Through a Literary Lens: The Effect of Jean Paul and E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Writing Styles on the Compositional Techniques of Robert Schumann

Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of Washington, 2016-06

Fundamental considerations of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in human heart failure

beta-Adrenoceptor antagonists have revolutionized the management of heart failure in humans. However, fundamental questions remain concerning their use. Currently, there is considerable debate about the role of beta(2)-adrenoceptors in heart failure and whether incremental clinical benefit can be obtained by blockade of beta(2)-adrenoceptors in addition to beta(1)-adrenoceptors. Polymorphic forms of beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenoceptors exist, which might contribute to the variable clinical outcomes that are observed with P-adrenoceptor antagonists. There is evidence for a low-affinity state of beta(1)-adrenoceptors and ventricular beta(3)-adrenoceptors, and these are discussed in the context of heart failure. Finally, there is seemingly paradoxical evidence that restoration and normalization of the beta-adrenoceptor system is beneficial in animal models of heart failure. We reconcile this view with the current clinical use and proven benefit of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Fundamental characteristics of space-charge waves in photorefractive sillenite crystals

We investigate experimentally the fundamental characteristics of space-charge waves excited in a photorefractive crystal of Bi12SiO20. Features such as their transient rise and decay as well as their steady-state frequency response are investigated. Based on this, we find the dependence of the space-charge waves' quality factor on spatial frequency and electric-field biasing. The experimental findings are compared with the linear space-charge wave theory developed previously by Sturman et al. [J. Opt. Sec. Am. B 10, 1919 (1993)].

A systematic approach to establish fundamental principles of computer applications packages design

This work attempts to create a systemic design framework for man-machine interfaces which is self consistent, compatible with other concepts, and applicable to real situations. This is tackled by examining the current architecture of computer applications packages. The treatment in the main is philosophical and theoretical and analyses the origins, assumptions and current practice of the design of applications packages. It proposes that the present form of packages is fundamentally contradictory to the notion of packaging itself. This is because as an indivisible ready-to-implement solution, current package architecture displays the following major disadvantages. First, it creates problems as a result of user-package interactions, in which the designer tries to mould all potential individual users, no matter how diverse they are, into one model. This is worsened by the minute provision, if any, of important properties such as flexibility, independence and impartiality. Second, it displays rigid structure that reduces the variety and/or multi-use of the component parts of such a package. Third, it dictates specific hardware and software configurations which probably results in reducing the number of degrees of freedom of its user. Fourth, it increases the dependence of its user upon its supplier through inadequate documentation and understanding of the package. Fifth, it tends to cause a degeneration of the expertise of design of the data processing practitioners. In view of this understanding an alternative methodological design framework which is both consistent with systems approach and the role of a package in its likely context is proposed. The proposition is based upon an extension of the identified concept of the hierarchy of holons* which facilitates the examination of the complex relationships of a package with its two principal environments. First, the user characteristics and his decision making practice and procedures; implying an examination of the user's M.I.S. network. Second, the software environment and its influence upon a package regarding support, control and operation of the package. The framework is built gradually as discussion advances around the central theme of a compatible M.I.S., software and model design. This leads to the formation of the alternative package architecture that is based upon the design of a number of independent, self-contained small parts. Such is believed to constitute the nucleus around which not only packages can be more effectively designed, but is also applicable to many man-machine systems design.

Fundamental characteristics of space-charge waves in photorefractive sillenite crystals

We investigate experimentally the fundamental characteristics of space-charge waves excited in a photorefractive crystal of Bi12SiO20. Features such as their transient rise and decay as well as their steady-state frequency response are investigated. Based on this, we find the dependence of the space-charge waves' quality factor on spatial frequency and electric-field biasing. The experimental findings are compared with the linear space-charge wave theory developed previously by Sturman et al. [J. Opt. Sec. Am. B 10, 1919 (1993)].

Fundamental investigations of enantioselective heterogeneous catalysis

Enantioselective catalysis is an increasingly important method of providing enantiomeric compounds for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. To date, heterogeneous catalysts have failed to match the industrial impact achieved by homogeneous systems. One successful approach to the creation of heterogeneous enantioselective catalysts has involved the modification of conventional metal particle catalysts by the adsorption of chiral molecules. This article examines the contribution of effects such as chiral recognition and amplification to these types of system and how insight provided by surface science model studies may be exploited in the design of more effective catalysts.

A Note on the L2-norm of the Second Fundamental Form of Algebraic Manifolds

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 53C42, 53C55.

On the peculiar relevance of a fundamental dilemma of minimum-wage regulation in post-socialism – apropos of an international investigation

To the extent minimum-wage regulation is effective in fighting against excessive earnings handicaps of those at the lower end-tail of earnings distribution, it may have the side-effect of worsening their employment prospects. A demand-and-supply interpretation of data on the relative employment rate and earnings position of the least educated in the EU27 suggests that the resulting dilemma might be particularly relevant for minimum-wage policies in post-socialist countries.