VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The safety, tolerability and biochemical efficacy of extended release niacin and laropiprant in a major randomised clinical trial

Niacin has been in clinical use for over 50 years and was the first drug shown in a randomized trial to improve outcomes after MI, but substantial uncertainty remains about its efficacy and safety in the context of current standard medical therapy.
This thesis explores the biochemical efficacy, tolerability and safety of extended release (ER) niacin/laropiprant in the large, randomized HPS2-THRIVE trial. Laropiprant is a prostaglandin D₂ receptor (DP1) antagonist which reduces the main adverse effect of niacin, namely “flushing” (an unpleasant cutaneous vasodilation) that makes a large trial of niacin practicable.
ER niacin/laropiprant increases high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1, and reduces low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B, triglycerides and lipoprotein (a), consistent with previous studies of ER niacin.
The reasons for stopping ER niacin/laropiprant reflected the known adverse effect profile of ER niacin, although unlike previous trials flushing was not the most frequent reason for stopping. Skin (pruritus and rash), gastrointestinal (nausea, pain and diarrhoea) and diabetes-related (hyperglycaemia) adverse events were the most common reasons for stopping ER niacin/laropiprant during 3.9 years’ follow-up.
The analyses presented here identified three major previously unknown hazards of ER niacin. ER niacin/laropiprant increased the risk of statin-related myopathy almost five-fold, and this effect was greater among participants in China than Europe. ER niacin/laropiprant also increased the risk of bleeding (intracranial, gastrointestinal and other sites) and infection. Compared to placebo there was an absolute excess of 3.1% of serious adverse events (excluding cancer and major vascular events [MVEs]) among participants assigned ER niacin/laropiprant.
ER niacin/laropiprant did not significantly reduce MVEs. These findings suggest that the use of niacin to reduce vascular risk should now be reconsidered.

Keywords: niacin
safety
lipids
cardiovascular disease
Advisor: Armitage, J
A self adaptive architecture for image understanding

This thesis develops a self-adaptive architecture for image understanding that addresses certain kinds of lack of robustness common in image understanding programs. The architecture provides support for making image understanding programs that can manipulate their own semantics and thereby adjust their structure in response to changes in the environment that might cause static image understanding systems to fail. The general approach taken has been to explore the ideas of self-adaptive software and implement an architectural framework that addresses a class of problems that we term "interpretation problems" common in image understanding. Self-adaptive software is a relatively new idea and this thesis represents one of the first implementations of the general idea. The general idea is that to make programs robust to changing environmen- tal conditions that they should be "aware" of their relationship with the environment and be able to restructure themselves at runtime in order to "track" changes in the environment.
The implementation takes the form of a multi-layered reflective interpreter that ma- nipulates and runs simple agents. The interpreter framework utilizes Monte-Carlo sam- pling as a mechanism for estimating most likely solutions, uses Minimum Descriptin Length (MDL) as a central coordinating device, and includes a theorem prover based compiler to restructure the program when necessary.
To test the architectural ideas developed in the thesis a test domain of interpreting aerial images was chosen. Much of the research described in the thesis addresses issues in that problem domain. The task of the program is to segment, label, and parse aerial images so as to produce an image description similar to descriptions produced by a human expert. An image corpus is developed that is used as the source of domain knowledge. The first processing stage of the program segments the aerial images into segments similar to those found in the annotated corpus. To accomplish this a new segmentation algorithm that we call semantic segmentation was developed that not only used MDL as a principle to drive the low-level segmentation but also allows higher level semantics to influence the segmentation. In our usage of the algorithm those semantics take the form of labeling and parsing the resulting segmentation.
The second stage labels the regions and parses the regions into a parse tree. To do this we develop a 2D statistical parser. Rules of grammar are induced from the corpus and an MDL parser finds approximations to the most probable parse of the regions of the segmented image.

Advisor: Brady, M
Tsetse control, agricultural expansion and environmental change in Nigeria

A brief account of the history of government organised tsetse and trypanosomiasis control in Nigeria is presented, and major features of the tsetse eradication programme are summarised.
The achievements are considered in the context of widespread environmental change, brought about by an increasing human population, and a long term process of agricultural expansion, which have resulted in an overall reduction in natural tsetse habitats and hosts, and led to a general decline in tsetse populations.
A comparison of two areas, one within, and the other outside the tsetse eradication zone, showed that they had both experienced similar rates of change in land use, and available information indicated that human and cattle populations had also increased at similar rates.
The present day distribution and abundance of tsetse and cattle in a region of the Nigerian sub-humid zone, not yet reached by the tsetse eradication programme, are described. In the virtual absence of wildlife, abundance of cattle, and concentration of the two riverine tsetse species at crossing points, it was concluded that tsetse were largely dependent on cattle and/or man for their survival.
The low density of riverine tsetse populations, their restricted distribution and their low infection rates, combined with Fulani herd management practices, which limited the period of contact between tsetse and cattle, indicated that under the prevailing conditions, trypanosome challenge was likely to be very low. It is suggested that this situation was typical for many areas within the sub-humid zone, and that in the future, similar conditions are likely to become even more widespread.
It is concluded that, whilst government trypanosomiasis control programmes must have contributed to the general decline of the disease which has taken place, the environmental context within which they were mounted, has changed significantly. Over the past fifty years human population has almost certainly increased three or four fold, and the extent and intensity of both farming and hunting have increased commensurately. This has resulted in an overall reduction in natural tsetse habitats and hosts, which has led to a decline in vector populations. It is argued that this, together with a trend for Fulani and their cattle to become more sedentarised, has brought about a fundamental change in the balance of relationships in the vector-host-disease complex, which has favoured the development of appropriate immune responses in Fulani cattle, and the selection of less pathogenic strains of trypanosome.

Advisor: Rogers, D
Strategically developed phenotypes and the evolution of signals

In the first part of this thesis, a general one dimensional theory of strategically determined phenotypes is developed and applied to biological signalling games. Abstract modular modelling techniques are utilised to solve hitherto analytically intractable problems including error-prone signalling, and how to incorporate genetic features into optimization models. Links are drawn between previous biological models, such as the War of Attrition and Strategic Handicap mod- els. Mistakes in previous biological models are recognised and, where possible, rectified. A number of novel insights into biological phenomena arising from the models are presented, including analyses of: when free signals are possible; honest signalling of future paternal investment; dimorphic signals; the effects of the mechanisms of female discrimination in sexual selection on male signalling strategies; and the effects of relatedness on the magnitude and stability of equi- librium signalling strategies. It is argued that Zahavi's proposed demarcation between signal selection and natural selection is unjustifiable from a theoretical perspective.
The second part of the thesis concerns the epistatic handicap process of sex- ual selection. Unlike the conditional and revealing handicap mechanisms, the epistatic or 'Zahavian' handicap mechanism of sexual selection has hitherto found scant support in the theoretical literature, as it appeared to function only under the most extreme conditions. A continuous game theory model, a quantitative genetics model, and a three locus major gene model are presented which show that the epistatic handicap mechanism can function, independent of the Fisher process of sexual selection, under reasonable assumptions. More- over, the game theory model illuminates the connection between the strategic and epistatic handicap mechanisms. The quantitative genetics and major gene models, together with a fourth model, are also used to show that a general argu- ment concerning indirect genetic correlations, which has appeared in a number of papers on sexual selection, is specious.
Finally, a general theorem on games that satisfy the single-crossing condition (also known as the sorting, Spence-Mirrless, or constant sign condition) which underlies many of the results presented in the first part of the thesis is proven in appendix C. Applying a limit result to this general theorem provides a new proof of, and extensions to, Nash's existence result for equilibria to strategic- form games without having to resort to Kakutani's fixed point theorem.
Narrative explanation and the Roman military character

An examination of the Bellum Gallicum and Bellum Civile of Caesar, and books 21-30 of Livy, with particular reference to battle narratives; this thesis analyses the characterisation of commanders and their soldiers, and the use of soldiers as a moral focus, as part of the creation of causative patterns and explanations within narrative.
I: sets out preconceptions and problems in the depiction of soldiers and leaders, and defines the terminology and scope of the argument: it also explains the analytical method of the thesis using Sallust, BC 57-61 as an example.
II: On Caesar, BG. Begins with the drawbacks of the 'propagandist' approach: explores topoi of military action and character thematically (markers of bravery/cowardice, portrayal of Romans/enemies, the role of centurions, Caesar/subordinates/enemy leaders).
III: On Caesar BC. Examines Caesar's modes of historical explanation in portraying civil war, through discussion of selected sections of the BC (also using comparative material from Cicero's Philippics): the start of the war; the fall of Corfinium; the Ilerda campaign; Curio in Africa; the battle of Pharsalus. Includes a consideration of Caesar's treatment of Labienus.
IV (i): Traces narrative explanation on a large scale in Livy 21-3, and sections of 24-5, examining its relation to themes of Roman justification and destiny: observes and comments on parallels with Caesar in the depiction of soldiers and leaders.
IV (ii): Continues with analysis of selected episodes, where particular tensions towards the end of the second Punic war condition and complicate narrative explanation: includes a view of the characterisation of Hannibal and Scipio.
V A brief summary of the conclusions of the argument, and of its possible consequences and implications in a wider historiographical context.
Fixation of the Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement

The Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (UKR) is a commonly performed procedure, with a good clinical outcome at 15 years, however, radiolucent lines are commonly found beneath the tibial tray. With the projected increase in knee arthroplasty, particularly in younger patients, implant longevity is of paramount importance. The aim of this thesis is to understand how fixation is achieved with the Oxford UKR and how it can be improved.
A histological study demonstrated that in the presence of a radiolucent line the tibial bone-cement interface is made up of a combination of direct bony contact, fibrocartilage and fibrous tissue. The radiolucency is more marked when there is more soft tissue. However in all cases there is some direct bony contact.
Cemented and cementless fixation was compared in a randomised controlled study using radiostereometric analysis and fluoroscopic imaging of the interfaces. In the first year the cementless tibial component subsided on average 0.28 mm and had an increased posterior slope of 0.40°, whereas the cemented component only subsided 0.09 mm, with a 0.10° increase in slope. In the second year both components had very little further subsidence (mean<0.05 mm) and no increase in posterior slope. In the second year a single cementless tibial component subsided greater than 0.15 mm, whereas four cemented components, all with radiolucencies, subsided more than 0.15 mm. At two years the cemented components had a significantly higher prevalence of radiolucency (62% v 29%), with 24% having a complete radiolucency, whereas no cementless components had a complete radiolucency.
Two designs of lateral UKR were also compared. These had a flat tibial component that predominantly transmits compressive loading, and a domed component that also transmits shear. There was a lower prevalence of radiolucency in the domed tibia (13% v 60%), even though there was a similar amount of migration as the cemented medial tibial component.
In conclusion radiolucent lines, both partial and complete, are common with cemented components, and may, in part, be a result of compressive loading. They are associated with good long-term results and direct bone cement contact indicating satisfactory fixation. However, they are also associated with increased migration and soft tissue at the interface suggesting that the fixation, although satisfactory, is suboptimal. The cementless components had no complete radiolucencies and low levels of migration in the second year. This suggests that bone ingrowth and secure fixation occurs reliably, and therefore that cementless fixation may be better than cemented for the Oxford UKR.

Keywords: knee replacement
arthroplasty
fixation
Advisor: Gill, H
Murray, D
Price, A
Adhesion of lacquers to tinplate

A set of passivated tinplates coated with organic lacquers as used for internal coatings on cans is examined. Adhesion is measured using a butt-joint test and the results of failure load and percent area lacquer removal analysed in order to grade adhesion performance. Fracture behaviour is determined by the surface structure of the tinplates where a defect distribution common to all types is identified by Weibull analysis as responsible for failure initiation. Differences in fracture behaviour seen in the mechanical test results are revealed by examination of the fracture surfaces using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The samples with good lacquer adhesion show a positive relationship between failure load and lacquer removal which is not evident in the samples with poor lacquer adhesion. The latter exhibit weak bonding between the passivation layer and tinplate and on examining those areas of fracture surface where tinplate is revealed the fracture is seen to have propagated at this interface whereas those samples with good adhesion had failed near the lacquer-passivation layer interface within the lacquer.
Passivation layers are characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Differences in composition relating to specific tin oxides and chromium oxides are correlated with adhesion performance and models for the structure of passivation layers and failure mechanisms are proposed.

Advisor: Sykes, J
Modelling a Moore-Spiegel Electronic Circuit: the imperfect model scenario

The goal of this thesis is to investigate model imperfection in the context of forecasting. We focus on an electronic circuit built in a laboratory and then enclosed to reduce environmental effects. The non-dimensionalised model equations, obtained by applying Kirchhoff’s current and voltage laws, are the Moore-Spiegel Equations [47], but they exhibit a large disparity with the circuit. At parameter values used in the circuit, they yield a periodic trajectory whilst the circuit exhibits chaotic behaviour. Therefore, alternative models for the circuit are sought. The models we consider are local and global prediction models constructed from data. We acknowledge that all our models have errors and then seek to quantify how these errors are distributed across the circuit attractor. To this end, q-pling times of initial uncertainties are computed for the various models. A q-pling time is the time for an initial uncertainty to increase by a factor of q [67], where q is a real number. Whereas it is expected that different models should have different q-pling time distributions, it is found that the diversity in our models can be increased by constructing them in different coordinate spaces. To forecast the future dynamics of the circuit using any of the models, we make probabilistic forecasts [8]. The question of how to choose the spread of the initial ensemble is addressed by the use of skill scores [8, 9]. Finally, the diversity in our models is exploited by combining probabilistic forecasts from them so as to minimise some skill score. It is found that the skill of combined not-so-good models can be increased by combining them as discussed in this thesis.
Jordan, Palestine and the British world system, 1945-57: Glubb Pasha and the Arab Legion

This thesis offers a microcosmic insight into Britain's transition toward a world system without an Empire by exploring the life of the Anglo-Jordan Treaty (1946-57) via the prism of the British financed Jordanian Army, also known as the Arab Legion, and its British commander, Glubb Pasha. In so doing it puts the state of the relationship down to a system of mutual dependence. Britain's withdrawal from Jordan has primarily been linked either to the success of Arab nationalism or the loss of British will. By examining the Treaty relationship from construction to termination this thesis posits that it is imprudent to push any single factor too deeply, but identifies a shift in the balance of mutual dependence, caused by the changing geopolitical climate, as the driving force.
A subsidiary aspect of this thesis concerns the partition of Palestine. The Arab Legion was the most important Arab army during the 1948 War. Based on unprecedented access to Glubb's private papers 'the most significant new documents to emerge since the opening of the official western archives in the late 1970s' this thesis provides the most accurate portrayal of the Arab Legion's conduct yet achievable. In so doing it reconciles inconsistencies within the controversial 'collusion' debate. It negates the revisionist argument that a firm Hashemite-Zionist agreement existed, but corroborates the notion that Britain approved the Arab Legion's use to implement an alternative form of partition to that proposed by the UN. It thus supports the revisionist argument that pre-war negotiations helped shape the 1948 War, but explains the Arab Legion's adherence to this secret scheme by emphasising Glubb's (limited) autonomy. Moreover, it reveals further details concerning the divisions within the Arab coalition, which further debunks the traditional David (Israel) versus Goliath (Arab coalition) portrayal of the conflict.

Keywords: Britain and Jordan
King Talal
Arab-Israeli Conflict
Partition of Palestine
King Hussein
1948 War
Anglo-Jordanian Relations
Arab Legion
Jordan
Britain and the Middle East
Glubb Pasha
Suez
King Abdullah
End of Empire
Advisor: Rogan, E
"We are warp and weft" - nomadic pastoralism and the tradition of weaving in Rupshu (Eastern Ladakh)

This thesis, based on twelve months of fieldwork and archival research undertaken in Ladakh, explores the place of wool and weaving in the life of Rupshu. It attempts to trace the nexus between livestock, fibres, textiles, social and symbolic structures in Rupshu in order to understand the multitude of contexts within which wool-oriented activities exist. The craft of weaving was bestowed upon Rupshu by the gods, and thus all acts related to it have a close connection to the sublime.
Rupshu lies in the easternmost part of Ladakh in North India, in a Restricted Areas Zone, as is accessible only to Indian citizens. Hence, extensive fieldwork has not been carried out in this area. Further, though there is a little documentation on the craft of weaving in Ladakh, none exists on the nomadic tradition of weaving.
The first two chapters introduce the region of Rupshu and explore the historical context. They include a discussion of the origin and development of weaving and textiles in the area, and of the old trade routes in fibres.
The next two chapters examine the connections between livestock, the source of fibres in Rupshu, and the Ladakh pantheon. The relationship between the two is reflected in the manner in which livestock are revered and treated in Rupshu. Further, this affinity is widely expressed in Rupshu, and one such occasion is the harvesting of the fibres.
The next four chapters look specifically at the craft of weaving, and local representations of the tradition. Using examples of particular pieces woven in Rupshu, I examine the gender, spatial, and hierarchical relations that they express and perpetuate.
Not all the fibres harvested in Rupshu are used there, and the final chapter examines their distribution through trade. While woven articles are not traded, specific containers are woven for the transport of fibres and their characteristics are looked at here.
The concluding remarks include a discussion of the future of wool and weaving activities in Rupshu, and address the dangers posed by re-settlement schemes, and a shortage of pasture and over-grazing. These trends would eventually lead to a decrease in the number of livestock, and cause the people of Rupshu to abandon their tradition of nomadic pastoralism.

Keywords: Rupshu
weaving
pastoralism
Ladakh
textiles
trade
India
Advisor: Allen, N
Barnes, R