VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Local Commutative Algebra and Hochschild Cohomology Through the Lens of Koszul Duality
Keywords: Hochschild cohomology
Homotopy Lie Algebra
Koszul Duality
LS category
Mapping Theorem
Minimal models

This thesis splits into two halves, the connecting theme being Koszul duality. The first part concerns local commutative algebra. Koszul duality here manifests in the homotopy Lie algebra. In the second part, which is joint work with Vincent Gélinas, we study Hochschild cohomology and its characteristic action on the derived category. We begin by defining the homotopy Lie algebra π*(&phis;) of a local homomorphism &phis; (or of a ring) in terms of minimal models, slightly generalising a classical theorem of Avramov. Then, starting with work of Félix and Halperin, we introduce a notion of Lusternik-Schnirelmann category for local homomorphisms (and rings). In fact, to &phis; we associate a sequence cat0( &phis;) ≥ cat1(&phis;) ≥ cat 2(&phis;) ≥ ··· each cat i(&phis;) being either a natural number or infinity. We prove that these numbers characterise weakly regular, complete intersection, and (generalised) Golod homomorphisms. We present examples which demonstrate how they can uncover interesting information about a homomorphism. We give methods for computing these numbers, and in particular prove a positive characteristic version of Félix and Halperin's Mapping Theorem. A motivating interest in L.S. category is that finiteness of cat 2(&phis;) implies the existence of certain six-term exact sequences of homotopy Lie algebras, following classical work of Avramov. We introduce a variation π*(&phis;) of the homotopy Lie algebra which enjoys long exact sequences in all situations, and construct a comparison π*(&phis;) → π*(&phis;) which is often an isomorphism. This has various consequences; for instance, we use it to characterise quasi-complete intersection homomorphisms entirely in terms of the homotopy Lie algebra. In the second part of this thesis we introduce a notion of A ∞ centre for minimal A∞ algebras. If A is an augmented algebra over a field k we show that the image of the natural homomorphism χ k:HH*(A,A) → Ext*A( k,k) is exactly the A∞ centre of A, generalising a theorem of Buchweitz, Green, Snashall and Solberg from the case of a Koszul algebra. This is deduced as a consequence of a much wider enrichment of the entire characteristic action χ:HH*(A,A ) → Z(D(A)). We give a number of representation theoretic applications.
Madness and Poverty in Toronto: A Narrative Analysis.
Keywords: ethnomethodology
Madness
mental health
narrative
poverty
stigma

This research is a culmination of my experience with Madness and its presence in the world. I question what it means to experience mental health ‘trouble’ in a world that seeks to live under the guise of normalcy. Trouble, as I can most clearly navigate it, happens when something steps outside of the boundaries of normalcy. When life is experienced by an individual as something outside of social convention, the individual becomes ‘marked’ with difference based on a shared perspective of what is correct. My doctoral research therefore examines this phenomenon to understand how one lives a ‘spoiled identity’ in a world that seems to be in defiance of it. I carry out a narrative analysis of textual data to question the unquestioned and ubiquitous presence of mental health narratives within contemporary Western culture. I have not lived in poverty but I take up its narrative in connection to Madness as an intrinsic precursor to something amiss in our society. In addressing these social inequalities, I utilize key conceptual tools such as stigma/spoiled identity, narrative prosthesis, and the interplay between ‘I’ and ‘We’ narratives. As an Interpretive Sociologist, I use the lenses of ethnomethodology and phenomenology to engage in this discussion. The data collected explores and combines the individual and social experience, with Madness and poverty being the phenomena that depict this understanding. My data comes from present- day Toronto newspapers and mental healthcare programming information packages collected from four research sites in Toronto. I utilize newspapers as an object of my research because of their powerful role in narrating public and dominant views. I couple these narratives with an analysis of mental healthcare programming information packages to see where these dominant views appear within society-at-large.
Neuroimaging of Trigeminal Neuralgia: Application of Population Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Tractography and Machine Learning
Keywords: diffusion imaging
machine learning
neuroimaging
pain
tractography
trigeminal neuralgia

Idiopathic (Classic) Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a facial neuropathic pain syndrome characterized by paroxysmal, shock-like pain condition affecting one or more of the three trigeminal nerve (CNV) branches. TN is believed to be associated with nerve-vascular compression in the CNV root-entry-zone, but its pathophysiology is still unclear. Singletensor diffusion tensor neuroimaging (DTI) studies of CNV revealed diffusivity changes in the cistern segment. However, the portion of the nerve within the brainstem remained elusive due to DTI limits. Diffusion imaging of TN is also error-prone due to manual data processing and analysis. This thesis aims to: 1) develop a fully-automated software framework to analyze diffusion tractography to reduce error and increase speed of experiments. 2) to apply the method developed to the analysis of the trigeminal system in a more substantial patient group, and apply state-of-the-art methods to advance the study of TN further. The specific aims are: a) establish the feasibility of multi-tensor tractography of brainstem CNV; b) establish the best way to minimize DWI to T1 co-registration error across multiple subjects; c) Create the software framework to generate and quantify tractography at the group level; d) apply the methodology to the reconstruction and quantification of the trigeminal sensory pathway. Towards these goals, in Study I, we establish the feasibility of applying multi-tensor tractography to delineate the full course of CNV and demonstrate that TN is uniquely identified by disruptions in the cistern/REZ, while MS-TN by disruptions in the brainstem course of the nerve. In Study II, we determine that the best T1-DWI co-registration scalar is the Mean DWI image. In Study III, we present the Selective Automated Group Integrated Tractography (SAGIT) processing pipeline framework. Finally, in Study IV, we deploy end-to-end machine-learning TN classification to automatically discover diffusivity disruptions in the cistern/REZ CNV, the trigeminopontothalamic decussaion, and thalamocortico S1 pathway. In sum, this thesis presents a detailed road-map of the development and application of end-to-end diffusion tractography machine learning classification. The application to TN revealed specific diffusivity changes in trigeminal CN V, pontine, and S1 white matter pathways, and pin-points the locations of the diffusivity disruptions at millimetre level.
A New Framework for Social Collective Epistemology
Keywords: Epistemic Autonomy
Epistemic Extendedness
Group Epistemology
Group Knowledge
Meta-Epistemology
Social Epistemology

Epistemic Autonomy is the idea deeply imbedded in the mainstream epistemological tradition that in order to possess knowledge one must possess all the knowledge-requisite goods (KRGs) generating it (e.g. evidence, cognitive abilities). But an increasing number of philosophers claim that a good deal of what we all want to call “knowledge” is knowledge via extended justification (EJK), that is, knowledge for which no individual can possess all KRGs. The most vivid apparent cases are in ‘big science’. For example, some high-energy particle physics collaborations consist of thousands of active researchers (e.g. physicists, engineers, technicians, data analysts, etc.) of various sorts who are spread across the globe. The same can be said of bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). When vast numbers of individuals with diverse expertise produce knowledge-level evidence that, say, Higgs particles exist, who can possess this knowledge? If epistemic autonomy is necessary for possessing knowledge, then individuals cannot possess EJK. It can be possessed only by the groups across which justificatory labour extends (e.g. experimental collaborations, research teams).
Rad5 Recruitment and Function in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Replication Stress Response
Keywords: DNA replication
Replication stress

DNA replication stress poses a significant threat to the genome integrity of actively dividing cells and is observed in many pathological human disorders. Replication stress is caused by endogenous or exogenous events that slow or block the DNA replication machinery. All cells have an evolutionarily conserved DNA replication stress response that slows down cell division until DNA replication is complete and DNA can be segregated. The Post-Replication Repair (PRR) pathway allows tolerance of chemical- and UV-induced DNA lesions in both an error-free and an error-prone manner. In classical PRR, PCNA monoubiquitination recruits translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases that can replicate through lesions in a mutagenic manner. Polyubiquitination of PCNA by the ubiquitin ligase Rad5 initiates error-free PRR, using the sister chromatid as a template for DNA synthesis in lieu of the lesion-containing strand. I find that Rad5 forms nuclear foci after exposure to types of replication stress where DNA base lesions are likely absent. In this study I characterize how Rad5 is recruited to nuclear foci and how Rad5 functions in lesion-less replication stress. Using a genome-wide high-throughput screen I identified 23 genes that are required for robust Rad5 recruitment to nuclear foci. I revealed that the HSP40 chaperone Ydj1 in conjunction with the HSP70s Ssa1 and Ssb1 promote Rad5 relocalization and replication stress resistance. To characterize Rad5 function in lesion-less replication stress I monitored the genome-wide association of Rad5 using ChIP-seq and found it binds to sites near stressed DNA replication forks. In addition to template switching activity at stressed replication forks, Rad5 also recruits TLS polymerases to repair ssDNA gaps, preventing mitotic defects and chromosome breaks. My data indicates that Rad5 is the central effector of PRR at stressed replication forks, where it promotes template switching and mutagenic repair of undamaged ssDNA that arises during physiological and exogenous replication stress.
Functional Connectivity Within the Dynamic Pain Connectome Underlying Inter-Subject Differences in Acute and Chronic Pain
Keywords: Chronic Pain
Dynamic Functional Connectivity
Functional Connectivity
Individual Differences
Machine Learning
Neuroimaging

Pain is an individual experience. Given an identical noxious stimulus, some individuals perceive a high level of pain, whereas others perceive minimal pain. Even when a similar level of pain is experienced, individuals’ response to its perception varies. Some people focus on the pain at the detriment of other tasks-at-hand, whereas other people focus on the task-at-hand as a distraction from pain. These differences across people likely reflect differences in their brain circuitry, specifically in and between networks which are involved with pain processing and coping. Clinically, the degree of abnormality across these networks may underlie the level of pain experienced by chronic pain patients. Thus, this thesis investigated how functional communication between brain networks involved with pain processing and coping, as assessed by static and dynamic measures of resting-state functional connectivity, are related to inter-individual differences in pain perception and coping in healthy individuals and in patients with chronic pain. We found that healthy individuals who had greater central sensitization, had an imbalance towards stronger functional connectivity within their ascending nociceptive compared to descending pain-modulatory pathway. In response to a similar level of pain delivered during the performance of a cognitive task, we also found in healthy individuals that those who have more flexible communication between their salience and executive control networks are better able to prioritize cognitive task-performance in the face of pain. Lastly, the use of a machine learning approach with chronic pain patients revealed that more dynamic engagement of executive control networks was related to milder pain, whereas greater engagement of limbic networks was related to greater pain. Across these connections, patients who had greater pain were more dissimilar compared to healthy individuals. Thus, this thesis provides insight into the differences in dynamics in brain communication that underlie inter-subject differences in acute and chronic pain.
Assessing the Exotic: Authority, Reason, and Experience in the Construction of Medieval Natural Knowledge
Keywords: Albertus Magnus
Bartholomaeus Anglicus
Construction of Knowledge
Evidence
John Mandeville
Vernacular natural knowledge

This study explores evidence structures in the medieval investigation of nature, particularly the marvelous or exotic nature that exists near the boundaries of natural philosophy. The marvelous, exotic, and unusual are fascinating to both readers and authors, providing windows into the ways in which the evidence structures of reason, authority, and experience were balanced in the assessment, explanation, and presentation of these phenomena. I look at four related works, each engaged with the compilation and presentation of particular information concerning animals and the diversity of the natural world. While these texts are bound together by shared topics and draw from a shared body of ancient and contemporary works, they each speak to different audiences and participate in different genres of literature. I argue that we can see in these works a contextually sensitive approach to the evaluation and presentation of evidence on the part of both the author and the audience. This project also seeks to bridge a gap between the intellectually rigorous medieval texts and works targeted at a wider reading audience that made use of the knowledge base of natural philosophy but were not necessarily produced or consumed within the scholastic context. Albertus Magnus’s De animalibus and Bartholomaeus Anglicus’s De proprietatibus rerum were produced, and expected to be consumed, within the Friars’ studium. While these texts also enjoyed a complex life outside these educational houses, they are marked by the scholastic educational context they were designed within and for. The Pseudo-Albertus experimentum texts Liber de virtutibus herbarum, lapidum, et animalium and De mirabilibus mundi as well as the travel narrative The Book of John Mandeville, on the other hand, may have been produced within an educated context but were consumed by a diverse cross-section of the reading population. By looking at these four texts together I explore the ways epistemic structures shift from the more scholastically inclined to the more popular texts, as well as point to the cross-pollination of medical, legal, and natural philosophical epistemologies in the ways each text shapes its epistemic structures to reflect the needs of its genre and audience.
Evaluating the Application of Photochemical Mass-Independent Fractionation of Mercury (Hg) in Natural Systems
Keywords: aquatic biota
Mercury
Methylmercury
photodegradation
photo-oxidation
Stable mercury isotopes

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic and globally distributed contaminant that poses a serious risk to humans, wildlife, and the environment due to its ability to bioaccumulate along the food webs in aquatic ecosystems. The overarching goals for this dissertation are to: (1) evaluate the potential of mass-independent fractionation (MIF) of Hg during photochemical reactions to understand biogeochemical Hg cycling in natural systems; and (2) utilize Hg mass-dependent (MDF) and mass-independent fractionation (MIF) to characterize and trace Hg sources in the environment. In Chapter 2, Hg isotopes link environmental factors to Hg MIF preserved in freshwater lower trophic organisms to quantify MMHg photodegradation in freshwaters and understand how Hg MIF is preserved in natural systems. In Chapter 3, Hg isotopes in pelagic ocean higher trophic biota assess the relative contribution of Hg sources, transformation processes (methylation/photodemethylation), and other factors that may control the Hg isotopic signature of open-ocean fish in different regions and depths of the pelagic ocean. Chapter 4 assess Hg isotopes in atmospheric gaseous Hg(0), particulate Hg (PHg), and snow to understand Hg photochemical processes and sources in the Arctic. This dissertation demonstrates source characterization of atmospheric Hg species from multiple emission sources and better understanding of transformation processes that alter Hg source signatures, and highlights the potential of stable Hg isotopes to contribute to the increasing knowledge of Hg sources and transformation processes in the atmosphere, aqueous ecosystems and cryosphere.
Next-Generation Approaches for Understanding Physical and Genetic Networks
Keywords: computational biology
genetic interactions
genomics
protein-protein interactions
systems biology

Two approaches for understanding biological systems and gene function at a large scale are the mapping of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and genetic interactions (GIs). PPIs map the physical connectivity structure of proteins, while GIs map dependence in phenotype when two or more genes are perturbed simultaneously. Current large-scale maps of PPIs and GIs are subject to various limitations, such as being measured in a single environment, and in the case of GI maps, a lack of exploration of complex dependencies beyond double knockouts. Here, I describe the analysis and development of emerging methods in PPIs and GIs to overcome these limitations. Analysis of a dynamic PPI assay (barcoded protein complementation assay; BC-PCA), finds that the majority of complexes (55%) change in abundance between conditions, and reveals a striking relationship between relative complex levels and relative mRNA expression during a diauxic shift from growth in glucose compared to ethanol (explaining an estimated 47% of the observed changes). A new method to analyze arbitrarily complex GIs in multiple environments is developed, and its ability to uncover new phenotypes for ABC transporters is demonstrated. Amongst the complex GIs, a four-knockout phenotype was found which confers unexpected resistance to the antifungal drug fluconazole. These methods and resulting analyzes demonstrate the need for an expansion of the scope of PPI and GI interaction mapping, and motivate their further development towards understanding living systems and gene function at a large scale.
A Voice in the Wilderness: A Singer's Guide to the Implications of Performance Context in R. Murray Schafer's Wolf Music
Keywords: Patria
Schafer
Singing
Space
vocal
Wolf

This dissertation investigates some of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the performance of Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer’s environmental compositions for female solo voice. Of particular relevance to this project are the vocal selections from Wolf Music (1996), a collection of pieces from Schafer’s Patria: The Epilogue; And Wolf Shall Inherit the Moon (1983- ). This dissertation aims to facilitate and improve performances of these pieces by providing insight and practical advice to their potential singers. Chapter One looks at how Schafer’s artistic goals, his beliefs, and his professional preoccupations all intersect in his environmental music, and in Wolf Music in particular. The second chapter compares Schafer’s vocal music intended for indoor and outdoor performance to reveal context-related changes in both his compositional style and in the aesthetic values of the music. Chapter Three describes the Wolf Music vocal selections in their original And Wolf Shall Inherit the Moon context, revealing the distinctive ethos that this context facilitates, and the remarkable experiences it has made possible for performers. The fourth chapter provides practical solutions for managing some of the potential challenges of performing these pieces. The implications of the previous chapters are thrown into clear focus in Chapter Five, through my performance journals from preparing Ariadne’s Aria in indoor and outdoor contexts in 2016. Throughout the paper I argue that with these compositions, Schafer is attempting to create something more than a beautiful soundscape; rather he seeks to engage the performer in a process of interactive creation with the natural environment, an interaction intended to be transformative.
Manufacturing Debt: A History of the Bank Credit Card Infrastructure
Keywords: Banking
Business Environment
Credit Card
Debt
Financial Crisis
Infrastructure

This dissertation provides a history of the bank credit card infrastructure in the United States from 1952 to 2007 and outlines the bank management strategies, tactics, and philosophies that helped to transform the bank credit card into a tool for survival. The dissertation traces the commercial bank management strategies, tactics, and philosophies that guided the development of the bank credit card ‘infrastructure’ and were integral to the manufacturing of debt and a financial system that enabled the widespread distribution of precarious debt. The dissertation argues that the infrastructure that makes up the credit card is simultaneously, one, the technical creation of a payment platform; two, the creation of new ways of managing and planning in banking; and three, represents explicit efforts to alter the legal, social and economic conditions that banks and payment companies operated in. It examines how postwar military inspired corporate strategies guided the design, construction, and growth of the bank credit card associations responsible for the growth and development of the bank credit card ‘infrastructure.’ The dissertation claims that beginning in the mid-1960s, American commercial bankers utilized an ‘environmentality’ approach to management, that is, they used a variety of governance techniques and strategies to understand and deliberately attempt to alter their external environment, or those external elements not under the direct control or ownership of the bank, to ensure the bank credit card’s long-term survival and growth. This systematic or environmental approach to understanding a bank’s milieu provoked bank officers into taking pre-emptive measures to avoid, eliminate, or capitalize on the risks associated with these external variables. By detailing these banking strategies, pre-emptive actions, and their effects, the dissertation claims that the 2007-2008 global financial and economic crisis was not a mistake but rather a consequence of the manufacturing of debt.