Chromatin diminution is defined as the elimination of DNA during the differentiation of early embryonic cells into pre-somatic cells. While it was first observed in the nematode Parascaris equorum, it also been identified in other parasitic nematodes, hagfish and copepods. In the copepod Mesocyclops edax, up to 90% of genomic DNA is eliminated during chromatin diminution. It was previously shown that the eliminated DNA contained highly repetitive heterochromatic sequences. Here, we digested pre- and post-diminution DNA with BamHI and produced small libraries of clones from each. Analyses revealed no decrease in low copy numbered sequences, such as transposable elements. Rather, both libraries are found to be surprisingly similar in all aspects analysed. Further comparison also demonstrated similarity of our libraries with the DNA sequences eliminated from Cyclops kolensis. Consequently, we suggest that M. edax eliminates portions of euchromatic DNA, in addition to the previously characterized satellite sequences.

Chromatin diminution is defined as the elimination of DNA during the differentiation of early embryonic cells into pre-somatic cells. While it was first observed in the nematode Parascaris equorum, it also been identified in other parasitic nematodes, hagfish and copepods. In the copepod Mesocyclops edax, up to 90% of genomic DNA is eliminated during chromatin diminution. It was previously shown that the eliminated DNA contained highly repetitive heterochromatic sequences. Here, we digested pre- and post-diminution DNA with BamHI and produced small libraries of clones from each. Analyses revealed no decrease in low copy numbered sequences, such as transposable elements. Rather, both libraries are found to be surprisingly similar in all aspects analysed. Further comparison also demonstrated similarity of our libraries with the DNA sequences eliminated from Cyclops kolensis. Consequently, we suggest that M. edax eliminates portions of euchromatic DNA, in addition to the previously characterized satellite sequences.

Chromatin diminution is defined as the elimination of DNA during the differentiation of early embryonic cells into pre-somatic cells. While it was first observed in the nematode Parascaris equorum, it also been identified in other parasitic nematodes, hagfish and copepods. In the copepod Mesocyclops edax, up to 90% of genomic DNA is eliminated during chromatin diminution. It was previously shown that the eliminated DNA contained highly repetitive heterochromatic sequences. Here, we digested pre- and post-diminution DNA with BamHI and produced small libraries of clones from each. Analyses revealed no decrease in low copy numbered sequences, such as transposable elements. Rather, both libraries are found to be surprisingly similar in all aspects analysed. Further comparison also demonstrated similarity of our libraries with the DNA sequences eliminated from Cyclops kolensis. Consequently, we suggest that M. edax eliminates portions of euchromatic DNA, in addition to the previously characterized satellite sequences.

The segregation of progenitor somatic cells from those of the primordial germ cells that sequester and retain elevated levels of DNA during subsequent developmental events, poses an interesting, alternative pathway of chromosome behavior during the reproductive cycle of certain species of cyclopoid copepods and several other organisms. Separation of maternal and paternal chromosome sets during very early cleavages (gonomery) is often a feature following marked elevations of DNA levels in germ cells for some of these species. Here, we report on the accumulation of large amounts of DNA in germ line nuclei of both female and male juveniles and adults of a freshwater copepod, Mesocyclops edax (Forbes, 1890). We also report the robust uptake of 3H-thymidine by germ cells prior to gametogenesis in this species. By using cytophotometric analysis of the DNA levels in both germ line cells and somatic cells from the same specimens we demonstrate that germ cell nuclei accumulate high levels of DNA prior to the onset of gametogenesis. These elevated amounts coincide with the levels of heterochromatic DNA discarded during chromatin diminution. A new model is proposed of major cytological events accompanying the process of chromatin diminution in M. edax.

Denna uppsats undersöker på vilka sätt fyra professionella blockflöjtister lärde sig att ornamentera inom tidig musik. Fokus ligger på deras utbildningsväg före högskolestudier. Det undersöks vilka olika metoder deras lärare använder sig av och på vilka sätt källstudier från 1500- till 1700-talet spelar en roll inom ramen för deras undervisning.

Magister Legum - LLM / If a company is harmed by the behaviour of a director as a result of financial misstatements, shareholders may suffer the economic consequences in the form of a diminution in the value of their shares. Failure on directorship level in these circumstances has on more than one occasion resulted in aggrieved shareholders seeking to recover damages suffered and losses incurred in terms of section 218(2) of the Companies Act 2008. This was the situation in the recent cases, Hlumisa Investment Holdings (RF) Limited v Kirkinis and in Itzikowitz v Absa Bank Limited. While I am unaware of any reported case arising from the much-publicised Steinhoff scandal, there appear to be moves in the direction of court action to recover pure economic loss. Steinhoff shareholders are seeking to hold the retail group‘s directors to account. Scandals like Steinhoff and African bank are disturbing because it points to a lack of clarity and certainty in South African company laws in respect of director‘s personal liability in these circumstances. It is for this reason that this study investigates whether shareholders can institute personal liability claims against directors for causing shareholders a diminution of the value of the shares in the company as a result of poor decision making on directorship level, since such a loss is merely reflective of the company‘s loss. Although, after Itzikowitz v Absa Bank Limited, the position seems to be settled in our law, we still have incidences where shareholders are seeking to hold directors personally liable for the diminution in share price under section 218(2) of the Companies Act 2008. It is for this reason that the study explores the scope of section 218(2) and investigates many related questions surrounding section 218(2), in light of directors‘ personal liability and shareholder protection.

Adult somatic nuclear DNA contents are reported for eleven cyclopoid species (Megacyclops latipes, Mesocyclops edax, M. longisetus, M. ruttneri, M. leuckarti, M. woutersi, Macrocyclops albidus, Cyclops strenuus, Acanthocyclops robustus, Diothona oculata, Thermocyclops crassus) and for the harpacticoid Tigriopus californicus and range from 0.50 to 4.1 pg DNA per nucleus. These diploid genome sizes are consistent with previously published values for four Cyclops species (0.28-1.8 pg DNA per nucleus), but are strikingly smaller than those reported for marine calanoids (4.32-24.92 pg DNA per nucleus). We discuss three explanations, none of them exclusive of another, to account for the smaller size and range of cyclopoid genome sizes relative to calanoid genome sizes: (1) higher prevalence of chromatin diminution in the Cyclopoida, (2) phylogenetic structure or older age of the Calanoida relative to Cyclopoida and (3) nucleotypic selection that may influence life history variation and fitness. Measurements of genome size were made on Feulgen stained, somatic cell nuclei, using scanning microdensitometry which is well suited to the sparse and heterogeneous populations of copepod nuclei. The importance of measuring large numbers of nuclei per specimen, possible sources of variation associated with cytophotometric measurements, and appropriate use of internal reference standards and stoichiometry of the Feulgen stained nuclei are discussed.

Genome sizes for 36 species of cyclopoid copepods were determined by DNA-Feulgen cytophotometry of nuclei from adults collected from diverse habitats and locales in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Genome sizes are small, show a 20-fold range (C = 0.10-2.02 pg DNA), and vary in a discontinuous fashion. The genomes of cyclopoid copepods are remarkably small and constant within each species, unlike the large and variable genomes of marine calanoid species. These differences may reflect the evolutionary antiquity of marine copepods in relation to marine, brackish, and freshwater copepods, as well as differences in mechanisms used to modulate genome size. The small genome sizes of contemporary cyclopoids provide substantive evidence of evolutionary constraint, possibly favouring small genomes, rapid replication rates and accelerated development as adaptive strategies for survival in often fragmented, stressful, and changing habitats.

The aim of this thesis is the design of laboratory crusher of mineral raw materials. This work is focused on the research of possible types of machinery for crushing process, list of shredders available at domestic and foreign markets, selection of the principle of diminution of mineral resources, the choice of approach, suggestion of calculation of the chosen design, creating a 3D model and drawings, making the strength analysis for selected parts, risk analysis.

Cette thèse s'inscrit dans la thématique du stockage de l'hydrogène sous forme d'hydrure métallique. Pour pallier aux coûts importants des éléments utilisés pour l'élaboration des matériaux hydrurables, il est possible d'utiliser des alliages de pureté moindre comme précurseurs. Cela implique la présence d'éléments supplémentaires dans matériaux. Le matériau étudié appartient à la famille des composés intermétalliques Ti-V-Fe de structure cubique centrée. Cette structure est connue pour donner de fortes capacités réversibles d'absorption d'hydrogène durant une utilisation dans des conditions proches de l’ambiant. Grâce à une modélisation des principaux paramètres des hydrures formés à partir de ces alliages, il est apparu que le composé Ti15V71Fe14 présente des pressions d’équilibre intéressantes à température ambiante. Toutes les propriétés de ce matériau de référence ont été mesurées par diffraction des rayons X, microsonde de Castaing, microscopie à balayage électronique et banc d’hydruration. Une petite quantité des éléments d’addition est ajoutée individuellement puis ensemble dans la composition du matériau référent. Les échantillons sont analysés et les résultats sont comparés à ceux obtenus avec le référent. Il apparait que l’aluminium forme une solution solide de structure cubique centrée simple et améliore la capacité d’absorption du matériau référent. Il en est de même pour le silicium malgré un comportement plus complexe avec l’apparition de plusieurs phases supplémentaires. En contrepartie la vitesse d’absorption de l’hydrogène dans le matériau est diminuée / This Ph.D takes place on the hydrogen storage theme in metal hydride. In order to reduce the cost of the elements used for the preparation of hydridable materials, it is possible to use lower purity alloys as precursors. The compound selected belongs to the body centered cubic family consisting of Ti, V and Fe. This structure is known to store reversibly good quantities of hydrogen in conditions close to ambient. Thanks to modeling of the main parameters, it appears that the compound Ti15V71Fe14 presents interesting equilibrium pressure at room temperature. All properties of this reference material are measured by X-ray diffraction, EPMA, scanning electron microscopy and hydriding apparatus. A small amount of alloying elements has then been added individually then together in the composition of the reference material. Samples are analyzed and the results are compared to the referent. It appears that aluminum forms a solid solution of body centered cubic structure and improves the absorption capacity of the reference material. It is the same for silicon despite more complex behavior with the formation of several additional phases. In return the absorption kinetic of the material is reduced