VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Imagined Poland. Representations of the nation state at the exhibitions of industry, craft and design, 1948–1974
Keywords: cultural history
Cold War
exhibitions history
national identity
socialist modernity
Polish design
post-war modernity

This thesis examines the use of design in the construction of Poland’s national identity at the international exhibitions in the Cold War period. It is the first comprehensive study of Polish design discourse in any language that rests at the crossroads of design studies and cultural history. Based on original archival material, both written and visual, and oral interviews this thesis tracks the process of construction of Imagined Poland alongside the development of the design discipline during the three post-war decades. It charts the trajectory of these two narratives and examines their critical reception. In doing so this research casts new light on the relationship between design and political history in the Cold War Europe.
However, it is not a thesis about designed objects or spaces per se, but rather about their discursive qualities and the way that they were put in work to narrate the nation. Versatile and embedded in the cultural, economic and social contexts, design understand here in its broadest sense proved to be well suited to this role: it allowed political authorities, trade representatives and creative intelligentsia to address timely issues on their agendas. This thesis closely examines eight exhibitions organised in the Soviet Union, Italy, Belgium and Poland. The narratives of these events, as the thesis argues, reflected the state’s changing self-understanding towards international public opinion. It indicates that although Polish exhibitions were occasionally adjusted to the particular location, their themes were largely shaped in response to the political developments at home and in the Eastern Europe. By using exhibitions as a framework, this thesis offers a new perspective to study Polish international modernism and suggests a limited impact of ideology on the development of professional networks. Subsequently it provides a nuanced reading of Poland’s relationship with the Soviet Union, the Eastern Bloc and the rest of Europe beyond reductive paradigm of totalitarianism.
Investigating the toxicity and safety of radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer
Keywords: Radiotherapy toxicity
Pancreas cancer
Radiotherapy

The current level of understanding of the relationship of gastrointestinal toxicity with irradiation of the stomach, duodenum, and small bowel hampers the potential of radiotherapy to contribute effectively to achieving disease control for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The work in this thesis aimed to further this understanding through compilation and examination of existing informative data, and robust analysis of this relationship within a large cohort of patients treated with radiotherapy to the pancreas, and within a new clinical trial of stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT).
A systematic literature review was undertaken and publications were identified that found dose-volume parameters for the stomach (V20Gy, V50Gy, D2cm3), duodenum (V25Gy-V55Gy) and small bowel (V40Gy, V50Gy, D2cm3) to be predictive of toxicity in pancreatic cancer. Parameters were fitted for the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman normal tissue complication probability model for the duodenum, using published cohort dose-volume histograms and the associated incidence of toxicity. Results were consistent with previous analyses, showing a dependence on exposure to high dose and small volume effect.
Published small bowel dose-volume histogram data was incorporated into meta-analysis and showed that, for rectal cancer, a significant volume effect exists for all clinically relevant doses (5 Gy to 50 Gy). This was not seen in data regarding irradiation for gynaecological cancer, where a volume effect was only observed at higher doses (40 Gy and over). This difference is thought to be primarily due to the concomitant chemotherapy used in the treatment of these malignancies.
Analysis of the toxicity outcomes for patients treated in the phase-II trials ARCII and SCALOP identified stomach dose-volume parameters predictive of acute gastrointestinal toxicity on multivariable analysis, alongside patient sex and the concomitant chemotherapy regimen utilised. Use of a statistical technique novel to radiotherapy dose-volume analysis was explored (canonical correlation) but was not shown to be superior to existing techniques.
Pre-trial radiotherapy quality assurance for the SPARC clinical trial of pre-operative SBRT was undertaken and found evidence of over-generous clinician contouring in definition of the primary tumour target volume. This was shown to have implications for modelled risk of treatment toxicity, however contouring improved with education and feedback from peers.
In conclusion, intensification of pancreatic cancer radiotherapy is likely to be safe and acceptable for patients, provided that dose to the neighbouring organs of the upper gastrointestinal tract is managed. This may be achieved through accurate target definition and optimisation of the treatment process with control of patient motion and image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy or SBRT. Concomitant chemotherapy is shown to be an important modifier of the radiotherapy dose-volume-toxicity relationship.
Delving deep into fetal neurosonography: an image analysis approach
Keywords: Machine learning
Image analysis
Ultrasound
Fetal brain

Ultrasound screening has been used for decades as the main modality to examine fetal brain development and to diagnose possible anomalies. However, basic clinical ultrasound examination of the fetal head is limited to axial planes of the brain and linear measurements which may have restrained its potential and efficacy. The recent introduction of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound provides the opportunity to navigate to different anatomical planes and to evaluate structures in 3D within the developing brain. Regardless of acquisition methods, interpreting 2D/3D ultrasound fetal brain images require considerable skill and time.
In this thesis, a series of automatic image analysis algorithms are proposed that exploit the rich sonographic patterns captured by the scans and help to simplify clinical examination. The original contributions include:
1. An original skull detection method for 3D ultrasound images, which achieves mean accuracy of 2.2 ± 1.6 mm compared to the ground truth (GT). In addition, the algorithm is utilised for accurate automated measurement of essential biometry in standard examinations: biparietal diameter (mean accuracy: 2.1 ±1.4 mm) and head circumference (mean accuracy: 4.5 ± 3.7 mm).
2. A plane detection algorithm. It automatically extracts mid-sagittal plane that provides visualization of midline structures, which are crucial to assess central nervous system malformations. The automated planes are in accordance with manual ones (within 3.0±3.5°).
3. A general segmentation framework for delineating fetal brain structures in 2D images. The automatically generated predictions are found to be agreed with the manual delineations (mean dice-similarity coefficient: 0.79±0.07). As a by-product, the algorithm generated automated biometry. The results might be further utilized for morphological evaluation in future research.
4. An efficient localization model that is able to pinpoint the 3D locations of five key brain structures that are examined in a routine clinical examination. The predictions correlate with the ground truth: the average centre deviation is 1.8 ± 1.4 mm, and the size difference between them is 1.9 ± 1.5 mm. The application of this model may greatly reduce the time required for routine examination in clinical practice.
5. A 3D affine registration pipeline. Leveraging the power of convolutional neural networks, the model takes raw 3D brain images as input and geometrically transforms fetal brains into a unified coordinate system (proposed as a Fetal Brain Talairach system).
The integration of these algorithms into computer-assisted analysis tools may greatly reduce the time and effort to evaluate 3D fetal neurosonography for clinicians. Furthermore, they will assist understanding of fetal brain maturation by distilling 2D/3D information directly from the uterus.
A commentary on the ninth and tenth books of the Aithiopica of Heliodoros
Keywords: Emesa
Heliodoros
Aithiopica

This commentary attempts to combine the functions of a traditional textual and linguistic study with those of literary criticism. It deals with the many passages in the last two books of the Aithiopica where the text is in doubt or its meaning obscure, and discusses a variety of stylistic points, presenting parallels for many of Heliodoros' peculiar usages. It adduces comparative material to relate Heliodoros' geographical, anthropological and historical setting both to reality and to the beliefs and practices of the ancient world. It also offers the reader of Heliodoros a running commentary on larger issues of narrative technique, characterisation, structure and overall interpretation, shoving how Bks.9 & 10 form the climax of the novel; these elements together form a judgement on Heliodoros' stature as a writer and his success as a novelist.
The Introduction offers a connected treatment of four important themes: Section 1 discusses the dating of the Aithiopica and argues that it must have been written after Shapur's siege of Nisibis in AD 350, but that Heliodoros was not drawing on Julian's account of the siege; the possibility of a shared source is suggested; Section 2 discusses the religious background of the novel and rejects the religious interpretation, arguing that the many references to the supernatural do not shew a consistent view of divine intervention in human affairs and derive from a purely literary desire for unity and forward movement; Section 3 analyses Heliodoros' attempt to achieve realism and classifies the devices he uses; Section 4 discusses the author's prose style and isolates some characteristic features.
Aristotle on necessity, chance and explanation
Keywords: explanation
Physics
Aristotle
necessity
caelo
chance

Aristotle endorses a very striking doctrine connecting necessity with what seems to be a non-modal notion -- that of 'being or happening always'. He also forges a connection between the idea of 'happening by chance' and 'happening neither always nor for the most part'. These two connections form the subject of this essay. My guiding aim is to provide an account of what the 'always/necessary' doctrine involves and of why Aristotle might have held it. Reflection on the nature of the connection between 'by chance' and 'neither always nor for the most part' throws light on what Aristotle means by 'happening always', and, in consequence, on the nature of the link between 'always' and 'necessary'; it also suggests that the basis of this link is to be found in Aristotle's general conception of the natural world as the object of explanation and knowledge.
The primary texts upon which discussion of these connections must focus are De Caelo I. 12 and the analysis of chance in Physics II. 4—6. I discuss these two texts in turn, after a opening chapter which surveys the evidence for Aristotle's acceptance of the 'always/necessary‘ doctrine and considers the nature of the restrictions which he places on it. Chapter 2 comprises a translation of and commentary on Cael. I. 12, together with a translation and discussion of its companion chapter, I. 10. In Chapter 3, I examine the nature of Aristotle's argument in I. 12, and criticise various interpretations which see it as evidence that Aristotle's 'always/necessary' doctrine rests on a distinctive conception of possibility. The translation of and commentary on Phys. II. 4-6 (Chapter 4) are followed in Chapter 5 by a discussion of issues relating to the association of chance with 'neither always nor for the most part'. The final chapter returns to the question of the connection between 'always' and 'of necessity'.
Structural studies of human GABA-A receptors
Keywords: CNS
Inhibitory signalling
Protein production
Structural biology
Membrane proteins

Type-A γ-amino-butyric acid receptors (GABAARs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs), which mediate the majority of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the animal central nervous system. Their dysfunction is related to numerous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, panic disorders, depression and schizophrenia. GABAARs are therefore major targets of clinically important drugs, including benzodiazepines and the intravenous general anaesthetics etomidate and propofol, as well as endogenous modulators, for example neurosteroids. Despite recent progress in structural biology of pLGICs, GABAAR structures remain notoriously elusive. Structural information available at the beginning of this project was limited to the benzamidine-bound homopentameric GABAAR-β3, in a desensitised conformation. A large number of fundamental questions, including the molecular architecture of physiological, heteromeric GABAARs, their signalling mechanisms, the binding and action modes of their numerous ligands, remained to be answered.
During this DPhil project, I employed structural biology techniques (X-ray crystallography and single particle cryo-electron microscopy) to further the molecular understanding of human GABAARs. I used subunit-specific llama nanobodies to aid crystallization of homomeric GABAA-β3 receptors, which led to a 3.16 Å structure in complex with the general anaesthetic etomidate. This structure elucidates the binding mode of the etomidate, the basis for its subunit selectivity and illustrates conformational changes it triggers. I then used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the first structure of a heteromeric GABAAR, the human α1b3g2, bound to an activating llama nanobody at a medium (5.2 Å) resolution. The numerous other insights obtained range from unambiguously establishing the subunit arrangement and stoichiometry, to proposing a mechanism for receptor assembly and discovering an unexpected role played by N-linked glycans in this process.
The work described here opens multiple avenues for future research. Immediate opportunities include high resolution structural characterization of heteromeric GABAARs, via cryo-electron microscopy, further development of nanobodies as novel, high affinity and subunit specific tools to modulate GABA-ergic signalling, and structural characterization of numerous small-molecule modulators, of clinical and physiological relevance, bound to human GABAARs.
Faustian bargaining in a regime complex: IMF-RFA cooperation in Europe (2008-2012)
Keywords: International Monetary Fund
Regime complexes
European Monetary Union
Euro area crisis

What explains IMF behavior in Europe between 2008 and 2012? Harshly criticized in Greece, yet tentatively praised in Hungary, the institution found itself playing different roles as it responded to a string of financial crises. Its programs varied substantially in terms of conditionality, financing, and private sector involvement. This thesis explores why, highlighting the changing global financial safety net, which is both expanding and becoming more decentralized due to the spectacular rise of regional financing arrangements (RFAs).
Existing theories of IMF behavior assume the Fund to be a stand-alone institution and analyse financial assistance as the outcome from the interplay between creditors, borrowers, and staff. By focusing on dynamics within the IMF, however, they miss how developments outside the institution are increasingly shaping its behavior.
This thesis brings in the role of changes in the institutional environment by drawing on the literature on regime complexity. The proliferation of RFAs alters the outside options of all actors, which affects their bargaining power. This opens the way for new strategies, through which creditors can entangle institutions by creating overlaps, borrowers can engage in confrontation between alternative financing institutions, and the IMF can find means to co-work with RFAs. These in turn affect whose preferences shape program design.
This argument is tested empirically through process-tracing and comparing three cases of IMF-RFA cooperation in Europe. In Hungary, the IMF led the way in shaping a surprisingly 'generous' program with little constraint from the EU. However, in Latvia, the Fund found itself a 'junior partner' in a program driven by local authorities with the support of an European RFA. In Greece, the interests of creditors were paramount, securing IMF acquiescence through the threat of exclusion.
These findings point to significant challenges for the Fund going forward. As RFAs continue to proliferate around the world, the IMF needs to avoid the temptation of striking even more Faustian bargains that keep it at the table of financial assistance at the cost of becoming a junior partner.
Differential macrophage polarization promotes entheseal bone formation in AS
Keywords: osteoblasts
macrophages
bone
osteoclasts
enthesis

Systemic and focal bone loss is a common feature of many forms of arthritis. However, inappropriate new bone formation also occurs in inflammatory arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. These features are important signs of systemic inflammation in AS.
In general, inflammation is thought to inhibit bone-forming osteoblasts whilst promoting the formation and activation of osteoclasts. More recently, macrophages have been recognized as another component of the bone formation unit. Macrophages (Mφs) are actively involved in tissue remodelling and repair but also in tissue damage and fibrosis. Our research group demonstrated that the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and monocyte/macrophages leads to an activation of STAT3 that drives osteoblast differentiation.
This project objective is to better explain the contribution of monocyte/macrophages to bone formation in a murine model of AS; the 1, 3 beta-glucan (curdlan) challenged SKG mice which develop many features of AS including psoriasis, ileitis, enthesitis and arthritis. In vitro, the role of macrophages as regulators of osteogenic differentiation via direct cell contact with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) was investigated. OB differentiation was shown to depend upon contact with pro-inflammatory Mφs rather than anti-inflammatory macrophages.
In conclusion, in the in vitro part, we evaluated the capability of GM-CSF Mφs (pro inflammatory) to increase MSCs - OB differentiation using two different genetic strains of mice: SKG and IRF 5 (WT and KO). We assessed that both SKG - GM-CSF Mφs and IRF 5 WT- GM-CSF Mφs could synergize with, but not replace, osteogenic signals in the medium and enhancing MSCs capability towards OB differentiation. However, IRF KO - GM-CSF Mφs showed no effect on MSCs.
Moreover, In the in vivo study, we evaluated the occurrence of enthesitis and the role of Mφs in a murine model of AS (SKG). We assessed Mφs activity at the entheseal site by depleting them using clodronate liposomes, which ameliorated the bone phenotype but not the clinical score (all the mice developed severe AS). Previous work in the laboratory showed that Mφs promoted MSC osteogenic differentiation via oncostatin M (OSM). Therefore, OSM was blocked in SKG mice by injecting OSMR–Fc directly into the entheseal site. This led to the amelioration of ileitis however there was a dramatic exacerbation of inflammation and bone disease in the paws of the mice indicating that OSM is not a direct mediator of Mφ-induced bone formation at the enthesis in vivo.
Inscribing the pyramid of king Qakare Ibi: scribal practice and mortuary literature in late Old Kingdom Egypt
Keywords: Pyramid Texts
mortuary literature
materiality
mutilation of hieroglyphs
textual transmission
Old Kingdom
Coffin Texts
Middle Kingdom
scribal practice
monumentalisation
performances
First Intermediate Period

This thesis investigates how the burial chamber of the 8th Dynasty pyramid of king Qakare Ibi at Saqqara in Egypt (c. 2109–2107 B.C.) was inscribed. It uses a holistic approach to focus on the textual programme and its unusual aspects in comparison to older pyramids. In doing so, it addresses issues of textual transmission and of scribal practice in the process of inscribing the walls of subterranean chambers in pyramids. The aim is to contextualise the texts of Ibi within the Memphite tradition of Pyamid Texts and the development of mortuary literature on different media from the late third millennium BCE Old Kingdom to the Middle Kingdom in the early second millennium BCE.
The first chapter presents the background to this research and information on king Ibi and his pyramid. The second chapter treats research on the arrangement of the texts on the walls of subterranean chambers of royal pyramids of kings and queens and compares the layout of the texts in the pyramid of Ibi with older pyramids. It then discusses in detail one section on the east wall of Ibi, where the order of spells diverges from other transmitted sequences. The unusual combination of spells and the practice of shortening spells is investigated further in the third chapter, where two sections of texts on the south wall are analysed. The fourth chapter explores garbled texts and discusses processes of copying and inscribing the texts onto the walls of pyramids. The fifth chapter analyses the modifications of the writing system in pyramids, especially the mutilation of hieroglyphs, and how this practice relates to the tradition of altering signs in pyramids. Finally, the sixth chapter synthesises the results of the preceding chapters in two sections. The first section summarises the process of inscribing pyramids and contextualises aspects of scribal practices within it. The second section concludes the thesis with a discussion of the features of the textual programme of Ibi and of how it relates to the broader transmission of mortuary literature.