VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The Legalization of Emotion: Risk, Gender and the Management of Feeling in Contracts for Surrogate Labor

This dissertation combines in-depth, semi-structured interviews and content analyses of surrogacy contracts to address the interface of law and emotions. It unpacks the legal interests, risks, and social relationships that are situated at the nexus between a surrogate's womb and the hopes of intended parents negotiated within an unsettled and ambiguous reproductive field. Whereas economic and liberal legal models depict contracting as asocial, non-emotive, and gender neutral, I argue that contracts - especially in the context of surrogacy - are social artifacts both shaped by and designed to manage emotions, as well as gender, work, and parenting roles. Specifically, I examine how emotions, identity, and relationships are managed in surrogacy, and the rationale for doing so. I explain why and how attorneys who specialize in surrogacy, with the help of matching agencies and mental health counselors, anticipate and tactically channel a variety of emotions in surrogates and intended parents before, during and after the baby is born. I establish that "feeling rules" formalized in the contract, along with informal strategies like triage, are intended to minimize attachment, conflicts, and risk amidst a highly unsettled reproductive field, made up of lawyers, organizations, and mental health professionals. These rules and strategies are diffused and institutionalized in the reproductive field, and more broadly in society. I demonstrate how contracting practices make surrogacy a site where beliefs about gender, motherhood, and work constitute, and are constituted by, the content and meaning of law. While this dissertation explores the case of surrogacy, my institutional theory on the legalization of emotions could be transposable to other exchange relationships.

Advisor: Edelman, Lauren
"Almost a Revolution": 1960s Liberals and Liberal Reforms in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia

How did socialist political elites from across Yugoslavia devise in the 1960s liberal, even neo–liberal economic reforms well before the term the Chicago school had fully emerged? This dissertation argues that a particular type of World War II insurgency shaped Yugoslavia’s unique geopolitical position as a wedge between the Superpowers during the Cold War. These two factors — a successful local-level insurgency and Yugoslavia’s unique geopolitical position — shaped the emergence of a distinct and innovative type of socialism. The idea of workers’ self–management represented a dramatic departure from Soviet–style state socialism and transformed Yugoslavia into a minor international power. In Yugoslav practice, self–management remained inseparable from the prior commitment of Tito’s Partisan generation elite to socialist federalism and political decentralization that was critical for the communists’ successful mobilization of Yugoslavia’s constituent nations and minorities during World War II. After the period of postwar reconstruction (1945–1954) and the final consolidation of communist power, the Yugoslav elite embarked on an ambitious economic reform largely financed by Western credits. Such structural reforms required a degree of central state coordination and arbitration among the competing economic interests of constituent socialist republics that was not easy to reconcile with the Yugoslav communists’ commitment to decentralization and even to the Marxist withering away of the state. One axis of conflict involved primary goods producers in the poorer southern republics and export–oriented manufacturing firms in the wealthier northern republics; another one pitted hardliners against reformers in the communist party leadership who could not agree on what constituted a fair apportionment of republic–level financial burdens and benefits within the federal state. The ultimate triumph of reformers in the 1960s paved the way for further decentralization, with the consequence that after 1971, Yugoslavia’s six republics and two autonomous provinces could veto any significant federal–level economic legislation. The result was that by the 1980s the Yugoslav federal state was hollowed out from within, making much needed federal-level reforms all but impossible. In this way, the political–economic legacy of the 1960s paved the way for Yugoslavia’s disintegration in the late 1980s.

Advisor: Connelly, John
You'll Feel Better in the Morning: Slow Wave Activity and Overnight Mood Regulation in Bipolar Disorder

Sleep disturbances are among the most prominent correlates of mood episodes and inadequate recovery in bipolar disorder, yet the mechanistic relationship between sleep physiology and mood remains poorly understood. The present study investigated the connection between mood dysregulation and deficient sleep homeostasis during the interepisode phase of bipolar disorder. Individuals with interepisode bipolar disorder (n = 24) and healthy adult controls (n = 26) slept in the laboratory for 2 baseline nights, a happy mood induction night, and a sad mood induction night. Sleep was recorded using polysomnography and spectral analysis was conducted on the sleep EEG for each of the four overnights. Relative slow wave activity (SWA; 0.75-4.75Hz) during non-rapid eye movement sleep was derived as an index of sleep homeostasis. On the mood induction nights, mood was evaluated using an affect grid pleasantness rating at 3 time points: pre-induction, post- induction and the next morning. The bipolar and control groups did not exhibit baseline differences in SWA. A greater proportion of bipolar patients experienced a reduction in SWA from baseline to the sad night relative to controls. Reduced SWA following the sad mood induction predicted impaired overnight negative mood improvement in the bipolar group, while this relationship was not observed in the control group. Following the happy mood induction, both groups experienced an increase in SWA, though SWA did not exhibit a significant relationship with overnight mood change for either group. The present findings indicate that interepisode bipolar patients may be more vulnerable to negative mood-related SWA disruptions, which in turn serve to sustain negative mood from the previous day. Furthermore, positive mood can enhance SWA in both bipolar patients and healthy adults.

Advisor: Harvey, Allison G
Free Probability, Planar Algebras, and the Multicolored Guionnet-Jones-Shlyakhtenko Construction

This dissertation consists of three papers I have written or helped write during my time at UC Berkeley. The three papers all fall under the common theme of exploring connections between free probability and planar algebras./nIn Chapter 2, an amalgamated free product algebra, $\cN(\Gamma)$, is constructed for any connected, weighted, loopless graph $\Gamma$, and its isomorphism class can be nicely read off based on the weighting data on the graph. This construction was heavily influenced by an algebra appearing in in work of Guionnet, Jones and Shlyakhtenko, and it is used, along with some standard embedding arguments, to show that the factors of Guionnet, Jones, and Shlyakhtenko appearing in are isomorphic to $L(F_{\infty})$ when the planar algebra is infinite depth./nChapter 3 is the paper ``Rigid $C^{*}-$tensor categories of bimodules over interpolated free group factors" which was co-authored with Arnaud Brothier and David Penneys. In this paper, we establish an unshaded planar algebra structure (with multiple colors of strings) which can be used to model a countably generated rigid $C^{*}-$tensor category, $C$. We use this to construct a category of bifinite bimodules over a $II_{1}$ factor $M_{0}$, and we show that this category is equivalent to $C$. Finally, we use the work in Chapter
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to show that the factor $M_{0}$ is isomorphic to $L(F_{\infty})$./nChapter 4 is a note regarding multishaded planar algebras. The problem studied consists of placing the ``Fuss-Catalan" potential on a specific kind of subfactor planar algebra $Q$, which is the standard invariant for and inclusion $N \subset M$ with an intermediate subfactor $P$. This potential is best understood by augmenting $Q$, forming a bigger multishaded planar algebra $\mathcal{P}$. The isomorphism classes of the algebras $M_{\alpha}$ associated to $\mathcal{P}$ will be computed explicitly. While the isomorphism class of the von Neumann algebras $N_{k}^{\pm}$ associated to $Q$ are still not yet known, they will be shown to be contained in a free group factors and contain a free group factors. This potential is shown to yield a nice free product expression for the law of $\cup$, an element which plays a critical role in understanding algebras that arise from this construction. Many of the ideas in this chapter influenced the work in the Chapter 3.

Advisor: Jones, Vaughan F.R.
Graph Structured Data Viewed Through a Fourier Lens

Graph-structured data appears in many modern applications like social networks, sensor networks, transportation networks and computer graphics. These applications are defined by an underlying graph (e.g. a social graph) with associated nodal attributes (e.g. number of ad-clicks by an individual). A simple model for such data is that of a graph signal--a function mapping every node to a scalar real value. Our aim is to develop signal processing tools for analysis of such signals de- fined over irregular graph-structured domains, analogous to classical Fourier and Wavelet analysis defined for regular structures like discrete-time sequences and two-dimensional grids./nIn this work, we start by reviewing the notion of a Graph Fourier Transform (GFT), which has been defined in the literature for graph signals. We examine the spatial and spectral features of circulant graphs, which accommodate linear shift-invariant operations. We describe fundamental operations such as shifting, sampling, graph-reconnection and linear filtering for signals on circulant graphs and derive associated sampling and graph-reconnection theorems. We also develop wavelet filter bank structures for multi resolution analysis of large-scale graphs./nWe present a method to decompose an arbitrary graph into a linear combination of circulant graphs. This helps extend fundamental operations such as sampling, filtering and multi resolution filter banks to general graphs. We present an application in the area of graph semi-supervised learning where some of the existing algorithms can be viewed as suitably designed filters defined in the GFT domain. We propose a wavelet regularized learning algorithm and evaluate the performance on some real-world datasets.

Advisor: Ramchandran, Kannan
Advances in Combining Generalizability Theory and Item Response Theory

Motivated by the recent discourses on approaches to combine generalizability theory (GT) and item response theory (IRT), this study suggests an approach that answers to some of the issues raised by previous research on combining GT and IRT. The main idea of the proposed approach is to recognize that IRT models can be written in terms of a latent continuous response and that a classic IRT model can be modeled directly using standard GT with items as a fixed facet. Once this is recognized, treating items as a random facet or considering other facets such as raters, become relatively straightforward extensions. The resulting models are logistic mixed models that contain the parameter of interest: the variance components needed for the generalizability and dependability coefficients. The models can be estimated by straightforward ML estimation. Extensive simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach under various measurement situations. The results suggested that the proposed approach gives overall accurate results, in particular, when estimating the generalizability coefficients. The use of the proposed method is illustrated with large-scale data sets from classroom assessment (the Carbon Cycle 2008-2009 data set) and standardized tests (the PISA 2009 U.S. Science data set). The empirical results were presented and interpreted in the context of the G study and the D study in GT as well as a Wright Map in IRT. The results demonstrated the flexibility of the proposed approach with respect to incorporating extra complications in measurement situations (e.g., multidimensionality, polytomous responses) and further explanatory variables (e.g., rater facet).

Advisor: Wilson, Mark R
Rabe-Hesketh, Sophia
Application of Inkjet-Printing Technology to Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems

Printed electronics employing solution-processed materials is considered to be the key to realizing low-cost large-area electronic systems, but the performance of printed transistors is not generally adequate for most intended applications due to limited performance of printable semiconductors. In this dissertation, I propose an alternative approach of a printed switch, where the use of semiconductors can be avoided by building mechanical switches with printed metal nanoparticles. I provide the first demonstration of inkjet-printed micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) switches with abrupt switching characteristics, very low on-state resistance (~10 Ohm), and nearly perfect off-state behavior with immeasurable leakage with on/off current ratio of 107. The devices are fabricated using a novel process scheme to build 3-dimensional cantilever structures from solution-processed metallic nanoparticles and sacrificial polymers. These printed MEM switches thus represent a uniquely attractive path for realizing printed electronics. I will also discuss an inkjet-printed microshell encapsulation as a new zero-level packaging technology. Inkjet-printing of silver nanoparticle ink is demonstrated to form porous microshells through which sacrificial oxide can be selectively removed to release MEMS structures. A second inkjet printing process using finer gold nanoparticle ink or polymer is demonstrated to effectively seal the microshells. This inkjet-printed microshell encapsulation technology is successfully applied to a MEM relay, and is demonstrated to mitigate the issue of contact oxidation. Specifically, the stability of the relay ON-state resistance is dramatically improved by more than a factor of 100.

Advisor: King Liu, Tsu-Jae
Subramanian, Vivek
Empathic Communication During Mother-Adolescent Conflict Management

Interpersonal conflict management is a context in which empathy and emotion regulation can be both challenging and of vital necessity. The present study examined the effects of empathic communication on conflict management between mother-adolescent dyads (N = 50). Mother-adolescent dyads engaged in a 10-minute discussion of a topic of frequent conflict in their relationship. Following the discussion, mothers and adolescents independently completed a post-conflict discussion questionnaire to assess their satisfaction with the discussion. Emotional behaviors during the discussion were coded using the Specific Affect Coding System (SPAFF). Empathic communication was coded as (1) validation and (2) interest in the other's perspective and feelings. The present study explored several questions related to (1) adolescent age differences in mother and adolescent empathic communication and conflict management, and (2) relations between empathic communication and conflict management. Notably, older adolescents and their mothers displayed more validation than younger adolescents and their mothers. Furthermore, mother's validation was marginally positively correlated with adolescents' satisfaction with the discussion, and this relation was mediated by the degree to which adolescents perceived that their mother understood their point of view and feelings during the discussion. Findings indicate that empathic communication in response to adolescent negative emotion plays a unique role in effective conflict management between mothers and adolescents. Implications for research on empathy and interventions targeted at facilitating effective conflict management between parents and adolescents are discussed.

Advisor: Zhou, Qing
Campos, Joseph J
DESIGN AND OPERATION OF MINIMALLY ACTUATED MEDICAL EXOSKELETONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PARALYSIS

Powered lower-extremity exoskeletons have traditionally used four to ten powered degrees of freedom to provide ambulation assistance for individuals with spinal cord injury. Systems with numerous high-impedance powered degrees of freedom commonly suffer from cumbersome walking dynamics and decreased utility due to added weight and increased control complexity. This work proposes a new approach to powered exoskeleton design that minimizes actuation and control complexity through embedding intelligence into the hardware. Two novel, minimally actuated exoskeleton systems (the Austin and the Ryan) are presented in this dissertation. Unlike conventional powered exoskeletons, the presented devices use a single motor for each exoskeleton leg in conjunction with a unique hip-knee coupling system to enable their users to walk, sit, and stand. The two types of joint coupling systems used are as follows./nThe Austin Exoskeleton employs a bio-inspired mechanical joint coupling system designed to mimic the biarticular coupling of human leg muscles. This system allows a single actuator to power both hip and knee motions simultaneously. More specifically, when the mechanical hamstring and rectus femoris of the exoskeleton are activated, power from the hip actuator is transferred to the knee, generating synchronized hip-knee flexion and extension. The coupling mechanism is switched on and off at specific phases of the gait (and the sit-stand cycle) to generate the desired joint trajectories. The device has been proven to be successful in assisting a complete T12 paraplegic subject to walk, sit, and stand./nThe Ryan Exoskeleton (also called the Passive Knee Exoskeleton) uses dynamic joint coupling. Dynamic joint coupling refers to a method of generating knee rotation through deliberate swinging of the hip joint. This minimalistic system is the first powered exoskeleton that weighs less than 20 pounds and has a compact form factor that more closely resembles a reciprocating gait orthosis than a conventional exoskeleton. The Passive Knee Exoskeleton has been validated by several SCI test pilots with injury levels ranging from T5 to T12. The lightweight, ambulation-centric assistive device have been tested to be able to comfortably reach an average ambulation speed of 0.27 m/s and have demonstrated high levels of maneuverability. The dynamic joint coupling paradigm has been proven to be effective especially for newly injured individuals who have not yet developed significant amounts of joint contracture or sustain high levels of spasticity./nOverall, this dissertation focuses on the design and operation of the Austin and Ryan Exoskeletons.

Advisor: Kazerooni, Homayoon
Superfluid 4He interferometers: construction and experiments

This dissertation has two main goals: to highlight some new results in the field of superfluid 4He interferometry and to provide an in-depth, "hands-on" guide to the physics, design, construction, testing and operation of a continuously operating, fluxlocked 4He dc-SHeQUID (Superfluid Helium Quantum Interference Device). Many of these topics haven't really been addressed in writing and the hapless new experimenter seeking to develop a SHeQUID is generally forced to reinvent the wheel rather than start at the frontier and push it forward. We would like to prevent that by making this a comprehensive guide to building and operating SHeQUIDs./nWe have optimized the fabrication of the nanoscale aperture arrays that are the very heart of the SHeQUID and resolved long-standing issues with their durability and long-term usability. A detailed report on this should assist in avoiding the many pitfalls that await those who fabricate and use these aperture arrays./nWe have constructed a new, modular SHeQUID that is designed to be easily adaptable to a wide array of proposed experiments without the necessity of rebuilding and reassembling key components like the displacement transducer. We have automated its working as a continuously operating, linearized (flux-locked) interferometer by using the so-called "chemical potential battery" in conjunction with a feedback system. We have also constructed a new reorientation system that is several orders of magnitude quieter than its predecessors. Together, these developments have allowed us to measure a changing rotation field in real time, a new development for this kind of device. We have also developed a module that allows control of the reorientation stage by automated data-taking software for investigating long-term drifts (by safely sweeping the stage back and forth)./nWe have also investigated the chemical potential battery in further detail and report some fascinating nonlinear mode locking phenomena that have important consequences for practical applications of these devices. We present a crude model that should help in designing and optimizing future devices by giving us at least an initial predictive tool for the critical heater power needed to initiate battery states./nFinally, we analyze some misconceptions about SHeQUIDs regarding what may be considered the logical next step towards improving a double-slit interferometer - the superfluid diffraction grating. We present evidence (experiments, simulations and analytical results) for the somewhat subtle reasons why gratings would be less useful than previously believed and clarifies the proper, limited sense in which such devices do improve SHeQUIDs. We also discuss some possible implications of these issues for the field of (electronic) dc-SQUIDs.

Advisor: Packard, Richard E
Resonances in general relativity

We study decay properties of linear waves on Kerr and Kerr-de Sitter black hole backgrounds. We are particularly interested in quasi-normal modes (QNMs), which are the complex frequencies of exponentially decaying and oscillating solutions to the wave equation. For slowly rotating Kerr-de Sitter black holes, we show that QNMs obey a quantization condition; that is, they lie asymptotically on a lattice. We also obtain a resonance expansion of linear waves in terms of QNMs. For the general Kerr-de Sitter case and its small stationary perturbations, we use r-normal hyperbolicity of the set of trapped lightlike rays to obtain a band of QNMs with a Weyl law.

Advisor: Zworski, Maciej