VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Probing Optical 'Dark' Effects in Artificial and Natural Nano-structures

In the nano-scale world, many interesting optical effects cannot be detected in the far field zone by linear probes. Nevertheless, they are promising to bring numerous novel optical functionalities while some already play dominant roles in determining the overall optical responses. This dissertation presents a consistent endeavor to study these fascinating optical dark effects, using a wide range of tools including, but not limited to, the nearfield scanning optical microscopy, the nonlinear spectroscopy/microscopy and the photocurrent scanning microscopy. The studied systems are classified into two categories: artificial plasmonic structures and natural two dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide./nAmong the plasmonic artificial structures, we focus on plasmonic antennas. By fine-tuning the nearfield coupling between them, we demonstrate a range of classical analogs to many interesting atomic effects, such as electromagnetic induced transparency and anti-Hermitian coupling induced superradiance. Both of them are dark to the far field, but can serve as effective color sorters below the diffraction limit within the near field zone. Employing the resonance nature of plasmonic antenna, we demonstrate for the first time the photonic spin Hall effect at the metasurface. A large spin orbit coupling induced deflecting is observed even at the normal incidence condition. Also, with nearfield microscopy, we map the mode profile of the hybrid waveguide. The optical mode is found to be highly confined within the gap between the metal and dielectric layer, which has a good potential to become the future platform for integrated active optical components./nIn the study of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide, we discover a series of dark excitonic resonance with a set of selection rules complimentary to the linear transition, provided by two-photon absorption process. These resonances are originated from a very large binding energy in a unique 2D exciton model. A TMDC exciton based light emitting device is further demonstrated as a potential application. With the nonlinear probes, both the crystal orientation and an edge state resonance are identified, which has an otherwise zero or negligible response to the linear probe. Finally, we extend the study to explore the valley Hall effect in TMDC. Different photocurrent mechanisms are investigated and a laser polarization dependent transverse photocurrent is observed.

Advisor: Zhang, Xiang
Bayesian Analysis in Problems with High Dimensional Data and Complex Dependence Structure

This dissertation is a compilation of three different applied statistical problems from the Bayesian perspective. Although the statistical question in each problem is different, a common challenge is the high dimensionality of the data and the complex dependence structure. These introduce challenges with standard statistical techniques and computational issues. For each problem, we address the statistical problem and resolve the computational issues in the implementation./nThe first topic considers the problem of Bayesian inference for the location of the global extreme of a nonparametric regression function given noisy observations. We model the unknown function using a Gaussian Process (GP) prior. The unknown function may be high dimensional and sampling posterior realizations of the function can be computationally intensive. We introduce a novel algorithm that makes use of existing optimization routines to simultaneously sample and optimize the GP realizations in an efficient manner. We demonstrate our method on a spatial data sets with non-Gaussian observations as well as an application in astronomy in which the location of the extreme varies temporally./nThe second topic constructs a Bayesian Hierarchical Model for surface wind fields over the globe. Surface winds are intrinsically multivariate with spatially heteroscedastic behavior over the globe. Our model is the first to model wind fields at the global scale over land and sea. Motivated by the geostrophic relationship, we fit a varying coefficient model to model wind fields using the pressure gradient. We apply our method on surface wind and sea level pressure products from a general circulation model. We will show that our model can produce realistic wind fields that resemble the wind fields from the climate model./nThe third topic considers the problem of hierarchical multilabel classification (HMC) given existing single label classifier outputs. In our problem setting, multiple labels can be assigned to each subject and the assignments have to respect a given hierarchy. We want to utilize the existing local classifiers to give assignments consistent with the hierarchy. We rank each label assignment under a Bayesian framework by its probability of being positive given all local classifier outputs. We use this ranking to sequentially assign labels according to a cutoff. However, we also update the ranking after each assignment to ensure consistency. Our algorithm outperforms existing HMC methods in various simulation studies and on a disease diagnosis dataset with a large hierarchy with few independent observations.

Advisor: Kaufman, Cari G
Hydrocarbon Bond Activation with Platinum(II) Complexes

Chapter 1. The hydroarylation of unactivated olefins effected by Pt(II) precatalysts is found to proceed through the in situ production of protic acid followed by a Friedel-Crafts mechanism. The reaction is investigated using the hindered base 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylpyridine and a variety of substrates./nChapter 2. The catalytic cleavage of two C-C single bonds is achieved by treatment of the hydrocarbon substrate spiro[bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene-7,1'-cyclopropane] with Pt(II) catalysts such as (Me2bpy)PtPh(NTf2) (Me2bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, NTf2- = N(SO2CF3)2-). The surprising rearrangement product 1,2,4,7,7-pentahydroindene is generated in good yield. The mechanism of C-C bond activation is investigated using NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and deuterium labeling, along with DFT calculations. These studies support an unusual catalytic mechanism in which an initial masked C-H bond activation initiates successive C-C bond cleavage events./nChapter 3. A dicationic Pt complex [(tBu2bpy)Pt](NTf2)2·½ C6H6 (tBu2bpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine) is isolated and characterized. The new complex is supported by a simple bidentate bipyridine ligand and weakly coordinating, easily displaced triflimidate counterions. The dication is competent for allylic C-H activation in aprotic, non-polar media.

Advisor: Bergman, Robert G
Tilley, T Don
Investigation of Nb3Sn Based Superconductors Through Hierarchical Models

The large range of length scales present within accelerator magnets suggests the incorporation of a hierarchical structure into computational models. Evaluation of the strain state present within the superconducting filaments is necessary in order to determine the critical current of Nb3Sn based magnets. As part of an ongoing investigation at LBNL, a three-dimensional nonlinear multiscale model is developed to investigate the behavior of Nb3Sn filaments due to macroscopic loading. The major building blocks within a superconducting magnet are used to represent each length scale within the multiscale model: Coil, Rutherford cable, strand, filament, Nb3Sn crystal lattice. Using the developed model, loads at the coil level due to precompression, thermal contraction, and Lorenz forces are translated into lattice strain within the Nb3Sn phase of the composite. Jc can then be calculated through use of measurements performed on bulk samples of Nb3Sn. In addition, the physical effects on each scale due to loading is examined. Each level of the hierarchical model is solved using Finite Element Methods, taking into account effects due to thermal contraction and plasticity. A conjugate gradient algorithm is coupled with a Netwon's method with line search in order to solve resulting systems of equations.

Advisor: Zohdi, Tarek I
Roles of the plant cell wall in powdery mildew disease resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana: PMR5 (POWDERY MILDEW RESISTANT 5) affects the acetylation of cell wall pectin

The pmr5 (powdery mildew resistant 5) mutant was found in a screen for genes involved in susceptibility to Golovinomyces cichoracearum, a biotrophic pathogen that infects Arabidopsis. PMR5 is a member of the TBL (TRICHOME BIREFRINGENCE LIKE) family, which is composed of 46 functionally uncharacterized plant-specific proteins. Initial characterization of this mutant showed that pmr5-mediated disease resistance acts independently of the salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene signal transduction pathways, and that there are changes in the pmr5 cell wall that may be linked to the gain of resistance in the mutant. Specifically, PMR5 may be affecting cell wall pectin by acetylation. Characterization of the pmr5 cell wall has revealed changes in pectin composition and a decrease in acetylation. This is corroborated by the ability of heterologously expressed PMR5 protein to bind to pectin, with decreased binding affinity to acetylated pectin. The cell wall and disease phenotypes of the pmr5 mutant may be revealing a potential role of PMR5 in the elusive plant cell wall integrity-signaling pathway. This work summarizes the continuing efforts in both determining the biochemical function of PMR5 and investigating the mechanism behind pmr5-mediated disease resistance.

Advisor: Somerville, Shauna
Passive seismic interferometry in the real world: Application with microseismic and traffic noise

The past decade witnessed rapid development of the theory of passive seismic interferometry followed by numerous applications of interferometric approaches in seismic exploration and exploitation. Developments conclusively demonstrates that a stack of cross-correlations of traces recorded by two receivers over sources appropriately distributed in three-dimensional heterogeneous earth can retrieve a signal that would be observed at one receiver if another acted as a source of seismic waves./nThe main objective of this dissertation was to review the mathematical proof of passive seismic interferometry, and to develop innovative applications using microseismicity induced by hydraulic fracturing and near-surface void characterization. We began this dissertation with the definitions and mathematical proof of Green's function representation, together with the description of the physical mechanisms of passive seismic interferometry. Selected computational methods of passive seismic interferometry are also included./nThe first application was to extract body waves and perform anisotropy analysis from passive downhole microseismic noise acquired in hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs. We demonstrate the ability to retrieve various cross-well and VSP-type data from noise for a number of acquisition geometries, providing crucial information for constructing velocity models and estimating local stress/strain and anisotropic parameters. An important advantage compared to traditional studies of microseismicity induced by hydraulic fracturing appear to possess wide spatial apertures, allowing the successful reconstruction of waves that travel directly between the downhole receivers./nThe second application is to image subsurface voids by measuring variations in the amplitude of seismic surface waves generated by motor vehicles. Our key innovation is based on the cross-correlation of surface wavefields and studying the resulting power spectra, looking for shadows caused by the scattering effects of a void. We are able to conclude that measuring scattered surface waves generated by motor vehicles is a better tool for finding underground voids comparing to conventional techniques based on phase/amplitude distortion using active sources. We expect the number of applications of passive interferometry in microseismic/near surface characterization to grow once practitioners recognize its value and begin using the method.

Advisor: Rector, James
Law, Society, and Justice in Colonial Mexico City: Civil and Ecclesiastical Courts Compared, 1730-1800

This dissertation centers on the administration of criminal justice by the civil and ecclesiastical high courts of Mexico City during the Bourbon reform era of 1730-1800. Highlighting the principles of adjudication at work in the courts, and with special emphasis on the historical origins and text of the law itself, this study compares the theory and practice of criminal justice across civil and ecclesiastical forums for crimes of sexual violence, marital infidelity and premarital sex, and cases related to the contentious issue of ecclesiastical privilege and asylum./nThe period under review was a high point of judicial reform for the Bourbon monarchy in Spain that sought to shift authority over public morality away from the church judiciary and to the civil courts. Rather than uncovering partisan rivalry between these two tracks of justice during an era of reform, or that ecclesiastical justice was subsumed by an energized civil judiciary, this study finds both courts operating as partners within a unified system of justice, despite significant shifts to procedural law and jurisdiction. The church and civil courts assumed discrete responsibilities according to royal directives, pooled resources, shared information, and largely respected jurisdictional boundaries according to jointly shared and classic traditions of law that emphasized a fair, equitable, and "honorable" (recta) administration of justice./nThis study builds on traditions of scholarship for the colonies that either has emphasized the theoretical foundations of colonial law, termed derecho indiano, or has used trial records to detail a history of human agency for marginalized groups like Indians, Afromestizos, and colonial women. Situated within a thematic shift towards a "new legal history" that is interested in the day-to-day work of judicial officials and the details of criminal processing, it offers a fresh perspective on the history of colonial justice by taking seriously the study of Mexico City's church and civil courts together and identifying commonalities in judicial philosophies, due process, and shared traditions of legal principles across the two forums.

Advisor: Taylor, William B
Scalable Model Checking Beyond Safety - A Communication Fabric Perspective

In this research, we have developed symbolic algorithms and their open-source implemen-/ntations that effectively solve liveness verification problem for industrially relevant hardware/nsystems. In principle, our tool-suite works on any sequential hardware circuit and for the/nwhole family of ω-regular properties. Practicality and effectiveness of our tool-suite have/nbeen demonstrated in the context of proving response properties (a very common and impor-/ntant liveness property) of on-chip communication fabrics.

Advisor: Brayton, Robert K.
Precocious Politics: Preschool Education and Child Protection in China, 1903-1953

The dissertation traces the sentimental value of childhood and the economic impact of preschool education from 1903 to 1953. According to state theorists and social reformers, by abolishing child labor and separating childhood from work, preschool education would facilitate the transition from a household to an industrial economy and would allow women to join the workforce. Long-term structural continuities undergird conflicts over the political indoctrination of children and their relationships to family hierarchies. Institutionally separated from their families, kindergartners could be trained as loyal Qing subjects, or Nationalist citizens, or Communist comrades. Each regime criticized alternative or older versions of early childhood socialization in order to shape future generations.

Advisor: Yeh, Wen-hsin
A study of some problems in network information theory

Shannon theory has been very successful in studying fundamental limits of communication in the classical setting, where one sender wishes to communicate a message to one receiver over an unreliable medium. The theory has also been successful in studying networks of small to moderate sizes, with multiple senders and multiple receivers. However, it has become well-known recently that understanding the fundamental limits of communication in a general network is a hard problem on numerous accounts./nIn this dissertation, we suggest that a significant aspect of the difficulty in studying limits of communication over networks lies in the unidirectional aspect of the problem. Under different assumptions that rid the problem of this particular aspect by introducing a suitable symmetry, either in the underlying network or in the traffic model, we find that simple schemes are approximately optimal in achieving these fundamental limits. We demonstrate this as a meta-theorem in the class of wireline networks and Gaussian networks. The key contribution driving these results is a new outer bound that we call the Generalized Network Sharing bound./nWe also study a problem of simulation of joint distributions in a non-interactive setup. Two agents observe correlated random variables and wish to simulate a certain joint distribution. We consider a non-asymptotic formulation of this problem and study tools that help prove impossibility results. We also study connections of this problem to existing problems in the literature.

Advisor: Tse, David
Anantharam, Venkat
Some results involving embedded contact homology

This dissertation is a collection of four papers involving embedded contact homology (ECH). ECH is a three-manifold invariant recently defined by Michael Hutchings. The dissertation covers both technical results about ECH (for example a proof that the absolute grading in ECH is a topological invariant) and applications of ECH to Reeb dynamics and symplectic embedding problems. All four papers were written while the author was a graduate student at UC Berkeley.

Advisor: Hutchings, Michael
Essays on International Trade Policy

In the advent of WWII, artificial trade barriers had reached their 20th century peaks. Drastic protectionist measures, aggravated by a worldwide economic depression, led to the significant decline in international trade which in effect further prolonged the economic crises. However, after the end of WWII, among other serious measures taken to promote international economic integration, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was put into effect. Since 1948, the GATT has been effectively used as an instrument to gradually and substantially reduce international trade barriers. These reductions were implemented after multilaterally agreed upon reciprocal concessions were negotiated and signed during the 8 different Rounds that the GATT successfully facilitated. While the primary objective of liberalizing trade is at the essence of these rounds, what negotiators negotiate about in how to share the gains from trade that ensue is less apparent./nFurthermore, the GATT as an instrument has been functioning under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1995. With more countries involved and more varied tradable outputs to negotiate over, the magnitude of the pareto improving gains from trade is increasingly substantial. Since its inception, the WTO has put tremendous effort and resources to continue the process of trade liberalization. However, the Doha Round, the only WTO Round, has yet to show any substantial progress after 12 years since it began in 2001. Why member states fail to reach an agreement has yet to be answered./nIn this dissertation, I shed some light on both questions. First, using a select number of developing countries I provide an empirical support to the terms of trade theory; which argues that negotiators negotiate and enter into trade agreement in order to escape from a terms of trade prisoner's dilemma. Negotiators agree to reciprocally internalize externalities they impose on each other in order to create a more efficient international trade environment./nSecondly, I argue that in light of the participation of a larger number of asymmetrically informed member states dealing with a much greater scope of issues that have to all be settled at once, the delay in the Doha Round completion can be explained by negotiating parties engaging in a war of attrition. A negotiator who does not know its trading partners' cost of waiting and valuation of outcome is more likely to attempt to wait it out until all trading partners concede. Consequently, the group as a whole is left with an inefficient amount of delay that could potentially be alleviated by an imposition of a strict deadline by which time an agreement has to be reached. Finally, I provide some empirical evidence to show how the war of attrition story is aggravated by the sudden proliferation in the use of Regional Trade Agreements (RTA) since the early 1990s.

Advisor: Eichengreen, Barry J
Rodriguez-Clare, Andres
Iron, Oil, and Emeryville: Resource Industrialization and Metropolitan Expansion in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1850-1900

Scholars have largely overlooked the formative role of industry in both California's economic development and the San Francisco Bay Area's metropolitan expansion during the late nineteenth century. Beginning in the early 1880s, leading firms in San Francisco's specialized industries, such as the iron and chemicals sectors, dispersed to the metropolitan periphery. This process of industrial suburbanization created an integrative metropolitan economy, as well as individual suburbs. In this dissertation, I explore the creation of one of the Bay Area's earliest industrial suburbs, Emeryville. I argue that an analysis of industrial dynamism on the regional scale is integral for understanding metropolitan development and industrial suburbanization. Symbiotic relations between resource extraction and industrial dynamism structured California's distinct mode of capitalist development. The expansion and diversification of resource extraction and processing industries fueled metropolitan growth. Within the broader context of regional capitalism, I examine the process of industrial suburbanization and the formation of Emeryville. I show how two processes greatly influenced industrial dispersal and factory relocation: the creation of an industrial property market and the endogenous logic of industrial production. A coalition of land developers, politicos, and transportation entrepreneurs created a new suburban industrial space. High rates of innovation and accumulation, as well as fierce competition, enabled certain firms to eschew the industrial core and locate their factories in early Emeryville. I draw on array of archival material and primary sources to weave together this distinctive story of California landscapes and industries, and cities and suburbs. My examination of the formation of Emeryville also presents a case study of how industry engenders metropolitan transformation. This dissertation provides insights into the necessarily conjoined processes of city development and industrial suburbanization.

Advisor: Walker, Richard