@article{PoethkeHovestadtMitesser2003, author = {Poethke, Hans-Joachim and Hovestadt, Thomas and Mitesser, Oliver}, title = {Local extinction and the evolution of dispersal rates: Causes and correlations}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-47718}, year = {2003}, abstract = {We present the results of individual-based simulation experiments on the evolution of dispersal rates of organisms living in metapopulations. We find conflicting results regarding the relationship between local extinction rate and evolutionarily stable (ES) dispersal rate depending on which principal mechanism causes extinction: if extinction is caused by environmental catastrophes eradicating local populations, we observe a positive correlation between extinction and ES dispersal rate; if extinction is a consequence of stochastic local dynamics and environmental fluctuations, the correlation becomes ambiguous; and in cases where extinction is caused by dispersal mortality, a negative correlation between local extinction rate and ES dispersal rate emerges. We conclude that extinction rate, which both affects and is affected by dispersal rates, is not an ideal predictor for optimal dispersal rates.}, subject = {Ausbreitung}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kackstaetter2003, author = {Kackstaetter, Uwe R.}, title = {Contaminant diffusion and sorption of an artificial leachate in selected geologic barriers of Frankonia, Bavaria, Germany}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-16151}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {The geologic barrier represents the final contact between a landfill and the environment. Ideally suited are clays and mudstones because of sufficient vertical and lateral extent, low hydraulic conductivities and high sorptive characteristics. Since hydraulic conductivity is no longer the single criteria to determine transport and retardation of contaminants in geologic landfill barrier materials, diffusive and sorptive characteristics of 4 different clay and mudstone lithologies in Northern Bavaria, were investigated. Cored samples from various depths were included in this study and subjected to evaluations of geochemistry, mineralogy, physical parameters, sorption and diffusion. A transient double reservoir with decreasing source concentration was designed and constructed using clear polycarbonate cylinders for undisturbed clay plugs of 2 to 4cm thickness. Samples were also fitted with internal electrical conductivity probes to determine the migration of the diffusive front. A multi chemical species synthetic landfill leachate was contrived to simulate and evaluate natural pollutant conditions. A computational method for determining mineralogy from geochemical data was also developed. It was found that sorptive processes are mostly controlled by the quality and type of fine grained phyllosilicates and the individual chemical species involved exhibited linear, Freundlich, as well as Langmuir sorption properties. Effective diffusion and sorption coefficients were also determined using POLLUTEv6 (GAEA, 1997) software and receptor reservoir concentrations for K, Na, Ca, Cu, NH4, Cl, NO3, SO4, and concentration totals at predetermined time intervals. Anion exclusion proved to be a major factor in the diffusion process and was used to explain many observed anomalies. Furthermore, diffusion coefficients were found not to be static with a multi chemical species leachate, but actually varied during the course of the experiment. Strong indications point toward the major role of pore space quality, shape, and form as control of diffusive properties of a geologic barrier. A correlation of CECNa of the samples with De may point to a possible deduction of diffusive properties for multi species leachates without extensive and time consuming laboratory tests}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Brandt2003, author = {Brandt, S{\"o}nke}, title = {Metamorphic evolution of ultrahigh-temperature granulite facies and upper amphibolite facies rocks of the Epupa Complex, NW Namibia}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-10930}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {The high-grade metamorphic Epupa Complex (EC) of north-western Namibia constitutes the south-western margin of the Archean to Proterozoic Congo Craton. The north-eastern portion of the EC has been geochemically and petrologically investigated in order to reconstruct its tectono-metamorphic evolution. Two distinct metamorphic units have been recognized, which are separated by ductile shear zones: (1) Upper amphibolite facies rocks (Orue Unit) and (2) ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) granulite facies rocks (Epembe Unit). The rocks of the EC are transsected by a large anorthosite massif, the Kunene Intrusive Complex (KIC). The Orue Unit and the Epembe Unit were affected by two distinct Mesoproterozoic metamorphic events, as is evident from differences in their metamorphic grade, in the P-T paths and in the age of peak-metamorphism: (1) The Orue Unit consists of a Palaeoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary sequence, which was intruded by large masses of I-type granitoids and by rare mafic dykes. During the Mesoproterozoic (1390-1318 Ma) the Orue Unit rocks underwent upper amphibolite facies metamorphism. The volcano-sedimentary sequence is constituted by interlayered basaltic amphibolites and rhyolitic felsic gneisses, with intercalations of migmatitic metagreywackes, migmatitic metapelites, metaarkoses and calc-silicate rocks. The Orue Unit was subdivided into three parts, which record similar heating-cooling paths but represent individual crustal levels: Heating led to the partial replacement of amphibole, biotite and muscovite through dehydration melting reactions. The peak-metamorphic P-T conditions of c. 700°C, 6.5 +/- 1.0 kbar (south-eastern part), c. 820°C, 8 +/- 0.5 kbar (south-western part) and c. 800°C, 6.0 +/- 1.0 kbar (northern part) correlate well with the mineral assemblage in the metapelites, i.e. Grt-Bt-Sil gneisses and schist in the south-eastern and south-western region and (Grt-)Crd-Bt gneisses in the northern part. Peak-metamorphism was followed by retrograde cooling to middle amphibolite facies conditions. Contact metamorphism, related with the intrusion of the anorthosites, is restricted to the direct contact to the KIC and recorded by massive metapelitic Grt-Sil-Crd felses, formed under upper amphibolite facies conditions (c. 750°C, c. 6.5 kbar). (2) The Epembe Unit consists of a Palaeoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary succession, which was intruded by small bodies of S-type granitoids and by andesitic dykes. All these rocks underwent UHT granulite facies metamorphism during the early Mesoproterozoic (1520-1447 Ma). The volcano-sedimentary succession is dominated by interlayered basaltic two-pyroxene granulites and rhyolitic felsic granulites. Migmatitic metapelites and metagreywackes are intercalated in the metavolcanites. Sapphirine-bearing MgAl-rich gneisses occur as restitic schlieren in the migmatitic metagreywackes. Reconstructed anti-clockwise P-T paths are subdivided into several distinct stages: During prograde near-isobaric heating to UHT conditions at c. 7 kbar biotite- or hornblende-bearing mineral assemblages were almost completely replaced by anhydrous mineral assemblages through various dehydration melting reactions. A subsequent pressure increase of 2-3 kbar led to the formation of the peak-metamorphic mineral assemblages Grt-Opx and (Grt-)Opx-Cpx in the orthogneisses and Grt-Opx, Grt-Sil and (Grt-)(Spr-)Opx-Sil-Qtz in the paragneisses. UHT-Metamorphism is proved by conventional geothermobarometry (970 +/- 70°C; 9.5 +/- 2.5 kbar), by the very high Al content of peak-metamorphic orthopyroxene (up to 11.9 wt.\% Al2O3) in many paragneisses and by Opx-Sil-Qtz assemblages in the MgAl-rich gneisses. Post-peak decompression is recorded by several corona and symplectite textures, formed at the expense of the peak-metamorphic phases: Initial UHT decompression of about ca. 2 kbar to 940 +/- 60°C at 8 +/- 2 kbar is mainly evident from the formation of sapphirine-bearing symplectites in the Opx-Sil gneisses. Subsequent high-temperature decompression to 6 +/- 2 kbar at 800 +/- 60°C resulted in the formation of Crd-Opx-Spl, Crd-Opx and Spl-Crd symplectites. Subsequent near-isobaric cooling to upper amphibolite conditions of 660 +/- 30°C at 5 +/- 1.5 kbar led to the re-growth of biotite, hornblende, sillimanite and garnet. During continued decompression orthopyroxene and cordierite were formed at the expense of biotite in several paragneisses. In a geodynamic model UHT metamorphism of the Epembe Unit is correlated with the formation of a large magma chamber at the mantle-crust boundary, which forms the source for the anorthosites of the KIC. In contrast, amphibolite facies metamorphism of the Orue Unit is ascribed to a regional contact metamorphic event, caused by the emplacement of the anorthositic crystal mushes in the middle crust.}, subject = {Namibia }, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schoell2003, author = {Sch{\"o}ll, Achim}, title = {High-resolution investigation of the electronic structure of organic thin films}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-10809}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit der elektronischen Struktur organischer D{\"u}nnfilme. Eine zentrale Frage dabei ist der Einfluss der Wechselwirkung zwischen den Molek{\"u}len in der kondensierten Phase und der Wechselwirkung an metall-organischen Grenzfl{\"a}chen auf die elektronischen Eigenschaften. Dazu wurden die experimentellen Methoden Photoelektronenspektroskopie (PES) und R{\"o}ntgenabsorptionsspektroskopie (NEXAFS) mit h{\"o}chster Energieaufl{\"o}sung angewandt. Zus{\"a}tzlich wurden ab initio Rechnungen zur theoretischen Simulation von NEXAFS Spektren durchgef{\"u}hrt. Haupts{\"a}chlich wurden d{\"u}nne, vakuumsublimierte Filme aromatischer Modellmolek{\"u}le mit sauerstoffhaltigen funktionellen Gruppen (NTCDA, PTCDA, NDCA, BPDCA und ANQ) auf Ag(111) Oberfl{\"a}chen untersucht. Die ausgew{\"a}hlten Molek{\"u}le besitzen wegen ihrer großen delokalisierten p-Elektronensysteme sehr interessante Eigenschaften f{\"u}r die Anwendung in elektronischen Bauelementen. Dank der hohen Energieaufl{\"o}sung von Synchrotronstrahlungsquellen der dritten Generation war es erstmals m{\"o}glich, die Schwingungsfeinstruktur in den NEXAFS Spektren dieser kondensierten großen Molek{\"u}le sichtbar zu machen. Der Vergleich der Daten verschiedener Molek{\"u}le liefert dabei interessante Einblicke in den Kopplungmechanismus zwischen dem elektronischen {\"U}bergang und der Schwingungsanregung. Obwohl die Molek{\"u}le eine Vielzahl verschiedener Schwingungsmoden besitzen, kann man in deren NEXAFS Spektren beobachten, dass die elektronischen {\"U}berg{\"a}nge jeweils an haupts{\"a}chlich eine Schwingungsmode koppeln. Die hochaufgel{\"o}sten XPS Spektren der Molek{\"u}le NTCDA, PTCDA, NDCA, BPDCA und ANQ zeigen bestimmte systematische Unterschiede, so dass diese Spektren als Fingerabdruck f{\"u}r die jeweilige Substanz verwendet werden k{\"o}nnen. Durch die vergleichende Auswertung der Spektren konnten die 1s Bindungsenergien aller chemisch unterschiedlichen Kohlenstoff- und Sauerstoffatome bestimmt werden. Zus{\"a}tzliche Strukturen in den Spektren k{\"o}nnen shake-up Satelliten zugeschrieben werden. Die f{\"u}nf Molek{\"u}le stellen ein ideales Modellsystem dar, um fundamentale Aspekte der Rumpfelektronenspektroskopie zu untersuchen, wie Anfangs- und Endzustandseffekte und Satelliten, die durch die intramolekulare und intermolekulare Elektronendichteverteilung im Grund- und rumpfionisierten Zustand beeinflusst werden. Ein wichtiger Punkt dieser Dissertation sind spektroskopische Untersuchungen strukturell unterschiedlicher NTCDA Monolagenphasen auf Ag(111), deren Existenz aus vorangegangenen Arbeiten bekannt ist. Deutliche Unterschiede in der elektronischen Struktur der verschiedenen Phasen, die auf die Metall-Adsorbat Wechselwirkung zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren sind, konnten sowohl mittels XPS als auch mittels NEXAFS aufgezeigt werden. Sowohl f{\"u}r die komprimierte also auch f{\"u}r die relaxierte NTCDA Monolage kann die Bindung ans Substrat als schwach chemisorptiv charakterisiert werden, was eindeutig aus der Analyse der Satellitenstrukturen in den O 1s und C 1s XPS Spektren hervorgeht, die durch die dynamische Abschirmung durch Ladungstransfer vom Substrat erzeugt werden. Die NEXAFS Daten zeigen konsistent eine teilweise Besetzung des NTCDA LUMOs. Sowohl f{\"u}r die komprimierte als auch f{\"u}r die relaxierte NTCDA Monolage finden hochinteressante Phasen{\"u}berg{\"a}nge in ungeordnete Tieftemperaturphasen beim Abk{\"u}hlen auf 160 K statt. Dabei wird die Adsorbat-Substrat Wechselwirkung st{\"a}rker und das LUMO wird vollst{\"a}ndig besetzt. Dies kann in den NEXAFS Spektren anhand des Verschwindens der zugh{\"o}rigen {\"U}berg{\"a}nge beobachtet werden. Die XPS Spektren zeigen gleichzeitig eine deutliche Abnahme der Intensit{\"a}t schlecht abgeschirmter Photoemissionszust{\"a}nde, was auf die nun effektivere Ladungstransferabschirmung zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren ist. F{\"u}r den Phasen{\"u}bergang der relaxierten Monolage konnte mittels temperaturabh{\"a}ngiger NEXAFS Messungen eindeutig ein Hystereseverhalten gezeigt und die Hysteresekurve bestimmt werden. Die Hysterese betr{\"a}gt etwa 20 K. Des weiteren wurde aus SPA-LEED Messungen die Aktivierungsenergie f{\"u}r den Phasen{\"u}bergang der relaxierten Monolage beim Abk{\"u}hlen auf ca. 60 meV bestimmt. Schließlich wurden NEXAFS Untersuchungen an Poly{\"a}thylenproben mit verschiedenem Komonomergehalt durchgef{\"u}hrt. Unterschiede in den Absorptionsspektren von Proben mit unterschiedlichem Komonomeranteil konnten eindeutig auf die unterschiedliche Kristallinit{\"a}t der Proben zur{\"u}ckgef{\"u}hrt werden, indem eine hochkristalline Probe in situ bis zur Schmelztemperatur geheizt wurde. Ab initio Rechnungen an einer Modelmatrix aus Butanmolek{\"u}len zeigen, dass die Spektren von kristallinem und amorphem Poly{\"a}thylen aufgrund der intermolekularen Wechselwirkung deutliche Unterschiede haupts{\"a}chlich f{\"u}r Resonanzen mit starkem Rydberg Charakter aufweisen. Damit lassen sich die Unterschiede in den Poly{\"a}thylenspektren durch die {\"U}berlagerung der Signaturen der kristallinen und amorphen Anteile erkl{\"a}ren, die je nach Kristallinit{\"a}t der Probe in unterschiedlichen Verh{\"a}ltnissen vorliegen.}, subject = {D{\"u}nne Schicht}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Dem2003, author = {Dem, Claudiu Dorin}, title = {Design and construction of a device for light scattering studies on airborne particles}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-9605}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {This thesis is concerned with the development of an on-line in-situ device for a chemical characterisation of flowing aerosols. The thesis describes the principles and most important features of such a system, allowing also on-line measurements using Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic technique An analysis of the effect of forced oscillations on the motion of the particle dispersed in a gas flow is given in Chapter 2. Also the most important particle parameters are introduced. A review of the particle/fluid interaction in laminar air flows and the response of the particle is presented. In Chapter 3 the behaviour of the particle under different external conditions (ion bombardment and electric fields) is extended. A brief review of the most important particle charging theories (diffusion, field, and alternating potential charging) shows, that the effect of the electrical properties (represented by the dielectric constant) of the particles affects the charging process. A non-contact method for particle charge measurement was also presented. In the second part of the chapter, the interaction between the electric field and the charged particle for the purpose of particle trapping is illustrated. The most common systems like the two or four ring electrodynamic balance and the quadrupole trap are pointed out. In Chapter 4 a short review of the possibility of using scattered light to study aerosol particles is presented. First, the conditions and the facilities of using the Mie theory for particle size and refractive index determination are mentioned, then some features concerning the classical treatment of the Raman effect are presented Supported by the theoretical considerations exposed in Chapter 2, 3, and 4 the construction and the tests of different devices are presented in Chapter 5. Following the goal of the thesis, first an overview of the used materials and methods for particle generation is presented. Then, the constructed charging devices are described (from the mechanical and electrical point of view) and compared by measuring the acquired charge on the particle. Charged particles can be trapped in different containers. Two types of axially symmetric electrodynamic balances (two ring or an extended four ring configuration) were presented. For a deeper understanding these systems were studied using analytic and numerical methods. Considering the presented purpose of the work another type of trapping system has been developed, namely the quadrupole trap. A similar theoretical characterisation (in term's of Mathieu equation) as for the electrodynamic balance was presented pointing out some specific features of this system. The incoming particle stream will be focused to the centre of the system simultaneously also the applied DC and AC potential onto the tube electrodes, yields a stable trapping of one or more particles. Chapter 6 consists of two parts: the system for single particle and for many particles investigation. The individual devices presented in Chapter 5 are now put together. The first part presents the method and the experimental realisation of a set-up for solid particle injection. In order to suppress the phase injection disadvantage found for the electrodynamic balance a developed program processes the information obtained from a particle cloud through an adequate electronic detection system, and reduces the number of particles until just one single particle is trapped. The method for one particle investigation can be extended for many particles. Using the presented set-up the particles are moved from one quadrupole to another and transformed from a particle cloud to a particle stream. A linearity between an external vertical mounted detector and the formed image of the particle stream on the CCD camera has been observed and used for simultaneous detection of many particles by Raman spectroscopy. For both methods Raman results are presented. One limitation of Raman Spectroscopy is the relatively long integration time needed for adequate signal-to-noise ratio. There are two factors which influence the integration time: first the incident radiation and the detector sensitivity, and second the intensity of the Raman bands. Using a CCD detector, the desired detector sensitivity should be achieved. So, the improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio should be the next goal in the system development. In order to reduce the integration time an optical system including optic fibres and the integration of an FT-Raman module operating in the visible region is planed. The goal of this work was to develop and construct an instrument for on-line in-situ single particle investigation by Raman spectroscopy. With the presented experimental set-up and the developed program the purpose of the work, the on-line in-situ near atmospheric pressure aerosol investigation was achieved. The Raman spectroscopy has been used successfully for a chemical characterisation of the aerosol particles.}, subject = {Aerosol}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Tyrsin2003, author = {Tyrsin, Oleg}, title = {Role of Raf family members in mouse development}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-9453}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {Raf Proteine sind Serin/Threonin Kinasen, die als zentrale Elemente des Ras, Raf, Mek, Map Kinase Wegs, an der Weiterleitung von extrazellul{\"a}ren Signalen von der Zellmembran zu nukle{\"a}ren Effektoren beteiligt sind. Auf diese Weise kontrollieren sie elementare Prozesse wie Proliferation, Differenzierung und das {\"U}berleben von Zellen. In S{\"a}ugetieren wurden drei funktionelle Gene (A-, B- and C-raf) beschrieben. Aus biochemischen Untersuchungen ergibt sich, dass die Isozyme {\"u}berlappende aber auch differentielle Funktionen {\"u}bernehmen. Allerdings wurde ein differenziertes Verst{\"a}ndnis der jeweiligen spezifischen Rolle dadurch erschwert, dass in den meisten Zelltypen verschiedene Raf-Isozyme expremiert werden und dass wegen der Vielzahl der Aktivatoren und Effektoren eine eindeutige Isoform-Zuordnung schwer m{\"o}glich war. Aufgrund der Beteiligung an verschiedenen Krankheitsbildern, insbesondere der Tumorentstehung und -progression, ist jedoch die Aufkl{\"a}rung der Isozym-spezifischen Funktionen von vorranginger wissenschaftlicher Bedeutung. B-Raf hat unter den Raf Kinasen die h{\"o}chste Kinaseaktivit{\"a}t und zeigt antiapoptotische Eigenschaften. B-Raf knockout M{\"a}use zeigen eine allgemeine Wachstumsverz{\"o}gerung und sterben zwischen E10,5 und E12,5 aufgrund fehlentwickelter Gef{\"a}sse in Folge massiver Apoptose differenzierter Endothelzellen. [1]. Um die Lethalit{\"a}t des B-Raf-/- (KO) Ph{\"a}notyps zu {\"u}berkommen und um die Redundanz der B-Raf Proteine weiter zu untersuchen, wurden M{\"a}use generiert, die unter der Kontrolle des B-Raf Promoters statt B-Raf eine A-Raf cDNA exprimieren. Nur in einem Fall entwickelte sich eine ausgewachsene p20 Maus ohne sichtbare Entwicklungsdefekte oder Verhaltensauff{\"a}lligkeiten. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus wurden lebende Embryonen mit normaler Entwicklung aber reduzierter Gr{\"o}sse mit niedriger Inzidenz zwischen E12,5d und E16,5d beobachtet. In allen diesen F{\"a}llen fanden wir ein intaktes Gef{\"a}ßsystem. Andererseits waren Neurogenese und die Bewegung der neuralen Vorl{\"a}uferzellen in den {\"u}berlebenden Embryonen gest{\"o}rt, was in einigen F{\"a}llen zu unterentwickelten Hirnregionen f{\"u}hrte. Mittels TUNEL bzw. PCNA Assay konnten wir zeigen, dass mehr apoptotische und weniger proliferierende Zellen in ventrikul{\"a}rer und subventrikul{\"a}rer Zone der Hirn Ventrikel und im Striatum der KIN Embryonen zu finden sind. Außerdem wurden in einer Reihe von Geweben von E13,5d und in den Lungen von E16,5d Embryonen, vermehrt apoptotische Zellen beobachtet. Dies war in der einen ausgewachsenen KIN Maus nicht der Fall. Diese zeigte einen reduzierten Anteil an neuronalen Vorl{\"a}uferzellen in der subgranul{\"a}ren Zone des Hippocampus und an reifen Neuronen im Riechkolben. Ansonsten waren aber keine St{\"o}rungen der Neurogenese in der ausgewachsenen KIN Maus detektierbar. Fibroblasten die aus KIN Embryonen etabliert wurden, zeigten im Vergleich zu Wildtypzellen reduzierte F{\"a}higkeit zur Proliferation und erh{\"o}hte Sensibilit{\"a}t gegen{\"u}ber Apoptoseausl{\"o}sern. Die erh{\"o}hte Apoptosetendenz spiegelte sich auf molekularer Ebene in einer Reduktion an antiapoptotischen Molek{\"u}len wieder. Aktive ERK und Akt Kinase sind erniedrigt. Außerdem war von dem bekannten Raf Substrat BAD, weniger an der inaktiven phosphorylierten Form zu beobachten, wodurch bei gleicher Menge Gesamtprotein auf ein Mehr an proapoptotischem unphosphoryliertem BAD geschlossen werden kann. Zusammengefasst zeigen diese Daten, dass die Substitution von B-Raf durch die weniger aktive A-Raf Kinase zwar die endotheliale Apoptose verhindern kann, die die Ursache f{\"u}r das fr{\"u}he Absterben der B-Raf-/- (KO) M{\"a}use ist, dass aber die normale Entwicklung dennoch entscheidend gest{\"o}rt ist.}, subject = {Maus}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kraus2003, author = {Kraus, Daniela}, title = {Conformal pseudo-metrics and some applications}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-9193}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {The point of departure for the present work has been the following free boundary value problem for analytic functions \$f\$ which are defined on a domain \$G \subset \mathbb{C}\$ and map into the unit disk \$\mathbb{D}= \{z \in \mathbb{C} : |z|<1 \}\$. Problem 1: Let \$z_1, \ldots, z_n\$ be finitely many points in a bounded simply connected domain \$G \subset \mathbb{C}\$. Show that there exists a holomorphic function \$f:G \to \mathbb{D}\$ with critical points \$z_j\$ (counted with multiplicities) and no others such that \$\lim_{z \to \xi} \frac{|f'(z)|}{1-|f(z)|^2}=1\$ for all \$\xi \in \partial G\$. If \$G=\mathbb{D}\$, Problem 1 was solved by K?nau [5] in the case of one critical point, and for more than one critical point by Fournier and Ruscheweyh [3]. The method employed by K?nau, Fournier and Ruscheweyh easily extends to more general domains \$G\$, say bounded by a Dini-smooth Jordan curve, but does not work for arbitrary bounded simply connected domains. In this paper we present a new approach to Problem 1, which shows that this boundary value problem is not an isolated question in complex analysis, but is intimately connected to a number of basic open problems in conformal geometry and non-linear PDE. One of our results is a solution to Problem 1 for arbitrary simply connected domains. However, we shall see that our approach has also some other ramifications, for instance to a well-known problem due to Rellich and Wittich in PDE. Roughly speaking, this paper is broken down into two parts. In a first step we construct a conformal metric in a bounded regular domain \$G\subset \mathbb{C}\$ with prescribed non-positive Gaussian curvature \$k(z)\$ and prescribed singularities by solving the first boundary value problem for the Gaussian curvature equation \$\Delta u =-k(z) e^{2u}\$ in \$G\$ with prescribed singularities and continuous boundary data. This is related to the Berger-Nirenberg problem in Riemannian geometry, the question which functions on a surface R can arise as the Gaussian curvature of a Riemannian metric on R. The special case, where \$k(z)=-4\$ and the domain \$G\$ is bounded by finitely many analytic Jordan curves was treated by Heins [4]. In a second step we show every conformal pseudo-metric on a simply connected domain \$G\subseteq \mathbb{C}\$ with constant negative Gaussian curvature and isolated zeros of integer order is the pullback of the hyperbolic metric on \$\mathbb{D}\$ under an analytic map \$f:G \to \mathbb{D}\$. This extends a theorem of Liouville which deals with the case that the pseudo-metric has no zeros at all. These two steps together allow a complete solution of Problem 1. Contents: Chapter I contains the statement of the main results and connects them with some old and new problems in complex analysis, conformal geometry and PDE: the Uniformization Theorem for Riemann surfaces, the problem of Schwarz-Picard, the Berger-Nirenberg problem, Wittich's problem, etc.. Chapter II and III have preparatory character. In Chapter II we recall some basic results about ordinary differential equations in the complex plane. In our presentation we follow Laine [6], but we have reorganized the material and present a self-contained account of the basic features of Riccati, Schwarzian and second order differential equations. In Chapter III we discuss the first boundary value problem for the Poisson equation. We shall need to consider this problem in the most general situation, which does not seem to be covered in a satisfactory way in the existing literature, see [1,2]. In Chapter IV we turn to a discussion of conformal pseudo-metrics in planar domains. We focus on conformal metrics with prescribed singularities and prescribed non-positive Gaussian curvature. We shall establish the existence of such metrics, that is, we solve the corresponding Gaussian curvature equation by making use of the results of Chapter III. In Chapter V we show that every constantly curved pseudo-metric can be represented as the pullback of either the hyperbolic, the euclidean or the spherical metric under an analytic map. This is proved by using the results of Chapter II. Finally we give in Chapter VI some applications of our results. [1,2] Courant, H., Hilbert, D., Methoden der Mathematischen Physik, Erster/ Zweiter Band, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1931/1937. [3] Fournier, R., Ruscheweyh, St., Free boundary value problems for analytic functions in the closed unit disk, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. (1999), 127 no. 11, 3287-3294. [4] Heins, M., On a class of conformal metrics, Nagoya Math. J. (1962), 21, 1-60. [5] K?nau, R., L?gentreue Randverzerrung bei analytischer Abbildung in hyperbolischer und sph?ischer Geometrie, Mitt. Math. Sem. Giessen (1997), 229, 45-53. [6] Laine, I., Nevanlinna Theory and Complex Differential Equations, de Gruyter, Berlin - New York, 1993.}, subject = {Freies Randwertproblem}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Wollmershaeuser2003, author = {Wollmersh{\"a}user, Timo}, title = {A theory of managed floating}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-8676}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {After the experience with the currency crises of the 1990s, a broad consensus has emerged among economists that such shocks can only be avoided if countries that decided to maintain unrestricted capital mobility adopt either independently floating exchange rates or very hard pegs (currency boards, dollarisation). As a consequence of this view which has been enshrined in the so-called impossible trinity all intermediate currency regimes are regarded as inherently unstable. As far as the economic theory is concerned, this view has the attractive feature that it not only fits with the logic of traditional open economy macro models, but also that for both corner solutions (independently floating exchange rates with a domestically oriented interest rate policy; hard pegs with a completely exchange rate oriented monetary policy) solid theoretical frameworks have been developed. Above all the IMF statistics seem to confirm that intermediate regimes are indeed less and less fashionable by both industrial countries and emerging market economies. However, in the last few years an anomaly has been detected which seriously challenges this paradigm on exchange rate regimes. In their influential cross-country study, Calvo and Reinhart (2000) have shown that many of those countries which had declared themselves as 'independent floaters' in the IMF statistics were charaterised by a pronounced 'fear of floating' and were actually heavily reacting to exchange rate movements, either in the form of an interest rate response, or by intervening in foreign exchange markets. The present analysis can be understood as an approach to develop a theoretical framework for this managed floating behaviour that - even though it is widely used in practice - has not attracted very much attention in monetary economics. In particular we would like to fill the gap that has recently been criticised by one of the few 'middle-ground' economists, John Williamson, who argued that "managed floating is not a regime with well-defined rules" (Williamson, 2000, p. 47). Our approach is based on a standard open economy macro model typically employed for the analysis of monetary policy strategies. The consequences of independently floating and market determined exchange rates are evaluated in terms of a social welfare function, or, to be more precise, in terms of an intertemporal loss function containing a central bank's final targets output and inflation. We explicitly model the source of the observable fear of floating by questioning the basic assumption underlying most open economy macro models that the foreign exchange market is an efficient asset market with rational agents. We will show that both policy reactions to the fear of floating (an interest rate response to exchange rate movements which we call indirect managed floating, and sterilised interventions in the foreign exchange markets which we call direct managed floating) can be rationalised if we allow for deviations from the assumption of perfectly functioning foreign exchange markets and if we assume a central bank that takes these deviations into account and behaves so as to reach its final targets. In such a scenario with a high degree of uncertainty about the true model determining the exchange rate, the rationale for indirect managed floating is the monetary policy maker's quest for a robust interest rate policy rule that performs comparatively well across a range of alternative exchange rate models. We will show, however, that the strategy of indirect managed floating still bears the risk that the central bank's final targets might be negatively affected by the unpredictability of the true exchange rate behaviour. This is where the second policy measure comes into play. The use of sterilised foreign exchange market interventions to counter movements of market determined exchange rates can be rationalised by a central bank's effort to lower the risk of missing its final targets if it only has a single instrument at its disposal. We provide a theoretical model-based foundation of a strategy of direct managed floating in which the central bank targets, in addition to a short-term interest rate, the nominal exchange rate. In particular, we develop a rule for the instrument of intervening in the foreign exchange market that is based on the failure of foreign exchange market to guarantee a reliable relationship between the exchange rate and other fundamental variables.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Huelsewig2003, author = {H{\"u}lsewig, Oliver}, title = {Bank lending and monetary policy transmission in Germany}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-8686}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {This study investigates the credit channel in the transmission of monetary policy in Germany by means of a structural analysis of aggregate bank loan data. We base our analysis on a stylized model of the banking firm, which specifies the loan supply decisions of banks in the light of expectations about the future course of monetary policy. Using the model as a guide, we apply a vector error correction model (VECM), in which we identify long-run cointegration relationships that can be interpreted as loan supply and loan demand equations. In this way, the identification problem inherent in reduced form approaches based on aggregate data is explicitly addressed. The short-run dynamics is explored by means of innovation analysis, which displays the reaction of the variables in the system to a monetary policy shock. The main implication of our results is that the credit channel in Germany appears to be effective, as we find that loan supply effects in addition to loan demand effects contribute to the propagation of monetary policy measures.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kleen2003, author = {Kleen, Thomas Oliver}, title = {Dissociated expression of granzyme B and IFN-gamma by T lymphocytes in HIV-1 infected individuals and its implications for Tc1 effector diversity}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-8460}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {A CD8+ cell-mediated host defense relies on cognate killing of infected target cells and on local inflammation induced by the secretion of IFN-g. Using assays of single cell resolution, it was studied to what extent these two effector function of CD8+ cells are linked. Granzyme B (GzB) is stored in cytolytic granules of CD8+ cells and its secretion is induced by antigen recognition of these cells. Following entry into the cytosol GzB induces apoptosis in the target cells. It was measured whether GzB release by individual CD8+ cells is accompanied by the secretion of IFN-gƒnƒnand of other cytokines. HIV peptide libraries were tested on bulk peripheral blood mononuclear cells and on purified CD4+ and CD8+ cells obtained from HIV infected individuals. The library included a panel of previously defined HLA class I restricted HIV peptides and an overlapping 20-mer peptide-series that covered the entire gp120 molecule. To characterize the in vivo differentiation state of the T-cells, freshly isolated lymphocytes were tested in assays of 24h duration. The data showed that only ~20\% of the peptides triggered the release of both GzB and IFN-g from CD8+ cells. The majority of the HIV peptides induced either GzB or IFN-g, ~40\% in each category. The GzB positive, IFN-g negative CD8+ cells did not produce IL-4 or IL-5, which suggests that they do not correspond to Tc2 cells but represent a novel Tc1 subclass, which was termed Tc1c. Also the IFN-g positive, GzB negative CD8+ cell subpopulation represents a yet undefined CD8+ effector cell lineage that was termed Tc1b. Tc1b and Tc1c cells are likely to make different, possibly antagonistic contributions to the control of HIV infection. Since IFN-g activates HIV replication in latently infected macrophages, the secretion of this cytokine by Tc1b cells in the absence of killing may have adverse effects on the host defense. In contrast, cytolysis by Tc1c cells in the absence of IFN-g production might represent the protective class of response. Further studies in the field of Tc1 effector cell diversity should lead to valuable insights for management of infections and developing rationales for vaccine design.}, subject = {Antigen CD8}, language = {en} }