VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
From Abraham to the 'Abrahamic religions' : Louis Massignon and the invention of a religious category
Keywords: Louis Massignon
comparative religion
Abrahamic religions

As a neologism for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the modern construct 'Abrahamic religions' is as ubiquitous as it is contested in the study of the monotheistic religions. Some have argued against the use of the concept on both historical and theological grounds. In particular, the concept is often interpreted as ecumenically motivated in the thought of Louis Massignon. This understanding arises from a parochial interpretation of its origins, in which Massignon's reflections on the subject over time, as well as its varied uses in recent times, have not been fully considered. This thesis calls for a more extensive historical analysis of its genealogy with the aim of discussing its intellectual and cultural backgrounds. In doing so, it seeks to shed light on how the interrelationships between the three religions had been historically examined prior to Massignon, and how the birth of the concept in his thought and its subsequent uses offer a richer understanding of the concept that goes beyond ecumenical significance.
To this end, this thesis unpacks the concept by probing into its antecedents, examining its birth, and reflecting on its future. The first chapter aims to show the historical basis for considering a genus for the three religions, by surveying perspectives on Abraham in historia sacra, and thereafter, discussing works in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that explore the connections between the three religions. The second and third chapters introduce Massignon and discuss his Abrahamic thought from both its socio-religious and intellectual perspectives. The main text examined here is his Les trois prières d'Abraham. The fourth chapter traces the different trajectories of the concept after Massignon and highlights its nuanced meanings as derived from these variegated uses. The fifth and concluding chapters explore the ways in which the concept can profit the study of religion.
Energy-level alignment at organic and hybrid organic-inorganic photovoltaic interfaces
Keywords: energy-level alignment
density functional theory
solar cells
photovoltaics

Organic and hybrid organic-inorganic photovoltaic (PV) devices have the potential to provide low-cost, large scale renewable energy. Despite the tremendous progress that has been made in this field, device efficiencies remain low. This low efficiency can be partly attributed to the low open-circuit voltages (Voc) generated by organic and hybrid organic-inorganic PV devices. The Voc is critically determined by the energy-level alignment at the interface between the materials forming the device. In this thesis we use first-principles methods to explore the energy-level alignment at the interfaces between the conjugated polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and three electron acceptors, zinc oxide (ZnO), gallium arsenide (GaAs) and graphene. We find that Voc reported in the literature for ZnO/P3HT devices is significantly lower than the theoretical maximum and that the interfacial electrostatic dipole plays an important role in the physics underlying the charge transfer at the heterojunction. We note significant charge transfer from the polymer to the semiconductor at GaAs/P3HT interfaces, and use this result to help interpret experimental data. Our findings support the conclusion that charge transferred from P3HT to GaAs nanowires can passivate the surface defect states of the latter and, as a result, account for the observed decrease in photoluminescence lifetimes. Finally, we explore the energy-level alignment at the graphene/P3HT interface and find that Voc reported for experimental devices is in line with the theoretical maximum. The effect of functionalised graphene is also examined, leading to the suggestion that functionalisation might have important consequences for device optimisation.
Alkaline earth- and rare earth-transition metal complexes
Keywords: alkaline earth
lanthanide
rare earth
transition metal
metal-metal bonding

This Thesis describes the synthesis and characterisation of new alkaline earth- and rare earth-transition metal complexes. Experimental and computational studies were performed to investigate the structure and bonding in these complexes. Their reactivity was also studied.
Chapter 1 introduces metal-metal bonded complexes and current alkaline earth- and rare earth-transition metal bonded complexes.
Chapter 2 describes experimental and computational studies of new alkaline earth- and lanthanide-Fe complexes possessing the [CpFe(CO)2]- anion.
Chapter 3 presents experimental studies of the reduction of Fe3(CO)12 with Ca.
Chapter 4 describes experimental and computational studies of new alkaline earth- and lanthanide-Co complexes containing the [Co(CO)3(PR3)]- anion.
Chapter 5 presents full experimental procedures and characterising data for the new complexes reported.
Appendix describes the attempted synthesis of [Ca{CpRu(CO)2}2(THF)x]y and study by DFT of [CaRp2(THF)3]2
CD Appendix contains .cif files for all new crystallographically characterised complexes described.
Identification of methylation sites in Rhodobacter chemoreceptors
Keywords: chemotaxis
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins

Chemotaxis in Rhodobacter sphaeroides occurs through the alteration of the level of rotational switching of its flagellum. The presence of attractants and repellents are sensed by methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs). The reversible methylation of certain glutamate residues in the methylation helices of MCPs is important in the adaptation aspect of chemotaxis. Previously established consensus methylation sites in other organisms were used for searches in the sequences of R. sphaeroides chemoreceptors for putative methylation sites. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to convert glutamine/glutamate residues to alanine in these putative sites on the cytoplasmic receptor TlpT and the transmembrane receptor McpH. Motility analyses of mutants showed that TlpT(Q475A) and TlpT(Q528A) cells have reduced motility. This indicates that these sites in TlpT could be important for methylation by CheR3 and demethylation by the CheBs.
Oligonucleotide-based therapies for neuromuscular disease
Keywords: C9orf72
AON
ALS
c9FTD/ALS
antisense oligonucleotides
fronto-temporal dementia
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
blood-brain barrier
FTD
motor neuron disease
DMD
mdx
ASO
BBB
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Genetic neuromuscular diseases remain essentially untreatable. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one such example and another is C9ORF72-related frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (c9FTD/ALS). Both these conditions may, however, be amenable to treatment with antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) compounds. Therapeutic ASO development for DMD is already in the clinical trial phase, while the applicability of ASO therapies in c9FTD/ALS remains to be clarified. No reliable method has yet been devised in order to target these compounds to the central nervous system following systemic administration. This thesis has investigated the ability to deliver therapeutic ASOs to the brain following systemic administration in the mdx mouse model of DMD. It has also investigated the molecular genetics of c9FTD/ALS to see whether ASO treatment may be a beneficial approach.
The integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was assessed in mdx mice. The mdx mouse BBB was found to be structurally intact by light and electron microscopy. Brain gene expression of BBB components was similar between mdx and wild-type mice. The barrier function of the mdx BBB was found to be largely equivalent to that of wild-type mice using systemically administered fluorescent tracers. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotides (PPMOs) were tested by intravenous injection in mdx mice. Pip6a-PMO was found to be the most active compound for inducing exon skipping in the brain. Fluorescent labelling of Pip6a-PMO showed body-wide distribution after systemic delivery, including increased accumulation in brain compared to unconjugated PMO, particularly in choroid plexus. c9FTD/ALS patient fibroblasts were analysed for C9ORF72 promoter methylation, expansion size and gene expression. No clear relationship was found between C9ORF72 expansion size and levels of promoter methylation or gene expression. An unexpected positive correlation was found between the degree of promoter methylation and gene expression. LNA-gapmer knockdown of a putative C9ORF72 natural antisense transcript resulted in upregulation of gene expression.
These experiments suggest that the BBB is not severely defective in DMD. Furthermore, peptide conjugation of ASOs can be used to induce detectable exon skipping in brain tissue following systemic injection, suggesting that certain PPMOs may cross the BBB. Finally, ASOs may also provide a useful therapeutic approach in c9FTD/ALS, although further work will be needed in future to confirm this and to better characterise the disease.
A cryogenic scintillation UCN detector for a neutron EDM experiment
Keywords: CPSD
nEDM
plastic scintillator
EDM
neutron detector
ultra cold neutrons
neutron electric dipole moment
UCN
SQUID
low temperature physics
crygogenic phonon scintillation detector
cryoEDM
scintillator
cryogenic detector

The observed imbalance of matter and anti-matter in the universe is one of physics' most fundamental unresolved questions. The leading theories to explain this imbalance require CP violation, and the neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM) is a sensitive parameter in its determination. Many new theories of physics beyond the standard model can be constrained or ruled-out by setting limits on the nEDM. Many next generation nEDM experiments require Ultra Cold Neutrons (UCN), produced in superfluid helium. One such experiment is cryoEDM. This thesis explores various types of UCN detection technologies applicable to cryoEDM or any high-density high-efficiency cryogenic nEDM experiment.
Cryogenic Phonon Scintillation detectors (CPSD) are modified for this application by operating at 500 mK, and by using a titanium transition edge sensor for phonon signal readout. A CPSD is stabilised in the transition using a novel infra-red light feedback system which reduced the response time to O(100 μs). The detector is characterised and calibrated using an 241Am α source. It was found to operate reliably at this elevated temperature and measure an alpha spectrum with 11% resolution at 5.5 MeV.
Scintillators are identified as a promising technology for UCN detection at low temperature. Suitable materials that are bright with fast decay times and low γ sensitivity are studied in the temperature range 300 - 6 K. Their light yield to alpha excitation, their decay time characteristics and spectroscopic properties under VUV excitation are investigated. This study includes the first comprehensive investigation of the luminescence properties of plastic scintillators and of 6LiF/ZnS(Ag) down to 6 K. It is found that there is no degradation of the luminescence or kinetic properties of these materials across the whole temperature range, revealing them as suitable cryogenic detector materials.
Using a plastic scintillator, a prototype UCN detector for operation in liquid helium is designed, manufactured and tested. It is read out using WLS optical fibres to a room temperature photomultiplier. The detector is successfully tested with cold neutrons at the ISIS neutron science facility and found to effectively measure neutrons, with a signal that is clear from background. Recommendations are made for its integration into a cryogenic neutron EDM experiment. This low-cost detector offers a promising method for the passive detection of UCN in a challenging cryogenic environment, with minimal electric interference and low background sensitivity. This technology offers the potential for improved UCN detection efficiency and thus improved sensitivity of the measurement of the neutron EDM.
The Celestine monks of France, c. 1350-1450: monastic reform in an age of Schism, councils and war
Keywords: Celestine
Monasticism
Council of Constance
Jean Gerson
Monastic History
Hundred Years War
Later Medieval
France
Conciliar Reform
Benedictine
Later Middle Ages
Celestines
French History

This thesis focuses on the Celestine monks of France, a largely neglected and distinctive reformed Benedictine congregation, at their apex of growth (c.1350-1450). Based largely within the kingdom of France, but also including key houses in the contiguous territories of Lorraine and the Comtat, they expanded significantly in this period, from four monasteries to seventeen within a hundred years. They also gained independence from the mother congregation in Italy with the coming of the Great Western Schism (1378-1417).
The study aims view the French Celestines against the backdrop of a vibrant culture of 'reform' within both the monastic estate (the Observants) and the Church as a whole, as well as the political instability and war in France. It will reveal a congregation alive with the passions of their times and relevant within them.
Following an introductory section, chapter 1 will discuss the previously unstudied Vita of the leading French Celestine Jean Bassand (d.1445) in depth and introduce the key themes of the subsequent chapters. Chapter 2 will examine their Constitutions, in the process providing perspective on their hyper-scrupulous understanding of sin and the relation of their statutes to the Christian idea of 'reform'. Chapter 3 will look to anecdotal evidence concerning the quality of their observance in practice, as well the spiritual and moral writings of Pierre Pocquet (d.1408), another important Celestine leader. Chapter 4 will begin to establish how and why the order grew, examining records of benefaction (contemporary martyrologies and charters) as well as taking view of the financial (and in the end, moral) difficulties brought by war through the documents concerning the reductions of founded masses at the Paris and Sens houses. Chapter 5 will look at monumental and anecdotal/literary evidence, as well as the works of Jean Gerson, a friend of the order, to further define the cultural impact of the monks.
Independence and accountability of the Indian higher judiciary
Keywords: judicial accountability
appointment of judges
separation of powers
judicial appointments
constitutional law
India
judicial independence
checks and balances
Supreme Court of India

There is currently no satisfactory account of how judges of the Supreme Court of India and High Courts in the states are appointed, transferred, impeached or employed postretirement. For a higher judiciary commanding immense public attention, enjoying wide constitutional powers of judicial review, this is a conspicuous gulf in academic literature. This thesis intends to bridge this gulf by providing such an account. Part I extracts the Constituent Assembly Debates pertaining to these four facets of judicial functioning, describes key developments over time and analyses the extant processes in operation today. On this basis it makes three arguments: first, appointments to the higher judiciary and transfer of judges between High Courts follow processes that are indefensible as a matter of constitutional law; second, impeachment operates in an excessively slow and inefficacious manner; third, the pervasiveness of post-retirement employment of judges in government-appointed positions demonstrates inadequate attention to institutional design.
Most crucially, each of these four aspects gives rise to significant concerns pertaining to judicial independence, accountability or both. This is not a peculiarly Indian problem— in several countries, the values of judicial independence and accountability have been deemed to be in tension, often irreconcilably. Part II tackles this widely articulated tension by providing a conceptual framework to understand these concepts. Its main argument is that both judicial independence and accountability are necessary for 'an effective judiciary'. Whether indeed the processes governing the four selected facets of judicial functioning in India lead to an effective judiciary is assessed in Part III. Where they are found lacking, appropriate reform is suggested. Such reform is intended to ensure that the selected processes operate in a manner that is justifiable in terms of judicial independence and accountability in principle and is efficacious in practice.
Novel palladium-catalysed routes to aromatic heterocycles
Keywords: heterocycle
alpha arylation
palladium
heteroaromatic
isoquinoline
berberine

Chapter 1: Introduction A brief summary of the use of palladium as a catalyst, the characteristic reactivity of palladium complexes and the commonly used palladium-catalysed cross coupling reactions is given, with a special focus on the palladium-catalysed α-arylation of enolates and its application to the synthesis of aromatic heterocycles. The synthesis of aromatic heterocycles via both traditional methods and more recent metal-catalysed approaches is discussed in the context of isoquinolines.
Chapter 2: Results and Discussion The palladium-catalysed oxidation of dihydrofurans bearing an ortho-bromophenyl group at the 2-position to the corresponding 2-phenyl furans is disclosed along with some preliminary mechanistic investigations. A novel synthetic route to isoquinolines is detailed involving the palladium-catalysed α-arylation of ketone enolates with an appropriate ortho-substituted aryl halide to furnish a protected 1,5-dicarbonyl intermediate. The versatility of these intermediates is demonstrated with their conversion into isoquinolines, isoquinoline N-oxides and naphthols. The scope of the synthetic procedure is fully exemplified across more than 30 different scaffolds covering the full spectrum of electron-rich to electron-deficient moieties. The intermediates were shown to be amenable to functionalisation with electrophiles, leading to isoquinolines bearing additional substitution at the C4 position. Sequential one-pot procedures were developed allowing three and four component couplings to directly deliver highly-substituted isoquinolines from commercially available starting materials. This methodology was utilised in the total synthesis of the natural product berberine in 26% overall yield and a longest linear sequence of six steps.
Chapter 3: Experimental Full experimental procedures and characterisation data for all compounds are reported.
Assessment and treatment of malignant pleural effusions: visual analogue scale, ultrasound and drainage
Keywords: dyspnoea
visual analogue scale
pleural effusion
ultrasound

This thesis consists of 3 studies:
1. Determination of the minimal important difference (MID) of the visual analogue scale for dyspnoea (VASD):
Determining the MID of the VASD is essential to interpret the results of trials in patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Patients undergoing a pleural procedure assessed the change in their VASD and the degree of change in their symptoms on a Likert scale. The mean VASD in patients experiencing a ‘small but just worthwhile’ decrease in their symptoms is the MID for the VASD and was found to be 22mm (95% CI 16 - 27mm).
2. Development of a thoracic ultrasound septation score (TUSS):
A TUSS is important for objectively assessing the degree of septation within a pleural effusion. An iterative process was used to demonstrate that degree of septation predicts clinical outcome, to identify candidate factors for inclusion in a TUSS and to determine which factors predicted the degree of septation. The final TUSS consisted of an assessment of the degree of homogeneity of septation distribution and number of septations at the most septated area.
3. Effect of an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) versus standard care for relieving dyspnoea in patients with MPEs: the TIME2 randomised controlled trial (RCT).
The objective of this unblinded RCT was to determine whether IPCs are more effective than chest drains and talc pleurodesis at relieving dyspnoea in patients with MPEs. 106 patients were randomised to either IPC or standard care in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was daily VASD over 42 days post intervention. Dyspnoea improved in both groups with no significant difference in mean dyspnoea in the first 42 days (mean score: IPC 25mm (95% CI 19 – 30), standard care 24mm (95% CI 19 – 29).
Broadband optical quantum memory
Keywords: quantum information
quantum communication

This thesis is about the experimental implementation of a high-speed and robust quantum memory for light. A novel far off-resonant Raman approach to ensemble-based quantum memories in a room-temperature environment is developed and demonstrated. Storage and retrieval of sub-nanosecond, weak coherent light pulses at the single-photon-level with total efficiencies exceeding 30% and storage times of up to 4 μs are achieved. The coherence of the memory is shown by directly interfering a copy of the incident signal with the retrieved signal from the memory. The unconditional noise floor of the memory is found to be low enough to operate the memory in the quantum regime at room temperature. Multiple readout of a single stored excitation is demonstrated, suggesting that 100% readout is possible in different temporal modes. Furthermore, first results regarding the storage and retrieval of polarisation encoded qubits are obtained. This and the memory’s ability to operate in the quantum regime at room temperature with a low unconditional noise floor illustrate its potential usefulness for real world applications.
Optical wireless communications for micro-machines
Keywords: Optical wireless communications
Smart Dust

The main objective of this thesis is to develop a communication system that can minimize the micro-machine size and power consumption and maximize the link range and the number of micro-machines that can communicate simultaneously with the base station.
Several possible communication systems are compared, including RF communications and active and passive free space optical communications. A directed, half duplex LOS link using a Ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) or multiple quantum well (MQW) modulating retroreflector-base passive uplink is then examined in more detail.
Two potential geometries are described. In a broad-beam system, light from a source is broadcast to all micro-machines within the field of view (FOV). However, simulations show that the performance is unacceptable for most applications. In a narrow-beam system, light is holographically steered to active micro-machines within the same FOV. Therefore, the link budget has been improved. For a BER not exceeding 10-9, the 850 nm LC narrowbeam system can support maximum range of 146 m at a data rate of 10kbits/s, and the 1525 nm MQW narrowbeam system can support a maximum range of 34 m at a data rate of 10Mbits/s, when the transmitted power in the diffracted beam of the positive first order is 0.5 mW.
Experiments have been carried out to verify the model. These were initially carried out with MQW Modulating RetroReflector (MRR). Results were then be used to modify the characteristics of these components in the model. Available components and discrete electronics have been used to set up a simple retro-reflecting link. Experiments have been performed at a limited data rate of 1 kbits/s over a limited range of 1m due to creating a uniform interrogation beam spot, and the active area of the receiver of 1 mm diameter. An algorithm to find the MQW MRR within the FOV is designed and tested.