Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 83-86).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 2005. / Includes abstract and vita. "May 2005." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 220-225).

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-02-15Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:47:00Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 zied_dc_me_botfca.pdf: 731874 bytes, checksum: db00183dc8399bff1cbd0fbe3090bc6f (MD5) / O estudo teve como objetivo analisar diversas camadas de cobertura quanto às propriedades físicas, químicas e microbiológicas em dois ambientes de cultivo e compará-las quanto à conversão energética na produção de basidiomas de Agaricus blazei. A camada de cobertura é um dos fatores que afeta a produção, a qualidade e a uniformidade no cultivo de cogumelos. Cinco combinações de solos foram coletados em duas profundidades (0,2 m e 2 m) “superfície e barranco” e avaliados como camadas de cobertura. O delineamento experimental foi em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 x 2 (cinco combinações de solo, duas profundidades de coleta e dois ambientes de cultivo – Câmara Dalsem Mushroom “ambiente climatizado” e estufa rústica), com 8 repetições cada tratamento. Cada repetição correspondeu a uma caixa com 12 kg de composto (peso úmido) adicionado das camadas de cobertura. As variáveis avaliadas foram: produção por caixa (kg), produtividade (%), eficiência biológica (%), precocidade (%), número e massa de basidiomas (g) e características físicas, químicas e microbiológicas das camadas de cobertura. Verificou-se que as diferentes combinações de solos utilizados nas camadas de cobertura não diferem entre si, em relação à produção, produtividade, eficiência biológica e número de basidiomas, embora tenham sido verificadas diferenças nas massas de basidiomas. Com relação à profundidade de coleta das amostras de solo, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas. Porém, o cultivo realizado na estufa rústica proporcionou maior produção, produtividade, eficiência biológica e número de basidiomas, enquanto que o ambiente climatizado apresentou as maiores massas de basidiomas colhidas ao longo do experimento. Foi verificado correlação positiva entre a produtividade de A. blazei e o teor de silte, densidade do solo, conteúdo de água (saturado)... / The aim of this study is to analyze different casing soils about physical, chemical and microbiological proprieties in two environments of cultivation and compare them about the energetic conversion in the yield of mushroom of Agaricus bisporus. The casing layer is one of the factors that affect the yield, the quality and the uniformity in mushrooms industry. Five combination of soils were collected in two depths (0,2 m and 2,0 m) “ surface and embankment” and considered as casing soil. The experimental design was in factorial setup 5 x 2 x 2 (five combination of soils, two depths and two environments of cultivation – Chamber Dalsem Mushrooms “controlled atmosphere” and Plastic House), with eight repetitions each treatment. Each repetition corresponded to one box with 12 kg of compost (weight wet), added to the casing soils. The analyzed variable were: yield in box (kg), yield (%), biological efficiency (%), precocity (%), number and weight of mushrooms (g) and physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the soils used as casing soils. It was noticed that the different combination of soil used in casing layer aren’t different among each other considering the yield in box, yield, biological efficiency and number of mushrooms, but differences appeared when were compared the weights of mushrooms. Considering the depths of the collected samples, they don’t represent any significant difference. However the cultivation in plastic house provides the biggest yield in box, yield, biological efficiency and number of mushrooms; and the controlled atmosphere has shown the biggest weights of mushrooms in harvest during the experiment...(Complete abstract, click electronic access below)

Le tissu adipeux est un organe complexe qui centralise de nombreuses fonctions métaboliques. La principale est la régulation de la balance énergétique. Depuis quelques années, il est reconnu pour être le siège d’une activité sécrétoire importante dont les produits sont les adipokines. Au cours du développement de l’obésité, il concentre de nombreux dysfonctionnements cellulaires qui vont avoir des répercutions fonctionnelles importantes, sur lui-même, mais également sur d’autres tissus. Ces dysfonctionnements vont êtres à l’origine de nombreuses complications liées à l’obésité dont l’insulino-résistance, le diabète de type II ou les maladies cardiovasculaires. Dans ce cadre, des études épidémiologiques ont montré que la consommation de fruits et légumes avait un impact bénéfique, attribué en partie à certains micronutriments dont les caroténoïdes, sur ces pathologies et sur certains types de cancer. Parmi ces caroténoïdes, le lycopène et le ß-carotène occupent une place importante. Ils représentent les deux principaux caroténoïdes de notre alimentation et sont stockés physiologiquement au niveau du tissu adipeux. Des études ont suggéré qu’ils étaient spécifiquement et individuellement liés à une diminution des pathologies cardiovasculaires et de ses complications. De plus, compte tenu du lien très fort existant entre tissu adipeux, obésité et les pathologies associées, des études ont suggéré qu’il existait une relation entre ces deux caroténoïdes, le tissu adipeux et ces pathologies. Cependant, à ce jour, il n’existe quasiment pas d’explications sur les liens entre ces trois facteurs. Le but de cette thèse est d’apporter les premières pistes explicatives. Nous avons ainsi évalué les effets du lycopène et du ß-carotène sur certains aspects de la biologie du tissu adipeux et des fonctions adipocytaires. Nous montrons que les deux isomères principaux du lycopène (all-trans et 5-cis), son métabolite et le ß-carotène influencent fortement le transcriptome et le microtranscriptome de l’adipocyte. De plus, le lycopène diminue la réponse inflammatoire en réponse à un régime riche en gras via une diminution de l’activité NF-?B, et que un de ses métabolites, l’acide apo-10’-lycopénoïque transactive RAR in vivo dans le tissu adipeux. Il possède également la même capacité antiinflammatoire. Le ß-carotène quant à lui diminue l’adiposité chez des souris. Ce mécanisme est BCMO1 et PPAR? dépendant. Enfin, L’ensemble de nos résultats apportent de nouvelles perspectives et élargissent les connaissances sur ces deux caroténoïdes. Ils sont capables d’influencer de façon importante de nombreuses fonctions adipocytaires en lien avec l’obésité et ses complications dont les maladies cardiovasculaires selon différents mécanismes. / Adipose tissue is a complex organ who exerts several metabolic functions. It is involved in the regulation of the energy balance and since a decade is well known as an exocrine organ who secrets several proteins collectively called adipokines. It is one of the main organs involved in obesity where it concentrates several cellular dysfunctions which will have important physiological consequences such as development of insulin resistance, type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological studies have reported that high consumption of fruits and vegetables is link to a decrease of pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes and cancer; due to the presence of micronutrients notably carotenoids. Among these carotenoids, lycopene and ß-carotene play an important role. They are the main carotenoids in our diet, and are physiologically store in adipose tissue. Furthermore, others studies point that the high consumption or concentration of these compounds in adipose tissue is associated to a decrease of the risk to develop cardiovascular diseases. However, the link between carotenoids, adipose tissue, obesity-associated pathologies is unclear. The aim of this thesis was to bring some explanatory way to this association. An analyze of the transcriptome and microtranscriptome of adipocytes in response to lycopene (all-trans and 5-cis, the two main isomers and the metabolite) and ß-carotene also reveal that these compounds influence a large amount of genes and miRNAs. These effects can also explain a part of the positives effects attributed to these carotenoids. We found that lycopene decrease the inflammatory state of adipose tissue in response to a high fat diet. This phenomenon is explained by a decrease of the NF-?B activity. We also found that a metabolite of lycopene, the apo-10’-lycopenoic acid is able to transactivate RAR in vivo in different tissues included adipose tissue and possess the same anti inflammatory property than all-trans lycopene. In another article, we show that, a diet rich in ß-carotene in mouse lead to a decrease of adiposity. This effect is BCMO1 and PPAR? dependant. This enzyme, BCMO1, seems to play a key role in adipose tissue. Taking all these results together, we open new ways related to the effect of lycopene and ß- carotene on adipose tissue. These results can explain at least in part the benefic effects observed in several studies.

Why do ordinary individuals participate in mass violence perpetrated against civilians? That is the question I will attempt to answer in the following paper. I consider these men ordinary to the extent that the majority was not socially deviant. Looking at the case of Nazi Germany, two groups stand out as good case studies: the SS Einsatzgruppen and the SS cadres in the Death camps. The following analysis will focus on the motivations of these men to commit mass murder. I argue for a causal sequence of action, beginning with the onset of Nazi ideology, further followed by the dehumanization of the victim and the brutalization of the perpetrator. I will demonstrate how the ideology present during German interwar society influenced these men into participation. Dehumanization and brutalization are complimentary factors that push these men into action.

This master thesis is devoted to a design for methodology of BI projects in QlikView. The main aim is to propose a recommended procedure solutions reflecting the strengths and weaknesses in the development of QlikView applications. Accompanying chapter to the discussed issue is a chapter Business Intelligence which explains the principles, characteristics and reasons for implementation in companies. Part of defining the differences between traditional and self-service solutions serves as a theoretical basis for understanding the increasing attractiveness of self-service solutions and environment of the proposed methodology. The next chapter presents the company Qlik as a market leader in BI and the owner of QlikView. The reasons for its establishment, subsequent development and actual vision are listed to create a comprehensive view of the environment where the described product was created. Along with the chapter focusing on characteristics and main advantages of QlikView a knowledge base is established for the implementation of proposed methodology. Crucial chapter of this thesis is based on the author's experience gained while implementing QlikView projects. The proposed methodology is based on the description of each phase, its activities, inputs and outputs and its concrete application in a demo environment for the area of receivables in manufacturing company. The key contribution of the author is pointing out potential problems during development or warning about critical parts or providing appropriate recommendations and benefits of the proposed procedures. The designed methodology can serve as a useful guide for self-service projects implemented the QlikView environment.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第22369号 / 医博第4610号 / 新制||医||1043(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 大森 孝一, 教授 富樫 かおり, 教授 山下 潤 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

The surface and interface of the metal nanoclusters and semiconducting nanomaterials play a key role in determining the electronic structure and overall photophysical properties. A single strand DNA stabilizes the metal nanoclusters, but it also influences the structural change, solvation free energy, and photophysical properties. On the other hand, surface and interface states in Pb and Cd chalcogenide nanomaterials affect the phonon mediated hot carrier relaxation. We applied DFT and DFT based non-adiabatic dynamics methods to study the surface and interface?s effects on the photoexcited processes. In the first part, we have studied the Ag nanoclusters' photophysical properties that are affected by the structural isomers, redox potential, nucleobase passivation, and cluster size. Ag nanoclusters are shown alternative reduction potential, which makes nanoclusters of singlet spin multiplicity thermodynamically favorable. Besides, the optically bright transition in the range of 2.5-3.5 eV is shown metal to ligand charge transfer. It is modulated by the s+p+d orbital mixing in the hole and electron states. We also simulate the charge transfer from the photoexcited PbS QD to organic dye (PDI) attached to the QD surface. Depending on the linker group and the dipole moment of neighboring passivating ligands, the PDI-QD conformations are varies. In response to structural change, the total dipole moment is modulated, changing its electronic structure and hence the photoexcited electron transfer rate from the PbS QD to PDI. We also investigate the inorganic-inorganic interactions in the PbCl2 bridged PbSe NPL and PbSe|CdSe Janus heterostructure. The energy dissipation rate of hot electrons is slower in NPL than the hot hole, while hot e-h relaxed to the band-edge by ?1.0ps in the QD. The slower relaxation rate is rationalized by a large average intraband energy difference and smaller coupling term. Besides, the hot carriers in the NPL are spatially separated by ?1.00 ps, which is a favorable condition for the carrier multiplication process. In Janus QD, (100) interfacial layer creates a structural mismatch in the CdSe part. Besides, the energy offset between the valance localized on PbSe and CdSe part is minimum in the PbSe Janus QD of an interface of (111) facet.

This investigation examines the origins and function of the Napolas, boarding schools for the Third Reich’s future elite, before 1945 and demonstrates how those connected to the schools rehabilitated their experiences as students and teachers in the early postwar period and in the years since reunification. Between 1933 and 1945, the Napolas recruited racially valuable children and prepared them for leadership roles in Nazi Germany’s Thousand-Year Reich. The schools’ emphasis upon racial purity and premilitary training caught the attention of Heinrich Himmler and the SS. The appointment of August Heißmeyer, a high-ranking SS official, to the position of Napola inspector in 1936 opened the door for closer relations between the two organizations. Although the Napolas remained formally under the auspices of the Reich Education Ministry for the entirety of the Nazi dictatorship, the schools were gradually absorbed into the SS’ sphere of influence after 1936. The Napolas ceased to exist with the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. Due to the Napolas’ past ties to the SS, one of seven organizations deemed criminal by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, former administrators, teachers, and pupils of the schools were caught in the crosshairs of the Allied denazification program. Legal changes in the U.S. Occupation Zone in March 1946 gave Napola apologists an opportunity to challenge Allied accusations regarding the Napolas’ past as Nazi sites of indoctrination. As a result, a collective defense of the Napolas began to emerge, growing in repute and complexity as the denazification process continued. By 1949, the Napolas’ “postwar legend,” an exonerative tale of the schools’ history during the Third Reich, had not only stalled prosecution indefinitely, but also successfully reintegrated alumni into West German society. The postwar myth that exonerated the schools survived challenges during the Bonn Republic more or less unscathed. The willingness of former Napola pupils to recast their experiences as Nazi elite students in a positive light indicates that the Napolas’ postwar legend has lost none of its persuasiveness in unified Germany. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / This investigation examines the legacy of the Third Reich through the prism of education. After the collapse of the Nazi regime in 1945, the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union and France divided Germany into four zones of occupation and introduced a wide-ranging program of denazification. Former administrators, teachers and pupils of the Napolas, boarding schools for the Third Reich’s future elite, were among those affected by the purge. The Napolas had enjoyed an intimate relationship to Heinrich Himmler’s SS between 1936 and 1945, due in large part to the schools’ emphasis on racial purity and premilitary training. Yet Napola apologists responded to postwar prosecution by denying the schools’ role in Nazi plans for European domination. Their constructed memories rehabilitated the Napolas’ postwar image and successfully reintegrated alumni into West German society. The Napolas’ “postwar legend” has since become the defining characteristic of Napola alumni associations’ collective identities.

The asthenosphere, a weak layer beneath the rigid lithosphere, plays a fundamental role in the operation of plate tectonics and mantle convection. While this layer is often characterized by low seismic velocity and high seismic attenuation, the global structure of the asthenosphere remains poorly understood. In this dissertation, twelve years of SS precursors reflected off the top and bottom of the asthenosphere, namely, the LAB and the 220-km discontinuity, are processed to investigate the boundaries of the asthenosphere at a global scale. Finite-frequency sensitivities are used in tomography to account for wave diffraction effects that cannot be modeled in global ray-theoretical tomography. Strong SS precursors reflected off the LAB and the 220-km discontinuity are observed across the global oceans and continents. In oceanic regions, the LAB is characterized by a large velocity drop of about 12.5%, which can be explained by 1.5%-2% partial melt in the oceanic asthenosphere. The depth of the Lithosphere Asthenosphere Boundary is about 120 km, and its average depth is independent of seafloor age. This observation supports the existence of a constant-thickness plate in the global oceans. The base of the asthenosphere is imaged at a depth of about 250 km in both oceanic and continental areas, with a velocity jump of about ∼ 7% across the interface. This finding suggests that the asthenosphere in oceanic and continental regions share the same defining mechanism. The depth perturbations of the oceanic 220-km discontinuity roughly follow the seafloor age contours. The 220-km topography is smoother beneath slower-spreading seafloors while it becomes rougher beneath faster-spreading seafloors. In addition, the roughness of the 220-km discontinuity increases rapidly with spreading rate at slow spreading seafloors, whereas the increase in roughness is much slower at fast spreading seafloors. This observation indicates that the thermal and compositional structures of seafloors formed at spreading centers may have a long-lasting impact on asthenospheric convections. In continental regions, a broad correlation is observed between the 220-km discontinuity depth structure and surface tectonics. For example, the 220-km discontinuity depth is shallower along the southern border of the Eurasian plate as well as the Pacific subduction zones. However, there is no apparent correlation between 3-D seismic wavespeed in the upper mantle and the depths of the 220-km discontinuity, indicating that secular cooling has minimum impact on the base of the asthenosphere. / Doctor of Philosophy / In classic plate tectonic theory, the outermost shell of the Earth consists of a small number of rigid plates (lithosphere) moving horizontally on the mechanically weak asthenosphere. In the classic half space cooling (HSC) model, the lithosphere is formed by gradual cooling of the hot mantle. Therefore, the thickness of the plate depends on the age of the seafloor. The problem with the HSC model is that bathymetry and heat flow measurements at old seafloors do not follow its predicted age dependence. A modified theory, called plate cooling model, can better explain those geophysical observations by assuming additional heat at the base of an oceanic plate with a constant thickness of about 125 km. However, such a constant-thickness plate has not been observed in seismology. In this thesis, the asthenosphere boundaries are imaged using a global dataset of seismic waves reflected off the Earth's internal boundaries. Strong reflections from the top of the asthenosphere are observed across all major oceans. The amplitudes of the SS precursors can be explained by 1.5%-2% of partial melt in the asthenosphere. The average boundary depths are independent of seafloor age, and this observation supports the existence of a constant-thickness plate in the global oceans with a complex origin. The 220-km discontinuity, also called the Lehmann Discontinuity, was incorporated in the Preliminary Reference Earth Model in the 1980's to represent the base of the asthenosphere. However, the presence and nature of this boundary have remained controversial, particularly in the oceanic regions. In contrast to many studies which suggest the 220-km discontinuity does not exist in the global oceans, SS precursors reflected from this interface are observed across the oceanic regions in this thesis. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between the topography of the 220-km discontinuity and seafloor spreading rate. Specifically, the 220-km discontinuity is smoother beneath slower-spreading seafloors and much rougher beneath faster-spreading seafloors. In addition, the roughness increases faster at slowerspreading seafloors while much more gradual at faster-spreading seafloors. This indicates a close connection between seafloor spreading and mantle convections in the asthenosphere, and seafloors have permanent memories of their birth places. Different melting processes at slow and fast spreading centers produce seafloors with different physical and chemical properties, modulating convections in the asthenosphere and ultimately shaping the topography of the 220-km discontinuity. Reflections from the 220-km discontinuity are also observed across the global continental regions. In addition, the 220-km discontinuity beneath the continents is comparable to that under oceanic regions in terms of their average depth (∼ 250 km) and velocity contrast across the discontinuity (∼ 7%). In continental regions, there is a general connection between the 220-km depth structure and plate tectonics. For example, the boundary is shallower along the southern border of the Eurasian plate from the Mediterranean region to East Asia where mountain belts were formed as a result of collision between the Eurasian plate and the Nubian, Arabian and Indian plates. Depth perturbations of the 220-km discontinuity are also observed along the Pacific subduction zones including the Cascadia Subduction Zone, Peru-Chile Trench and Japan-Kuril Kamchatka Trench. In addition, depth anomalies are mapped in the interior of continents, for example, along the foothills of high topography in the interior of the Eurasian plate, which may be controlled by far-field convection associated with the convergent processes at the plate boundaries.