VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Reception and reflection: fashioning the self in the works of Louis-Antoine Caraccioli (1719-1803)

Louis-Antoine Caraccioli was a divisive figure. While his works proved a commercial success, he was deplored by figures such as Friedrich Melchior von Grimm who, in 1764, declared him ‘l’un des auteurs les plus détestables de ce siècle.’ This thesis takes Caraccioli’s negative reception as its point of departure and explores the ways in which the author fought to craft his authorial identity in the public sphere. Drawing upon the concept of self-fashioning, I adopt a dual approach, considering Caraccioli’s practice in relation to his theories of selfhood. This is the first study to unite these distinct but complementary facets of the author’s work, and the first to pay close attention to his conscious crafting of a public image. I draw upon a range of texts, including the paratext and content of the author’s publications, and periodical press reviews, in addition to two previously undiscovered sources: a portrait of Caraccioli, and a manuscript catalogue entry concerning his works. The first half of this thesis establishes Caraccioli as an author wholly conscious of his reputation, and actively engaged in attaining literary success with a view to posterity. In producing ‘fashionable’ texts to appeal to the goût du siècle, Caraccioli invites consideration of the role of appearances in cultivating (authorial) selfhood. In a second strand, this thesis questions the relationship between ‘fashion’ and ‘fashioning.’ I first consider a dynamic whereby surface might shape depth, before taking an ‘inward turn’ with Caraccioli to explore the formation of the interior world through metaphors of the mind, modelled upon the public sphere. What emerges is a porous vision of self-fashioning, in which the world without ‘impresses’ upon the world within, and vice versa. Despite this fluid exchange between the public and private realms, Caraccioli nevertheless indicates the impossibility of ever ‘realising’ true selfhood in life. Instead, he points towards the immaterial afterlife as the fullest expression of selfhood. This view in turn opens up new possibilities for interpreting Caraccioli’s formation of his authorial identity and his drive for both contemporary and posthumous success.

Keywords: authorial identity
eighteenth-century France
reputation
self-fashioning
fashion
Louis-Antoine Caraccioli
posterity
Advisor: Seth, C
Gold-catalysed functionalisations of yndiamides

Yndiamides, doubly nitrogen-substituted alkynes, could serve as versatile precursors to various 1,2-diaminated products. This thesis focused on the gold-catalysed functionalisations of yndiamides via the generation of gold carbenes. During the course of this study, three projects have been completed:
1. Gold-catalysed oxidative functionalisation of yndiamides with pyridine N-oxides to synthesise unnatural amino acid derivatives. Regioselectivity was achieved by introducing minor steric bias between the two nitrogen substituents.
2. Gold-catalysed cyclisation between yndiamides and isoxazoles to form highly substituted 2,3-diaminopyrroles. The reaction outcome could be switched to formal [5+2] cyclisation by using benzisoxazoles. Regioselectivity was also achieved by using sterically-biased non-symmetric yndiamides.
3. Computational investigation into the regioselectivity of the gold-catalysed cyclisation between yndiamides and isoxazoles. DFT calculation revealed a Curtin-Hammett scenario for isoxazole addition as the key to the regioselectivity. Besides the three projects above, a brief exploration of tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines as novel nitrene transfer reagents is also presented.

Keywords: yndiamides
gold catalysis
Advisor: Anderson, E
Neural signatures of tinnitus across the sleep-wake cycle

Subjective tinnitus is an internally generated auditory percept, most commonly taking the form of hissing or ringing. Especially long-lasting tinnitus is associated with anxiety, depression, and sleep impairments. There is no effective treatment for tinnitus, although research has made progress in uncovering its neural basis, including identifying hyperactivity in the central auditory pathway and several cortical regions, including those involved in brain state control. We have proposed that the occurrence of aberrant neural activity associated with tinnitus has important implications for natural brain state dynamics across sleep and wakefulness and vice versa (Milinski et al., 2022).
Our first prediction was that the neural representation of tinnitus interferes with global sleep maintenance, while a strong sleep drive (such as high homeostatic pressure) overrides aberrant tinnitus-related activity. To test this empirically, a longitudinal assessment of behavioural and neural markers of tinnitus across the sleep-wake cycle was conducted in a ferret model of tinnitus after noise overexposure (NOE) over a period of ~6 months. The changes in behavioural performance and auditory evoked activity after NOE differed between individuals and suggest distinct degrees of tinnitus and hearing impairment with early or late onset. The emergence of tinnitus symptoms was associated with disrupted and reduced sleep, corroborating the possibility that noise-induced tinnitus is linked to sleep disturbance. In addition, neural markers of tinnitus were reduced during sleep, suggesting that sleep may transiently mitigate tinnitus.
Our second prediction was that besides the interaction between sleep and tinnitus, sleep might facilitate tinnitus emergence. To test this, we assessed in mice the effect of acute sleep deprivation after NOE on tinnitus development. Sleep deprivation mitigated behavioural and hearing impairment after NOE, which indicates that sleep may play a role in mediating the consequences of noise-induced peripheral trauma.
Overall, these results highlight the potential of further research on the interactions between natural brain states dynamics and tinnitus to uncover new avenues for future treatments.

Keywords: subjective tinnitus
noise overexposure
hearing loss
auditory system
sleep
operant conditioning
cortical plasticity
auditory evoked EEG activity
Advisor: Bajo Lorenzana, V
Vyazovskiy, V
Rodriguez Nodal, F
Difference and structure: deleuze and ontic structural realism

A branch of the interpretative literature on the work of the philosopher Gilles Deleuze is more or less dedicated to emphasizing his engagements with mathematics and the sciences and to presenting his thought to an audience of philosophers of science working in the analytic tradition. Such scholarship, however, generally fails to connect Deleuze to the ideas and problems that motivate contemporary philosophers of science. Still, an emerging interest in Deleuze is observable within the philosophy of science literature. This thesis aims to encourage and cultivate this interest by presenting a direct, comparative study of Deleuze’s philosophy of difference in relation to ontic structural realism. I claim that identifying and examining the various affinities (and differences) between these two positions, which I take to be a worthwhile task in and of itself (i), allows us: (ii) to force Deleuze’s philosophical position into greater exegetical clarity, (iii) to critically reappraise (and reject) the way in which numerous commentators understand the role of science within Deleuze’s philosophical writings, and (iv) to propose some interesting challenges and adjustments to the ontic structural realist view.

Keywords: difference
ontic structural realism
deleuze
naturalism
metaphyiscs
structure
philosophy of physics
philosophy of science
Advisor: Moore, A
Read, J
Pushing cavity-based single photon sources to the limit: photon feedback, coherent repumping and multilayer cavities

This thesis presents important aspects and limitations of an a priori deterministic single-photon source using single 87 Rb atoms coupled to a high finesse optical cavity. The photons emitted from this source demonstrate long coherence times, interfering over a time of up to 450 ns, demonstrating a two-photon Hong-Ou-Mandel visibility of 0.78 +/- 0.04 over the entire photon interaction time, with no degradation of coherence observed when implementing a feedback mechanism to route the photons through a desired output port.
The later chapters of the thesis examine two challenges that arise when trying to improve the scalability of photon production, with the aim of producing streams of several single photons that could be used beyond two-photon interference:
The first is the production of polarised photons, which has been done so far by unfolding the magnetic structure of the atom, a technique that may result in a nonlinear mixing of the states. In this thesis, we examine a way to produce polarised photons that does not need to unfold the magnetic structure of the atom.
The second is the reduction of the cavity mode volume. As higher photon efficiencies are achieved with ever smaller mode volumes, the fabrication of novel cavities could potentially reach a regime where the multilayer structure of the dielectric mirrors becomes relevant to the interaction of an atom with the cavity. This thesis derives coupling factors that take this structure into account.

Keywords: cavity
multilayer
feedback
single photon
quantum optics
cavity QED
Schrödinger's cat
quantisation axis
atomic fountain
photon
deterministic
atom
demultiplexer
STIRAP
coherent repumping
Advisor: Kuhn, A
Generalization through the lens of learning dynamics

A machine learning (ML) system must learn not only to match the output of a target function on a training set, but also to generalize to novel situations in order to yield accurate predictions at deployment. In most practical applications, the user cannot exhaustively enumerate every possible input to the model; strong generalization performance is therefore crucial to the development of ML systems which are performant and reliable enough to be deployed in the real world. While generalization is well-understood theoretically in a number of hypothesis classes, the impressive generalization performance of deep neural networks has stymied theoreticians. In deep reinforcement learning (RL), our understanding of generalization is further complicated by the conflict between generalization and stability in widely-used RL algorithms. This thesis will provide insight into generalization by studying the learning dynamics of deep neural networks in both supervised and reinforcement learning tasks.
We begin with a study of generalization in supervised learning. We propose new PAC-Bayes generalization bounds for invariant models and for models trained with data augmentation. We go on to consider more general forms of inductive bias, connecting a notion of training speed with Bayesian model selection. This connection yields a family of marginal likelihood estimators which require only sampled losses from an iterative gradient descent trajectory, and analogous performance estimators for neural networks. We then turn our attention to reinforcement learning, laying out the learning dynamics framework for the RL setting which will be leveraged throughout the remainder of the thesis. We identify a new phenomenon which we term capacity loss, whereby neural networks lose their ability to adapt to new target functions over the course of training in deep RL problems, for which we propose a novel regularization approach. Follow-up analysis studying more subtle forms of capacity loss reveals that deep RL agents are prone to memorization due to the unstructured form of early prediction targets, and highlights a solution in the form of distillation. We conclude by calling back to a different notion of invariance to that which started this thesis, presenting a novel representation learning method which promotes invariance to spurious factors of variation in the environment.

Keywords: deep learning
artificial intelligence
machine learning
reinforcement learning
Advisor: Gal, Y
Kwiatkowska, M
The mechanisms and consequences of sharing affective content on social media

The internet and especially social media has become one of our new natural habitats that we use daily to communicate with our peers and to get the latest news. Similar to their offline conversations, people online frequently use affective expressions to share their opinions or feelings about current events. However, unlike face-to-face co-present interactions, online content can reach a larger audience simply by being shared with followers with a click of the mouse. Since social media can reach such a wide audience, it is crucial to understand the types of content that users create and share and their potential beneficial or harmful impact. Despite the prevalence of social media in our daily lives, these questions have yet to be answered conclusively. Hence, the primary objective of my thesis is to address these gaps by examining the prevalence of affective content and its implications for expressing and viewing such content. Chapter 1 of this thesis provides an overview of definitions and measurement methods relating to online affective content, a review of previous research that aimed to answer the two questions raised above, and a discussion of the remaining research gaps that will be addressed throughout this thesis. In Chapter 2, I present an investigation into the kinds of affective content that are shared more when produced by public figures and ordinary users and assess which user characteristics influence the extent to which these kinds of affective content are shared. Building on these insights, Chapter 3 delves into the question of whether negativity is more prevalent than positivity in all political events and what specific language features contribute to the sharing of certain kinds of affective content. In Chapter 4, I aimed to address both of the overarching questions by investigating the types of affective content created and shared during an ongoing negative, but non-political event. Additionally, I explored the potential affective consequences of sharing such content on social media. To explore the impact of exposure to affective expressions on social media, Chapter 5 delved into the process of perceiving sequential affective expressions as they appear on social media. Finally, in Chapter 6, I synthesize my findings with relevant literature and develop a comprehensive framework to explain the process of exposure to affective content on social media and its consequences. Furthermore, I discuss potential future research directions to advance our understanding in this area. Overall, this thesis provides insight into the types of affective content that are more likely to be created and shared in various contexts and by different content producers. In addition, it provides functional explanations for why people might share affective content on social media and explores the potentially harmful consequences of sequential exposure to such content on these platforms.

Keywords: social sharing
affective content
sequential perception
emotion
twitter
social media
Advisor: Parkinson, B
Hale, S
Multimodality functional imaging in rectal cancer treated with radiotherapy

The successful treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer often relies upon the response to neoadjuvant radiotherapy to improve the chances of surgical resection. Diagnostic imaging is vital to determine appropriate patient management but there is a range of responses to radiation in those who undergo treatment. Multimodality functional imaging provides non-invasive assessment of several aspects of tumour pathophysiology such as hypoxia, perfusion and glucose metabolism, and can characterise heterogeneity within. This may be useful to determine suitable treatment strategy and to target tumour appropriately. Furthermore, it may guide to appropriate systemic radiosensitisers. Following neoadjuvant therapy, a complete response is possible in a minority of patients who could avoid major surgery if they could be confidently identified. Functional imaging may have a further role to play in this setting.
In this thesis, the role of multimodality functional imaging is investigated in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer within two imaging studies, RIT and RHYTHM. Hypoxia, known to be an important cause of radioresistance, is assessed through static 18F-Fluoromisonidazole PET-CT and oxygen-enhanced MRI, which is compared with immunohistochemical markers of hypoxia. This process relies significantly on tumour perfusion, which is investigated through dynamic 18F-Fluoromisonidazole PET-CT. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and perfusion CT provide a further indication of the effects of radiation on tumour perfusion. Within the heterogenous environment created, tumour metabolism is altered and this can be measured in order to evaluate appropriate treatment and response. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT scanning is one method to assess glucose metabolism. A novel technique, glucoCEST MRI, may also provide this information with the anatomical superiority of this modality. It is explored further in BIOPIC, an imaging study of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing radical radiotherapy.
The results demonstrate that rectal tumours are heterogenous and a multitude of interacting pathophysiological factors likely affect the response to radiation. Defining complete response may require a multimodality solution in order to confidently avoid resection. Significant challenges in undertaking functional imaging are discussed and potential solutions considered.

Keywords: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT
18F-Fluoromisonidazole PET-CT
hypoxia
oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
multimodality functional imaging
rectal cancer
oxygen MRI
GlucoCEST
dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI
radiotherapy
perfusion CT
Advisor: Maughan, T
Sharma, R
Gleeson, F
Burns, B
An ethnography of a sewing neighbourhood under threat in contemporary Seoul


This thesis presents an ethnographic study of the Changsin-dong neighbourhood in Seoul, specifically focusing on the small-scale sewing workshops agglomerated in the area. Changsin-dong is a district in which the sewing industry has remained as a manufacturing base for the largest clothing complex in Korea, called Dongdaemun. I aim to analyse the local specificities of Changsin-dong, which represent socially ‘close-knit’ networks, economically inter-dependent local value chains, and politically intertwined urban development agendas, from both macro and micro points of view. Using a range of theoretical and empirical approaches to document and analyse everyday life in the sewing neighbourhood, this research explores the contradictory complexities and microscopic dynamics that exist in this urban community in the heart of the city. The two sides of this community are demonstrated by the incompatibility and simultaneous coexistence between: (1) the interlinked local network and the tensions and frictions among locals; (2) sewing workers’ passiveness towards the vanishing industry and their activeness in each choice in day-to-day spheres; and (3) developmental pursuits and regeneration schemes in urban planning. In order to unveil the behind-the-scenes ambivalence of the industry and its community, I seek to understand their interconnected local network in relation to everyday practices of gift exchange, the sociality of sharing, and local surveillance. This may, in turn, reveal how the local community plays a role in sustaining the local economy, in both advantageous and disadvantageous ways. Moreover, in a sunset industry, I will explain how the industrial system has influenced individuals’ working environments and their attitudes, and how individuals react to, adapt to, and overcome this dying industry, which can be related to the concept of social navigation (Vigh 2007). Finally, I will investigate the intricate interests, political interventions, and pragmatic constraints of urban regeneration in Changsin-dong, in connection to anthropological discussions on governmentality and infrastructural fetishism (Larkin 2013: 333). Taken together, I seek to examine the daily struggles, dilemmas, negotiations, and contradictions in the urban sewing community, which has survived but has also isolated itself; an industry that is declining and transitioning at the same time; and urban regeneration, which once looked bright but is now fading.

Keywords: Everyday life
Korea
Daily dynamics
Seoul
Declining community
Urban anthropology
Sewing industry
Northeast Asia
Advisor: Goodman, R
Characterising novel vaccine adjuvants in eliciting antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immunity

Vaccines prevail as an important means of large-scale disease control. However certain formulations, protein-based platforms in particular, fail to elicit protective immunity owing to insufficient immunogenicity. As such, adjuvants become important in circumventing this issue as means of enhancing immunogenicity. However currently, there is a paucity of those designed to optimally stimulate CD8+ T cell immunity, which is crucial for conferring protective immunity against intracellular pathogens. Therefore there is a need for adjuvants optimally designed to stimulate CD8+ T cells.
Thus, this dissertation investigates a set of novel adjuvants to determine their capabilities in being efficacious CD8+ T cell immunopotentiators that differ in their base formulation (squalene oil-in-water- or liposome-based systems with immunostimulant QS21), and the presence of a TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL). MPL-containing adjuvants, regardless of formulation, induced greater antigen-specific CD8+ T cell expansion, memory formation and recall potential than other adjuvants. During priming, TLR4-driven adjuvants are similarly superior at inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, CD8+ T cell activation and dendritic cell activation. Finally, I assessed the capacity of those adjuvants to recruit virtual memory CD8+ T cells, an emerging subset of antigen-naïve CD8+ T cells with innate- and memory-like properties, because those cells are the main responders to infection with age. MPL-containing adjuvants drive the greatest level of activation; the most promising adjuvant induced antigen-specific CD8+ T cell expansion and recall to at least similar levels as that elicited by antigen-expressing Listeria monocytogenes infections.
Overall, the results support that formulations with TLR4 immunostimulants may be the most promising CD8+ T cell adjuvants. These results also suggests that QS21 and MPL cooperatively enhance CD8+ T cell adjuvanticity. Finally we provide insight on the role of virtual-memory T cells in vaccine-induced CD8+ T cell immunity, highlighting this subset as an important population in cell-mediated immunity.

Keywords: Cell-Mediated Immunity
Cytokines
Adaptive Immunity
Immunisation
CD8+ T Cells
Adjuvants
Vaccines
T Cell Memory
Advisor: Gerard, A