion supramolecular chemistry, with particular focus on areas of particular relevance to this thesis, namely anion recognition and sensing, anion templation and the synthesis of interlocked structures.
Chapter 2 describes the synthesis of hydrogen bonding rotaxane and catenane hosts for recognising and sensing oxoanions in aqueous solvent media. The novel use of nitrate anion templation for the synthesis of interlocked molecules is reported, and the unprecedented selective recognition of nitrate in aqueous solvent media is demonstrated.
Chapter 3 details the preparation of water soluble permethylated β-cyclodextrin-stoppered rotaxane hosts that utilise halogen bonding and hydrogen bonding interactions to bind anions in pure water. The first thermodynamic investigation into halogen bonding in water is reported, and the relative capabilities of halogen and hydrogen bonding for anion recognition in water are compared.
Chapter 4 investigates the incorporation of lanthanide cations into rotaxane hosts for optical anion sensing. The seminal use of lanthanide cation templation for interlocked molecule synthesis is described, before anion templation approaches towards the synthesis of lanthanide-based rotaxanes are discussed. The luminescence anion sensing capabilities of these interlocked hosts are investigated.
Chapter 5 describes the experimental procedures used in this work, and details the characterisation of compounds presented in Chapters 2–4.
Chapter 6 summarises the conclusions of this thesis.
The spaces between places: a landscape study of foragers on the Greater Mapungubwe Landscape, southern Africa
Keywords: interaction
Later Stone Age
farmers
settlement patterns
landscape
Foragers
Mapungubwe
ethnography

Our understanding of the Later Stone Age (LSA) on the Greater Mapungubwe Landscape has until now been fairly limited. However, it is a landscape upon which foragers witnessed and partook in agriculturalist state formation between AD 900 and 1300, altering their cultural behaviour to suit their changing social and political topography. Nowhere else in southern Africa were foragers part of such developments. For this project a landscape approach was used to study the various changes in the regional LSA record as well as the way in which foragers interacted with farmers.
In order to address these issues, data were obtained from an archaeological survey followed by an excavation of seven sites in north-eastern Botswana, part of the Greater Mapungubwe Landscape. These finds indicate that the local forager record varies chronologically and spatially, which had not previously been recorded. Foragers also used a variety of site types and in each a different forager expression was deposited, providing indications of their changing settlement pattern. Notably, this included a gradual movement into agriculturalist homesteads beginning by at least AD 1000 and concluding by AD 1300, when the Mapungubwe capital was abandoned. Thus, interactions, at least in some cases, led to assimilation. There is also clear evidence of exchange with agriculturalists at many of the excavated sites, but this does not always seem to be related to their proximity with one another.
Performing a landscape study has also made it possible to make two general conclusions with regard to LSA research. First, these data challenge ethnography, displaying its limitations particularly with linking modern Bushman practices, such as aggregation and dispersal patterns or hxaro gift exchange, to LSA foragers. Second, a full landscape understanding combines the archaeology of multiple cultural landscapes and in this case also crosses national borders, two themes often neglected in southern African archaeological studies.