VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
A measurement of the cross section for e+e[-] [to] e+e[-] and e+e[-] [to] e+e[-]y at high energy

Data from the TASSO experiment at the PETRA e+e– storage ring has been analysed to investigate the cross section for the QED reactions (a)e+e–→ e+e– Bhabha scattering and (b)e+e–→ e+e–+ γ
Details of the TASSO detector and a detailed description of an array of lead/scintillator sandwich electromagnetic shower counters, used in the analysis of reaction (b), is given.
For beam energies greater than 10 Gev the ratio of the measured total Bhabha scattering cross section to the QED prediction was found to be 0.949 ±0.013 (statistical) ±0.06(systematic). It was shown, by fitting the measured angular cross section, that QED is a point like theory down to distances of 2x10–18 m. The predictions of models of electroweak unification have been compared to the data and parameters of these theories have been found to agree with, but not strongly constrain, these theories. Significant limits are placed on electroweak theories which predict more than 1 neutral weak gauge boson.
The number of events with two charged tracks and one photon has been measured and compared to the QED cross section predictions for reaction (b). 21 such events were selected and this agrees well with the predicted number of 25±2.6. The agreement of these numbers has been used to determine that the mass of an excited electron state, e*, (which would contribute events to this experimental signature by its radiative decay) must be greater than 34 Gev (95% confidence limit), if it has normal couplings.
Characterisation of the murine gene and the porcine cDNA for lung surfactant Protein D and genetic mapping of murine complement components using a novel approach

The work in this thesis describes the isolation and characterisation of the mouse surfactant protein D (SP-D) gene (Sftpd). This gene has been show to span 8 exons across 14 kb of DNA sequence and displays an overall organisation similar to the other collectin genes. The complete 5' untranslated region of the mRNA was also cloned which allowed the identification of the transcription start site for SP-D. Subsequently, the analysis of the promoter region of Sftpd revealed positional conservation of a number of transcription factor binding sites between the murine and human SP-D genes and the bovine conglutinin gene. A single copy SP-D-like gene has been shown to be present in mammals, birds and amphibians. Three polymorphic microsatellites were identified for the SP-D gene. In addition, the murine genes for surfactant protein A, SP-D and mannose binding lectin (MBL-A) were shown to co-segregate within a 5.64 cM area on chromosome 14. PCR cloning identified the presence of a CL-43-like gene in sheep, this represent the second member of the bovidea to contain CL-43. Specific antibodies were raised against mouse SP-A and SP-D by cDNA cloning fragments of these molecules and using them for protein expression.
The complete cDNA sequence of the porcine cDNA was cloned. Three unique features were revealed in comparison to SP-D from other species. The collagen region contains an extra cysteine residue, which may have important structural consequences. Two other differences lie within loop regions of the carbohydrate recognition domain, a potential glycosylation site and an insertion of three amino acids, which may have functional implications by influencing carbohydrate binding. The porcine genes for SP-D and SP-A were also shown to co-localise to porcine chromosome 14, which is syntenic with murine chromosome 14.
A novel and rapid PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism method was developed to exploit the murine expressed sequence tag (EST) database. This technique circumvents the laborious cDNA or genomic cloning steps of other mapping methods by relying on EST data and the prediction of exon-intron boundaries. This approach revealed that the C3a receptor, C1r and C1s genes form an unexpected complement gene cluster while the second MBL associated serine protease gene does not co-segregate with other complement activating serine protease genes. The gene localisations performed here help to explain the evolution of this group of proteins. This method can easily be applied to the genes of other systems, ranging from the interests of the individual researcher to large scale gene localisation projects.
City and country in Pisidia from classical antiquity to the middle ages : Ariassos, Sia and their territories

This thesis provides a study of the growth and decline of two small Pisidian urban settlements, Sia and Ariassos, with an especial focus on the relationship, both social and economic, between town and country. The thesis addresses the subject primarily chronologically, although chapter two is diachronic. The first chapter provides an historical and geographical introduction to the subject. The complexities of the ethnic and cultural environment in which the two cities were founded are discussed along with the history of early settlement in the region.
The succeeding chapters present, discuss and analyse the archaeological evidence for the growth, transformation and, ultimately, the decline of the settlements. The central argument of the thesis is that the settlements can only be understood if seen both within their local physical and social environment and their larger political environment. The settlements existed as part of a complex urban and rural network. The effects of the changes of the third century AD, the arrival of Christianity, tax reforms and social unrest are all explored.
The thesis concludes that the image of uniformity and continuity in this mountainous region can be highly deceptive. During the period in which the Pisidian urban landscape grew, flourished and then disintegrated, the area was subject to an enormous variety of changes, social, political and economic, all of which have to be taken into account when attempting to understand the complexity of the process of urban change.
Sexual slander and its social context in England, c. 1660-1700, with special reference to Cheshire and Sussex

A number of historians have studied the meanings of reputation in early modern English society through the medium of defamation cases in the church courts. More recent work has tended to focus on the gendering of participation in ecclesiastical litigation and the differences in the ways that men and women constructed and maintained their good names. This thesis takes a broader approach, and places defamation cases firmly in their legal and social context. The main focus of this thesis is a sample of defamation cases from the Chester consistory court in the later seventeenth century; this is supplemented by material from the church courts of Sussex and various secular tribunals in both Cheshire and Sussex. A discussion of the law forms an important part of this thesis for it shaped both the patterns of participation in litigation and the content of insults that were alleged.
A central objective of this thesis is to discuss the complexity of the gendering of reputation in this period and to show that reputation was not as rigidly polarised around gender as has previously been thought. It explores the ways in which reputation was constructed for both men and women and relates this to both the sorts of social relationships which tended to produce litigation, and the mechanisms of social control which operated within communities.
It is argued that defamation litigation reveals much more about attitudes to gender relations, reputation and social order than has been realised hitherto, and that reputation was experienced not as an abstract value, but in relation to the social situations of individual women and men.
The infinite diversity of persons : individual personality in the ascetical theology of St Feofan the Recluse (1815-1894)

The teachings of St. Feofan (1815-1894), together with his celebrated Russian translation of the Philokalia, played a major role in the spiritual revival of nineteenth century Russia, earning him the reputation of one of the greatest Russian theoreticians of Orthodox mysticism. Yet Feofan also provoked fierce criticism of such eminent Russian thinkers as Nicolas Berdyaev. This study focuses on one of the most significant elements of Feofan's legacy: the notion of legitimacy of spiritual diversity. This idea permeates Feofan's discussions of the striking dissimilarities demonstrated by persons engaged in ascetic and spiritual pursuits. It is highlighted by the fact that Feofan derives his positive attitude to diversity from within the tradition generally perceived as intolerant of dissent and non-conformity.
Based within a wider context of Orthodox mystical tradition, this study examines Feofan's major writings, his work with the texts of the Philokalia, and his public and private correspondence. Attention is given to such pivotal concepts as his notions of the spirit and the heart; intimate communion with God; and the cardinal importance of spiritual self-consciousness. The study reveals Feofan's indebtedness to Byzantine ascetic spirituality, as well as his unusual openness to Western thought - reflected in his innovative synthesis of patristic asceticism and German romantic psychology.
This study also addresses the ambivalence of Feofan's inner conflicts: namely, between his passionate belief in spiritual self-determination and his authoritarian teaching on 'silent submissiveness'; and between his defence of the legitimacy of spiritual diversity within the realm of ascetic experience and his unwillingness to extend that same principle beyond the limits of his own tradition.
The thesis is not only the first critical account in English of Feofan's spiritual teaching, but is also an ecumenical exercise in which attitudes toward religious diversity within the Russian monastic tradition are examined by a Russian evangelical.
Cryocrystallographic and mechanistic studies on glycogen phosphorylase

Glycogen phosphorylase (GPb) regulates the degradation of glycogen to glucose-1-phosphate and catalyses the first step of the reaction. Many studies have provided insights into the essentials of the catalytic mechanism. Previous time resolved crystallographic work using heptenitol has revealed a putative phosphate binding site at the active site of phosphorylase.
Using nojirimycin tetrazole, a transition state analogue, complexed with phosphate and both T and R state GPb crystals, this work has conclusively located the phosphate binding site and the concomitant active site conformational changes. This has confirmed the previous heptenitol results. Using R state crystals complexed with tetrazole and phosphate, data were collected to 2.5Å resolution, higher than for the original 2.8Å resolution native structure, and used to position water molecules in the R state model.
Further to this, direct observation of the phosphate ion orientation was made possible using flash-frozen T state crystals to collect 1.7Å resolution data at 100K. As part of this cryocrystallographic work the relationship of cryoprotectant concentration with crystal mosaicity was established, aiding the systematic search for flash-freezing cryoprotectant conditions for all protein crystals. Collection of a new native T state data set to 1.5Å resolution was made possible using the flash-freezing technique. Refinement has produced a new higher precision native model (R factor currently 22.8%) containing additional N terminal residues (14-18) and 330 new water molecules. A molecule of glycerol, the cryoprotectant, was located at the active site. This study represents a considerable improvement over the 1.9Å resolution room temperature native data, and is also the first time such high resolution data have been collected from such a large enzyme.
In a further analysis of the phosphate binding properties, a link between structure, atomic charges and the ability of a ligand to bind phosphate at the phosphorylase active site was established. In order of phosphate binding ability, the nojirimycin tetrazole, nitroglucal, glucal and glucose complexes with T state GPb and phosphate were structurally analysed. As the charge difference between the pyranose ring oxygen (or equivalent atom) and anomeric atom becomes more negative (charges estimated using MOPAC) the tendency to bind phosphate decreases. The ligand must possess a half-chair conformation as this is essential to bind phosphate; glucose, having the most negative charge difference and a full chair conformation, does not bind phosphate significantly in the crystal. A novel surface binding site for nitroglucal (covalently linked to His 73) was also located during this work.
As part of an ongoing search for potential drugs for diabetes, two gluco-hydantoin inhibitors of GPb were investigated. One proved to be the best inhibitor to date, and the inhibition was rationalised using the structural results from this work. A new improved inhibitor has been proposed on the basis of these results.
Enzyme-material composites for solar-driven reactions

Using sunlight to drive chemical reactions has long been one of the goals in developing sustainable processes. Previous research has focused on solar fuel production in the form of H2, but this thesis demonstrates that solar-to-chemicals processes can be constructed to produce more complex compounds, using hybrid systems composed of enzymes and inorganic materials.
Tetrachloroethene reductive dehalogenase (PceA), an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of tetrachloroethene (PCE) to trichloroethene (TCE) and subsequently to cis-dichloroethene (cDCE), was shown to accept electrons from both graphite and TiO2 electrodes. Irradiation by UV light onto PceA-adsorbed TiO2 particles led to the selective production of TCE and cDCE, which was not possible without PceA as a catalyst.
Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR) is a key enzyme in photosynthesis, as it receives energetic electrons from Photosystem I and produces NADPH as an energy carrier for downstream 'Dark' reactions involving CO2 assimilation. This thesis presents the discovery of FNR activity on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes which led to direct electrochemical investigation of the properties of FNR, both in the absence and presence of its substrate, NADP+. The FNR-adsorbed electrode, termed 'the electrochemical leaf', rapidly interconverts NADP+/NADPH, and this was coupled to a downstream NADPH-dependent enzyme, thus demonstrating a new approach to cofactor regeneration for enzyme-catalyzed organic synthesis. The NADP+ reduction by FNR was also driven by light using a photoanode made of visible-light responsive semiconductors.

Keywords: Enzyme
Electrochemistry
Advisor: Armstrong, F
Creating spaces for peace? Civil society, political space, and peacebuilding in post-war Burundi

This thesis examines civil society, political space, and peacebuilding in post-war Burundi by critically engaging with international discourses and considering the extent to which they reflect the experiences and perspectives of activists on the ground. It is based on qualitative research with civil society groups and the individuals that work for them in Burundi. Fieldwork took place over five months between July 2014 and April 2015. This was a period of crisis in which civil society faced mounting restrictions, from the introduction of legislation that banned public gatherings, to the harassment and intimidation of prominent activists. The thesis analyses the extent to which civil society groups were able to navigate these constraints to create and maintain spaces for peace that transform dominant social norms which produce violence and repression. It also considers the factors that frustrated these efforts, from the sustained influence of past violence and trauma, to the climate of fear and uncertainty that emerged following the 2015 elections, and the divisive elite politics that continues to disrupt everyday peace in Burundi.
It finds that emerging policy discourses on political space fail to engage with the historical, political, and discursive nature of government restrictions in Burundi, and the temporal and relational dimensions of violence, especially the ways in which it shapes the everyday lives of activists and their ability to challenge the institutions and structures within which violence is reproduced. The research situates these experiences in historical context – a process that enables it to consider broader questions about the evolution of civil society and the extent to which it becomes embedded in post-conflict contexts once international funding and attention decreases and external peacebuilding activities conclude. Civil society groups in Burundi received significant support from the international community in the post-war years, yet increasing restrictions suggest that the Burundian government has not accepted the presence of certain organisations which it views as a threat to its political authority and legitimacy. This leads the thesis to argue that curbs on civil society should be seen as part of a broader pattern of resistance to international peacebuilding in Burundi.

Keywords: Civil society
Peacebuilding
Political space
Africa
Burundi
Advisor: Daley, P
Hayman, R
The structure and dynamics of compounds related to fast ionic conductors

Powder neutron diffraction studies have been performed on the deuterated form of the proton conductor HU02AsO4.4H2O both above and below the transition at 301K to a poorly conducting antiferro-electric phase. The observed structures have been rationalised in terms of the presence of two types of water dimer, H4O2 and [H5O2], whose dynamic interchange above the transition, in a scheme of hydrogen disorder, provides a simple mechanism for the high hydrogen mobility. Further diffraction studies on cation substituted LiUOAsO4.4D2O show a change to a structure which is completely ordered with adjacent water squares linked together via tetrahedral co-ordination about the lithium ion. Comparison of this structure with that of some similar cation substituted compounds allows the proposal of a mechanism for sodium mobility in NaUO2PO4.3H2O.
The series of compounds Li2UCl6, Na2UCl6 and K2UCl6 have been investigated at room temperature by powder neutron diffraction, with the aim of assessing the importance of the light cation in the structures of such compounds. The decrease in polarising power of the cation through the series leads to structures in which the [UCl6]2- octahedron exhibits progressively greater o molecular character as the charge transfer from chloride to uranium increases.
Measurements of the proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation time T1 as a function of temperature have been performed on the ammonia intercalation compounds TiS2(NH3) for three different stoichiometries of TiS2, ranging from 0.1-2.0% excess titanium. There appears to be no influence of excess titanium on the mobility of the ammonia molecules in contrast to LiTiS2 and NaTiS2, where there is a very marked decrease with increasing titanium content.
Political economy of crisis and reform in Ecuador, 2000-2005

Ecuador is tiny, heavily indebted, strategically insignificant, and was desperate for finance following a deep crisis in 1998-2000. The IMF is widely seen as 'all-powerful', and keen to exploit weaknesses to extract policy concessions. Given this, why was the IMF unable to achieve success on virtually any of the structural reforms it attempted to impose in Ecuador between 2000 and 2005? This thesis aims to explain this reform stasis following crisis in Ecuador. The investigation centres around a 'veto player analysis', a useful tool which has been underused in the political economy of reform literature. The thesis develops the concept and shows how it can be applied empirically, showing where veto power came from and how players constructed their own power. Seven cases of failed reforms are investigated: tax reform, civil service reform, LPG subsidy removal, customs reform, telecommunications and electricity privatisations, and reforms in the oil sector. These are compared to cases of relative 'success'. The analysis finds that policy stasis was due to a proliferation of societal and legislative 'veto players', who drew on the chronic instability of the Ecuadorian political system and took advantage of executive incapacity to issue credible threats to individuals and even entire administrations. Instability is found to facilitate each of these factors impeding reform. These findings throw doubt on an idea conventional in the literature, that economic crisis catalyses economic reform. The thesis argues that paradoxically, instability is at the root of policy stasis in Ecuador, and that in exacerbating instability, crisis impedes reform rather than catalysing it.
The numerical solution of elliptic partial differential equations

In this thesis numerical methods for solving elliptic partial differential equations are developed. These differential equations are discretized using finite differences and the resulting algebraic equations are then solved using iterative techniques. In particular, dynamic A.D.I. and multigrid methods are considered. These methods are tested on a model problem and then extended to solve more difficult problems. A coupled system of equations arising from solid state electronics is solved. Techniques are discussed to improve the accuracy of the resulting approximation near the two weak singularities the problem possesses. The dynamic A.D.I. and multigrid methods are extended to solve the biharmonic equation. A multigrid method which treats the biharmonic equation as a coupled system of two second order elliptic equations is also considered. A dynamic A.D.I. method for solving the 'double glazing' problem is presented. A non-uniform grid is used to resolve the boundary layers which develop for large values of the Rayleigh number.