Star formation occurs when a dense cloud of interstellar gas and dust gravitationally collapses. Rotation during this collapse leads naturally to the formation of a flattened circumstellar disk... Show moreStar formation occurs when a dense cloud of interstellar gas and dust gravitationally collapses. Rotation during this collapse leads naturally to the formation of a flattened circumstellar disk around the forming star. These disks are additionally known as protoplanetary disks because the orbiting circumstellar dust and cold gas represent the building blocks for planets. How long this material survives and how it evolves in this time will determine the propensity for (and the diversity of) planetary systems. This thesis is split into three parts that analyze different aspects of disk evolution and the circumstellar environment. In part one, we use observations at millimeter wavelengths to probe (and then model and compare) the dust and gas properties around low-mass Sun-like stars. We conclude that high-resolution spatial and spectral imaging of optically thinner molecular lines will provide the most robust description of the disk structure and evolution using future instrumentation. During these routine observations, we report recurring millimeter flares resulting in part two. We attribute this phenomenon to synchrotron emission from relativistic electrons trapped in the (colliding) magnetospheres of a young binary system. Finally, we present a microgravity experiment to probe the collisional growth mechanism for the first steps of planet formation. Show less
The aim of this thesis was to investigate the pathofysiology of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the auto immune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the... Show moreThe aim of this thesis was to investigate the pathofysiology of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the auto immune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. To this end MRI abnormalities in SLE patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms were compared with clinical symptoms and serological markers of disease. This thesis shows that immune abnormalities have an influence on the central nervous system in SLE (chapter 3&4). Reversible abnormalities in quantitative brain MRI in NPSLE are associated with clinical symptoms (chapter 2). These abnormalities are associated with neuroimaging features which may be interpreted as reversible axonal and/ or neuronal dysfunction (chapter 5). In line with this, severe ischemia does not appear to play a major role in NPSLE patients without obvious infarction on conventional MRI (chapter 6). Chapter 3 suggests that the influence of auto-immune antibodies is similar to the influence of auto-immune antibodies found in mouse models of NPLSE affecting specific locations of the brain. Using advanced MRI techniques and statistical analysis in chapter 7 suggests that the influence of auto-antibodies in human NPSLE also extends to white matter. Hopefully, these findings will facilitate earlier detection and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in SLE. Show less
Major advancements in the understanding of the immune system have provided us with the opportunity for rational design of therapeutic immunological interventions. The notion that dendritic cells ... Show moreMajor advancements in the understanding of the immune system have provided us with the opportunity for rational design of therapeutic immunological interventions. The notion that dendritic cells (DC) play a crucial role in the activation of T lymphocytes has made DC biology of central importance for vaccine development. Accordingly, efficient delivery of antigen to DCs is one of main objectives in vaccine development. In this thesis, antibody-mediated antigen targeting is evaluated as a potential antigen delivery strategy for therapeutic vaccination. Complexes of protein antigen and antigen-specific antibodies are natural formulations that bind to Fc__ receptors. Fc__R ligation on DCs leads to efficient uptake, DC maturation and presentation of the antigen to T lymphocytes. Interaction of Ag-Ab complexes with Fc__Rs on DCs provides a link between the humoral and cellular arms of the immune response. This thesis contains an extensive evaluation of Fc__R-mediated antigen delivery to dendritic cells in the context of T lymphocyte-mediated immunotherapy. In addition, it contains a detailed analysis of Fc__R function on DCs and addresses the kinetics of cross-presentation of antigen after Fc__R-mediated uptake. Show less
This book focuses on the observationes tumultuariae of Cornelis van Bijnkershoek and the observationes tumultuariae novae of his son-in-law Willem Pauw. Between 1704 and 1787, therefore during... Show moreThis book focuses on the observationes tumultuariae of Cornelis van Bijnkershoek and the observationes tumultuariae novae of his son-in-law Willem Pauw. Between 1704 and 1787, therefore during virtually the entire eighteenth century, both these judges and presidents of the Supreme Court of Holland, Zeeland and West Friesland recorded their opinions about the judgements of the Supreme Court on paper for their own personal use. There are a total of more than five thousand observationes, of which 186 relate in full or in part to commercial partnerships. This book describes these specific cases of commercial partnerships the Court dealt with, the rise of corporations, and company law in general. Show less
The Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which patients have muscle weakness and autonomic dysfunction. Half of the patients have small cell lung cancer (SCLC).... Show moreThe Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which patients have muscle weakness and autonomic dysfunction. Half of the patients have small cell lung cancer (SCLC). SCLC is a very aggressive lung tumour with a median survival of only 9 months. Quick discovery and treatment is of uttermost importance for both patient and physician to improve the chance of cure. SCLC-LEMS is related to smoking, a higher age at onset and weight loss. The clinical symptoms develop more quickly and more severely if the LEMS is related to SCLC. The discovery of SOX antibodies is described specific for SCLC-LEMS. Based on simple epidemiological and clinical parameters, we created the DELTA-P score and validated it in an independent second cohort. The DELTA-P score predicts already shortly after onset of symptoms with 95% accuracy who has or will have an SCLC. The reliability of imaging to detect SCLC is analyzed in 100 patients, creating a new screening protocol. For other paraneoplastic syndromes, screening guidelines are updated. SOX and Hu antibodies are also found in 43% of SCLC patients (without LEMS). Combination of different antibodies might lead to reliable screening strategies in high-risk patients. Show less
How are the GDR and the fall of the Berlin Wall remembered? The dissertation “Alles Banane?” deals with this question. It assumes that identity, individual as well as collective, is a social,... Show moreHow are the GDR and the fall of the Berlin Wall remembered? The dissertation “Alles Banane?” deals with this question. It assumes that identity, individual as well as collective, is a social, cultural and political construction based on the memory of the past. This construction is not only pre-shaped by valid cultural conventions but also influenced by images of the past circulating in the community. This dissertation tackles the question how novels and films contribute to the process of shaping collective memory by (re)constructing important places and by disseminating images of historical events in the community. It examines the function of fictional texts as a record of official and alternative memories. To what extend can one speak of conflicting memories in respect to the recent past in Germany? What role do the various social groups play in this context? Is, concerning the memory of the GDR and the fall of the Berlin wall, indeed ‘Alles Banane’? Show less
Why can vigilantes count on public support? Why do citizens in certain cases oppose the formal prosecution and punishment of vigilantes? Are such reactions an indication of lacking confidence in... Show moreWhy can vigilantes count on public support? Why do citizens in certain cases oppose the formal prosecution and punishment of vigilantes? Are such reactions an indication of lacking confidence in the criminal justice system? Or do situational aspects perhaps also play a role? The goal of this dissertation is to explain public support for vigilantism. In two studies, respondents were presented with a fictional case about vigilantism and answered related questions. The findings of both studies show that support for vigilantism cannot be interpreted automatically as a sign that confidence in the criminal justice system is lacking: situational characteristics have an independent influence on support. The results also reveal that support for vigilantism is a complex concept. People are not simply for or against vigilantism; responses to vigilantism are more nuanced. People can for instance feel little empathy for the victim of vigilantism, but at the same time express a desire for punishment of the vigilante. Additionally, a higher level of confidence in the courts and criminal justice system led to less support for vigilantism, while confidence in police did not play a role. Lastly, general support for vigilantism was an important predictor of support for a specific case. Show less
Molecular phylogenetic studies focused on the genus Phyllanthus L. (Phyllanthaceae) showed that Sauropus Blume (including Synostemon F.Muell.) and its related genera Breynia J.R.Forst. & G... Show moreMolecular phylogenetic studies focused on the genus Phyllanthus L. (Phyllanthaceae) showed that Sauropus Blume (including Synostemon F.Muell.) and its related genera Breynia J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. and Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. should be united with Phyllanthus to create a monophyletic genus. The relationships within Sauropus and its relationship with Breynia were studied to test/corroborate such a broad definition of Phyllanthus. The molecular phylogenetic analyses show that Sauropus in the broad sense is composed of two distinct groups, the former Australian Synostemon and the Southeast Asian Sauropus in the strict sense with the monophyletic Breynia embedded in the latter. As the phylogeny of the species rich Phyllanthus is still far from completed and the results here strongly support the distinction of monophyletic groups such as Glochidion, former Synostemon, and Sauropus/Breynia. These genera are recognisable, while union with Phyllanthus (suggested by Hoffmann and co-authors in 2006) will turn the latter into an unrecognisable monolithic giant of a genus. It is a much better strategy to use the complete phylogeny of Phyllanthus to render it into smaller, monophyletic genera that can be characterized. The present study shows Synostemon has to be recognised again on generic level. Breynia, the older name, is nested within Sauropus, leading us to transfer the latter to Breynia. Within this broadened Breynia, two subgenera and two sections are distinguished, subgenus Sauropus and subgenus Breynia with section Cryptogynium and section Breynia under the latter. Show less
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a nominal term clearly resonates with scholars and practitioners alike. As a scientific concept, however, it has often been criticized for its lack of... Show moreCorporate social responsibility (CSR) as a nominal term clearly resonates with scholars and practitioners alike. As a scientific concept, however, it has often been criticized for its lack of definitional precision and poor measurement. The upshot of this analysis is that since the CSR concept adds nothing of value to existing frameworks in the field of management and organisation, such as the economizing and legitimizing perspectives, it is best to discard it altogether. Generally, criticasters have also contended that CSR distracts from the fundamental economic role of businesses. From a different perspective, CSR has been criticised as being nothing more than superficial window-dressing. Along those lines, as one of the downsides, it has been asserted that CSR could become the victim of its own popularity. For example, the campaign group Friends of the Earth sees some companies’ interest in CSR as a cynical ‘PR exercise’. Hence, in their view, ‘greenwashing’ – self-styled ethical brands – could suffer a backlash from their own CSR spin. Another critical argument often disseminated is that CSR is an attempt to pre-empt the role of governments as a watchdog over powerful multinational corporations. Clearly, the CSR phenomenon has attracted strong positive and negative opinions from both scientists and society. On the one hand, the author agrees with the criticisms conversed; they provide a realistic view and certainly contain an element of truth. However, as will be demonstrated throughout this study, she also agrees with the view of Porter and Kramer. If businesses were to use the same frameworks that guide their core business, CSR could be effectively incorporated into the core operations and could become a source of opportunity, innovation, and competitive advantage for business, as well as a source of social progress. As will be explained infra, the author has chosen to direct her research towards legal and semi-legal frameworks that support and guide business organisations and to examine how these frameworks interact with CSR. Show less
According to the minimum description length (MDL) principle, data compression should be taken as the main goal of statistical inference. This stands in sharp contrast to making assumptions about an... Show moreAccording to the minimum description length (MDL) principle, data compression should be taken as the main goal of statistical inference. This stands in sharp contrast to making assumptions about an underlying ``true'' distribution generating the data, as is standard in the traditional frequentist approach to statistics. If the MDL premise of making data compression a fundamental notion can hold its ground, it promises a robust kind of statistics, which does not break down when standard, but hard to verify, assumptions are not completely satisfied. This makes it worthwhile to put data compression to the test, and see whether it really makes sense as a foundation for statistics. A natural starting point are cases where standard MDL methods show suboptimal performance in a traditional frequentist analysis. This thesis analyses two such cases. In the first case it is found that although the standard MDL method fails, data compression still makes sense and actually leads to the solution of the problem. In the second case we discuss a modification of the standard MDL estimator that has been proposed in the literature, which goes against its data compression principles. We also review the basic properties of R_nyi's dissimilarity measure for probability distributions. Show less
The present thesis contains five experimental studies into the effects of stress on memory I healthy males. Hydrocortisone (and propranolol) administration or the induction of social stress are... Show moreThe present thesis contains five experimental studies into the effects of stress on memory I healthy males. Hydrocortisone (and propranolol) administration or the induction of social stress are used to heighten cortisol levels, and consequently to study its effects on working memory performance and memory retrieval. In addition, by using neutral and emotional distraction during working memory, effects of cortisol on emotional distraction were investigated, also with use of functional imaging. Overall, it was consistently found that high cortisol levels, by hydrocortisone administration or induced by stress, reduced the distraction by emotional irrelevant stimuli, hence improving working memory. The current findings might be relevant for patients suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, who typically suffer from trauma-related intrusions. Show less
In this thesis we will investigate how a popular new way of distributed computing called service orientation can be used within the field of Knowledge Discovery. We critically investigate its... Show moreIn this thesis we will investigate how a popular new way of distributed computing called service orientation can be used within the field of Knowledge Discovery. We critically investigate its principles and present models for developing withing this paradigm. We then apply this model to create a web service caled Fantom, that mines subgroups in a ranked list of identifiers, based on their score. The descriptions of these subgroups are done in ontologies to provide the scientist a description in a standardized and familiar language. Finally, Fantom is tested on two different data sets from the field of life-sciences; one concerning gene data, the other concerning SNP data. Show less
There is a delicate balance between beneficial and pathogenic immune responses. Ways to modulate such immune responses could be beneficial for auto-immune disease caused by uncontrolled immune... Show moreThere is a delicate balance between beneficial and pathogenic immune responses. Ways to modulate such immune responses could be beneficial for auto-immune disease caused by uncontrolled immune responses. Since DC play a pivotal role in the induction of immune responses, the studies described in this thesis use DC as a tool to skew the immune system. In particular, the induction of DX5+CD4+ Treg by DC and the regulatory mechanism of these T cells were of interest. Show less
By applying a fieldwork-based, geoarchaeological approach, Tourloukis examines in this study the evidence from Greece within the framework of the earliest occupation of Europe. Although the Greek... Show moreBy applying a fieldwork-based, geoarchaeological approach, Tourloukis examines in this study the evidence from Greece within the framework of the earliest occupation of Europe. Although the Greek Peninsula lies within a core area of early hominin movements between Africa and Europe but also within Eurasia itself, the Lower Palaeolithic record of Greece remains as yet extremely poor. Chossing the scanty Greek record as a case-study, Tourloukis elaborates on a hitherto largely overlooked subject in the Eurasian Early-Middle Pleistocene archaeology: the role of geomorphic processes in biasing archaeological distribution patterns of early human presence. This study identifies the current status of the record, explains this status from a geoarchaeological and geomorphological perspective, and prospects its future enrichment. The analysis is carried-out on a landscape-scale and it assesses preservation potential in conjuction with archaeological visibility. Finally a conceptual model emerges that can assist in interpreting and/or predicting early Palaeolithic site locations in tectonically active settings, such as those of the Mediterranean Basin. Show less
This thesis describes molecular methods to distinguish separate colon tumour entities. Furthermore, it shows that distinct immune escape mechanisms, in particular distinct mechanisms of corrupting... Show moreThis thesis describes molecular methods to distinguish separate colon tumour entities. Furthermore, it shows that distinct immune escape mechanisms, in particular distinct mechanisms of corrupting the HLA system, are operational in subsets of colon tumours. The apparent necessity of some colon tumours to circumvent the immune system might underscore the potential of immune based therapy approaches. Alternatively, it may suggest that such therapies will only lead to selection of tumour cells with HLA alterations, limiting the value of these approaches. In general, the identification of distinct tumour types to be targeted by tailor-made therapy is essential studying the success of any applied strategy. Show less
Part 1: The role of IL-23 in inducing IFN-g production and in the initiation of a Th1 response. Part 2: Genetic variations in the type-1 cytokine pathway. Part 3: Treatment options for a genetic... Show morePart 1: The role of IL-23 in inducing IFN-g production and in the initiation of a Th1 response. Part 2: Genetic variations in the type-1 cytokine pathway. Part 3: Treatment options for a genetic deficiency in the type-1 cytokine pathway Show less
In het proefschrift wordt aan de orde gesteld in hoeverre de sollicitatiefase en de proeftijd door het recht worden genormeerd. Daarnaast wordt de vraag gesteld of de bescherming van de sollicitant... Show moreIn het proefschrift wordt aan de orde gesteld in hoeverre de sollicitatiefase en de proeftijd door het recht worden genormeerd. Daarnaast wordt de vraag gesteld of de bescherming van de sollicitant respectievelijk werknemer in de proeftijd in verhouding tot het belang van de werkgever voldoende is en of verdere normering (al dan niet via een wettelijke regeling) is aangewezen. Voor de sollicitatiefase en regeling van de proeftijd wordt in het boek een vergelijking gemaakt met het Duitse rechtssysteem. Er bestaat reeds een NVP Sollicitatiecode. Gebleken is evenwel dat deze bij ondernemingen en instellingen onvoldoende bekend is. Wetgeving voor de werving en selectie zal dan ook eerst meerwaarde hebben als de sollicitatiecode bij de werkgever en sollicitanten voldoende bekend is geworden en in de wet een goed werkend sanctieapparaat is opgenomen. In haar algemeenheid is de rechtspositie van de sollicitant naar Duits recht niet wezenlijk beter of slechter dan de rechtspositie van de sollicitant naar Nederlands recht. De Duitse sollicitatieprocedure onderscheidt zich in positieve zin van de Nederlandse sollicitatieprocedure door de duidelijke informatie-uitwisseling middels de uitgebreide documentatie die op grond van het gebruik bij een sollicitatiebrief wordt gevoegd. In het proefschrift is een proeve voor een nieuwe proeftijdregeling opgenomen. Voor de totstandkoming van deze proeve is gekozen voor een combinatie van het Duitse en Nederlandse rechtssysteem. In de proeve heeft Kötter de voordelen van de proeftijd naar Duits recht, zoals de plicht tot feitelijke proefneming, het hanteren van een opzegtermijn bij opzegging van de arbeidsovereenkomst tijdens de proeftijd en het hanteren van een langere maximumduur (zes maanden) van de proeftijd in het belang van de feitelijke proefneming overgenomen. Voordelen van de huidige Nederlandse proeftijdregeling zijn in de proeve intact gelaten. Show less
The study of gas-surface interaction dynamics is important both for the fundamental knowledge it provides and also to aid the development of applications involving processes such as sputtering,... Show moreThe study of gas-surface interaction dynamics is important both for the fundamental knowledge it provides and also to aid the development of applications involving processes such as sputtering, plasma etching and heterogeneous catalysis. Elementary steps in the interactions, such as chemical reactions, adsorption and scattering are prototypical of more complex processes and better understanding of them deepens our knowledge of such processes. In addition, experimental measurements of specific interactions can be used to validate advanced computer models. Hence the experiments in this thesis have been carried out under well-defined condition, namely in ultrahigh vacuum and using high-purity single-crystal samples. The thesis is primarily focussed on understanding the interaction of hyperthermal Ar and N (~4-6 eV) with Ru(0001) and Ag(111) via scattering studies. Ar is very inert and its interaction with surfaces is primarily repulsive in nature, while N atoms probe the surface chemisorption well. From the study of Ar scattering dynamics, surface properties have been probed. From N scattering studies, chemisorption dynamics have been investigated. It is found that the electronic state of the incident particle may play an important role in the gas-surface interaction. Separately, the influence of pre-adsorbed CO on Ru(0001) on D2 dissociation have been unravelled. Show less
This book examines the use of language in Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) genres in Kenya. It focuses on Short Messaging Service (SMS), Email, Instant Messages (IM) and Social Network Sites ... Show moreThis book examines the use of language in Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) genres in Kenya. It focuses on Short Messaging Service (SMS), Email, Instant Messages (IM) and Social Network Sites (SNS) genres. It presents an overview of the use and characteristics of Kenyan languages in CMC texts based on data from university students in Kenya and young urban professionals. The findings reveal that factors like the need to use least effort, rapidity, technical limitations and informality play a key role in influencing the structure of messages. The book further establishes that characteristics of the CMC texts in Kenya involve variables such as pronunciation, spelling, abbreviation, acronyms, exclusive use of consonants, contractions, capitalization, punctuations marks, graphics, spelling errors, and codeswitching. Show less
Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) is an X-ray in, X-ray out technique that enables one to study the dispersion of excitations in solids. In this thesis, we investigated how various... Show moreResonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) is an X-ray in, X-ray out technique that enables one to study the dispersion of excitations in solids. In this thesis, we investigated how various elementary excitations of transition metal oxides show up in RIXS spectra. Show less
