VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Studies in gall induction with special reference to the pontania-salix system

An investigation was conducted into gall induction in the leaves of Salix fragilis L. var. russelliana (Sm.) Koch by Pontania proxima (Lepeletier) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). The work was divided into four parts:-
a) Reviews of the available literature were undertaken on: hypotheses concerning cecidogenesis of galls initiated by insects, the history of cecidology as it related to galls formed by insects, the ontogeny and morphology of galls produced by sawflies, ecological aspects of gall biology and the effects of galling on the host plant.
b) Methods of rearing both insect and host were established; these resulted in an extension of the insect's flight period from five to eight months with three broods per year instead of the usual two. Further work established the topological specificity of oviposition. Preliminary studies were completed on the tissue culture of Salix leaf-disc explants and the fusion of protoplasts released from normal and galled tissue.
c) Using light and electron microscopy, a study was made of the reproductive system and associated glands of Pontania proxima females, together with the first stages of the procecidium they initiated. Using these techniques, no microorganisms, viral or otherwise, were observed in the gall, in the lumina of the reproductive system and associated glands or in surrounding tissues of the insect. Evidence for a secretory role for the lateral oviducts was found. A structure termed the vaginal valve was described and it was hypothesized that this functioned to separate the fluids produced by the accessory glands from the contents of the oviduct, until oviposition. In the plant, it was observed that the gall effect was limited and that the presence of an egg or larva was not required for the formation of a procecidium. Gall growth was mainly due to periclinal divisions of the provascular tissues of the leaf.
d) A bioassay, based on microinjection techniques, was developed .This demonstrated that the cecidogen was contained in the colleterial fluid produced by the accessory glands. Further analysis showed that the cecidogen had a molecular weight of less that 3 kDa.

Advisor: Mabberley, D
McGavin, G
On genetic variants underlying common disease

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) exploit the correlation in ge- netic diversity along chromosomes in order to detect effects on disease risk without having to type causal loci directly. The inevitable downside of this approach is that, when the correlation between the marker and the causal variant is imperfect, the risk associated with carrying the predisposing allele is diluted and its effect is underestimated. This thesis explores four different facets of this risk dilution: (1) estimating true effect sizes from those observed in GWAS; (2) asking how the context of a GWAS, including the population studied, the genotyping chip employed, and the use of im- putation, affects risk estimates; (3) assessing how often the best-associated SNP in a GWAS coincides with the causal variant; and (4) quantifying how departures from the simplest disease risk model at a causal variant distort the observed disease risk model.
Using simulations, where we have information about the true risk at the causal locus, we show that the correlation between the marker and the causal variant is the primary driver of effect size underestimation. The extent of the underestimation depends on a number of factors, including the population in which the study is conducted, the genotyping chip employed, whether imputation is used, and the strength, frequency, and disease model of the risk allele. Suppose that a GWAS study is conducted in a European population, with an Affymetrix 6.0 genotyping chip, without imputation, and that the causal loci have a modest effect on disease risk, are common in the population, and follow an additive disease risk model. In such a study, we show that the risk estimated from the most associated SNP is very close to the truth approximately two-thirds of the time (although we predict that fine mapping of GWAS loci will infrequently identify causal variants with considerably higher risk), and that the best-associated variant is very often perfectly or nearly-perfectly correlated with, and almost always within 0.1cM of, the causal variant. However, the strong correlations among nearby loci mean that the causal and best-associated variants coincide infrequently, less than one-fifth of the time, even if the causal variant is genotyped. We explore ways in which these results change quantitatively depending on the parameters of the GWAS study. Additionally, we demonstrate that we expect to identify substantial deviations from the additive disease risk model among loci where association is detected, even though power to detect departures from the model drops off very quickly as the correlation between the marker and causal loci decreases. Finally, we discuss the implications of our results for the design and interpretation of future GWAS studies.

Keywords: population genetics
genome-wide association studies
statistical genetics
Advisor: Donnelly, P
Nuclear orientation studies of isotopes far from stability

Low Temperature Nuclear Orientation (LTNO) is an important technique in the study of nuclei far from stability. The theory of LTNO and its applications to the measurement of static nuclear moments and other quantities of spectroscopic interest are reviewed.
Among the nuclei off the line of stability those in the A ~ 75 region are of considerable interest, exhibiting large quadrupole deformations, triaxiality and shape coexistence. LTNO measurements performed on neutron deficient bromine isotopes have yielded the static magnetic dipole moments of the nuclei 72g,72m,74m,75,76,77Br, Spectroscopic information on 72-77Se and also identified the ground state spin of 73Br as l/2‾
Existing odd A and odd-odd particle-rotor computer codes have been extended in order to include a Variable Moment of Inertia (VMI) asymmetric rotational core. The formalism necessary for this modification is developed.
The measured magnetic moments are interpreted within the framework of this particle - VMI rotor model. It is shown that the systematic reduction in the moments of the odd A nuclei 75-81Br characterizes the transformation of the prolate ground state configuration from largely π[301]3/2 in 79,81Br to almost pure π[312]3/2 in 75,77Br. This trend is fully consistent with the increase in deformation towards the lower masses suggested by the known electric quadrupole moments. In contrast, the ground state spin of 73Br can only be interpreted in terms of an oblate nuclear shape. This is the first evidence for the predicted prolate-oblate shape transition in the bromine nuclei. In addition the magnetic moment of 74Brm, by identifying a π[431]3/2ν[422]5/2 configuration, strongly suggests a positive parity assignment for the isomeric state.
Finally, an experiment to search for possible T-violation effects in nuclear gamma decay is described. Using coincidence techniques, a measurement of the T-odd P-even quantity (I ‧ k x e)(I ‧ k)(I ‧ e) has lead to a limit on the T-violating phase angle between the E2 and Ml matrix elements associated with the 604 keV gamma transition in 192Pt of sin η = ±11(12) x 10-3.

Advisor: Stone, N
Stone, J
Nick
The Kakimizu complex of a link

We study Seifert surfaces for links, and in particular the Kakimizu complex MS(L) of a link L, which is a simplicial complex that records the structure of the set of taut Seifert surfaces for L.
First we study a connection between the reduced Alexander polynomial of a link and the uniqueness of taut Seifert surfaces. Specifically, we reprove and extend a particular case of a result of Juhasz, using very different methods, showing that if a non-split homogeneous link has a reduced Alexander polynomial whose constant term has modulus at most 3 then the link has a unique incompressible Seifert surface. More generally we see that this constant term controls the structure of any non-split homogeneous link.
Next we give a complete proof of results stated by Hirasawa and Sakuma, describing explicitly the Kakimizu complex of any non-split, prime, special alternating link.
We then calculate the form of the Kakimizu complex of a connected sum of two non-fibred links in terms of the Kakimizu complex of each of the two links. This has previously been done by Kakimizu when one of the two links is fibred.
Finally, we address the question of when the Kakimizu complex is locally infinite. We show that if all the taut Seifert surfaces are connected then MS(L) can only be locally infinite when L is a satellite of a torus knot, a cable knot or a connected sum. Additionally we give examples of knots that exhibit this behaviour. We finish by showing that this picture is not complete when disconnected taut Seifert surfaces exist.

Keywords: Seifert surfaces
57M25
knots
links
homogeneous links
Alexander polynomial
Kakimizu complex
alternating links
Advisor: Lackenby, M
Peptides as therapeutics

Peptides have attracted increasing attention as therapeutics in recent years, at least partially as a consequence of the widespread acceptance of protein therapeutics; but also as possible solutions to problems such as short half-life and delivery of molecules, and as therapeutics in their own right. The current work presents three projects that involve applications of peptides in a therapeutic environment.
The first project studies the use of ER retaining peptides and CPPs (Cell penetrating peptides) in enhancing the effective concentration of DNJ (1-deoxynojirimycin), an α-glucosidase inhibitor, in cells. DNJ constructs with ER retaining peptides (6-[N-(1-deoxynojirimycino)]-hexanoyl-KDEL and 6-[N-(1-deoxynojirimycino)]-hexanoyl-KKAA) and CPPs (6-[N-(1-deoxynojirimycino)]-hexanoyl-TAT and 6-[N-(1-deoxynojirimycino)]-hexanoyl-MAP) were synthesised and analysed for their inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase I and II in vitro. The constructs were then analysed in a cell-based assay to determine their inhibitory activity on α¬-glucosidase-mediated hydrolysis of N-linked oligosaccharides. FITC-labelled ER retaining peptides were also synthesised to determine the internalisation and trafficking of the constructs by FACS and IF-microscopy. While none of the DNJ-constructs showed higher cellular inhibition than NB-DNJ (N-butyl DNJ; Miglustat), the CPP construct 6-[N-(1-deoxynojirimycino)]-hexanoyl-TAT showed comparable activity and the ER retaining construct 6-[N-(1-deoxynojirimycino)]-hexanoyl-KDEL showed a small but significant increase in activity following long-term administration.
The second project focuses on beauveriolides, a cyclic depsipeptide family shown to have activity as ACAT inhibitors and thus a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease by the decrease in the production of Amyloid β (Aβ). A published total synthetic method was improved by the use of a cross-metathesis to reduce the total synthesis by 5 steps and increase its flexibility to allow the production of analogues. The synthesised beauveriolide III was used in attempts to develop an IF-FACS-based assay to measure the intracellular concentrations of Aβ. However, the location of γ-secretase in the used cell-line meant that levels of intracellular Aβ were not sufficient to track any decrease caused by ACAT inhibition.
The third project involves the design of a cyclic peptide that could block the binding site for the influenza virus in the host cell. The cyclic peptide (cGSGRGYGRGWGVGA) was developed from a comparative study of four different sialic acid-binding proteins and synthesised by solution cyclisation of the linear peptide synthesised by traditional solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). An in silico study showed that the cyclic peptide allowed overlap with the binding site of Hemagglutinin. A 1H NMR titration determined the dissociation constant of the cyclic peptide to sialic acid. The KD corresponded to a low binding affinity, however the observed binding seemed to be specific and caused by a single bound conformation.

Advisor: Butters, T
Wentworth, P
Becoming what we are

This is a study of Nietzsche's thought which focuses upon his account of self-hood, his ambition to bring about a 'revaluation of all values', and the structure and strategies of his texts.
The introductory chapter raises a series of questions about the relationship between representations of the self, self-transformation and the problem of truth in Nietzsche's writings. I discuss the force and implications of Nietzschean 'truthfulness'.
Chapter One is an exploration of Nietzsche's account of modern subjectivity. The point I seek to establish here is that there are important continuities between asceticism and Nietzsche's own thought about the self. I also discuss Nietzsche's 'perspectivism', treating it as arising out of modem self-consciousness about the contingency of our identities, and argue that Nietzsche translates that sense of contingency into a sceptical treatment of the conditions of self-knowledge.
Chapter Two examines Nietzsche's sceptical treatment of the conditions under which we claim 'knowledge' in the light of his reception of Schopenhauer's and Kant's philosophies. I discuss a reading of Nietzsche's perspectivism which suggests that it expresses an epistemic caution which nonetheless permits us to suppose that we can legitimately speak of our access to 'truths' about the empirical world. I argue that this is too narrow a view of the role played in Nietzsche's thought by the appeal to 'truth' and that we need to take account of the wider rhetorical and aesthetic context within which such appeals are made. The significance of this discussion lies in the question of how we are to characterize Nietzsche sense of our relationship to 'reality', and hence the character of his 'realism'.
Chapter Three explores the poetic aspects of Nietzsche's characterization of a life which would embody the principles of a tragic vision. The relationship between art and truth in Nietzsche's thought is discussed.
The concluding remarks consider the status of a text which aims to transfigure our understanding of ourselves at a fundamental level.
Alpamysh : central Asian identity under Russian rule

Preface
The present work employs the detailed study of one case to illustrate a pattern that may well exist in other cases. It must be borne in mind that the subject population comprises approximately one fifth of the Soviet Union (and steadily growing at a rapid pace) and spread across a substantial portion of the Asian continent What is described in the following pages may have taken place with respect to other non-Russian nationalities in the USSR. Therefore, although this work focuses on Central Asian-Russian relations, it constitutes a possible model for analysis and investigation of Soviet policy toward other nationalities. There is strong evidence to indicate that those policies toward history and literature which were applied to Alpamysh have already been employed with respect to various developing countries as well, not the least of which are those bordering the USSR.
It is the hope of this writer that this inquiry will induce others to pursue the questions raised here. Various disciplines and area studies might benefit from this investigation, aside from the obvious Central Asian and Soviet studies. The artificial separation of "areas" and disciplines, that have not existed during the evolution of the subject matter, cannot yield complete understanding.
Given the restrictions imposed by the Soviet censorship and bureaucracies who control collections of materials and published works, documentation is not exhaustive. It is anticipated that subsequent research shall unearth additional information. Therefore, the temptation to hold back and wait for such new discoveries is immense. I almost succumbed to it, except for the constant reminders from friends and colleagues - among other reasons, pointing to the number of copies of the manuscript I had circulated in the academic community for comments and criticism who have insistently hounded me to go to print. I do so with mixed feelings, for, since the completion of this manuscript, a German translation (GDR printing) of Alpamysh has been issued It was translated not from the original, but from an earlier Russian translation. Moreover, it has been discovered that at least one, or perhaps two additional printings of Alpamysh have been offered for sale in Central Asia.
Specialisation of political participation in Europe: a comparative analysis

This thesis answers the question how and why do individuals specialise in different types of political participation? By examining the degree to which individuals concentrate their political activities within one type of political participation, or spread them out across many. This thesis complements previous research on rates of political participation; and adapts and extends existing theories of political participation to explain differences in the degree of specialisation between different groups in society and between countries.
Using data from the European Social Survey, covering as many as 21 European countries, and applying a range of different statistical methods, I distinguish four types of political participation: voting, conventional and unconventional political participation and consumer politics. I show that in countries with higher levels of socio-economic development, more democratic experience, and an increased presence of mobilising agents, the degree to which individuals concentrate their political activities within one type of political participation is higher, regardless of the accessibility and responsiveness of their political institutions. This is partly due to the fact that these countries have a higher educated population and that higher educated individuals specialise more. Specialisation also varies along the lines of other socio-demographic divisions, such as those based on gender. Moreover, I show that in contexts in which political issues are salient, such as during an election year, individuals are more likely to engage in non-electoral types of political participation if they also vote. This implies that specialisation is reduced during times of country-wide political mobilisation.
The final finding of my thesis is that non-Western immigrants tend to concentrate their political activities less within one type of political participation than the majority population in Western Europe. Western immigrants specialise quite differently, suggesting differences in the way in which they are mobilised.
As well as providing an important contribution to the study of political participation, these findings are relevant to discussions regarding citizen engagement and representation.

Keywords: immigrants
political engagement
voting
mobilization
political integration
protest
political action
ethnic minorities
Advisor: Fisher, SD
The 'crime scene' experiment: improving public knowledge through the provision of factual information on crime and criminal justice

This thesis explores the relationship between crime, media, and public opinion of crime and criminal justice. It sets out current levels of knowledge and contemporary debates in each of the three academic disciplines devoted to these aspects of social life, and discusses how they relate to each other. It focuses on the capacity of information and public education to influence levels of public knowledge of and, as a secondary concern, attitudes towards, crime and criminal justice.
The empirical research at the heart of the thesis employed a mixed methods research study drawing on quantitative – experimental research using a public opinion survey – as well as qualitative research methods – in-depth interviews and contextual data. The experimental research, the Oxford Public Opinion Survey and the publication of the Crime Scene column, was designed to measure the impact of providing factual information about crime and criminal justice to the public in a naturalistic way, i.e. by using a local newspaper column as the conveyor of such information.
The key finding from the research was that readership of the column was low and that the column had no measurable impact on readers. Overall, the research findings suggest that interest in, take-up, and retention of factual information on crime and criminal justice is not as high as previous empirical research has suggested. The Crime Scene study has implications for sociological theories of crime and punishment which rely on simplistic orthodoxies concerning the media’s importance in influencing public opinion on crime and criminal justice and the related assumption that ‘the public’ is straightforwardly punitive.

Keywords: mixed-methods research
experiment
public opinion
knowledge
Advisor: Young, R
Roberts, J
From camera to code

This thesis presents a theory of film representation as a process of organizing relations in order to connote the image's status as a type of representation. It is, thus, a study of film form, the form of its representations. Building from such theoretical sources as Merleau- Ponty and Deleuze, I hope here to use a phenomenological base to build a theory of film semiotics that focuses on the immanent field of film representation, which I will postulate as a structuring of the inter-dependent relationship between the content of representation and the signified source of representation.
This relationship is infused through a film text according to various modes of differentiation: between the viewer and viewed, speaker and spoken or what, using principles of phenomenology, I call the problem of subject-object relations. In this study I use this framework of subject-object relations in order to re-conceptualize the problem of film representation and to systematize the fundamental debates in film theory. I will argue that even oppositional theories of film representation can be reconciled through their attempt to understand this immanent field as being organized so as to structure a relationship between the representation and an origin of meaning, or subject-function. This relationship is what I call a system of reference.
The filmic subject-function is traditionally located within the camera itself or hi the diegetic subjectivity of a character; I will call these two systems of reference, respectively, objective and subjective representation. And, through a reconstruction of Deleuze's Cinéma project, I will argue that the immanent field of film representation is a constant fluctuation between these two poles, a dialogic circulation of interacting agencies and discourses. This thesis illustrates this fluctuation through a comparative analysis of two French filmmakers, Alain Resnais and Jean-Luc Godard. I will argue that, illustrating similar goals as one finds in the works of Merleau-Ponty and Deleuze, these two filmmakers radically deconstruct film codes in order to destroy the conventional division between interior and exterior that is imposed by classical notions of subjectivity.