This dissertation is a study of the contributions that women made to the early development of Chinese Buddhism during the Northern Wei Dynasty 北魏 (386–534 CE). Working with the premise that Buddhism was patronized as a necessary, secondary arm of government during the Northern Wei, the argument put forth in this dissertation is that women were uniquely situated to play central roles in the development, expansion, and policing of this particular form of state-sponsored Buddhism due to their already high status as a religious elite in Northern Wei society. Furthermore, in acting as representatives and arbiters of this state-sponsored Buddhism, women of the Northern Wei not only significantly contributed to the spread of Buddhism throughout East Asia, but also, in so doing, they themselves gained increased social mobility and enhanced social status through their affiliation with the new, foreign, and wildly popular Buddhist tradition. Throughout the dissertation, stories of empresses, concubines, female bureaucrats, lay devotees, and female members of the Buddhist monastic institution will be studied in order to show the unique connections between women and the Buddhist tradition under the Northern Wei and also to reveal the diversity of roles that they played in the administration of a court-sponsored, imperial Buddhist tradition. In bringing these stories to light, this dissertation will utilize biographical material from the dynastic history of the Northern Wei as well as from a number of previously unstudied epigraphs. Additionally, other forms of inscriptional, religious, and secular materials will be widely consulted in this exploration of the lives of Buddhist women at a time when Buddhism was becoming a state religion in a powerful and ambitious dynasty – the Northern Wei. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

St. Gallen, Univ., Diss., 2007. / Diss.Nr. 3319.

書名據書背. / Thesis (M.A.)--香港中文大學. / Shu ming ju shu bei. / Manuscript. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 384-404). / Thesis (M.A.)--Xianggang Zhong wen da xue. / Chapter 一 --- 古詩 --- p.1 / Chapter 二 --- 古詩 --- p.9 / Chapter 三 --- 古詩 --- p.34 / Chapter 四 --- 古詩 --- p.62 / Chapter 五 --- 古詩 / Chapter 六 --- 古詩 / Chapter 七 --- 近體詩 / Chapter 八 --- 近體詩 / Chapter 九 --- 近體詩 / Chapter 十 --- 近體詩 / Chapter 十一 --- 近體詩 / Chapter 十二 --- 近體詩 / Chapter 十三 --- 近體詩 / Chapter 十四 --- 近體詩 / Chapter 十五 --- 外編 / Chapter 十六 --- 附錄: 主要參考書目

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Dem Geb�rbutterhals (Zervix) kommt als kaudalem bzw. unteren Anteil des Uterus w�hrend der Gravidit�t und Geburt eine besondere Rolle im Reproduktionstrakt zu. Einerseits fungiert die Zervix als uteriner Verschlussapparat, der den Schutz des Embryos bzw. Fetus und dessen Verbleiben im Uterus w�hrend der gesamten Gravidit�t gew�hrleistet. Andererseits muss die Zervix zum Zeitpunkt der Geburt in k�rzester Zeit erweichen und sich auf ein Vielfaches ihres Durchmessers erweitern k�nnen, um die Austreibung der Frucht zu erm�glichen (LEPPERT 1995; RATH et al. 1994; DANFORTH 1983). Um diesen gegens�tzlichen Aufgaben gerecht zu werden, bedarf es extremer geweberemodulierender Vorg�nge in diesem Organ, die unter endokriner Kontrolle von Hormonen wie z.B. �strogenen, Progesteron, Prostaglandinen, Oxytozin und Relaxin stehen (LINDZEY u. KORACH 1999; BRYANT-GREENWOOD u. SCHWABE 1994). Anhand des in der reproduktionsbiologischen Forschung etablierten Primatenmodells Wei�b�schelaffe (Callithrix jacchus) sollte mit der vorliegenden Arbeit ein �berblick �ber hormonelle, durch Relaxin und �stradiol induzierte Ver�nderungen in der Struktur der Extrazellul�ren Matrix des Bindegewebes, der Expression kollagenolytischer Enzyme (Matrix-Metalloproteinasen, MMPs), der Rezeptorexpression sowie der Blutgef��versorgung in der Zervix mittels histologischer, immunhistochemischer und molekularbiologischer Methoden erarbeitet werden. Dazu soll einerseits die Wirkung lokal und systemisch applizierten Relaxins und andererseits die Wirkung systemisch applizierten Relaxins mit der ebenfalls systemisch verabreichten �stradiols verglichen sowie ein m�glicher Kombinations-effekt beider Hormone auf das Gewebe der Zervix untersucht werden. Um direkt einen erweichenden Effekt des Hormons Relaxin auf die Zervix zu untersuchen, wurde ein in vivo-Versuch zur Bestimmung des Zervix-Innendurchmessers vor und nach lokaler Applikation von rekombinantem humanen (rh)Relaxin mittels speziell angefertigter Messr�hrchen unter Allgemeinan�sthesie der Tiere durchgef�hrt. Desweiteren erfolgte die histologische, immunhistochemische und molekularbiologische Untersuchung von Zervices weiblicher Wei�b�schelaffen aus 3 unterschiedlichen Versuchs-gruppen: 1) anatomisch und physiologisch intakte, zyklische Wei�b�schelaffen, 2) intakte, lokal mit rhRelaxin behandelte Tiere und 3) zur Ausschaltung endogener Hormonquellen ovariektomierter Wei�b�schelaffen, denen systemisch rhRelaxin oder 17β-�stradiol bzw. eine Kombination beider Hormone verabreicht wurde sowie einer unbehandelten Kontroll-gruppe. Die Organe wurden nach Entnahme geteilt. Ein Teil wurde f�r die histologischen und immunhistochemischen Untersuchungen in 4%igem Formalin fixiert und in Paraffin eingebettet, wohingegen der andere Organteil f�r die molekularbiologischen Versuche kryokonserviert wurde. Als histologische F�rbemethoden wurden die H�malaun-Eosin-F�rbung f�r einen �berblick �ber die Morphologie der Zervix, die Masson-Trichrom- bzw. Pikrosiriusrot-F�rbung zur Beurteilung der Struktur der kollagenen Fasern der Extrazellul�ren Matrix sowie die Siriusrot-F�rbung zur spezifischen Darstellung der eosinophilen Granulozyten im Gewebe der Zervix durchgef�hrt. Weiterhin wurden durch die Methode der indirekten Immunhistochemie mittels spezifischer Antik�rper die Expression der �strogen- und Progesteronrezeptoren (ERα u. PR), des �strogensynthese-Enzyms 17β-Hydroxysteroid-Dehydrogenase-7 (17βHSD7), des Relaxins und des Relaxinrezeptors LGR7 sowie der kollagenolytischen Enzyme MMP-1, -2 und -9 dargestellt. Zur Ermittlung der Blutgef��anzahl im zervikalen Stroma wurde die Darstellung mittels Aktin-Antik�rpern angewendet. Zur Erg�nzung der immunhistochemischen Untersuchungen zur Proteinexpression der ge-nannten Parameter wurde die Expression des ERα und PR, des LGR7, des Relaxins und des vaskul�ren endothelialen Wachstumsfaktors (VEGF) auf mRNA-Ebene molekular-biologisch durch die Methode der Polymerase-Kettenreaktion (PCR) bestimmt. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Untersuchungen zeigen deutlich, dass sowohl Relaxin als auch �stradiol einen geweberemodulierenden Einfluss auf die Zervix besitzen, wobei vermutlich unterschiedliche Mechanismen einerseits f�r Relaxin und �stradiol und andererseits f�r lokal bzw. systemisch wirkendes Relaxin von Bedeutung sind. Systemisch appliziertes �stradiol vermag die Sekretion des zervikalen Epithels, die Ein-wanderung von eosinophilen Granulozyten und die Expression von MMPs zu stimulieren. Es ist eine deutliche Auflockerung des Bindegewebes zu sehen. Diese Beobachtungen stimmen mit den Ergebnissen der intakten, zyklischen Tiere in der �strogen-dominierten sp�ten Follikelphase �berein. �stradiol scheint weiterhin die Sensibilit�t des zervikalen Gewebes gegen�ber Relaxin durch eine Stimulation der LGR7-Expression positiv zu beeinflussen. Die Behandlung mit Relaxin zeigt deutliche Unterschiede zwischen lokaler und systemischer Hormoneinwirkung. W�hrend eine systemische Relaxinapplikation durch Stimulation der LGR7-Expression im Gewebe die Wirkung lokal produzierten und auto- bzw. parakrin wirkenden Relaxins positiv zu modulieren scheint, ist v.a. nach lokaler Applikation dieses Hormons eine Erh�hung der Gef��anzahl sowie eine deutliche Auflockerung des Binde-gewebes zu sehen, die f�r eine Erweichung des Gewebes spricht, was durch die Erweiterung des Zervix-Innendurchmessers im in vivo-Versuch best�tigt werden konnte. Eine Kombination aus beiden Hormonen f�hrte in bezug auf die untersuchten Parameter zu durchgehend positiven und teilweise die einzeln erzielten Wirkungen �bertreffenden Ergebnissen. Dies l�sst den Schluss zu, dass sich Relaxin und �stradiol in ihren Wirkungen auf die Zervix des Wei�b�schelaffen gegenseitig erg�nzen und best�tigt die Feststellung von HUANG et al. (1997), dass diese beiden Hormone einen synergistischen Effekt auf das Gewebe der Zervix haben, der v.a w�hrend der Geburt eine Rolle spielt und hinsichtlich einer therapeutischen Anwendungen des Relaxins zur Geburtserleichterung bei den Primaten einschlie�lich des Menschen. / The cervix as the caudal or lower part of the uterus plays an important role within the female reproductive tract during pregnancy and parturition. On the one hand it has to protect the intrauterine from the outside milieu and to hold the embryo or fetus in the uterine cavity. On the other hand the cervix has to soften and widen immediately during parturition to deliver the fetus (LEPPERT 1995; RATH et al. 1994; DANFORTH 1983). For these opposed functions of the cervix an extreme tissue remodelling is essential, which is under endocrine control of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, prostaglandins, oxytocin and relaxin (LINDZEY u. KORACH 1999; BRYANT-GREENWOOD u. SCHWABE 1994). The aim of the presented study was to give an overview of the effects of the hormones relaxin and estradiol on the cervical tissue of the Common Marmoset, a well established primate model in reproductive sciences. Especially changes in the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the connective tissue, the expression of collagenolytic enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs), receptor expression and blood vessel supply in the cervix should be analysed using histological, immunohistochemical and molecular biological methods. Therefore on the one hand the effect of locally versus systemically applied recombinant human (rh) relaxin and on the other hand the effect of systemically applied rh relaxin versus systemically applied 17β-estradiol as well as a combined effect of both hormones was to be investigated. First an in vivo experiment was carried out to show directly the softening or widening effect of relaxin on the cervix by measuring the intracervical diameter with special tubes under anesthesia before and after local relaxin treatment. Furthermore cervices from female marmosets of 3 different experimental groups were histologically, immunohistochemically and molecular biologically investigated: 1) anatomically and physiologically intact, cyclic Common Marmosets, 2) intact animals treated locally with rh relaxin and 3) ovariectomized animals systemically treated with rh relaxin, 17β-estradiol or with a combination of both hormones as well as an untreated control group. After euthanasia the organs were taken and separated. One part was fixated in 4% formalin and embedded in paraffin for the histological and immunohistochemical experiments, the other part was conserved at -80�C for the molecular biological investigations. To get an overview of the morphology of the cervix haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-staining was used. Massons trichrom and picrosiriusred-stainings were used to investigate changes in the ECM-structure, especially the collagen fibres, siriusred stainig to show differences in the numbers of eosinophile granulocytes in the cervical tissue. Furthermore the indirect immunohistochemical method by means of specific antibodies was used to investigate the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ERα, PR), the estrogen synthesizing enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-7 (17βHSD7), relaxin and the relaxin receptor (LGR7) as well as the collagenolytic enzymes MMP-1, -2 and -9. The number of blood vessels in the cervical tissue was determined using specific Actin-antibodies. The immuno-histochemical results were completed by molecular biological investigation of the mRNA-expression of ERα, PR, LGR7, relaxin and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results of the presented study show an explicit tissue remodelling effect of both hormones, relaxin and estradiol, whereas different mechanisms for relaxin and estradiol on the one hand and for local and systemically acting relaxin on the other hand could probably exist. Systemically applied estradiol stimulates the secretion of the cervical epithelial cells, the immigration of eosinophile granulocytes and the expression of MMPs. An obvious loosening of the structure of the connective tissue is to be seen. These observations accord with the results from the intact, cyclic animals in the estrogene dominated late follicular phase. Estradiol further seems to have a positive impact on the sensibility of the cervical tissue towards relaxin by stimulating the expression of LGR7. The treatment with rh relaxin shows significant differences between local and systemic hormone application. Systemically applied relaxin seems to induce LGR7-expression and a local relaxin synthesis in the cervical tissue as a mechanism for a positive regulation of local relaxin effects. After local application of rh-relaxin an increased number of blood vessels could be detected as well as a loosening of the connective tissue structure validating an increase in the cervical diameter in the in vivo experiment. The combination of both hormones led to continuous positive and sometimes maximum results compared with the effects of relaxin and estradiol alone with regard to the investigated parameters. In conclusion, relaxin and estradiol seem to interact in their effects on the cervical tissue thus proving the possibility to act synergistically, which is important in physiological situations, especially during the parturition, and for treatment with relaxin under birth for uncomplicated delivery in primates including humans.

Thesis (M.CM)--Hong Kong Baptist University, 2006. / Dissertation submitted to the School of Chinese Medicine. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 22-23).

As one of the most prominent Taiwanese film director, Wei Te-sheng’s films have been the focus of attention from publicity and film prize committees. Most of his film works focus on Japan-Taiwan theme. Based on auteur theory, this thesis examines the colonial and postcolonial relationship between Japanese and Taiwanese by analyzing the Taiwanese film director Wei Te-sheng’s three films, Cape No.7 (2008), Seediq Bale (2011), and Kano (2014). From the historical view in terms of the colonial relationship between Taiwan and Japan, this thesis reveals the Taiwanese’s ambivalence toward its ex-colonizer and explores the reasons behind the particular and complex relationship between Taiwanese and Japanese colonists. Since decentralization is the most noticeable manifestation of such colonial and postcolonial relationship, this thesis also probes into the reason why decentralization evokes nostalgic feelings among Taiwanese. This thesis interprets Wei’s film based on auteur theory. Auteur’s imprint is to be found both in style and basic motifs in Wei’s films as following three distinguished features: non-linear narrative, voiceover, and the use of allusion. There contain two aspects of the colonial relationship reflected on Wei Te-sheng’s films, the oppressor and the oppressed, and the emotional bond. Explanations of paradoxical pro-Japan attitude are manifested in the following two aspects: ineffectiveness of the KMT government, and contribution of Japanese colonial government, including improvement of infrastructure, promotion of economics growth, and colonial education. Three major films directed by Wei have all set in the rural areas. The praise for the energy and enthusiasm of rural dwellers is indicative of the shift in focus from urban to rural areas. Cape No.7 and Kano, reveal that Taiwanese hold a deep emotional appeal for building warm and harmonious communities in a society constantly shaped by industrialization and urbanization. Cape No.7 and Kano have brought a familial sense of community back to the audience. On the island’s mad rush toward modernization, these two films presented what was lost and sacrificed during this process: harmony with nature, a sense of community, time-honored cultural traditions and local cultures and ways of life. The popularity of the two films reflects the audience’s romantic imagination toward the irretrievable rural life, and reveals that they were nostalgic for the close-knit, intimate, direct interpersonal relationships in rural areas. The atomization of existence is associated with the current situation of cities, where each individual human beings is increasingly isolated. Under such circumstances, two films featuring a sense of community evoked a historical retrospection of the urbanization. The seemingly conservative rural areas preserve the precious complex that people aspire to retain, though it might be spotlighted through a reminiscing filter, the close-knit community with intimate, direct and simple interpersonal relationships.

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Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1979.

Confronted with issues, whose (socioeconomic) causes cannot be resolved through the modification of the built environment, architectural interventions may often inadvertently aid the reproduction of the problems they seek to resolve. In eliminating symptoms of social inequality, alienation and marginalization, architecture can legitimize the social order out of which they arise. In such situations, architects’ attempts to concern themselves with narrowly practical concerns are insufficient even to their own aims, and in order to properly address the issues facing it, architecture must simultaneously operate as a vehicle for social critique and political emancipation. In the work of philosopher Slavoj Žižek, a critical-emancipatory intervention corresponds to an emphasis of a constitutive tension and discord (“the gap”) within what is commonly perceived as a stable, neutral background. Critique strives not to explicitly reveal existing problems. Instead, it reveals an inherent inconsistency within an implicit, ideological fantasy of order and harmony that allows us to naturalize these problems. Consequently, the critical-emancipatory potential of architecture resides not in its programmatic content nor in its representational image, but in its capacity to disrupt the reassuring affective texture of ideology. Critique resides in a formally subtle (concerning architecture in its narrowest definition as an affective structure), yet politically radical shift in how problems of everyday life are interpreted and processed; re-introducing a minimal sense of disquietude that is both critical and emancipatory. The disquietude, that marks an absence of a fantasy of order and harmony, can, paradoxically, only be sustained as a product of a formally (representationally) ordered and harmonious appearance. The critical-emancipatory disquietude is not a compromise of the order and harmony, but rather a reflection of its uncompromisingly egalitarian nature.