Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / eaders and governments using mechanisms to maintain national interest, power, and security. One such instrument is the use of coercive force or compellence. Compellence is a strategy of control designed to impose change, using limited military or non-military methods, upon an opponent. The United States implements compellence policy through a mixture of key actors who portray powerful images to the rest of the world. Its leaders reinforce these images internally (with self, local, regional, cultural ties) and externally (with others based, foreign perception on a larger international scope). As U.S.-led forces in Iraq affect America's image throughout the Middle East and the world, its image of Iraq remains opaque due to U.S. perception and misperception. Is compellence policy conducive to future U.S.-Iraqi relations? How effective is it? And why did U.S. compellence policy in Iraq succeed on some levels and not on others? This thesis examines the effectiveness of U.S. compellence policy as a viable method in U.S.-Iraqi relations from 1990 to 2003. Key operations and players will be evaluated and an analysis will explore political, social and economic levels of effectiveness of compellence policy in Iraq. / Civilian, Department of Navy

Strain within the crust is accommodated along vertical gradients, but a general characterization is difficult given the heterogeneity of the earth's outermost layer. The western termination of the Chugach metamorphic complex in southern Alaska includes a uniquely well exposed crustal section ideal for obtaining the vertical profile of a crustal section. Field studies in this area resulted in the characterization of deformational fabric and analysis of finite strain magnitude and orientation. These observational data provide constraints for kinematic modeling following results presented in Teyssier and Cruz (2004). By optimizing the fit between field data, finite strain analysis, and modeling, a complex ductile stratification of the crust is inferred. I conclude that strain was concentrated within the lower crust, becoming more diffuse in upper ductile levels. This unconventional crustal stratification and vertical strain gradient was consistent with an anomalously high thermal gradient created by the adjacent subducting spreading ridge.

Although it is known that the regenerative function of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) declines with age, causal mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not understood. Here, we systematically analyze subventricular zone (SVZ) NSPCs, in various groups of rats across the aging spectrum, using in vitro and in vivo histological and behavioral techniques. These studies indicate that although NSPC function continuously declines with advancing age, there is a critical time period during middle age (13-15 months) when a striking reduction in NSPC survival and regeneration (proliferation and neuronal differentiation) occurs. The studies also indicate that this specific temporal pattern of NSPC deterioration is functionally relevant at a behavioral level and correlates with the decreasing expression of the redox-sensitive transcription factor, Nrf2, in the NSPCs. When Nrf2 expression was suppressed in 'young' NSPCs, using short interfering RNAs, the survival and regeneration of the NSPCs was significantly compromised and mirrored 'old' NSPCs. Conversely, Nrf2 overexpression in 'old' NSPCs rendered them similar to 'young' NSPCs, and they showed increased survival and regeneration. Furthermore, examination of newborn Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2-/-) mice revealed a lower number of SVZ NSPCs in these animals, when compared to wild-type controls. In addition, the proliferative and neurogenic potential of the NSPCs was also compromised in the Nrf2-/- mice. These results identify a novel regulatory role for Nrf2 in NSPC function during aging and have important implications for developing NSPC-based strategies to support healthy aging and to treat age-related neurodegenerative disorders.

The New Madrid Seismic Zone is well known for its historical seismicity, most notably the 1811-12 New Madrid, MO earthquakes and to a lesser extent the 1895 Charlston, MO earthquake. It has been 124 years since an earthquake larger than M 5.1 occurred in the area. The debate of whether the New Madrid Seismic Zone is an active system or a system in decline has remained a contentious topic when interpreting the intricacies and challenges of an intraplate seismic system. This thesis focuses on an overlooked parameter in the already complex issue regarding the seismic hazard of the New Madrid Seismic Zone. In the early part of the 20th century the Little River Drainage District excavated 9.7 x 109 metric tons of overburden and drained approximately 5000 km2 from within the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Our model demonstrates that the Little River Drainage District resulted in a likely perturbation of the seismic system. The overburden removal, coupled with a reduction of the water column has moved the system away from failure when interpreted in the context of regional stress orientation in relation to the geographic orientation of the Little River Drainage District. This potentially explains the apparent lack of moderate to large events over the past century in the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

Avec pour objectif de documenter et comprendre ses sources et puits en atmosphère de fond, nous avons réalisé un enregistrement annuel du formaldéhyde troposphérique en Antarctique, sur la base côtière de Dumont d'Urville. Des teneurs mensuelles de 50 pptv en hiver jusqu'à 200 pptv en été ont été mesurées. Au printemps, et été et à l'automne, un cycle journalier a été observé, avec un maximum l'après midi et une amplitude d'environ 40 pptv. Les artéfacts observés avec les appareils utilisés pour la mesure de HCHO (AeroLaser 4021), liés aux variations de température dans le local de mesure et pouvant induire des biais de 50 à 100 pptv, ont été éliminés en adaptant notre méthode analytique. Le formaldéhyde étant produit lors des combustions, l'influence des sources de contamination locales a été examinée en détail. Les sources de combustion par la station augmentent sporadiquement de 150 pptv au maximum les moyennes horaires. Une source locale d'émission par les sols ornithogéniques en liaison avec la présence des Manchots Adélie peut influencer jusqu'à 200 pptv les moyennes horaires en été. Au total, ces deux sources locales peuvent surestimer d'un facteur 5 au maximum l'amplitude du cycle journalier observé et impacter jusqu'à 100 pptv les moyennes mensuelles en été. Suivant ce constat, les données brutes ont été filtrées selon des critères météorologiques locaux pour éliminer toute contamination potentielle. L'étude des sources et puits en phase gaz a été réalisée à l'aide d'un modèle de photochimie développé pour les conditions de DDU. Nos résultats montrent que l'oxydation du méthane domine le budget en été (80%) du fait des fortes teneurs en radicaux HOx et en NOx en liaison avec l'impact du plateau Antarctique atteignant DDU. Le méthyl-hydroperoxyde constitue une source secondaire significative de HCHO en phase gaz (20% de l'oxydation du méthane), tandis que les faibles teneurs en hydrocarbures non-méthaniques mesurées en été nous amène à évaluer la contribution de cette source initialement attendue comme importante à moins de 5% de l'oxydation de CH4. A la différence d'autres observations en Mer de Weddell, les composés halogénés semblent avoir une influence relativement limitée dans le cas de Dumont d'Urville (10% du budget total au maximum). Suivant nos estimations, l'apport continental efficace permet d'envisager une source d'émission par le manteau neigeux du plateau. Celle-ci constitue une source secondaire relativement faible en été (10%) mais domine le budget hivernal (70%). Notre exercice de modélisation sur l'échelle saisonnière et journalière souligne la nécessité d'associer les processus en phase gaz avec les flux d'émission par la neige et de dépôt afin de reproduire correctement les observations. / With the aim to investigate the production and destruction mechanisms of formaldehyde (HCHO) on a seasonal scale in the remote troposphere, HCHO was monitored over a 13-months period at Dumont d'Urville station, located near the East Coast of the Antarctic continent. Monthly means of 50 ppt in winter and up to 200 ppt in summer were measured. In spring, summer and autumn, a daily variation was detected with amplitude of ≈40 ppt and a maximum during the afternoon. The analytical instrument (Aerolaser, AL4021) deployed for the measurements, was found to be extremely sensitive to ambient temperature variations. The origin of the temperature dependence was investigated, and the deployed analytical method was adapted to eliminate this artefact. The impact of local contamination sources at the measurement site was explored in detail. Anthropogenic combustions were found to have a limited impact (maximum 150 pptv on hourly means) versus a local emission source from ornithogenic soils, induced by the omni-presence of Adelie penguins on the site in summer (maximum 200 pptv on hourly means). From november to march, these sources can introduce an overestimation by a factor 5 of the daily HCHO amplitude, while the influence on the monthly averaged budget can account up to 100 ppt. The raw dataset was thoroughly filtered using local meteorological criteria to eliminate any potential contamination. HCHO measurements were compared to simulations made with a numerical box model developed on the base of the current understanding of the photochemical sources and sinks of HCHO. During summer, methane oxidation was found to be the major source of HCHO production, likely due to enhanced levels of oxidants such as hydroxyl radical (OH) or nitrogen oxide (NO) occurring at DDU since this coastal site is under strong continental influence. Snow emissions and HCHO formation via methyl-hydroperoxyde oxidation complete the summer budget (respectively 10 to 20% of the CH4 oxidation). In contrary to what was observed for the Weddell Sea area, halogens chemistry is probably unlikely to contribute significantly at Dumont d'Urville (<10% of the CH4 oxidation). Finally, the initially attended summer source originating from non-methane hydrocarbons oxidation was found to be inefficient and to contribute only with less than 5 % of the CH4 oxidation. During winter the snowpack source was found to be preponderant (70% of CH4 oxidation) versus the gas phase chemistry sources of HCHO. Model investigations, performed on a seasonal and daily scale have shown that gas phase processes together with deposition and snow emission have to be considered to achieve a correct reconstruction of the observations.

Este trabalho visou observar a variabilidade e predominância das diferentes fontes de matéria orgânica: biosintética, diagenética, petrogênica ou pirolítica em uma região da Amazônia, considerada a maior floresta tropical do mundo com a maior reserva de biodiversidade. Uma avaliação das possíveis alterações antrópicas ou naturais através de uma abordagem de múltiplos proxies (razão elementar e isótopos estáveis de carbono e nitrogênio, hidrocarbonetos alifáticos e aromáticos) foi realizada em dois testemunhos sedimentares coletados na Zona Bragantina, uma das mais impactadas pelo desmatamento da Amazônia. As fontes de matéria orgânica nos sedimentos indicaram o predomínio de fontes terrígenas, porém a variabilidade dos parâmetros observados indicaram tanto alterações naturais quanto antrópicas. Entre 1932 e 1979, os resultados de COT, NT mostraram um aumento da introdução de matéria orgânica que, através dos valores de C / N, &#948;13C, &#948;15N, HAs, foi relacionado a um aumento de introdução de plantas terrígenas e de HPAs indicadores de queima, que foram associados ao intenso desmatamento na região durante os ciclos da borracha e preparo do solo para uso agropecuário. Os HPAs foram relacionados às fontes decorrentes de processos de biossíntese e diagênese recente da matéria orgânica terrígena. / This investigation aimed to observe the variability and predominance of different organic matter sources: biosynthetic, diagenetic, petrogenic and pyrolytic in an Amazonic region, considered the largest tropical forest with the greatest biodiversity reservoir. An evaluation of the possible anthropic or natural alterations using a multiple proxies approach (elementary ratios and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons) was observed in two sedimentary cores collected at Bragantina Zone, one of the most impacted deforestation areas of Amazon. The sedimentary organic matter sources indicated the predominance of terrigenous sources. However, the variability of studied parameters exhibited either an anthropogenic or/and natural variation. Between 1932 and 1979, COT and NT data showed an organic matter increase that was related to terrigenous plants sources (C / N, &#948;13C, &#948;15N). The HAs were associated with higher plants increase and HPAs indicated combustion sources coming from the deforestation on the region during the Amazon rubber booms and the agriculture soil preparation. HPAs were related to organic matters sources due to biosynthesis and recent diagenetic of terrigenous organic matter.

Les relations du Maroc avec la communauté européenne sont anciennes, continues et empreintes d’un cacher particulier qui s’explique par différents facteurs : géographique, historique, économique et politique. Ces liens particuliers ont connu des étapes intéressantes s’agissant du passage de la phase d’association en 1969 à celle de coopération en 1976 et à celle de partenariat en 1995. Dans cette thèse ces accords ont été étudiés et analysés. Nous avons constaté que les deux premiers accords comportent des limites liant aux accords eux-mêmes et des limites inhérentes aux réalités juridique et politique des deux partenaires. Mais, il faut avouer que ces accords permettaient de donner un cadre juridique aux relations entre les deux partenaires, ce qui permettait à l’Europe de contribuer de manière efficace au développement du Maroc. La deuxième partie de cette thèse a été consacrée à l’étude de l’accord d’association de 1996. Au niveau des résultats à part quelques réalisations, le contenu du l’accord reste timide, que ce soit son contenu économique, politique et social. En guise de conclusion nous pouvons constater que les relations d’association, de coopération puis de partenariat n’ont pas été couronnées de succès et n’ont pas pu contribuer à la croissance de l’économie marocaine. La mise au point et la promotion d’une réelle coopération pour la prospérité de l’Europe et le développement du Maroc sont subordonnés à l’adoption par ce dernier d’une réelle stratégie de développement autonome. Ces réformes doivent toucher les domaines : politique, économique, social, juridique et culturel et elles devraient se situer strictement aux niveaux : national, régional et européen. / Morocco's relations with the European community are old, continuous and particular. This particularity is explained by various factors: geographical, historical, economic and political. These particular links knew interesting stages by the passage of the association phase in 1969 to that of co-operation in 1976 then to that of partnership in 1995. In this thesis these agreements were studied and analyzed. We noted that the first two agreements comprise limits binding to the agreements themselves and of the inherent limits to realities legal and political of the two partners. But, we must admit that these agreements allowed to give a legal framework for the relationship between the two partners, allowing Europe to contribute effectively to the development of Morocco. The second part of this thesis was devoted to the study of the association agreement of 1996. In terms of results with a few achievements, the contents of the agreement remain timid, whether in economic, political and social. In conclusion we can note that the association relationship, of co-operation then of partnership could not contribute to the growth of the Moroccan economy. The development and the promotion of effective cooperation for the prosperity of Europe and the development of Morocco are subject to the adoption of a real strategy for self-development. These reforms must touch the political, economic, social, legal and cultural fields and they should be located strictly at the national, regional and European levels.

The North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) in Turkey is a major continental strike-slip fault, 1200 km long and with a current slip rate of 25 mm/yr. Historical records show that the NAFZ is capable of producing high-magnitude earthquakes, activating different segments of the fault in a westward progression. Currently, the NAFZ poses a major seismic hazard for the city of Istanbul, which is situated close to one of the two strands into which the fault splays in northwestern Turkey. Understanding of fault zone structure and properties at depth is essential to constrain where deformation occurs within the lithosphere and how strain localises with depth. In fact, geodynamic models explaining surface deformation require knowledge of the width and depth extent of the fault zone in both the crust and upper mantle. In this framework, this thesis aims to provide better constraints on fault zone geometry within the lithosphere. To achieve this objective P and S wave teleseismic tomography have been applied to the data recorded by a dense array of broadband seismic stations (DANA, Dense Array for Northern Anatolia); through teleseismic tomography it was possible to image the NAFZ structure in both the crust and uppermost mantle. In addition, joint inversion i of P-wave teleseismic data and local earthquake data collected using the same array provided a greatly improved resolution within the upper 20 km of the crust. Results from this work highlighted the presence of a shear zone associated to the northern branch of the NAFZ in the study area. The fault zone appears to be 15 km wide within the upper crust and narrows to < 10 km within the lower crust and to Moho depth. In the uppermost mantle its width is constrained to be 30 to 50 km.

Zone Models are a widely used tool in fire protection engineering to predict how fires will develop in compartments. Zone models use entrainment algorithms for plumes in the open and the effect of enclosures on the entrainment is currently unclear. This work was a systematic study of six global parameters that effect flame height and the enclosure effect on fire plume entrainment.

O nitrogênio compõe cerca de 78% da massa da atmosfera terrestre e é um elemento imprescindível para a construção e manutenção da vida. Porém a abundância de nitrogênio atmosférico da Terra é anômala quando comparada a dos demais planetas telúricos. Isso significa que ou a acresção para esses planetas foi diferente (o que é pouco provável) ou a Terra possui alguma característica única que permita a existência de grandes volumes de nitrogênio em sua atmosfera. A tectônica de placas poderia ser essa característica, uma vez que propicia uma conexão direta entre o manto e superfície (ao mesmo tempo em que material é expelido do manto para a superfície, material é transportado da superfície para o manto). Nesse contexto, este trabalho objetiva compreender, através de simulações em laboratório, o papel das zonas de subducção no transporte global do nitrogênio. Para tal, submeteu-se um material que simula sedimentos pelágicos (esmectitas dioctaédricas) dopado com amônio (NH4-esmectita) a diversas condições de pressão e temperatura: desde pressão ambiente até 7.7 GPa (equivalente a ~270 km de profundidade) e com temperaturas variando entre 200oC e 700oC. Os experimentos foram realizados em uma prensa hidráulica de 1000 tonf com câmaras de perfil toroidal e em um forno de alta temperatura e foram analisados por difração de raios X (DRX), espectroscopia infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e por imageamento SE-MEV-EDS Além disso, o material inicial foi caracterizado por análise térmica diferencial (DTA) e análise química CHN. Os resultados mostram que as transformações de fase sofridas pela NH4-esmectita agem no sentido de preservar o amônio na estrutura durante o processo de subducção. Também foram observadas fases de pressões mais elevadas capazes de conter amônio (buddingtonita, a 7.7 GPa). Percebeu-se que o regime termal da subducção é fundamental para a eficiência do transporte de nitrogênio, visto que em subducções quentes (litosferas oceânicas jovens que subductam em baixo ângulo) ocorre a fusão parcial do material com liberação de parte do amônio em pressões relativamente baixas (~1 GPa, equivalente a 30 km de profundidade). Por outro lado, em subducções frias (litosferas oceânicas antigas que subductam em alto ângulo) o material aprisiona de forma eficiente o nitrogênio até ~270 km de profundidade (7.7 GPa). / Nitrogen composes around 78 wt% of Earth’s atmosphere and is a vital element for the construction and maintenance of life. However, the abundance of Earth’s atmospheric nitrogen is anomalous when compared to the one from other inner planets. This means that or accretion for these planets was different (which is unlikely) or Earth possesses a unique feature that allows the existence of large volumes of nitrogen in its atmosphere. Plate tectonics could be this feature, since it propitiates a direct connection between mantle and surface (at the same time that material is expelled by the mantle in to the surface, material is transported from the surface in to the mantle). In this context, these work objectives the understanding, through laboratoty simulations, the role of subduction zones in the global transport of nitrogen. For that, a material that simulates pelagic sediments (dioctahedral smectite) doped with ammonium (NH4-smectite) was subjected to a series of pressure and temperature conditions: from ambient pressure up to 7.7 GPa (equivalent to ~270 km depth) and temperatures varying between 200oC and 700oC. Experiments were performed in a 1000 tonf hydraulic press with coupled toroidal chambers and in a high temperature furnace and were analyzed by X ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and SE-SEM-EDS imaging. Additionally, the starting material was characterized by differential thermal analysis (DTA and CHN chemical analysis Results show that phase transformations suffered by NH4-smectite tend to preserve ammonium inside the mineral structure during subduction. Also, high-pressure ammonium bearing phases were observed (budingtonite at 7.7 GPa). It was perceived that the thermal setting of the subduction is fundamental for the efficiency of nitrogen’s transportation, as in hot subductions (young oceanic lithospheres subducting at low angle) partial melting with partial liberation of ammonium occur in relatively low pressures (~1 GPa, equivalent to 30 km depth). On the other hand, in cold subductions (ancient oceanic lithopsheres subducting at high angles) the material efficiently imprisons nitrogen until ~270 km depth (7.7 GPa).