Considéré comme un historien qui sacrifie rigueur et exactitude à son souci de la rhétorique, Quinte-Curce jouit, et avec lui son histoire « romancée », d’une réputation en demi-teinte. Au-delà de faiblesses et d’un mélange des genres entre histoire, morale et rhétorique du reste caractéristiques de l’ensemble de l’historiographie romaine, les Historiae Alexandri Magni constituent un témoignage intéressant sur la représentation du pouvoir à Rome au Ier siècle de n.è. En s’appuyant sur un portrait rigoureusement construit, Quinte-Curce met en relief l’évolution du Conquérant, soumis à la tentation de l’Orient, de la fortune et de ses modèles héroïques. L’historien se livre alors à une véritable entreprise de démystification qui touche la nature même de cet Orient merveilleux, la fortune providentielle dont se réclame le Macédonien et même le langage. Sont ainsi condamnés la quête effrénée de gloire que poursuit le roi, et son rêve de divinisation : l’Orient est synonyme de renversement généralisé des normes et des valeurs, la fortune une illusion conduisant à un sentiment d’impunité. En déconstruisant la propagande d’Alexandre, Quinte-Curce révèle alors un autre imaginaire – le sien – en même temps qu’une idéologie. En filigrane, il propose aussi un idéal du pouvoir qui repose essentiellement sur l’équilibre et sur la responsabilité du prince. Par là, il interroge, au regard des réalités politiques de son temps, la pertinence d’un mythe central dans l’imaginaire politique romain et dont l’ombre plane sur tous les ambitieux, à commencer par les empereurs ou les candidats à l’Empire. Son récit bien mené incite donc à une réflexion réelle sur l’exercice du pouvoir, ses enjeux et ses limites. / Considered a historian who sacrifices his rigor and accuracy for the sake of rhetoric, Curtius Rufus enjoys, and with him his “fictionalized” history as well, a halftone reputation. Notwithstanding its shortcomings and a mixture of genres between history, moral and rhetoric, which are also typical of the entire Roman historiography, the Historiae Alexandri Magni are an interesting testimony of the representation of power in Rome in the first century A.D. Building on a rigorously constructed portrait, Quintus Curtius highlights the evolution of the Conqueror, subject to the temptations of the East, of fortune and its heroic models. The historian attempts to debunk the very nature of this wonderful East, the providential fortune claimed by Macedonian, and even language. The unbridled quest for glory pursued by the king and his dream of deification are here condemned: the East stands for a general inversion of norms and values, and fortune becomes an illusion leading to a feeling of impunity. By deconstructing Alexander's propaganda, Curtius then reveals another imaginary—his own—along with an ideology. Implicitly, it also proposes an ideal of power mainly based on balance and on the responsibility of the prince. The historian questions the relevance of a central myth of the Roman political imagination in the political context of the times, whose shadow looms over all ambitious men, starting with emperors or candidates for the Empire. His well crafted narrative is a call for a reflection on the actual exercise of power, its challenges and limitations.

La presente investigación se intitula “La determinación del ser en el pensar temprano de Platón”. Este título quisiera ser oído como una indicación hacia aquello que guía de antemano cada paso en la marcha de nuestro investigar. Como tal guía previa, el título, o más bien aquello a lo que el título remite, constituye a la vez el fondo que sustenta la investigación entera. En este doble sentido, a saber, como guía previa y como fondo sustentador, el título del presente trabajo es un pre-su-puesto, esto es, algo que ponemos de antemano como fondo. Entendido así, ¿qué nos dice este título con respecto al presupuesto fundamental de nuestro trabajo? El título, al menos en lo que manifiesta de modo expreso, apunta a dos aspectos. Primero, que el esfuerzo de nuestro pensar está encaminado a abordar de algún modo el pensamiento de Platón, por consiguiente, que el pensamiento platónico tiene aquí para nosotros una cierta primacía por sobre otros pensamientos, por ejemplo, el de Aristóteles, el de san Agustín, el de Descartes, el de Kant o el de Nietzsche. Por lo pronto, y dicho sólo de manera negativa, esta primacía no alude de ningún modo a una superioridad del pensar de Platón frente al pensamiento de los demás pensadores, superioridad en el sentido de que el pensar de Platón sería el único “verdadero”, mientras que todos los otros pensadores estarían más o menos en el error, es decir, en lo falso. Tales opiniones acerca del pensar de un pensador reposan únicamente sobre un insuficiente o más bien nulo cuestionamiento acerca de aquello que ahí se nombra “verdadero”, es decir, tales pre-juicios sólo son posibles ahí donde reina una total incuestionabilidad con respecto a la esencia de la verdad, en la medida en que la verdad misma se ha vuelto algo completamente comprensible de suyo. Ahora bien, si nosotros no aludimos aquí a una tal “superioridad” del pensamiento de Platón, ¿en qué consiste entonces la primacía nombrada?

We investigate the role of leasing in the lending boom in Central and South Eastern Europe (CEE and SEE). We contribute by (1) providing a full picture of the financing situation in Eastern Europe, where leasing plays a more important role than elsewhere; (2) by investigating the finance-growth-nexus for ten Eastern European countries with a panel data approach over 1999-2006; (3) by extending the production function approach (credit, stock, bond) and the law-and-financeview for leasing. We find that leasing and credit positively contributed to economic growth. However, leasing and credit are complements and not substitutes as suggested partly by previous research in other regions. We conclude that leasing cannot be used to circumvent proper regulation by policy makers or market participants, and that alternative forms of finance need to be included for a full picture of the finance-growth link. / Series: EI Working Papers / Europainstitut

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-26T20:22:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gabriela Shizue Soares de Araujo.pdf: 1515384 bytes, checksum: 2969fb4184ffe07847ea2cb5a2c4dee2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-10-14 / This dissertation seeks to demonstrate the fragility of human rights, when our highest court forgets the principles and guidelines vectors in constitutional interpretation and hermeneutics application of the Constitution, under pressure of public opinion. We seek the best interpretation of the Supreme Court s exceptional original jurisdiction by prerogative function, making a parallel with the peculiar judgment of the Criminal Action Nº 470/MG. We demonstrate that ordinary citizens that do not hold function´s privileges should have preserved their right to natural justice, due process, and especially the double jurisdiction. At the end, we conclude that the double degree of jurisdiction is a fundamental right that can not be denied even to holders of prerogative function and we highlight the unconstitutionality regarding the latent negative of that right in the trial of Criminal Case Nº 470/MG. Wide literature was searched, manifestations of respected masters and doctors, reviews of various segments of society, slowly gathered the personal conviction of the author / Esta dissertação busca demonstrar a fragilidade a que se expõem os direitos fundamentais do homem, ao se permitir que pressões da opinião pública, movidas por interesses políticos e pessoais, levem nossa mais elevada Corte a olvidar os princípios vetores e as diretrizes hermenêuticas constitucionais na interpretação e aplicação da Constituição Federal ao caso concreto. Procuramos a melhor interpretação da excepcional competência originária por prerrogativa de função do Supremo Tribunal Federal para julgar infrações penais, fazendo um paralelo com a condução do tema no julgamento peculiar da Ação Penal n° 470/MG. Demonstramos que os cidadãos comuns não titulares de prerrogativas de função devem ter preservado seu direito ao juiz natural, ao devido processo legal, e principalmente ao duplo grau de jurisdição. Ao final, concluímos que o duplo grau de jurisdição é um direito fundamental que não pode ser negado nem mesmo aos titulares de prerrogativa de função e ressaltamos as inconstitucionalidades latentes quanto à negativa desse direito no julgamento da Ação Penal nº 470/MG. Vasta literatura foi pesquisada, manifestações de respeitáveis mestres e doutores, opiniões de segmentos variados da sociedade, amealhados à convicção pessoal da autora

Colorectal cancer is the 4th most widespread cause of cancer mortality. One of the pathways that are involved in the development of colorectal cancer is the arachidonic acid metabolizing lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. Inflammatory molecules formed from this pathway exert profound effects that may exacerbate the development and progression of colon and other cancers. 15 lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) is a member of LOX protein family that metabolizes primarily linoleic acid to 13-(S)-HODE. Several lines of evidence support an antiangiogenic role for 15-LOX-1, especially through 13-(S)-HODE. The expression of 15-LOX-1 is lost in colon cancer cells. Our aim in this thesis was to study whether 15-LOX-1 expression has an anticarcinogenic role, particularly on the metastatic and angiogenic potential of colon cancer cells. For this purpose, 15-LOX-1 was introduced into HCT-116 colon cancer cell lines. Having confirmed 15-LOX-1 expression and activity it was observed that expression of 15-LOX-1 significantly decreased cell proliferation, cell motility, anchorage-independent growth, migration and invasion across Matrigel, the expression of the metastasis-related MTA-1 protein, neoangiogenesis and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, most of these effects were arbitrated by the 15-LOX-1 mediated inhibition of the inflammatory transcription factor NF-&kappa / B via the orphan nuclear receptor PPAR&gamma / . In conclusion, we propose that 15-LOX-1 has anti-tumorigenic properties and can be exploited for therapeutic benefits.

Colorectal cancer is the 4th most widespread cause of cancer mortality. One of the pathways that are involved in the development of colorectal cancer is the arachidonic acid metabolizing lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. Inflammatory molecules formed from this pathway exert profound effects that may exacerbate the development and progression of colon and other cancers. 15 lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) is a member of LOX protein family that metabolizes primarily linoleic acid to 13-(S)-HODE. Several lines of evidence support an antiangiogenic role for 15-LOX-1, especially through 13-(S)-HODE. The expression of 15-LOX-1 is lost in colon cancer cells. Our aim in this thesis was to study whether 15-LOX-1 expression has an anticarcinogenic role, particularly on the metastatic and angiogenic potential of colon cancer cells. For this purpose, 15-LOX-1 was introduced into HCT-116 colon cancer cell lines. Having confirmed 15-LOX-1 expression and activity it was observed that expression of 15-LOX-1 significantly decreased cell proliferation, cell motility, anchorage-independent growth, migration and invasion across Matrigel, the expression of the metastasis-related MTA-1 protein, neoangiogenesis and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, most of these effects were arbitrated by the 15-LOX-1 mediated inhibition of the inflammatory transcription factor NF-&kappa / B via the orphan nuclear receptor PPAR&gamma / . In conclusion, we propose that 15-LOX-1 has anti-tumorigenic properties and can be exploited for therapeutic benefits.

This study was carried out to analyze tomato samples and tomato seeds, purchased from different food markets of Turkey randomly, for the presence of genetic modification by using PCR method as it allows more specific detection. The DNAs of collected samples were isolated according to CTAB DNA extraction protocol and also with extraction kits. Screening tests of tomatoes were done by targeting 35S promoter, NOS terminator and NptII kanamycin resistance gene with eight different primer sets. Real time PCR is used to confirm 35S and NOS positives results obtained from conventional PCR. In this study, it was observed that 14 out of 35 seed samples, and 14 out of 40 fresh tomato samples which were screened had at least one transgenic element of 35S promoter, NOS terminator and NPTII kanamycin resistance gene indicating the possible presence of genetic modifications. After screening, gene specific studies were carried out for PG, sam-k indicating F type ripening delayed tomato and the 35 1 N lines respectively and cry1Ac genes inserted in 5345-1 insect resistant tomato line. PG and sam-k specific primers were not amplified in any of the samples investigated whereas 18 out of 75 samples were cry1Ac positive and 1 out of 75 samples was sam-k positive. Positives were confirmed by sequence analysis. Additionally, construct specific primers specific to 5345-1 and 35 1 N lines were designed. PCR amplicons indicate the existence of the construct sequence. In order to verify the results, PCR products were sent to sequence analysis

Stroke is the third leading cause of death. Atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a central role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Human paraoxonase 1 (PON1), a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) associated serum esterase/lactonase, protects HDL and LDL from oxidative modifications. Thus, PON1 is protective against the development of atherosclerosis. PON1 gene has two functional coding region (192Q/R and 55L/M) and one promoter region (&amp / #8722 / 107T/C) polymorphism that affect the catalytic efficiency and levels of the enzyme, respectively. In this study, the aim was to determine the importance of PON1 genetic polymorphisms and activity as risk factors for ischemic stroke. The study population was comprised of 172 unrelated adult Caucasian patients with acute hemispheric ischemic stroke and 105 symptom-free controls. Serum and total blood samples were obtained from G&uuml / lhane Military Medical Academy Hospital Neurology Department, Ankara. Hypertension and diabetes were 2 times more common and HDL-C was significantly lower among patients compared to controls. Logistic regression analysis revealed hypertension and smoking to be significant predictors of stroke. Serum PON1 activities towards three substrates, paraoxon (paraoxonase activity / PON), phenyl acetate (arylesterase activity / ARE) and diazoxon (diazoxonase activity), which were measured by spectrophotometric methods, were found to be lower in stroke patients compared to controls. PON and PON/ARE were negatively associated with ischemic stroke by use of logistic regression analysis. PON/ARE was 1.26 times protective against stroke. The frequencies of the risky alleles 192R, 55L and &amp / #8722 / 107T were increased in the patient group. Frequency of the 55L allele of PON1 was significantly increased among patients (0.690) compared to controls (0.628 / P=0.003). Logistic regression analysis revealed PON1 55LL genotype to be associated with a 1.8-fold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke versus control status. Prevalence of triple combined haplotype QRLMTC was significantly lower in stroke patients (4.1%) when compared to controls (11.4% / P=0.019). The combined heterozygote haplotype had around 7 times increased protective effect against stroke in the overall population and 10 times protective effect in the elderly population. The low expressor genotype &amp / #8722 / 107TT was associated with almost 2 times increased risk for stroke in elderly. 192R allele of PON1 represented 1.554 times increased risk for ischemic stroke in hypertensives relative to normotensives. Furthermore, the risk of hypertensive individuals having ischemic stroke was highest in the 192RR group (Odds Ratio / OR=7), followed by 192QR heterozygotes (OR=2.18), and the risk decreased to insignificant levels in 192QQ individuals. 192R allele constituted a 1.55 times increased risk in diabetics. 55L allele was associated with a 1.66 times increased risk of stroke in hypertensives and a 2.6 times increased risk for stroke in diabetics relative to non-diabetics. PON1 &amp / #8722 / 107T allele also represented a 1.35 times risk for stroke in hypertensives.

ABSTRACT EFFECTS OF VERTICAL EXCITATION ON SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF HIGHWAY BRIDGES AND HOLD-DOWN DEVICE REQUIREMENT Domani&ccedil / , Kemal Arman M.S., Department of Civil Engineering Supervisor: Assist. Prof. Dr. Alp Caner February 2008, 152 pages Most bridge specifications ignore the contribution of vertical motion in earthquake analyses. However, vertical excitation can develop significant damage, especially at bearing locations as indeed was the case in the recent 1999 izmit Earthquake. These observations, combined with recent developments in the same direction, supplied the motivation to investigate the effects of vertical component of strong ground motion on standard highway bridges in this study. Reliability checks of hold-down device requirements per AASHTO Bridge Specifications have been conducted in this context. Six spectrum compatible accelerograms were generated and time history analyses were performed to observe the uplift at bearings. Selected case studies included precast pre-stressed I-girders with concrete slab, composite steel I-girders, post-tensioned concrete box section, and composite double steel box section. According to AASHTO specifications, hold-down devices were required in two cases, for which actual forces obtained from time history analyses have been compared with those suggested per AASHTO. The only non-linearity introduced to the analyses was at the bearing level. A discussion of effects on substructure response as well as compressive bearing forces resulting from vertical excitation is also included. The results of the study confirmed that the provisions of AASHTO governing hold-down devices are essential and reasonably accurate. On the other hand, they might be interpreted as well to be suggesting that vertical ground motion components could also be included in the load combinations supplied by AASHTO, especially to be able to estimate pier axial forces and cap beam moments accurately under combined vertical and horizontal excitations.

This study was carried out for understanding of antioxidant mechanisms of lentil under abiotic stress conditions. For this aim, 14 days old lentil seedlings (Lens culinaris Medik cv. Sultan-1) were subjected to drought (20% PEG 6000), and salt (150 mM NaCl ) stress for 6, 12 and 24 hours, for 3, 5 and 7 days. PCR conditions for Mn SOD, Cu/Zn SOD, chloroplastic/mitochondrial GR, CAT and chloroplast /stromal APX antioxidant enzymes were optimized. Then, total RNA was isolated from stressed and non-stressed plant roots and shoots. The gene expression levels of Mn SOD and Cu/Zn SOD were examined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Arabidopsis 18S rRNA was used as internal control in multiplex PCR technique. Relative expression levels of Mn SOD were lower in shoots and roots under salt stress while no significant change was obtained under drought conditions in both tissues. Relative expression levels of Mn SOD were increased on 5th day of salt and drought applications in both shoots and roots. Relative expression levels of Cu/Zn SOD increased after 5th, and on 1st and 7th days of drough treatment in shoots and roots, respectively. On the other hand, expression levels of Cu/Zn SOD increased on 3rd and 5th days of salt treatment in shoot tissues. Although it is nearly impossible to understand the whole antioxidant mechanism of plants under environmental stresses, this study was the first step to learn about molecular background of antioxidant defence mechanisms in lentil.