Rail Transport has held an important place in the European economy. Several problems plague rail freight. We frequently hear about train disruptions, whether it is due to a signal failure or an infrastructure breakdown, most of which have caused significant issues for both passengers and cargo. One of the primary reasons disruptions have such a significant impact on the railway system is limited redirections for trains. Taking this into account, we investigate the resilience of rail systems for international freight in the Öresund region. The Öresund area divides Denmark and Sweden via a small strait fixed link consisting of a bridge, a tunnel, and the artificial island of Peberholm. To avoid impeding freight traffic in the case of the Öresund bridge, we investigate two alternative fixed links where traffic may be routed if the bridge closes. The first proposal is LC Link (Europaspåret), which will connect Landskrona (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) with double track. Another alternative for the second fixed link is the HH rail connection between Helsingborg (Sweden) and Helsingör (Denmark) across the Öresund region. After the Fehmarn Belt link between Germany and Denmark, the infrastructure in the Öresund region should be strong enough to accommodate increased freight train capacity. Several methods have been used to assess the system’s robustness and resilience in terms of capacity. This master’s thesis employs both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods. For the investigation, we employ Planimate simulation software and simulation models based on potential scenarios. A timetable for 2040 is developed based on the current number of trains passing through Öresund. The capacity constraints were selected depending on the resistance offered by the other routes. According to the research findings, more significant capacity limitations would eventually increase freight train queuing. The results from the simulation indicate that the LC link is the most robust and resilient option for the second fixed connection over the Öresund bridge. The data also indicate that when additional capacity restraints are applied, more crowding is seen for the HH connection, better suited for passenger traffic. The research also offers insight into the meso - models for modelling freight traffic. / Järnvägstransporter har en viktig plats i den europeiska ekonomin. Det finns dock flera problem kopplade till godstrafiken på järnväg. Vi hör ofta om tågstörningar, oavsett om det beror på ett signalfel eller ett infrastrukturfel, många av dem har orsakat betydande störningar för både passagerare och gods. En av de främsta anledningarna till att störningar har en så betydande inverkan på järnvägssystemet är de begränsade omledningsmöjligheterna för tåg. Med hänsyn till detta undersöker vi tågsystemets redundans för internationella godståg i Öresundsregionen. Öresundsregionen delar Danmark och Sverige genom ett litet sund med en fast förbindelse bestående av en bro, en tunnel och den konstgjorda ön Peberholm. För att undvika att hindra godstrafiken över Öresundsbron vid händelse av ett avbrott, undersöker vi två alternativa fasta förbindelser där trafik kan ledas om. Det första förslaget är Europaspåret som binder samman Landskrona (Sverige) och Köpenhamn (Danmark) med ett dubbelspår. Det andra alternativet för den andra fasta länken är HH-järnvägsförbindelsen mellan Helsingborg (Sverige) och Helsingör (Danmark) över Öresundsregionen. Efter att Fehmarn Bält-förbindelsen mellan Tyskland och Danmark är färdigställd bör infrastrukturen i Öresundsregionen vara tillräcklig för att klara en ökad godstågskapacitet. Flera metoder har använts för att bedöma systemets robusthet och motståndskraft vad gäller kapacitet. Denna masteruppsats använder både kvalitativa och kvantitativa utvärderingsmetoder. För utredningen använder vi Planimates simuleringsprogram och simuleringsmodeller baserade på potentiella scenarier. En tidtabell för 2040 tas fram utifrån antalet tåg som passerar Öresund idag och har därefter räknats upp. Kapacitetsbegränsningarna valdes beroende på det uppskattade motståndet genom de olika alternativen. Enligt forskningsresultaten skulle mer betydande kapacitetsbegränsningar på sikt minska kapaciteten för godståg att passera. Resultaten från simuleringen tyder på att Europaspåret är det mest robusta och motståndskraftiga alternativet för den andra fasta förbindelsen över Öresundsbron. Uppgifterna indikerar också att när ytterligare kapacitetsbegränsningar tillämpas resulterar det i mer trängsel för HH-förbindelsen, som är bättre lämpad för passagerartrafik. Forskningen ger också insikt i meso-modeller för modellering av godstrafik.

<p>Among the six GEN-IV reactor concepts recommended by the Gen-IV International Forum, supercritical water-cooled reactors (SCWR) have gained significant interests due to its economic advantage, technology and experience continuity. In the last few years, extensive R&D activities have been launched covering the various aspects of SCWR development, especially in thermal-hydraulic analysis. In Canada, most R&D projects are led by AECL or NRCan.</p> <p>SCWR design and development require the modification of simulation codes used for design and safety demonstration of subcritical water-cooled reactors. This study modifies the subchannel code COBRA-TF, applicable to only subcritical water-cooled reactors, to a new version COBRA-TF-SC, applicable to both supercritical and subcritical water-cooled reactors. Supercritical water property data tables and supercritical water property formulations are implemented. Supercritical water heat transfer and pressure drop correlations are also added. The saturation curve in the subcritical model is extended by introducing a pseudo two-phase region at supercritical pressures to avoid any numerical instabilities consistent with other studies.</p> <p>Some simple fuel bundle experimental data on the flow and temperature distribution are used to evaluate the code. The fuel bundle experiment is simulated with both COBRA-TF-SC and AECL's ASSERT-PV-SC. The COBRA-TF-SC predicted results show good agreement with the experimental data and results obtained from ASSERT-PV-SC, demonstrating good feasibility and accuracy of this code. COBRA-TF-SC is then used to predict the detailed thermalhydraulics behaviour of the 62-element Canadian SCWR fuel bundle design. The advantage of COBRA-TF-SC is that it can accommodate transcritical flow conditions whereas the existing subchannel codes for SCWRs cannot.</p> / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The surface gliding motility of Myxococcus xanthus is required for a multicellular developmental process initiated by unfavorable growth conditions. One form of the M. xanthus surface motility, social (S) gliding, is mediated by the extension and retraction of polarly localized type IV pili (Tfp). Besides Tfp, exopolysaccharides (EPS), another cell surface associated component, are also required for M. xanthus S motility. Previous studies demonstrated that the Dif chemotaxis-like signal transduction pathway is central to the regulation of EPS production in M. xanthus. Specifically, difA, difC and difE mutants were found to be defective in EPS production and S motility. DifA, DifC and DifE, homologous to methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs), CheW and CheA, respectively, are therefore positive regulators of EPS. This study, undertaken to better understand the regulation of EPS production, led to a few major findings. First, DifD and DifG, homologous to CheY and CheC, respectively, were found to be negative regulators of EPS production. Both DifD and DifG likely function upstream of the DifE kinase in EPS regulation. DifB, which has no homology to known chemotaxis proteins, was found not to be involved in EPS production. Secondly, this study led to the recognition that Tfp likely function upstream of the Dif pathway in the regulation of EPS production. Extracellular complementation experiments suggest that Tfp may act as sensors instead of signals for the Dif chemotaxis-like pathway. We propose a regulatory feedback loop that couples EPS production with Tfp function through the Dif signaling proteins. Lastly, we sought to identify additional genes involved in EPS production. Our efforts identified a mutation in a separate chemotaxis gene cluster as a suppressor of difA mutations, suggesting potential cross-talks among the multiple chemotaxis-like pathways in M. xanthus. In addition, we identified twenty-five previously uncharacterized genes that are predicted to be involved in M. xanthus EPS production. These genes appear to encode additional EPS regulators and proteins with biosynthetic function. / Ph. D.

Les implications sociales et personnelles du jeu pathologique étant importantes, il devient nécessaire d'évaluer l'ampleur de la problématique dans la population. Pour ce faire, l'utilisation d'un instrument qui évalue les joueurs avec justesse est essentielle. Cette étude, réalisée auprès de 200 adultes, porte sur la capacité du NORC DSM-IV Screen (NODS) à évaluer correctement les joueurs. De façon plus précise, elle vise à déterminer le pourcentage de faux positifs généré par le NODS chez une population de joueurs de loterie vidéo. Un critère de comparaison a été établi à partir d'une entrevue clinique. Les résultats démontrent que le NODS surestime le nombre de personnes rapportant avoir un problème de jeu. Ce résultat va à l'opposé des études de validation du NODS et questionne la pertinence d'utiliser cet instrument pour estimer la prévalence du problème de jeu dans une population.

0 ABSTRACT In my thesis I focus on the political situation in the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Kingdom of France during the Great Western Schism, particularly its first two thirds. I put emphasis on the personality of Honoré Bovet, who was a diplomat and a messenger of the French king and who visited the court of the Bohemian king, Wecleslas IV. in 1399 My work is based on primary and secondary sources and scientific and specialised literature concerning the subject mentioned above. In addition I made use of my one- semester study program in France where I attended the lectures of and consultations with French medieval historians. First I describe in the thesis the ecclesiastical and political situation in both kingdoms. The next chapters are dedicated to the personality of Honoré Bovet and his writings related to his opinion on the Great Western Schism and the church in general. As a result of the research I present a general attitude of the French Kingdom to the Bohemian Kingdom, particularly king Wenceslas IV, in the period of the Great Western Schism and the dual papacy. Moreover, based on his writings I express Bovet's view of the Schism and the personalities involved in the Schism.

Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is a rare, autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative, lysosomal storage disorder. MLIV is caused by mutations in a gene (MCOLN1) encoding a TRP channel family member known as Mucolipin 1 or TRPML1. TRPML1 is a lysosomal transmembrane protein that appears to be required for normal lysosomal pH regulation, recycling of molecules and membrane reorganisation including lysosomal biogenesis, fusion and exocytosis. The exact function of the channel is unknown but it is permeable to multiple ions including Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺, possibly also Fe²⁺ and Zn²⁺. How normal TRPML1 function regulates lysosomal processes is not clearly understood. Mutations in the MCOLN1 gene can lead to complete loss of TRPML1 function, partial loss of function or mislocalisation, all of which lead to lysosomal dysfunction, lysosomal lipid storage and ultimately neurodegeneration. The disease processes that lead to neurodegeneration are poorly understood and at present no therapy exists for MLIV. We have discovered that TRPML1 results in regulating lysosomal Ca²⁺ homeostasis that is the opposite of the Ca²⁺ dysregulation associated with Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC). Our findings indicate that disrupted function of TRPML1 leads to enhanced Ca²⁺ release via the NAADP receptor, recently shown to be the lysosomal two-pore channel TPC2. This indicates that TRPML1 is not the NAADP receptor as suggested by others, indeed NAADP mediated Ca²⁺ release is enhanced with multiple NAADP induced lysosomal Ca²⁺ release events occurring in TRPML1 null cells compared to single releases in normal cells. This phenotype appears to be responsible for the cellular dysfunction associated with MLIV disease cells, enhanced lysosomal fusion, defective endocytosis and potentially even altered lysosomal pH. Several of these phenotypes are normalised by the NAADP receptor specific antagonist Ned-19. These findings illustrate that the NAADP receptor is central to MLIV disease pathology and may be a novel candidate for disease therapy.

No description available.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In reading the letters of Paul to the community in Corinth, it becomes apparent that Paul communicated from a position of authority. Given the existence of the mighty Roman Empire at the time of Paul’s writings, it raises questions regarding the ways such Empire would have affected Paul. This study assesses the possibility that Paul was influenced, not only by the material Roman world, but also by the socio-political and social-cultural dynamics of the Roman order. Paul may have utilised such order, but as spiritual leader, he could also have opposed it to his own ends and aims. The purpose of this study is to investigate such dynamism. The point of departure is, firstly to briefly discuss the nature of the Roman Empire that filled the ancient Roman world with coinage, statues, temples, poetry, song and public rhetoric. The ubiquitous Roman Empire enforced itself through power dynamics constituted in physical force, rhetoric, the patronage system and the Imperial Cult. Patronage operated in tandem with other aspects of the imperial system as a means of social control. It leads, therefore, to a more focussed investigation of patronage as one of the significant dimensions of Empire. Honour, prestige and status disparity governed social relations through complex, reciprocal relationships. No one was immune to the social tug-of-war, and within this context, Paul engaged in his Corinthian correspondence. Paul’s first Corinthian correspondence, specifically 1 Cor 4:14-21, is then comparatively investigated in the light of patronage as dimension of Empire. Paul integrated values such as honour and shame, and used the system of patronage in order to achieve his objectives with the Corinthian community. The socio-rhetorical analysis of this section of Paul’s correspondence investigates socio-cultural, intertextual and ideological aspects of the text. 1 Cor 4:14-21 is the culmination of the first part of Paul’s argument for ὁμόνια (concord), and he empowers his deliberation through patronage. He positions himself uniquely as father of the community, which empowers him with patria potestas (absolute authority). He also describes the way the Corinthians should bestow honour upon themselves. Paul’s use of a challenge-riposte and encomium brings all the weight of his argument to bear, upon his mimetic command to μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε (be imitators of me). The findings of this study indicate that Paul also opposes Empire in various ways. He opposes patronage, when he champions allegiance to an alternative Κύριος (Lord) that represents an alternative kingdom. He acts as a broker between Christ and the community, but the reciprocal relationship consists of shameful behaviour. Paul’s application of patronage does not serve to enhance his social position and poses a significant challenge to the norms of patronage in the Empire. The patent and unresolved tension within his rhetoric stretches between liberal use of patronage, and his opposition of aspects of the imperial order, such as patronage and the abuse of power. This leads to the conclusion that Paul still subjected the attributes of Empire to his own objectives. He had more than a purely political or merely spiritual agenda in mind and ultimately this remains the power and mystery of his argument. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: By die lees van die sendbriewe van Paulus aan die jong Christelike gemeente in Korinte val dit op dat Paulus, hoewel in herderlike trant, vanuit ’n gesagsposisie tot die gemeente spreek. Gesien die tyd waarin Paulus geleef het, ’n tydperk van die bestaan van die magtige Romeinse Ryk, rys die vraag onwillekeurig of Paulus as geestelike leier van opkomende gemeentes nie enigermate deur die heersende Romeinse maatskaplike orde beïnvloed is nie. In die onderhawige studie word die moontlikheid van nader betrag dat die sosiaal-politieke en sosiaalkulturele aspekte van die Romeinse bestel Paulus wel kon beïnvloed het. Die wyse waarop Paulus sodanige orde sou kon aanwend of moontlik teëstaan word ondersoek. Die vertrekpunt is dus om allereers die aard van die Romeinse Ryk - gekenmerk deur ‘n eie muntstelsel, tallose standbeelde, tempels, digkuns, sang en openbare retoriek - in hooftrekke uiteen te sit. Die uitgebreide Ryk het sy mag gevestig en gehandhaaf deur middel van kragdadigheid, retoriek, weldoenerskap en die Keiserkultus. Ter verdieping van die ondersoek word weldoenerskap as onderdeel van die Romeinse sosiaalpolitieke orde in fyner besonderhede beskou. Daaruit blyk dat beskermheerskap ter ondersteuning gedien het ten einde doeltreffender maatskaplike beheer uit te oefen. ‘n Verfynde wisselwerking het - deur middel van die dinamiek van eer, aansien en mag - sosiale verhoudings en gedrag beheer: niemand was teen die woelinge van die sosiale stryd gevrywaar nie. Dit was teen hierdie agtergrond van die werklikheid van die magtige Romeinse imperium dat Paulus met die Korintiërs gekorrespondeer het. Paulus word daarna vergelykenderwys ondersoek aan die hand van die gedeelte uit sy brief aan die Korintiërs soos gevind in 1 Kor 4:14-21. Daarin beroep hy hom op waardes soos eer en skaamte, terwyl hy die stelsel van weldoenerskap aanwend ten einde sy oogmerke met die gemeente te bereik. Die sosio-retoriese analise van hierdie gedeelte van Paulus se sendbrief ondersoek sosiaal-kulturele, intertekstuele en ideologiese aspekte van die brief. 1 Kor 4:14-21 is die hoogtepunt van die eerste gedeelte van Paulus se betoog vir ὁμόνια (eenheid) en hy versterk sy argument deur middel van weldoenerskap. Op uitsonderlike wyse posisioneer hy hom as vader van die gemeente: in sy betoog beklee hy hom met patria potestas (absolute gesag). Paulus se gebruik van ‘n challenge-riposte en van ‘n inkomium verleen groter seggenskrag aan sy direktief om hom na te volg; μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε (volg my na). Die uitkoms van hierdie studie is dat Paulus die imperiale orde ook op verskeie wyses sterk teëstaan. Wat Paulus verkondig het te make met ‘n alternatiewe Κύριος (Heer) en ‘n gans andersoortige koninkryk. Hy tree op as ‘n bemiddelaar (broker) tussen Christus en die gemeenskap, maar poog nie om sosiale bevordering te bewerkstellig, soos bepaal deur die norme van die imperial orde nie. Daar is dus ‘n aanwesige spanning in Paulus se retoriek wat dui daarop dat Paulus dimensies van die Ryk, soos weldoenerskap, ondergeskik gestel het aan sy eie doelwitte. Die slotsom waartoe geraak word, is dat by Paulus meer as suiwer politieke motivering enersyds, of bloot geestelike motivering andersyds, aanwesig was. Hierin is sowel die krag as die misterie van sy betoog geleë.

Thesis (MDiv (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The post-Apartheid South African community is still recognized by dualisms between white and black, rich and poor, public and private, men and women. In this study specific focus has been placed on John 4 which tells the story about the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman with the aim to create a lens through which we can address and breach modern dualism. The focus of the study is the symbolic use of water in the text where it is literary-theologically broken up in order for John to use Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman, to firstly indicate and secondly expose gender, social, political and cultural boundaries in the Ancient-Near East.

This thesis examines the political career of Henry Percy, 1st earl of Northumberland. Chapter one examines the background of the Percy family, and Henry Percy's career in the years leading to his elevation to the earldom of Northumberland. Chapter two considers his relationships with John of Gaunt and the Neville family both at times of crisis and during times of relative stability. It also examines his relationship with the wider political community in the north of England and his role on the Scottish border during the late fourteenth century. Chapter three focuses on the turbulent years of 1399-1403. It offers new interpretations of Percy's participation in the revolution of 1399 and in the events leading to the 1403 rebellion led by his son Henry 'Hotspur'. Chapter four traces the final years of Percy's life from 1404-8. It re-interprets the events leading to his flight to Scotland in 1405, his years there, in Wales and on the continent and his final, fatal return to England in 1408.