in English The idea of gated communities was coined in the USA in 1970s and was a result of the post-modern period and suburbanization. During modernization, cities had gone through social, cultural, political, and economical revisions. Consequently, business and residential areas in the city continued to evolve and create new forms. Following this period gated communities offered new understanding of life, security, relations, and status. Subsequently, the phenomenon has rapidly spread all around the world after the 1980s. Istanbul was introduced to the idea of gated communities in 1980s as a result of globalization by following a new vision of a Global City. Being the historical, cultural, and economic center of Turkey, Istanbul holds a great value in terms of social and economical investments. Following the international neoliberal economic trends, Istanbul has attracted many investors and a large labor force. Consequently, the rising demand of housing and business areas invigorated the real estate market in Istanbul, and gated communities were seen as a modern way of housing. As a result, a variety of gated communities were built in Istanbul to meet this new demand. In this research, the social and cultural reasons for livıng in the gated communities and their impacts towards to its residents...

Voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels are known to cause serious disease upon their malfunction. Kv channels desensitised to voltage show inability to fully repolarise the membrane in excitable cells, which can make the membrane hyperexcited and in turn cause seizures such as in epilepsy, periodic ataxia or heart arrhythmia. Therefore, enhancers of Kv channels could serve as potential drugs. Some of these enhancers are polyunsaturated fatty acids and resin-acids which bind at the proteinlipid surface and affect the movement of the voltage sensor in the channel by a mechanism called the lipoelectric effect. To explore the lipoelectric modulation mechanism, we have performed an extensive computational study including docking and molecular dynamics simulations on resin-acid derivatives added to a model potassium channel called Shaker. Four derivatives, Wu32 and Wu50 that excite the channel and thus induce repolarisation of the membrane, as well as Wu18 and Wu27, who were found to be non-potent in previous experimental studies, have helped to point out a novel binding site in Shaker. The site is located between the pore and voltage-sensing domain of the channel and is in direct contact with the first gating charge arginine, R1, and the residue W454. We hypothesize that it is possible for resinacid derivatives to directly bind to the voltage-sensor when it is in an activated state, prolonging the time Shaker stays open. Further experimental studies on Shaker and human homologs are now needed to test our hypothesis. Therefore, we suggest recording the sensitivity of Shaker towards potent derivatives in combination with mutations of W454. If our findings of the novel binding site are correct, the suitability of Shaker as a model system for human Kv channel modulation by lipoelectric modulators can be questioned as W454 is replaced by small hydrophobic side chains in mammalian Shaker homologs.

Les inégalités sociales et les politiques menées par les pouvoirs publics ont contribué à l'expansion de l'habitat précaire et spontané au Brésil. A Rio de Janeiro, les formes d'habitat populaire montrent une évolution au fil du temps, en s'adaptant aux différentes politiques urbaines et au développement urbain de la ville. L'habitat populaire, malgré son caractère spontané, accompagne ainsi les transformations urbaines. Depuis 2000, une nouvelle forme d'habitat populaire et spontané surgit aux abords d'une ancienne autoroute industrielle de la ville de Rio de Janeiro, l'Avenida Brasil. Il s'agit de l'invasion d'anciens terrains d'usines abandonnées par des habitants des favelas. Le processus d'occupation des terrains, la conversion de l'espace en habitat, et les règles établies à l'intérieur de celui-ci révèlent que les invasions présentent un nouveau cas de figure dans le cadre de l'habitat populaire spontané à Rio de Janeiro, que l'on dénomme « copropriété de fait ». Ce travail de recherche pose la question de la représentation de ce nouveau type d'habitat dans la ville et dans la société actuelle. Nous avons étudié le développement du territoire de la ville et de la favela d'origine des occupants, ainsi que les différentes politiques publiques concernant l'habitat précaire pour comprendre la production des « copropriétés de fait » et leur rapport avec l'évolution urbaine à Rio de Janeiro. L'analyse de l'espace construit de l'invasion se développe en relation avec l'espace social communautaire et révèle des nouvelles pratiques, issues de la forme d'habitat populaire en copropriété / Social inequalities and the policies of the public service contributed to the expansion of poor and spontaneous housing in Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, the types of popular housings evolved through time, adjusting themselves to the different urban policies and to the city's urban development. Despite its spontaneous character, popular housings go along with urban transformation. Since 2000 a new type of popular and spontaneous housing has arisen on the borders of an old industrial highway called ‘Avenida Brasil', located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Inhabitant from favelas invaded old lands of abandoned factories. The process of occupation of the lands, the conversion of space into housing, and the rules established therein, reveal that this type of invasion – ‘de facto shared ownership' – is a new case in terms of popular spontaneous housing in Rio de Janeiro. This research raises the question of the representation of this new type of housing in the city and in the actual society. I studied the urban development planning of the favelas of which the occupants came from originally, and the different public policies concerning precarious housing in order to understand the ‘de facto shared ownership' as a product of the urban evolution of Rio de Janeiro. The analysis of the constructed space of housing is developed in relation to urban and community social space. It stresses the transformation of a culture produced from the marginality of space in the city, and which is articulated to the type of co-ownership housing

No description available.

A study was done at Steve Biko Academic hospital to determine the influence that respiratory gating will have on target volumes used in radiotherapy treatment planning. The primary objective was to compare target volumes of respiratory gated scans to ungated scans and to determine whether it will be meaningful to permanently implement a 4D respiratory gating system on CT scanners in the South African public health sector and to use these images for target volume delineation in radiotherapy planning. The study consisted of three sections. In the first section, 4D respiratory gated CT images were obtained and delineated with 4D software. The full-inspiration and full-expiration phases of the gated scans were then fused to obtain ungated images which were also delineated. The gross tumor volumes (GTVs) of the gated phases were compared to the ungated GTVs, and found that on average the volumes decreased by 14.63% with a standard deviation of 7.96% when gating was applied. Yet another aim was to determine the influence that 4D imaging will have on radiotherapy treatment planning. One of the 4D study sets was imported to the XIO treatment planning system where IMRT treatment plans were created on both the gated and ungated scans. The plans conformed to the treatment aims and restrictions when clinical parameters such as DVHs were used to evaluate it. The planned target volume coverage differed by less than 1% between the gated and the ungated plans, but significant dose reductions to the OARs of up to 32.65% to the contralateral lung were recorded on the gated plan. In the second section of this study, respiratory gated CT scans were simulated by applying the breath-hold technique to lung cancer patients. The technique was applied during full-inspiration which fundamentally represents the maximum peak of the sinusoidal respiratory waveform. An ungated scan was also acquired during normal respiration. The clinical target volumes (CTVs) were identified on both scans by three oncologists and the average CTVs were compared. It was found that the CTVs decreased significantly by an average of 14.33%. Palliative patients receive parallel opposing field therapy which is planned from 2D films. It is very unlikely that these opposing field sizes will differ when gating is applied. It was therefore concluded that only radical lung patients, which was estimated to be a mere 0.03% of the total radiation therapy patient population, will benefit by implementing respiratory gating or any motion-reduction technique. For the third section of the study, respiratory gated PET scans were acquired on a PET/CT scanner to evaluate external, non-technical parameters that will influence respiratory gating. The results indicated that time and patient participation were not limiting factors. The biggest concerns however were the effectiveness of the gating system, software limitations and the gated results. These problems might be minimized with thorough training on the system. All three sections as well as the financial implications were considered to conclude that it will not be meaningful to implement 4D respiratory gating techniques in the South African public health sector Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Medical Oncology / unrestricted

This thesis reports the light emission in ion gel gated, thin film organic semiconductor transistors and investigates the light emission mechanism behind these devices. We report that ion gel gated organic polymer semiconductor transistors emit light when the drain source voltage is swept slightly beyond the energy gap of the polymer divided by the elementary charge (Vds > Eg/e). In particular, the light emission in poly(9,9'-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole)(F8BT) polymer semiconductor, with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumbis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide/ poly(styrene-block-ethylene oxide-block-styrene) (EMIM TFSI/ SOS) ion gel as dielectric material is reported. The current-voltage characteristics corresponding to the light emission, where the systematic increase of the drain current, correlated with light emission is reported. In low voltage regime, (Vds < Eg/e), well saturated transistor characteristics are observed. By charge modulation spectroscopy (CMS) study we show that there is a prominent electrochemical doping occurring with gate voltages. Further, owing to the movement of ions with voltages,irrespective of the location of electrodes, we show that the ion gel, bilayer planar devices emit light in Vds > Eg/e regime (without any gate voltages), at room temperature. Based on thelocation of the recombination zone in the proximity of electron injecting electrode and CMS results showing prominent di ffusion of negative ions into the polymer layer, we conclude that the light emitting mechanism is akin to light emitting electrochemical cells (LECs). Even in the the transistor regime, where Vds << Eg/e, with the signatures of increasing drain current for fixed Vg and Vds values, we show that the transistor can not be of purely electrostatic operation alone. We study the fluorescence quenching of an operating bilayer device under a constant bias over a period of time and compare the results with the electroluminescence of the device and show that the formation of the p-n junction within the polymer layer due to the penetrated ions from the gel dielectric into the polymer semiconductor layer on the application of the voltage is the cause behind the light emission. We show that diffusivity of the cation (EMIM) is very low compared to the anion (TFSI). This is consistent with the fact that the recombination zone is near theelectron injecting electrode in these devices. We have developed a theoretical model for the ions movement within the semiconductor polymer matrix governed by both diffusion and drift independently, for the bilayer, polymer ion gel planar, light emitting electrochemical cells. We have further developed a 2- dimensional numerical modelbased on the theoretical model and have compared the results of the numerical model with theresults of a fluorescence probing of the bilayer device with time, at constant potential across the bilayer LEC and report that the drift coefficient of 1x10⁻¹³ cm²/V.s and a diffusion coefficient of 1 x 10⁻¹⁵cm²/V.s for TFSI ions in F8BT matrix.

In lipid membranes lacking activating lipids, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor adopts an uncoupled conformation that binds ligand, but does not transition into an open conformation. Understanding the mechanisms of lipid-dependent uncoupling is essential to understanding lipid-nAChR interactions, which may be implicated in pathological conditions such as nicotine addition. Here, I tested two structural features of a proposed uncoupling method to elucidate the mechanism of lipid-dependent uncoupling. First, infrared measurements and electrophysiological characterization performed in prokaryotic homologues indicate that lipid sensitivity is largely controlled by the most peripheral α-helix in the transmembrane domain, M4. My data show that tighter association of M4 with the adjacent M1 and M3 transmembrane α-helices decreases a receptor’s propensity to adopt a lipid-dependent uncoupled conformation. Second, I indirectly tested the hypothesis that uncoupling results from a conformational change at the extracellular/transmembrane domain interface that leads to an increased separation between the two domains and ultimately to a constriction of the channel pore. Finally, biophysical studies presented in this dissertation shed light on the complex binding of a number of non-competitive channel blockers to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel pore in both the resting and desensitized states. The data provide further insight into the structural rearrangements that occur upon uncoupling of ligand binding and gating in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Voltage-gated Ca2+ (Cav) channels are activated upon depolarization. They specifically allow Ca2+ ions to come into the cell. These Ca2+ ions are bi-functional because they not only control cell excitability but also couple electrical activity to complex downstream signaling events, such as excitation-contraction coupling in muscles and neurotransmitter release in neurons. In the brain, Cav channels are expressed in the pre- or post-synaptic membrane of most excitable cells, neurons. In the past few years, their expression and function have also been characterized in many nonexcitable cells such as astrocytes. This dissertation focuses on the regulation of one subtype of postsynaptic Cav channels, Cav1.2, in neurons. In the first part of chapter I, I provide a literature overview of Cav channels in terms of their subtypes, localizations, physiological functions, and biophysical properties. For years, Cav channels were studied as single entities. But now, based on multiple proteomic studies, we know that these channels actually do not live alone. They interact with numerous proteins depending on the physiological conditions. Such interactions can anchor the channels to optimal sites of action, and tether Cav channels to their modulatory molecules. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how Cav channels are regulated by their macromolecular assembly. Among these protein partners, our lab studied the regulation of Cav channels by a subset of PDZ-domain containing proteins. Because these proteins play an important role in scaffolding and they colocalize with both pre- and post-synaptic Cav channels. Indeed, previous studies from our lab and other groups have revealed that PDZ proteins participate in a multitude of Cav regulation. The second part of chapter I introduces the diverse modulation of neuronal Cav channels by numerous PDZ proteins. In neurons, Cav1.2 channels regulate neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. Their functions have been implicated in learning, memory, and mood regulation. A study published in the journal Lancet showed that the gene encoding Cav1.2 is a common risk factor for five major psychiatric disorders. A PDZ protein, densin-180 (densin) is an excitatory synapse protein that promotes Ca2+-dependent facilitation of voltage-gated Cav1.3 Ca2+ channels in transfected cells. Mice lacking densin exhibit similar behavioral phenotypes that closely match those in mice lacking Cav1.2. In chapter II and III, we investigated the functional impact of densin on Cav1.2 channels and their auxiliary subunit β2a. Besides the regulation of Cav channels by their interactome, we have also known for a long time that Ca2+ currents undergo a negative feedback regulation. This regulation is called Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI) and it is mediated by Ca2+ that directly traverses the pore. CDI has been described for Cav channels in multiple cell types. In the heart, CDI prevents excessively long cardiac action potentials, which in turn can prevent activity-dependent arrhythmia. In neurons, CDI may be neuroprotective by preventing excitotoxic Ca2+ overloads. In the last 18 years, two essential components have been revealed in the mechanism of CDI. One is the protein calmodulin (CaM). CaM interacts directly with sites on the C-terminus of Cav channels. It binds to the incoming Ca2+ ions and produces a mysterious conformational change that determines the conductance of the channel. The other molecular player is Cavβ protein family. Cavβ comprises four subfamilies β1 through β4, which generally enhance the channel inactivation, except β2a. In chapter IV, Xiaohan Wang from Roger Colbran’s lab in Vanderbilt University, and I identified a new molecular determinant for Cav1.2 CDI. The α2δ subunit is an extracellular component of the Cav channel complex. Similar to Cavβ subunits, α2δ subunits are essential for the biophysical properties, surface level, and trafficking of Cavα1 subunits. There are four isoforms of α2δ subunits (α2δ1 to α2δ4). They display distinct tissue distributions. Although the roles of α2δ subunits in Cav channel regulation were studied extensively, studies have proposed that the function of α2δ subunits may be in part or entirely independent of Cav channel complex, such as synaptogenesis. Considering the important role of α2δ in physiology and pathology, it is imperative to identify the factors that regulate the properties of α2δ. In chapter V, I explored the trafficking dynamics of α2δ1 and revealed a potential regulator of α2δ1 for its protein stability and localization. One beauty of doing research is that it always motivates us to think and ask more questions on our journey of demystifying nature. While looking at the evidence that I find, I realize how much more we could do in the future. In chapter VI, I conclude the findings of each chapter and share my perspectives on the future direction for these research projects.

In this work several algorithms for diaphragm detection in 2D views of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) raw data are developed. These algorithms are tested on 21 Siemens megavoltage CBCT scans of lungs and the result is compared against the diaphragm apex identified by human experts. Among these algorithms dynamic Hough transform is sufficiently quick and accurate for motion determination prior to radiation therapy. The diaphragm was successfully detected in all 21 data sets, even for views with poor image quality and confounding objects. Each CBCT scan analysis (200 frames) took about 38 seconds on a 2.66 GHz Intel quad-core 2 CPU. The average cranio-caudal position error was 1.707 ± 1.117 mm. Other directions were not assessed due to uncertainties in expert identification.

Ejektionsfraktion (EF) är ett mått på den globala systoliska vänsterkammarens funktion. EF är en viktig parameter för den systoliska vänsterkammare funktionen eftersom de terapeutiska samt prognostiska fattade besluten bygger på bland annat detta mått, vilket normalt är ≥ 55 % av slutdiastolisk volym. Vid beräkning av EF används bland annat tvådimensionell (2D) ekokardiografi (2D-EKO) samt myokardscintigrafi i vila (GSPECT). Utifrån 2D-EKO erhålls EF med Biplan Simpson metoden tillämpad i fyrkammarvy och tvåkammarvy i slutdiastole och slutsystole. Med GSPECT i vila erhålls EF värden utifrån QPS och QGS bilderna efter att en automatisk utlinjering av endokardiets konturer genomförts med hjälp av Hermes Medical solution. Syftet med studien var att se om det föreligger en signifikant skillnad för uppmätt EF mellan Myokardscintigrafi (GSPECT) och 2D Ekokardiografi i vila. Studien innefattade 30 deltagare. Deltagarnas uppgifter avidentifierades och inhämtades från tidigare genomförd 2D-EKO respektive GSPECT i vila, med högst 6 månaders mellanrum av legitimerade Biomedicinsk Analytiker. Resultatet av studien förevisade ett p – värde (p=0,000) <0,1% samt r-värde (r = 0,65.) Vilket indikerar på en stark och signifikant korrelation däremot förekommer det en bristande uppnåelse av överstämmelse mellan metoderna utifrån spridningsdiagrammet som ger ( r^2= 0,42). Bland Altmandiagammet noterar att ett gott samband mellan metoderna föreligger och även så gör standardavvikelse för 2D-EKO samt GSPECT som påvisade (50.1±¬¬10,8) respektive (49,1± 15,1). Studien förevisade goda övergripande korrelationer mellan EF härstammande från 2D-EKO och GSPECT. Sammantaget visade studien att metoderna överensstämmer med varandra vid mätning av EF. / Ejection fraction (EF) is a measure of the global systolic left chamber function. EF is a significant parameter for the systolic left ventricle function since therapeutic and prognostic conclusions are based on the left chamber ejection fraction. EF is normally ≥ 55% of the end-diastolic volume. Left ventricle ejection fraction can be determined non-invasively by 2D echocardiography (2D – ECHO) and gated single photon emission computed tomography. Based on 2D echocardiography (2D-ECHO), EF was obtained using the biplane Simpson method applied in four-chamber view and two- chamber views in both end diastole and end systole. With myocardial perfusion (GSPECT), EF values were obtained based on the QPS- and QGS- images after an automatic orientation of endocarditis contours were carried out by Hermes Medical solution. The purpose of this report was to see if there is a significant difference in (EF) between (GSPECT) and (2D-ECHO) at rest. The study included 30 participants. EF values were attained by licensed biomedical scientist. Participants' data were de-characterized and obtained from previously performed Echocardiography (2D-ECHO) and myocardial perfusion (GSPECT) at rest examination at intervals of no more than 6 months. The outcomes of the study showed (p=0.000) <0.1% and (r = 0.65) thus representing a strong and significant correlation, however there is a lack of consistency between the methods based on the scattering chart that gives (r^2 = 0.42). Bland Altman's illustration state that a good correlation between the methods exists and so does standard deviation for 2D-ECHO and Myocardial perfusion (GSPECT) as demonstrated (50.1±10.8) and (49.1±15.1) respectively. The study showed good overall correlations between EF derived from (2D ECHO) and Myocardial perfusion (GSPECT). In conclusion, the statistics demonstrated that the methods are comparable to each other when measuring EF.